The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1898-09-30
APITCHED BATTLE
Between Striking Union Miners and
Negro Miners-MOre Trouble Feared.

Pana, Ill, September 2S.-Striking
union coal miners and imported ne
groes engaged in a pitched battle in
the main street of this city tonight.
Several hundred shots were exchanged.
None were wounded in the ranks Of
the union men. The negroes were driv-
en- from the city to their stockades,
carrying with them, it is believed, a
number of wounded comrades. One of
the negroes is reported to have died
sool after reaching the stockade. Des-
uItory firing continues at midnight
in the vicinity of the stOckades.
The trouble, which has been narrow
ly averted between the striking coal
miners Of this city and negroes i'm
ported from the south to work the
mines, was precipitated at $50 o'clock
this evening.
AS usual, the negroes from the stock
AIDES at the Springfield and Penwell
mines were making demonstrations on
Second and Locust streets, the prin-
cipal streets Of the city, by parading
heavily armed. The union miners were
in session at their hail. where a Chi
cago labor leader was speaking. One
of the negroes appeared at the foot of
the miners hall and engaged in
quarrel with union white miner. Of
flcer Samuel Smith Immediately ar
rested the black man and was escort
ing him to Jail when he was closed
in by posse of negroes, who, point
ing their revolvers at Smith, threaten
ed to kill him if he did not release the
prisoner. Smith continued on his way
to the Jail with the man. Union min
ers and others, meanwhile, went to
Smiths assistance and the negroes
were driven back.
Smith took his prisoner to Operator
George V. Penwelps store and upon
Penwell's standing for the negro's
fine he was released. Before Smith
had released the prisoner however, the
negro posse had been REINFORCED and
assumed a threatening attitude to-
ward the white men. David McGavic.
leader Of the union miners, dubbed
one of the blacks over the head with
a revolver, it is said. For half a block
McGavic forced the negroes to re-
treat and then few shots were fired.
The negroes retreated double quick
to their StOckades, secured rifles, re-
turned to Locust street and challenged
the miners to fight. The opposing
forces lined up in the street, the ne
groeS with Winchesters, and the min
ers with shotguns, rifles and revolvers.
Neighboring business houses were i'm
mediately closed, lights extinguished,
and citizens generally sought their
homes. At the word Of command fir
ing commenced. The first volley, it is
said, came from the negroes. The union
men responded with a volley and heavy
firing continued for five minutes. Much
of the shooting was wild and entirely
harmless to the white men who finally
drove their enemies in full retreat to
the StockadeS. The negroes are
thought to have carried several men
with them and one is reported dead
A second encounter between whites
and blacks occurred twenty minutes
after the first battle, near the Penwell
Stockade, but the firing was scattered
and it is not believed to have been a
serious engagement. The miners had
full charge of the business streets at
midnight. Desultory rifle reports could
be heard from the Penwell and Spring
sides stockades. but no person would
venture into the streets near the mines
and very few are lettering about the
business or residence sections.
The union miners say the battle OF
tonight is only a foretaste of what may
be expected to follow. They blame OPP
orator Penwell for the trouble and say
they will tomorrow swear out warrants
charging him with inciting tonight s
riot.
Governor Tanner will be asked to
send militia to protect property and
to remove the negroes.