Francis E. Davidson, chairman of the Milwaukee County Progressive committee, made the following statements to District Attorney Zabel on Oct. 16:
Mr. Bloodgood called me over to his office and said that I was to take charge of the Roosevelt meeting in the Auditorium. Among other duties, I was to inform the police department and ask for protection for Col. Roosevelt while he was in the city. I went to the office of the chief of police with Paul Heyl, sergeant-at-arms, two days before the meeting. The chief of police was not in, but I was sent to the inspector. We told him that we wanted police protection at the depot, on the streets and at the Hotel Gilpatrick for Col. Roosevelt, which was promised. In going away I did not think that he attached enough importance to what I told him, and I went back and asked him on account of conditions in the country I wanted extra police protection for the Colonel, and was informed that he had taken care of Col. Roosevelt before.
(Mr. Zabel)—When this car arrived in Milwaukee, what police protection was visible to you?
(Answer)—I think there were two or three policemen down at the station in uniform.
(Mr. Zabel)—Were there any plain clothes men that you recognized?
(Answer)—Not that I recognized.
(Mr. Zabel)—Are you familiar with them?
(Answer)—No.
(Mr. Zabel)—Where were they stationed?
(Answer)—One in front of the depot and one at the gate.