The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-08-16
Governor Harmon Calls Sol
dierS to Columbus to Aid
In Keeping Order = =
STRIKERS BECOME VERY
QUIET WHEN TROOPS COME
Mayor Marshall May Have No Authority
Over Soldiers Now As They Have
Received Their Orders From
Governor Harmon

Columbus, Ohio, August 1b-The re-
call of state militia to Columbus 1or
riot duty was marked tonight by ces-
sation of the disturbances which have
been occurring here at intervals during
the last three weeks. Troop B and
Battery c. of Columbus, were in their
camps early this evening and the first
regiment of Cincinnati was scheduled
to arrive during the night
To protect the soldiers from possible
malicious wrecks while en- route TO
the city, the Baltimore and Ohio rail-
road had two pilot engines sent anead
and employees patrolling the tracks
near trestles at Manchester and Nor
gan's Station. Details of soldiers were
aboard the engines. Arrangements
were made by the military authorities
to inspect all box cars in the local
yards just before the soldiers detrafn-
ed. These precautions were prompted
by the wrecking of the Fourth regi-
ment train coming from Marietta TO
the strike three weeks ago.
Tonight 1t was predicted that a con-
flict would ensue tomorrow between
the military and civic authorities for
the reason that Mayor Marshall has not
been placed In full charge of the mi
litia, He had this authority before
and expects to assume it again for in
a statement tonight he said he had not
determined on the distribution of troops
to be made tomorrow. The militia COM
manders say the mayor is not to decide
on tho militia's disposition.
AS soon as 1t was announced today
that the governor had gone over the
mayors head and recalled troops 1t
was said that the military would be
in supreme command Governor Har-
mon. when pressed to state just how
the developments would be handled,
said that this was up to the militia
comma nders."
Soldiers VIII Act Promptly
Gen. John Speaks, who is in charge
of troops, tonight said soldiers would
be held in quarters until it was dis
covered that the police were unable to
cope with particular situation then
the soldiers would go to the scene of
the trouble.
When reminded that a similar plan
attempted on the first night the troops
were here. was ineffective because even
automobiles loaded with police reserves
could not reach disturbances in time
to be of service because rioters attack
ed cars in the suburbs, beat the crews
and got away Immediately thereafter.
General Speaks said:
"The mayor called for troops the
sion has called the troops of his own
volition which puts different aspect
on the situation
From statements made today by o.
N. q. officials, 1t is assumed that the
soldiers, II called out will shoot to
kill.
Cars Are Operated
Mayor Marshall early this evening called
upon the Columbus Railway and Light
company to keep its cars in the barns
at night until peace is restored
Despite the request cars were operated
during the early hours tonight, guarded
by police.
The Builders and Traders exchange
comprising the principal contractors of
the city, at, meeting today adopted
resolutions calling upon Governor Har-
mon to suspend the mayor
Harmon's Statement
Governor Harmon today issued the fol-
lowing statement:
IT have ordered a portion of the Ma
tional Guard to report for duty at Column
bus forthwith. 1 have done this Of nv
own motion under my authority as rov-
ernor.
THE police force of the city, which is
entirely too small at best, has been re-
duced and demoralized by the open mu-
tiny Of many of its members. 4 1t has
shown itself incapable without help, of
maintaining order. A continuance of this
condition would disgrace the state and
innict grievous injuries upon it's capital
city.
wherever the blame rests, for 1t sure
" rests somewhere, the menace of the
situation is beyond question. And l am
unwilling to let lawlessness and violence
run unchecked for lack Of force to cut
3 down while the police force of the city
= being recruited and being reorganized
and the sheriff Is summoning the men
Of the county to uphold the public au-
thority. 1t does not mend matters to
say the local authorities should have
taken these steps sooner. though this
ID true. Let them be taken now without
delay. Meanwhile the troops will render
whatever assistance is needed.
The state expects every citizen prompt
ly to show his colors and lend his aid,
SO that the emergency which the guard
Is summoned to meet may speedily be
brought to an end and Columbus and
FRANKLIN county prove themselves worthy
Of the right of self-government by meet
ing Its responsibilities. The public in
terest now wholly overshadows the pri-
vate controversy which Is the occasion
for the great danger that, IL permitted
to continue. would threaten the founda :
tions of the government and the first
care of all citizens must be to maintain
law and order because otherwise no
man can enjoy his individual rights, what
ever they may be-
Cincinnati. August 15.-Acting under or
ders by Governor Harmon. 800 members
Of the First Ohio regiment of this city
left tonight at sos on a special train
| for Columbus, to enforce order during
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