Evening star., 1924-11-02
GOVERNOR WATCHES.
Sends 1900 Guardsmen Into Tur-
bulent Town.

COLUMBUS, Ohio, November l.
Gov. Vic Donahey's Office here tonight
had been transformed into a military
headquarters, and the governor had
temporarily dropped his title as chief
executive to become commander-in-
chief Of the States military forces.
following a hectic day of develop
ments, during which the governor
was forced to declare qualified mar
tial law at Niles and occupy the town
with State troops.
Declaration OF martial law followed
reports from the governors confiden-
tial agents there that riots and dis
orders had occurred and that troops
were necessary to protect life and
property. The official proclamation
was written and signed by the gov
ernor and given to Mai. Gen. Benson
Hough of the Ohio National Guard.
who was sent to Niles to take charge.
Reports of activities Of Klan and
anti-Klan forces made to the COVER
nor during the day and early evening
caused him to confer almost continu-
ouslyl with Adjt. Gen. Henderson
who issued telegraphic orders for
movement of troops. Approximately
1900 Ohio National Guards were to oc-
cupy the town before midnight.
These included II units from the
145th Infantry, from Cleveland
Berea, Warren. Akron, Canton and
detachment; four units Of field artil-
lery. three from Canton and one from
Youngstown; two units of cavalry
from Akron, one regiment of engi-
neers from Cleveland, consisting of
seven companies and one medical de-
tachment. The maximum strength of
these units is 1865 men.
Quick Action Ordered.
Commanders of the various units
were ordered to mobilize their forces
Immediately and report to the adjr-
tant general by telegraph. AS quick
ly as they were mobilized they were
being ordered into the trouble zone.
standing firmly on the messages
which he had previously sent to
Sheriff Thomas and Mayor kistler in
which he declared that no troops would
be sent until actual riots had occurred
and 'that every force at the States
command would then be used to restore
peace" the governor declared martial
law immediat tely upon receiving the
first report of disorder. The governor
and adjutant general were together in
the governors office when the report
OF shootings was made. Wire Of
ffcials that martial law is in effect and
dispatch troops Immediately" was the
governors curt command.
Stenographers and office attendants
on Saturday half holiday were called
in and orderlies hurried to and fro
between the Offices of the governor and
adjutant general Military passes were
issued reporters and correspondents,
and orders were dispatched to COM
manding officers.
Governor Sleeps in Once.
The governor and his staff had
lunch IN the governors private otfice.
and dinner was served there tonight.
The governor announced he would be
on duty throughout the night and a
bed was placed in a corner of his
Office. The adjutant generals office
was also, kept open tonight, while
Gen. Henderson and assistants keen
In touch with troop movements.
} While the governor expressed deep
regret that disorders had actually oc-
CURED, he expressed himself as con-
fident that the presence of State
troops would restore order He an
nounced, however, that the troops
had authority to disperse all gather
lngs and would follow the command
to the letter.
Reports fSom the State military
headquarters at Niles reaching the
governor at 1880 pm. were to the ef-
feet that all dangers of further riot
ing had passed. 1t was felt that the
only danger yet remaining was pos
sible ambuscade along outlying roads
tonight.