Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1894-03-29


IF the Commouwea moved out of Massillou
to-day on schedule time, there being perhaps
rs stragglers in line at the start and % less
when Canton eight miles away, was reach
ed. Carl Browne. chief marshal, headed
the procession, mounted on q white horse,
md was followed by half n dozen aides. all
mounted on horses belonging to Coxcy. who
rode in carriage drawn by pair of spir-
tied horses.
The procession consisted of the marshols,
Coxcy. his wife and sister. Il bugler, four
covered wagons containing camping outfits,
baed straw and several quarters of beef a
brass band that played all kinds of music at
once, and the soldiers of the Commonweal
on foot. They marched single file and two
abreast as pleased their fancy.
With very few exceptions they were hard
looking citizens. This, they claimed, was
not their fault. but the fault of our system
Of government. The weather was pleasant
when the start was made, but the procession
was soon overtaken bya severe snow storm.
This had Il depressing influence and a num-
Der of assertions We're reported before Rocdu-
burn, the first stop was reached
After brief stay at Reeduburn the army
resumed its onward march and reached
Canton shortly after 4 o'clock when camp
Lexington was pitched. CoXey is enthu
siastic and claims the movement thus far
exceeds his most sanguine expectation, but
this is hardly in keeping with his former
declarations Canton and Nas>illon were
both crowded to-day with people who had
come III from surrounding towns and cities
10 see the sight.
On the march from Massillon to Canton
The army was followed by a mob of nearly
1000 people in carriages, ON horseback and
afoot They made the welkn ring with
their cheers and kept CoXey busy constantly
bowling and lifting his hat On reaching
Canton the army was greeted by July TO-,
poo people, who were crowded on the bal
comics along the street. Every one regard
I'd the affair as Il huge joke and good humor
prevailed on all sides.
Camp Lexington was pitched on a vacant
lot near the work house shortly after
o'clock and the tramps constituting the
Army Of the Commonweal at once began
building boniircs, scattering straw upon
the ground and making other preparations
to keep comfortable during tho night The
army has had to start on its march without
a goddess OF peace, as no maiden could be
found TO assume that role. Instead of a
goddess, however, a burly negro has been
enlisted to carry the banner. thus giving
the African race representation in tho
movement
One group Of five soldiers deserted in a
body before Canton was reached Their
marshal thought the celestial powers were
not exercising proper discretion in sending
snow storm upon the advancing hosts. and
advised his men to break for passing freight
trains, They needed his advice and have
not been heard of since 1t is feared by
some of Coxey's lieutenantS that there will
be moro assertions before morning unless
the weather moderateS, owing to the preva-
lence of comfortable hay mows in these
parts.
Coxey's life insurance policy, it was
learned to-day, has been revoked, the off
rials of the company fearing he may meet
with a violent end before finishing his pres
ent enterprise.
VIII Initiate the Illu,trious Coxcy.
DENVER, Col. March 45.-Bert Hamilton.
civil engineer and actor, is organizing an
army similar to Coxey's. to go to Washing
ton and demand the free coinage Of silver
the construction Of "A new railroad from the
Ohio river to the Pacific coast, and other
legislation in the interest Of the western pOr-
zion of the country. Meetings will he held
nent The start will be next Sunday and
Mr.. Hamilton expects to leave Colorado
with at least 80 900 men and take recruit,
all along the line The army will demand
free transportation OF the railroads
Gov. Mckinley on the Co.cy Crusade.
COLuMBUs. o.. March 21.--Gov. McKn-
leg had received no official information of
the marching Of the CoXey army of peace
when press representivc called upon him
this evening, but from a newspaper bulletin
he had learned how near the movement
came to proving fasco at the start. This,
he said, was what he had confidently ex-
pected. The few that had Joined the army
had no doubt been induced to do so by the
press, which had made more of the project
than it really was.
CoNey May Face e Zeal Army.
PITTsRuEG. Pa, March PA newspaper
here claims to have information that it ha,
been decided that, in case Coxcv's army
marches SO far. it will be met at the borders
of this State and Ohio by Pennsylvania
troops. and be there checked in its progress
\ regiment Of infantry, troop of cavalry
and battery, it is stated, are expected &c
mobilize at Beaver next Saturday if the
Coxey movement progresses
Says She is Proud Of Coxcy.
PITTsToN, March 2J-"Gen.n Coxey',
relatives, who live here, are indignant over
the statement published that insanity exist,
in the family. Mrs }. II. Ricketts,. a sister
Of Cuxcy, in an interview, says She is proud
of her brother and has complete confidence
in his wisdom and patriotism. Mrs. Rick
etts, who is very intelligent lady, SAYS her
brother has always been successful in every
thing he has undertaken. She believes hi,
present crusade will help tine laborinq
classes. Mrs. Ricketts, husband is q
wealthy business man in Pitt5ton.
Things Ripe for IA Nutiny.
With the ground covered 60 the depth OF
half an inch with snow nothing to eat bu'
short supply Of bread and cheese, and a
little straw to sleep on, the CoXey recruit,
are in anything but joyous mood tonight
Murmuriug under the Dig circus tent where
the Commonweai army is uuartered is loud
and general CoNey's soldiers declare that
things must improve al once on they viii q
back TO begging.
Coxey and his leutenants are still san
guine and are endeavorin% to imbue thoiI
followers with confidence by making