The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1921-12-04

AtiiOM WIN WtONt dlt ahONt
II parody surely could not have heard
bf Augustus Washington Gaines, OF
Ardmore, Oklahoma, or he would not
have offered his verse for the perussl
Of the mourners OF the late John
Barleycorn without mentioning the
fAct that with Gus around, the still
might prove to be only a temporary
paradise. For be there ever a still,
large or small, which emanates an
Ddor Of distillation to the balmy
o~reezes and which dor is waited to
The sensitive nostrils of Gus, that
still exists only until Gus lengthy
limbs car carry him TO the scene OF
Ehe b~ootlegger's delight.
Gus (as Mr.. Gaines is popularity
known is the champion 'hootch
hound" Of the state and, perhaps, of
Rho country. This statement is not be
ueved to be exaggerated, although
e~hallengers will have to present a re-
markable record to equal Gus actfvi-
kies az q deputy on the sheriff's force
pr Carter county, with a speciality of
rstlling" stills forever.
Has Captured Sixty Stills
Thus far this year, Gus has raided
Ind captured GO stills, most Of them
6ngehanded. They range in capa-
cdty from 6 TO 80 gallons. During the
past two years he has poured out
more b 10000 gallons OF Choctaw
beer and thousands Of gallons Of wines,
whiskeys, and other liquids designated
rs liquors. He has arrested more
than 100 men In connection with the
raids, and all Of them, without excep-
zion, have plead guilty when charged
in court with violation Of the Volstead
enactments.
Even more interesting than his re-
nnarkable record is the reason which
he attributes to his stay on the force.
When asked as to whether fascination
Keeps him IN the job, he replied: II
really can't describe any fascination. 1
wanted to resign several years ago to
engage in business of some kind, but
I've been so busy chasing down boot
leggers that 1 haven't had time to
quit / like the work, but chiefly be-
u I feel, that as q member Of the
sheriff's force, I can help the good
people Of the county by aiding In the
enforcement Of the law.
Well Fixed Financially
There are so many criminals, and
6elr elimination makes the world a
Better place in which to live. Privi-
leges usually enjoyed by law-abiding
people must be taken away from some
Because they do not know how to
use them"
Gus Is sincere in all ne says. He Is
q big landowner, and is so financially
ESTABLISHED that he may retire and live
comfortably the remainder Of his life.
Gus realizes. too. that he could profit
more extensively by engaging in some
form Of business and, although, he
~kes participation in commercial en-
ferprise, he Ignores the money ques-
uon, and confines his efforts entirely
TO his vocation.
Sincerity Wins Admiration
His sincerity has won an admiration
Rhy the people OF Carter county which
IS envied by persons in all ways OF
HE, all Of whom have the greatest
respect for him Ii an officer and citi-
sen Even the men whom he appre-
bends as law violators offer no def
ance when Gus is the man who ar.
tests them. for they feel tina when in
his custody they are given fair treat
ment. Many cases have occurred dur
ing Gus activities as an officer when
criminals have barricaded themselves
md racf1faI a~-.,r ,.k.- -sef..-- IT.
h Gus were trying to capture them,
but Immediately ceased firing, and
voluntarily surrendered when Gus took
icharge OF the situation. The genteel,
but firm, manner OF the man com
bined with a most pleasant nature and
a facial expression very fitting TO his
character. have made him an imposing
parsonage.
Knows No Dangers
Since his boyhood days Gus has had
experiences which have tested his
bravery in a which proved him
TO be an ideal officer. He refuses to
recognize fear at q time when he feels
that the rights Of humanity have been
imposed upon, and has never been
known to flee from danger. although
he odds In many instances, were
against him In number of opponents.
The fact that he In alive today il
wondered NJ by those who review his
biography. His heartfelt regard FOR
respect OF the law has often lead him
into the depths OF greatest dangers
journeys which have given an utmost
test Of human fortitude.
Gaines IL 50 years old, but the agil-
ity In which he displays his physical
prowess. M The manner In which he
sleuths the stills at all hours OF tho
night, as well a the day, would lead
to believe that he Ii very much
younger.
officer When Nineteen Years Old
His career nc apprehension OF law
breakers commenced when he was 10
years old. He was ut Van Buren,,
Arkansas. nj tho time visiting rela-
uves. The sheriff OF the county depu.
tiled him to aid In running down q
notorious bandit which had been seen
In the city and who had terroriEed citi-
Gems and police officers following the
robbery OF n residence there. The
law breaker, Frank Blggs. was known
~ a bad egg" and. according TO the
police conception. had to be taken un.
awarcs or he would fight before risk.
ing his freedom.
Gus was given a gun and he sal.
He'd forth to find the highwayman. BY
poine detective work on his own ini.
native. which consisted chiefly in in.
terviewing various citizens who stated
ehey had seen a man answering the
4rscription OF the outlaw. Gus was
nble 70 locate the mans hiding place.
He reported TO tho ahar,ff who acc,n.