The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-01-08
BOtkin's Men Pursue and Shoot
ASSaSSinS of Dunn.
A RACE FOR LIFE IN WAGONS.
Ambush and Murder of the Sheriff
Plotted in Alliance Meetings.
Young Dunn, With True Kansas Spirit,
Sets Out to Murder His Fathers
Enemies - Many Alliance Members
Arrested-More Troops Ordered Out.


ernor Humphrey tonight ordering him to
proceed with the force under his command
to Arkalon at once and place himself I'M
der orders of Adjutant-General Roberts.
All the deputy marshals in Kansas and
Indian territory are centering towards
Arkalon. Governor Humphrey added
that he considered the situation at Arka-
Ion most serious.
ARKALoN, Jan. a. Kansas City Journal
Special. The deputy sherltls have par
italy avenged the death of Sheriff Dunn.
1t is not known positively, but it seems
more than likely that rs q result of an
attempt of the deputies to bring the slay-
ers of Sheriff Dunn to justice and force ex-
piation of the murder, four outlaws were
killed this afternoon. A courier arrived
here at noon, Just in from the south line
OF the state. He reports a running conflict
between ieeing deSperadoes and an armed
posse OF pursuers. Two wagon loads OF
men IN gulch south of Springfield were
discovered. They saw the pursuers
at about the same moment, and then COM
menced life and death race. For ten
miles the two parties were not within
firing distance but just before dusk the
pursuing party came within less than
quarter of mile of the desperadoes and
firing commenced. running fight was
kept up on the level plain for distance of
four miles. Following one fusilade four
men were seen to tumble from their seats
in the wagons. 1t could not be ascer-
tanned whether they were killed or
wounded. The pursuing party finding
their jaded horses could not carry them
further, made detour of half mile TO a
ranch, where they procured fresh horses,
and the race was resumed. The courier
started back from that point. He says
the pursuing party. numbering fourteen
men, would follow the desperadoes into
No Mans Land if necessary, and bring
them back dead or alive. Another courier
| is hourly expected. and with him news of
battle, in which one side or the other
| sustained serious loss of life.
| 1t was learned today that the party
| which killed Dunn was made up of details
from the counties of Seward, Stevens,
Grant, Morton and Haskell. Threats
have been made in each of these five coun-
ties that in case Judge Botkin attempts to
open court in either he will be killed, and
the threats come from men known to be
| desperate. The scenes in this county are
| feared in each of the other counties.
| This morning young man named Estes
| Was dIEcShSo py tfUtps. Ii lS tlitStu E0at
| he was one of the party attacking Dunn.
One company of militia is now at Spring
field awaiting the pleasure of Judge Bot
kin 10 assist in opening court, meantime
aiding the deputy sheriifs making arrests
OF men engaged in the battle. These ar
rests are beginning to cause another
trouble not anticipated. All the war
wants were returnable TO Justice
of the peace of this place. II is alleged
that if the preliminary examination takes
place at Springfield the prisoners would be
released there so they are all brought back
to Arkalon. The Jail is at Springfield, so
the prisoners here are held in a vacant
storeroom, in which the troops are bar
racked. Two more prisoners, c. S. Ander-
son and J. j. Leach were brought in this
afternoon.
One of today's prisoners is chairman of
the board of county commissioners, and
Is also leading Farmers Alliance man.
and all the prisoners belong to the
Alliance. Grave fears are felt by Adjutant-
General Roberts and the people here that
rescue will be attempted. An attack by
thirty or forty well-armed determined
men could result only in one way, release
OF the prisoners and possibly blOOdshed
The situation is alarming. II Judge Bot
kin had opened court when be should
have done so yesterday part Of the force
at Springfield could have been sent heretp
reinforce the prison guards IL j. evident
someone has committed a serious blunder
that may have disastrous ending. Col
onel Roberts is considering the advis-
ability Of ordering another company
so as 20 have sufficient pr3-
lection in case of attack. lie viii proba-
bly, do so tomorrow, as he has the author
Ity of the governor. IL was necessary co.
day TO get out Of the county two detectives
who, as members Of the Alliance. had be-
come members of the vigilance orgauiya-
ton that killed Dunn. Their lives are
worth little, as they have given informa-
tion that leads to the wholesale issuing Of
warrants. BY morning both will be IN
places Of safety
At Springfield all Is quiet, although
contest case Is now going on ~ determine
the fight for sheriff The Alliance canIl-
date was counted IL by majority Of thir.
teen, but frauds in counting the vote. in
this (Seward) county are not new things.
and a reoounting shows that false re-
turns were made from one town
ship sufficient 90 change the
actual result Guyman. the sheriff.
elect. who escaped when Dunn vas killed.
went over today. and the proba.il.ties are
that he will qualify. although the Ali
ance members claim he would never live
until the 18th. should be gel; into office.
Having protection hc viii probably AZ
least enter upon the discharge Of his
duties, whatever the outcome. and the end
will be reached this week.
New fuel will soon be added 20 the flames
now smouldering William v Dunn. the
17-year-old son OF Dunn, will return after
his fathers funeral for the purpose Of
settling up matters, as he says With
quiet but dangerous look in his eyes. Six
men who escaped al the canyon battle have
openly declared they will hunt to the
death every man concerned in the dis
graceful affair, and young Dunn has
Joined them. They feel the murder bit
terly The feeling is intensified by the
knowledge that the body Of the murdered
sheriff was robbed of arms, watch. jew-
| elry and money. proving that outlaws in
| fact must be dealt with. Then. too, there
ia a feeling that, following the Wood mur-
| der precedent, the guilty parties would
| eventually escape unless summary JUS
tice were administered
The situation here may be summed up
| as follows Judge Botkin's friends fear
the prisoners will be rescued, and the
prisoners friends fear speedy and fstsl ac-