New-York tribune., 1901-02-05
MRS. NATION MEETS DEFEAT.
HER HATcHET WREsTED FROM HER. AND
SHE is ARRESTED SCENE OF EN-
CITEMENT IN TOPEKA

Topeka, Kan. Feb. Mrs Nation this AFTER
noon met the first defeat in her saloon smashing
career. Later at the police station she laughingly
declared that IT Was hy means her Waterloo
and she would sOol again be AT her chosen work
with SIX women, each armed with new hatchets
she had started out AT o'clock to wreck restau-
RAM IN East SiNth-st that dispensed liquors Re
fore she could WELD her hatchet she Was dis
armed snd free-for-aH struggle between tho
restaurant men and wreckcrs was hecun The
greatest excitement prevailed for time I'm which
many eyes were blackened and many noses
bled Mrs. Nation, herself able 10 accomplish
anything shouted orders to her followers 10 re-
open the onslaught. hut tho hatchct brigade had
been stampeded. and not another hand was raised
against the obnoxious restaurant. Mrs Nation
was led away 70 the police station on charge Of
disturbing the peace. and WAS followed nv ieer-
ing crowd
She took her determine ton raid the place sud
denly group OF had gathered in the
United Presbyterian Church to plan for raid to
morrow morning. when Mrs Nation decided 10 go
out Immediately and shov how she could smash
Joint At the meeting Of the hatchet brigade in
the United Presbyterian Church she announced
that raid would be made a drug store and a
Joint AZ I o'clock tomorrow morning. The
which Mrs Nation gave her plans, hut Mrs Nation
SAID she was not particularly interested I'm keeping
the matter secret. IAN Those women who will
promise 70 come with their hatchets tomorrow
az o'clock 70 do some work. stand up said Mrs
That's good exclaimed Mrs. Nation Two are
twenty minutes Now, I want 10 give You a little
advice. We not foolng about this thing We
in holy warfare Don't be scared. If you
Above all be quick about it smash just as hard
You win see them shake as II they had the ague
when you come near them They are afraid Of the
hatchets; don't come armed. for there is TO be no
bloodshed But II a saloon man tries 10 stop us
women you may have the privilege Of rolling him
body take courage and come around bright and
ence and the determine ton wreck Joint i'm
mediately Surrounded by half dozen women.
down Kansas-a She followed by thou
sands Of persons, who tramped behind and before
her in the deep snow. shouting like mob.
store and bought one. The procession on
until the Unique restaurant was reached a few
headed by Mrs. Nation, made rush for the door.
She had warned the proprietors she would raid
the place II thew did not stop selling liquor and
they were prepared for her attack. The hatchet
was jerked from her hand by a stout man. and the
between the restaurant men and Mrs. Nations de-
Tenders. For a quarter OF hour they strug-
ingly 20 Mrs Nation. Many personal encounters
took place but the police seemed without power
rested Mrs Nation and took her 10 jail The
crowd followed her and the restaurant was left un-
In all the fierce struggle that went on in the
street. while women and boys knocked down
yelling, Mrs: Nation did not lose her presence OF
MIND. The hatchet was jerked from her hands,
prised. but smiled and called to the Women: La
dies. you are armed. IL you can't get TO the place
the women were too demoralized TO obey her.
They had not her presence OF mind. Mrs. Nation
was not downcast at her lack Of success. and
laughed when persons spoke testingiy 10 her Her
brown veil and gray shawl 1uttered in the wind.
and she made queer figure as she walked dow
the street