A. I have no personal knowledge. I had, however, some knowledge of the causes which had been gathered for some months before, and which were familiar in people's mouths about the time—the reduction of wages and the bitter feeling that existed between the employés and officers of the roads. I heard of these things as leading to the strikes. I was very familiar with the reports that Tradesmen's Unions had been formed for the purpose of carrying them out.
Q. For the purpose of carrying out the strike, do you mean?
A. Yes, sir.
Q. How did you obtain that information?
A. I obtained it by personal information—partly among railroad men, partly among citizens, and from our reporters.
Q. Did you have any knowledge leading you to suppose that this strike would take place before the 19th?
A. No; the strike had taken place before my attention was directed to it. Of course the information had come from other sections of the country that it had already taken place there.
Q. From your knowledge and information, was there any necessity for calling out the troops?
A. Not the slightest, sir, according to the best of my judgment and belief, at the time they were called.
Q. I believe you were not here after the troops arrived?