ARKANSAS CITY TRAVELER.

[From Wednesday, December 15, 1886, through December 29, 1886.]

FREDERIC LOCKLEY, Editor and Proprietor.

Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, December 15, 1886.

BIG AD. CHRISTMAS IS COMING and you will find the following

Holiday List useful in choosing your presents:

Lacile [?] and other works in Seal Alligator binding, each $1.00.

The Red Line edition of the Poets, per volume, $1.00.

And many other desirable works. In albums the prices range from 50 cents to $10.00 each. We call your attention to our $1.25 album as being a beautiful book. The

Christmas Cards

are more beautiful than ever this year, and the elegance and variety far surpass anything before seen in this line. They are also very cheap. We quote prices ranging from 10 cents up to $6.00. Nothing would be more desirable for a present. We have added to our stock a line of

Beautiful Paintings

(Not cheap chromos) but works of art which we believe to be the largest and most choice collection yet shown in the city. What would be more suitable as a present than a painting in Oil or Pastel?

We wish to remind you that we have the largest stock of

TOYS

Dolls, blocks, games, and juvenile books ever brought to the city, and can suit you in that line. Remember the place,

At the OLD POST OFFICE BUILDING.

Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, December 15, 1886.

BIG AD. ELI YOUNGHEIM. JULIUS BEHREND.

Youngheim & Co.

The oldest established Clothing House in Arkansas City, wholesale and retail, are now in receipt of an entire new

YOUNGHEIM & CO.,

Three Doors South of P. O.

Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, December 15, 1886.

Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, December 15, 1886.

THAT CHEROKEE STRIP PURCHASE.

The Cherokee journals have been discussing this extensive land transaction, and have given the views of a number of the leading men of the nation. Indian irresolution and obstructiveness crop out from this discussion, a belief being generally expressed that the land should not be parted with at a less price than $10 an acre. But we have the assurance from Senator Plumb that no sale of Indian land can be made without the authority and concurrence of congress, and as the sentiment of the country is irreversibly antagonistic to any extension of land monopoly, there is but slight prospect of this gigantic land deal being carried out. If sold to this eastern syndicate, it would be parceled out at extraordinary prices to needy settlers, whose homes and industry would be mortgaged for a long term of years to a set of greedy money bags who have never seen the soil. The proper way to put this tract of land to use would be for the government to take it in trust for the Cherokees, and sell it in parcels of a quarter of a section or less, at double minimum prices if thought just, or $1.50 per acre. This would return a good sum of money to the Indians ($10,000,000 and upwards) and also give homes to tens of thousands of industrious men who are now homeless. Mr. Wallace may have seen how hopeless is the errand he is engaged in and takes this easy way of withdrawing from a false position. Let it be understood that the gigantic land speculator is your true agrarian, because his greed and usurpation are incentives to violence.

Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, December 15, 1886.

THAT POST TRADERSHIP SCANDAL.

It will be remembered that a few weeks ago we mentioned the presence in this city of Mr. Paul, private secretary to Senator Platt, of Connecticut, whose business was to hear the statements of the ex-Indian traders to be found here who have been put to severe loss, and in some cases to utter ruin, by being broken up in business by our democratic administration.

This investigation produced testimony showing such glaring misrule in the Indian bureau and such a gross abuse of power, that Mr. Paul pronounced the case a strong one. It has been laid before the special committee, and what step will next be taken is shown in the following dispatch from the Globe-Democrat correspondent in Washington.

Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, December 15, 1886.

Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, December 15, 1886.

AD. Bargains! Bargains!

I am still offering BARGAINS -at the-

Ten Cent Store,

and purchasers are casting off their goods which are almost given away. Sales will continue during the Holidays, so now is the time to buy. G. F. WILSON.

Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, December 15, 1886.

Choice Cutlery. H. S. Heap has received a large invoice of

Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, December 15, 1886.

APPEARS TO BE AN AD THAT WAS LOOSE AND DISTRIBUTED WITH PAPER.]

AD. THE INDIAN STORE IS NOW OPENED

In the Stevens block, and an immense variety of goods selling at prices away below cost. Harness, saddles, lariats, blankets, hats, clothing, boots and shoes, slickers, Chinaware, glassware, beads, dry goods, and a general assortment to meet all wants.

This stock of goods must be sold without delay, and bargains are offered worthy the attention of all.

Come and Convince Yourselves.

Summit Street and Fourth Avenue, Arkansas City.

L. BLACKMAN,

Assignee for Hemphill & Wey.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 15, 1886.

To rent furnished room; apply at the TRAVELER office.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 15, 1886.

[Note: Now calling it a music store!]

Farmers, if you want the best barbed wire made, buy the Baker from G. W. Miller.

We will sell you carpets cheaper than any house in the county.

O. P. HOUGHTON.

T. R. Houghton & Co., have just received twenty-five dozen collars.

Wanted. A willing man or boy to help in the kitchen. Apply at Star Restaurant, South Summit Street.

Transient day board with rooms at the Star Restaurant. A nice talbe set. South Summit Street.

T. R. HOUGHTON & CO.

Gold and silver watches in every variety at Ridenour & Beechers, Fifth Avenue Jewelry Store.

The place to get bargains in Hats is at Green Front, No. 553.

Fresh fish, and spring chickens at the City Meat Market.

If you want to borrow money on city property, call on Meigs & Nelson.

Abstracts furnished by Lowe, Hoffman & Barron.

O. P. HOUGHTON.

A fine line of chemicals and drugs always kept in stock by Steinberger & Morris.

CHAS. H. WEIR.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 15, 1886.

R. Rosenberg is around again after a severe tassle with typho-malaria.

T. R. Houghton & Co., are building a commodious brick workshop in the rear of their harness store.

This pleasant open weather greatly facilitates building operations in the city, and every workman is employed.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 15, 1886.

Notice.

All persons knowing themselves indebted to the late firm of Mowry & Sollitt, are hereby requested to call at their old stand and settle, and thus save the costs of collection.

W. D. MOWRY,

C. C. SOLLITT.

Arkansas City, Dec. 14, 1886.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 15, 1886.

W. D. Hagins is again on the street after a severe illness which confined him several weeks to his rooms.

Mrs. George A. Druitt, after a long and dangerous illness, we are pleased to announce is now convalescing.

J. M. Griffith, national bank examiner, was in town last week, looking over the accounts of the First National Bank.

M. E. Services are held every Sabbath evening in the brick schoolhouse. Rev. Sullivan Clark, pastor. All are invited.

Any young man with perfect qualifications, 18 years of age, who has a good home in the city, and wishes to learn a trade, call on G. W. Miller.

Rev. S. B. Fleming will close his series of discourses to the various trades next Sabbath evening by giving a talk to printers.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 15, 1886.

H. Godehard & Co., have filled their handsome store with an endless variety of glass, china, and other fancy wares, and we call attention to their advertisement.

BIG AD. Before Purchasing Your Presents for the Holidays,

It will be to your interest to call at

H. GODEHARD & CO.,

and examine their stock of GLASS, CHINA, AND FANCY WARES,

At prices you never heard such goods sold at.

LIBRARY LAMPS at prices to defy competition.

Candies by the ton. Choice Florida Oranges. California Dates, Figs. Nuts, we have from 12-1/2 to 50 cts. Per lb. Raisins, we have enough for a Wholesale House.

