The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1910-10-24
MAY SEND BLUES
TO TAKE MOORE
Sheriff Of Nelson Will Probably
Ask Aid Of
State.

The Richmond Blues may be sent
10 Nelson county 10 aid in the capture
OF John Moore. who after being con-
victed OF the murder of Frank Howl,
was rescued from jail by friends and
carried away into the mountains
Unless the sheriff of Nelson effects
the capture of the fugitive within
the next few days il is not improbable
that the State viii Toe asked 10 fur
nish troops. particularly as Governor
Mann announced Saturday that H.,
was ready TO throw the entire weight
and strength Of the State behind the
county Officers not only that Moore
may be retaken. but that all Of his
abductors may also be caught and
imprisoned,
Though sheriff Estes, Of Nelson is
known for his fearlessness and re-
suurcefuiness. ii il practically ad-
mitted by all who undertand the con
iittons existing ia that section OF the
State. that even with a large posse
he will ne able To cope with the
mountaineers, who feeling that one
OF their comrades has been anjustly
dealt with are ready 10 offer rssis-
lance OF the most dangerous Kind.
Moore's present whereabouts are
utterly unknown, Immediately after
the jan delivery. he Was hurried
deep into the mfauIttain Businesses OF
Nelson. and probably ensconced in
some cave where friends. keeping him
supplied with food. stand constant
guard 10 prevent his recapture.
Causes apprehension.
The fact that the mountaineers
hate chosen 10 take the matter in
their own hands. ignoring the rights
and dignity of the State Judiciary,
has caused not only great surprise.
ba, considerable apprehension. fer ;at-
custoned To live with bat little re-
straint. these hardy sons Of the noun
tains entertain rigid Ideas Of primeNal
justice, and are not easily persuaded
into giving UP what they consider
their rights. although according to all
written texts and statutes they may
he clearly in the wrong.
Ii Is admitted that should the She
riffs posse suddenly come upon the
fugitive and his friends, bioodshed
viii be the inevitable result, and, rea-
liking this the sheriff is exercising the
utmost care in the selection OF his men
and because of the almost certain risks
they viii run, friends OF the Blues
battalion. understanding that Rich
mond's crack infantry Will be selected
IL State troops are needed. are confess
ing to some uneasincss.
selves upon several occasions when
sent out to enforce the law. but the
conditions they may be brought to
face in Nelson county will he entirely
new and not little disconcerting.
Are Relentless.
knowing every hog path through
the mountains, the mountaineers.
armed with their long barreled rifles.
tireless resourcefui, and once aroused,
relentless in their fury. the natives OF
the Nelson county mountains and val
leys will have the troops at fear
ful disadvantage. while probably with
out equals in craftsmanship. they
would. If too closely followed. be able
TO wreak fearful vengeance on their
pursuers.
Armed with their rifles. these noun
taineers, who can with unerring aim
shoot "a squirrel through the eye from
the top of the tallest tree, and who
II forced to protect themselves, would
have no hesitancy in turning these
rifles against State troops. would give
such an excellent account of them
selves that those who know the Nell
son county mountains are really
doubtful as to whether Moore.s abdue-
tors could ever be captured except
singly and at great hazard
However. If the Blues are ordered
out. 1t may be depended upon that
they will not cause the city to be
ashamed of them. and that though
given a reception resulting in appall-
ing loss OF life, they will conduct
themselves without fear and in the
manner becoming soldiers.