The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1895-01-09
RIOTING OF HUNGRY MEN.
Unemployed at St. Johns Stone the Leg.
islativc buildings and Demand Relief.
The Governor Powcrlcss to Act.

Unemployed at St. Johns Stone the Leg.
islntivc Buildings and Demand Relief.
The Governor powerlcss to Act.
BY the United Press.
st. Johns, n. F., Jan. S.-Disorder
prevailed here all day, and 1t Is moth
ing short of a miracle that serious
bloodshed was averted. The unem-
ployed assembled early this morning
and marched to the man of war Tour
maline, whose captain yesterday had
promised them that he would use his
influepte with the authorities in OBJ
tanning relief for the destitution now
prevailing. His efforts were fruitless,
1t seems, for when the crowd of un-
fortunates appeared he referred them
to the governor.
Disappointed and eXasperated at this
rebuff, and almost mad with hunger,
the men reformed their ranks and
marched to the government house,
where a deputation waited upon the
executive. The latter Informed them
that the government was considering
measures of relief, and advised them
pending action on the bills, to call upon
the city representatives for their i'm
mediate wants.
The mob, for such it had now become,
then went to the legislative buildings,
but We're refused admission. Enraged
at this, they burst open the doors and
surged into the corridors. The police
on guard attempted to drive them out,
but they We're overwhelmed by the
infuriated men and forced to retire,
leaving the building at the mercy of
the invaders. The assembly not being
in session few members Were in the
building at the time, but those who
We're lost no time in fleeing from the
place. The police reserves were sum-
moned, and, after a desperate struggle,
managed to eject the intruders.
In the afternoon the crowd, re-as-
sembled and returned to the govern
ment house, where it complained to the
governor of its treatment during the
morning, and reiterated its demand for
relief. The governor repeated his ad-
vice of the forenoon and said he was
powerless to act without the co-opera-
ton of the ministry
While the disorder was at its height
Premier Greene appeared on the bal
cony, and In speech expressed regret
at the condition of the colony and the
destitution prevailing among the peo-
| pie. He promised that employment
would be given within three days and
begged the crowd to have patience and
confidence in the government. He
promised to resign If work was not pro-
vided within the time specified. This
! did not satisfy the crowd, who told him
plainly that they would break into the
stores and get food.
| This threat the mob Immediately put
| into effect and while 1t was looting a
| couple of stores that had been broken
| open large force of police appeared
on the scene and drove the mob away
after a severe struggle. A body OF
mounted police arrived shortly after
wards ana the combined forces man
aged to keep the crowd at bay until
darkness came, when the rioters dis
! persed. Four of the leaders have been
arrested.
The streets tonight are crowded with
people. A guard from the warship
! Tourmaline Is doing patrol duty in
front of the principal buildings, as it is
feared that other raids may be attempt
ed during the night.