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EMPORIA NEWS
STOTLER & WILLIAMS, EDITORS AND PROPRIETORS.
[Effective June 16, 1871, Williams leaves News...appears to start a rival paper in a short time...and Stotler resumes ownership...KEEPS STATUS OF EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR.]
[FROM JANUARY 6, 1871, THROUGH MIDDLE OF OCTOBER 13, 1871.]
Emporia News, January 6, 1871.
The county commissioners of Atchison County concluded negotiations day before yesterday for the transfer of the stock of the county to the A. T. & S. F. railroad company, provided that company commence work on their road between Atchison and Topeka by the first of April next, and complete the road between the two places by the first of May, 1872.
Emporia News, January 6, 1871.
Mr. Welch, of the Indian commission who has been in Washington examining the records of the Indian office, says Mr. Lang discovered greater frauds in the Southern Indian territory than he (Welch) did in the Northern. He cited one instance where Lang saw $90,000 was paid to Arapaho Indians, of which amount $30,000 was taken by Gen. Blunt on the plea that he had performed legislation at much cost of time and money. Also mentions a voucher found to a rich contractor for $155,000, where the profit must have been over one hundred and twenty-five percent.
Emporia News, January 6, 1871.
The report of the officers in charge of the National cemeteries show that the remains of deceased Union soldiers are interred in seventy-three National cemeteries, and in three hundred and sixteen local, private, or post cemeteries. The total number of bodies of Union soldiers interred in the United States is 215,555, of which number 152,109 can be identified, while 143,446 remain unknown. It is estimated that 463 scattered bodies remain yet to be interred in National cemeteries. The expenditure in establishing and keeping National cemeteries up to June 30, 1869, was reported at $3,266,370. The amount required for the next fiscal year was estimated at $3,100,000.
Emporia News, January 6, 1871.
A dispatch from San Francisco states that the Apaches are committing many depredationscommitting murders, running off large herds of cattle, etc. A freight train, fully armed, en route to Fort Goodwin, was attacked 30 miles east of Tucson by a large number of Indians, and after a sharp fight, in which one man was killed and two wounded, the Indians got away with some oxen.
Emporia News, January 6, 1871.
THE EDUCATIONAL JOURNAL.
Prof. Kellogg having resigned the editorship of the Educational Journal, to take effect with the end of the present volume, which closes with the April number, the Association which met in Leavenworth this week, elected, as editors for the coming year, Professors Banfield, of Topeka, and Dilworth, of Emporia. The Journal will continue to be printed at THE NEWS office. . . .
Emporia News, January 6, 1871.
W. A. Patrick, of the Cowley County Censor was in the city Thursday. The Censor is paying so well as to enable him to take a holiday tour among his friends east, and he is just returning. He says Winfield is growing wonderfully. Forty houses were under contract when he left.
Emporia News, January 6, 1871.
PERSONAL. We had a call from F. Young, dealer in books and stationery, at Winfield. He had been purchasing stock in this city, and finds he can do as well here as at more northern points. He also keeps a news depot, and among other papers sells the EMPORIA NEWS. He is doing a good business. All kinds of trade is good at Winfield.
Emporia News, January 13, 1871.
The Arkansas City Traveler comes to us, under the new administration of Prof. Kellogg, one of the neatest, brightest sheets in the southwest. Who is doing the writing and superintending of the office, it does not say.
Emporia News, January 13, 1871.
Hank Lowe has made quite a change in the appearance of the stage office, in the NEWS building, since he took charge of the business of the combined Kansas and Southern Kansas companies. He will be happy to furnish stage room for all parties who desire to visit any points in the south and west. He will there receive orders and cash and furnish the most comfortable transportation without grumbling.
Emporia News, January 13, 1871.
AMERICUS.
Mr. Freeman starts with his stock for the Arkansas on Monday. He is an enthusiast for that region. His family will follow him soon. [???]
[FROM ARKANSAS CITY.]
Emporia News, January 13, 1871.
Arkansas City, Kansas, January 9, 1870.
DEAR NEWS: We are pained to hear that you have been suffering a little touch of the arctichave been mourning over nearly a foot of snow.
Well, we are sorry for you. Here in our warm, tropical Arkansas Valley, we have had no snow at all, except a few scattering flakes, that melted as they fell. Roads and weather are lovely.
Arkansas City is growing faster than ever, our seventy-seventh building was raised on the 6th. It is our new schoolhouse, built by subscription, 25 x 40 feet. We have already an excellent school, in two departments. In a few weeks more, this will be the great staging center of Kansas. The consolidated line of the two great companies are to be at once extended from Parker and Eureka to this point; the former line to be pushed on up to Wichita, and another line will speedily be extended to Fort Sill.
Prof. Norton has for several weeks been lying severely ill, unable to sit up or move much of the time. The disease is acute hepatitis. He is slowly gaining, but will not be able to move for some weeks. This is a great disappointment to all who desired him to claim his seat in the Legislature.
Our big new mills are being rapidly built. The immigration is remarkable. The survey of the lands is in progress, and we are beginning to know where our claims are. A. G. O. A. C.
Emporia News, January 20, 1871.
The Cherokee Indians want Grant's treaty ratified. It agrees to pay them $2,500,000 for some 20,000,000 acres of land they vacated in southern Kansas. Their friends at Washington, just now, are numerous.
Emporia News, January 20, 1871.
Red Cloud says his tribe is starving, and wants Government rations. The Crows have stolen sixty horses from them, and two hundred from the Cheyennes. The latter recovered their stock after a fight in which seven Crows and one Cheyenne expired.
Emporia News, January 20, 1871.
BIG AD. [LOTS OF WHITE SPACE!]
GREAT SLAUGHTER OF DRY GOODS, FURS, DRESS GOODS, FLANNELS, SHAWLS, QUILTS, AND ALL WINTER GOODS! WILL BE SOLD FOR THE NEXT SIXTY DAYS AT AN IMMENSE SACRIFICE!! To Give Room for Our Spring Stock.
NEWMAN & BROTHER.
Emporia News, January 20, 1871.
Prof. Kellogg is making arrangements to enlarge the Arkansas City Traveler to an eight column paper.
Emporia News, January 20, 1871.
There is not a handsomer or better kept stock of dry goods in anybody's town than can be seen in Newman Bros.' establishment, this city.
Emporia News, January 20, 1871.
Enoch Hoag, superintendent of Indian affairs, advertises in this paper for proposals for the transportation of government stores from Emporia and Fort Harker, Kansas, to Fort Sill, Indian Territory. Upwards of three hundred tons are to be delivered in each of the five succeeding months. See advertisement.
PROPOSALS
WILL be received at the office of the Superintendent of Indian Affairs, Lawrence, for the transportation of Government stores from Emporia and Fort Harker, Kansas, to the Cheyenne, Wichita, and Kiowa Indian Agencies, over the most direct road from the town of Wichita, Kansas, to Fort Sill, Indian Territory. Amount of freight, three hundred tons and upwards, to be delivered in good condition, at said Agencies, in nearly equal amounts, each, for the five succeeding months. Proposals to state amount per hundred pounds per hundred miles. ENOCH HOAG, Sup't Indian Affairs.
Emporia News, January 20, 1871.
AMERICUS.
The Kaws have been out on the plains hunting, and were caught by the late cold snap away from shelter and feed for their ponies. It is reported that several Indians froze to death. They lost some of their ponies.
Considerable quantities of timber are being taken off the reserve by white men. The Kaws are selling it to them at a mere nominal price. Where is the honest agent who attends to Uncle Sam's business up there?
Emporia News, January 27, 1871.
FROM ARKANSAS CITY.
ARKANSAS CITY, KANSAS, January 16th, 1870.
EDS. EMPORIA NEWS: Your readers may feel some interest in a few lines sent you from this new and rapidly settling region of our State. This City, or rather an enterprising settler, built the first house last April. Having to wagon all the lumber from Emporia, 120 miles, until a saw could be started on the ground, one would infer that building must progress slowly. But from various causes, chiefly the favorable climate, soil, water, and timber, emigrants rushed in at such a rate, and demanded so much lumber as scarcely to appreciate the quantity sawed out by that one mill. Of course, the drawing continued, indeed increased, from Emporia. At length a second mill was put to work, and now a third is on the way, and still Emporia sells lumber to our people. There are now near 80 houses inhabited, and 8 or 10 building. The country is fast coming up to the city in the cheerful work of settling. A good woman five miles northeast told me lately that when they built their house, six weeks before, she could see but two more houses, and she could now count fifteen. Even the inhospitable weather of this unusually hard winter stops neither the tide of emigration nor the erection of houses.
The corps of surveyors now in this vicinity will rather facilitate all this progress, since men would rather settle by the lines than risk guessing out their claims. Besides there is now a vigorous movement on foot, and indeed before our Legislature, to open up a great highway from this point through the Indian Territory to Texas for stages, wagons, horsemen, cattle, and a railroad. Congress will be asked to neutralize a strip 10 miles in width, more especially for the accommodation of Texas herds. The distance will be shortened as compared to the old trail, while the annoyance of Indians will be much less, if not entirely avoided. Besides the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad will be completed to Florence at the mouth of Doyle, and ready to transport beeves to the Eastern markets decidedly cheaper than they have been going over the Abilene route. There being a strip of high unsettled land between this place and Florence, an act will be passed by our Legislature allowing herds to be drive along it. All this must make Arkansas City the largest town in Southwestern Kansas.
One week ago 16 or 18 men with 8 teams started in the mildest weather West for buffalo. On Tuesday the wind stormed down from the North and continued till Saturday night. Travelers, and teamsters of all kinds, were driven into the best attainable shelter. The Woolsey House and stable were made more than full. The new City Hotel is warm, neat, and luxurious in all its appointments. A more cozy or better conducted house is not found in Kansas. Mr. and Mrs. Meigs, proprietors, leave nothing undone to promote the comfort of their guests, even their neat bed chambers are so arranged as to be warmed from the fires below. Two schools and two churches, Methodist and Presbyterian, are doing much to aid to the happiness of the people, and soon will all this region, as I am fully persuaded, be behind none in all that makes life desirable. W. P.
Emporia News, January 27, 1871.
Friday, on motion of Mr. Pomeroy, the U. S. Senate passed a resolution extending, for one year, the time at which settlers on public lands in Kansas and other places are required to make payment therefor. The House will doubtless agree, and the resolution will prove a great relief to thousands of honest pioneers.
Emporia News, January 27, 1871.
THE SENATORSHIP.
TOPEKA, Jan. 24.
The first vote on United States Senator has just been taken. Before the vote a resolution was passed by the House, requiring the members to take an oath that they were not influenced by offers of bribery. This resolution caused a bitter and excited debate. Several members refused to swear. The halls and galleries were densely packed with people and much cheering was engaged in.
The vote in the Senate was as follows: Caldwell 8, Clarke 6, Crawford 5, Ross 1; 5 scattering.
In the House the vote was as follows: Caldwell 30, Crawford 22, Clarke 21, Ross 7, Snoddy 13; the balance were scattered on some eight or ten candidates.
Clarke has had a big lobby here, mostly office holders and bummers. He went in this morning blowing that he had thirty-seven votes. He is badly beaten and there is no help for him. Caldwell makes a good showing, but as about fifty members have agreed to go against him, it is now doubtful if he succeeds. Crawford's friends have great confidence. Atchison will not support a Leavenworth man. The border tier is mostly in the same fix, and it is now thought they can both be brought to the support of Crawford.
A few hang to the idea of bringing out a new man, but it is believed to be too late for this movement to succeed. Crawford's friends will stick to him as long as there is a hope. The Neosho Valley is united upon him solidly except three votes below.
LATER. CALDWELL ELECTED.
TOPEKA, Jan. 25.
In the Joint Convention of the two Houses today, at one o'clock p.m., Alexander Caldwell, of Leavenworth, was elected United States Senator from the State of Kansas. The vote stoodCaldwell 87; Crawford 34. This result was brought about by the failure of those opposed to Caldwell to unite on a man. The fact of this failure became known last night at 12 o'clock, and dozens of men who were "on the fence" went over to him. There is very little enthusiasm over the election. Caldwell is principally indebted to Ex-Gov. Carney and his friends for his success. S.
Emporia News, January 27, 1871.
The Senate is debating the bill to abolish the income tax. It had better abolish the franking swindle.
Emporia News, January 27, 1871.
Much suffering is felt by the Indians, north of the Pacific railroad. They are arriving at Forts Laramie and Fetleman nearly starved and frozen, and are given food and shelter by the military.
Emporia News, January 27, 1871.
Last week, at a point 84 miles from Prescott, Arizona, 150 noble red men surprised a company of U. S. Cavalry, wounded 6 men and two officers, and ran off with 24 horses. Another company pursued the aborigines, and overtook and killed quite a number. [Name of tribe not given.]
Emporia News, January 27, 1871.
By order of the President, Red Cloud's Indians are to be fed this winter on government rations, and 1,000 head of cattle are to be bought and sent to them. The Indians at Fort Laramie are also to be fed, and supplied with enough ammunition to hunt all game except white folks. If the Indians were only allowed their natural rights to scalp and rob the whites, they would not be thus reduced to the deplorable necessity of accepting government beef and hard tack. We look for a sympathetic editorial from the New York Tribune.
Emporia News, January 27, 1871.
Our war news today is very important. Paris offers to capitulate with the honors of war, but the Germans demand unconditional surrender and a cessation of the war. The Emperor and Empress Napoleon have offered these terms on condition that they be restored to reign over what may be left of France, and if the present government does not come to the same terms, the Germans will try to reinstate the Emperor. It is evident that "this cruel war is nearly over," and that it will leave the French the most thoroughly whipped nation of modern Europe, and the new Empire of Germany the leading power of the old world.
Emporia News, January 27, 1871.
Alexander Caldwell, our new United States Senator, is almost wholly a stranger in the world of politics. He is a citizen of Leavenworth, has heretofore devoted his attention to matters of a purely business nature, and has thus acquired a handsome fortune. He is connected with several railroad companies. He was formerly a resident of Pennsylvania. He is said to be a gentleman of liberal culture. We hope he will prove an honest, faithful, and able Senator. No matter how greatly we regret the defeat of Gov. Crawford, we are as heartily rejoiced at that of Sidney Clarke. It will be a long time, will require many wonderful changes in Sidney's conduct, and much improvement in numerous respects, before he can again be sent to Washington to legislate for the people.
Emporia News, January 27, 1871.
THE GENERAL COUNCIL OF THE INDIAN TERRITORY.
We have received a document which bears the following title: "Journal of the General Council of the Indian Territory, composed of delegates, duly elected from the Indian tribes, legally resident thereof. Assembled in council at Okmulgee, in the Indian Territory, under the provisions of the twelfth article of the treaty made and concluded at the city of Washington, in the year 1866, between the United States and the Coctan [? Choctaw?] and Chickasaw, Muskogee, and Seminole tribes of the same date."
The council met on the 27th of September, but did not proceed to business until the 29th, as a quorum was not present until that day. Thirty-six delegates, representing eleven nations or tribes, were present when the organization of the council was completed. Six standing committees were appointed, the titles of which indicate a becoming appreciation of their own wants, while they are endeavoring to assume the habits and conditions that belong to an enlightened people. These committees were constituted as follows.
1. A committee on relations with the United States.
2. On International relations.
3. On Judiciary.
4. On Finance.
5. On Education and Agriculture.
6. On enrolled bills.
That these people have a just appreciation of the value of education, may be inferred from the first resolution they adopted, which was as follows.
"Resolved, That the committee on education be instructed to report in writing, as near as may be practicable, the population of the nations and tribes represented in the general council, the amount of their respective school funds, the number of schools in operation among them, the system under which they are managed, and the general state of education in the Indian Territory."
The second Resolution instructed the Judiciary committee to report a bill, or bills, which should provide for the execution of criminals and offenders escaping from one tribe to another tribe, and for the administration of justice between members of different tribes of the Indian Territory, and persons other than Indians and members of other tribes and nations.
Among their acts was also the following:
"Resolved, That the committee on Education and Agriculture be instructed to report fully, as may be practicable, on the condition of Agriculture in the Indian Territory, including the area of land in cultivation, the crops produced, the different plants and cereals adapted to the climate and soil, and the best methods for cultivating such crops, and of increasing the industry of the people in agricultural pursuits."
The Council adjourned on the 30th of September and reassembled on the 6th of December and remained in session until the 20th, when they again adjourned until the first Monday in June, 1871. While the work of the committee on education and agriculture was by no means complete, they entered upon their labors with such zeal and intelligence as to give a fair promise that much will be accomplished for the promotion of these interests in matters that relate to education and the industrial pursuits.
The expression of the Council was such, however, as to indicate that they have no intention to cease to remain an independent people, so far as their government and their independent mode of life is concerned.
Emporia News, January 27, 1871.
EXCERPT FROM "LETTER FROM AUGUSTA."
AUGUSTA, BUTLER CO., KANSAS, January 23rd, 1871.
The consolidated Stage company, now known as the Southwestern Stage company, are erecting large stables here, and intend making this their future headquarters for Southwestern Kansas. They are now running a daily line from this point to Arkansas City, and will establish other lines as the demands of the public seem to require. There are no class of men in the universe whose services are less appreciated then the stage men; they make their daily trip through rain and storm without a murmur or word of complaint, and seldom receive thanks from those they serve. Let us "render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's," and give to these faithful and untiring public servants the meed of praise that is their just due.
Emporia News, January 27, 1871.
Mr. Eskridge and Prof. Kellogg went to Topeka Tuesday to look after the interests of the Normal school.
Emporia News, February 3, 1871.
[SKIPPED BIG ARTICLE RE SURRENDER OF PARIS.]
Emporia News, February 3, 1871.
CHICAGO, KANSAS & TEXAS R. R.
A company has been organized under the above name, having for its object the construction of a railroad commencing at Council Grove, Morris County, Kansas, and thence by way of Cottonwood Falls, Chase County, Chelsea, El Dorado, Augusta and Douglass, Butler County, Winfield and Arkansas City, Cowley County, and thence on the most direct and practicable route to Florence, near the mouth of the Little Wichita, on Red River, Texas.
The capital stock of said company to be one million dollars.
A meeting of the directors of said company was held at Cottonwood Falls, Chase County, Kansas, January 4th, A. D. 1871.
The proceedings of the meeting were as follows.
In the absence of Hon. T. H. Baker, President, Vice President C. A. Britton took the chair. After a lengthy discussion of the project by Messrs. Wood, Baker, Stover, and others, the meeting proceeded with the following action: At the request and recommendation of
G. M. Simcock, treasurer by the charter, William Shamleffer was elected to fill vacancy as director and treasurer. H. L. Hunt was also elected to fill vacancy of director.
S. N. Wood, superintendent, was authorized to cause books to be opened in the Indian Territory and in Texas for subscriptions to the capital stock of the company. Hon. E. S. Stover was authorized to open books in Council Grove, Morris County; H. L. Hunt in Chase County; T. H. Baker in Augusta; H. T. Sumner in El Dorado, Butler County; E. C. Manning in Winfield; and H. B. Norton in Arkansas City, in Cowley County, Kansas.
On motion Hon. E. S. Stover, Hon. James Finney, Hon. S. M. Wood, Hon. L. S. Friend, Hon. T. H. Baker, and Hon. E. C. Manning were appointed a committee to ask the Legislature of the State of Kansas for the passage of a memorial asking Congress to grant the right of way to the above railroad company through the government lands in the south of Kansas and the Indian Territory to Texas.
It was moved and adopted that S. N. Wood, H. P. Dumas, and A. Eldridge be a committee to procure action and the influence of the Legislature of Texas in favor of obtaining the right of way through the Indian Territory and also obtaining a grant of land from the State to the company. The said committee were also authorized to present to the proper authorities the question of getting a transfer of the Atchison branch road as required by act of Congress, running from where said Atchison road crosses the Neosho River to where the Leavenworth, Lawrence and Galveston road crosses the same, to run from Cottonwood Falls, Chase County, by way of the Walnut Valley in Butler and Cowley Counties, to the south line of the State of Kansas.
Moved and adopted that the Superintendent cause a preliminary survey of the road to be made, if the same can be done without involving the company in debt. Moved and adopted that the proper officer, as soon as local subscriptions are sufficient, cause to be let under contract any portion of said road and, also, to negotiate with any other railroad company to construct any part or the whole of said road. It was also resolved that the secretary correspond with the secretary of St. Joseph, Wamego and Council Grove R. R. Co., in relation to the probability or possibility of forming a continuous line of the two roads. It was moved that subscriptions to capital stock of the company be received, payable in county and township bonds, lands, or town lots at their cash value, and that certificates of paid up stock be issued therefor as well as the ordinary subscriptions of stock in money. Ordered that the secretary furnish a copy of the proceedings of this meeting to the newspapers of Morris, Chase, Butler, and Cowley Counties. Moved and adopted that the meeting adjourn subject to call by the secretary. C. A. BRITTON, Vice-Pres't.
W. S. ROMIGH, Secretary.
Emporia News, February 3, 1871.
ON THE WING.
Augusta, Kansas, January 29th, 1871.
Over a week has passed since an opportunity has presented itself for us to forward an account of our wanderings to the NEWS. Within that time we have traveled through the Walnut Valley from El Dorado to Arkansas City, near the mouth of the stream, and returned to this point; a distance of almost 60 miles.
South of Augusta, a distance of 12 miles, is located the village of Douglass. It is situated on the Big Walnut, at a point almost three miles below the junction of the Little Walnut. The town site is an excellent one, being on a gentle rise in the prairie, and gives it drainage that will, in a great measure, protect it from the mud incident to towns built on the tenacious soil of Kansas.
The storm clouds that covered this youthful village, and enveloped it in gloom a few weeks ago, have all dispersed, giving place to the more genial sunshine of prosperity, and leaving the atmosphere much purer and healthier than before. Unless the stranger asks questions, he would never suspect that such a thing as hanging men by fours was ever resorted to by the quiet working people of this little frontier neighborhood. But the fact that eight men were shot and hung in this vicinity not long ago, can't be denied; as a consequence, the citizens from Augusta to Arkansas City claim that they have no need of watching stock, but wake from peaceful slumbers to find their horses where they left them the previous night. They go to work in the morning thankfully, remembering long days in the past spent in fruitless search for missing horses.
Douglass contains about twenty houses, with all the stores, shops, etc., usually found in such places. In the town there are three general country stores. L. Shamleffer & Bro., brothers of our enterprising friend, Billy Shamleffer, at Council Grove, are carrying on an extensive trade here in dry goods, groceries, etc. They are young men of large business capacity, and are working hard to advance the interest of the town and country. Huffman & Brown are engaged in the grocery and provision business. The Douglass House is one of the best hotels in the valley. C. H. Lamb is the proprietor. Here the traveler finds good beds, good hash, and an accommodating landlord. Mr. Lamb is postmaster and is also dealing in blank books and stationery. The country around Douglass is well settled and supports a good trade. They are in need of a drug store and a shoemaker here; anyone starting a business in either of the above will be liberally supported.
From the mouth of the Little Walnut, the timber becomes heavier the further one travels down the valley.
Ten miles below Douglass we arrive at a trading point called "Polk's store." This store is owned by A. V. Polk, a native of Pennsylvania. He has a good location for his stock of goods. The post office here is called "Lone Tree." This will make a good trading point, and we rather wonder that a town has not been laid off here.
After crossing Big Dutch Creek, a large stream, we found ourself at Winfield, county seat of Cowley County. This town presents an extremely new appearance. In fact, it has been built, with the exception of a very few houses, within the last three months. Some good wooden buildings are being erected. On our road to the mouth of the Walnut, we stopped at the Walnut Valley House at this place. That night was a new experience to us. We have heard of the hair of one's head being turned gray in one night. Heretofore we were incredulous, but its truth has been demonstrated and we believe it. This house needs "ventilation," but we will leave that for the citizens of Winfield to do. We found some enterprising men here, and with their excellent location and rich surrounding country, they will have a city of no mean dimension at some future time. Among some of the principal businessmen of Winfield are Maris & Hunt, dealers in groceries; and Deloss Palmer, formerly of Emporia, dealer in hardware and tinware. W. C. Orr is proprietor of the Indiana House; his table is always loaded with the best the market affords and he spares no pains to make his guests comfortable. The present term of the school here is taught by Miss Mellville. [?Melville?]. A. J. Patrick is publishing the "Censor" here. This is a good paper and is becoming extremely popular in Cowley and Butler Counties.
Arkansas City has one of the finest locations for a town to be found any place in Kansas, but as this has been written of so often and so extensively, we will pass it for the present. The city contains about eighty houses, some of them are very good buildings. H. O. Meigs has recently erected a large building, in which he has opened the City Hotel, one of the best hotels in the valley; G. H. Hamilton & Co. are doing an extensive business in groceries and provisions; they have a large stock. Charley Sipes is engaged in hardware, etc. Keith & Eddy, a Leavenworth firm, are selling drugs. E. A. Rennin and M. C. McIntire are dealing flour, feed, and groceries. Norton & Bro. are trading extensively with the Indians. The Arkansas Traveler, the property of L. B. Kellogg, of Emporia, published here, is superintended by C. M. Scott, the local editor. Mr. Scott is a first class printer and gets up one of the neatest little papers in the State.
Owing to the bad condition of the roads, our return trip was not as pleasant as dry soil and fine weather would have made it. G. G. PATTERSON BRIX.
Emporia News, February 3, 1871. TELEGRAPHIC.
BORDEAUX, Jan. 30. Dispatches forwarded from Versailles, of the 28th, by Jules Favre to the Government at Bordeaux, says a treaty was signed today. There is to be an armistice of 21 days. The national assembly is to be convened at Bordeaux February 15th. The election takes place on the 8th of February. A member of the Paris Government leaves at once for Bordeaux. No person is allowed to enter or leave Paris without a permit from the German authorities. The revictualing of the city will proceed under German supervision. Confidence is expressed at German headquarters that peace has been secured. German soldiers are chagrined at being prohibited from entering Paris.
Emporia News, February 3, 1871.
Two gentlemen were in our office Tuesday at 12 m. directly from Douglass and Augusta, and inform us that the rumors in circulation here in reference to hanging horse-thieves, etc., are all false.
Emporia News, February 10, 1871.
The Indians in New Mexico have just run off 3,000 sheep from Belden, and lately attacked a party of 15 gold hunters, killed 2, and are now besieging the rest. A few Quakers ought to be sent there with sugar and ammunition to distribute among these excited red men, and read they sympathetic editorials from the New York Tribune in order to calm their perturbed spirits.
