The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1892-07-07

strikers met them, and fierce battle was
precipitated, both sides exchanging
heavy yolley of shot, the Pinkertons be-
ing armed with Winchester rifles.
But at the point where the attempt to
land was made there is steep embank-
ment, and they were compelled to go in
single file, and were soon driven back to
the boats by steady fire from the
shore.
The noise of the battle spread about
like wildfire, and thousands of men,
women and children thronged the river
bank to witness the fight in progress.
The Pinkerton men were determined
to land, and they poured volley after
volley into the ranks of the strikers,
many of whom were stricken down with
bullets, some fatally injured, others killed
outright.
AS the battle progressed the strikers
took up position behind breast-worz,
hastily constructed of steel rails, and
from this place of safe refuge were able to
pick oil the guards as soon as they ap-
peared on the decks of the boats.
In the meantime Captain Hind and Su-
perintendent Kline of the Pinkertons
were disabled, and the fire became so
fierce that the crew of the towboat hastily
cut loose from the barges and steamed up
the river, carrying as many wounded as
they could reach to Braddock, from
which point they were semitic hospitals at
Pittsburg.
The strikers wounded were carried to
their homes at Homestead, the dead be-
OaI.fpH tO ny aptal Sfop l;el,
i'll the town.
News Of the riots reached Pittsburg as
early as O'Clock in the morning, and the
thousands of mill-workers now idle con-
gregated in the streets, while hundreds of
others, armed with guns and revolvers
and supplied with ammunition, marched
to reinforce the strikers.
CANNON BROUGHT INTO PLAY.
AS soon as day broke the strikers Sc
cured small brass ten-pounder cannon
and planted it within a steel billet en-
W '1:'o so as to command the barges.
time force of more than a
thousanl. men took up a position on the
opposite side of the river, and also planted
cannon, which they protected with a
bl astwork of railroad ties.
.rtly before 8 O'Clock the cannon
lined on the boats and for several
holslt awful bombardment was kept
up. boat was splintered, but the
heavy steel plates on the inside pre-
vented the balls from penetrating the in
terror. Many of the strikers, however,
were expert marksmen, and they sent
shot after shot into the portfolios of the
boat and inflicted terrible injury to the
imprisoned men.
ATTEMPT 10 FIRE THE BARGEs.
When it was found that little impress
sion was made by the cannon on the
boats an effort was made to fire the
barges. Hose was procured and oil
sprayed on the decks and sides of the
barges. Barrel after barrel OF oil was
emptied into the river above the mooring
place, the object being 10 allow it to float
against the boats and then ignite. The
terrible deed was attempted several
times, but the boats did not burn. and
then the mob became Infatuated and
hurled dynamite bombs at the vessels
with great effect. The situation of the
detectives was such as to appal the
stoutest hearts. Three times they ran
up the flag of truce, but as many times it
was stricken down by bullets fired by the
strikers. Then it became evident that
the ammunition of the besieged detec-
lives had either been exhausted or they
We're too much worn out to continue the
fight, and for nearly two hours peace
reigned.
Towards dusk efforts were again made
to burn the boats with their living
freight, and they would doubtless have
have succeeded had it not been for the in
terposition of leading officers of the
Amalgamated Association, who went to
the scene OF war. Through their efforts
it was agreed to allow the detectives to
surrender, but this was not secured with
out the greatest objection on the part of
the men, many of whom lost their friends
during the day. Besides there were thou
sands of turbulent characters attracted to
the place, who wanted to see the carnage
go on, and it was not until some of the
strikers pointed their guns at the out
siders that a hearing was obtained.
THE PINKERToNs SURRENDER.
At o'clock the Pinkertons hung out
another white flag, and this time it was
respected, and committee of strikers
went aboard to prepare terms of capitula-
ton. They guaranteed safe conduct for
the Pinkertons, provided they left their
arms and ammunition behind, and
agreed to leave the place under guard.
The detectives had no alternative. and
promptly accepted the terms of the men.
some of the men saying it was the first
time they ever submitted to such a
humiliating surrender.
When an inspection of the boats was
made it was found that at least seven
Pinkerton men were killed and twenty
or thirty wounded, many so badly that
they will die. AS they were brought
from the boat they presented terrible
appearance. Many were besmeared with
blood, while all showed signs of ex-
haustion.
The most shocking and dastardly deeds
were committed while the prisoners were
being escorted through the streets and
an escort of guards was appointed by the
strikers. An angry mob lined the streets
on both sides. AS the men passed by.
each in charge of two deputies, millmeu
and their friends kicked them and threw
some down. The unfortunate detectives
begged for mercy. Some had pistol shot
wounds in the head and three had ewes
shot out. Several were scarcely able to
limp along. Blood was running in
streams down their shirts, and they
fairly yelled with pain.
Fully thirty injured men were taken
to the Town Hail. One had his ewes