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| CHAPTER XIV. THE RIOTS OF 1877. BAILEOADS REDUCE WAGES AND A GENERAL STRIKE IS THE RESULT.—THE FIFTH MEETS THE EMERGENCY. The riots of 1877 grew out of the strikes of railroad employees in various parts of the country against a wholesale reduction of wages, as well as against other acts of the railroad companies, of which the men complained as unjust. It was one of the most formidable outbursts of domestic violence in the history of the United States, requiring the aid of the Federal army for its suppression. The Fifth was, at an unexpected time, called upon to assist in a large degree in defense of the City of Baltimore, and the regiment discharged its duty most creditably under the most trying circumstances. The announcement of the wage reduction was 4made by John W. Garrett, President of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, in the following order published July 11 : 1o the Officers and JZinployees of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company:— At a meeting of the Board of Managers of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company, held this day, the following preamble and resolutions were adopted : Whereas, The depression in the general business interests of the country continues, thus seriously affecting the usual earnings of railway companies, and rendering a futher reduction of expenses necessary, therefore be it R/>f!oh>ed, That a reduction often per cent, be made in the present compensation of all officers arid employees of every grade in the service of this company, where the amount received exceeds one dollar per day, to take effect on and after July 16th instant. COLONEL WILLIAM P. ZOLLINGBR. |