This last answer is ordered stricken out, and Spies was told to say nothing but in answer to questions. Spies was asked to tell what he said at the meeting. It was a short synopsis of the existing state of the labor world. First, he said that the meeting was to be a peaceable one; that it was not called for the purpose of creating trouble. Attention was directed to the strike at East St. Louis, where those who were active in the riots there were not Socialists nor Anarchists, but church-going people, and honest, sincere Christians. It was admitted by students that society was retrograding; the masses were being degraded under the excessive work they had to carry on. For twenty years the working men asked in vain for two hours less work a day, and that finally they resolved to take the matter in their own hands and help themselves. “About this time I saw Parsons, then I broke off. I was not in a state to make a speech. I was tired. I introduced Parsons, and he proceeded to address the meeting.”
“What was the size of the crowd then?”—“About two thousand persons.”
“Where did you go after finishing your speech?”—“I remained on the wagon.”
“You spoke in English?”—“Yes. I made no speech in German that night. I was asked to do so, but was too tired. I introduced Fielden and he made a brief speech, then we intended to go home.”
“What did Parsons say in his speech?”—“Parsons made a pretty good speech. He said of the dollar earned by the working men they got only fifteen cents, while the pharisaical class got eighty-five cents, and that the eight-hour movement was a still-hunt for that eighty-five cents.”
“What do you remember of Fielden’s speech?”—“Well, Fielden did not say much. I don’t remember now what he did say.”
“Were you on the wagon when the police came?”—“Yes. I saw the police on Randolph street.”
“At that time what was the size of the meeting?”—“It was as good as adjourned. About two-thirds of those present went, some going to Zephf’s hall when the black cloud came up.”
“What did you hear when the command to disperse was given?”—“I was standing in the middle of the wagon, back of Fielden. I heard Captain Ward say; ‘I command you, in the name of the people of Illinois, to disperse.’ Captain Ward had a cane or club in his hand. FidldenFielden said to him: ‘Captain, this is a peaceable meeting.’ I started to get down out of the wagon. My brother Henry and one Legner helped me down. I was indignant at the thought that the police had come to disperse the meeting, as it was a quiet one. Just as soon as I reached the ground I heard a loud detonation. I thought the police had a cannon to frighten the people. I did not dream for a moment of a bomb, and I did not even then think the police were firing at the crowd. I thought the police were firing over their heads.”
“Where did you go to?”—“I was pushed along by the crowd. I went to Zephf’s hall.”