Source: A July 24, 1877 Washington, D.C. newspaper account of protests in Columbus, Ohio, during the nationwide railroad strikes in the summer of 1877.
“The mob which raided private establishments today closed up nearly all the rolling-mills, machine-shops and factories on the west side of the river. The mob was not composed of railroad men, but of tramps, miners, and idle roughs, who seem to have but recently come to the city. No violence was offered by the mob, as the operatives quit work and the shops suspended on the first demand in almost every case. In a few instances protests were made, but invariably the reply was shut up or burn up. The striking railroad men deny any connection with the raids on the shops, and say they are not responsible for the actions of the mob.”