The Alaska daily empire., 1917-04-14
Harry A. Bishop Resigned Yesterday and the Acceptancy Came
 Today.
TANNER GETS PLACE
Picturesque Leader of the SkagWay WgiIantes on Way Here To
 Get on Job.

The resignation of Harry A. Bish- op as United States Marshal, which was telegraphed to the Attorney General yesterday morning was &C., cepted by that official this morning, and J. M. Tanner, former Terri torial Senator, former Mayor of Skagway, chosen leader of the Skag- way vigilantes who suppressed the "Soapy" Smith gang of outlaws in 1898, was this afternoon named by Judge Robert w. Jennings 10 fill that office temporarily. In making she appointment of MT. Tanner Judge Jennings acted under the di- rection of the Attorney General. In making the important an- louncement at the convening of court this afternoon, Judge Jen- nings said that he had received a telegram from the Attorney Gen eral of the United States saying that Marshal Bishop had resigned, that his resignation had been ac- cepted to be effective at close of business today, and directing him Q appoint J. NJ. Tanner. of Skag- way, temporarily, in lieu of Mir. Bishop. He stated, further, that he had communicated with Mir. Tan ner, and had received a wire from the latter that he would arrive here tomorrow morning, qualify and im- mediately take over the office.
 Bishop in Ill Health
 Marshal Bishop has contemplated resigning for some time. on account of the precarious condition of his health. and his action was only hastened by the escape of Edward Krause It is said today that MT. Bishops physicians and relatives feared the excitement of a pro- tracted search for the escaped crlm- inal would be dangerous to him. He has been partly incapacitated by stroke of paralysis which occurred more than year and half ago. md had never fully recovered.
 Tanner Picturesque caracter.
 J. M. Tanner. the new marshal. is q picturesque character. He has devoted much of his lifetime to the various branches, of police work. the most conspicuous in Alaska be- ing as head of the yisilantes or ganization, formed at Skagway a few minutes after Frank H. Reid lad shot and killed "Soapy' Smith md received his own death wound. The vigor and precision of Tanners leadership of the vigilantes result within less than ten days dozen or so of the members were sent to the penitentiary, and more than a score sent out of the city.
 The investigation into the Smith gang methods disclosed that the Deputy United States Marshal at Skagway had been involved. and Marshal J. M. Shoup requested Mir. Tanner to take the place. Mir. Tanner replied to the request by saying "I am not a member of your political party. MT. Shoup, and do not want to take office under false colors. If you appoint me know ing that I am a Democrat, will take the job" He served for about i've years, making fearless and com petent record in stirring times.
 MT. Tanner began his career as police officer as deputy sherin in Iowa. more than 70 years ago. where he had enough experience with horse thieves and other out
 laws to make an interesting book. While in Iowa he served with a detective agency for several years in the capacity of hunter of bad men. It is noteworthy that three years MT. Tanner received the unanimous endorsement of the members of the bar in his old ju- dicial district for appointment as United States Marshal in Alaska. Later MT. Tanner removed to Colorado. where he immediately was named as deputy sheriff. and he