Mr. Sherman to the Governor of Pennsylvania.
Washington, October 11, 1897.
Sir: His excellency, the Austrian minister, has filed a communication with this Department representing that in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, near Hazleton, on the 10th September, 1897, a conflict took place between the sheriff of Luzerne County, supported by an armed force, and certain striking workmen; that in that conflict 10 Austrian and Hungarian subjects were killed and 11 more wounded; also, that of the other wounded men there are some 23 in hospitals whose names would seem to indicate that they are of Austrian or Hungarian birth.
According to the representations of the minister, the victims of this catastrophe were guilty of no acts of violence, nor of any opposition [Page 57] to local authority which might justify the measures taken against them. It is also claimed by the minister that a number of the deceased were fired upon without cause and while in retreat, and that these acts constitute a violation of the rights of Austrian subjects. It is represented on the part of the Austrian Government that these subjects suffered death and grievous wounds, not in unlawful opposition to the authorities of Pennsylvania, but by reason of unwarranted and unlawful use of power by the sheriff of Luzerne County, of your State.
The Austrian Government, through its minister, has requested this Department to bring the matter to the proper authority that it may be thoroughly investigated and the result communicated to that Government.
Will you be kind enough to report to this Department the facts in the matter and the status of affairs in relation to these cases, together with such information and suggestions as may be deemed pertinent by you, in order that the request of the Austrian minister maybe complied with and such action taken as may be proper in the premises.
Very respectfully,