Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1896-09-03
CITIZENS IN TERROR
PEOPLE or oNToNAGON FIGHT
FIRE AND DRUNKEN MEN.
FLAMES BREAK OUT ANEW
Temporary Structures and Tents Have
a Narrow Escape from Destruction
Liquor Maddens Scores OF Men
and Causes Call for State Troops
.-Rockland Threatened by Fire.

/ Milwaukee, Aug. 29.-Dispatches re-
ceived from Ontonagon last night
stated that fires which broke out in
the afternoon were famed by the high
winds and threatened for time to de-
stroy the temporary buildings and
tents as well as the few structures
that escaped the conllagration Tues
day. Finally, however, several hun
dred men fought them back. The stu
alton outside of the desttuhOn and SUI
fcring, IL described as serious. Tn
digging in the ruins of the burned
saloons large quantities of liquor were
found and scores of men became intOX
icated. Friday this element ruled az
fairs with Il high hand and oLner cit
liens were in terror of losing life and
property. The hoOdlum element inter
fered with the distribution Of supplies
and the relief committee determined
to call on the governor for troops TO
do guard duty. The remains of Miss
HEX were removed from the ruins last
night. 1t is not believed that more
than three or four persisted in the fire.
At midnight kilograms were received
saying that Rockland, the village
south of OntonagOn from which the
relief work for the burned town had
been directed, was threatened with
destruction by forest fires. A large
force of men is fighting them.
Ontanagon, Mich, Aug. 29.-The sit
uation here is becoming more serious
day by day. The lower element of the
population are becoming dissatisfied
and lawltsS and many deeds If vandrl-
ism are reported Barrels and boxes of
liquor have been stolen from the ruins
of saloons and many of the lumbermcn
and Polish laborers have become cra2Y
drunk, leaving their wives and child
ron to shift for themselves and making
trouble for the relief committee. They
claim that the supplies are not being
fairly distributed and that favOrtism
is shown to the better classes. The
sheriff has telegraphed the governor
10 send company of militia to qu"ll
disturbances and assist in bringing
back state of law and order.
Provisions, bedding and clothing are
pouring into the distressed village
from all directions. Dispatches from
all the ncighboring towns tell of car
loads of stuff being sent to Onion
agor, but state that the work
III ust be kept up for weeks,
rs the inhabitants are absolutely help.
less and must depend upon public all
for existence. It may be months be
fore the multtudcs of distressed sui
fcrcrS are properly cared for. More
than $50 slept in the open air WeuncS-
day night and since then hundreds
have been Obliged to make use of
barns outhouscs and sheds for shelter.
shantirS are being erected
ms quickly as possible with the lumber
that Is brought in on relief trains.
Everybody who has applied has re-
ceiycd something to eat and there is
no suffering from hunger Many are
leaving town, acting upon the advice
of the committee in charge. and the
railroads are transporting free all
those who wish 90 go.
II is reported that the vaults in
the county building did not stand the
intense heat Of the contlagration, and
that all the county and municipal doe
umcnts have been destroyed. The great
vault of the Diamond Match company
will be opened as soon as II can he
reached, and the former employees in
the various departments of the COM
pany will receive their wages Most
OF them will probably leave the town
as soon as they are paid.
The total loss will amount to 3d.
000 600, II Is estimated, of which not
moro than onc-third Is covered by in
surance. Some think that the Dia-
mond Match company will erect
single small mill and saw what lumber
they have cut and give employment to
these who have no place to go. but it
Is not generally believed that the town
will be rebuilt to its former proper
tions. Most OF the lumber In the sur
rounding districts has been cut there
being no more than enough for two or
three seasons saving left