Democratic Sentinel, Volume 11, Number 33, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 September 1887 — SHADOWING THE REDS. [ARTICLE]

SHADOWING THE REDS.

The Chicago Police Watching One Hundred and Fifty Anarchists. The Romes of Judge Gary, Jurymen, Witnesses, and Others Carefully Guarded. [From the Chicago Herald.] The people of Chicago may be somewhat startled to learn that to-day there are in this city 150 alleged anarchists closely shadowed by as many detectives in the employ of the city government; but such is the truth, and the statement is made on the strength of information received directly from the detective department of the city police. “We have received more information about anarchists during the past three weeks,” said the official, “than during the three years past. What is being done in view of the Supreme Court decision? All that is necessary, and that means a good deal.” This reply to the reporter’s interrogatory was the same as that received from Superintendent Ebersold to a similar question. “Is Judge Gary’s residence being watched?” “Yes.” “Are any of the jurymen who condemned the anarchists receiving police protection?” “Yes; all are being cared for, and it is costing the taxpayers money,” was the reluctant answer. “Are any of the principal witnesses for the State receiving police guard?” “Yes; four of them on their own application. Thompson is one of them. The others cannot be named.” “How about Mr. Grinnell?” “He has asked for nothing, but if you go down to Aldine Square at suspicious hours to-night you will find it well guarded.” “Have you received any specific information from the parties who requested these details of officers?” “All that is done in this line is for the best of reasons.” “How many of the Reds are being shadowed?” “At least one hundred and fifty. ” “Are their actions very suspicious?” The official would make no direct reply, but intimated that one of the most desperate Reds, who resided on Rice street, had held a secret council with a few of the most trustworthy of the inner circle but a few days ago, and that each attendant upon that secret meeting was just now the object of special attention. “I am satisfied,” said the official, “that the fellow on Rice street has had dynamite in his house within a month, but he has removed it, and I am of the opinion that we will not only follow it but bring it to headquarters with those who are manipulating it. ” “Then you really expect or fear trouble in case of an adverse decision in the anarchist cases in the Supreme Court, do you?” “We don’t fear it, but we expect it, and are prepared for it. ” “Who are the leaders?” “I cannot tell you, except «that they do not reside in this city. You remember that the actors in the Haymarket massacre were only tools. The instigators were in the East. It is the same now. The old Chicago anarchists have thrown up the sponge, but we have a few strangers in town, and these have become interesting objects of the city detective force.” “If there is an adverse decision by the Supreme Court will there be trouble?” “It is possible that there will be. At any rate, preparations have been made to that end, and we are preparing to meet the worst, whatever that may be.” “Do you think that there are any bombs now in the city?” “Well, yes, but we haven’t seen them yet. It will not be a hard matter to lay our hands on them at the proper time. I will tell you this,” he said, “we have the matter so well in hand both in New York, Canada and Chicago, that no possible event can surprise us very much. We are both posted and prepared.” This interview was had with one of the most reliable officials of the detective force, one in authority, and may be relied upon as truthful.