OUR GROCERY STOCK IS SECOND TO NONE, AND OUR PRICES ARE AS LOW AS THE LOWEST, TAKING QUALITY INTO CONSIDERATION. HAVING BEEN HERE IN BUSINESS FOR THE LAST FIFTEEN YEARS, WE WILL STAY WITH YOU DESPITE ALL COMPETITION.

WISHING YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR, we remain

Yours Respectfully,

H. GODEHARD & CO.

P.S. Since writing the above our last importation of Fancy China and Glassware has arrived and will be opened up by next Saturday. Call early before the stock is broken.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 15, 1886.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 15, 1886.

A. C. Smith, the tinner on South Summit Street, has lately moved to more extensive premises and advertises a new and improved chimney cap, with other articles in his line.

BIG AD. STOVES AND TINWARE.

TIN ROOFING, SPOUTING, CHIMNEY TOPS.

Tools and brass for repousse work or hammered brass.

A. C. SMITH,

South Summit Street, one block north of the Cracker Factory.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 15, 1886.

Neff & Punshon have been appointed agents in the cannel coal recently introduced in this city. It is mixed in Booneville, Missouri, and is a clean and excellent fuel.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 15, 1886.

Col. W. J. Pollock, and his daughter-in-law, Mrs. Eugene Pollock, returned from their Illinois trip on Wednesday last, and on Friday took the Southern Kansas cars for their home on the Salt Fork.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 15, 1886.

C. D. Borroughs [? Burroughs ?] left here last week to spend the winter with his family in Chicago. He says he has to visit here spring and fall to keep pace with the growth of the city.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 15, 1886.

H. H. Perry, our former genial host of the Leland Hotel, spent a few days in town last week. He is now fattening beeves for the use of other hotel keepers, but expresses a preference for his former occupation.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 15, 1886.

W. H. [? B. ? R. ?] Savage and wife, of Wellington, kinsfolk of B. Davidson, last week spent a few days visiting with their relatives. Mr. Savage maintains that his own is a good town, but he admits that Arkansas City is ahead.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 15, 1886.

Advertisers rather crowd upon our reading space today; but as most of them offer holiday goods for sale, and such merchandise is in demand by all, perhaps their announcements will be more acceptable to the reader than the best brain work of the editor.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 15, 1886.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 15, 1886.

J. Frank Smith comes to the front, a veritable Santa Claus, dispensing necessaries to his patrons and no end of good things to the juveniles. His store is filled with Christmas goods, and he is distributing them far and wide.

BIG AD WITH BIG ILLUSTRATION...SHOWS SANTA CLAUS GETTING READY TO GO DOWN A CHIMNEY...SMALL INSET SHOWS CHILDREN IN BED, I THINK!

SANTA CLAUS Has Made Arrangements With

J. FRANK SMITH

TO BE AT HIS STORE

Through the Holidays With a full Line of

Candies, Nuts & Fruits.

Come and see me.

SANTA CLAUS.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 15, 1886.

Amos Walton is busy taking subscribers for his forthcoming democratic organ. His list shows a big string of names, but he does not say how many are paid up subscribers. The astute ex-commissioner has a great deal to learn in the business of journalism.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 15, 1886.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 15, 1886.

Samuel Danks arrived in the city last week, from Cincinnati, to assist his brothers in their foundry and machine business. He is an experienced workman and will be a valuable addition to the working force of that growing and prosperous establishment. His wife accompanies him.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 15, 1886.

The people having refused the proffered services of Thomas Moonlight for governor of Kansas, and of Frank Bacon for congress, the president comes to the rescue of those disappointed politicians by appointing the first named governor of Wyoming and making the other register of the land office at Oberlin, Kansas.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 15, 1886.

The old wooden water pipes which remain in the ground have taken to the bad habit of leaking. On Monday Herman Godehard found his cellar being flooded by their discharge, and yesterday there was an out-flow in front of the Bittle building. It would be well to disconnect these relics of a past era from their former water supply, and allow them to rest without further disturbance.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 15, 1886.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 15, 1886.

A man named B. Russell, whose relatives live at Cave Spring, Missouri, was run over on the Frisco track between Grand River and Prairie City, in the territory. He had been drinking the day before and had some money in his possession, and it is believed that his boon companions had robbed him while intoxicated and placed him on the track to conceal their crime.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 15, 1886.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 15, 1886.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 15, 1886.

Jacob Hight, our first ward councilman, came in on Friday, his contract to build passenger stations and division houses on the Geuda Springs and Caldwell railroad being nearly completed. He has built the Geuda Springs, South Haven, Hampton, Hunnewell, Falls station, and Caldwell passenger stations and division houses at the three places first named. These division houses are two story buildings, 16 x 32 feet, with a kitchen 14 x 18. The passenger station of the Frisco road (also built by Mr. Hight), is admired for its excellent finish, and the other stations along the line to Caldwell are of a similar character. Mr. Hight will finish his contract during the present week, then he will come to stay awhile and renew acquaintance with his family.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 15, 1886.

H. C. Dent keeps Rose Geranium Jelly for chapped hands and faces.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 15, 1886.

The Oklahoma Movement.

We may remark in this connection that the report published lately in all the papers in this section that the Commissioner of Indian affairs had announced his intention of placing the blanket tribes living in the western portion of the territory on the Oklahoma lands, is denied by that offical. Mr. Atkins, we are told, recently declared to the friends of the Oklahoma bill, now on the calendar of the house, that the report was unauthorized and without foundation, it being the intension of the department to leave the whole matter to the determination of Congress. The passage of this bill, however, will not be likely to advance the settlement of the territory by whites to any alarming extent, as it makes this movement dependent on the assent of the Cherokees, and the talk prevailing among that people does not warrant the belief that their assent will ever be given. But the enactment of the bill will stimulate the desire of the American people to go in and possess the land, and this may prove such a wholesale invasion by men who are reckless of consequences, that the law will give way to necessity and history will repeat itself. The issue is now between Indian obstructiveness and the need of homes by our increasing population, and when this shall be brought to trial no spirit of prophesy is needed to tell how it will result.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 15, 1886.

LAWLESSNESS UNCHECKED.

ED. TRAVELER: I regard you as a man disposed to good order and an honest advocate of the best interests of society, and with this idea of your character in my mind, I have looked for some weeks past to hear your voice raised, through your newspaper columns, in reprobation of the lawlessness that prevails in our city. This is called a prohibition state; that is, we have a state law to prohibit the sale of intoxicating liquors, and a city ordinance also to empower our municipal officers to enforce the law. But all this legislative and judicial machinery is of no effect, as liquor is sold openly and defiantly in our city, and the drunkenness and debauchery to be seen on our streets are a scandal to a Christian community. By daylight the revels of the large class of inebriates in our midst are offensive to decency; but at night, while quiet citizens are in bed, all restraint is thrown off, and night is made hideous with debauchery. This state of things is known to our mayor and police officers, and should be within the knowledge of our city fathers.

Is there no public opinion prevailing here to condemn such sinful excess, and no regard for wholesome law, which is daily and hourly violated? Surely the power of the press should be exerted to vindicate law and defend public morality. I submit this matter to your sense of duty, Mr. Editor, and will intrude no further on your space.

