Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1877-07-21

here making every possible effort to
conciliate the strikers and move the
trains, especially the live stock trains,
in which the poor animals are suffering
very much from the excessive heat
Up to p NJ. no freight trains had
been moved either east or west, and the
strikers showed no signs of receding
from their position. The trouble, how
ever, seemed to be confined to NUM-
Der of men from Baltimore, some o.
them in no way connected with the
railroad. Very few of the railroad com
pany's employees residing in Martins
burg have engaged in the obstructive
resistance, but there seems TO be nc
doubt the strike will become general.
All passenger and mail trains have
been allowed to pass unobstructed, only
the freight trains being embargoed
The idea in this is to avoid amenability
to the laws of the United States for OBJ
structing the mails. No damage has
been done to the property of the rail
road company or attempted, The mel
engaged in the strike say they do not
mean to MODEST any person. All they
ask is living compensation for their
labor. They say that at the present
prices the fremen cannot pay their
daily expenses, much less support their
families.
Heavy conveys of freight trains are
lying on the sidings east and west OF
Mariinsburg. a train of stock shipped
here has been reshipped by Mr. Mantz
over the Cumberland Valley and West
ern Maryland railroad. Thus far the
authorities have been unable to secure
the passage of single freight train:
Tonight the excitement had quoted
down, and everybody is waiting TO see
what will turn up.
MIDNIGHT News FROM THE SEAT OF
WAR.-Martinsburg, w. Va, July IL.
Midnight intelligence has been receiv-
ed here by the IL o'clock train from the
West that the strike has extended over
the entire line, which has greatly
encouraged the strikers, who in conse-
quence feel more confident and deter
mined. Otherwise the situation remains
unchanged.
About TWO hundred of the strikers
and their supporters are at this hour
strung along the railroad in squads, in
the city and vicinity, armed with pis-
tolls and some few with guns. Perfect
order prevails, and even the converse
ton Of the strikers discussing the situa-
ton are in subdued tones.
A guard of twelve men and serge
ant of Berkeley Light Infantry are sta
toned at the courthouse guarding
the company's armory. The company
is largely composed Of railroad menr
and in consequence they were unwilling
to act when called ont this morning. 1t
is not likely that they will be called out
again, as it seems to be the impression
that the majority Of them would not
respond to orders.
Mr.. Thomas r. Sharp, master of
has been at the telegraph
efiice during the night up to this hour
busily corresponding with the officers
of the company regarding the situation,
and receiving advices. He states that
Gov. Matthews has ordered militia
company to this point from Moorefeld..
1t is not known here what action has
been taken in regard to requesting the
of the United States sol
dlers, but the opinion is generally ex-
pressed that the nature of the distur-
bance would not warrant the President
in such course. This feeling gives
the strikers further assurance.
The Wheeling militia company, ex-
pected here tonight, did not arrive.
The strikers remain at their posts,
doubtless expecting their arrival. The
strikers say they do not want any blood
shed, but they will resent any interior
ence 1t is stated that gang Of fifty
men are located few miles west from
here at this hour to obstruct the militia
ry should they come on special train.
The strikers will not interfere with
any trains carrying the United States
mail. The Wheeling company, itisun
derstood, will not arrive here until five
o'clock this "wednesday morning,when
an attempt will be made to pass out the
trains. The militia company COM
prises 40 or so men. 1t is thought
that movement will be made to arrest
the rim gleaders in the strike. The stu
alton is very alarming.
The strike went into effect on the
third division this morning, and no
freight trains are allowed.to pass Key
ser, Piedmont and other points, where
considerable excitement prevails, but
there is no report OF any serious distur-
bance.
Private Poisal, party to the shoot
ing of Vandergriff, is conductor on a
freight train, but is not connected with
the strike. The strikers justify the shot
fred at him on the ground that he was
overstepping his duty, as he had no or
ders from Capt. Faulkner to close the
switch. Poisals injuries are slight.
Vandergrjff is now in an easy condition,
and there are hopes of his recovery. The
strikers are greatly incensed over the
shooting, and serious disturbance would
doubtless have followed his death. His
left arm was amputated at the elbow,
and the thumb OF the right hand was
also removed.
AT this hour, quarter past one o'clock,
almost everybody has retired except the
knots of strikers along the railroad.
Several hundred people have been con-
gregated at the depot during the night.
President Hays, in compliance with