Independence, were murdered by a terrible explosion of dynamite, which killed thirteen or fifteen miners outright, and entirely de-
The Pinkerton Labor Spy. ioi
stroyed the station. The miners that were killed were blown into fragments of flesh and bone, and many were wounded.
General operative J. N. Londoner (the "eastern capitalist" who once ably deceived the magnates of Butte, Montana), who was working in the district for President Burns, of the Portland mine, hurried to the scene of the tragedy within a few minutes after it took place, and was an eye-witness to all the stormy scenes which agitated Victor and Cripple Creek for the next twentyfour hours.
Operative Londoner wrote up an exhaustive report, and, as we have good reason to believe his report to be accurate, we quote it below, in full.
The operative refers often to a high officer of the militia named Curz, who seemed to be under his orders. This man Curz was hired as an informant by the operative, so that in case the military decided on any measures hostile to Mr. Burns or the Portland mine, Operative Londoner would get to know it through this officer, and warn Mr. Bums. The name "Curz" is an assumed name, and while we know his real name, we will not divulge it, as it would serve no useful purpose.
The role of the Pinkerton Agency at this time in working against the military and with an employer of union men, need not cause us undue surprise.
Dear Sir: —