April 8, 1894: Jail Yawning for Gen. Coxey
Note the change of tone in the news coverage of (and government response to) the Coxey movement, as compared to that at the beginning of the march: from crackpot, to harmless, to drama. And now, perceived as a threat.
April 14, 1894: Commonwealers Nigh Unto Riot
FROSTBURG, MD., April 14 — Revolt in the ranks of Coxey’s army today leaves the Commonwealers in a state bordering on riot. Chief Marshal Carl Browne of California was deposed as Marshal, and Louis Smith, “The Unknown,” is in full charge.
The speech Jacob Coxey (almost) never gave
When participants in Coxey’s Army (estimated at 500 people) reached Washington on May 1, 1894, having started their march in Massillon, Ohio, they were met by 1500 soldiers, with more on call in case of trouble. Jacob Coxey went to speak, but only managed to make it through the first two paragraphs, before getting arrested for walking on the grass.