The Kansas herald of freedom. [volume] (Wakarusa, Kan. Territory) 1854-1860, 1859-02-26
rhs Robin Hood Of Kansas.

That something could be offered in ex-
tenuation of the dificultiesin south east |
ern Kansas, no one has ever presumed to |
doubt. That these difficulties degener-
ated from contest to secure civil rights, |
into mere strife for plumber, and for that
purpose, by many connected Herewith,
was continued, few will have the hardi-
hood to deny. But whether the civil war
was waged to secure the rights which the
people believed were denied them by the
constituted authorities, or simply for plum
der, no one can help regarding it not only
as a contest disastrous to the prosperity
of that portion of the Territory, but emf
nently deInoralizing to its people. That
the contest, from its origin to its close, by
the excuses committed by those who were
engaged in it, was made disgraceful
struggle between rival banditti, who, in
their strife for plumber, forgot their inspir-
ing reason which first called them to arms,
the history of the contest fully shows
Not only was war waged upon marshals,
sherifs and Border Rufians; but Free
State men, whose sense of justice would
not allow them to sanction the excuses OF
their partizans in the field, were hunted
from their homes and robbed upon the
highway. All who would not contribute
to the support of those in arms-all who
dared utter word in opposition to the
excuses of the struggle-all who hest
tated to declare praises in behalf of its
leaders-were visited with vengeance.
The actors in that struggle-its leaders
and followers-have had many panegyr-
lists. They have readily found those who
were willing to applaud every outrage
and excuse every crime. Iii
1t must now be gratifying to those who
participated in the struggles, to witness
the position accorded to them by their
apologists and syupathizers. No doubt
some of the actors in this predatory war
fare believed that they were battling
against oppression, and that as heroes in
such contest, their names would illume
the history. of Kansas, as those of Bruce
and Wallace in Scottish history, and Will
liam Tell in Swiss. This, however, is not
their honor Theirs, are the doubtful
honorS of that liking of outlaws, Robin
Hood" aud of the ''great Bandit Mazza-
roni," who "made Europe ring with his
daring exploits" This is the place given
them by the Leavenworth Times, in an
article carefully prepared and published
TO order. e-ii 10
After disposing of Old John Brown as
an enthusiast, the Times introduces us to
the forts of Capt. James Montgomery, in a
region lovely as the land Of Shushuhay,
beloved of Peri.
Beautifully does it describe the band
of lazy warriors, whose SPLENDID horses,
perhaps, have the well known "U. s."
brand upon their launches, and which,
with saddles, brides, riders and all, have
been taken without leave or license from
any regularly constituted authority.
Then their arms, "where did they get
them?" We havn't the remotest idea,
nor they, particularly. "They obtained
each and all of these articles-well-
where they did the horses" We are
then treated to brilliant description Of
Capt. Montgomery-who is "a gentle
manly appearing, plainly dressed man,
about i've feet ten inches in hight well
proportioned, firmly knit, slender and
1.-the, with jet black hair and beard, and
an eye piercing and eagle-like in its
glance,-just the one to rule. No giant
in form or feature; his giant will enables
him to govern giants as a father governs
the child" e.. ~ .1..-lg -
Whether Capt Montgomery is the
Robin Hood, or the Mazzaroni of Kansas
the Times does not inform US. His apollo
gists have heretofore declared that those
in his band who committed the robberies,
were persons who connected themselves
with itand whom he could not drive away.
What excuse they will offer after having
learned that mis- giant win can govern
giants as easily as child is governed,
we cannot imagine. ''-
Centuries have passed away since Robin
Hood and his merry outlaws of Sherwood
Forest, and the bandit of Italy performed
those deeds which have been the subject
of romance and Of song % s-e.
If Captains Montgomery and Brown,
think that IN this age such examples are
worthy to follow; if they believe that
robbery and murder twill make the
lovely region Of the Usage classic ground
forever" We advise them to secure from
the next Legislature, an amnesty, not only
for the past but an indulgence for the
future.
Denials have been made by those
friendly to this classic" band of aJay-
Hawkers," to the charges of plumber and
robbery that have been made against
them-but as it is now acknowledged that
they are the followers of the bandits and
outlaws of the '.merry olden time,n we
therefore presume credence will hereafter
be given to such complaints. ~
~
It has often been asserted that the lead
ems Of these bands were very popular
among their immediate nsighbors, As we
have learned that it is their mission to
GIVE to the poor wha. they ROB from the
rich. the reason for such popularity is
Esadily diseeysnsd.siisi VIC 10 T