Omaha Daily Bee Newspaper, July 17, 1887, Page 11

HE POWDER RIVER COUNTRY & Dark and Bloody Ground—Tifty Battles With Indians. BRAVE MEN SLAUGHTERED, $dcutenant Bingham’s Gallant Fight ~General Brisbin Continues His History of the North- west in the Bee. v, Wyoming Territory, Puly 13.—To the Editor of the Bek: ‘These apers were discontinued by reason of e writer changimg station from Fort binson. Nebraska, to Fort McKinney, yoming, Having become again Tocated under the snow capped peaks of the Big Horn mountains in the very country we were writing about, the papers are now resumed. * * » » » * Singularly enough the last account of the country given,was up to old Fort Phil Kearney, and now we begin to write al- most in sight of that tragic shot where in one day, fifty-two infantry men, twenty- seven cavalry men and two citizens gave up their lives for the settlement of the gountry. Most of the readers of the Brg think still remember the Phil massacre, which took place December 21, 1866, when Colonel Felleman and his whole command were killed, not a man gein left alive to tell thetale of the loody battle. The facts leading up to the massacre were briefly these: In March 1866, the government desiring to find a nearer and better route into Montana, deter- mined to occupy the Powder river coun- try, build three forts and open a road from the Platte river to Montana wia Big Horn and the Yeilowstone river, Colonel Henry B. Carrington then com- anding the Eighteenth infantry, was ent with six compuanies of his rnefimnnt to occupy the country and build three Posts, one at Fort Reno on the Powder river; one eighty miles south on the waters of Tongue river or Powder river to be known as Phil Kearney; and one at the crossing of Big Horn to be known as Fort C.” K. Smith. Generai Philip St. George Cooke, then commanding the de- partment of the Platte,with headquarters at Omaha, gave the detailed orders and General Carrington marched with 700 men, 500 of whom were new and raw re- eruits who had never seen service of any Xind before going into the Indian country. General Carrington was himself inex- rienced in Indian warfare and his elve officers were nearly ali as 1nex- rienced as he was, The purpose was establish the forts and open the road by negotiation with the Indians occupy- fng the country, and maintaining them by treaty. Scrious resistence on the rt of the Indians against the wishes Elhe government wuas not at first ought of. It soon became apparent, however, at the Indians were going to war, and eneral Carrington telegraphed, in ugust, for reinforcements. These were readily promised by General Cooke, but none came until late in No- yember, when only one company, C, of the Second cavalry, jommed. On August P General Cooke had notitied Carrington that he would be supported in holding ghe country, and that General Sherman would send a regiment from St. Louis to mssist him, In December ninety recruits ined and the winter shut down hard d tight. Requisitions for ammunition ere not answered and the troops had t a feeble supply of powder, ball and tridges. The situation was deplor- me in the extreme and the dillatorious- hess of the government greatly disheart- #ned the troops in the field. The com- mand at C. F. Smith’'s had but ten ':undu to the man, those at Kearney but rty-five rounds per man and the com- mand at Reno but thirty rounds per man. On the 6th of December the Indians at- fack:d the wood train, out getting wood fortne garrison. Captain Fetterman, with some mounted infantry and a detachment of cavalry, under Lieutenant Bingham, as sent to the relief of the train. ~ Fet- rman moved to Lodge Trail ridge while Colonel Carrington and Lieuten- nt Grummend with about twenty-five fantrymen, mounted, crossed DBig Pincy 1o intercept the Indians if they phould be driven over the rhl;ia by Fet- german. Nearly two hundred Inaians ttacked Fetterman and separated utenant Bingham with fiftcen men m the rest of the command. Bingham ght furiously, but was soon cut off m his own party with Lieutenant rummend and two or three men. Col- pnel Carrington rescued the dismounted valrymen, but could not find Bing- ym. Eighty Indians showed up be- een Carrington and Bingham and he uld not reach him. Some men were outing 1n a rayine near by, “‘For God's mske, come down here quick,’” and Car- pington’s men attempted to reach them. Beven Indians were seen pressing four diers with their spears close at their acks, and one of the soldiers Et\l recognized as Lieutenent Grummend. 'hey were rescued and the detachment sed on. They soon found Lieutenant ingham’s body, but life was extinct. ear him lay Sergeant Bowers still athing, but his skull had been cleft With a tomahawk. He had killed three Indians with his revolyer before being pverpowered. Private McGuire's horse Wwas shot under him, and just as the In- dlian was about to scalp him ha was res- ed. Private Donovan, who was with Eflutonnnt Bingham's party, escaped. o said they had been surrounded by thirty Indians while Lieutenants Bing- bam and Grummend were vursnlnf a dismounted Indian and cumnfis at him ‘with their sabres. Lieutenant Bingham :nd Sergeant Bowers' bodies were rought into the fort and buried next day with military and Masonic henors. Chaplain White, who, I believe, still lives at Plattsmouth, Neb., conducting the services. This disaster was the culmination of a Jong series of skirmishes and the begin- ing of more serious trouble, ending in &:lln hter of Colonel Fetterman and whole command. On July 17 preceding the Indians had rst appeared hostile, and crawling with- the picket lines seized the beil mare of ptain Haymond's party and run off wnth her, his whole mule herd following bell. Haymond,with only one order- , dashed