Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1912-08-20
NOTED ELEPHANT HUNTER, JAS
WARD ROGERS, SHOT DOWN
IN JUNGLE.
WITH DYING BREATH
HE SHIELDS COMPANION
Roos-s Pursued For Years and 10 Fin
ally Stot Down in Heart Of Africa
by Drit,sh Soldiers-Refus to Re-
veal Identity Of Physician Who Was
= in 4:s Company-Remarkab Story.

London, Aug 20.-Hunted down by
British soldiers in the depths of the
jungles of central Africa, where for
years. in defiance OF all authority, he
had pursued the career of an elephant
poacher and illicit ivory trader. James
Ward Rogers, an American, Is dead
troops which had been sert into the
wilderness in pursuit with orders not
to return without the outlaw. dead or
alive.
News Of Rogers death came for
mally to the British colonial office
from Capt. c. V. Fox, inspector OF
Mongolia province. who commanded
the expeditin. Altho told In an official
report. the story revealed is one of the
most dramatic in colonial annals.
Pursued for Years.
For years Rogers had carried on his
lawless trade, which popular opinion
credited with netting iiim = fortune,
The remote regions along the Lado
Encave and Congo boundaries were
the scenes of his operations. Zine af-
had tried in vain to trap him. 1t was
this defiance Of years which deter
mined the government to crush the old
man. 80
Captain Fox's report shows that in
his long operations Rogers had done
more than had been dreamed of by the
colonial office. He had established an
organized administration over the wild,
trackless country. and among the ma
tives was virtual. if uncrowned king.
Led on Long Trial.
Apparently the denouement Of tho
jungle drama came three months ago.
The. pursuers then had spent weeks
plunglng thru the jungle that almost
defied passage. Rogers cunningly lead
ing them thru the densest Of swamps.
forests and across deep streams. Be
fore the outlaw was overtaken he had
crossed the Nile into the Belgian
Congo.
Creeping up the Uganda bank Of the
Nile, the expedition pushed forward for
six weeks before the quarry was To-
lated. Fox and his men then had worn
their Clothes to tatters an; their sup
rIics were exhausted. leaving them
fuying star, alton in the wilderness.
Tic last 1. e!"e hours o' the pur-
suit Was paI ,icularly trying. The chase
led over a moIntn:r, with c,gcrs lncn
only short distance iL advance. AS
they fled. the rpciike n? ives Of the
outlaw sent back taunts and jeers At
their pursuerS
Called by Dying Man.
In the jungle into which they had
descended from the mountain. accord J.
ing, to Captain F'oX's report. his party
came suddenly upon camp. A native
approached the English officer and
said:
"The commander wants YOU to come
in. He is sick and can not come out"
Entering the hut Captain Fox found
himself in. room dimly lighted by Il
candle. 4 white man was lying on n
couch and beside him sat a compan-
ion. also white. For a time there was
he had been led into a trap. Then he
asked:
(Which is Mr. Rogers?"
Mr.. Rogers has been shot" replied
the outlaws companion.
YES" interrupted Rogers. ''and by
your men,"
"Come stand right here so I can look
at YOU" Rogers continued. His eyes
were blazing and from beneath "A
blanket he drew revolver and point
ed 1t at the officer.
Protects His Physician.
IT am dying man. l guess" he said.
Il didn't think they could kill old
Rogers, but they go. him this time.
Still you are in Belgian territory and
you stand more chance for arrest than
I do"
Fearing the revolver which mcnaced
him nigh. be discharged at any mo-
ment. Captain Fox argued with the
outlaw to gain time. Finally Rogers
turned to HIS companion. whom he ad-
dressed as doctor. and said:
81 want you to witness what I say.
doctor, Captain Fox. ! am a dying
man. so I would not lie about anything.
This was my show and all my work.
I am afraid have brought you into
trouble. doctor
"Well. I had my good times. as well
as bad. ! can't stand religious people,
II. you have religions. just live up to
them"
Knew Death Rattle.
A noise In his throat interrupted thu
old mans words.
Say. did you hear that" he ex-
claimed. THAT'S tine d.uti, rattle. I've
heard that too many times to make any
mistake" This prediction proved cor
rect, for these were his last words.
Thruout his talk with Captain Fox
Rogers shielded his white companion
and did not reveal HIS identity. Cap
taiE Fox's report also Is singularly
silent on this point. as he says he did
not know the doctor. 1t is thought
likely. however. that this was done to
protect the man.