Gilpin observer., 1899-03-16
RIorINo AT LAKE CITY.
italian M!ners Reported to 10 Opp osing
the Omcers With Arms.


Denver, March 15.-A dispatch to the
Republican yesterday from Lake City
says:
Blood may be shed at Henson to-
morrow morning shortly after day
light as the result of clash of arms
between striking Italian miners and a
posse headed by Sheriff Dick and made
up of some of the best citizens of Hins-
dale county.
The Italians are heavily armed and
Will be entrenched behind huge boul-
ders and earthworks, from which they
can pour a whitening fire into the ranks
of the posse. That there will be bat
tie to the death is firmly believed in
this city tonight
Notwithstanding the tremendous ad-
vantage which the miners have over
the officers, the latter declare that they
will move on the Italians at daylight.
The Italians number 200 and there is
no hope expressed that they will quiet
ly submit to the arrest of their leaders.
Ine widest rumors are prevalent to-
night and it is known that the Italians
are in possession of Henson. and that
every one of them is thoroughly armed.
Conferences to-day with them came to
naught, and there We're frequent as
Saults made on those who attempted to
parley with them.
If battle occurs it will be the climax
to the most exciting period in the his
tory of mining in this country
Six weeks ago the Hidden Treasure
and Ute and Ulay mining companies at
Henson, three and half miles from
here, notified employees that all single
men must board at company boarding
houses or quit This was agreed to and
all was going smoothly until the Min
erS' Union, composed almost entirely of
Italians, met about two weeks ago and
voted to refuse to work under condi-
tions laid down by the two companies.
Steps were Immediately taken to re-
place the Italians with other laborers,
and rumOrs We're soon flying about to
the effect that serious trouble was
brewing. The attention Of the county
officials was called to the serious con
dition of affairs, but almost no heed
was taken of repeated warnings.
Last Saturday parties investigated
and found that almost every firearm in
the town had been purchased by the
Italians. This caused considerable
alarm, but still the authorities took no
action.
The crisis came with rush, and
unexpectedly, therefore, this morning
-NO "si hihS w as GIVEN tit <hiiCiiNd
miners that anything was wrong until
the day shifts in the mines started to
work
The miners were met by the Italians
armed with Winchester rifles, and ev-
cry one of the miners was forced
down the hill and into the town of
Henson. Not n man was allowed to
enter the mines. Half a dozen men
who had the temerity to return were
beaten for their bravery, and were in
formed that If they again returned
they would be shot. That the threats
would have been carried into execution
no one doubts.
Messrs. Nicholson and Wcarnc
superintendent of the mines, came in
to Lake City to-day and swore out
warrants for the arrest of half dozen
of the ringleaders of the Italians, and
Sheriff Deck deputized number Of
citizens to assist him in making the ar
rest, and also called on Lieutenant
Blair, Company A. Pitkin Guards, for
rifles, Captain Eddy not being in town.
When the armOry was visited the
startling discovery was made that 1t
had been broken into last 'ght and all
the arms and ammunition of the conf
pany had been stolen.
The United States authorities We're
at once notified, and Governor Thomas
was also wired. There is no doubt but
what the armory was robbed by the
Italians.
Immediately after the discovery of
the lOOting of the armory. confer
ence of citizens was called and the
sheriff was instructed to proceed with
only one deputy to the mines, and en-.
1nnVnr fn nravnn thn Italians N In
down their arms and submit to the
arrest of their leaders, fer whom he
held warrants.
Sheriff Deck and deputy went to
Henson and after three hours of par
ley were forced TO return to Lake City
without accomplishing anything be-
yOnd closing the saloons In the village.
The Italians absolutely refused to con-
s.der any p saca overtur, $. and declared
that they would never submit. to ar
rest, nor would they allow the miners
to return to work.
Another conference OF citizens was
called for this evening and several
hours was spent in discussing the stu
alton. The outcome was that posse
was organized and the decision was
reached to move on the Italians short
ly after daybreak. The gravity OF the
situntion IL thoroughly realized.
The county authorities today exact
ed promise from the nine owners
that they would hereafter employ no
Italians.
Tonight lights burn in the homes of
half the people of Lake City. showing
that the citizens are awake. while
scores of men are OH the streets, all
thoroughly armed and prepared for an
first streaks of dawn to some. when
they will form In line and march on
the Italians unless meanwhile they are
notified that the Italians will submit to