after the herd, and was soon rrounded by 200 Indians. They did ot kill him or his orderly, but they took all the mules. Two companies of infantr; :nd fifty mounted men went in pursuit ut were not able to recover any of the stock. Two men were killed and three nounded. and at the same time came up e road a report that Louis Gazzon's, a trader, and his whole party had been killed. Captain Haymond, who was in- tent on securing his lost stock, had to Kive 1t up and retreat as the Indians ap- ared in overwhelming numbers in his nt. On his way back to the fort he found French Pete, a freighter, and his wagons, All bad been killed except Pete's wife, a Sioux, and five children, d they were found hid in the bushes, fie wagons had been plundered and six dead men lay near them, among them WMr, Henry Arrison, a weaithy citizen of 8t. Louis, and parter of Mr. Gazzon's. On the 24th of July Mr. Kirkendall’s train was_attacked. A company was sent out with a howitzer and the Indiaus at their spproach. ~The train cou- =I-nd five ofticers of the Eighteenth in- try with bnfigm and servants and pue lady and child, Mrs. Lieuteant Wands. Lieutenant Daniels, of Indiana, a young officer who was a little in ad- vance of the train sclecti cnm_Flng ground for it was killed. n Tem- pleton, Licutenants Bradley, Wands and Chaplain White were with the attacked train and all fought well, Captain White taking a full hand. Captain Kirtland, now of the Seventh infantry, was the oflicer who went to the relief of the be- leaguered tramm and to whose coolne promptness and bravery all owed their lives. This fight took place at the cross- ing of Crazy Woman's Fork on the old Kearney road. July 22, only two days before the fight last narrated, & vitizen train had been attacked at Buftalo Springs, on the Dry Park and Powder river, and one citizen had been Killed and_two wounded. On the same day the Indians run off the mule herd at Fort Reno, but only sue- ceeded in getting _away with one mule, On the same day Nye, a citizen of Kear- ney lost four mules, and Ar. Axe and Dixon two each, July 23d a citizen train was attacked at Dry Fork and two men ed. On the same day Louis Cheney’s train was attacked, one man killed and his horses, cattle and Krnncrlf destroyed. July 28th the Indians attacked the stock at Fort Reno and run off the cattle of John B. Floss, a citizen. July 20th a large citizen train was attacked at Brown’s Springs, eight men killed d two wounded, one of whom afterwards died. They are all huried in one grave at Brown's Springs, vhich is unmurked, and [ guess now un- known even as to its location. Yet there lies the remains of nine as brave men as ever hved. The country was now cverywhere un- safe, and battles and skirmishes were of daily occurro Mr. Grover, Frank Leslie's artist, was one morning killed and scalped while only a few minutes’ walk from the post of Phil Kearney, On August inone of the frequent attacks on the timber train, four mules were taken quite near the post, but a brave fellow, Corporal Phillip, rushed among the Indians, killed one, wounded another, and, knocking a third ofl' his pony, drove the mules back to the fort, August 14th the Indians returned, and mn attack drove off seven- teen September 8th, late in the e twenty mules were driven off; Septeniber 10, tén herders were attacked near the fort and although they fought well, thirty three horses and seventy-cight government mules were captured and driven away. Pursuit was unsuccessful and not a hoof covered. September 13, the Inc tacked Crary and Carter’s train at Goose Creek killed one man and_eaptured two hundred and ninc head of cattle. They ran a herd of buftalo into the camp and then drove off both buflalo and cat- tle together. On the s: > day they at- tacked the herd at the post again, stam- peding it and wounding two herders, Captain Ten Eyck and Lieutenant Wands pursued but failed to come up with the Indians, Private Donovan got an arrow in the hip and no sooner had he pulled it out than he was shot in the same place by another. He left this onc sticking in the wound and rode back to the fort. September—a soldier named Galchrist was killed while on herd. On the 16th of September Peter Johnson, while riding a few rods in advance of his Emy returning from the hay ficld near ake De Smet, was suddenly cut off by Indians ana killed. ~ September 17 the Indians attacked the fort herd and took forty head of cattle. September 20 they attacked a citizen train at Piney, and after a Iongh ight were driven off. Sep- tember 23 they run off twenty-four head of cattle from the fort. The troops turned out and a battle was fought, thir- teen Indians being killed and many wounded, The soldiers lost, one killed and six wounded. This was a regular battle fought at close quarters. Licutenant Brown commanded the troops and Red Leaf the Indians. On the same dn{ Lieutenant Matson was at- tacked n the hay fields and a citizen contractor named Grull was killed near the fort. On the 27th Patrick Smith was killed andscalped at Pi Ubp the road Casper Welch was killed and at Dry Fork, W. R. Pettis and A.G. Overfelt wounded. The bloody drama went on from day to day and almost every hour announced the killing of some oflicer, soldier or citizen. I have briefly alluded to the events, but a full account of them would fill a book., There were surprises and struggles in the lonely woods and lingering deaths on the broad prairie far from home and friends. The death struggle was aporoaching, and I prefer to tell of it in another letter, and how the brave Fetterman and his com- mand fought and died In the conquest of the Powder River country, where all is now peace, and fields of grain cover the very spot on which hostile battalions of white and red men