Emporia News, February 10, 1871.
Fun alive. At William's Fork, Colorado River, a few days ago, a great fight took place between the Chinamen and the Monhave [?Mojave?] Indians, and the Indians were defeated with a loss of 36 braves. The Chinese lost 21, among whom was their leader, one of the ablest thieves ever born in China, or elsewhere. Now for an epic from Bret Harte, descriptive of this original aboriginal oriental combat.
Emporia News, February 10, 1871.
FROM TOPEKA.
A concurrent resolution memorializing Congress for the opening up of the Indian Territory, and naming it Lincoln, passed the House and came to the Senate today. It created an animated debate, which was engaged in by Col. Snoddy, Mr. Moore, Mr. Stover, Mr. Prescott, and others. The Senate defeated the resolution, and thereby endorsed the Indian policy of the administration.
The Record of yesterday says it was reported in Olathe that on the day after Senator Ross left Washington, a joint resolution was proposed and rushed through to the House of Congress, confirming the patents issued to the Black Bob Indians. If true, the speculators get these lands and the settlers will have to leave their farms, and if true, does it not account, in part, for the intense anxiety manifested by "Old Beans" to secure Sidney Clarke's return to Congress or his election to the United States Senate.
Emporia News, February 10, 1871.
[Part of this item is missing...all chopped up.]
We clip the following notice of Prof. Norton from the Schoolmaster, an educational periodical published at Chicago.
"Hon. H. B. Norton, late Associate Principal of the Kansas State Normal School, has left, we suspect, forever. When the prospect of wealth appears, most of us kindly accept the situation. His ability and energy to select a spot in Cowley County, Kansas, at the junction of the Walnut and Arkansas Rivers, upon which to build a city. He and his brother, Gould Hyde, put up the first log house in June. Today there are nearly one hundred buildings, including mills, etc. A large trade is already opened with the Osages and Texan drovers. Capt. Norton will handle $30,000 in furs and robes this winter. As the Norton boys have a large share of the land, and as two railroads are sure to pass through their town, we, on the whole, are not disposed to blame the `Sage' for leaving the school room."
Emporia News, February 10, 1871.
STATE NORMAL SCHOOL.
EXCERPTS:
Ex-Gov. Eskridge favored the application of the teachers of the Normal School, and also an increase of their salaries.
Mr. Overstreet opposed any increase in the number of teachers or their salaries.
Mr. Kellogg spoke in explanation of the former action of the board.
Superintendent McCarty urged that we pay the principal of the Normal School a respectable salary and then demand that the money shall be fully earned.
Mr. Eskridge moved that the estimates submitted by him be passed upon by items, and the motion was carried.
The following estimates were then adopted:
Salary of Principal: $2,500.00. [Skipped the rest.]
Mr. Overstreet moved that an itemized account of expenses for fencing be filed with the Secretary of the board, which motion was carried.
[SOUNDS LIKE OVERSTREET IS AGAINST KELLOGG.]
Emporia News, February 17, 1871.
More aboriginal exploits. On Jan. 14th, near Musale, Montana, a party of Tribune Indians killed Chas. McKnight, and J. K. Ross, shot them full of arrows, and then carved them up with knives.
Emporia News, February 17, 1871.
FROM TOPEKA.
More About the Normal School.
[Skipping article...seems that Eskridge and Stotler were furnished salary increase figures by Kellogg...Overstreet only heard of meeting after it had started...ended up making Kellogg's salary $2,000. Many questions raised!]
Emporia News, February 17, 1871.
LANDS FOR SOLDIERS.
The Topeka Record of the 5th publishes the bill recently passed by the House of Representatives, granting lands to union soldiers. The bill promises that every soldier and officer who has served in the army of the United States during the recent rebellion for ninety days, and who has remained loyal to the government, shall be entitled to 160 acres of the public lands subject to entry under the homestead laws.
The soldier is allowed twelve months after locating his homestead in which to commence settlement and improvement; second, the time which the soldier was in military service is to be deducted from the five years' time now required to perfect a homestead title; third, the soldier may assign his homestead certificate to any person entitled to avail himself of the provisions of the present homestead law; fourth, the widow or minor orphan children of a deceased soldier are to succeed to all his rights as aforesaid; and fifth, any soldier who is now drawing a pension on account of wounds or disabilities, may enter upon and receive a patent for a quarter section of land by an agent or attorney.
The bill passed the House by a vote of 184 to 2the negative votes being cast by Gibson, of West Virginia, and Smith, of Oregonboth Democrats, of course. What the fate of the measure will be in the Senate cannot safely be predicted; but Washington correspondents assure us that the indications are favorable to its passage.
Emporia News, February 17, 1871.
Congress has passed a bill to pension revolutionary and war of 1812 officers, soldiers, militia, or volunteers, or their widows or orphans, at the rate of eight dollars per month.
Emporia News, February 17, 1871.
Gen. Parker, Indian bureau commissioner, now claims that he has convinced the House committee of investigation that he has properly managed his department. If he and pet Babcock happened to get scalped, the country would possibly survive.
Emporia News, February 17, 1871.
The joint Congressional committee to organize a government for the Indian territory, has agreed upon a bill which is claimed to be superior to the Ockmulgee [Okmulgee] plan, and this adoption will be submitted to a vote of the Indians themselves.
Emporia News, February 17, 1871.
THE NORMAL SCHOOL AGAIN.
A Word from Mr. Kellogg.
EDITOR OF NEWS: Permit me to say a few words in regard to Honorable Jacob Stotler's small controversy with the Board of Directors of the State Normal School. I deprecate the necessity for thus taking part in a public discussion, which up to this time has had but one participant. However, judgments might differ in regard to the pest policy to be pursued in the management of the Normal School, previous to this time the custom has been for all parties to abide the decision of the Board of Directors, the ultimate authority as provided by law. Mr. Stotler's ideas suffered a severe defeat by the Board, the vote being four to one against them.
He now takes exception to the deliberate action of a meeting of the Board called expressly to consider the very thing in regard to which he has most industriously endeavored to create adverse public sentiment.
Not only does Mr. Stotler object to this final and authoritative action, but he seems to say that he and Mr. Overstreet will entirely repudiate the decision of the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE GRINDS ON AND ON....MAIN THING: SALARIES! Stotler cut them. Reading between the lines, it looks like L. B. Kellogg is not long for the academic world.
Emporia News, February 17, 1871.
A bill passed in committee of whole in the House yesterday, providing for the appointment of three commissioners to audit claims of losses by Indians between the 1st of January, 1861, and 1871. The Board is to meet on the 1st of June, and make its report to the Governor by the 10th of August. Record.
Emporia News, February 17, 1871.
H. O. Meigs, of Arkansas City, is in town today. Mr. Meigs is the proprietor of the City Hotel and an active member of the town company.
Emporia News, February 17, 1871.
The Arkansas City Traveler reports the death of many cattle in that vicinity from the cold weather. Out of a herd of 2,000, a Mr. Oakes lost 600.
Emporia News, February 17, 1871.
Thirteen singers met Wednesday night at the residence of Mr. A. A. Newman, to rehearse the cantata of "The Haymakers," with a view of giving a concert some evening.
Emporia News, February 17, 1871.
The last sensation in the way of a city is that of the new town of Caldwell, recently laid off in Sumner County.
It is located near Fall River at the crossing of the Texas cattle trail. The town company is principally composed of Southwestern Kansas men. Wm. Baldwin is president, C. F. Gilbert treasurer, and G. H. Smith, secretary. The location is an excellent one, the valley being extremely wide in this vicinity. There will be three stores opened immediately, also one hotel and a livery stable. Liberal inducements are offered to a first-class blacksmith. For information address G. H. Smith, Wichita.
Emporia News, February 17, 1871.
Col. J. C. McMullen, an attorney at law of Clarksville, Tennessee, and Judge Cunning- ham intended to start Saturday morning on a tour through Sumner County, the promised land in which some of their possessions lie, but when the stage-driver called for them they concluded they would not start that daythere being twelve passengers inside of the vehicle and three on the outside. We understand that Col. McMullen is making arrangements to locate in Kansas, and we hope he will.
Emporia News, February 17, 1871.
GOOD FOR A YEARLING. The Traveler says of Arkansas City:
"There are now eight dry goods and grocery stores, one drug store, one hardware store, one bakery, two hotels, three boarding houses, one billiard hall, one blacksmith, two shoemakers, two land agencies, two milliners, two saw mills, two meat markets, three physicians, ten carpenters, two tinners, one stone cutter, two masons, and lumber yard, in Arkansas City. Besides these, there are two religious denominations (Methodist and Presbyterian), one primary school, Good Templars Lodge, Literary Society, Anti-Tobacco Society, Singing School, Dancing Club, and various other societies and institutions."
Emporia News, February 17, 1871.
Kaw Reserve.
EDITORS NEWS: It is to be feared that your correspondent, "U. Bette," forgot the Tenth Commandment when he reached the beautiful lands of the Kaw Reserve, on his recent visit, and looked with such longing eyes at the rich soil. When he became so pathetic over the waste of good land there why did he not think of the millions of acres of equally productive lands held by speculators in a state of nature? The Kaw Indian has just as good a title to the soil of his reserve as Uncle Sam can give to any white man. The Government has no more right to annul the title it has given the Kaws to their lands, and remove them without their consent, than it has to annul the patents by which white speculators hold their "beautiful prairies." What if the Indians don't choose to cultivate their reserve? Whose business is it? When white people get their titles to land they use their own pleasure about improving it, and thank no one for meddling with their affairs. If Uncle Samuel agreed to feed these Indians, he should live up to his agreement. And we see no necessity for so much growling about a few acres, owned by the poor, degraded, despised Indians, not being improved, when there are so many millions owned by white men, in the same condition. NEOSHO.
Emporia News, February 24, 1871.
A CARD.
As Mr. L. B. Kellogg, in his strictures upon Hon. Jacob Stotler, in the DAILY NEWS of February 13th, has seen fit to place me in a false position before the public, I take this method of saying that the figures which I submitted to the Board of Directors of the State Normal School, at their late annual meeting in Topeka, January 18th, cutting down the estimates of salaries for Principal teachers, etc., as reported by the Executive Committee in their annual report for estimates for the year 1871, "was put into my hands and mouth by Mr. Stotler," (as Mr. Kellogg declares), is a base falsehood. And further, that what I advocated in the open Board, "as my own convictions of duty," being merely the carrying out of Mr. Stotler's instructions and advice (as Mr. Kellogg unjustly imputes to me), is also false, as well as unbecoming any man making the slightest pretensions to be a gentleman. I leave the public to decide from the patent facts in the premises, as to whether Mr. Kellogg's assault upon myself without any provocation, is not to be explained solely upon his own pecuniary interest in the matter or perverted moral sense. . . .
LONG ARTICLE...SKIPPED THE REST!
R. M. OVERSTREET.
Topeka, Feb. 15th, 1871.
Emporia News, February 24, 1871.
OUR PERSONAL WRANGLE.
Another Word from Mr. Kellogg.
EDITOR OF NEWS: Craving your indulgence and that of the public for this further intrusion, I submit an additional word on the little controversy which has so rapidly degenerated to the rank of an ordinary newspaper quarrel.
I am sorry that the Rev. Mr. Overstreet's violent ebullition of anger, and uncourteous expressions were of so gross a nature as to prevent any desire on my part for a continuance of the discussion with him. With the permission of the "generous public," I will, accordingly, using a schoolmaster's term, dismiss Mr. Overstreet; or, leaving him standing, will excuse myself. I do this without malice, regretfully rather than otherwise, trusting that, should he deem it advisable to publish a second card, he will not so hedge it in by the use of vituperative language as to make it unwelcome handling.
Those of us who have lived in Emporia five or six years are familiar with Mr. Stotler's plan of conducting a newspaper controversy. If I am not in error, the first articles are composed of ridicule, more or less pointed, as in his communication published yesterday. After one or two of these, he endeavors to bring on a crisis by using foul adjectives, "smutty" expressions; school children would speak of it as "calling names." There is always danger of his winding up one of these articles by the statement that no further discussion of this subject will be permitted in his paper. Having entered upon this controversy somewhat deliberately, I feel as though I should like "to fight it out on this line," letting it take as much of the coming spring and summer as may be necessary. Presuming on Mr. Stotler's good nature, I beg leave to request that he will not shut me off from making a courteous reply, should he deem it of sufficient interest to his readers to continue the discussion, and also that he will not descend from "making fun" to "throwing dirt." I will endeavor not to be burdensome to his paper, and being a "little man," will content myself with one column to his two, or if this should seem egoism and effrontery, I will endeavor to use two columns to his one.
Recurring now to his communication, I desire to say this: in regard to the general questions at issue, I am willing to rest the case upon the merits of my former article, after correcting one error, notwithstanding Mr. Stotler pronounces it "wild, illogical, and unsystematic." Facts constitute strong logic. I fear he uses these words to ward off a conviction to the contrary, though far be it for me to claim any merit for the article, save its rigid adherence to what I deem truth. I would gladly have the public put the two articles, Stotler's and mine, side by side, and read them together.
The error I would correct is the following: He says I am defeated. I think he is defeated. The Board of Directors voted four to one against him. He now attempts to carry the impression that the action of the Board is not worth anything. Here are his words: "All the Board attempts is to recommend the estimates. I suppose there is nothing legally binding in the mere recommendation of sums for salaries, etc., and that the legislature is at liberty to fix the amounts."
Here is the law governing the case:
"General Statutes of Kansas, edition of 1868, page 590, Section 5. Said Board of Directors shall have power to appoint a principal and assistant, to take charge of said school, without expense to the State, and such other teachers and officers as may be required in said school, and fix the salary of each, and prescribe their several duties. They shall also have power to remove either principal, assistant, or teacher, and to appoint others in their stead. * * * *"
POSTSCRIPT. Let me now mention one or two personal items, and I will wait until my turn comes round again.
Mr. Stotler speaks freely of my avarice, my desire for $500, my selfishness. I tried to say in my article that the chief cause of grievance was Mr. Stotler's cutting away the entire amount recommended by the Executive Committee for the additional assistant. The salary of the Preceptress was the next point upon which I desired a reconsideration. Finally, in regard to that of the Principal, knowing that in case of a vacancy in the office, by reason of my expulsion, resignation, or death, that at least $2,500 would be needed by the Board to secure such a Principal as the school ought to have, and believing that if this institution paid less for similar services than either of the other State institutions, it would be likely to give occasion for individious comparisons, damaging to the rank of this school, I came to the conclusion that no injustice would be done, no extravagance committed, if the salary of that office was placed at $2,500.
It so chances that for the present, I am filling the office. If done, it would give me an additional $500; because of this fact, it becomes easy for Mr. Stotler to raise the cry that I am seeking my own personal aggrandizement. I will not say that I don't care for the $500. It is worth as much to me, although I may not make as good use of it, as to any other ordinary businessman or laborer in Emporia, and no more. I mentioned that the President of the Illinois Normal receives $4,000. Let me now mention that when that institution began, in 1858, when it had 40 students, the Principal was paid $2,500. When this school began in 1865, a dollar then did go as far as in 1858the salary of the Principal was $1,200. But I do not care to multiply words.
Mr. Stotler ought not to assume the injured air, and raise the cry of "fire in the rear." If he is a martyr, in danger of being immolated, he should remember whose hand it was that gathered the faggots and threw the first burning brand; or, replying to him as school children do, I shall find it necessary to say, "You began it." L. B. KELLOGG.
Emporia News, February 24, 1871.
[SKIPPED STOTLER'S LONG ARTICLE RE "fire in the rear." He really did get "down and dirty," so to speak. AS I SAID EARLIER, FIGURE KELLOGG WILL GO!]
Emporia News, February 24, 1871.
FORT SILL. Mr. H. Simpson, who brought a load of hides, furs, etc., through from Fort Sill, Indian Territory, for M. G. Mead, called at the office, last Friday, and reports that the Comanches and Kiowas have buried the tomahawk, and are desirous to remove to a new reservation, and that these tribes have borne the blame for many outrages that were committed by other tribes. He says that Indian Agent Tatum is one of the most reliable and efficient employees in the Indian Department, that Wm. Mathison is doing a good business down there, etc. He is going to take a load of goods back with him for Mr. Mathison.
Emporia News, February 24, 1871.
ANOTHER CHANGE. The Emporia Tribune again changes hands. Messrs. Randall & Miller [who bought out Mains] sell out to E. W. Cunningham, of the firm of Buck & Cunningham, attorneys at law, and E. E. Rowland, who for more than a year past has had charge of the job department of the NEWS office. The Tribune, during the six weeks it was published by Randall & Miller, was very materially improved, a fact that was appreciated by the people, as shown by their enlarged and increasing list of subscribers. . . .
Emporia News, March 3, 1871.
Washington specials say the Indian bureau investigation committee will make a report showing immense frauds in that department. Contractors have swindled the government enormously, and the new Quaker-Indian ring is quite as bad as the old one.
Emporia News, March 3, 1871.
[STOTLER, FROM TOPEKA, AGAIN ATTACKS KELLOGG. MORE OR LESS CALLS KELLOGG A LIAR! SKIPPED ARTICLE.]
Emporia News, March 3, 1871.
HORSE THIEVES CAPTURED.
Office Harper came down on the road yesterday morning from Fort Wallace, in company with another officer from that place, having in charge two notorious horse thieves named Black and Legate. They were captured at Wallace. About a year ago these two men were suspected of having stolen a large number of government horses in that vicinity, and were pursued into Texas, when they escaped capture. The returned to their old haunts a short time ago, and were immediately "spotted" and their capture effected as stated above. They were taken to Leavenworth and lodged in jail to await trial. Commonwealth.
This Black is one of the gang who have been figuring rather largely in the Walnut Valley recently, but after the hanging in that vicinity suddenly disappeared. It seems he stopped in the wrong place; he should have gone where he was not known. "One by one they are passing away."
[NOTE: FIRST TIME NEWS REALLY ACKNOWLEDGES THERE WAS A HANGING.]
Emporia News, March 3, 1871.
[Skipped Obituary of David Williams, father of the Junior Editor of NEWS.]
Emporia News, March 3, 1871.
THE FORM OF CLAIMS FOR OSAGE LANDS.
A great deal of embarrassment and trouble has been occasioned among the settlers on the Osage lands by the survey recently made by the engineer corps. They find that their original lines did not fall in the correct places, however pleasant they may have or would have been if properly located. Some find that their improvements are in one section, and the larger part of their original claim in another. The idea prevails that they must take a particular quarter of one section, and in order to adjust matters by this rule, they have been trading off, buying up, jumping, and quarreling. To get information in regard to the matter, our townsman, Mr. C. E. Kelsey, addressed Commissioner Drummond a letter, in reply to which he received the following letter.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, GENERAL LAND OFFICE, Feb. 15, 1871.
Mr. E. C. KELSEY, Emporia, Kansas. SIR: I am in receipt of your letter of the 3rd inst., relative to the form of claims made upon Osage Indian lands.
In reply I say that a claim of 160 acres may be made in one section, or in different sections making 160 acres provided they are contiguous to each other, but not with other lands intervening. Very Respectfully,
WILLIS DRUMMOND, Commissioner.
From the above it will be seen that a man who has made improvements upon his claim does not necessarily lose them if the section or quarter lines happen to divide them from the larger part of the claim. He can retain a forty of one quarter and three forties of another; if it so happens that his claim is divided by the newly established lines; or he can hold his claim if one forty should be in one section and three forties in another, provided, in all cases, that his 160 acres are in one body.
Emporia News, March 3, 1871.
There is a general feeling of regret for the loss of the Atlantic cables. The French cable is the only reliance for telegraphic communications now with the old world.
Emporia News, March 3, 1871.
A TRIP TO WINFIELD.
WINFIELD, KANSAS, February 21st, 1871.
EMPORIA NEWS: On last Thursday noon I left your beautiful city in a nice coach, good team, good driver, and good company, Adjutant Morgan and lady, from Cincinnati, for Cottonwood Falls, to establish a journal. In this case the old adagethe third time breaks the charmwill, I trust, be verified. The Banner and Index having "played out," Mr. Morgan's enterprise will probably play in, as he has much experience and is a live progressive man.
At Bazaar, seven miles south of the Falls, passengers get from a neat widow a number one dinner. Thence under the care of an excellent reinsman, Mr. Harmon, we moved on through mud and water, till dark overtook us 18 miles north of Chelsea. Finally, in a heavy storm, we lost the road and a passenger got out and found it after quite a search, as he said, with his foot, feeling the ruts. Again the wind and rain drove our horses from the way and our pilot got us back as before with his foot. Finally we reached McCabe's, and got into Chelsea the next morning for breakfast. Unsightly as this village seemed, travelers are cheered in two ways. The drinking class find at hand a supply, and the sober, literary class, a schoolhouse usefully occupied by some 50 scholars taught by a lady. The streams being too high to cross, we had to lie over till Saturday, when an agent of the stage line took us safely on to El Dorado. This village, some two miles before it is reached from the north, looms into view splendidly; nor does it depreciate as one enters its handsome streets, bordered by neat well built houses. Nature and substantial business enterprise have left El Dorado second to no town in the Walnut Valley.
From a high point a few paces west of Rev. Gordon's cottage, I enjoyed the most enchanting view seen in Kansas. Being constrained to remain over Sabbath, I attended a school meeting Saturday evening to consider the size, cost, location, etc., of a new school edifice the citizens are about to erect. Comprehending their true interest in this direction, they will build a fine commodious house.
The next day I had the satisfaction of addressing, morning and evening, attentive and intelligent audiences. For more than one hour I was listened to with almost breathless attention, on total abstinence, and then a unanimous vote from a packed house to continue, for several evenings, the discussion. Nor more than I can regret that a note from my son made it my duty to disappoint their wishes, much as I am sorry to learn their need of temperance in El Dorado, no one can truly say, henceforth, that they are unwilling to have it. They stand ready and waiting to hear any good speaker on this reform, and also, as I believe, to adopt any reasonable measures to carry it out. In a few weeks it will be my pleasure to return, and, as Mr. Lincoln said about the peace he desired, to stay until all attainable sobriety is accomplished at El Dorado. Let industry, economy, sobriety, integrity, and purity be cherished in that community, and with its unsurpassed natural advantages, it will be the Eden of the most lively valley in Kansas.
Augusta has made a good start and is running a good race. As it was said of old, "He who begins aright is half done," so may it be of this thriving village. Its citizens are second to none in Southern Kansas in culture and progress. Their school edifice is the largest in the Walnut Valley, and is being furnished in the most approved modern style. All now depends on securing the services of an able principal and a corps of efficient teachers.
I cannot, in closing my brief notice of Augusta, omit to say that since the Land Office has been located in this town, it should remain undisturbed. Nothing, as I believe, is more detrimental to the growth of the West than a restless disposition to change county sites, county lines, offices, and officers are all as nothing before the restless maneuvers of unstable men. In the name of common sense, let us permit things to stand at least long enough to see if they will do well, stase decises is an important law maxim. The people of Augusta, as I think, can be better employed than in trifling for the removal of the county site from El Dorado, and the people of this town could do better than unite with those of Wichita to get the Land Office away from Augusta. Let generous magnanimity take the place of narrow- minded selfishness.
At Douglass, all is now quiet, nor is there reason to apprehend any more trouble.
Winfield goes right on. Its situation is handsome; the surroundings all that could be desired, and the emigration rapid.
In the morning I am going to start for Sumner County, west, where two rival towns are starting up, and all about which, and Arkansas City, I will soon write. W. P.
Emporia News, March 3, 1871.
Teams are wanted to transport 150,000 pounds of freight to the south and west. For further particulars call at the A. T. & S. F. depot.
Emporia News, March 3, 1871.
THE INDIANS. We received a call last evening from Ezra Rich, who is direct from Cheyenne Indian Agency. He says the roads in that direction are almost impassable, the worst part being between here and Wichita. It seems the Indians are beginning to feel their "oats" and openly avow their determination to take white scalps the coming summer. These threats they have been in the habit of making every year for the past twelve years in order to compel the government to hire them to keep peace by presents of large sums of money, arms, ammunition, etc., and every year they have succeeded. They receive those presents only to use them in taking the lives and property of white people. Only those who are acquainted with all the sickening details of Indian war can realize the extreme treachery and craftiness of the Indian character. However well the government officials may know their objects in making these bloody threats, they invariably recommend the payment to the red devils of all they demand, which mostly proves to be the price of the blood of women and children, and the Government civil service with the Indians' pockets the profits.
Emporia News, March 10, 1871.
Congress has agreed that hereafter no new treaties can be made between the government and any Indian tribe or nation. Present treaties stand goodthat is, as good as they have ever done.
Emporia News, March 10, 1871.
The Indians in Arizona are more outrageous now than they were before. Within two weeks they have killed or captured three different parties of whites, within twenty miles of Florence. The government should not relax its efforts to keep them supplied with sugar, gunpowder, and the New York Tribune.
Emporia News, March 10, 1871.
RAILROAD MATTERS.
Speech of Jacob Stotler, in the State Senate, Feb. 27, 1871.
The committee of the whole Senate having under consideration House bill 171, "An act in relation to the Missouri, Kansas and Texas railway company," Mr. Stotler said:
MR. CHAIRMAN:
It seems to devolve upon me to at least call the attention of the Senators to the provisions of the measure now under consideration. I can say truthfully that I wish some gentleman better able to perform the task had undertaken it. But I cannot remain silent and allow it to pass without a word of opposition.
This bill is one containing such extraordinary provisions that I cannot, although a firm friend of railroads, support it. I have been especially a friend of the road seeking the passage of this act. It traverses the Neosho Valley, that portion of the State in whose development I feel a special interestwhere I have resided for fourteen years, and where all my interests lie. If there is one section of the State dearer to me than all others, it is the country which is traversed and developed by the main line of this road, and there is nothing I could do, which would be fair and honorable, that I would not do to further its interests.
I have looked at this bill carefully. I have compared it with the constitution and existing laws, and have consulted some of the best lawyers of the State as to its leading provisions, and I am now prepared to give some of the reasons, briefly, why I oppose it.
This is an act in relation to the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway, late the Union Pacific, Southern Branch, and the objections to it are manifold and multiform. They may be viewed in two aspects: First, as to its being in conflict with section one of article twelve of the Constitution of the State of Kansas, and therefore being unconstitutional and void; Second, admitting the bill, if passed, to be a valid enactment, then as to the tenor, scope, and effect of its provisions. Let us consider the constitutional point of the bill. Section one of article twelve of the Constitution is as follows:
"The Legislature shall pass no special act conferring corporate powers. Corporations may be created under general laws, but all such laws may be amended or repealed."
