The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-05-06
RIOTERS SLAIN.
Wisconsin Militia Fire Upon Mob Of Poles
and Kill Four Persons.

Wisconsin Militia Fire Upon q Mob Of Poles
and Kill Four Persons.
MILWAUKEE, May 5.-Residents of the south
ern portion of the city who were astir at early
hour this morning noticed the movement of a
great number of Polacks who had participated in
yesterdays riots at Bay Viaw, singly and in
pairs making their way towards the large
Polish Church in that section of the city By 6
o'clock no.less than 400 men were assembled,
each bearing huge club, iron bar or some other
instrument of warfare. The men were formed
into line and at the order of forward, march,
proceeded in the direction of Bay View raising,
the cry as they went: "Kill the militia and burn
the mils!" Being apprised of the mob's coming
Major Traumer ordered the four companies un-
der his command from inside the rolling-mill's
enclosure, where they had been in camp during
the night, and stationed them in the best posi-
tion to check the advancing mob. AS the lattcr
approached they were ordered to stop No heed
was given. Major Traumer repeated the order
and gave all fair warning that to advance meant
certain death. Again the crowd, which was now
about !, 500 feet distant ignored the caution and
pressed forward toward the bridge Major
Traumer had orders to keep any crowd from ap-
preaching the mills and to fire upon them as
last resort, if the order could not otherwise be
enforced. Accordingly, when no attention had
been given tothe second warning, he gave the
order to fire. AS nearly as could be learned, the
six companies emptied their guns with steady
aim into the throng Seeing several of their
number fall wounded the mob threw themselves
fat on the ground. and sought the shelter of the
railway embankment. The level of South Bay
street and Lincoln avenue, being higher than the
marsh, was also sought by the frantic men, who
tumbled headlong into the water. There was
every evidence on surrounding objects to show
that the militia had fired low, and with intent
to kill" as one of them expressed it.
The result of the first volley, having had such
sautary effect, the militia companies stacked
their arms. and portions of the routed mob re-
turned to the scene of the tragedy A squad of
police also put in appearance and began to
assist the wounded. Several of the latter were
taken to neighboring saloons and dosed with
whisky after which they were conveyed to their
homes. The killed and wounded are given be-
low:
Michael Ruchalski. laborer, aged forty, was
shot through the breast, and expired shortly
afterwards. He lived on Garden street, near the
city limits; is married, but has no children.
Frank Kuckel, aged sixty -nine; lived III little
shanty on South Bay street, was shot through
the heart while feeding the chickens in his yard;
was laborer, but had not been working for
four years, owing to rheumatism; he leaves
wife and five children.
John Maszke alaborer, aged twenty four, was
shot through the bowels; the ball going clear
through him. he died in greatagony at his house,
700 Fourth avenue. He leaves a wife and one
child.
Martin Jankowikow alaborer, aged ffty-seven,
shot through the chest the ball entering in front
and passing out in the rear; extreme unction
was administered to the dying man by Father
Lewandowski at his home.
Casimer Dudeck, of Seymour. aged thirty, was
shot In the left cheek, hand and arm; half Of his