ARKANSAS CITY TRAVELER.
[From Wednesday, October 7, 1885, through November 11, 1885.]
FREDERIC LOCKLEY, EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, October 7, 1885.
The Indian Question Considered.
Yesterday might well be called Indian Sunday in Chicago. In the morning the Rev. Dr. Barrows, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, discoursed to his congregation eloquently upon the duty of American Christians to the aboriginal element of our population, and in the evening several congregations united in listening to an address upon the duty of American citizens in the same direction from General Armstrong, whose long experience at the head of the Hampton school enables him to present the case with singular force and interest.
That school is doing a great work for both the black man and the red man. The special prominence thus given to the subject can hardly fail to awaken a deeper interest in it on behalf of our citizens, one which, it may be hoped, will be supplemented by practical work.
It may be said that there are two parallel lines along which the civilization of the Indians should move, suggested by the two words, evangelization and education. No fair minded person, however secular, can deny that Christian missions have done a great deal for the elevation of this race, and that the progress, such as it is, which has been made already, had a strictly religious starting point. If the educational work had been begun earlier, and pushed more vigorously, the mission work would have been very greatly facilitated and conserved. The civilization of any race of savages requires for its rapid and permanent success, both of these great agencies. They are the two legs on which the body must depend for progress. Hopping along on one foot is better than standing still, but it is more tedious and unsatisfactory as compared with walking.
The missionary and the schoolmaster cooperating must do the work, but Congress must lend a helping hand, or at least remove the obstacles put in the path of civilization by unwise legislation and pernicious treaties. The general policy of the government has been wrong from the very first, unphilosophical in principle, unphilanthropic in practice. The assumption has been that as the game on which the Indians originally depended for food was destroyed, the only way to prevent starvation was to treat the tribes as paupers. That fundamental law of civilization, work or starve, was ignored, no serious attempt being made to develop the industrial capabilities of the people. The chief object of General Armstrong as a lecturer, for he has spoken in many places during the season, is to arouse a public sentiment which shall demand of Congress a more rational line of Indian policy. As he stoutly maintains, the true solution of the Indian problem is the absorption of the Indian race into the great body of our industrial population. In his sermon of yesterday Dr. Barrows gave the probable number of Indians as about 300,000. There are a great many of them in the Indian Territory who are very nearly civilized already. They need only the right of holding property in severalty and of American citizenship to complete the work.
The next Congress ought to inaugurate the new departure. The Senate of the last Congress did its part toward it by the passage of what is known as the Dawes bill, and if public sentiment would demand it, the House would probably pass it and thus inaugurate a new era in the national treatment of the original proprietors of this continent.
Chicago Inter Ocean, September 28, 1885.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, October 7, 1885.
GLOBE-DEMOCRAT: Gen. Miles= recommendation that the Indian Territory be turned over to the military authorities and that the lands not needed by the Indians for farming purposes be opened to white settlement, is in harmony with western sentiment and with the dictates of common sense. The time has come to abandon the fallacy of trying to civilize the Indians by furnishing them great tracts of land which they do not make any use of, and dealing with them as if they were independent nations, when they are in fact nothing but so many paupers whom the taxpayers of the country have to feed and clothe.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, October 7, 1885.
A CHEROKEE PLAIN.
The Cherokee Advocate, commenting on the appointment of a mission by the president Ato open negotiations with the Cherokee, Creeks, and Seminoles for the purpose of opening to settlement, under the homestead laws, the unassigned lands in said Indian territory,@ refers to the convention held last summer at Eufala, to consider the very same question. AThe meeting was composed,@ says the editor, Aof some of the ablest and purest men of the three nations, and they gave their reply in an emphatic manner, ANo, we will not sell for white settlementCwe dare not.@ This Mr. Daniel H. Ross, the Advocate editor, seems to regard as a definitive answer to the demand of the American people for more room. We remember among the reasoning set forth by Athese ablest and purest men,@ was that the great nations never sell their territory. The sale of the Louisiana purchase by France and of Alaska by Russia seems to have skipped the memory of these Indian statesmen. And for weak tribes of aborigines, numbering in the aggregate less than 40,000 souls, to assume the size of great nations, because that designation is accorded them by courtesy, is weak and frivolous in the extreme. In the Eufala conference there was some grandiloquent talk about the future growth and expansion of these tribes, and every foot of territory being needed for their occupancy. Exclusive of these unassigned lands, ten million acres in extent, the Cherokees, Creeks, and Seminoles have millions of acres in their reservations which they put to no profitable use. There is said to be valuable mineral in the mountains about Tahlequah, but the Cherokees have not the enterprise to exploit them, and prospecting by palefaces is not allowed. This cautious and selfish policy cannot be tolerated while progress and development prevail. The statesmanship of the day deals with the needs of the present generation; what may be useful when the millennium dawns is left for remote posterity to consider.
The more sensible Indian policy now advocated by general approval, is to give every member of the red race a farm, and start him in life with provisions to subsist on for a season, and seeds and implements to render his soil productive. If they have sense enough to avail themselves of this liberal offer, there is an even chance for the redskins to bustle with their paleface brethren; if they continue obstructive, and persist in playing the dog in the manger, the logic of events will gently thrust themselves aside and painless extinction awaits them. The opening of the unassigned lands in the Indian territory is one of the necessities of the hour.
[IF THE TRAVELER EDITOR WROTE THIS, HE WAS REALLY ASKING FOR TROUBLE!]
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, October 7, 1885.
From Our Exchanges.
Indian Chieftain, Vinita: A few days since down at Caddo a couple of kids were playing Amarshal@ and one shot the other through the body with a rusty old gun, which of course Awasn=t loaded.@ The boy was fatally injured.
Star and Kansan: When the offensive partisan who held the office of postmaster at Cedarvale in Chautauqua county was removed, he became so enraged that he took an axe and demolished the post office boxes and fixtures. Of course, as these were his own property, he harmed no one but himself.
Udall Sentinel: The Border Band, of Arkansas City, were on the G. A. R. excursion train Monday afternoon. They were dressed very fantastically, their uniforms being entirely of buckskin with coonskin caps. They played a piece as the train stopped at the depot, and we were well pleased with the excellent music which they discoursed. They will attract considerable attention at Topeka.
Winfield Courier: The Winfield Central Hotel has again changed hands. J. A. McKibben, of this place, has bought out Majors & Robinson and has taken possession. We are sorry to see Sid Majors and Ivan Robinson retire. Their short hostship has changed things famously in the Central, giving it a bigger run in the last month than it ever had before. Sid and family will remain in Winfield. He goes to spend a few weeks looking after his Arkansas City farm.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 7, 1885.
Isaac Ochs is spending a while at the trader post at the Pawnee Agency.
N. S. Martin is up from his ranch and is spending a few days with his family.
Johnny Engles is back after two weeks rustication in Illinois.
Phil Snyder appears on the street after a week=s confinement with the shakes.
John M. Ware is still limping with rheumatism in the knee. He has had a severe time of it.
Visitors to the St. Louis fair can procure return tickets for one way fare, good till the 19th inst.
Sheriff McIntire was on our streets last Friday, receiving the congratulations of his friends on his renomination.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 7, 1885.
O. C. Hardway has rented a window in Steinberger=s new store, and will devote himself to watch and jewelry repairing.
James Hill, our first ward councilman, returned from his visit to New York yesterday.
Col. Townsend returned from an eastern trip on Monday, and is sojourning a few days in our midst.
Yesterday Joseph H. Sherburne shipped a choice lot of ponies, fifty in number, to Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and two car loads of beeves to Kansas City.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 7, 1885.
Postmaster Topliff has been removed from the ragged edge, and Martin A. Sinnott appointed to succeed him. Our new man of letters will take hold in a few days.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 7, 1885.
Our city merchants have been in the habit of closing their stores at lamplight; but now the days are getting short, they light off an evening, and close their doors at 8 o=clock.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 7, 1885.
Geo. E. Hasie found time to write us a brief letter duri8ng his short stay in Topeka. We are promised other effusions from his facile pen during his trip to Colorado.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 7, 1885.
There will be a meeting in the office of the Johnson Loan and Trust Company on Friday evening for the purpose of organizing a driving park and agricultural association.
[??? Is there a firm in Winfield? Never heard of them in A.C.]
Arkansas City Traveler, October 7, 1885.
The Geuda Springs Herald tells its impecuneous readers, AIf you want to borrow money, call at the Herald office.@ How much pleasanter reading this is than a frantic dun to delinquent subscribers to pay up.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 7, 1885.
The Democrat mentions the appointment of B. Sheridan to be postmaster in Paola and adds the significant comment: AAnother democratic editor gets an office.@ Let our hopeful cotemporary be of good cheer, the lightning may strike him yet.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 7, 1885.
The veterans returned on Friday from their trip to Topeka, all hearty in declaring they had spent the jolliest time on record. It is computed that 60,000 old soldiers were present on the camp ground. The managers of the reunion treated their visitors well.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 7, 1885.
The members of the Christian Church in this city met on Monday evening and approved of the ministry of their pastor, Rev. J. P. Witt, during the past year. A unanimous call was made for the reverend gentleman to continue his useful work another year.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 7, 1885.
Ollie Soule was bound over by U. S. Commissioner Bonsall, in the sum of $1,000 to appear at the next term of the United States court in Wichita. It will be remembered that this young man shot and killed his employer, G. W. Handy, on the 24th ult., in what he claimed to be self-defense.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 7, 1885.
A. J. Gilbert has had for a guest the last few days, his brother-in-law, A. J. Silas, of Muscatine, Iowa. We find him a genial, well informed gentleman, and are pleased to learn from him that he is favorably impressed with this city and its surroundings.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 7, 1885.
The ladies of the Methodist Church wish us to mention that they will hold a three days= exposition in the Burroughs= building, com-mencing today. They have collected an interesting display of art works, embroidery, fancy work, and bric-a-brac, and will furnish music for the entertainment of their evening visitors. Dinner and supper will be given for 25 cents, and 10 cents will be charged for admission.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 7, 1885.
There will be an active contest for the commissionership, as both the candidates are good men. Amos Walton, the present incumbent, has performed his duties satisfactorily, and has many friends to support him; while the republican nominee, J. D. Guthrie, is a competent man, a substantial farmer, and will poll a strong vote in the rural districts. We cannot say a harsh word of our fellow townsman, but where merit is about even, prefer to see a member of our own political persuasion elected.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 7, 1885.
S. F. Steinberger moved into his elegant and commodious new store last week, in the Frick Bros. building. The counters and prescription stand are the work of Beecher & So., of this city; they are tastefully designed, well made, and the former with their handsome and well filled show cases, present a really fine appearance. Steinberger is a man of taste and irrepressible energy, and his liberal outlay in show bottles, toilet articles, and fancy goods generally has enabled him to furnish and stock as handsome a drug store as can be found in Southern Kansas. The elaborate and ornate gold lettering in his window is the work of Thomas E. Braggins, and reflects credit on his skill as an artist.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 7, 1885.
Clearwater, Comanche County, has been attracting considerable emigration of late, and it has followed, as a matter of course, that its people must be furnished with a home newspaper. This want is supplied in the Clearwater Leader, a neat appearing, six-column quarto sheet, although it starts with rather a slim show of advertising.
S. T. Palmer is the publisher, Aa member of the great progressive republican party,@ as he avows, but his present object is Ato build up the interests of his patrons in a business point of view, letting politics take care of its kind.@
Arkansas City Traveler, October 7, 1885.
J. A. McCormick is up from the Springs to spend a few days in town.
BIRTH. Born on Thursday, October 1st, to the wife of James Crutchfield, East Bolton, a son.
Neff & Henderson have rented Steinberger=s former store and are stocking it for a feed store.
Peak=s blacksmith shop was removed yesterday to make room for Ed Grady=s new brick store.
Dealers in school books are doing an acttive business supplying the wants of scholars in our public schools.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 7, 1885.
A sad accident occurred to the 8-year old son of F. N. Crane, on Monday, who lives on Grouse Creek. Through a fall from a pony the boy fractured both bones of his forearm, just above the wrist, the fractured portion of one of the bones protruding through the flesh. The injured member was treated by Dr. Fowler, and the little patient, who showed great nerve, is now doing well.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 7, 1885.
On Monday evening quite a number of neighbors and friends gathered at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. George Cunningham for the purpose of witnessing the bloom of the night blooming cereus.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 7, 1885.
Cowley County Democracy.
The democrats of Cowley County held their love feast in Winfield on Saturday, and had rather a lonesome time. About a half a hundred delegates composed the convention; visitors were few and far between. The convention organized by choosing J. L. Andrews, of Maple City, chairman, and Edward Gage, secretary. Committees were appointed according to established custom, and reports made, although but slight interest attached to this part of the proceedings. When the nominations were arrived at, the greed for office which characterizes the average democratic politician, seemed lacking in zest. The choices of getting there were too dim. However, appearances had to be kept up, and victims were found for the sacrifice. The following is the ticket selected.
For sheriff: Capt. C. G. Thompson, of Arkansas City.
For Treasurer: Rudolph Hite, of Dexter.
For Register of Deeds: John Ledlie, of Burden.
For County Clerk, Fred C. Hunt, of Winfield.
For Coroner: Dr. T. B. Tandy, of Winfield.
For Surveyor: J. W. Weeks, of Udall.
Our redoubtable friend, Capt. Thompson, heads the list. Fred. Huntt, the son of his father, who is serving his term as county clerk, is evidently a believer in the perpetuity of office. Amos Walton was renominated for commissioner.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 7, 1885.
BUILDING ACTIVITY.
A Brief Statement of the Building Growth of Arkansas City.
The cry of hard times may be raised, but where building activity continues unabated, there can be no cause for dejection. Almost every day we see new buildings started, all of a permanent and solid character and an evidence of the progress and thrift of the city. In the burnt district foundations are being dug for six new business buildings, two story and basement, each 25 feet by 100. William Gall, the architect, has prepared the plans for four of these buildings, those of J. H. Sherburne, S. B. Pickle, Mrs. Benedict, and Dr. Shepard, and this row of iron fronts, extending 100 feet, with plate windows and elaborate finish, will be an enduring monument to the enterprise and growth of our city. Messrs. Kroenert & Austin, at the south end of the burnt region, intend to erect a one story brick, uniform with the building adjoining it on the south (Mowry & Sollitt=s drug store), and Mr. Bittle, at the north end, is excavating his foundation without having decided fully on his plan.
Just north, the handsome stores of Dr. Chapel and W. B. Bishop have received tenants, and the finishing touches are being given to the upper floors. They are being finished off for dwellings or offices, the doctor retaining a portion of his upper floor for a medical office. On the opposite side T. H. McLaughlin is making progress with his double building, putting in such solid work as to secure the safety against all stress of wind and weather.
Mr. Gall has finished the plans of J. C. Topliff=s new double building south of the Hasie block. This will be in keeping with the elegance of the structure it adjoins, and will be the cause of just pride to our citizens. On the corner just south, the Frick Bros., new building shows off to advantage, and when the upper rooms and basement are finished, will furnish commodious and handsome quarters for the occupants. At the other end of the block, Ed. Grady has begun to dig the foundation for another first-class brick store and residence, and there is talk that Messrs. Chambers, Newman, Hess, and Dunn will join in the erection of three brick stores on the site lately occupied by Mr. Grady as a coal yard.
Mr. C. D. Burroughs= handsome stone building across the way is likely to be rented for a hotel. It is eligibly situated for such a purpose and has room for the comfortable accommodation of fifty guests.
Herman Godehard=s new and commodious brick store and G. W. Miller & Co.=s new hardware store are now finished and occupied and are not to be forgotten in enumerating our recent city improvements. O. P. Houghton=s 32 foot extension to his dry goods store still leaves him insufficient room, but as it is now late in the season, we believe he defers rebuilding the main part of his house till the coming spring. The Johnson Loan and Trust Co., have also postponed the erection of their two-story office till after the winter is past. The large extension to the Arkansas City Bank has been completed recently, but the carpet and furniture for the private rooms are not yet in place.
This in addition to the many tasteful private residences that have been built and are now in process of construction, makes a creditable record for Arkansas City, and shows that in growth and business prosperity she keeps fully abreast with her sister cities.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 7, 1885.
Council Proceedings.
The city council met in regular session on Monday evening, at 7:30 o=clock; Councilman Thompson presiding, Mayor Schiffbauer being detained at home owing to the sickness of his wife. All the members were present except Bailey and Hill.
The following bills were acted on.
T. R. Houghton, $1.25; referred.
American Machinist Publishing Co., $12 for advertising, allowed.
C. R. Sipes, $5.50; referred.
Age of Steel, $3 for advertising; allowed.
W. D. Johnson, extra police duty, $2; allowed.
County bill of O. P. Houghton, $10.51; approved.
A communication from the Wichita Water Works Co., was read, offering for sale two boilers, abandoned because of their insufficiency for the needs of that city. Placed on file.
An offer was made by F. B. Scott, the water works engineer, through Mr. Prescott, to run the works and do all the repairing for $60 a month. Another offer was received from Edward Malone, to perform the same work for $40 a month. No action was taken.
Permission was granted J. C. Topliff to use the street for building material while erecting his double house next to the Hasie block.
A similar privilege was granted Edward Grady while building a brick store on Summit Street, corner of Third Avenue.
City Clerk Benedict asked permission to move the building on the rear of his lot (sold to Joseph Bittle) across Central Avenue to the rear of Judge Bonsall=s office. Granted.
The reply of the State Veterinarian was read to the application of Mayor Schiffbauer, for that expert to visit Arkansas City and suggest the means of suppressing the spread of contagious disease among horses in this city. He says application must be made to Governor Martin.
The report of the police judge for the last month was read and placed on file.
The subject of curbing and guttering Summit Street was introduced by Councilman Dunn. He said the grade must be established before this work is begun. The city clerk informed Mr. Dunn there was an old grade established, the record of which, he believed, was to be found among Judge Bonsall=s papers. It was agreed by the council that the grade should be 10 inches, from the centre of the street to the curb, instead of 18 inches as first designed.
Mr. Dunn, on behalf of the street committee, said the proposition to annex that portion of land between the city and the west bridge in order to bring that structure within the city limits, had been referred to the wrong committee. His committee was not ready to report on the subject.
City Marshal Gray was reappointed street commissioner to hold the office until his successor is appointed and qualified. A resolution was also adopted that ex-Street Commissioner Moore be instructed to make his report and deliver his records to his successor without delay.
The application of C. D. Burroughs that the city furnish pipe and water to a public watering place he proposes to build in front of his stores, was favorably considered.
Mr. Davis said he had spoken to the roadmaster of the Santa Fe road in reference to the repair of the culvert at the depot, and he had promised to place it in the hands of the section boss.
The council then adjourned.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 7, 1885.
SOLDIER=S REUNION.
A Few Hasty Sketches of the Gathering of Veterans.
Well, I am here, and so is the crowd, but the crowd got here first and crowded me out. The result was, a cot last night in a hall, somewhat after the hospital style during the war. But I slept, though some other fellow in the next ward slept harder than I did. He was a religious sleeper, and sang gospel hymns through his nose. But they don=t sound well that way. Most of them are not written as bass solos, and therefore cannot be sung as such without producing considerable discord in its effect upon the hearer.
Topeka is in its gala dress, and everybody feels patriotic. Even the little urchins tie ribbons in their button holes and march along with as much spirit as though they were veterans, and this was their picnic.
As I write the boys are passing in review and the air is filled with music, flags are flying, banners waving, handkerchiefs fluttering in fair hands that are directed by eyes bright with the enthusiasm of the hour. And the immense gathering of people seems to indicate a determination that the welcome to the brave boys shall be a general one. The Buckskin Band is one of the objects of the occasion, and can return to Arkansas City feeling that they have created a sensation; for their costume and playing were the subjects of much favorable comment.
I met Corbin and Grosscup, both full--of the spirit of the day. Lorry, Nipp, Soward, and others from our section of the country, showed up bright and genial as usual. Shall leave for the far west in a few minutes and cannot therefore write as would like to.
WANDERER.
Topeka, Kansas, October 1st.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 7, 1885.
SKIPPED A LONG ARTICLE RE REV. W. H. HARRIS GIVING A DISCOURSE ON POLITICS AND PROHIBITION...SPEAKER FOR THE LAW AND ORDER UNION AT THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH--W. M. JENKINS, PRESIDENT OF THE ORGANIZATION. ON THE PLATFORM WITH HARRIS: REVS. CAMPBELL AND WALKER.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 7, 1885.
A Heathen Chinee.
A solitary Chinaman in our midst creates considerable interest. He came from Kansas City here, talks good pigeon English, and is going into the business of washee. Bro. Sawyer will not like such a competition, but if this Asiatic has the customary enterprise of his race, he can make himself a public benefactor without depriving our white brother of his bread. Chinamen have a natural aptitude for washing and cooking, and in communities where they establish a hold, families are relieved of all the proverbial discomforts of washing-day. On the Pacific coast, Chinese launderers will do a family washing, for six persons say, for $5 or $6 a month, taking the soiled linen away on Monday morning, and returning it on Saturday done up in the best style. This is a great convenience to families, but it is purchased at the cost of some social irregularities. Chinamen herd together, they are unaccompanied by women, they are addicted to opium smoking and gambling, and they worship a hideous carven deity which they call Joss. In their personal habits they are cleanly, but they have a profound contempt for the laws of hygiene. In Chinese quarters, in the coast cities, they herd together like a ship=s watch in a fo=castle; sleeping in bunks built one over the other, and economizing space and air as though they were rare and costly commodities.
A war is waging against these Mongolian intruders in the far west, and some of the more adventurous, who are driven out, will be apt to push their fortunes further east. In Wyoming a brutal massacre was made of several score Chinese coal miners, and in Montana, the workmen in the principal cities--Helena, Butte, and Miles City--have issued an akase [?], requiring them to leave.
It remains with our citizens to determine whether they will have an infusion of heathen Chinee in their population or not. If this solitary pioneer of an innumerable and exhaustless race is encouraged, he will very shortly be joined by others; because it must be terribly lonesome for him living alone, and he cannot carry on his business, to make it useful to the community, without the help of some fellow countryman.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 7, 1885.
A JOURNALISTIC CENSOR.
What Kind of a Person Shall we Admit to our New Jerusalem?
The Republican, in its last issue, republishes a list of houses and stores in process of erection, most of which have been mentioned in our own columns. It is gratifying to record such building activity, because it gives evidence of the steady growth of the city, and is proof that the confidence in its continued prosperity is unabated. Commenting on this expansion in business facilities and population, our neighbor says: ASituated on the border of the great Indian Territory, and the gateway to the Oklahoma country, Arkansas City is bound to lead the procession in growth. . . . Our advantages are superior to those of Wichita. Although Wichita is probably three times as large as Arkansas City at present, we have in the last eighteen months had erected as many business blocks as the old Square City.@
This is pleasing reading, but it suggests a parallel instance. In Salt Lake some years ago a glib canvasser presented himself, who prevailed on the bishops and holy apostles who composed the common council of that city of Saints, to appropriate a sum of money to have illustrations of its temple and other prominent buildings publised in some eastern journals. He said it would attract emigration to Utah. But the question suggested itself to the minds of the unregenerate in Zion, what is the use of spending the public money to induce people to come here, who are proscribed for their way of thinking, who are pointed out as goats to the sheep of the fold, and who are so hounded and beset that there is no way of living open to them?
The editor of the Republican in like manner sets himself up as censor of morals in this community. In the depths of his vast intellect, he has formulated some ideal state of society--some modern Utopia--into which nothing common or unclean must intrude, and any person or persons who enter our boundaries and do not conform with his idea of what is desirable, he sets to work to assail, and never ceases from his abuse, till he drives the stranger away. Is not this a repetition of the proscriptive practice of the Mormon zealots? Is the statesmanship of our youthful journalist so profound that he shall dictate who of our incoming population shall leave and who may stay? Can a city acquire a healthy growth with such a marplot active in its midst?
Not long since a Wichita merchant came here, opened out a stock of dry goods, and offered Aastonishing bargains@ to the people. Perhaps his establishment was a cheap john affair, and his mode of advertising was confusing to the conservative habits of some of our tradespeople. But he paid his rent, hired three or four clerks, and contributed his fair proportion to the city treasury. If he offered cheap goods to his patrons, a public benefit was derived from his enterprise; if he cinched them in cost or quality, full privilege was extended them to stay away. But it takes all kinds to make a world, and when we invite people to join us, the only limit we should impose on them is obedience to state law and the city ordinances.
But our fancy journalistic censor saw mischief in the enterprise of this Wichita man, he was solicitous for the welfare of rival tradesmen, and conceived it his duty to assail him with all the feeble force of his truculent pen.
