The Roanoke times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1897-1977, 1898-02-01

Surprised That He Was Arrested For Shoot
ing Grcaser. but Submitted to the War
rant Server-The Tenderfoot Judge Adj
Journed the Court Conditionally
One of tho most picturesque events in
Jim Allison's life was his experience with
tcnderfcot judge Mt Flagstaff, A. T.,
some l2 years ago.
AT that timo Durango, Colo, WAS IA
lively town as any in tho west Gam
bling and saloon keeping comprised the
only business done, and shootings were Of
nightly occurrence. Eobe Hyatt was tho
marshal, and ho invited Jim Allison to
help him keep order. Nloxioans formed
the larger part of the population and their
fights with knives created great havoc. 1t
was in one of these stabbing ARRAYS that
Allison intcrferod, and, during tho ex.
change of volleys, he found it necessary to
kill two Mexican brothers. The men were
leaders of the best Greaser circle of Du
range and their death caused great excite
mont. Many threats wero uttered against
the assistant marshal. He had to choose
between knife in the back some dark
night or departure from town. 1t was
impossible to avoid the Moxioans, and
though bravo man, Allison deemed dis
erection the better part of valor, and went
Some thrco months afterward Allison
was in Flagstaff, A. Il. 1t was typical
frontier town ut TINT time, built of pine
boards and canvas, with few adobe huts
1t was warm afternoon and Allison
loungcd in the dining room of the National
hotel eating his dinner. Suddenly thorc
was slight oommotion outside, and Il biz
Mexican, rcsplendont with silver and braid
and lacc, stalkcd into tho dining room
Allison apparently paid no attention to
him as nc walked to tho table where the
marshal was sitting and took the chair on
positc.
You killa my brothers, d-n you, but
now lSilla YOU" he called out, raising II
big bore revolver above tho tables cdgo
A loud report followed these words, ard
body sprawlcd on the floor The Mexican
was dead. Allison had shot under tho ca.
bio before his opponent could draw trigger
Tho body was removed, and Allison and
tho other guests resumed their dinner 1t
was only another Grcaser killed, and
Greascr's life didn' count for much in -.
palmy days of Flagstaff. Allison had ito
thought of getting away. 1t was n fair
and square killing, and the law had no
business to Interfere. However, court was
In session not 80 yards from the hotel and
Judge Cunkins was new to tho bench and
TO tho social customs of tho place lie
heard Of tho shooting as court convened
for tho afternoon session and Immediately
issued bench warrant for Allison or tho
charge of murder
How you feelin. .Jim:'' asked Ike
Reeves, who had tho warrant in his pocket
as he met Allison later in tho day lis
your temper good this afternoon"
Fair to middlin, guess" replied Jim
Whats up?''
nOb OOtbin ,nucl, 49,.
sheriff. Got n tendcrfoot iodgo over hynh
and he's issued warrant for you, and |
didn't know just how to serve it. -
Whats tho warrant forY"
Shooting tho Grenser.'
"Woll, I'm surprised
II cant help it, Jim. Don't blamo NO
for his Id foolishness"
You're all right, Ike. amt blam:n
no one. It's all right If they want In
pinch man for KILN Grcascr s'pcsc
they VIC got the power but all the same
it's mighty queer law. I'll go along
with you, Ike.
=" And ynu won't make any troublc?"
Not II buck.
"All right, Jim. I'm much obleegc.l
But you'l have TO let me have your wee.
pons"
Allison looked Mt his rifle, fondlcd tho
two big revOlvcrs and tho bowio knife in
his belt, guZcd ut tho courthouse and then
drew tho hammer of his riilo ton full coc,
Il can't do that, Ike" Inc replied. If
you want the guns, you've got TO fight for
EN-. III go along all right with my guns.
but amt goin to let no ono else touci.
en-. "
Tho sheriff had no chance in fight Will
Allison. and he knew it. so he waived ;hn
point and walked ahead with Jim close nj
,is- hoo A..
the twain entered tho courtroom, bui no
ease was OH trial Jim Allison marohrd
through the crowd with his rifle under his
arm, ready 10 present and fire at mo
mcnt's notice, and took his place before
the judge
Whats the meaning of this?" asked
the Judge stcrnly, eying Allison's arms
Hynh's your prisoner, jcdgc,' said the
sheriff. It's the people gin Jim Allison
for KILN AN orncry, low down Grcascr
Disarm tho prisoner" shouted the
judge
Two bailiffs started toward Jim, VITO
only shook his head
Tho prisoner refuses to give up Ills
arms said one Of the baiiffs
Tho court orders that the prisoner bc
disarmed - Numbered the judge. nrccntu
ntin9 his demand 10y dumping tho ;ablu
with awhuok.
The bailiifs drew their rcvolycrs, ana
tho spectators began to olgu toward the
door.
Don't come no closer, boys" Allison
said quietly, cooking his rille and loosen
ing one of the revolvcrs in his bolt.
The bniliifs halted and looked appeal
ingly at the judge.
Unless tho prisoner is disarmcd l will
adjourn court until his weapons are taken
from him!" cried the court
Allison rose to his feet.