Reading Times from Reading, Pennsylvania • Page 1

i i i srr TUESDAY MORNING, JUNE 7, 1904. 8 PAGES. TEN CENTS A. WEEK VOIjTJME194. NO.

56. LATEST COLORADO DYNAMITE HORROR TviIti Dead aid Eight Fitallf Injured bj Infernal MicBloe Bplosioi. RIOTING FOLLOWS, A SHERIFF RESIGNS AND POLICE ARE DISARMED BY HIS SUCCESSOR OUTBREAKS FOLLOW THE EFFORTS OF THE MILITARY TO ASSUME CONTROL OF AFFAIRS. Cripple Creek, une 6. By the explosion of an Infernal machine under the station platform at Independence Sta tion after midnight, twelve miners were instantly killed and eight or ten others fatally Injured.

Detectives found the machine which set off the dynamite under the platform. It consists of a revolver and 300 feet of steel wire. The revolver was placed underneath the platform close to the powder. The other end of the wire was fast' ened to a chalrleg, which was used as a lever from the eribbings of the Del monico property. The ex plosion was the result of a plot against the non union miners on "the night shift at the Shurtloff, Findlay and lost uollar mines, wno naa just mii ished work, and were about to return to their homes.

The explosion occurred beneath the platform on which the men were waiting for a train, hurline: many of them high into the air, destroying the adjoining depot, and rending a great hole in the earth. It is believed a large quantity of dynamite had been placed under the platform, and that it was set off by means of electricity, or by the concussion caused by the approaching train. The train had not arrived at the In dependence depot, but was within a short distance of it when the explosion occurred. About forty five or fifty min ers had gathered at the depot platiorm, and they were blown into the air in everv direction. One man's body, cut in two, was found 100 yards the scene of the explosion.

Seven bodies were laid out together and the rem nants of others were secured as fast as possible. On account of the terrible nature of their wounds, identification was difficult. STORY OF SURVIVOR. Charles Rector, of the ShurtlofE mine, describing the explosion, said: "There were about fifty or sixty of us waiting for our train, which was coming up the track a few hundred feet distant. A number of miners who had not yet reached the depot were running towards it with their dinner buckets in hand.

The train approached the depot at a moderate rate and the crowd on the platform began to move around to secure points of vantage in getting aboad as soon as the train stopped. "At this moment a great explosion occurred right under our feet. The impact shook the buildings in the town, and everything became absolutely dark. A few moments later the groans of the injured were ehard, and people came running from residences and stores to the scene. I was uninjured.

"The depot, platform and the surrounding objects were rent into splinters The work of rescue was begun at once. Six badly wounded miners were picked up at different points near the scene, and were, quickly carried to the train and sent to Victor. The dead were found after much difficulty. There was almost total darkness in the vicinity." The train was in charge of Engineer W. Rush and Fireman James Gardner, who escaped unhurt.

The train consisted of two large passenger coaches, and was without passengers, as this was the first trip of the morning and Independence was the first station where passengers were expected. It is supposed that at least 200 pounds of dynamite must have been used to produce such an explosion. On the ground where the depot stood Xhere is a great hole, as if made by an earthquake. The shock of the explosion was felt in every direction. The miners who stood on the platform were literally shot far into the air.

Independence is about six miles from this city by rail. A special train carrying physicians was despatched to the scene of the explosion and the injured were taken to the Victor hospital. Sheriff Robertson, with deputies and police officers of both Cripple Creek, and Victor, went to Independence on the special train and immediately began a careful search for the perpetrators of the outrage. Although the strike of union miners in the Cripple Creek district, which began August 10, 1896, and which led to the declaration of martial law in Tellu ride county by Governor Peabody, is still in effect, good order has been maintained for the last six months and military rule has been suspended and all troops withdrawn. Most of the killed and injured were non union miners employed in the Find lay mine, which is controlled by A.

