Evening Capital Journal

CROWD OF DESPERADOES
Take Possession of a Minnesota Village.

ST. PAUL, Minn., July 15.—The village of Burns, just over the Mississippi river, in Anoka county, is in the midst of terror and the town practically in the hands of a gang of desperadoes, who are burning buildings and threatening the lives of the citizens. George Small, a wealthy and prosperous farmer, has been very active in his effort to lodge one of the ruffians behind the bars. A warrant was sworn out against one of the gang, but it has never been served. The whole populace of Burns was terrified and the gang's actions were constantly causing annoyance. The grave crime of arson has been laid at their doors several times. Monday the handsome residence of Small was set on fire, but after a fight by the family and neighbors the flames were extinguished. On Wednesday Small was in Anoka, and in the evening word was brought to him that his elegant resident had again been set on fire by unknown desperadoes and totally consumed. The sheriff and citizens will make an endeavor to get at the culprits, and things are in such a condition that no one's life is safe and all go armed. The deed is supposed to be spite work. Small was open in his remarks against the gang. The home of Thomas Gorman will go next; so says the leader of the desperadoes. If the sheriff of Anoka county fails to capture the gang, Governor Merriam will be asked to send a company of militia on their tracks.