Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-07-02
READY
To Be Used at Once if Their Services
Are Required.
GENERAL s.!n,HOFIELDS PREPARATIONS
Three Conditions Under Which the
President May Issue Orders.
T n E AILS MUST G o

Since the receipt of the kilograms last
evening upon which orders were issued for
troops to proceed at once to Trinidad and
Rattoon, Colorado, the War Department
has had no further applications for assist
ance Of the regular army forces to assist
United States marshals to protect the mails
and the railroads operated under United
States receivers from interference by strik-
ers There was no unusual manifestation
of activity at army headquarters this morn
ing, but this fact is accounted for by the
thorough state of preparation of the troops
to meet any emergency. Ever since the
industrial armies began their campaigns
the regulars have been mobilized and put in
state of readiness for immediate response
to any lawful call. so 1t happens very for
tunately that little remains now to be done
in the way of preparation.
Gen. SchOheId's Policy,
Some years ago Gen. Schofield commanding
the army who has given much thought to the
great social problems of the day, so far as
they promise to affect the army, settled
Upon definite policy of closing out the
numerous small army posts scattered
through the west, where they were no
longer needed. owing to the cessation of
lrdian hostilities. and concentrating the
jacent to the great cities. the hotbeds of
anarchy and riot. Here they could be more
economically maintained; they attained
greater proficiency in discipline and drill,
and While their presence exercised a whole
some repressive effect on the lawless ele-
ment in the great cities. they could also be
rapidly dispatched to other point Of danger,
owing to superior railroad facilities. In this
way sprang up Fort Sheridan, near Chi
cago. and Fort Myer adjacent to Wash
ington. and other powerful posts, and SO
the general government has strong forces
or troops now available where they may
be most needed. At the War Department
Chicago is looked upon as the principal
danger point at present. but the officials
are confident that they have sufficient
force there to meet present demands. the
garrison at Fort Sheridan including a full
regiment Of infantry. two batteries of ar
tillery and two troops of cavalry, all we'll
drilled and seasoned troops
Troops In Remdiness for Action.
Conformable to general instructions issued
heretofore. the army officers commanding
the great military departments are holding
their troops in readiness for instant action
and In case the trouble at Chicago should
assume unexpected proportions II will be
possible to reinforce the garrisons there
within a single day by many regiments
from the northwestern posts. =
All this has been prepared for In ad-
vance, yet the War DspaftmsntShs been
particularly solicitousy to us4 Stts forces in
the most conservative manner, ID as to
avoid any just criticism thatsit Ii disposed
TO trench in the smallest degree upon the
privileges of the pAopie. Every step even
In the way of preparation has been very
carefully considered, and when troops are
actually ordered out II is ordinarily done
only after consultation between the Pres
ident, the Attorney General. the Secretary
OF War and Gen. Schofieid. The present
commander of the army has probably had
more experience in the construction Of the
posse commitatus laws than any person in
the public service. owing to his administra-
tion Of the military forces In the south In
reconstruction days, and he is disposed to
use force only where absolutely essential
and when justified by law beyond any
question.
When the President Can Order Troops
In the case Of the present gigantic strike
there are three conditions under which the
troops can be used by direct orders from
the President, Irrespective of the appiica-
tions of the governors Of states. The
first is to carry out the mandates
OF the federal courts ana assist the
deputies in clearing away distractions to
the operations of railroads in the hands of
United states receivers. In the second case
the troops can be used to prevent inter-
ference with the transmission Of malls.
The government IL fully determined to do
this. first giving the court officers an op-
then. II necessary, supporting them with
troops. The third case Is riot that may
jeopardize United States property, and in
this case the commanding officer of the
army at the place OF disturbance may act
In any emergency, even without waiting
for orders from the President. reporting
the facts. however. at the earliest moment
and awaiting Instructions. This last condi-
ton might arise at any point where there
is government property, as was illustrated
by the assembling OF troops at Denver a
few months ago when Gov. Waite and the
local officials were arrayed against each
other.
The Mails Must Go.
About IL O'Clock today news came to
Washington that in addition to the troubles
at Trinidad and Rattoon. Col. the United
States mails had been stopped at Los
Angeles, Cal, on the Southern Pacific rail-
road. Attorney General Olney called upon
the President and arterward at the War
Department, where he conferred with Sec
retary Lamont and Gen. Schofied. and
steps were taken to relieve the situation
there, in line with the policy definitely de-
termined upon of having the mails go for
ward at all hazards.
GRADUAL READJUsTMENT