Sunday Saloon Scourge
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Disgraceful Riot at the Farmer Brothers' West Lake Street Saloon
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The proprietors Quarrel Over a Dog Fight-Revolvers, Knives, Clubs, and Fists Used
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REVOKE THEIR LICENSE
The saloon owned by the Farmer brothers, William and Joseph, at No. 180 West Lake street was the scene of a disgraceful riot last night which would have undoubtedly ended in bloodshed had not the police interfered and dispersed the mob of rowdies assembled there. Revolvers, knives, clubs, and fists were used with vigor and effect. The neighborhood was aroused by a noisy quarrel at a few minutes after 7 o'clock, and word reached the Desplaines Street Station that a row of gigantic proportions was in progress in the saloon and Officers Tyrrell and Curtis went to the place immediately.
Several thousand people had gathered around the place, the doors were closed and bolted, and several pistol shots had been fired, accompanied by yells, curses, and volleys of foul language. The officers forced one of the doors partly open and were confronted by a man with a revolver in his hand, who said "Keep out of here! I'll shoot the first man who puts his head inside that door!"
The doors were finally forced, however, and as the police entered, the crowd scattered, going in every direction. Four of the principals were arrested and locked up at the Desplaines Street Station. They were Joseph Pokrony, Michael Hennessy, C.P. Rice, and Frank Nelden. The fight originated between Joseph and William Farmer, the proprietors of the saloon, over a dog fight which took place at Hessville, Ind., on the 18th inst., in which Joseph Farmer was interested as owner of one of the dogs.
There had been some difference of opinion between those who had laid wagers on the event on the event as to the decision of the referee, and Joseph Farmer was to receive $1,600 today from the hands of John Dullard, the stakeholder, and it appears he became anxious about the money. He went to Dullard's place at Twelfth and Canal streets yesterday and demanded the money, but was refused.
The fight in the saloon arose over a dispute between the two brothers. Joseph insisted on returning to Dullard's place and forcing him to give up the money, and his brother opposed him, and endeavored to forcibly detain him.
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Daily Inter Ocean (Chicago, IL), Sep 24, 1888, p.2
