Q. You could have control of the force—you are the peace officer of the city?
A. Yes, sir; and there is the sheriff.
Q. Why did not you then assert your rights as peace officer?
A. Because I recognized the fact that I have no right to come in conflict with the sheriff and the military. I was utterly hostile to their movements and to their plan of operations, and I felt satisfied that it could have no other end than the end that was reached. I, surely, under those circumstances, would have been of no more use than a painted ship upon a painted sea. They would not listen to me.
By Mr. Larrabee:
Q. Did you go to them and talk with them, or did you try and see whether you could cooperate with them in any manner?
A. No, sir; I knew the men. That was enough for me.
Q. Do I understand you to say that there was an antagonism between you and the sheriff of the county?
A. It could not be otherwise in this matter, because they had adopted a plan of action that I could have nothing at all to do with.
Q. Were you called on first by the railroad officials?