The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-06-21
PRICE CENTS 19 aA5 1sB saEBsfE sSs fE4sRs sss sr
works. This Is the FIRST strike in the nature
OF a sympathetic demonstration that has
taken place.
Distractions Which Imperil the SAT-
~ OF the Whole Community.


Cleveland Plain Dealer (Editorial)
The report OF Chief Dickinson TO Director
Hyman yesterday revealed serious condi-
tion Of affairs. BY order OF the mayor and
fire director men had been sent out TO in
spect the streets on which the tracks Of the
Big Consolidated were reported to have been
obstructed. that the location and nature OF
the distractions might be known in case Of
an alarm Of fire. 1t was found that in twen-
ty-four streets obstructions exist which
would either prevent the passage of the de-
partment apparatus In case Of fire or I'M
peril the safety of the apparatus and are
men
Stones and other distractions had been
placed on the tracks. tracks had been torn
up or misplaced, turntable torn out and
other damage done for the purpose OF pre-
venting the passage of street-cars, but
which would not only interfere with the
passage of fire engines in the night. but
might wreck the apparatus and kill or in
1ure the men on them.
There is no possible excuse for such law
lessness as the report of the fire chief dis
closes. Nothing can be urged in pailiation
the question altogether the destruction Of
the property OF the railway company and
the interference with the operation OF its
lines, the report SHOWS lldt property Ol iuc
city is imperiled. the lives of fremen
Jeopardized. the homes Of the people placed
IN additional danger from fire and the pos.
sibility of great confiagration increased
by the Instructions discovered.
Mayor Farley has been censured by un-
thinking people for his order 10 the police
and fire departments, directing an investi,
cation Of the condition Of the streets ana
vigorous efforts TO secure the apprehension
of persons who place dangerous obstruc-
tions in them. So far from meriting CEN
fha ,oxrNr n h0r NJ n ~
duty. He would have been deserving OF
censure had he not taken, vigorous action
for the preservation of life and property.
Mayor Farley will be backed up by every
law-abiding tizen in determination TO
do his part III securing the punishment of
every one concerned in such criminal acts.
a street-railway company and its employees.
1t is not matter between union and non
union workers 1t is one that concerns the
safety of union and nonunion workers alike.
The homes of all are in peril in case OF nre,
and distractions placed in the streets that
interfere with the quick passage OF the fire
engines are as likely TO cause loss 10 the
one as to the other
The welfare of the city, the interests of
every honest and Industrious citizen, no
matter what his condition of life, demand
that acts Of lawlessness cease, that law
breakers be made to understand they will
be punished and that violence will not help
any cause however good.
Impelled by the results OF the investiga-
ton and the evident peril in which the in
terests of the city as whole and Its cltl-
zens as individuals have been placed by
lawless acts. Mayor Farley late yesterday
afternoon issued a proclamation TO the citi-
zens. appealing to them not to lend their
aid to the defeat of law and order.
The mayor reminded the people that II is
the plain duty of the executive of the city
to use every effort to prevent lawlessness
and to enforce obedience, to the end that
life and property be protected. and he de-
clared that this duty will not be disre-
garded, sentiment and sympathy to the
contrary, even though temporary, hardship
may follow" In that position the mayor
will be sustained by every thinking citizen.
The mayor says in his proclamation: The
sentiment that riot and mob violence cam
not be permitted to supersede the methods
of lawful regulation and order should sure
ly be uppermost In the minds of good citi-
Zens and should be commended by them as
the governing. motive Of all. without regard
to sex or age"
That is right If rioting and mob law are
tolerated in one case they will be resorted
to in another on slighter pretext, and each
step will bring us nearer to anarchy. Com
mon sense should show every one that his
own safety demands that law and order
must prevail, no matter what specious apol-
ogy for violence may be made.