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Seattle rallies for the widows and orphans of the catastrophic Roslyn mine explosion, while investigators confront the reality of corporate negligence and the brutal nature of the disaster.
“Civilization should demand such a sacrifice is a pity, but as the work has to be done, every conceivable safeguard should be employed to protect life.”
A town mourns forty-five dead while the community rallies to support eighty-four orphaned children.
“The rich man can give his $10 or $20, but the poor man's half dollar or quarter and the child's dime or nickel are no less welcome.”
A devastating explosion traps forty-four miners in the Roslyn slope, leaving families in despair.
“When darkness fell a huge bonfire was built, and there the hopeless widows and orphans camped.”
Widows and orphans lose their savings as a local bank collapses under the weight of alleged fraud.
“Of the above mentioned fund, over $10,000 was secured through the agency of the Post-Intelligencer. When the bank vaults were examined after the failure, not a dollar was to be found.”
A retelling of the 1890 bank heist that terrorized a Kittitas County mining town and triggered a high-stakes manhunt.
“Every boy and man in town who owned or could get a gun started in pursuit at long range, and the robbers shortly disappeared on a trail over the mountains.”
As strikers hold the line, the company imports Black miners from Illinois to break them. The result is not just a labor dispute, but a violent racial confrontation that exposes the dark underbelly of Washington's industrial boom.
A coroner's jury blames deficient ventilation for the catastrophic mine explosion that claimed dozens of lives, while the company decries the inquest as one-sided.
“I believe that there was some inflammable matter in the manway between the fifth and sixth levels. I believe that the dust played a prominent part in the explosion.”
A devastating fire tore through the canyon-bound town of Roslyn, destroying over 100 buildings and leaving the mining community in ruins.
“The town is situated in a canyon, and when the fire started, a strong wind was blowing. Efforts were made by the Knights of Pythias to put it out, but this attempt was in vain.”
After an explosion at the Roslyn coal mines leaves 43 men dead and hundreds of children fatherless, Seattle residents and local business leaders organize a massive relief effort to aid the mourning families.
“While the wealthy and the employers of labor gave generously, their employes did not hold back, but gave according to their ability.”
A devastating gas explosion in the Roslyn mines claims forty-three lives, leaving a town in mourning and a company under scrutiny.
“The after-damp was sure and quick, however, and their agony was short.”
As families bury their dead in double-funerals, the Governor orders a strict investigation into the safety and ventilation failures that caused the catastrophe.
“The Governor is convinced that these and other provisions for the safety of the miners were not strictly observed.”
After three months idle, the white miners agreed to the company's brutal 30-percent pay cut — only to learn the Northern Pacific Coal Company had already imported Black strikebreakers from the East and would rehire only the men it chose.
“The camp has been idle for the past three months, and the little savings of many have gone for the necessities of life, leaving numerous families quite poor, if not penniless.”
When 650 Northern Pacific Coal Company workers refused a contract cut in July 1894, the company prepared to bring in Black miners under guard. In Roslyn, a home guard was already drilling.
“The miners and drivers stood together as a body, and it was tacitly understood that they would not settle with the company short of a 15 per cent compromise.”
A brazen daylight bank robbery leaves the town in terror and launches a high-stakes manhunt across Oregon and Washington.
“I was walking down the street when a man with a gun gave me a kick and said, 'Get in there, you black... I could not think what he wanted me to go in a bank for—a bank! It was the first time I was in a bank in my life.”
A tipster known as 'The Queen' and a remorseful participant reveal how a secret ring of thirteen men planned a violent bank heist in the coal mining town of Roslyn.
“If there had been 'trouble' the robbers were prepared to kill everybody in sight if any attempt had been made to capture the robbers.”
In a brazen move to break the Koslyn coal strike, company managers smuggled in replacement workers from Illinois under cover of darkness, escorted by armed deputies who fired through the sleeping village of Seattle.
A Supreme Court ruling declaring sixty Washington towns unconstitutional leaves saloon keepers in Roslyn facing a massive $10,000 licensing bill.
“The county commissioners... made an order to this effect, and Sheriff Brown left for the Black Diamond city that evening instructed to bring back the ten thousand dollars... or close the saloons.”
Tensions turn deadly in a mining town as white citizens clash with Black laborers.
“The fracas has created a very bitter feeling among the whites against the black ruffians.”
As a wave of five hundred Black miners from Illinois arrives by rail to replace striking workers in Roslyn, the Yakima Herald records the cold mechanics of industrial strikebreaking.
