Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1878-10-04
THE TIMBER THIEVES,

County Committee.
THE TIMBER THIETES.
Why the Cases are Not Prosecuted--The
Statute of Limitations Intervenes
1t has been mystery to good many peo-
pie for several months past as to what had
become of the pine land trespass plosecu-
tt ons inaugurated something over year ago
with great flourish of trumpets and show
of determination on the part of the govern
ment to bring parties guilty of timber thefts
toa disgorging of their dishonesty gotten
gains. Under the examination ordered,
quite large number of trespasses were pro-
ceeded with, and judgments found against
them in the courts. But as rule these
proceedings were against the small
fry offenders. Some two or
three of the supposed large
operators we're invited into court and COM
PEELED to settle, but.it was for small amounts;
but still the public waited, and waited in
vain. to see anything TO indicate that the
parties whose operations were believed to
reach the millions of feet of trespass, were
to he shown up in their true colors, and
made to give up their plumber.
Thus matters have stood for several
months, and though Mr.. Jones, the special
agent of the department, has made his
headquarters in this city during all this
time, reinforced portion of the time, by
Col. Portean, another special agent, the
ordinary observer failed to see any indication
of progress being made. In this
emergency GLOBE reporter took it
upon himself yesterday to find out how the
matter stood. and for this purpose he wended
his steps to the office of United States Attor-
nev Rillson in the custom house.
Finding Mr.. Bison in, the reporter
promptly stated the qnandary he was in.
smile to steal over Mr.. Billson's face, but
still he settled himself to answer, the sub
stance of which is embraced in the follow
ing:
Reporter-Mr. Bllson, can YOU tell me
the status of the pine land trespass cases?
Mr.. Billson-In what respect?
Reporter-Well, as to the large trespass-
ers-those who operated so extensively
along in the 6O's-and as to the effect of
Judge D1lon's decision in the case of Clark
Thompson. in which he held in substance
that State laws of limitation applied to cases
in which the United States were party. as
we'll as in State causes.
MIR. Blllson--The decision you have refer
ence to is really Justice Miller's, of the
United States circuit court. It was made on
a motion made in reference to an execu-
ton, in which he laid down the principle
that State laws of limitation operated as a
bar IN causes when the United States was a
party, the same as in State cases. The rul-
ing being on a motion could not be appealed
from. Judge Dillon last December, in the
case against the bondsmen of Clark Thomp-
son, as Indian agent. followed ont the prin-
ciple laid down by Justice Miller. On this
an appeal was taken to the United States
supreme court, and have written the attor-
ney general, urging the necessity of putt NO
the case forward on the calendar so that #
can be tried at the next term of court. If
not put forward it will be fully two years be-
fore it can be reached. am in hopes it will
be advanced, brought up at the Forthcoming
term and decided, which will be, I think.
against the principle laid down bv Justice
Miller and followed by Judge Dillon.
Another thing has operated to prevent prog
ress IN the prosecutions in cases of
tresspass not coming under the
SIX years limitation. AS you know, the an
preparation of the last Congress was small
Iieie are some Twelve districts III all on
which similar prosecutions are pending. Be-
sides there was deficiency to be provided
for, and it was not known if any of the an
preparation would be given this district We
have, however. recently received instructions
to go ahead with certain cases not comino
under the bar, and already partially worked
up. and the parties interested will soon be
called upon to come forward, settle. or
take the consequences of legal proce ed
ings.
AS the above clearly answered the re-
porter's inquiries. he thanked Mr.. Billson
and retired to ponder, and as he pondered.
he thought few suggestions might not be
out of place.
For Instance, would it not be we'll to com
mence without loss of time an examination
OF the amount of pine trespass on Red Lake
river, and the Red Lake Indian reservation.
1t has been reported. and is believed by MANY.
that if thorough examination
OF these sections was made, it would devel
op that there had been stolen from them
between fifteen and twenty million feet of
logs. Promi' ent operators are mentioned in
connection with this trespass, who. of course
desire to be relieved of the odium attaching
to their names in consequence of the REPORTS
in reference to the matter.
And above all, the GLOBE would SUGGEST
the propriety of going for the big guns.
Let the small fry have little rest.
Suggestions will probably be continued in
q day or two, but this will do for the pres
ent