Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1873-12-16
A KANSAS EXCITEMENT.
A Powerful Secret Organization to
PiyIage Mexico.

| The AtchisOn, (Kdn.,) Champion sig
nalizes its issue of Nov. 80, by an article
| giving very minute account Of the organi-
cation Of large band of men, with head
quarters in that city, whose object was to
| 90 upon marauding and pillaging
| expeditions into Mexico. 1t would
| appear from its statement that
about ten days ago there. came to Atch-
| ison two of the most shrewd and expert
| enced detectives in the service of the Gov
| eminent, who introduced themselves TO
Marshall Grail, presented the proper ere
dentials, and stated their mission. 1t then
goes on to say "About one year ago the
Secret Service Department received advices
from trustworthy sources that grand
scheme was being organized in North
efn Texas, with a man named Roland A.
Sutc.fie as its acknowledged leader, 10
make a filibustering expedition into
Mexico, to obtain permanent faot-
hold, if possible, with the limited number
of men they could command; but if they
failed in it, TO make theraidat least profit
able one by robbery and pillage, and escape
with the spoils to the United States, divide
the booty and spend the remainder of their
days in ease and comfort. In its infancy
this scheme was commonly talked Of in all
the neighbOrlng country, and as it was Or
ganiZed at time when numerous depreda-
tions were being committed on the Texas
borders by Mexican desperadoes and
marauders, it received the hearty en-
couragement of Texans, and substan-
tial support in the shape of large
additions to its members. The matter was
carefully watched by the Government,
through the aid of peaceful citizens, when
suddenly the scheme was abandoned, and
it ceased to be the subject of consideration.
Sutclille is described as a shrewd, unscrll-
pulous man, of whose antecedents nothing
is known. He had an excellent education,
is tall in stature, and possessed of rather
handsome features. Those who know him
speak Of him as one of the few men born
to command, and who required the StrictcSt
obedience to his directions. The
temporary excitement having sud-
denly ceased. no more was heard of
the gigantic filibustering scheme. Not
withstanding this, Sutclifle was busy run
ming over the country, always apparently
engaged, but with no visible employment.
About two months ago Madame Rumor
again set stories afloat, starting from doz-
ems of different points, giving accounts Of
secret meetings being held, the object of
which could not be discovered Prominent
among the places mentioned was Atchison,
and it was in this place the detectives
traced the Tingieaders. Saturday, the
Atchison branch was discovered and
two Of the ringleaders were arrested, and a
number Of important papers belonging to
the organization secured. The place where
the meetings have been held, and where
the arrests were made, is the old house
situated near Atchison machine-shOp,
known as the Westerfield property. The
two detectives, in company with Marshal
Grail and Deputy Marshal Stafford, went to
the place and succeeded in arreSting four
men, one Of them Sutclife, the
Acknowledged head Of the organiza-
ton, and who has been in Atchison for the
past week. lie is a tail, distinguished
looking man, who visited the PostOflice on
the arrival of every mall and always re-
ceived large number of letters. Besides
him, man by the name of Durham, who
is said to be SUtcllle's inseparable COM
paniOn, was also taken. On the person of
the ringleader was found number of pa
peIs, including the oath taken, roll
of the Atchison Society, numbering
some forty names, including among
them a number of adventures who
had but lately arrived in the town. SUIT
clifie was well supplied with money, hav-
ing, when searched, about $1,000 in green
backs upon his person, and he had liberal
ly supplied his followers when they requir-
ed it. The oath wa a solemn and fearful
pledge. The papers on the person CT SUIT
cliffe revealed the fact that at least 100
other similar organizations are in existence,
and that lie is the great head-centre Of all.
The two men were taken East Sunday
morning, and viii be held for trial"