Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1894-05-04
COXEY:S ARMY.

In aShinSton Yesterday General
Coxey spent most of the morning try
ing to secure the Ivy City racing
grounds, on the outskirts of the city,
where on to pitch his tent. First ne
went to the District Court to see Albert
Gleason, who is connected with the
company, aud there he was directed TO
another officer of the track, who told
him it would be necessary to see the
board ofdirectors to obtain authority for
camping III the park. A list of i dozen
of the directors was handed him, which
rather discouraged the general, so he
returned to his hotel to lunch and to
think the matter over.
Meanwhile, the Commonwealers in
their malarial camp by the James
Creek canal, which is little more than
a sewer, are endeavoring to make
themselves comfortable. There are
several showmen in the crowd and yes
terday they gave minstrel entertain
ment. Desertions from among the
ranks are becoming numerous.
Coxey appeared at the District build
ing and in an interview with the COM
missioners sought to persuade them
that his camp was not one of the enter
tainments which required permit, but
should be allowed to receive gifts at
the gate without being compelled to
pay license. He failed to convince
the commissioners, however, and then
went below and paid s. to the collect
or for license to conduct an enter
tainment another day.
The commissioners and the health
officer have made Coxey understand
that he will be subject TO fine il he
keeps the camp in an unsanitary condi-
ton. Coxey is now negotiating for a
new site at the Ivy City race track in
order TO carry his men there.
While the Washington authorities
have not. by any means finally disposed
of Coxey's army, all idea of violence
from that source has passed out of pos
sibility. Que policeman only is now
detailed to look after the soldiers.
Fred Douglass, accompanied by his
daughter, visited camp yesterday and
expressed his sympathy for the men.
Upon leaving he told Jones to cheer the
men up ana tell them that all who
wish to succeed must suffer. for even
the Apostle Paul suffered and was fog
ged
Breakfast in the Coxey camp thi-
morning consisted of boiled potatoes
bread and coffee. Five great c4uldron>
of soup were made and this with sauer-
kraut, bread and coffee composed the
lunch. There were no more cases Of
sickness reported. Around the en-
trance to the camp some fakirs have set
up little refreshment stands, dispensing
PINK lemonade and peanuts and giving
it quite circus-like appearance. The
great majority Of the men seem to be
contented aud declare they will remain
as long as their leaders do. But in tbs
meantime the health authorities are de-
termined that the camp shall not remain
in the present pest hole to endanger
the health OF the whole city.
General Coxey has not yet secured
new quarters for his army. Unless he
should do so pretty soon forcible meas
ures will be adopted by the District
authorities to GUST him from his pres
ent location. Coxey's Objects to keep
the men in the city in some accessible
place so that he can continue to exhibit
them and gather in the quarter-dollars
paid to see his show, but the novelty OF
the whole business has now worn oil and
the few people who sought notoriety
b. offering sites at first are now hold
ing back. Heavy showers to-day have
made the camp mud puddle and it,
creased the danger to public health.
Contributions from sympth;zing friends
and the gate money arc for the present moro
than sufficient TO pay the running expenses
of the army. The improved fare which ia be
ing served is drawing recruits, but Coxey has
closed the gates on them. He has All the re-
crllits he wants: