The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-10-29

law breakers, that section promises to
become as quiet and law-abding as any
in the Union.
Marshal Bennett was led to take this
step because he fully realized that with
the small force of deputy marshais
placed at his disposal it was next TO inn
possible to make the necessary charges
and arrests, for he was enabled to as
sign only one marshal to cover a large
portion of the district; and it is not
strange that this one man should have
been intimidated by the numerous body
of outlaws on the scout. Marshal Ben
nett further took into consideration the
character of the laws governing misde-
meanor cases, which, being under the
Arkansas law. the fees provided for the
payment of officers and witnesses We're
so meagre that many offenders in this
class of crime went unpublished, as the
parties injured preferred TO suffer tine
depredations rather than to travel 40 or
30 miles to a commissioners office to
make complaint, and then have to APP
pear as witnesses, for which They only
received 30 cents per day. with mileage
so long as they resided anywhere in the
northern district
In consequence of these conditions,
Marshal Bennett concluded that by a
consolidation of a portion IF his forces,
and by invading the country Of the
enemy, carrying with him a United
States Commissioned who could give
the guilty parties summary hearing,
and dispense justice on the spot, justice
would be done the people given chance
IN state thor. and tho (.nY-
eminent saved great deal Of expense.
the results have fully borne out the
wisdom of these conclusions.
The first trip was made with United
States Commissioner Youcy, and as the
result was 50 entirely satisfactory, the
trips were decided on permanently. A
short time ago United States Marshal
Bennett, accompanied by deputies Dave
Adams, 4. NJ. Lewis. 4. J. Trail, W. e.
Shipley and myself as Commissioner of
the Third Commissioners District, to-
gether WITH ii posse of men and cooks,
and regular camping outfit, took the
field at Inola /. T., and by slow and
easy stages covered 4 large portion OF
the Territory. The rule was to camp at
some particular spot and remain there
until all the work in that section was
GlSlGSPu OF, anu lli IL lltuAt IhlS - "
lasted until August Bird, and was not ny
any means Il picnic for the early part
of the trip was accompanied by .TerT
heavy rain. high waters. which mean.
ether feTrying or swimming the streams,
which was done by the deputies, VINO
never let 80 small a thing as swimming
river stop them IL there was a chance
to capture a prisoner, and many wee
tie MEETINGS they received.
But swimming rivers is only small
part of the adventures Of the Indian
Territory deputies. The wild rides after
criminals up hills, over tangled thickets
and miry swamrS, the shouts of the
haI-breeds helping in the capture or
some escalfng horse thief, the stormina
of the castle of some frontier hero who
h9s been particularly notorious for his
Desperate accomplishments are all Incl
dents of almost daily occurrence, and
many a lurid romance could be written
on the adventures of the deputies who
let no obstacle or danger stand in the
way Of the performance Of their duty.
Often at 'he close Of the exciting chase
| Of whole Jay after notorious charac-
ter. when finally run to cover and cap
| tllred. there beneath the light of the
SUITS He VIII ne llifu oH lHc NeIA SIt4ic
| Of his crimes. Sometimes the prisoner 5
| friends attempt Il rescue, and then re
| suits a regular pitched battle. with both
parties fighting Indian fashion from be
| hind trees, sttmps and in bitches. The
! women are even worse than the mon,
hating MS with cordially that Is
amusing. lo.ten closing their doors anc
refusing shelter and provisions.
Sometimes court IL compelled slImml-
rily to adjourn, on the run. But for
tunately no fatalities have 50 far occur,
red, and after a month Of exciting al
venture and numberless narrow escapes
we arrived safely home, Drowned and