The Weiser signal. [volume] (Weiser, Idaho) 1890-1904, 1900-05-03
itage through these 90 years.

ltage through tneSe w years.
The White-Garrard feud, in which two
of the largest and wealthiest families of
Clay county figured, has lasted for half
century. 1t was brought on by politics.
The Philpots, the most formidable fac
ton now in Clay county, numbering more
than 250 fighters that can be mustered at
two hours notice from their leaders, have
within the past few years engaged in a
number of important feud battles, among
them the famous fight at Pigeon Roost,
where several men were killed and
wounded. Among their recent battles
may be mentioned that against the Grit
fin faction last July, in which three Of
the Griffin side were killed and one
wounded and one of the Philpot faction
killed and two wounded. 1t is the boast
Of this faction that mo man who kills
Philpot can ive," and they have had
many of their clansmen slain. This feud
is still on.
The White Howard Baker feud sprang
up two years ago, and many battles have
been fought tc the death among them
The leader of the Baker faction was
Thomas Baker He was charged with
killing a number of men, was captured
and taken to Manchester last June under
guard of 100 soldiers to be tried for MUIR
der. While standing in his tent In the
courthouse yard surrounded by soldiers
he was shot through the heart by an un-
known assassin concealed in the house OF
Beverly =. White, which stood across the
street in front of the courthouse. White
was and is yet the sheriff of Clay county
and the alleged leader of the White
Howard faction. The feud still exists.
The present courthouse at Manchester
l. l..snI l~,,,lI urhi M n ny
feud battles have occurred and in which
several men were killed. Great chips Of
brick and stone that have been shot out
by the heavy guns used in these battles
are missing from the walls.
In the early history of the county it
was the practice of the feudists to stack
their arms in the courtroom when attend
ing court. But now, when opposing fac
tions are called to town, each side secures
a suitable building in n convenient place
and near the courthouse, which are used
as arsenals A guard is placed over
these, so that the opposing faction may
not get possession of the arms. Now the
feudists Of Clay county do not enter the
courtroom with anything larger than .45
caliber Colts revovers buckled around
them. The latest improved guns are
used, which shoot combustible cartridges
1t is safe to say that there is not a regi
ment in the United States army that is
more finely equipped with modern fire
arms than are the Clay county feudists.
A conservative estimate places tho
number Of men killed in these fsud bat
ties at considerably more than 100
Twenty have been killed and twice tina
number wounded within the past sil
months. -Four have been killed and sil
wounded there in the past ten days. Ye
there has been no conviction for any O
these within the past year. There hav'
been no arrests for the last few killings.
There is much concern by the state au
thorities over the situation In Clay coun
ty, and the present session Of the legisla
ture will be called upon to enact meas
ures looking toward the subduing Of th'
lawless bands. There has been mucl
, talk by the highest state officials OF abol
, ishing Clay county. The feuds there ar
! growing worse each year, and hundred
, of people have left their homes, takinl
, their families away for safety.