A CONSTANT READER.

Arkansas City, Dec. 13.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 15, 1886.

Not As Bad As He Seems.

The news item published in the TRAVELER last week of the death, in the first ward, of a poor woman from neglect and exposure, seems to have been written from insufficient information. We gave at the time our authority, but have since learned that our informant was himself mislead. The husband of the poor woman, Charles Parker, is represented to us by B. F. Childs and others as an industrious deserving man, who is employed by B. L. Means and George Gray in their quarry. The cause of her living in a cellar without windows is explained by the fact that Mr. Gray was moving his house at the time. The basement in the new site was built, and Mrs. Parker was carried there with her two infant children, as the best provision that could be made for her. There was a fire in the room, food was provided for her, and the open window frames were filled in with cloth. Proper provision was not made for a woman in her delicate condition; but Parker is a poor man, earning low wages, and he had done the best he could for his wife. During November he worked nineteen days, there were four Sundays in the month, the rest of his lost time was devoted to his sick wife.

This correction is cheerfully made, because unintentional injustice was done to a deserving and grief stricken man in our report, and also because it relieves our city of the reproach of allowing a wife and mother to die of suffering and neglect.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 15, 1886.

Caution to Sportsmen.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 15, 1886.

The Cause of the Delay.

Mr. Burch, principal of the engineering house of L. D. Burch & Co., of Chicago, arrived in town on Wednesday, and spent several days here circulating among his friends and patrons. This gentleman during his stay here last summer had a large number of photographic views taken of the principal buildings in our city and vicinity with a view to publishing an illustrated pamphlet of Arkansas City for advertising purposes; he also took a few orders from our businessmen to execute cuts of their stores wherewith to adorn their stationery. Several months have since elapsed and still their orders are unfilled, and some have become a little uneasy over the delay. But the Major explains that his house is rushed with work, and it being difficult to increase his corps of artists to meet an emergency, delay has been unavoidable. But we have his assurance that the pictorial work is in hand, and will be completed with all possible dispatch.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 15, 1886.

Election of Officers.

At an election of officers of Arkansas City Post, No. 158, G. A. R., on Saturday evening, the following were elected.

Post Commander, M. N. Sinnott.

Senior Vice Commander, John R. Nelson.

Junior Vice Commander, Jacob Dunkle.

Quarter Master, G. W. Miller.

Surgeon, Capt. C. G. Thompson.

Chaplain, Jacob Crites.

Officer of the day, Dr. Kellogg.

Officer of the guard, John Lewis.

Inside guard, I. N. Dodd.

Outside guard, Amos Walton.

Comrades Frederic Lockley and Amos Walton were elected delegates to the next department encampment to be held in Abilene, Kansas, and Comrades H. T. Sumner and G. W. Miller alternates.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 15, 1886.

The Morning Star, published at the Indian Industrial School, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, comes to us enlarged and greatly improved, which is an evidence that our dusky brethren are progressing with the times.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 15, 1886.

From Our Exchanges.

WINFIELD COURIER: Col. Scott, Judge Soward, Judge Parks, S. Manser, Capt. Hoffman and J. W. Curns go to Kellogg tonight to hold a meeting relative to the voting of $15,000 in bonds by Vernon to the Wichita and Winfield railrod.

CALDWELL JOURNAL: A man raised a patch of cotton near Medicine Lodge, in Barber County. He sent it south to have it ginned to test its quality. Experts pronounced it first class, and say that if Kansas can produce that grade of cotton, she will become a strong rival of the south. The natural resources of Kansas are not half developed yet.

WINFIELD VISITOR: The County Commissioners met in special session yesterday (Thursday) and called an election to vote on the Ft. Smith railroad project, in Silverdale and Creswell Townships. The former is asked $10,000 and the latter for $15,000. The election is set for January 10th, 1887. In the meantime, Arkansas City emissaries will be busy working for the scheme.

CEDAR VALE STAR: Hon. Ed. Hewins is sick, we are sorry to state. Dr. Donelson was summond on Wednesday and found him suffering treatly and threatened with pneumonia. He was some better at last reports.

WINFIELD VISITOR: A general order from the Union Pacific road is now said to be in the hands of the printer authorizing the change of all time pieces of the road from twelve hour clocks to those of twenty four hours. This change on the Union Pacific will probably have the effect to cause similar changes on other roads.

STAR & KANSAN: The D. M. & A. Railroad has got to do some lively work to obtain the ninety thousand dollars voted by Chautauqua County to aid in its construction. The terms of the contract require that the road be built to the west end of the county by January 1st; and as it is now only completed to Sedan, it seems very doubtful if the remaining twenty miles can be finished in time.

WINFIELD COURIER: Kansas has been a state twenty six years. Not one of her Governors has died and all are living within the state except ex-Governor Harvey, who lives in Virginia. Efforts have been made to have all these Governors present at Topeka next month at the inauguration of the state officers.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 15, 1886.

If you want your boots or shoes neatly repaired, call on J. D. Oliver at his new shops on North Summit Street in the Eldridge room.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 15, 1886.

Brown, the Boot Maker.

W. W. Brown, the boot maker, is now to be found in the Bonsall building, where he is turning out first-class work at reduced prices. Repairing neatly done.

Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, December 22, 1886.

ON FRONT PAGE THERE IS PRINTED ORDINANCE NO. 17 [?]...NOT EVEN SURE OF NUMBER...RE REVISED SECTIONS PERTAINING TO THE INTER-STATE GAS COMPANY...EXTREMELY HARD TO READ..SOMEOF IT COMPLETELY ILLEGIBLE. AS A RESULT, HAVE SKIPPED THIS!

Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, December 22, 1886.

INDIAN LANDS.

Several of our exchanges are discussing the declaration made by Mr. Ingalls in the senate that no law passed by congress opening the Indian lands in the territory to white settlement will be valid, unless the consent of the Indians is first obtained. This is regarded by all as an estoppal to progress and settlement. Such a condition is an inevitable defeat to the object wrought. The tribes to be affected by such legislation will certainly not accept a plan so diametrically opposed to their habits of thought and action within any reasonable time; and it seems a dictate of common sense, that the government, being charged with their maintenance, has the right to say that they must do so at once, for in this way only can the change be accomplished.

If a way is not open to white settlement by legislative means, it will certainly be done by mob law. The building of railroads through that coveted country will afford easy access to all parts, and the desirable lands lying unoccupied and unimproved there, will, assuredly attract squatters, as the newly discovered mineral lands in the Black Hills brought it a tumultuary horde of gold seekers. All the desirable portions of the public domain are taken up, and still there remain many thousands of our fellow citizens seeking homes. There is clearly no justice in retaining the many millions of acres of Indian lands in a primitive condition, as an allotment in severalty and the sale of the surplus would result advantageously to both races. The Indian would have a farm left to till or keep in pasture, and the proceeds of the sale of what is left over would furnish him and succeeding generations with necesaries, beside stimulating the energies in the direction of self-support. This is so clearly dictated by public policy that the courts must approve it on that ground, and thus disprove the sentimental theory of the inviolability of Indian rights.

Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, December 22, 1886.

To Hunters in the Territory.

