The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1914-01-10
GETS DATA ON STRIKE.
FERRIS SECURES
MUCH FIRST HAND INFOR-
NATION.
Seeks knowledge by Questioning
ShcrifTs Pud Other Officials I'm Cop
per COuntry-Icarns About Gun
men.

HouShton, Mich, Jan. Gov
Woodbridge n. Ferris of Michigan
gained much first hand information
today regarding the copper strike in
progress in this State for more than
five months. Especially did the gov
ernor learn about the number of
county and company deputies in the
strike zone and the extent to which
the socalled "gunmen" have been
used or are being used.
The governor obtained this infor-
nation from sherifis, prosecuting at
torneys and supervisors Of the two
counties affected by the industrial dis
pute. At the conclusion OF his ses-
sions with these officials he Impress
ed upon them that they must work
toge ether in maintaining law and or
der and in protecting life and prop
crty.
Twice the governor referred TO the
Meyer deportation in public, and II
was learned that he also took occa-
sion to deplore it's effects
Tonight the governor questioned
Anthony Lucas. prosecuting attorney
Of Houghton county, and Judge p. H.
O'Brien OF the circuit court, wht
came from L'Anse, in an adjoining
county, where they have been holding
con.t on strike cases transferred from
this jurisdiction on changes of venue.
Gov. Ferris found an interesting
field for inquiry in the Keweenaw
county situation. Normally the three
Dig mines there employ about 1000
men, and he was told that 95 pei
cent. OF the population in the Mo-
hawk, Allouez and Apeek localities
are members OF the Western Fedora
tion OF Miners. Troops were sent into
the county last summer and a com
pany still Is on duty there.
-The governor s,carned that in b5th
counties about SO former militiamen
are employed as mounted police. He,
aid that their retention was a mis-
take.
The governor saw no representa-
tives of the Western Federation Of
Miners today. but he made an ap-
pointment for an interview with sew
eral of their representatives tomor-
row. This meeting will be followed
by those with delegations from local
unions.
Mine managers had partial in
ming today and will be heard more
fully later.
IL was learned today that tele-
gram was sent to James McNaughton
general manager OF the Calumet g.
Hecia company, requesting him to re-
turn from his vacation i'm Boston.
George Nichols. special prosecutor
in charge Of grand jury work. to-
night gave the inquisitorial body q
clean bill of health so far as it's ability
was concerned.
Speaking as stranger to the cop
per country Mr.. Nichols said he never
had seen seemingly fairer or more
intelligent lot of grand jurors" He
answered criticisms of its speed by a
statement that the inquiry in which 1t
Is engaged Is the most extensive in
the history of Michigan.
The prosecutor explained that the
names of 100 men had been placed
In the grand jury box nearly three
months before the strike was called
and said selection of these names had
no relation to any industrial situ-
alton.
The governor touched upon the
Italian hall disaster Of Christmas eve,
and heard long explanation Of the
coroner's procedure. He laid stress
upon the jury's findings, especially the
portion generating the Citizens AL
lance of any blame in the affair.
The governor announced that to-
conference with union rep
resentatives would be held in the aft
ernoon. In the evening. he said. he
intends to have an absolutely secret