A. I sent word down to the mayor's office about this difficulty on the lines of the road, and that we feared that some effort might be made to destroy our property, and that, therefore, we wanted the protection due to every interest in our State and city—nothing more. He organized a police force. A great many of the people of the city were alarmed about the situation of affairs, and, I believe, they gave the mayor authority to take on additional policemen, which he kept employed for some days, until the threatened trouble was all over. I think his whole action in the management of the police force under him was very efficient and thorough.
Q. Did he respond promptly to that call?
A. Yes; and succeeded in maintaining order entirely.
Q. There was no trouble in maintaining peace and order?
A. No; excepting the exercise of a great deal of vigilance and care with a strong force.
Q. Was it necessary for the policemen to make any attack on the crowd?
A. I think nothing serious. They had several little disturbances. The crowd was armed and threatened trouble and all that.
Q. Did the crowd assemble in very large numbers?
A. I have been told from two to five thousand people; but they persuaded them to disperse. I do not think there was any trouble at any time. The mayor's policy was to prevent crowds from assembling, to prevent disturbance, and in the conduct of the whole matter I think he showed great wisdom and great efficiency.
Q. What day did you start your trains here?