The Evening Herald

Prepared for a Battle.

Cripple Creek's Striking Miners Massed at the Fortifications.

Cripple Creek, Colo., June 4.—All day long the striking miners have been at the alert expecting that at any moment some of Sheriff Bowers' deputies would put in an appearance in some remote part of the camp. Not a single miner is working in the camp. The men are now convinced they will be attacked, and all men not necessary to guard the approaches to Bull Hill and forage for supplies have been massed about the fortifications. Their number is slightly over 1,800. The towns of Victor, Anaconda, Mound City and other places are in the possession of squads of armed strikers.

The plan of the strikers is to meet the deputies and make as strong a stand as possible, and if necessary retreat to Bull Hill, where a desperate stand will be made. The deputies will be commanded in the field by W. J. Palmer. The miners hailed with delight the words of Governor Waite in response to Sheriff Bowers' demand for troops, and they now look forward to a battle the end of which will be for them either victory or extermination. Open threats against Colorado Springs are made as a result of the treatment of Governor Waite and John Calderwood.

It is expected Deputy United States Marshals Wise and Brown will soon arrive in camp to serve summons on the officers of the union to appear in St. Louis in the court of appeals. They will offer no resistance, as they fear federal authority.

H. E. Woods, president of the Woods Investment company, was taken in charge last night by a large body of miners and carried up to the fort on Bull Hill. His wife was present, and is almost frantic. The men told her that she need not worry, as they would do Mr. Woods no harm. The cause of the kidnaping is not known.