More recently two deserving young men came here from a neighboring town to resurrect a place of amusement and purge it of its former ill name. They expended their little capital in fitting up the place, gave pledges to the public that it should be well conducted, and made their appeal for a liberal share of support. But our modern Cato scented evil in their design; he opened the mud catteries of his columns against them, and by incessant clamor created such an adverse prejudice that their place of entertainment was deserted, and this city deprived of two very useful citizens. Perhaps these two young men may tell in their travels how the people of Arkansas City welcome strangers to their midst.
It has also been the misfortune of this editor to fall under the ban of our irrepressible marplot. After living half a century and supposing some slight usefulness had attached to our labor, we came to this city to learn to our confusion how entirely wrong are our methods, how libelous our utterances, how totally depraved our every word and deed. In our printing for the city, we attempt to cheat the public in every item we charge; a city councilman detects our villainy and recommends a reduction of the excessive charges, and that officer we single out with full intent for obloquy and insult. Other prominent citizens, and they are named in our censor=s arraignment, Messrs. T. H. McLaughlin, James L. Huey, and one of our city clergy, have been made the victims of our ribald pen, and this effusive youth has time and again been impelled to defend them from our vile aspersions. We would go through the whole catalogue of sins imputed to our charge, but space fails us. Evidently his aim is to add this journal to his list of victims, and drive its editor into some other community where a larger measure of charity will be extended to his heinous sins.
We ask the people and property holders of Arkansas City, whether the intemperate ravings of such an ill-advised youth are a benefit or a harm to the city? Do they delegate to him the right to judge who, of the people who seek to make homes with us, shall be allowed to abide and who shall be driven away with reproach and contumely? Do they build houses and stores and appoint the Republican editor absolute dictator over the character and kind of tenants they may admit?
It is not necessary for this journal to inform its readers that there will be slight need for building enterprise if this officious and inexperienced scribe is to be allowed to stand as a Cerberus at our city gates and bark at and beslaver every newcomer whose appearance does not please him. Population is not attracted by such means, and new dwellings and stores are not in demand among a people where repulsion and reproach take the place of hospitable welcome.
[NOTE: IT IS APPARENT THE SKATING RINK WAS ANO MORE@.]
Arkansas City Traveler, October 7, 1885.
The Public Schools.
The public schools of this city opened on Monday, and there was a large attendance of scholars. Following is the assignment of teachers.
High school: Miss Belle Everett, principal; Joseph Bryan, assistant.
On the lower floor of the same building (first ward), Miss Nellie Cunningham teaches the 4th and 5th grades; and Miss Jennie Peterson the 6th and 7th grades.
In the north school building, Mrs. Theaker and Miss Lizzie Wilson have the 2nd and 3rd grades, and in the school house south, Miss Lucy Walton teaches the first grade.
In the 4th ward school, Miss Cora Cretcher has been appointed principal. Miss Florence Patterson is placed in charge of the 4th and 5th grades; Miss Eva Collins of the 2nd and 3rd; and Miss Luelle Ferris teaches the first grade.
The regular work of tuition is not yet fairly entered on.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 7, 1885.
SKIPPED A LONG ARTICLE WHICH AGAIN ATTACKS DICK HOWARD, OF THE REPUBLICAN NEWSPAPER. EDITOR REALLY GOT CARRIED AWAY ON THIS ONE! ALL SORTS OF QUOTES, REFERENCES TO LONG AGO EVENTS, ETC.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 7, 1885.
Notice to the Voters of Creswell Township.
There are two places located to receive votes in said township, one at the schoolhouse in school district (32) thirty-two, known as the Parker schoolhouse, east of the Walnut; the other at the Jack Oak schoolhouse in district (6) six. Citizens of said township can vote at either poll. E. M. VAUGHN, Township Trustee.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 7, 1885.
SKIPPED ARTICLE RE SECOND MONTHLY MEETING OF THE COWLEY COUNTY TEACHERS= ASSOCIATION TO BE HELD OCTOBER 14...PAPER BY PROF. GRIDLEY, DISCUSSION BY J. W. WARREN AND MISS CORA BEACH. PAPER BY PROF. WEIR. DISCUSSION BY MISS JESSIE STRETCH AND F. E. HAUGHEY [? HANGHEY ].
PAPER BY CAMPBELL; DISCUSSION BY MISS FLORENCE PATTERSON AND MISS LAURA BARNES. PAPER BY MISS CELIUS BLISS. DISCUSSION BY MISS EVA COLLINS AND CHAS. WING. PAPER BY MISS SADIE PICKERING. DISCUSSION BY MISS AMY CHAPIN AND S. S. HART. PAPER BY MISS ELLA KELLEY, DISCUSSION BY MISS LIDA STTRONG AND MISS MAUD PIERSON.
[HARD TO READ! REALLY NOT 100% SURE OF NAMES.]
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, October 14, 1885.
Another Pointer Towards the Territory.
Gen. Miles has forwarded his report to the Secretary of War, and its contents have been made public.
A
The Indian Territory is now a block in the pathway of civilization. It is preserved to perpetuate a mongrel race far removed from the influence of civilized people; a refuge for the outlaws and indolent of whites, blacks, and Mexicans. The vices introduced by these elements are rapidly destroying the Indians by disease. Without courts of justice or public institutions, without roads, bridges, or railways, it is simply a dark blot in the center of the map of the United States. It costs the government hundreds of thousands of dollars to peaceably maintain from sixty to eighty thousand Indians there, when the territory is capable of supporting many millions of enlightened people. I am convinced that the time has arrived for a change; and I therefore recommend that congress authorize the president to appoint a commission of three experienced, competent men, empowered to treat with the different tribes; to consider all legal or just claims or titles; to grant to the Indian occupants of the territory a sufficient quantity of land in severalty required for their wants and support, but not transferable for twenty years; that their title to the remainder be so far extingushed as it may be held in trust or sold by the government, and a sufficient amount of the proceeds granted them to indemnify them for any interests they may possess to the land; that enough of said proceeds be provided to enable the Indians in the territory to become self-sustaining. The land not required for Indian occupation to be thrown open for settlement under the same laws and rules as have been applied to the public domain.@
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, October 14, 1885.
A LION IN THE WAY.
A writer in the Indian Chieftain sees a hidden hand in the general demand of the American people that the present tribal relations be dissolved and land allotted to each Indian in severalty. It is a common thing, we may remark, for these aborigines to see Aa lion in the way,@ whenever the path of progress is pointed out to them. Not long since a sage Cherokee informed us that every foot of land contained in the reservation of that tribe would be required to provide homes for the generations yet to be born. This is seeking trouble a long way ahead. The census tables do not show the Indians to be a prolific race, their tendency is rather to die off and seek the happy hunting grounds of the spirit world, than to increase and multiply on this earth. The rapid expansion of the pale face, and the pushing forward of the area of civilization, bring the two races in juxtaposition, and before many ages pass away what remains of the red man will be found in admixture with the blood of the dominant race.
The danger that now scarces this Cherokee writer is the absorption of the entire Indian country by the railroads, under their conditional franchises a quarter of a century old. During the war when the entire attention of the country was devoted to suppressing the rebellion, railroad charters were hurried through congress, a considerable number of them granting the right of way through the Indian territory and conveying large subsidies of land on the condition that the Indians, through whose reservations the roads were to pass, should dissolve their tribal relations, or voluntarily abandon their homes.
The recent recommendation of Gen. Miles and the general clamor throughout the land that each red man be put on his own farm and be required to strike out for himself, this prophet of evil regards as a scheme to satisfy railway rapacity. He says: AWhen this scheme is consummated, what will hinder the railroads from rushing through our lands and claiming, as they have done on all other occasions, the choices of them by virtue of the grants which they now hold from the government of the United States?@
The hindrance will be found in the simple fact that these grants are outlawed. Since congress was so profuse in its land grants parceling out the public domain to every swindling corporation that asked a slice, there has been a complete revulsion in public sentiment. A conditional grant made in a past generation would have a distressingly slim chance of becoming operative now. Before any railroad company could obtain the assent of congress to the validity of its charter, the land claimed would be overrun with settlers; and as possession is nine points in law, the railroad company claiming title would find itself thrust hopelessly aside.
As we have before remarked, the Cherokees are about evenly divided on this perplexing land question; and when the impetus of an outside pressure is applied, those cautious souls who are always seeing breakers ahead will have to step out of the path of the more adventurous and progressive.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, October 14, 1885.
BIG AD. S. F. STEINBERGER,
Invites the public to call and see his new STORE ROOM, Where can be found an elegant assortment of Drugs, Medicines, Cigars, Tobaccos, Notions, Etc., Etc. New Goods Coming Every Day.
Corner Summit Street and Fourth Avenue.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 14, 1885.
Henry P. Farrar returned yesterday from Kansas City.
A. G. Lowe is suffering from a severe attack of malaria.
Mrs. A. L. Edwards returned from her eastern trip on Saturday.
From Baltimore oysters constantly on hand at Godehard=s.
Richard Hess is in Kansas City, where he proposes to spend a few weeks.
Ex-Street Commissioner Moore is having a lively time with chills and fever.
Mrs. A. A. Newman and children will return from their eastern summering on Saturday.
A. R. Wilcox, Frank Hess= bookkeeper, has a touch of malaria, and is temporarily relieved from duty.
W. F. McCague, from the Osage Agency, and T. M. Finney, from the Kaw Agency, were in town yesterday.
O. Ingersoll and wife left home on Thursday to spend a few weeks with their friends in Brocton, New York.
The People=s Building and Loan Association will meet in Judge Pyburn=s office at 7:30 this evening. All stockholders are requested to attend.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 14, 1885.
The newest, brightest, funniest, and best of musical absurdities, AA Hot Time,@ will be at the opera house on Saturday, October 17.
P. Wyckoff has been confined to his house the past week with the prevailing malady, but we are glad to learn that he is recovering.
G. W. Cunningham, with a party of Nimrods, have chartered the Kansas Millers to carry them down the river to engage in a hunt in the territory. They expect to be absent about two weeks.
George H. Dresser, the photographic artist, returned on Monday from Iowa, accompanied by his wife and child, who have been paying a visit to their friends in that state.
To be Married. The marriage of Lute Coombs with Miss Meigs is set for next Wednesday, and we also learn that F. A. Neilson will shortly return to his former home to join the order of Benedicts.
The Wellingtonian has woodbined and is absorbed in the Wellington Press, which has been incorporated with a capital stock of $12,000, Jacob Stotler being president and managing editor.
Rev. S. B. Fleming is in receipt of a letter from Idaho, which says that it is a mistake about Tom Hill=s death. He is alive and doing well. This will be gratifying news to his many friends here.
On Monday Miss Mattie Martin accompanied her father on his return to his cattle ranch. Miss Maggie Hoffman was also a member in the party. They propose to enjoy the charms of a pastoral life for two weeks.
The wives of Mayor Schiffbauer and Councilman Bailey have both had a dangerous time with their confinement, but we are gratified to report that both ladies are now in a fair way to recover health.
Mrs. Lafe McLaughlin returned from her visit to Maine last week, accompanied by her brother, Mr. Samuel Philbrick, who proposes to spend the winter here and will probably make Arkansas City his permanent abode.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 14, 1885.
Last week Ed Grady began excavating for the foundation of his new store and dwelling, but a misunderstanding arising between himself and A. A. Newman about a transfer of lots, the work was temporarily abandoned.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 14, 1885.
A. Hartley, former government employee at the Pawnee Agency, has been displaced, and orders his paper sent to Arizona. He spent eighteen months among the Pawnees, and reports them in a really progressive condition.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 14, 1885.
J. D. Guthrie has left a tempting display of apples in the Cowley County Bank, the land offices of Frank Hess, and Snyder & Hutchison, and other places--the product of his own orchard. As an agronomist our future county commissioner may be pronounced a success.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 14, 1885.
Ira Barnett has rented Grubbs= former stand next to the Arkansas City Bank, which he has fitted up as an office. The location is excellent, and he says he finds it much pleasanter than doing business on the street. The Arkansas City Roller Mills Co., also has office room in the building.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 14, 1885.
The meeting called in the office of the Johnson Loan and Trust Co., on Friday evening, to organize a driving park and agricultural association, was sparsely attended. It was thought that sufficient publication of the meeting had not been made, and a consideration of the matter was postponed to a future time.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 14, 1885.
Col. Sinnott, our newly appointed postmaster, came to town on Saturday, and stayed over till Monday. He reports work on the tax rolls progressing in the county clerk=s office, but it will take upwards of a week to finish the work. He will not be likely to assume charge of our city mails till the close of the month.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 14, 1885.
Dr. Brown last week entertained two of his old time friends in Cadiz, Ohio, Ray and Albert Finney, brothers. The first named has been employed in the pension bureau in Washington for two years, but the guillotine cut short the term of his official life. He is now looking for a location in this state. Albert has already cast his lot with the Kansans and his success attracts his brother hitherward.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 14, 1885.
The registers of our city hotels show a largely increased number of arrivals.
Thompson & Woodin have sold their mail and express line to Geuda and Wellington to Geo. Heisinger of Silver Dale.
We are pleased to see J. H. Hilliard on the street again after a severe attack of the shakes.
Go to Geo. E. Dresser=s gallery and see the nice photos he is getting out. Successor to McCormick.
D. Brunswick has finished up his clothing sales and will remove the remainder of his stock to his store in Wellington.
Street Commissioner Gray has laid a gravel crosswalk along Summit Street on Fifth Avenue, which will be a boon to pedestrians in bad weather.
One of the handsome bay windows of the Commercial block is now ornamented with the names of Drs. Shepard & Acker, as a medical firm, in bold gilt lettering.
I wish to exchange a large hard coal base burner stove for a smaller size of the same kind. Stove is all in good fix, but is larger than I need. H. P. STANDLEY.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 14, 1885.
W. H. Jenkins is in his new meat market, on North Summit Street. He is doing a nice business, and his salesman, W. T. Allensworth, is an artist in the work of slicing off roasts and juicy steaks.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 14, 1885.
The Republican offers to open a department for the benefit of teachers wherein Aarithmetic, grammar, etc.,@ may be discoursed, Dick Howard being kind enough to offer his own Ahumble efforts in aiding this enterprise.@ We suggest that correct spelling be made a prominent feature of this department.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 14, 1885.
Capt. C. G. Thompson yesterday laid on our table a bunch of fine radishes just gathered from his own garden. He explains that some of his spring crop of the vegetable had been allowed to run to seed, and these were a voluntary growth. They are tender and succulent, and are growing in great abundance. What is not a Kansas soil capable of producing?
Arkansas City Traveler, October 14, 1885.
To Be Married. Dr. Mitchell left town yesterday, procuring his ticket for Portland, Maine, attracted thither by a sweet little nymph, whom he intends to make his bride. Harriet P. Corry is the name of the lady, a former resident of this city, and prized for her estimable qualities. The happy pair may be expected home by Oct. 1st [?], and then will be the time to offer congratulations.
[HE MUST HAVE MEANT NOVEMBER 1ST...???]
Arkansas City Traveler, October 14, 1885.
DIED. Died on Friday, the 9th inst., Clara, infant daughter of Capt. T. B. and Nancy J. Tinsly, aged 1 year and 19 months. The funeral was held on Monday, the services conducted by Rev. S. B. Fleming.
DIED. Also died, Myrtle, the infant daughter of Mrs. Easterhill, of Beaver Township, on the 8th inst. Funeral the following day at Tannehill Cemetery.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 14, 1885.
MARRIED. It is somewhat late in the day to announce the wedding of Edward L. Kingsbury and Miss Etta M. Barnett, the happy event having occurred a week ago. But as an interesting social event, we take pleasure in recording the same, and heartily join with the many friends of the wedded couple in wishing them lasting felicity. Ed. and his bride have taken up their abode in Dr. Chapel=s new building.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 14, 1885.
John Stevenson arrived in town yesterday, on a visit to his brother, O. Stevenson, the fraternal pair not having met for twelve years. The former is a veteran railroader, having served as passenger conductor on the Cleveland and Pittsburg road upwards of thirty years. Being a delegate to the Conductors= convention recently held in Denver, he took in Arkansas City on his way home, and will tarry here a few days.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 14, 1885.
The directors of the Farmers= Milling Exchange held a meeting in their rooms on Monday to consider the question of selecting a site for their proposed mill and elevator. The location of the Kansas City and Southwestern depot being determined, they instructed the committee charged with the duty of selecting the ground to be ready to report at an adjourned meeting of the directors on Monday. It is to be supposed that the choice made will be adopted and confirmed, and then we may look to see this important and useful enterprise started on without delay.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 14, 1885.
We present the statement of the First National Bank of this city, which is eminently satisfactory as showing a sound financial standing. Loans and discounts constitute the largest items in the enumeration of resources, as they are also the source of the most liberal profit, and this branch of the business being conducted with the most scrupulous care and ample security obtained, no risk affecting the safey of the bank is incurred. A bank failure is a public disaster, and it is a cause of general satisfaction that this institution is in the hands of discreet and experienced men, and that its business is so healthy and profitable.
STATEMENT -OF THE- FIRST NATIONAL BANK.
REPORT OF THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK AT ARKANSAS CITY, IN THE STATE OF KANSAS, AT THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS, OCTOBER 1ST, 1885.
RESOURCES.
Loans and discounts: $168,452.72
Overdrafts: $867.80
U. S. Bonds to secure circulation: $12,500.00
Due from approved reserve agents: $30,937.57
Due from other National Banks: $7,773.16
Due from state banks & bankers: $9,982.98
Current expenses and taxes paid: $1,033.75
Premiums paid: $2,734.37
Checks and other cash items: $8,092.61
Bills of other banks: $10,364.00
Fractional paper currency, nickels and pennies: $113.90
Special: $7,964.25
Legal tender notes: $6,000.00
Redemption fund with U. S. Treasurer (5 percent of circulation): $562.50
Due from treasurer, other than 5 percent redemption fund: $194.03
TOTAL RESOURCES: $267,473.64
[CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE]
LIABILITIES.
Capital stock paid in: $50,000.00
Undivided profits: $5,047.55
National bank notes outstanding: $11,250.00
Individual deposits subject to check: $120,443.31
Time certificates of depost: $69,687l.45
Cashier=s checks outstanding: $261.00
Due to other National Banks: $319.92
Due to state banks and bankers: $1,469.41
TOTAL LIABILITIES: $267,473.64
STATE OF KANSAS, Cowley County. ss.
I, H. P. Farrar, cashier of the above named bank, do solemnly swear that the above statement is true to the best of my knowledge and belief.
H. P. FARRAR, Cashier.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 6th day of October, 1885.
FRANK C. DEERING, Notary Public.
CORRECT--Attest:
A. D. PRESCOTT,
A. B. JOHNSON.
F. W. FARRAR,
Directors.
[NOTE: I PROBABLY GOT SOME OF THE FIGURES WRONG...HARD TO READ!]
Arkansas City Traveler, October 14, 1885.
Monday was the day set for opening the proposals for the erection of city water works, but the formality was omitted as no bids had been received. Advertisements inviting proposals were inserted in the Scientific American, the Mechanical News, and the Age of Steel, and circulars giving specifications of the work to be done and the size and character of the material to be used, were mailed to all the principal pump makers and others likely to be interested. But none seemed desirous to undertake the job, and thus our hopes of an adequate water supply and proper protection against fire are again indefinitely deferred.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 14, 1885.
THE RAILWAY COMING.
Work - Actively Progressing from Winfield Southward.
A late press dispatch informs us that the Kansas City and Southwestern railroad is completed to Winfield, sixty-one miles of track being now open, and thoroughly equipped with first-class cars. The county commissioners who rode over the last ten miles of the line previous to accepting it, pronounce the road substantial and well built, its appointments first-class in every respect, and its equipment of rolling stock surpassed by that of no other road in the state. At Beaumont, Butler County, the track intersects the St. Louis and San Francisco road, over which line it operates, thus giving Southwestern Kansas a direct route to St. Louis for passenger travel and freight traffic. Between Winfield and Arkansas City, several hundred workmen are now employed, grading, track-laying, and ballasting, and the road is expected to reach this city by the end of next month. The heavy grade on leaving Winfield has been cut, and the deep fill to the bridge across the Walnut is being made. The right of way as far as Creswell Township has been condemned. Where the depot in this city will be located is not yet determined, but it will probably be in the eastern part, near the Santa Fe depot, and the approach to it along Fifth Avenue. It is the intention of the company to carry the road through to the state line, where it will rest, until the Oklahoma country is thrown open to settlement, and then it will be continued on to Texas. Depot buildings will be constructed here, as the present terminus of the road, with the probability of a round house and repair shops in addition. On the completion of this end of the line as far as the territory, work will be commenced at Beaumont and pushed eastward to Kansas City. Bonds have been placed to procure money to carry on the construction, and the completion of the road from Kansas City to this point will be prosecuted without interruption. This is an important event in the history of Arkansas City, and we look to this second railway connection proving a main factor in the city=s future growth and prosperity.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 14, 1885.
That Methodist Festival.
The Methodist ladies successfully conducted their enterprise last week of Akeeping a hotel,@ and opening an exposition. An unfinished store in the Burroughs building was utilized for the purpose; the kitchen being placed in the rear, the dipping room in the centre, and the art saloon and office in front. Meals were given during four days, an excellent table being served, and the food prepared by competent hands. Quite a number of our citizens patronized the enterprise, and were put in the best of humor by the good fare set before them, and the handsome treatment accorded them. The art exposition was interesting and creditable to the taste and industry of the ladies engaged in collecting. Old relics in the shape of books, dresses, porcelain, etc., dating back to the time of the Stuart dynasty; revolutionary mementoes, consisting of coins, newspapers, weapons of war, articles of attire, and suchlike; besides pictures, ladies= work, bric-a-brac, a Mexican collection, and many other articles of rarity and interest. The refectory and art exhibit were well patronized, and the money collected will be devoted to building a parsonage.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 14, 1885.
Fall Millinery Goods. We mention in another column the return of Mrs. A. L. Edwards from a purchasing trip in St. Louis. Her goods have arrived and may now be seen in elegant and varied display in her show cases. The fall styles of hats show some striking novelties, especially those for children which may be pronounced superb. Mrs. Edwards has some elegant lines of feathers, birds, pompons, and ribbons, and all the latest styles of trimmings. She also has an extensive and choice assortment of hair goods, to which she invites the attention of her lady patrons.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 14, 1885.
Our city cotemporaries are dismissing Postmaster Topliff to the shades of private life with pleasant obituary notices, and are saying many kind things of him as an obsequy to his memory. This strikes us as somewhat previous. He is still in active life, and is certainly not a fit subject for these obsequious attentions. It would be more becoming to wait till the last breath of official life has departed before they commence the pastime of dancing nightly on his grave.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 14, 1885.
To be Married. Cards of invitation are received in the city inviting the friends of our fellow townsman, W. H. Nelson, to be present at his wedding on Tuesday next, with Miss Cora Kirkpatrick, in Rockville, Indiana. After the nuptials the happy couple will proceed to Chicago, to spend a few days, and then repair to the former home of the bridegroom in Parke County, where a reception will be given. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson will arrive in Arkansas City the last of the month.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 14, 1885.
We heard from Mr. Calhoun, who arrived in town on Monday, that on Saturday afternoon a fire started on the Estus ranch, and spread over the dry pasture with uncontrollable force, clearing an area four or five miles in sitem, and destroying the buildings and some portion of the fence. Hands from the adjoining ranches gathered to fight the fire, and their efforts were aided at 3 o=clock in the night by a heavy shower, which extinguished the flames. The amount of damage done we are not informed.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 14, 1885.
Mrs. Henderson has opened out her fall stock of millinery, and invites the attention of her lady patrons to her elegant display of hats, feathers, ribbons, and other trimmings.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 14, 1885.
Barge Builders At Work.
On Monday Mr. E. Palmer, senior proprietor of the Mid-Continent Boiler Works, of Kansas City, arrived in town with six workmen, to construct a steel barge for towage by the Steamer, AKansas Millers.@ The materials, it seems, have been standing unloaded at the depot for several weeks, but the steamboat company, having a depleted treasury, have taken no steps to have the barge put together, waiting the return home of Mr. James Hill. The workmen are now employed erecting a stage on the other side of the Walnut River, at Harmon=s ford, for the construction of the barge. During the detention of the materials here we learn from Mr. Palmer several kegs of nails and washers have been abstracted from the car, and more material will have to be sent before the work can be completed. The vessel when put together will be 60 feet long, with a breadth of 12 feet, and her capacity is estimated at 20 tons. With a full cargo her draft of water will not be over 2-1/2 or 3 inches. The steel plates are 12 feet long by 3 feet wide; those which compose the hull are 1/3 [?] inch thick, while the bow will be made of plates three-sixteenths thick. Four lengths will compose the stowage portion of the barge, the ends fastened with strip iron secured to the steel by four rows of rivets placed 1-1/2 inches apart. Bars and braces and angle iron will be freely used to give the vessel the necessary staunchness. An inside deck or flooring with plank will be laid over the bottom of the barge, and at the gunwale, or upper portion of the sides, an upper deck will be laid. The sides, we should have mentioned, will be three feet high. The addition of the bows and stern will extend the vessel 12 feet, and give it shapeliness as a river craft. It will be built in six water tight compartments. Three of these vessels were ordered, but the order has since been modified to two, and the materials for the other barge will arrive here in a few days. The cost of the two will be about $2,600. Mr. Palmer and his crew of workmen are staying at the Central Hotel.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 14, 1885.
