The Van Buren press., 1901-05-18
LIKE S[.lOU|S A YEAR AGO
Attempt of the Union Traction Co.
of Albany, N. Y, to Resume
Operation of Its Lines.
GUARDED CARS AssAILEO BY MOBS'
One Car Run Into the Gutter ana
.,s Nor.Iyniou MOtOrman
Knocked Bleeding and Senseiess
to the PIatform-POlice Power
less and Militia May be Needed.


Albany, n. Y, May 14.-When dark
ness fell this evening several thou
sand weary street car strikers ana
sympathizers went to their houses,
but they were replaced by as many
more who took up the vigil to pre-
vent the United Traction Co. from
running their electric cars with nom
union men. The darkness brought
some confidence that there would be
no attempt before morning to move
cars, for two attempts made in broad
daylight had brought bloodshed and
riot on such scale that the local po-
lice, aided by scores of deputies and
Pinkerton men, had been unable to
quell the disturbance.
One man lies in hospital, serious
ly wounded, one of the two cars the
company attempted to run is in the
gutter of street not two blocks from
the car house, wrecked and the troll
ley wires are cut in several places,
practically gripping the road.
Near the ear houses are thousands
of men and women and children,
wrought up to pitch of frenzy that
bodies i'll if the doors Of the car house
open to let out another car Inside
the car house, afraid even to look out
of the grated windows, are about sew
enty-tive non-union men whom the
company expects to use in running
the cars. Early this morning there
were about one hundred and fifty of
them, but by nightfall IS had desert
ed and joined the ranks of the strik-
ers. The men claim that they were
brought here under a misapprehen-
sion and that they supposed they were
going to Philadelphia.
This afternoon the police practical
ly admitted that they were power
less to cope with the large crowds on
the streets.
The riot to-day was full of exciting
features. At ten o'clock two of the
big ear doors swung open and out
ddIltu a tlOSNu Val WIN al
open. Immediately there was roar
of Kisses and shouts. Several men
made an effort to board the car, but
they were kept from doing so by the
policemen, one of whom was stationed
on each car step. The car made rapid
Roadway, and almost before the ex-
pectant crowd realized what had hap
pened, IL was well on its way over
Quail street. 1t continued to the
Union station and returned. followed
most of the way by bicyclists and
people in vehicles.
The second car did not escape. When
the doors were opened the mob surged
towards it, despite the efforts of the
police. The crew consisted of four
men dressed in plain clothes. AS the
car swung around the curve there was
a rush for it, but the crowd was driv-
en- back. The committee from the
strikers was allowed to approach the
men.
do you want to come with us,
boys? You wont regret it,"
There was no response from any
of the men. The motorman, with his
smile gone, waved them aside and the
car was off again.
All restraint in the great crowd
broke. Through the middle of the
street men ran, with women and chill
dren, minglng with the officers OF the
law, whose clubs were swinging and
arms moving in vain almost to keep
people from danger
Before the car had started two 20.
lcemen boarded It, They simply made
two extra targets for the stones and
bricks. The car had not gone so feet
before ones helmet was crushed and
the other policeman was in danger OF
having more than his helmet dam.
aged. There was n perfect fusilade
OF stones. They came from all di.
rections and crashed through win.
dows, front, rear and sides OF the car
The men aboard lodged and jumped
from side to side to escape them, and
WtTc SucttSslul, WIN 'Ht cNttpJlOn VI
the motorman, A great jagged.edgcd
rock struck him full in the forehead
and he dropped to the floor Of the
platform. 1t was deep, ugly cash
the rock left, and the blood flowed
from II In n stream, The unfortunate
man dropped into a pool Of his own
blood that covered the entire plat
form. The assistant rs soon as the
man dropped, grasped the brakes and
controlling handle and faced the mob
A few feet more and the eur was
upon an insurmountable bnrricadc
With a sudden jerk II came to stop
and all aboard IL were thrown for.
ward, one Of the conductors falling
amongst pile Of broken glass to re-
ceive some ugly flesh wounds and
| cuts.
Five arrests were made, and thus
ended the first days attempt 10 run
cars.
THE WRECK OF THE COLUsA