The Green Forest tribune., 1910-04-29

But Capt. Bill was game He was A broth erln-IaW to the church," as he said-his wife Delng member-and the following Sunday he put on the silk hat and accompanied her to meeting.
 Their seat was up near the front only a step rom the pulpit-a good thing for the minister olherWlse nobody would have looked in his olfectlon As 1t was, all eyes were aimed to- ward Capt. Bill and his hat. The congregation had seen him come in with 1t in his hand and they could still observe the wonder for it would not do to put fine piece of property on the floor while to set 1t toppling on his lap would be to court disaster. It seemed neces- sary therefore to hold it in his hand raised a little, and at distance from his body, In order that by no chance movement the marvellous gloss of it should be marred The people of Quanah who attended church that day were glad to be there They are still glad They do not remember the sermon they heard, but they do remember that hat. Even the minister wan dered from his text in his contemplation of the splendid exhibition. Those of Quanah who remained away from service on that memor- able Sunday have never entirely recovered from their regret. For 1t was their only op- portuntty ever to see Capt. Bill in plug hat When services were over the congregation crowded about for nearer view Cowboys stood up on the backs of the pews to look over the shoulders of those in front of them Home sick women who remembered such things back east, shed tears. Many wanted to touch the precious thing-to stroke its silken surface and among these were little children who in- sisted on rubbing the fur the wrong way
 Capt Bill got out at last and headed for home. Once there. the gift of the attorney general was reverently damned and laid away Somewhere in secret stronghold, deep buried from mortal eye, 1t exists to this hour.
 Culberson became governor in the course of time, and, remembering Capt Bills peculiar talents, was wont to rely upon him for special work in any portion of the state where nerve determination and prompt, accurate marksman- ship were likely to be of value.
 During February. 1896, national sporting event-a ring contest between Bob Fitzsim- mons and Pete Maher-Was advertised to take place at Fl Paso, busy city dropped down on the extreme western point of the Texas des- ert on the banks of the Rio Grande Gov. Gull person. speaking for himself as well as for the better class of citizens in his state, announced that, so long as he was in office, Texas would not go on record as a prize-fghting common wealth. and that the fight would not take place
 Whereupon there came crisis Certain in- terested citizens of Fl Paso had made up a purse of $l0,000 to bring this event to the Paris of Texas" and these and their friends were filled with indignation. Dan Stuart, prom inent in Texas sporting matters and promo ter of this particular event, issued a proclama- tion which bore not only the announcement that the fight would take place as advertised, but picture of Dan himself. Also it was de- clared that there no law in Texas which would prevent prize-fghting, and the prepara- tons for this particular event continued Thereupon Gov. Culberson promptly called special session of the legislature to pass law which would be effective. and Adit Gen Ma bry ordered the State Ranger Service to as- semble at Fl Paso to see that this law was en. forced-it having been widely reported that Bat Masterson with a hundred fighting men would be present to see that fight come off Then, when it was rumored that the contest