That the bill under consideration is a special act, there can be no doubt. The only remaining question in order to determine its constitutionality is, is the bill one "conferring corporate powers"; because, if it is such an one, being a special act, it is in conflict with the clause of the constitution just read, and is therefore void. It is either such an act or it is nothing. If it does not confer corporate powers, why is the railroad company clamoring for its passage. So anxious are they that it should pass that their general manager and his employees have spent days here to engineer it through the House.
The first fifteen lines of the first section of the bill, as originally introduced, purports to contain, by way of recitals, certain rights, privileges, and franchises that the company has acquired under and by virtue of, and in accordance with the laws of this State, and in accordance with law, without stating what law of what state. They also purport to contain franchises and privileges under and by virtue of acts of Congress through the Indian Territory; and certain franchises under acts of the Legislature of the State of Texas. We are therefore asked in the next four lines of the same section, to enact that the company shall have the same rights over its whole line that it now enjoys over any part or portion of the same, "including the right to increase its capital stock"; that is, that the company shall have the same rights over that portion of its line that is situated in the State of Kansas, that it has over that portion of its line that is situated in the State of Missouri, as granted to it by the Legislature of that State; that it shall have the same rights over that portion of its line situated in the State of Kansas that it has over that portion that is, or will be located in the state of Texas, "including the right to increase its capital stock," as may have been provided by the Stte of Missouri, by an act of Congress, or by the State of Texas. The last four lines of section one of this bill mean just that if they mean anything, and it is but fair to presume that the company knew what it was about when it had this bill drafted and introduced. Do not these provisions confer corporate powers on the company by special act? I submit that they do, and not only singly but in grossby wholesale.
I am glad to be informed that the committee to whom this bill was referred considers it important to propose an amendment in the eighteenth line by inserting the words, "within the State of Kansas" after the word "thereof." But this amendment makes no difference with my opposition to the measure. There are other and worse provisions in it.
The second section, in substance, provides that the company may have its place of business outside of the limits of the State, and may hold its meetings and elections of stockholders and directors outside of the Stte, and in short, perform all its corporate business outside of the limits of the sovereignty that created itthe State of Kansas. It is, as I am informed by some of the most eminent lawyers in the State, a fundamental principle of the law in relation to corporations, that they must dwell and have their place of business in the place of their creation, and it was so decided, I believe, by our Supreme Court, last summer, in the case of the Land Grant, Railway and Trust Company, against the Board of County Commissioners of Coffee County. I have searched in vain through the act of 1865 in relation to corporations, under which this company was incorporated, and through the act of 1868, in relation to the subject, to find any statutory variation of the principle of the law of corporations which I have just stated. I cannot find in any act of the Legislature of the Stte of Kansas, either general or special, any provision authorizing the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway, or the Union Pacific Railway, Southern Branch, to hold their meetings for the election of Directors or for any other purpose, outside of the limits of the State of Kansas. It seems to me conclusive, as an argument, that the company did not and do not possess this power under or by virtue of any provision of the law now in existence. If they do, why ask us to confer the power upon them by this special act? I cannot find the chapter, section and page where this right is given by any statutory provision, and it is plain to me that it does not exist independent of statute. I challenge the supports of this monstrous billlearned attorneys though they beto point to the provision in the laws of the State of Kansas where authority is given to this company to hold their meetings and transact their corporate business outside of the limits of the State of Kansas. They cannot. There are no such provisions. This bill will give the company such authoritya corporate power not before possessed by itor section two is meaningless. It does, then, confer additional "corporate powers" on the company, and being a special act, is in contravention of section one of article twelve of the constitution of the State of Kansas, and if passed would be void. We have hd many eloquent appeals from Senators on the floor, during the session, in behalf of the sacredness of our fundamental law, and I warn members of this body who have made such appeals not to turn their backs upon the constitution at this late day, by voting for this bill. Let them be true to the record they have made as expounders of that document. Let Senators who have defended the rights of the people so ably on this floor, as against corporations and monopolies, look well to the provisions of this act before the conclude to vote for it. Many able speeches have been made within the past few days against the bill for taxing railroad property. Here is one whose provisions are ten fold worse in their consequences upon the rights of the people, and as a precedent, than that was in its worst phase. I ask those who were ready to defend the rights of the people then, to be true to those rights now. The unconstitutionality of this bill seems to me to be as conclusive as a demonstration in mathematics.
The third and last section proposes to authorize the company to classify its directors, and to rescind such classification; also to classify its stock by the issue of "preferred shares." I cannot find in any statute of the State of Kansas any authority given to the company to perform these corporate acts, and I am informed that such authority does not exist independent of statue; and again I say, that the fact of the company asking us to confer such power upon them by this act is conclusive to me that such corporate power does now exist, else why ask us to give them, by this bill, what they have already? This section will confer corporative powers not before possessed by the company. This cannot be denied, successfully. Being a special act, and conferring corporate powers in this section, it is unconstitutional and void, as violating the section of the constitution of the State I have already quoted. If anything more were needed to make the argument conclusive, I will refer members to the case of the city of Atchison against Bartholow as reported in the fourth volume of Kansas reports, page 124, and particularly to that portion of the opinion of the court as delivered by Chief Justice Crozier, on ages 141 to 147, inclusive, where our Supreme Court has passed upon the precise question, and held such legislation as is contained in this bill to be void. I suppose this decision will settle the character of such legislation. It certainly ought to. But it may be contended that this bill does not confer corporate powers, but only regulates those already conferred; or that it does not create a new corporation, but only regulates one already in existence. These precise points were considered by the Supreme court of the State in the case above referred to on page 146 of the fourth Kansas report, and it is there determined that no additional corporate powers could be conferred by special act. Thus much as to the constitutionality of this bill.
I now propose to consider, briefly, the tenor, scope, and object of other provisions of this bill, admitting, for the sake of this argument (which I deny as a fact) that the bill would be a valid enactment if placed on the statute book. The first section contains numerous recitals to which I have before adverted as to certain proceedings had, or attempted to be had, consolidating other companies with it, extending its line, etc., which, we are told in those recitals, was all done "according to law." Now the object of these recitals is perfectly plain, I am told, to lawyers, and it is this: to obtain a legislative recognition of the validity of all these proceedings, and so far as such recognition can, to heal any defect that may exist in such proceedings. In the courts of the Stte of New York, it has been decided (in the absence of all constitutional provision prohibiting the conferring of corporate powers by special act) that a subsequent legislative recognition of a corporate body, cured all defects in its organization, no matter how great such defects were, nor how wide a departure there had been from the law, or whether the law had been observed at all or not; or, in other words, that the legislative recognition operated as a creation of the corporation. This is what is intended by the recitals in the first section, and also to estop the Stte in any future proceeding from denying the validity of the corporate organization of the company, and the validity of its various proceedings of consolidation, extension of its line, etc. Of course, I am not arguing that such would be the legal effect of the act because I believe the whole act would be utterly void, even if passed, as I have before endeavored to show; but for the purpose of the argument on this branch of the subject, I am assuming it to be a valid enactment, if passed. But treating it as a valid act, these recitals will have the precise effect I have indicated, and I, for one, am opposed to all such left-handed, back-door legislation.
The second section of the bill, as I have before stated, provides that the company may holds its meetings and transact all its corporate business outside of the limits of the State. Now, it seems to me that this would, in effect, be a simple surrender, by the State, of all control over this corporation which was created under its laws, and still permit it to exercise all its corporate powers and functions in the State. Suppose it should become necessary, either at the suit of the State, or of an individual, to investigate the corporate acts of the company, to ascertain whether some of its assumed corporate acts were not void, as being beyond the corporate authority conferred on it, or whether certain attempted proceedings on the part of the company were not in violation of its charter, and whether, by such attempted violations of its charter, the charter itself had not been forfeited, how would it be possible by the process of the courts of this State to obtain possession of the corporate records for such investigation. Again: at least two of the counties of this StateMorris and Lyonare large stockholders in this road, the first to the amount of $165,000, and the latter to the extent of $200,000. Suppose the courts shall decide the bonds issued to pay for such stock valid, and the counties held as stockholders, and it should at some future time become necessary, by reason of the mismanagement of the company, or a misapplication of its funds, for those counties to vindicate their rights as stockholders in the company, by investigating the acts and doings of the corporation, as shown by their corporate records, how could those corporate records be obtained for the purposes of such an investigation by the use of any process of the courts of the State? For the purposes of such investigation, the second section will compel the parties desiring it to resort to the courts of New York City or State, or such other place as the company may remove their corporate records to, under the extraordinary provisions of this extraordinary act. Nor is the contingency I have last supposed very unlikely to occur. Speaking for Lyon County, which I have the honor to represent here, I know that if the courts shall decide that she is a stockholder and is legally liable to pay the bonds which have been issued in payment of $200,000 stock; she will vindicate her rights as a stock-holder of the company, and I do not propose, by my vote, to force her to go to the courts of some foreign jurisdiction. I am perfectly well aware that this bill provides for an office in the State where process on the company may be served. But the cases I have supposed are those in which it would be necessary to get hold of the corporate records of the company. And I assert that it would be utterly impossible, in the event this bill shall be passed, for any party to a suit against the company in a State court to compel the production of the corporate records. Perhaps some of the gentlemen may recollect that Daniel Drew, in the Erie Railroad war, set at defiance the whole power and process of the State of New York by quietly taking the corporate records of the company into the State of New Jersey. I only use this as an illustration that in a certain class of cases it is absolutely necessary that the court should obtain possession of the corporate records of a company. Neither do I forget that probably, in point of fact, the corporate records of this company are continually kept outside of the limits of this State. I answer that this is done in direct violation of law, and for the doing of which, in my opinion, a court of competent jurisdiction might, in a proper proceeding, declare the corporate rights of the company forfeited.
Upon the principle, I suppose, of reserving the best to the last, the third and last section of this bill opens up richer than either of the two preceding ones. It provides that the company may classify its directors and rescind such classification, and classify its stock by the issue of "preferred shares." This is the Jim Fisk-Jay Gould doge pure and simple. If some of the directors are not pliable enough to suit the purposes of those who manipulate the affairs of this company, straightway a classification of directors will be made and capital stock increased, if necessary for that purpose, so that the obnoxious directors become restive that classification is rescinded and a new one made, and so on indefinitely. The provision amounts to a perpetual lease of power to those heavy stockholders who control large quantities of stock. This provision allowing the company to classify their stock by the issue of "preferred shares" simply amounts to a license to the big fish to swallow the little fish at their pleasure. If enacted, it will enable the persons who manipulate the affairs of the company to "freeze out": and "gobble up" the counties of Lyon and Morris, and the other smaller stockholders, so far as their stock is concerned. For a full and complete history of the working of such a scheme, I would refer to the history of the Erie railroad controversy, as managed by Jim Fisk and Jay Gould.
I believe the only reason why this bill has any support is that it may result in some local benefit. I submit that localities had better do without railroads for a while than to inaugurate, in the management of railroads in this State, the provisions of this act. I have no sympathy whatever with the "howl" that is often raised against railroads as "soulless corporations," but I do not propose to support any measure which will, in effect, if it has any effect at all, pass the people over to the railroads, body, soul, and all. It is argued by some that the stock owned by counties in these railroads is of no value. The Legislature of the people is the last body in the world that ought to encourage that sentiment. The people look to the Legislature for protection. They ask that we shall not discriminate unfairly and to the injury of their interests in favor of railroads. It is urged, also, that this company has done much in a short time for the development of the State. This is true, and for this the company should have and do have all praise. They shall always have my vote for anything they want that is reasonable and just. They ought to be encouraged in every reasonable way, by the people, but they ought not to ask the passage of such an unfair, unreasonable, and dishonest measure as this. They are a growing power. Their interests are managed with as much shrewdness as any other interest in this State and I do not propose to give them the advantage over the people which this bill seeks to give them. I do not propose, by my vote, to re-enact the history of the Erie railroad in Kansas. Nor is it to the interest of railroads themselves, to enact such laws as this. As a friend of railroads, I vote against it. If the railroad interests commence the fight to get possession of this State, as they did of Illinois, they will soon find the people of the State clamoring for a new constitution, in which document, when adopted by the people, their "death warrant" will be inserted, as it was in the new constitution of Illinois. I warn them not to bring on such a fight in Kansas, as they will inevitably be the "chief mourners" after the conflict is over.
These considerations, crude and imperfect though they be, are some of the reasons why I oppose this bill. I consider it the greatest "railroad swindle," so to speak, that was ever sought to be enacted in Kansas, and therefore I shall vote against it.
Emporia News, March 10, 1871.
THE APPROPRIATIONS.
The appropriations so far reported, and agreed to by one or both of the Houses, are as follows.
Postage: $600.00
Legislative Expenses: $32,000.00
Safe: $4,000.00
Normal School: $8,675.00
Executive and Judicial Department: $50,055.00
Insane Asylum, current expenses: $13,631.00
Blind Asylum: $8,403.36
Penitentiary: $35,000.00
Deaf and Dumb Asylum, current expenses: $14,800.00
Miscellaneous: $13,204.66
Insane Asylum: $40,000.00
State Normal School: $8,966.70
Expenses of Committee of Investigation to Deaf and Dumb Asylum: $256.75
Printing: $35,000.00
Newspapers: $6,000.00
Indian Commission: $500.00
State Agricultural and State Horticultural Society: $2,000.00
Seed Wheat: $6,000.00
State University, current expenses: $17,664.00
TOTAL: $296,165.46
The appropriations yet co come in will not, it is thought, increase the aggregate to much beyond $300,000.
The tax levy agreed upon by the committee of ways and means for the ensuing year is as follows: three and five-sixth mills for current expense; one mill for interest on public debt; one mill for school purposes; one-sixth of one mill for sinking fund; total, six mills. The amount of the levy list last year was seven and three-fourths millsone and three-fourth mills more than this year. The estimated valuation of property in the State for 1871 is $15,000,000, which, at the rate of levy agreed upon, will yield a revenue of $690,000.
The cutting down of the appropriations and lowering of the tax levy for the current year is largely due to the efforts of Hon. Elijah Sells, chairman of the ways and means committee. Mr. Sells is one of the best financiers and practical legislators in Kansas, and his services this winter entitle him to the thanks of the people throughout the State. Record.
Emporia News, March 10, 1871.
NINTH CENSUS OF THE UNION...
Kansas 1860: 107,206
Kansas 1870: 362,872
Emporia News, March 10, 1871.
The heathen Chinee in San Francisco had a grand free fight Sunday, with knives, bars of iron, etc. Both sides were finally dispersed by a shower of brickbats thrown by their mutual friends from adjacent roofs. A number of the rampant Johns were badly injured, but no pig-tails were lost.
Emporia News, March 10, 1871.
The 7th cavalry, Gen. Sturgis commanding, which has been doing frontier service for five years, is ordered to go to the south. The companies at Fort Leavenworth will go by river to Louisville, and those on the plains will follow as soon as possible. The 6th cavalry from Texas will relieve the 7th.
Emporia News, March 10, 1871.
The bill passed by the late Congress to incorporate a southern Pacific railroad, has been signed by the President. The title of the company is, "The Texas Pacific Railroad." The main line is to run from El Paso, in Texas, to San Diego, California, with branches to New Orleans and San Francisco. There is no money subsidy, but land grants amounting to about 16,000,000 acres. The State of Texas also grants a liberal amount of land. The track is to be built of American iron. The time is not reported, or the names of the charter members, but there is no doubt but what the road will be speedily begun, and completed within a few years. The race will be between it and the Northern Pacific road, engineered by Jay Cooke & Co. By 1880 at fartherest we may count upon three grand trunk railways from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
Emporia News, March 10, 1871.
The Leavenworth Commercial has passed into the sole proprietorship of Geo. F. Prescott. Although of bad politics, it is nevertheless a good paper, and we wish it well under its new management.
Emporia News, March 10, 1871.
Both of the Topeka dailies come to us materially reduced in size. The Commonwealth is now an eight column and the Record a seven column paper. The latter has made another change also, viz: from a morning to an evening paper. The reasons that have induced the publishers to make these changes are of a pecuniary nature entirely. Their patronage in the matter of advertising has greatly diminished with the past few months, and retrenchment in some shape became a necessity. Both of the Topeka Dailies are ably managed in their editorial departments, and we hope that such prosperous days may soon come to them again as shall compel them once more to enlarge their dimensions.
Emporia News, March 10, 1871.
THE NORMAL SCHOOL APPROPRIATION.
The failure of the bill for an appropriation for the enlargement of the Normal School building at Emporia has given disappointed aspirants for legislative honors an excellent opportunity to criticize the course of our representatives in the Legislature this winter. And the facile manner in which misrepresentations (which in this case is but a mild term for falsehoods) are made to constitute the principle part of these criticisms, is not a little remarkable considering the high character of the critics. It is alleged that while our own members had failed to secure appropriations, others had succeeded; while the real facts are that no appropriations were allowed for any educational institution, except for current expenses. The committee recommended $50,000 for the State University and $25,000 for the Normal. The legislature thought it best to trample upon both.
The spirit of that body seemed to be to grant just as few appropriations as possible, and therefore no educational institution received any pecuniary assistance further than what was absolutely necessary to meet current expenses, and the estimates of the committee in this regard were materially curtailed in every instance. When, therefore, it is intimated that our members failed to secure the passage of measures which would have greatly benefitted our town and portion of the State; while at the same time the passage of like measures for the benefit of other localities was secured, it is plainly to be seen that the facts are willfully misrepresented. In fact, this is only one of the many ways of blowing one's own horn. It is saying, in substance: "This thing ought not to have been; and if the dear, but deluded people had only sent me up there, it would not have been. I would have got that bill throughI who am so familiar with all those under currents that lie beneath the mere surface of politics, and whose depths so short a man as Stotler and so good a man as Overstreet are not supposed to be able to explore. I would have got even a larger sum for the Normal School than $25,000, and the Principal should have had his salary raised to $2,500, and the salaries of the other teachers appropriately increased."
[IT IS APPARENT THAT STOTLER IS ONE NASTY MAN WHEN CROSSED!]
Emporia News, March 10, 1871.
THE SIGNAL FLAG.
Major Whittle relates this incident, upon which a beautiful song is founded.
During October, 1861, just before General Sherman began his famous march to the sea, while his army lay encamped near Atlanta, the army of Hood passed the right flank of Sherman's army, gaining his rear, commenced the destruction of the railroad leading north, burning blockhouses and capturing the small garrisons along the line. Sherman's army rapidly followed Hood, to save the supplies and post at Altoona pass, a defile in the Altoona mountains.
General Corse was stationed there with a brigade of troops, in all about 1,500 men. A million and a half of rations were stored there, and it was highly important that the pass should be held.
Six thousand men were detailed by Hood to take the position. The works were completely surrounded, and summoned to surrender. Corse refused, and a sharp fight commenced. The defenders were slowly driven into a small fort upon the crest of the hill. Many had fallen, and the fight was becoming hopeless. At this movement one officer sighted far across the valley, upon the top of a high mountain fifteen miles distant, the fluttering of a white signal flag. The signal was answered, and the message was waved across from mountain to mountain. "Hold the fortI am coming. W. T. Sherman." The news was at once given to the soldiers, cheers went up, every man rallied, each nerved with the strength of three men, and under a murderous fire, with half the men in the fort killed or wounded
Corse himself shot three times through the head, and Colonel Tourstelatte, the second in command, badly woundedthey held the fort for three long hours, until Sherman's advance guard came up and the enemy retreated.
No incident of the war better illustrates the inspiration imparted by the knowledge of a commander's presence, and his cognizance of our position, and his readiness to succor the weakness in which we struggle.
[KAY...ANOTHER ACCOUNT OF WHAT HACKNEY WENT THROUGH...Article said Altoona Pass...article also said Colonel Tourstelatte...which differs from Hackney story.]
Emporia News, March 10, 1871.
The Normal School building appropriation bill was defeated in the House Wednesday, the vote standing 37 to 33.
Emporia News, March 10, 1871.
Of Mr. Woodard, of the Kaw Agency, we learn that several of the Cincinnati excursionists have taken claims on the Kaw Reserve with the avowed intention of making their homes there. This is pretty cool. Today the agent will gently send them off of the land of the noble Lo.
Emporia News, March 10, 1871.
We were informed this morning that two parties, each composed of a small company of men, start today for Texas, for the purpose of purchasing Texan cattle. One of these parties has been fitted out by Messrs. Black & Kelsey, Cowan and others, and the other by Messrs. Hanna Bros. Each party will bring back a herd of 1500 cattle.
[Note: Before this it was apparent there was a movement against any Texas cattle in or near Emporia. Wonder what happened?]
Emporia News, March 10, 1871.
Newman's Bro.'s sidewalk was piled high with boxes, the other day, from which people said they had received new goods. They keep the neatest store in Kansas, and if they do not have the best of goods, good taste goes for naught in purchasing, and everybody!well, everybody says they do keep good goods.
Emporia News, March 10, 1871.
ARAPAHOES AND CHEYENNES. A letter from Enoch Hoag, Superintendent of Indian affairs, dated yesterday at Lawrence, says the following telegram had just been received from the Commissioner of Indian affairs at Washington, D. C.
"A party of Arapahoes and Cheyennes have left Laramie for Southern Cheyenne Agency. They will be in northwestern Kansas very soon. Send Kaw Agent to meet them without delay and accompany them to said Agency. Also give as much notice as possible through papers that these Indians desire to pass peaceably to said Agency."
Emporia News, March 10, 1871.
A fresh lot of squatters have taken possession of the Kaw Reserve, mostly members of the excursion party that came to Council Grove from Ohio last week. Delegations with petitions have gone to Washington to try to induce the department to open these lands to actual settlers. We sincerely hope they may succeed. It is high time something was done with this Reservation. The Indians are ready and willing to go away and give them up, and the retaining of them in their present condition is doing nobody any good. If opened to settlement early this spring, hundreds of farms would be commenced and improved this year. We understand the marshal has ordered the settlers off, but the thing will have to come to a head before long.
Emporia News, March 10, 1871.
The "set of war" is now on the Kaw Reserve. The settlers commenced building houses, and showed signs of permanency that called for the assistance of troops again. Yesterday, or the day before, the troops were promised by the agent and other officials; but they did not put in an appearance, and the settlers begin to suspect thee is "more talk than cider." A big meeting was held on the reserve on Monday, and resolutions for mutual protection adopted. We hear there are three hundred more squatters on the way hither from Cincinnati, and the numbers already "upon the line" are daily augmenting. "The war is already upon us," and the motto of the squatters appears to be, "let it come." If this movement should result in opening up the Reserve to actual settlers, it will be a great blessing to the country. At any rate, it has the sympathy of the people in its favor.
Emporia News, March 17, 1871.
Senator Caldwell has introduced a bill to allow the Kansas Pacific railroad to build a branch to the Arkansas River.
Emporia News, March 17, 1871.
The board of Indian commissioners is to meet in Washington on the 15th to accept the new powers conferred upon it by the recent action of Congress.
Emporia News, March 17, 1871.
KANSAS ITEMS.
Eighty-six newspapers are published in Kansas.
Emporia News, March 17, 1871.
General Sherman has news from Camp Supply, in the Indian Territory, which indicate a renewal of the Indian war this spring.
Emporia News, March 17, 1871.
[Local editor, H. W. McCune, ended his employment with the NEWS with this issue.]
Emporia News, March 17, 1871.
A large number of wagons filled with immigrants passed through town Monday morning, bound for Cowley County, Kansas. Most of them intend to locate near Arkansas City. There were probably thirty or forty teams.
Emporia News, March 17, 1871.
Immigration to the west and southwest was never larger than at present. Long lines of immigrant wagons may be seen passing through town every hour or two. Some of these newcomers stop with us, but the majority are bound for the valley of the Arkansas.
Emporia News, March 17, 1871.
Mr. James A. Hadley, for some time past employed as traveling agent for this paper, has ceased his connection with us and intends going to Wichita or Elgin for the purpose of carrying on the lumber business.
Emporia News, March 17, 1871.
FOR THE NEWS.
The following are the names of some of the students in the "preparatory department" of the "Kaw College" on their reserve: Oshunga, Sinjalo, Moshoyolla, Sinjoshingah, Hewahkahgah, Cihegahche, Ladohoja, Kawnsayolla, Wahgahma, Ischaga, Tahtunggah, Gahskahchid, Dodale, Wyissa, Wahshonkiah, Bahahgheah.
Emporia News, March 17, 1871.
On Tuesday, 7th, a party in the interest of the K. P. railroad, from Lawrence, passed through Park City en route for the southern line of the Indian Territory. Their object is to straighten and shorten, as far as possible, the Texas cattle trail from the point it enters to Abilene. They have with them a full supply of sign-boards and such other things as are necessary to plainly indicate the changed and shortened route to the drovers. The party assured those interested in the matter in Park City that the bend of some fifteen miles, caused by the old trail passing through Wichita, would be cut off, and that their proposed route would cross the Big Arkansas River at Park City and the Little Arkansas at the mouth of Emmet's Creek, about four miles above Sedgwick City. The new route will be almost an air line and will save about eight days drive.
Emporia News, March 24, 1871.
GOV. ESKRIDGE'S TIRADE.
Mr. Eskridge chooses to take advantage of the temporary absence of Mr. Stotler to ridicule his course as a member of the last Legislature, and to assail by cowardly innuendo, rather than by open manly charges, his private character. He also deals Mr. Overstreet a left handed blow as often as he can find it convenient, and lastlyso great is the personal malignity of this disappointed politicianhe goes out of his way to pay his compliments to the Daily NEWS, stigmatizing it as "Jake's $12 per annum imposition," insinuating that the proprietors are a set of swindlers, having endeavored to filch from the taxpayers by colluding with the publishers of the Tribune in order to obtain exorbitant prices for doing work for the City and County. To give vent to all this personal animosity his eminence occupies three columns of solid brevier in the last number of the Tribune. . . .
