The representative. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1893-1901, 1898-10-05
PROSPERITY
Two Battles Fought in the Streets Be
tween COlOred and White Miners
Rifles Freely Used-TwO Deputies
and Many of the Negroes Wound
ed.

H.
PANA, ILL.,, Sept. 28.-Two battles be-
tween negro miners and union men were
fought tonight in the streets of Pana.
The result is that a. reign of terror pre-
walls. Stores and residences are closed
and it is unsafe to appear in the street.
The sharp cracking of rifles and shot
guns continues at this hour, and it is
feared that the deadly conflict will be
resumed at daybreak with fiercer inten-
sity.
The number of casualties resulting
from the engagements is hard to deter
mine. 1t is known, however, that Chief
Deputy Sheriff William Baldwin. and
Special Deputy H. E. Bishop are danger
ously wounded, but it is asserted that
none of the white miners were hit.
Indications are, however, that the ne
groes suffered severely. Many physi-
clans were hurriedly summoned to the
stockades, which fact is taken to mean
that their services were needed by the
colored men. One of the latter is be-
lieved to have been killed outright. 1t
is mere guesswork, however, for the ne
groes carried off all their wounded, and
housed them safely inside the stockades.
The long expected clash began at
$50 o'clock, and during the fights fully
200 shots were exchanged. The trouble
was provoked by the blacks from the
stockades at the Springside and Penwell
mines They began making demonstra-
tons on Second and Locust streets Of the
town, by parading, heavily armed. The
union miners were in session at their
hall, being addressed by Chicago labor
leader. One of the negroes appeared at
the stairs leading to the hall and engag-
ed in quarrel with a union white
miner.
Officer Samuel B. Smith Immediately
arrested the black man. and was escort
ing him to Jail, when he was closed in on
by posse of blacks, who, pointing their
revolvers at Smith, threatened to kill
him if he did not release the negro.
Smith bravely stood his ground, and
continued on his way to Jail with his
prisoner. Union miners and others
meanwhile, went to Smiths assistance,
and the negroes were driven back.
Smith took his prisoner to Operator
George V. Penwell's store, and upon Pen
wells standing for the blacks fine he
was releasted.
Prior to this, however, the negroes had
secured reinforcements, and the ARRAY
which led to the actual shooting was
when David McGavic, leader of the union
miners dubbed one of the blacks on the
head with a revolver and single and
alone made them back from him. Then
the shooting began.
The negroes quickly retreated to their
stockade, and securing the rifles furnish
ed them by the operators, returned to
Locust street and challenged the miners
for a fight.
The two factions lined up on the street,
the negroes with Winchesters, and the
miners with shotguns, rifles and revolt
vers. All business houses were imme-
diately closed, lights extinguished, and
people sought the confines of their
homes on the reports of the first shots.
The firing between the miners and the
negroes continued for fully five minutes
during which time bullets rained
through the streets. The first shots
were fired by the blacks, but at the end
ing of the opening conflict the negroes
were compelled to retreat, carrying with
them their wounded to their stockades.
Following the first encounter citizens
again filled the streets, armed with what
ever arms they could secure. They hur-
ried to the scene of action, and excite
ment was at fever heat.
The second battle occurred 20 minutes
after the first near the Penwell stockade
but the result is unknown. 1t is said
however, that several blacks were
wounded, as surgeons were despatched
to stockades. AS far as could be learned
none of the white miners were wounded
THE TYPICAL FUSIONIST.