stood dealing death blows to each other. JAMES S, BrispIn. e The Internal Condition of Russi The Vienna correspondent of the Lon- don Daily Telegraph has received from a friend at Kieff the following description of the situation in Russia. In every class of the population (says my friend) are to be found symptoms of a deeply rooted and increasing discon- tent, From this even the army 1s not free,sceing that the continued preterence given to the regiments of the guard above the other troops is a source of un- ceasing ccmplaint. Moreover, the vexa- tious system of supervision by the com- mandant of the regiment over his oflicers, and of the officers over each other, tends more and more to loosen the spint of fellowship and open the door to suspic- wn, It has even gone so far that the commandant is responsible for the pri- vate relations—nay, even for the corre- spondence—of his officers, Recently a ukase from St. Petersburg 1s said to have been issued to the nmilitary commandants to the effect that let- ters to the soldiers were not to be de- livered until the contents bad been examined. Landed property is under a ban, the great landowners are oppressed by government oflicials on one side, and threatened by the peasantry on the other. In disputes of the land- lords with the peasants the cen- tral authority, from fear of agrarian riots, generally sides with the peasantry. sides this, the value of land is driven down to the point of ruin by the nhibi- tion against letting it to Voles or Jews, who, in the southwest of Russia were the best and most enlightened farmers. The demoralization of the authorities is ever mere and more on the increase. It is a well known fact that the chiefsof circuits and superintendents oi districts derive fixed annual contributions from the man- ufacturers, merchants and landowners of their jurisdiction. It is not attempted to keep the system a secret; the joint stock sugar factories place such outlays openly in their account under the heading of honoraria. Even police functionaries do not scruple to accept largess. Respect- able oflicials are forced to be spectators of practices which they may datest, but are unable to prevent. In religion, sce- tarianism, especially the sect of the Sun- dists, is making enormous rogress; while the influence of the Orthodox vriests on ihe peasant population 1s steadily decreasing. Meanwhile the poas- aat population, fleeced by the organs of government, goaded by Panslavists, courted by the Nihilists, and altogether in a condition of economic deteriaration, presents a dmressini spectacle, and affords every reason for apprchending the very worst at no distant epoch. Everywhere disorganization and decay; everywhere the same evils which possi- bly could only be checked by peaceful policy abroad and by cnergetic reforms at home. Of such iucisive reforms thero are no indications observable. Half measures are taken, which only aggra- vate the mischief and detract yet wore from the rospect due to authority. IN THE ELECTRIC FIELD. The Power Required for Electric Lighting —Tabulated Result of Tests. LONDON JUBILEE LIGHTING. Electric Motors—An Electric Trumpet — Liglhts on the Lake — Lights on Traine— Power Required for Electric Lighting Franklin Winkle, M. E.: In the pro- duction of electric lights the principal factor for commereial consideration is the power required as compared with the number of lights produced of stated candle-power. Contracts for electric- lighting apparatus ghould therefore dis- tinctly state all conditions which affect the cost and amount of power to be re- quired in order that fulfilment ot gua antees or the contrary may be demon- strated and settled without equivocation. Guarantees of horse-power economy are therefore to be made upon the cosl re- quired for producing the necessary steam power, or the number of actual or indi- cated horse powers required for produc- ing a given result in light, 1. e., number of hights of stated candfe powers. Where a whole plant is erected the best safe- guard for the purchaser isaguarantee based upon coal consumption. Guarantees of indicated power are the le ausfactory unless 1t has been dis- tinetly agreed that the indicated power shall be taken by laying the dynamos on some, ie! 1gine, when that en- gine carrying a stated indi- cated load. ‘T'he reason for thisis that all engines—in fact the same engine at diftery times— y 1n actual power compared with that indicated for diter- ent loads. Where the. steam power plant is not part of the plant furnished, then the best basis for guarrantee of power is the number of actual horse powers of 33,000 foot pounds to be delivered to the dyna- mos machinery furnished by the electrician. Power required should be agreed upon for not simply the whole number of lights taken at one time, but as well for fractional parts, as three-fourths, one- half, one-fourth, the whole number; for the commercial efliciency of dynamos decreases with fewer lights, Should it come to a test, the construc- tor of the plant should pronounce con- ditions satisfactory. Unless conditions and results are carefully noted, no test of power should be regarded as of any value. As to conditions and results for purposes of test of & commercial eflici- ency of an electric lighting plant, 1t is the duty of the person who measures the power to know simblv how many lights he has in circuit, and what *‘pressure’ he hasin the circuit, as shown by the voltamefer. Any of the lamps may then be selected, and their candie power test- ed when the identical voltameter used at the power test is employed and attains the same reading. These precantions as to results are especially applicable in cage of incandescent lignts. In order to avoid any errors arising from