Gilpin observer., 1903-03-05
GOV. PEABODY SENDS TROOPS To-
KEEP PEACE AT COLORADO CITY

Denver March 4.-TWO hundred off,
GERS and men Of the National Guard OF
Colorado left Denver yesterday for Col
orado City, to act with two companies
from Colorado Springs in preventing
disturbances in connection with the
strike of mill and smeltermen. They
We're ordered on duty by Gov. James
Peabody at the request of Sheriff
Charles Gilbert of Ell Paso county.
At 1 o'clock yesterday afternoon the
governor issued his order, the action
following a consultation with the at
torney general, officers at the head of
the state forces and the sheriff Rep
resentatives of some of the companies
affected by the strike were also heard.
The governor did not issue the order
calling out the troops until the sheriff
formally demanded help and the attor-
ney general had advised that the ac-
tion be taken.
Three companies of infantry, one
troop OF cavalry, a section of light
battery, including two Gatling guns,
the hospital corps and the signal SER
vice men left Denver for Colorado
Springs on special Denver & Rio
Grande train that departed from the
Union station at 6: 10 o'clock last night.
Complete field equipment, including
tents, blankets and cooking utensils,
went with the troops. The quantity of
baggage and supplies taken by the
guardsmen fits them for an indefinite
stay. The troops will camp near the
establishments of the companies af-
fected by the strike and, will remain
on duty until the sheriff decides that
he can handle the situation with his
deputies.
With the Colorado Springs compa-
MES, Brig. Gen. John Chase, who is in
command. will have under arms more
than $50 men. These include all
branches of the service and are suffi-
clent to suppress any trouble that
might arise as a result of the enmity
between union and non-union men,
and the unions and the company.
Though the force ordered out is con-
sidered large one. Governor Peabody
expressed the opinion that the situa-
uon is very serious. Much of the
morning was spent by the governor
ana ms advisors in consultation, Sher-
III Gilbert adding verbal requests to his
formal demand for aid. Then men ren-
resenting the milling companies urged
that threats of destruction of COSTLY
plants called for immediate action for
protection.
Sheriff Gilbert's written request for
help, presented by that official in per-
son, precipitated the executive action
When he called on the governor YES
terday morning the sheriff submitted
the following:
Colorado Springs. Colo, March g.
10 His Excellency. Hon. James H.
peabody, Governor of the State of
Colorado:
Sir-I hand you herewith two COM
munlcations received from respective
iy the Portland Gold Mining COMPANY
operating its reduction plant near
Colorado City, and the United States
Reduction and Refining Company oper-
ating two plants near Colorado CITY.
| have received like requests verbally
from the Telluride Reduction Com
pany, represented by Hugh Fullerton
the general manager. and like re-
quests from the Colorado Springs
Electric Company. which furnishes
power to each of the mills above mem
toned. l have employed as special
deputies for the past two weeks about
seventy-five men. with the hope of
protecting property and the lives
Ct the employees of these different
companies. 1t is absolutely impos-
sible for me to do more than has
been done.