[FROM JULY 2, 1869, THROUGH MAY 20, 1870.]
JACOB STOTLER, EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR.
[EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 1870: STOTLER & WILLIAMS, EDITORS & PROPRIETORS....JACOB STOTLER/W. W. WILLIAMS.]
Emporia News, July 2, 1869.
SCALPED AT WASHITA.
What the Victim Says About It.
A victim of Indian vengeance in the present struggle along the borders and in the Territories, and one that will forever have cause to remember it, arrived in this city Saturday night, departing for his home in New York, near Bufield, Monroe County. His name is Delos G. Sanbertson, and he lost his scalp at the battle of Washita. He has been an inmate of Laramie hospital since that event, and was discharged about ten days ago by reason of the expiration of his term of service. He allowed the curious to examine his poll, and a look at the still red and tender spot from which the scalp was jerked away was not calculated to prejudice any person in favor of "har lifting." As but few persons have ever undergone the process and lived, perhaps the sensations experienced by Mr. Sandbertson will interest and enlighten. He says:
"I was in the infantry. Custer had command of the troops. There was quite a force of cavalry with us, but they were about a mile in the rear when we first discovered the reds. Some of the troops had been sent around so as to attack from the other side. The reds were camped in a sort of valley, and we were within eighty rods of them for half an hour before daybreak. Just in the gray of morning the firing commenced on both sides, and we had it all our own way for a few minutes, the cursed snakes being much confused, and not knowing what was up. At length they rallied, and we could hear Black Kettle shouting and ordering. The vermin got into holes and behind rocksanywhere they could find a place, and began to fight with a will. We fired whenever we could see a top-knot, and shot squawsthere were lots of themjust as quick as Indians. We just went in for wiping out the whole gang.
"When it was fully daylight, we all gave a big yell and charged right down into camp. The lodges were all standing yet, and lots of Indians in them. As we ran through the alleys a big red jumped out at me from behind a tent, and before I could shorten up enough to run him through with my bayonet, a squaw grabbed me around the legs and twisted me down. The camp was then full of men fighting, and everybody seemed yelling as loud as he could. When I fell I went over backward, dropping my gun, and I had just got part way up again, the squaw yanking me by the hair, when the Indian clubbed my gun and struck me across the neck. He might just as well have run me through, but he wasn't used to the bayonet, or didn't think. The blow stunned me; it didn't hurt me the least, but gave me a numb feeling all over. I couldn't have got to my feet then if all alone, while the squaw kept screeching and pulling my hair out by the handful.
"I heard some of our boys shouting close by, and the squaw started and ranone of the boys killing her not three rods off. The Indian stepped one foot on my chest, and with his hand gathered up the hair near the crown of my head. He wasn't very tender about it, but jerked my head this way and that and pinched like Satan. My eyes were partially open, and I could see the bead work and trimming on his leggings. Suddenly I felt the awfulest biting, cutting flesh go on round my head, and then it seemed to me just as if my whole head had been jerked clean off. I never felt such pain in all my life; why it was like pulling your brains right out. I didn't know anymore for two or three days, and then I came to, to find that I had the sorest head of any human being that ever lived. If the boys killed the viper, they didn't get back my scalp; perhaps it got lost in the snow. I was shipped down to Laramie after a bit, and all the nursing I got haint made the hair grow out on this spot yet."
Detroit Free Press, June 16.
Emporia News, July 9, 1869.
INDIAN MATTERS.
ST. LOUIS, July 3. General Sheridan has issued instructions derived from the General of the army to the following effect: All Indians when on their proper reservations are under the exclusive control of their agents. They will not be interfered with in any manner by the military authorities, except upon requisition of the special agent resident with them, his superintendent, or the Bureau of Indian Affairs at Washington. Outside the well defined limits of their reservation, they are under the original and exclusive jurisdiction of the military authorities, and as a rule will be considered hostile. The Commissioner of Indian Affairs has instructed his superintendents and agents regarding Indians now on their reservations, and under their orders, and department commanders will make use of every means practicable to inform the Indians not on reservations of the wishes and intentions of the Government towards them, and of the location of their respective reservations. All Indians to whom this information has been given, who do not immediately remove to the reservations, will be regarded and treated as hostile, wherever they may be found, and particularly if they are near settlements on the great lines of communication. Department commanders will give such instructions as may be necessary for a perfect understanding of their duty under all circumstances on the part of post and detachment commanders.
Emporia News, July 9, 1869.
