Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1912-04-02
NO REPORT FROM
ROCK ISLAND JURY
Indwictments for Rioting Expected
Tomorrow; Murder Sunday
Morning.

Rock Island, ILL.,, April 1.-Wh1le
it was hoped that a report might be
submitted by the grand jury today,
there were prospects that the grand
jury wouldp not complete it's work and
that the blame for last Tuesday
nights fatal riots would not be placed
before tomorrow. ....-. ...@
With the military in control there
were no important disturbances last
night. The only outbreak In the last
forty eight hours was the assault Sat
urday night on stranger who was
mistaken for Chief Of Police Brinn.
The stranger escaped serious injury.
No trace of any of the seven men in
viewed in the attack has been found.
The coroners jury Investigating the
deaths of the two men knlled IN last
Tuesdays riot resumed the examina-
ton of witnesses today and a verdice
was expected tonight.
Mary are of the opinion that the in
quest will result in holding those
charged with melting the riot to the
grand jury which is now in session.
Six Chicago newspaper men testified
before the grand jury today.
The city was quiet.
Another Murder at Rock Island.
A murder and an attack upon a
Galesburg man, who was mistaken for
Chief Of Police James Brinn, resulted
from attempts of ruffians to renew the
rioting here at an early hour Sunday
morning.
Rufus Phoenix of this city, an ex-
prizefighter, was shot dead in an alley
near the Rock Island railroad yards.
Militiamen heard the shots, but when
dead, bullet having pierced his
heart Twenty men were arrested IN
nearby negro gambling club in con-
nection with the murder and are being
held pending an investigation.
Shortly after midnight Walter Rice
Of Galesburg was attacked by gang
of men and beaten. Rice, who is a
negro, is similar in size and figure to
the Rock Island chief Of police and
evidently was taken by the gang for
Brinn. He was rescued by militiaEen
and attended by regimental surgeons
at the armory.
Eighty-eight Arrests Made.
During the night and the early
morning hours Lightweight men were
arrested by the police and the soldiers
and the county jails are crowded
| Among the prisoners are the men who
are accused Of the murder of Phoenix
and the assault upon Rice. 49,.
Although the soldiers had their
hands full Saturday night Keeping the
crowds moving, stopping fights and
arresting disturbers, Sheriff 0. l.
Bruner, who has full charge of the
situation, believes the crisis has
passed. At his suggestion Adjutan'
General F. s. Dickson has recon-
mended to Governor Deneen that all
but two companies of the Sixth regi
ment be sent back. Ten companies
will leave Rock Island today.
| "The murder. the assault upon Rite
and the few fights last night were al
isolated" Sheriff Bruner said. There
was no concerted move on the part Of
the few ruffians who are still here tc
create disturbance. A few soldiers
only are needed to help the police
keep the situation in hand. There is
no necessity for keeping the whole
regiment here longer" --.s
| The special policemen who have
been sworn in will be kept on duty
throughout next week in order thai
disturbers may be kept apart. The cwc
companies of militia to be retained
probably will be kept here until after
the primaries April 8. --.#
Inquiry Into Riots.
Interest now centers upon the
double inquiry into the causes of the
riots and the movement of posta
| authorities who are believed to bt
planning to arrest John Looney, editor
Of the Rock Island News, on charge