In the Rocky Mountain States there had existed for years what was practically a condition of almost constant war between the wealthy mine-owners and the Western Federation of Miners, at whose head stood Messrs.

Haywood, Pettibone, and Moyer, who were about that time indicted for the murder of the Governor of Idaho.

Much that was lawless, much that was indefensible, had been done by both sides.

The Legislature of Nevada was in sympathy with, or at least was afraid of not expressing sympathy for, Messrs.

Moyer, Haywood, Pettibone, and their associates.
The State was practically without any police, and the Governor had recommended the establishment of a State Constabulary, along the lines of the Texas Rangers; but the Legislature rejected his request.