As to Mr. Eskridge's strictures upon Mr. Stotler's course in the Legislature, we shall have nothing to say, preferring that Mr. Stotler, who is abundantly able to defend himself, should make, with his own pen, whatever reply he may deem best. Neither do we deem ourselves called upon to say anything in Mr. Overstreet's defense, as that gentleman, having proved himself more than an equal match for the Governor in the contest for Representative last fall, will undoubtedly be able, if he should choose so to do, to vindicate his course as our Representative, and to prove to the same constituents who put him up, and Eskridge down, that so much of this lengthy criticism as is devoted to Mr. Overstreet is incited by a feeling of hatred and chagrin that still lingers as a puerile consequence of a humiliating defeat.
[ARTICLE GOES ON AND ON FOR TWO WHOLE COLUMNS] It is followed by another article re Eskridge espousing the cause of L. B. Kellogg, and resuming the small controversy about the Normal School, where the Prof. broke down. Article written by R. M. Overstreet.
Emporia News, March 24, 1871.
[Skipped a big article re Park City getting A. T. & S. F. R. R., making it a railroad center. They are to have a road: Ft. Scott, Park City & Santa Fe Railroad. If we were really concentrating on railroads, the ideas put to citizens of Park City would be worth printing. They talk about the Arkansas Valley & Rocky Mountain Railroad...it will start at Napoleon, Arkansas, on the west bank of the Mississippi, and south bank of the Arkansas Valley to Little Rock, thence to Fort Smith, thence to Fort Gibson, in the Indian Territory, thence to Park City, traversing the entire length of the valley on to the Rocky Mountains. Talks about the largest ocean steamer that visits the port of New Orleans running up the Mississippi, at all seasons of the year, as far as the mouth of the Arkansas to Napoleon, at the mouth of the Arkansas River.]
Emporia News, March 31, 1871.
STATE NEWS.
Says the Arkansas City Traveler: "One week ago there were but two houses on the south side of the Arkansas River. Seven can be counted now."
Emporia News, March 31, 1871.
At the time of the township election on the 4th, the counties of Cowley, Marshall, Republic, Dickinson, Butler, Sedgwick, Neosho, Wilson, Allen, Mitchell, and Mason, in this State are to vote on the herd law passed for them last winter. Several counties in the State already have a herd law, adopted by a vote of the people.
Emporia News, March 31, 1871.
Hear the local of the sprightly Arkansas City Traveler:
GOING AHEAD. Over 90 buildings up40 more in progressheep buffalo robesonions sprouting, hens cackling over their silver fruitbig catfish walking uptownfive stage linesbig, new millstown crowded with teamshogs are becoming abundanthow is that for the Queen of the Arkansas?
Emporia News, March 31, 1871.
[An attack is made by Stotler on Eskridge...or else the junior editor...but the wording is more that of Stotler...very nasty...very sarcastic as usual. SKIPPED.]
Emporia News, March 31, 1871.
H. B. Norton spent a few days here this week. He is as enthusiastic as ever for the Arkansas Valley, and Arkansas City in particular. He says there are now over ninety buildings in the City, and more going up. Shares are selling rapidly. Norton & Bro. are doing a large trade, as is every business house in the town.
Emporia News, March 31, 1871.
[Noticed change in ad...It is now McMillan & Cochran, wholesale and retail grocers. Evidently the ex-preacher found a new line of work as a legislator.]
Emporia News, April 7, 1871.
On the 4th, Gen. Sherman will start on a tour of inspection throughout the frontier in Texas, Indian Territory, Kansas, and Nebraska. He will go out via St. Louis and New Orleans to San Antonio; thence west and north up to Nebraska, and back to Washington. Col. R. B. Marcy, inspector general of the army, and Col. J. C. McCoy will accompany him.
Emporia News, April 7, 1871.
IMPORTANT LETTER ON THE OSAGE LANDS.
The Washington correspondent of the Lawrence Journal writes to that paper saying that Senator Pomeroy informed him that the Commissioner of the General Land Office has made a decision, of which, if it be acted upon, the settlers on the Osage diminished reserve will be glad to hear. This decision as furnished by the Journal correspondent is as follows.
1. All settlers upon the Osage diminished reserve and trust lands, who have settled upon these lands previous to the passage of the act for the disposal of these lands, will not be required to make payment on the 10th of April, but will be required to make payment on the 15th of July, 1871. In other words, payment is postponed from April to July.
2.All who settled upon the lands subsequent to the passage of the actJuly 15th, 1870
will have until one year from July, 1871, to make payment, or until July 1872.
3. The department construes the provision for re-entry in square form to mean as follows: Entries can be made in legal subdivisions. A settler can take four forties in a row, if there is no settlement on either of the forties. The quarter-section cannot be entered in ell shape, but can in the form of a parallelogram, or, of course, in square form, as provided by the act.
4. Actual settlement is a condition precedent to entry. Actual settlement is to be construed to mean six months continuous occupation and residence, and actual improvement of the lands to be entered.
Emporia News, April 7, 1871.
TRUST LANDS.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, GENERAL LAND OFFICE, March 16, 1871.
Register and Receiver, Humboldt, Kansas:
GENTLEMEN: By the twelfth section of the act approved July 15th, 1870, making appropriations for the expenses of the Interior Department (pamphlet laws, page 363), provision is made to continue the disposal of the Osage trust lands upon the same terms as the "diminished reserve," therein provided for. By these terms payment is to be made within one year from the date of act, or one year from date of settlement where made subsequent to the act.
By this extension, settlers on the "trust lands" need not make payment for their claims prior to the 10th of April next, the time when the resolution of the 10th of April, 1869, expires.
You will, therefore, allow no claims after the 10th of April, unless you shall have received definite instructions under the act of July 15th, 1870, which instructions are for the present delayed, in anticipation of additional action by Congress amending said act.
The "Osage lands" (first article treaty 1865) are not covered by said act of July, 1870, consequently the settlers upon said lands must make proof and payment prior to the 10th of April next. Very respectfully, WILLIS DRUMMOND, Commissioner.
Humboldt Union.
Emporia News, April 7, 1871.
It is no secret that Prof. Kellogg intends to resign his position in the Normal School at the end of the term to commence next Monday. He has received several offers of more remunerative positions lately. But it is his intention, we believe, to go to Arkansas City.
Emporia News, April 7, 1871.
The April number of the Kansas Educational Journal has just been issued from this office. With this number the management and editorship of this excellent monthly pass from the control of L. B. Kellogg to that of Messrs. Banfield & Dilworth. Prof. Kellogg has had charge of the Journal for about four years, and that it has prospered, grown better and better with each succeeding year, its numerous readers will all agree. [Paper did not say who would print the Journal after Kellogg departs.]
Emporia News, April 7, 1871.
RECAP: Meeting held re devising means to prevent the introduction of Texan cattle into the Emporia locality contrary to law. Committee formed.
Emporia News, April 7, 1871.
City Election Results.
Mayor: Wm. Jay.
Police Judge: E. W. Cunningham.
City Marshal: Wm. Gilchriest.
City Treasurer: Noyes Spicer.
Constables: Evan Davis and T. Johnson.
R. M. Overstreet was elected to the School Board in the Second ward, long term.
Emporia News, April 7, 1871.
AMERICUS.
The report having reached us that the large body of lands in Lyon and Morris counties known as the Kaw Trust Lands will be in market for actual settlers inside of thirty days, people are rushing upon them to take claims, and cabins are going up like mushrooms all over the tract. There are upwards of 200,000 acres in this body, and a good deal of good land, approaching within one mile of Americus. The whole tract will doubtless be claimed and occupied within sixty days. There is now no prohibition from settling on these Trust lands, and if the present report is true, the settlers will get them at Government price. The Kaw Reserve, it is now supposed, will have to stand over another season.
Emporia News, April 14, 1871.
Sioux Indians have just massacred two parties, comprising 15 white men, on the divide between the Yellowstone and Muscleshell River, Montana.
Emporia News, April 14, 1871.
Max Fawcett left upon our table a specimen of hydraulic cement, taken from his claim near Arkansas City. He has a ledge on his place that crops out above the surface for a distance of one hundred rods. Being in doubt as to what it really was, he took a specimen to Prof. H. B. Norton, of Arkansas City, who pronounced it hydraulic cement. In order to feel yet more certain, he took it to a Professor in the Normal School at Bloomington, Illinois, who is a first class geologist, and he pronounced it to be the same that Prof. Norton thought it was. This cement is a matter that being made of hydraulic lime is very extensively used for cementing under water, but is not abundantly found anywhere else in this country, we believe, except in Michigan. It may prove of no inconsiderable value to Max. We hope it may.
Emporia News, April 14, 1871.
Read the splendid large advertisement of Messrs. Newman & Bro. They have just received as fine a stock of dry goods as has ever been brought to this market. Silks and poplins, prints and ginghams, broadcloths and cassimeres, doeskins and tweeds, boots and shoes, hats and caps, and carpets of all kinds and qualities fill their fine storeroom on Sixth avenue as it has never been filled before. Their stock of millinery is also unsurpassed. It would take all the fine words in the dictionary to appropriately describe the beautiful things Mrs. Newman can show you if you will drop in to see them. Their prices are most reasonable.
Emporia News, April 14, 1871.
Kaw Trust Lands.
We have received the following communication from G. M. Simcock relative to the Kaw reserve. We give it a place in our columns with pleasure.
COUNCIL GROVE, April 6th, 1871.
EDITORS NEWS: We think that the report that has reached the citizens of Americus that the Kaw Trust Lands will be in market for actual settlers has been somewhat misunderstood. We do not know where the report came from, but thinking it grew out of the information that we got in Washington City while there in the interest of those lands being brought into market, we feel that we had probably better say we got the promise from the Secretary of the Interior, that as soon as the present Congress adjourned he would place the Trust Lands in market. He had not given or did not give us his probable decision in what way he would sell the lands. The provisions of the treaty that was ratified on the 5th of October, 1850, will in all probability be carried out. They do not appear to give him much discretion in the matter, but we think he is inclined to do all he can for men that have actual improvements on the lands, though we doubt very much whether he would recognize any settlers who may go on the lands now, and such settlers might operate against those that had formerly settled on and made actual improvements on the Trust Lands. And we would suggest the propriety of being patient and of waiting for the decision of the Secretary of the Interior. Respectfully,
G. M. SIMCOCK,
F. P. NICHOLS,
C. COLUMBIA.
Emporia News, April 21, 1871.
STATE ITEMS.
A large party of Indians crossed the railroad three miles west of Wallace a few days ago.
The headquarters of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas railroad are to be removed to Parsons.
Arkansas City rejoices in a millionaire in the person of Alonzo Cutler of Laporte, Indiana, who has made investments there in salt springs.
The herd law was adopted by small majorities in Butler and Cowley Counties. Our opinion is they will find the law a good thing for those counties.
Emporia News, April 21, 1871.
INSTRUCTIONS
For the Disposal of the Osage Indian Trust and Diminished Reserve Lands.
EDS. UNION: Herewith we furnish you for publication such extracts from a letter of Instruction from Commissioner of the General Land Office, under date of March 28th, 1871, for the disposal of the "Osage Indian Trust and Diminished Reserve lands," as will be of interest to the settlers upon those lands.
[PER ORDERS FROM YOU, DID NOT TYPE UP THIS LONG, LENGTHY ARTICLE. HOWEVER, THE TIME MAY COME WHEN WE WILL WANT TO GO BACK AND STUDY IT THOROUGHLY.]
Emporia News, April 21, 1871.
BIG AD. NEW GOODS!! NEW GOODS!!
Wholesale and Retail.
NEWMAN & BRO.
Have just received from the Importers and Manufacturers the largest line of Spring and Summer DRESS GOODS Ever brought to Emporia, and will sell at LOWER PRICES than ever.
Black Silks, All Qualities.
Japanese Silks and Poplins, Striped and Checked.
Plain and Fancy SILKS.
Silk Warp Pongees,
Silk Warp Diagonals,
Silk Warp SERGES,
Silk Warp Epinglines,
French Figured Grenadines,
BLACK HERNANI,
Swiss Mulls,
JACKONETS,
STRIPES,
MAMSOOKS,
French Welts, White and Buff.
French and English Prints, French Lawns, Buff Linen Lawns, Buff Linen for suits.
Percales, Marsailes, Peques, French, Scotch, and Chambray Ginghams.
MARL POPLINS, MOHAIR MISTINES, MILLINERY, At Wholesale and Retail,
BOOTS, SHOES, HATS, CAPS, Broadcloths, Cassimeres, Diagonals, Doeskins, Tweeds, Cottanades, Denims, Etc.
Prints and Muslin by the case, bolt or yard.
LIBERAL DISCOUNTS MADE TO DEALERS.
[Note: No mention of the lady who had been running Millinery Department. Looks as if Mrs. Newman was running the department.]
Emporia News, April 21, 1871.
We are reliably informed that there will be a general council of all the southwestern tribes of Indians at the Wichita Agency on the Washita River, on the 24th of April. This council, our informant says, will decide the weal or woe of the whites now living in the Indian Territory.
Emporia News, April 21, 1871.
The New Chicago Transcript says the Educational Journal will be published at Topeka hereafter. We had not heard of this before, and from the way work is progressing on the April No. in this office, we conclude it is still to be published here. At least the new editors have said nothing to us about moving it. Guess you're mistaken, Georgy.
Emporia News, April 21, 1871.
H. B. LOWE, agent of the Stage Co., has moved his office from under THE NEWS to the office of the Express Co., on the north end of the same block. He is now located with Hurd.
Emporia News, April 21, 1871.
INDIAN SUPPLIES. Our old friend, Moses Neal, of Humboldt, has been spending most of his time here for some weeks. He has the contract for delivering Indian supplies for the Government at Fort Sill, and is having them brought here over the A. T. & S. F. railroad. He has already sent down 100,000 lbs. of freight, and will load another 100,000 lbs. tomorrow; 150,000 more will be loaded about the first of next month. Mr. Neal is one of the old settlers of Kansas, and we hope he will make a good thing on this contract. He has had much trouble in getting teams to haul the goods to Fort Sill.
Emporia News, April 21, 1871.
A REMONSTRANCE.
To the Editor of the Emporia Tribune:
The relation between the teacher and pupil, while it calls for obedience on the part of the latter, implies none the less the duty of protection on the part of the former. Attempting, as far as I can, to discharge this duty, I am led to notice your allusion to the Normal students in your last issue. I do not now raise any question as to facts. Improprieties may have come to your knowledge of which the Faculty is ignorant. But why such a sweeping charge as is implied in your words, "houses of assignation for Normal Students?" Suppose one observes that many young persons attend divine service because of the presence of the opposite sex. May he declare that the churches are simply conveniences for love-making? How absurd the conclusion from such a partial observation. Or if one suspects (as I do suspect) that you wish to cripple the Normal School, may he charge that the town of Emporia is working to accomplish the same purpose? How imbecile such an inference! Yet either of these charges is mild and soothing compared with the stinging term with which your pen was defiled.
You may say that your words are interpreted as you did not intend. But I have heard that you are a lawyer, and you ought to know that maxim of law that every man is supposed to intend the result of his own acts. Now, Worcester's Dictionary says, "House of assignation; a house at which meetings for purposes of illicit intercourse are appointed to take place." Sir, I hope you can plead ignorance, and I hope you will take it back.
You cannot have reflected on the suspicion of malignity which must arise when such words, so applied, are lugged into a simple local notice about a fire. In the press and hurry of your departure, surely you could not have thought what cowardice it was to fling such a brand and then run away. A dozen or more young ladies, strangers in our midst, the wards of the State, and in some sense the guests of the city, are insulted en masse by the last term of reproach which our language affords, and you did it. If a boy on the street had named the nameless thing which your words imply in the presence of any woman, he would have been kicked into the gutter. And you hiss it in the ears of every family in the State. Sir, I hope you can plead ignorance, and I hope you will take it back. You are the Superintendent of a Sabbath School and some of these Normal students attend it. Is it not your duty to guard the Christian families of the city from such contamination? How absurd such a view!
Do not weakly attempt to evade the issue by excepting all but a few. Come out like a man and acknowledge that you know nothing which can justify your words. But if this remonstrance should fail of its object; if you do not retract what you have written, then I brand your assertion as a lie, as false in matter as it is vile in form, and slanderous in intention. R. B. DILWORTH.
Emporia News, April 21, 1871.
Some paper states that Pomeroy wants to go into the cabinet. From long practice and observation, he would make a first rate Secretary of the Interior.
Emporia News, April 21, 1871.
Last week post offices were established at Arcola, Cowley County, and at Bill's Creek, Chase County. Knott C. Randall is postmaster at the first named office, Imbia Young at Bill's Creek. Benjamin F. Leveridge was appointed postmaster at Holden, Butler County, and Daniel W. Friend at Walnut, in the same county.
Emporia News, April 28, 1871.
STATE ITEMS.
Sedgwick County adopted the herd law by a large majority.
Emporia News, April 28, 1871.
Governor Harvey has written a letter to the President protesting against allowing Red Cloud, the Sioux, and other Indians to hunt on our frontier.
Emporia News, April 28, 1871.
L. J. Perry, who has just returned from the southwest, informs the Topeka Record that El Dorado retains the county seat of Butler County. It had 31 majority in a vote of nearly 1500. In Augusta 19 votes were cast for El Dorado, and in the latter place 3 for Augusta. Mr. Perry thinks it is probable that the Land Office will remain at Augusta. He says that there is great excitement in the southwest about the new town of Newton. Everyone wants a lot in that prospective town. Mr. Perry says that the emigration into the southwestern part of the State is beyond anything ever before witnessed.
Emporia News, April 28, 1871.
Robert Armstrong, Deputy U. S. Surveyor, has finished his portion of the work on the Osage Reservation. Last Monday he paid off his hands, some forty in number. The boys were not long, after receiving their currency, in laying in good clothes and other little tricks for human comfort and appearance. We are pleased to state that we did not see or hear of one of them getting under the influence of benzine. As a general thing they purchased what they were compelled to have and then put for home. Wichita Vidette.
Emporia News, April 28, 1871.
Read the card of Mrs. Newman and Mrs. Kidder in another column, and then go and examine their stock of millinery.
[Could not find card...above item does confirm that Mrs. Kidder still at Newman store.]
Emporia News, April 28, 1871.
A LARGE GOVERNMENT CONTRACT.
The government, through its officers at Fort Leavenworth, has just completed a contract with the Missouri, Kansas & Texas railway company for the transportation of a very large amount of supplies and stores to the forts in the Indian Territory and to Forts Richardson and Griffin in Texas, the supplies to be taken from Fort Leavenworth and St. Louis, Mo. The supplies for Fort Sill, Indian Territory, will consist of Indian goods and stores for troops stationed at that post. At this post there will be shipped between three and four thousand tons, and to the other forts probably an equal supply. The contract was made with the M., K. & T. company in consequence of the superior advantages afforded by them for the shipment of supplies to posts. The goods will be transported by this road to the end of the track, and will thence be conveyed in wagons to the fort named, requiring an overland transportation to Forts Richardson and Griffin of about 400 miles, and of only about 250 miles to Fort Sill. Messrs. Maurice & Graham, of St. Louis, have charge of the overland transportation, and their high character as reliable businessmen and excellent reputation for promptness and efficiency in the transaction of this kind give every assurance that the work will be done in a manner creditable to themselves and satisfactory to all parties.
The M. K. & T. company have information that large quantities of cotton in northern Texas are awaiting shipment over their line. The rapid construction of the road through the Indian Territory and its substantial equipment, give promise of a large business in this line at an early day. We congratulate our Texas friends and the shippers of that great State upon having at an early day such excellent facilities for shipment by rail to northern and eastern cities. The completion of the road cannot fail to open up a very large trade between Texas and our own state.
The road will be completed across the Arkansas by July 1st, and by September 1st will be on the south of the Canadian. This will enable the M., K. & T. company to afford extra inducements for the shipment of Texas cattle. Texas cattle drovers estimate the losses arising from the difficulties in crossing the Arkansas River, one of the most treacherous of our western rivers, at from one to three percent. At this rate the loss in each drove of from three to five thousand, the usual size of the droves, would be from $600 to $1,000. It is estimated that there will be not less than half a million steers driven from Texas to Kansas this season. Upon this estimate the loss of from one to three percent, in crossing the Arkansas foots up, it will be seen, to no inconsiderable sum. Provided as the road is with ample equipments, for shipment, the M., K. & T. company cannot fail to do a very large business this season in the Texas cattle trade. Lawrence Tribune.
Emporia News, May 5, 1871.
ARKANSAS CITY. Mr. W. S. Cobb, a former resident of Humboldt, but now of Arkansas City, was in town a few days this week, mingling with old friends, and buying a stock of goods. He gives a glowing account of the country round about Arkansas City, and the growth of that new aspirant for city honors. Its population is now about 300, and immigrants coming in every day. Arkansas City is not a year old yet, but has three dry goods stores, 2 hotels, 1 drug store, 1 hardware store, 1 newspaper, 4 grocery and provision stores, while the trades and professions are well represented. Two saw mills are in successful operation, and a good grist mill under way. Two shingle machines are kept busy, and a good livery stable supplies the means of getting around the country. A ferry has been established over the Arkansas River, a short distance south of Arkansas City, which just now is paying a big percent on the investment. Mr. Cobb thinks Arkansas City is the city, and that part of Kansas the garden spot of the world. Humboldt Statesman.
Emporia News, May 5, 1871.
Gen. Crook succeeds Gen. Stoneman as commander of the department at Arizona.
Emporia News, May 5, 1871.
BUSINESS OF THE A., T. & S. F. RAILROAD.
Mr. Fagan, Assistant Superintendent of the A., T. & S. F. railroad, furnishes the Topeka Commonwealth with a few figures, which give an idea of the business the road did in the year 1870.
During the year there were transported over the road 3,758 car loads of coal (1,125,900 bushels), 94 of sand, 1,146 of lumber, 973 of merchandise, 2,617 of company materials, 89 of grain, and 593 of stock. Total car loads transported: 9,270. Total tonnage: 98,917.
The number of passengers is put down as 33,598. We are inclined to think this is a typographical error, as the number seems to us too large. In this, however, we may be mistaken. During the year the road consumed 70,000 bushels of coal. There were only two accidents on the road in the time, and no one was seriously hut. The total number of miles run by locomotives on the road was 87,679. We are of the opinion that the business of the road thus far during the present year is more than double that of the corresponding months of last year.
Emporia News, May 5, 1871.
THE TEXAS CATTLE TRADE.
RECAP. It is estimated there are 4,000,000 head of cattle in Texas at present, one-fourth of which are ready for market and have already been started across the country for Kansas and Nebraska, for shipment east and to California.
Some ranchmen.
Richard King, on Santa Catrutes river, 84,132 acres--keeps 65,000 cattle, 20,000 horses, 7,000 sheep, 8,000 goats. Employs 300 Mexicans to attend them. He sells 10,000 beeves annually.
Mr. O'Connor, on San Antonio River, grazes 40,000 head of cattle, sells 75,000 each year. He commenced the business in 1852 with 1,500 head, and his present enormous herd are the result of natural increase.
Robeaux, has a ranch of 142,840 acres near the mouth of the Rio Grande. It is surrounded on three sides by water, and to enclose the fourth, required 31 miles of fence. He has 30,000 head of cattle, besides an immense amount of other stock.
John Hitson, on the Brazos River, 50,000 cattle, drives to market 10,000 annually.
Ten years ago he had a beautiful little blue clay farm in Tennessee and rashly sold it all to get money enough to take him to Texas. He is now forty years old, and besides his Brazos property, he owns a stock-farm nearly as extensive on the South Platte, in Nebraska.
It is a significant fact that it required 111 cars per day during the shipping season last year to remove the Texas cattle from Abilene, Kansas, and that a single bank in Kansas City handled during the short season, over $3,000,000 of cattle money. . . .
Milwaukee Sentinel.
Emporia News, May 5, 1871.
The telegraph office has been moved to the A. T. & S. F. depot.
Emporia News, May 5, 1871.
FREIGHTING. A train of wagons and oxen arrived here Friday morning to be loaded for Fort Sill, Washita, and other points, with goods for the Indians. The train consisted of some twenty-five wagons and three hundred and fifty cattle. They belong to Bernard, Irwin & Co., of Westport, and are under the charge of Mr. Irwin. This firm have a contract to take to the Indian country, from this place, 500,000 lbs. of freight. Over 1,000,000 lbs. of Indian goods have already been delivered here destined for the Indian country. the purchase of outfits here will be quite a little item for our businessmen.
Emporia News, May 5, 1871.
Five large wagon loads of furs and six of buffalo robes came in from the west Monday.
Emporia News, May 5, 1871.
MEMBERS OF EMPORIA LIBRARY ASSOCIATION.
Life member: L. B. Kellogg.
LIST OF MEMBERS WHO HAVE FAILED TO RENEW THEIR SUBSCRIPTION.
A. A. Newman
T. H. McLaughlin.
O. P. Houghton.
Emporia News, May 5, 1871.
AMERICUS.
It is again rumored that the Kaw lands are about to be sold, this time to a colony from Ashtabula County, Ohio.
Emporia News, May 12, 1871.
.We understand from good authority that the land office is to be moved from Augusta to Wichita about the first of August.
Emporia News, May 12, 1871.
The Topeka Commonwealth says that the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad Company are attaching automatic brakes to all trains. This road is said by those who know to be one of the best constructed of any west of the Mississippi, and for sterling enterprise the company can't be beat. Lawrence Journal.
Emporia News, May 12, 1871.
The Topeka Commonwealth criticizes severely the policy of the Missouri Pacific toward the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway. It says that the Missouri Pacific has, in all its actions, so far as possible, completed ignored the extension of the Sedalia and Fort Scott branch of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway, and has acted as though no such road existed. It will not pro-rate with it in freight or passenger tariffs, and frequently carries freight, carefully marked for this line expressly, and bound for points in Southern Kansas, by its own route and connecting lines through Kansas City. The result of this, says the Commonwealth, will be that the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway will be extended from Sedalia across the Missouri River at Boonville, and thence to the Mississippi, where it will make connections with the Chicago & Alton road, or some other line directly east and north, and leave St. Louis out in the cold.
Emporia News, May 12, 1871.
STATE ITEMS.
The Fort Scott Monitor says the survey of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas railroad line in Texas is completed from Preston, on Red River, where the line leaves the Indian Territory, to Austin, crossing the Brazos River at Waco.
Baxter Springs is to have another railroad. The Atlantic & Pacific folks are to build a line across to that point. The contract has been made with the Missouri Construction Company, who are competent to put the work through in sixty days.
Paola men have laid out a new town in Sumner County called Wellington.
