Q. In the destruction of property?
A. In the destruction of property. That was a point we inquired into particularly.
Q. Did they state who was engaged in the destruction of property?
A. My recollection is that they generally professed not to know. They promised to coöperate with us in efforts to stop the burning.
Q. Did they do that—did they coöperate?
A. I don't know how much they did in that direction. There was some of them came down to attend the meeting, and this committee reported to an adjourned meeting that was to be held, I think, at four o'clock in the afternoon. The committee returned, and stated briefly what had been done and the condition of affairs, and I think we suggested that there would be a large increase of the police force. The mayor was present, and the committee authorized him to employ as many policemen as they could get—five hundred if he could obtain them—and a number of gentlemen present pledged themselves for the payment of this police force.
Q. At four o'clock Sunday afternoon?
A. Yes; four o'clock Sunday afternoon, and there was also a sort of militia force organized, of which Mayor McCarthy told you this morning.
Q. This suggestion of employing five hundred police was made to the mayor, was it?
A. I don't remember from where the suggestion emanated. It seemed to be the unanimous wish of those present.