Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1892-08-05

Up to few weeks ago the miners en-
ployed belonged to the Miners Union. In
January the mines shut down because Of q
dispute in regard to rates with the rail-
roads When the trouble with
the railroads was adjusted, and the mine
owners were ready to resume operations in
April last, q schedule Of wages was:propos-
ed which reduced the pay of certain class
es Of men. The schedule continued the
wages of regular miners at $3.50 per day,
but proposed to cut the wages ofshovellers
carmen, and ordinary laborers down to 50
per day.
This was the schedule in force up to jan
uary. 1891 when the Miners Union de-
manded that all men employed be paid
s. 50 per day. The demand was acceded
to by the mine owners; but when they pro-
posed to reopen the mines in last April,
they claimed that the low price of lead
and silver would not permit them to con-
tinue to pay the new schedule. The result
was that the members of the Miners Un-
ion refused to work, and threatened to net
permit non union men to enter the mines
to take their places. The mine owners set
about to secure non union men, and sue
ceeded in obtaining q considerable mum
Der. Early in June several of the mines
were enabled to resume operations with
rou- union men labor. There was constant
irritation between the union men and the
new men brought into the mines. Many
threats were made, and the situation De-
came critical. Two non-union men were
driven out of the town of Burke, wnere
are situated the Tiger and Poorman mines.
They suffered great Privations in crossing
the mountains, and barely escaped win win
their lives. This was followed soon after
| by an application before the United STATES
courts at Boise City, the capital OF Idaho,
for an Injunction order restraining mem
bers of the Miners Union from committing
acts of violence. Accession to the non -un-
ion forces continued to arrive and the SIT
nation grew more critical. The Governor
of Idaho came upon the scene, and made
an investigation for himself. Soon aiteI
his return to the capital, he made arequest
krrvsss~-< Harrianr te aand trQops 70 tne
mines to prevent an expected outbreak.
President Harrison did not think the situa-
ton warranted interference on the part oil
the army. In this he was supported py
the Representatives in Congress OF the
State Of Idaho.
Early Monday morning, July 1lth q
large force of union miners made an ATTACK
on the men employed by the Gem Mine IN
Canon Greek. The men employed by the
Gem Works were partially armed, and
made some resistance, but were soon over
powered and compelled to surrender, foul
or five of them being killed in the conflict
A short time afterwards box-oar loaded
with dynamite was sent down in front oi
the concentrating works of the Frisco Mine
and exploded, almost DESTROYING the mill
These acts of violence precipitated q con
| flict throughout the entire district. The
union miners everywhere took up arms,
and marched from one camp to another,
compelling the non union men to surren'
| der, and enscting an agreement from the
owners of mines to discharge nom union
men and send them out of the country. An
absolute reign of terror then ensued. Ur-
gent appeals were made to the Governor Of
Idaho for assistance. But the State mill
tia was whslly inadequate. The President
was asked to send United States troops to
the scene Of action, and issued Immediate
orders to that end. Troops were hurried
from Forts Sherman, Walla, Vancouver,
Spokane. Nissoula, and Keogh, the whole
aaprepating over 1000. These were con-
oentrsted near Warden on Thursday, the
14th instant, under command of General
w. P. Csrlin, of Fort Sherman.
Martial law was declared by the Govern
or of Idaho throughout the entire Ceur
d'Alene district. General Carlin first en-
tered Warden, and took possession with
out resistance, and then established his
forces in other mining towns in the district.
1t is believed that no further serious
trouble win occur. JOHN r. RRAyIs.-
Harpers Weekly.