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Account of the Haymarket Riot.

Mayor Harrison was seen at his residence after midnight. He was up conversing with his family over the affairs of the night. He said: ". . . I went down to the meeting and mingled with the crowd, going from point to point and hearing all that was said. First Spies made a speech a little incendiary, and then he introduced Parsons, who was not very incendiary, and who struck me as being more demagogical. The crowd did not strike me as being sympathetic with the speakers. Those on the outskirts jeered them, saying "Well, they never work," etc. Those directly around the speaker's stand cheered them vigorously. . . . A little after 10 o'clock I left the meeting, and got home about 10:20 o'clock. Bonfield in the meantime had directed all the stations, except in the Desplaines, Madison, and Lake Street Station, to let the reserve force go. About 10:30 o'clock I undressed and was about going to bed when I heard what seemed like a cannon and then a rattling sound after it. I thought it might be thunder. I raised the window and then heard the rattling of small arms, revolver shots, and got the direction they were in. I dressed and went down to the station. There I found twenty-eight of our men more or less badly wounded and two dead, and others that I fear will die. . . . I inquired as to the cause. . . . It seems that after Parsons finished, a fellow named Fielden commenced to talk. One officer reported that he said that the crowd should before morning go and mete out to the silk-stocking aristocracy what their brothers at McCormick's had received yesterday. Another officer reported that Fielden called the crowd to arms, and to act before morning. . . . Where it [the bomb] came from I do not know, some say it was from a window, others from the stand where Fielden was, and some think they saw the man. We'll find out. . . . Almost immediately after the bomb, pistol shots were fired. I don't know whether it was the crowd or police who shot first. The detectives say it was the mob. . . . / I should judge from the way they cheered that there were 300 or 400 men around the speaker who wanted to do something to-night. Around were some who went to see. . . . I suppose that Fielden's speech was so incendiary that when the police appeared they were ready to do anything. I can't tell what will be the result of this. Naturally this will bring the people who think to their senses. It would strike me that it would at once convince the better element of the strikers that they must cut loose from these nihilists. This shows that the nihilists don't want eight hours but revolution. . . . This affair does not change my views. I shall take care of and protect the city to the best of my ability. Neither will this change the actions of the police, though they will look out for bombs now. . . . The fellow that had that bomb may have been a nihilistic crank. My impression is that Mr. Spies is responsible for to-night's action in his calling the meeting, together with the headlines, ‘Blood!’ ‘Revenge!’ He will be indicted for inciting riot and bloodshed at once. His paper is evidence enough. He wanted them to meet the police, and the crowd did meet the police, and were prepared with deadly weapons. The police will look up the other fellows, and have evidence enough for them."

"What if they find the man that threw the bomb?"

"Great God, they will swing him. I can't tell what I will do to-morrow. I can not make up my mind at once. This is a sort of thing where a man must be guided by the facts before him. This does not excite or alarm me, but it disgusts me, and makes me sad. I knew danger was liable to come, but when I went home I thought Parsons was the last speaker. I will protect this city."

This morning Inspector Bonfield went to Zipp's [Zepf's] Hall, corner of Lake and Desplaines street, and closed the saloon and hall. In the building they found several muskets, some red flags and a large mass of socialist documents. There were some books and correspondence which was in German. As far as they have been translated nothing treasonable or opposed to good order was found. Crowds gathered on the corners, and some began to complain about the closing of the building, but when the officers explained the necessity of the action all acquiesced save two, who were gently but firmly persuaded to move up the street. Grief's Hall, at 54 West Lake street was next visited. A meeting of freight-handlers was in session. After a conference with Inspector Bonfield, the President of the association invited him to address the boys. He went in and was introduced to the striking freight-handlers. The President said:

Men, every one of you raise your right hands and swear that you have no sympathy with the socialists who committed the dreadful crime of last night, and that you deprecate all misrule and will do your level best to keep the peace from being broken, and that you will do your part as good citizens to protect men and property from any harm.

Every many raised his hand and emphasized his answer with a lusty "I will."

Inspector Bonfield made them a little speech, and advised them to avoid assembling in crowds upon the streets, and especially not to march in procession. He gave them a lot of good advice about avoiding even the appearance of evil, and withdrew. . . .