The record-union., 1892-12-12
Special to the REcoRD-UNToN.

special TO the RECORD-U MON.
PIrTsBURG Pa.), Dec IA Sunday
paper publishes story to-day Of con-
spiracy to poison by wholesale non
union workmen at the Carnegie steel
plant. The developments made, it is
said, implicate members of the Amalga-
mated Association and officials of some
labor organizations sympathizing with
the locked-out men. AS the result of the
conspiracy, it is alleged that several per-
sons have lost their lives, while scores of
others are still suffering at their homes
and in hospitals from the effects of poi
sonous drugs administered to them with
criminal intent.
To-day nine or more persons more or
less identified with the strike are under
arrest, Ostensibly on less serious charges,
bat really for the purpose Of averting
suspicion until all those who are claimed
to be in the conspiracy are secured. The
only name given of those charged with
the administering of poison is Robert
Beatty, who was arrested at Louisville
last night. Several others. however. are
under heavy bail on other charges and
new charges will probably be made to.
morrow.
The details of the foul plot are sufli-
cient to cause a shudder, especially when
1t IS known that at least two deaths, and
perhaps a number of others, have already
been traced to the work of the willing
tool selected to carry the murderous plan
into execution. 1t will be remembered
| that shortly after the arrival of the State
militia at Homestead, after the non
union men commenced work in the mills.
/ fs.l- nj nI n Xar- tod Ly,t
| tributed to the impurity,of the water A
| supply from other sources was secured
and notices posted conspicuously about
| tie mul warning employees. Despite the
precautionary measures, sick ness con-
tinued, and it soon became current at
Homestead that an epidemic was prevail
ing among the men in the incloSure.
The first intimation that the men were
victims of conspiracy was obtained
more than two months ago, but in such a
manner that it was impossible to make
arrests immediately, and not until yes
terday was the evidence deemed to be
sufficiently strong TO warrant the appre-
hension OF at least ono OF those impli-
Gated. The price to be paid when the
mills closed down was $1,000.
Tne terrible plot, according to informa-
| ton obtained by reporter, made by a
man who was i'll the plot, was substan-
TALLY as follows: One of the chief cooks
at Homestead met him one day and asked
him if he wanted a Job at Homestead.
He. said the informant, told him that he
could make big money If he would help
him. He said ne was not only employed
by the Carnegie Company, but was also
in the pay of labor associations and mem
bers of the strikers committees, and lust
cOining money.
AS he grew more confidential and
prompted by questions about the pay
from the associations the cook told him
of the plan to poison the food of the men
employed i'll the mill, so as to make them
sick and render them unable to work
He detailed the plan he had been pursu-
ing and asserted that nearly, if not all.
the sickness among the men was caused
by poison he placed III their food. He
said he was to get 5000 if he succeeded
in closing the mill. The COOK urged him
10 accept the place, told him it would be
an utter impossibility for him to be de-
tected. and finally left, with the under
standing that he would meet him in the
city next day, give him some advance
money and take him to Homestead with
him.
Realizing the heinous proposition the
man called upon Chairman Frick and
laid the matter before him. Upon the
advice of the cOmpany's attorneys he met
the cook and proceeded to Homestead
with him and was duly installed in a po-
ClLtDlI bg Llc COOks In6 UdN dlGeT his
arrival u number of men were reported
sick and the cook told how he placed
poison, colored powder, into the food,
and told him to watch for an opportunity
to use it in the food. Fearing the man
could not be trusted two Pinkertons were
engaged to keep close surveillance on
the informant, as well as the cook. The
latter became suspicious and at once dis
continued the use of the powder.
orders were given that work men
should take their meals at the restaurant
outside the inclosure. Later the man re-
ported the cook as becoming very un-
easy, and feared he might conclude to
leave the city in hurry. He said the
deaths among the men, especially that OF
Charles CLOSER, unnerved him, and it was
believed he would make a clean breast of
the whole plot ii placed under arrest.
This was done, and when confronted with
the facts as stated above, the cook broke
down and made a full confession, in
which he gave the names Of those who
employed him, the amount of money he
received and the manner in which he car
ried out his part of the terrible crime. He
stated also that he frequently visited the
camps of the militia and dosed the food
prepared in the cook-house. His visits
were always followed by increased sick
ness among members of the National
Guard.
rapher III the presence of several wit
nesses. He also exhibited vouchers for
money due him. After the testimony
was reproduced upon a typewriter it was
read to him, and he signed the statement
in the presence Of witnesses. After mail
ing the confession the cook begged that
he should not be placed in Jail. and his
wishes were complied with. He. how
ever, as well as the original informant.
were kept under surveillance night and
day, all of them having continued in the
employ of the firm until arrests could
be made.
Charles Closer, referred to, died two
weeks after going to Homestead. 1t is
said that since the confession was made
by the cook the body was eXhumed and
the stomach submitted to a chemist for
analysis. 1t is not known, but it is said
that the chemists report will be sub
mitted in evidence when the cases come
up for trial.
The reporter called upon Mr.. Frck to
learn, if possible, Carnegie's account of
the crime alleged against Beatty, but that
gentleman positively refused to be inter-
viewed. AT Homestead the story is pro-
nounced ridiculous.
r. Y. Brock, counsel for the Carnegie
Steel Company Limited, was seen to-
night and confirmed the story of the poi
sOning. He says that his information is
that at least six deaths have resulted
from poisoning. A Homestead druggist
and physician are implicated The pow
der was given to a dog aud the animal
expired in a short time. A number of