Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1889-06-14
The Time for Action
Announced by Gen. Hastings
to YOUNGSTOWN Merchants.
HE TALKS TO A PUBLIC MEETING.


the Laborers-The Work Getting Well
Under Way Once BIore-Mads a Maniac
by Grief-The Armagh Slaughter.
JoHNsTowN, Pa, June 1.-The remnant
Of citizens interested in Johnstown's future
assembled in mass meeting yesterday after
noon Adjt Gen. Hastings took the initia-
tive in the matter, and called on the business
men to meet with him at his headquarters In
the Pennsylvania freight depot Gen. Hast.
ings called the meeting to order and said.
IL have called this meeting of interested
business men for the purpose of consultation
about the future of the business men of the
Conemaugh valley"
What He VIII Do for Them.
He then outlined his plan for clearing
away the vast accumulation of debris from
the streets; whether the state would author
iZe him to go further and clean out the eel.
lars of private citizens and business houses
be was unable to state. The general assured
his listeners that this work would progress
as vigorously as possible. He then urged the
business men to hook ahead to prompt re-
sumption of business "If there are among
you business men here assembled any who
desire TO open business, and will indicate to
me what will be necessary To assist to that
end, l will communicate with the proper peo-
pie in order to see if we can't get you what
is needed to put you on your feet again."
Plenty to Eat.
He assured his listeners that there was M
necessity for any one now in the valley to
feel hunger or go shelterless, as the organiza-
ton for supplies, clothing, etc, is as near
perfect as is possible and if any one suffers
from any cause it is their own fault. The
general urged the necessity of their reorgan-
izing their municipal government, the meet
ing of the city council and appointment of a
police for the protection of private interests
that the military guard cannot undertake
II want you to go about your daily avoca.
tions as you did formerly.
Helping Hands from Pittsburg.
"Pittsburg merchants are anxious to again
provide you with stocks to set you up in
business again and there are gentlemen in
this audience who have come here for the
purpose of taking you by the hand and saying
to you that if their aid is desired, they are
willing to trust you and wait upon you until
this charity can take some tangible shape
The lumber for your buildings will be sent
to you in train-loads entirely gratis"
Response of the Audience.
His speech was received with applause, and
men rushed forward to grasp his hand tears
streaming from their eyes, speaking their
thanks with husky voices. William Cald-
well, the oldest business man in the city, an
nounced that he had arranged to resume
business Immediately. Many others followed
in brief talks, urging upon themselves united
action in all they did. 1t was then suggested
that Col Linton prepare set of resolutions
embodying the views of the business men of
the city. Col Linton responded by saying
that his office, together with his pens ink,
and paper, was by this time in the Mississippi
river, and he could not write resolutions or
any thing else.
Resolutions Adopted.
William Starlight Gen. Hastings stenog-
rapher, stepped to the front, and Col Linton
dictated the following.
Resolved, That the merchants and business
men of Johnstown, assembled here at the re-
quest of Gen. Hastings, will each one use his
best efforts to restore by his own actions the
condition of business and PROPERTY of this
place prior to the food.
Resolved. That this meeting tender its
heartiest thanks to Gen. Hastings for his
kindly suggestions to offer aid.
The resolutions were unanimously
adopted Forty two business firms were rep
resented.
Opening Stores for Busiaess.
Several store were opened during the day.
and were thronged with purchasers. Many
of the things purchased were for female
wear, which they have deprived themselves
of rather than accept them for nothing in a
crowd of scrambling men and boys. There
was system every where yesterday and a
great improvement is manifest. There is an
excess of clothing Money and food is the
present great need.
Spoild Meat Arrives.
Two carloads of fresh meat, DELAYED by
the way, were so badly spoiled when they
arrived that their precious contents had to
be burned. The donations of provisions can
not be too extensive.
Progress of the Contractors.
The new contractors in charge of the states
work in clearing out the food debris from
Jamestown and vicinity did not have all the
men they needed, but the number was large
ly increased before night fall, and some very
effective work was performed A regular
morgue corps of six men followed the work
ers in each district, and as fast as bodies were
uncovered, removed them to the nearest
dead house, where they were quickly pre-
pared for burial
STroubie Among the WOrkmen.
During the morning crowd of worthless
loafers iii some manner secured an entrance
to the town and wanted to inaugurate a
strike among the workmen. Some of the
laborers were already dissatisfied at having
new bosses over them, and only wanted a
chance TO complain. James Mcknight of
Pittsburg, one of the state contractors, got
wind of the trouble brewing and went among
the men and informed them that he would
have no kicking, and that all those who
wished to quit would have to do so immedi-
ately, and about 100 Of the men left.
Driven Away by the Troops.
The loafers remained around and Mr.. Nc
Knight went to Gen. Hastings and demanded
protection for the men. A detachment of
militia from the Fourteenth regiment were
detailed to the place and they drove away
all the men who refused to work This
caused Gen. Hastings to issue an order to the
soldiers not to admit any one to Johnstown
proper without an order
italian Laborers Coming.
A telegram from New York was received
at noon stating that 1000 Italians were en-
route from that place to Johnstown TO work
on the wreck. This was very welcome news
to the contractors, who are about convinced
that they will get very little work out of the
men now on the ground
Buying Groceries for Relies.
Work was commenced yesterday morning
on large frame building which will be used
temporarily as the Cambria Iron compary's
store and meat market. Il is
abous eighty feet square The old
stock is being removed from the
wrecked building and u displayed for sale In
front of the new building. People are buy
ing gre>dily, some because the goods are
offered cheap, others because OF a desire to
secure relics of the disaster.
The Commercial Traveller on Hand.
Drummers representing all branches of
business are here in droves making arrange
ments to get their former customers started