As soon as the columns of workers reached the square in front of the National Theatre, they were met by forces of public order, specifically the 9th "Vânători de Munte" Regiment, the police and the gendarmerie, commanded by police prefect General Ștefănescu and by the head of the Bucharest garrison, General Mărgineanu. These forces had gathered on Ion Câmpineanu Street, in Pasajul Român, with their commanders being located in the police station inside the passage. From inside the passage, General Mărgineanu placed a telephone call to Prime Minister Ion I. C. Brătianu, asking his authorization to intervene against the demonstrators.