As unemployment rates soared in the winter of 1873-74, workingmen organized to seek relief. In New York City, mass-meetings were frequent: While their spokesmen met with officials at City Hall, hundreds and sometimes thousands of unemployed workers gathered outside. "Their physical presence," Samuel Gompers remembered, "gave urgency to their needs."

Plans had been made for a parade and a large, outdoor mass-meeting to be held of Jan. 13, 1874, but city officials interfered. Originally, the mayor had agreed to address the meeting, but the Police Commissioner issued a permit that stopped the parade on Canal Street -- blocks away from City Hall.