The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1894-03-21
A B CRUSADE

A LABOR CRUSADE
One of the most remarkable signs Of
the times is ontlined in the following
telegram to the New Herald Of Sunday,
dated Mas<lllon. Ohio. March II.
8. propose to march forth from Thu
city at noon 90 Easter Sunday next at
the head of a cavalcade that will strike
terror to the hearts of those who have
been abusing their power by legislating
in favor of the rich against the poor.
Ny destination is the Capitol at
Washington. D. G. My object is to
demand of Congress the passage of the
nou-iuterest bearing bond bill prepared
BY the j. S. Coxey Good Roads
Association of the United States.
Upon my departure from Massillon
I am at this time unable to accurately
estimate the Der of lovers of honest
government who will follow me, but my
impression is that there will be at the
least calculation FIVE hundred Of US.
When We reach the Capitol | will have
behind me the voice and influence of
over one hundred thousand persons. If
not, I have misjudged humanity and
have been misled by adviees sent me
from my agents in all parts Of the
United States. At this time would
prefer not to make. public my entire
following. The undertaking is a huge
one."
Thus spoke j. S. Coxey, of Paurs
Station, a hamlet FIVE miles north of
Massillon.
Arrangements have been about con-
eluded for seven thousand acres of
land in Washington, owned by Senator
Stewart, of Nevada, upon which the
army is to camp. Editor Redstoue, Of
the National Tocsip, is the agent.
When the army reaches that city Red
stone will meet it with the unemployed
of Washington and vicinity, and escort
it to the Capitol.
When these pilgrims have surround
ed the Capitol with a hollow square,
they will separate inso groups accord
ing to their Congressional districts, and
will call upon their representatives to
come out. They will be petitioned to
feed the army during its stay.
Congress will be demanded to pass
two bills. One provides for the issuing
of $500, 600, 600 10 legal tender notes,
to be expended by the Secretary of War
at the rate of $40, 100000 a month in
constructing roads in the various States.
Common labor is to be paid 81 SO a
day for eight hours work. Another
bill is to provide than any State or
municipality down to a village desiring
to make public improvements may
deposit with the Secretary of the
Treasury non-interess bearing bonds
no. exceeding one.hslf the assessed
valuation Of its property upon which the
Secretary Of the Treasury shall issue
legal tender at n%inety-eight per cent Of
their face value. Jerry Simpson is to
be asked to introduce these bills.
Said be in closing Trades and
labor assemblies freely indorse our
plans, and We are promised contribu-
tons in nearly every State iu the Union.
The Economics. the Pennsylvania
communis,ic society, have assured US
of substantial support. We have "a
Philadelphia letter assuring us that
20. 900 will 60 from there to Wash
ington by rail. Perry, Oklahoma,
promises to send a train load and
Chillicothe, Mo-, another.
TO SELL CARTOONS.
"As to the expenses, two original
cartoons Cd roads and road work will
be sold along the line for the inciden-
tial expenses. individuals must count
upon paying their own living expenses,
but these will be materially l%ighteued
by the contributions of provisions
which are promised all along the
line"
Coxey's SON is to ride at the head Of
the army. He will wear a combina-
ton suit Of blue aud gray and
carry the white Gag Of peace which is
the emblem of the Commonwealth.
The grand army, setting out next
Sunday, expects to reach Washington
May l.. Its progress will be watched
with interest.