The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-07-29
STRIKERS SHOW D|SPLEASURE AT
 CITIZENS MEET
Meridian Shop Craftsmen Deny Any Connection With Hicks Beating and Offer
 Prayer For Guidance

Meridian, Miss, July 28.-(Spe- cial.)-Taking exceptions to neet- ing held in the Chamber of Com merce building, yesterday, business and professional men, who volun- teered their services to the mayor of Meridian should they be called on to do police duty, in connection with any disorders that might arise as a result of the railroad shopmen's $ strike, meeting of strikers was held today, when public statement was authorized setting forth their side of the questions which were discussed at the business mems meet ing.
 The statement in part is as fol lows: With sense of deep regre.. we note the action of our mayor and a few of the citizens of Meridian in appointing a special police force ol 100 police for the city and asking for either state or federal troops tu be sent to our peaceful city to guard
 
 keep order among the striking shopmen. We are wondering why any official or citizen of N'- city would wish to lay such a needless burden upon our people or cast sucn a reflection uposs the fair name ot our citizenship. who are known an have proved themselves to be among < the most peace-lovinE and iaw-abiG inK citizens of the state. There has been no damage done the property of the railroads in Meridian by the striking shopmen. not even to the amount of one penny. Nor have they committed one act of violence.
 Worked For Peace
 They have refrained from stepping on the right-of-way of the roads since the strike began and have worked night and day to keep pc ice and aid in preserving the properts of the roads. They have served without pay. as faithful guards mol only to the railroads and their prop erty. but Co the homes and business places of the city. and have pledged their support in keeping down any act of violence that might threaten the peace of our people.
 ''No body of citizens regrets nor deeply nor condemns more bitterij
 
 violence perpctrated upon the per son of Mir. R. E. vick than the strik. ing shopmen of Meridian; nor is there a citizen. or official of the city ol state who would bring the offender. to justice more quickly than tho strikers.
 Reward Not Accepted Nor would the strikers accept tn. offered reward of $500 for doing thei, duty. No. They would not stoop tt such principle and ask the presi dent of the Chamber of Commerc. not to insult them by offering thi. reward, should a member of thu striking shopmen be able to appre hend the offending parties.
 There has not been as much dis order in the city since the strike a. was before. as shown by the record. of police court, and we cannot under stand why the need of this extra DO lice force and state or federal troop, as guards in our city. Surely. su ,f an act must have been instIgated ane fostered by one who is neither a eli. izen of the state of Mississippi. no friend of the city of Meridian, aat arouse opposition to the strikers. Blame Undeserved
 Tt is unjust to Vice President r F.. Norris of the 'foaiIe and Ohio road, or any other, to lay this shame, l ful and cowardly act of violence tt Mir. Vick <upon the strikers. The, openly denounce such conduct, ant have as much right to believe thu offense was instigated and perpc. (Contfnued on Page Tvol