River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1903-07-30

was given to it, shot was fired over
the heads of the mob. The shot only
appeared to anger the crowd, and an
other charge was made with the bat
tering ram upon the door, when the
gun was again fired, this time into the
dense crowd welding the railroad
iron, and several were seen to drop to
the ground.
Several more shots were fired from
the Jail door and windows by the Off
GERS inside and the mob began to scat
ter, leaving four or five on the ground
bleeding from bullet wounds. Others
limped away, showing that many of
the buckshot and bullets had taken
effect. Ambulances were called and
took the wounded to the hospitals,
after which the mob vented its rage
by throwing rocks and chunks of coal
through the jail windows.
The injured were all taken to st.
Elizabeth's hospital, where a corps of
surgeons were soon at work dressing
their wounds
sheriR's Statement.
Sheriff Whitlock said, in giving his
version of the shooting into the mob:
after l saw from the Jail that the
mob was determined to attack, | went
to the veranda and attempted to talk
to the maddened men. AS | stepped
into view of the crowd two bullets
were fired, one striking the wall back
of me. | fired two shots into the air.
Someone shouted that I was only
bluffing and was shooting blank
cartridges. I warned the mob would
resist an attack on the Jail with pow
der and lead. There was another shot
from the mob and it surged forward.
I then fired shot from my shotgun
into their legs This drove them back
but they returned a moment later to
the attack of the front of the door. |
was alarmed for the safety of my wife
and children. My wife took a gun and
said she would stand by me. I got ner
and the children out of the way, and
then, as the leaders came with the
rail to batter down the walls, / shot
down the rail to make them drop it,
This accounts for so many being shot
in the hands and arms. I fired eight or
ten shots in ALL"
Sheriff Whitlock had four deputies
and three constables with him in the
Jail guarding the prisoners. He says
none fired into the mob but himself.
Troops Arrive.
Four companies of militia arrived at
$3.50 Sunday morning from Springfield.
49,, A ID 7 @
enth Illinois infantry, were sent in re-
ply to urgent requests to state officials
The troops marched to the market
house opposite the Jail and camped
Streets were cleared and the threaten
ing attitude of the crowds disappeared.
There were sullen threats heard, but nc
attempt at an outbreak was manifested
during the day. Sunday night, 100 SEN
tinels patrolled the streets in the i'm
mediate vicinity of the Jail. Each SOL
der carries 40 rounds of ammunition.
There are all sorts of rumors af1oat,
and a strained situation is noticeable
But the 200 soldiers here, it is believed,
will prevent further outbreaks for the
present at least. Half of these will be
on duty all the time. Inc feellng against
the soldiers is noticeable The commits
sary department Sunday had much trou-
bic getting restaurants to serve meals.
Many refused to feed the soldiers. Four
other companies of the regiment are
under arms at Springfield awaiting or
ders. Crowds gathered during the day
near the lines and cursed the soldiers
They were scattered by bayonets in
several instances. Officers of the guard
do not anticipate any attack however.
The general belief is that the presence
of the troops has suppressed the law
less element. The sheriff and military
officers have urged all citizens to remain
off the streets. All saloons have been
ordered closed indefinitely.
All EHRN nor