The Tucson citizen., 1902-09-11
The Noted Desperate Sur
rendered Last Night to
the Sheriff Of COChIS6
County.
Spent Today in Tucson With Billy
Stiles and viii be lmDounded in
Tombstone.

Nothing could have quite surprised
the people Of Tucson one-half so much
as TO see Dell Lewis, the big sheriff of
Cochise, step off the Burro this morn
ing with Burt Alvord, the noted des-
perado and train robber, in his
custody. The two were accompanied
by Billy Stiles the erstwhile desperate
and former pal Of Alvord's.
There was something strange and
unusual about the party. The pris-
oner wore no shackles, and was not
even handcuffed. In fact the big
sheriff did not appear in the least fear
ful about the security of his captive,
but allowed him to stop, shake hands
and converse with his friends about
the depot, They then proceeded rath-
er leIsurely up town. It is safe to
say that the party did not pass an old
timer on the way who did not stop
and gaze on the trio with wonderment,
To see Burt Alvord, the man who ter
rorized southern Arizona but a few
years ago, walking through the streets
of the old pueblo unshackled and
seemingly unguarded was indeed a
cause for wonderment Then, too. the
presence of Billy Stiles, a former COM
panion of Alvord's, with a sixshooter
sticking out of his trousers near the
hip, was the cause of much specuIa-
tion. In fact, people could not be-
lieve their eyes as they watched the
party walking down Congress street.
The news spread like wildfire about
town that Burt A1vord had been cap
tured. 1t was hard to believe at first,
but the presence of the man on the
streets cleared all doubt. Soon the
old-timers collected in groups and fell
to discussing the traits and deeds of
the nervy fellow. Many of the es-
capades in which he figured were re-
called and many in which he had nc
part were also rehearsed. It was con-
ceed generally that Alvord was a bad
one in his day, and gave the officers
all the trouble possible for one man
to give them.
AS a matter of fact Burt Alvord was
not captured but surrendered himself
of his own free will. When the trio
entered the sheriff's Office this morn
ingIa. Citizen reporter was taken into
a e9nference and the whole proceeding
was explained for the benefit Of the
public. 1t appears that A1vord has
become tired of his rough and desper-
ate life in Mexico, and decided if he
could get any kind of square deal
in this country he would gladly re-
turn. The one time desperate ap-
pears to be broken in spirit and anx-
ious to quit the life he has been lead
ing. His footsteps have been hound
ed for years. He has been kept on THE
watch day and night for fear that
something or some body would over
take him. The novelty of the life has
worn off and the palmy days of twenty
years ago are no more. A1vord, I'M
der the circumstances, decided to re-
turn to the land of his birth. where he
possibly had q few friends left.
He communicated with his old pal
Billy Stiles. and informed him of his
intention. Stiles. anxious to aid his
old friend. informed Sheriff Lewis of
AlvorC's desire and asked that he be
given all the privileges possible. Sher-
if Lewis promised that if A1vord would
he would show him all the
leniency possible under the circum-
stances. and would do all in his power
to aid him. Stiles took the good new
to his friend, and the meeting was ar
ranged.
Some time last night on the Mevicar
cSS6 M n
Burt Alvord gave himself up to Sheriff
Lewis. The prisoner was brought to
this city today to transact some busi-
ness at this point. He was placed in
a cell in the county Jail. He will be
taken back to Tombstone shortly, and
will face any charges that may be
brought against him at the next term
of court.
An event which happened few davs
ago was largely responsible for AL
worlds action If the truth were
known. Burt AlvOrd is the real capto1
of the noted criminal. Juan Chacon,
and the credit is due to him for the
man being taken as he was. The
officers had arranged with Billy Stiles
and Burt Alvord to round up Chacon
who was known to be in Mexico. AL
word was we'll acquainted with Chacon
and induced him to come across the
line for the alleged purpose of stealing
horses at Sneed's ranch They met
Billy Stiles in the night and he ex-
planned the plan to take the horses at
daylight. Stiles also told them that
one Of the escapes from the Tombstone
jail would join them. Chacon did not
like ''gringoes," but readily agreed.
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