A correspondent of the Courier, having returned from a hunting trip into the territory, and interviewed Capt. Forbush, in command of a cavalry troop, stationed on the Bodoc, the writer says he was requested by that officer to publish in the county papers that hunting in the Indian Territory will no longer be allowed. He says further:

He granted our party a pass for that purpose and referred the matter to department headquarters for their approval, which, under the circumstances, they did, but ordered him to do so no more and also instructed him that passes for hunting would only be regarded by him when issued by the department at Washington. We found Capt. Forbush a very obliging and gentlemanly officer, but his orders in regard to persons in the territory are very positive.

These orders were issued about December 1st, 1886. Capt. Forbush said that he was very sorry that the impression had got out that he personally had anything to say in the matter, and mentioned the fact of having to arrest the Messrs. Brooks and party, of Burden, and the confiscation of their game and guns, and he said he was obliged to have warrants issued against them as his instructions were positive in the matter.

We were detained at the picket post on Chilocco and went with an escort to Camp Martin before we were allowed to come out, as our pass did not say that we could hunt, but we were allowed so to do and the Captain said that the decision was made on the pass granted us.

Parties who are contemplating a trip in the territory for hunting will be obliged to give it up for they will not be allowed to bring any game out, and their chances of missing the guard are small as there is a complete line of picket posts and a patrol from post to post, with scouting parties out all the time. The Captain said his orders were to put out all intruders and allow no unauthorized persons to pass in, and that his reports of arrests were followed by orders to be more diligent and severe.

Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, December 22, 1886.

Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, December 22, 1886.

A WASHING OF FAMILY LINEN.

A Slight Overhauling of the Social Abominations in our City.

[THERE WERE SOME MORE SUBHEADINGS...FOLLOWED BY POETRY...BUT I COULD NOT READ CLEARLY...SO I SKIPPED.]

The violation of the prohibition law and the demoralization that is spreading through our community in consequence of the flagrant disregard of law are topics that engage every tongue. Some of our citizens who profess to speak from personal knowledge, declare that we have dives now open in our city, which are the centres of dissipation and debauchery, as unblushing and menacing to the public welfare as ever existed in the border towns of this state during their palmy days. The evil has long existed; it has been recognized as a public scandal; it has been cited in other localities as a reproach to our city. But these lawbreakers have been allowed to pursue their unholy callings unchecked; they have derived their support from lawless characters who naturally gravitate to such sinks of iniquity, until this dangerous element has acquired force and cohesion; and now the better class of our citizens have a work of purification on their hands, which will require resolution and unity of purpose to consummate.

The question is naturally asked, what is our city government about that this bad state of things is not corrected? Our mayor is not lacking in enterprise and astuteness; our police force has been strengthened lately in order to deal efficiently with the hard cases who make this city their resort; and the machinery of the courts is certainly competent to deal out justice to offenders. But complaint is made that Mayor Schiffbauer is remiss in the performance of his duty; that he is unreserved in his condemnation of the prohibition law--believing it the legislative work of purists and fanatics--and openly scoffs at all attempts to provide for the efficient administration of our city affairs. He is naturally interested in the method of raising a sufficient revenue, and meeting all demands on the city exchequer. His talk to all his friends is that the income to be derived from high license far exceeds the amount that can be raised by the occupation tax; the use of liquors as a beverage cannot be abolished, and it is the sheerest absurdity to close the saloons and yet allow the traffic to go on under gauzy disguises. With this feeling in his mind the mayor seems to forget that he is merely an executive officer; that the laws are made by another power, and that it is his duty to administer them fairly.

How many houses of ill fame (under their various disguises) are running in this city, we have no official record. These scurvy establishments are under the management of Marshal Gray, who also makes his monthly rounds, and collects $10 from every courtesan he meets. This, we are also to suppose, finds its way into the city treasury, through the hands of the police justice.

But this whole method of dealing with law breakers stands condemned on the face of it. It is too much like a family arrangement. Our city officers are not paid to encourage evil doers by dividing profit with them, and evidently they are ashamed of the business by their endeavors to hide their dealings from the public view. The effect is baleful and is daily growing worse. It is the duty of the city council to make diligent quest into this matter, to inform themselves why these contraband liquor dealers, these lewd women, and these festive spirits on the green are not rigorously hunted up, effectually rooted out, and their charnal houses abolished. Let the city be purged of its present infamy. According to our understanding of the matter, every member of the city government owes it to his good report to deliver himself from this disgraceful condition of things.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 22, 1886.

A Jointist Property Dealt With.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 22, 1886.

AD. [WITH PICTURE OF BUILDING...appears there is a date on it.]

THERE IS NOTHING SO SUCCESSFUL AS SUCCESS.

G. W. MILLER.

[CANNOT READ FIRST PART OF AD...???] Ends up saying: Thus making this the HEADQUARTERS for BARBED WIRE.

Hardware, Stoves, Tinware. With capacious shop. With mechanics to do Tin Roofing, Guttering, and [THREE WORDS...???]

Please call and make yourself at home when in the city.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 22, 1886.

AD. L. N. HOWARD, PHOTOGRAPHER.

N. W. Corner of Summit Street and Fourth Avenue.

(Stevens corner.) Arkansas City, Kansas.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 22, 1886.

AD. LOOMIS & VAWTER [ILLUSTRATION OF TEETH.]

DENTISTS. Over First National Bank.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 22, 1886.

Before Purchasing Your Presents for the Holidays

It will be to your interest to call at

H. GODEHARD & CO.,

and examine their stock of GLASS, CHINA, AND FANCY WARES,

At prices you never heard such goods sold at.

LIBRARY LAMPS at prices to defy competition.

Candies by the ton. Choice Florida Oranges. Californai Dates, Figs. Nuts, we have from 12-1/2 to 50 cts. Per lb. Raisins, we have enough for a Wholesale House.

Our Grocery Stock IS SECOND TO NONE, AND OUR PRICES ARE AS LOW AS THE LOWEST, TAKING QUALITY INTO CONSIDERATION. HAVING BEEN HERE IN BUSINESS FOR THE LAST FIFTEEN YEARS, WE WILL STAY WITH YOU DESPITE ALL COMPETITION.

Wishing you a Merry CHRISTMAS and a Happy NEW YEAR, we remain

Yours Respectfully,

H. GODEHARD & CO.

P.S. Since writing the above our last importation of Fancy China and Glassware has arrived and will be opened up by next Saturday. Call early before the stock is broken.

---

[DIRECTLY UNDERNEATH, ANOTHER AD.]

AD. JNO W. KREAMER, ATTORNEY-AT-LAW.

(OFFICE OVER POST OFFICE, SUMMIT STREET.)

ARKANSAS CITY, KANSAS.

Practices in all courts--State and Federal.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 22, 1886.

Supplement. [BIG ILLUSTRATION OF COOKING STOVE.]

A Full Line of Stoves and Shelf HARDWARE In every variety; choice table and pocket cutlery. Tinware for all uses.

Public patronage solicited.

H. S. HEAP.

Hasie Block, Arkansas City, Kansas.

---

AD # 2: New Goods Constantly Arriving at

The Chicago Dry Goods Store.

Stock Always Full and Complete.

Prices as low as the lowest. Fair treatment and prompt attention. Everybody invited by

B. DAVIDSON, Proprietor.

Houghton Block, 2 doors south of George E. Hasie, Arkansas City, Kansas.

