The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1894-10-24
DEATH TO OUTLAWS.
Indian Territory People After
Bandits in Earnest.
Six Hundred Men Are Hunting
the Cook Gang.
BUSINESS SUSPENDED.
All Officers Enlisted for Extern
ination Of Robbers.

WAGNER, Ind. Ter. Oct. 24--The
little village of Watova. Ind Ter,
some fifty miles west Of here on the
X and a. v. railroad was raided and
robbed last night about 8 o'clock by
band of outlaws. They robbed the
two stores and postoffice of all the
money and valua bles, taking consid-
cradle clothing from the stores. POST
Office Inspector Houk went there on
the early morning train, taking some
deputy marshals, and was soon on
the trail of the bandits Three of the
robbers took breakfast near the scene
Of the robbery and, after resting their
horses a short time, resumed their
fight, coming toward this place. Mar
shals are on their trail and pressing
them closely.
At first it was supposed to be an
other crime added to the Cook gangs
list of depredations, but at 3 o'clock
yesterday afternoon Deputy Marshal
l. p Lawson, who has been shadow
ing the Cook gang. came in and re-
ported the outlaws camped near this
place on the Verdirrls river He at
once raised a posse of fifteen men to
attack them, but up to this hour,
nothing has been heard from them.
That an end will be put to the de pre-
dations of this gang is almost an as
sured fact Chief Harris of the Cher
$500 for the capture of Bill Cook, the
leader. dead or alive All of the
light horse guards and all Indian
police have been summoned for duty,
and all United States marshals of the
territory. including some special men.
have been put the trail In adj
dition to these are the SPECIAL officers
of the Missouri Pacific railway and
the Pacific and American express
com panies. making a total of between
500 and 500 men ready to commence
a concerted action against the out
laws tomorrow morning. General
Superint ndent Peck of the St Louis,
Iron Mountain and Southern railway
has taken up temporary headquarters
at this place and viii supervise the
move ments of that company's officers.
A committee was dispatched to
Washington, last night by Superin-
tendent Peck and United States Mar
shall Crump of Fort Smith, Ark, to
LAY the situa ton before Secre tary of
the Interior Smith, and if necessary,
secure the assistance Of soldiers of
the regular army. Many thought
there had been a battle between the
outlaws and the marshals yesterday,
as there were 200 or 300 shots fred in
the vicinity OF the camp, but 1t was
learned later that the outlaws were
simply showing their joy at being
again Joined by their old captain, i'm
Cook. WhO made his escape from the
guards at Tahlequah Sunday night
note was brought in here yester-
dav purpOrting to be from Bill Cook
1T was fastened to a board and read
as follows: s'Chief Harris has offered
a eward of $500 for Bill Cook. Come
on. gentlemen, don't stand back; we
are ready for you. THE GANG"
Cook sent the express agent at this
point notice some ten days ago that
he would pay the Office a friendly
visit before quitting the vicinity, and
in the neighborhood Of the Office
ready to accord the robbers a warm
reception.
1t is believed that Cook has been
waiting for a chance to hold up the
Missouri Kansas and Texas train and
rob the American express conp any
before leaving his present hiding
place It was the officers Of the
American who caused the death of
Rogers, one Of the kelso robbers and
a bosom friend Of Cooks. They have
expressed their intention Of evening
up old scores but they have been
afraid to show their hand.
Business in the territory is at a
standstiIl The express companies
refuse to transact business after
o'clock in the morning. The Pacific
Express company has entirely sus-
pended business and has taken down
all its signs until safety can again be
assured it. Travel through the conn
try is confined to necessity, and all
business houses clio Sc at shutdown.
jock Mahara. who was shot in the
Corretta robbery viii recover, but is
minus large piece Of skull