The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1895-11-29
ABOUT THE TRAGEDY
Deputy Sheriff Days Close Call to a
Terrible Death.
BELL WAS A HARD CUSTOMER
The Details OF the Arrest and Kill
ing-County Taxes Coming In
to the Treasurer's Offioe-
Deer Lodge Notes.

Do0F LOo&0 NOt0S.
Special Dispatch to the Standard.
Deer Lodge, Nov. Ssh ,riff Fitzpat-
rick and Deputy Sheriff Joe Daiv arrived
from Eiliston last night about midris 1t
from the scene of yesterdays Tragedy
near Ehiston. The inquest upo1 the body
OF Bell was held yesterday bfternot n,
Justice of the Peace Hartwell acting as
coroner. The story of the shooting as
eitcted at the inquest was substantially
the same as that contained In previous
dispatches ITO the Standard. In its Details
the tragedy was one Of the most thrilling
ever recorded in this part of The state
and nothing but the alertness and brave
~ OF Onicer DAILY prevented the despera-
do from adding another cruel S,sI1e to
his already black record.
When he left Deer Lodge Oficer DAILY
realized that he had a dangerous task on
his hands to accomplish the arrest of
Bell. He was instructed under no con-
dition to attempt to make the arrest
without having assistance near at hand,
should trouble occur. Arriving at Ellis
ton Oficer Daily carried out the instruc-
ton Of the sheriff by deputizing Frank
Bossler to accompany him to the place
where Bell was staying.
The scene of the tragedy n a singular
ly lonely place about a mile from Ellis
ton. The house, the only one In the
vicinfy, Is mere cluster OF low rooted
and shabbily constructed rooms, ten In
ALL The place IL conducted by Mrs.
Rodgers, whose husband at one time
worked In the town of Deer Lodge Mrs.
Rodgers has two grown up daughters
and two sons who reside there. There Is
nothing whatever prepossessing about the
appearances OF the building or its occu-
pants. Mrs. Rodgers claims that Bell
came to her house some time ago and en-
gagged board and lodging. He told her
ne was workingman and desired to
stay there until he obtained employ
ment. It is conceded that 1t was a singu-
Tar place for Bell TO go TO look for work
Yesterday morning about 8 o'clock
Deputy Sheriff Daily and Frank Bossler
went to the Rodgers house to make the
arrest. Luckily for them they entered
without knocking or giving any notice
Of their approach. They found Bell sit
ting In q room with his back towards
the door. One Of the Rodgers boys was
in the room with him. Officer DAILY step
ped quickly to the side of the Desperate
saying:
Bel have q warrant for your arrest"
"Ail right" replied Bell. but did not
have my breakfast yet. Wait till get
my coat" as he said this Bell sprang
from his chair and entered bed room, d
the door of which stood open. AS he
arose Daily commanded the fellow to
stop. Bell paid no attention TO the COM
mand and the officer followed him At
the door Of the bed room Bell met DAILY
with winchester rife in his hand. With
out word Bell raised the rife and
placed the muzzle OF II under Days
chin. Quick as a flash Mr.. DAILY threw
his hand upon the lock OF the gun. That
instant the hammer fell. Fortunately II
fell upon one of the officers fingers and
not upon the cartridge Thus by the
merest accident. Mr.. Daily was saved
from a horrible death.
Then ensued a desperate encounter for
the possession of the rife. Both were
powerful men physically. Bell fought
ike demon to get possession of the
weapon. Mr.. Daily shouted to Bossler
who in the meantime had gone into the
kitchen. returning to the room Bossler
said TO Bell, Prank give up" Bell
shouted. never! neveri" and renewed
his efforts more fercely chan ever to
discharge the rife. Bossler pulled his |
pistol and approached the struggling men.
When he came near enough Bell seized |
Bossler and endeavored to direct II |
against the officer. He fought like a |
mailman having one hand on each wea- |
pom. In the struggle Bossler's gun was |
twice. Officer Daily realizing |
the terrible jeopardy of himself and his |
companion. drew his own gun and shot |
Ben. who lived only a few minutes.
He never uttered a word after he fell |
10 the floor.
There IL no word Of criticism heard
concerning the action of the officer.
Public sentiment endorses the action
which took Bells worthless life Bell
was buried to-day by order of the coro-
ner at E1liston, the county bearing the
expense. So far as known he had no rela-
tives In this part of the country. He had
no property of any kind.
Pierce Butler came down from Butte
this morning and passed the day with
his family. returning TO his duties on
the late train.
The county treasurer reaped a rich har-
vest yesterday and from early morning
until the hour Of midnight he was kept
busy counting the sheckels and making
receipts to the taxpayers. After check
ing up the days business he found that
he had collected $4,000 during the day in
axes. nearly all of this amount being
received through the mails. About one
1alf of the whole amount due the county
siil remains unpaid and only three more
lays remain In which to pay II in before
he penalty is added.
Lew Coleman of the four C's come
over from Anaconda this morning to eat
turkey at home.
About Is enthusiastic lovers of football
port went to Butte this morning to wit
less the game. A special train was pro-
1ded by the Montana Union for their
"
County Attorney Trippet made a busi-
less trip to Anaconda last evening, re-
urning on the morning train.