New-York tribune., 1908-08-19
NEGRO MINERS ARMED
WHITE MEN QUIT WORK.
Quiet in SpringtfeId-Bnsiress Men
Adopt Resolutions.

Springfield ILL., Aug. 16-While new special
grand jury. empanelled to-day. was hearing WIZ
nesses in riot cases and citizens were holding a
meeting to-day, the antagonism between whites
and negroes already responsible for seven desshs
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 mo
two mines employ about five hundred men, about
one hundred and fifty of whom are negroes Inc
white miners came to President Clark of the
Springfield sub-district of the United Mine Work
ers with the declaration that the negroes were
armed and they did not feel safe in the under
ground darkness with them.
The whole matter was referred TO examining
board. which spent the day quizzing both blacks
and whites q to warlike preparations IL any, down
in the shafts Some of white insisted that
before they would return to work every negro must
be searched at the mouth Of the pit before de-
scendins.
Following Governor Deneen's proclamation Of last
night calling on all citizens to aid in restoring
order and promoting justice. enthusiastic meet
ing of business was held at the Chamber Of
Commerce to-day. II was called to order by DR..
E. A. Hail. who introduced E L. Chaplin chair
man The latter launched into fiery address,
which was followed by a torrent CT applause Other
speakers delivered themselves of similar sentiments
D, Hail then read the resolutions. They had
been previously drawn by Dr. j. W. Scott, who
was health officer of the state under Governor Alt
geld but when his production read DR.. Scott
discovered with a show of anger, that to the origi
nal demand for the protection OF life liberty and
nronertv TO every citizen," somebody had added.
"vvIthout reference TO color nationality"
DR. Scott was promptly his feet demanding TO
know who had changed the manuscript He de-
clsred that the amended resolutions were mex
n.d,ent-that they would be red flag to such per-
son. as were ALREADY inclined to make trouble. This
view was crushed under deluge OF argument IN
favor of the amendment It is more important. de-
clsred the speakers, that the law be observed and
Justice done in a legal way than that matters be
smoothed out without consideration Of the justice
and methods used. Springfield wants to start
a new and clean basis, they said and thu founda-
ton must be honest. reformation could be
brought about.
DR.. Scott unconvincsd and beligersnt. bowed TO
the bad Judgment of the majority. and the adop-
tion Of the resolution unanimous. amid such
sturdy cheering that some people in the street
below thought another riot had begun.
The only violence reported during the day
North Sth street. A small crowd OF white
men and boys set upon negro and beat him
verely He managed to break away and north.
pursued by his assailants The affair reported
to the headquarters of General Wells. but the
roughs had scattered by the time soldiers reached
the
To-day's session Of the grand jury devoted
hearing witnesses In the of the assault OF Mrs
Mabel Hallam. George Richardson. the negro
whom Mrs. Hallam partly identified her
saiant. indicted. Richardson protests his in
That those in authority believe the danger OF
serious trouble is made evident tonight
when Governor Deneen issued orders that the 1st
Infantry. of Chicago return 10 that city tomorrow