The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1909-11-17

GUARD
CHERRY

CHERRY, Nov. 17.-Fearing that
the miners will start a riot when the
bodies are brought to the surface, two
companies of militia arrived today
and surrounded the shaft. The miners
are in an ugly mood and claim the
company sacrificed lives in order to
save property. Another company OF
militia is held in readiness at Mon
mouth. Captain Hall, commanding the
men, offered the services of militia to
assist in recovering the bodies.
THE decision to call for troops was
agreeable to all parties concerned"
said Sheriff Skoglun. 1t was thought
that when they began taking out the
bodies confusion might ensue. Mem
bers of some distressed families might
become excited and the situation
might get out of control of the local
authorities
The coming of the troops does not
change the situation, for the mine is
practically in the hands of the state,
owing to the presence of the state
mine inspectors.
1--WE do not expect trouble"
Hopes Guard Will Stop Violence.
Despite Sheriff Skoglund's assurance
that no apprehension prompted the call
for troops, many wild rumors were
circulated. One was that a crowd OF
men from points outside of Cherry had
determined to take the situation into
their own hands and carry out the
rescue work themselves.
Another said that a plot had been
formed to blow up a number of pri-
vate cars on the switches here. One
of them is the car of President Earl
ing of the Chicago, Milwaukee and st.
Paul railroad, who remains night and
day on the ground. Officials branded
these rumOrs as absurd
Saloons Are Opened.
Signs of reStleSSneSs were apparent
in the streets late tonight. For a few
hours the saloons were opened by per-
mission of the authorities. The lift
ing of the lid was opposed by some
persons, who feared the result of liquor
upon the overweight miners. Sal
DON men were persistent in their re-
quests to be allowed to keep open, es-
pecially as it was pay day.
States Attorney Eckhart told them
if any trouble were caused by men
finding liquor in town he would put
the saloon keepers out of business"
Despite Eckhart's warning, a num-
Der of men were the worse for drink,
and there was an agitated tone in talk
in the streets.
Sheriff Skogtund of Bureau county,
with authority from States Attorney
Eckhart, telegraphed to Springfield
late today, asking Governor Deneen to
send several companies of state mil
itia
When the bodies will be brought to
the surface is doubtful. None of the
officials believe any Of the 800 en-
tOmbed men are alive.
The subterranean fires today were
more intense than when the men were
entraped three days ago, and no eff
forts could be made to enter the mine
Fire Chief Koran of Chicago arrived
with a supply of hose and chemical fire
eXtinguishers. The seal over the
mouth of the shaft was perforated, and
it was intended to force water and
chemicals down through pipes. A Their
mometer in the sand on top of the
seal showed a temperature of 40
degrees, indicating that the heat in the
interior of the mine was intense.
Birth Amid Death and Sorrow.
In making the rounds of the miners
homes. Duncan Mcdonald. president of
district No. II. United Mine Workers,
discovered that a baby had arrived at
a home which lost father and a
the disaster.
Eighty six homes visited were. with
the exception of children; without
male members.
Only the frantic of the women who
lost husbands ventured to visit the
shaft. and these had to be taken back
almost forcibly.
Speculation was rife as to the 1oca-
ton of the bodies in the mine. Upon
this will be determined the immediate
cause of THE mems death-whether it
was fire, suffocation by smoke. or the
falling in of parts of the mine. It
| is the opinion of veteran mine work.
ers that in time of danger a miner will
| remain near the hosting shaft until
driven to remotero parts in search Of
| air. If the bodies are found near the
shaft. it was declared, it will indicate
the men persisted by fire. If they are
found in the more distant galleries
suffocation by smoke or gas was prob
ably the cause of death The repeat
| ed sealing up of the mouth of the
! mine, necessary to stop draught and
smother the fire, it is believed, was
sufficient to generate enough gas to