National Republican., 1878-09-19
The Cohen Agitators.

The Police Courtroom was packed yester-
day morning by people, attracted by the trial
OF 1saac Cohen for disorderly conduct. The
trial began about noon. Attorney Riddle pros
ecuted the case, and Mr.. Thomas J. Durant,
esq, appeared for Cohen.
Special Officer r. II. Cook, who filed the
conf plant, testified that while on duty at the
main door of the Agricultural Department
about noon on Tuesday the Cohen mob mum.
bering about 200. arrived, forced their way
past him, and demanded admission to Commits
sioner LeDuc's room, which they obtained,
despite bis efforts to prevent them. Witness
w. afraid to arrest Cohen, lest he should create
too great disturbance.
Messrs. Robert b. May, o. D. LaDow, John
n. Hiltz, John l.. Bailey, S. NJ Finley, aud N.
Il. Burke all testified to scenes in and around
the building and the Commissioners office at
the time, corroborating the testimony Of Cook.
Mr.. LaDow,gave In detail the interview be-
tween Cohen and Commissioner LeDuc, and
that the latter, being annoyed by the visit, or
dered the hallway and room to be cleared.
They were defiant at first, but finally went
away. Much excitement and delay of work
was occasioned by the visit.
Stephen @. Welsh, Thomas Nelson d. L.
speer, and Thomas L. Thorpe for tho defense
testified that there was no disturbance or dis
orderly conduct. When Cohen said he wanted
to see the Commissioner on public business tho
officer at the door dropped his arm aud permit
ted the party to pass quietly in.
Cohen, being put upon the stand. denied all
charges of profanity and dsOrderly conduct.
Both Mr.. Durant and Mr.. Riddle made argu-
mcnts. Judge Smell decided to suspend judg-
ment for thirty days Cohen meanwhile being
required to give 500 bonds for his appearance
at the end Of that time. About half.past two
o'clock Cohen gave the required bond and was
released.
Mr.. Frank Hume, the grocer went OH Co
hens bond. Expecting that there might bo
trouble II Cohou's meetings were allowed to
continue. the Commissioners have made requi-
sition for cavalry equipments for forty men,
embracing pistols, ammunition. saddles, brides.
&c. These were received and distributed yes
terday to the police. Architect Clark had a
conference with Major Morgan yesterday af.
ternOOn, the result of which was seen in the
proceedings at the Capitol last evening.
THE MEETING LAST NIGHT.
A crowd OF COhon's followers assembled al
the eastern portico of the Capitol about half
| past sevCa O'Clock last night. 4 line Of Capitol
police, under Captain Blackford, had possession
of tho bottom steps, while n detail of about
| fifty Metropolitan Police were stationed on the
steps and in convenient localities in the neigh.
| borhOod. Captain Black forl stated that he had
been instructed to allow no meeting to be held
| there, and to allow no crowd OH the steps. Nc
| one was permitted to ascend the steps. There
was no disturbance.
4 messenger from Cohen arrived and in.
formed the gathering that meeting was to be
held at tho City Hall, and upon that the
crowd LEFT the Capitol
At the City Hall crowd OF about 500 was
addressed by Cohen and n number Of his lieu.
tenants. Cohen narrated the story of his
| wrongs and continued in his old strain, de.
nouncing contractors, otfce-holders, and bond.
| holders.
II was decided to meet In full strength thi.
morning aud parade through the city for the
| purpose Of making all laborers receiving les
than Sl.J0 per day strike aud join their ranks
Cohen and others harangued the mob unit