The enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 188?-1899, 1892-11-30
pINKERTON METHODS.
Testimony Of One of the Heads of
That Organization =
Before tho Senatorial Investig igating Com
mittee-Robert plnkorton Admits
that tho Men Sent to Home
stead Were Not Sworn In
rs Deputies.

NEW York, Nov. 2S.-The committee
of the United States senate appointed
to investigate the workings of the Pink
erton detective agency, with special
reference to the Homestead troubles,
met in this city Saturday morning.
Robert A. Pinkerton and Capt. Hind
were on hand to give testimony. Mr..
Pinkerton was called first He said
they sent 300 men to Homestead last
July, and that those sent from New
York were all American citizens and of
good character, and he thought those
sent from Chicago were also The ne
gotiations for the use of his men, he
said, began June 10 and the arrange
ment was to send men as watchmen to
guard the works He had insisted, the
witness said that his men should be
sworn in as deputy sheriffs, and that
agreement was made. Counsel had ad-
vised him that they had right to have
their men sworn in as peace officers,
whether they were citizens of the state
or not.
Mr.. Pinkerton said that Capt Hind,
who had charge Of his men at Home
stead, told him that the Pinkertons
were fred on before the barges in which
they were reached the works, and after
ward when the steamers gang plank
was run out to the bank. It was dur
ing the latter volley that the captain
was shot and not until then was shot
fred from the barges Witness did not
know who gave the order to FIRE, and
thought that no order was given In
answer to the question, Mr.. Pinkerton
said that he thought that any labor or
ganization was good in many respects
and benefit to the workingman. They
had right to strike, he thought, but
no right to prevent men from taking
their places.
When asked what profit the Pinker-
ton agency made on sending the men to
Homestead he replied: 1--WE are out
$4,000" He explained that his loss
was caused by the seizure of the 225
rifles and other property and the care
of the men hurt In the battle.
Chairman Gallinger suggested that
Mr.. Carnegie would recompense the
agency, but Mr. Pinkerton thought
that doubtful The witness admitted
that 1t was sometimes customary for the
Pinkertons to pass themselves of as
workingmen and mingle with the
strikers.
Mr.. Pinkerton said he firmly believed
that his men were needed on many oc-
casions because of the insufilciency OF
local protection He thought that the
supineness of the local authorities In
strike times was largely due to politi-
cal considerations.
do you think that the violence COM
mitted at Homestead was due 10 the
strikers or TO the rabble that was at
tracted there?" was asked.
II think 1t was committed by the
strikers, their leaders and the advisory
committee ITSELF" was the reply.
Mr. Pinkerton took occasion 10 deny
that Charles Waupenstein, a Pinkerton
superintendent was an ex-convict, rs
charged by Mr. Bruce in evidence given
In Chicago He had at one time been
chief OF police at Cincinnati
Mr.. Pinkerton denied specifically
statements made by Mr.. Powderly in
evidence, that Pinkerton men had been
guilty Of various acts of violence. Dur
ing twenty-six years and seventy strikes
only two persons had been killed by
Pinkerton men, and that In solf-defense
Senator PETER then took turn at
examining Mr.. Pinkerton. He asked
witness all about his agency from the
time Of It's foundation. Mr.. Pinkerton
said that the agency was started by his
father in 1850 in Chicago and then Mr..
PETER wanted TO know II Pinkerton
senior was naturalized in that year.
Witness thought he was The next
question was how many men the Pink
ertons employed, and the answer was
500, including clerks
do you consider, Mr. Pinkerton, that
your men are necessary 10 the good
government OF the United States and
the maintenance Of law and order?" the
senator asked.
mo, can't say for a moment that
they are absolutely necessary, but say
that they are useful in cases of emer-
gency."
Capt Hinde was the next witness He
gave graphic description OF the ap-
proach Of the barges 10 the Homestead
mills and the terrible battle with the
strikers.
Mr.. Pinkerton was recalled. Senator
PETER wanted 10 know II Pinkerton
men were employed by political COM
panies during election. Mr.. Pinkertou
said they were, but by no one In partic-
ular.
The hearing was then concluded. The
next session Of the commission will be