Troublous Times in Colorado
By C. H. Bates
“And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.” Dan. 12:1. From the events that have taken place here in the Cripple Creek district during the past week, it seems evident that we are entering upon the time spoken of in the Scripture quoted above. It is remarkable that so many important events should take place in so brief a time. Monday, at 2:30 A. M., the people in the vicinity of Independence were startled by an explosion, which was found, upon examination, to have caused the death of thirteen men, and to have injured six others. The explosive was placed under the platform at the depot where the non-union miners were about to take the train for their homes. The infernal machine that set off the explosion was connected by a fine wire about one hundred yards long, attached to the round of a chair by which it was pulled. There was a report as of a pistol shot, followed almost in the same instant by a deafening roar. Rocks began falling on the roof of the car that was just pulling in to take the miners to their homes. Mr. VanNatta, a miner, arose from the grade, where he had rolled after being blown to the track within a few feet of the engine, about seventy-five feet from where the explosion took place, but was not badly hurt. Torches were lighted, and the conductor, engineer, and VanNatta went forward. The dead and wounded were lying everywhere. The night was intensely dark, and the bodies were discovered only as they were stumbled against, or revealed by the flickering torches. The scene was indeed heart rending. Upon the arrival at Victor with the dead and wounded, it was found that one man had been left. This man had been blown across the tracks and against the door of a near-by residence, the owner of which had taken him in and cared for him. In the afternoon a mass-meeting of the people of the district was held at Victor, during which many shots were exchanged between the soldiers and union miners, resulting in the death of two men. Tuesday troops were called out and Adjt.-Gen. Bell hastened to the scene of the trouble. On the same day resignations of city and county officials were demanded by the citizens. On Wednesday martial law was declared. The sheriff and coroner were forced to resign, and anti-union successors appointed. On the same day a battle took place between the soldiers and union miners at Dunnville, a small place about fifteen miles from Cripple Creek. One man was killed. Thursday the Citizens’ Alliance decreed that no man who is a member of any union allied with the Western Federation of Miners, shall be employed in the Cripple Creek district. On Friday a jury selected by the new coroner began the investigation of the victims of Monday’s disaster. On this same day ninety men were deported from the district on a militia-guarded train moving under sealed orders. On Saturday the exiles were left on the prairie near Holly, Colo., a half mile from the line of Kansas. The same day witnessed the closing down of the Pride of Cripple Creek Mine, and the Winchester, by the militia. Since that time other men have been deported to New Mexico, making, all told, three car-loads, or nearly two hundred miners. The union stores, four in the district, have been closed. The union halls have been taken by the militia, and their contents seized and held for investigation. And the end is not yet. Many are being held here, and will be tried soon on charges of murder. But what do all these things mean?—They mean that very soon our dear Saviour will come and put an end to all this trouble and strife that is now filling the hearts of the people with bitterness and woe. What should be the attitude of the Christian at this time? The only true attitude is stated in James 5:7, which says: “Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord.” The only thing the brethren are to do at this time is to be patient. When the conflict rages fiercely on all sides of us, this injunction is not so easily obeyed as at first might seem. We are apt, under the impulse of the natural heart, to join hands with one side or the other. But the Bible says plainly, “Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid.” We have no one to fear at this time but the God who made the heavens and the earth. Then let the watchman on the walls of Zion give the trumpet a certain sound; and while there is left a little time of waiting, diligently work for the Master, so that he can say to us: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” He will never say these words to any one unless he has done well.