E. Carleton, president of the First National Bank, a man prominent in the councils of the Cripple Creek Mine Oweners' Association. The conspirators evidently did not itish to kill or injure any of the crew in charge of the train which the 111 fated miners intended to take for their pomes in Victor and Cripple Creek. When within 75 feet of the depot at 'independence the engine whistle sounder as a signal for the men at the depot 'o Wet ready to board and to warn any agibards to make haste if they, wished (batch the train. Tlhe whistle was the death signal, for siponer had the shrill blast sounded tiania muffled roar was heard and the oun)tain trembled as if rocked by.

an erthftuake. The train, which was run nng jvery slowly, was brought to a sud dn s.top by the engineer, and members the train crew ran hastily forward to investigate. Chey were horror stricken at the siht that greeted their eyes, a spec tale that was made all the more grue sone by the flickering lights from the laiterns and burning torches carried toy' th railroad men. It took only a few seonds for the trainmen to appreciate th terrible situation, and messengers wee hurried away for assistance. he scene about the depot was sick ening.

Portions of human bodies were scattered over the right of way, and in the twenty foot "Tiole made by the explosion were found several heads, arms, legs and hands. Every object within a radius of 60 feet from the from the hole was bespattered with blood. When news of the disaster reached "Victor, Mayor Franklin ordered out Company L. Colorado National Guard, and the soldiers are now on guard at the scene. SHERIFF RESIGNS MEMBER OF THE CITIZENS' ALLIANCE IS APPOINTED AS HIS SUCCESSOR THREATS OF I By Associated Prass.

Cripple Creek, June 6. Without explanation and with a suddenness that has caused great surprise. Sheriff Henry M. Robertson this afternoon resigned his position and Edward Bell was named to succeed him by the county commissioners. Bell is a member of the Citizens' Alliance.

City Marshal O'Connor, of Victor, has sworn in a large number of special policemen, who are patroling the streets with shotguns. Many union men have armed themselves and say they will resist with violence any attempt to run them out of town, as is proposed. Detectives have been engaged to shadow the movements1 of every prominent At ion leader in the camp. Clarence Hamlin, of the Mine Owners' Association, has arrived at Victor and has taken charge of affairs there. He declared this afternoon that the men who are responsible for the Independence outrage should be hanged from a telephone pole, and that he would be only too glad to help pull the rope if the murderers could be discovered and captured.

Among the mines that have already shut down Is the Shurtloff, employing nearly 1,000 men. The streets of Victor are filled with an excited mob and there is much loud talk. SOLDIERS ATTACK HALL THEY KILL, A NUMBER OF MINERS WITHOUT RECEIVING ANY INJURIES IN RETURN. Br 4amatatol Prm Denver, June 5. Adjutant General Bell has been informed by telephone from Victor that an attack was made this afternoon on Miners' Union hall by a squad of Major Naylor sent the guards to aid in quelling a disturbance on Fourth street.

When the uniformed men swung into Fourth street they were fired on from houses on both sides of the street. They returned the fire and ran on a double quick uracil they were near Miners" union nail. At tnat point the mob scattered and, as the soldiers halted, several shots were fired at them from the windows of the hall. The doors of the building had been left open and a dozen guardsmen fired into the hall as as they could work their rifles. After a few volleys the order to take the place by assault was given and they jumped in.

It was reported to General Bell that a number of men were killed, but none of the guardsmen was injured. POLICEMEN DISARMED BY THE NEW SHERIFF THIS ACTION TAKEN AFTER SEVERAL KEN WERE SHOT DOWN. Br AMoetmted Preaa. Victor, June 6. This afternoon secretary Hamlin, of the Mine Owners' Association, began to speak on the corner of Fourth and Victor avenues.

Immediately there was firing from some unknown source. Roy McGewas mortally wounded at the first 1ring, while Attorney S. D. Crump, of this city, special representative of Governor Pea body, was wounded, as were also Peter Christman. Fred.

Strubement, J. J. Oe mer and R. G. Murphy.

The greatest excitement prevails. Sheriff Bell has ordered the entire force of special policemen to take off their badges and carry their guns to their homes or he would arrest them. He said his deputies would controf the situation. Major Naylor was appointed by Bell to succeed Chief of Police O'Connell, who was dismissed. APPEAL TO PRESIDENT AMERICAN CITIZENS RETAIN COUNSEL AND REFUSE TO LEAVE SAN MIGUEL.

COUNTT. Br Associated Press.1 Telluride, June 6. O. A. Floaren, one of the proprietors of the People's Supply Store; M.

