Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1910-06-02

be getting over there now, judge, for this
amt going to wait long. If we can't stop it,
we can see a mighty good fight, anyhow"
They set out together. The courthouse in
Columbus stands in the middle of a big square,
with a street on each of it's four sides. On
one corner of the square was gathered the
Reece faction and near another corner the
Townsend crowd had assembled. Both were
fully armed. They were making no active
demonstrations as yet, but were evidently or
ganizing for business. 1t was a still, sunny
day, and both crowds were in easy calling dis
lance of the courthouse.
Nov. judge" said Captain Bill, when they
had arrived at the courthouse, "who is your
sheriff and where is he?"
His name is Burford, ]. C. Burford, and
he's over there with the Townsend crowd. He
belongs to that faction"
Captain Bill stepped to the window and
called. in the strong, official manner Of a wit
ness 81. C. Burford," repeated three
times.
There was a movement in the Townsend
crowd and a man crossed over and assembled
the courthouse stair. Mcdonald introduced
himself, as the sheriff entered. and added:
"Now, Burford, why don't you stop this
row? Looks as if we're going to have a kill
ing match here, right away"
Captain, I can't. I'm powerless to do any
thing with these men. If undertake to dis
arm them it will start a fight that nobody can
stop"
We'll, Burford, if you'll do as I tell you, I'll
stop it in 30 minutes or I'll resign my job as
Ranger"
"All right, captain, I'll do whatever you
say" assented Burford.
Then call your crowd over here. / want
to talk to them"
Sheriff Burford stepped to the window and
signed to the Townsend faction. They trooped
over and assembled the courthouse stair, car
rying their guns.
"Mr. Burford," said Mcdonald, which are
your regular deputies here?'
The sheriff indicated his three deputy Off
GERS. Captain Bill motioned them to stand
apart from the others.
Now, sheriff." he said, "disarm the rest
of these men,"
The officer looked a little bewildered.
Il don't know about" he began.
Didn't you agree to do what l ordered?"
Then, to Kennon-"Didn't he, judge?"
The judge nodded. The sheriff still hest
tated.
"Never mind" said Mcdonald, "I1l do 1t
myself. Here, boys" he went on in his mild,
friendly drawl, come in here and stack your
guns in this wardrobe. It's a good safe place
for them. They won't be likely to go off and
hurt anybody in there"
What was it about the manner Of the man
that made men obey? Those aroused, blood.
thirsty Texans, full of an old, deep hatred and
the spirit of revenge, marched in and put away
their guns at his direction, with scarcely q
word Of dissent.
He went out Of the courthouse and crossed
the street to where the Reece crowd was gath
cred. He carried his Winchester and the fac
ton watched him c%uriously as he approached
Il guess you boys are going to war, AIM
you?" he said, cheerfully. as he came nearer
Nobody replied and Captain Bill came uI
close.
Boys" he said, your guns are all righi
up Till now, but the governor has sent me
down here to stop this trouble and wan
yon-all to help me"
How can we help your" asked one Of the
Reece faction.
Like them boys did over yonder. tust