Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-07-25
PLOT AGAINST A FORT
Civilians and Soldiers in Wyoming
in q Conspiracy.
FIRE ON THE CRUISER CHARLESTON.
Congressman knute Nelson to Be
Nominated in Minnesota.
HEAT IN OTHER CITIES TODAY
FIRE ON THE CRUISER CHARLESTON.
HEAT IN OTHER CITIES TO-DAY
TO STEAL GOVERNMENT ARMS.
A Conspiracy Among Civilians In Wyomil
and SolAaera

A Conspiracy Among Civilians In Wyoming
and Soldiers.
BUFFALO, WYo., July 25.-Private johnson
Of the sixth cavalry, troop H, who was found
guilty Of stealing . number OF guns and
pistols from the government at the FIRE
at Fort Mckinney last April and who was
confined in the guard house, but escaped
. few days ago, was captured yesterday and il
again In confinement. johnson was confined
in strong cell Of the guard house and had
steel shackles on his ankles. By the aid
Of members Of the gang he was fur
nished with q punch with which he drove
the rivets Of the shackles, removing them and
which was unlocked. He walked ont. A number
Of other soldiers we're in the gun theft, and IL
was they who aided Johnson to escape, fearing
his Information on them.
Another soldier who was lately arrested for
completely in the affair has made confession
to the post authorities. 1t appears from his
confession that there was q regular organized
band OF soldiers working under the instruc-
tons Of civilians, who were banded together
to burn down Fort Mckinney and secure what
plumber they could during the conhsgration. The
first attempt being unsuccessful, the second
night second attempt was made TO destroy the
remaining portion Of the post, but the fire
was discovered and extinguished at the outset.
Arms and ammunition were the plumber most
desired, as there was a general demand for
them throughout the country since the invasion
Of the cattlemen last April. Careful investiga-
ton resulted in the discovery that q number Of
citizens were in the plot.
When Tom Hathaway was under arrest on
the suspicion Of numbering George Wellman
last May there was found no evidence against
him and he was released. At the time Il was
stated that Hathaway evidently knew more
than he diyulssd He s :... subsequently
and taken to Cheyenne. 1 wyo' where he made
confession duplicating three men in the muir
der. Yesterday morning Deputy United
States Marshals Hale and Smith, accom-
panied by scouts, left Buffalo I'm the direc-
ton of Gillette. At Stone ranch they
found Jack Long and man named Starr, whom
but Starr escaped on his horse and was followed
by Deputy Smith, and Q running fight was kept
up for several miles. Starr when closely pushed
would make a stand on top Of knoll, where he
could stand of the marshals In this manner
he escaped.
Conflicting reports have been brought in, but
the best founded information Is that Long was
taken into Suggs "a a prisoner by Scout Geroud.
The two entered u saloon when Long
friends attempted q rescue. During the fight
which followed Long and others we're wounded.
courier left Suggs while the fight was in
progress and its result il not known. The mar
shals and posse were armed with repeating
shotguns loaded with buckshot and the chances
are that a number Of men we're wounded.
Authentic information Is anxiously awaited.
Keyser, the soldier who is in jail in Buffalo,
has mentioned the names Of Smith. Taylor and
Long 40 being connected with the plot in
May to burn down Fort Mckinney. Little
credence is given to his state
ments by the officers Of the fort, as
he has the reputation Of being unreliable. 1t 10
evident however, that O number of soldiers
and some citizens were In the plot 70 destroy
Fort Mckinney, but the evidence also shows
that tho identity Of the head instigators Of the
scheme has not yet been made public.
Wellmsn, at the time Of his murder. had been
recently commissioned deputy United states
marshal. since which event the United States
has sought to discover his murdsrers.