Had this body been an army obedient to its leaders, it would have wielded great power; but it turned out to be only a mob.

Its members took part in demonstrations which were as much mutinies against the authority of their own executive board as they were strikes against their employers.

The result of lack of organization soon began to be evident.

In March 1886, the receiver of the Texas Pacific Railroad discharged an employee prominent in the Knights of Labor and thus precipitated a strike which was promptly extended to the Missouri Pacific.

There were riots at various points in Missouri and Kansas, and railroad traffic at St.Louis was completely suspended for some days, but the strike was eventually broken.