---

AD #3: GO TO STEINBERGER & MORRIS

and buy your

Drugs, Medicines, Notions, Cigars.

Central Block, Arkansas City.

Arkanss City Traveler, December 22, 1886.

C. M. Scott has been furnishing the railroad contractors with bailed hay.

Mrs. E. C. Osborne and sister came to town on Saturday, and returned to Ponca on the Monday train.

DIED. John Ely, a carpenter, lately from Winfield, died suddenly in this city, on Wednesday night last, of heart disease.

The railroad commissioners are to be here January 17th, to condemn the right of way for the Fort Smith railroad.

Joseph H. Sherburne is plotting [?] his ten acre purchase of Campbell Duncan, lying just north of town, with a view to putting the lots on the market.

John A. Gibson, of Butler, Montana, arrived here on Friday. He will spend Christmas in this city, a guest of Mrs. Lockley.

DIED. Frank Lockwood, the gay Lothario, who was shot in the Brettun House by his betrayed victim, died of his wounds in Kansas City yesterday.

Leavenworth has furnished two governors for the territories under this administration: Ross in New Mexico, and Moonlight in Wyoming.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 22, 1886.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 22, 1886.

S. C. Smith, Jr., editor of the Caldwell News, was in town last Saturday. He reports business good in that city, and active exploration being made for coal.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 22, 1886.

T. R. Houghton & Co., moved into their new workshop yesterday. This affords ample accommodation for twenty men.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 22, 1886.

BIRTH. Mrs. John Kroenert last week presented her husband with a bouncing daughter. The happy father is now the proudest man in the city.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 22, 1886.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 22, 1886.

Fred Ellsworth, brother to Mrs. Chas. Howard, N. U. Hickley, and William French, all of Philips, Maine, arrived in Arkansas City last week, to study the real estate situation.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 22, 1886.

The Winfield Hose Company will visit this city on Christmas day, to match their wind in running against Hose Company No. 1, of this city. This friendly joust will be watched by our citizens with lively interest.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 22, 1886.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 22, 1886.

Florence B. Holden, M. D., who has successfully practiced medicine in this city for several months, announces in our columns that her office is in the new Johnson block, and offers her services to suffering humanity.

CARD. FLORENCE B. HOLDEN, M. D.

A graduate in medicine at Ann Arbor, Michigan, brings to her practice the experience of several years in the profession, during two of which she lectured in medical college in St. Louis. Give her your patronage, especially in cases of illness among women and children. Calls answered day or night. Office in Johnson Loan & Trust Co. Building, Arkansas City, Kansas.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 22, 1886.

The holiday sheet for the Christmas trade, printed in the TRAVELER office, and folded in this issue, is a very tasteful publication, and may be taken as a reminder by those who want a neat and handsome job executed that in this office they can get their wants supplied. [NOT SURE THIS WAS ON MICROFILM...ALL WE GOT WAS TWO ADS IN SO-CALLED SUPPLEMENT.]

Arkansas City Traveler, December 22, 1886.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 22, 1886.

Mild weather and March winds which scatter the dust about profusely cannot be considered seasonable at Christmas. On Monday afternoon House Co. No. 1 brought their cart and abated the dust nuisance by well sprinkling two blocks on Summit Street.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 22, 1886.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 22, 1886.

People accustomed to the bustle on our streets and the crowded condition of our stores, who pay a chance visit to Winfield, are unimpressed with the contrast afforded by that city, that they return here with a feeling of relief. They wonder how the tradesmen in our neighboring burg live, and feel devoutly grateful that their lives are cast in pleasanter places.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 22, 1886.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 22, 1886.

The four Brookses, David, Nathan, John, and Arthur, who were held to answer before Commissioner Bonsall to the charge of trespass and killing game in the territory, were dismissed when they appeared for trial. The commissioner dismisses all such cases when brought before him for want of jurisdiction. Hunting and trapping on Indian grounds are offenses against congressional law, but there seems to be a technical nicety in determining what cases should go to the district court and what to the circuit court. Commissioner Bonsall seems to have made up his mind that men arrested for taking wood and shooting game in the territory are not his meat, and accordingly he discharges all offenders of that class when brought before him.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 22, 1886.

The Gladstone Hotel is receiving its finishing touches. The staircase which starts from the office is nearly completed, being broad, massive, and elegant. The wainscoting in both office and dining hall is of grooved (or fluted) cherry in the latter apartment, and of grooved oak in the office; the walls set off in panels with tasteful moulding, which will be finished in fresco. The counter is in place, along the south side of the office, running east and west, and is in keeping with the rest of the appointments in its elaborateness and solidity. The chairs are of rustic design, cane seated and backed, and are the very embodiment of comfort. The kitchen arrangements are all completed, and the furniture for the parlor, sleeping rooms, and various offices properly bestowed. The store room, to the north of the hotel office, is being fitted up for a drug store, and will be finished up with an elegance corresponding with the rest of the building. We may look to see the much needed hostelry opened to the public in a few days.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 22, 1886.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 22, 1886.

From Our Exchanges.

GEUDA HERALD: Dave Leahy of the Caldwell Times, A. M. Anderson of the Conway Star, and J. H. Berkey, representing the former Geuda Crank, met in this city Tuesday as a committee from the editors of Sumner County to appoint time and place for holding the county editorial convention. They decided to recommend January 11th and 12th as the time and Wellington as the place of meeting.

WINFIELD COURIER: Dr. M. [? H] D. Cooper, of Maple City, in the recent death of an aunt, in Philadelphia, has fallen heir to $22,000. He will receive his share of the estate as soon as it can be settled, in a month or two. This is a snug fortune for the doctor.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 22, 1886.

Christmas in the Churches.

The collecting committee of the First Presbyterian Church has gathered $75, which will be distributed to children of the poor outside of the Sabbath School of that church.

The ladies who have undertaken the decoration of the First Presbyterian Church for the Christmas festival began their labors last evening, and will complete their work tonight.

The Christian Church Sabbath School holds its festival on Friday evening, and ample preparations have been made by the superintendent and the ladies associated with him in the work, to secure a happy time for the young folks.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 22, 1886.

Election of Officers.

At the last regular meeting of the W. R. C. Of Arkansas City, Kansas, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year.

President, Mrrs. Guthrie; S. V. Pres., Mrs. Neff; J. V., Mrs. Stanford; Treasurer, Mrs. Blakeney; Chaplain, Mrs. A. A. Davis; Conductor, Mrs. Taylor; Guard, Mrs. Barick; Delegate to Dept. Convention, Mrs. Ruby; Alternate, Mrs. Blakeney.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 22, 1886.

A Handsome Prize.

Newton & Vaughan, in the Eagle Block, display a handsome castor on their show case, which will be given to the person who comes nearest to guessing the number of beans in a jar. Every purchaser of $1 worth of groceries is presented with a ticket, and the number of guesses allowed will correspond with the number of tickets held. The prize will be awarded Monday, January 3rd.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 22, 1886.

H. C. Dent keeps Rose Geranium Jelly for chapped hands and faces.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 22, 1886.

SKIPPED STORY RE LECTURE ON LINCOLN GIVEN BY JUDGE PARKS, FORMERLY OF SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, BUT NOW RESIDING IN WINFIELD, DELIVERED AT THE M. E. CHURCH. HARD TO READ AND NOT WORTH KEEPING!

