As
you know, the police have refused permits ever since the strike. And I
move that beginning with Thursday evening, we hold a meeting on the
corner of Market and Main streets, and tell this story to the public.
And that we continue to hold a meeting every night thereafter until we
have made good our right."
Samuel could see from the faces of the men what a serious proposition
this was to them. Everley launched into an impassioned speech. The
workingmen of the town had lost their last hope in the unions; they
were suffering from the hard times; and now, if ever, was the time to
open their eyes to the remedy. And the Socialists were powerless,
because they had permitted the police to frighten them. Now they must
make a stand.
"You realize that it will mean going to jail?" asked Dr. Barton.
"I realize it," said Everley. "We shall probably have to go several
times. But if we make up our minds from the beginning, we can win; we
shall have the sympathy of the people--and also we can break the
conspiracy of silence of the newspapers."
"That is the thing we must think of," said the woman in the chair.
"I am ready to do what I can," added the lawyer. "I will give my
services free to defend the speakers, or I will be the first man to be
arrested--whichever the comrades prefer."
"We will lose our jobs," said some one in the rear of the room.
"Yes," said Everley, "that is something you will have to consider.
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