began to complain about unfair competition and took its case to the State Legislature, seeking to have the property of the Institute made subject to taxation because manufacturing for profit was carried on there in competition with private companies that paid taxes. Their order of inquiry was defeated in the Legislature. Later a similar protest was made to the Worcester city assessors, but no action was taken. The company's proposal for carrying on business jointly with the Washburn Shops and for employing students in their plant was also rejected by the shop committee. Finally, in 1891, the trustees offered to pay the Worcester Elevator Co. $2,500 for its tools, machinery, and supplies. Two months later the offer was declined because the property was reported sold to the Hutchins Machine Co. The shop committee was authorized to buy this company in January, 1892, at not more than $2,500, money to be borrowed for the purpose.