Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-07-23
A CHARGE ON THE HUNS
Riot In the Coal Region Over tho Importa-
ton Of Foreign Labor.

A strike and serious riot occurred last even.
ing at the Nottingham colliery of the Lehigt
and Wilkesbarre Coal Company wherein sew
eral persons were hurt. It is feared that 1t il
but the precursor Of troublous times in the
coal regions. On Monday last the coal com
pany brought to Plymouth, Pa, Q carload oil
foreign laborers and on Tuesday two more car
loads came in after nightfall The new men
were all recent importations of the lowest type
of the Slavic race. At 6 o'clock last night as q
gang of fifty men who enter the mine every
night to clear the gangways and breasts Of
rock were about to descend in the shaft to be-
gin their work they were informed that the
rate of wages would henceforth be reduced
from S1.6S to S1.25 per day.
THE MEN REFUSE A REDUCTION.
Those employed in the gang are all Ameri-
cans, or at least English-speaking men, and
they have worked together during the past six
years under the foremanship of Edward Davis
Inc men held q consultation and unanimo usly
refused to accept the reduction and SO informed
the outside foreman. George X. Common. A
large crowd Of men and boys who were Just
leaving the breaker and mines congregated
around the strikers and Endorsed their decision.
AS soon as it was definitely known that the
rockmen would not go into the miue Foreman
Conner dispatched messenger to the barracks,
where the company mad installed their recent
lmpnrratlons, and in a few minutes body of
the newly arrived Huns were entering the col
hery yard every man in o uey working outfit
which had been provided by the company.
THE RIOT BEGINS.
Their appearance wss the signal for an out
burst of hoc.ing and groans from the men who
were waiting to see the outcome of the affair.
As the new men, under the leadership of Super
lntendent Leckie and Foreman Connor, walked
In the direction Of the shaft volley of stones
and pieces of coal fell upon them. The throw
ing OF missiles continued until several of the
Huns dropped. Emboldened by the waver-
ing OF the men determined rush was made by
those sympathizing with the strikers, and clubs
were freely used. Messrs. Leckie and Conner
used every endeavor to appease the wrathful
strikers, but they were unsupported, and the
Huns" could not be prevailed upon to en-
deavor to 60 to work. The foreigners, who
were entirely unacquainted with the cause for
the display of hostility, covered and shivered
with fear, and despite urging from Connor
they seemed unable to take part in their own
defense.
RUSH FOR THE HUNS.
At this time leader among the sympathizers
suggested that the men be driven to their bar
racks and bold rush was made, sticks being
freely used on the unfortunate Huns. who were
routed, leaving their new dinner pals and
water bottles as trophies to the victors. Sew
eral OF the men sustained serious cuts and con-
tusions.
Last night the streets were filled with miners
wondering what the outcome Of the affair will
be.
Despite the fact that there is an enormous
surplus of labor in the region the Lehigh and
Wilkesbarre Coal Company is importing hun
dreds Of laborers.