’Pon me conscience I think the money’s not there.”
Very late Saturday night we were joined by the great artist on the tin whistle, and star Dutch comedian, Doc Sieberst, and private William O’Malley, attached to the hospital corps. Doc was besieged for news from all sides. Hayes did his best to lure him into the Keeley tent, where a small riot was in progress; but the providence that is said to watch over children and drunken men had the Doc in mind that night. We saw the famous tin whistle gleaming in the moonlight through the lacings of his leggings, and ever after our marches, to and from town, were enlivened by its music. The boys were all delighted next morning to see the honest, open-work Irish face of O’Malley amongst them. Up to this time we had no wires attached to the hospital tent. Now things were different. A lot of us got taken very badly with malaria, and every morning we went to the hospital tent to get our quinine.
Among the members of the City Guard it is a case of one for all, and all for one; and Doc O’Malley’s connection with the hospital tent brought joy to B street in more ways than one. Beer was plentiful in the hospital tent; the doctors not only drank it themselves, but required an extra allowance for the patients. Under these conditions, however, patients increased at such an alarming rate that the Doctors decreed that beer was bad for the sick, and consequently they had to drink the extra allowance themselves. Though men of great capacity they were unable to get away with two barrels daily. This fact was known to O’Malley, who imparted it to the good-natured and burly Teuton Rupp. In the dead of night Rupp stole forth, bucket in hand, and, after a careful reconnoissance, invaded the hospital quarters. He soon returned to the street with the bucket full of the foaming beverage; then beneath the folds of the Keeley tent followed a scene of subdued but exquisite enjoyment. The bucket empty, Rupp and High Priest Lang sallied forth again, with a parting request from Corporal Burdick to bring the keg along this time. Lang, with fine sarcasm, asked him if the contents of the keg wouldn’t do him? This time the keg was emptied, and the return of Rupp and Lang was the occasion of renewed enjoyment.
Monday, July 8th, we went swimming in a body. Arrangements had been made with the bath-house keepers the day previous by Lieutenant Filmer, every thing was lovely. The boys had a great time plunging and diving in the tank, and playing tricks on one another. It was here discovered that the brave and fearless Gille was the greatest of cowards in the water. Antonelli has dallied so long with other liquids that water is an unknown quantity to him, particularly a tank of it; and any attempt to duck him completely stampeded him. His frantic efforts to get away from his pursuers were the cause of much hilarity. This aversion to water is strictly Democratic in its character.
This night we were reinforced by Tommy McCulloch, another young man with pill-rolling aspirations. We have taken time by the forelock and already call him and his side partner, O’Malley, Doc.
Monday morning the following proclamation was issued by President Cleveland:
Whereas, by reason of unlawful obstructions, combinations, and assemblages of persons it has become impracticable, in the judgment of the President, to enforce by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings the laws of the United States within the State of Illinois, and the city of Chicago, within said State; and
Whereas, that for the purpose of enforcing the faithful execution of the laws of the United States in the State and city aforesaid the President has employed a part of the military force of the United States,
Now, therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of United States, do hereby admonish all good citizens and persons who may be or may come within the city and State aforesaid against aiding, countenancing, encouraging, or taking part in such unlawful obstructions, combinations, and assemblages; and I hereby warn all persons engaged in or in any way connected with such unlawful obstructions, combinations, and assemblages to disperse and retire peaceably to their respective abodes, on or before twelve o’clock noon of the ninth day July, inst.
Those who disregard this warning and persist in taking part with a riotous mob in forcibly resisting and obstructing the execution of the laws of the United States, or interfering with the functions of the Government, or destroying and attempting to destroy the property belonging to the United States, or under its protection cannot be regarded otherwise than as public enemies. Troops employed against such riotous mobs will act with all moderation and forbearance consistent with the accomplishment of the desired end, but the necessities that confront them will not with certainty permit discrimination between guilty participants and those who are mingled with them from curiosity and without intent. The only safe course, therefore, for those not actually and lawfully participating is to abide at their homes or at least not to be found in the neighborhood of riotous assemblages.