From Our Exchanges.
Darlington Transporter: The ranges, as far as known, have been abandoned by this time, some delay having been occasioned by the stock cattle being left in the pastures while the owners and men were absent with the beef herds, shipping to market from Kansas shipping points. The stock cattle have mostly moved into the Cherokee strip pastures, the owners of these ranges having shipped most of their stock previously. As the southern drive this year has been put off, being confined mostly to contracted cattle, the strip men had not restocked their pastures, and hence were able to accommodate the Cheyenne and Arapahoe grass lease men with winter range for their stock cattle.
The National Cattle and Horse Growers= Association assembles in St. Louis on Monday, November 23rd.
The cattlemen who have driven their herds from the Indian territory have suffered considerably from the Indians, who seemed to think that the Great White Father at Washington was down on the cattlemen, and that it would please him to have his red children steal their stock. [Source unknown.]
Indian Chieftain: AGrass on the staked plains is knee high.@ Such is the report of all trail drivers who have come over that section this season. The staked plains are in extent 300 miles long by 200 wide, and there are but few cattle on this grazing area. All that is necessary to take advantage of this magnificent range is to procure water, which can be found, it has been demonstrated in many cases, at a very short depth, and by means of artesian wells flowing water could be had on every range.
Dr. J. R. Shepard, a prominent physician of Wellington, aged 25 years, left home last week to visit his wife, who is sojourning for awhile with her relatives in Kentucky. On the way thither he became insane, and in St. Louis grew so violent that he had to be taken to the police station to prevent him doing serious mischief. Financial troubles are said to be the cause. [Source unknown.]
Arkansas City Traveler, October 14, 1885.
Complaints are made to us of the dangerous opening in the sidewalk on Fourth Avenue, which leads to the basement of the Frick Bros. building. An unwary pedestrian on a dark night might step into the excavation and receive grievous bodily harm. We understand that the owners of the building several weeks ago ordered iron railing in Kansas City to protect passersby from accident, and are in daily expectation of its arrival. Until a proper guard is put around the place we can only trust that no accident will occur.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 14, 1885.
HO FOR OKLAHOMA!
A Route to that Country Being SurveyedCSettlers Already Flocking in.
On Saturday morning a small surveying party of four men, under charge of J. T. Stafford, of Caldwell, started out from this city to survey a wagon route from Otoe to the Oklahoma country. The object of this expedition is to make a direct route from Arkansas City to the coveted Indian country, so that when the time comes that that land is open to white settlement, the approach thereto may be facilitiated, and this city be chosen as the point of departure from the states.
It may not be known to our readers that at this present time there is an active immigration into that long-coveted country. Almost daily small trains of canvas-covered wagons, each composed of from two to half a dozen vehicles, pass through our streets traveling southward. The outfits have a battered look generally, and seem overflowing with children. They will stop awhile to purchase a few necessaries, then take up their line of march and head for Athe last home of the red man.@ It is reported that already hundreds of trespassers have taken up a temporary abode there, their purpose being to be first on hand when congress shall declare it public domain and throw it open to settlement. This invasion is likely to be carried on until the attention of the government is directed to it, and then the military, stationed on the ground, will be ordered to drive them out.
It is generally expected that congress at its next session will pass a law opening the Cherokee strip and the Oklahoma tract to settlement. The commission appointed to inquire into the title to this land is now pursuing its investigation, and when the national legislature meets next December, the report of the commission will be laid before it. Nothing in the way of legislation will be done till after the Christmas holidays, and this being the long session, such a bill as we speak of may not be passed till along in the summer. But there will be a gathering of the clans in eager anticipation of such an enactment, and when the land is declared open to settlement, the rush to get in will beat any such movement since the crusades of the middle ages.
The party of enterprising citizens who have collected money to pay the cost of this survey act on the knowledge that Arkansas City is the most advantageous point for Oklahoma colonists to enter the territory. They propose to provide a cheap and commodious boarding house for those who come without wagons, where they can stay at trifling cost while they purchase their outfit. Pamphlets will also be published giving useful information to settlers and containing a map of the Oklahoma country and the road leading there.
This will open up a useful trade for Arkansas City, and be of great benefit to the strangers who will flock hitherward. Beside the money spent in fitting out for settlement in the territory, supplies will have to be furnished for the ensuing twelve months, and this trade should be secured to this city. It is gratifying to know that our businessmen, with their customary forethought and enterprise, are fully awake to the opportunity that lies before them, and are taking time by the forelock to secure all the advantages that are to be gained. May success attend their laudable efforts.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 14, 1885.
Carpet Exhibiter.
The people of Arkansas City now have the advantage of securing their carpets from a large and excellent assortment. Having secured the exclusive use of the Patent Carpet Exhibiter, a most ingenious device, I can display by means of a half yard sample, a perfectly matched pattern of dimensions sufficient to cover a public hall, giving every figure its proper proportions and color. This is obtained by the mirrors which reflect the pattern exhibited on every side.
Having made arrangements with one of the largest wholesale carpet houses in St. Louis, and procured from them a large line of samples, the people of this city can now select from a stock kept by a metropolitan house, thus having a choice offered them far superior, in extent and variety, to that of any local dealer. This gives a great advantage over competitors, as there is no expense incurred in carrying a heavy stock, and thus a lighter margin of profit is imposed on the purchaser. You can select what suits your taste and have the carpet fitted and sewed for hall or room as you desire. Purchasers are requested to give us a call.
Respectfully,
PETER PEARSON.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 14, 1885.
C. A. Lee, who has supervisory charge of G. B. Shaw & Co.=s lumber yards in Kansas, was on a visit to this city on Monday, and pronounced it the liveliest place he had encountered in his travels. G. B. Shaw also spent two hours in the city on the same day, and was so struck with its favorable situation and business advantages, that he promised Mr. Strohm, his local manager, that he would take an early opportunity to return and spend a few days here.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 14, 1885.
AD. OPERA HOUSE, (ONE NIGHT ONLY), SATURDAY, OCT. 17,
L. M. CRAWFORD=S CIRCUIT Engagement of the Brilliant and Extremely Popular Comedienne, LOUISE SYLVESTER, Aided by an EXCELLENT COMPANY Of Comic and Vocal Artists in the Funniest, Newest, and Brightest, and in every sense the best of Musical Absurdities entitled A HOT TIME, a Rollicking, Jolly, Indescribable Comic Gem, filled with the latest idea of Modern Humor, brightened by the most sparkling original music, and catchiest selections from the greatest Comic Opera Successes of Paris, London, and New York, including Gilbert and Sullivan=s latest (and greatly litigated) AMIKADO.@
Prices 75 and 50 cents.
Seats on sale at Ridenour & Thompson=s without extra charge.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 14, 1885.
Desirable rooms to rent; inquire of Herman Godehard.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, October 21, 1885.
THE CHEROKEE STRIP.
Chief Bushyhead in Washington Looking After the Interests of His People.
A recent Washington dispatch says: Chief Bushyhead, of the Cherokee nation, arrived here tonight, having come on direct from the territory. He laughed when asked if there was any special significance to his visit, and said he should have to look round a little before he could answer that. The fact is, the administration of the Cherokees is involved in a financial snarl with the United States Government. Representatives of the anti-administration party of the Cherokees have been here some time looking after the interests of the tribe. Some months ago they succeeded in getting from the Interior Department an official statement showing how their nation stands on the books of this government. From this it appeared that they had received $300,000 on account for the sale of their lands west of the Arkansas River, the long stretch of territory embracing over 6,000,000 of acres, and known as the Cherokee strip or outlet. It had been suspected by a few Cherokees, and charged by them, that such was the state of the case, but this was not believed in the nation. There the impression was that $300,000 was an additional sum allowed them on the lands transferred to the Nez Perces, Pawnees, Poncas, and Missourians. The official statement, obtained a few months ago, has aroused the Cherokees to the real situation. They see now that they are in the position of having made a sale of the strip to the United States, and received $300,000 of the purchase money. It is true that there is a stipulation in the sale that the lands thus purchased shall be used only for the settlement of Indians. But this government no longer has that use for the land, and already commissioners have been sent to the nation to negotiate for terms under which the condition may be waived and the lands opened to white settlement. The recent election in the Cherokee nation turned in part upon this question of letting the strip go, and the party opposed to that policy was largely in the majority. It is apparent to the Cherokees now that they must get this sale reconsidered, and the arrangement of a plan by which this may be accomplished is receiving attention. The section under which the $300,000 was paid to the Cherokees is as follows.
A
That the sum of $300,000 is hereby appropriated, to be paid into the treasury of the Cherokee nation out of the funds due under the appraisement for Cherokee lands west of the Arkansas river, which sum shall be expended as the acts of the Cherokee legislators directCthis amount to be immediately available; provided, that the Cherokee nation, through its proper authority, shall execute conveyances satisfactorily to the secretary of the interior of the United States, in trust only for the benefit of the Pawnees, Poncas, Nez Perces, Otoes, Missourias, and Osages, now occupying the same tract, as they respectively occupied the same before the payment of said money.@The portion of lands occupied by the Pawnees had on the 23rd of June, 1879, been appraised at the value of 70 cents per acre. Another portion of the same occupied by the Nez Perces, had been appraised at 70 cents per acre. Another portion, occupied by the Poncas, was appraised at the valuation of 47-49/100 cents per acre, and still another portion occupied by the Otoes and Missourias was appraised at 47-49/100 cents per acre, the money for all of which had been paid over to the proper owners and accounted for. At the special council of the Cherokee nation, called at Tahlequah, the matter of this $300,000 appropriation was called up, and Phillips, the attorney for the nation, was called upon for information as to where this amount was to be found as a credit to the Cherokee nation. He explained that he had obtained another valuation upon the above-named land, that the excess of $300,000 was found in the increase from the valuation of 70 cents and 47-49/100 cents per acre he had, as their attorney, succeeded in obtaining for the benefit of the Cherokee nation. So the matter rested until the anti-Bushyhead faction got to stirring up matters, and succeeded in getting the official information that $300,000 was entered on the books of the interior department as so much paid on the purchase of the strip. The anti-administration Cherokees have insisted all along that the nation was intentionally deceived in the matter. They say now that this obligation was incurred at the instigation and in the interest of those who want the strip to pass out of the possession of the Cherokee nation. On the strength of the representation made to them about this $300,000, the Cherokee council allowed their attorney to retain a fee of $22,500. It is very apparent that this situation is not at all pleasing to the Cherokees.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, October 21, 1885.
INTRUDERS IN THE CHEROKEE NATION.
The title to the unoccupied Indian lands is being actively discussed before the opening of congress. The commission now examining into the matter keep their discoveries all to themselves; but their statements and the conclusions drawn therefrom will be in the hands of the president in a few weeks, and then the controlling facts in the case will be made known. We give on our first page some Washington talk elicted by the visit of Chief Bushyhead, of the Cherokee nation, to that city. As we have before mentioned, there is a confusion in Cherokee counsels over the purpose of the sums expended by congress, and which found their way into the treasury of that nation. The last payment of $300,000, the Cherokee administration organ, the Advocate, quite positively asserts, was to complete the purchase of the lands upon which the Ponca, the Nez Perces, the Otoes, the Misourias, and other friendly tribes were settled. While the opposition organ, the Chieftain, quite as confidently affirms that the money was to extinguish the Indian title to the Cherokee strip, and that the agents of the nation, of whom Col. Phillips was the leading spirit, swindled and deceived his clients in the negotiation. Chief Bushyhead, to arrive at the facts of the case, made a journey to Washington, and the statement we publish, written by the correspondent of the Globe-Democrat, pretty conclusively shows that the money was paid for Athe Cherokee lands west of the Arkansas rivers.@
There is another complication that causes great uneasiness to the Cherokees. Chief Bushyhead, in an interview with Secretary Lamar, complained of a horde of intruders upon the lands of his nation, which he estimated at 2,000 persons, who have no right to be there, and who have taken up their residence in defiance of the law, quite stringent in its provisions, which prohibits intruders holding such occupation. He appealed to the secretary to cause their expulsion, by the use of United States troops, if necessary. These unauthorized residents are constantly increasing in number; and that they cause serious alarm is shown by the argument of the Indian Chieftain, which insists that if the lands of the nation are not allotted in severalty without much longer delay, these intruders will gobble up so large a share of it that there will not be enough to go around among the members of the tribe.
Chief Bushyhead, in his talk with Mr. Lamar, said that those people who claim to be entitled to a residence in the nation, in the event of a division of the lands and other belongings of the Cherokees, would be alloted their proportion, in money or kind, to the amount of $4,000 cash. He said further the Cherokee government had proclaimed these people intruders, and as they would not depart, he now wanted the United States government to do the expelling.
Secretary Lamar replied that the proper plan to pursue would be to follow the course laid down by law, and if this proved inadequate, then to make his appeal to the general government. But the chief said individual prosecutions would be too slow a process to meet this case. Many of these intruders held permits from United States agents or other representatives of the government, and a judicial process was not effective against them. But the secretary was not impressed with the emergency of the case, and Chief Bushyhead will have to carry his appeal to the president.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, October 21, 1885.
A Washington dispatch says: AChief Bushyhead, of the Cherokees, wants to have an interview with Secretary Lamar for the purpose of making a plea against the probable action of the department relative to all the leased lands to cattlemen in the territory, similar to that which were taken in regard to the lessers in the Cheyenne and Arapahoe reservations. The Cherokees have made a very favorable lease of six million acres of their unoccupied lands for $100,000 yearly for a period of five years, and they want these cattlemen to stay. The Secretary may determine otherwise.@
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, October 21, 1885.
Water Works Committee.
ARKANSAS CITY, COWLEY CO., KANSAS, October 19th, 1885.
To the citizens of Arkansas City.
GENTLEMEN: In the absence of Mr. W. M. Sleeth, chairman of your water works committee, I have been requested by a member of said committee to cause to be published the following statement.
We acted under your instruction and advertised for bids on the system of works adopted by your committee, giving 30 days notice, and the bids were to be opened at 12 o=clock noon, on the 12th inst.; when the time came no bids had been received, nor has any come to hand since, neither has any water works man appeared to make any offer in the matter. Therefore, we can only conclude that our duties have been performed and the whole matter again reverts back to where we commenced. Any further action on our part would be without instruction; we therefore recommend that the citizens make their further pleasure in the matter known to the city council. Hoping this mode of making our report will meet your approval, we remain yours to command. F. P. SCHIFFBAUER, For Committee.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, October 21, 1885.
AD. REMOVED. I HAVE REMOVED MY SECOND HAND STORE TO
Punshon=s Furniture Rooms, Where I have more space to display my stock. I now offer at the Lowest Prices, A LARGE ASSORTMENT OF SECOND HAND COOK STOVES AND HEATERS, A WELL SELECTED STOCK OF FURNITURE, New and Second Hand, Chinaware, Tinware, Clothing, Groceries, Flour, Feed, and Grain. Give me a call. I have bargains to offer you. J. W. CONARD.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, October 21, 1885.
Ordinance No. 24
An ordinance granting the right of way to the Kansas City and Southwestern Railroad Company upon and across certain streets and alleys in the city of Arkansas City, in Cowley County, Kansas.
Be it ordained by the mayor and councilmen of the city of Arkansas City, Kansas.
SECTION 1. There is hereby granted to the Kansas City and Southwestern Railroad Company the right of way to construct, operate, and maintain, the main line of its railroad and all necessary side tracks along and upon Third Street, in said city of Arkansas City, and through the corporate limits of said city, and across all alleys crossing said Third Street in said city, and across the following avenues and streets in said city of Arkansas City, to-wit: Thirteenth Avenue, Twelfth Avenue, Eleventh Avenue, Tenth Avenue, Ninth Avenue, Eighth Avenue, Seventh Avenue, Central Avenue, Fifth Avennue, Fourth Avenue, Third Avenue, Second Avenue, First Avenue, and Leonard Street.
SECTION 2. There is hereby granted to the Kansas City and Southwestern Railroad Company the right of way to construct, operate, and maintain the main line of its railroad, and all necessary side tracks along and upon First Street in said city of Arkansas City, and through the corporate limits of said city, and across all alleys crossing said First Street in said city, and across the following avenues in said city, to-wit: Thirteenth Avenue, Twelfth Avenue, Eleventh Avenue, Tenth Avenue, Ninth Avenue, Eighth Avenue, Seventh Avenue, Central Avenue, and Fifth Avenue.
SECTION 3. Said Railroad Company shall construct and maintain at its own cost, suitable crossings over its track for the passage of vehicles and teams, and for the ordinary use as a street or alley where the same crosses any of the avenues, streets, or alleys mentioned in this ordinance; said crossings to be full width of such avenue, street, or alley, and shall construct and maintain in like manner, proper culverts and water-ways where the same shall be needed, which shall be done under the direction of the city engineer of said city of Arkansas City.
SECTION 4. That said railway company shall save the said city of Arkansas City harmless from all costs, damages, and expenses for the payment of which the said city may become liable to any person or persons or corporation by reason of the granting of said right of way to said railway company, or by reason of the construction or operation of said railroad, or by reason of said railway company failing to construct suitable and proper crossings, culverts, and water-ways as herein provided, or by reason of said company failing to perform or comply with any other of the provisions or requirements of this ordinance. This section shall apply to Third Street only.
SECTION 5. Said railroad company shall accept the provisions of this ordinance in writing within sixty days from the date of its publication, and in such acceptance shall specify whether it accepts the right of way as granted by section 1 or section 2 of this ordinance, and after such acceptance, the right of way as specified in the other of said sections not so accepted, shall lapse and be and become void. Said railroad company shall not have the right to accept the provisions of both of said sections.
SECTION 6. Said right of way and use of streets, avenues, and alleys shall be and remain, and vest in said railroad company so long as the same shall be used for railroad purposes; and this ordinance, when accepted by said railroad company, shall operate and be binding as a contract between said city of Arkansas City and said railroad company as accepted.
SECTION 7. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after its publication once in the Arkansas City TRAVELER and its acceptance by said railroad company.
Approved October 20, 1885.
F. P. SCHIFFBAUER, Mayor.
Attest: JAS. BENEDICT, Clerk.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 21, 1885.
Ivan Robinson is now salesman in Prather=s shoe store, Winfield.
J. M. Greene, of Worcester, Massachusetts, is in the city visiting Frank J. Hess.
Mrs. A. A Newman and children returned from their eastern trip on Saturday.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 21, 1885.
G. B. Shaw & Co., have secured the contract for the lumber to be used in the Topliff building.
Hiram Holt and wife, of Farmington, Maine, are visiting this city, the guests of A. A. Newman.
The Cowley Co. Teachers= association will meet in the brick schoolhouse on Saturday morning at 9 o=clock.
Our city doctors are kept busy with mild cases of malaria. Sickness is prevalent, but not of a malignant form.
H. S. Frink, formerly with D. Brunswick, is now tailoring on his own account, on Summit Street, just south of the Occidental Hotel.
Yesterday Col. Pollock started from the Aurora Cattle Co.=s ranch, at Ponca, with 200 beeves to ship to market. The drive will be to Coffeyville.
Major Rainwater, of St. Louis, spent last Wednesday at the Ponca Agency, on his way to his cattle ranch, where he intends to spend two or three weeks.
E. N. Briggs and James Jerome, of Saginaw, Michigan, co-owers in the Saginaw Cattle Co., spent a few days in town, and favored the TRAVELER with a call.
A cordial invitation is given all to attend the kaleidoscope social given by the Ladies= Mite Society, at the residence of Mr. L. C. Landes, Friday evening, October 23.
H. B. Calef, whose former laundry was cremated during the summer, has started in the washee business again, his purification works being located near Fifth Avenue East.
Rt. Rev. T. H. Vail, D.D., LL.D., bishop of the episcopal diocese of Kansas, will hold religious services in the First Presbyterian Church, this (Wednesday) evening.
J. W. Conard has moved his second hand store from the lot south of the Hasie block, to J. H. Punshon=s furniture store, where he will have more room to spread himself. His advertisement appears in another column. [ALREADY TYPED.]
Tomorrow is the last day for registration. Unregistered voters should have their names enrolled by the City Clerk, who may be found during business hours in the Council Chamber, over the Cowley County National Bank.
An honest granger from Silverdale was telling on the street yesterday of half a score democratic neighbors (Kentuckians chiefly) who had pulled up stakes lately and gone back home, their republican surroundings here not being to their taste.
John Ewing, a well to do farmer from Illinois, is on a visit to this city, a guest of T. J. Mitts. He has been looking through several counties in Southern Kansas with a view to buying a farm, and has finally concluded to settle down in Cowley County.
Jay Gould and party, consisting of his son George, the millionaire Russell Sage, and others, visited Wichita on Thursday last, and spent a few hours there. But the railroad king=s object seems to have been to look around and not to talk, so the most pressing interviewers failed to get any promises or explanations out of him.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 21, 1885.
It is talked on the street that Trader Hodges, at the Ponca Agency, has got himself into trouble buying cattle from the Indians that were issued by the government. A letter from a government employee at that agency has been shown us, which gives the following details of the affair. The agent has made an investigation of the business, and sent his report on to Washington. The Indians went clear back on their trader. They said he bought the cattle of them, and knew they were of government issue when he bought them.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 21, 1885.
The resentment shown by our citizens to the treacherous attempt of certain Winfield parties to put this city off at the back end of a spur, and carry the railroad on to Geuda, and Caldwell, the Courier affects to ridicule; and, the dissatisfaction expressed with Henry Asp and some of the republicans who are seeking office, that journal pronounces a case of Aif I can=t lick you, I can make mouths at your sister.@ The Courier being indirectly implicated in the swindle, it is but natural that it should resort to contumely as argument fails it. Perhaps the people of Arkansas City know when they are injured without taking counsel of that officious organ.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 21, 1885.
Bert Greer, of the Winfield Courier, paid this office a plleasant visit yesterday.
Mayor Schiffbauer presided at the council meeting yesterday, his first official act since the sickness of his family.
A surveyor of the K. C. & S. W. Co., was in the city yesterday looking over the ground with a view to locating a depot and stock yard.
Rev. Mr. Harper, of Wichita, will lecture in the Baptist Church on Friday evening to the public school teachers of the city and county. The public are invited to attend.
Hardway makes a specialty of repairing old English, fine, and dificult watches of all kinds, such as ordinary watchmakers fail on. Give him a trial and be convinced. Shop in Steinberger=s Drug Store.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 21, 1885.
Peter Pearson will move his furniture stock into D. Brunswick=s store in a few days, where he will have room to display goods which in his present confined quarters are covered with the dust of ages. He has deferred rebuilding till next spring.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 21, 1885.
Ed. Grady has sold the fence around his coal yard to W. M. Jenkins, and today it will be removed. Now he wants to sell his office to somebody who will transport it off on a wheelbarrow. Where the ground is cleared of incumbrances, it will be a tempting sale for a grist mill.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 21, 1885.
We call attention to the I X L meat market ad., which appears this week. The enterprising proprietors furnish their patrons with an excellent quality of meat, and we are pleased to see they are drawing to themselves a nice stroke of business.
AD. I. X. L. MEAT MARKET, NORTH SUMMIT STREET.
BEST QUALITY OF FRESH MEAT KEPT CONSTANTLY ON HAND.
Prime Corned Beef, Bologna Sausage, and Sausage Meat.
CHOICE HAMS, BACON, AND SALT PORT.
HOME RENDERED LARD.
The Attention of Farmers and Families is invited.
JENKINS & STEVENSON, PROPRIETORS.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 21, 1885.
Mr. Grosscup, recent salesman for A. A. Newman & Co., we regret to learn, is having trouble with his hearing. The use of one ear is entirely gone, and the aurist who is treating the other, says its function can only be preserved for a time. The infirmity he pronounces hereditary. This is a severe affliction to befall so useful and deserving a man.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 21, 1885.
Stacy Matlack and Phil Snyder hobbling along Summit Street on Saturday, supported on canes and crutches, led to the inquiry whether they had been engaged in a railroad war. They made some explanation about having sprained their ankles, but the bystanders all expressed the fervent hope that the malady was not catching.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 21, 1885.