Someone mistakenly remarks that the fourth of July occurred in 1776, and that the Declaration was signed on a Sunday. This is not the fact. The Fourth of July, 1776, occurred on Thursday. The Congress began its discussion of the subject on Monday the 1st, on Tuesday the 2nd "resolved that these United colonies are and of right ought to be free and independent States," on the 3rd the form discussed, and on Thursday, the Fourth, the document was signed.
Emporia News, July 9, 1869.
LETTER FROM PIKE TOWNSHIP....Plymouth, July 6, 1869.
Typing up only part of article.
"On leaving town this morning to go to the southeast part of the township on business, we noticed a new house going up in town which we learn belongs to Joe C. Bailey, of Clinton County, Ohio...an excellent painter.
". . . Leaving the main road we soon found ourself at J. H. Phenis'. He has his fine residence nearly finished, which reminds us very much of the more eastern States. Now, Jim, if you will only hang some good gates in the place of those old slab bars, `it'll seem more like it.'
Other places visited: A. G. Pickett's; L. M. Garlinghouse; G. W. Kirkendall.
"We noticed on the old Phenis farm, now owned by Fred Workman, some splendid looking wheat. . . . This is a handsome farm situated on the east bank of Phenis' creek."
Emporia News, July 9, 1869.
MORE INJUNCTIONS. The Lawrence Republican Journal of a late issue says:
"We don't like to hear about injunctions. It is an unpleasant subject to write about. It is with great dissatisfaction that we learn that the stockholders in the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe road talk of getting out an injunction against giving to Willis Gaylord, Pomeroy's brother- in-law, 100,000 acres of Pottawatomie lands, which, as we understand, he claims as attorney's fees, or something of the kind. Of course, no one supposes that Gaylor ever did service amounting in value to 100,000 acres of Pottawatomie lands, or that if he should receive a title to the lands they would long remain in his possession. It is convenient for a Senator to have a brother-in-law through whom to do business. The brother-in-law system is an excellent one. "And then came" the Rev. Moses Brown, "collecting Indian funds" and "propagating the gospel."
By all means let us have the injunction or something else that will cause Pomeroy's transactions in the above matter, as well as other land grants, to be sifted. If he is guilty of the corruption charged, the people want to know it; if he is not, they want to know it. The public are not governed by motives of spite or jealousy. It is due to them that the truth should be know. Let us have the injunctions.
Emporia News, July 9, 1869.
Geo. Estes offers some of those fine cattle of his for sale.
Emporia News, July 9, 1869.
The express office will hereafter be found at the office of H. B. Lowe, on Commercial street between Seventh and Eighth avenues.
Emporia News, July 9, 1869.
That fine team that is often seen on our streets belongs to Harry Norton. Although Mr. Norton is continually pressed with business, he yet has time to take an occasional drive, always remembering his friends when he does so. We thank him for a ride to the grove on the 4th.
Emporia News, July 9, 1869.
Large numbers of Texas cattle drovers are passing through town every few days on their return to Texas. These drovers, after disposing of their cattle at Abilene, invariably return by this route to Fort Gibson and then home. Intelligent cattle dealers tell us that as soon as A. T.& S. F. Railroad is completed to this place, it will be nearer and more advantageous for drovers to bring their cattle here to ship them. This road will undoubtedly secure this vast trade as soon as it is built.
Emporia News, July 16, 1869.
Messrs. Kellogg & Norton, of the Normal School, have the contract for editing and publishing the Educational Journal for two years. It will be published at THE NEWS office.
Emporia News, July 23, 1869.
THE LATE INDIAN FIGHT.
Omaha dispatches say that Gen. Augur returned from Fort Sedgwick on the 18th. Gen. Carr's victory is more complete than first reported. Over 4,000 horses and mules were captured, with a large quantity of powder, and nearly five tons of buffalo meat. Among the killed is the noted chief, Standing Bull. About $900 in money was found in the camp, which was given to Mrs. Weizal, a white woman recaptured. This was the same body of Indians who last year fought Gen. Forsythe, and recently committed depredations in Kansas.
Lieutenant Beecher, of the Pioneer Scouts, reports meeting small numbers of Sioux Indians on the Republican. Three of them were killed and three wounded.
[Weizal...Weizel...Weitzel???]
Emporia News, July 23, 1869.
Charley Sipes, as a velocipedestrian, is a success.
Emporia News, July 23, 1869.
