People's Pilot, Volume 4, Number 4, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 July 1894 — DEADLY SHOTS. [ARTICLE]

DEADLY SHOTS.

Fired by Regulars at Spring Valley Strikers —Two of the Latter Killed. Ladd, lU.. July 11.—The striking | miners came in contact with United I States regular troops at Spring Valley Tuesday evening and the result was i the first fatality of the recent disI turbances. Two strikers were killed ' and two rioters and three deputy sheriffs wounded. The United States soldiers arrived at Spring Valley at 4:3(1 p. m. They came into town from Chicago on a passenger train of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific railroad, which they were guarding through the mining region. As the train pulled into town the engineer and fireI man were greeted with a shower of stones from a mob of Lithuanians, i Italians, Belgians and Poles who had taken possession of the hill overlooking the depot. When the train stopped I the troops were ordered to the station I platform. The unexpected sight of the I men in blue brought out jeers and hoots from the strikers on the hill. Several stones were also thrown at the troops. The miners outnumbered the soldiers ten to one, and the leaders of the mob considered, judging by their actions, that they had an easy prey. The leaders in their various languages spoke to their following and the latter grew more demonstrative. Stones continued to fill the air uni til the captain of the company raised his hand and ordered the men to cease . their throwing. While he was speak- ; ing there was a slight cessation, and I at the conclusion of his remarks a j shower heavier than any previous i filled the air. The captain then turned ; to his company and ordered them ito take aim and fire. The rais- : ing of the hammers caused a distinctive click, and as the volley , rang out two men in the mob fell j to the ground. They were both in I the rear of the mob and higher on the | hill. I At Spring Valley the alien miners indulged in rioting and carousing all day. Later in the day squads of miners came in from Peru, La Salle, Oglesby and other mining towns. They considered their forces insufficient to make an attack in the city, however, an<> about 11 j o’clock drifted out to shaft No. 3, I located 1 mile west of the city. The j militia were informed of this move and a detachment intercepted th rioti ers when they were within a few blocks of the shaft. The rioters were much enraged at their failure to carry out their designs and gave the militia much trouble. They did not disperse until several of their number were severely prodded by the bayo ets of the militia. From Leadville all deputies that could be spared were rushed on to Spring Valley. S. T. Powell, proprietor of the City hotel at Princeton, took over a load in a wagon and when he was about half way back a number of I Italian rioters opened fire upon him j from a thicket. Four shots were fired by them, two taking effect in Iris face. He drew a revolver and fired four shots. One man gave a groan and fell. He was carried away by his companions. The strikers have induced the city council to pass a resolution to the effect that Mayor Jack should at once order the state militia out of the city limits. In response to a telegram to Gov. Altgeld the troops were ordered to remain at their present location. The city council has employed attorneys who are working on an opinion. It is likely that the council will swear in a large force of strikers as special police to move the militia unless the latter are soon reinforced by additional troops. The situation in Spring Valley has been growing more complicated every hour. Sheriff Cox, as yet, has made no I attempt to arrest the rioters, who have j so far either destroyed or carried off ; over $65,000 worth of property. Some of the miners’residences are said to be literally fnled with furniture and plunder they have secured the last few I days, and as a result they are in high : spirits.