On Saturday William Skinner was fined $10 for feloniously cutting Harry Gage. The two were friends, and while Gage was in Blubaugh=s billiard saloon the evening preceding, his assailant entered, and without warning or provocation attacked him with a knife, cutting him in the wrist and hollow of the arm. Whiskey was the cause.
[NOTE: SKINNER WAS INVOLVED IN TROUBLE BEFORE FOR RIDING HIS HORSE ON SIDEWALK, ETC., WHEN DRUNK!]
Arkansas City Traveler, October 21, 1885.
A reunion of the war veterans was held in Dexter last week, which was well attended. Commander Stewart and his senior vice, Major Macartney, being present at the gathering. Arkansas City post was represented by Capt. C. G. Thompson and Amos Walton, and the Winfield veterans showed up in Major Soward, Capt. J. B. Nipp, S. J. Smock, and W. P. Hackney. The exercises lasted two days, and were enlivened with war reminiscences, some effective speaking by Commander Stewart, Macartney, Hackney, and others; and the boys filled in their time with harmless jollity such as was prompted by the revival of former camp days. These reunions are keenly enjoyed by the retired campaigners.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 21, 1885.
LIST OF APPOINTMENTS.
By Republican Central Committee.
Maple Township. Centennial schoolhouse, Oct. 26. W. P. Hackney and H. H. Siverd.
Rock Township. Rock schoolhouse, Oct. 22, W. E. Tansey and C. M. Leavitt.
Omnia Township. Atlanta, Oct. 21. A. Stuber, H. H. Siverd, and W. E. Tansey.
Harvey Township. Armstrong, Oct. 26; Hickmans, Oct. 27. F. S. Jennings and T. H. Soward.
Ninnescah. Udall, Oct. 29. F. S. Jennings and A. H. Limerick.
Fairview. Little Dutch, Oct. 24. A. H. Limerick and Henry E. Asp.
Richland. Floral, Oct. 31; Wilmot, Nov. 2. M. G. Troup and
C. M. Leavitt.
Windsor. Cambridge, Oct. 20; Grand Summit, Oct. 19. H. D. Gans and A. H. Limerick.
Vernon. Vernon Centre, Oct. 28. W. P. Hackney and C. R. Mitchell.
Walnut. Maple schoolhouse, No. 44, Oct. 27. W. P. Hackney and E. P. Greer.
Tisdale. New Salem, Oct. 26; Tisdale, Oct. 27. H. D. Gans and Henry E. Asp.
Silver Creek. Burden, Oct. 28. T. H. Soward and Capt. Tansey.
Dexter. Oct. 29. Capt. W. E. Tansey and E. P. Greer.
Otter. Stockdale, Oct. 25. Capt. A. Stuber and Henry E. Asp.
Beaver. Tannehill, Oct. 27. H. D. Gans and Henry E. Asp.
Bolton. Theaker=s, Oct. 29; Mowry=s, Oct. 30. F. S. Jennings and C. R. Mitchell.
Pleasant Valley. South Bend, Oct. 29. T. H. Soward and H. H. Siverd; Victor, Nov. 2. C. R. Mitchell, Cal Swarts, and E. P. Greer.
Creswell. Lone Star, Oct. 29. C. L. Swarts and M. G. Troup.
Liberty. Rose Valley, Oct. 29; Prairie Ridge, Oct. 30. H. D. Gans and Henry E. Asp.
Silverdale. Estus, Oct. 26. C. R. Mitchell and E. P. Greer.
Sheridan. Sheridan schoolhouse, Oct. 20. T. H. Soward and E. P. Greer.
Spring Creek. Maple City, Oct. 28. E. P. Greer and Cal Swarts.
Cedar. Centennial, Oct. 30; Otto, Oct. 31. T. H. Soward, E. P. Greer, and Cal Swarts.
All meetings will be held at 7:30 p.m. Members of township committees will please see that the places of meeting are properly lighted and that due notice is given.
By order of Republican County Central Committee.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 21, 1885.
Fatal Accident.
DIED. An extremely sad accident occurred on the farm of Wm. Bell, the old Stubblefield place, in Sheridan Township, yesterday afternoon. Charley Bell, the twelve-year-old son of Wm. Bell, hitched up the team and with three of Joe Dunham=s boys, went to Silver Creek after a barrel of water. They drove into the creek, filled the barrel, and started back. As they came up the bank and out of the timber, one of the horses scared, made a sudden spring, throwing Charley Bell out at the back end of the wagon, which had no tail gate, against a stump. The water barrel followed with great force, the edge striking him on the left side of the head, just above the temple. The skull was crushed in horribly. He was picked up totally unconscious and died in half an hour. Before he died, his brains oozed from his mouth and nose and several pieces of skull were taken out of his mouth. It was a terrible death, and set the family wild with grief. The father is out at Ashland, where he went last Tuesday, and was telegraphed today. Charley was a bright boy, the pride and joy of his parents, and his tragic death has produced a shock whose effect will never be shaken off. Winfield Courier.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 21, 1885.
Horse Thief Captured.
On Monday afternoon City Marshal Gray was telephoned from Winfield, by Sheriff McIntire, to be on the look out for a horse thief who was traveling in the direction of this city. The man=s name is Bill Johnson, and he has been employed as a cowboy in the territory. Growing tired of this pastoral occupation, he struck out for Kansas, and some distance south of Caldwell, he laid violent hands on a horse, belonging to a farmer named Brown. The latter discovering his loss went in pursuit of the thief, tracking him to Winfield where he sought the assistance of the sheriff. Caution was sent to various towns surrounding, and to our city marshal, as has above been stated. This officer kept himself on the alert, and towards evening noticed a stranger ride into town from the north, whose description answered that briefly sent him by the sheriff. Marshal Gray informed the horse operator he had business for him, and in spite of the man=s protestations of innocence, took him in. He immediately telephoned Sheriff McIntire that he had caught the man, and early yesterday morning, that officer accompanied by the owner of the stolen animal arrived in town. The horse had been swapped on the way, however, and whether the owner can recover the property is doubtful. The prisoner was taken to Winfield on the afternoon train, and his chances for becoming a guest of the state are very promising.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 21, 1885.
LIVE STOCK LETTER.
Report of the Cattle Market in Kansas City.
Our average daily receipts of cattle are about 3,000 head, with occasional receipts of 4,000, and are from Western Kansas, Indian Territory, Panhandle of Texas, with small shipments from Colorado and New Mexico. During the last week or ten days, there has been but little change in prices. The weather is now getting colder, and we have had several frosts, which we think from this time on will make farmers more liberal buyers, as they have been holding back from buying on account of being afraid of Texas fever--and here we want to say that this question of Texas fever has done more than any other thing to depreciate the value of feeding and stock cattle. Our farmers, if they were not afraid, would buy such cattle and get the benefit of their grass during the summer and early fall months. They would be free and liberal buyers during the warm weather. Before frosts we ask them to buy. They say they are afraid of fever; will you guarantee the cattle against fever? The result is, sales are made at lower prices than the cattle are really worth, and in consequence cattle are held down on all grades. It makes no difference where cattle are sold, the prices paid are based on what the same kind are worth in the market. The western raiser is the loser; and, in our judgment, active measures should be taken to prevent the introduction of Texas fever into any part of the country north and west of the Texas Pacific railroad. We do not anticipate any further trouble on account of fever this fall. Farmers can now buy what cattle they want without being afraid of losing any of them. Total receipts of cattle for this year up to the 15th of this month, at Kansas City, was 384,560, and we expect 100,000 between this and the last of the year.
Cattle arriving on our market now from western ranches are in better condition than for some time past. We quote present prices for the heavy Texas steers, $3.20 to $3.40; medium flesh Texas steers, $3.00 to $3.10; light thin steers, $2.75 to $2.85.
Western graded and half breed grass steers well fatted, averaging 1,175 to 1,200 and over, $3.75 to $4.00; weighing 1,100 to 1,150 and smooth, $3.50 to $3.60; weighing from 1,000 to 1,050, from $3.30 to $3.45. Nice straight one, two, and light three year old steers, $3.20 to $3.30.
Indian steers, $2.75 to $3.00. Cows range in price from $2.60 to $3.00, owing to flesh and smoothness. Fat oxen and stags, $3.00 to $3.25. Bulls and thin stags, $1.75 to $2.25. Fat veal calves $8 to $12 per head. We are inclined to believe that not much higher prices than we have quoted can be expected for range cattle this year.
IRWIN, ALLEN & CO.
Kansas City, October 17, 1885.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 21, 1885.
Council Proceedings.
The City Council met in regular session on Monday evening, all the members present, acting Mayor Thompson in the chair.
The following bills were acted on.
G. W. Crane, stationery, $7.50; allowed.
D. L. Means, $9.12; allowed.
G. I. Potter, 40 cents; allowed.
Munn & Co., advertising, $15; allowed.
J. W. Hutchison, $3.10; referred.
County bill, Dr. E. Y. Baker, $96; referred to finance committee.
County bill of S. F. Steinberger, $4.90; referred.
Referred bill of Wallace & Huff, $1; allowed.
T. R. Houghton, $1.25; allowed.
C. R. Sipes, $5.50; allowed.
W. Hartman, $1; allowed.
W. J. Gray, $10; allowed.
Application of S. F. Steinberger for leave to erect a lamppost on the corner of Summit Street and Fourth Avenue was granted.
Bids for curbing and guttering the east side of blocks 79, 80, and 81, and the west side of blocks 67, 68, and 69 were opened and read as follows.
Duncan & Jones, per linear foot: $1.45
George F. Grey offers to lay two blocks for 18-1/2 cents per square foot.
Cornelius Mead, curbing and guttering, per linear foot: $1.50; Stone crossing, per linear foot: $.80.
J. C. McGee, curbing and guttering: $1.65; Stone crossing: $1.00.
John Centhouse, curbing and guttering: $1.60; Stone crossing: $1.00.
J. E. Parkins, curbing and guttering: $1.87; Stone crossing: $1.00.
Dennis Harkins, curbing and guttering per lot, $30; crossing, per foot, 25 cents.
J. W. Ruby, 2 blocks, curbing and guttering, per sq. Ft. of stone, 25 cents.
These bids were referred to the committee on streets and alleys to consider, and report on Wednesday evening, the 21st.
Mr. Hill introduced an ordinance, prepared by Henry E. Asp, attorney for the Kansas City and Southwestern Railway Company, granting the right of way through Arkansas City. Two routes are proposed, one along First Street to Leonard=s addition, the other along Third Street to Fifth Avenue; the council to determine the more expedient route. After a prolonged discussion of the matter, it was determined that the council should meet at the Star Livery Stable at 8 o=clock the next morning, where hacks would be ready to take them over the proposed routes; and at 9 o=clock they would meet in their chamber to take action.
An informal discussion was held on the correct grade of blocks 68 and 80. There was great unevenness now, and it was necessary that a survey should be made to determine the correct level. This should be done before the work of grading and guttering was commenced, and also to enable the lot owners in the burnt district to adopt the proper level for the houses they are about to build. Referred to the committee on streets and alleys.
Mr. Thompson called the attention of the council to the condition of the bridge across the canal. It was now impassable for teams, and the canal company held themselves under no obligtion to repair it. It was necessary for the council to take action, or approach to the city by that thoroughfare would be cut off. He mentioned the case of a horse having died this week through injuries sustained from falling through the bridge. The road commissioner was instructed to make the necessary repairs.
Mr. Dean asked the fine of $10 imposed on William Skinner for cutting Harry Gage on Friday night be remitted. He asked it because the fine would be paid by his mother, who was kept poor in delivering her boy from the scrapes he was constantly getting into.
Mr. Prescott said he was opposed to the remission of fine on such considerations; it was poor economy and bad policy. It was an interference with the proper performance of duty by the city officers, and was taken as a rebuke to their fidelity. In this case he was willing to contribute towards the payment of the fine, but its remission he was opposed to. The motion to remit the fine was negatived.
Council adjourned till 9 o=clock Tuesday morning.
---
The council reconvened at 9 o=clock on Tuesday morning, having surveyed the ground over which the K. C. & S. W. Co., asks the right of way. Ordinance No. 24 (Published in another column), was taken up for consideration.
After the reading of the first section, Mr. Hight inquired whether the city would be responsible to property holders for any damage they might sustain, or whether their recourse would be to the railroad company.
Judge Sumner was sent for to advise the council in considering the ordinance. On taking his seat in the chamber, the judge said as the city granted the right of way, it was responsible to property holders for whatever damage might be done, but a provision might be inserted in the ordinance rendering the railway liable to the city for all costs, damages, and expenses that might be incurred by reason of granting the right of way.
On the section being put to the vote, Mr. Hight said he should like a provision inserted requiring the company to come here with their main line and not put us off on a spur.
Mr. Hill said such a clause was not needed, there was no danger of the company going to Geuda Springs on the proposition that was before it. The inducement offered was the issue of $21,000 in bonds to be voted on in Walton Township in a week or two. This would not pay the cost of building the road. There was 13 miles of track to lay and a bridge across the Arkansas River 800 feet long to be supported on solid masonry. This structure would cost $35,000. He then explained at some length how this new arrangement, which had so alarmed the people here, had been brought about. Certain parties in Winfield have property interests in the new town they had laid out to the west of that city; some of them, perhaps, having seats in the city council, had influenced that body to refuse its assent to the Kansas City and Southwestern track being carried through eastward of the Santa Fe track. In granting the right of way, they required the road to come out on the west side and built across that track. Thus in coming to this city they were west of the Santa Fe, and there was a doubt whether they would be allowed to cross it again. For this reason the company asked the right of entering the city by one of two ways, in order that a pressure might be brought to bear on the Santa Fe people. Suppose you give the right of way along First Street. We shall then have to cross their track again. This crossing they may refuse, and in a lawsuit that may result, we may be hindered by a perpetual injunction.
A right of way along Third Street will place our track between the city and their road. This they will certainly not approve. It would suit our purpose better, and be better in all respects, to come in on First Street, but we want the means of getting there. If the choice of the two roads is left open, the speaker had no doubt that the Santa Fe company would grant the right to cross their track rather than have our road come in between them and the city. The ordinance was then read by sections and adopted, and the council adjourned.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 21, 1885.
A Practical Pharmacist.
Every progressive citizen is pledged to note the enterprise and success of others. S. F. Steinberger is one of that irrepressible class whom it is hard to restrain, and seeing how he has spread himself of late, we were led a day or two ago to stop in and look over his establishment. The visitor cannot fail to be impressed with the taste he has displayed in fitting up his new drug store, which produces a really pleasing effect. The shelving is taken up with the most modern and elegant glassware, which, he assures us contain only the purest drugs. His pharmaceutical preparations are made by himself and according to the rules of the revised Pharmacopaeia.
We were shown around the establishment by John G. Cooke, Mr. Steinberger=s competent prescription clerk, and were edified at his exposition of the many changes wrought by science upon this preparation of chemicals. The various apparatus in use were explained with ready nomenclature. He exhibited a great variety of queer looking utensils used in the preparation of fluid extracts, syrups, elixirs, tinctures, and other medicaments. This chemical manipulation is performed by Mr. Cooke, a graduate of pharmacy, who has had many years= practical experience in his profession.
The visit was interesting and instructive, and we cannot withhold credit from our friend Steinberger for his liberality in providing himself with so extensive a pharmaceutical equipment, and for his determination to supply himself with drugs free from adulteration and up to the standard.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 21, 1885.
Bro. Seaver, of the Winfield Telegram, halts in his feeble assaults on the republican candidates to explain his own record. The apology he puts forth may be placed among those words which had been better left unspoken. In Dexter he published a republican paper, and like all traitors who play a false part, was singularly inept and indiscreet in his utterances. He says his recreancy sprung from his devotion to the loaves and fishes. There is no legitimate support for a newspaper in that little burg, but temporary grist was furnished in the publication of settlement notices. The land register at Wichita, as was to be expected, would not give this patronage to an opposition sheet, so editor Seaver foreswore his principles, and allied himself with the republican column to secure this supply of pap. His end obtained, he hastened to betray his friends, and is now savagely rending the hand that fed him. This venality he freely admits in the apology he puts forth. The democrats of Cowley county should look with wary eyes on their effusive champion, because for a sufficient price there is danger of his deserting them again. And yet this political Judas is clamorous in his cry, ATurn the rascals out!@
Arkansas City Traveler, October 21, 1885.
The most salient feature in the county election is the complication introduced by placing Fred Hunt on the Democratic ticket. It looks like a shuffling attempt to keep the office of county clerk in the family, and very naturally draws out recriminations from the republican newspaper organs. Capt. Hunt has held the office three times, performing his duties satisfactorily. He asked a renomination but the convention thought he had had his share, and selected another man for the place. Finding that his candidacy was not favored by his brother republicans, Mr. Hunt withdrew from the contest in a very handsome manner, which act won golden opinions from many of his friends. If the matter had rested there, all would have been well. But in the democratic convention, son Fred bobs up and procures a call to the office which his father avowed himself willing to forego. This has the suspicious air of a family arrangement, and an endeavor to gain by indirection what had been previously renounced. Capt. Hunt, we understand, disclaims any part or lot in the business. If he was innocent, it can only be said to be unfortunate in having a son whose greed for office leads him to override all the amenities of political life. Capt. Hunt is placed in an embarrassing position, and the severe rebuke to be administered to his son at the polls will not leave him unscathed. There is an injunction somewhere requiring us to abstain from all appearance of evil.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 21, 1885.
A democratic organ in the county asks what objection there is to Amos Walton being elected to a second term of the commissionership. Republican voters find a sufficient object in the fact of his being a democrat. The name of J. D. Guthrie has been placed before them for support, a man competent in every way to fill the position, and whose long residence here and extensive property interests are guarantees that he will promote the public good. There may be no personal objection to Mr. Walton, but he belongs to the other side; his plans and instincts are alien to the republicans, and hence he has no claim on republican support. Mr. Guthrie, on the other hand, to the qualifications of good business ability and thorough acquaintance with the needs of the county, is a staunch political friend, and when any contingency arises, may be counted on for faithful service. It is not necessary to assail Mr. Walton to urge Mr. Guthrie=s claims; but when the direct question is put by an opposition organ, why Amos Walton should not be reelected commissioner, the answer is obvious, he is found in the camp of our political enemies, and must not look for republican support. At such times as the present, he who is not for us is against us.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 21, 1885.
To Rent. Store in the Burroughs building with dry cellars $50 per month; also 17 well ventilated upper rooms suitable for lodging or office use. Possession given Nov. 1st.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 21, 1885.
A Card.
The unadulterated LIAR who has taken pains to circulate the report that we paid men on our cellar only fifty cents per day can get the truth by inquiring of our workmen. KROENERT & AUSTIN.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 21, 1885.
From Our Exchanges.
Winfield Courier: The Lindel hotel has three boarders with only two arms among them. Two of them have but one arm and the other none. War and disaster have got in their fatal work remarkably on this trio.
[Lindel??? Thought it was Lindell.]
Weir City, Cherokee County, has had a phenomenal growth of late, its population now exceeding 2,000.
Douglass Tribune: The acreage of wheat will be less than that sown last year. Low prices and small yields have discouraged the wheat raisers; in all probability those who seed wheat this year will receive a profitable return.
Winfield Courier: Frederic Lockley, editor of the Arkansas City TRAVELER, fell into our sanctum this morning. He is a very agreeable gentleman, mature in newspaper experience and ability, and in making the TRAVELER one of the best weeklies in the southwest. And its patronage, we are glad to see, is in harmony with the paper itself.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 21, 1885.
Letter List.
Letters remaining uncalled for in the post office, Oct. 17.
John Armstrong, F. L. Armstrong, Newton Alexander, Emily Andrews, Mrs. Mary Actton, S. E. Altern, H. B. Barnes, J. D. S. Baird,
Dr. D. Beatty, C. Bolsin, Geo. L. Brown, Mrs. Mary C. Butler, Critzman & Miles, Wm. Crabs, W. W. Davis, L. B. Davis, W. A. Bowman, O. L. Dakin, Jack Durm, D. B. Dawson, D. D. Duck, J. W. Dunlap, G. W. Dirmen, G. W. Gibson, Walter Graham, A. T. Howden, Fred Hoover, Eveline Huntley, G. W. Kinley, Rebecca Lewis, D. H. Lewis, Wm. Lawton, T. S. Leonard, Lizzie Lane, Sam=l Martin, Frank McCoy, C. C. Mitchell, L. H. Miles, Emery E. Moon, J. A. Myers, Natilda Newlin, Edd Parriah, Lydia Pearl, R. J. Parner, James Redmond, Thomas Riley, A. J. Ralston, J. C. Rowland, Thomas Runyan, Mrs. J. Seaman, W. V. Sitton, C. R. Smith, Mary E. Sturgeon, D. W. Stalling, Geo. Sebern, Frank Valls, Ira Victory, W. Vandervier, J. F. Weedy, Andrew Wilson, Gorden Welsey,
A. R. Winsor, L. A. Wilcox.
Parties calling for any of the above letters, please say advertised. JAMES C. TOPLIFF, P. M.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, October 28, 1885.
If Amos Walton is so vigilant a guard of our city interests, how came he to allow that proposition to build the road to Geuda Springs and Caldwell to pass the board? The scheme was concocted in Winfield, and its purpose was to put this city off on a spur; it was a violation of good faith and was prompted by local jealousy. Certainly it was the duty of the commissioner of this district to fight such an infamous device with all his might; and if he found his opposition ineffectual in the board, to give due caution to the people that the popular voice might be raised. But such faithful regard for this city=s interest was not shown by the commissioner; and herein is found a sufficient reason for replacing him with a better man.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, October 28, 1885.
THE OKLAHOMA COUNTRY.
In another column we give a brief report of the survey just made of a route to Oklahoma, and the chief points reached on the travel thither. Mr. N. Stafford of Caldwell made the survey at the instance of a number of our enterprising citizens, a man well qualified for the task because of his experience as a surveyor and his intimate acquaintance with the country traveled over. Arkansas City is beyond compare the best point for entering the territory because of its connection with a trunk road communicating with all points east; and the heavy stocks of goods of all kinds carried by our merchants commend it to the settler as an excellent place to procure their outfit. The road from this city to Red Rock, 43 miles, is already opened, and a heavy traffic has been carried over it for many years, in travel and transportation. The other portion of the distance, 107 miles, required to be surveyed and located, bridges built where streams are to be crossed, and slews filled in where such are encountered. It is the intention of our citizens to open as good and direct a road to Oklahoma when that country shall be declared open to settlement as any to be found in the state. And it only requires this fact to be made known to the country to bring the tide of emigration this way and secure to the settler the advantages of a good outfitting point and a direct route to his destination. Already the wave of colonization is in movement. Oklahoma settlers are arriving in our city every day, some of whom propose to remain here during the winter and take their chances of obtaining work, while others push on to the ground, thinking by the selection of a homestead to have the better chance of obtaining a title when the land comes into market.
A question of great interest to the many thousands who have their gaze on that coveted region is what action congress is likely to take during its approaching session. If the territory is to be retained for the exclusive use of the red race, and the military are to be again employed to eject all trespassers, it is clear that these colonists, flocking thither by the thousands are seeking ruin, because the spring will find them with their means nigh exhausted, and turned adrift in the states to seek homes where all the best land has been taken up.
It is said that history repeats itself. Not more than fifteen years ago, all the best portion of Southern Kansas, six million acres in extent, was Indian reservation. The Osages wandered over this fertile tract, fishing in its streams and hunting their savage prey, living in their tepees set up in sheltering groves, and professing a sentimental devotion to the burying grounds of their fathers. But the aggressive settler crowded in and multiplied so extensively, that the noble red man found himself inconveniently crowded, he complained to his great father and pleaded the sacredness of the treaty which pledged this magnificent domain to his own people; but there was the paleface settler outnumbering him threefold, and setting forth with his prevailing logic that the people who put the land to the best avail, are those best entitled to its occupation. The government was perplexed over the situation, but was compelled to make a virtue of necessity. The land was taken in trust for the Osages to sell in their interest, and out of the proceeds of the sales, a home was purchased for them of the Cherokees, where they now live and thrive, and find themselves the richest tribe of all the Indian population. It is said the national treasury contains $12,000,000 of their money, and the interest off this vast sum paid to them semi-annually, keeps them all in clover, and turns their forced departure from their homes into a permanent advantage.
