Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 41, Number 122, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 November 1909 — Soldiers On Guard at Scene Of Great Mine Disaster. [ARTICLE]

Soldiers On Guard at Scene Of Great Mine Disaster.

Fears that alleged threats to blow up the Cherry, 111., mines with dynamite and to slay the mine operators might be carried into effect Governor Deneen has ordered several companies of Illinois militia to the scene. A demonstration has been feared when the bodies of the 300 miners 'are brought to the surface. The fire has continued to rage notwithstanding the fact that the shaft was sealed and further attempt to fight the flames with water was postponed until today. Tuesday was the semi-monthly pay day, and the widows and orphans of the entombed miners lined up to receive the pay due the husbands and fathers whose lives were so unceremoniously snuffed out. Practically all the families are foreigners and many of them can not speak English and a translator was required to talk with them. Many of them want to be sent back to their native countries where they have relatives. Appeals have been made for immediate charity. Shoes, underwear, and quantities of women’s and children’s clothing are badly needed, and many of the poor mothers have several very young children and will have to have financial assistance all winter. Supplies are on the way there from many of the larger cities. In at least one case a baby was born after the disaster that killed the husband and oldest son of the mother. Many are the heart-rending tales that come from the scene of the terrible disaster.