The Osceola times., 1885-04-18
CHICAGO IN A FERMENT.

-ronCe
CHICAGO, III, April l3.-A sensation
was caused yesterday by the announce
nent that in view of the excitement fol-
lowing the recent municipal election, ex-
traordinary precautions have been taken
by the police to suppress in its incipiency
any lawless demonstration. An extra
force Of men was on duty at the Armory
Police Station last night, and more than
the usual amount of attention was being
bestowed upon revolvers and guns which
are stored in this station. The utmost
secrecy was maintained by the men on
duty, but one who was not
afraid, and therefore of guard in his
speech, vouchsafed the information that
the Captain had received a request dur
ing the day from Superintendent OF Po-
lice Doyle to send an account to him as
soon as possible of all the firearms and
ammunition good for service stored in
the vaults of the station. The forces on
duty comprised all the available men,
and those on day duty were ordered to
sleep at the Armory instead OF at their
homes.
Early In the evening it was supposed
that the men were there for the purpose
of raiding prze-fght, but the fact that
they were still on duty at one O'Clock in
the morning speaks for itself. Recent
publications In violent partisan newspa-
pers have tended to lash the citizens into
high state of excitement ever since elec-
tion day, and this has been increased BY
- af
public meetings. Mayor Harrison and
his supporters have been especially
wrought by the talk OF organi-
zation of vigilance commit
tee. While many regard these
as the utterances of people who have
eads to serve, others are alarmed. Ru-
mors of the widest sort have circulated,
and fears of mob violence have been en-
tertained in many quarters. Friday night
1t was reported that vigilance committees
had been organized in the Thirteenth and
Eighteenth Wards, and that an attack
was to be made on the city clerks Office
for the purpose of capturing the ballot
boxes. A brass band paraded the streets
at seven O'Clock, and drew out large
crowds of people.
1t was said the Vigilance Committee
was moving for the attack. Reporters
searched the wards mentioned, but they
failed to discover any movement. There
was a good deal of talk of an incendiary
character in various quarters, but moth
Ing more.
Late In the afternoon Chief of Police
Doyle learned that some very wild talk
was being INDUCED in, and he consulted
with the Mayor. At first His Honor W S
inclined TO issue a proclamation assert
ing that he would protect all law-abiding
citizens. He was afraid, however, that
the proclamation would not have the de-
sired effect, and decided not to issue It,
1t was then resolved that the police
should be held in reserve.
CHICAGO, ILL.,, April l3.-All was quie,
last night, but there is a feeling OF ap-
prehension concerning what to-day may
bring forth. The City Hall is under
guard, and large detachment of armed
police is at the Armory Station undel
waiting orders. The Herald yesterday
devoted its leading editorial to fierce
denunciation of the would-be "Vigi
lantes," and an appeal to the people fol
the exercise OF sober sense and calmness
| 1t declares that the "Committee on Public
Safety" is arousing monster which !
will be unable to control, since ther,
are 5000, 900, 900 of merchandise between
Van Buren, street and the river, which
should anarchy arise, the torch would
run through and looters play havoc; and
| that the millionaires who are now
| fomenting the present excitement, might,
with their wives, find themselves the first
victims of the mob, and be dragged from
their paatal houses by bowling Anarch
lists.
1t concludes thus: "There are GOO, ,00C
people in Chicago, who are as deeply in
terested for their own protection and the
city's welfare as any Cresus or Phari
see, or fanatic, or fool, can possibly be,
and most of them know that neither IL
safe unless constituted author
ity is respected. They know, too, thai
If, as charged, a wrong was done OF
Tuesday last, the due and order
ly processes of unpurchasable courts
NAV be invoked TO right thai
wrong. Meantime they will mark as pub
lie enemies the scoundrels who cry oui
for vigilance committees and will conn
teract by their own sturdy sense such
harm as might be done by these thought
less creatures, so shallow, indeed, they
can not discern that they themselves
would probably be the first victims, both
in person and property, OF the riot they
would invoke"
There was large and excited meeting
of anarchists on West Lake street yes.
terday afternoon. John Keegan submit
ted a resolution plcdging the anarchists
to cooperate with the committee of pub
lie safety in overthrowing constitutional
authority in this city and establishing in
its place reign of anarchy.
This resolution gave rise to hot anC
long debate. One speaker declared Il
was time that the Internal government
which existed in Chicago was abolished
and anarchy established in its stead.
Another speaker moved as a substitnt,
for the resolution that committee o
Anarchists wait upon the Committee o
Public Safety and express delight at th'
lattcr's action.
Still another speaker declared that th'
committee should be Informed that wher
they were ready to raise the red flag anc
march through the streets the Anarchists
would be prepared to follow them.
The indications were that this resolu
ton would be enthusiastically adopted
when bombshell was thrown into Tho
meeting by declaration OF an Anarchis
that 1t had been prepared by shrewC
City Hall politician for political effect
and that its adoption would injuriously
affect the cause of Anarchy.
A Serious Visitation of Fire.
ST. JOSEPH, Mo-, April 12.-Cne. hall
the business part of the town of Robin.