People's Pilot, Volume 4, Number 18, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 October 1894 — MILES ON THE STRIKE. [ARTICLE]

MILES ON THE STRIKE.

The General Makes His Annual Report to the Secretary of War. IS ashington, Oct. 17. —The annual report of Maj. Gen. Nelson A. Miles, commanding the department of Missouri, showing the conduct of affairs at that department, is a remarkably short document, considering the stormj’ period of internal strife covered by it. But, notwithstanding its brevity, it contains some, very terse and significant statements relative to the strike. The report says there have been no changes of troops in the department during the year, and continues as follows: • As in previous years, the troops in the Indian and Oklahoma territories have been occupied during much of this time in removing trespassers from the public lands, in preserving order in the newly-settled region and in keeping the peace between the hostile factions of .the semi-civilized Indian tribes. In addition to removing and expelling intruders in the Choctaw nation and from the Osage and Kawind reservations the troops stationed at Forts Reno. Sill and Supply were called on for the purpose of protecting United States mails, guarding railroad bridges and supporting the United States marshal in making arrests. ••All of these difficult duties have been performed in a manner which shows good judgment and discretion on the part of the officers and a good state of discipline and faithful service on the part of the troops, and it is believed that but for their .prompt intervention much bloodshed would have resulted. The troops, having quickly and efficiently accomplished the arduous duties assigned to them, have been withdrawn from the field and returned to their respective stations. “The conduct of the troops in restoring order and confidence when mob violence and a reign ot terror existed iu Chicago, was marked by great forbearance, fortitude and excellent discipline. and their presence and action there very greatly contributed to the maintenance of civil law, and. in my opinion, saved this country from serious rebellion when one had been publicly declared to exist by one most responsible for its existence.”

An appendix to the report is contributed by J. M. Lee, Ninth infantrj’, assistant to the inspector general, in the shape of a brief history of the strike movement in Chicago. The officer says that he hopes to be able to make a more comprehensive report later on. “covering as fully as possible the operations of the United States troops in this storm center of violence, disorder and arson which at times threatened the overthrow of all law and government.’’ In this report Capt. Lee says: • Throughout all these perilous times it ip gratifying to state that the conduct, discipline and efficiency of the troops were so pronounced that even their presence overawed the turbulent and lawless and won from every reputable. law-abiding citizen, whether laboring man or capitalist—and every newspaper without exception—the highest encomiums and the warmest expressions of gratitude from all who were not in sympathy with anarchy, arson and pillage."