"This is to certify that —— has been employed in the capacity of yard clerk of the Missouri Pacific system from April, 1893 to June, 1894, at which time it was necessary to lay him off on account of a strike in the yards. He applied for work on July 18th, but in the meantime it was learned that he was a member of the American Railway Union and was in sympathy with the strike movement, so we could not re-employ him. His work and conduct up to the time of the strike was perfectly satisfactory.
J. S. Jones,
Terminal Supt."
CHAPTER XVI.
TRIAL OF DEBS.
On the 23d day of July, the day set for the trial of the officers of the American Railway Union,—Debs, Howard, Rodgers and Kelliher were on hand to answer to the charge of contempt.
The court room was densely packed, when Judges Wood of Indianapolis and Grosscup of Chicago entered and Judge Wood raised a serious objection to the crowded condition, saying that only those finding seats should be allowed to remain,—lawyers, and possibly reporters.
After signing and swearing to the answers, the defendants filed in at 11:40 and Judge Wood asked if the Santa Fe road was represented. Attorney Miller stepped forward and was asked if both proceedings could not be heard at the same time. Judge Wood favored this to save time, and it was finally agreed that if the Santa Fe cases be heard later the government testimony on this bearing be admitted. Attorney Gregory thereupon submitted the answers to the information filed before Judge Seaman in the contempt proceedings, and suggested that the trial for which the defendants had given bail be immediate and have precedence over the contempt proceedings. Judge Woods said that the court could decide upon a motion for delay, much more intelligently could they have the government information and the answers filed by the defendants. Attorney Milchrist then read the court the information.
As Attorney Gregory had previously moved that the information be dismissed and the defendants discharged on their sworn answers, Attorney Erwin followed by reading the answers.