Waterbury evening Democrat., 1894-05-01
Grumbling Among the Men.

The second day of the commonweal army in Washington was spent by Com mander COXey in making arrangements with the authorities for today's demon stration, and by the men in the miserable little camp up at Brightwood in grum- bling at the poor fare provided for them. Not until half past l was the first meal ot the day served. It consisted of poor bread and worse coffee. It was freely said among the commonwealers-and their charges gained credeuce outside-that a very small percentage of the gate receipts taken by the rcincarnated CoXey and Browne for the circus exhibition of the men finds its way back in the form of provisions ol travelling disbursements. In their own vernacular, the men are beginning to aver that they are being done, 'worked' and played
 Coxey first sallied forth to the District building under the wing of A. w. Cooke, a local sympathizer. Commissioner Ross received him pleasantly. He announced his desire to move to the new camping ground.
 Commissioner Powell objected on the ground that the proximity of the old James Creek canal, with its foul odors made the place unhealthy. 'We woulc fumigate the grounds" said Mr. Coxey Besides our people are very healthy. They can stand great deal. If you could ouly have seen some of the trials and tribula tions they have undergone on their marct here, you would not think the presence o1 a canal would affect them.'
 How long do you expect to remain heref" asked Commissioner Ross Gener al Coxey smiled and chuckled audibly.
 Why, we expect to remain here unti: we get action on our bills. The few mel that are with us are only forerunner 0: what is coming. Of course, when the ful: strength of the army arrives, this lot will not be large enough"
 Two employees were sent to the grounds to report upon the proposition. and Com missioner Ross loaned MT. Coxey his pri vate carriage to accompany them. Upoa their return Il private meeting of the com missioners was held, with the result that permission was granted Coxey to encamr by the canal on the condition that h, would employ plumber to make the nee essary sanitary regulations.
 From the District building Coxey went to the office of the sergeant-at-arms of the senate, armed with letter of introduction from the chief of police to Colonel Bright While waiting he was surrounded by s throng of autograph hunters. for whom he wrote his name good naturedly dozen times. The autograph flends having beer banished, he said to your correspondent:
 Nothing remains to us but to make an amicable arrangement for the meeting on the steps. We will not insist on marching into the grounds, but when we reach the curb will tell the boys to break ranks and march in like other citizens"
 VIII Insist on the Meeting.
 "Then whatf"
 "Then the meeting will begin"
 Suppose the sergeant at arms objectsf"
 ''He cannot object. We can hold our meeting there, as the constitution gives us a right to do. It would be another thing if we undertook to come inside the build ing and hold a meeting, but that we shall hot do."
 You will attempt the meeting, then, in the face of official objectiony'
 "Yes. and regardless of the law, because of our constitutional rights"
 Suppose there should be forcible resist ance by the executive authorities of the cityS"
 Well, we shall not assume that there will be any forcible opposition"
 Replying to question as to whether he had received any encouragement from con gress about the passage of his bills, he re piled: T have not. Congress will not act until forced te do 90"