“They are from Illinois and are to supplant the striking white miners.”
Miners in Roslyn and Gilman strike against wage cuts, pointing to a race-to-the-bottom in labor costs driven by railroad contracts.
“Now the man who can get men to work for the lowest sum with which they can keep body and soul together is the king of financiers.”
With 165 Roslyn miners signing contracts to return, the Northern Pacific's manager admits importing Black laborers as a last resort — and promises to keep the number small.
“as a last resort the company was compelled to engage some of them, and they would have to be provided with work.”
After years of beatings, a Roslyn rancher's wife shoots him dead; neighbors say it was justified.
“The shooting was aggravated, and the wife in public opinion, was justified in her action.”
Armed outlaws storm a Washington coal town, robbing a bank in broad daylight and shooting bystanders before disappearing into the mountains.
“The plans for the robbery were skillfully laid and successfully executed.”
A juror in a wrongful death suit claims he was offered $100 and a railroad pass to protect the Northern Pacific Coal Company from liability.
“Dunn swears that he was offered $100, a pass on the Northern Pacific railroad and a position with the company provided he voted to return a verdict favorable to the Northern Pacific Coal Company.”
As the 1894 coal strike drags on, Roslyn miners refuse a 20 percent pay cut. The company’s answer: import Black workers from Chicago to break the union, a move that would reshape the town.
“Under no circumstances will the 20 per cent reduction be accepted.”
When an explosion ripped through the Roslyn coal mines in May 1892, Seattle’s civic leaders mobilized an immediate relief effort for the families left behind.
“He gives twice who gives quickly.”
A devastating gas explosion in Northern Pacific Coal Company's Mine No. 2 leaves dozens of families in mourning as the town of Roslyn turns its city hall into a temporary morgue.
“The scene surrounding the entrance to the mine was of the usual distressing character, so often described at mine disasters in other large camps. The wives and children of many of the imprisoned were there, and the distress was heartrending.”
In February 1885, a special train carrying 300 African American laborers from the East Coast arrived in Washington Territory to break a coal strike. Their arrival ended weeks of unrest and restored order to the struggling mining town.
Massive litigation is underway following a deadly mine explosion, threatening the company with bankruptcy.
“Those suing for damages will hold that the company was negligent in not providing proper ventilation.”
A Northern Pacific manager admits the company is importing Black miners from the East to break the Roslyn coal strike—and hints the miners' refusal of a pay cut left him no choice.
“As a last resort we had to hire men elsewhere, and having hired them we are bound to bring them in.”
When the Northern Pacific Railroad imported scab labor to break a strike in 1888, the local Democratic convention issued a blistering condemnation of the 'armed police' used to coerce workers.
“We do heartily deprecate and denounce as infamous and outrageous the tactics used by said Northern Pacific Railroad company in stationing armed police in and about the mines.”
Following a deadly mine explosion, Seattle citizens and workers mobilize a massive relief effort to aid the destitute families left behind in the company town.
“These families have been in a state of chronic want from that time, not having sufficient funds to get away.”
A sheriff's posse ambushes suspected bank robbers in the Cascades, sparking a mountain manhunt.
“One of the robbers was seen to reel in his saddle and the leader's horse staggered, but was urged to his feet and onward with yells and oaths.”
After terrorizing the region for months, a gang of cattle thieves and bank robbers is captured by a posse in the hills of Oregon.
“The people in the neighborhood of their residence have been in constant dread of them for years.”
After the collapse of Ben E. Snipes Co.'s bank, depositors gather in Roslyn to weigh a plan for the institution's comeback.
“The condition shown was that the assets were greatly in excess of the liabilities, and the plan of resumption provides for the opening of the bank within the next sixty days.”
A massive, sweeping labor walkout arrives in the coal fields, with union leaders claiming over 130,000 workers have joined the protest against wage cuts.
“The strike promises to be the greatest in the history of the country. It will involve nearly 150,000 men.”
After a bitter walkout against the Northern Pacific Coal Company, the miners of Roslyn vote almost unanimously to accept reduced wages and go back to work — a surrender that some say was hastened when a handful of Black miners from Franklin were brought in to take their places.
“General good feeling exists over the turn of affairs, and an impression has been formed on substantial grounds that in the future Roslyn will do better than at any time in the past.”
A legal challenge emerges against the Northern Pacific Coal Company, as locals allege a fraudulent scheme to seize even-numbered sections of the lucrative coal-rich territory.
