The Cheyenne daily leader. [volume] (Cheyenne, Wyo.) 1870-1884, 1882-03-09
RULE OF. THE MOB.
An Immense Labor Demonstration in
Omaha
Which Wound Up in Lawiessness
and Riot.
A Big Strike.

Omaha, March 8.-The B. 81 NJ
railroad company recently purchased
several blocks near the levee to give
them additional room for handling
freight, and on which to erecta large
freight depot. Ten days ago, James
Stephenson, who got the contract for
grading these grounds, put 100 men at
work at $1.25 per day, and in a day or
two they struck for S1.50, which was
conceded, and they then demanded
81 I, which was refused. Numerous
meetings have been held. and all the
laboring men have stood by the strikers.
The result is that the Omaha labor
union, composed of over 1000 mem
bers, has been organized, and this union
has fixed the price of common day
labor in Omaha at $1.75 per day. An
enthusiastic meeting was held at the
academy of music last evening, and it
was resolved to havea'a grand parade
and demonstration this afternoon, in
which laboring men and mechanics and
other unions should participate. The
object was to show sympathy for the
strikers and to demonstrate the strength
Of the laboring classes. AT 2 O'Clock
this afternoon the assembly took place
at jefferson square, and owe 1000 men
formed in line, and headed by a band
of music marched through the principal
streets, along the line of which tnou-
sands and thousands of people gathered
to see the procession. Among those
who Joined in the procession were a
large force of laborers and mechanics
from the Union Pacific shops, where
over l,500 men are employed. The
Union Pacific shops were nearly all
closed during the afternoon in conse-
quence.
On Monday last the B. & NJ. took
hold of the matter of grading their own
grounds, and run a special train from
Plattsmouth with 100 laborers and put
them at work under the protection of
fifty special policemen. Work contin-
ued all day and at night the train with
LILO LnCh mdo luh paSh W labbohlOubhs
The same programme was carried out
yesterday and this morning without
disturbance, but this afternoon the
procession of the labor union finally
marched to the B. & NJ. grounds and
broke ranks. The B. & NJ. workmen
fled, some leaving behind their coats
and dinner pals. The horses were cut
loose from the scrapers and turned
loose. The tools we're scattered in every
direction. Thousands of people stood
on the high bluffs watching the riotous
proceedings with intense interest and
anxiety. The special policemen were
roughly handled and their tin stars torn
from their breasts, and pany of them
were obliged to leave the grounds.
Near the steam shovel two special pc.
licemen were badly pounded with clubs
and brutally kicked and severely in
jured. One B. & NJ. shoveller drew a
revolver and would have been torn to
pieces had not two regular policemen
escorted him to a place of safety. An
other B. & NJ. workman was badly
pounded up, receiving some severe
wounds. A special policeman who was
standing on the watertank of the steam
shovel was bombard9d with stones and
frozen pieces of dirt, and finally drew a
large revolver, and pointing it at the
crowd mrde them stand back for a mo-
ment. Just at this time there was a
report, and it was claimed by some that
he fired, while others said a man in the
crowd fired. The special policeman
was now hit in the eye with a piece of
frozen dirt, and was knocked down.
He then crawled into the caboose of the
steam shovel, and was finally taken
away by regular policemen to save him
from the fury of the mob, who wanted
to throw him in the river.
Several other exciting disturbances
occurred. 1t was finally announced
that the B. & M. would not attempt tc
do any more work to-day, and a promi-
nent striker said that they should do nc
work on any other day for less than
S1.75 per day. The mob dispersed al
5 O'Clock. Considerable excitement
prevails, and tears are entertained thai
the worst is not over.
Mayor Boyd will probably call on Gov
Nance for military protection for al
laborers who wish to go to work for TIN
B. & NJ. 1t is likely that a strong mill
tary force will be put on duty at once