The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1894-01-29

MANSFIELD, Pa, Jan. % Never be-
fore did the streets of Mansfield pre-
sent such scene of excitement as they
do this evening. News has just arrived
that battle is in progress at W. j.
Stean's mines, on Toms Run, between
a band of rioters and a force of deputies.
Several hundred people throng the
street in front of the squire's Office to
hear the verdict, and large crowd mas
gathered about the station to learn the
latest from the skirmish.
The report of this last fray was
brought by W. j. Steen, operator of
the mines which bear his name He
came to Mansfield to secure more depu
ties. 1t is said an engagement took
place in which a number of shots were
fired. What the result is has not been
learned. Mr.. Steen reported that a
number of the rioters had been cap.
tured and are being locked up in empty
freight cars as temporary Jail. Sheriff
Richards has gone to the scene
COULDN'T GET A DOCTOR
Franz Josef Stepig, the rioter who
ling mines yesterday, is dead He died
about noon in the Slavic tenement
house where he was carried and left by
his comrades. His sufferings were ter
rible until few minutes before his
death. For some reason or other he
had no medical attendance 1t is said
unsuccessful attempts were made to
secure the services of doctors at Mans.
field, WoodviIle and Bridgeville, be-
cause, it is alleged, the physicians were
afraid to visit the terrorized district
Before he expired he made confess
sion to George Martenfck, fellow
countryman. who was present He
said he had been intimidated into join.
ing the ranks Of the rioters. He had
been visited by some of the lawless
leaders. and not only pursuaded but
commanded to join them. Terrible
threats were made, Finally through
fear of his life he con.
ssnted to their wishes. He
was among the number who undertook
the Beading assault, and was In the
front of the line pushing forward when
shot down. During his last hours he
spoke repeatedly of his family, consist
ing of wife and child. They live at
Toms Run, on property owned by
them. Stepig was an Austrian by
birth and was naturalizsd citizen.
having resided in this cou ntry for six
years.
WAS HE SHOT BY HIS COMRADES
There is a startling rumor regarding
Stepig's death. 1t is disputed by some
that he was the victim of bullet from
one of the Beading rifles The course
of the bullet, which passed sideways
through his body, is tho basis for
this theory 1t is alleged that the bullet
could not have taken this course had
it come from the mine protectors who
were stationed directly in front of the
horde
This fact has given rise to the su
spicion that the bullet was fired from
the ranks of tho rioters. Two motives
are assigned for the deed. One, that
he fell victim to the jealousy of fel.
low Austrian the other, that he was
branded as a traitor or about to become
one on account of his eagerness to be in
the front of the line The testimony
of Maternick, who lives at Essen. near
the scene of the tragedy, and who
watched over Stepig until he died, is
proof that the man entered the ranks
of the horde contrary to his own
wishes, ard on account of which he
aroused spirit of hatred on the part
of his riotous comrades, All doubts
concerning the alleged suspicious of
foul play will be settled at the inquest
next Thursday.