Bisbee daily review., 1908-05-02
SECRET SERVICE CHIEF IN HAND
 UP AT PHOENIX
Desendorf Presumably There In Connection With lnvesti- gation of the Land Office Agent Also at Tombstone.

PHOENIX. April 3o.-H. c. Dezen- dorf, chief of the secret service agents of the United States govern ment. stationed in New Mexico and Arizona, arrived in Phoenix this morning and will remain here for a few days on business connected with his work. When seen yesterday, Mir. DeZendorf stated that he would rather not state the precise nature of the investigations he is making here, but declared he would not be long in fin ishing them.
 Yesterday, in Tucson, MT. Dezen- dorf held a conference with United States District Attorney Alexander, and he there refused also to make known the subject or their talk, other than it concerned land entries in the territory.
 'I am in Arizona primarily to at- tend several hearings in the northern part of the territory" he volunteered. On the first of May I shall attend hearing at Prescott in regard to the Mayer townsite. It is claimed that the land which this little city covers is more valuable for townsIte than for mineral purposes. The dispute is now an old one. Later on shall be pres ent at another hearing in Flagstaff"
 MT. Dezendorf came to Arizona di- rect from Las Cruces, N. M.,, where he was engaged with, matters that were brought to the attention of the federal grand jury and resulted in the indictment and conviction of sev- eral men found guilty of conspiracy to defraud homesteaders.
 When asked concerning the coal lands in the vicinity of Raton and the reports published recently to the effect that the government contem- plating the prosecution of railroads and others accused of fraudulently taking possession of the same, Dez- endorf would make no statement. It is believed, however, that civil action at least will be taken for the restora- ton of the property, which, it is stated, the railroads took up with scrip.
 Dezendorf was also asked for what reason one of his agents, Reinburg, was in Tombstone looking over the records. Tn reply he simply said 1t was necessary for the government to keep in touch with the transfers of property, and for this reason an agent periodically examines the records of the various county recorders.
 w. B. Newman, general inspector of the land office, from Washington D. C., is also at Phoenix. He joined Inspector J. l. Macey in the investi- gation yesterday morning. Hildreth's books will be the first to receive aa inspection. charges having been made against him. As soon as the inspect ors have completed their work they will report to Washington, after which Hildreth will be given hear ing. Reports have been current for several days that Register Lyman W. Wakefield and Field Inspector Frank Thompson were also under fire along with Hildreth. and that charges had been made against him.
 Wakefield, whose books it has been stated are being inspected with those of Hildreth, was asked regarding the matter and replied:
 My books are not being inspected yet, though they probably will be before the matter is ended. I had much rather have them inspected than not
 Wakefield refused to discuss the charge against Hildreth or to shed any further light on the inyes..ga- ton. He said that all he was at liberty to say was that the investi- gation was being made, and that fur ther information would have to be ob- tained somewhere else. For some time reports have been current InaI there was bad feeling between Hill dreth and Wakefield, dating back several months, but this neither of them care to discuss.