Omaha daily bee., 1908-08-19
WHILE MlNERS BALM
Springfield Coal II. ers Refuse to
Work wi ~ yroes.
MAY AFFECT SIX 70 AND MEN
Two Mines Are Idle an S,e. RS Will
Probably Sto. -.
CITIZENS MASS MEET1 CTs
Steps Taken to Aid Officers in Punish
ing Rioters.
GRAND JURY BEGINS WORK
Acts of Mob violence and Attack Upon
Mrs. HaIIam Are TO BE Investi-
Eated--Death List Re-
mains at seven.
GRAND JURY BEGINS WORE

was hearing witnesses in riot cases and
citizens were holding a meeting today the
antagonism between whites and blacks al
ready responsible for seven deaths and
scores Of injuries struck underground.
White miners at the woodside coal mine,
mile out OF town. and the Tuxhorn mine,
four miles distant, refused TO work with
the negroes. The two mines employ about
so me, about $50 of whom are colored.
Miners came to President Clark Of the
Springfield subdistrict Of the United Mine
Workers with the declaration that the
negroes we're armed and they did not feel
sale in the underground darkness with
them. On the other hand It is said the
negroes have armed with no thought of
taking initial action, but to protect them
selves in event of a repetition of rioting
of Friday and Saturday nights. President
Clark said that so far as he knew there
had been no clashes between whites and
blacks in the mines.
''They's Just nervous. / guess" com
mented the organization leader. Both
races belong to the union and the unien
will see that no serious trouble arises"
Attitude of white Miners.
Mr.. Clarks office was filled with the
white miners who had quit work, newly
holiday and gloomily determined not to
take chances under earth under present
conditions Said one young miner with
rich brogue: 'If they amt armed they
ought to be. and II they are they ought to
be dlsarmed. You can't blame them for
being nervous, nor you can't blame us for
getting away from the kind Of nerves that
carries razor. II chunk of coal broke
loose and fell on some one he might think
he probably would with all this talk-thst
the rioting had started again. Then there
would be trouble. / don't know whether
the black man next to me has got gun
or a knife but l suppose he has. and
man can't mine coal feeling that way"
90 This and similar stories We're poured
into Mr. Clari's ear but he inslted that
mere matter of nerves" did not justify
quitting work and asserted that the two
mines would be working full-handed to-
morrow or the next day. The whole mat
ter was referred to examining board,
which spent the day quizzing blacks and
whites as TO warlike preparations, II any,
down in the shafts. Some Of the white
men insited that before they would re-
turn to work every negro must be
searched at the mouth Of the pit before
descending.
1t is claimed that the trouble which
tAlstN IN lne luAHOIn anu w oOuSlue mines
extends to approximately forty coal mines
within a radius of ten miles Of Spring
field, They employ altogether some 5000
men, about 10 per cent of whom are ne
groes.
Meeting of Citizens.
Following Governor Deneen's proclama-
tion Of last night calling on all citizens
10 assist in preserving order, an enthusi-
astic meeting of business men was held
at the Chamber of Commerce. 1t was
called to order by DR.. T. A. Hall, who
introduced Z. L. Chaplin as chairman. The
latter launched into a fiery address, in
the midst Of which he said:
This is the most extraordinary meet
ing we have ever held. The question be-
fore us is whether law and order shall
prevail in this community or whether it
shall be committed to the rule of riot,
ruin and rebellion You know about these
events and their results in bloodshed and
property loss. Out OF every ten men IN
this city nine are law-abiding. faithful
citizens. OF the persons In that mob are
there any whom any of us would entrust
with a single dollar? Not one of them
felt any degree OF responsibility for the
welfare of this community. We are not
going TO stand the rule OF such a mob. Is
life so dear and sweet that we would
surrender Il to cowardice. We love this
city and no mob large OF small. shall defy
the law"
Resolutions Are Adopted.
4 torren of applause followed the speech
and was continued when other orators de-
lvered themselves OF similar sentiments
He then read the resolutions. They had
been previously drawn by DR.. ]. w. Scott
who was health officer of the state under
Governor Altgeld, but when his production
was read Dr. Scott discovered with a show
of anger that 10 the original demand for
the protection OF life. liberty and property
to every citizen, somebody had added
without reference to color or nationality" "
DR.. Scott was promptly on his feet de-
manding to know who had changed the
manuscript. He declared that the amended
resolutions were inexpedient, but they
would be a red flag to such persons as
were already inclined to make trouble. This
view was crushed under delgue of argu-
ment in favor Of the amendment II is
more important, declared the speaker, that
the law be observed and justice done in a
legal way than that matters be smoothed
out without consideration OF the justice OF
the methods used. Springfield wanted tC
start on a new and clean basis, they. said
and that foundation must be honest or moi
reformation can be brought about"
DR.. Scott, unconvinced, bowed 20 the "baC
judgment" OF the majority and the resolu
ton was adapted unanimously, amidst sucl
sturdy cheering that some people in th'
street below thought another riot had be
gun.
The resolutions declare:
That We pledge ourselves 70 the earnes
support Of an officials whose duty is Law
enforcement and TO give all Information
and assistance TO them In bringing 20 sWif
justice all persons guilty OF crime, IRE
spective OF nationality or color and ",
call upon all good citizens 10 co-operat
IN restoring order and Furnishing all Of
tenders 70 the end that the prosperity o
the city may continue. and 10 show tha
Springfield Is deserving Of respect and con
fidence and that it Is a community com
m'tted 20 the enforcement OF law and or
der, and that We demand that the life lib
Icontinued on seeosd Psxe)