Rensselaer Republican, Volume 26, Number 48, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 July 1894 — "WAY DOWN SOUTH IN DIXIE.” [ARTICLE]

"WAY DOWN SOUTH IN DIXIE.”

War Between Deputies ami Miners In Alabama. A special from Birmingham, Ala., July 16, says: A 1 at tie between striking miners and deputies took place at Pratt': mine at 4:3.) p. m. Six men were killed and at least a score injured. A mass meeting of strikers was held in the forenoon and it was resolved to attack >ie negre employes of the mine as they < a ne out in the evening. This programme was partially carried out. As the negroes would come out one by one, a shot wo I'd be senl at them and they would to tlrt ground, either fatally wounded or dead. After the third negro had fallen the deputies opened fire on the mob and a fierce battle took place. B. W. Tierce, the commander of the deputies, fell to the ground. A Winchester ball had pierced his body just above the heart. Almost ai the same instant one of the strikers was seen to fall, but he arose again to hi) knees, and. taking aim with his Winchester, tired four times at the deputies. The deputies kept reloading their guns jnic liring and the mob began dispersing. Tin deputies then made a tour around the wounded striker, who was still firing, and after a time they succeeded in silencing his gun.

The strikers were finally beaten off anc help was summoned from Birmingham. Possees were organized to hunt tho men engaged in the attack. Gov. Jones hastilj sent the Birmingham battalion of Stati troops to the scene. The work of enrim for tho dead and- wounded then began Ten men were picked up. Six were dead Latest reports say no further trouble i: likely to take place. One negro Aas found dead a mile from the scene of tlir battle. Senator George has introduced a join’ resolution providing for an amendment t< tho Constitution providing that eight hours shall constitute a legal day's worl for persons doing manual labor. The proposed amendment specifi.es that “No person or association engaged in mining manufacturing, or in any other mechanical pursuit or public work, or fn transportation other than water craft, shall require or permit any employe' doing man ual labor to work more than forty-eiglr hours in one week except in cases of emor gcncy prescribed by law. Persons volun t&rlly and lawfully engaged in any of tin above pursuits shall not be unlawful)) hindered or obstructed.”