The Pullman boycott : $b A complete history of the great R. R. strikeBurns, W. F.
History
The Pullman boycott : $b A complete history of the great R. R. strike
Burns, W. F.
Pullman Strike, 1894
Andrew Schelly said he had worked for the Pullman company twelve years
but could get no work now, and his family had nothing to eat. He had
borrowed a pair of shoes in which he could seek work.
A. Bergstrom for seven years in Pullman said he could not get his old
position. He had five children, the eldest ten years, and they had no
money, no food, no trust.
Frank Mass had been three years in Pullman, had three children and
nothing to eat.
The wife of Pat Mullen, of Block E, room 1, appeared with a child in her
arms and a toddler at her skirts.
They had been in Pullman twelve years and had four other children. Her
husband could not get back to work because he was on the strike
committee. She did not know where the next meal was to come from.
Though wretchedly poor these people were clean and neat. They are all of
the better class of laboring people.
John Cedarland sat at a table and stared stolidly at the visitors, while
his wife with a baby at her breast and two at her heels stood by. A
neighbor who had given them of her scanty store, said the man was sick
and the family destitute. On Sunday she had given them a piece of meat,
and wood with which to cook it.
A reporter slipped a quarter into her hand and received a look worth
$8.00.
Two of John Smith's collectors, out with furniture bills as a matter of
form, told the governor that two-thirds of the old men were still idle,
and that the condition of these men was deplorable. They had called at
one place where one of the children was celebrating its birthday and all
there was for the feast was bread and onions. The collectors chipped in
for a few luxuries.
Mrs. Peter Camp appeared with two children and reported five more, and
there were scores of similar cases, all destitute and absolutely
without food.
On his way back to the city the governor would say but little.
Mr. Wickes, vice president of the Pullman company called and was
presented to his excellency in due form. The object of his visit was to
tender his services as guide and escort.
This was declined.
Mr. Wickes expressed his regret that the governor saw fit not to accept
the offer.
As a result of Gov. Altgeld's investigation he issued the following
proclamation:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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