The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1892-08-17
BATTLE IN TENNESSEE.



Fight with Deadly Effect
Special to the Indianapolis Journal.
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. Aug. 1e.-War has
again broken out in Tennessee. The free
miners seem determined to rid the country
of convict laborers. Early this morning
an attack was made on Oliver Springs. and
bloody fight resulted. Oliver Springs is
little mining town in Anderson county.
1t is on the Walden's ridge road. The de-
fenses consisted of BLOCK. house and about
fifty guards. About breakfast time six
hundred miners came to the stOckade. They
demanded the surrender of tho place.
"Come take Us" was the answer
sent by Superintendent FarIa The
miners immediately opened fire. The
guards manfully answered and the sharp
hearts of the assailants. A flag of truce
was raised. Captain Faris respected it
and called to the leader to come and talk
with him. Both sides rested on their arms
while the wonnded were removed. 1t is
impossible to say how many of the miners
were wounded and killed. Two guards were
slightly hurt Quiet then reigned for some
time. and hurried messengers were sent to
the Governor. In the meanwhile . new
company of military, recently formed at
Hartman, was ordered to the scene.
Twenty leigh men from Knoxville also went
to the battle-ground. Adjutant general
ranged and boarded the train at Nash Vile,
Two companies from Chattanooga were
also sent to the Springs.
The troubles over the employment of
convicts at coal-mines under the lease sys-
tenn in this State. which eliminated in the
pitched battle at Oliver Springs mines this
morning. commenced year ago at Brlce-
willie, when the free miners arose en- I'D asse
and liberated the convicts burning the
stockade and hurling defiance at the State
authorities. The militia was called out,
quelled the disorder. and a detachment of
troops conducted the cOnvicts back to
ever since. Tho Legislature WAS called
in extra session to remedy the trouble,
but failed to do 90. The miners were
very reetive, and frequent rum0rs were
ahoat of probable outbreaks. The gar
rison at Coal Creek was strong, and de-
tachment of thirty men placed in charge
of the stockade at Oliver Springs. On
Saturday there was On outbreak at Tracy
City mines, WheTe COZ COnvlct9 were at
work; the guards made no resistance. tho
convicts were put on train and sent to
Nashville, aud the stOckades were burned.
On Monday the same thing occurred at
lnman. ana about four hundred more con-
vlcts were sent away and the stockades
destroyed; the miners met with no resist
ance, but twenty are now under Indictment
for noting. The only other remaining
convict camps are Briceville and Oliver
Springa The troops at the former place
kept the miners at bay, and all eyes turned
to Oliver Springs, where the conflict oc-
Cured this morning. es expected.
BOUND TOGETHER BY oATHs.
The free miners are bound by strong
oath, which is as follows:
You do each of you solemnly swear in the
presence of Almighty God. and these witnesses
that In joining this company you do SO voluntarily
and of your own free Will and accord. You do ch
covenant TO obey all orders committed TO you.
and 10 keep profoundly secret all our objects
and aims, not even giving the name or any one
a member of this company any individual or
any inquisitorial power whatever You do
further solemnly swear 10 obey your officers and
not refuse TO ect In my capacity where the
interests or this company demands yonr sery-
ices, and you further bind and ohligate
yourselves by all you hold sacred on earth
lConunusd On second 1syal