J. Sullivan, secretary of the local miners' union, and Tony Rolla, a bartender, who have been advised by the military authorities to leave San Miguel county, have retained Congressman Hogg as counsel and. acting under his. advice, have decided to remain here until forced to leave. The following telegram has been sent to President Roosevelt at Washington, to which no reply has yet been received: Have been ordered to leave our homes by June 7, but do not intend to go.

We, as citizens of the United States, demand your protection under constitutional rights. Civil courts wquld protect us, but they are powerless. The governor will not protect us. CSigned.) O. A.

Floaren, M. J. Sullivan. UNION WILL INVESTIGATE COMMITTEE APPOINTED FOR THE PURPOSE BY THE FEDERATION OF MINERS. By Associated Press.

Denver, June 6. The Western Federation of Miners will investigate the dynamite outrage at Cripple Creek. At the session of the Federation's convention today a committee was appointed to go to the Cripple Creek region to mane tnorougn investigation or ar Wra and to spare no one In its report. SHORT OF COAL AT PORT ARTHUR So a British Correspondnt Lures Froa til Jayifliss Secret Smict. HE HEARS EXPLOSIONS AND BELIEVES THE RUSSIANS ARE BLOWING UP GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS NO VERIFICATION OF THE REPORTS OF THE SINKING OF MORE WARSHIPS.

IT Assodatsd Press. London, June 7. A correspondent aboard the Times' steamer Haimun, telegraphing; June. 6, says: "It Is pretty certain, from intelligence received by the Japanese secret service, that, even if the channel of Port Arthur is open for large draught ships, there is not sufficient coal in Port Arthur for such vessels to come out. The explosions heard at PoHf Arthur are believed to have been csed by the demolition of certain gov buildings.

"A portion of the Japanese second army corps will hold the land approaches to Port Arthur until Tallenwan Bay shall have been made practicable for further debarkation. In the meantime a screen of mounted troops is being: pushed up beyond Kalplng for the purpose of allowing the reconstruction of the railway to proceed as rapidly as possible." WAR LESSONSTO DE LEARNED BY SIEGE MODERN DEFENCES ARB PITTED AGAINST MEN WHO DISREGARD THE SACRIFICE OF HUMAN LIFE. Paris, June 6. The New York Herald's European edition publishes the following from Its military expert: A siege of Port Arthur will not only be an event of great impo nce for the opposing armies, but an episode of the highest interest from a military point of view, in view of what it may be expected to show in the way of resistance from a place put In a state of defence in' a most modern and perfect manner, both as regards fortifications and armament. The lessons to be learned will doubtless be less conclusive as regards, the attack, "rhe Japanese generals appear to hold" the principle that they must never consider it a moral obligation to spare the lives of their soldiers, even when the sacrifice is not imperatively necessary, because of their superb disdain of death.

We must therefore expect hecatombs of slain without precedent in Europe. when an army wants to capture a place it can do so in two ways by a regular siege or by an irregular attack, I consisting in taKlng it by surprise or Dy main force, or by obtaining its surrender by simply bombarding it. It is clear that Port Arthur will be atacked by besieging, inasmuch as the first stags that of investing, has already begun. General Stoessel. in order to retard its accomplishment, had concentrated everything on discuraging his adversary by opposing an impassable barrier on the isthmus which terminates the pen insula of Kwangtung, but did not sue ceed.

Let us say in passing that his I failure was due in great part to the unexpected participation of gunboats, which took the defenders of Nanshan in the flank. It is possible that new lines of defence will be made use of by the Russians before the investment, properly so called, is complete. But the attacking forces must still capture the advanced first line of resistance before entering upon the third and last phase" of a regular attack on the position. The problem for them then will be to approach on different points and by night, doubtless, with strong columns well provided with artillery and field howitzers, so as to leave the defenders uncertain as to the real point of attack and to make an assault through a breach opened in the zona) where the firing will have been temporarily suspended. While awaiting the development of these events around Port Arthur the opposing armies in Manchuria are engaged in incessant outpost skirmishes, and the Cossacks In Korea are pursuing their southward march, menacing more and more the district of Pingyang.

