The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-07-02
EXCITING DAY IN CHICAGO.
The West Division HOrse-Railway Com
pany Attempts to Run It's Cars,
But Is Prevented by Mob of Strikers-The
Cars BOmbarded with Bricks, and
Wrecked in the Streets.

CHICAGO, July 1.-The West Division Street
car Company sent out three cars on its Madison
street line early this morning, but the drivers
were compelled to return to the barns. Fully
1000 strikers and citizens were assembled near
the car barns, and when the ears came out they
were met with volley of bricks and stones which
shivered the window panes and caused other
wreckage about the cars. Several car
drivers and conductors were struck
by the flying missiles. A deputy sheriff
was on the platform of each car
and in the excitement one of the officers drew
revolver and threatened to fire. but desisted. 1t
is claimed that the company will endeavor to
start the cars under the protection of the city
police, and trouble is feared.
At 1870 car, with eight policemen and re-
porter as the sole passengers, started from the
barn on Western avenue down town on the Mad
ison street track. The car got through without
any difficulty, except occasional hootings.
Trouble was expected at Halstead
street, but there was none. This
car was followed by two others also with police
and deputy sheriffs No passengers were taken.
The cars went over the route without molesta-
ton. On the return trip, however, the cars were
met by mob of 1000 or 5000 at Jefferson
street. They followed the cars, with boots ard
yells, to Union street. From there on to Hal
sted street the scene was one of the most riotous
description. The crowd hurled beer barrels,
stones, and all sorts Of missiles. at the cars,
smashing the windows and nearly wrecking
them. Several arrests were made, but the
police were almost powerless to handle
the mob. At Union street all sorts
of distractions were thrown on the track, and
several ringleaders were arrested and shot
was fred at one of the supposed leaders. Mis-
sies even thrown from the buildings on
the street at the cars The cars are moving
along slowly, with great crowd following and
utterins threats
Proceeding further west, an enormous crowd
of threatening men had assembled near Ann
street, and the air was filled with stones AS the
tried To make their way through. the po-
licemen hit and injured, and the cars
badly wrecked, resulting in their finally
being thrown off the track and overturned
near the sidewalk line. The authorities
are now massing the entire reserve police force
along Madison street and are making number
of arrests. The police have been patient, and,
with the exception of the one shot fired near the
corner of Union Street, revolvers have not been
used
The three cars. badly wrecked, under heavy
guard of police. finally taken to the compa
ny's barn on Western avenue, and the riotous
demonstrations have for a time ceased, although
great crowds of excited men still throng Mad
ison street. What the street company now
contemplate doing, whether it will make any
further effort to move its cars. appears now to
be uncertain. No further trouble is expected,
except in the event of another attempt to start
the ears.
LATER-As the streetcar company has made
no further effort to start cars out, all is quiet
about the barns. The principal thoroughfares
leading west. however contain plenty of evidence
that the strike is still on The ca--tracks
are kept warm by an endless stream of
express wagons and other vehicles, all loaded
with passengers to their fullest capacity. Express
wagons are popular conveyances Each
is conspicuously labeled 40 cents to Western
Avenue" and their drivers confess to making
plenty of money One enterprsing tea firm to-
day started free bus labeled For Ladies Only"
intending to catch the tea-drnkers
AT ii o'clock tonight there reports in
circulation indicating any likelihood of change
in the situation before morning.