ALL ABOARD. Hank Lowe is Ticket Agent for all Eastern railroads and will sell through tickets for all points East. Persons desiring through railroad tickets over any of the railroad lines will find it to their advantage to consult Mr. Lowe. The stages are now making close connections with the railroad at Carbondale, and by buying through tickets here there is no necessity of any delay in traveling to any point East, North, or South. Office, on Commercial street.
Emporia News, July 30, 1869.
A company of State militia is to be stationed at Marion Center for the protection of the border against Indians.
Emporia News, July 30, 1869.
J. C. Topliff, of Aurora, Illinois, has been spending several days in town, looking for a business location.
Emporia News, July 30, 1869.
F. G. Hunt, who has been traveling extensively of late in the southwest, says he never saw such crops as we are having this year.
Emporia News, July 30, 1869.
H. E. Norton, of Emporia, publishes each month a neat little real estate paper full of good matter. He is one of the most reliable real estate men in the State, and is selling a great deal of land. Topeka Record.
[CHEROKEE NEUTRAL LANDS.]
Emporia News, August 6, 1869.
Hon. Sidney Clarke, Honest John Speer, Major H. C. Whitney, and others are down on the Cherokee Neutral Lands passing resolutions and making buncombe speeches. Accounts of their doings appear from day to day in the Lawrence Tribune. We learn from that paper that "Hon. Sidney Clarke's popularity was attested by the deafening cheers that greeted his appearance on the platform," and that John Speer gave a short and telling speech, that was frequently interrupted with uproarious applause, and was greeted at the close with a cheer that made the old woods ring.
Senator Pomeroy was burned in effigy. It was stated that as he had abused the trust reposed in him by the people of Kansas, by sacrificing their interests to the greed of monopolists and speculators, and further, by many dishonest acts, had rendered his name a disgrace and reproach to the State, the citizens of Southern Kansas would thee attest their detestation of his course by publicly burning him in effigy.
Alas for "Old Beans." He has been picked and cooked, so there is nothing left of him but a little wind.
Resolutions were passed requesting Senators Ross and Pomeroy to resign their seats in the Senate and no longer disgrace the people of Kansas by their misdeeds.
All this was done at Jacksonville, on the 28th of July, when there was an "Immense outpouring of the people."
Emporia News, August 6, 1869.
PERSONAL. Generals Sturges and Custer of the U. S. Army; Col. Hale, of Junction City; Chief Engineer Robinson, of the Neosho Valley Railroad, and others were in town during the week.
Emporia News, August 6, 1869.
Mr. Newman, of the firm of Newman & Houghton, has gone East after a large stock of goods.
Emporia News, August 6, 1869.
Max Fawcett is agent for the Vineland Nursery, near Lawrence, and has all kinds of trees, shrubs, and flowers for sale.
Emporia News, August 13, 1869.
CLARKE AND THE TREATIES.
It becomes more evident every day that Mr. Sidney Clarke has acted the demagogue in the matter of the Joy land swindle and the Osage Treaty. He has lately been down among the settlers on that land fomenting discord and mob spirit. An interesting article on his recent action, from the Missouri Democrat, as well as an extract from his speech to the settlers, may be found in today's paper. The sequel to his late move is found in his nomination for the U. S. Senate. The Lawrence Journal gives the following two items to show the position Mr. Clarke formerly occupied on the Joy purchase.
"Under the circumstances which Mr. Clarke will never ask us to relate, he stated on a certain occasion, in the city of Philadelphia, that he must hurry back to Washington to help make the Joy purchase. Cicero, in his great oration against the conspirator, Catiline, asked: "Where were you last night; where were you the night before; in whose councils were you; by whom were you surrounded?" Clarke will never ask us who was with him in the city of Philadelphia on that occasion, by whom he was surrounded, to whose syren songs he was then listening, and what pleasure he was then enjoying, when he made the remark that he must hurry back to Washington to help consummate the Joy purchase."
Further than this, Mr. Clarke, in his railroad speech at Paola, September 8, 1865, used the following language:
"This policy ought, and I think will, secure to your road (the Border Tier) by treaty, valuable Indian land in Miami and Johnson counties, and the CHEROKEE NEUTRAL and other Indian lands south of Bourbon county. The OSAGE LANDS, west of the Cherokee Neutral Lands, should, in like manner, BE CEDED TO THE LEAVENWORTH, LAWRENCE & GALVESTON ROAD. What I can accomplish to this end as your Representative in the Lower House of Congress, I shall labor earnestly to do."
