New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-07-08
RESCUED FROM A MOB.
THE ELY MINERS TAKEN BY SURPRISE.
VIGOROUS ACTION OF oovERsoR BARsTow-TwELvE
RINGLEADERs ARRESTED.

VIGOROUS ACTION OF GOVERSOR BARSTOW-TWELFE
RINGLEADERs ARRESTED.
IBY TELEGRAPH THE TBBUNE.I
VERsHIRE. VT, July THE Vermont Militia
has had short and decisive campaign at the little
mining town of Ely, which at early dawn to-day
was taken from the hands of 800 strikers. who for
several days have been in lawless possession. Not
since 1846, when the militia were called out to
suppress riot of railroad laborers at Bolton, has
the Governor found it necessary to call the State
troops to arms for special service within the State.
Great excitement prevailed throughout the State
yesterday when 1t was known that the
National Guard had been ordered to the
Ely mines Unless the miners received what was
due them before 7:30 O'clock this evening they de-
clared they would blow up the company's property,
of which they have been for days possession
and would burn tho town. And it was no empty
threat. Accordingly Governor Barstow yesterday
noon called out five companies of the National
Guard.
Special trains brought the troops promptly to
Montpelier, where the Governor joined them, and
Colonel Greenleaf took command of the battalion.
The troops arrived at the nearest railway station.
twelve miles from Ely, at 130 this morning.
They were drawn up in line and
twenty rounds of ammunition issued to
each man. Colonel Greeneaf addressed
the militia in few words, complimenting their full
ranks and promptness IN responding to tho call to
arms. He spoke OF tho probable demands that
would be made upon them to protect life and
property and said he believed they would show
courage aud forttude in any emergency that might
arise. The men then loaded on large six-horse
wagons. and with their tent equpage and rations in
the rear, the military train took up the line of
march for the Ely mines.
For three hours the numbering vehicles slowly
ascended the mountain road and at sunrise the
bleak hilltop of Ely mines loomed up. When within
two miles of Ely village the troops
alighted and marched in plltoons up toward the
mines. Meanwhile the Bradford company. which
had also b'ea called out, had been brought to
West FaIrlee in teams At break of day this com-
mand was detailed to make an independent
strategic movement for the purpose OF capturing
the powder magazine near the mines containing
| 14O kegs of blasting powder and dynamite.
Under Captain Watsou. the Bradford Guards, by
forced march skirted the crown of the hill on the
other side from the mine and village descended the
side hill and took possession of the magazine. and
CAPTURED four armed strikers who were on guard,
| without alarming the village Meanwhile the main
body of troops marched through West Falrlee VII
agc for tho MINES Adiutan,- General Peek led the
column, Colonel Greenlea following in direct com
mand. The Rutland company had the right OF the
| column, the Northteld company following and the
Montpelier and II. Adams companies coming pe1t'
| cscortug Governor BdTtUw and Quariefmaster-
Gener lde. Up the hcghts 10 fly village inaIcncu
| the column, brstlink steel presenting stirring
| scene The miners hOm~s appeared de-
serted hut az the tramp OF armed men
rrsounded along the highway. window blinds
| were opened and curtains raised, disclosing
the miners rousing from their slumbers The col
umn was preceded by High Sheriff Luke Parish aud
deputies These officers had warrants for The arrest
Of fifteen leading spirits in tho strike. by prompt
| movements the sheriff and his posse arrested such
| az they had warrants against and. applying hand
cuts, pnt them under military guard. In this way
twelve Of the rngeaders in tue strike were secured
! ana the object of the expedition attained
| The whole affair complete surprise To ne
miners and the sudden appearance in their midst of
| 200 troops rendered the turbulent populace sub
| missiye to the representatives OF law and order:
| MANY miners welcomed the militia and mingled
| with them. Nearly every miner expressed himself
as much surprised at the presence OF the troops,
! while some were angcred and muitrred ominous
/ threats. he Bradford company will remain 10
guard the property until Tomorrow and the rest OF
| the troops will return nome Tonight The arrested
strikers will be taken TO Chelsea JAN by the shern
| and deputies there 10 await Trial.
| The sympathy is all with the miners, who have
| been for months un paid and who arc suffering Tor
the nccessaries of life. Tne Vermont Copper Com
pany whose officers are wholly responsible for the
| trouble has made another offer TO oay 20 per
cent next week and the balance when the ore IN Tue
| mills can be smeltcd.