Walla Walla Statesman

TROUBLE AT THE FRONT.—Rumor of a riot at the 'front' ran rapidly through the city last night, and soon became a 'fact' that thousands of Montana roughs had surrounded the Northern Pacific railway force and wiped out several hundred whites and Chinamen. Here is what comes through the Oregonian: 'Last Saturday night the white men of the Northern Pacific construction force in Montana were notified by boarding bosses that board after that date would be $5 per week instead of $4.50 as heretofore, the bosses explaining that owing to unexpected advance in the price of perishable food, particularly of beef, they were steadily losing money. Monday morning the entire white force struck and refused to go to work unless old rates were restored. Mr. Hallett was at Missoula, and Supervising Engineer Thielsen, upon receipt of the news, telegraphed to the front, assuring the men that no more than $4.50 per week would be charged. Yesterday the men refused to return to work, and drove the Chinese from the grade. Hallett returned in the afternoon and it is thought order will be restored in a day or two.'