difference of conditioi quent candle power test, it i that the horse-power expend hould be I]nc:\surou simultaneously with test of amps. The following is a tabulated result of simultaneous tests of horse powers and of Lights. They are interesting in com- parison,because they show improvemeuts made in the p few ye: and also ho the commercial efficiency of electric ighting a) atus decreases with fewer lights. The first was made by us recent- ly upon a 200-light machine, made by a prominent company four years ago,using the most improved lamps now made that company. In both tests lights were held to sixteen-standard candle-powers. One hundred and seventy-cight lights required 24.4 horse-power, equals 7.3 lights per horse-power. Ninety-one lights required 14.36 horse- power, equals 6,34 iigl\ts per horse power. Forty-five lights required 9.08 horse- power, equals 4.96 Lights per horse-power, Five lights required 4.79 horse-power, equals 1,04 hghts per horse power. Dynamos only, no lights, 8.07 horse- power. The following is the partial result of a similar test recently made by us o tual horse-powers required by the apparatus of a younger company: Four hundred lights required 40.80 horse-power, equals 9.98 lights per horse- power. Three hundred lights required 380.82 horse-power, equals 9.70 lights per horse- power, Two hundred hghts required 20.91 horse-power, equals 9.5 lights per horse- power. One hundred lights required 12, power, equals 8.1 nghts per hor: Fifty lights required 7.75 hor: equal 6.4 Tights per horse-power. Dynamo only, no lights, 8.78 horse- power. 28 horse- Eleotric Motors. Electrica! World: The change from animal power to electricity of an entire street railway system, including tifteen miles of track and cighteen cars, as was recently accomplished at Montgomery, Ala., 18 indeed an event which spenks volumes for the strong confidence that the operators of strect railways already have in the capacity for work and econ- omy of the electric locomotive. But while smaller cities are thus making rapid strides, we find the larger ones still holding off and watching the results obtmmmed. This is but natural when we consider that many of the larger companies number their cars by the hundred and their horses by the thousand. To alter the former for elec- tric traction and to do away with the use of the latter altogether,is an undertaking which involves considerations other than occur in smaller towns. Still with an electric railway now in course of con- struction in this eity, and others contem- plated, it is clear that the lead of the minor eities will soon be generally fol- lowed, and the horse car be finally and wholly banished. Electric Lights in Trains. The electric lighting of passenger trains, a most timely topic, very properly oceupied the attention of the last meeting of the American institute of electrical en- ineers, and the paper presented by Mr. lodgett contained much food for thought. Whila all those present con- ceded the superiority of electric illumina- tion for this purpose, muech of the discus- sion naturally bore directly upon the best means of carrying out the idea in actual ractice. Mr. Blodgett set forth very ully the methods vroposed so far, and from these it will bo seen that, speaking enerally, four modes are open, viz: ighting by priyate patteries carried on the train; secondary batteries carried on the train and charged at a terminus; sec- ondary batteries carried on the train und charged bly a dynamo carried on the axle; and finally, the svstem of huying & separate plant in the baggage car of the train, with engine and dynamo for lighting direct. The objection raised against the last method is that the cars can receive no light when detatched from the dynamo car. In all the other methods, with the exception of the first, the secondary battery must be looked to for bridging over irregularities in the work of the charging apparatus. Which of these methods is to be the final one adopted can no more be determined now thap the question as to which is the best primary battery, The question must, to a great LK::?I'.. be a matter of circum- stance and aptability. On roads with very light grades it would be out of place to put in the system of batteries and charging dynamo drivery from the - axel as the benefit to he derived from the momentum of the tram' running down grade would not be Avajlable on such n toad. For those who'argue that the loco- motive must not be called upon to do more work than it now per- forms either in the charg- ing of the batteries or their hauling on the cars, the solution of the problem lies in the direction of the method of a sepa- rate lighting plant on the tram. It is evident, therefore, that a wide latitude is permissible for the gratification of indi- vidual tastes and the adaptation to ex- isting conditions. So far as the results obtained in this country at the present time go, Mr. Blodgett's épinion is a val- uable one. He states that storage is no dearer than gas, for the same amount of light, while further obvious improve- ments,both in the batteries and the lamps, will make this balance turn decidedly in favor of the electric light, even on the single ground of enonomy. It seems to be tolerably well established that if the storage battery can perform the duties of car lighting satisfactorily, its cost will not stand in the way of its introduction on a large number of roads in this coun- try, especially on competing lines, which add every attraction and comfort in order to draw patronage. Jubilee Lighting in London. The English papers to hand show that the use of electric light for jubilee cele- bration purposes was larger than the cable dispatches gave reason to believe, The Anglo-American Brush