Democratic Sentinel, Volume 20, Number 15, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 April 1896 — ITALIANS SHOW FIGHT. [ARTICLE]

ITALIANS SHOW FIGHT.

Attempt to Break Out of the Deportation Pen at Ellis Island. It was one continuous round of excitement on Ellis island Tuesday. Twice a large body of Italians, held for deportation, made desperate attempts to escape from their place of imprisonment, and but for the courage and alertness of the few keepers and inspectors who had them in charge riot and bloodshed might have resulted. It was shortly after 10 o’clock when the first dutbreak occurred. There were 250 savage looking men, mostly Italians, shut inside the “to be deported” pen on the second floor of the main building. Suddenly there was a murmur among them. It increased to a growl and to a howl of defiance and rage. Hundreds of sunburnt, dirty hands tried to tear open the wire work of the pen. It began to bend and in a moment more would have given way had not the keepers rushed, up and down outside, pounding the protruding fingers. Dr. Senner early in the day realized the gravity of-the situation. He telegraphed to Washington that he must have more help. Just when all seemed peace the Arizona, the steamer which takes the immigrants from Ellis island to the battery, steamed in. As the released immigrants rau to board her some of them shouted to the throng of “detained.” In a moment all was excitement again. A fierce rush was made. Savage blows were struck at the officials, and more than one knife was drawn in the crowd. The officials went at the undisciplined mob fiercely, and after a few minutes’ fighting the little knot of breathless officers had the crowd subdued.