SHARP OUTPOST FIGHTS A COSSACK COLONEL KILLED AND 29 RUSSIANS WOUNDED JAP LOSSES NOT KNOWN. By Associated Press. Liaoyang, June 6. Details have been received here of two smart outpost fights, one at Liaotung and the other in southern Manchuria. The former occurred on the morning of June 3 at Yantsiantur, east of Vafangow (25 miles above Kinchou).

The Russian force consisted of an infantry regiment, some artillery, several companies of Cossacks and a squad of dragoons. The enemy was discovered in the valley of Pwytsiantur. The Russians brought up a battery, opened fire and cleared the Japanese out of the valley. Then the Russian guns were moved to a more favorable position. The Japanese, taking advantage of this, fired a few shells.

The Russian losses were Colonel Sereda and 17 men wounded. Both sides retained their positions. The other fight was between Major General Mlstchenko's Cossacks and Japanese advance posts along the river Kolendzy, north of Takushan. It lasted from the evening of June 3 until late the following day. A company of Cossacks tried to cut off a detachment Qf Japanese posted on the heights at Ladziapudzy, but the enemy brought up reinforcements and the Russians were reinforced by five companies of Cossacks.

Finally 30,000 Japanese were engaged, including artillery. The Cossacks repeatedly drove the enemy from their entrenchments. In one case the I 1 Japanese fled across the river, but returned with more reinforcements and the Russians drew off. The Cossacks commander. Colonel StarkofT, was killed and two officers and nine men were wounded.

The Cossacks carried the body of their commander to Siuyen. HANGED In'oUTHOUSE BODY OF CALVIN B. FISHER FOUND ON THE PREMISES OF A NEIGHBOR, WHERE IT HAD BEEN SEVERAL DAYS. When Oscar W. Brown, a clerk in the employ of the Bard Hardware Company, Eighth and Penn streets, returned to his home, 915 North Ninth street, shortly after 7 o'clock last evening, he made a gruesome discovery.

Hanging by the neck, from a piece of washline fastened to a rafter In the water closet, in the yard, he found the body of a man whom he identified as Calvin B. Fisher, of 934 Spring street. The man's face was black and decomposition had already set In, Indicating that he had been dead for several Coroner A. N. Seidel was notified of the case, and, as the man had no relatives in this city that are known, directed that the body be taken to the morgue of Undertaker George H.

Felix. The dead man had been a boarder in the home of Mr. Brown for some time until March 15 of this year, when he took up his home with a family living at 934 Spring Mr. Brown's wife and family left on 'Saturday morning for a visit of several weeks to relatives out of town and, consequently, there was no person about the premises except at night, when Mr. Brown, who took his meals downtown, went to; the house to sleep.

A neighbor told Mr. Brown on Saturday evening that Fisher had been in the back yard that day, but a search failed to locate him. Mr. Brown then went away and it was not until last evening that he again went into the yard of his home, when made the ghastly discovery. Summoning H.

B. Mengel, who lives next door, the body was cut down and permitted to remain lying on the floor until re moved by Undertaker Felix. Fisher, who was a widower, his wife having died about two years ago, was about 40 years of age and had been a carpenter at the shops of the Reading Railway Company. The deceased has two sons, one living wrlth a relative In Oley township and the other, a lad of about 14 years, works at the plant of Stanley, Flagg Pottstown, and ltves with his uncle at Pottstown Landing. Though a good workman.

Fisher Is said to have been addicted to drink, and. it is believed, while suffering from a spell of melancholia he hanged himself. Coroner A. N. Seidel will hold an Inquest into the case on Thursday evening.

SHOT CHILDREN AND SELF AWFUL CRIME OF AN INSANE NEW YORK UNDERTAKER. tBy Assbslated Press. Roselle, N. June 6. After killing three of his children and wounding a fourth, Joseph M.

Pouch, at one time an undertaker, shot himself and died a few minutes later. Pouch lived in a little cottage with his four children. Yesterday he shot two of them and embalmed their bodies. He took the other two to upper room with him. Meanwhile he had mailed a warning to County Physician West Colt, who, upon receiving the letter, notified the police.

