The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-08-19


 Springfield, Ill, Aug. 1s.--while the new special grand jury empan- eled to-day was hearing witnesses in riot cases and citizens were holding meetings, the antagonism between whites and blacks, already re- sponsible for seven deaths and scores of injuries. struck underground. White miners at the Woodside Coal Mine, a mile out of town. and the Tuxhorn Mine. four miles distant, re- fused to work with negroes. The two mines employ about five hundred men. about 15O of whom are colored.
 The white miners came to President Clark of the Springfield sub b-district of the United Mine Workers, with the declaration that the negroes were armed and they did not feel safe 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 pro- tect themselves in the event of repe- tition of the 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 are just nervous, I guess, commented the organization leader. Both races belong to the union and the union will see that no serious trouble arises'
 MT Clark's office was filled with the white miners who had quit work. new shaven. dressed in honor of the unexpected holiday and gloona- fly determined not to take chances under the earth. Said <one young miner with a rich brogue: 14
 If they ain't armed, they ought to be, and if they are they ought to be disarmed. You can't blame 'em for being nervous. nor you can't blame us for getting away from the Kind of nerves that carries a razor. If a chunk of coal broke loose and fell on some one, he might think-he prob ably would, with all this talk-that rioting had started again. Then there would be trouble. I don't know whether the black man next to me has got a gun or a knife. but l sup pose he has and a man can't mine coal feeling that way"
 This and similar stories were pour ed into MT. Clark's ear. but he in- sisted that 6 mere matter of nerves" did not justify quitting work and as- serted that the two mines would be working full handed tomorrow or next day. The whole matter was referred to an examining board which spent the day quiZzing both blacks and whites as to warltke prepara- tions. if any. down in the shafts. Some Of the white men insisted that before they would return to work every ne- gro must be. searched at the mouth of the pit before descending.
 It is claimed that the trouble ex ists in the Tuxhorn and Woodside mines alone. There are approximate ly forty coal mines within a radius of ten miles of Springfield. They em- ploy altogether some 5000 men, about ten per cent. of whom are negroes.
 HaIA RFaaM
 Following Gov. Deneen's proclama- ton of last night calling upon all citizens to aid in restoring order and promoting justice. an enthusiastic meeting of business men was held at the chamber of commerce. It was who introduced E. l.. Chaptn as chairman. The latter launched into a fiery address in the course of which he said:
 This is the most extraordinary meet ing we have ever held. The question before us is whether law and order shall prevail in this community or whether 1t shall be committed to the rule of riot, ruin and rebellion. You know about these events and their re- suits in bloodshed and property loss. believe that out of every ten men in this city, nine are law abiding. faith ful citizens. Of the persons in that mob there was not one to whom any of Us would intrust a single dollar. Not one of them felt any degree of respon- sibility for the welfare of this com munity. Are we going to stand the rule of such mob; Is life so dear and sweet that we would surrender to cow ardice? We love this city and no mob, large or small. shan defy the law"
 torrent of applause followed the speech and was continued when other orators delivered themselves of similar sentiments.
 pr. Hall then read the resolutions. They had been previously drawn by pr. J. W. Scott, who was health offl- cer under Governor Altgeld. but when his production was read, pr. Scott dis covered with a show of anger that to the original demand for the protection of life, liberty and property to every citizen" somebody had added. with out reference to color or nationality"
 Resolution DOctored.
 pr. Scott was promptly on his feet demanding to know who had changed the manuscript. He declared that the amended resolutions were inexpedient, that they would be red flag to such persons as were already inclined to make trouble. This view was crushed under a deluge of argument In favor of the amendment. It is more import- ant, declared the speakers, that the law be observed and justice done fin a legal way than that matters be smoothed out without consideration of the Justice of the methods used. Springfield wants to start on a new and clean basis. thev said, and the foundation must be hon. est or no reformation can be brought about.
 pr. Scott, unconvinced and bellieer- ent. bowed to the bad judgment" of the majority and the adoption of the resolution was unanimous amidst such