The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-09-28
IS A BENEFIT
II Leads to the Arrest of a Gang
of Thieves.
SUSPECTED OF TWO JOBS
Gave a Wrong Address When They
Hired Two Wheels Supposed to
Be the Men Who Held Up the
East Butte Saloon.

Five men were arrested by Deputy
Sheriffs Murphy and Sidley yesterday.
three Of whom are suspected Of hold
ing up the East Butte saloon night be-
fore last, and the whole gang are MEM
bers Of an organized band II thieves.
some Of whom did the burglary OF the
Hoyer drug store saturday night and
perhaps numerous other OF the jobs
that have been reported OF late. The
capture IL another evidence that giving
publicity to the commission Of crimes is
OF assistance IN apprehendiug criminals,
a. there is little doubt he capture
would not have been but for the fact
that the burglary OF tho HOyer store
was published in the Standard.
The prisoners gave the names OF
George Wilson, VIM. Nelson, John
Drew, James Mccain and L. j. Ed
munds. and they are the toughest ap-
pearing lot Of citizens that have been
taken in a long time.
on Saturday night Hoyer's drug store
in East Park street. was robbed and
among other things a nickel in the slot
machine taken. The fact was published
in the Standard. On Sunday evening a
man appeared at the bicycle store OF
A. j. Dartch. in West Broadway, and
asked to rem a couple of wheels. He
had a very suspicious appearance. and
when he paid for the wheels in nick
els, NJ. r.. Proebstel, who waited on
him. remembered the story OF the slot
machine having been stolen. and at
once became suspicious. As a precau-
ton he tool the mans address. George
Wilson. 322 50. Main street. was the
name and address given, Not wishing
10 jump at conclusions. Mr.. Proebstel
decided to await developments before
SAYING anything about the circum-
stances. The bicycles were returned
that night and on Monday evening
Wilson again appeared. This time he
was accompanied by another man, who
gave the name of VIM. Madison, when
the address was again required. Both
gave the street number 800 So. Main
street. Each got a wheel and said they
wanted 10 keep them till I o'clock yes
terday morning, as they intended going
10 Silver Bow.
When the wheels were not returned
yesterday morning Mr.. Proebstel took
the matter up with Mr.. Dartch, pro-
prietor of the store. II was decided TO
walt a while before taking any steps,
but when the wheels had not been re-
turned at 10 o'clock. Mr.. Proebstel Wis
tied the address that had been given
and found no such parties known there.
When this was reported TO Mr.. Dartch
the authorities were notified. Shortly
afterwards one Of the wheels came
back. The man said his partner had
been slow about getting up, but would
be back after a while. Mr.. Dartch in
formed the sheriff's office OF his belief
that something Of importance might be
learned If the officers took the matter
in hand. and Deputies Murphy and sid
a.. lev went 10 the store and tool up posi-
lions where they could see anyone whC
might come in. Presently the secon
man put in an appearance. When h
went away the officers followed him Il
a cabin down on the Hesperus lode
where the whole gang were found
They were taken outside TO be lined M
while the cabin was searched. On get.
ting outside one Of the number made
a break TO get away, but was recap.
tured by Under Sheriff Murphy. Wher
the cabin was searched two big gum
were found. in one OF the beds. Th'
gang when searched at the county Jail
were found to have upwards of 800 be.
tween them. The man who gave tn
name Of Nelson was the one who mad'
the break for liberty and the man wht
gave the name Of Madison 10 the bi
cycle dealer. Saloonkeeper Mehilich
who was held up the night before, Wis
tied the jail during the afternoon Il
see the prisoners. and picked out thre'
whom he said answered in appearance
the men who held Up his saloon. Tn
gang will be held pending further In
y~cstigation Of their cases.