corporation, the Gulcher company, R. E. Crompton & Co,, Messrs.V erity & Sons, Woodhou & Rawson, Messrs. aday and Messrs. Laing, Warton & Down, all were busy to their utmost capacity during the jubil we Among the buildings illuminated for the oceasion by electricity were the stock exchange, the institutionof civil en- ineers,the Junior Carlton club,the Grand hotel, Charing Cross, Draper's hall, the temperance provident insurance build- ing, and the royal iastitution. A very large number of private houses were also made conspicuous by electric lights. The firms mentioned also had large con- tracts for lighting in the provinces, and the Gulcher company had a contract for illuminuting Winchester cathedrsl with a 10,000 candle-pomer Gulcher projector. ‘The illumination of the Junior Carlton club, by Verity & Sons, included no fewer than 282,000 ¢. p. arcs. Messrs. Verity also supplied 25 arcs for use_on a triumphal arch at Kensington. There scems to have been a brisk demana for arcs of from 5,030 to 10,000 candie power. (g 23 An'Electric Trumpet. An electric trumpet has been recently devised by M. Zigang., It co then London Llectrical Rev short brass tube mounted on wood and containing an electro-magnet whose ends face a vibrating plate, on which is fixed a small picce of soft iron. Against the plate armature rest a regulating serew with platinum point, which serves tor automatic interruption, by wvibration of the armatur With two Leclanche ele- ments # mu sound is obtained, which may be varied in pitch, intensity, and timbre by means ofitheiscrew. This in- strument may be usefully employed in signaiing on ships, - railways, tramways, ete.; it may also serve 4s a recelver for signals of the Mo § l,vqc. Electric Lights on the Lake. The Chicago city ‘council are dealing with & number of matters of interest to the electris fraternity. Through the unfailing zeal of Prof. Barrett, city elec- trician, & number of schémes for lighting and signaling have ‘been brought to the attention of the people,, The iatest one of these is called the “vessel dispatcher’’ scheme. At a meeting of the fire and water committee the plan was set forth in detail by Prof. \Barrett, as follows: Build a central statton at the tug oflices on South Water street, near Franklin, and establish telepnone connection with all the bridges on the mam branch of the river, on the south branch as far as Twelfth street, and on the north to Chicago ave- nue. The total number of bridges, in- cluding the three railroad bridges under the vessel dispatcher’s control, would be nmeteen. The adoption of thi plan will serve to stop the incessant whistling by tugs, and effect a saving of one-fourth of the time now needed for opening and closing the bridges. The estimated cost for the entire plant necessary to operate the scheme is £4,000, The committee recommended the adoption of the plan, The committee also sent¢o the law de- artment for an ordinance to light the rivor by _electricity. Prof. Barrett's seheme i3 for a plant with 100 are lights to be operated at a cost of $8,300 a year. He estimates a saving of $1,000 a year from the cost of gas displaced. Prof. Gray's Tel tograph. Chicago Tribune: Prof. Elisha Gray, of telephone fame, is Yerlucting an in- vention with wonderful possibilities, and one which promises great results. it has already reached that stage which insures its practical success, the experiments thus far proving eminently satisfactory. The *‘telautograph’ 1s the name by which the instrument will be known, which, by onveys a very fair idea of what ment really 18, Once in opera- tion it will be possible for the Chicago speculator to deliver to his New York broker a telautographic order to buy or sell 1,000 or 10,000 shares of railroad stock, an exact fac-simile of the order being reproduced in that city at the same instant it is written here, If the Chicago man happens to bein New York and wants to send his wife a check for money he simply writes it out in that city, and the moment he is through it is in his wife's hands here. ‘The electric current, of course, is an important factor in the invention, but the chief feature isthe plate or instrument on which the writing 18 done. No particular kind of pen or pencil has to be used; in fact, a sharp- pointed instrument of any kind, or even a piece ot wood will answer the purpose. The paper on which the writing is done and the autograph reproduced does not have to be prepared, for in the first in- stance it is the pressure on the plate which gives the impulse to the i while the reproduction is brought by a tracing point, which may be a prop- erly-inked pen or eyen an ordinary lead pencil attached to a movable armin the fl:ncniug machine ut tise other end of the ne. A number of experiments with the ma- chine have been made st Highland Park where Professor Gray'd laboratory is, all of them of the most' safisfactory charac- ter. The circuit wainol a very long one, but the tests were of that kind which in- dicated that the length of the circuit aid not matter much, and that the work could be aone over, 1000 miles of wire as perfectly as over 100. Professor Giray has not yet apphed for patents on the inven- tion, but it1s fully covered by caveats, so that he has removed the injunction of secrecy, and feels fi b talk on the sub- t with his friendd. Fe is inclined to hink the machines ‘will be required in all cases where absolute accuracy in the delivery and filling of an order is required, and that it will eventually supersede the present system of telegraphic communi- cation; in fact, that operator will simply transcribe a message, and, while in the act of so doing, will wire it to any peint on the continent, the reproduction at the other point always being u fac- simile