Cameron County press. [volume] (Emporium, Cameron County, Pa.) 1866-1922, 1902-05-01
RAIDED SILK MILLS
Mob Violence ReSOrted to by
Paterson, n. D., Strikers.
Compelled IA Complete Suspension of
Huslness--Many Persons Injured
--CIashed with Officers of
the LaVy--SeveraI shots
Were Exchanged.

Paterson, N. j., April 24.-Strilting
dye helpers yesterday stormed the
establishments that were still run
ming and by force compelled a COM
plete suspension of business in their
trade. They engaged in a series OF
running fights with the police and
plant managers and in one of the
severest clashes exchanged "A volley
of pistol shots with them. The radi-
Gals among the strikers were in COM
mand and hostilities ceased only
when they tired of fighting. Many
persons on either side were severely
injured during the rioting, one dam
gerously so.
the strikers had in the meantime
disavowed the violence Of their fell
lows and urged return to peaceful
means to gain the end that was
sought. 4 written demand upon the
employers for increased pay was
formulated and committees opened
negotiations for its consideration.
Large numbers of strikers were in
a suIlcn spirit and it was predicted
last night that any attempt on the
part of the employers to resume
business without dealing with them
would be desperately resisted.
When the strikers completed their
campaign against the plants in opera
tion the number of men out was
found to be nearly 1000.
The disorder began early in the
day and was exciting. A meeting of
strikers was held at s o'clock at
Rueger's Riverside hall and 1000 men
gathered at the place. The hall
would not accommodate them all and
the proceedings were slow because
of the many nationatities represent
ed. TO simply matters it was final
ly decided to have the men of each
shop on strike appoint Il committee
of five to represent them. The meet
ing was orderly and declared for
peace and the men were urged 20
keep away from the shops.
While the meeting was in progress
hundreds of strikers stood outside
the hall angrily discussing their
grievances. The radicals urged a raid
upon the works still in operation and
when their suggestion was approved
rushed for the plant of Johnson, Cow
din & Co. The men at work were
called out aud the strikers moved
on to the establishment of james
Simpson & Co. That firm, fearing
trouble, dismissed the men and closed
its doors. Robert Gaerc'S works
were visited next and after that the
Bamford mill, where the first seri-
Gus disorders occurred, was Surround-
ed. Windows were smashed. chcm-
Gals spilled and considerable damage
done. The men at work in the plant
left their places.
While one mob was closing the
Bamford mill. another was surging
into the plant of the American SILK
Dyeing and Finishing Co. Armed with
dye sticks and stones. they charged
through the plant, driving the men
from their places. George Arnold,
one of the members of the firm,
was dropped inscnsiblc with a blow
on the head from a dyestick. Almost
simultaneously an attack was begun
on the works of Emil Geering & Co.,
in the fight for possession Of it,
shooting occurred. Two policemen
were guarding the place. Some one
in the crowd discharged Il revolver
and the police quickly returned the
fire. Half a dozen shots were fired
and one striker, who escaped un-
identified. was shot in the leg. The
mob stone the two policemen and,
when one of the latter arrstcd one
of the leaders, closed in around him.
The officers swung their clubs and
beat their way out Of the crowd
The strikers met at Riverside again
at o'clock in the afternoon to re-
ceive the reports of the several shop
committees. Nearly every one of the
latter reported that their particular
shop would agree to the wage con
ccsSon demanded if all the other
shops would. The conservative lead
ers strongly advised the strikers to
ovoid +niGnce and disavowed the at
tacls made on the mills during the