The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1899-06-28
NEGROES SHOT
Because They Were Willing TO
Work in the Mines
IN TIE PLACE OF STRIKERS
The Row Took Place at Evans
vile, Indiana. Repetition
of the ?ana Riots
Feared.

The first bIoodshed of the miners
strike, that has been in progress at
Evansville, Ind, for two months, oc-
CURED shortly after midnight. 1t had
been decided by the proprietors Of the
Sunny Side mine that foreign miners
would be imported to start the mines.
This decision was made known to the
union men when the Chicago scale had
been offered them without recognizing
the union.
About thirty colored miners from
Madisonville, KY, came in over the
Louisville and Nashville and were met
at the station by James H. Moore,
bookkeeper and stockholders in the
Sunny Side company. The .wagonette
was driven by Edward Geiger, son Of
the proprietor Of large furniture store,
and one Of the most popular young men
in the city.
The company's plant is located on the
northwestern edge Of the city, and
about a quarter of mile from Salt
Wells, and is reached by road branch
ing from the right of West Maryland
street.
Mr.. Moore and Mr. Geiger were in
the front Of the wagonette. While the
vehicle was passing vacant lot just
before making a turn in the road to 60
to the mines, parties on the sides OF
the road fred in the dark upon the men
in the wagonette. The voliey produced
great excitement among the occupants
of the wagonette, and the driver, whip
ping up his horses, hurried to the mine
while those who had done the firing es-
capped in the darkness.
A few minutes later Patrolman Rus
ton appeared on the scene, having been
attracted by the firing. 1t seems that
one or two of those who had fred on
the wagonette, remained in the neigh
borhood, and seeing the policeman,
opened fire on him. The shot struck
against the back part Of his helmet,
and he was not injured. Three other
officers reached the place soon after
wards, but they were not fred upon.
Physicians were summoned immedi-
ately, the men were put in place Of
safety and the wounded men given
every attention.
Moore, who was suffering intensely,
refused to be given attention until the
men were disposed of safely. He is at
St. Mary's hospital and this morning is
resting easy. with some hope of his re-
covery.
Charles Smith, one Of the wounded
Negroes, is in critical condition.
John Smith, another Negro seriously
injured, is in better condition this
morning, with hope of his recovery.
Ed Geiger, the driver, whose ear was
clipped off has severe wound.
Henry Smith, colored, and John
Norsweather, also colored, were slight
ly wounded.
The assault upon these men has
caused feeling Of uneasiness to pre-
vail in the city. It is feared the scenes
at Pana will be reenacted here if fur
ther attempts are made to import min
ers. The Sunny Side mine remains
closed today, and the imported men are
in hiding. The proprietors refuse to
discuss the affair at all and refuse to d.
vulge any plans.
The serious wounding Of Moore, their
bookkeeper, has made deep impress
sion on the management. The mine is
getting into serious condition because
Of the lack of operation. 1t is a ma
chine mine ard for this reason the lon
ger it remains idle the heavier its loss.
Fred Dilcher, the national committee
man of the United Mine Workers Of
America, and State Secretary Kennedy,
deny all knowledge Of the shooting,
| and say they are as much surprised as
anyone over the affair.