People's Pilot, Volume 4, Number 3, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 July 1894 — WATCHFUL OF THE STRIKE. [ARTICLE]

WATCHFUL OF THE STRIKE.

The President Is Prepared to Assert His Authority Promptly. Chicago, July 3.—The Washington correspondent of the Morning Record telegraphs as follows: The government of the United States will take charge of the transportation and the interruption of travel and traffic from this time on will be revolutionary against federal authority. No attempt will be made to compel the strikers to serve the Pullman company or any of the railroads, but those who desire to work will be protected in doing so, and interference with the running of trains will be prevented by the military and civil authorities and punished by the courts. This policy was decided upon at the cabinet meeting on Friday last. The authority for it is found in that clause of the constitution which gives the federal government power to regulate commerce between the states. Since Friday Attorney General Olney, Secretary Lamont and .Gen. Schofield have been preparing for the coup d’etat which occurred at Chicago Monday. The bill upon which Judge Woods issued his order was prepared in the attorney general’s office in Washington, and was submitted for the president’s approval before it was sent to Chicago Saturday night by a special messenger. The president has realized the gravity of the situation from the beginning and his determination has grown in firmness every day. He fears that the movement, if not promptly checked by the federal authorities, will result in riot, bloodshed and the destruction of property, if not actual rebellion, and he does not propose that any such public disturbance shall occur during his administration. The regular army will be used to enforce the orders of the court and prevent interference with traffic, and, if necessary, it will be reinforced by the militia of the several states. Conference at the White House. Washington, July 3.—An extended conference was held at the white house, lasting from 9 o'clock until midnight. There were present, besides the president, Secretary of War Lamont, Attorney General Olney,Maj.Gen. Schofield,Secretary Gresham and Gen. Miles, who has been on leave, and will return to his headquarters at Chicago this morning. Gen. Miles has been on leave for the last two weeks but had been recalled owing to the disturbances at and near Chicago, and before returning to his post was summoned here in order that the situation might be discussed and plans for possible contingencies made more freely than would be possible by wire or mail. Immediately on reaching this city Monday evening Gen. Miles called upon Secretary Lamont and the two repaired at once to the white house. Gen. Schofield was sent for, and Attorney General Olney, who had been at the departmentof justice during the evening awaiting news from the west, soon joined them. Secretary Gresham also arrived a few minutes later. Result of the Meeting. The conference continued until nearly midnight, and at its close the officials were very reticent in regard to its result. It was learned, however, that the situation had been reviewed in detail, aud the general policy of the administration as outlined in early dispatches was reiterated. The views expressed were to the effect that while the strike was likely to fail of its own weight and from lack of thorough organization, yet it was necessary for all authorities to be on the alert and to check at the outset any overt and lawless act. It was held that the law was amply sufficient to authorize federal intervention whenever conspiracy was shown, as well as when mails were interferred with or the interstate commerce act infringed. No specific directions were given to Gen. Miles, whose long service and brilliant record entitle him to the utmost confidence. He has left for Chicago and will resume control of his forces concentrated near that point. Garrison at Fort Sheridan. At the war department Chicago is looked on as the danger point at present, but the officials are confident that they have a sufficient force there to meet present demands, the garrison at Fort Sheridan including a full regiment of infantry, two batteries of artillery and two troops of cavalry all well-drilled and seasoned troops.