The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-01-12
DOMESTIC TROUBLES.
The Athletic Club and the
COnI and Railroad Strikes.

COA ahu nulAFOIu strikes. ae
1t is with sincere regret that l have to
report that during my two years Of adj
ministration cur State has not been free
from domestic troubles. through attempts
by organized bodies of men from an adj
joining State to openly and defiantly vio-
late our laws. At several times and places
the public peace has been seriously threat
ened by bodies CT men attempting to corr
rect real or fancied wrongs, independent of
the peaceful means provided by law. and in
defiance of constituted authority. This, to
such an extent, that it became necessary
for the State to exercise it's power in auel-
ling these disturbs noes.
Since the last adjournment of the General
Assembly. and claiming the right under the
act OF March 3. 1895, the Columbian Athletic
Club was organized. A large building or
amphitheater capable of seating several
thousand spectators was erected by this
club in Lake county, near the town of Roby,
and began operation by advertising what,
although thinly disguised. We're known or
currently believed to be prize fights. Not
being of the opinion that the act of March
5, 1899, under which the Athletic
Club was Incorporated. authorized that as
ISOLATION to conduct prize fights o. Roby.
or at any other place in the State, and
that this act did not repeal the law which
makes prize-fighting a criminal offense, /
Immediately entered into correspondence
with the authorities of Lake county. seek
ing to devise some means to prevent or
suppress these meetings. Several exhibit
items ware given in the building of this club
which clearly revealed the purpose of the
association and the character of it's sport.
The authorities of Lake county seemed
to be powerlesS to prevent the operations
of the club, and I. therefore, caused a
suit to be commenced in the Lake Circuit
Court for an injunction and for the APP
appointed, and from this order an appeal
was taken at once to the Supreme Court.
where the case still remains undecided.
Owing to the vast crowds. from five TO
eight thousand gathering on the grounds
of this club. largely of a rough and des-
perate character. and on account of the
construction of the building, so arranged
that it was difficult and dangerous to OBJ
tain access to the center or ring, for the
purpose of making arrests, and the large
number of employees of the association
guarding the entrance, the authorities
!. therefore. on the 18th day of September.
1893, a contest being advertised for that
bins with thirteen companies from the Sec
ond, Third and Fourth Regiments of the
session of the property and make arrest
of the principals, the seconds, aiders and
abetters of the prize fight and as many of
the spectators as possible. TIL association,
becoming advised of the presence of the
State troops in the vicinity. declared the
meeting off. and no arrests could be made,
and the receiver was peaceably installed,
This has ended the prize-fighting at Roby
up to this date, and the property iof the
club abandoned. Indictments We're found
in the Lake Circuit Court against some OF
the participants in PREVIOUS contests: trial
was had, resulting in the conviction of one
who is now a fugitive from justice. The ex-
pense incurred in sending the State troops
to the scene of trouble was paid out of the
| military contingent fund, allotted to the
Governor. of $4,000 per annum, consuming
nearly all of this fund for the years 1S9;
and 1894.
l would here earnestly urge upon yot
the Importance of enacting a more strin
gent law upon prize-fighting. making il {
felony to those who may participate, either
as principals or seconds. 1t should also b,
more clearly defined as what may be con
sidered prize-fightlng, and what exhibitor
vertising of a prize fight should be made
unlawful and punishable with fine.
COAL MINERS STRIKE.
During the spring of 1894 the coal min
ers OF the State were idle during TIL
tendency of a disagreement between opera
tors and miners as to wages for mining
coal. The strike in the coal fields wa
extensive throughout the country. as vel
as in Indiana, and of long duration. Thi
caused no little suffering to the miner
and their families. and in many case
actual want. This suffering and enforce
idleness was brayely and patiently endure
awaiting a peaeeablc settlement of differ
Guess. arons.nS widespread ss1iSathy 10