Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1894-03-26
COxEY'S FAKE.
His Army Of CommonweaI
Starts for Washington.
Consisted Of About IS Tramps, O
Whom Is Soon Deserted.
A Snowsiorm Kills q Large Part Of Enthu-
siam Of the Army.

CANTON, O., March 25.-Coxey's army
of the commonweal moved out OF Massii-
Ion, today, on schedule time, there being
perhaps 75 stragglers in line at the start,
and 25 less when Canton. eight miles away,
was reached. Carl Browne, chief marshal,
headed the procession, mounted on white
horse, followed by half dozen aides, all
mounted on horses belonging to Coxey, who
rode in q carriage drawn by pair of spir-
tied horses.
The procession consisted of the marshals,
Coxsy. his wife and sister, bugler. four
covered wagons, containing camping
outfits, baled straw, and several of quar-
,ers of beef, brass band that played all
kinds of music at once, and soldiers of the
commonweal on foot.
They marched in single file and two
abreast, as pleased their fancy. With very
few exceptions they were hard-looking citir
zens This they claimed, is not their fruit,
but the fault of our system Of government.
The weather was pleasant when the start
vas made.
The procession was soon overtaken by
severe snowstorm. This had depressing
influence and number of desertions was re-
ported besore Reedaburn, the first, was
reached. After bii.f stay at Reedaburn,
the army resumed Its onward march and
reached Canton shortly after 4 o'clock,
where Camp Lexington was pitched. Coxey
is enthusiastic and claims that the move
ment thus far exceeds his most sanguine
expectations, but this is hardly in keeping
with his former declarations.
Canton and Massillon were both crowded,
today, with people who came in from the
surrounding towns and cities to see the
sight. On the march from Massillon to
| Canton the army was followed by mob OF
uearly 1000 people in carriages, on horse
back and afoot. They made the welkin
wing with cheers and kept Coxey constantly
bowing and lifting his hat. On reaching
| Canton the army was greeted by fully TO-
900 people, crowded on sidewalks, in win
dows and balconies along the street. Every
one regarded the affair as a huge joke and
good humor prevailed on all sides.
Camp Lexington was pitched on vacant
lot near the workhouse, and shortly after 4
o'clock the tramps constituting the army OF
the commonweal at once began building
bonfires, scattering straw upon the ground
and making other preparations to keep COM
Portable during the night.
The army had to start on its march with
out goddess of peace, as no maiden could
be found to assume the role. Instead of a
goddess a burly negro was enlisted to carry
the banner, giving the African race a rep
sentation in the movement.
Five soldiers deserted in q body before
Canton was reached. Their marshal thought
the celestial powers was not exercising
proper discretion in sending snow storm
upon the advancing hosts, and advised his
men to break for the passing freight trains.
They needed b. advice and have not been
heard from since. 1t is feared by some OF
Coxey's lieutenants that there will be
more desertions before morning, unless the
weather moderates, owing to the prevalence
of comfortable hay mows in these parts.
Coxey's life insurance policy has been
revoked, officials of the company fearing
that he may meet with violent end before
finishing his present enterprise.
With the ground covered to the depth OF
half an inch with snow, nothing to eat but
short supply of bread and cheese, and
but little straw to sleep on, the Coxey re.
CT lits are in anything but joyous mood
tonight. The murmuring under the big
circus tent where the commonweal army IL
quartered is loud and general. Coxey's SOL
dlers declare things must improve at once or
they will 90 back to begging. Coxey and hii
Iieute nants are still sanguine and endeavor-
iog to Undue their followers with
confidence by making speeches. which,
however, do not seem to have
the the desired effect. Coxey sad
tonight: 81 am now satisfied that will be
followed into Washington by $50 900 men
As the people hear we have ac.ually started
they will begin falling in. Up to this time
they have been afraid that we were bluffing
Now they see we mean business"
DR.. Kirkland of Pittsburg, known as "Tht
CYCLONE arrived at Canton, this evening
and Joined the army. He says that he ha'
figured out by astrology that this is to bt
the grandest move the world has ever seen
Even if it is to die out now it will be revivet
again. He knows this because the starr
told him so.
Nearly all the noted cranks in Ohio arc
now here expressing their determination te
ioin Coxey. The army is expected to leave
Canton at noon tomorrow for Louisville
Ohio, where Camp PETER will be struck
The camp will be named in honor of Sera-
tor PETER of Kansas, who introduced the
good hours and non-interest bearing bondI
|
bills.
Lieut.. Browne announced tonight tha
seven groups Of men from Canton and two
from Cleveland had just enlisted. Solor
C. Thayer, chief commissaYy marshal. 60
discouraged and resigned on reaching Can
ton. Oklahoma Sam was appointed hi
successor. John Neill, Cleveland, hal
been appointed chief Of the commifsary
marshals staff.
Coxey says he has assurances that tht
sympathetic citizens of Canton will feed
his men on boiled ham and potatoes to
morrow morning. In bulletin issued late
toniaht, Marshal Browne said:
"You boys are behaving yourselves hon
orably and all the sneers about tramps and
vagabonds being hurled At You daily
by portion Of. the press, fall
from your backs like wster from ducks
Pay no attention to the snickering of tboss
who never felt the pangs of hunger, but b
true to yourselves and it win cause other