The Journal further remarks:
"As to the Osage treaty, the charge has been made direct by one of the first and most prominent Republicans of the State that Clarke did offer to sell, but the terms of purchase could not be agreed upon. This question can be settled by a committee of investigation. Will Mr. Clarkedare he ask for a committee of inquiry?"
Emporia News, August 13, 1869.
THE LAND TROUBLES.
The reports from Kansas of meetings in the Neutral land region, and of the movements and speeches of Hon. Sidney Clarke, the member from that State, indicate that he proposes to attempt a division of the Republican party. We do not put much confidence in the accuracy of these reports. We know how intense and bitter is the personal warfare in Kansas, and how reckless some people are in their statements when very much excited. But two assertions, from two different quarters, deserves especial notice. The press dispatch from Leavenworth, which ought not to be biased or distorted by either faction, says that the meeting held on the Neutral lands, resolutions were passed unanimously denouncing Mr. Joy, the Senate, and particularly Ross and Pomeroy, asking them to resign, appointing "a new and independent State Central Committee," and "cutting loose from the Republican party." A letter to the Lawrence Journal, asserts that Mr. Clarke, in the course of a speech at Iowa City to some Leaguers, said:
"I do not advise violence to be used to prevent the construction of the Missouri River, Fort Scott & Gulf Railroad through the lands occupied by the settlers; but I do advise you to stand firm and united to a man, and no road ever can be built without your consent. Why? Because if a weary traveler should come along, and wishing to rest, sits down upon a pile of railroad ties, and, while smoking his pipe, a spark should happen to fall and burn up the ties, could anyone blame you for it, and say you were using violence to prevent the construction of the road? I reckon not. Or suppose the prairie grass should, by some such accident as the burning of the ties, take fire and burn up the wagons, tents, and the instruments of the engineers, could that be charged to you? I think not. Now, whoever heard of the railroad car running through a country (when the inhabitants did not want them) without rails or ties? I never did. Yet I don't advise force to prevent this most damnable railroad swindle, but I know that these accidents do and will happen in the best regulated communities. Now, gentlemen, if any such thing should happen to this swindling road, you must all be in bed and asleep when it happens, or as soon after as possible."
The same letter says that at the close of Mr. Clarke's speech, a motion was carried, nominating him for the next United States Senator from Kansas. Now the term of Mr. Ross expires in 1871, and that of Mr. Pomeroy in 1873.
It is very proper to ask whether these statements are true or not. They come from responsible sources, but we are not disposed, without the most convincing proof, to believe that Mr. Clarke would use such atrocious language as is here attributed to him. Nor do we wish to believe that, in the hope of ousting somebody else and reaching the Senate, he has permitted friends who nominate him for that position, at a meeting where he was present, to adopt resolutions "cutting loose from the Republican party" without any protest on his part. Either these statements are entirely untrue, or Mr. Clarke has himself cut loose from the only class of men who can ever successfully support any body in Kansas the sober, honest, and law-abiding Republicans. There are enough of them to swamp any party of railroad burners or law defilers at any election. There are enough of them to teach any whom it may concern that Mr. Pomeroy does not own the Republican part of Kansas, and that Mr. Clarke cannot break it up. It is high time for uneasy politicians to remember that the people care not a button for their selfish wrangles, and value men only when they suppose them to be faithful representatives of great and just principles.
We have spoken frequently and frankly of the corruption of the generation of Kansas politicians who followed in the footsteps of Lane. These men seem to think that it is the height of folly to waste anything like good faith, sincerity, or honesty, in a political struggle; that principles are merely the painted cards with which the game is played; that the good people are made to be cheated; that government is an institution devised for cheating them, and that he is the greatest statesman who can cheat them most thoroughly. Until Kansas shuffles that sort of men under the ground, politically, it will continue to be a political Botany Bay. That Mr. Pomeroy has served himself rather than the people of Kansas, they ought by this time to know; if they do not, nothing that we can say would enlighten them.
