The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1892-01-10
Special Dispatch to the Daily Eagle.

Special Dispatch 70 the Daily Eagle.
PRATT. Kan, Jan. 9-While in attend
ance at the funeral Of the late Sheriff
Dunn in this city Yesterday, the EAGLE
correspondent heard story which, if true,
throws new light upon the recent tragedy
in Seward county, and also eliminates
Judge Botkin as a factor in the events
leading up TO the crime According to
this statement. the motive actuating the
party that ambushed the sheriff and his
deputies was revenge-a desire to avenge a
personal wrong-which had no connection
whatever with the troubles growing out Of
the Wood Botkin feud. The ambushers
we're not lying in wait for Theodosius Bot
kin. but for Samuel Dunn. Your cores
pondent's informant is a man who has
lived among the people of western Kansas
for wears and is well acquainted with the
leaders of both factions in the Stevens
county war His story, in substance is as
follows:
Some months ago a farmer (whose name
is wthheld) left his claim in Stevens
county for Garden City, Kan, 1or the Dur-
pose of making final proof on his home
stead He returned 10y way of certain
town in seward county, and while in the
town entered a store to get provisions. As
he stepped into the place he found Sheriff
Dunn and another party engaged ia d uar-
rel Dunn seemed to be under the int1u
ence of liquor and said several ugly things
20 the other man, which his opponent took
rat her good d-naturedly. After having pur-
chased his provisions. the farmer shoul-
dered a sack of -four and started to leave
the store, remarking TO Dunn as he did so,
"You ought to be ashamed OF yourself for
talking that way"
Dunn answered: Its none Of your
damned funeral, and you can't get out of
here 800 quick"
The stranger deliberately took the sack
of flour from his shoulder, placed il upon
the floor, and remarked: Il guess Pm in
no hurry, and I'll 20 out when | get
ready" and, seeing that Dunn meant
business. he threw of his overcoat.
Dunn Immediately struck the farmer
over the head with revolver, fracturing
his skull and altogether rendering him in
capable of furthsy action, so far as fighting
Wts concerned.
The Gust Dmer was induced to get into
his wagon and go on to his home. The
gentlemah who tells this story says that
the farmer came to him on his way home
and told him what had happened, and
asked him for his advice in the matter.
The gohtleman replied: You have got
She worst of it, and my advice to you is to
go home and let the matter 60"
Tue farmer, it seems, did not heed the
advice given, and on another occasion
said: al will get even with him, and |
will do it before very long
The party who related the above story to
the representative of the EAGLE is salts
fed tn It Dunn's enemy kept his word, and
that Judge BOtliin was in no danger of
harm by the men concealed IN the canon
between his home and Springfield.
AT ARKALON.
returned this afternoon from Pratt, &C
companied by his wife, General Murray
Myers of the state militia, and three armed
friends. He at once started for home.
while General Myers went to Springfield
10 join che troops. Judge Botkln declares
firmly that he will remain here until the
end OF his term unless killed The appeals
OF his friends cannot shake his resolut len
60 remain. When informed that Robert
Hutchinson, the man who warned him of
the ambuscade, had been arrested with
the suspects the judge showed much
emotion and exclaimed: My God, that
man saved nv life He must be given
every protection. If il becomes known
that he is my friend he will be murdered" "
Hutchinson Joined the organization
which plotted BOtkin'S death, for the sole
purposa OF keeping the judge informed of
the progress of the plot. Judge Bot!lin
will 20 to Springfield on Monday, and
ppen court under military protection. The
Judges house is still guarded bv Z; detach-
.nent of troops. Late last night Aaron
Potter arrived here from Springfield and
reported that on the way mere he met
wagon loaded with seven men armed with
Winchesters. All were strangers to HIM.
aud he kR9ws every resident Of the Coun-
try They were moving in the direction
of West Plains. 4 courier arrived here
from HuGo.on today, who reported that a
posse of Botkiu's frsendS, who had been
thasing the muvderers of Dunn into No
Mans Land had been compelled 10 z We
Up the chase and were returning homc.
AT SPRINGFIELD.
SPRINGFIELD. Kan, Jan. e.-General
Nurray Myers Of the state militia arrived
here today and took possession OF the
troops. After consultation with Adiutaut
General Roberts, he stated that he was
tonviuced THAT The only practical means of
preventing further bloodshed and of keep
Ing down outlawry would be for the gov
ernor To place Stevens and Seward coun-
ties under martial law. General Myers
and the adjutaut general viii unite in the
recon meudaJion TO the governor to take
lhis extreme step. Ii has been demon
Rrated IN the case OF James Brennan, who
lhot and killed sam Wood, that in those
lounties the civil law is powerless 10 pun
sh a murderer. \ military court Is the
Iuiy means by which criminal can be
brought to Justice. Military assistance
lor the civil authorities will be required
here for a long time 70 come
The corouer's jury which mas been in
Festigating he circumstances OF Sheriff
punus death completed its work today.
but the verdict was not given out War
rants tor the arrest of Sc eIeral more per
lous were issued today and were placed in
lhe hands of deputy sherItfs, who viii
berve them under military protection The
pix prisousrs are being guarded at the Jail
by the civil authorities. who are. in turn.
guarded by the military. All the troops
are now concentrated at this place