The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1898-03-06
FROM THE SEAT OF WAR.
Conditions In Uintah and Sentiment
of the People.
Especial Correspondence

Vernal. Utah, March 2.-Vernal is
considerably excited over the killing OF
Valentine S. Hoy. over at Browns park
Following so closely on the heels of the
Sfrang murder, it has had a tendency
TO arouse the people to the highest
pitch of Indignation. Hoy was well
known here as one of the most promi-
nent ranchers in the Browns park
country. he was a heavy taxpayer.
and was considered one of the most
wide-awake citizens Of the section in
which he lived and died. For IA years
he struggled against the untoward con-
ditions that prevailed in that out-of-
the-way section. He has ever been a
fierce opponent of the lawless cut
Threats that have for years terroriZed
the people of three states.
Utah, Colorado and Wyoming all cor
Ter IL that section, and all have SUI
fered from the depredations committed
by the lawless characters who have
found it a safe and convenient base of
operations. Hole in the Wall, Powder
Springs and Robbers ROost have be
come familiar names in the annals OF
crime throughout the west.
That there is a bond of sympathy
between these notorious gangs there
is is little doubt; that il is one complete
harmonious whole" there is no ques-
ton. Ita ramifcations extend over a
country covering several states.
1t is the misfortune of northeastern
Utah that it lies within the zone of in
fiuence exerted b. this combination Of
cussedness, c0wardice and crime. Pow
der Springs which is Just over the line
in Wyoming. harDoTS some of the worst
characters that ever disSraced Amerl-
can soil. the nature of its surround
ings and its remOteneSs from ctViliza-
naH.~a# I a.frH
tive point from which TO conduct those
operations that have made the west
by-word TO all civilized communities.
UINTAH Is PEACEFUL.
The reputation of Uintah county has
suffered severely from the presence
within her gates OF these ruihanS that
have from time to time put her to
trouble and expense. That the innocent
may not suffer with the guilty, it may
De asserted right here that the major
ity Of the people of Uintah county are
a peaceaEle and law-abiding people.
They are people who have come from
the different towns and settlements Of
the state principally, and are distinctly
in s,iIcr Of Law and order. 1t is with
shame that we are forced to admit,
however. that there is a very active mi
uoI1ty that. when not openly assisting
in sCch lawlessness as has character
lied the last few months, they at least
extend the open hand of sympathy.
1t is these traitors within the gates"
who raz6Tr a very material assistance
to the lawlass element in every way i'm
aeinable. who make il possible for
these things TO continue.
The fact that so much lawlessness has
t:anspired recently does not necessar-
lily signify that the tough element is
gaining ground. In fact, the law-abid-
ing citizens in this section look at it
as being exactly the reverse.
The sittings of the district court,
which has brought justice 70 our very
doors, and the fearless manner in which
Justice Is dealt out by the local courts
and officials. are driving the gang to
the wall. Ii is the last desperate strug-
gle against the incoming tide of civili-
zation, a struggle that viii be in vain.
for the elements Of right and justice
will triumph in the end in spite of all
obstacles.
We ask those more fortunate COM
munities OF the state, who have passed I
through their frontier stages, 70 with (
hold their judgment Rather let them |
lend their moral assistance to Uintah 4
county in this. the crisis of her his
tory.
A HUNDRED VOLUNTEERS.
The spirit of determination that is I,
a broad IN the land to correct these evils |
was made manifest this afternoon, |
whes, Joe Moore rode into town and I
aprealed for assistance to go to the \
Frown's park people in their struggle I
with Tire desperate gang that has now |
slain two Deaceable people a hundred |
men volunteered TO go at once, and /
half an hour had scarcely elapsed !