Douglas Island news., 1907-09-25

He felt certain that the interests would not accede to the demands. During the evening and night of the 18th and all forenoon of the 18th there came start linp news to him. It was hinted that the employers would yield, or at least suggest basis for peaceable settle ment of the trouble. It was pointed out to him that over 2O,OO0,000 tons of ore must be moved during the remain der of the season, and that the mine owners could not afford to see their great pits idle. This was startling in. teIligence to Petriella, who knew there would be little glory in peaceful set clement, the credit for which would go largely to outside arbitrators.
 He resolved to act at once. So he called all the men from the mines, is- suing his order on the evening of-the 18th, aud every mine on the Mesaba was idle by the evening of the 2Oth. The men on the Vermilion did not obey him. and the mines there were never closed. About 2, 900 miners went out, those who were not members of the Federation not caring to bear the odium of being called scabs. But it was half hearted action on their part. They went to their homes, and conducted them selves as model workmen should They regarded it as a vacation and resolved to keep out of trouble.
 Petriella had figured his scheme well and timed the explosion to suit him. self. His plans contemplated titanic and spectacular battle with the mine owners, accompanied with rioting and bloodShed if necessary. He openly ad' vocated resistance to the deputy sher- ifs who might be sent to guard the mines. He pictured his name heralded to the four winds as that of the man who was throttling the octopus and the oppressor in Minnesota. What stronger claim could anyone have to the presl- dency of the Western Federation Of Miners? And if he won, who could stand against him? So it will be seen that he had planned his battle and was carrying it on regardless of the welfare of those he pretended to serve. But he overlooked one thing-he neglected to take into consideration the common people-that great mass which is so pa tient. so long suffering and so slow to wrath.
 And there is where he committed his great error. The people had been watch. ing every move, and in silence they had made up their minds. The morning after the strike began, this sentiment thundered throughout every city and hamlet in northern Minnesota: "Ihere is no room in this state for the Western Federation of Miners" The press of Duluth sounded the alarm and it was echoed in every trade and profession, in every class and calling. The 100000 people of the district were armed as one man against PetrielIa and his or ganization.
 This attack, from a quarter about which he had not even thought, con- founded Petriella. He replied by a show of violence. The more unruly of his followers were paraded in the streets of the range towns, behind the red flag. This Haunting of the symbol of anarchy added to the wrath of the people. and there was demand which could not be withstood that armed dep uties be hurried to the range to pre- serve order and afford ample protection to all who wished to work. The mine owners, who had already declared against any dealings with Petriella and the Federation, said they could work the mines if protection was afforded.
 To this demand Sheriff Bates of St. Louis county, and Sheriff Hoolihan Of Itasca, replied by sending about 2,OOO armed men into the affected districts. They overawed the turbulent strikers, and soon the best of the men who went out were returning to work. There were few minor com bats, resulting ln little or no damage, and then came a cry for state troops by some of the more excitable of the employers. In reply to this Petriella declared that his followers were being abused by the deputies and demanded protection from Governor Johnson. The conflict waged thus to the end of the week, but the strike was partially broken, and