New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-08-30
VANDALISM IN ONTONAGON.
LAWLESSNESS RAMPANT IN THE
BURNED TOWN
THE SHERIFF ASKS FOR HELP AND TROOPS MAY
BE SENT MISUNDERSTANDING FOREST

THE SHERIFF ASKS FOR HELP AND TROOPS MAY
BE SENT NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. FOREST
FIRES IN OTHER PLACES
Houghton Mich, Aug. 2s-The local companies of
the 9th Regiment. State militia, ordered last
night by the Governor to go to Ontonagon call
of the Sheriff there. The lawless element re-
ported to be in control Of the burned town. Threats
were made. 1t said, against the life of the
foreman OF the Diamond Match Company. In
cendiary fires. the Governor was informed. were
destroying the remaining buildings An appeal was
made for prompt action for the safety Of the suffer
ing residents of the stricken village, and the Cover
issued the order accordingly
Rcckland Mich, Aug. 29-Reports from Ontona-
gon are TO the effect that there is considerable
trouble the distribution Of provisions. clothing
and other supplies The lower element Of the popu-
latlon becoming dissatisfied and lawless, and
many deeds of vandalism reported. Barrels and
boxes Of liquor have been stolen from the ruins Of
saloons. and many of the umbermen and Polish
laborers have become drunk leaving their wives
and children to shift for themselves.
The Sheriff of the county is alarmed at the out
look and has telegraphed to the Governor Of Mich-
gan to send a company Of militia to quell disturb
ances and assist in bringing back a state Of law
and order
a fierce wind has sprung up. and the country
surrounding this town is again in flames. over 500
men have been sent out to fight the fire and save
the renaining houses about the village from de-
struction.
Provisions bedding and clothing are pouring into
the distressed village from all directions. Dis
patches from all the neghboring towns tell Of car
loads Of provisions. etc. being sent to OntonaGon
but state that the work must be kept up for weeks
as the inhabitants absolutely helpless and
must depend upon the public. one hundred and
fifty persons slept in the open air Wednesday night
and since then hundreds have been obliged to make
use Of barns and sheds for shelter Temporary
snanties are being erected
1t Is reported that the vaults in the county build
ing did not stand the intense heat Of the fire. and
that al the county and municipal documents have
been destroyed. The great vault OF the Diamond
Match Company will be opened as soon as 1t can be
reached.
Ontonagon. Mich. Aug. 2s-The report that
troops will be 10 this city to quell possible
riots is denied here. The Sheriff teegraphed
for them to Governor Rich. but the Governor
wished first to satisfy himself that they were
needed The furry was caused by the fact that
Swedes and Polaks secured quantity OF
whiskey and beer and made threats about what
they would do If they did not receive proper treat
mcnt. They would not be able to accomplish any,
thing however as there are too many determined
citizens who are ready 10 Iut down any disturb
ance
Ashland Wis Aug. 29-Forest fires broke out in
this neghborhood Yesterday, and the mill and
yards OF the Benoit Lumber Company. at Benoit. a
small station on the Chicago. ST. Paul Mime
apolis and Omaha road. twenty miles from here,
were swept away. special train was sent from
here last night with crew OF men to make an
effort TO save the village At Moquah. twenty
miles west on the Northern Pacific. every building
was burned freight train on the Northern
Pacific had to abandon its tracks yesterday after
noon from Ashland Junction, and came in over the
Omaha line.
Astoria ore. Aug. GA destructive forest fire is
now raging near Oak Point, forty miles up the
Columbia River from Astoria. where a stretch OF
fame three miles wide is sweeping through valu-
able timber lands. Several lumber camps have been
DESTROYED and hundreds Of cattle burned to death.
but no loss OF life Is reported. Large parties or
lumbermen and ranchers have been hghung the
flames for two days without rest. but the FIRE Is
gaining rapid Roadway. Millions OF logs ana
vast quantity OF standing timber. together with
few ranch buildings. have been burned. The loss
cannot be estimated at this time. There Is no
prospect of the fire being controlled until 1t burns
itself out