Judge Lawrence, of Ohio, who has been engaged by the Settlers' Protective Association on the Osage Ceded Lands to conduct the contest of title to these lands against the railroad companies, addressed the people of New Chicago on Saturday last.
Emporia News, May 12, 1871.
FROM ARKANSAS CITY.
Arkansas City, May 1, 1871.
EDITOR NEWS: About one week since, a strong working force stated from this point for Fort Sill, accompanying a train sent out by Neal & Co., of Humboldt, to the Cheyenne and Wichita Agencies. Col. O. P. Johnson commands the party.
The object is to completely open a road to a point near the crossing of Red Fork, just above where the "Jackson Trail" diverges. This will give us an air line to Fort Sill, through a most magnificent country, and over a road made as perfect as a strong working force can make it in one season.
We have an excellent ferry at this point. Only 50 cents ferriage across the Arkansas, and freighters from Emporia will save 50 to 75 miles by taking this instead of the Wichita route.
Very respectively, H. B. NORTON.
Emporia News, May 12, 1871.
Brick Pomeroy declares in a card published at New York that the divorce and alimony of $20,000 give to his wife by the Milwaukee court, was solely on the ground of incompatibility of temper, without any imputation of unchaste conduct on either side. The parties were married in 1853, and separated by mutual agreement in 1860; since then, Mrs. Pomeroy has lived in Milwaukee, having custody of their only child. Recently both parties desired to have the separation legalized.
Emporia News, May 12, 1871.
Arrangements have been made for the immediate building of the A. T. & S. F. railroad between Atchison and Topeka. The President of the road and Directors were in Atchison last week. The road is to be running to the south line of Atchison County by October and to Topeka by October of next year. The company have advertised for proposals for the grading and masoning for thirty-three miles of the road. We are glad this important enterprise is now assured.
Emporia News, May 12, 1871.
THE KAW INDIAN LANDS.
A Washington dispatch to the New York Times says the Secretary of the Interior has directed the Indian office to advertise the Kaw Indian lands in Kansas for sale immediately. The plan is to advertise for sealed proposals, each bid to be for a tract of land not containing more than 100 acres, and award each of such tracts to the highest bidder. This will prevent any large quantity of those lands falling into the hands of one company or individual, because they are very valuable, and a great many people are ready to settle on them, and have already decided on the sections they desire, or have them already under improvement, and they can of course bid higher for those sections which they particularly desire than a person biding for large tracts for the sake of speculation could afford. The conditions are such that the competition must be very great. There are about 100,000 acres which will be sold, there being reserved in accordance with the treaty a quantity sufficient for the head rightsthat is, for heads of families and Indians over twenty-one years old which have been determined and set off.
Emporia News, May 12, 1871.
STATE NEWS.
Arkansas City is to have a new grist and saw mill.
The town of Douglass is going to have a newspaper.
Texas cattle have begun to arrive in Wichita. Over 3,000 head came last week.
I. S. Kalloch has sold his famous trotting ponies to Senator Caldwell, who is to exhibit them to admiring crowds on Pennsylvania Avenue. [Kalloch an Emporia man.]
The Emporia men who stopped at the City Hotel during their stay in our town, last week, all declared the City Hotel was the best house they had stopped at since they left Emporia.
Arkansas City Traveler.
[STATE NEWS.]
Emporia News, May 12, 1871.
BEEDY & NEWMAN'S MILL. Without any noise or ostentation, a great work is going on in our midst. Mr. Beedy, with a strong force, is steadily pushing ahead. The dam is almost completed; the machinery for the sawmill has been ordered; the whole establishment will be in running order by October 1st.
A careful estimate gives, at the lowest stage of water, an available force of 270 horse power. Three powerful turbines will at once be put in position; a grist mill, having three run of stones, a sawmill, a lath and shingle mill, will all be speedily running at this point.
The sawmill is about ready to raise. It is thirty-five by fifty-five feet. The flouring mill is 35 x 40 feet, four stories high.
The water power is amply sufficient to run the above mentioned machinery, leaving a large power available for other purposes; of which, more anon.
We cannot too strongly thank, or highly compliment, the business energy which has thus dared to push out into the wilderness, and rear such costly buildings in advance of all productive industry. It will bring its own reward. The people of Cowley county will certainly owe much to Messrs. Beedy and Newman for the good work in which they are engaged.
Arkansas City Traveler.
[ABOUT THE INDIANS.]
Emporia News, May 12, 1871.
Mahlon Stubbs, agent of the Kaws, has just returned from a visit to some of the Southwestern tribes of Indians, where he was sent by the Government. Frequent rumors having reached Washington of hostile intentions on the part of the Cheyennes, Arapahos, Kiowas, Comanches, Apaches, and other Indians, the Government thought it would be wise to induce some of the chiefs to visit Washington to have a consultation, in order to prevent, if possible, an outbreak. Mr. Stubbs was sent to deliver the invitation of the Government to the chiefs. No better selection could have been made to perform this duty. After considerable persuasion, he induced six chiefs to make the journey to see the "great father." Two of these are Cheyennes, three are Arapahos, and one is a Wichita. The Kiowas, Comanches, and Apaches refused to go. Mr. Stubbs says all the Indians assured him that they did not intend to make any trouble, and he believes the reports from time to time sent east, that certain tribes intended to "take the war path" is unfounded. He thinks if there is any trouble at all, it will be made by the Kiowas on the borders of Texas.
The chiefs who accompany Mr. Stubbs were never in Washington; in fact, never visited any white settlements before. They came through Wichita, and that was the largest town they had ever seen. They were a good deal annoyed at the way they were looked at by the whites. It was with much reluctance that they undertook the trip, and after they started some of them wanted to go back.
Emporia News, May 12, 1871.
"Since it has been definitely settled that the U. S. Land Office is to be removed to this city, transactions in real estate are increasing rapidly. We venture to say that not less than $10,000 worth of city property changed hands during the past week." Wichita Vidette.
Emporia News, May 12, 1871.
There is talk of one or two more papers in Emporia.
Prof. Dilworth is called the best geographer in the State.
Our Mr. Williams has gone out in the country to stay a few days.
The first installment of cattle went up on the A. T. & S. F. road yesterday, consisting of twelve car loads, which were shipped from here.
Emporia News, May 12, 1871.
EDUCATIONAL JOURNAL. The new editors, Canfield [?] & Dilworth, are enlarging this Monthly, and making many changes, which necessarily delay its issue. Just as we were getting the first form to press, some two weeks ago, a change of the pages was made which rendered it necessary to send to Cincinnati for materials for the enlargement. These delays could not be helped. The Journal will hereafter appear in double column pages and be printed on tinted paper.
Emporia News, May 12, 1871.
CHASE COUNTY. [EXCERPTS ONLY]
We clip the following Chase County items from Monday's Topeka Record.
Cottonwood Falls now contains 700 inhabitants and is improving very fast. A company has been organized and charter procured to build a railroad from Cottonwood Falls south down the Walnut via Chelsea, El Dorado, Augusta, Winfield, Arkansas City, thence to Red River, Texas, to connect with a Texas road from Red River across western Texas to the Rio Grande.
The Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe road is now completed to Cedar Point, a live town on the west line of this county.
Toledo is to vote on the 19th, on the proposition to issue bonds and subscribe $10,000 stock in the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe railroad, on condition of a depot at Toledo. Toledo is half way between Cottonwood Falls and Emporia, and in time will be a good town.
Emporia News, May 19, 1871.
STATE NEWS.
Three excellent Salt quarries have been discovered on the south side of the Arkansas River, within two miles of Arkansas City. So the Traveler says.
Gen. Custer has received from Mr. Graves, M. P. and Commodore of the Royal Mersey Yacht Club, a present of a full-bred Scotch staghound. Mr. Graves, who was a guest of the General's on the Plains last summer, sent the animal over by the last Liverpool steamer. So says the Atchison Champion.
We published a short time since a notice of the intention of Hon. Ezra Cornell, of Ithaca, New York, and founder of Cornell University, to engage in stock raising in this State The Abilene Chronicle informs us that he has purchased a large ranche south of that place, and that his herd of thoroughbreds have already arrived. He is also negotiating for more land, which he intends to devote exclusively to agricultural purposes.
Emporia News, May 19, 1871.
OSAGE LANDS.
We find the following in the Humboldt Union.
WASHINGTON, April 26, 1871.
Register and Receiver, Humboldt, Kansas.
GENTLEMEN: It has been represented to this office that parties endeavor to speculate in the Osage lands by making claims, and then selling out and taking others. It is also represented that during the temporary absence of bona fide settlers, either for the purpose of bringing their families, or while engaged in their calling of "herdsmen," their claims are "jumped" by other parties, etc.
With a view to protect the interests and rights of bona fide claimants, you will, therefore:
First, Require of all parties an affidavit, when filing, that they have not, since the passage of the act of July 15, 1870, for the disposition of said lands, sold their rights, or voluntarily abandoned any tract of said Osage lands, or settled upon, improved, or filed for any other tract of said lands than the one designated in said filing. This affidavit you will also require when the proof is made.
Second. Where, in contests between adverse claimants, it is shown by the first settler that he made a bona fide settlement, and that an absence from the claim was due to the reasons herein alluded to, you will give him the preference, provided he has in other respects complied with the requirements of our former instructions, giving of course, to the adverse claimant the right to appeal to this office.
Very respectfully,
WILLIS DRUMMOND, U. S. Land Commissioner.
Emporia News, May 19, 1871.
ARKANSAS CITY, COWLEY COUNTY, KANSAS, May 4th, 1871.
Bell Plaine. [Later called Belle Plaine.]
MESSRS. EDITORS: To those unacquainted with the rapid growth of this part of the State, and with the enterprising spirit which characterizes the greater part of the people now immigrating, the changes which have taken place may seem incredible, but they are nevertheless facts. Newcomers expect to find a wilderness, but find a garden. Men of ability and sagacity, who came down here in advance of spring immigration, have traveled this strip over thoroughly, and have become familiar with all the best land, and points where soil, timber, water, building material, and commercial advantages were centered; they have located and surveyed out town sites, and are keeping pace with the tide of immigration, building up places of business as fast as the country settles up around them. And it now bids fair to be a lively race between the town and country to see which shall grow the fastest.
After examining the whole county of Sumner, a party of men have organized a town company, and chosen the most favorable location in that county for a town site. This enterprise I am told started sometime during the past winter, and since then few towns have grown so fast as Belle Plain. It is situated in the richest and most fertile part of the county between the Arkansas and the Ninescah Rivers, about ten miles from the mouth of the latter, and surrounded by a vast tract of bottom land extending from river to river. They are quite sure of the county seat, and bid fair, judging from their present progress, to rival any town in the Arkansas valley. The main current of emigration into this strip seems to be heading in that direction, and inasmuch as I judge from a disinterested standpoint, I must say their part of the country is getting more than its proportion. Businessmen of moderate capital will find there an opening not to be found in older towns where the requirements for building call for too much expense.
There are a great many who come into this State with capital just sufficient to put up an inexpensive building, and have enough left to go into trade; but many of our western towns, when donating a lot, place the conditions upon which the lot is given beyond the reach of men with ordinary means. For the present this is not the case at Belle Plain. The town company have appropriated a large number of lots to be given to men wishing to start in any honorable business, and those who wish to make a sure investment, and a large percentage on their money, whether the amount be great or small, cannot do better now than either to go and see or write to the proprietors of the Belle Plain townsite. The country adapted to general farming or stock raising is so extensive in their vicinity that trade cannot be overdone for the next year at least. Business houses are going up quite fast, and trade is thriving.
The following buildings are either filled with goods, or expecting to be in running order soon: Town Hall, Thurman and Richards, 20 x 40; Lamberson, livery stable, 40 x 60; Hotel, Barton and Son, main building, 30 x 30, two stories high with an ell 16 x 24; J. Hamilton's store, 16 x 20, general assortment of groceries; George Hamilton, 16 x 20, dry goods; J. Kellogg, 18 x 30, drugs; Deavenport, first class stock of hardware, 20 x 40; Miller, 16 x 20, flour and feed; Kinne, 16 x 20, groceries; Chamberlin, 16 x 20, land office. A good ferry crosses the Arkansas near the town.
A mail route has been established from Wichita to Arkansas City, and stages will soon be running. A stage route from Thayer, via Winfield, to Belle Plain has been surveyed out, and it is expected that stages will be running on that route also soon.
T. A. WILKINSON.
Emporia News, May 19, 1871.
The big chiefs who passed through town Saturday on their way to Washington created a considerable furornearly as much as Robinson's show will. They bought several hundred dollars' worth of fine clothes of Perley & Bearce. They were accompanied by Enoch Hoag, the Indian Superintendent, and Mahlon Stubbs, agent of the Kaws.
Emporia News, May 19, 1871.
We learn that there are twenty-five thousand Texas cattle on the way to Abilene, Salina, and Brookville by the way of Park City, and will pass the latter place within eight or ten days. It is expected that three hundred thousand cattle will pass over this new trail this summer. Park City can well compliment herself on securing this Texas cattle trail. It will do much toward building up their town and put thousands of dollars in the pockets of their merchants. It is expected that there will be two hundred houses put up within the next four months. Thus it seems that Park city will be the big town of Sedgwick County.
Emporia News, May 19, 1871.
RAILROAD EXCURSION. A party of thirty-eight persons, railroad men and others, passed through here last Friday to the Southwest. The leading persons were the directors of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad, who are going Southwest to look at the route of the road. They assembled at Atchison several days ago, and came down the line of the road. Among the party were Hon. G. Twitchell, the president of the road; Thos. Shirlock, of Cincinnati; Aldin Spear, Thos. Nickerson, and J. T. Burr, of Boston, Directors; D. L. Lakin, of Topeka, Land Commissioner; W. B. Peabody & Brother, and Mr. Hart, of Cincinnati, and T. C. Hill, of Cambridge City, Indiana. The party was accompanied by Col. L. N. Robinson, of the Robinson house, in this city, who furnished the outfit and provisions for the trip. We know the party will fare well in Col. Robinson's hands. They will go to the Arkansas River, and from thence to Fort Dodge, and if the weather is favorable will also visit Fort Sill. The visit of these distinguished railroad men and capitalists to the Southwest will result in the favorable development of railroad interests for that country. The party expects to return in about two weeks.
Emporia News, May 19, 1871.
A train of thirteen large government wagons came in Monday night from Ellsworth, and loaded here with goods for the Cheyenne agency.
Emporia News, May 19, 1871.
A gentleman who returned from the Southwest a day or two ago, gives the following description of the new town of Newton, which is to be a point on the A. T. & S. F. railroad. He says there are two buildings completed and four under way. In the two that are completed, whiskey is sold. Two of those that are under way are to be used for whiskey shops. There are two tents in the town in which whiskey is sold. At Florence he met a man going out to put up a building in which he was going to start a saloon. From the indications so far Newton will be a right lively little place.
Emporia News, May 19, 1871.
We met Friend Mahlon Stubbs, Agent of the Kaws, yesterday. He was returning home from a four weeks trip to Fort Sill. He was present at the grand Indian council near Fort Sill, and had conferred with delegations of all tribes of the Plains Indians nearby. He reports all peaceful in that direction. Having been absent so long he of course had not received any official information in relation to the sale of the Kaw lands, and knew nothing concerning such sale save what he had gathered from the newspapers. His interpretation of that is, that the Trust Land only is to be sold. The allotments spoken of in the published dispatches, he says, will consume nearly all of the diminished reserve.
Emporia News, May 19, 1871.
Agent Stubbs, of the Kaws, accompanied Superintendent Hoag to Washington, and upon his return the people will doubtless learn the status of the Kaw lands.
Emporia News, May 26, 1871.
SETTLEMENT OF THE SPEER CASES.
The U. S. Circuit court met at Topeka Monday. Among the first cases called were those against John Speer, late Collector of Internal Revenue. Mr. Speer had made a proposition to compromise the cases by the payment of $11,000, and the District Attorney offered an order from the Commissioner of Internal Revenue accepting the proposition. Mr. Speer appeared in court and paid the money, whereupon the cases were dismissed.
Emporia News, May 26, 1871.
THE M. K. & T. RAILROAD.
A telegram from Chetopa informs us that Vice President Dennison, Ex-Mayor Opdyke of New York City, Francis Skiddy, and other directors and stockholders of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas railroad, together with prominent men from other railroads, have just returned from the end of the track, thirty-five miles from Ft. Gibson. They occupied a train of Pullman Palace cars. The track is progressing south at the rate of a mile per day. The cars will be running to Ft. Gibson by the 1st of July.
The bridge over the Arkansas River will be done the 1st of September.
Manager Stevens has been directed to complete the grading, bridging, and masonry to the South side of the Arkansas River by the 1st of October, and to have the cars running to that point by the 1st of November. All are united in the opinion that it is the smoothest and best new road they ever traveled upon.
At Big Cobbin [?Cabin?] Creek in the Indian Territory cattle yards and ample facilities have been provided for the shipment of cattle and all kinds of freight.
The next station will be established on Pryor's Creek, twenty-five miles below Cabin Creek, at which point the road will be open for business within the next two weeks.
The contract for the transportation of U. S. Military supplies for Ft. Gibson and forts in Texas has been awarded to this road. Already vast herds of cattle and large quantities of cotton are en route to the Southern terminus of the road. No company ever opened with indications more flattering for a heavy freight and passenger traffic.
The party will pass over the Holden & Emporia branch as far as Paola. The plans of this company are very comprehensive, and when the road is completed, all the principal points in the State will be connected by its main line, through the Indian Territory, with the gulf. The directors are determined that the road shall be completed to Red River by the 1st of January 1872.
Emporia News, May 26, 1871.
STATE NEWS.
Mrs. General Lane has sold her residence in Lawrence for $13,000.
A nolle prosequi was entered in the U. S. circuit court, at Topeka, in the case against C. C. Hutchinson for embezzlement of Ottawa Indian funds.
The Abilene Chronicle says that satisfactory arrangements have been effected between the farmers and cattlemen and the citizens of Abilene, so that the cattle trade will be continued at Abilene without molestation or hindrance. Certain regulations and restrictions have been agreed upon by the committees representing the two interests. We learn that the agreement is substantially as follows. All unsettled claims for cattle lost by the Spanish fever will be presented to a board of arbitration, for consideration and allowance. Cattle are to be herded upon certain defined portions of the country, and be restricted to a prescribed trail or route, and all expenses of herding by citizens to be paid out of a fund raised by the citizens of Abilene. The Chronicle is gratified with the action of the citizens in securing an arrangement by which so large a business is to be continued there, and especially with their promptness in raising a fund of five thousand dollars out of which to remunerate farmers for their losses.
Emporia News, May 26, 1871.
A party of Indians stole a lot of cattle from near North Platte, Nebraska. They were followed and all but six of the cattle recovered. One of the herdsmen was wounded by the Indians.
Emporia News, May 26, 1871.
An extended council has been held in Washington between the Indian delegation now there and Secretary of Interior and Commissioner Parker, on behalf of the government. Commissioner Parker called the attention of the Indians to the fact that they were promised annuities for only ten years, four of which have passed, and in the time yet remaining they should try and take care of themselves, as they could live by hunting but a few years longer. When the Indians go home, said the commissioner, it will please the President if they stop on their way in the Indian Territory and attend the general council of Indians to be held thee in the Creek country, the object of which is simply and solely for the good of themselves, and to establish peace and harmony and one general government among all the tribes of that country.
Chief Little Raven of the Wichita Indians Protests.
At the conclusion of the Commissioner's remarks, Little Raven said his people were anxious to get together by themselves, and he was anxious to have a dividing line between white and Indian blood. The whites are approaching them constantly, and the Indians do not know what country they own. He said peace existed, but our soldiers were stationed among them, and asked that they be withdrawn. The Wichita chief thought nearly all lands given other Indians was the property of the Wichitas. This was his principal complaint, and what he particularly desired was pay for it. "Here I am," said Buffalo Good, "with white man's coat and pantaloons on, but there are no greenbacks in my pockets, and now I hope the government will give me some to carry around so as to show something for the lands that have been taken."
Secretary Delano made a short speech, advising the Indians to learn habits of civilization as soon as possible, and form a government of their own, and they would be furnished with clothes and agricultural implements, and schools and churches established among them. Little Raven was anxious to know if he would be authorized in getting his people in the north to the south. This was one thing about which he was very anxious. The commissioner said he would let him know tomorrow. The Indians have been greatly impressed with what they have seen in the country of civilization. Some of them are disposed to repel the idea that the capital buildings and paintings in the rotunda are the work of man.
Emporia News, May 26, 1871.
INDIAN CLAIMS.
The following circular from the Adjutant-General of the State, dated at Topeka, the 15th of May, explains itself.
It is hereby announced for the information and guidance of all concerned, that, by virtue of an act entitled "An act to provide for the settlement of the losses sustained between the years 1861 and 1871, by the settlers on the western frontier, from Indian depredations," approved February 28th, 1871, the following named commissioners have been appointed by the Governor of the State of Kansas, viz: D. D. Colley, Leavenworth; David Heller, Clyde, Clyde County; Thomas w. Brown, Marion Center, Marion County.
They will meet at Topeka, Kansas, on the 6th day of June, 1871, for the purpose of taking the necessary oaths and entering upon the performance of their duties, which will be "to examine in all particulars into the claims of the citizens of this State, residing on the frontier adjacent to the country roamed over by the Indians of the plains, which claims are for the loss of stock and other property stolen, destroyed and gone to waste by reason of the depredations of the Indians of any tribe that frequently have passed through that region of country, and also any claimant that may be compelled to abandon his claim or farm or home by reason of said Indian hostilities or raids."
The Commissioners will make a report to the Governor, on or before the 10th day of August next.
Claimants will, if known, give the name or tribe of Indians that committed the depredations.
The forms of proof will be the affidavit of the claimant, supported by at least two disinterested witnesses, and such other evidence as the Commission may require.
Citizens of the State having sustained losses as above set forth, may send claims to Topeka, Kansas, directed in care of this office until June 6th, 1871, after which time claims will be forwarded to such places as the Board of Commissioners may design.
DAVID WHITTAKER, Adjutant General.
Emporia News, May 26, 1871.
BUFFALO. This is the name of a new town which has just been located on the west bank of the Arkansas River, in Sumner County, fifteen miles northwest of Arkansas City. E. R. Trask is one of the founders and will soon start a paper there. Trask has considerable reputation as a builder of towns. He has not undertaken a job of this kind yet that failed. This new town is on the site of Buffalo Bill's old camping ground.
Emporia News, May 26, 1871.
ADVERTISING. Emporia businessmen believe in printer's ink. They use it liberally. There is not a town of its size in this or any other State that pays more for advertising. Besides supporting two papers here, one of them a daily, we find Emporia advertisements in the following Southern Kansas papers: Cottonwood Falls Leader, Florence Pioneer, Marion Center Giant, El Dorado Times, Augusta Crescent, Winfield Censor, Arkansas City Traveler, Wichita Vidette and Tribune, Eureka Herald, and Neodesha Citizen. Emporia has done not a little to aid in establishing and maintaining the press of Southwestern Kansas.
Emporia News, June 2, 1871.
DOWN THE WALNUT.
The people of Cottonwood Falls and the towns in the Walnut Valley are agitating a project to build a railroad from a connection with the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe road, at Cottonwood Falls, down the Walnut valley to Arkansas City. Several meetings have already been held. It is expected that the A. T. & S. F. Co. will take hold of the enterprise and build the road.
The Walnut valley is unsurpassed by any section in the State for fertility, extent of arable land, quantity and quality of timber, water power, and all that goes to constitute the elements of a rich and populous country, and no one can doubt, for a moment, who has seen that section of the State, but that a railroad running its entire length would soon be a paying investment to those who would build it.
We shall be pleased to hear of arrangements being made which will insure the speedy construction of this road.
Emporia News, June 2, 1871.
STATE NEWS.
A new Catholic church is to be built at Osage Mission. It will be sixty by one hundred and fifty feet, and is to cost $75,000.
The following named gentlemen were elected Directors of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe road on Thursday: Ginery Twitchell, E. Raymond, F. H. Peabody, Joseph Nickerson, Alden Speare, Thomas Nickerson, Isaac T. Burr, of Boston, Massachusetts; George Opdyke and Henry Blood, of New York; Thomas Sherlock, of Cincinnati; T. J. Peter, D. L. Lakin, C. K. Holliday, of Topeka.
The board of directors elected Ginery Twitchell, president; Isaac T. Burr, vice-president; C. W. Pierce, secretary and treasurer; T. J. Peter, general manager, and D. L. Lakin, land commissioner.
Emporia News, June 2, 1871.
CHASE COUNTY ITEMS.
A large meeting was held at Cottonwood Falls last Friday night, at which six delegates were appointed to attend the railroad meeting at El Dorado. Much enthusiasm prevailed, and a determination manifested to commence at once the railroad from Cottonwood Falls to the south line of the State.
Emporia News, June 2, 1871.
THE FIGHT WITH THE OSAGE INDIANS.
The following is extracted from an official letter received at the office of the superintendent of Indian affairs, giving an account of the attack recently made in the Indian Territory upon a party of Osages by white men, on the 13th inst.
No-pa-walla, chief of the Little Osages, and some of his head men, ten in number, started in the morning from their little village, which is about eight miles south of the Kansas line, to trade robes and furs of one of the border towns of the State. They were met when about two miles on their way, by seventeen border white men, armed with guns and revolvers, who demanded the return of a horse which they alleged had been stolen by some of the Osages. The chief assured them that his braves at the camp would find the horse for them if he was in their herds. The white men after consultation presented their arms and ordered the Indians to dismount, which some of them did; and others attempted to escape. The whites commenced firing at the Osages, and pursued them, the Indians making no resistance whatever, as they were unarmed. The chief was wounded slightly in the shoulder. Two of his men, inoffensive and peaceable like himself were badly, if not fatally wounded, and another was pursued to the river and killed. Another saved his life by diving into a lake.
Some of the Indians escaped to the village, and amidst great excitement about seventy- five warriors left in pursuit of the whites, and overtook them before they reached the state line, and as they refused to stop and deliver the ponies and robes which they had taken, they were fired upon by the Osages. One white man was killed, and two were taken prisoners; five horses were captured. The remainder of the marauders made their escape and spread the report that the Indians were perpetrating a general massacre of the women and children of the border.
The Indians released the two prisoners whom they captured, and also have given up the horses taken by them in the fight.
A delegation from the settlers on the border have brought down to the agency the pony which the thieves and murderers took with them, and seemed desirous of doing all they could to restore friendly relations with the Indians. Lawrence Tribune.
