The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-06-07
SITUATION IN PENNSYLVANIA.
Guard Committees Appointed 10 Keep
Children Away from Mines.


WILKESBARRE. Pa. June s.-The shoot
ing affray at the Stanton coliery at South
Wilkesbarre last night in which thirteen
year-old boy was seriously wounded by coal
and iron policemen, has stirred up this
community more than any other happening
since the coal strike began, nearly four
weeks ago. Although the region was quiet
to-day, there is an ugly feeling among the
thousands Of idle men. The strikers have
the utmost contempt for the deputies and
coal and iron police. and trouble can be
started at the least provocation. The con-
dition of the boy remains critical.
Sheriff Jacobs. of this county. had a par
ticularly busy time last night. He was
called upon by several OF the companies TO
protect their property. Men were sent 10
some localities where trouble looked
for prepared TO read the riot act, but this
was not done
The coal operators hereabout deplore last
nights occurrence. but they feel that the
coal and iron police cannot be held respon-
sible for what may take place There have
been many attempts made at arson. Hun
dreds of yards of fencing surrounding col
lieries have been burned by boys and young
men. The coal companies officials hold the
mine workers responsible for all the dis
turbances. They argue that IL the strikers
wish TO keep the peace they should prevent
their sons from starting trouble.
to-day for the purpose OF eplisting the aid
of the national strike leader In preventing
any further overt acts upon the part OF
the idle men and boys. Mr.. Mitchell as
sured the sheriff that he would do all i'm his
power TO have the men keep the peace and
that the striking miners would be asked 10
help guard the company property from de-
Struction. All the local unions, at the
quest of President Mitchell, to-day appoint
ed guard committees, whose duty IL will be
during the period of strike to prevent per-
- rfFarv ~ nd
especially 10 keep children away from the
Mr. Mitchell in speaking Of the appoint
ment of the committees, said. 1T Is unsafe
for children, or any one else. 10 walk along
the streets or roads bordering collierics,
and for that reason, particularly, we de-
cided 10 have committees keep persons
away from the mines. The irresponsible
men who have been employed by the COM
panies 10 do police duty are not 10 be
Sheriff Albert Jacobs. Of this county.
swore In twenty men as deputies to-day.
They are quartered In the courthouse ready
for emergency.
President Mitchell said to-day that the
strike of the engineers and pumpmen Is
practically complete. The mining superfH-
tendents say that. as far as they are con-
cerned there has been no change In the gen.
eraI situation. Water is still accommodating
in the lower levels OF some OF the mines.
but the coal company officials seem 70 be
Indifferent regarding the flooding OF the
workings.
John Short, aged thirteen years was shot
and seriously wounded to-day by Robert
Havden tenant OF a farm at Sugar Notch.
who had been bothered by idle men and
bows crossing his place He shot the boy as
he was passing through the farm. Hayden
was arrested.
At Hudson A small mining village six
miles north OF this city. a crowd OF men.
women and boys held up Fletcher Walker.
fireman. as he coming from work
this evening He took refuge IN a barn.
where he was held prisoner until he prom
ised not 10 go 10 work tomorrow and was
then escorted to his home by a committee
of strikers. Squads OF union men are
watching many OF the mines tonight
The strike OF the soft-coal miners IN West
Virginia for higher wages which Is 10 begin
tomorrow. viii be directed by President
Mitchell from Wilkesbarre. He said to-day
there were % 600 men in that 1eld; that IS
600 will stop work tomorrow, and that he
expects the others will be out In the course
of a few Gays.
Mr.. Mitchell to-day positively denied all
knowledge OF any peace negotiations.