Jasper County Democrat, Volume 19, Number 38, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 August 1916 — RACE RIOT AT JOLIET [ARTICLE]

RACE RIOT AT JOLIET

White Teamsters of Hngcnbeck-Wal. lace Show Refuse to. Work with Negro Stake Drivers. Joliet, 111., Aug. 7.—Two white men may die as the result of a race riot between employes of the Hagenbeck-Wallace circus here tonight. The feud began this afternoon and before tonight’s performance the circus resembled an armed camp. Pitchforks, stakes, clubs and guns were used in the battle. White men, working as teamsters with the circus refused to work with negro stake drivers. The first clash came as the crowd was pouring from the afternoon’s show, when James O’Neil was attacked by. three negroes. Fif{y white men rushed the 35 negro stake drivers and the fight became general.

Sheriff George Scholl and a posse of deputies with drawn revolvers disarmed the men and threatened the arrest of the entire gang. A white m-.n and fw* negroes were arrested.