Emporia News, June 2, 1871.
Chicago, May 24. General Phil Sheridan and J. W. Forsyth arrived here this morning.
Emporia News, June 2, 1871.
SANTA FE, New Mexico, May 24. News was received at the military headquarters of this district, tonight, by the express messenger from Camp Apoche [?Apache?], Arizona, that the whole nation of the Apaches have declared open war against the whites; supposed to have been caused by the killing of a hundred Indians at Camp Grant. An urgent request was made for military assistance from this district.
Emporia News, June 2, 1871.
SUMMARY OF TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.
The Apaches at Camp Apache, on the reservation in Arizona, have treacherously captured the government stock, and robbed the mail. A detachment of troops attacked the savages, but were forced to retreat, with the loss of one man.
Emporia News, June 2, 1871.
STATE NEWS.
We are reliable informed that the A. T. & S. F. railroad is to be pushed to the big Arkansas at once.
A large number of Texas cattle are grazing on the prairies near Newton, awaiting shipment by the A. T. & S. F. railroad.
Emporia News, June 2, 1871.
NEUTRAL LAND QUESTION DECIDED.
The test case of James F. Joy vs. P. T. Holden, involving the neutral lands, was decided by the United States Court at Topeka yesterday morning, on every point in favor of Mr. Joy. Justice Miller delivered the decision. He held that the President and Senate had full power to dispose of the public lands by treaty; that they had done so time out of mind, and that, in this case, after the government had received the plaintiff's money, under the treaty, in purchase of the lands, and had paid it over to the Indians, to decide that the Government had no power to alienate the lands would be to commit a gross fraud. The opinion was full, clear, and unequivocal on all the points raised. Lawrence Journal.
Emporia News, June 2, 1871.
RAILROAD MEETING AT AMERICUS.
AMERICUS, KANSAS, May 31st, 1871.
Having been notified that a delegation from Cottonwood Falls, consisting of Col. S. N. Wood, Judge W. R. Brown, W. A. Morgan, Esq., W. S. Smith, and C. A. Britton would visit Americus today to consult with her citizens in relation to a railroad from Americus, on the M., K. & T. railroad, via Toledo and Cottonwood Falls, to the Walnut Valley, and thence via Arkansas City to Texas, a meeting convened at the schoolhouse, comprising nearly all the businessmen and other citizens of the town, and a considerable number from the country.
J. W. Adair was called to the chair, and R. W. Randall chosen secretary.
The object of the meeting being stated, Col. S. N. Wood was called for, who stated that at a meeting held at Cottonwood Falls, Friday night, the committee of gentlemen who now accompanied him, had been delegated to meet and talk with the people of Americus on the subject of railroad as above outlined. The Colonel then proceeded to illustrate the practicability of its route, showing the connections that could be made, and also the franchises that could be secured to build the road. Col. Wood's remarks were clear and practical, and were attentively listened to by the gentlemen composing the meeting.
Judge W. R. Brown, of Cottonwood Falls, was next called out. He stated that the people of the Falls, and of the Walnut Valley, were unanimously in favor of this route, and would aid, by township and county bonds, to the extent of their means, to build this road. He believed a proper effort now along the line would result in the immediate construction of this road.
Hon. J. W. Loy was next called for, and expressed his belief that the people of Americus and vicinity would willingly aid all in their power to build this road. He considered this route eminently practicable, and the road one of the utmost importance to this locality; would lend every effort in his power to help it along.
Rev. F. D. Loy, R. W. Randall, Watson Grinell, Esq., J. W. Adair, and others followed, expressing entire confidence in the ability of the people to get this enterprise under way, and eventually secure the building of the road. They thought the people of Americus township would do their share.
A committee of five, consisting of R. W. Randall, J. W. Loy, J. W. Adair, L. A. Wood, and J. D. Gibson were appointed to meet the delegation present tomorrow, for the purpose of organizing a company to start this road, and also to appoint a committee to visit Hon. R. S. Stevens, General Manager of the M. K. & T. R. R., and endeavor to get that company interested in the building of this road.
On motion, the Secretary was instructed to furnish copies of the proceedings of this meeting to the publishers of the Cottonwood Falls, Emporia, Topeka, and Walnut Valley papers for publication. The meeting then adjourned. J. W. ADAIR, Chairman.
R. W. RANDALL, Secretary.
Emporia News, June 9, 1871.
Official intelligence has been communicated to the War Department, at Washington, that an Indian war will ensue during the summer, and the General commanding in Arizona has been instructed to make every exertion to maintain peace.
Emporia News, June 9, 1871.
THE SALE OF THE KAW INDIAN RESERVE LANDS.
The official notice of the sale of a portion of the land popularly known as the "Kaw Reserve," has been duly issued, and we give below such of the regulations as are of interest to the general public. The lands are to be sold through the acceptance of sealed proposals, under the following rules.
Such proposals must be for parcels or tracts not exceeding in any case one hundred and sixty (160) acres each. Should any proposal be for any tract having on it improvements of any kind which were made by or for the Indians or for Government purposes, the proposals therefor must state the price bid for the land and for the improvements separately.
These lands comprise the unsold portion of what are known as Kansas Indian Trust Lands, and also all that portion of the Kansas Indian Diminished Reservation lying outside of the exterior boundary line of the lands assigned in severalty to members of the tribe under the provision of the aforesaid treaty.
All bids must be accompanied by the deposit of a sum equal to a sum of ten per centum of the amount of each bid, which sum, in case the land is awarded and the balance not paid, will be forfeited by the bidder. Should any bid be rejected, the sum deposited will be returned to the proper party.
Patents will be issued and transmitted to purchasers as soon after full payment as practicable. Payments must be made in cash, or such certificates of indebtedness of the Kansas tribe of Indians, issued by the Commissioner of Indian Affairs for the debts of said Indians, as are made receivable as cash by the provisions of the amended second (2nd) article of the treaty of March 13, 1862, to the amount for which they were issued, in payment for lands that may be purchased out of that portion of said reservation, commonly known as "Trust Lands."
All lands purchased from that portion of the "Diminished Reservation," herein offered for sale, must be paid for in cash. The right to reject any and all bids is expressly reserved.
All bids must be sealed and addressed to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs and endorsed "Bids for Kansas Indian Trust Lands," or "Bids for Kansas Diminished Reserve Lands," as the case may be.
Persons or parties whose bids are accepted will be notified of such acceptance as soon thereafter as practicable.
If within forty days after such notice has been duly mailed, payment is not made to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs of the amount bid, the land for which such bids was made will be again subject to sale.
Deposits to accompany bids may be made in any public depository of the United States or solvent National Bank, evidenced by a certificate of deposit transferred to J. S. Parker, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Washington, D. C.
Bids will be received until the 25th day of July next, after which, as soon as practicable, they will be opened, examined, and acted upon. H. R. CLUM, Acting Commissioner.
WASHINGTON, D. C., May 18, 1871.
Emporia News, June 9, 1871.
The Cowley County Censor says that two questions of general interest to the people of the State have been decided by the district court of that county; one, that the herd law so called is null and of no effect, it being contrary to the Constitution of the State. The other, that the State courts have power and will upon proper grounds, to interfere by injunction to restrain the removal of timber from disputed claims until the rights of the claimants shall be settled at the land office.
Emporia News, June 9, 1871.
AMERICUS.
People are beginning to come to look after the Kaw lands. A large amount of those to be sold are in this township, and Americus rejoiceth at the prospect of their soon being occupied by settlers.
Emporia News, June 9, 1871.
PLYMOUTH.
The Toledo folks feel very sore over the defeat of their bonds, and the Leader editor makes a few sweeping assertions by way of soothing them. If it had not been for Emporia, Plymouth, and Elinor, they think they would have carried the bonds; or, if they had polled votes enough they would have carried them anyhow. But the fizzled on it. Such a combination against them was too much for their success. But the Leader man pats them on the back, and says they "fought nobly," and that they should be rewarded by having the depot located there. I suppose the result of the election was anxiously waited for in Emporia, if there were any there who were cognizant of the fact that such an election was coming off. The great and only excitement was in Toledo township, and they were over-confident of success, but the "enemies" of the railroad company defeated them. One of the bondites was heard to say that if he had known that the Swedes were going to vote against the bonds, he would have had them arrested and held until the election was over. How are you, honesty?
Emporia News, June 16, 1871.
The supreme court has just decided the "herd law" to be unconstitutional, as being in conflict with the first clause of section 17, article 2, of the constitution, which provides that "all laws of a general nature shall have a uniform operation throughout the State."
Emporia News, June 16, 1871.
WHAT WILL EMPORIA DO!
EL DORADO, KANSAS, June 6, 1871.
EDITORS NEWS: Now that the county bond question is settled, all eyes in this portion of the Walnut Valley are turned to Emporia. As Emporia has the advantage of competing lines of railroad, and will soon have other eastern connections, it is all important to the people of southwestern Kansas that they have direct railroad connection with her. If Emporia expects to obtain permanent commercial advantages over all other towns in this portion of the State, she must secure the Ottawa or Holden road, and must secure its construction to the mouth of the Walnut River. You have already voted bonds for two roads, and are deeply in debt. You claim that you can't vote any more bonds. If you allow the Kansas City and Santa Fe or the Holden road to be built to Burlington, or to Americus, a sheriff's sale of Emporia would not pay ten percent on her indebtedness. There is no use in trying to dodge the question. If you fail to get this outlet, you will fail to establish yourself as a city of any commercial importance whatever. Lyon County can well afford to vote $200,000 in bonds to secure the construction of this road, diagonally across the county. Butler and Cowley Counties will give $400,000 for its completion to the mouth of the Walnut. We of the Walnut Valley expect the people of Lyon County will aid us in getting this road. Shall we be disappointed? WALNUT.
Emporia News, June 16, 1871.
I sever today my connection with THE EMPORIA NEWS. I have sold my interest to Mr. Stotler, with whom, as a partner, I have enjoyed the most pleasant relations for the past eighteen months. From him, from the boys of the office, from THE NEWS itself, and most of all, from its numerous readers, I part with feelings of the utmost regret. . . .
W. W. WILLIAMS.
Emporia News, June 16, 1871.
STATE NEWS.
Arkansas City is making arrangements to celebrate the fourth of July. "Brave boys are they."
Tisdale is the name of the last new town in Cowley County. It is located at the exact center, geographically, of the county, and the people down that way have faith to believe that it will pay to take stock in it.
Arkansas City will soon be the leading town of the Walnut Valley. The Traveler, in speaking of railroads in contemplation, says "unless the signs of the times are very deceptive, we shall hear the whistle within twelve months."
Emporia News, June 16, 1871.
We hope the Educational Journal will survive. The nasal protuberance of the Tribune is severe on it.
Emporia News, June 16, 1871.
Saturday hand-bills were posted for a railroad meeting at the courthouse in the evening. The notice was short, and not extensive. Not a great many people were in attendance. The following gentlemen were elected officers of the meeting: Chairman, C. V. Eskridge; Secretary, S. B. Riggs.
Mr. Eskridge stated that the object of the meeting was to talk over railroad and manufacturing interests, and to endorse the recent steps taken by the city council in their direction.
Several brief and pointed speeches were made, in which immediate action was urged in the matter of securing a railroad connection with the east via Kansas City or Holden. The sentiment is unanimous on this matter. . . .
A committee was appointed consisting of H. C. Cross, M. H. Bates, and F. R. Page, to work with the committee appointed by the Council to look after railroad interests.
Editors of the three papers were appointed to circulate notice of next meeting.
Emporia News, June 16, 1871.
Patrick, of the Cowley County Censor, was in town last Friday.
Emporia News, June 16, 1871.
NEW TOWN. We understand parties in Cowley County have laid out a new town near the center of that county, which they call Tisdale, after the stagist. There are already six or eight houses up, and the town is only ten days old. It is expected it will be made the county seat of Cowley. Petitions are already in circulation for a new vote on the question.
Emporia News, June 16, 1871.
Bear in mind the public Railroad meeting next Monday night. Every citizen ought to be there.
Emporia News, June 23, 1871.
The Indian Bureau hopes to avert an Indian war this summer. By advice of Sherman, no supplies will be given to Indians not actually on their reservations. Officers can go to the reservations to make arrests. All Indians guilty of murder or robbery are to be turned over to the governor of Texas for trial.
Emporia News, June 23, 1871.
The tribes of the Indian Territory met in grand council by delegates at Okmulgee the first week of the present month. Last fall Superintendent Hoag called the tribes together for a council at the same place, by virtue of a provision of the treaty of 1866. That council framed a constitution intended by them as a means of confederation of the civilized tribes. It was to be ratified by each tribe in council or by election. The events of the succeeding months developed a scheme to force the nations into a territorial government with officers appointed by the President of the United States. The Indians became alarmed and have consequently neglected or refused to take action separately upon the constitution. This meeting of the general council was to have taken final action upon the result of the action of the separate tribes. Enoch Hoag presided, and Gen. Sherman made a speech. Hoag made a speech. Then a hocus pocus operation was gone through to exclude certain delegates on the grounds of being "informally appointed or elected." The Seminole, Chickasaw, and Cherokee delegates, each then reported no action by their respective nations. The further action of this council will be watched with great interest.
Emporia News, June 23, 1871.
Confusing! Third paper started in Emporia...Democratic...Started by R. M. Ruggles and others...Ruggles stated he would not be its editor in first issue. Not clear who editor is.
Emporia News, June 23, 1871.
Terrible tornado in the Southwest...paper not sure which localities were damaged by it except for news from an El Dorado Times extra. Also heard from Peabody, where a railroad bridge and about a mile of the track of the A. T. & S. F. road were washed away and 12,000 feet of lumber belonging to the firm of C. F. Pierce & Co. was carried off.
Emporia News, June 23, 1871.
STATE NEWS.
The Land office of the Missouri, Kansas and Texas railroad is to remain at Neosho Falls instead of being removed to Parsons as reported.
Emporia News, June 23, 1871.
TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.
GALVESTON, Texas, June 19. L. F. Friend, agent Kiowa Indians, writes a letter to Governor Davis, of this state, saying it is evident that during the coming summer there will be witnessed the most extensive ravages of frontier Texas. Almost all Indians of this agency and Cheyennes have left, and are now on the war path. We learn from Indians coming in frequently that the Comanches are also alive, and the plains are black with Apaches. Increasing depredations corroborate their reports. Apaches have been coming from the Colorado and further south, and it is most likely depredations committed on the far south were by them. We learn also that their rendezvous west of reservation is what is called Rum Island, Texas, where traders from New Mexico meet Indians and furnish them arms and ammunition in exchange for horses and cattle.
In an interview between Gens. Sherman, Marcy, Grierson, and agent at the Tatum reservation, it was shown to be an indisputable fact that Indians belonging to that reservation are hostile to the whites, and on the war path. Gen. Sherman said that Indians having so frequently broken their treaties should be declared outlaws, and government should cease to care for them, but sequestrate their lands and punish them as their enormities deserve, and that he should so recommend.
Emporia News, June 23, 1871.
THE MEETING MONDAY NIGHT.
RECAP. Large audience present. Much interest manifested in securing a direct eastern connection by railroad. Railroad committee instructed to at once visit the authorities of the Kansas City & Santa Fe road and Mr. Stevens, to see what propositions they have to make to build one of the roads named to Emporia. Whitaker favored the Holden road, and said Osage County had voted $125,000 for a road up the Marais des Cygnes. The committee to visit the railroad people: E. P. Bancroft and S. J. Crawford, appointed on the part of the city council, and M. H. Bates and F. R. Page on the part of the citizens. City council to pay the necessary expenses of the committee.
Skipped the part re manufactories, etc., for Emporia.
Emporia News, June 23, 1871.
Rev. R. M. Overstreet is to deliver the fourth of July oration at Belle Plaine, Sumner County.
Emporia News, June 23, 1871.
From an Extra, printed by the Walnut Valley Times, the news came re vast destruction there due to tornado: over 100 houses demolished; $60,000 worth of property destroyed. [We may have this already.]
Emporia News, June 30, 1871.
Indians are troublesome again on the upper Missouri.
Emporia News, June 30, 1871.
STATE NEWS.
The Indian claim commission will meet at Marion Centre Monday and will be in session there one week.
Emporia News, June 30, 1871.
ANOTHER RAILROAD.
A charter for the Wichita & Southwestern Railroad Company, was filed yesterday in the office of the secretary of State. The directors are as follows: C. K. Holliday, T. J. Peter, Topeka; J. R. Mead, C. F. Gilbert, J. M. Steel, Wm. Griffinstein, H. C. Sluss, Sol. H. Kohn, S. C. Johnston, Geo. Schlichter, G. H. Smith, Wichita; Frank Fulton, Sedgwick City; R. P. Juse, Newton. This road is to begin at some point on the A. T. & S. F. R. R., between Peabody and Newton, and to run to the south line of the State through Wichita. The distance
is ninety miles. Arrangements have been perfected to secure the immediate building of the road to Wichita. . . . Topeka Commonwealth.
Emporia News, June 30, 1871.
TELEGRAPHIC.
SIOUX CITY, June 21. We learn from the second clerk of the steamer Kioutz, who has just arrived up the river, that Indians in the vicinity of Forts Berthold and Buford are very troublesome. A herder had been badly wounded a mile from Fort Berthold and 25 cattle run off with. A party of soldiers and wood-choppers were attacked 3 miles from Stephenson; a soldier was fatally wounded. The government cattle have been run off with at Sulley. The Indians declare that the Northern Pacific R. R. shall not run through their country, and much trouble is expected.
Emporia News, June 30, 1871.
TELEGRAPHIC.
WASHINGTON, D. C., June 23. The following contracts for the transportation of Indian supplies were awarded, by the Indian Bureau, to Chick, Brown & Co., of Kit Carson; from Kit Carson, Cal., to Forts Defiance and Wingate, Losperous agency, one dollar per cwt. per one hundred miles. John H. Coad, Omaha, from Fort D. A. Russell to the Red Cloud agency, one dollar and forty-five cents per cwt. per one hundred miles. D. J. McCaun, Nebraska City, from Fort D. A. Russell to the Whitestone agency, one dollar and seventy-five cents per cwt. per one hundred miles.
Emporia News, June 30, 1871.
Kansas City has raised one thousand dollars in cash for the El Dorado sufferers.
Emporia News, June 30, 1871.
The Indian Territory is sending out cotton this year, two hundred bales in one lot having been recently consigned to J. O. Ford & Co., St. Louis. Ten thousand dollars in premiums will be distributed among cotton growers at the St. Louis Fair, next fall.
Emporia News, June 30, 1871.
WHERE THE MONEY COMES FROM. It has been a standing inquiry where the money used by the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway, in the construction of their extended lines comes from. Perhaps the following little item which we clip from a commercial exchange, may afford some light on the topic.
"A marvelous event in financiering took place in London two weeks since. Bonds of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway Company were put in market on Tuesday morning. Before the Stock Exchange closed that day, every dollar was taken up, and the bonds rose to three percent premium. On the same day about two millions of bonds were offered in Amsterdam, and not only taken but two millions more asked for. The results are said to be unprecedented."
Emporia News, June 30, 1871.
NORMAL BOARD. The Board of Directors of the State Normal School met on the 23rd. There were present Governor Harvey, State Superintendent McCarty, Major Stover, of Council Grove; Col. Horner, of Chetopa; E. P. Bancroft, Harvey Bancroft, and S. B. Riggs, of Emporia. The members resident here were made the Executive committee. The resignation of L. B. Kellogg as Principal, and Mrs. Gorham, as Preceptress, were accepted, to take effect immediately.
Mr. J. C. Greenough, of Westfield, Massachusetts, Normal School, was selected as Principal of the school to succeed Mr. Kellogg.
Emporia News, July 7, 1871.
Lawrence is very jubilant over the prospect of an immediate connection with the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad, at Carbondale, and thinks on account of the easy grades that Carbondale cut off will become the main line. At any rate it will give Lawrence direct connection with all the Southwest, and is really the best thing for that city that has taken place for many years.
Emporia News, July 7, 1871.
RECAP. NEWS finally admitted they erred with respect to so-called resignation of Normal School Preceptress, Mrs. J. H. Gorham. She was fired because she refused to work at a salary smaller than that paid to the Professor of Natural Science.
Emporia News, July 7, 1871.
COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS...July 3, 1871.
Col. J. M. Steele declining to serve as an appraiser of the lots fronting on Commercial street between 3rd and 7th avenue for the purpose of assessing against them the curbing, guttering, and macadamizing of the street, Mr. A. A. Newman was appointed instead.
Emporia News, July 14, 1871.
THE EL DORADO TRAGEDY.
On Monday last, in the absence of Mr. Stotler, the news of the terrible calamity that darkened the house of his brother-in-law, T. B. Murdock, the editor of the Walnut Valley Times, was received in Emporia. As the messenger who brought the intelligence had been dispatched very hastily, we refrained from publishing the facts in full, hoping that the dreadful story might not be sustained I its most saddening aspect by a more mature report. But the news within an hour or two had reached nearly every family in town, from the messenger having told it on the street, and on every side eager questioners sought information as to its truth, and as we could only tell it partially, from every heart arose the anxious, sorrow-laden query: "Can it be" can it be?" A large portion of the community, to whom Mrs. Murdock was personally known, was oppressed most painfully by the news. Her sweet disposition and manners had won the love of everyone who knew her, and she was universally admired for her intelligence and accomplishments and esteemed for her piety. It was natural therefore that the terrible truth should not gain full credence among her acquaintances here, and that the soul should struggle against a realizing sense of the character of the witnesses to suggest a chance of escape from a conviction fraught with so much pain.
Alas! No subsequent developments relieved the first report of its most distressing significance. It is too sad for comment. Below, we give the facts as published by a brother of our deeply afflicted friend in the Walnut Valley Times of the 6th inst. We can only pray that, in the wisdom of Him who notes the sparrow's fall, the future of the sufferers may in some way be relieved of the burden of a terrible thought. ED. pro. tem.
[From the Walnut Valley Times, July 6, 1871.]
OUR AFFLICTION.
In behalf our afflicted brother, the editor of the Times, whose mind in this dark hour of his life is illy fitted to the task, and in behalf of his suffering wife, we will give a short statement of the sorrowful tragedy which so startled the citizens of El Dorado, and so shocked and prostrated those that are near and dear to us by the ties of nature. This statement is published to the end that unwise conjectures and surmises may be obviated, and that the people of Butler County, to whom he is so intimately connected as editor and publisher, may not be compelled to give ear to rumor. Our words will be fewthe duty a sad one.
At Emporia, on last Monday morning, as we were leaving the bedside of a sick father, preparatory to returning to our own home and duties, a telegram was handed us which contained the painful intelligence that our brother's babe was deadhis wife in a dying condition. There being just time for us to catch the morning train west, we, in company with a younger brother, started, reaching El Dorado at sunset, when from eye witnesses all the details of the previous day's sad history was given us, and which are briefly these:
The family of our brother consisted of himself, his wife, a little niece of 11 years whom they were raising, a little daughter between three and four years of age, the babe about fourteen months old, and a young man employed in the Times office, J. W. Hart by name. They hd temporarily moved into a small house opposite the Courthouse about a square from the main part of the town. Upon the arrival of the mail between the hours of 12 and 1 o'clock, on Sunday, the father and husband stepped down to the post office, on the main street, for his mail. In returning he met Hon. Sidney Clarke and Governor Sharp, who were on the corner near the hotel in full view of his house, with whom he stopped and conversed for a short time, then started for home, which he had almost reached when he heard his little girl and niece scream. Just as he got to the corner of the house, the bloody form of his dying child on the ground near the other corner of the house caught his gaze. Flying to it, where he could see the back part of the house, his wife, prostrate and bleeding, but alive, was next seen. Taking her in his arms he carried her to near the front door where he laid her down and called for help. Dr. McClaran was called at once, who sewed up and dressed the wound in a few minutes. Mrs. Murdock had, with a razor, first cut her child's throat and then her own. The arteries of the child's neck had been severed completely and it died without a struggle. In the attempt upon her own life, she had horribly mangled her throat, almost severing the windpipe but failed to sever the important blood vessels, cutting too high, although an artery was grazed. As soon as the deed was done, her powers of reason returned, and while the doctor was sewing up the gash she signaled for pencil and paper with which she told her distracted husband what to do with the little daughter, together with other things of minor importance, winding up with the charge or prayer to him to lead a Christian life. This she wrote under the conviction that she was dying.
Without dwelling further upon the details of this doubly sad tragedy, we will give the causes that led her aberration of mind, and the committing of the deed, as told by herself and corroborated by the family. And in the contemplation of the principal cause of this dark cloud which so suddenly destroyed hope, happiness, and life, comes to our breast the emotion of indignation. The next morning, it being Monday, our afflicted and suffering sister's mind was as clear as it ever had been and then she told her agonized husband all. Upon the heads of the fiends, at best unprincipled villains, who wrote that letter dated Douglass, but mailed at Augusta, and signed "Committee," rests the blood of that sweet, promising boy, whose bright form we helped to lay away on last Tuesday upon the mound that overlooks El Dorado, and the valley of the Walnut. From the date and reception of that letter, she says her life has been a constant dread of "vigilanters." [The letter spoken of ordered the editor of the Times to take back what he had said in his paper or leave the county within ten days.] Sleep fled from her eyes and all desire for food left her. Hourly she was expecting that the ones who had threatened to take her husband's life would execute their threat. Nights she sat by the window, a sentinel and guard over him she loved better than her own life, momentarily expecting to see him dragged by murderers from her presence, until reason topped and reeled from its seat.
Of all this her husband had not the least suspicion, as he had on several occasions, in answer to her questions, endeavored to satisfy her that he apprehended no personal danger, until last week, Wednesday, upon his return from Leavenworth when from the manner of his reception and from the unrest of her eye, the dreadful reality of the condition of her mind flashed upon him. Immediately communicating his fears by letter to his parents and friends in Emporia, he assiduously by every power of his love and mind endeavored to soothe and comfort her, not leaving her day nor night, but for a few minutes at any time thereafter. Unfortunately, the letter to his parents was not received until too late. Of course, the late political and county-seat contest in which his paper took a prominent part, together with the fearful storm, the terrible effects of which we now see upon every hand about this beautiful town, all went to intensify the fear of that poor mother's and wife's heartthat fear, which she says herself counseled her to hide the razor wit which she intended to save herself and boy from all trouble. Many little things and actions now are plain that were not understood previous to the calamity. She says the last incident which immediately drove her to the desperate act was the fact of her husband stopping to talk with the gentlemen heretofore mentioned. She asked Mr. Hart who was in the house, what men they were, and how many there were of them; at the same moment she saw a man walking up the street with a rope in his hand. Thinking that the fatal hour had arrived, she picked up the baby, slipped the razor into her pocket, rushed to the back part of the house, and our readers know the rest.