Arkansas City Traveler, December 22, 1886.

The Southern Kansas Grade.

A number of boomers, also, have found their way into this inhibited land, but two troops of cavalry keep them on the move, and this advance guard of incoming civilization is having a hard time. The Hale Bros., have six teams employed on their sub-contract, the men have a pleasant camp, are favored with nice open weather, and enjoy abounding health. The Canadian at this point has a wide sandy bed, and the bridge that spans it will require to be heavy and durable and fully a mile in length. The Southern Kansas road runs to Gainesville, Texas, and there is yet a hundred miles of the grade to be completed.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 22, 1886.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 22, 1886.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 22, 1886.

Suit in a Mortgage Deed Between Thomas J. Sweeney and J. Frank Smith.

THOMAS J. SWEENEY, PLAINTIFF, VS. J. FRANK SMITH, DEFENDANT; IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF COWLEY COUNTY, STATE OF KANSAS.

REPORT OF C. P. JEFFRIES, REFEREE.

I find the facts in the case to be as follows.

1st. That on the 1st day of October, 1881, Thomas J. Sweeney and J. Frank Smith formed a co-partnership for the transaction of the retail grocery business in Arkansas City, Kansas, and that they were equal partners therein.

2nd. That the stock of groceries belonging to the firm of Sweeney & Smith, was after the formation of said co-partnership, about $2,500.

3rd. That said partnership was dissolved on the 29th day of January, 1885, and that the stock of goods was then worth about $3,500, cash on hand $100, and debts due to the firm $700, and that the firm indebtedness was about $2,200.

4th. That on the 5th day of January, 1885, Thomas J. Sweeney borrowed of J. Frank Smith the sum of $200, and to secure the repayment of said sum of money and interest, Thomas J. Sweeney and Belle C. Sweeney, his wife, executed and delivered to J. Frank Smith, a deed to lots three (3) and four (4) in block forty-nine (49); and lots six (6), seven (7), and eight (8), in block seventy-six (76), in the city of Arkansas City, Cowley County, Kansas. The consideration named in the deed was five hundred dollars.

5th. That said deed was absolute upon its face, but was at the time of execution and delivery, a mortgage, and so understood and intended by all the parties to the transaction.

6th. That the said Thomas J. Sweeney and Belle C. Sweeney, his wife, nor either of them never executed and delivered, to said J. Frank Smith, any other deed or conveyance of any kind in writing, purporting to convey said property to said Smith, except the mortgage deed given to secure said $200.

7th. That on the 29th day of January, 1855, Thomas J. Sweeney was pressed for the payment of various claims held by different parties, amounting to some eleven hundred or twelve hundred dollars. The firm indebtedness was at that time, as stated, about $2,200.

9th. That J. Frank Smith did pay the indebtedness.

10th. The amount assumed and actually payed out by Smith for Sweeney over and above the debts of the firm, was between fifteen hundred and sixteen hundred dollars.

11th. That the said lots were, on the 29th day of January, worth $500.

12th. That in the settlement of the partnership affairs, J. Frank Smith paid Thomas J. Sweeney what the lots in question were reasonably worth, at the time of the dissolution of their partnership.

14th. That the said plaintiff, Thomas J. Sweeney, on the 10th day of November, 1885, and before the commencement of this suit, tendered unto the defendant, J. Frank Smith, in legal tender money, the sum of $222, the amount of principal and legal interest thereon accrued and then and there made demand upon the said J. Frank Smith, that he deed the said property to the said Thomas J. Sweeney. That said defendant refused to accept said money, and refused to re-deed said property to the said Sweeney.

My conclusions of law are:

2nd. That the plaintiff, Thomas J. Sweeney is entitled to redeem, under said mortgage.

C. P. JEFFRIES, Referee.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 22, 1886.

City Ordinance No. 27.

At the request of City Clerk Benedict and of Mr. Quigley, president of the Arkansas City Water Co., we publish a second time city ordinance No. 27, adopted just one year ago, granting the franchise to the Inter-State Gas Co., of St. Louis, to build a system of water works in this city. The few copies of the TRAVELER containing this ordinance that were left over were soon disposed of, and since then there have been frequent calls for the ordinance. Both gentlemen named are often asked by parties in other cities for a copy of the ordinance, which request they are unable to comply with. The copy furnished by the city clerk for republication is so thumbed and worn with constant use, that in places it is hardly legible. Water consumers will be interested in refreshing their memories with the conditions imposed on the city and water company by this municipal law, and hence we consider that the space it occupies in our columns today is by no means misapplied.

[AS I SAID EARLIER, THE ORDINANCE WAS PUBLISHED ON THE FRONT PAGE AND WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO READ...SO I DID NOT ATTEMPT TO COPY IT.]

Arkansas City Traveler, December 22, 1886.

Prize Drawing.

1st prize, saddle worth $75.00

2nd prize, Single harness worth $75.00

3rd prize, Team harness worth $40.00

4th prize, Single harness worth $30.00

5th prize, Lap robe worth $20.00

6th prize, Side saddle worth $20.00

7th prize, Cow boy bridle worth $6.00

9th prize, 1 Whalebone whip worth $3.50

10th prize, 1 Whalebone whip worth $3.50

11th prize, 1 Whalebone whip worth $3.50

12th prize, 1 Whalebone whip worth $3.50

13th prize, 1 Whalebone whip worth $3.50

14th prize, 1 Whalebone whip worth $3.50

15th prize, Brush and comb worth $3.00

16th prize, Riding whip worth $1.00

17th prize, Riding whip worth $1.00

18th prize, Riding whip worth $1.00

19th prize, Riding whip worth $1.00

20th prize, Riding whip worth $1.00

TOTAL VALUE: $301.00

JOHN ROATCUP, Manager.

[Note: Name looked like Roatcup!]

Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, December 29, 1886.

Not local history, but a very interesting story about Lincoln. Felt compelled to copy it!

He Answers Secretary Chase in Telling a Tale of a Leaky Ship.

Armed with this, the real father of the greenbacks again sought the Secretary. He was received more politely than before, but was cut short in his advocacy of the measure by a proposition for both of them to see the President. They did so, and Mr. Chase made a long and elaborate constitutional argument against the proposed measure.

Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, December 29, 1886.

The Last Sad Rite.

Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, December 29, 1886.

SCURRILOUS INNUENDO.

Law abiding citizens who take becoming pride in the growth of their city, and desire to make a desirable place for others who are seeking homes to adopt are scouted as growlers or backbiters, whom the Democrat writer invites to get up and leave! Does Capt. Thompson know how large a portion of his constituency is included in this insulting dismissal? He will remember that as councilman from the second ward, he is sworn to execute the laws; his own sense of what is right and expedient in the state statutes not being allowed to govern.

Our second ward councilman makes a clumsy attempt at humor. His proffered advice to the editor of this paper and to every moral and law abiding citizen in sympathy with him, is to remove to our neighbor city, get their whiskey straight in drug stores, take it to some hotel room and have the dining room girl shoot them. Our censor carries a bitter wit. We are to understand that the clergy of the city, the parents who wish to preserve their sons from the contamination of evil surroundings, every man in short who believes the liquor traffic a monster evil which should be suppressed, are all surreptitious tipplers, whose pharisaical austerity is assumed to hide the sin of the libertine and the indulgence of the reveler. Does Capt. Thompson include his own constituents in this unsparing and injurious innuendo?

