The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1875-11-04
R.d OF the Rope-Hangman,s Tree In
2 t@rt Montana. fNtt- -at

The Virginis City (Moniana) correspon-
dent of the ueavenworth (Kansas1 Conahlef.
eiol gives the following graphic account oil
an old-time gallows scene in the Territory:
A few rods south of Helena, and Just West
of the present overland stage road where it
crosses Dry Gulch, and directly in the
gulch, there stands a venerable pine, whose
massive towering branches of weird aud
fantastic growth extend twenty feet or more
from the knarled and moss covered trunk,
Years since 1t lot its foliage, and now it Is
gradually yielding to decay, and ere long
clod of vegetable mould will alone remain
to mark the sight of the famous hangman's
tree. Could the old pine speak, what tales
it could telli But perhaps tits best that
speech is not given, and that with the life
Of the tree should pass the recollection of
those early days when forbeannce having
ceased to be a virtue, short shrift and
hempen cord became necessary to rid the
country of the desperadoes that infested it,
and thus secure long needed protection 10
life and property of honest citizens. Now
law and order reign throughout the Terri.
tory, and justice is attained and admin
stered through regular channels, and it is
TO he hDped that never again will cIrcnm-
stances Gail for or justify the formation of
such an organization as was that OF the
vigilants of Montana. In 1861, 1868 and
1864 Virginia City and BaDnock were tbs
headquarters of Henry Plummcr's noted
band of highwaymen and cut throats, Plum
mer secured AN appointment as sheriff, and
then made his cut-throat lieutenakts his
deputies. For time this Arrangement
worked admirably for the roughs, as they
could rob and murder with impupity. After
they had killed over 100 citizens, and plum
dered stages, express shipments and private
individuals until no one felt safe or dared
to, leave with or send money or dust out of
the copptry--an any one who dared to de.
mure to this order of things or suggest that
the robbers were other than honest and per-
feet gentlemen, did so at the imminent peril
OF his life-it occurred to few resolute
men that it was time for IA change, and
quietly comforting with each other an or
ganization was soon effected. including
several hundred of the best men of Virginia
City, Bannock and Helena Laying Bheir
plans cautiously, but well, and executing
them promptly they meted out meritel
justice to twenty-nine Of the rufiians, in
cludIng Plummer and all known members
of his band. all of whom were made tn
sdAnce np0n- nothing Dt- the end of -rope ,,
Five of them We're hanged at one time on q
cross beam in an unfinished store-room ad-
joining the building in which yeur corres-
pondent writes this communication, These
executions ended the reign of terror, and
SINCE then peace and quiet has been tfie rule
in Montanag The dying speeches of the
desperadoes were peculiarly characteristic
and worthy of note. s..,i;.ero, ,,5;tsf
Erastus Yager, generally known as
"Red," said TO his captors. HeYou have
treated me like a gentleman, and Isknow I
am gong to die; am going to he hanged.
It's pretty tough, but merited this, years
ago." And with the rope around his neck,
his last words were, Goodbye, boys, God
bless you'll You are on a good undertake
ing.s a,t MdI .si.a ~ Isl. suois3ss
Henry Plummer begged hard for his life,
asked to be CHAINED down, offered TO leave
the country forever, and declared that he
was too wicked to die. q ei4ogq siiJ ,inei
iaAnother, John Wagner said,i "Cut soff
my arms and legs and let me go; you know
could do nothing them" -.
Jack Gallagher said: ~ hore that forked
lightning will strike every strangiing one d
YOUR la gogaaI4ji - s2ne 5d ST.iaei8
:, Ben Helm said: ''Kiek away, old fellow;
I'll be with you, in minute. Every man
for his principles. Hurrah for jeff. Davisl
Let her rip!" ssi 1Es7 - aga ;21atiiih
George FShears, when arrested said .rcrI
know 1 should have to go up some etime, but
| thought I could run another season..
When told to mount the ladder, which
served for, the tiuie being scaffoId, he
made use Of tho following language: "Gen-
tlemen, am not use TO this business, never
having been hung before. Shall ] jump of
or slide Off Being directed what 10 do
he said .iAu right; goodbye : and leaped
in'o '.itd ie il a.il III -.1,11ga