Mrs. Murdock was born in Marietta, Ohio, was educated at Cincinnati, and possessed not only a good education but was highly accomplished. Her physical organism was extremely delicate, illy calculated for the hardships and excitements of a frontier life. She lost her parents and only sister when a girl. As a wife and mother she was wonderfully affectionate and apparently perfectly happy until the life and interests of her husband became, as she thought, jeopardized by the threats of irresponsible or inhuman wretches.
At this writing our poor unfortunate sister, under the care of Drs. McClaran and McKinsey, is doing as well as could be expected, and is at times in full possession of her faculties and affections, no doubt fully realizing her sorrowful situation. . . .
[She committed suicide within a day or two after murdering her child.]
M. M. MURDOCK, Editor of the Osage Chronicle.
Emporia News, July 14, 1871.
[Part of an article written by A. P. Miller, Esq., of the Toledo Blade.]
The Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad has adopted a sound and business-like policy in regard to its lands. It has a grant of about 800,000 acres, and the aim of the managers is to keep them out of the hands of speculators and get them into the hands of actual settlers, thus as the lands are sold the business of the road is increased by bringing in the articles the settler consumes and carrying out those he produces. This business amounts on average to one hundred dollars a year to every family of five persons, being twenty dollars per capita. A population of 5,000 is worth $100,000 a year to the company that commands the business. How much better is this than running a road through an uninhabited country, or one but scarcely settled. Some land-grant roads seem to regard their lands as a resource from which they must realized as many dollars as possible, and every concession made in favor of actual settlers as so much money lost. . . .
Emporia News, July 14, 1871.
The Lawrence Journal says Superintendent of Indian Affairs, Hoag, paid on his recent visit to the Miami Indians, an annuity of forty-five dollars to each member of that tribe. The whole amount thus paid was $7,500.
Emporia News, July 14, 1871.
[Portion of article re Belle Plaine.]
"We shall long remember with pleasure the attention and hospitality shown us at Belle Plaine, and none more pleasantly than that of the accomplished family of Mr. Wm. J. Hackney, the President of the town company My trip to Sumner and Cowley counties was rendered the more pleasant by the accompaniment of C. B. Chapman, who shared the honors and privileges of the Fourth of July celebrations. . . . R. M. O."
[Wm. J. Hackney....do they mean Wm. P. Hackney????]
Emporia News, July 14, 1871.
TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.
CHEYENNE, W. T., July 11. A telegram was received here today from Attorney-General Ackerman, reinstating Church Howe as Marshal of Wyoming Territory.
Emporia News, July 21, 1871.
The Arkansas City Traveler notices the arrival at that place of several Emporia dogs since the new dog law went into force.
Emporia News, July 21, 1871.
OSAGE, NEOSHO AND WALNUT VALLEY RAILROAD.
The papers have been filed for the organization of a company to build a railroad from Ottawa (the present western terminus of the Kansas City and Santa Fe railroad, and soon to be the western terminus of the Holden road) up the Marais des Cygnes River Valley, thence to the Neosho, up the Cottonwood and South Fork to the Walnut Valley, and down that magnificent stream to its mouth, at Arkansas City. This, today, is the most important railroad project on foot in this State, as it traverses five of the best valleys in the western country.
The following gentlemen, who are incorporators of this great enterprise, are men well known for their sagacity, enterprise, and devotion to the interests of Kansas: S. T. Kelsey, Franklin County; J. Mather Jones, Osage County; F. R. Page, C. V. Eskridge, S. J. Crawford, E. P. Bancroft, E. P. Peyton, Lyon County; T. B. Murdock, M. Vaught, J. D. Conner, T. H. Baker, Butler County; D. A. Millington, H. B. Norton, Cowley County.
The length of this road is about 180 miles, and the capital stock is $4,000,000.
Osage and Franklin Counties have already voted bonds to this road to the amount of $175,000. It is supposed that on the balance of the road $600,000 can be voted, making a total of $775,000. This will insure the speedy construction of the entire line. . . .
It will be remembered that about a year ago companies were organized to build over this same route. It has been thought best to consolidate them into one company, and thus have a more united feeling.
We urge, in behalf of the people along this line, immediate action.
Emporia News, July 21, 1871.
[Correspondence of the NEWS]
THE WALNUT VALLEY.
PORTION ONLY...
Douglass, situated in the southeast corner of Butler County, has about a dozen houses, a small business, and is not remarkable for anything in the past, so much as being the seat of the vigilanters and their victims, the latter of whom have about all fled the country, except those who were executed last fall.
Winfield, the county-seat of Cowley County, has a rival for this honor, in the newly laid out town of Tisdale, some miles to the east. The managers of this town have not pursued a very liberal policy, or been as faithful in securing a good title to their town property as is wholesome to their permanent prosperity.
The Star town of this valley is Arkansas City. Situated on a beautiful sandy knoll, just about large enough and of sufficient elevation for a choice town site, gradually sloping in every direction as if graded for the purpose. The timber of the Walnut and Arkansas Rivers at a distance of one to a half mile, forms about two-thirds of the segment of a circle around the place; while here and there in the distance knots of timber are to be seen. The thrift and future prosperity of the town and country, by the immigrant's house, and improvements on nearly every quarter section, for miles and miles as far as the eye can reach, or the footsteps lead you over a distance of fifteen or twenty miles in some directions. And the same indeed is true in this whole valley, after reaching the Osage tract near Augusta now opened and actually taken by the settler. The crops are fine and quite abundant from Emporia to Arkansas City. . . .
This fertile and rapidly developing valley is to some extent a feeder of Emporia. And as they are all alive and impatient for a railroad just now, impulses which are certain to bring the great modern improvement to their doors, it is to our interest as well as theirs to have our next railroad in some way or other tap this region. Let our railroad men see to this. . . .
R. M. O.
Emporia News, July 21, 1871.
Osage, Neosho & Walnut Valley is the name of the new railroad company, chartered for the purpose of building a road from Ottawa to Arkansas City.
Emporia News, July 21, 1871.
A daily mail route has been established from Florence to El Dorado, and down the valley to Arkansas City. Concord coaches run daily over this route.
Emporia News, July 21, 1871.
A railroad meeting will be held at Douglass, Butler County, next Saturday, for the purpose of securing united action in the construction of a railroad down the Walnut Valley.
Emporia News, July 21, 1871.
Wichita proposes to have a railroad in six months. They are voting bonds for a road from Newton via Sedgwick City and Wichita to the south line of the State. Wichita, as a town, is not to be sneezed at.
Emporia News, July 21, 1871.
Prominent railroad men are expected here soon to examine the route for a railroad from Ottawa to Emporia and southwest to Arkansas City. This is said to be the best projected route in the State. The Marais Des Cygnes, Neosho and Walnut Valleys are among the most thickly populated in the State.
Emporia News, July 21, 1871.
Franklin and Osage Counties have already voted one hundred and fifty thousand dollars to secure the construction of a railroad up the Marais Des Cygnes Valley, in the direction of Emporia. Should Lyon County give one hundred and fifty thousand, and Butler and Cowley each give two hundred thousand dollars in bonds, the immediate building of the road would be assured. The distance from Ottawa to Arkansas City via Emporia, Chelsea, El Dorado, and the Walnut Valley is about 165 miles. Bonds voted as above would amount to over four thousand dollars per mile. The route being through valleys the entire distance, this amount would grade the road. Being through the richest portion of the State, capitalists would take hold and build the road at once.
Emporia News, July 21, 1871.
DISTRICT COURT.
Eliza J. Bell vs. J. B. Bell; judgment against A. A. Newman, garnishee for $21.39, and accruing costs.
Emporia News, July 28, 1871.
Atchison is going to have a railroad bridge. The estimate cost is $700,000.
It is reported that 50,000 head of Texas cattle are in the vicinity of Newton, awaiting shipment.
Emporia News, July 28, 1871.
The Board of Directors of the State Normal School, at their meeting Wednesday, elected as Principal of the school, Prof. George W. Hoss, Professor of English Literature and Theory and Practice of teaching, in the University of Indiana. Prof. Hoss is well known to many of our citizens, who all speak of him in the highest terms. Let us hope that under the charge of Prof. Hoss, and his able assistants, the Normal school may start forward with fresh vigor in its sphere of usefulness. Prof. Dilworth remains in the same position as before. Miss E. F. Brewer, a sister of Judge Brewer, enters the place of Preceptress.
Emporia News, July 28, 1871.
NEWS CLIPPINGS.
Red Cloud and party are making ready for the war path.
Emporia News, July 28, 1871.
TELEGRAPH NEWS.
WASHINGTON, July 2. A letter from Fort Sill says that Kiowa Indians have made efforts to induce the Cheyennes and Sioux to join them in a war against the whites, but thus far they have failed.
At three o'clock this morning an explosion occurred in the small magazine in the Washington arsenal, which is used in the preparation of rocket lights and shells for the signal corps. . . . The flames spread to a frame house nearby, and thence was carried to what is known as storehouse number two, in which were stored all kinds of cavalry and artillery equipments, which are a total loss. . . .
Emporia News, July 28, 1871.
WASHINGTON, July 25. Reports received at the Indian bureau state that the agent who was dispatched to Mexico in order to induce the return of the Kickapoos, says these Indians are near Santa Rea in Coahuila, and mentions as a singular fact that the Mexican commission had arrived at that place, but one week in advance of our agent and his party, and had been issuing cattle and corn to the Kickapoos. The Mexicans are anxious to retain the Kickapoos. The object our government in desiring to retain this nation of Indians and their location on the reservation, is to break up their depredations on the Texan frontier, in which they are encouraged by their Mexican friends.
General Parker today vacated his office as commissioner of Indian affairs. The clerks of the bureau took formal leave of him.
Emporia News, July 28, 1871.
LITTLE ROCK, July 25. A gentleman arrived at Fort Smith on the 24th from the Indian country, and says that the Osages were on the war path. On the 19th a party started out on an expedition ostensibly for buffalo hunting, and returned in a couple of days after with three white scalps. Their horses were loaded down with plunder. It is supposed that they attacked some train and were successful in their raid.
Emporia News, July 28, 1871.
Meeting called for Saturday, July 29th, to organize a County Union opposed to the illegal driving through the Emporia section of Texas cattle. J. S. McWhorter, Chairman of Committee.
Emporia News, July 28, 1871.
A. A. Newman and wife left for the east Monday, where they will spend several weeks.
Emporia News, July 28, 1871.
J. K. Finley, Esq., and the editor of this paper went to Arkansas City this afternoon, to be gone till Monday.
Emporia News, July 28, 1871.
Gather from article that Stotler's old partner, Mr. Williams, has taken over the Emporia Tribune and enlarged it.
Emporia News, July 28, 1871.
PERSONAL. We learn by a note from Prof. Kellogg that he is at Central City, Colorado, enjoying himself well. He says: "We are all well, and greatly enjoy the mountain air and scenery. . . . Central City is about 35 miles northwest of Denver, in the heart of the Gregory mining district. It is a place somewhat larger than Emporia, and supports two daily papers. It has an elevation of near 8,000 feet above sea level. Will return about the middle of August."
Emporia News, August 4, 1871.
A threatening attitude is assumed by the Kiowas and Cheyennes in New Mexico.
Emporia News, August 4, 1871.
On Friday last the Apaches murdered a stage-driver between Santa Fe and Messila.
Emporia News, August 4, 1871.
The Commonwealth says the work of opening bids for the Kaw lands began on Wednesday. They number about four hundred, and no elections in the matter will probably be had within ten days or two weeks.
Emporia News, August 4, 1871.
The Arkansas Traveler says that 400 calves were shot out of one herd, during the drive from Texas to Kansas, last month. All young calves are shot as fast as they are born, so as to be rid of and allow the cows to be driven.
Emporia News, August 4, 1871.
The El Dorado Times says that a brother of the celebrated Indian warrior, Black Hawk, is buried near that town.
Emporia News, August 11, 1871.
A number-one truss bridge is to be built at once at Arkansas City.
Emporia News, August 11, 1871.
The Arkansas City Traveler says that driving on the trail was slacked up very suddenly. Last week thousands of cattle were passing along the route every day. This week not one herd has passed, and it is said that the driving is about over for this season.
Emporia News, August 11, 1871.
Gen. Parker, ex-Indian Commissioner, is to return to his former profession of civil engineer.
Emporia News, August 11, 1871.
OSAGE, NEOSHO AND WALNUT VALLEY RAILROAD.
RECAP. Company was incorporated from several companies. Surveyors now at work, especially from Emporia down the Walnut Valley. There is no more important route under consideration in the State. Were it built, Walnut Valley people would have from Emporia, two routes to Chicago, one by way of Lawrence and Leavenworth; the other via Topeka and Atchison.
Emporia News, August 11, 1871.
ORGANIZATION OF THE OSAGE, NEOSHO & WALNUT VALLEY R. R. CO.
RECAP. Incorporators met in Emporia at the office of E. P. Bancroft, who was elected chairman of the meeting, and T. B. Murdock, of El Dorado, Secretary. J. C. Lambdin of Butler County acted as proxy for J. D. Conner, who resigned. W. J. Cameron was duly elected in his stead. Officers:
President, S. J. Crawford, Emporia.
Vice President, W. J. Cameron, El Dorado.
Secretary, E. P. Bancroft, Emporia.
Treasurer, J. Mather Jones, Arvonia.
Attorney, E. B. Peyton, Emporia.
Emporia News, August 11, 1871.
SUSPENSION.
This is the last of The Daily Emporia News for the present.
We shall stop for two months, at the end of which time we shall renew again, if the people desire us to do so, and are ready to foot the bills. . . .
We trust all will continue to take the Weekly, as we intend to spare no efforts to continue to make it in the future, as it has been in the past, the best paper in Southern Kansas.
Daily News 22nd.
Emporia News, August 18, 1871.
The M. K. & T. road is within twelve miles of Fort Gibson. Some delay has occurred on account of waiting for the bridges over the Verdigris and the Arkansas.
Emporia News, August 18, 1871.
NOTES OF TRAVEL.
ARKANSAS CITY, August 14, 1870.
To the Editor of the Emporia News:
"Where ignorance is bliss 'tis folly to be wise." We never fully realized the truth of this aphorism till very recently, and in order that you may understand why its verity has so forcibly impressed us of late, we will herewith proceed to explain.
Your correspondent, in company with several others, left the metropolis of this State, some two weeks ago, with the intention of visiting that, to us, hitherto unknown region generally denominated "Southern Kansas." Of course, we had frequently heard of this portion of the State, and had known many who had left their homes in the east and north to build up new ones on its free, vast prairie, but it must be confessed that we looked upon these individuals with feelings of the deepest pity, and regarded them in the light of martyrs, who had renounced all the comforts and pleasures of life, to delve out a miserable existence in a new, and as we, in our ignorance deemed it, barren country. But finally circumstances so happened that we ourselves were obliged to come, for a time at least, to this land of poverty and desolation.
We came, we saw, and were conquered. We found a glorious country, where, instead of poverty reigning, we saw prosperity and plenty on every side. Rich plains of waving harvests gladden the eye, while in place of desolation, we discovered, springing up everywhere, bright, comfortable little homes. We wondered how it were possible we had remained so long a time in our city homes, where care and strife are ever warring with our ambitions, while close beside us was lying this beautiful country offering the very best advantages and privileges to those who are willing to locate therein.
We might write page after page extolling this beautiful portion of our State, had we the time or ability. Having neither, we must rest satisfied with simply describing a very small part of it. In our ride over the rolling plains from Newton to Arkansas City, we had plenty of time to notice and admire the many beauties in nature so constantly spread out before us. Our love for the beautiful was continually gratified by enchanting views of boundless distances stretching far away into infinite space, while occasionally, through the intervening trees, would we catch glimpses of quietly flowing rivers brightly sparking under the dazzling rays of the sun. Our feelings found vent in little rapturous expressions and interjections, till when we came within the limits of Cowley County, our emotions became too intense for words, and would fain sit quietly drinking in the loveliness of the surrounding landscape, content to let eloquent silence proclaim our appreciation of the scene. But oh, when we reached our destination, Arkansas City, and standing upon an elevated knoll just north of the town, gazed down into the beautiful valley before us, lighted by the last shimmering rays of sunset, we cried aloud:
"There is not in this wide world, a valley so sweet
As that vale in whose bosom the bright waters meet."
The meeting of "bright waters" here necessarily refers to the junction of the Arkansas and Walnut Rivers, which unite about a half a mile below this point.
We had formed the very erroneous idea that this county was very thinly settled. Actual observation, however, soon convinced us of the contrary. We found Cowley County as well, if not better settled, than any other new county in the State. The inhabitants are almost all of a superior class of people, intelligent, cultivated, refined, prudent, and industrious. Especially have we found them so in this little town of Arkansas City. The wonderful growth and improvement of this place bears witness to the courage, energy, and untiring perseverance of its citizens.
A little over a year and a half ago the town site was the home of the buffalo and prairie wolf, over which they roamed at their own free will. Today stands a town of nearly five hundred inhabitants. Over a hundred goodly buildings raise their aspiring fronts, while several others are in process of erection.
Arkansas City has every facility to make a large and flourishing town. A splendid geographical position, the finest natural resources, and the best commercial and manufacturing advantages all contribute to its successful development. Railroad connections are speedily anticipated, which, when completed, will draw yet more strongly the tide of emigration hither.
Looking across the golden bridge of the present into the depths of the shadowy future beyond, we see bright and radiant prospects for this fair city of the plains. M. L. C.
Emporia News, August 18, 1871.
A TRIP TO THE INDIAN COUNTRY.
Having had but little knowledge of the southern portion of Kansas, along the line of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas railroad, or of the Indian Territory, which lies south of Kansas, I have just returned from a journey to those localities, and now offer you the results of my observations.
It is possible that some of your readers are not fully informed with regard to the present extent of the M. K. & T. R. R., as I was not, before my attention was more fully attracted to it during this trip. It seems that this corporation is now operating about three hundred and seventy five miles of road, without including the Osage division, and a considerable extension beyond its present terminus is almost ready for the iron. The extent of the Neosho division is one hundred and fifty six, the Sedalia one hundred and fifty nine, and the Cherokee division eighty five miles. The cars are expected to run to the Arkansas River, at a point near Fort Gibson, in about two weeks, and thence to the Red River by the coming spring, and to the Mexican Gulf at Galveston at no distant day. The branch to Austin and Comago, and finally to the Mexican capital will be pushed forward as rapidly as the work can be accomplished. It cannot be denied that Mr. R. S. Stevens had found his fort [?forte?], when he engaged in railroad operations.
The road is already carrying considerable quantities of freight in both directions for the people of Texas. Considerable heaps of cotton bales were piled at Choteau awaiting shipment to the eastern market. There was also a large amount of merchandise and other freights ready for wagon transportation to the towns along the frontier of Texas and for the military posts in the Indian Territory. Among these were some fine carriages from a Chicago manufactory, destined for Sherman, Texas.
Choteau, the present temporary terminus of the road, contains no valuable improvements, except it be the ample railway station, which is provided with comfortable offices, including one for the use of the telegraph. Although there is no hotel building, all of the necessary comforts that are usually furnished at a good hotel are provided by the use of two railway cars, and a supply of tents. One of the cars is arranged as a dining room, the other as a kitchen, and the tents are mostly used as lodging places. We found their table as amply supplied as at almost any western hotel.
The strict rule of the government with regard to trade with the people belonging to the Indian Nations retains most of this business in the hands of the Indians, or their representatives. The small number of persons who obtain the proper permits for traffic with them enables such persons to realize very large profits from their investments.
Choteau has been the terminus of this road for about two weeks, and it may thus remain for some two or three weeks longer. The very transient nature of the business at these successive terminations of the road, has led the railroad managers and others to exercise some caution in the matter of improvements.
A line of stages, provided with first class Concord coaches leave Choteau on the arrival of the trains. This line passes Fort Gibson twenty-five miles; Okmulgee, the proposed capital of the Indian confederation, seventy-eight miles; and Sherman, Texas, two hundred miles.
It seems a great waste of lands to leave so vast a country in the hands of the Indian tribes, who can make no use of all of them, even as hunting grounds. This will be inferred from the fact that the present Indian population now occupying the territory is about as follows.
Cherokees: 15,000.
Choctaws: 15,000.
Creeks: 13,000.
Seminoles: 2,500.
There are other small tribes or bands which may swell the whole number in the territory to about seventy thousand.
As the railroads are confined to the use of but one hundred feet on either side of the track, all improvements belonging to citizens must therefore be confined within these limits.
It is to be hoped that our government will ere long obtain, by proper treaties, such portions of this country as do not contribute to the interests of the red men, in order that they may be more properly occupied. C.
Emporia News, August 18, 1871.
STATE NEWS.
The M. K. and T. R. R. will build from Parsons to Parker, and perhaps to Independence, Kansas. The track was completed last week, says the Parsons Sun, to within 18 miles of the crossing of the Arkansas River, six miles from Fort Gibson. Passenger cars will run to the Arkansas by the 20th of August. The company have 3,000 men at work in the Territory. The grading to Red River will be completed by early spring; to South Canadian in 60 days.
Emporia News, August 18, 1871.
Newman & Bro. opened a huge pile of boxes yesterday, and "new goods" is their battle cry. They are selling at prices low enough to draw money out of anybody's pocket, even in these tight times.
Emporia News, August 18, 1871.
DEFEATED. The proposition to vote the bonds of Americus township to the amount of $25,000, to the Chicago, Kansas & Texas railroad, was defeated, on Tuesday, by a majority of four votes.
Emporia News, August 18, 1871.
The Cowley County Censor has changed hands, Patrick having sold out to Messrs. Webb & Doud.
Emporia News, August 18, 1871.
Building is going on very rapidly just now. Goff & Melton's new block is being finished up in splendid style; several residences are in progress, and we have good reason for saying that some fine, number one blocks of buildings will be erected this year. Arkansas City Traveler.
Emporia News, August 18, 1871.
The Augusta Crescent says the following statement shows the business transactions at the U. S. Land office at that place for the month of July. The filings upon the Osage Lands were 743, the largest number being in Cowley County, but many in Sumner and Howard.
Also the largest number of proofs and payments in any one county have been in Cowley. The fees and commissions on homestead entries amounted to $2,049.95. Homestead entries, 17,011.61 acres; Osage entries, 26,898.76 acres; Pre-emption and private entries, 2,587.45 acres. Total: 46,977.82. Cash receipts: $36,767.57.
Emporia News, August 18, 1871.
BIG THINGS. Arkansas City, says the Traveler, is to become the headquarters of the southwestern transportation. All goods for Fort Sill and the agencies will henceforth be carried in two-horse wagons hither from Thayer, and stored in a warehouse; and will thence be re-shipped on "bull-trains." All the hands will be paid off here.
As we predicted, Arkansas City is to be the big town of the border. Immense quantities of freight for the Territory are now passing through, and still greater quantities are yet to come.
Emporia News, August 25, 1871.
IMPORTANT LAND DECISION.
The land was won in contest between the Kansas Pacific and Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway companies, involving claimed rights to certain lands granted by acts of Congress to aid in the construction of, and within the conflicting limits of the two roads. The amount was 125,000 acres.
This case was brought before the commissioner of the general land office, May 14th, 1869, by Col. N. S. Goss, land attorney for the M. K. & T. R. W. Co., and decided in favor of the said company, April 14, 1870. This decision, on appeal, was affirmed by the Secretary of the Interior, with modifications, which give to the M. K. & T. R. W. Co. all the lands in dispute lying west of Fort Riley and south of the line of route of the K. P. railway. The decision is final, the Secretary of the Interior basing his action on the opinion of the assistant attorney general, of the 21st ult., to whom the case was referred. Neosho Falls Advertiser.
Emporia News, August 25, 1871.
[KAY, A VERY INTERESTING STORY ENTITLED "THE RICHEST WIDOW IN AMERICA," RE Widow Samuel Colt, the man who reaped the profit from the revolving firearm. In 1870 her income amounted to $440,000. She lived at Hartford, Connecticut.
I skipped due to time element.]
Emporia News, August 25, 1871.
A horse thief was hung yesterday at Newton.
Emporia News, August 25, 1871.
The meeting at Augusta the other day (where Toledo and Bazaar were pledged to vote $25,000 each in township bonds) to organize a "Walnut Valley Railroad Company," in the interest of Emporia, refused to organize, and resolved to vote $200,000 in bonds and take stock in the road from Cottonwood Falls. The Walnut Valley takes no stock in Emporia promises. Sam. Wood.
We find the above in the Walnut Valley Times and publish it to call attention to the falsehoods it contains. We happened to be present at the meeting as a looker on. Toledo and Bazaar were not pledged for a single cent of township bonds. Sam Wood has been trying to pledge them and run them for all sorts of moonshine railroads. There were just three votes in favor of giving $200,000 to Sam Wood, and the meeting was packed for that purpose. The voters were mostly newcomers, and did not know Sam Wood, or they would not have carried the proposition even by three votes in the affirmative and none in the negative. Perhaps the Walnut Valley takes stock in Sam Wood's newspaper roads instead of "Emporia promises." In the last five years Sam has built at least 15,000,000 miles of railroad on paper, but he has never caused to be thrown a shovel full of earth in actual railroad building. The road that Cottonwood Falls now has he succeeded in running two miles from town. By the way, what has become of Sam's "Upper Cross Timbers" railroad moonshine? Ungrateful Sam! To go back on "Upper Cross Timbers!" Hast thou forsaken "Upper Cross Timbers," Samuel?! Have you washed your face, Sam, since you got out of jail?
Emporia News, August 25, 1871.
THE NEWTON TRAGEDY.
Elsewhere we give the particulars of the latest Newton tragedy. This affair is a disgrace to Kansas and to humanity. If nothing else can be done, is it not time for the interference of the Governor? We do not hesitate to express that public sentiment will entirely justify him in putting a quietus upon murder and outlawry in that town.
RECAP of a long story. Five men killed and six wounded. The "Leading Man" Not Arrested. The Jury ordered to Leave...Those three constituted header of article. SKIPPED DUE TO PRESSURE OF TIME AND IT REALLY ONLY INVOLVES NEWTON.
