The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1878-03-14

years old; the other man was cigar ma
ker, and was about go years old; had
tramped fourteen years. We slept dur
ing the night in barn.
July 22.-Passed through Hinsdale
very early. About two miles out we met
gang of eight tramps, who said they
were on their way to Pennsylvania to
Join the railroad riots. They proposed
to travel on the railroad tracks, separa-
ting and going singly through the villa.
ges, stealing rides on freight trains II
possible, and expected to reach Pennsyl.
vania in about week. Left them, and
travelled until nearly midnight, when we
met four others who were also bound for
the riots, Got supper of them, consist
ing of roasted potatoes, beef and ham,
which they said they had begged. One
of the party was very we'll dressed, with
plenty of cigars in his pocket. He wore
a large, plain gold ring. We tried to get
his confidence but failed. His appear
ance indicated that he had been but a
short time on the tramp. Another man
in this gang had a large valise contain
ing light buggy harness, he said he
raised it this side of Springfield. Left
them, and arrived at Huntington, where
we slept in barn by permission Of the
owner.
July 25.-Went to Russell, but could
not get anything to eat by begging, and,
being nearly out of money, returned to
Westfeld, and telegraphed to Boston for
funds. Remained during the next day,
July 26, waiting for money.
July 26.--ReCeived some money by
telegraph, and moved on; soon met two
tramps with valises going to the noun
tains; went with them, and soon met an
other party of seven; they were roasting
chickens and potatoes; remained with
them during the night these fellows had
been waiting four days in this place, ho-
ping there would be strike on the Bos-
ton and Albany road.
July 2S.-We staid in this place all
day; three of the party went out at night
and brought in three hens and can of
milk which they had stolen.
July 29.-The party separated, to meet
between Chester and Middledeld, five
taking the turnpike and the others the
railroad. The gang to which we belong.
ed arrived at the designated place Of
meeting on the morning of July 3O We
waited for the other party but did not
find them till the next day, Of the eight
tramps in this gang two are English
(both cigar makers), one a thoroughbred
Irishman, and the remainder lrish'Amer
leans. Their ages range from % to 40.
August 1.-The whole gang started on
the tramp toward the town of Washing
ton; we met another party of thirty.three
tramps in the woods about twenty miles
from Pittsfeld. In reply to the question
as to what they were up to, they said
they were waiting for a strike on the AL
bany and Boston railroad; that there
were scattered about in that country
some 400 men, who were all waiting to
Join the strikers. The men appeared
ready for any plan of pillage and destruc-
ton that was proposed. The PROPOSE
ton made to burn the small depots on
the road would have been carried into
effect, but for our remonstrances, and the
argument that it would be laid to the
poor men who were employed on the
road. The plan of soaping the rails in
various places for the purpose of stopping
the cars was discussed; but, feeling sure
that there would be strike, nothing was
attempted, they preferring to wait. Dur
ing all this time we were tramping, we
made it our business, at the suggestion
of the chief detective, to ascertain
whether it was the lack of employment
that caused these people to become wan
derers and vagrants. Of the entire mum:
Der with whom we conversed, we found
but two who did not scout the idea OF
going to work to make an honest living;
and we very much doubt if these two
were ready to engage in any laborious
employment.