Now follows what the Strike Commissioners themselves have to say about
the deputy marshals, and their words are specially commended to the
thoughtful consideration of their chief, President Cleveland: “United
States deputy marshals, to the number of 3,600, were selected by and
appointed at request of the General Managers’ Association, and of its
railroads. They were armed and paid by the railroads, and acted in the
double capacity of railroad employes and United States officers. While
operating the railroads they assumed and exercised unrestricted United
States authority when so ordered by their employers, or whenever they
regarded it as necessary. They were not under the direct control of any
government official while exercising authority. This is placing officers
of the government under control of a combination of railroads. It is a
bad precedent, that might well lead to serious consequences.”