The copper era and Morenci leader., 1918-03-15

sisted on rabbits killed in their 1 flight, stated Tom Sisson. These were roasted over the camp fires.
 With the exception of the time when Slaughter's posse passed within twen- ty feet of the bandits, Sisson stated that none of the party were close on their trail but once. This was just after they abandoned their horses. They had met up with three other men to whom they gave some money, afterwards separating,> the bandits taking to the hills, while the others went in a different direction. Said that Sheriff Miles of Gila county, was close on their trail at this juncture, but Miles posse was thrown off their trail by taking the tracks of the other men whom they had encountered. After this the posse was not near them. Neither would give the names of the men they encountered.
 Bandits Account of the Tragedy.
 The statements given out also serv- ed to clear up some of the impress sions that exists as to the manner of the killing which made the three men fugitives from justice, the hunt ed by their fellow men. The pre-, sumption in some quarters that the officers began the shooting without provocation, is brushed aside by the account of the tragedy given by the outlaws. Their version is substan- tially as follows, which was made by Tom Powers, and varies slightly with that given by John Powers and Sis son, though not materially:
 When the officers reached the Pow CTS home the father of John and Tom Powers went out with his Winchester and asked them what was wanted. The officers first commanded him to throw up his hands. This he did after placing his Winchester between his knees: He was informed that they came after John and Tom. To this the old man asked for that damned draft? and when told yes, he replied that they could not get them. and returned to the house with his Winchester. He was shot by neputy Kempton. through the body, but it was thoueht the second shot, which. was fired by Wooten was the fatal. shot. The old man only lived about 30 minutes after he was shot. The boys and ,Sisson were not dressed when the shooting began, and after they had killed the officers they dress ed and took the horses and guns of the officers and made their get away" |: They asked where their father was buried, and stated that it was their first intention to bury him before they left, but abandoned this idea, and left for the mountains as soon as they could get away. They stated they never saw Deputy United States
 r dnr fight. It is stated that this official was behind a hill, while he was firing on the outlaws.
 Shriver Insisted on Taking Men to
 Stafford.
 Although having no part in the capture of the bandits, which was ac- complished by Lieutenant Hays and his squad of soldiers, Sheriff Shrivef is claiming the reward. It was he who insisted on the change of the ori' ginal program of Sheriff Stewart to bring the men to Clifton instead oi Stafford. The Grant county, N. M., sheriff thought his claims might be jeopardized unless the prisoners were carried to Stafford, and the plans to bring them to Clifton, as stated in the Copper Era last week, were altered for that reason. It is stated that Sheriff Shriver was in Lordsburg when the soldiers brought the men into camp, about four miles out from Hachita.
 While the bandits are charged with complaint under the laws of Arizona, yet the matter of Jurisdiction is not settled. Owing to the fact that the laws of Arizona will no permit the death penalty, there is a sentiment existing favoring the jurisdiction of their cases be vested in the Federal courts. The location of the scene of the tragedy for which the trio will be arraigned is alleged to be on or near government property, as the Powers ranch is on or within few rods Of the San Carlos Indian reservation, and it is probable that survey may be made to ascertain whether the crime was committed on government property, if so the Federal govern ment will have jurisdiction
 The amount of the reward offered for the capture of the outlaws is s5,6OO. Of this amount s3,000 is of fered by the State of Arizona, sub- feet to the statutes, which provides for it's payment upon the arrest and conviction" of the accused. = The re- mainder, S2,600, is payable upon the arrest, dead or alive, of the three men.
 Friends here have been notified that James Parks, whose home in in Dun