The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-01-20
KANSAS NEWS.
Wichita's Mayor is Visited by
Two Cranks.
A COlOred Man Warns Him of
Attack bY Beers.
WILL TAKE THE CITY.
4 Wild Eyed Man Says Repent
at Once.
Lest the City Be Destroyed
Within a Week.
WILL TAKE THE CITY.

Wichita, Jan. 20.-Wichita is becon-
ing so metropolitan that the cranks
have commenced to bother Mayor Ross.
Within the past two days, both white
and black, wild and docile, have made
pilgrimages to the mayors office and
warned Mr. Ross of some terrible ca
lamities that have appeared to them in
strange Authorizations. Yesterday a
young cOlored man whom no one
seemed to know, went to the railing in
police headquarters and inquired for
Mayor Ross. The mayor happened to
be occupying a chair at the desk and
on being pointed out to the strange
fellow, was treated to a wild and i'm
paSsioned warning that froZe the blood
in the veins of the bystanders.
They're coming; they're coming,
Mayor Ross. 1 tell you, they're already
here. Arm yourself Immediately and
prepare to keep them from crossing the
river"
Mr.. Ross looked at the fellow a mo-
ment without speaking, not knowing
exactly what the man meant, for he
was unduly excited in his remarks.
Il tell you, mayor. they're camped on
the west side right now, and are ready
to move across the river"
Whom are you talking about,
man?" asked the mayor.
1.-The Boers-the Beers, Mr.. Ross.
The whole army is camped right now
in the bottom just across the river. I
have seen them maneuverin for a
week. They are now ready to cross
the bridge, and I can guard it no lon
ger. You must protect the city, and do
it quick Station a guard at the bridge.
1 have guarded it myself for week,
but I will do it no longer without re-
Inducements. The entire city will be
bombarded in half an hour. You must
save the people"
There's the fighter in the other
room. You will have to see him." said
the mayor, directing the man to Judge
Mitchell, who was sitting at his desk
in the police court room.
The cOlored fellow broke for Judge
Mitchell and eXcitedly exclaimed: Are
you the army? If you are, get your
sword and pistol ready and be quick
about it, for I tell you they're ready
right now to cross the bridge. You sta
ton yourself on the west end of the
bridge and wave your sword and pistol.
and [ will recOnnoiter the picket line.
Well get 'em! Wen get 'enl. Ha, hal"
And out ran the crank full of the hope
that he had saved the city utter annihi
latiOn at the hands of the Boer army.
In a moment he had gone, and no one
has heard of him since.
Shortly after this strange occurrence
another crank appeared, with a gentle
mein and a soft, southerly accent. He
approached the railing quietly and said
to Mr.. Downing:
Where is your honorable mayor,
please?"
He was referred to Mr. Ross, who was
still sitting in the chair at the other side
of the desk The man walked quietly
behind the railing placed himself in
front of the mayor, Strengthened his
slim. bent form and with maniac
glare stared at the mayor, pointed his
index finger at him and said soIemnly:
. Y on must repent. Repent or within
one week this city will be destroyed. I
warn you in time. Good day, sir
Without another word he turned and
left the building. Mayor Ross issued or
ders to keep the next stranger outside
the railing.