The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1903-12-19

Armed guards still travel on the
trains that run through the Indian
Territory, the paradise Of train rob-
bers. If you take the katy Flyer
from st. Louis to Dallas, Texas, you'll
see couple Of dark-skinned guards
climb aboard at Vinita at about
o'clock in the evening, and see them
jump stiffiy out at Denison, Texas, at
in the morning. They'll be coddlinS
their short, neat rifles familiarly as
they 60 across to sleep at the hotel.
The steady development Of the West,
Its capable judiciary and active con-
stabulary, the multiplying network of
telegraph lines, its consistent advance
toward economic and civic Importance
all these things have combined to
throw train robbing as business into
the far limbo of neglect and d1sap-
prevail. Special conditions are neces-
sary to the prosecution Of the trade.
And special conditions exist still in
only one part Of this country, the In
dian Territory There, where political
and social chaos reigns. Winchester
armed guards still climb into the ex-
press cars on the Missouri, Kansas
and Texas Railroad when night train
reaches the limits of it's territory; and
there the sudden squealing of the
brake shoes in the gloom of a creek
woods or on the staring loneliness Of
;.,;o e+i1
traveller to lie close in his birth, his
purse convenient to hand in case the
impatient gentlemen of the road
should failing sufficient reward from
! the express car, decide to rob the pas
sengers. Out Of that country still
come occasional dispatches to the
eastern newspapers that wake the
memories of the old, familiar golden
age Of outlawry.
Where Criminals Thrive.
| OF one kind and another, the Indian
territory has, perhaps, harbored more
criminals than any other small section
Of the United States. Granted origin
ally to the sole use and occupation Of
the Indians, with the guarantee of the
general government to keep out all in
truding white men, the country early
became a rendezvous for those who
knew and obeyed no law. Horse
thieves, whisky peddlers, bigamists,
murderers, old-time road agents
these, and the class of pure adventur-
ers, asking leave neither of the United
States nor the Indians, followed close
on the heels Of the builders of the
first railroad through the new country.
The neighboring States were glad to be
rid of disturbing class, and left them
to work out their salvation in the
new surroundings as pleased them
best, only keeping watchful eye upon
the border against any attempted re,
turn.
In various ways these transplanted
criminals worked out their fate. Not
a few married Indian wives and set
tied down to a quiet, easy citizenship
In the tribe. Don't press for the mans
history and you may leave an ex-con
vict's house with the belief that he is
one Of the finest fellows you ever met
Some Of the right-minded enrolled
themselves in the police force, hecom
Ing jealous and capable officers. A
fairly numerous class maintained al
Illegal traffic in whisky with the In
dams, boot-leggers, saddle-pocket men
and the more daring, who, in the dea(
of night, hauled it In by the barrel
Few, indeed, dared to continue hors
and cattle stealing, for the simple
reason that this was the easiest thin,
In the world to do, and, consequently
the most summarily and rigorousl
punished. Thus local crimes, exclud
Ing the frequent private brawls, wer
Of rare occurrence. But the idea cam
to member Of the notorious young
er gang" that the Indian territory OF
fered q much safer field of Operatio
than Missouri or Minnesota, where tn
State authorities were anxious to re
trieye the reputation of their common
J wealths. With two or three compa1
I ions he went down to the Indian tel
l. ritory, gathered a few more follower
n and almost before they had covere
n their heads with shanties, held I'D
e train on the Missouri, Kansas & Texa
s near Muscogee. Report said that til
e haul was a rich one. The matter ha
y been accomplished with a great fou
+ Ish. The ''style" of the robbers wa
much discussed and admired. III
railroad detectives were discourage
the outlaws aided in their flights an
- warned of pursuit.
y ;, After a time a woman joined IL
:, band-wife of one-and under Il
y name of Belle Star, spread her fan
far beyond the Indian borders. 81
was assuredly young, and she rode
wildly as the men, but, beyond this, I