“The company’s title to the odd sections is, of course, undisputed, being obtained from the railroad company, but four or five of the even sections along through the center of the coal fields, it is alleged, were taken up by persons employed by the coal company to do so.”
Strikes in the coal fields led to a tense, uneasy truce between white and Black miners, who worked the same pits but remained strictly separated.
“The white miners remaining, about two hundred, have gone to work in the same mines with the darkies, but there is no affiliation between the two.”
A saloon keeper is dragged from jail and lynched by a mob after a deadly dispute over a two-dollar debt.
“The mob was unmasked and seemed to have been composed of all classes.”
A Supreme Court ruling invalidating town incorporations leaves local liquor dealers facing massive fines and total business closures.
“This looks like bearing down pretty heavy. The dealers took out licenses in accordance with the will and act of the legislature, and now on account of some flaw in that act they not only lose the money paid... but have the bugbear of prosecution thrust into their faces.”
A safety-lamp error leads to a crushing industrial accident at a local coal mine.
“A frightful explosion followed his entrance into the chamber, and he was instantly killed, almost every bone in his body being crushed by the concussion.”
Depositors in the coal mining town of Roslyn find their bank's assets mishandled, leading to calls for a receiver.
“Mr. Snipes was given authority to dispose of securities... and it is reliably stated that this express provision has been violated by him to the extent of over $100,000.”
Following a court ruling against miners, the Northern Pacific Coal Company pivots to voluntary settlements with the families of those lost in a mining disaster.
“The company proposes to make some sort of voluntary settlement.”
Coal miners and residents gather at Unity Hall to demand labor protections and criticize the legislature for failure to pass worker-sponsored bills.
“After a few remarks reprobating the practice of sending lawyers to the legislature instead of workingmen, the meeting adjourned.”
Following a devastating explosion that claimed dozens of lives in the mining town of Roslyn, the city of Seattle opens its coffers to support the grieving widows and orphaned children left behind.
“All but a few of those who died were husbands and fathers. Their families depended upon their daily earnings for their bread, and in many cases they are left entirely destitute.”
A devastating gas explosion in the Roslyn coal mines claims 44 lives, leaving a community in grief and raising questions about industrial safety.
“The city hall has been transformed into a charnel-house, and throughout the day it was besieged by the relatives and friends of the dead miners.”
Two hundred seventy Black miners and their families came from the Midwest to replace striking Northern Pacific coal miners. By the time they arrived, the white miners had returned to work.
“No friction is expected between the white miners and the negroes, as the former tacitly agreed that they would not interfere with the negroes when they went to work.”
In the heat of a labor dispute in Roslyn, Gov. Henry M. Temple argues that calling out the military is a last resort, while local officials clash over the legality of using armed citizens as police.
Rosa Baltimore surrendered without regret after shooting Sallie Turner; the 1894 press framed the killing around her work and reputation.
“Baltimore gave himself up to the officers and expresses no regret for the act.”
Esau Baltimore waives examination for the shooting death of Mrs. Lillie Turner and is bound over to superior court, while friends of the victim debate taking justice into their own hands.
“He expressed deep regret for the act, and when speaking of the matter wept copiously.”
A miner returns home to find an intruder in his bed, resulting in a violent stabbing that leaves his wife at death's door.
“He came home unexpectedly Saturday evening and found his accustomed place in the family bed occupied by a strange African.”
A landmark series of lawsuits against the Northern Pacific Coal Company regarding safety and ventilation in the Roslyn mines begins in federal court.
“The burden of the testimony was, on the part of the coal company, to show that the mine was properly ventilated.”
Trial enters third day for two men accused in the Roslyn bank robbery, with witness IDs contested.
“The man who did the work weighed 160 or 170 pounds, had brown, curly hair and light complexion; that to the best of his judgment at the time of the previous trial, Cal Hale was the man.”
Community relief efforts distribute aid to the families of miners killed in a recent disaster at the Roslyn coal mines.
“Thirty-six percent of this amount was divided pro rata among the widows, and 64 percent among the orphans.”
A new Union Pacific contract promises to revitalize the Roslyn coal camps after a sluggish summer.
“The new arrangement will give steady employment to 1000 men at good wages.”
As labor strikes ripple through coal operations in Pennsylvania, miners at the Northern Pacific Coal Company in Roslyn formally organize under the United Mine Workers of America.
“The membership was large, embracing almost every miner, driver and other laborer in the camp.”
With Roslyn miners on strike and reportedly armed, a Northern Pacific manager says he will import Black miners from Tennessee and Missouri to restart the coal works.
