New-York tribune., 1917-07-16
Presence of Militia Fails to
Stop Extraction" of
Workers
Homes Are Pillaged
Women, Carrying Babies, Fol-
low Men Out Of Flat
River, Mo.

Flat River, Mo, July 15.-The pres
ence of a detachment of Missouri Ma
tional Guardsmen in the lead belt here
did not prevent the continuing exodus
of foreign born miners, who since Fri
day have been driven out of this dis
trict by American born miners. To-
night it is estimated that / 900 foreign
ers have left the district.
Just where they have gone is not
known here, though several carloads
of refugees have been started toward
St. Louis, while others have gone north.
Some, fearing violence, did not wait for
trains, but went into the surrounding
hill country, where they made tempo
r&ry camps. No mob violence occurred
to-day, nor did the American miners
gather in any threateningly large num-
bers.
To-day weary mothers, carrying
babies, with older children trudgng
along in the dust, lined almost every
road out of town. They were going to
join their husbands, who were driven
out yesterday and the day before, but
many Of them did not know just where
tc 60.
New Outbreak Feared
Major William Stepp, of the 4th
Missouri Infantry, in command OF the
troops, warned Sheriff Adams that he
expected all prisoners turned over to
civil authorities by the military forces
to be held for prosecution. Tom Mat
thews, Prosecuting Attorney, held a
conference with Major Stepp.
This morning 200 men drew up in
front of a troop train, from which
many of the soldiers had not alighted.
In the crowd were two color bearers,
each holding an American flag. They
drew up facing the troop train. The
soldiers were ordered TO detrain. de-
tachment of soldiers marched between
the train and the men, facing the
miners.
Mems Grievances Stated
A committee composed of E. F.
Davenport, merchant; Claude Vrew-
ington and J. H. wilkinson, miners,
stepped forward and conferred with
Major Stepp. Labor Commissioner
Lewis Joined the group.
"We came TO see what your attitude
is toward us" said Mr.. Davenport.
What is the trouble about?" asked
Major Stepp.
The representative Of the men then
told their grievances;
eve want only a chance TO go TO
work and support our families without
being thrown out to make room for for
eigners. Winter is coming, and the
mining companies are discharging
Americans TO give their places to for
eigners. We wish to harm no one; we
have killed no one; we do not think
any one has been hurt; we have de-
stroyed no property. But the mining
companies are discharging Americans.
and it is against that that we pro-
test"
"We are here to preserve law and
order, to protect life and property.
Under the laws of this country all have
a right TO work and to live unmolest-
ed" answered the officer.
Mayor Suggests Conference
"As between men, we recognize no
distinction. All we seek is to preserve
law and order. You should seek a con-
ference with the mine operators and
adjust this difficulty"
The operators will not adjust it,"
chorused the men. eve have tried, but
without result"
81 think they will try to reach a set
tlement if you make another attempt
said Major Stepp.
William Rich, a leader Of miners,
mounted an automobile and said:
at is our purpose TO extract the
foreigners. We plan no harm to any
one, but the Americans are going TO
extract the foreigners. All who are
ready TO do this work meet at River
Mines at IL o'clock"
River Mines is half mile from Flat
River.
Crowd Warned Not TO Coerce
As Rich concluded, Major Stepp
forced his way through the crowd and
said:
let it be plain. II any one uses
intimidation or coercion there will be
trouble"
"Do you mean that the men canno.
send the foreigners out of town ~
the major was asked. ~,
yes" replied Major Stepp, that is
what | mean. To intimidate them so
they will leave is illegal, and we are
here TO maintain law
A labor committee then went among
the men, urging them TO 60 home and
await the result of the conferences
with the mine operators.
Mr. Rich declared the committee had
promised the troop commanders that
the men would observe a truce while
settlement was sought.
"If settlement is not reached" he
said. 1--WE will use other means"
Major Stepp made a tour of the for
eign colonies. He found that 200
homes. or former homes, of the for
eign born miners had been pillaged and
that women and children were without
food. II also was found that American
born miners were buying cows and
other property from the women at NOM
insl prices.