The Globe-republican. [volume] (Dodge City, Kan.) 1889-1910, 1895-10-10
SCRAPS OF EARLY HISTORY
BY THE EDITOR.

No people enjoyed some pleasant
recreation or sport more than those
people who lived in Dodge City Is or
20 years ago. Some very practical
Jokes were pIayed-they were taken
IN good part-it would have been in
poor taste to "kick." though the tricks
were of a very practical" kind some
times. But the rudeness of the per-
petrators of these jokes was in keep
ing with the character of city and
country. Innocent amusements they
were considered, and they relieved the
dull monotony of frontier life.
1t was fashion in the early days,
and it was continued until after
emigration set in, to get up what was
called an "Indian scare" A stranger
coming to town to locate. or dudish
fellow when the ''gang" desired to
dissemble-"to take him down peg
or two''-or some fellow who boosted
of his chiyalry-was the victim OF the
ssIndian scare" He was very inno-
Gently drawn into it, by hearing a
general conversation of camp Of
red skins ON Sawlog, and their proba
BILE purpose. A general desire was
expressed to 60 and see the Indians,
or to take skirmishing view of them
if they were regarded as hostile. OF
course, all the ''talk" was understood
and the intended victim readily fell
into the subtle game.
The Indian sight-seer no doubt pic
tured in his mind the glowing des-
cription he would write home of his
adventure on the plains, and of his
courage and rare sight. The Indian
gazer was taken in by few persons
who had his confidence and pleasure
in their keeping. Guns and other
necessary equipments were amply
provided, and the party galloped over
the hills, and they were soon out OF
sight, past the divide
Whisperings over the city that an
"Indian scare" was on the boards, vas
the signal to prepare for the fun; and
preparations were made accordingly,
in which the whole town joined.
Tbs Indian gazers did not relax
their speed until Duck creek was
reached; when it was suggested that a
little caution be used-some angry
and hungry Indians might be away
from camp on hunt of buffalo, and
they might also want white scalp to
decorate a hunting belt. The search
for the Indian camp seemed to be
pursued with less vigor as the party
approached the designated rendez-
vous; and perchance a sudden halt
was made when a party of horsemen
was observed on the flank and rear.
A retreat was ordered for observation
and in the reconnoiter perhaps q
baud would be discovered rapidly ap
preaching from the unexpected quar-
ter. A race for life seemed immi-
nent; aad low to evade what now
appeared to be pursuing foe, appa-
rently filled the hearts of the party in
retreat with perplexing as well as
dissolv,ug views.
The race homeward was now on
rs swiftly as the horses could carry
the riders; and a. good luck would
have it, the Indian hunters by strag-
etc movement had eluded the pursu-
ing Indians" The race was con-
tinued down over the hills to the city,
and passed the men. women and child
rem who had congregated on the hills
1.-The city did not then extend over
the hills and the Indians" too,
followed closely, much to the aston
ishuent Of the now greatly scared In
dian hunter. This astonishment wal
relieved when al trace Of the Indians
disappeared. Two minutes later. e.
ter al disguises were removed, itwal
hard to tell one citizen from another
but The victim of The ioks began r