of the writing of the person at the machine. An attempt was made yesterday to s and tatk with Mr, Tripp, Professor Gr attorney, who is well posted about his electrical devices and ventions. Mr. Tripp, it was learned, 15 in Europe, but Dr. J. W, Porter, who is associated with Mr, Tripp,gave the reporter the mnforma- tion set forth above,adding that Professor Gray regarded the invention as a more importaut oune than that of the tel ephone, RECULATORS OF DAKOTA. Horse Thieves in Pioneer Days on the Bor- der, A STORY OF ROBBER BANDS. How the Rallroad Frontiersmen ‘Were Despoiled of Thelr Horses and Cattle —The Re- venge Sought, Communication Dakota Bell: Tt was early in the '70's—fifteen years ago—that I found myself on a Missouri river steam- boat leaving Omaha and headed up- strenm. Being of an inquiring turn of mind, I explored the lower deck and got into conversation with one of the crew. From him 1 learned that Buck Hawkins was on board. I had heard of Buck Hawkins as the most dangerous man in that part of the country. He staid up the river in the neighborhood of Yankton most of the time, but, 1 understood from my informant,kad been down to St. Louis on some sort of business and was return- ing to Yankton. I telt anxiousto sce him as soon as I found he was on board. The man told me I doubtless could do so if I would take the trouble to hunt up the bar, as he and some friends were indulg- mg ina voker game in its immediate vicinity. 1 soon found the place, and to my whispered inquiry a spectator informed ne which of the four gathered around the card-table was Hawkins, I was somewhat surlprisml as he did not look as I had pictured. He was small, not over five feet and seven or eight inches, and evidently weighed less than 150 pounds. He had brown hair and gray eyes, and though his face showed determination and foree there was nothing of the reck- less desperado which I knew he had the reputation of being. I watched the game for some time. I learned that the other three were all professional gamb- lers and that Hawkins was losing. The room was full of spectators, and it seemed to possess interest for everyone on the boat. Everybody expected trouble. There were great stacks of money and chips on the table, and Haw- kins and the gambler opposite him each had heavy six-shooters lying on the table i froat of him, while the others had sim- lar weapons in their belts. Every ouc knew that the gamblers were not playing a square game, and 1t was only a ques- of time when they got all of Haw- money. That was the time trouble xpected. He bad been drinking ly, and should he detect them cheat- ing it was known he would not hesitate :.p shoot them all unless they shot him irst. All the afternoon I remained close b; the table watching the game intently. had become almost as much interested as the players. Hawkin's money was slowly but surely going. Once when Hawking was dealing he happened to touch a pile of his chips and they rolled oft on the floor. Instantly 1 sprang and gathered them up and placed them on the table. He just glanced at me and said “‘thank you,” and was deep in the game again. A few minutes later there was a jack- pot. Hawkins and the gambler went in. They raised each other until there was several thousand dollars in it. At last they laid down their hands. Hawkins had four kings, but the gambier had four aces, and reached for the money and cb {& ‘[ reckon that was all fair, parson?" said Hawkins as he looked across the table at his opponent. “Ye bet it was, Buck; ye know I never play no other way,” replied the gambler, showing some signs of nervous- ness. “1 am glad of it,”* said Hawkins, pick- ing up his revolyer and holding it care- lessly, ye all know what I'd do if[ thought'it wasn't.” *'Shoot, of course, Buck, that would be all rith—bul it's squar’, an' ye can bet on it.” “All right,” and Hawkins arose from the table and went out. I saw nothing more of him that night. The next day he approached me on deck and talked a few minutes. He guessed that L had run away from home and advised me to return, saying that it Wwas no cmlmrf' for boys. I could scarcely conceive as he gave me this advice, which I knew to be good; that he had without doubt killed a dozen men—per- haps more. But it was a fact. Hawkins left the boat at Sioux City and I went on to Yankton. The next five or six weeks I spent in the vicinity of that place, working on various farms. Idia not get very high wages, but I managed to make my living. fter some time I hired out to a man who was driving some cattle up the river to the Yankton Indian agency. There were some two or three hundred head, and there were several men along with them. To make the trip I had invested in a pony. We arrived at the agency after several days, and tind- ing that my services would no longer be required, I started to return on my pony. I was opposite Niobrara, Neb., and back some four or five miles from the river, when I met two men on horseback, each leading a string of five or six horses. Some of the ones which were being led were wild and were giving the men con- siderable trouble. They hailed me and after, s I thought, asking an unneces- sary lot of questions concerning who I was, where I came from and where I was going one of them said: “I'm sheriff down in Newbrasky, an’ my podner here is dep'ty. We've got some 3808 here what was stole that we're takin’ back. They don’t lead very well, and ['ll give you $5 to go with us this afternoon sn’ to-morreran’ help us.’ “All right," 1 said. *‘Where are you going to cross?” “Down at Chouteau creek. '’ ‘I should think there were better—'" ““That’s the best crossing 'round here— wo know this country like a book.” “I saw that noinformation was wanted from me, 80 1 said no more and went along with them. Isoon saw they were remarkably well acquainted with the cuumri. and appearad to rather avoid what few roads and trails there were than otherwise. Wo soon struck Chou- teau creek and started down 1t. fre- quently cros nr,r from one side to the other, " I noticed that the men were both heavily armed and appeared rather nerv- ous and in considerable of a hurry, I thought nothing of this, however, as nearly everybody went armed, officers especially, and it was likely they wanted to make the crossing that mght, and possibly they feared that the thieves might attempt to recover the stock. We came in sight of the river just after sun- down. We passed through several groves of lurge cottonwood trees, and then turned up the river. vou mind riding all night" asked iff, No," I replied “1'll make it a couple o’ dollars extra. We want to cross up b un’ get 'cross the p'int of the reservation an’' over to Red Bird on the Niobrara 'forc we stop, “Go ahead, I'll stay with you.” A little later 1 heard the sound of hoofs behind us. This gave me no uneasines: the moment it ruck companions they took their Winchesterr from where they were fastened on the saddle and began to look back intently. A moment later a dozen horsemen came around the point of a bluff at full speed. Several of the party fired at us. My companions returried the shots and dashed away, leaving the horses they thioves from whom_they had recovered the horses were in pursuit, so followed as fast I could. We were in an open place near the river and headed for some cot- tonwoods about a quarter of a mile dis- tant. Our horses wore on the run, and gllnulngf back [ saw that our pursuers ‘were gaining on us, still we could easily have reached the timber ahead of them had not a shot from the party behind hit the deputy sherifl. He }~ll forward and struck the ground heavily, while his horse dashed nwn{. The sheriff stopped and returned to him while a ball whistlod 80 uncumlnrlah‘l‘y close to my own ears that I concluded to do the same. Our pursuers came up and surrounded us, It was growing quite dark by this time,and I could not well make out their features, though I thought they looked more like farmers than horse-thieves. In a moment my suspicions were confirmed. “I reckon we've got ye this time,”’ said one of the party, ‘‘an’ ye bet we'll show ve what this ‘ero vigilance committee considers good for hoss thieves.' The wounded man was taken up and laced on horseback, two men were do- ailed to g\mnl each oneof us and we started back. I tried to explain my con- nection with the others, but was silenced by the gruff voice of the leader, who as- sured me that I would have a chance to explain things at the trial. This relieved me somewhat as I had no doubt that I could easily prove my innocence. We rode till about midnight when we came 1o a small cluster of houses called Mineral Springs. We came up before a long log house, which proved to be a saloon and hotel combined. The barroom was lit upand there were a number of men in- side and horses tied outside. 'They gave a loud cheer when they saw the prison- ers, und there was a_great deal of hur- ried conversation. We were taken inside and placed under guard. Twenty or thirty n:uu gathered in the room, when one said: “Well, boys, we've brought 'em in, an’ we got the hosses. I reckon we'd better try the men an’ fix everything up to- mght. The cheerman will please come for'ard.” A man elbowed his way throngh the crowd and took his seat on a box behind a card table. 1t was Buck Hawkins. 1 felt still easicr, as I had no doubt he would recognize me and set me at lib- erty. The trial was very informal, and the other two were quickly disposed of. They claimed that they had found the horses eached further up the creek and never stole them. It was admitted that perhaps they found them hidden, but it was charged that some othiers and the gang put them there. ‘‘Besides,”’ said one man, “s'pese they did find ‘em cached—what bus'ness they got tryin’ to run 'em out of the country?" “That's it," said Hawkins, whose diciel mind instantly grasped the im- portant point, ‘“‘they hadn’t no business av ull, and I reckon we'd better hang 'em fer luck.” ‘This was assented to with a yell, and Hawkins started to get up. I saw ' that Lhad been included with the others and that I must crowd in my story. | ac- cordingly asked them to hold'on and told my story. When I finished a short thick-set man shoved his hands a little deeper into his pockets and said: “Gentlemen, I want 'o remark I've hlcure'd that air story occasionally before this!" This was greeted witn a loud laugh and everybody agreed to it. *‘But, see here Hawki heart beginning to sin| you've scen me before,” “Oh, I reckon I seed you once,” he re- plied, without looking at me. “Then you know I'm not a horse thief.” “Can't say that Ido. 1saw you on a steamboat a counle of months ago, but hoss thieves can ride on steamboats.” Like nearly everything else, this was agreed to with loud applause. I saw that my chances were growing desperate,and used every argument in my power to con- vince them that I was innocent. The men I had fallen in with put in their tes- timony in my behalf, but to no effect. The cre especially anxious to see me hung after one of the committee closely serutinized me and 1dentified me as Doc Billings, one of the leaders of the gang. “He looks young, but he’s a hard one,” exclaimed the man. So it was settled that [ should hang with the others. All seemed to be in favor of carrving the sen- tence out immediately. Here Hawkins rose and said: “Gontlemen,it wouldn’t be a fair shake for the other boys—wait till mornin’ till they come to help. Besides, they may bring some more of the 2, an’ we can string 'em all