Los Angeles herald., 1891-07-15
A Sheriff's Posse Surrounded
by Bloodthirsty Savages.
Militia and Citizens March Hur-
riedly to the Rescue.
Great Alarm at Flagstaff, Ariz., Over
Prospective Raid.
The Trouble Precipitated by the Arrest
of Chief of the Cattle Stealing
Banda Battle Expected
at Daybreak.
Special to the HERALD.

Special to the HERALD.
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., July 14.-Sheriff
Francis arrived here at o'clock tonight,
having with him the Navajo chief, who
was leading the band in their raid on
the cattlemen, and he stated to your
correspondent that he has great fear for
the safety of his posse, who are sur
rounded by the Indians, and he has
asked all the citizens who can, to organ
ize Immediately and to start at once to
their assistance. Every horse and all
the fire arms in this neighborhood have
been secured by company G., who 60 as
citizens, besides thirty volunteers, within
one hour. United States Marshal
Brown has telegraphed to Fort Whipple
for assistance.
HUNDRED REDSKINS IN PURSUIT.
When Sheriff Francis arrived at
Canon Diablo more than one hundred
Indians were in pursuit OF him, and he
would never have reached this point
with his prisoner had he not boarded a
train at that place, as the Indians were
determined to rescue their chief at any
cost.
THE INDIANS TERRIBLY ENRAGED.
United States Marshal Brown says
that the Indians are in terrible rage at
the arrest of their leader, and that they
will, in all probability, come to this
place and endeavor to rescue the chief.
1t is we'll known that there are 1000
Navajo Indians within thirty miles OF
this town. The people who are left here
will sleep but little tonight, nearly
every family having one OF its members
among the volunteers who have gone
out.
HOW THE CHIEF WAS CAPTURED.
The sheriff secured the chief while he
was quietly riding on his pony short
distance from his band, and made a
hasty retreat, leaving his posse on the
field. The nearest point to a railroad
was Caiion Diablo, distance OF twenty
five miles, and when he arrived at that
place the Indians were pursuing him,
but were not within shooting range.
The arrest was made on Roden's ranch,
thirty miles from this place, but owing
TO the danger of bringing the prisoner
over the trail to this point, he started
for Canon Diablo.
THE OUTBREAK LONG EXPECTED.
This outbreak has been looked for by
the people along the Little Colorado for
some weeks, and the time has come
when the government must take action
and drive the Navajos upon their reser-
vation. The stockmen along the Little
Colorado have brought their families
into the neighboring towns for safety, as
the Indians are swarming like bees on
the banks OF the river.
A mule team, laden with provisions
and water for the party in the field, left
here tonight, and more provisions will
THE CHRONICLES" ACCOUNT.
SAN Francisco, July 14.-IBy the AS
sociated Press.I The Chronicles Flag
staff, Arizona, special says Sheriff
Francis and part OF the posse who went
out with him Sunday to arrest the In
dians at Roden's cattle ranch, returned
tonight with Chief Hostine, leader of the
band of Navajo renegades. The chief
was surprised with only one buck, and
taken in haste to the railroad station,
with some hundred Indians in pursuit.
The escape of the posse was narrow
one. The remainder of the posse are
surrounded by Indians at the ranch, and
grave fears are entertained for their
safety. Company G, National Guard,
will leave for the scene tonight with the
sheriff and volunteers. Every weapon
in town is in readiness, and additional
arms will arrive tomorrow. Should the
militia meet any resistance, the regulars
will be sent on at once, as they are now
ready and only awaiting orders. Chief
Hostine is very old, but is dangerous
warrior. A month ago he fred two shots
at a man, and has threatened the lives
of others.
FIGHT EXPECTED AT DAYLIGHT.
William Roden, on whose stock range
the trouble broke out, is in town and
says the Indians are very restless. He
expresses fears for the safety OF the men
who are still there. A third posse, con-
sisting of thirty men, left here tonight
and expect to reach their comrades by
morning. A fight is expected to occur
at daylight.
STATE BOARD OF TRADE.
Some Excellent Work Done by That