The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1894-04-24

WASHINGTON, u. o., April 23.-The
commissioners Of tho District OF Colum-
bia took action to-day on tho impending
Coxey invasion. After q long execu-
tive session and consultation with the
attorney for the District, q manifesto
was prepared and given out which calls
attention to the fact that tho right Of
petition does not extend to the length
the Coxeyitos appear to imagine.
Those who mediate coming to tho
capital arc warned that only hardship
and privation await them here, and in
forms them that no good can come Of
their proposed pilgrimage.
Following is tho full text OF the COM
missioncrs' proclamation:
To lHhOm II Nay Concern:
WHEREAS, 1t is reported that several
organized bodies OF men are approach
ing the District OF Columbia with the
avowed purpose OF securing such con.
gressional action as will relieve tho con-
dition OF unemployed laborcrs through.
out the country; and,
WHEREAS, all unemployed and others
throughout the country who may be in
sympathy with tho movement have been
invited to assemble in front OF the
national capitol on the first day OF May
proximo for the purpose Of compelling
favorable action by Congress by mere
force OF numbers and physical presence;
and.
WHEREAS, The constitutional right OF
petition does not justify methods dan
gorous to peace aud good order, which
threaten the quiet OF the national capi-
tol, which are contrary to law and op.
posed to the ordinary means OF obtain.
ing legislative relief under our system
government; and
WHEREAS, It Is declared to be the in
teution OF this body OF unemployed and
destitute people not only to gather to-
gether for tho purpose aforesaid at the
city OF Washington, but there to remain
until their mission shall have been ac-
complishcd, and
WHEREAS, The national capitol is
chiefly devoted to public business and
is the centre Of federal legislation, and
as 4 result oil its lack OF ordinary means
Of atfording employment, is now taxed
TO its utmost capacity in charitable eff
forts to caro- for its own poor and uu-
employed. now. therefore, the commits
sioners OF the District OF Columbia, who
are charged with the duty of maintain
ing pence and good order, and with en-
forcing tho laws in said District, being
sensible OF the gravity OF the situation,
and fully appreciating the hardship
which must come upon many innocent
but misguided people if this il.consid-
cred movement should be continued,
do hereby appeal, in tho interest OF hu.
inanity and in furtherance Of tho peace
and good order which are enjoined by
the laws in force in said District, to the
good aense and patriotism OF all those
engaged in or who contemplate taking
any part in the proposed dcmonstra-
tion, and. urge Them to reconsider their
intention to come into tho District OF
Columbia for that purpose.
No possible good can come Of such n
gathering and with no proper prepara-
:lons or means OF subsistence, suffering
and ultimate disorder will certainly en-
sue. No wrong can be righted, no con-
di,ion of labor ameliorated, no remedy
Tor any existing evil realized by the
contemplated demonstration of phys
ical force. Every desirable end can be
moro certainly and effectively accom-.
plishcd by ordinary and lawful moth
DDS. Tho commissioners, while in en-.
tire sympathy with all the people out OF
employment. and having no desire or
purpose TO deal harshly with unfor-
tunate but honest men who seek
relief by reasonable and law
ful means, arc in duty bound to
give notice to those who are tempted
under any pretoxt to swell tho number
OF unemployed persons already here,
that there is neither work for them nor
means for their maintenance in tho
District; that the law does not permit
the soliciting OF aims in our streets and
iorbids parades, assemblagcs or ora.ions
in tho capitol grounds, and tho obstruc-
ton OF any public grounds, streets, high
ways or avenues and tho approaches to
public or private buildings.
Tho commissioners give notice also
to the criminals and evil doers who,
nndor cover Of crowd OF unemployed
ain our streets, may como hero for
the purposes OF crime and disorder,
that all such will be apprehendcd and
summarily dealt with.
Aud finally, theygive noticeto all who
come here against their advice and pro.
tcst, that the laws in force in tho Dis.
trict OF Columbia are adequate for every
emergency aud will be rigidly enforced. !"
lSignedJ JOHN ". Ross,
GEORGE TRuEsDALL,
CHARLES F. POWELL,
Commi ssioners OF the District OF Co.