The Unemployed March Across the West
Across the country, the 'Industrial Army' of the unemployed takes to the rails to march on Washington, D.C.
Two separate movements of the unemployed, inspired by the economic instability of 1894, are crossing the nation. In California, men have boarded freight trains to head east, hoping to petition Congress for relief from the unemployment that has gripped the state for two years. Meanwhile, in Seattle, the local branch of the army spent the day drilling and collecting donations, including salmon, coffee, and underwear. They plan a parade and services at the Y.M.C.A. as they coordinate with other movements in Tacoma to push for government employment programs.
“California has kept these men and 10,000 more for over two years, and we believe it is now the government's duty to give us employment.”
This movement, often called 'Coxey's Army' in the broader national context, was the first significant protest march on the US Capitol. It mirrors later populist economic mobilizations, where the struggle for labor rights and employment relief became a national stage for disenfranchised citizens.
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