The Evening Times

AMERICAN IS SHOT TO DEATH
Dramatic End to Career of Noted Outlaw of Africa.

London, Aug. 19.--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 a career of elephant poacher and illicit ivory trader, James Ward Rogers, American, is dead. He was shot down by a little force of troops which had been sent into the wilderness in pursuit with orders not to return without the outlaw dead or alive.

News of Rogers' death came formally today to the British colonial office from Captain C. V. Fox, inspector of the Mongalla province who commanded the expedition. Although told in an official report, the story revealed is one of the most dramatic in colonial annals.

With a soldier's disregard for red tape, Captain Fox in his report fails to mention dates in describing the manhunt. Apparently the enactment of the jungle drama came three months ago.

Dramatic in the extreme is Captain Fox's description of the death of Rogers. In the jungle into which he had descended toward the close of a long chase from the mountain, his party came suddenly upon a camp, a native approached the English officer and said: "The commander wants you to come in. He is sick and cannot come out."

Entering the hut, Captain Fox found himself in a room dimly lighted by candles while a man was lying on a couch and beside him sat a companion, also white.

For a time there was dead silence. Captain Fox believing he had been led into a trap.

Then he asked: "Which is Mr. Rogers?"

Announcement of Shooting.

"Mr. Rogers has been shot," replied the outlaw's companion.

"Yes," interrupted Rogers, "and by your men."

"Come, stand right here so I can look at you," continued Rogers.

His eyes were blazing and from beneath his blanket he drew a revolver and pointed it at the officer.

"I am a dying man, I guess," he said, "I did not think they could kill old Rogers, but they got him this time.

Still you are on Belgian territory and you stand more chance of arrest than I do."

Fearing that the revolver which menaced him might be discharged at any moment, Captain Fox argued with the outlaw to gain time.

Finally Rogers turned to his companion whom he addressed as doctor and said: "I want you to witness what I say doctor, Captain Fox. I am a dying man so I would not lie about anything. This was my show and all my work, I am afraid I have brought you into trouble doctor. Well, I had my good times, as well as bad, I can't stand religious people. If you have religions just live up to them."

Feels Death Approach.

A noise in his throat interrupted the old man's words.

"Say, did you hear that?" he exclaimed.

"That's the death rattle, I've heard that too many times to make any mistake." This prediction proved correct for these were his last words.

Throughout his talk with Captain Fox, Rogers shielded his white companion and did not reveal his identity. Captain Fox's report also is similarly silent on this point as he says he did not know the doctor. It is thought likely, however, that this was done to protect the man.