The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-04-07

THE DES MONIES SETTLERS.
Seventeen of the Accused Men Surrender to
the Local Authorities and Give Bond.

FT. DODGE, Ia, April 6.-Sheriff Adams
and single deputy yesterday effected the
arrest of seventeen river land settlers
charged with conspiracy. The determined
farmers who defied the United States
officials, peaceably accompanied the county
officers, whom they regard as friends. They
were arraigned in a justice court in the
afternoon, and, waving examination, were
each placed under $500 bonds for appear
ance at the May term of court. Bail was
readily secured. The settlers announced
their intention to secure a postponement of
the trial and to continue this policy until
Congress takes definite action. They hope
to obtain certain relief from the next ses-
sion of Congress and thus evade fine and
imprisonment. The United States marshals,
who ohave been forced to suspend operations
because of continual harassment, will
not resume evictions until they can do so
with largely increased forces. The land
owners announce that evictions will be
made if it takes the State militia, and as
the settlers state their determination to die
rather than be driven from their homes,
some stormy. times are anticipated. Mar
shall Holbrook, who had charge of evictions
evictions on the Smell lands next week
simultaneously with the Litchfield evict-
ors. A fuller investigation of the re-
ported shooting of the United States mar
from Webster City and DeS Moines yester-
day. Later statements are to the effect
that when the officers neared HELPS Hollow
they encountered party of boys squirrel
shooting. The boys fired at some Sqirrels,
and the marshals. thinking 1t was the en-
ragged settlers, took to their heels and fled
to Webster City.
Every day adds to the seriousness of the
strained situation. Numerous parties con-
nected with the prosecution of settlers have
received threatening notices and letters to-
day, warning them to desist. This greatly in
tensifies the present excitement. Chauncey
Pigman. the prosecuting witness in the con-
spiracy cases against the settlers, and whose
farm has been seized, has received the fol-
lowing letter:
Chauncey Pigman: Dear Sir--For the course you
have been pursuing and meddling, If you con-
tinTe yo% had better make your peace peace with Cod
This is sufficient notice to YOU. Beware, or hell
will be your fate. SETTLERS.
Pigman was formerly member of the
Settlers Union, and they evidently are
afraid he will make public some of their
secrets. Such threats, made some time
ago, would not have been needed, but they
are now pregnant with the force of desper.
ate and determined men. The settlers
organization is now thoroughly perfected,
greatly feared that they mean just what
they say. The recent action of the land
owners enforcing evictions and threatening
to call out the State militia to enforce
writs of ejectment, has transformed StOlid
determination to desperate daring The
settlers announce their readiness TO die in
defense of their homes, but say they will
sell their lives as dearly as possible. In
view of impending trouble, evIctions have
been abandoned for the present.