Moody Rushes Rangers to Borger

MOODY ASSERTS LAWLESS MUST QUIT OIL TOWNS

State Officers will rid two towns of undesirables after Borger Action

BORGER GIVEN CHANCE

Governor, However, promises military rule unless crime wave abates

     Civil Authorities of Borger will be given one more opportunity to clean up the town and failing may face drastic action from Governor Dan Moody, the governor said just before midnight over long distance to Boyd Gatewood, secretary to the chief executive.

     Gatewood was in Amarillo accompanied by Adjutant General Robertson following an inspection of conditions at Borger. The governor's stand in the matter will be explained to the mayor and commission of Borger this morning by the governor's representatives.

     Governor Moody also said last night that he will double the number of state rangers at Borger and has ordered that ten more rangers report there within the next 24 hours. The chief executive has requested the Borger officials to co-operate with the rangers in coping with the lawless element and said that unless this cooperation is forthcoming he may be forced to take drastic action.

     There had been some talk of martial law in the oil city, but Adjutant General Robertson said last night that he did not anticipate any such move at present.



Wichita Falls Record News; Saturday April 12, 1927

Moody Rushes Rangers to Borger
Officers given orders to break reign of Terror
Ten Rangers under Captains Hamer and Hickman leave for scene of Robbery and murder

Austin, April 1 (AP)—Ten Texas rangers late today were ordered to Borger, Panhandle oil boom town by Governor Dan Moody to stay “until the lawless unconditionally surrender.” The rangers were sent in answer to a request for martial law which Governor Moody said he does not think is justified at present. Captains Tom Hickman and Frank Hamer each with four privates left for Borger, heavily armed. Citizens and officials of Borger asked that the town be placed under martial law, following recent outbreaks in which two deputy sheriffs were killed and numerous other crimes committed.

Opposes Martial Law

     “I will not call martial law unless it is shown definitely that civil law has failed.” Moody said. “I believe the rangers will be sufficient. They will remain until the law wins out over the lawless—until the lawless unconditionally surrender.”

     A second district attorney to aid the one now serving in the county will be appointed soon Moody said.

     Borger, in the Hutchinson county oil field, has been the scene of numerous outbreaks, since mushroom growth transformed it almost overnight into a city of 15,000 persons.

     Rangers have been ordered there several times, and have made numerous raids. A company of several men was stationed there for several weeks, but finally was removed when peace seemed to have been effected.

Will Act Later

     Further outbreaks, if not quelled by the ten picked rangers sent today, may cause the declaration of martial law as a last resort. The governor, however, said he will avoid calling the militia if possible because he believes civil authority will win out and because of the great expense martial law would incur.

     Rangers are expected to arrive in Borger tomorrow morning, unless they stop for rest tonight.