The Yellowstone journal. [volume] (Miles City, Mont.) 1893-1901, 1893-09-12
Tuesday. September T., 1893.
TRAIN HOHIsI<G MADE EASY.

The Stockgrowers Journal of last
consideration Of its readers an excellent
article on the tho common incident of
train robberies. showing ~concInslxeiy
that 1t was one of the most healthful
and r~emunerative pursuits now open to
the public. Agreeing fully with our con
temporary in all his conclusions. VI wish
10 continue the research that he began.
and To follow in a direction not probed
section informed the public that the
chase of the Greyclitfe raiders was aban-
aoned on a hot trail because the North
ern Pacific road would not guarantee
full expenses for the pursuing posse. ii
must have struck more than one thought
full reader that here was a queer state of
affairs and that in this part Of the coun-
tro il was only necessary for a robber or
murderer to make pursuit somewhat ex-
pensive 10 ensure / is being permitted to
pursue his Journey to other climes I'M
molested. In cCmmon with such per
sons. this pape has entertained the
sworn duty of eritfs and their deputies
TO pursue Grim nails to the last extremity.
andSonly aban 1on pursuit when pursuit
seemed hopel IS. OF course ii will be
admitted thf the close pursuit of such
desperadoes as rob trains is attended
with consi Jerable danger to life and
limb, and that ii is one thing TO SIT in an
office and conducting a pursuit with a
lead pencil at long range. and riding day
and night on the trail OF desperate men.
with an even chance of being picked of
from an ambush, but some men elect to
follow the peaceful paths III life while
at times devoIves upon them these I'M
pleasant duties. 1t Is stIll fresh in the
memory Of the public how the sheriff Of
Meagher County ingloriously abandoned
the pursuit of Gay and tioss because he
got too close to them. and they began
picking off his men. but it is evident that
this sheriff was not aware that he could
have. in come degree. saved his reputa-
ton by declaring al the critical time
that he was financially busted. and that
he would not move another step unless
somebody put up the money for an in.
definite campaign. While We have 40
desire to impugn the courage Of the
sheriff Of Yellowstone County. OF that of
any Of his posse. We object to the precc-
den that is liable to be established by
his acts. Why should the pursuit Of
criminals be abandoned because the
Northern Pacific railroad refused to
guarantee a certain sum estimated To be
necessary Ia continue their pursuit for
five days more. The Northern Pacific
Yellowstone County. and as such is as
much entitled to protection from high
waymen as any individual. and the fact
that the capture and adequate punish
nent of this gang would have worked "A
wholesome dread of like consequences
among those who may be even now
planning To repeat the offence. is a most
commanding reason why Yellowstone
County. by its officers. should have con
tinued in the pursuit at the expense Of
the County, until the robbers were cap.
tured OF had fully made good their es-
cape. under such hot and determined
pursuit as would make them or others
think twice before they attempted to
perform a like act in Yellowstone County
again. If the pursuit of red handed
criminals Is hereafter to be gagged by
certain monetary limits. beyond which
they are free from the chance of capture.
il would be well to nave this definitely
understood. 1t isn't that way all over
the country. but with Woo only eigh,
cents a pound and silver knocked silly
IN the first round, it may be ali right
in Montana. But it should be thor
oughly understood.