When an official knocked at the door of the Pouch cottage today, Pouch shot and killed his little daughter and wounded his sole remaining son. He then shot himself just as tho police forced an entrance. The boy will recover. Pouch is believed to have been Insane. rf tA SiittsDiS FOUND HANGING BODY HAD BEEN SUSPENDED TO TREE FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS.

San Antonio, Texas, June 6. While walking in a clump of trees in the First ward yesterday, a railway man and a young woman found the terribly decomposed remains of an unknown man hanging by the neck from a tree. The body was in a sitting posture, the rope having almost cut through the neck. One foot was lame, and the man seemed to be about 50 years of age. Signs of a rude camp were near.

In the pocket of the trousers was a newspaper dated October 25, 1903. Medical opinion is that th'e body had been suspended for two months. MUSIC HALL DEDICATED. Gift of the Late Frank Thompson to Wilson College IBy Associated Press.) Chambersburg, June 6. Thompson Music Hall, erected at a cost of $20,000 and the gift of the family of the late Frank Thompson, president of the Wilson College, was dedicated here this evening In the presence of a large assemblage.

The dedicatory address was made by Attorney General Hampton L. Carson. COLLEGE PRESIDENT RETIRES. I By Associated Press. Allentown, June 6.

Rev. J. William Knappenberger resigned this evening as president of the Allentown College for Women after twelve years' service. The vacancy has not been filled. IDAHO FOR HEARST.

Br Associated Press. Weiser, Idaho, June 6. The Idaho Democratic convention adjourned tonight, after Instructing the delegates to vote for W. R. Hearst for the presidency.

THE WEATHER. (Official.) Eastern Pennsylvania: j. Partly cloudy Tuesday; cooler In east portion. Wednesday, fair. Light to fresh southwest winds.

THE REPUBLICAN CAMPAIGN OPENED Secretary of the Treasury Shaw Delivers tee First Address. ISSUES OP CAMPAIGN DEFINED AND POSITION OF PARTY PRESENTED TO WORKINGMEN'S CLUB OF WILMINGTON DIRE RESULTS THAT FOLLOW CHEAP LABOR ARE POINTED OUT. XttT Associated Press. Wilmington, June 6. The opening meeting of the Republican national campaign was held here tonight in the Ooera House, under the ausdees of the I nTnrlHninnan'a flnh rxt nala.

ware, an organization formed recently. Alfred O. Croseier presided and introduced Secretary of the Treasury Shaw, who spoke at considerable length on the issues of the campaign. Mr. Crosier, in his remarks, announced that President Roosevelt had accepted honorary membership in the club.

Secretary Shaw said in part: The Republican party is not a party of sympathy, but of encouragement. Instead of posing as a benevolent institution, it represents policies which reduce the occasion for almsgiving to the minimum. Its bounty is opportunity. The Democratic party, on the contrary, never fails to express sympathy for the over burdened; but its policies, when put in operation, never fail to produce conditions which incite sympathy. When the products of labor find ready sale, and labor finds corre spondingly ready employment, then our opponents are loudest in tneir protestations of sympathy for the over taxed and over burdened people.

They never congratulate; they always sympathize. They never rejoice; they always bemoan. They seldom cheer except at the prospect of something worse. I am neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet, but I venture the opinion that at least one half of the opponents' argument during the coming campaign will be directed against alleged unreasonable living expenses. You will be told that the price of meat is exor (Continued on Eighth Page.) THREE SEVERE STORMS VIVID LIGHTNING AND HEAVY DOWNPOURS "OF RAIN VISIT READING IN PROFUSION.

Three distiyct thunder storms, the first at 8.15 o'clock, passed over the city last evening, and each was accompanied by heavy downpours of rain. The last storm was the heaviest, in i both electrical effect and volume of rainfall, and while it was in force the streets were flooded. The streets running east and west, north of Washington, again looked like rivers and tons of sand were carried down from the hill. fact, the gravel and stones were deposited in such quantities on the tracks of the Traction Company as to block traffic for more than 40 minutes. Nlcolls street again got its share of water.

