The Bessemer indicator., 1894-06-09
II. Nv, that u. po.sibili.y Of sst-

cAuBeu tho kfeAtobt cXciVSuous - '.
tor and vicinity. Various sensational
rumors were also ahost, which served
to asgravate the condition Of the men
Of the town, which almost amounts to
emotional insanity.
The miners have turned the high,
rocky point known As "The Crag" into
the strongest kind Of = fortress. This
crag is directly above and west OF the
Victor mine. 1t required but little
work from the miners to prepare this
natural fortress for their protection,
and now one man with Winchester
could keep of whole army Of men,
as it is accessible only from one point.
This fortress is well provided with
food and water, and long siege could
easily be endured by the miners.
On the summit of the hill, which is
smooth, open, steep and long, the
miners have thrown up earthen breast
works that would afford them protec-
tion from any leaden messenger Only
by storming the place with shell could
they be dislodged or driven from their
point Of vantage.
A large party Of miners, variously
estimated at from 200 to 400, arrived
in the camp from the south Monday
night, passing through Lawrence
shortly after midnight. They came
from Leadville and were heavily armed.
They were escorted to Bull Hill and
Battle Mountain. In addition to the
arms tho mon also brought in we'll
filed commissary wagons. 1t was also
said that the Fremont coal miners
would come to the strikers assistance
if needed.
The strikers have secured lot OF
horses for cavalry use and have taken
possession Of Baldwin's livery stable at
Altman.
1t was stated Tuesday night that the
force of deputies at Divide had been
increased to 600 and that 200 more
were expected.
1t was reported in Denver that dep
uties were being constantly enrolled
for service ut Cripple Creek.
1t is stated that nonresident mine
owners would appeal to the federal
courts for injunctions against the
strikers, Such injunctions, if issued,
would be served by marshals backed
soldiers.
The chief event Of Wednesday was
the advent of Governor Waite in the
camp. He reached Victor at 1870, af-
ter slow and rather perilous ride over
the Florence G. Cripple Creek rail-
road. Heavy rains had made the
track dangerous. The governor was
at once escorted to Altman through a
snow storm. Here he h eld confer
ence with President Calderwood a nd a
dozen other leaders of the miners. 1t
was agreed that Calderwood should go
to Colorado Springs with Governor
Waite and make another attempt to
secure peaceful solution of the con-
test. Just what terms would be de-
manded is not known, but it was said
that Calderwood might recommend
some modification Of the miners de-
mands.
Governor Waite then addressed all
the miners who could be crowded into
the Altman school house. He opened
by expressing sympathy for the men
Then he proceeded to scold them. He
said that they had violated the law
of the state by assembling under arms,
taking prisoners and shooting officers
in the sheriff's employ The men had
perfect right to strike, h old meetings
and use boycott, but they must not
build forts, rob citizens or murder
county peace officers. If they persist
ed in this he, although their friend,
must wash his hands of them. Tho dig
nifty Of the state must be preserved at
all hazards. He, as governor would
see that it was done, even II he had to
call out the troops once more.
Waite and Caldcrwood left at 10 p.
m. via Florence for Colorado Springs
There does not appear to be much hope
that the miners will consent to any
modification of their former demands
and it is certain that the mine owners
will grant no concessions.
On Wednesday the strikers held ur
the stage that runs to Canon City with
passengers and mail. They relieved
the passengers Of their arms and theu
allowed the stage to proceed. The
government may take action on this
obstruction Of the mails.
The deputies at Divide were com.
planning Wednesday of the lack Of
food and comforts. 1t had rained
forty-eight hours.
The commissioners of Ell Paso coun.
ty have issued statement Of their po.
sition. They are determined to pro.
tect the owners OF mines.
The men of Colorado Springs have
organized home guard to protect the
city from attack and the mine owner,
from being kidnapped by striking min
ers. Numerous recruits to the sher
ifs force are being signed at Denver
and other points.
The owners Of the Raven mine hav,
again applied to the federal court fol
aid in operating its mines. This tim,
the ground taken is, that the govern
ment is interested, as the company il
buying these mineral lands from tn,
general land office. .Judpe Rinor vb,