The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-09-29
BATTLE IN
THE STREETS.
Union Coal Miners and Import
ed Negroes
Finally Come Together atPana,
ILL.,,
IN CLASH OF ARMS.
Negroes Are Driven Back to
Their StOckades
Carrying a Number of Wounded
With Them.
CLASH OF ARMS.

Pana. ILL.,, Sept. 2s.-Striking union
coal miners and imported negroes en-
gagged in a pitched battle in the midst
of this city last night. Several shots
were exchanged.
No one was wounded in the ranks
of the union men. The negroes were
driven 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
soon after reaching the stOckade.
Desultory firing continued until mid
night in the vicinity of the stockades.
The trouble was precipitated at $50
o'clock.
AS usual, the negroes from the stock
AIDES at the Springside and Penwell
mines, were making demonstrations on
Second and Locust streets, the prin-
cipal business streets of the city, by
parading heavily armed. The union
miners were in session at their hall,
where a Chicago labor leader was
speaking. One of the negroes appeared
at the foot of the miners hall and en-
gagged in a quarrel with a union white
man. Officer Samuel Smith Immediate
ly arrested the black man and was
escoring him to Jail. when he was
closed in on by posse of negroes, who,
pointing their reVOlVers at Smith,
threatened to kill him if he did not
release the prisoner. Smith continued
on his way to the 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 residence, and upon PenWelPs
standing for the negroes fine, he was
released.
Before Smith had released his pris-
oner, the negro posse had been rein
forced and assumed a threatening atti-
tude toward the white men, David Nc
Gavic, leader of the union miners,
Of ha
head with a revolver, it is said, for
half a block. McGavic forced the
negroes to retreat and then a few
shots were fired. The negroes retreated
double quick to their stockades, secured
rifles returned to Locust street and
challenged the miners for fight The
opposing forces lined up on the street,
the negroes with Winchesters, and the
miners with shotguns, rifles and re-
volvers. NeighbOring business houses
were Immediately closed, lights ex-
tinguished and citizens generally sought
their homes At the word of command
firing commenced. The first volley, it
is said came from the negroes. The
union men responded with Volley ana
heavy firing continued for five minutes.
Much of the shooting was wild and en-
+iraIv harmless to the white men, who
finally drove the enemy in full retreat
to the StOckades.
A second encounter between whites
and blacks occurred at the mines after
the first battle near Penwen stockade,
but the firing was scattered and 1t IS
not believed to have been a serious en-
gagement. The miners had full charge
of the business streets at midnight
Desultory rifle reports could be heard
from the Penwell and Springside stock
AIDES. but no person would venture into
the streets near the mines, and very
few were lettering about the business
or residence sections. The union min
ers say the battle is only foretaste OF
what may be expected to follow.
Governor Tanner will be asked to
san5 militia to protect property in this
citv and remove the negroes.