Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1902-08-16
STRIKERS RAID FARMS
Are Foraging in Agricultural District
of Catawissa Valley.
FARMERS ASK FOR PROTECTION

II Troops Are Not Sent to Prevent
Raids They viii Appeal 20 the
sheriff-soldiers Feeding Hungry
Women and Children.
Shenandoah. Pa, Aug. 12.-Com-
plant was made to brigade headQuar,
ters yesterday that strikers are for
aging in the rich agricultural district
of the Catawisss Valley. which
spreads its broad and fertile length
along the other side of the mountains
north OF this city. The life of one
farmer has been threatened because
he attempted to protect his property,
and the raids have reached such seri-
Gus proportions that the farmers are
preparing to take some concerted ac-
ton to stop further depredations
The complaints reached headquarters
yesterday afternoon, and II is not I'M
likely that cavalry will be sent into
the district for the purpose OF stop
ping the raids II the cavalry is sent
there it is probable that a platoon Of
the troopers will be Left in the valley
TO patrol the farms day and night
The farmers are drawing up a peti-
ton asking for protection, which will
be sent to the sheriff In case General
Goblin decides not to send the troops
into the valley.
. Lucien Munbeck, q farmer, reported
that for some time past raids have
been made on his place by parties Of
men. Early yesterday morning he
caught man tearing out whole stalks
Of corn. He ordered the man OF the
place. and as he was leaving he fred
two shots at the farmer. The latter
was armed. but did not shoot A
widow who owns farm reported that
several men come on her premises
and started to dig out potatoes. She
ordered them OF the patch, but they
paid no attention to her. and did not
leave until they had taken all they
needed. One farmer has several men
patrolling his farm day and night
The foragers do not conhne them
selves to stealing crops. but also take
away with them chickens and geese.
The soldiers in camp are daily feed.
Ing several hundred women and chill
dren. They come there, saying they
are hungry. and as there Is more than
enough food In the camp to supply
the wants OF the men. the officers
permit the soldiers to give something
TO the needy applicants. The num-
Der that came last week was small,
but It Is Increasing every day. Some
OF the women and all Of the children
come TO the camp IN their bare feet.
Many OF them bring baskets to carry
the food home. K Is a common sight
10 see some OF the women and chill
dren take scraps from the leavings of
the soldiers Colonel HOFFMAN. OF the
Eighth Regiment. was asked II all OF
these persons were foreigners, and
he replied that good many belonged
20 the Enslish-speaking classes.
The officials Of the Mine Workers
Union deny there Is any actual want
They maintain that the local unions
are well able at this time TO take care
of all cases OF Distress. The strike
situation remains unchanged, and the
region hereabouts is peace<2l
The estimated cost OF the coal min
ers' strike To date is as follows: To
operators, s3o,50o,o 900; TO strikers
wages $14,6O0.000; to other workers
made idle. 100000; to business
men in region. 1o.3O0, 600: TO bust
ness mon outside. $4,000. 900: main
tanning deputies. s775,0O0; maintain.
Ing non-union men, $3.50 900; damage
to mines. $6.O0O.o0O; wage loss OF lace
mill strike. $4,000; cost of troops In
field, $4,000; total Ell. 700, eco.