The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1903-09-15
Walker County Trouble May
Yet Prove Serious
CONSPIRACY IS THE CHARGE
William BeIlinger, John Chance, James
De Leach and r. B. Patton Re-
quired to Make Bond
for $1,000 Each.

Four men were arrested yesterday after
non at Horse Creek by Deputy United
States Marshals p M. Long and H. G.
Ashley, In connection with the recent as
sault made upon District Organizer Joe
Hallier of the United Mine Workers of
America at that place.
The men arrested were William Bellin-
ger, John Chance, James e. DeLoach and
R. B. Patton and they were brought be-
fore United States Commissioner II. A.
Wilson charged with conspiracy Their
bonds were set at $4,000 each which were
made and the men released. The cases
will come up before Commissioner Wilson
on September 20.
The warrants for the arrest of the men
were based on the affidavit made by Joe
Hallier in which it Is set forth that he
was assaulted with intent to murder and
that William Bellinger John Chance.
James DeLoach and r. B. Patton conspir-
ed to injure, Cypress, threaten or intimi-
date him.
Other Arrests Expected.
It is thought that there will be several
more arrests in Connection with this matter
and a large number of witnesses are
already summoned to testify at the prelim-
mary hearing before Commissioner Will
son on the 23d of this month.
District Organizer Joe Hallier was as
saulted at Horse Creek on August II, and
shot in the right arm. He was brought
to Birmingham where his wound was
dressed and he was confined to the in
Urinary for several days. The trouble
is said to have been caused by the attempt
of Mr. Hallier to organize local Of the
United Mine Workers at Empire, tc
which some of the Walker county people
objected.
The deposition made by Mr. HALTER on
September before Commissioner II. A.
Wilson is substantially as follows:
HaIlier's Deposition.
THAT on or about the 18th day of Aug
ust, 1903, at or near Horse Creek in Walk
err county in the southern division of the
northern district of Alabama, William
Bellinger, John Chance, George alias jim
DeLoach. r. b. Patton. ct al, in violation
of section 55OS and $500 of the revised
statutes OF the united states ulu uHidW-
fully conspire to injure, Cypress, threaten,
or intimidate Joe Hallier, a citizen of the
United States, in the free exercise or en-
joyment of a right or privilege. secured
to him by the constitution of the United
States, towit The right and privilege
of perfecting and organizing a local union
of the United Mine Workers of America
at Empire in the county of Walker and
state of Alabama, and because of his
having exercised said right or privilege.
the said William Bellinger, ct al, In fur
therance of said conspiracy and to effect
the objects thereof, went upon the high
way, unlawfuly and with malice afore-
thought did assault and shoot the said
Joe Halter with a gun or pistol. with the
intention to murder him. contrary to the
form of the statute In such cases made
and provided, and against the peace and
dignity of the United States"
The warrants for the arrest of the men
were issued by United States Commits
sicner Wilson upon instructions from AS
e'stant United States District Attorney
w. II. Standifer.