The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-20
Resist Deportation to Orient and Give Battle to
 Officers
SCORES INJURED IN
 FIGHT THAT FOLLOWS
Hindus Line Rail and Pelt Officers as Tug Approached-Orders Re- ceived to Deport Hindus
 Next Thursday

Vancouver. B. C., July 19.-Seores among a party of 175 policemens and constables were injured. several ser iously early today in q battle with sev- eral hundred infuriated Hindus on board the Japanese steamer Kamagato fro the attacking party retreated and the attempt to board the vessel tempor- arily was abandoned. The Hindus braved the stream from big hose the tug turned on them and mercilessly pelted the officers with Jumps of coal Firebricks and pieces of iron from what is believed to have been the wreckage of the engine room on the steamer followed No shots were fired on either side. The Hindus had no fire arms and the police refrained from us- ing theirs.
 Prevented From Landing The battle grew out of an attempt to rid the harbor of the Japanese steamer on which $50 Hindus came to this port three months ago, only to have the Ca . nadian immigration authorities refuse
 
 claim to land as British subjects was overruled by the Canadian government The Hlndus had been rebellious and several times attempted to land, but were prevented.
 As the steamer was without pro- visions, the Canadian officials who de termined to put provision enough aboard to last them on the trip to the orient. Today the tug Sea Lion put with fbR and what 4 believed to be sufficient boarding party.
 When within hailing distance of the Japanese vessel. it was seen that every inch of space along the rail and on the deck and bridge was occupied by Hirdus, armed each with club or other weapon. while at the bow of the steamer a solid mass of humanity was congregated.
 The tug was made ready and back land forth along the rows of Hindus a stream was played. This form of lattsck was effective momentarily and the East Indians retreated. For atime il looked as if the boarders would be successful. but rallying several hun- dred Iiindus faced the stream and be- gan raining a shower of missiles upon the attacking party. Soon a tremen- dous storm of coal Jumps was being rained on the party on the tugs deck, which was at the mercy of the defend CTS as they had no orders to use their firearms.
 Report Received in Ottawa Ottawa. Ontario, Jriy l9.-A report of a battle in Vancouver harbor early today between Canadian officials backed by the police and a body of Hindus on the Japan ese steamship Komagata Maru was re- ceived by government officials tonight. The steamer arrived three months ago Il..f4t Il. H. 4.. claimed the right to land in Canada. The Canadian immigration officials refused them admission as undesirable persons. Several times the Hindus attempted to reach shore but were prevented by guard boats the Canadian authorities placed on watch
 The courts sustained the position taken by the government and the Japanese cap- tain of the steamer was given until 6 O clock Saturday afternoon to sail for India with his load of Hindus.
 The report, as given out by the immi- grafton department. states, that shortly after the captain of the Komagata Maru reported that the passengers prevented him from getting up steam and he had asked for assistance. 160 policemen and
 immigration officials went out to the ves- seI in a tug but could not gain the deck of the Komagata Maru in the face of stubborn resistance offered by the Hindus on board who hurled down on the off cers coal iron bars. pieces of machin- cry, hatchets and clubs. injuring many men and smashing the windows of the tug
 Some shots were fired by the Hindus. but the officers. although armed. in their anxiety to avoid bloodshed. did not re- turn the fire and at ? a. m, realizing the difficulty of reaching the deck of the ves- sel from the tug, retired. taking with them 20 injured men. among whom was the captain of the tug. None of the injuries are likely to prove fatal
 While desirous that no unnecessary violence shall be used the government is determined that the law shall be en- forced and with this end in view have authorized the use of the cruiser Rain bow to effect a boarding of the Komagata Maru. If necessary to secure control and maintain 1t. the Hindus will be hand cuffed. proceeding which. In view of the violent actions last night, is considered fully justified. The government has in- structed its agents to deport the rejected Hindus on the steamship Empress of Ja- pan next Thursday. if 1t appears that deportation by the Roma gata Maru can not be promptly and effectually accom- plished."
 It Is feared here that lives may be lost before the Hindus are subdued as they have been prisoners on board the vessel for three months and are desperate. They are known to have a number of guns.