The morning call., 1894-07-09
BALLOTS, NOT BULLETS.


Sacramento.
BALLOTS, NOT BULLETS.
The Course Advised by Speakers at
Last Nights Meetings.
The causes and phases of the strike were
discussed and commented upon by several
speakers at mass-m Getting held in Metro
politan Temple last evening. An audience
of several thousand filed the large hall,
and testified by their enthusiastic applause
OF points made by the speakers to the in
terest which the public takes in the great
trouble that is agitating the country
Several times when President Cleve-
lands or Attorney-General Olney's name
was mentioned the hearers expressed
themselves by sharp Kisses. BY the man.
ner in which the A. r. U. was cheered. it
was evident that the audience was in full
sympathy with that body in the present
struggle. A large majority of those pres
ent wore the white badge OF the union.
The meeting was called to order by Pro-
fessor Fred Bell, who introduced DR.. Berry
as the chairman Of the evening.
He made short address upon the con-
stltution of the country at this time. This
was the time, he thought, for men to meet
and exchange counsel and reason together.
1t was a sad sight to see Americans gath
cred together for the purpose of raising
their voices against the man whom they
had placed in power. He was sure Pres-
dentCleveland and Attorney-General Oney
had missed the mark when they entered
upon the course they are now pursuing. In
conclusion the speaker counseled peace,
and said the proper way to right things
was by the ballot.
Mrs. Matte A. Bridge Of New York
spoke next, and made some very good
points. This was time, she said, when
every one must be guided by the clearest
insight, keenest judgment and broadest
consideration. Her heartiest sympathy
was with the strikers and against the
tyTant monopoly. The railroad syndicate
owns California. sho said, and almost
every avenue Of communication with the
outside world.
The farmer and workingman paid more
tribute to it than ever a conquered people
paid to their eonquerors. 1t exercised
powers which Congress or legislature
would not dare assume. The people might
lose in this fight, she hoped and prayed
they would not, but even if they did they
yet have the power in their hands to as
sert themselves and regain their rights.
That was by the ballot Men and not
parties were required hereafter. She
hoped the time was not far distant when
the Government would own every mile of
railroad in the country. In this contest
arbitration was everything, even if the
railroad company does say there Is moth
ing to arbitrate. Arbitration alone can
save this coast from being drenched in
blood. So far, the way in which the strik-
ers have regarded railroad property rights,
deserves commendation.
The next speaker. Robert B. Scott said
that new condition of things was re-
quired in this country. Men should not
be shot down as they have been just be-
cause they want liberty. The organized
capital of this country had carried things
too far. The speaker reviewed the causes
that led up to the trouble between Pull
man and his men.
''And where is Mr.. Pullman now?" he
aueried. why. at Long Branch He is
afraid TO meet his own people,"
Mr.. Scott also counseled patience on the
part of the people, and an avoidance of all
violence. The placing of trustworthy men
at the head of the nation was the only true
remedy for this deplorable state of affairs.
II was only the well-known good nature
and kindness of the American people that
allowed this condition of things to grow
here, but when the American blood gets
reused look out, and it is reused now.
[Applause.l
Professor Bell, who followed. main
tanned that the Government was in the
hands of hirelings, who would sell out the
peoples heritage Of liberty to the highest
bidder. Everything tended to show that
an effort was being made to make this
Government a plutocracy. Year by year
the grasping hand of organized capital has
been closing. and the farmers and work
ingmen had been lulled into apathy by the
smooth tongues of politicians. If there
were statesmen of honor at the head Of the
Government the present condition of af-
fairs could not exist. The American Rail-
way Union was right in this great contest.
II never refused to move freight, mails or
passengers. No one ever heard of mails,
freight and passengers being hauled in
Pullman cars, Mr.. Olney notwithstanding.
Knowing this, how could the American
Railway Union anticipate the result of
their refusal to move Pullman cars? Be
concluded by advising peaceful measures
in settling the strike. The people should
remem Der the lessons they are now learn
ing and at the next election snow under
every candidate with the taint Of monopoly
about him.