The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-06-24
ARMED srR1xsns MEAN TROUBLE.
italian Aassrsrs Ciarsorine Tor Pay umprisen
the Contractor.

TRENTON, N. j.. Juno 23.-Contractor #. q.
Wheeler OF Philadelphia, who Is trying TO build a
trolley railway from Worthwhile, Pa, TO fardley,
is n pri.onor in the Hoagland House Mt Norris
Vile, which during the dcy has been surrounded
by ovor 200 angry Italian laborors, who say thoy
have received no money for their six weeks
work. Tonight over 100 Italians arc guarding
the house, whilo inside Contractor Wheeler has
a personal guard Of sixteen OF MS American
foreinen. who are armed.
The Italians have made no demonstration since
morning, when Wheeler appeared In tho VII
lago. He came to try TO induce the mon to re-
sumo work. They struck last Saturday after
noon when the contractors failed to keep their
| promise to pay them for two weeks work In
May. Tho men are quartered in q large Ice
house on the bank Of the Delaware River. The
dealers who have been supplying them with
groceries refused on Monday morning to trust
them longer. and tho idle workmen have
been on short ~rations. When Wheeler appeared
in tho village this morning the men didn't
wait for him to como to them; they went to his
hotel. When he attempted to induce them to 20
to work the Italians demanded not talk but
money. Wheeler became frightened and ran
into tho hotel. Later he ordered q carriage to
take n ride over tho trolley line, but whom he
stepped upon tho hotel porch there was such an
angry uproar that he lodged back into the hotel,
where he has since remained.
Alfred Demayo. who Is the storekeeper and
leader OF the Italians, said tonight that he has
with difficulty boon able to restrain them from
entering the hotol and seizing Wheeler, but on
| Whecler's promise that tho back pay will be
forthcoming tomorrow tho men had been
quieted. II the money is not paid tomorrow
night, Dcmayo said, the men proposed to enter
tho house. and II they were unable TO do that
they would burn 1t down.
This afternoon Wheeler sent for b. +. Ettingor,
the Burgess OF tho borough. and asked him 70
have the crowd dispersed. The burgess replied
that he did not fear any trouble. but would
stables, who drew their rcvolvers. ana, going
among the waiting Italians, ordered them TO
~disperse. The Italians drew pistols and knives
and remained. Tho constables dispersed. Mr..
Wheeler said tonight that he EXPECTED e get
where the East Penn Traction, Company is try
ing to sell its bonds. The company has
graded five miles of roadbed. The streets
of Worthwhile and Yardley. are torn up
borough councils to repair them. There is about
$4,000 due to the strikers. To-day Wright, &
Gilkeson of Bristol fled a lion on the Trolley
coinpany's franchise for $500 at the suit OF
Demayo. who Is agent for tho workmen:. This
ner. came to Morrisville. but on learning the
situation he quickly went away.
At 10 O'Clock tonight there were about Q hum
dred Italians lying about the Highland House.
They closely examine every man who goes In or
barn and in the alley in order that Wheeler may
not escape. The strikers have no money with
which to buy liquor. and all are sober.
Late tonight Burgess Ettinger telegraphed. 10
the Sheriff of Bucks county. at. Doylestown, for
aid. as the strikers were becoming more demon
%stratiye.