“Mr. Kangley understands that some of the Roslyn miners on strike are armed, but he is emphatic in his statement that the mines will be opened and operated.”
Miners at the Northern Pacific Coal Company reject a new contract, demanding a fair wage as the specter of the 1888 strike looms over the camp.
“The situation here is grave, and the business men of the camp are praying for an early settlement of the trouble.”
After a daring robbery in the coal mining town of Roslyn, sheriff's posses trail the suspects through mountain snow toward the Okanogan.
“A courier who arrived at Cle-Elum early this morning left one posse, in charge of Dr. Harrison, near the summit, where a foot or so of snow exists, and through which the trail of the robbers was easily followed.”
After a devastating fire leaves twelve hundred people homeless in the mining town of Roslyn, the Seattle press calls for the city to rise to the occasion and provide aid.
“They are poor people with no resources but their labor. They are a law-abiding, worthy people. Seattle ought to give them assistance.”
Federal troops move toward Roslyn as the coal company prepares to import strikebreakers, and miners weigh whether to trust organizer Norton.
“The men decided by ballot to continue to hold out for the 10 per cent compromise.”
Testimony in the Roslyn bank heist reveals a trail of threats and horse thievery through the Washington wilderness.
“They told him they had robbed the Roslyn bank and that if he gave them away they would kill him.”
A mass meeting near Roslyn finds miners from Wilkeson, Franklin, and the Eureka and Navy camps ready to organize under the United Mine Workers — and unwilling to swallow a pay cut without a fight.
“The men were now so fully determined as in the start not to accept the 20 per cent reduction, and ... such terms would not be accepted except after an exhaustive fight.”
Miners in Roslyn reject a company-imposed wage cut, sparking a standoff in the town's coal fields.
“Wages since January have not averaged more than $25 to $30 per month, and this is a battle for justice.”
A look at the violent labor struggles in Roslyn and the cozy relationship between political bosses and private security forces.
“His fight against the Knights of Labor is for demanding their rights as citizens.”
Local Roslyn residents among the casualties as the sinking of the Lusitania ripples from Europe to Washington State.
“The scene as the Lusitania went down is described by the survivors as heartrending beyond words.”
An industrial accident claims the life of an Italian miner, leaving six children orphaned as the community prepares to distribute relief funds.
“The accident to the father makes orphans of six children, the eldest of whom is only 15 years old.”
A Roslyn explosion reveals a double life, pitting a common-law partner against a returning spouse.
“In settling up the affairs of the miners... several family skeletons have been brought to light.”
A broken wire rope sends coal cars plunging down the slope, leaving one miner dead and another seriously injured.
“The speed of the cars was so rapid that the engineer was signaled to stop them... all of a sudden the wire rope hauling the trip parted.”
A senseless killing in a Roslyn saloon ends in the arrest of a suspect and the burial of the victim.
“I'm going to give it to you good this time.”
After his wife revealed a harrowing story of abuse, a coal company worker took the law into his own hands against a 'trusted' physician.
“Tom was horrified, but his better judgment overcome his first impulse and he decided to administer a coat of tar and feathers.”
As mining conflicts boil over in the Coeur d'Alenes, workers in Roslyn face a sharp 25 percent pay cut in their upcoming contract.
“The only material change from the contract of last year is that it reduces the wages of entrymen 25 per cent.”
Seattle and Tacoma citizens organize aid for the Roslyn mine explosion survivors, only to find the local committee prefers direct distribution.
“We wish to thank you and the people you represent for the ready and substantial sympathy which you have extended to our afflicted.”
Miners have accepted the company's wage scale, yet the coal operator refuses to rehire the dozen men it blames for leading the strike.
“The company should not endanger the peace of the commonwealth and invite further trouble by standing on its dignity in such a matter.”
A driver is killed instantly when his lamp ignites gas in the coal pit, leaving his mule lost to the encroaching deadly fumes.
“After the damp has accumulated in such volumes, the miners can work only in ten-minute shifts.”
A double wedding in the Hungarian quarter of Roslyn devolved into a chaotic riot involving knives and heavy drinking.
“Beer and liquor flowed freely, and a general fight ensued in which knives were used.”
A report on the coal mining boom town of Roslyn, where the labor of the 'tin bucket brigade' powers the regional economy.
“Roslyn is one town where the complaint of dull times is never heard, because it is supported by the tin bucket brigade, that foundation of prosperity in every country.”
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