The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1883-05-16
Sanford's Ginger for cramps.
A REIGN OF TERROR.
Dodge City, Kansas, In the Hands of Des-
peradoes.

Dodge City, Kansas, In the Hands OF Des.
peradoes.
KANSAS CITY, May 9.-For the past ten
days a remarkable, startling state of affairs
has existed at Dodge City, Kan, and all
mention thereof has been kept quiet. Sew.
eral prominent Kansas City attorneys left
to-day for Topeka, to petition Governor
Click to place the town under martial law
The difficulty is the elimination of q long
standing feud between two elements of that
place. Dodge City has long enjoyed the
reputation of being hard place. 1t was
one Of the few points in Kansas where So
looms run openly and gambling is legiti.
matized. 1t is the headquarters of cowboys
and cattle men of the vicinity. Before the
last city election the Mayor, named Web
ster, was proprietor of a dive, half saloon
half gambling house and variety hall. lie
was a representative of the lower element
and sporting fraternity. The head of the
other faction was W. Fl. Harris. This ele-
ment was quieter, but there was a bitter
feeling between the two. at the election
for Mayor Harris was beaten, and DeGue,
Webster's candidate, elected. Since then il
was conceded that Harris would be driven
out. About ten days ago a man named
Short, who is o partner of Harris, and po-
licemnn had shooting ARRAY, but neither one
was hurt. Short was thrown into Jail al
though the evidence showed he was fired at
first. Later five gamblers were arrested and
Jailed. That night Vigilance Committee
formed, with Tom Nixon, proprietor of one
Of the hardest dance houses in the West, az
the head of the crowd, repaired to the Jail
hat hauy n
leave town next morning. Meantime they
took possession OF the town. Correspond
ents of newspapers were notified they must
not send telegraRns. A body of armed men
watched the arrival Of each train 20 see
there was no interference. A lawyer from
LsrDed, sent for by one Of the prisoners,
was met by the Vigilau;es who leyeled gun
at his head and told him not to stop. Next
morning the five gamblers were put on the
Westward-b0uEd tram and Short left for
Kansas City, where he is now. Dodge City
is practically In the hands of the Vigllantes,
and the situation is more serious from the
fact that The Mayor is acting with them. 1t
was he who notified the prisoners they must
go. Trains are still watched and armed men
guard the town. A whole list of others who
will be ordered out is prepared.
A later dispatch says the trouble original.
ed over the election. w. III. Harris wes a
Cduuludlo lOI hayO duu DeSeF ueltdteu
him. Immediately after the election the
women employed by Harris & Short as sing
ers aud walters were arrested while the
dance hall was allowed 10 run. This caused
i'll feeling, and the srrest of the girls en-
ployed caused shooting between Luke
Short and Squire Hartman. Neither was
hurt. Luke Short gave two thousad dollars
bond. He and seven others were by
the authorities ordered out of the city. One
g ., IL
with Adams, of Larned, as counsel. They
we're met at the train by an extra police
force ord compelled to 60 West. 1t is I'M
derstC ID that the end is not yet, and the
consequence of expelling these men may be
serious. Governor Click has been applied
to and has telegTaphed for information.
Parties and affi6avits have gone to Topeka.