Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-06-13
MARTIAL LAW.
It Is Proclaimed by Governor
of Connecticut.
Street Railway Strike in Pawtucket
the Cause.
Shcriffs Fire on Mob and Troops Called
Out to QueII Riot.

Pawtucket, r. l., June 12-MartiaI
law mas been declared in this city as
result Of the street railway strike and
To-Day by order of Governor Kimball
six companies of infantry and two
troops of cavalry patrol the streets.
The almost complete lack of police
protection has for week past been the
signal for much lawlcssness.
The elimination of 4 series Of riots
came last night when A detachment of
Is special deputy sherffs were attacked
by mob which had held UP and de-
molished a street car. The officers
were rendered almost entirely HELPLESS.
both by the proportions of the mobs
and their shots were answered with
showers of missiles. \ number of per-
sons were injured, but none fatally.
The tracks were piled high with
stones and rubbish. switches were
blocked and the wire 50 entangled that
the progress Of the cars under the es-
cort of officers was extremely hazard
Gus. The motormen and conduc tors
we're the objects of showers Of stones
and il was finally decided tx withdraw
the cars and call on the governor Tor
the militia.
There was an absolute lack of the
usual morning disturbance up to noon
today for the streets in the turbulent
section We're literally lined with armed
men. No melestation was offered in
any quarter but every car was run as
usual under guard of three special
deputies.
Order has been restored over nearly
all the rest Of the railway system,
which includes Providence and the sur
rounding suburbs for Is miles out. al
though in some of the outlying dis
tricts, as is the case in that city, not
more than half the usual number OF
cars are running and these are patron
lied indifferently.
Ever since the strike was declared,
there has been frequent trouble in
this city. The guard of deputies on
each car and the police encountered
growing hostility. and frequent appeals
were made to Mayor Fitzgerald to in
crease the number of police. The
mayor declaring that the city's finan-
cial condition would not permit him to
employ additional men, declined to act.
and Sheriff White claims that the dis
turbers were emboldened by the re-
suit
Last night, a fierce attack was made
on a posse Of deputy sheriffs who were
escorting a car through a great crowd
at the corner of Pawtucket and East
avenues. The trouble began with a
shower of sticks, stones and other mis-
sies. thrown by the mob and by persons
in windows overlooking the streets.
The officers charged the crowd in
vain, and the fury of the mob becom-
ing dangerous, the deputies drew their
revolvers and fired into the air This
action failed to intimidate the rioters
and a more severe fusilade of missiles
followed. Several of the deputies were
struck and cut 50 that the blood
flowed and the car was badly damaged.
The mOtorman remained at his post
ana slowly drew the car along. The
conductor was hit with stone and his
head was cut.
In the midst of the excitement
Deputy Sheriff Horton suddenly threw
off his coat and withdrew from ser
vice. His action was hailed with a
tremendous shout by the crowd. At
the same time, Agent James N. Smith
of the Rhode Island Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Children.
with n wound on his head from which
blood was streaming. armed with a
revolver. jumped into the crowd. These
diversions. gave a chance for the car
to proceed, and with its guard it left
the crowd behind.
Horton was followed for some distance
by a cheering throng from whom he es-
capped by climbing back fences. Agent
Smith by good use of his revolver, finally
extricated himself from the mob and went
to his home His assistant. Charles Ches-
well who was also injured, fought his
way out OF the crowd with great diff
Guilty.
When High Sheriff White heard of the
situation he resolved to make no further
appeals to the authorities of Pawtucket
btt to go to Gov. Kimball. As a result
Brig. Gen. Taner was directed to send 10
Pawtucket q sufficient force TO maintain
peace. Early this morning messengers
went about summoning members OF the
of the cavalry end IF tnf9n'rv
designed for police duty. At nine o'clock
the companies were at the Annoy "a
Providence ready to start They were
in heavy marching order and were sup
piled with shotted ammunition. At $50
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