It banked up against the railroad, and, at one time, attained such a depth as to cause the residents to seek safety on the second floors of their homes. The basin at Woodward and Church streets was again flooded and homes threatened with damage. While the lightning of the three storms was sharp, very little damage was reported. SMOKE IN A STORE LIGHTNING STRIKES WIRES AND CAUSES MUCH TROUBLE, BUT LITTLE' DAMAGE. Lightning connected with the wiring in Schrader Kline's store, 648 Penn street, last evening, causing consider able excitement for a time after the discovery was made by Watchman Squint.

The interior of the store was filled with smoke, and Chief Engineer Miller and the Keystone chemical wagon were summoned. The trouble was found in the basement, where the heat of the current had melted off a gas pipe. The gas was ignited and burned a hole about four feet in diameter in the ceiling of the basement. The danger was discovered before any serious damage was done, and Chief Engineer Miller and City Electrician Hofses were able to extinguish the flames before they had gotten under headway. Glasses adjusted daily by Dr.

G. W. Ammon Si opticians, 311 Penn St. KEEPORT, Watchmaker. 247 Penn.

James S. Brusstar shirtmak ers, 709 Penn street. Headquarters for all kinds of shirts. LOOSE LEAF DEVICES FOK THE UP TO DATE OFFICE Every system saves sojtiethtnfc. The Lobse Leaf system saves every money, time, labor, worrys'confualon, needless expense, night work; all saved by using the Perfect Liose Leaf System.

Better come in let us show you the very best irr ofljeo "Necessaries. We have just received a lot of beautiful French Art Clocks, which conceal a. bank, thus serving a double purpose, furnishing you with accurate time and securely saving your money. Our object is to assist those who wish to secure a piano, and who have not the entire amount to pay out at once. Call and learn how easily you can earn a piano.

Edwards Temple of Music 4 14 Penn St. MABEL M'KINLEY'S Latest Hit, 12c a copy. CONSERVATORY MUSIC, 6c copy, 10 for 50c. LAMBERT INDESTRUCTIBLE PHONOGRAPH RECORDS, 30c apiece or 25c by dozen. For 30 Days Only.

4 Penn Street. Store open Monday and Saturday nights. Blanche Newhard In the title role of THE PRIffCEJyS: At the ACADEMY OF MUSIC, FRIDAY, JUNE 10. Reserved seat tickets for sale at H. W.

HANGEN'S, 47 S. Sixth St. IBD LPDKDCE) Five Upright Pianos like new returned from rent will be sacrificed. Arthur Wittich, 116 S. 6th St.

AUCTION AUCTION I WEDNESDAY, JUNK 8, 1 P. AT Kissinger's Auction and Storage House 8TH and CHERRY viz. One phaeton and single harness; 3 parlor suites, bed room suites; chairs, rockers, 1 splendid organ, good condition; 2 walnut hall racks, 1 good couch, beds, springs, mattresses, sideboard, 3 refrigerators, commode.children's desks and rockers, 2 good sewing machines, nice new flags, pictures, oil paintings, 1 good Queen Esther range, with water back, and other range, 1 gas range, nice door curtains, 2 go carts, 1 baby coach, parlor tables, clocks, 2 sets of fine dishes, lot of carpet and rugs, kitchen utensils, 1 fine walnut refrigerator with cabinet, etc. Open for inspection. Remember, Wednesday afternoon, 1 p.

at KISSINGER'S AUCTION ROOMS. Davis, Auctioneer. Rhoads, Clerk. BICYCLE TIR.ES. REDUCED PRICES For 2 weeks only.

Royal $1.25 each. Morgan Wright 1.90 each. Flsk, No. 66, 28x5 2.50 each. JOHN G.

NUEBL1NG, 843 Penn. Koch, Bush Sole Agents, EIGHTH AND COITRT STS. DULUTH IMPERIAL THE WORLD'S BEST Spring Wheat Flour. Ask your Grocer, or call at Yocom'i Flour Mills. VINOL VINOL.

The Great Tonic and System Builder. For weak and debilitated persons. Pleasant to take and always effectual. Call for descriptive samples, at STEIN'S PHARMACY, Cor. Penn and Eighth streets.

DR. EERGNER'S Essence of Life, the great llco! and liver medicine, is the best household remedy. 3Sc. a bottle. 05o PKJJf ST.

m(3 PCBDOOD tic pBESTVIl!.