We would respectfully inform the gentleman from the second ward that Brother Lockley of the TRAVELER is not worried about the joints and loses no rest over the city finances. He has simply performed his duty as a public journalist in calling the attention of the council to the irregular way in which the city marshal and the police magistrate are performing their duties, and he leaves the writer of the article quoted above, to account to his constituents for the bad taste and worse morality he has displayed.

Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, December 29, 1886.

HAD TO SKIP FIRST PART OF A LONG ARTICLE ABOUT REAL ESTATE AND THE EXTEMELY HIGH PRICES PLACED ON REAL ESTATE DURING BOOM. EDITOR I BELIEVE WAS TRYING TO WARN REAL ESTATE PEOPLE WHAT COULD HAPPEN! TOWARD THE LAST OF ARTICLE, PRINT FINALLY BECAME LEGIBLE...

It is the same with real estate values. Quadrupling the price of a whole townsite, and the farm lands adjoining for a wide area, makes times prosperous. Scores of persons are lifted into affluence, and hundreds of others are placed in easy circumstances. But, it must be remembered, this is merely nominal value. The land appraised at $50 an acre will produce as much corn or wheat as though valued at $1,000. The city lot that sells for $200 can be utilized for as comfortable a home as if sold for ten times that amount. To maintain high prices, we must have commercial prosperity, growing industry, increasing population, good roads, and evidences of thrift and improvement on all hands. A re-adjustment of values, corresponding with our improved condition and prospects is right enough; but this done, the next is to sustain the high standard.

Arkansas City Traveler, Supplement, December 29, 1886.

For Register of Deeds.

E. L. Johnson, of Sheridan Township, was in town last week, looking up the columns for success in his candidacy for register of deeds. Mr. Johnson has been ten years a resident of Cowley County, teaching school a portion of the time, and quitting it because it was unsuited to his health, and becoming an honest farmer. He has a number of friends in town who favor his candidacy . . . . [NEXT TO IMPOSSIBLE TO READ ANY OF THIS ARTICLE...GOT WHAT I COULD!]

Arkansas City Traveler, December 29, 1886.

ALSO HAD TO SKIP ITEMS FROM EXCHANGES...SAME PROBLEM!

Arkansas City Traveler, December 29, 1886.

Means & LeFevre have received a car load of millet seed.

W. M. Jenkins has removed into new chambers in the Johnson block.

Geo. A. Sutton and wife were in from Meade County on Monday, and partook of the hospitality of the Masons that evening. They returned home yesterday.

Dr. Mitchell has telephone connections with his house, and as there is night services over the wires now, night calls will be promptly attended to.

[NOT SURE: VAUGHN OR VAUGHAN. VERY HARD TO READ THIS ISSUE!]

A soldier at the camp on the Bodoc was shot in the leg by the accidental discharge of his carbine, while mounting, last week. Dr. C. D. Brown, the post surgeon, is attending him.

Cad Allard, editor of the Winfield Tribune, spent Christmas in this city, and favored the TRAVELER with a friendly call. He has moved his office into more commodious quarters, and is publishing a really handsome sheet.

E. Gage and R. W. Campbell were the recipients of a gold watch from the First National Bank. Both of these gentlemen are competent and faithful, and the mark of favor bestowed upon them is deserved.

Miss Burton, sister of Mrs. John Danks, who has been an inmate of that household for some months past, left on Monday for her home in Maryland.

E. L. McDowell did some extensive advertising during Christmas tide, and the amount of business it brought to his door amply repaid his outlay. The TRAVELER did his printing, and many commendations have been received for its excellence.

The city prisoners have been removed from the old calaboose, where there was danger of their freezing to death of a cold night, and are now confined in the unfinished jail in the new city hall building. A good stove set up therein conduces to their comfort.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 29, 1886.

Rev. S. B. Fleming, in the First Presbyterian Church on Sunday morning, made the violation of the prohibition law in this city the subject of his discourse, and condemned the irregular and inefficient way to which offenders against the law are dealt with by the authorities. He recommended some active effort by the people to restrain the lawlessness in our midst, and said that the correction lay at the polls if our city officers fail in the proper performance of duty.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 29, 1886.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 29, 1886.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 29, 1886.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 29, 1886.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 29, 1886.

The entertainment given at the Chilocco Indian school on Christmas day was but lightly attended by our citizens, the cold weather probably keeping many back. The exercises consisted of songs, recitations, and dialogues, which were well given and favorably received. A Christmas tree finished the entertainment, which bore a gift for every scholar present. Superintendent Branham very successfully took the part of Santa Claus and made the distribution. The occasion was heartily enjoyed by the scholars.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 29, 1886.

Mayor Schiffbauer returned to town on Sunday evening from his trip to Gray Horse, accompanied by his brother Charles and wife. Charles was assocated with Mr. Branham in a tradership at Osage agency, and himself kept a branch store at Gray Horse. But some changes have recently taken place. Mr. Brenner, recent trader at Kaw, having sold his interest to D. R. Puckett, bought out Branham & Schiffbauer. Charles accordingly gave up his Gray Horse store and came to town, preferring to take his chances in a more active and stirring field. He will rest awhile, however, before embarking in business.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 29, 1886.

Remembering the Poor.

[Caller could be Cutler, Cullor, etc. Just could not tell.]

Arkansas City Traveler, December 29, 1886.

A VOICE FROM THE PULPIT.

At the M. E. Church on Sunday morning, Rev. Mr. Cline, the pastor, [THREE WORDS ILLEGIBLE] of his hearers to the statements made by the TRAVELER, and he expressed hearty condemnation of the corrupt administration of our city affairs set forth therein. He said a meeting of the city clergy had been held to consider the subject, at which it was determined to bring the aid of the pulpit to the secular press in arousing public attention to the misconduct of our city rulers, and thus crystalize a public sentiment that would bring about a reform. The article in question had filled him with surprise, as he had no previous idea that such a laxity of municipal rule existed. The collection of hush money every month from the joints and courtesans, he regarded as irregular and illegal. If the money was taken from these lawless classes in the way of a fine, it was mere extortion; because fines imposed by law can only be exacted after a trial and proof of guilt. If the money was taken as an easy way of supplying the city treasury, and the flagrant disregard of law was tolerated, together with the debasement of public morals, in order that funds might be raised to run the city government, he could only characterize such a proceeding as a condonation of crime, and it placed our city officers in collusion with criminals.

Our mayor and city council (with one creditable exception), he understood, were opposed to the enforcement of the prohibition law. As private citizens, he would accord them the unrestricted right to favor or oppose any law on the statute book. But as public officers, who have taken an oath in support of the laws of the state of Kansas, their placing themselves in antagonism to the law amounted to open rebellion. They must enforce the laws of the state by their municipal ordinances or they are guilty of perjury. This tampering with law breakers,

Compounding a sin they were inclined to,

The preacher said his brother clergy with himself had drawn up a remonstrance to the city council, which would be presented to the people for signatures, wherein the present system of levying fines (or hush money) was condemned, and that body was requested to instruct the police magistrate to impose the full penalty prescribed by ordinance upon all persons brought before him charged with violating the prohibition law, of keeping disorderly houses.

