Galveston Daily News / July 17, 1898
Victoria, B. C., July 16 -- Martial law has been declared in Skaguay as a result of the killing of "Soapy" Smith, a notorious gambler, and the subsequent arrest of several members of his gang. Bowers, one of the ringleaders, had stolen $2700 from a newly returned Dawson City miner. The gang refused to refund the money, which led to an indignation meeting and "Soapy" Smith's shooting. Citizens then armed themselves with Winchesters and patrolled the streets, announcing their intention to arrest all implicated with the dead gambler. The search resulted in the apprehension of Bowers and about a dozen others. Captain Yeatman of the Fourteenth infantry, stationed at Dyea, brought the soldiers to Skaguay and proclaimed martial law. According to passengers on the City of Seattle, Yeatman, fearing his inability to restrain the indignation of the citizens, who threatened to lynch the prisoners, decided to give the men a chance for their lives and allowed them to go free.