Rensselaer Republican, Volume 26, Number 22, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 January 1894 — EASTERN BANDITS. [ARTICLE]

EASTERN BANDITS.

A Pitched Battle at Danville, Pennsylvania. The Fire Maekcd Robbers Escape— *■ OB* eer Killed—Two Bandita Wonndcd. “Five” masked outlaws made a raM oa the postoffice at Danville. Pa., at an early hour, Wednesday morning. A policeman skwa masked man Crouching in the doorway and drew a revolver, but before he could fire the stranger stepped around the corner. The policeman rushed to ' the homes of Officers Dave Rissel and John Van Gilger and gave the alarm. In a few minutes the three men ran to the postoffice in time to meet "the mysterious stranger emerging from the door, followed by a companion. They commenced tiring at the policeman, who dodged behind the lamp-posts and returned the fire. Ten shots were exchanged when the robbers were reinforced by three more men. Every one was well armed and a continuous round of firing commenced. The bandits formed a square and hugged-the stone steps leading to the massive building, where they were able to escape the policemen's bullets. Numerous citizens appeared armed with weapons of every description, —The firing became so warm that the robbers concluded to retreat to the river bank. They discharged three volleys atoexcited townsmen and ran eastward, each side exchanging shots. Vari Gilger, who led the pursuers, suddenly threw up hie hands and fell shot through the lungs. About the same time two of the robbers Tell. Their comrades, grabbed them. and during the momentary halt of the pursuers managed to reach the Susquehanna river. A row boat was secured, and three outlaws, after laying their wounded companions at the bottom of the boat, commenced sculling in the direction of the Northumberland side. The pursuers.now a force of 100 infuriated men, secured as many boats as possible, and unexciting chase ensued, revolvers and rifles cracking at every turn, but no one was hit. Owing to their good start, the outlaws succeeded in reaching tho opposite side before the foremost boat, containing tho police was half way across, and when the pursuers touched land the daring men were in the mountains, which are being scoured on all sides by the sheriff's posse.