Mower County Transcript

Condition of Affairs in the Coeur d'Alene Mining District Very Alarming.

WALLACE, Ida., July 18.—The condition of affairs in the Coeur d'Alene district is alarming. There is a conviction that there is on foot a scheme of an aggressive character on the part of the miners' union, though as to what this move may be opinion is divided. Large numbers of miners' union men are coming into the Coeur d'Alene region from Montana, by way of Thompson Falls. At Gem Captain Bubb, who has entire charge of the gulch, including Burke and Gem, says that from 200 to 300 men were on the hills near Gem. Scouts reported seeing many here and there and occasionally some would show themselves at points round about. It was feared that an attack was contemplated and the indications were that a move was likely on their part to blow up the Granite mill just below the town of Gem. Reinforcements were ordered to Gem from Wallace and they were sent up on a special train. Guards at the Granite mill were doubled and the sentry force also. Pickets were sent still further up on the hills and all points were carefully watched. A full force of men were put at work clearing the Frisco mill of debris and restoring it to working condition as fast as possible. It is probable that many of the union men now under arrest will be turned out on parole. With all the prisoners taken by the authorities, not over five guns of the entire number used in the attack at Frisco, Gem and Wardner have been secured. They have been either hid somewhere or put into the hands of others.

The strikers in the mountains have sent down word that they intend to carry on a guerilla warfare. This warfare would be terrible, as the troops are drawn up on the strikers' side of the mountain. This move has been expected for some time. Prompt action on the part of the troops in cutting off the supplies of the strikers, thus forcing them to come down out of the mountains, will be certain fight.

Strikers Blow Up Bridges.

WALLACE, Ida., July 15.—Two railroad bridges near Mullen were blown up during the night and with them several telegraph poles. The strikers also cut down a number of poles, thus shutting off communication by that route for a time. The Gem and Granite mines are all right. The rumor that the Granite mine had been blown up probably started from the report of the explosion when the bridges were destroyed.