The herald., 1894-03-13
Artnrnnon saaaion.


Quite stir was caused in the council
chamber when that body went into ses-
at 2 o'clock by the arrival OF delega-
tion Of officers from the Industrial army
of unemployed workmen, who asked
for hearing, which was granted.
Mr.. j. O'Brien, who introduced him
self as the quartermaAter general OF the
army, was the first speaker and said /:
I'VE desire TO appeal to the city council
to aid ms in going to Washington. We
have an organization OF 800 men on our
muster rolls, anxious and willing to
work, and we want to 90 to Washington
and lay our grievances before the law
givers. ! served three years and eight
months at the cannon'a mouth, and In
'6l lay on the street with the curbstone
for pillow, aud we are ready to go to
Washington and lie on the curbstone
again if we can have a chance to pre-
sent our grievances to the men at the
nations capital who have neglected to
do their duty, and who have brought
about the present distressful condition.
We want you to intercede for us. We
are quiet and orderly citizens and will
be credit to your city wherever we 20,
and intend to always obey the lava OF
our country under the old flag that still
foats.over u.s."
Councilman Munson-Do you want
ue to ask the railroads to trans port you
to Washington?
MUST GO TO WASHINGTON.
eyes, sir." said Mr.. O'Brien. "We
want to 60 as far as the railroads will
carry US. We have said nothing to the
railroad companies and would like you
to intercede for US. There were 500 men
last night who laid on the bare floor at
our barracks and we want to take them
on to Washington. These men are do
ing odd jobs wherever they can get
them for their bread and, by heaven. it
is degrading spectacle for an American
citizen to see those men lying on the
bare floor, without covering. when the
country is in a prosperous condition.
"lhe God who reigns over US has
given US bountiful crops, our store
houses are full of grain and the bank
vaults are full of money, and yet want
and hunger and misery stalk through
the land. These men are starving in
the midst OF plenty like many Thousands
OF their brothers. We have no one but
American citizens on our muster rolls,
and the quicker we get out OF here the
better it will be for the city. We don't
want TO be left in the desert. We want
to leave here in peace. Some people
say the railroads will not take US. If
they do not am sorry to say, we will
take the railroads. In the name of God,
gentlemen, help us TO get away"
SOME PLAIN TALK.
Councilman Nickell-What do YOU
mean by saying you will take the rail-
roads?
"We must get to Washington, re-
sponded Mr.. O'Brien. ''If We do not go
with the consent OF the railroad officials
we will have to take the trains and 90
TO Washington, and l am sorry to say
it."
The next speaker for the Industrial
army was Colonel Gould, who is in COM
mand of the regiment which has just
been formed, and who is likewise an old
soldier.
Il would like you gentlemen to visit
our barracks tonight" said he. "Then
you will be able to judge of the charac-
ter OF the men who are in our ranks.
They are all good citizens and good
square men who want work and can't
get it. We are trying to make provis-
ION to carry our men to Washington,
and want you to intercede for us. We
are unarmed and carry our only ammu-
milton in our heads, and we request you
gentlemen to speak to the railroad off
cials. We go with peaceful intent, and
If our petitions for righting tho wrongs
which have brought about this present
distress do not prevail, we will not say
what will be the result"
PreHident Teed--I do not see that
there il anything improper in this coun-