It is clear that this proceeding is about to be re-enacted. The Oklahoma country is unassigned land. There is a commission now at Tahlequah, the capital of the Cherokee nation, hunting up its title. Portions have been purchased of the Cherokees for the settlement of friendly Indians, but the purpose of the last payment by the government, of $300,000, is still in dispute. This will be determined by congress, and justice done to the dusky claimants. But the policy of the administration is clearly foreshadowed, and the needs of the time justify its statesmanship. That is to throw open the Cherokee strip and the Oklahoma country to settlement, and in due time allot the remaining lands in severalty to the Indian occupants and dispose of the remaining portion for their benefit. We advocate no injustice to the Indian tribes, nor do we understand that any is contemplated. A quarter section given to every Indian occupant, old and young, male and female, and rendered inalienable for a term of years, should certainly provide them with the means of living; what is left over can be sold to the white settler, and furnish homes for thousands who now find themselves crowded out. This disposition of the soil meets with a feeble opposition from the least progressive of both races, but the necessity of the times demands it, and we are satisfied that when the parties in interest have adapted themselves to the change, they will find the stimulus imparted conducive to their permanent advantage.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 28, 1885.
THE ROAD TO OKLAHOMA.
Special Survey and Itinerary of the Route.
N. Stafford returned from his surveying expedition into the territory, last week, bringing a profile of the road he has laid out to North Fork and itinerary.
This opens a way into the Oklahoma country, along a direct road, with streams, bridges, and slews filled up, rendering travel and transportation practicable at all times of the year. The point of departure for settlers seeking the Oklahoma country is Arkansas City; thence he follows the present road to Chilocco creek, then to Willow Springs, and on to the Ponca Agency. Crossing the Salt Fork at this point, the road runs to Red Rock (better known as Otoe), and thence south to Greasey [? Itinerary shows Greasy ?] Creek, where there is good camping ground. The next water reached is Black Bear Creek, and five miles distant Summit Spring is attained. Camp Boomer is the next resting place, and one mile beyond this the Stillwater is reached, where there is quite a settlement. At Wild Horse, five miles beyond, a foot bridge is laid, and a further drive of five miles brings the traveler to the Cimarron, the crossing of this stream being at the mouth of Meridian Creek. Rattlesnake Mound is next made at a distance of four miles, where there is a spring and good ground for camping. Eagle Point is next passed, and then Council Creek, where there is good pasture and a pleasant place to rest. A drive hence of 12 miles brings the traveler to Antelope Springs, where there also is abundance of pasture. Council Grove is the next place made, at a distance of 15 miles, with one creek to cross. The entire length of the road from the Cimarron to Council Grove, Mr. Harper marks down in his itinerary as good, the route being laid along a ridge, and thus free from bogs and pitch holes. The following is the table of distances as given in the survey.
FROM ARKANSS CITY TO COUNCIL GROVE.
To Chilocco Creek: 7-1/2 miles
Willow Springs: 10 miles
Ponca Agency (or Salt Fork): 18 miles
Otoe Agency (or Red Rock): 8 miles
Greasy Creek: 4 miles
Black Bear Creek: 6-1/2 miles
Summit Spring: 2 miles
Camp Boomer: 7 miles
Stillwater: 1 mile
Wild Horse: 5 miles
Cimarron River: 5 miles
Rattlesnake Mound: 1 mile
Eagle Point: 3 miles
Council Creek: 9 miles
Antelope Springs: 12 miles
Council Grove: 13 miles
TOTAL DISTANCE: 120 miles
On the map Council Grove is marked a short distance west of the road running south, and in the itinerary this road is pursued due south from Council Creek to Coffee Creek, 8-1/2 miles, thence to Deep Fork, 1-1/4, and on to the North Canadian, 3-1/2 miles.
This is the road leading into a country that is the object of desire to tens of thousands of men now seeking homes. It is unassigned land; Indians have no homes there, and settlers are prohibited from taking possession of the soil. Cattle companies have leased ranches surrounding this unoccupied region, and their herds roam over it at will in utter disregard of all executive edicts. Cattlemen represent this tract of country as well adapted for grazing, but they say it is not fit for tillage, and the man who attempts to raise grain there would lose his labor. But others, whose judgment may be less biased, speak of it as good farming land; the soil rich, well watered, and fairly supplied with timber. But whatever its specific character, the hand of the eager settler is stretched forth to grasp it, and as no solemn treaties with Indian tribes, confirmed by vote of congress, can be pleaded to bar him out, its speedy opening to occupation by the pale face may be set down as manifest destiny, and already thousands are on hand to avail themselves of the moment when a fiat of the government shall add this rich portion of territory to the public domain.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, October 28, 1885.
A PROMPT AND EXACT ANSWER.
Will the Arkansas City TRAVELER be kind enough to inform us the exact number of silver dollars it will give for one hundred gold dollars? To facilitate the exchange at the distance, each coin can be represented by its respective value in treasury certificates. A prompt and exact answer requested. Emporia Republican.
This second feeble attempt of our cotemporary to throw light on the silver currency question, yet further exposes his ignorance of the matter he attempts to discuss. The argumen grew out of a statement of the Emporia News that a standard dollar, at the present price of silver ($1.03 per ounce) is worth just 79 cents. The republican thought to confute this state by a challenge to exchange silver dollars at their intrinsic value for gold dollars; or in other words, to give $12.10 in silver for $10 in gold. What has this to do with the argument? A disputant may say, AI can procure $10 at the bank counter for every piece of paper I present there, cut to a certain size and stamped with certain characters.@ Would the question addressed to this person, AWill you give $10 for every piece of paper of corresponding size, and printed with any characters you may elect?@ be any confutation of his statement. The silver has a currency value of 100 cents because it is sustained by the credit of the United States, and the treasury note has a currency value of the sum marked on its face, because the government promises to redeem it for that amount.
ARTICLE CONTINUES...SKIPPED THE REST!
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, October 28, 1885.
AD. H. S. FRINK, CUSTOM TAILOR.
Work cut and made to order.
Clothing cleaned and neatly repaired.
Charges reasonable. Your patronage is solicited.
Summit Street, one door north of Phoenix drug store.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, October 28, 1885.
AD. TO DEALERS AND FARMERS. ALTER=S SYRUP FACTORY!
Started up August 18th, and all lovers of good syrup can procure the article by ordering of the manager.
Address: J. S. Alter, Geuda Springs.
All orders promptly attended to.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, October 28, 1885.
AD. SAGINAW CATTLE CO. (LIMITED)
J. D. DAVIDSON, Foreman.
[Illustration of bull...on side it looks somewhat like a modern jet airplane flying toward the top.]
Range on Sac & Fox reservation; ranch address the same.
Post Office address, Saginaw, Michigan.
Brand as in cut, with bar on right cheek. Horse brand, turkey track on left hip.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, October 28, 1885.
BIG AD. GROCERIES.
George E. Hasie & Co.
Are now securing an entire new stock of Staple and Fancy Groceries which they offer to the trade and consumers at very low prices. To those who buy groceries we say: You lose money if you fail to call on us before buying.
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL GROCERIES.
We buy, for cash, all kinds of country produce and game.
Goods delivered without extra charge anywhere within city limits.
Telephone Connections.
[ILLUSTRATION OF WAGON.]
We are agents for the sale of the best wagons and buggies on the market, and always have a large assortment on hand, and will sell at very low prices and on the most liberal terms. We are also agents for Fairbanks= and Howe=s Scales.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 28, 1885.
AD. REMOVAL!
Finding my own store inadequate to display my new and extensive stock of FURNITURE, I have removed to the north store of the Commercial Block (formerly occupied by D. Brunswick), where there is more room to exhibit my goods.
THE PUBLIC is respectfully invited to call at my new quarters, and look over the most elegant and best assorted stock of Household Goods ever offered for sale in this city. The lines of goods are too numerous to mention in detail, but I am prepared to outfit all classes from the laborer to the millionaire.
Prices to Suit the Times.
PETER PEARSON.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 28, 1885.
AD. YOUNGHEIM & CO.=S MAMMOTH SALE OF CLOTHING, HATS, CAPS, GENTS= FURNISHING GOODS, BOOTS, SHOES, ETC.
If low prices will accomplish it, Quick Sales and Small Profit is our motto. We will give everybody BARGAINS.
Everybody will be Suited; we want to impress the public that
One Dollar is worth Two
when they come in to see us.
Thanking our patrons for past favors, we remain
Respectfully,
YOUNGHEIM & CO.
Three Doors South of P. O.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 28, 1885.
AD. SELECT SCHOOL: Begins Nov. 9, 1885; Ends June 25, 1886.
One week=s vacation for Holidays.
Tuition $2.00 per month, including one hour=s exercise daily in Hoyt=s Gymnasium.
School Rooms Under Hoyt=s Hall.
STUDIES FROM WHICH STUDENTS MAY SELECT.
Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Penmanship, Drawing, Reading, Elocution, Physiology, Physics, History, Geography, Grammar, Composition and Rhetoric, Latin.
BUSINESS COURSES.
Book Keeping, Penmanship, Commercial Law, Counting House Arithmetic.
Instrumental and Vocal Music Extra.
For further information call on or address the Principal,
L. F. ABERNETHY, B. S. Principal.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 28, 1885.
Let every republican votger deposit his ballot on Tuesday.
Frick Bros. have rented their spacious basement for a shooting gallery.
W. J. Hodges, the new Ponca trader, came to town on Monday.
Capt. A. J. Hersey, Col. W. J. Pollock registered at the Leland yesterday.
Walt Dolby has had a severe time with malaria, but is now able to be out again.
A handsome and substantial awning is being erected in front of the Chapel block.
W. T. Harper and F. F. Salladje, of Geuda, were seen on our streets yesterday.
Joseph H. Sherburne returned from the east yesterday, and started out for Ponca Agency.
Major Sleeth returned on Saturday from Ohio, leaving his wife to recuperate by change of air.
Col. Townsend returned from a visit to Washington on Monday, and is spending a few days in the city.
The copious rain on Saturday night being succeeded by a warm sun, will help the wheat crop vastly.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 28, 1885.
Mrs. Hitchcock, of Parsons, Kansas, is visiting Mr. and Mrs. Charles Balcom, with a view to locating in this city.
T. H. McLaughlin=s building has the cornice in place and the floors laid. The plasterers will next be called into requisition.
Dresser guarantees as good work in cloudy weather as in clear. Gallery on South Summit Street. Successor to McCormick.
The arrivals by train on Monday and yesterday were unusually heavy, and the hotel men rejoice at the appearance of their registers.
P. Wyckoff, who has been confined at home upwards of two weeks with malaria, is sufficiently recovered to visit his store an hour or two daily.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 28, 1885.
Major Rainwater is putting up some new buildings on his cattle ranch, some five miles below Otoe. G. B. Shaw & Co., are supplying the lumber.
Our young folks in the Postoffice book store, Kingsbury & Barnett, are constantly on the alert; it is evident they are doing their full share of business.
Isaac Ochs has been appointed postmaster at Pawnee, and W. J. Hodges takes the place of J. H. Sherburne in handling the mail at Ponca Agency.
Ed. Grady is pushing his new brick building along; he says he means to have it ready for occupancy by Dec. 1st. His own family will occupy the upper story.
Charles Bryant, esq., our genial police judge, and wife, are enjoying a visit from their daughter, Mrs. Myrtle Conner, who proposes to make a stay of several weeks in this city.
We are sorry to report that Joseph Smith, salesman for Kroenert & Austin, who suffered some time ago a severe attack of typho-malaria, is now down with a second relapse.
Messrs. Wood & Inskeep, proprietors of the Winfield Business Institute, attended the meeting of the Teachers= Association on Saturday, and favored the TRAVELER with a call.
The proposition to build a railway line from Winfield to Geuda and Caldwell, passing three miles south of this city, has been withdrawn, and the excitement it created has subsided.
The Christian Woman=s Aid Society of the Christian Church will serve dinner and supper on Thursday, the 29th, at Highland hall. The patronage of the public is earnestly desired.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 28, 1885.
Geo. E. Hasie & Co., make a fresh announcement in our advertising columns, having laid in an entirely new stock of groceries, which they offer at the lowest prices. The steady increase in their trade shows that their efforts to please their patrons are appreciated. [AD ALREADY TYPED.]
Arkansas City Traveler, October 28, 1885.
William Wilson, brother to Alexander Wilson, our efficient school clerk, is spending a few days in town. His home is in Americus, Lyons County, but he has been attracted here by the fame of our city=s growth and progress, and is now looking round with a view to purchasing land.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 28, 1885.
MARRIED. MAXWELL - WILSON. Married, on Oct. 22nd, by Rev. J. O. Campbell, J. M. Maxwell, of Arkansas City, and Miss Lillie Wilson, of Akron, this county. The bridegroom is a son of Samuel Maxwell, the well known nurseryman. The TRAVELER wishes long continued happiness to the wedded pair.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 28, 1885.
James Ridenour is extending his visit in the east, without leave from headquarters, and his partner, Will Thompson, is overwhelmed with work.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 28, 1885.
Dell Annis, of West Bolton Township, had the pleasure, one night last week, of escorting a corn thief out of his field at the muzzle of a double barrel shot-gun.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 28, 1885.
On Jan. 1, 1886, R. E. Grubbs will give some one of his customers a handsome silver water service, valued at $75. Every purchase to the amount of 25 cents entitles the purchaser to a ticket.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 28, 1885.
MARRIED. The marriage of Lewis V. Coombs and Miss Anna Meigs has been reported in the papers, and the congratulations have been said by their friends.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 28, 1885.
Mr. Lincoln F. Abernathy announces his intention to open a school on Monday, Nov. 9th. He comes highly recommended from Osage City, Iowa, where he has taught school for several years, his scholastic attainments being vouched for and his merit and energy commended. In view of the crowded state of our public schools, there is certainly room for Mr. Abernathy=s useful enterprise, and if he puts proper energy into his work he can hardly fail of success.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 28, 1885.
Tom Parvin, of Spring Creek Township, came into our office last week with some of the choice products of his orchard.
He had a variety of apples: Ben Davis, mountain pippin, white pippin, seek-no-further, Roman stem, wine sap, jenneton, little red romanite, russet, and seedling. These choice varieties make a handsome display; we award praise to our friend for his success.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 28, 1885.
The workmen have finished one of the barges that will form the towage of the Steamboat, Kansas Millers, and are now putting the second barge together. The vessel is sixty feet long, and is not an unshapely specimen of river architecture. It is built in six water tight compartments, and although the steel which forms the hull of the barge is 1/4 of an inch thick, it is so well stayed with bars and angle iron that it is really a staunch vessel. Its burden is 20 tons and when loaded will displace 2-1/2 inches of water.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 28, 1885.
Sunday Drunks.
The police court transacted an unusually active business on Monday. The heavy rain on Saturday night, and the muddy condition of the streets the next morning, called the ardent into use as a preventive of malaria. The following persons were arrested for violation of the Sunday law, and on Monday were put through the mill. George F. Alversen, fined $2 and costs, $6 in all.
John Doe (real name unknown).
Jemmie Morrison.
Charles Bundrem.
Geo. Schofield.
Above all assessed the same amount.
James Kally had a milder case of drunk, and he was let off with $1 and costs.
This is a poor commentary on the working of prohibition.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 28, 1885.
Distressing Accident.
On last Thursday, as the funeral procession was returning from the burial ground northeast of town, a horse attached to a single buggy belonging to F. F. McCrackin, took fright at a team which was driven by in a very noisy manner, and ran off. The buggy was occupied by Mollie McCracken, Susie Turbush, and little Bessie Craycraft. It soon struck a post and was literally torn to pieces, scattering its inmates and causing very serious injury to each. Miss Mollie was bruised and hurt in nearly every part of her body. The same was true of Miss Susie, who also suffered a severe sprain of one of her arms. Little Bessie dropped into the bottom of the buggy bed when the horse first started, and escaped with one severe cut over the left eye. All, we believe, are recovering as rapidly as could be expected.
Kingman Leader.
[AM VERY PUZZLED WHY EDITOR OF TRAVELER PRINTED ABOVE!]
Arkansas City Traveler, October 28, 1885.
Guttering and Curbing.
On Monday Mr. Searing, who has been awarded the contract for curbing and guttering six blocks on Summit Street, accompanied by Messrs. Thompson, Bailey, and Dunn, composing the street committee of the city council, spent the day in Winfield inquiring into the kinds of stone in use there for building and other purposes. The white stone quarried near that city, now being used for the walls of the national bank in process of construction, recommended itself to their notice on account of its handsome appearance and the facility with which it is worked. Blocks of this material are readily sawed out with an ordinary cross-cut saw, and when placed in a wall harden from the effects of the atmosphere. But the composition of this rock does not fit it for lying in the ground, where it is constantly subject to dampness. It is not a limestone, but a silicate, and in a damp state readily disintegrates. The same kind of rock is found in this neighborhood, but its unfitness for foundations has been proved by its remaining soft when in contact with the earth, and crushing under a heavy superincumbent pressure. This quality unfits it for the purpose for which it is designed, and, we understand, Mr. Searing and the committee concluded not to use it. Stone of a better quality can be procured nearer home, and the money to be expended in the undertaking had better be paid to our own workmen.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 28, 1885.
Woolen Manufactures.
The following pleasing letter from an old subscriber and former resident of this city, will be read with interest.
A
DEAR SIR. Enclosed herewith please find $1.50 subscription money for your paper. It has been seven years since I was in your city, but my interest in its prosperity has always been fresh. I take great pleasure in reading your paper and note every item that mentions the names of the friends I formed there, and of those whom I knew before going to to your city, among whom I mention Howard Bros.I preseume your farmers are now raising sheep. You need a hosiery mill on your canal to use up their wool. I think it would be a good location for a mill of this kind.
I am employed by the Ipswich mills and employ 250 hands in finishing the 2,000 dozen per day which we make. We are running our yarn mill night and day, with two sets of hands, and are not able to produce the yarn we want to consume. I conclude you have a good water power and hope your people will improve it.
Yours truly,
S. H. BAKER.
Ipswich, Massachusetts.
October 22, 1885l.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 28, 1885.
OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
Additional Rooms to be Provided and Two More Teachers Engaged.
We paid a visit to some of the city schools a few days ago, to see whether the young idea is being successfully taught to shoot. The trouble that encounters the school board, and the teachers who endeavor to carry out their plans, is the lack of sufficient funds. Our city population grows more rapidly than means are provided to supply its wants. The enumeration of persons of school age this year gave 1,120 names, and when the present term opened 700 scholars enrolled their names, which has since been increased to upwards of 800. This was in excess of the facilities provided, and reduced the school board to shifts, which are not satisfactory to themselves or profitable to the scholars. Some rooms are overcrowded to such an extent that the teachers cannot do justice to their scholars; in other rooms the children are divided into relays, one-half being taught in the forenoon and the remainder in the afternoon. In view of the fact that the school session will not exceed seven months and may be reduced to six, thus overcrowding the room and giving the primary scholars only half tuition, is not considered a full award to taxpayers for their outlay, and to increase the facilities it has been deemed expedient by the trustees to hire two or three rooms in the Commercial block, and employ two additional teachers. This will increase the expense of running our schools, and may shorten their operation to six months, but it is considered only just to the supporters of our schools who demand that proper facilities be provided, and of the two evils presented the trustees to choose from this is considered the least.
The school assessment of 10 mills on the dollar will probably raise $4,500, and the allowance from the state on our increased enumeration will probably turn in $2,500 more. The state quota is more liberal than was at first estimated, and with the amount of resources thus furnished, the school trustees feel themselves justified in extending their facilities as above indicated.
[NOTE: SCHOOL TAUGHT IN COMMERCIAL BLOCK. ARTICLE DOES NOT MENTION HASIE BLOCK...WHICH IN 1885 WAS USED BY HASIE BROS. AS A GROCERY STORE.]
Arkansas City Traveler, October 28, 1885.
SKIPPING A LONG ARTICLE RE BISHOP VAIL, DIOCESE OF KANSAS, PAYING A PASTORAL VISIT TO ARKANSAS CITY, IN THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, ASSISTED BY REV. MR. EDSON, OF WICHITA, AND REV. MR. McDONOUGH, OF WINFIELD. MRS. MEEKER WAS ORGANIST.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 28, 1885.
SKIPPING LONG ARTICLE RE CRITICISM BY EDITOR OF WINFIELD TELEGRAM WITH RESPECT TO POLITICS.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 28, 1885.
The registration closed on Saturday, and the register=s books show the following number of names inscribed.
Registered:
First ward ..... 274
Second ward .... 227
Third ward ..... 238
Fourth ward .... 372
TOTAL: 1,111
Last fall the registration was 831 names, the gain in our voting population has thus been 280. Reckoning 4-1/2 inhabitants in a vote, this shows an increase in our number of 1,015, and indicates a permanent city population of 4,775. This is satisfactory progress.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 28, 1885.
The Laundry Question.
MR. EDITOR: This Mongolian washee artist has taken up his abode here, and gone to work with the diligence that marks his race. He is a pioneer in the enterprise, and I understand gives out that he has sent for five or six of his brethren so that he can go into the business with some effect. The question is: how is this sort of competition going to affect white labor? Bro. Sawyer says he is willing to fight opposition of his own class and color, but he is not willing to maintain a fight with a heathen Chinee. Then there are a number of poor women who make a scant living over the washtub, washing for families; if we are to have a Chinese laundry in this city, running day and night, with no intermission on Sundays, as now seems likely, these deserving women will be carried away by the new order of things, and they will find their occupation gone. How are they to be supported through the winter? Patrons are running to this Chinaman with their washing, because it is a new thing, perhaps, or because he does his work more cheaply; but it behooves them to consider what this is going to lead to. In Wyoming and Montana the Chinese have lately been ejected; their labor comes into competition with white labor; it has been found that the American cannot live when he has the Asiatic for a rival, and hence as a matter of self-protection, these worshipers of carved idols are driven away. This drives the more adventurous inland, and our city is likely to receive its contingent. Judging by the experience of other communities, only harm attends their presence; and as a citizen desirous of the welfare of Arkansas City, I would recommend that no encouragement be given to Lo Gay, and the work he asks for be continued in the hands of our own people.
A READER.
Arkansas City, October 26th, 1885.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 28, 1885.
United Presbyterian Synod.
The United Presbyterian Synod of Kansas, which met in the U. P. Church of this place last week, is made up of all the presbyteries in Kansas, together with one presbytery in western Missouri and one in Colorado. There were about 50 delegates, clerical and lay, present, which was considerably less than one-half the number entitled to representation. Clergymen feel hard times as well as other people.
The synod met on the opening of the 20th inst., and the opening sermon was preached by Rev. Wellington Wright, from Winchester, Kansas. Rev. J. S. Turnbull, of Peatone, in Sedgwick County, was chosen moderator. Wednesday forenoon was taken up in routine business and getting the various committees to work. In the afternoon an interesting conference was held on the subject of AThe Finances of the Church,@ opened by a paper written by Rev. M. F. McKiranah, of Topeka. The conference was lively and interesting, Revs. Fleming and Witt of this city participating. The conference of most importance was held on Wednesday night, on AOur Duty to Our Own Field,@ which resulted in the appointment of a committee to select a synodical missionary at a salary of $1,200 per year. Rev. J. W. Johnston, of Iowa, was chosen to that position. Synod finished its business on Thursday night, and on Friday forenoon made a visit to the Chilocco Indian school, where all were cordially welcomed by the genial superintendent, and all expressed pleasure and delight at the progress of the education of the Indian. The ladies of the U. P. Church were complimented highly on the dinners given by them at the parsonage during the meeting of synod. Unstinted praise was bestowed by all the visitors upon the enterprise of the congregation in erecting such an elegant parsonage which was said by many to be as fine a parsonage as there is in the state. The enterprise and thrift exhibited by our young but growing city attracted no little attention during the meeting. Most of the delegates left on the afternoon train, Friday.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 28, 1885.
From Our Exchanges.
Wellington Press: Tells of a Winfield man drinking too much lemonade while in Wellington, and lying down to pleasant dreams in the gutter. When he awoke he found that $48 had been abstracted from his pocket. The Courier pronounces this a ______ because no Winfield man would trust himself in Wellington with that amount of money about him.
Udall Sentinel: Our grain buyers say that there is much more wheat in the county than there was thought to be.
Source not given: When Capt. H. H. Siverd and Marshal McFadden got on the Dexter reunion grounds Thursday evening, they saw that whiskey was flowing. They set about to find the source. About 2 o=clock in the morning they found it, had an ambassador secure the ardent for evidence, got a warrant from Justice Hines, and the whiskey jointist was raked in. He gave his name as Moore, and was with some itinerants who claimed to be from Las Vegas, New Mexico. There were four wagons, three men, and two boys. He had run out, and when arrested had sent a man to Burden for a new supply. The captain and marshal brought the jointist in last evening, and lodged him in the bastille.