The reverend gentleman was listened to attentively by a large audience.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 29, 1886.

The Christmas Trade.

Ample preparations were made for the Christmas trade by our merchants generally, the prosperity enjoyed by our citizens leading them to expect unusually active sales. The holiday season was heralded by a rich display in the various jewelry stores, Ridenour & Beecher having a Christmas tree in their window which seemed to have been rooted in the famed mine of Golconda. The designs in toys made an immense display, every conceivable device to please the eye of childhood being on exhibition; with choice albums, articles for the boudoir, and bric-a-brac goods of all kinds, selected for more mature tastes. The dry goods counters and windows were bespread with their choicest attractions, and the grocery stores were heaped up with delicacies of the season. In the meat markets there was a profusion of fine meat upon which the slaughterman had exhibited his artistic taste in bedecking for the holiday occasion. Bower & Wood and McDowell Bros., had their markets filled with fine beeves fatted for the season, which were supplemented with choice sheep ornately dressed, and a display of poultry which showed the skill and care of the raiser. Sales during Christmas week were brisk and Christmas eve brought a jam which filled our streets, and kept the merchants driving from early morn till dewy eve. In the churches the Sunday schools were entertained with appropriate exercises, and Santa Claus appeared to send every juvenile home happy with a gift.

Christmas day was a general holiday, the stores being closed to admit of merchant and salesman enjoying the festive season. The weather was cold but pleasant, and out-of-door exercise was resorted to by many holiday makers. The hotels and restaurants spread their tables more profusely as a tribute to the festal day, and around the family board assembled many a happy circle, who discussed the good cheer provided, and spent the evening in appropriate games.

A friendly trial of speed had been announced between the Winfield firemen and our own hose companies, but the former failed to put in an appearance. Hose companies No. 1 and 2 of this city tried their wind and dexterity in running a block and connecting their hose with the hydrants; this work being accomplished by No. 1 in fifteen seconds, the other company taking three seconds longer.

Notwithstanding the crowds in the city and the general hilarity, there was but little intoxication. Order was preserved on the streets, and there was unrestrained enjoyment without indulgence in license.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 29, 1886.

Police Docket for November.

FINES RANGED FROM $1 TO $50...COSTS FROM $4 TO $7. IN SOME CASES ONLY A FINE WAS ASSESSED. NOT BOTHERING TO LIST FINES/COSTS/DATES.

The docket of Police Judge Bryant for November shows the following fines and costs paid.

Thos. Conway, drunk; J. J. Bacon, drunk and committing nuisance.

John Doe, drunk; Barney McGinn, drunk; ____ Cline, drunk.

W. Waltz, disturbing the peace; John Moore, drunk and disorderly; Geo. Miner, drunk.

PROSTITUTION...ALL FINED $10...TWO HAD TO PAY $4 COSTS.

Rhoda Wood; Mollie York; Mollie Brown; Emma Dodge; Mary Sherwood; May Shirtz; May Carter; May Smith; Nell Tartar; Ed Day; Mat Jones; Jennie Pruitt; Lou Raymond; Emma Jackson.

TOTAL FINES: $415.

TOTAL COSTS: $ 65.

TOTAL: $480.00

Paid to same by city marshal: $16.50

TOTAL: $447.26

[ACCORDING TO MY CALCULATOR: DIFFERENCE OF $32.74 IN TOTALS.]

In addition to the above, twenty arrests were made from which no pay was derived, of which seven were drunks and five disorderlies, who had no money and served out their time in jail.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 29, 1886.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 29, 1886.

Grandma Lorry.

But the good God provides for His helpless creatures, notwithstanding that He deals out afflictions in turn. Grandma Lorry and her small household have lived along, keeping the wolf from the door by useful industry and assisted by the kindness of their legion of friends. A withering hail storm may leave her an empty garner through the winter, but it cannot depress her inborn cheerfulness, it cannot extinguish her love for the human race, it cannot still her constant endeavor to make all happy.

And the good old soul departed saying she had known the people so long, that she felt as though she was Grandma to the whole town.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 29, 1886.

THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

A Friendly Talk with the Police Judge and City Marshal.

The Easiest Way to Get Money Into the Treasury.

There is some feeling in the minds of several of our city officers, aroused by the article reflecting on their doings, contained in our last issue. Judge Bryant, whom we will mention first, takes exception to the portion that he feels reflects upon his honesty. He has lived many years in this community, he says, filling various relations in life, and this is the first time that any suspicion has been cast on his up-right dealing.

Not intending to deal out reproach where wrong doing was not proved, we requested his honor to point out the passage in the offending article which he understood to do him injustice.

He produced a copy of the TRAVELER, and after a careful hunt through its columns, pointed out the following paragraph.

This he regarded as an allegation of dishonesty; an intimation that he might withhold to his own uses a portion of the money that came into his possession, and hence a gross and unwarranted injury.

Both Judge Bryant and Marshal Gray explained that they were under orders to collect money in this way, as the easiest method of dealing with offenders, and the most profitable to the city.

The above conversation occurred in the police courtroom, and a crowd of idlers gathered about the colloquists.

This writer admitted his belief that it could not be done. But he would use proper efforts to restrain the evil, and punish by trial and conviction and not by levying blackmail.

The question cannot be answered by a sentiment. Salaries are to be paid, the use of the hydrants also paid, the interest on the city indebtedness met, and the sinking fund laid away; and those who are present at the reading of the bills against the city at every meeting of the council know that there are a thousand and one expenses to meet. Five hundred dollars a month turned in by the police magistrate to the city treasurer helps matters along wonderfully. Orders issued by the city clerk are promptly met by the treasurer; there is no kicking by unpaid claimants and the mayor and council have an easy time.

But the system is wrong; it is illegal and iniquitous, and we are sowing the wind to reap the whirlwind. By colluding with lawlessness and riot, we are fostering a class in our city that will entail more mischief and expense than the city magistrate can reimburse during his whole term of office.

For general purposes ................... 12 mills

Bond fund ..................................... 9 mills

Bridges .......................................... 4 mills

Internal improvements .................. 4 mills

Sinking fund .................................. 2 mills

School district ............................... 12 mills

School bonds .................................. 5 mills

This ought to pay the salaries and meet all other incidental expenses, and we have no doubt would, the money being judiciously disbursed. With these figures before us, we say there is no need to continue the present unlawful and degrading practice of colluding with law-breakers, and the TRAVELER, in behalf of an indignant and scandalized people, demands that the mode of dealing with offenders be reformed.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 29, 1886.

DIED. Death has visited the household of Mr. and Mrs. H. P. Standley, bereaving them of their infant daughter, Cornelia Chapel, aged 17 months. The little sufferer was affected with a cold, which increased in severity, and laryngitis set in, which resulted fatally. The funeral services were held at the family residence of the parents on Wednesday, Rev. S. B. Fleming officiating. A large number of friends gathered to show their sympathy with the grief stricken parents, in which the TRAVELER sincerely joins.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 29, 1886.

Mayor Schiffbauer started for St. Louis on Monday, his errand there being to buy furniture for the new city hall. The building will hardly be finished before the middle of next month.