The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-09-29
A Number Reported Wounded and
One Said TO Have Died.
NEGRO MINER STARTED THE ROW
The Union Workmcn are on a Strike.
and Negroes Imported To Take
Their Places Were Parading
the Streets Heavily
Armed when the
Row Occurred

PANA, ILL. Sept. 2S.-Striklng union
coal miners and imported negroes en-
gagged in a pitched battle in tho main
street Of this city tonight Several hun
dred shots were exchanged.
No one was wounded in the ranks OF
the union men. The negroes were driven
from the city to their stockades. carry
iny with them. It is believed. a number
OF wounded comrades. One OF the ne
groej is reported to have died soon after
reaching the stockade. Desultory firing
continues in the vicinity OF the stockade
CAUSE or THE FIGHT
The trouble between the striking coal
miners OF this place and negroes imported
from the South TO work the mlngs was
precipitated at $50 this evening. AZ
usual. the negroes from the stockades
at the Springside and Penwol Mnes
were making demonstrations on Locust
street by parading heavily armed. rae
union miners were in session 80 ineir
hail, where a Chicago labor leader was
speaking. One OF the negroes appeared
at the foot Of the miners hall ard en-
gagged in a quarrel with "A union white
IlNtis OlihNi cullAN lAiiAfAi"t ~ | -
rested the black. and was cscortina him
to jail when ha was closed In by
posse OF negroes. who. pointing their re-
volvers at Smith. threatened to klh him
If he did not release the prisoner. Smith
continued on his way 10 Jail with the
man.
Union miners and others, meanwhile.
went to Smiths assistance. and the ne
groes were driven back. Smith took hts
prisoner 10 Operator George y. Penwelfs
store and upon Penwelrs standing for
the negro's fine, he was released.
CHALLENGED To FIGHT.
Before Smith had released the prisoner.
however the negro posse had been re-
inforced and assumed threatening at
titude toward the white men. David Nc
Gavic, "a Union miner clubhcd one OF the
blaks over the head with a revolver, aud
forced the negroes To- retreat and then a
few shots were fired The negroes re-
treated double quick 10 their stocsaies.
secured rifles. returned TO Loust street.
and challenged the miners 10 fight. The
opposing forces lined up in the street.
the negroes with WinchCsters. and the
miners with shotguns, rifles and reNol-
vers
Neighboring business houses were n
mediately closed lights eXtnguished and
the word OF command firing commenced.
The first volley II Is said. came from the
negroes. The Union men responded with
"a voley and heavy firing commenced for
FIVE minutes. Much Of the shooting was
Wild and entirely harmless 10 the white
men, who finally drove their enemies in
full retreat 20 the stotkades. The regroes
are thought 10 have carried several men
with them. and one reported dead.
A SECOND ENCOUNTER.
A second encounter between whites and
blacks occurred twenty minutes after
the first battle near the Penwell stock
ade. but the firing was scattered, and 1t
Is not believed 10 have been serious in
Jury. The miners had full charge Of tho
business streets at midnight Desultory
rifle reports could be heard at the Pen
well and Springside stockades, but no per-
sons were wounded.
Very few persons are lettering about
the business sections. The union miners
say the battle Of tonight is only fore
taste of what may be expected 90 follow.
They blame Operator Penwell for the
trouble, and say they VIII tomorrow
swear out warrants charging him with
melting to-nights riot.
Governor Tanner will be asked 10 send
militia to protect property and to quell
the negroes.