The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1917-09-05

W.. e. Mason, Congressman at large
from Illinois, the next speaker, de-
clared there was more misery in the
country today than at any time since
Bunker Hill. "But no worse thing ever
happened in the history Of the United
States" he said, ethan is happening
now when people like you are branded
as criminals and denied the right Of
free assembly," He also declared that
the only people who welcome the war
were the bankers and editors, and dc.
nouaced conscription and the scnlin,r
of troops to France.
Something New in America.
Former Senator Works said: al
have never seen the time when Cover
nor Of a State issued instructions to
prevent the assemblage of peaceful
people. wonder if democracy in
this free democracy is dead We are
not here to attack the government but
to defend it. Governor Lowden should
send troops here to project us. If he
fails this meeting will result in blood
shed and rioting."
The remarks Of all speakers brought
wild applause from the delegates,
about 300, of whom were in the audi
torium. When Chairman Stedman,
announced that troops were on their
way to break up the meeting one dele
gate proposed the pacifists remain in
their seats until ousted forcibly by
the troops. Mr.. Stedman said that
the meeting would have to adjourn be-
fore o'clock as the lease on the hall
troops were not due to arrive until
some time later. He told the dele
gates that ifthey challenged the au-
thority of the State at this time they
would be destroyed. He declared that
their possible action Was at the polls.
Purpose Accomplished.
eve have accomplished our pur-
pose, he said in announcing an ad-
journment at G:50 o'clock. But the
adjournment it taken because our
lease on this hall has expired. Our
next meeting will be announced
secretly by the heads of the organiZa-
tion"
AS the delegates quietly left the
hall, the principals of quiet Jewish
wedding party took their places.
Chief of Police Schuettler tonight
said the police today had placed pat
rolmen at the peace meeting to pre-
vent the possibility Of an attack on
the conference by mob. He ex-
planned that The meeting had been
authorized by Mayor Thompson, and
that it was part of the duties of the
police department to see that order
was preserved.
He refused to say what would have
been the attitude of the police if
troops had arrived in time to stop the
meeting.
A committee of seventeen on the
platform, appointed with Hilqust at
their head, represented platform
principle which was unanimously
adopted by the convention. The plat
form called for the progressive dis
armament Of all nations; repeal Of the
Conscription Act; concrete state
ment by the administration of it's war
aims and peace without conquest, an
nexation or indemnity.
After the meeting disbandcd, the
delegates went to downtown hotel,
where they maintain headquarters
The manager of hotel said the leaders
asked for suite i'm which meeting
could be held, but this was refused;
shortly afterwards word came that
troops had arrived. The delegates
then left the hotel in small parties.
1t was reported that an attempt
would be made to hold a second ses-
sion of the delegates at the West Side
! Y. NJ. c. A.
When the special train bearing the
! troops arrived at the station nearest
the conference hall, Adjutant General
I Dickson was advised by federal agents
/ that the meeting was over.
J A feet Of taxicabs, which had
awaited the troops to hurry the SOL
/ dicrs to the meeting place was dis
missed and the soldiers stacked arms
and took up quarters for the night.
The $50 soldiers were met at the
station by Sheriff John T.. Traegcr
and squad Of deputies. The sheriff