The Industrial Army Marches On
Unemployed marchers across the nation, organized into 'industrial armies,' draw large crowds and government scrutiny on their journey to Washington D.C.
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General Kelley and his troops reached Council Bluffs, Iowa, where thousands of residents gathered to witness the arrival of the 'Industrial Army.' Despite fears of lawlessness, the marchers maintained strict discipline, with many recruits being intelligent mechanics and professionals seeking work. Meanwhile, in Tacoma, 'General' Frank T. Cantwell was elected to lead the local branch, Christened the Northwestern Industrial Army. The commonwealers openly criticize President Cleveland and the federal government for failing to provide relief or public works for the thousands of hungry, unemployed citizens, arguing that the government's inaction constitutes a betrayal of the people. In Seattle, the movement is similarly organized, with barracks established and plans to publish a newspaper for the cause.
“Haven't we got a right to call them traitors?”
Coxey's Army and its offshoots like Kelley's represent an early American protest tradition of the 'march on Washington' for economic justice. These encampments were the 'Occupys' of their day, challenging the state to acknowledge the systemic failure of the economy during the Panic of 1893.
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