Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-10-08
TROOPS STAND GUARD
Coal Fields Are an Armed
Camp.
ALL THE TROOPS OUT
OFFICERS AND MEN ARE DEADLY
IN EARNEST.
Question of Supreme Interest, Will
the Mines Be Started Up
NowP
Special From a staff Correspondent.

Special From STAFF Correspondent
WILKESBARRE, Pa, October S.-The
anthracite coal fields are today bristling
with bayonets which CLEAN in the frosty
air and the peaceful valleys resound with
the march of armed men. Seven thousand
fighting men are on the scene or en- route.
They belted with loaded cartridges,
in fighting trim and ready to unlimber and
let go on the slightest Indication of trouble.
Coming up the road the evidences of
warlike preparation were visible all
through the night. At every principal
town the troops were unloading from their
cars or sleeping in their trains sidetracked
to let the express go by. On the platforms
the men stood around In groups awaiting
the word Of command to spread over the
surrounding country and take up their po-
sitions to guard the miners who are sup
posed to be ready to go back to work. In
the background like specters in the mist
the miners gathered in silent bands.
From Pittsburg, from Harrisburg. from
Philadelphia, from Reading and from the
northern tier of counties the miltiamen
are hurrying to this region in response to
Governor Stones order. The entire active
militia strength of Pennsylvania is today
in the field for the first time since the great
Homestead strike of 1892. Back of them
are the reserves who be called on in
case of need.
Region of Activity.
There are about 1900 in the vicinity of
this town. The most active section of the
coal region lies hereabouts and some of the
largest collieries are in the neighborhood.
South of here is the region that in the past
has been the scene of the greatest out
breaks, HaZleton, Shenandoah and Tama-
qua. Every township of it has been patroll-
ed at one time or another by the militiamen
since the beginning of the strike trouble
in 1893.
They are determined looking set of men,
these Pennsylvania National Guaresmen.r
Recruited in the main outside of the big
cities, from young men who work in the
rolling mills, factories and railroad yards,
they are husky fellows and make a brave
show in their fatigue uniforms, leggins
and flannel shirts.
The provost guards were out early this
morning on patrol around Wilkesbarre.
They swept through the city streets, the
crowds giving way respectfully before them,
for there was an air of determination about
them and their officers which gave the i'm
preston that they were not here for their
health alone.
On the outskirts of town and in the min
ing hamlets north of the city the idle min
ers stood around in groups, offering no
word of comment upon the presence of the
troops. 1t will be remembered that General
Goblin gave an order some time ago to shoot
at crowds that were disorderly and to shoot
to kill. That order still stands. There is no
doubt 1t will be carried out with dread
earnestness If provocation is offered.
Will the Mines Start NowP
The great question today is, will the
presence of the troops start the mines to
work?' Governor Stone has led the horse
to water, can he make him drink.
The operators have insisted for weeks
that there were large numbers of men anX-
ious and willing to go back to work If they
could be afforded protection against those
who insist upon remaining in the strike
President Mitchell has insisted such was
not the case and that the presence of troops
would not break the strike.
The next few days should develop the
facts and prove whether the operators were
correct or whether Mr.. Mitchelli knows his
men as he claimed to know them.