The Wellington Standard tells of a consolidation made in that office, Lake G. Herring, foreman, and Miss Carrie Abbott, compositor, were made one flesh. The editor mentioned the interesting event, saying: AIf she is as perfect a wife as she is a type setter, Mr. Herring will have no cause to regret.@
The Burden Enterprise tells of a drove of 222 four-year-old steers being driven through that place from the territory last week to winter east of Douglass. Says the editor: AWe understand there will be a large number of range cattle brought into the state to winter. Last winter gave the cattle men some high priced wisdom.@
Cedar Vale Star: The four-year-old son of Mr. Maze [?], living in the Meek=s house, Cedarvale, fell into a well Monday, but fortunately was rescued by Mrs. Carter before drowning. There was some 12 feet of water in the well, but as it stood within a few feet of the surface, a rescue was comparatively an easy matter.
[Could not tell: Maze, or Mase, or Mane was the name.]
.....in the next article: Women=s [not Woman=s] used.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 28, 1885.
VISITING SISTERS.
The Winfield Women=s Relief Corps Have a Pleasant Time in this City.
The ladies composing the Women=s Relief Corps of this city having spent a day with their sister corps in Winfield some weeks ago, and being royally entertained, have since been desirrous to dispense similar hospitality; and on Saturday they had the pleasure of entertaining a score of their sister members, who on invitation came to spend the day with them. The little company arrived here shortly after noon, and were received in the G. A. R. Post room by a strong representation of the home corps, Mrs. President Ashmun presiding. A welcoming address was made, which was followed by introductions around. The Winfield ladies had come to enjoy themselves, and their hosts were solely intent on contributing to their enjoyment, hence all formality was dispensed with, and cordiality prevailed. Nearly an hour was spent in informal talk, and mutual inquiries in regard to sundry business details, when a messenger from the Leland Hotel announced that dinner was ready, and the Arkansas City ladies and their visitors sat down to a bounteous repast. Mine host Perry, is an old soldier himself, and his patriotic impulses were aroused to treat this interesting party to his best.
After discussing the meal with keen enjoyment, the ladies returned to their post room, where initiations and other secret business took up their time, until 4 o=clock, when they opened their doors to receive a delegation from the Arkansas City post of veterans. The visiting brethren consisted of Senior Vice Commander P. A. Lorry, Quartermaster G. W. Miller, and Comrades M. N. Sinnott, D. P. Marshall, J. D. Guthrie, and F. Lockley. Comrade Conrad, of Winfield, also joined the delegation.
ARTICLE GOES ON AND ON...SKIPPED MOST OF THE REST.
NAMES MENTIONED:
Winfield visitors: Mrs. E. B. Dalton, secretary; Mrs. F. M. Pickens, treasurer; Mrs. J. H. Finch, chaplain; Mesdames W. B. Caton, Dr. Elder, L. Cure, F. Finch, C. Trump, H. H. Limerick, W. R. McDonald, J. Cormine, W. W. Tanner, L. Conrad, A. McClellan, J. A. Cooper, D. C. Beach, J. W. Holaday, J. G. McGregor, C. L. McRoberts,
P. P. Poewell [? Poswell ?].
Arkansas City Traveler, October 28, 1885.
Winfield was not chary of its sweetness in sending the score of patriotic ladies to visit this city. They weighed on the road hither, and pulled down 3,000 pounds with a thump--an average of 150 pounds for each fair one.
Comrade Lorry brought down the laugh on himself. In offering an excuse when called upon for a talk, he said he had been troubled with rheumatism for twenty years and that was one of his bad days. The affection occupied his entire mind, he said. Someone present suggested that if it took no hold of his body, he was not the worst off in the crowd.
[IF THIS THE EDITOR=S IDEA OF HUMOR, GOOD GRIEF!]
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, November 4, 1885.
THE CATTLE INDUSTRY.
The Relations of the Cowboy and the Indian Discussed.
Senator Dawes= Lies in the New York Tribune Exposed.
A Few Facts in Regard to the Former Cheyenne Cattle Herd.
If the Prairie is for Men, Where is Your Beef to be Raised?
No industry in the world is more closely allied with our everyday life than the cattle business. The rich and the poor are equally interested. No branch of industry is more entitled to the fostering care of government, and yet there seems to be a prevailing sentiment against those engaged in it.
Why is this? The lumber men of the north, the cotton men of the south, the iron men of the east, and the silver men of the west, all have strong organizations and friends to advocate their rights; the press comes promptly to their defense when their interests are jeopardized. But where is the paper that speaks with force and dignity in behalf of the pastoral resources of our country? Where is the public man, who, in the halls of legislation, or in the presence of his constituents, lifts his voice in fearless defense of this industry which brings us daily food and is fast swelling our domestic and foreign commerce?
The manufacturer whose sagacity and frugality ensure him success and fortune is not looked upon as a public enemy. The producer everywhere is respected as a valuable citizen by his industry and enterprise, contributing to the needs of mankind, adding to the aggregate weatlh of the country, and stimulating trade at home and abroad.
The millionaire farmer on the Red River of the North with miles of golden grain, or the cotton-planter on the Red River of the South with acres of fleecy white harvest, are not condemned as monopolists. They may absorb section upon section of land and parish upon parish in their magnificent enterprise, until they exercise dominion over countless acres, and they are not regarded as enemies to our social or political institutions.
Not so with the cattle man! Let him go out upon the arid plains of the west, where agriculture can never flourish, and purchase or otherwise acquire honorable possession of a range for a few thousand cattle, and immediately the alarm is trumpeted throughout the land that the public welfare is threatened and the peace and morality of the Indians endangered. Should he graze his herd upon the public domain, whose sole tenant is the cayote or prairie dog, and where the prairie fire gathers the only harvest, he is consigned to everlasting perdition as an outlaw. Should he by proper and legal means effect a lease with the Indians, whereby their means of support may be greatly augmented and their grass crop utilized to their benefit, then the Indian Ais being wheedled out of his heritage more artistically than ever in the palmiest days of Indian warfare.@ Ill advised and misconceived philanthropy may pose before the public in such an attitude, and political ambition parade itself in the presence of its constituency in this disguise, but the honest, conscientious friends of the Indian whose experience entitles their opinions to weight when speaking in behalf of these children of the forest, will not mislead public opinion by such misrepresentation of the facts. Even the New York Tribune, with its boasted candor and fairness, has ventilated such utterances through its columns.
LET THE FACTS BE KNOWN.
It is high time the naked truth was told, the Awhole truth and nothing but the truth.@ The cattle men ask only justice, simple and exact justice, and this a fair minded public will not only accord, but demand, where the true situation is made known and thoroughly under-stood; and in so far as the business relates to the Indian or involves his welfare or civilization, present or prospectively, the cattle men are ever ready to accord the same considerations as fortify and strengthen honorable dealings between man and man every-where. The Indian reciprocates this feeling and when he is not tampered with by designing and officious white men, or instigated to make trouble by meddlesome and zealous half-breeds and squaw-men, he is the sincere and fast friend of the cow man ninety-nine in every hundred. He believes he has the undoubted right, legally as well as morally, to sell his grass. To be sure his legal status is poorly defined and in an anomalous condition at best, but the courts and departments in Washington have accorded him the rights of a Atenant by courtesy,@ and as such he has the undoubted privilege of enjoying the benefits of his possession without let or hindrance so long as he does not Acommit waste.@ No one would question his right to sell the pecans or chestnuts on the trees, or the blackberries on the bushes. Why, then, his grass? He is wholly unable to harvest it, or to purchase mowing machinery to gather a tithe of it. White men make scanty wages putting up hay at one dollar and twenty-five cents per ton, and in some cases less.
In light of all this shall we deny the Indian the rightCprivilege, if you choose to call it privilegeCto utilize this crop to his benefit rather than see it perish annually by the flames?
It is said he receives but a Apaltry@ sum for it. On the contrary he receives about the average price paid in Texas and elsewhere for wild land. The Apaltry@ sum of eighty thousand dollars a year paid the Cheyennes and Arapahoes, contributed largely to their maintenance, and under proper legislation should lessen by that much the tax upon the public for their support, notwithstanding the absurd statement that this fund enabled Aevery male Indian to purchase a Winchester rifle in Kansas.@ Were this true, the law provides a punishment for selling arms and ammunition to Indians. Why not punish the offending white man rather than curtail the Indian=s limited means of self support. Is the law impotent? Are the officers of the law powerless? Or is it more reasonable to conclude that this charge against the Indians is entirely unwarranted. Let an unprejudiced public decide.
These leases insure to the Indians an income from a source which has brought nothing heretofore; as a rule, they have been entered into without a dissenting voice. Many tribes have petitioned the president that they be not disturbed in leasing their lands. Owing to the scarcity of water on many of the ranges, much of the land is practically worthless for hunting, yet the Indian receives compensation under the terms of these leases for every acre, whether good, bad, or indifferent.
CATTLEMEN MUST HAVE ROOM.
The first great requisite to success in the cattle business is roomCroomCroom. Beef cannot be produced profitably without it. It is true that the genius of our institutions demands that the public domain be settled in small tracts, that as a people we are opposed to landed aristocracy; that our prairies Ashall be dedicated to the raising of men, and cattle,@ and every American is proud of this sentiment. But whence shall come the countless herds of cattle to feed these men? Step by step agriculture has taken possesssion of the territory until recently occupied by the herdsman; the land throughout the middle western states has become too valuable to raise beef; agriculture has crowded her sister industry from the Ohio to the Mississippi; from the Mississippi to the Missouri; Dakota, Nebraska, and Kansas are dotted all over with populous towns and cities, and their fair prairies are a net-work of railroads, fences, fields, and orchards. We may profitably ask, where will our beef come from even twenty years hence to feed our seventy-five or one hundred million of people?
NATURE=S PROVISION FOR PASTORAL INDUSTRY.
In the all wise economy of nature, which has abundantly supplied our continent with every blessing essential for human want, different sections are called upon to contribute their just quota to the general good. Conditions of soil and climate have been provided for the cereals in one part of our favored land; to another part is allotted the sugar, the cotton, and the cane; while in other localities are deposited iron, lead, and coal, and products hidden beneath the surface. In like manner it may be argued that certain portions of our country have been specially provided for the raising of our meat, set aside and forever to remain the exclusive field of this product. This theory is supported by the fact that every requisite necessary to successful cattle raising exists upon our distant prairies where altitude, climate, nutritious grasses, and every condition contributes to this industryCare its chief features and support; where, owing to the character of the soil and the absence of rain, agriculture can never flourish and advancing civilization meets a barrier it cannot overcome.
COUNTS IN THE AINDICTMENT@ ANSWERED.
The last scientific authority confirms the theory that along the back bone of the continent there exists a wide stretch of country suitable only for the herdsman. And yet when he attempts to occupy it quietly and honestly, there appears in the public press articles condemning his leases in language, the Tribune is pleased to call Aa strong indictment demanding immediate attention.@ It is charged that it is an illegal and illogical policy Apernicious and demoralizing in the extreme,@ that the Alaw required the money to be paid into the treasury,@ etc. If Aillegal,@ what money could properly arise from them? What law requires money accruing from illegal sources to be covered into the treasury? It is charged that the distribution of the rental per capita has been the most demoralizing feature. The public should understand that all moneys and goods distributed to the Indians are distributed in this manner, in accordance with the law and the only method which can insure absolute fairness and satisfaction, and the cattlemen, in adopting this policy, as it is called, simply followed the law governing in such matters and the instructions of the Indian department itself. The government has for years granted these same privileges to cattlemen. The Indian department is doing so today, and in some instances upon terms far less remunerative than the Indian has made for himself. The question does not seem to be on so much of policy as to who shall spend the money. If this part of the financial programme can be executed in Washington, it seems to be legal; but for an Indian to receive and disburse his own money, according to his own wishes or needs, and after the manner of those who assume to give him a pattern, then it is all wrong. To be sure one of the most important lessons of life is the proper use of money, and the only way to teach it to a white man or Indian is to allow him the use of itCa lesson the Indian learns with far more alacrity than he gets credit forCand there is no reason why he should not be permitted to spend his own money in his own way.
In this Astrong indictment@ referred to, it is charged that Aconflicts with the cowboys, brought on to their reservation under those leases, are filling the land with terror, * * * that recently the war department found itself unable to furnish a safe escort across the reservation to a congressional investigating committee, and yet five years ago these Indians were as peaceable as any in the land. The legitimate inference is (and so intended no doubt) that the cowboy and the presence of the cattlemen are the direct cause of this deplorable state of affairs. Without comment on the depleted condition of our study, which rendered the war department powerless to provide an escort for a half dozen men, the facts are that seven years ago the Indians referred to were raiding through Kansas and Nebraska, headed by Dull-Knife, Little Wolf, and Wild-Hog, and that for the past five years while men, whether cowboys or others, have crossed their reservation with impunity without fear or molestation.
It is related that Athe agency itself then owned a herd quietly and securely grazing on the reservation, which with proper care with its increase would now number several thousand cattle, * * * that the scholars in the agency school, saving from their rations and investing in cattle, had also a little herd of their own. How is it now? The agency herd has been eaten up, the school herd has been sold, and the only conclusion is that the presence of the cattlemen is directly and solely responsible.
The facts are (as shown by the records of the Indian office) that some three years before leases were even thought of, these herds were disbanded and issued out under direct orders from Washington, and that, too, in the face of the agent=s most emphatic, though respectful protest, and his earnest recommendations and entreaties that they be preserved and increased, commenting at length upon their present and prospective value in dollars and cents, but above all on their value as a civilizing influence among the Indians. The cattlemen had no more to do with the destruction of these herds than the Cannibal Islands; and yet the public is made to believe they were directly responsible therefor.
It is from such unfriendly and untruthful statements that public sentiment is formed into prejudice against the cattlemen, and it is time the truth was made known.
THE TRUE INDIAN POLICY.
The most humane theory of Indian civilization is to induce him to industrial pursuits, by peaceful means if possible, by coercive measures if necessary. The records of the Indian department bear testimony that this has been the policy of the government, and is still. Officers and employees are instructed to deny him rations that thereby he shall learn the lesson that Aby the sweat of his brow he must earn his daily bread,@ and there is no reason why he should be made an exception to this inexorable law.
The Indian who has sufficient energy and enterprise to go out upon the prairie and make hay, haul it to market, and obtain money to help support his family, is complimented by the authorities in Washington and praised before all other Indians as a man whose example is worthy their emulation. Let this same Indian sell this same grass, while growing, for grazing purposes, and he is as speedily condemned for doing what it is claimed he has no right to do.
In justice to the Indian it must be remembered that his means of subsistance are circumscribed and very limited; he has not the same chance in the race of life the white man has. The march of civilization has forced him in most instances to locations wholly inproductive in an agricultural sense, the game upon which he subsisted is gone, and the resources at his command are few. It should be remembered also that the declaration of common humanity, if not the declaration of independence itself, guarantees him the same title Ato life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness@ as the white man; and if the amendments to our constitution have any meaning, Awithout regard to his race, color, or previous condition.@
Divest the whole subject of sentimentality, eliminate the political factor from the prob-lem, and if we are really in earnest in our desire to civilize the Indian and make a man of him, stop nursing him as a motherless infant, pull down the Chinese wall which excludes him from civilization, and let the light of the nineteenth century in upon his benighted vision. Throw him more upon his own resources, test his own strength more, and it will be found nine times out of ten that in all the practical affairs of life, he will do better for him-self than experimental legislation or ill-advised and misdirected philanthropy can do for him.
Years ago it was thought best for prudential reasons, to shut him away from the contaminating (?) example and influence of his white brother, who was forbidden to set foot Awithin the charmed circle@ of his reservation. With the advent of the railroad, schools, and churches in the western country, this is no longer possible or wise. It has been truthfully said; universal progress has the right of way to his continent and the demand is made that every avenue of trade shall be thrown wide open, that the arts of peace and civilization shall abound from ocean to ocean. Then lift the Ablockade@ that shuts away from him the influences of civilization, and let the Indian fall in and keep step with the spirit of the age, or find himself a stranger at the end of the advancing column.
QUIEN SABE.
Arkansas City, October 30th.
[THIS ARTICLE SEEMS VERY DISJOINTED...AND FROM THE USE OF * IT IS APPARENT THAT SOME VALUABLE COMMENTS ARE GONE! ONE OF THE SUBHEADERS STATED ASENATOR DAWES= LIES IN THE NEW YORK TRIBUNE EXPOSED.@ THERE IS NOTHING IN THE ENTIRE ARTICLE THAT REFERS TO SENATOR DAWES!]
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, November 4, 1885.
THOMPSON McKINNEY, the secretary of the Choctaw Nation, has been nominated for the position of principal chief of his nation. He is backed by his present chief and nearly every prominent man of his country, and his election is regarded as certain.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, November 4, 1885.
GLOBE-DEMOCRAT: A democratic orator in Massachusetts boasts that nearly all of our acquisitions of territory have been made under the rule of his party. He forgets, however, that it was also the party which made a desperate attempt to rob the country of these acquisitions after they were made, and that the republicans came to the rescue and upset the scheme. If the Democratic party could have had its way from 1861 to 1865, our nation would now be a good deal smaller than it is.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, November 4, 1885.
CATTLE LEASES DISCUSSED.
The article discussing cattle leases, which appears on our first page, was written by a gentleman fully competent to deal with the question, and his statements rest on the solid basis of truth. He shows that the Indians exercised their best judgment in granting the leases, that by the rulings of the courts and the departments of Washington they have a perfect right to sell their grasses, and that they are perfectly content with the operation of the contracts into which they have entered. A number of our citizens, regarding the raising of herds to feed the hunger of the nation as a useful and legitimate industry, embarked in the cattle business, devoting all their available means to procuring cattle for grazing and fencing in ranches for their safe keeping. And some finding the business growing on their hands, borrowed sums of money at a high rate of interest in the belief that the profits on their investment would in no great time enable them to pay off their obligations.
But a democratic administration has brought about a change in the spirit of their dream. We have no criticism to make on any policy the president may adopt in his treatment of the red race, and the policy he proposes to recommend to congress of the allotment of their lands in severalty; and the sale of the surplus portion to the white settler is not only calculated to gain strength for his administration but we regard it as sound statesmanship. Still this could have been done without any rude shock to a staple interest, and certainly all resort to false charges and demagogy should have been avoided.
A revolt of the Cheyennes against the enumeration of their tribe, ordered by the Indian commissioner, brought the military into the field, and General Sheridan was dispatched to quell the trouble. Inquiring into the cause of the turbulence he found some ready to lay their dissatisfaction to the presence of the cowboys and their herds, this being used as a disguise to their revolt against the authority of their great father. We have all due love and respect for the brilliant hero of Winchester, but there is no disguising the fact that he had an old grudge of his brother Mike=s against the cattlemen in his mind, and he made avail of this opportunity to recommend that all the cattle herds on the Cheyenne and Arapahoe reservation be removed, and the leases with those tribes vacated. It is well known here, and it was known at the time, that the majority of the Cheyennes were well contented with the leases, and held the $80,000 annual rental in due esteem; but there are always some restless members in that tribe, and this truculent portion it was that made the fuss. The Arapahoes are a more stolid people, and unless their toes are trodden on, they do not wince.
This disturbed state of things gave an opportunity to the Massachusetts statesman, Senator Dawes, to put in his oar. He is a philanthropist, one of that pestilent class which abandons itself to a crotchet, and seeks to shape nature and truth to its own distorted views. Our correspondent points out some of the egregious misstatements he ventilated through the New York Tribune, and could have pointed out a dozen others if they had been relevant to his argument. The writer of the paper is well known to our citizens, and the candor and ability with which he discusses his subject will commend it to general attention.
[QUESTION: DO YOU THINK C. M. SCOTT WAS AQUIEN SABE@???]
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, November 4, 1885.
THE BOOMERS TO BE PUT OUT.
A Leavenworth dispatch, dated the 29th, reports information received at Fort Leavenworth to the effect that Oklahoma boomers, under Capt. Couch, have entered the Indian Territory and are bound for Oklahoma. The dispatch writer gives the following details.
A
The advance guard have already arrived in the forbidden territory and have proceeded to stake out choice claims and place thereon signs warning everybody to keep off. The main body have not yet reached Oklahoma, and are under command of Capt. Couch, who has organized a staff and equipped them with all the paraphernalia of war. Couch=s party is well armed and equipped, and the announcement is boldly made that they are going to stay. It is estimated that the boomers now inside the Indian Territory number about 4,000.@This riotous defiance has naturally attracted the attention of Gen. Miles, and that officer has ordered Major Sumner, at Fort Reno, to take sufficient force with him and eject the invaders. There are six companies of troops at Fort Reno and a similar force at Fort Sill who can be used to chase out the boomers. If the above report states facts correctly, it would seem that Couch and his followers are alike lacking in brains. It is pretty evident that it is the intention of the government to throw open the unassigned land in the territory to settlement, and a quiet occupation of the ground until that time arrives, might have been winked at. But this hurrah and noisy parade are an invitation to the authorities to intervene, and the threatened ejectment is a proper response to the defiance. How Couch and his fellow speakers can declaim against the monopoly of cattlemen and syndicates, when they set up a worse monopoly by attempting to drive everybody away who does not belong to their gang and pay tribute to their chieftain, is not obvious to common sense.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 4, 1885.
BIG AD. GREAT CLOSING OUT SALE AT THE BEE HIVE, which commenced Saturday, October 31st, and includes our entire stock of merchandise, consisting of DRY GOODS, CLOTHING, BOOTS AND SHOES, HATS AND CAPS, LADIES= WRAPS AND UNDER WEAR, CARPETS, VALISES, NOTIONS, ETC.
We have as full a line in every department as can be found in any store in Cowley County, which we must and will
CLOSE OUT BY JANUARY 1ST, NEXT.
THE GOODS WILL BE SOLD STRICTLY AT COST, AND FOR CASH ONLY.
Our reason for closing out is this: Having a store at Pawnee Agency, which requires all our attention, we find two stores more than we can properly attend to.
TO OUR NUMEROUS CUSTOMERS AND FRIENDS:
You cannot afford to let this grand opportunity pass of buying your winter goods at manufacturers= prices.
MONEY SAVED IS MONEY EARNED.
Come early, and secure bargains before the stock that you select from is broken. It stands everybody in hand to buy when and where they can buy the cheapest.
Thanking our patrons for the many favors they have bestowed on us during our stay in Arkanss City, we now, in return, offer them an opportunity to reap the benefit of low prices. We offer them a stock of goods for sale at such rates as were never before offered in Cowley County.
OCHS & NICHOLSON.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 4, 1885.
BIG AD. YOUNGHEIM & CO.=S SLAUGHTER SALE -OF- CLOTHING, HATS, CAPS, GENTS= FURNISHING GOODS, ETC.
We are overstocked and must sell in order to make room for other goods. Nothing but bargains can we offer to the public. Some of our goods we will sell
AT COST!
And some below cost. We mean every word we say.
Prices no object.
COME ONE, COME EVERYBODY.
We always will stick up to what we say. Respectfully,
YOUNGHEIM & CO.
Three Doors South of P. O.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 4, 1885.
No. 1 wheat is selling for 75 cents on our streets.
Old papers for sale at this office, 50 cents a hundred.
Farmers wishing steers to feed call on B. F. Childs, Arkansas City.
O. Ingersoll and wife returned on Saturday from their visit to New York state.
The McDowell Bros. have removed their meat market into Godehard=s former store.
The present cool weather makes a harvest for the stove dealers and coal merchants.
Will Thompson is suffering from sore throat, and a general state of physical disrepair.
Ware, Pickering & Co., were busy all day yesterday receiving potatoes into their warehouse.
Dr. Reed has removed his office to North Summit St., two doors above Dr. Brown=s drug store.
Major Hasie is having a severe time with rheumatism in his shoulders, a reminiscence of the war.
The farmers are withholding their wheat for a raise, and enough is not coming in to supply the mills.
The barge builders are still at work on the second barge, the first vessel being now ready for launching.
Stacy Matlack was taken down on Saturday with congestion of the bowels, and is still confined to his bed.
The ladies of the Episcopal guild will meet with Mrs. Nicholson this afternoon, Nov. 4th, from 2 to 4 o=clock.
Our young friend, Behrens, of Youngheim & Co., reports a heavier trade last month than in October of the year preceding.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 4, 1885.
Mr. Thomas H. Tyner sold his farm north of the city and the one on Grouse Creek to Frank J. Hess. Consideration, $4,000.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 4, 1885.
Joseph Smith, salesman for Kroenert & Austin, left yesterday for Des Moines, Iowa, to recuperate from his late severe illness.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 4, 1885.
On Tuesday H. H. Perry, of the Leland, registered upwards of a page of guests, and twenty-one members of the Golden company.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 4, 1885.
A collection of $17 was taken up in the First Presbyterian Church of this city on Sunday, in behalf of the Home for Friendless Women in Leavenworth.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 4, 1885.
