Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1900-02-16
TO BRAVE TOM SMITH
NEWEST MARSHAL THE WEST
EVER KNEW.
Abilene, Kan, YM Bub1 . Monument
to the MAJ Who Single Handed
Ens.ed Roixn of Cowboy Terrors-
Knew No FeaA

was the bravest marshal the western
plains ever knew. In the later Co.'S
Abilene was at the end of the Union
cattle trains that led up from the
Pacific track, and also the end Of the
ranches Of Texas. This made 1t a
center for the rough element engaged
in the cattle business. The bottoms"
were covered with saloons and dance
halls; murders were common and
drunken cowboys riding up and down
the streets shooting their revolvers in
to the windows terrorized the peace
able portion Of the community.
Joe Mccoy, the mayor. sent to St.
Louis and asked the chief Of police for
two Of his best policemen. The officers
came and were invested with all pow
ers for the enforcement of the law. In
the full glory OF their blue uniforms,
they walked through the bad portion
of the town. The farther they went
the more frightened they became. On
the night train they returned to St.
Louis, and the town was worse than
ever. 1t was in the midst Of this
reign Of terror that Tom Smith was
sent for He had made a reputation
as marshal at Hays City, Kit Carson,
Fort Wallace and other notorious
points, whittier he had gone from New
York, where he had been a policeman
during the civil war. Smith was asked
by the mayor to control the rough ele-
ment Of Abilene single-handed He
looked the town over and said he
would accept the job. He was asked
for his plan of government, and said
he had none except that he thought he
would stop the practice of carrying
firearms.
"Yon SAINT do that" declared the
mayor.
But it is against the Ordinance?"
Eyes, of course it is"
'Then will stop their carrying fire.
arms" said Smith, quietly. You see,
we could stand guns or whisky, but
we can't stand both. There amt no
chance to stop the whisky, and we
might as well stop the guns"
That night new copies of the anti
gun ordinance were posted around the
town, and the next morning Smith
took the oath of Office. Long before
he appeared on the streets the gang
were ready for business, and many had
boosted that the man did not live who
could make them give up their guns.
Smith was about five feet eleven inches
high, deep-chested and with sinews OF
steel. He ate a hearty breakfast and
strolled down the street.
The first person he met was Hank
Hawkins, huge cattle puncher from
southern Texas.
$50 you're the man who has come
to run Tie town."
NO" replied Smith, "but have
been hired to keep order, and | am
going to try to do the best can"
Hawkins was openly wearing two
big navies, and, pointing to them, he
asked: What are you goin' to do about
these?"
"That is one of the laws, and will
have to trouble you for the guns right
now"
81 won't give them up to any live
man"
81 amt lookin' for trouble" said the
marshal, his steel-gray eyes flashing,
"but you will obey the ordinance"
Like a shot he leaped forward and
landed a terrific blow on the forehead
of the big Hawkins, who promptly
measured his length on the sidewalk.
In the twinkling of an eye Smith was
on top of him with the guns in his
hands.
81 will give you ten seconds to start
for the city limits" was the ruling.
After a glance at the determined face
of the marshal the cowboy lit out for
the high grass. Smith leisurely pock-
eted the guns and sauntered down
the street as If he had nothing to do.
All the other outlaws quit in much the
same haste.
wyoming Frank" was another OF
the towns terrors. He boosted that he
would make the marshal take water,
and that night he and lot of cronies
gathered around saloon, and when
they were we'll drunk waited for the
coming of Smith. At last he came up
the street They were in front of the
Texas saloon when they met and
Frank stepped in front of Smith with
the remark: L hear you knocked
man down for carrying a gun today
At the same time he turned back his
coat and showed huge A revolver.
"Come and get it," and Frank stepped
backward into the saloon, where a
crowd was watching the fun.
Smiths right foot shot out and took
the gambler under the jaw, partly
turning him around in time to receive
another under the ear, which lard him
on the floor amid the deathly stiffness
of the assembled gang, too frightened
and awed to go to the assistance OF
their friend. The marshal seized the
mans gun and pounded him over the
head and seat of his pants. Then as
Frank struggled to his feet he kicked
him toward the rear door amid the
jeers of the others. Frank sneaked
out into the darkness and disappeared.
Ho NAV have pone tn iOin Hawkins