That is dated Wilkes-Barre, July 25, 1877.
Q. Then, I understand, prior to August 1, the mayor of Scranton did not desire troops to be sent?
A. No; the first dispatch did not call for troops, but he was evidently looking to me for assistance. But in a few days after that, on the 29th, he thinks he is able to control it.
By Senator Reyburn:
Q. Up to that time he was confident that the civil authorities could control it?
A. Yes. There was no conflict, because the railroad companies could not move their trains, and did not attempt it. They could not move them, and the civil authorities were unable to assist the railroad companies, and therefore did not attempt it, and everything was quiet. Eventually they were looking to me to help them, but I did not propose to go there until I got through with Pittsburgh. Besides, I thought if we got everything started at Pittsburgh, the moral effect of that might settle the question in the whole State, and there would be no necessity to go anywhere else.
By Mr. Lindsey:
Q. Did you have any other dispatches from him except the one you have read, dated the 29th, in which he expressed himself as being able to control it.
A. No; I think not. I find none in the appendix to the message, and I have none in this package, I know. While I was at Pittsburgh, Mr. Farr, my private secretary, was here in charge, and he kept me in constant communication with the region—with the Luzerne region—and there is one dispatch from him here; it is rather lengthy, but it gives the situation on the 31st of July, the day before the riot occurred.
The dispatch was read as follows: