Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1907-06-25

the three score men OF the "Stran-
glers," their faces lighted imperfectly
by scattered lanterns A certain con-
straint seized them upon Glenister's
entrance; the chairman was embar-
raised: 1t was but momentary, how.
ever. Glenister himself felt that trag.
edy was In the air. for 1t showed In
the mems attitudes and spoke elo-
quchtly from their strained faces. He
was about to question the man next
to him when the presiding officer COZ
tinued.
1--WE will assemble here quietly with
out arms at 1 o'clock. And let me
caution you again not to talk or do
anything to scare the birds away"
Glenister arose. Il came late, Mr..
Chairman, so missed hearing your
plan. gather that you're out for bust
ness, however, and want to be in it.
May ask what Is afoot?"
Certainly. Things have reached
such pass that moderate means are
useless. We have decided to act, and
act quickly. We have exhausted every
legal resource and now we're going to
stamp out this gang of robbers In our
own way. We will get together in an
hour, divide into three groups Of twen-
ty men, each with a ladder, then go
to the houses of Mcnamara, Stillman
and Voorhees,, take them prisoners,
and" He waved his hand in large
gesture.
Glenister made no answer for a
moment, while the crowd watched him
intently.
stYou have discussed this fu1ly?" he
asked.
I'VE have. It has been voted on, and
we're unanimous"
My friends, when stepped into
this room just now felt that wasn't
wanted. Why, don't know, because
I have had more to do with organizing
this movement than any Of you, and
because I have suffered just as much
as the rest. want to know IL was
omitted from this meeting Intentional
ly."
'This is an embarrassing position
to put me in" said the chairman,
gravely. But shall answer as spokes-
men for these men IL they wish"
Eyes. Go ahead" said those around
the room.
aWe don't wish to question your
loyalty, Mr. Glenister, but we didn't
ask you to this meeting because we
know your attitude perhaps I'd better
say misunderstanding Judge Still
mans niece er-family. 1t has come
to US from various sources that you
have been affected to the prejudice of
your own and your partners interest.
Now, there isn't going to be any SEN
timent in the affairs of the Vigilantes.
We are going to do Justice, and we
thought the simplest way was to ig-
more you in this matter and spare all
discussion and hard feeling in every
quarter"
tits a lie!" shouted the young man,
hoarsely. "a damned lie! You would
MT let me in for fear I'd kick, -eh ?
Well, you were right. will kick,
You've limited about my feelings for
Miss Chester. Let me tell you that
she is engaged to marry McNamara,
an dthat she's nothing to me- Now,
then, let me tell you further, that you
won't break into her house and hang
her uncle, even IL he is reprobate
No, sir! This isn't the time for VIC.
lence Of that sort-well win without
1t. If we can't, let's fight like men, and
not hunt In pack like wolves. If you
want to do something, put us back On
our mines and help us hold them, but,
for Gods sake. don't descend to as.
sassination and the tactics Of the Ma
fia!"
We knew you would make that
kind OF talk" said the speaker, while
the rest .murmured grudgingly One oil
them spoke DIP.
We've talked this over in cold
blood, Glenister, and It's question OF
their lives or our liberty. The law
don't enter into it."
That's right" echoed another at his
elbow 1--WE can't seize the claims, be
cause McNamara's got soldiers to back
him up. They'd shoot us down. You
ought to be the last one to object"
He saw that dispute was futile. De
termination was stamped on their
faces too plainly for mistake, and his
argument had no more effect on them
than the pale rays of the lantern be
side him, yet he continued:
II don't deny that McNamara de
serves lynching, but Stillman doesn't
He's weak old man"-some one
laughed derisively-"and there's wo
man in the house. He's all she has
in the world to depend upon, and you
would have to kill her to get at him
If you must follow this course, take
the others. but leave him alone.'
They only shook their heads, while
several brushed by him even as he
spoke. We're going to distribute oul
favors equal" said man as he left
They were actuated by what they
called justice, AMI he could not sway