The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-08-06

turbulence of the parent strike in Chi cago, and its probable effect upon the local strike were all-absorbing topics, and added greatly to the excitement. Owing to the depressed condition of business, and the long duration of the mining strike, many men were out of employ ment and becoming desperate, and this new strike doubled their numSr; while all the lawless elements in the city were ready to take advantage of any opportun- ity 1t might afford for incendiarism and plunder. Crowds of strikers, though many sightseers mingled with them, gath cred in the passenger station and ap- breaches, making the movement of trains almost impracticable. Committees or in- dividuals met each train on arrival and departure, and by persuasion and threats sought to induce the trainmen to leave their posts, and this led to frequent quar- rels and alterations, while the vast throng looked on. jeered and yelled, and hourly became more disorderly and reck- less.
 Local Forces Insufficient.
 "The small police force and deputies who could be spared from other points was too weak either to clear the station or preserve order. Any attempt by this small force to do so, especially if blood was shed as was probable in the temper of the crowds would have been the signal for general bloodshed and destruction of property: and on the other hand, to stand still and allow the disorder of these crowds to continue unchecked much long CT was sure to result in rioting and de- struction of property. A reliable and er- fective posse was not available to the civil authorities under the prevailing conditions, and they looked forward to the next day with grave forebodings.
 T reached Birmingham at midnight on July 8, and at once conferred with the sheriff and acting mayor. We all agreed that a strong body of troops should be thrown in the city at once, and proper orders to that end were Immediately ls- sued Under statutory authority all bar rooms and gunshops were ordered to close.
 'The local troops under Colonel Clarke were ordered to take possession of the station and disperse the crowds there early the next morning, without waiting the arrival of other troops, knowledge of whose coming tended to prevent any re- sistance which might otherwise have been opposed to the local troops alone. The station and approaches were cleared with out much serious resistence. As Colonel Clarke and his command had been on duty almost constantly since the begin ming of the strike it was determined to re- lieve them on the arrival of the other troops and hold them in reserve, which was done about midday on the 9th of July, when about 800 men, under Major General Whiting. whom I had assigned to the command reported in Birmingham.
 During the next week the troops were employed in guarding and regulating the passenger station and approaches, pro- tecting the roundhouses and other rail- road property which was threatened With destruction, dispersng the crowds and preventing interference with property and trains. The effect of public opinion, as well as the display of the power Of the state and the evident determination or the authorities to enforce the law, soon brought this reckless strike to an end.