The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-05-27
Forts Erected, Entertainments Thrown
Up, Barbed Wire Strung and
the Whole City Dehed.
DEAD LINE ALSO MARKED OFF
HORSE KILLED AND BOY WOUNDED
BY ONE OF THE SENTINELS.
Regiment of Police Finally Called Out
and the Invaders Forced to Ca
pitulate-Only Five Taken.

CHICAGO. May 2s.-Chicago was invaded
this morning by the army of a hostile
State, numbering thirteen men-the dis
trict of Lake Michigan" The invasion
ended in a farce-comedy, but came near
being finished in deadly earnest. The
casualties include one boy shot in the leg
and one horse killed. Five of the invaders
were arrested and the rest were allowed
to escape. The trouble was precipitated by
Capt. George w. Streeter, a squatter, who
has from time 10 time created much
trouble and litigation by his efforts to
seize land along the shore of Lake Michi-
gan The land which he has for some time
claimed to be the District of Lake Michi-
gan" consists of made land on the shore of
Lincoln Park, part Of it including one of
the main park boulevards. The courts
have decided against the squatter again
and again, but he has persisted in his
efforts to grab the property. He claims
that made land along the Illinois shore
does not belong to the State of Illinois, but
is instead public domain, free to whoever
settles upon it. Streeter organized the force
which made the descent upon Lincoln Park
to-day, but was not with it in person The
off Lincoln Park soon after midnight, and
without difficulty they made landing at
the foot of Superior street and formally
took possession of 1s6 acres of land claimed
oy Streeter and his subjects as ths inde-
pendent territory, the District Of Lake
Michigan.
Rapid-fire guns, 1t is alleged, were on
the transport decks, ready to cover If
necessary, the landing OF the troops, but
the shores were unprotected and without
opposition, the men made their way
through the SURF rallied around their
leader, "Commandant' William Niles, and
hoisted an American flag in the center of
the invaded district
The landing was conducted quietly, but
was not unobserved. Police Officer Joseph
O'Maliey was on guard, and fastened to
send report of the matter to the East
Chicago-avenue station, which in turn
transmitted the information to Inspector
Heidelmeier. 1t was decided to take no
action against the invaders until after con-
sultation with the city law department..
MUNITIONS OF WAR LANDED.
AS far as legal advice was concerned the
invaders had all the best of it, The com
trict government, holding, besides his mill
tary title, that of chief justice of the su-
preme Court. Under his orders the trans
port, which is known only as "Bickleburg's
sailboat," hove to and dropped an anchor.
Then, it is alleged, there were landed sew:
enty-five Springfield rifles, with 200 rounds
of ammunition and two Gatling guns. This
statement of armament is from the side of
the invaders, for no one else has seen the
Gatling guns, and the seventy-five rifles
are sufficient to give three to each member
of the invading force.
Immediately on landing a line of fortifi-
cations was marked out. A line of plank
was laid along the western edge of the
claimed territory and barbed wire was
stretched about a foot above it. Two forts.
each about twelve feet square, formed by
an embankment of dirt and piling about
five feet high. were hastily thrown up on
either side Of Superior street. SentineIs
were detailed to patrol a picket line Just
inside the barbed wire. The "commandant,
gave orders that no one should be allowed
to cross this line,' and then, making his
headquarters in one OF the forts, ordered
his men to stack arms and rest themselves
in preparation for struggle which he said
he felt was inevitable.
I'VE have come here to stay" said the
"commandant." and, pointing to the flag
the men had set up. 1--WE have planted that
flag to stay. 1t will not be pulled down by
Inspector Heidelmeier or any one else The
pickets have been instructed to fire IL any
attempts are made to remove it,
Inspector Heidelmeier had reported the
invasion to Chief OF Police Kipley and the
latter was deep In consultation with the
city law department trying to determine
the exact LEGALITY of any attempt of the po-
lice 10 evict the squatters. Meanwhile, al
though riot call after riot call had been
sent in. the police remained inactive and
Niles and his men remained in possession.
BOY WINGED. HORSE KILLED.
Lincoln Park Secretary Charles Erby re-
ceived notification by telephone that the
park property being laid off as an addi
ton tc the lake shore drive had been in
vaded by armed men. Erby jumped into
his buggy and drove rapidly to the scene
OF the reported disturbance. taking with
him Animal-keeper Charles McCurran.
They attempted to drive past the picket
line. but were stopped by man with a
rife, who warned them back
II am secretary of the Lincoln Park
Roard.'' said Erby. land this is park prop
erty."
'I can't help that" replied the sentinel,
'T have instructions to allow no one to
pass this line and will be obliged to carry
that out. even IL I am obliged to XIII some
one."
The man looked determined and Erby
retired.
In short time superintendent Paul Red