The Soldiers Who Refused to Ride With Scabs

Walla Walla Statesman: A Statesman reporter today interviewed Lieut. Col. McCarthy, of this city, regarding the actions of Company G, of Spokane, in refusing to ride with non-union men from Tacoma to Pasco and Spokane, which has been the subject of considerable newspaper controversy, and which is liable to result in a court-martial of Brig. Gen. Curry. Briefly, Mr. McCarthy said:

"The command in two sections left the depot at Woodland about 9 or 10 p.m., July 6. I was in the first section. About half way between Woodland and Tacoma the engine pulling our section stopped; cause, no water in the boiler. I examined the engine and boiler, and found that we were unable to proceed. Fearing some such accident would happen to the second section coming up behind us, I determined to send a party on foot to Edison, the nearest point, where an engine could be procured, with instructions to bring it back to where we were all on an up grade. I went through the cars where the men of the Second regiment were sleeping, and after telling them the facts asked for volunteers for the duty. I intended to take three or four from each car. The men responded promptly; in fact, all wanted to volunteer. Looking round for an officer who was acquainted with the ground, someone suggested Lieut. Clarke, of Company C, First regiment, whose company was attached to my section. Lieut. Clarke promptly volunteered, and in less time than it takes to tell I had his squad en route. Meanwhile I traveled back about a mile to Murray and located a stream and was arranging to have the tank filled by buckets, when the rear section came up, attached itself to our train and pushed us slowly into Edison. We overtook the volunteers, who had made wonderful progress. In this rear section the men were principally First regiment men. Arriving at Edison the second section with its own engine took the lead, halting but a short time.

"During the halt a committee of Company G, Second regiment, made a call on Gen. Curry and protested against being carried forward by a train manned by non-union men, etc. The interview was cut short by their section starting, and they went along to Tacoma. Our section remained some time at Edison, the damaged engine being put in shape. Gen. Curry seemed worked up over the incident, and I was simply astounded at their audacity and advised a board of officers to inquire into it and that action be had to check any such proceedings. When we arrived at Tacoma Gen. Curry went up town or disappeared for several hours and I was busy with the command. I was informed that members of G company were fraternizing with the American Railway Union and conducting themselves unsoldierly. Passing near their car I saw the company in line, officers standing near the flanks, and several called out to me. I paid no attention to the first call, but I had to pass that way again, when they again demanded that I come forward. I did so, and found what appeared to be the full strength of the company in two ranks. Lieutenants on the left flank and Capt. Munsher, acting as spokesman, told me that they wouldn't ride on this train or any train manned by non-union men or scabs, etc. Nearly all of the men in the company had something to say to the same effect. I asked them if they would shoot if ordered to do so. The answer was 'no,' from all sides. I then, speaking very quietly to them, asked them to reconsider the matter and act like good soldiers, etc.; said I was very sorry to see them act as they did. They refused to reconsider, and I said: 'Now, boys, I don't want to be in doubt about this; all of you who are of the same opinion, and who refuse to go out with us on this train and obey orders hold up your hands,' or words to that effect. As far as I could see all held up their hands. I said: 'So it is unanimous.'

"They appeared determined, so I ordered forward Companies D and F, Second regiment, and placed the mutineers under guard, and a detail of Company K, Second regiment, took possession of their arms. I kept them under guard until the excitement caused by the affair abated, and the trainmen who contemplated attacking them were appeased by their prompt disarming. I stationed a guard over the car and arms with instructions to watch the movements of the mutineers, and I reported to Gen. Curry. The A.R.U.'s applauded the Company G men, who responded, and a large body of cavalrymen came down and fraternized with the mutineers and cheered them, and there was a regular love feast for a few minutes. None of the balance of the command showed any sympathy. In fact, a general feeling of contempt was shown for them.

"I searched around the depot for Gen. Curry and could not find him, but found one of his personal staff, to whom I related these circumstances, requesting him to inform his chief. Shortly afterwards a member of the staff said the general requested that they be released from arrest, but to keep the arms until he had a chance to lecture the boys. So I relieved the guard. When Gen. Curry came on the ground I reported my action. He had the company marched into a car, had a private talk with them, and just before starting ordered me to return the arms, which I did without comment. The men of G company were for several hours violent in their determination to stay behind, but the fear of being stranded so far away from home caused them to make a feint of repentance. Lieut. Brooks, whilst he did nothing to restrain the men (he seemed to be averse to do what I ordered), said he would obey orders. Lieut. Brown said he was with the boys, and could not do what I ordered. The company as a body, with the one exception, took part in the great demonstration. In my opinion it was a mutiny of the company and not of a few, and the company should be disbanded and otherwise punished. At least it should be disbanded."