The Democrat grows ironical at the expense of Winfield, and thinks the selection of that city for the insane asylum inspirational.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 4, 1885.
The directors of the People=s Building Association met in Judge Pyburn=s office last Saturday, and by resolution surrendered their charter and dissolved the association. The money paid in by the stockholders will be divided pro rata.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 4, 1885.
George A. Druitt, proprietor of the European restaurant, announces in our advertising columns his readiness to cater to all tastes. He sets a good table.
AD. EUROPEAN RESTAURANT.
GEORGE A. DRUITT, PROPRIETOR.
(FIVE DOORS SOUTH OF POST OFFICE.)
First-class Meals at all Hours.
OYSTERS IN EVERY STYLE.
Farmers, when in town, make this their home.
A Substantial well Cooked Meal for 25 cents.
Let the hungry give heed; THEY ARE ALWAYS WELCOME.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 4, 1885.
Youngheim & Co., are drawn into the clothing war raging in this city, and declare their intention to sell their heavy stock of clothing and men=s underwear at cost, and a portion below cost.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 4, 1885.
One of our citizens just in from the territory says last week he encountered on the Cimarron a train of fifteen wagons, each wagon containing a family heading for Oklahoma. They were colored people from Tennessee, and their outfits were new and of the best quality.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 4, 1885.
A
The republican party owes its supremacy today to the fact that it has slobbered over the old soldiers until the old veterans themselves are becoming disgusted with it.@ For the above astonishing piece of political news, the reader is indebted to the Winfield Telegram.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 4, 1885.
Halloween was observed on Saturday by such mischievous pranks as spilling molasses on windows and doorsteps, carrying away fence gates, and overturning outhouses. If the doings of elves and sprites cannot be better imitated by our young sports, the practice had better be abandoned.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 4, 1885.
On Friday as a man, whose name we have not learned, was returning from the territory with a load of wood, while descending the hill on the other side of the Arkansas River Bridge, his loaded gun fell to the ground, and exploding, the charge splintered the hind leg of one of his mules. The animal had to be killed to relieve it from its suffering.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 4, 1885.
The Caldwell Journal editor shows a level head. He says: AThe money necessary to buy the Wellington fair grounds and pay the debts hanging over it would build five or six good bridges in the county. Let us not go into the show business as a county until we have plenty of bridges over which to pass to the county seat.@
Arkansas City Traveler, November 4, 1885.
Jenkins & Stevenson, at the I. X. L. market, on North Summit Street, are cutting a fine quality of meat, and their rapidly increasing trade is evidence that their viands are approved by their patrons. Their market is supplied fresh every morning, and their corned beef is a feature of their trade.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 4, 1885.
On Monday Postmaster Topliff vacated his office, and Col. Sinnott assumed charge of the mails. The retiring P. M. Has acquired the good will of all our citizens by his efficient performance of duty and his unfailing courtesy. Col. Sinnott has had a good training for the office and his pleasing manners will add to his immense list of friends. We regret the loss of so good a man as ATop,@ but feel confident that the office has fallen into good hands. Here=s success all round.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 4, 1885.
The Democrat professes extreme solicitude for the development of a manufacturing industry in this city, yet it has been foremost in stabbing one of its vital interests. It hastened to parade Senator Dawes= lying letter to the New York Tribune in its columns, and commended it as a thorough exposition of the cattle lease question, and vouched for the writer=s conclusion as being correct. Our citizens have good reason to pray to be delivered from such a friend.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 4, 1885.
One of our city clergy in the pulpit on Sunday evening, announced a meeting to be held this week to organize a Y. M. C. A. in our city. He mentioned that in Emporia the week preceding, at a convention of those interested in this work, he noticed the superintendent of the telegraphic service of the A. T. & S. F. Company among the most active workers. His energies were stimulated, the preacher said, because the company has found that young men of piety and correct principles are the most trustworthy. In the postal service of the Union Pacific railroad, we may add, none but total abstainers are employed, and for the same reason. Good morals and religion have before today shown their practical use.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 4, 1885.
The Republican affords us the cheerful reminder that Athe Indian Territory is now solidly democratic,@ and it adds with ill concealed sarcasm, Aowing to civil service rules.@ There is suggestiveness in this simply stated fact. The pressure for office is so irresistible the subordinate employees (to teach school and till the soil, for instance) are appointed in Washington, and thrust on the agent whether he likes it or not. Hitherto this official has been allowed the choice, and properly too, because the responsibility rests with him, and the persons through whom his duties are performed should owe accountability to him. Before Cleveland=s term has expired, it is safe to say the administration of affairs in the Indian territory will be in a state of chaos.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 4, 1885.
Will our cotemporary tell what Amos Walton or the county commissioners of Cowley County had to do with the Geuda Springs and Caldwell proposition? Democrat.
Quite cheerfully. The scheme to put this city at the end of a bobtail line was concocted in Winfield; and the gentleman named makes frequent visits there. Unlike the county officials, he is commissioner for this district, and it is his duty to be vigilant in guarding the interest of his constituents. The Democrat is unreserved in condemning the treachery and bad faith that marked this piece of jugglery, and the resentment of all our citizens was aroused at the attempt to carry it out. Yet County Commissioner Walton gave no note of warning, and its defeat was due to the prompt and united action of the people of this city.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 4, 1885.
Family Flour.
The Arkansas City Roller Mills Company are turning out their favorite brands of flour, which are kept on sale by our city grocers: Crescent Patent, Morning Star, and Old Gold are prized by our housewives and have become household words.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 4, 1885.
Dancing Club.
Miss High=s dancing club will meet tonight (Wednesday) at Highland hall. Those wishing to join, and those who have already joined, are requested to be on hand at 8 o=clock sharp. Miss High is an excellent teacher, an acquisition we have long wanted.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 4, 1885.
Music Class.
We take pleasure in announcing to the public that we have secured an able and efficient teacher of instrumental music, Miss Minnie Randall, who will give lessons to our students at greatly reduced rates.
L. F. ABERNETHY, Principal, Arkansas City Select School.
---
Prof. Duncan, who is so well and favorably known in this city, will favor the students of the Arkansas City Select School, by giving them lessons for a very reasonable charge.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 4, 1885.
Closing Out Sale.
The enterprising dry goods merchants, Ochs & Nicholson, take up a good share of our advertising space to announce a grand closing out sale which began last Saturday. They had laid in a heavy stock for the winter trade, but finding that their store at Pawnee Agency demands more time than they can devote to it with this business on their hands, they have concluded to close this out at cost. The sale is bona fide and will be made without reserve. Those wishing to buy anything included in the lines of goods they offer should not pass by this opportunity. A word to the wise is enough.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 4, 1885.
Theatrical.
The two dramatic entertainments of the Golden troupe, given in this city on Monday and Tuesday evening, were well attended and were received with repeated applause. The company is superior in merit and the care of the stage manager is shown in the finished manner in which their pieces are produced. In the Daughter of the Regiment, Mrs. Bella Golden displayed fine powers, as a comedian and vocalist, and on both nights (Our Bachelors being the second performance) Mr. Golden gave evidence of his versatility. We notice that the company is universally well spoken of, and we understand it is doing a fine business.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 4, 1885.
Live Stock Notes.
Caldwell Journal: W. J. Newbold=s public sale on Tuesday was a success. Cattle and horses sold well. His stock hogs brought about four cents a pound and other things sold equally as well.
Indian Chieftain: The Saginaw Cattle Company, which has a lease of the northern portion of the Sac & Fox reserve, has suspended its fencing operations ostensibly until next spring. Their contract with the Indians provided for the completion of this work long ago. It is not improbable that this announced temporary suspension is induced by the Asigns of the times.@ Prospects for Indian leases are certainly far from favorable at present.
The second annual sale of Shorthorn cattle by the Northeast Missouri Breeders= Association was held on Thursday at the fair grounds, near Mexico, Missouri. The stock brought very low prices at the beginning, but toward the close commanded better figures. There were a a fair attendance of cattlemen from adjoining counties, who purchased largely.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 4, 1885.
MARRIED. The Portland (Maine) Daily Press contains an account of the wedding on Oct. 20th of our fellow-townsman, Dr. J. A. Mitchell and Miss Harriet E. Corry. We met the happy benedict the afternoon that he started on his successful trip, and were amused with the confusion he displayed. AI am not used to this sort of thing,@ he remarked, Aand somehow it affects a fellow=s serenity of feeling.@ But it is an experience we all have to go through, and the sensations are delightful though quite disturbing. Those best acquainted with Dr. Mitchell are most impressed with his estimable and sterling qualities, and the bride during her stay in this city made hosts of friends. We have all confidence that the union will be a happy one, and our heartiest congratulations are extended to the wedding pair. They arrived in this city on Saturday last.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 4, 1885.
MARRIED. Marriage bells were rung in the Hoosier state. On the 23rd ult., W. H. Nelson, of the real estate house of Meigs & Nelson, entered the silken bonds, the fair partner of the matrimonial firm being Miss Cora Kirkpatrick of Bloomingdale, Indiana. Mr. Nelson is a young man of great promise, and returns to take his place among our most useful and stable citizens. We are willing to believe that his bride is in every way worthy of his choice, and the TRAVELER wishes them lasting happiness. This wedded pair returned on Friday.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 4, 1885.
CITIZENS= COMMITTEE.
A Popular Movement to Advance the City=s Interests.
On Monday evening of last week, about a score of our prominent citizens held a meeting in Judge Pyburn=s office to consider the most practicable means of advancing the interests of this city. The views expressed were that in a rapidly growing country, where incoming population is apt to seek new channels, and business interests are created by the changing tide of affairs, it is necessary for every city that seeks growth and prosperity to be on the alert and lend its hand in shaping matters to its own advantage. It was agreed that to put the forces of a community to the best avail, it is necessary to have some organization to depute some number of men of good judgment and business acumen to watch the changes in the kaleidoscope of social life, and suggest means for turning them to proper advantage; to perform the duty of a picket guard in the army. In fact, holding themselves in an advanced position, and watching every movement that comes under their notice. As an initial step to the organization sought after, the meeting chose of the persons present, Messrs. A. A. Newman, A. D. Prescott, G. W. Miller, N. T. Snyder, and Amos Walton as an executive committee, with power to add to their number, and report to a public meeting to be held in the Opera house the following evening.
On Tuesday the Buckskin Border Band stationed outside that popular place of amusement, gave notice to the public that business was to be done by playing several choice airs in their usual artistic style. Several score of people gave heed to the summons, and by 8 o=clock there were about a hundred assembled. The meeting was called to order, Mayor Schiffbauer was chosen chairman, and our new postmaster, M. N. Sinnott, appointed secretary. Amos Walton, on behalf of the originators of the movement, was called on to explain the object of the meeting. He told what had been done the evening before, and handed to the secretary a list of names selected by the committee to add to their number, and said he would then ask the sense of the meeting on the choice made. The secretary read the following names.
C. R. Sipes
G. W. Cunningham
Rev. S. B. Fleming
A. J. Pyburn
H. O. Meigs
W. M. Sleeth
Jacob Hight
O. S. Rarick
J. P. Johnson
Ed Grady
Geo. Howard
W. D. Mowry
F. P. Schiffbauer
James Ridenour
Jas. L. Huey
W. D. Kreamer
T. H. McLaughlin
Dr. Jamison Vawter
Dr. H. D. Kellogg
O. P. Houghton
M. N. Sinnott
Mr. Walton said he commended the object of the proposed organization because it gave our citizens the benefit of the counsel and services of two dozen of our most experienced citizens (He wished to exclude himself from self commendation.) who would be on the lookout for opportunities to turn to the public good. The plan as he sketched it was for those two dozen sagacious men to mature among themselves whatever movements would advance the public good, and then call a public meeting to whom their plans could be unfolded and action taken on them. On motion the list of names read by the secretary was approved.
Several other speakers followed in like strain.
Frank Austin preferred to have the organization placed on a broader basis. It had been called a board of trade by some speakers, and he wanted it made one in fact. He wanted membership thrown open to all eligible persons, and stated times of meeting. To create a fund for any sudden use he would have an initiation fee and an annual subscription.
But this proposition was generally opposed on the ground that it was taking the organization out of the hands of those who framed it. The meeting having nothing further before it, adjourned.
At a subsequent meeting of the executive committee, on the 29th, an organization was effected by electing A. J. Pyburn, president;
H. D. Kellogg, vice president; M. N. Sinnott, secretary; N. T. Snyder, assistant secretary; W. D. Mowry, treasurer. It was also decided to increase the membership by admitting any fitting person on payment of $5 initiation fee. The following committees were appointed.
Finance Committee: A. A. Newman, H. O. Meigs, W. D. Kreamer.
Executive Committee: G. W. Cunningham, W. M. Sleeth, Amos Walton, H. D. Kellogg, N. T. Snyder, T. H. McLaughlin, W. D. Mowry, A. D. Prescott, F. P. Schiffbauer.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 4, 1885.
Surprise Party.
Some two score members of the Methodist Church of this city gave a surprise party on Monday evening to Mrs. Chenowith, at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Griffith, her parents. The family will soon start for Florida, and the congregation, in recognition of Mrs. Chenowith=s services as organist for the church, paid her this visit. Besides an abundance of refreshments provided, which furnished good cheer for all, the visitors brought the following presents: a handsome rocker, silver card receiver, silver bouquet holder, chased napkin ring on stand, a pair of elegant vases, and a pair of silk mittens. The presentation speech was made by Rev. W. H. Harris, which was pleasantly responded to by Dr. Griffith. The festivity was an enjoyable one to all concerned.
[ARTICLE SEZ ACHENOWITH@...WONDER IF IT WAS REALLY CHENOWETH??]
Arkansas City Traveler, November 4, 1885.
The Walkup Case.
The Walkup case is approaching its close. The testimony is all in, a great portion of which has been of a very salacious character, and on Monday the judge instructed the jury. The day was occupied by the counsel in summing up the case, and the argument was continued on Tuesday. When the array of lawyers got through, it will be left with the jury to pronounce on the guilt or innocence of the fair defendant. The prosecution has not made a strong case against her, and beauty in distress has a mollifying effect on twelve men in a jury box.
[HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THIS ARTICLE IS ALL ABOUT!]
Arkansas City Traveler, November 4, 1885.
Poker Room Raided.
Some excitement was created on Saturday evening by the arrest of Frank Blubaugh for keeping a poker room, in the basement under the Commercial block. Information was lodged with City Marshal Gray, by one Jones, who admitted he was running the game for a commission paid by Blubaugh, but there being no city ordinance imposing a penalty for such offense, the case was placed in the hands of Constable Frank Thompson, to proceed against under the state law. On Saturday evening he visited the place, and arrested the proprietor, entrusting him to the custody of an assistant, while he proceeded to take in others implicated. But the prisoner eluded the vigilance of his custodian, and issuing from the hall, set out for parts unknown. This misadventure seems to have stayed all further proceedings.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 4, 1885.
City Council Proceedings.
Council met at 7:30 on Monday evening, Mayor Schiffbauer presiding. Councilmen Bailey and Hill absent.
The following bills were acted on.
A. E. Kirkpatrick, $1.50; allowed.
Murdock Bros., Wichita, $14; tabled.
G. B. Shaw & Co., $2; allowed.
Kroenert & Austin, $1.55; allowed.
William Gall, $2; allowed.
William Ward, $5.25; referred to water works committee.
Danke Bros., 75 cents; allowed.
C. R. Sipes, $21.13; referred.
Kingsbury & Barnett, $3.50; allowed.
Chicago Lumber Co., $9.30; allowed.
L. B. Turner, $5.25; allowed.
Various parties for laying water pipe, $10.75; referred to water works committee.
S. Thompson, $35; allowed.
D. L. Means, $4.92; allowed.
Referred county claim of S. F. Steinberger, $4.75; rejected.
Referred county claim of Dr. E. Y. Baker, $93; rejected.
Petition of W. G. Johnson, night watchman, asking for increase of pay, was read and laid on the table.
Petition of businessmen for the naming of streets and numbering of alleys, was read and referred to the committee on streets and alleys.
The contract of the city with Cornelius Mead for the guttering and curbing of six blocks on Summit Street, and the laying of four stone crosswalks on Summit Street and Fifth Avenue was read. The curbing and guttering to cost $37.75 per lot and the crosswalks 80 cents per linear foot; the work to be finished by April 1st.
Mr. Eldridge protested against the work as faulty in design and too expensive by one-third. Mr. Henderson joined in the protest, objecting to the use of flag stones and proposing cobble stones. Dr. Alexander was another protestant. The block between Central and Seventh Avenues was not half built up, and when the lots came to be improved, the guttering and curbing would have to be taken up.
Councilman Dunn, of the committee on streets and alleys, answered the various objections. The mayor said these protests came in too late to be of any avail. The resolution of the council to curb and gutter the blocks named had been advertised four consecutive weeks in the TRAVELER, the official organ of the city, and proposals for the work had been advertised the same length of time in the same paper. Not a protest had come in during all this time, and the natural infer-ence of the council was that the property holders interested approved the work. The contract had now been let and the bond filed, and the objections made could not be regarded. The contract was approved.
A bond for $1,500 for the faithful performance of the work was read and apprroved. Cornelius Mead, principal, and Messrs. Searing and Frank J. Hess, sureties.
A resolution was adopted that the owners of scales on the blocks named, be notified to remove them far enough into the road to admit of the gutters being made.
By resolution F. B. Scott, engineer of the water works, was allowed $50 a month, on condition that he do all the work.
The report of the police judge for October was read, showing total receipts from fines and costs $63, of which the police judge retained $25, the officers making arrests received $13, and $25 was paid to the city treasurer. The report was accepted and placed on file.
Leave was granted Edward Grady to put in scales opposite his brick store on Third Avenue, and build coal sheds.
The council then adjourned.
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The city council held a brief session on Monday morning and passed an ordinance granting a new right of way to the Kansas City and Southwestern road and repealing Ordinance No. 24. This new ordinance brings the road in on Thirteenth Street, which line it traverses to the canal, and then runs due west three miles, crossing the Arkansas River just below the dam, whence it is carried south to the line of the territory. From the point where the road turns south, a branch line will be run northwest to within a mile and a half of Geuda. It will then turn and run southwest to South Haven and then west to Caldwell. Surveyors to run the branch line started out from the city on Monday. The railway company also covenant and agree to run a switch along the canal to the flouring mills, and will file a bond to have the track laid by February 1st. The above ordinance was not given out for publication to afford time to the railroad company to furnish the bond. This puts the railroad in a more acceptable shape.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 4, 1885.
Synopsis of the Tax Law.
Frank Hess has been busy on the tax list of this city, and has at length completed his transcript. The total assessment for all purposes, is $5.51 on the one hundred dollars. The following synopsis of the tax law will be of interest to taxpayers.
Taxes become due and attach as a lien on real estate on November 1st of each year.
Parties who own real estate on November 1st, are liable for tax on same for that year.
If one half tax is paid on or before December 20, the other half can remain unpaid until the 20th of June following, without penalty.
If the full amount of tax is paid on or before December 20, a rebate of 5 percent will be allowed on the last half.
If no part of tax is paid on or before December 20th, the whole amount becomes due and a penalty of five percent will be attached thereto on December 21st, and if still unpaid, an additional penalty of five percent will be attached on March 21st and June 21st following.
All real estate on which taxes remain delinquent on June 21st will be sold on the first Tuesday of September, after being advertised in the official paper of the county for four consecutive weeks prior to date of sale.
Interest accrues after sale at the rate of 24 percent per annum, and the county clerk will issue tax deeds to holders of certificates of purchase to all unredeemed lands and town lots after three years have expired from date of sale.
If one half personal property is paid on or before December 20th, the balance will run to June 20th following without penalty.
If no part of personal property tax is paid on or before January 10th, or the last half is not paid on or before July 10th, a warrant will be issued to the sheriff of the county, commanding him to collect the same.
Taxpayers must furnish the county treasurer with a correct description of their real estate; and if personal property, the township in which located.
Real estate is assessed each even year; personal property is assessed every year.
J. B. NIPP, Treasurer of Cowley Co., Kansas.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 4, 1885.
Notice! Help Needed!
To the citizens of Arkansas City. We, the members of the
A. M. E. Church, desire to build a church at once for our people to worship in, and ask the aid of friends and supporters of the cause of religion to further us in this good and much-needed work.
REV. S. YOUNG, Pastor.
Secretary: P. B. ANDREWS.
Trustees: P. B. ANDREWS,
BERRY BANKS,
ALLEN SPICKERT.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 4, 1885.
Redistribution Wanted.
Any friend having taken our society napkins home to wash from the Burroughs building will confer a favor by leaving the same at Mrs. Dr. Alexander=s. Also if any persons, through mistake, have more than their number of tablecloths, towels, kettles, and cooking vessels, they will please report the same at the place above named, and oblige the ladies of the Methodist Aid Society.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 4, 1885.
From Our Exchanges.
Wyandotte has a ghost that drives people out of their houses at midnight. He simply tells them to vacate and they go.
Emporia News: The Arkansas City Traveler, in its issue of the 21st, goes to the root of the silver dollar question in about as terse and concise a manner as the subject can be treated. The editor copies a recent article from the Republican on the subject and then proceeds to annihilate it.
Cheyenne Transporter: Eight children were this week taken from the Arapahoe agency and placed in the Chilocco school.
Caldwell Journal: There is no wheat offered on our market now. It is taken by the farmers to the Ft. Scott road, where eight or ten cents a bushel more can be paid for it by shippers than can be here, on account of freight rates.
Indian Chieftain: The Arkansas City Democrat prints a snake story very much resembling the one told by Mr. Roach of Locust hill, which we gave two or three weeks ago. We fear the Democrat=s editor hs been reading the Chieftain with too much profit.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 4, 1885. [From exchanges.]
South Haven News: A large and enthusiastic Oklahoma meeting was held here last Saturday, at which was organized the Rock Falls branch of Payne=s Oklahoma colony, and the following officers were elected: Pres. Capt. Lewis Weythman; Vice President, John Koller; Treasurer, Col. Thomas Hunter; Secretary, Dr. W. S. Chenoweth. A constitution and by-laws will be adopted by sections at the next meeting, which will be duly advertised.
The Indian Journal, published at Muscogee, makes the following admission: Notwithstanding the action of the council at Eufaula during the summer in regard to the Oklahoma country, it is said that a good majority at least, of the present Creek council, are willing to sell, fearing that it will be taken from them if they do not, and that the commission to be sent here by the president to treat for that much talked of country will be successful.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, November 11, 1885.
WHAT THE MONEY WAS PAID FOR.
The Cherokees have long been sorely exercised over that payment of $300,000 made by the government to their nation, after the land for the occupation of the friendly tribes had been bought and paid for. The price paid was 47-49/100 cents per acre, which aggregated about $357,000. The additional sum of $300,000 was procured by Col. Phillips, then employed as agent by the nation, and he declares it was a further consideration for the land set apart for the Poncas, the Nez Perces, the Otoes, and the Missourias. But shrewd suspicions are entertained by a number of Cherokee statesmen that this payment was made upon the entire strip or outlet, and that their agent misled his principals in order to acquire his commission on the sum paid. Chief Bushyhead has lately been in Washington inquiring into this matter for the information of the national council, soon to hold its session in Tahlequah; and now we learn that other Cherokees, representing the anti-Bushyhead faction, have visited the national capital for the purpose of prosecuting inquiries on their own account. Their first application was to the secretary of the treasury to learn what for that money stood on the books of the government; whether it appeared as having been allowed in addition to the appraisal on the lands transferred to the other tribes, or whether it was a general payment on the entire strip. Secretary Manning, to satisfy these querists, ordered an examination of the Cherokee account, and assistant Secretary Fairchild makes the following statement.
A
In reply to your letter of the 20th last, concerning the appropriation of $300,000 to be paid into the treasury of the Cherokee nation out of the fund due under appraisement for Cherokee lands west of the Arkansas river, I have to inform you that the second auditor reports that the records of his office afford no information upon the subject of the inquiries submitted by you. It is suggested that application be made to the honorable secretary of the interior for the desired information.@Acting on this suggestion, application was then made to the interior department, which procured an endorsement from Secretary Lamar certifying to the correctness of the statement made last spring, that the payment in question was considered by the department a credit toward the purchase of the whole strip. This is no way determinate, and the section of the appropriation act by which the money was voted does not throw any clear light on the subject. The language is as follows.
A
That the sum of $300,000 is hereby appropriated to be paid into the treasury of the Cherokee Nation out of the funds due under the appraisement for Cherokee lands west of the Arkansas river, which sum shall be expended as the acts of the Cherokee legislature directCthis amount to be immediately available; provided that the Cherokee Nation, through its proper authority, shall execute conveyances satisfactory to the secretary of the interior of the United States, in trust only for the benefit of the Pawnees, Poncas, Nez Perces, Otoes, Missourias, and Osages, now occupying the same tract, as they respectively occupied the same before the payment of said money.@As mentioned above, this matter has disturbed the Cherokee mind for some years, and at a special counsel called at Tahlequah to get at the truth of the matter, Col. Phillips made this statement.