Emporia News, August 25, 1871.
ARKANSAS CITY.
We [Stotler] spent a few days in this beautiful and thriving young town, which sets upon an elevation at the junction of the Arkansas and Walnut Rivers. We were perfectly delighted with the town and surrounding country. If we were going to change our location in this State, we would go to Arkansas City as quick as we could get there. Its location is good for at least two railroads, one down the Walnut and one through the Arkansas valley. The Arkansas valley is much broader and more fertile than we had expected to find it. We firmly believe the Arkansas Valley soil will excel every section in the State in corn and vegetable crops.
In Cowley and Sumner Counties nearly every quarter section has upon it a bona fide settler. Fortunately the speculators were not allowed to get their clutches on an acre of it. On account of this heavy settlement, Arkansas City is bound to have a good trade. She will also receive a share of the Texas trade.
This town has over 100 buildings. Among the rest, and about the largest and best, is the city hotel, kept by our friend, H. O. Meigs. It is the best kept hotel in the Walnut Valley. The table is supplied with good, substantial food, and what is not the case with all tables, it is clean and well cooked; altogether, this is the cleanest, best ventilated, and most homelike public house we have found in our travels lately.
We found here a large number of old Emporia men in business, among whom we may mention O. P. Houghton, Judge McIntire and sons, the Mortons, Charley Sipes, Mr. Page, Mr. Beck, and others. They are all doing well, and have unlimited faith in their town and county.
Beedy & Newman are building a large water mill near the town. They have already expended $8,000 in the enterprise, and will soon be ready for sawing.
Close to the town we found Max Fawcett upon a beautiful piece of land amid grape vines, trees, shrubs, and flowers. He is testing the capabilities of the soil for all kinds of fruits, and has so far the best encouragement. Wherever he is, Max. will be a public benefactor.
We shall go to Arkansas City again in two or three years on the cars. We shall ride up to Meigs' hotel in a comfortable bus from the depot, and see a town of two thousand inhabitants. You see if we don't. Cowley is the prettiest, healthiest, and most fertile county we have seen in the State.
Emporia News, August 25, 1871.
THE RAILROAD SCRIBBLER.
We see that Sam Wood writes to the Commonwealth to the effect that Emporiaor perhaps Lyon Countyopposed the bonds recently voted in Chase County to some railroad (we don't remember the name). We hope the good people of Cottonwood Falls and Chase County will not believe any statement made about this county by that unmitigated liar and demagogue. We have denied these statements until forbearance ceases to be a virtue. We will venture the assertion that there were not five men in Emporia that knew of the election for bonds in Chase county, and outside of Americus township there were not a dozen men in Lyon County that knew of it. Ever since this miserable shyster returned from Texas he has been at his old game of trying to array the people of Lyon and Chase counties against each other. In former days he tried this same game to boost himself into office. He failed, if we remember rightly! If this scribbling idiot had paid half as much attention to building up his own town as he has to lying about this county and this city, he might have accomplished something for his own benefit. . . . [Goes on and on like this.]
THIS IS FOLLOWED BY ANOTHER LONG ARTICLE IN WHICH HE ESPOUSES THE CAUSE OF THE OSAGE, NEOSHO & WALNUT VALLEY RAILROAD COMPANY.
Emporia News, August 25, 1871.
Prof. Kellogg and family returned from the mountains on Saturday last, after having enjoyed the mountain climate for several months, looking all the better for the trip.
Emporia News, August 25, 1871.
PERSONAL. Maj. E. P. Bancroft, of Emporia, was in town last Saturday and addressed the Railroad Convention on the Osage, Neosho and Walnut Valley Railroad. The Major is confident that this road will be built soon. El Dorado Times.
Emporia News, September 1, 1871.
DIED. At the residence of his son, in Emporia, on Friday, August 25, 1871, of cancer, James Stanley, in his 51st year.
Mr. Stanley was well known as an Indian missionary, and late U. S. agent for the Miami Indians. He began his labors by assisting his brother, Thos. H. Stanley, of Americus, in 1846, and had devoted most of his time since then among the Shawnee, Sac, Fox, Miami, and other tribes.
Emporia News, September 1, 1871.
The Frontier base ball club of Winfield played a match game with the "Rackensacks" of Arkansas City, for the championship of Cowley County. The game resulted in favor of the "Rackensacks," the score being 42 to 79.
Emporia News, September 1, 1871.
M. G. Mains, formerly the editor and proprietor of the Emporia Tribune, together with his family, left us on Friday last for Summerset, Ohio, where Mr. Mains goes to take charge of a large paper. We wish him abundant success in his new field.
Emporia News, September 1, 1871.
Scott, of the Arkansas Traveler, is assisted in his local department, by two ladies. Go away, peaches and cream! We shall look for spice. They are already advocating more frequent social gatherings of the young ladies and gentlemen. In fact, they are willing to be met at the "well or at the gate," and they would unquestionably not object to a "meeting by moonlight alone." We advise the young men of Arkansas City to meet them, if they are good looking.
Emporia News, September 8, 1871.
[Issue full of appeals for people to vote for Osage, Neosho, Walnut Valley railroad.]
Emporia News, September 8, 1871.
THE EDUCATIONAL JOURNAL...Stotler has to admit that since the July number was issued, the Journal is now published in Topeka by Banfield & Fitch. He says: "We understand that Prof. Banfield proposes to give it his entire time."
Emporia News, September 8, 1871.
[Previous issue had Rev. R. M. Overstreet attacking C. V. Eskridge. This issue comes back with an attack by S. B. Riggs, H. Bancroft, E. P. Bancroft, and other people attacking the lying reverend.]
Last statement re Normal School Board problems comes from C. V. Eskridge.
"Suppose I should prosecute this ex-rebel chaplainthis ex-temperance tipplerthis ex- slave holderthis ex-minister of the gospelthis ex-member of the Normal School Boardthis ex-member of the LegislatureI say, suppose I should prosecute rev. R. M. Overstreet for libel, what evidence do you think I would offer to prove his guilt? I would march him into the courtroom and say: `Stand up, sir, and let the jury look at you. I would then say: Gentlemen of the juryAll the evidence I will offer to prove this man a liar, is his countenance.' I am satisfied the jury would take the evidence as conclusive and not retire from the box to find a verdict of guilty. You can judge when you see him."
Emporia News, September 8, 1871.
THE SOUTHWEST.
COWLEY COUNTY SOD CORN. The largest ears of corn we have seen this year wee from a field of sod-corn in Cowley County. George McIntire, of Arkansas City, brought them up. He says it is believed that some fields will turn off as high as 80 bushels to the acre.
DIED. We learn from the Oxford Times that Homer Freeman, living on the divide in Cowley County, about five miles from that place, went out on horseback one day last week to shoot prairie chickens. While loading his gun both barrels were accidentally discharged, both loads entering his temple, killing him instantly. He leaves a wife and five children.
The same paper is crowing over the arrival of the first rooster "west of the Arkansas River," and is reminded of the happy days "back in the States." We should think the editor capable of poetical effusions, and love yarns.
The Masonic fraternity have just put down a beautiful new carpet in their hall at Winfield, and the Censor says the Lodge is flourishing.
Winfield received 247 majority for the county seat. What became of the Traveler's "three hundred majority for Tisdale?"
DIED. Rev. J. B. Johnson, pastor of the Congregational Church at Winfield, died in that town a few days ago.
The Times says that an effort will be made to make a new county from the southern portion of Butler and the northern portion of Cowley counties.
Emporia News, September 15, 1871.
KANSAS ITEMS.
The Missouri, Kansas and Texas road will be finished to Paola by the middle of September, and the contract for its extension to Ottawa will be let forthwith.
Emporia News, September 15, 1871.
The contract for the transportation of government stores to posts in the Indian Territory was let at Fort Leavenworth on the 18th, to Graham & Co., of the M. K. & T. road, at the following figures: Leavenworth to Fort Sill, $4.10 per hundred; St. Louis to Fort Sill, $4.15 per hundred.
Emporia News, September 15, 1871.
It is stated that a large number of squatters have gone over into the Indian Territory and staked off and settled upon claims. Under what authority they went, we cannot ascertain. We are of the opinion that this territory will soon have to be opened for improvement. It cannot lay idle many years. But until it is fairly and honorably treated for, or the consent of the Indians obtained, no white man ought to be allowed to go upon the land. It is reported that the government will immediately order the trespassers away.
Emporia News, September 15, 1871.
GRANT'S INDIAN POLICY.
Much has been said against President Grant's Indian policy. It is not the custom of our Western people to look with any degree of favor on anything that does not tend to the extermination of the Indians, or at least, to the driving of them to the confines of the Western wilds. That the country must be given up by them to the advancing army of progress, no one doubts. They must die out or become civilized. It may soon be said that the red man, in his native condition, "hath not where" to shoot the buffalo or chase the antelope.
When the President proposed to practically turn the management of the Indians over to the Quakers, there was a general expression of dissatisfaction, and manifestations of derision, at least in the West. We had been having years of border war. Our Western prairies had been drenched with blood. The exposed settlements were unsafe places, and it was but natural that "war to the knife, and the knife to the hilt," should be the popular cry among us. When it was proposed to send the Quakers out among them with the olive branch, the idea was scouted. The general and speedy failure of the new President's Indian policy was predicted. The President went ahead, however, with characteristic persistency, determined to give the Quakers a fair trial.
The result is before us, and every candid man must admit that there is a better feeling today on the part of the Indians toward the whites than has been exhibited for ten years. The grass for two summers has come and gone, and the Indians have remained comparatively peaceable. With the exception of a few instances in the extreme Southwest and Northwest, there has been no disturbances more than would naturally occur in the most peaceable time. In the early spring of the last season the air was filled with rumors of Indian wars that would take place this year. To the South and Northwest general trouble was anticipated. But lately reports reached us of a severe fight in Lower California. This proved to be entirely false. Recent reports from different sections of the country inhabited by the red skins shows that the Quaker agents are ever on the alert to avert any "speck of war" that may arise. Instead of loafing about the agencies, and engaging in schemes to swindle the Indians, as too many of the agents did under the old regime, they are constantly engaged among the Indians, in trying to turn their minds to the arts of peace, and in attempts to instil into their rude and savage natures a desire for the pursuits of civilization. One fact stands out in "bold relief," and that is that the Quakers do not hesitate to go singly among the wildest tribes. The Indians seem to have the utmost confidence in the broad-brimmed hats, and we have no instance of the betrayal of that confidence to record.
Pass what strictures we may please upon Grant's Indian policy, it seems to us it is a gratifying success.
Emporia News, September 15, 1871.
We have thus far said little about our northern railroad connections. Cottonwood Falls and Emporia are quarreling over it, and our friend, Sam Wood, "strikes the hawgag" with accustomed energy. All in all, we prefer the Emporia road, if we cannot have both. This would give us a very direct connection with Kansas City, Junction City, Topeka, and the south. We can ship to or from Kansas City and beyond without change of cars. Lyon County is about to vote upon the sale of her stock in the A. T. & S. F. and M. K. & T., amounting to $400,000, to the K. C. & S. F. company. If this is done, the road will at once be built to the western line of Lyon County. Then let Chase County stop howling, and build it to Cottonwood Fallswe almost said Samwood Fallsand so on towards Chelsea. Then Butler and Cowley can do the rest. Let us have the Emporia connection anyhow.
Arkansas City Traveler.
Emporia News, September 15, 1871.
NEWS announced that the railroad election passed in Emporia and Lyon County for the proposed railrod from Ottawa to Emporia, and thence on through the Southwestern counties of Kansas.
Emporia News, September 15, 1871.
THE SOUTHWEST.
Shoo Fly City, on Shoo Fly Creek, in the southwest part of the county, we learn, is growing, and is bound to make a business point. Success to Shoe Fly. Belle Plaine Herald.
Emporia News, September 22, 1871.
THE TRAVELER. Prof. L. B. Kellogg has taken editorial charge of the Arkansas City Traveler. He proposes to give the paper his attention, and we know it will be one of the first papers in Southern Kansas in point of ability. With Mr. Kellogg as editor and your young friend Scott in charge of the typography, we believe the people of Cowley County will have a paper to be proud of.
Emporia News, September 22, 1871.
WILLIAM CLAPP. We clip the following notice of one of our best business houses from the Arkansas City Traveler.
"One of the most reliable business house in Emporia is that of Wm. Clapp, whose advertisement appears in this issue. He deals largely, both at wholesale and retail, in boots and shoes, clothing, hats and caps, etc. Mr. Clapp began doing business in Emporia at an early day. By strict attention to business, and upright conduct, he has built up a large trade. William has hosts of friends. Call upon him when you go to Emporia next time if you stand in need of anything in his line."
Emporia News, September 22, 1871.
RETURNED. We neglected last week to note the return of our popular and wide awake merchant, A. A. Newman, who had been in the east for several weeks, where he bought an immense stock of goods, part of which has already arrived, and the balance will be opened this week. Mrs. Newman accompanied Mr. Newman and purchased heavily for the millinery establishment connected with the store. These goods were expected last evening. This will undoubtedly be good news for the ladies of Emporia.
Emporia News, September 22, 1871.
THE SOUTHWEST.
SHOOTING OF MR. DOUGLASS. From the Arkansas City Traveler, we learn the following particulars of the killing of Mr. Douglass, the founder of the town that bears his name, in Butler County.
On the night of the 8th inst., Mr. Douglass of the town of Douglass, heard his horses running and went out to ascertain the cause of the disturbance. After going a short distance from the house, he met a man with some chickens on his arm, and inquired of him where he got them. He told him he bought them. Mr. Douglass asked him where, when the man told him, "down at that house." He then told the man to go down to the house with him, as he wanted to know if he did get them there. They went together to the house and found that the man had neither sold nor given him the chickens, when the thief said that was not the house, but that it was another house farther down. Mr. Douglass then asked the man of the house to accompany him to the other house, which he did. On arriving at the second house the same answer was given as before, "that he had not sold him the chickens." Mr. Douglass and his assistant then marched the thief to his own house, for the purpose of confining him. On arriving at the gate, he was ordered to go inside, when he stepped in, and immediately drew a revolver, wheeled around and fired, the shot taking effect in Mr. Douglass' stomach. Mr. Douglass then fired when the thief fired the second shot, the ball striking near the first one, and then fled. On the following morning a party started in pursuit, and arrested a man with a team, about ten miles from Douglass, going toward Muddy Creek. He was placed in Mr. Douglass' room along with several other strangers, for identification, when Mr. Douglass pointed him out as the assassin. On the evening previous he wore a white hat, and blue shirt, but at the time of his arrest, he had on a cap and a white shirt and carried two heavy Colt's revolvers, and a small four barreled pocket pistol, two barrels of which were empty, the other two pistols being all loaded. A trunk in the wagon was opened and a white hat found therein. The evidence seems to be against the man arrested. It was only on the plea of Mr. Douglass's brother, that the thief was kept from being lynched by the citizens. The physicians pronounce Mr. Douglass in a hopeless condition.
Emporia News, September 22, 1871.
A train of forty-six Government wagons passed through Arkansas City last Wednesday.
Emporia News, September 22, 1871.
"We," of the Arkansas City Traveler, regaled himself, the other day, on a luscious forty-two pound watermelon.
Emporia News, September 22, 1871.
McIntire & Son mean business. Nine tons of goods were brought in by them in July; ten tons in August; three tons already this month, and tomorrow they will send out six teams for more goods. Arkansas City Traveler.
The McIntire's formerly lived here, and their numerous friends will be glad to hear of their prosperity.
Emporia News, September 22, 1871.
Mr. Hobson, of Fort Scott, the contractor for building the bridge across the Arkansas River, is in town. Arkansas City Traveler.
Emporia News, September 22, 1871.
We learn that the farmers hereabouts are making preparations to sow winter wheat largely this fall. It is the right thing to do. No one should neglect it.
Beedy and Newman will be ready to grind it as soon as harvested. By next fall there will ge a heavy demand for flour coming up from the new settlers in the Indian country.
Arkansas City Traveler.
Arkansas City and Winfield are going to hug each other and make it up. The Traveler and Censor are ready to embrace.
Emporia News, September 22, 1871.
For Sale. Three shares of Arkansas City town property have been left with me for sale.
L. B. KELLOGG.
Emporia News, September 29, 1871.
FROM ARKANSAS CITY.
Settlers Moving NorthRailroad and Other Matters.
ARKANSAS CITY, September 24, 1871.
DEAR NEWS: As your readers have not had a letter from this section for some time, I thought one might prove interesting.
What seems to be agitating the minds of a great many of our people just now is the vexed question of the exact location of the State line. Emigrants came in last spring and settled up the country immediately south of here quite densely. In their eagerness to get good claims, many of them, I am afraid, got too far south, and settled in the Territory. Superintendent Hoag's recent instructions, ordering intruders out of the Territory, has created quite a sensation. Many are moving their houses one, two, and three miles north, upon unoccupied claims. It is unfortunate for them because many of them have made improvements, such as breaking, etc., which they are compelled to abandon, thereby losing one season's labor.
The sectioning of the Territory is under rapid headway. Col. E. N. Darling has four hundred men employed on the work. His aim is to get it completed in January next. Quite a good many men have gone from here to engage in the work. The survey headquarters have been established on Deer Creek, twelve miles south of here. Major A. N. Deming, of New York, is in charge. This being their basis of supplies, our merchants are wearing smiling countenances.
Touching railroad matters, Cowley congratulates Lyon County for her work on the 13th inst. This county is alive to her interests, and when called upon she will follow your noble example.
The Nortons are down in the Territory among their Wausasha friends. All miss the graceful Professor and the fair haired Captain.
The drawing of lots due on certificates is announced to come off on the 30th inst. Everything bids fair that the drawing will be conducted in an honorable manner. M. J. M.
Emporia News, September 29, 1871.
ROMANTIC. The Chetopa Advance tells how "a wealthy and cultivated Maiden" come it over Col. Downing, Chief of the Cherokees.
"Col. Downing, Chief of the Cherokee Nation, was married some two weeks since to Miss Ayers, a wealthy and cultivated maiden lady of Philadelphia. The affair has a spicing of romance. The lady met the handsome Chief (then, and until recently, a married man) some years since in the Quaker city, and became deeply interested in him and his distant people. With the resolution of devoting her life and wealth to the advancement of the Cherokees, she removed to Tahlequah, where she has since lived, and where she has been most active in promoting the religious and educational welfare of the nation. Some years ago she adopted young Lewis Downing, son of the Chief, a bright and promising boy, and has since watched over his training and education with more than motherly care. A year ago she built, ostensibly for him, an elegant residence overlooking the beautiful village, and furnished it with artistic taste. A few months since occurred the death of Mrs. Downing, a full blood Cherokee. And now at the proper time, the Chief leads to the altar his old admirer, and the course of true love does run smooth."
Emporia News, September 29, 1871.
PERSONAL. MARRIED. Our old townsman and friend, C. B. Sipes, passed through here from the east on Monday, taking with him to his home in Arkansas City, Mrs. Sipes. He was married in Saginaw, Michigan, on Sunday, September 17, 1871, to Miss Ellen Ogden. We wish Mr. and Mrs. Sipes a long, useful, and happy life.
Emporia News, September 29, 1871.
HYDRAULIC CEMENT FROM ARKANSAS CITY. We have in our office a small block of rock from Max Fawcett's place, near Arkansas City, which he says makes good cement or building stone. We give Max's description of the stone.
"This block was cut with a coarse toothed cross-cut saw, and planed with a carpenter's plane. When first taken from the quarry, it saws as easily as green oak, and hardens by exposure. The quarry is on my land, 1-1/4 miles northwest of Arkansas City. The bed is about 8 feet thick. It may be taken out in blocks of from six inches to three feet in thickness. There is a bed of brownish, yellow limestone three to five feet thick, overlaying it. It rests on shale and limestone. Besides its use as cement it makes a first-class building material. The Arkansas River runs close along the ledge for 1/4 of a mile, and will furnish any amount of power to saw the stone. The bottom of the bed is above high water mark."
Emporia News, September 29, 1871.
A CASE IN POINT. A good friend of ours from ____ township, was in our office the other day making complaints about the recent decision of the people to give their stock in our two railroads to secure another road through the county. He said this thing of aiding so many railroads was going to ruin the country, especially the farmers. Well, let us see how it has ruined him, so far. He has one of the best farms in Lyon County. Before the M. K. & T. was built, he put it in the hands of an agent to be sold at $3,000. Shortly after that road was built, he refused eleven thousand dollars in cash for the same farm. He has lately built a couple of miles of plank fence. The lumber cost him $35 per 1,000 feet. Before the railroads were built, the same lumber would have cost him at least $55 per 1,000 feet. By the construction of the roads, he made money to pay his taxes for a number of years. We advise our friend to hold on. Money is scarce, but we will all come out ahead yet.
Emporia News, September 29, 1871.
THE SOUTHWEST.
Mr. Douglass of whose shooting we gave an account last week, died of his wounds on the Wednesday following the shooting.
Emporia News, September 29, 1871.
PERSONAL. General A. W. Ellet and wife arrived home last Wednesday evening. The General has many warm personal friends here who are glad to welcome him home to El Dorado. Although he resides a portion of the time in Illinois, Philadelphia, and Washington, yet he is so attached to Kansas that he must certainly call it his home. The Ellets have been gradually coming to Kansas until they are all here. First came the oldest son, E. C. Ellet, in company with A. D. Knowlton, who is considered "one of the family." Next came Mrs. Knowlton; fourth Will Ellet, the youngest son; fifth, came Mrs. E. C. Ellet nee Miss Van Doren, to cheer the heart and home of her loving husband. Time wore space and for months no transfers of the family were made. Three remained in Illinois; the remaining three were here. At last by a happy circumstance, the Kansas portion of the family was made to outnumber the Illinois portion by the arrival of a son in the home of Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Ellet. Then came Miss Ellie E. Ellet, fresh from a summer's tour of the northern lakes, to make glad the hearts of her Kansas brothers and sisters. Last came the General and wife, who will no doubt enjoy a pleasant sojourn with their many friends here. El Dorado Times.
Emporia News, September 29, 1871.
The Winfield Censor comes to us enlarged and improved. It is a good paper.
Winfield is talking of a new $5,000 schoolhouse. It needs it, judging from what the Censor says.
The Censor complains of the noise of drunken rowdies in that town when decent people are asleep. What else can it expect with licensed whiskey shops?
Emporia News, October 6, 1871.
THE SOUTHWEST.
Arkansas City is soon to organize a Masonic lodge.
Emporia News, October 6, 1871.
J. W. Wilson has been arrested in Cowley county for horse stealing, and has been lodged in jail in this place.
Emporia News, October 13, 1871.
GOOD NEWS FROM BUTLER COUNTY.
We learn from reliable sources that the proposition to vote $200,000 in the bonds of Butler County to aid in building the Walnut Valley road, was carried on the 10th inst. by a good majority. The Majority so far as heard from was 145, and it was thought that other townships would not decrease it. We hope work on the road will be commenced at once.
Emporia News, October 13, 1871.
AN OLD CITIZEN OF EMPORIA MURDERED BY THE INDIANS.
The following is from the Pueblo (Colorado) Chieftain, of October 5th. Mr. Hadley, as many of our citizens will remember, was for some months an employee of this office. He was quite extensively known to the towns of Southern Kansas. All will regret to learn of his death. Poor Jim! He had his faults, but with all, had many good qualities, and it is with a sad heart we chronicle his untimely and cruel death.
"On the 12th inst., a party of herders composed of A. H. Haines, J. H. Hill, H. C. Moore, E. K. Womey, Charley, and another individual who responded to the name of Whiskey Bill, while riding along Sand Creek, in Bent County, stumbled upon the remains of a wagon and a few camp equipments, which were scattered about over the ground in much confusion. These indications led the party to suspect that some foul deed had been committed, and continuing their search for other evidences, they soon came upon the ghastly skeleton off a man, who had probably been killed three or four weeks. Much of the flesh had been stripped from the bones by the wolves, but the ground about the body was deeply indented in places, showing the deadly nature of the struggle, while cartridge shells were scattered all around, showing that the victim had fought bravely, and probably against fearful odds, to the last. The murder was no doubt committed by some of Red Cloud's braves. All the clothing was gone, but the scalp was untouched, and examination showed that the left arm was broken, while the chest and legs of the unfortunate man were riddled with bullets, each producing a wound sufficient to cause his death. From the position in which the corpse was found, it was evident that the man, after having been left for dead by the Indians, had attempted to crawl to a ravine nearby in search of water, and had died in the attempt. Near the mutilated corpse was found a large memorandum book, while the ground was strewed with letters and photographs which the Indians had evidently examined and thrown away as useless. The blood from the hands of the murderers is still visible on these letters, and from them we are enabled to establish the identify of the victim. It seems that the name of the murdered man is James A. Hadley, and his last place of residence, Emporia, Kansas.
"The family of the deceased belong, it seems, to the Society of Friends, for the well known expressions peculiar to the order, "thee" and "thou," are common. First, we notice a letter from the father, who writes from Dublin, Indiana, bearing the date of June 27, 1871. This is well written, and contains some good, fatherly advice, among the rest a hint to be careful about endorsing notes for other parties. And then we have a note from Jame's sweetheart, a young girl who writes from Hesper, but gives no other clue by which we can ascertain the place. They are like all love letters, interesting but for only two persons in the world, but they breathe the spirit of chase maiden love and devotion. They are now crumpled, torn and stained with the life blood of the lover, who probably fought to the last, incited by the memory of the maid who wrote them, but they are none the less binding. The meeting which she so earnestly prayed for will take place some time, but in a happier world than this.
:There are also other letters, one from his elder sister, Sarah, who seems to reside at or near Lawrence, Kansas. The photographs, of course, embrace the relations of the deceased and are uninjured. These, together with the letters and memorandum book, are in our possession, and will be delivered when called for."
Emporia News, October 13, 1871.
[BIG ARTICLE ABOUT CHICAGO MADE DESOLATE FROM FIRE OCTOBER 8TH.]
Emporia News, October 13, 1871.
[Forgot to mention...Overstreet & Eskridge continue their attacks on one another.]
Emporia News, October 13, 1871.
AT THIS POINT IN TIME...PHONE CALL FROM GRAVE'S FOR MORE BOOKS CAME IN. SO: WILL CEASE ON THIS DISK IN THE MIDDLE OF OCTOBER 13, 1871.
MAW JANUARY 23, 1997.