up together.” This was agreed to as readily as every- thing elee, and we were taken toan empty log house a little distance from the rest and three nien detailed to guard us, We were each given a blanket and [ wrapped mine about me and sank down in a corner with the most terrible feeling I had ever experienced. My past life came up hefore me vividly, and my mother and the home 1 had so reeently left without cause rose up before me and caused me more bitter anguish than it seemed I could endure. My companions, hardened by a desperate life and perhaps by former hairbreadth escapes,conversed in whispers for some time and scemed to take it ve coolly. After some time the leader said: “Young feller, I reckon ye got to dance on air 'long with us.” Whether I replied or not I do not re- member, but he continued: “I'm mighty sorry we got ye into ir, but we 'lowed we'd'get 'way all right. Ef they swing ye jes' keep up and show yer sand, They say ye're a hoss-thief; act 's if ye was one. A feller can’t but once,” and with this philosophical re- flection he rolled himself in his blanket and he and his companion were soon fast asleep. I tossed and rolled in the corner un- able to sleep and I might almost say un- able to kecp awake. I felt dazed and stupid. It must have been 8 o’clock when I w startled by the door opening and one of the guards stepping in. He came over to my corner and told me to cone out did so, and as [ stepped through the door I saw a man on horseback and another horse saddled and bridled. 'here's your hoss,” said the man as he leaned down from the saddle, and I rec- ognized the voice as that as Hawkins, “‘Get on an’ I'll show you out o’ this.” At first 1 eould hardly comprehend him. The prospect of deliverance—and that by the judge wno sentenced me— fairly overpowered me. He warned me to be quick and I scrambled on my pony and rode away by Hawkins' side, none of the guards offering any resistance. We rode for some distance in silence. Then Hawkins said: “There's a loose board in the floor, an’ they'll think you got out there. 1can't £o with ye very far, but I reckon ye can get away. Keep north o' Yankton, an’ don't show yerself to anybody ef ye can help it. Skip down into Towa, an’then go home an’ stay there.” : “I'll do that,” I replicd, “if I get | s,” 1 eaid, my you know me— away.’ “That's right—this is no country boys. Yedid mea lttle favor pickir up them chips on the boat that time, an | and o) I'm willin’ to do as much fer ye “Why, Hawkins, Lean't tell yon how thankful 1 am—but that was no fayor I | did on the boat—nothing at all, and this saving my life—lock at the difference.” “Oh. that's all right—no d " what we both h an' neither of us couldn’t do no Don't say no more about that didn't” steal them hosses an' didn't ' want to see ye hang for it “HBut how did yoi know I didn’t have something to do with it after all:" “Why, cuss it, ye see I stolc the hosses myself!"” “You! were leading. I had no doubt that uwl “Yes, me an' some other fellers. We l aached them up on Chouteau creek an' these Nebraska fellers tried to run 'om off. Ireckon the moral health o' 5[:( comunity demands that they swing. “‘But was that crowd-—horse—that ig— were they all your friends?" Oh, no, some of 'em were farmers. Yo see I'm cheerman of the Dukota Anti Horse Thief society, and all my gang are prominent members.. We have to have in some o' the farmers an' other people to lend respectability to the society, ye know, but I'm elocied checrman every time, an’ we generally put the outsiders in as vice presidents or something. find my position mighty handy inmy profession. Well, I ean’t go any further with P‘c. hurry 'long an'l reckon you'll be all right, "though the vice presidents will be luokin' fer ye in the mornin' an’ we may hev to hunt easy like ourselves. Go back home an' stay there!” He turned and rode back in the gray dawn of morning. I went on as fast as vossible and got safely out of tho coun- try. 1 went home and appreciated it, and when I struck the territory again five years after [ can truly say that it was with regret that I learncd that Buck Hawkins had been treacherously shot and killed by a member of his own gang, who was also treasurer of the Dakota Anti-Horse Thief nssociation, —— Girls, Have a Purpose. Chieago Current: Girls, you cheapen yourselyes by luck of purpose in life. You show commendable zeal in pursuing your studies—your alertness in compre- hending, and ability in surmounting dif- ficult problems have become proverblal; nine times out of ten you outrank your brothers thus far, but ‘when the end is attained, the goal reached, whether it be the graduating certiticate from a graded school or a college diploma, tor nine out of every ten it might as weil be added thercto, dead to farther activity, or, Tlmvpmg until marriage shall resurreet her. . Crocheting, placquing, dressing, visit- ing, music and flirtations make up the sum total for the expense and labor ox- pended for your existence. If forced to Carn your own support you are content to stand behind a counter, or teach school term after term in the same gradg while the young men who graduated with you, walk up the grades as up s Iadder, to professorship, and good salary, from which they swing ofl’ into law, phy: sics, or perhaps, the legislative firma. ment, leaving difliculties” and _obstacles like nebulw in their wake. You girls, d with medioerity :an eye v _for the “main chance” —marrie age. If you marry wealthy—which is marrying well according to the modérn popular idea—you dress more elegantl cultivate more fashionable society, leave your thinking for your husband and min- 1ster to do for you, and become in the economy of life but ntity. 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