Dodge
Dodge
Dodge
Dodge
DodgeThe LaPlata Miner, June 23, 1883 reported that, "There were forty men with a record of having killed over one, and it is a wonder to all that no killing occurred."
The Dodge City Peace Commission was formed as a direct result of the actions taken by the Powers-To-Be, namely former Mayor Alonzo Webster and his 300 pound whipping boy newly elected Mayor Larry Deger. Webster, owner of the Old House Saloon, wasn't able to attract the business Luke Short was because of Luke's Texas roots. Webster devised a plan whereby Deger would have Luke's girls arrested but Webster's girls were left alone. Luke took exception to this and went looking for those responsible.
Louis Hartman, City Court Clerk and special Policeman saw Luke coming in his direction and knew it meant trouble. Hartman decided to get off the first shot so he took aim and let go a round missing Luke. Now think about this for a minute. Luke was not a criminal. He was not wanted for anything. Yet here is a policeman shooting at him because he knew Luke had been wronged. Just imagine such a scene taking place in a casino in Vegas or on the streets of modern day Dodge City. Well Luke wasn't going to put up with that type of treatment. Luke returned fire as Hartman was in full retreat. As Luke fired Hartman stumbled and fell. Luke, believing he had just killed Hartman headed for the Long Branch.
The next day Luke learned he had not killed Hartman and submitted to arrest. Webster and his cronnies decided to run Luke out of town instead of allowing the legal process to run its course. So much for the Law and Order platform Deger ran on when elected. Luke was put on an eastbound train which stopped at Larned, Kansas. Luke got off and telegraphed Bat Masterson.
This was the beginning of the Dodge City Wars. A war in which a shot was never fired.