The herald., 1894-07-07
PARAMOUNT AUTHORITY
Federal Troops Will Stay in
Chicago.
The President Will Not With
draw Them.
If Necessary He Will Send Militia of
Other States There.
The Cabinet Holds = Long Session on
the Strike Situation - Drastic
Measures Decided Upon.
Altgeld's Rick.
By the Associated PreIa

WASHINGTON, July 6.-At the cabinet
meeting today the entire strike situation
WAS Cal efully gone over in the light Of
recent Developments and particularly in
regard to correspondence between the
president and Governor Altgeld. Az a
result it is believed there is now strong
disposition to afford the governor ample
opportunity to make good his claim of
entire ability to cope with the present
difficulty in his state. Not that the
regular army Will be retired from the
field. for they will still continue their
guard over the mail trains and govern
ment property. but the militia will be
given full opportunity to contend with
the disorderly mobs outside OF the rail.
road tracks and government property,
and the regulars probably will be kept
in waiting to respond to any call to aid
them.
The situation in the far west, and
especially on the Pacific coast, is still
matter OF grave concern to the execu-
tive. Applications have come for re.
lief from the complete blockade at
Sacramento, but the way is not yet
clear to help. The militia seemed to
have proved almost worthless. tainted
by sympathy for the lHwless element
that stops them from the performance
of their duty. The only available troops
are at the Presidio, San Francisco, and
the war department hesitates to order
them away and leave the valuable gov
eminent property at San Francisco ex-
poeed to attack. 1t is hoped that the
situation at Los Angeles will ameliorate
in day or two and that the troops there
can be released and transferred to Sac
ramento.
One result of the big strike has been
to show in a startling manner the inade-
auaey Of the United States. segnlar army,
ton. At present &c, 900 men are expected
to police the whole country.
General Schofeld has been Obliged TO
exercise great ingenuity, and is posting
his small forces SO as to make one man
suffice for many, and today it would be
difficult to transfer a single command in
the west without exposing the great
transcontinental lines to indefinite in.
terruption.
The officials at the postofice depart
ment take cheerful view OF the situa-
ton.
''The backbone OF tho strike will be
broken tomorrow night, despite today's
developments in and about Chicago" !"
said General Superintendent White OF
the railway mail service.
The watchfulness Of the officers OF the
army is unabated tonight.
Another communication was received
from Governor Altgeld shortly after 9
O'Clock and it was imme mediately taken to
the president. 1t can be stated with
certainty that the administration is sure
OF it's course, and the federal troops will
not be recalled until such order az will
allow it's mails to 60 through uninter-
rnpted. and the perfect administration
of government business.
Governor Altgeld'a letter came over
the wires and occupied great while in
transmission. It was nearly midnight
when the Following was given to the
press:
EXECUTIVE MANSION, July 6, 1884,
Hon. John ?. Altgeld, Governor OF Illinois,
Springfield, Ill.
While | am still persuaded that have
not transcended my authority or duty in
the emergency that confronts us, it
seems to me that in this hour OF danger
and distrese. discussion may well give
way to active effort on the part OF all
authority to restore obedience to the
law and to protect life and property.
GROVER CLEVELAND.
1t was shortly after midnight when
Attorney General Olney and General
Scho6eld came from the cabinet room
and left the White House. Immediately
after the departure of the members OF
the cabinet and General Schofisld the
White House was closed and the lights
put out.