River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1910-04-28


But Capt Bill was game He was a broth
erfnlaw to the church, as he said-his wife
being member-and the following Sunday he
put on the silk hat and accompanied her to
meeting.
Their seat was up near the front, only step
from the pulpit-a good thing for the minister,
otherwise nobody would have looked in his
direction. AS it was, all eyes were aimed to-
ward Capt. Bill and his hat. The congregation
had seen him come in with it in his hand and
they could still observe the wonder, for it
would not do to put so fine piece of property
on the floor, while to set it topping on his lap
would be to court disaster. It seemed neces-
sary therefore to hold it in his hand, raised a
little, and at a 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 memoir
able Sunday have never entirely recovered
from their regret For it was their only op-
portunity 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 thng-to stroke it's silken surface,
and among these were little children who in
sisted 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, it 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 Ell Paso, busy city dropped down on
the extreme western point of the Texas des-
ert on the banks of the Rio Grande Gov. Gull
berson speaking for himself as we'll 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-ighting common
wealth. and that the fight would not take place.
Whereupon there came crisis Certain in
terested citizens Of Ell Paso had made up a
purse of $4,000 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 proclama.
ton which bore not only the announcement
that the fight would take place as advertised
but picture of Dan himself Also, 1t was de-
clared that there was no law in Texas which
would prevent prizehghting and the prepare
lions for this particular event continued
Thereupon Gov. Culberson promptly called a
special session of the legislature to pass law
which would be effective, and Adjt. Gen. Ma
bry ordered the State Ranger Service to as
semble at Ell Paso to see that this law was en-
forced-it having been widely reported that
Bat Masterson with hundred fighting mer
would be present to see that fight come off
Then, when it was rumored that the contest