The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-03-14
MOUNTAIN
BANDITS.
Utah Legislature Makes an
Appropriation
For Breaking Up the Cele-
brated Tom Mccarthy
GANG OF ROBBERS.
Their Stronghold In the Blue
Mountains to Be Invaded.
Outlaws Have a Perfect Or:
ganizatiOn.

Salt Lake City, March 1.-THE 1egis-
1ature of the state of Utah has determ-
ined that the famous Tom Mccarthy
gang of bandits and cattle thieves must
be broken up. A bill providing an ap-
preparation for the purpose of hunting
the men down has passed the second
reading, with all chances for enactment
into a law.
This bill sets aside the sum Of $4,000
to either capture or destroy the band
of murderers and cutthroatS who have
held portions of three states in terror
for three years and whose agents are
scattered the length and breadth of the
land.
1t is acknowledged the ordinary meth
DDS of procedure will not do with the
men in the heart of the Blue Mountains
or Roam Ridge. They are not inclined
to submit to the law and would prob
ably die fighting rather than be taken.
There is a movement on foot in Utah
to organize posses of men to undertake
the work Of subduing this band. The
undertaking means certain death to at
least part of the men who will go on
the warpath against the robber chief
and his followers.
Already there is a leader for the forces
and he is a man of long experience on
the mountain and plain and possessed
of all the qualities of leadership.
The story of this leader, whose name
is kept secret to guard his life, and the
cause for his desire to see the end of
the notorious gang more resembles a
tale of fiction than plain fact He is a,
prominent resident of Utah and once
lived in Denver. 1t is probable he will
be made marshal and chief of the fight
against the gang.
1t had been decided by the administra-
ton of Utah that soldiers are not the
agent which can combat and overcome
the Mccarthy brigands or make the at
tempt with the best chance of success.
The movement of body of troops and
ferlT moi no
an open book for the eyes of the
vigilance of this band, which has long
ago taken precautions against just
such a measure.
TO USE THEIR OWN METHODS.
The people have come to the con-
clusion that the only way to deal with
the gang is by their own methods. The
posse which will be sent against them
will be composed of old frontiersmen,
cowboys, and hunters, all men picked
for their courage and their experience
These men will not besiege the rocks
which hold the gang, but they will de-
pend more upon killing the members
one by one as they venture out for sup
plies.
out the outlaws. They may be success
full, but it will not be done, according
to the judgment of people who know,
in a few days or weeks.
Tom Mccarthy, the leader of the
Blue Mountain robbers, or the Hole in
the WalP' society, is of doubtful origin,
but it is known that he is wanted in
several parts of the country for crimes
of unusual atrocity.
He has been known to visit Denver
and the east, but not since his notoriety
has grown to an uncomfortable degree.
But he never appears in Salt Lake City,
where he would be easily recognized.
Mccarthy, with a small following per-
petrated several mail and express rob-
berries a number of years ago on stage
coaches over the Utah desert and in the
mountains. 1t was his first appearance
in the country in this role, and before
long his exploits gathered about him
a choice company of criminals from the
neighbOring states and territories. The
band settled in a certain point of the
Blue Mountains, on the line between
Colorado and Utah.
EXACT LOCALITY UNKNOWN
The exact locality of the retreat of Nc
Carthy and his men is not known, though
there are persons who could guide party