A
In 1879, the portion of land occupied by the Pawnees was appraised by the government at 90 cents an acre, and the same value was set upon the land occupied by the Nez Perces. The area set apart for the Poncas, the Otoes, and the Missourias was appraised at the lower value of 47-49/100 cents per acre, and the money was paid on these appraisements.@Col. Phillips says the last appropriation of $300,000 was made on a reappraisement of all the land occupied by these friendly tribes at a uniform value of $1.25 per acre. This very plausible explanation was accepted at the time, and Mr. Phillips was allowed to retain his fee of $22,500 as commission on his very deft transaction.
But the story is not believed now. Subsequent investigation begets the suspicion that this well paid agent was trifling with his clients, and that, in the interest of those who want the strip to pass out of the possession of the Cherokees, he procured the money as a general payment on the entire outlet. This seems to be the understanding of the treasury and interior department people at Washington; and a similar belief in the Cherokee mind is so general, that at the last election in that nation, every member elected to the council was pledged to the discharge of Col. Phillips from his office as agent of the Cherokee Nation.
A
I love thee, Cassis; But never more be officer of mine.@The commission appointed by Secretary Lamar to inquire in the title of the unassigned lands, made a very thorough search into the national papers at Tahlequah, and in their report, they will probably give their conclusions on this vexed subject.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, November 11, 1885.
THE WALKUP TRIAL.
The twelve good men and true to whom was entrusted the arbitrament of Mrs. Walkup=s case, after debating the matter forty hours among themselves, concluded that she was innocent of the crime charged. That this fact was not proved by the evidence, is shown by the conviction produced, on one half of the panel that she was guilty of her husband=s death; and this belief they seem to have stubbornly maintained through two weary days and a night, in spite of the arguments of their fellow jurors. The victim in the tragedy was a worthless reprobate, while the reported homicide was young and fair and bewitching. To go into court with a divided verdict would entail on the state another prosecution, with a repetition of the salacious revelations brought out by this judicial inquiry. We can suppose that the moving influence of beauty in distress had some softening effect on those obdurate jurors= hearts, and we can also suppose that there being a tinge of doubt, they were willing to give the defendant the benefit of the same. It is not likely that the deceased put an end to his worthless existence, and it was shown that his wife handled poisons with all the recklessness of a Lucretia Borgia. However, she is now acquitted, and stern justice having pronounced her guiltless, it is not generous for any on-looker to intimate a doubt. Her terrible experience has taught herself and many others this valuable lesson: that womanhood must not be batered for imagined gold. A mercenary marriage brings about its own revenges, and in this instance they visited pollution on the ambitious victim. Let Mrs. Walkup return to her southern home, and seek the retirement that is proper to her blighted name.
[STILL HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THIS IS ALL ABOUT! PROBABLY HAVE TO CHECK WITH THE WINFIELD COURIER TO FIND OUT!]
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, November 11, 1885.
The Creek Indians have decided that they will not sell the Oklahoma lands at any price; but on the other hand, the government of the United States has determined to buy the property, and consequently, there will be a trade.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, November 11, 1885.
Oxford Register: By urgent solicitation of some of Oxford=s leading citizens, the county commissioners appropriated $500 more for the Arkansas bridge last week, and for this amount Mr. Reams has agreed to extend the bridge ninety feet longer, thus taking it clear to the east bank.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, November 11, 1885.
Cherokee Advocate: The hog market is down to bed rock again. A good fat hog will hardly pay the freight on himself from here to St. Louis. And he would come out in debt to try to get to Chicago. And to ship one to New York, it would take two whoppers to pay freight.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, November 11, 1885.
AD. SHEPARD & ACKER, PHYSICIANS & SURGEONS.
Tender their professional services to the citizens of Arkansas City and vicinity.
All calls in the city or country, night and day, will receive prompt attention.
Office open night and day.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, November 11, 1885.
AD. DR. S. B. PARSONS, HOMEOPATHIST.
Office and residence one block west of Matlack=s store.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, November 11, 1885.
AD. Geo. H. Dresser
ARTISTIC PHOTOGRAPHER,
Instantaneous process used exclusively. As good work insured in cloudy weather as clear. Satisfaction guaranteed. The public cordially invited to call in and examine work.
GALLERY SOUTH SUMMIT STREET, ARKANSAS CITY, KANSAS.
SKIPPED BIG, BID AD PLAYING UP ROYAL BAKING POWDER IN THE NOVEMBER 11, 1885, ISSUE OF ARKANSAS CITY TRAVELER.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 11, 1885.
W. W. Beman has purchased a half interest in the European restaurant.
W. D. Bishop was in town last week and made himself solid with the printer.
Joseph Clark, Jr., of Cadiz, Ohio, spent two or three days in town last week as a guest of Dr. C. D. Brown.
Turner G. Brown, of Cambridge, Ohio, visited Arkansas City last week with a view of selecting a location.
Capt. J. B. Nipp came to town yesterday to exchange greetings with his friends.
J. T. Stewart, of Walton Township, was in the city on Saturday and favored this office with a pleasant call.
Gardiner Work, the rustling insurance man of Wichita, is now in the city, taking the lives of our citizens. [??? DON=T UNDERSTAND.]
Furniture for the high school arrived yesterday, and will be set up in the rooms rented for that purpose in the Commercial block.
Heitkam is fitting up a tailor shop in a portion of Godehard=s former stand. Suits to fit can now be provided with improved facilities.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 11, 1885.
W. J. Sweeny, representative of the Weekly Catholic, published in Leavenworth, the only Catholic journal in Kansas, favored us with a call last week.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 11, 1885.
Topliff, our ex-postmaster, stepped out of the post office on Monday, having accepted a position in the Arkansas City Bank. He will enter on his duties there tomorrow.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 11, 1885.
O. C. Hardway, the watch repairer, is now with Ridenour & Thompson, and his skill as a workman is surpassed by none other in Southern Kansas.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 11, 1885.
The Arkansas City Roller Mills sold a load of flour on Monday to supply the graders and tracklayers who will soon make their camp in this city.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 11, 1885.
The McDowell Bros., last week bought a choice lot of corrn fed beeves, the carcasses of which are now doing service in their new market. The quality cannot be excelled.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 11, 1885.
The Ladies= Society of the 1st Presbyterian Church will give an entertainment in the Highland Hall the second Wednesday of December (the 9th).
Arkansas City Traveler, November 11, 1885.
We understand that J. P. Braden, the owner of the rink, intended to use that building for pork packing this fall, and had his arrangements made to start on the business this week.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 11, 1885.
On Jan. 1st, 1886, R. E. Grubbs will give someone of his customers a handsome silver water service, valued at $75. Every purchase to the amount of 25 cents wentitles the purchaser to a ticket.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 11, 1885.
Mr. Robert Weidensall says Americans are fond of pictures. Believing in object teaching myself, I propose to give a series of illustrated sermons at the Baptist Church, beginning next Sabbath evening. All are invited. R. L. WALKER.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 11, 1885.
Theoron Houghton has spread a coat of floral pigment on the front of his store and his awning posts, and half the men in town are daubed with it. When a victim mentions the fact to this dry joker, he says, AIt=s my way of painting the town red.@
Arkansas City Traveler, November 11, 1885.
George E. Hasie returned home on Monday after a six weeks= ramble in Western Kansas and Eastern Colorado. Several mining properties he owns in the last mentioned state he reports in a very promising condition.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 11, 1885.
BIRTH. Born to the wife of W. W. Eldridge, of this city, on Friday the 6th inst., a fine bouncing boy. The delighted father set up the cigars, and now wouldn=tt call the lord mayor of London his uncle.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 11, 1885.
Geo. H. Dresser, the photograph artist over Hamilton & Pentecost=s store, announces in our columns that he takes pictures by the instantaneous process, and can guarantee good work in cloudy weather. The pictures he displays in his show case show a high order of merit. [AD ALREADY TYPED.]
Arkansas City Traveler, November 11, 1885.
The fire Saturday night is another reminder to our citizens of the need of an adequate water supply. A wind would have scattered the burning embers for blocks around, and destroyed many of our finest residences. Yet some deprecate undue haste in making the provisions.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 11, 1885.
A. H. Doans [? HARD TO READ LAST NAME], of Winfield, has appointed Kroenert & Austin his agents for the sale of a patent kindler. We can recommend it as an excellent article. A small square, ignited and laid in the stove, burns with intense fierceness for ten minutes, and will start a coal fire readily. A package of fifty retails for 15 cnts.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 11, 1885.
Ridenour & Thompson yesterday were packing some elegant articles of plate, purchased by Mrs. James L. Huey, Mrs. Frank Hess, and Mrs. Fred Farrar, for presentation to Miss Julia Deming, formerly of this city, but now living in Wichita, to grace her approaching nuptials.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 11, 1885.
Chas. Howard and wife returned home on Saturday after a summer=s residence in the east. The first named says the dullness of manufacturing in the eastern states affects all classes, although signs of improvement are visible. Arkansas City he pronounces the busiest place he has struck in his travels.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 11, 1885.
Cornelius Sears, to whom was awarded he contract for guttering and curbing six blocks on Summit Street, has a force of men in Bolton quarrying rock, and will soon set cutters to work. He proposes to set a block at a time, and will have his material prepared in advance that there may be as slight inconvenience to traffic as possible.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 11, 1885.
We have received from George Stinson & Co., of Portland, Maine, the well-known Art Publishers, a magnificent, full length, steel engraving of General Grant. It is after Anderson=s celebrated photograph, which was made while the general was still in full vigor, and represents him in his sturdy, manly strength, as the people wish to remember him. It is undoubtedly the best portrait ever made of the general.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 11, 1885.
Plank Nelson gave up his position as carpenter in the Chilocco Indian school last week to save himself from being rotated out. All the former employees, who under Dr. Minthorn made the institution a success, except two of the lady school teachers, have left, which thorough cleaning out is in keeping with the practice pursued in the territory. We will withhold comments for fear of giving offense to our upstairs neighbor, the Democrat.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 11, 1885.
The Border City Dancing Club gave their first dance party in Highland Hall on Thursday evening. The guests were present on invitation, and thus all undesirable persons were excluded. About forty couples participated. Excellent music was furnished, and the festivity was greatly enjoyed by all. Good sense was shown by the instructors in beginning at a reasonable hour and closing up at midnight. In the dearth of social amusements in the city, these terpsichorean assemblies will, no doubt, be liberally patronized.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 11, 1885.
BIRTH. On the 1st inst., the wife of M. Fairclo presented him with a future voter.
The Dancing club will meet in the Burroughs= building this evening for practice.
The Bristol dramatic company make their stay with mine host, Perry, at the Leland.
The dining room of the Leland is graced with an elegant chrysanthemum in full bloom, the gift of Mrs. Lorrry.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 11, 1885.
Messrs. Prettyman & Mcfarland have located themselves in this city and have engaged rooms in the Commercial block, which they are fitting for a photography gallery. Both are evidently stirring citizens. [Stirring ???]
Arkansas City Traveler, November 11, 1885.
The town was filled with excitement yesterday over the near approach of the graders, and the selecting of a site for the depot. The place determined on, is reported to be the Jack Oaks; or, in other words, west of town, between 4th and 5th Avenues.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 11, 1885.
A Pound Party.
Last Friday evening a large number of friends of Rev. Mr. Buckner and members of his church met at the residence of David Carder, and after spending a few moments in making proper arrangements, they marched in a body to the M. E. Parsonage and took complete possession. The ladies found their way to the dining room and bountifully spread the table with comestibles. The gentlemen presented the pastor a pound of silver dollars, while the ladies gave his wife a handsome silver cake dish, butter dish, and castor. Rev. Mr. Witt, of the Christian Church, made an appropriate and touching speech. About four score persons were present and spent a most enjoyable evening.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 11, 1885.
Died of Heart Disease.
DIED. News came to town on Thursday that J. L. Glotfelter, of Bolton, had died in the Indian Territory of heart disease. The deceased was getting out posts and firewood, and made his home on the Pettit ranch while thus employed. While hauling a load of posts on the day mentioned, he rested at noon to eat dinner and feed his animals. He had in his company Bert Plumb and one other from East Bolton. The horses not being hitched, strayed off, and Mr. Glotfelter had some running to do to catch them. Being exhausted with the exercise, he mounted a mule to ride back to camp, but instantly fell off, and when found by his companions, was dead. The body was conveyed home, and the following day was taken to Burden for interment. Heart disease is supposed to be the cause of his sudden taking off. The deceased was 43 years of age, and leaves a wife and three daughters.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 11, 1885.
Death on the Rail.
DIED. On Thursday last J. E. Parkins, a well known contractor of this city, met his death on the cars when the train was two miles from the depot. There is a doubt still existing whether the unfortunate man designed to jump from the train to reach his stone quarry, or whether he was bent on self destruction. Those who witnessed the tragedy say he stood on the platform steps of the baggage car and a passenger coach, and, while the train was under full headway, doubled up his body and thrust himself forward. In falling his head struck the rail and it is supposed it also came in collision with the wheels. The check string being pulled by the newsboy, the train was backed up, and the mangled body picked up and brought to town. Notwithstanding his terrible injuries, the poor man lived in an unconsicious state till near midnight. The remains were buried in the Riverview Cemetery the following day. Mr. Parkins leaves a wife and two children. No reason can be assigned for his seeking to part with life.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 11, 1885.
Life in a Tent.
One of our city Galens tells a good story at his own expense. Being called upon to attend an accouchment case in the west part of town, he was conducted to a boomer=s tent pitched on this side of the west bridge. On entering this frail tenement, he found a young wife, barely seventeen years old, about to become a mother, with nothing on hand for the occasion and her husband as inexperienced as herself. They were from Indiana on their way to Oklahoma, without money or worldly goods. The straits the doctor was reduced to in performing his duties must be heard from his own lips to be properly enjoyed.
A
I sent the husband out to hunt up some good mother,@ the doctor said, Abut when she came, she had a perplexing time, as the clothes the poor thing had provided were only fit to cover a Hop-o=-my-Thumb, and there wasn=t a pair of scissors or even a pin in the tent.@A
Did you get your pay?@ some practical minded listener asked.A
Oh, there was no chance of that,@ was the reply, Abut I took it out in romance.@Some of these boomers who are simply crazy to get on to forbidden ground are having rough experiences.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 11, 1885.
From Our Exchanges.
In Burden, Fred Godwin, aged seven, attempted to ride the family cow from pasture. The animal threw her rider, causing a bad fracture of the thigh.
Burden Enterprise: A. L. Crow, of Atlanta, on Tuesday shipped from Burden a car load of 100 sheep to Kansas City. They were in fine condition.
South Haven News: A number of our live citizens are constructing a half mile training track south of the schoolhouse. Now bring your thoroughbreds and let us see them go.
Crocker, in the Oklahoma War Chief, relieves his pent-up feelings in the following sounding strain.
A
Resistance to tyranny is obedience to God. Let the soldiers dare to eject the most humble >boomer= or >squatter= from the Cherokee strip, while the lords of herds are permitted to remain in unlawful possession; and if it don=t fire the indignant hearts of this nation as no discriminating outrage ever did on this blood stained land of liberty, then we shall be willing to be classed with the false prophets. A nation of people who will permit such transcensions of power and tamely submit to it, are unworthy the honor and pride of an American citizen is in serfdom--ought to be--and will be.@Geuda Herald: There was considerable excitement in Geuda, early Wednesday morning, caused by the discovery that J. O. Caldwell=s safe had been blown open by burglars. Mr. Caldwell had something over $200 in cash, principally silver, in the safe, besides some valuable pa-pers, which were all taken. No clue whatever to the perpetrators yet.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 11, 1885.
A Troop of Cavalry.
A company of the Fifth U. S. Cavalry rode into town yesterday, and went into camp a short distance south of the depot. Fifty-five troopers composed the command. The officers are J. M. Hamilton, captain; and J. B. Bellinger, second lieutenant. The first lieutenant is absent sick. The company marched hither from Fort Riley, with instructions to watch the boomers, but we cannot understand from Capt. Hamilton that he is assigned to any command. Of course, this officer keeps his own command; but from the fact of his going into camp here, it would seem that while Major Sumner is chasing out the trespassers who have entered on the coveted soil of Oklahoma, a company of mounted troops scattered here and there along the border of the territory would do good service in keeping others out. It will be remembered that Agent Osborn, at Ponca and Otoe, reported boomers going past his agencies in a steady stream, many of them armed as though prepared to resist expulsion. It was expected that a military force would be dispatched to guard the road leading past the above named agencies, and we venture the prediction that Capt. Hamilton is here to perform that service. This officer laughingly says he is a novice in this boomer war, but his junior officer did valorous service in the recent Cheyenne uprising, so he is not without experienced counsel. Both of these officers are very pleasant gentlemen, and we trust their stay will be prolonged in our midst that they may enjoy the hospitality of our citizens.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 11, 1885.
Y. M. C. A.
A Movement in this City to Organize Such an Association.
Highland Hall was crowded on Sunday evening with an audience gathered to listen to Mr. Robert Wendensall, of Chicago, who was on a visit here to aid in the formation of a Young Men=s Christian Association. Rev. S. B. Fleming presided, and the other city clergy, with the exception of Rev. Buckner, were on the platform. After religious services Mr. Wendensall was introduced, who spoke for upwards of an hour to a deeply interested audience. He told how the
Y. M. C. A. originated. Three active christian workers met in a bedroom in London, in 1884, and had their plans to disseminate religious influences among the young men of that metropolis. They budded better than they knew, for at a meeting of the Evangelical Alliance in that city, held two years subsequently, the Y. M. C. A. Was recognized as an evangelizing power in the land, and it received hearty encouragement.
SKIPPING MOST OF THE ARTICLE...GOES ON AND ON!
Coming down to the work in this city, he said he was pleased with the energy and intelligence of the young men with whom he had come in contact, and inexpressibly gratified with the interest they had shown in the cause. Y. M. C. A. rooms must be furnished and set going in Arkansas City, and $1,500 to $1,800 must be given to the work. Twenty men must be found to give $50 each; and the remainder collected in smaller sums. A committee had been appointed, who would meet in Rev.
J. O. Campbell=s residence at 11 o=clock on Monday morning, and on Wednesday evening another public meeting would be held.
Rev. Mr. Fleming followed the speaker with a five minutes talk; and after a hymn and a benediction, the audience dispersed.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 11, 1885.
Arkansas City Visited.
Bro. Merydith, of the Dexter Eye, visited Arkansas City lately, and here is his account of what he saw and reflections pertinent thereto.
A
Last Saturday in company with Mr. R. Hite, we made a visit to Arkansas City. We found the streets crowded ith teams and everything lively. The stores and shops were crowded with men, women, and Indians. They have some of the finest stores, hotels, etc., in southern Kansas. We met several of the prominent men of the town and we learned one of the secrets of their success. They have a committee of twenty-five of their leading citizens who subscribe a certain amount to raise a fund to be used in carrying out any project or scheme to advance the interest of their town and surrounding country. On Sunday we were furnished a good rig by Messrs. Bryson & Moore, and in company with R. Hite and C. W. Barnes, we went to see the sights along the river and canal. The first thing visited was the steamboat, >Kansas Millers.= We found it manned by Robinson Crrusoe, a translator of the Indian language. The boat is 16 feet wide and 75 feet long and draws about two feet of water. They have just finished a new steel barge and will be ready for business shortly. We believe from what we saw and learned that they will make the enterprise a grand success. We next went to look at the canal. They were drawing the water off in order to wash out the channel and instead of the banks caving in or its washing out too much, as some said, we found that the sand from the river caused it to be a kind of self-feeder and is regulated on Sunday by raising the water gates and running the surplus sand off. There are three large flouring mills and water enough for a dozen more. One cooper shop where they put up their own barrels. There is 22 feet of a fall and water enough to run all the factories in the state. Arkansas City is building up rapidly. There are nine large business houses in course of construction, and altogether there is not a town in Kansas that has a more glorious future before her.@
Arkansas City Traveler, November 11, 1885.
SKIPPED ANOTHER LONG ARTICLE, IN WHICH THE EDITOR RAKES OVER THE EDITOR OF THE DEMOCRAT NEWSPAPER.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 11, 1885.
A HOT BLAZE.
The Rink Goes Up and Surrrounding Property Destroyed.
Shortly after 10 o=clock on Saturday evening the cry of fire was raised on Summit Street, and in less than five minutes, all the adjoining portion of the city seemed to be ablaze. The fire originated in the rear end of the rink, and before any efforts could be made to extinguish it, the whole building, composed of frame and covering an area 50 by 100 feet, was involved in flame. A light wind was blowing at the time, which carried the burning embers in an easterly direction, and for a time Mr. John Landes= house and other contiguous residences were threatened. A hay stack owned by R. E. Grubbs, standing in the rear of his house, was ignited by the sparks, but was promptly extinguished by Uriah Spray. The intense heat of the flames threatened destruction to the frame building on the north, owned by A. A. Newman, and occupied by A. F. Huse as a flour and feed store. His coal bins were destroyed, and their contents badly injured, but the building was saved from destruction, although badly scorched, by the liberal use of water buckets. Braden=s livery and feed stables, next north, were also threatened, and the lessees, Messrs. Ingles & Briggs, turned their animals loose, expecting destruction. But the wind lulled some after the fire broke out, and the danger of its diffusion abated.
Charles Parker=s stone building, south of the rink, ignited in the rear, where it was enclosed with fence, it being the intention of the owner to put on an addition. The lower floor was occupied by Parker and Capt. Rarick as a blacksmith shop; in the upper floor, George Ford and Frank Knedler had their carpenter shop. The tools in the blacksmith shop were saved; but the contents of the carpenter shop were destroyed. After the lintels and girders were consumed, the front wall fell, leaving the side walls standing without support. During the night the upper portion of the south wall collapsed, and before this issue goes to press, it is probable the remaining wall will be removed. A hose was attached to the hydrant on the corner of Fourth Avenue and Summit Street, which threw a feeble stream, quite ineffective in preventing a spread of the flames.
The origin of the fire is thought to be incendiary, but there is no present clue to the perpetrator. The rink was owned by J. P. Braden, who had it insured for $1,000 in the Pelican, of New Orleans. J. H. Punchon lost $150 worth of new furniture, which he had stored in the rink, without insurance. Parker=s building was insured in the Washington, of Boston, for $800; and A. F. Huse had his property insured for $600, one-fourth of this amount on his scales and coal bins, and the remainder on his flour, feed, coal, and grain. The insurance on the house expired last week, but because of the high rate, Mr. Newman had not renewed it. The total amount of the loss is set down at $4,000.
A number of hoodlums broke the windows of Neff & Henderson=s feed store, and some lap robes and whips were taken from Braden=s stable. Dr. Fowler lost the body of his light cart, which was in the carpenter shop for repairs.
J. P. Braden had made arrangements to start pork packing this week, but the destruction of the rink has put a stop to the enterprise.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 11, 1885.
Special Council Meeting.
The council met in special session yesterday, on the call of a majority of the members, for the purpose of re-considering Ordinance No. 25, as passed October 11, and to consider and pass an ordinance granting to the Kansas City and Southwestern Railroad Co., the right of way through the city.
The following letter was read to the council.
ARKANSAS CITY, NOVEMBER 10, 1885.
To the Hon. Mayor and Councilmen of the City of Arkansas City, Kansas.
GENTLEMEN: The Kansas City and Southwestern Railroad Company hereby accept the provisions of Ordinance No. 25, of said city of Arkansas City, the same being an ordinance granting the right of way to the Kansas City and Southwestern Railroad Co., upon and across certain streets, avenues, and alleys in the city of Arkansas City, Kansas, and repealing Ordinance No. 24, of the ordinances of said city, with all the rights, duties, and obligations thereof.
KANSAS CITY & SOUTHWESTERN RAILROAD COMPANY.
By Henry E. Asp, its general agent.
Ordinance No. 25 was then ready by sections and adopted seriatim and it was then adopted as a whole.
On motion the council adjourned.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 11, 1885.
Card.
I desire to return my sincere thanks to the neighbors and friends who came so promptly to my assistance on Saturday night, at the time of the fire, to aid me in saving my property from destruction. Their valuable service has won my lasting gratitude.
JOHN LANDES.
Arkansas City, November 9th.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 11, 1885.
Notice to Stock Owners.
I have a good range and facilities for accommodating 5,000 head of cattle, the range well watered and sheltered. Will give good terms for cattle to run a number of years. Correspondence solicited.
J. MALONEY, Gunnison, Colorado.