The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-11-27
A RIOT AMONG LAB0RERS.
Desperate Fight Between Workmen
of Rival Fuel Corporations.
One Man Killed and -Four Others Seriously
Observation-Disclosures Details of the
Murders at LacOnia.
A FATAL RIOT.
One Man Killed and Fonr Others Seriously
Ininreh.


Injured.
PITTsBURG, Pa, Nov. % Intelligence was
received tonight of a bloody riot at the
natural gas well, at Murraysville, Westmore-
land county, forty miles east of Pittsburg,
between laborers of rival gas-fuel companies,
resulting in the death of one man. and the
serious injury of four others. The burning
we'll at that point is claimed by the Penn
sylvania Fuel Company, and, also, by Milton
Weston, Chicago capitalist. The Pennsyl-
vania Fuel Company has been in possession
This afternoon gang of thirty laborers, in
the employ of Weston, made their appear
ance, armed with shotguns and clubs Their
intention was to take possession of the well
and the property surrounding. To reach the
well, they would be obliged to remove a
large pile of lumber. The laborers of the
Pennsylvania Fuel Company were digging a
trench for pipe As soon as the object of
the invaders was known c. n. Haymaker, a
member of the Pennsylvania Fuel Company
ordered the men out of the trench. They were
unarmed, and, in order to hold the lumber
pile, sat on it in a body The Weston forces
moved forward and ordered the laborers off
The latter refused to CO. and after threaten
ing demonstrations, the attacking party
raised their guns and fired. The assault was
unexpected and the result was frightful.
When the smoke cleared away, c. n Hay
maker and three others were found lying on
the ground. Haymaker was dead, and three
others OF his party whose names are not yet
ascertalned, were seriously and probably
fatally injured
A scene of the greatest confusion ensued
nj hot rod
pitched battle. A man named Kiefer, be-
longing to the Weston party, was seriously
injured, and many others slightly, The
Weston force, being armed finally put the
pennsylvania fuel force to flight, and at last
accounts were in possession. The sheriff has
been called upon, and detectives from this
city have been dispatched to the scene.
A later dispatch from the scene of the riot
says that the trouble occurred this morning,
and that the Pennsylvania Fuel Company's
party, led by Haymaker, were the aggressors.
The well was in possession of the Weston
forces Haymaker, early in the day, engaged
IN scut1e with workman named Bower
and was severely beaten. He then collected
eighty of his men, armed them with clubs
and after assaulting and fatally wounding
Kiefer, Weston's Waterman, Weston's
party opened fire, with the result given in
the previous dispatch. Haymaker's party
fed to Murraysville, and the sheriff was no
1t is reported, also, that Haymaker's brother
and friends have organized party and left
for the well, with the avowed intention to
nave revenge at any cost
ANOTHER OUTBREAK EXPECTED.
1:30 A. M.-The reports from Murraysville
are conflicting owing to the lack of telegraph
facilities, The first story telegraphed is now
affirmed. The attacking party was led by
Albert Bowser of Twins station. When
they appeared at the well Haymaker
mounted board-pile and ordered them off
Bowser charged on him and stabbed him in
the stomach four times and then shot him in
the side, killing him Instantly. The
order was then given by Bowser to
shoot, and six volleys were fired; three Penn
sylvania Fuel men were injured and the
balance, being unarmed, fed. Bowser then
took possession, and, with twenty-five men,
is keeping the sheriff and his posse of twenty
three at bay. Sheriff Referring succeeded in
capturing four Of the Bowser men, and an
inquest is now being held. Intense excite
ment prevails, and another outbreak is ex-
pected at any moment. Bowser's or West
on's force are armed with Winchester rifles.