The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1894-08-08
A KU-KLUX KHAN.
Tarsney's Assailers We're a Reg
ular Oath Bound Band.
They SwOre to Punish ''Anarch-
lists and Other Criminals"
BOUND TO SECRECY.
Any One Betraying the Secrets
to be Punished.
The Governor Not to be Spared
if Deemed Guilty.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo, Aug. s.
DR.. J. I. Reed, who was pointed out to
the detectives in Denver as one of the
principals in the Tarsney outrage by ex-
Deputy J. R. Wilson, after he made his
confession, is a prominent mine owner
and politician. He was brought to this
city last night in company with Wilson
by Sheriff Bowers, aud bonds were given
for his appearance. while Wilson was
locked up along with ex-DeDuty Parker,
who has also made confession.
The following extraordinary document
was found OH DIR. Reed when he WAS
searched in Denver:
ain the presence of Almighty God and
these Witnesses. whom l have this day
chosen as my associates and mpanions.
/, -, do most sOlemnly and sincerely
promise and swear that l will do my
duty at any and all times, may be
planned and agreed upon by these, my
sworn companions, IN exercising just
and needed punishment on anarchists
and such other criminals and murderers
and strikers in Cripple Creek and their
fellow sympathizers, either In high or
low positions, the executive of the state
not excepted, as we shall deem guilty of
crimes against law biding citIzens of
the United States. where human lives
have been wantonly sacrificed, real aud
p .rsonal property destroyed or stolen,
and many happy homes broken up.
sWUmen aud children now suffer from
the vile acts committed by Williams, who
cannot be reached by legal process and
properly punished. thus making d secret
oath bound band Of true and courageous
brothers absolutely necessary, which in
my candid opinion Is the only method
whereby lawlessness can be speedily and
effectively broken up
81 furthermore pledge my self to go
quickly when summoned, and face what
ever danger may be encountered in the
work signed me in this order, and that
l will not make known any person or per-
sons in this order. nor any plan or act
which has been, or shall be involved IN
the future; nor Will suffer myself to
become known or arrested by any civil
officer or person when on duty. whereby
the secrets of our order may become
known, or one of my companions cx-
posed or punished for the enforcement
Of law and order in FL Paso county or the
state Of Colorado.
ITO all of which l pledge my most
sacred honor, and will assist my brothers
in this compact 10 mete out just punish
menI TO any of my companIons should
they expose any of the secrets whereby
any one Of us may be apprehended le-
gally or otherwise.
10 all Of which I have hereunto
pledged my sacred honor by Oath.~ 30
help me God"
Wilson told the detectives all the par
ties to the conspiracy subscribed 10 TINS
oath.
Wilson's confession, it is generally be-
lieved, does not implicate Sheriff Bow
ers. Wilson has denied since he was
brought from Denver that he made any
confession, but this is owing to the fear
that he Will be har5hly dealt with by the
people of Colorado Springs. His state
ment was reduced to writing, and he
subscribed to il before a notary public in
presence of witnesses.
Two hack loads of men went from this
city to Colorado City late last night with
the avowe1 purpose of running Detec-
tive Peter EAles, Gov. Waite's agent, out
Of town, but they failed to find him, as
he had gone to Denver.
The grand jury has returned 321 in
dictments, most of which grow out of the
Cripple Creek troubles. The cases of
the tarrers has not been passed upon yet
The jury made presentment declaring
that desperate men have gathered from
all parts of the world iu certain portions
OF FL Paso county," and that extraordin-
arv measures are necessary for the en-
fJrcement of the laws. The presentment
concludes:
1T further appears to the grand jury
that the executive officers of the county
have been seriously interfered with by
the executive department Of the state in
the execution of writs emanating from
the courts Of the county and that the sit
alton has become practically beyond con-
troll