The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-01-07
KANSAS MILITIA OUT.
Forty Desperadoes Barricaded
In Springfield Courthouse.
EVERYBODY CARRIES A RIFLE.
Old Yeud Between Colonel Sam Wood
and Judge Botkin Goes On, Though
Wood Is Dead Months Ago.

TOPEKA, Kan, Jan. 6-GoTernor humphrey
arrived at the executive Office this morning.
'Tf there Ia sufficient power in tho state l pro-
pose 10 hare the leaders OF this affair arrested,
said be. This is about all that can be done. "
Attorney General Ives, speaking about the
remedy for such lavlessness. said:
The trouble, a. near as can ascertain, began
with the attempt OF Colonel sam Wood TO resist
ton OF Stevens county, which orseniz,
alton has subsequently been legalized
by the legislature. There seems TO De e
general misconception OF affairs IN
that county, and the trouble Is usually attributed
TO the county seat contest between Woodsdale
and Hugoton- No such contest existed alter the
the organization OF Stevens county. A
proposition for bonding the county
IN favor of railroads intensified the
feeling already started between different fac
tons, finally eliminating in the murder o..
Sheriff Cross and others in the neutral strip and
attempts 70 bring the alleged perpetrators OF
subsequently personal troubles arising be-
tween Judge Botkiu and Sam Wood had g ten
dency to spread the hosEiiities. The result OF
the impeachment trial OF Judge BoIkin, which
ended IN his favor, famed the smoldering en-
bers into another fierce flame, which cu!-
minated in the assassination OF sam Wood, on
June 3 last The subsequent failure TO OBTAIN
jury for the trial OF Colonel Woods alleged
assassus added to the confusion. producing 8
feeling OF insecurity among the law-abiding in.
hebitants, and has been taken advantage OF
by the iewless, who saw an opportunity
TO commit outrages fer which, under the pres
ent state OF affairs. it iS impossible TO bring
them to justice. TIE only remedy can see Is
through tie legislature, which should at once
disorganize and attach the sparsely settled ter
ritory 10 the more thickly settled counties Tor
judicial purposes.
KANSAS CITY, Jan. GA special 10 the Journal
from Arkslon, Kan, says: Forty as determined
and desperate men as can be found on the bor-
der, and armed 70 the teeth, are barricaced be-
hind the wall at the courthouse at Springfield.
Forty soldiers are outside, as determined 70 dis
lodge them and bring them 70 justice. A num-
Der of other soldiers are guarding three OF the
murGerous mob, arrested today, under orders TO
shoot them before surrendering to their
companions in crime who will probably en-
deavor 10 release them before day dawns. Still
more soldiers are guarding the house Of Judge
Botkin from the attack of enemies bent upon
taking his life Such is the situation tonight
at the scene of the atrocious killing of Sheriff
Dunn yesterday.
At2:45 o'clock today Adjutant John Roberts
reached here with troops under the command
OF Colonel Rickseoker, OF Sterling. company
formed of part OF Companies Z, OF Hutehison,
and III, of Sterling, of the Kansas National
Guard, met John Roberts at the former place
this morning. The intention OF General Roberts
is 10 assist only the constituted authorities in
the execution of the law. He is not hero, he
says, TO take anybody's part on any side.
At Minola word Is received that the Woods
dale people have taken possession OF the court
house at Springfield, and Judge Botkin, OF
Arkalon, is awaiting reinforcements to help
him open court. At Mead ii was found Botkin
had asked that town for help, chiefly in the way
of arms. 1t will be remembered that his first
telegram TO the governor was not for troops, but
arms He seems TO think there are men enough
here, but they are not sufficiently equipped Tor
an emergency.
Judge Ellis, OF Pratt, where the family of the
dead Sheriff Dunn resides, came in on the train
with the intention of taking the body home He
was accompanied By the late sheriff7s eldest son.
At Arkalon Judge Botkin and his followers were
awaiting the arrival Of the train, all armed
with Winchesters. Judge Botkin himself car
Fled big six-shooter in cartridge belt, and
many others were similarly armed. His vest
was unbuttoned to the cutting wind, and not
one In town wore any covering on his hands, in
order that the greatest freedom might be pre-
served and the quickest action admitted OF in
case OF emergency. He would rather have fifty
armed and mounted deputies than ali the mill.
tary men In Kansas
Today Botkln wired to the governor again to
send 100 stands OF arms He also wants the
troops kept here three weeks and the county
placed under martial law. General Roberts has
telegraphed to the governor for instruc-
lions. Charles Orner and man named
g. Zandt both of Springfield, were
arrested this morning. They were in hiding in
the canyon near Judge Botkins house, three
miles this side of Springfield. Yesterday after
noon Botkin himself arrested Bay Rob-
inson, OF Fargo Springs, on the
streets OF Arkslon, and placed him
under guard. The three men are kept under
separate guards to prevent them from talking
Word was received here that an attempt would
be made TO rescue the prisoners tonight upon
the receipt Of which report Botkfn ordered
that they he shot before sur
render. About o'clock Company H. In charge
OF Colonel Ricksecker started for Springfield in
awagon to aid Deputy Sheriff Larabee, If neces-
sary. In serving thirty warrants for arrests
Company E, the regimental band. and General
Roberts remain here 10 assist the deputies in
guarding the prisoners and TO be ready To repel
any attack. Company II took plenty OF pro-
visions, and the remaining company es-
tablished quarters in vacant store
building. part of Company re-
mains at the residence OF Judge Botkin to do
guard duty tonight. At sundowu the Judge
started from his home, accompanied by big
revolver aud his Winchester.