Captain John R. Hughes: Lone Star Ranger

11. A Ranger in the Panhandle

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11  A Ranger in the Panhandle “Upon coming up with the Howe’s [sic] . . . they opened fire on the posse, and in the fight following both of the Howe’s were killed.” —Sgt. Herff A. Carnes, January 30, 1911, Scout Report A marillo’s newspaper, the Daily Panhandle, interviewed Captain Hughes as soon as possible and headlined the write-up as if the man had been totally silent previously: “Capt. Hughes of Rangers Talks” the sub-headline read, noting that he was a “Fine Type of the Real Texas Ranger of Olden Days.” Hughes stated, with reference to Amarillo, I am thoroughly well pleased with Amarillo, and more so to note the quiet trend in the peace [police?] departments of the city and county. I am grateful to note that the local option situation is being cared for in a thorough manner by local officers. I hope and believe that they will continue in the course now outlined. I trust I shall not be forced to send a report to headquarters having on it a case of the class indicated. I am convinced that the local officers are equal to the task of caring for the policing of the city and the county, and shall not feel badly if the situation remains such that my force will not be compelled to make an arrest in this line. A blank report will not hurt me with the department. Hughes continued, pointing out that he had been in the Ranger service for twenty-two years, and during those years had “manufactured” all A Ranger in the Panhandle 217 the reputation he desired. Thus, he assured the Panhandle reporter, “there will be no reputation plays, either by myself or my men. . . . Amarillo, so far as I am able to determine from the limited acquaintance with the city, is quiet and peaceable, with a promise for unbroken record of the same character.” Hughes continued with his praise of the region as well as informing the reading public of his background. He pointed out that this was the first time he had been stationed away from the Rio Grande region, with the exception of the relatively brief stay in Austin. He noted the Panhandle region “appears to me to be a fertile and most desirable one. I am glad to say that I have been cordially received in Amarillo and that the Citizenship meets my highest expectation.” Hughes knew he was presenting a positive image of himself and letting the Panhandle readers know he thought highly of them as a class. He noted he had already made “a little scout into the country” and with what he learned his knowledge and his appreciation of the Texas Plains and its people increased. The Panhandle editor described Hughes as “sociable and thoroughly posted in matters in his line, with a rather liberal knowledge of everyday affairs in general.” He further noted that he was not interested in “petty work” and that he and his men much preferred “to face and conquer situations on a greater scale” such as the “old-time work of the rangers,” and “taking care of the big cattle thieves and criminal cases where much was involved.”1 A few weeks later, in early December, Captain Hughes received more positive publicity in the columns of the Panhandle. Described as a “splendid tribute,” a petition addressed to the citizens of Amarillo and Potter County was prepared by El Paso citizens and sent to Amarillo and was then published in the newspaper. The petition in essence praised Captain Hughes and his men, stating the company had been in El Paso County for the previous two years and during that time “won the respect and regard of our people for their manly demeanor, sober conduct and absolute attention to official duties at all times.” Further, the community of El Paso regretted the circumstances that caused the command to move elsewhere. The petition was signed by over forty El Pasoans, including Chief of Police R. F. Jenkins and his assistant chief W. J. Ten Eyck; Chief Deputy Sheriff R. E. Bryant; W. W. Turney; CAP TAI N JOHN R . H U GHES : LONE STAR RANG ER 218 Sheriff Florence J. Hall; and many other county and city officers. Most had known Hughes professionally as well as socially.2 In spite of Hughes’s stated desire to be above the minor elements of law enforcement, he...