The herald., 1894-07-07

! opposed to the troops, the foregoing or
ders could not be carried out without
| firing, gave to the major.general for
himself and to the commanding officers
on the Sacramento and American river
bridges, orders to fire, ii necessary to
clear the grounds and bridges; the firing.
however, not to commence until the
commanding officers at different points
gave notice OF their intention so to do,
in order to enable women and children
and peaceably disposed persons to de-
part. L further objected that, before
such order be given to the troops [
would address the crowd and warn them
myself Of the extreme measures pro-
posed to use to accomplish this object.
Immediately went out and addressed
the crowd, commanding them to dis
perse and warning them OF the conse-
quences that would inevitably follow
their refusal to do so. suggested that
they take until o'clock that afternoon
for deliberation, and. while was thus
speaking, was informed by the COM
manding officer, through Colonel Sui
livan and Major Hammond. that the
troops were in no condition to imme-
distely assume offensive Operations !;
that some OF the companies had deserted
and that the physical condition of the
others was such that they could &C.
complish nothing.
A truce until o'clock p. m. was then
agreed on and all orders for offensive
operations, including firing, imme-
diately countermanded by myself. on
the assurance that no violence to person
or property would be done by them in
the meantime. This was at 2:30. The
order to fire was never delivered to the
troops. During the existence of this
truce. however, was officially informed
by Msjor.General Dimond that the
troops under his command were not to
be depended upon to obey an order to
fire on the crowd. Later that evening
l was informed officially that all the
men could be relied upon for any de-
fensive measure, including the preser-
vation OF lille and property, except those
who had deserted from the ranks dur.
ing the earlier part of the day but that
a majority OF the men we're in full
sympathy with the strikers and could
not be depended upon to carry out orders
for Offensive operations.
Before closing, desire to state further
that after the command had devolved
upon me, General Sheehau having pre-
NlOusiy IcpOItoV tuab Juo KIOuuu6 COuIu
not be cleared without firing, and as he
demanded that il such extreme meas
ures were to be resorted to the order to
fire be given in writing by me, as the
law required, as be would not give such
an order of lis own volition on account
of the poscable character OF the crowd,
he was ordered by General Diamond,
pursuant to my order, to take two of his
companies and a gatling gun to guard
the bridges. General Sheehan imme.
diately thereupon left the headquarters
to execute such order.
This statement is prompted by d.
eire 10 clear up considerable misunder-
standing and doubt which has arisen or
tn inbject. do not desire to have re-
p prevail as to the dieloyalty of sl
O militia tere assem- bled. which ar
arranted by the facts. 1t was on
y nope OF performing my duty b,
, rable measures and my earnest de
sir 10 avoid bloodshed which might be
unnecessary that prevented the order TO
FIRE from being finally delivered to the
troops.
(Signed) BARRY BALDWIN.
Tho marshal states that Commander
fContinu ID en- Third pase.l