Gilpin observer., 1903-03-05

have kept In close touch with the
situation personally and know of my
own knowledge of the men being dan
gerously beaten in going to and from
their work at the mills, and that the
destruction of the property of the diff
ferent companies mentioned is threat
ened. And l therefore certify that
there is near the city of Colorado
City, In Ell Paso county, Colorado, a
riot. or body of men acting together
by force, with attempt to commit a
felony, or to offer violence to persons
and property and by force and vio-
lence to resist and break the laws Of
the state. whereof l respectfully re-
quest your excellency to issue an Or
der or call, directed to the proper
commanding officer, of some portion
of the National Guard, directing him
to order his command to appear at
such time and place as you may desig-
nate, to assist the civil authorities OF
El Paso county to suppress such vio-
lence and support the law.
Being absolutely familiar with the
situation in all its phases, L
respectfully ask for Immediate
action, as there is immediate danger of
violence during the present day, and
have come here in person to lay this
matter peIore you. very respectfully,
CHARLES GILBERT.
Sheriff El Paso County.
After submitting this the sheriff
went into the details of the situation.
He told the governor of the acts of yio-
lence that had been committed and of
the threats that it was understood had
been made by the members of the
striking unions. The sheriff argued
that it was advisable to prevent a seri-
Gus outbreak. If possible, and said that
prejudice against the deputies inter-
fered with the proper control of the
situation.
special dispatch from Colorado
Springs last night says:
Absolute quiet prevailed at midnight
throughout Colorado City and around
the three boycotted mills. The SOL
diers from Denver arrived at the
Springs at 9:45 this evening and were
Immediately taken to the Rio Grande
depot at Colorado City, where they
are sleeping in the cars for the night.
with the exception of approximately
fifty of their number. who are doing
guard duty at the Portland and Stand
ard plants, together with the local mi
litia
The first action taken by Brigadier
General JOnn ChaSe was TO dispense
the union pickets at both plants. the
strikers complying without protest.
though 1t was stated tonight by
member of the executive board of the
Millmen's Union thai the pickets would
be replaced tomorrow.
The residents of Colorado City were
SO perturbed at the calling out of the
militia that prompt action was taken in
formulating protest. About 5o'clock
this afternoon the following telegram
was sent to the governor:
Colorado City. March 3, 1908
James II. Peabody, Governor Denver:
1t is understood that the militia has
been ordered to our city, for what pur-
pose we do not know. as there is no
disturbance of any kind here. There
have been no disturbances of any kind
more than an occasional street brawl
since the strike began, and we respect
fully protest against an army being
placed in our midst A delegation of
business men will call upon you to-
morrow with formal protest from the
citizens OF our city.
JOHN d. FAULKNER.
Mayor.
G.. G. BIRDSALL.
Chief OF Police.
JOHN McCOACH.
Cify Attorney