The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1900-05-28
ARMED MEN TAKE POSSESSION
streeter's Commander, William Niles,
Builds Forts.
Chief of Police of Chicago Advances
with Squadron and the En-
tire Crowd Surrenders.

Chicago. May 26.-Captain George W.
Streeter. n squatter, has from time to
time created much trouble and litigation
by his efforts to seize land along the
shore Of Lake Michigan. The land which
he has for some time Claimed 10 De inc
District of Lake Michigan as ne
termed it, consists OF made ldnu on
shore of Lincoln park. part OF II lhciuu-
ing one of the main park bouleVarus.
The courts have decided against lhe
souatter again and again. but ne mas
been parsistent in his efforts to grao the
property.
Streeter organized the force which mace
the descent upon Lincoln park today, oue
was not with them in person. Inc pofll
containing the men, led by Wilnah Mis-
arrived off Lincoln park soon AFTER Hiiu-
night and without difficulty they nade
landing at the foot of Superior street
and formally took possession OF Aoo a0i
of land claimed by Captain Streeler anu
his subjects as independent territoty III
the district of Lake Michigan
The landing was conducted quietly. put
was not unobserved Police Officer James
O'AIally was on guard and fastened 10
send a report of the matter to the East
Chicago avenue station. when III tui IA
transmitted the information TO Inspector
Heidelneyer. 1t was decided 10 take no
action against the invaders until after
consultation with the city law oepdr-
ment &c
Immediately on landing a line of form
cations was marked out. ~ line OF pidliA
was laid along the western edse OF To-
claimed territory and barbed wire vas
stretched about a foot above IT, 1"o
forts. each about twelve feet square anu
forming an embankmeut of dirt ana p4iihs
about five feet high. were hastily thrown
IN on either side of Superior street. sen
tinels were detailed to patrol picket
line Just inside the barbed wire.
Inspector Heidelmeyer had reported tne
invasion to Chief of Police hipley and
the latter was deep in consultation WIN
the city law department. trying 10 &c
termine the exact legality of any attempt
the police might make TO evict the squat
tiers Meanwhile. although riot call aIter
riot call had been sent IN, the police Ie-
manned inactive and Niles and MS men re-
manned III possession
Park officials then took hand in the
game. Captain Baer. OF the parkspoIce'
attempted 10 enter the squatteI tefH-
tory, but was fired upon by Niles
L. is supposed that Niles d4d not mean
TO wound the captain. for he appedred 10
aim only Ut the horse. Inc morse Iei.
dead and one OF the shots. having sped
by, wounded tkGuDen Atcl44Ss AVuA ~
years of age, VINO was one OF the crowd OF
curious ou.ookeTs. The ball struck ms
right knee. in1lictlng a serious wound.
The conference in the ONCE OF Actlng
MAYOR Walker was long and the legal as
poets OF the case We're carefully gone
over. 1t was determined that the squat
tiers should be driven out at any cost and
Chief Of Police Ripley was Instructed A.
once to gather his forces and Use sucA
means as might be necessary.
AS soon as the conference had con-
cluded Chief of Police Ripley began 10
Use the telephone. The fire tug Illinois
was detailed to carry forty men with
rifles down the river TO approach the
district from the lake. Orders were is
sued 10 bring up the police battery con-
sisting of one Calling gun and two
smoOth-bOreS.
At o'clock $50 policemen gathered at
the East Chicago avenue police station.
The impending conflict ended IN a Iidsco.
When Niles and his four men. all lDdL
was left Of his army. heard that they
were to be oustcd they sent word 10
Captain Baer requesting parley- Upon
his appearance the FIVE men surrendered
and were escorted to the East Chicago
avenue police station. On the way there
the police attempted TO disarm the men,
bers of the army and the EFFORT OF the
sduatters to retain their rifles created
some commotion.
Streeter caused to be circulated by the
men who took possession or the lana q
crandiloduent proclamation written after
ance in which he stated at great length
that the land cid not belong 10 the
state of Illinois nor anybody else, ana
was the property Of whOSOever settled
upOu II. He Is now threatening legal pro-
cedure against everybody.