Charges of serious character have also been made against Mr. Clarke, but in regard to the Osage treaty we recently gave his own account and denial. We do not wish to think that he is the man to speak as he is represented to have spoken to the Leaguers. As we have often said, we think the Joy treaty a swindle, and hope Mr. Clarke, with the evidence gathered from the Indians, will be able to induce the Government to set the matter right. But because the treaty was wrong, it does not follow that it is right to resort to violence, outrage, and defiance of law to prevent the building of a railroad, and we hope Mr. Clarke has not been counseling a people already reckless and lawless enough, to any such course. It is the misfortune of Kansas that no such question can there be considered, as it might be elsewhere, calmly, temperately, and with regard for order and law, but it must always be seized upon by demagogues and hungry politicians to make political capital for themselves. In opposing the custom of selling Indian lands by treaty ratified by the Senate only in secret session, Mr. Clarke has done right. In denouncing the Osage treaty, he has done right. But if he has been advising Leaguers to violence or lawlessness; or if he has been planning a division of the Republican party, he will find that he has taken one step too much.
St. Louis Democrat.
Emporia News, August 13, 1869.
Paper indicates that fall term of State Normal School will begin September 13, 1869, and that L. B. Kellogg will be principal again and H. B. Norton will be associate principal.
Emporia News, August 13, 1869.
Newman & Houghton are now selling off their present stock of goods very cheap, to make room for a large and complete stock which their Mr. Newman is now purchasing in New York and Boston.
Emporia News, August 13, 1869.
Big article re EMPORIA NEWS getting the first power press in the Neosho Valley from George Taylor & S. P. Rounds, of Chicago, Illinois. He gave thanks to his friends: Harry Norton, Major E. P. Bancroft, Col. P. B. Plumb, Major Wright, Profs. Kellogg and Norton, and others not named.
Emporia News, August 13, 1869.
On Monday last Col. L. N. Robinson bought of Mr. M. Roberts, of this place, seven lots formerly owned by Prof. Norton, in the northeastern portion of town, for $2,500. Mr. Roberts bought them of Mr. Norton some three months ago, for $1,000. We sold one of these lots two or three years ago for $15. . . .
[GOOD NEWS FOR KANSAS.]
Emporia News, August 20, 1869.
By private letter from Washington we learn that the surveyed portion of the Osage Reservation known as the "twenty mile strip," is now open to settlement, under instructions from the Interior Department, to the local Land Offices, dated June 3, 1869, the material portions of which we quote below.
"1. That the said resolution is designed to protect and secure the rights of bona fide actual settlerscitizens of the United States, or who have declared their intentions, where such settlement claims may be duly proved and paid for at any time prior to the 10th of April, 1871, the period of limitation fixed in the aforesaid resolution, except where a valid adverse right exists.
"2. The late Secretary of the Interior, under date November 8, 1867, ruled that in virtue of the acts of Congress approved March 3, 1863, and July 26, 1865, the Leavenworth, Lawrence and Galveston, and Union Pacific Southern Branch railroads were entitled to the odd numbered sections along the line of their routes which fall within the tract of country ceded by the first article of the treaty with the Osage Indians of September 29, 1865, the sections in place restricted to ten miles additional.
"The Department decides that the aforesaid ruling of 8th November, 1867, is of controlling authority, and consequently that the rights of said companies are protected by the last proviso of the aforesaid joint resolution.
"The withdrawal for the above named roads, viz: Leavenworth, Lawrence & Galveston, and Union Pacific Southern Branch, was made by letter of January 21, 1868, and became effective from February 4, 1868, the date of its receipt at your office.
"Therefore the lands thus withdrawn and awarded by the Secretary's decision are to be regarded as set apart for said companies, with the exception of any such tracts on which actual settlement may have been made prior to said withdrawal. Such prior settlements of this class being protected by the act of 27th March, 1854, `for the relief of settlers on lands reserved for railroad purposes.'
"The 16th and 36th sections are reserved by said resolution for school purposes, and are to be respected accordingly, having due regard, however, for the rights of settlers coming within the terms of the resolution of March 3, 1857 (stat. vol. 2, page 254), wherein it is provided that where settlements are made upon any portion of such 16th and 36th sections prior to survey, the settler shall have the right to purchase the tracts settled upon or occupied, `as if such sections had not been previously reserved for school purposes.'"
It will be seen that anyone, no matter if he has exercised the right of pre-emption, who settles upon this land can obtain the same, by proving settlement and cultivation, and paying $1.25 per acre cash, prior to April 10, 1871. The only excepted portions are sections 16 and 36, which are reserved for common schools, and the odd numbered sections along the line of L. L. & G. and U. P. S. B. railroads. The reservation for railroads only affects Neosho and Labette Counties, while all the land except school land, in the southern part of Sedgwick, Butler, and Greenwood, and the northern part of Howard, and nearly all of Wilson Counties is open for settlement.
This will be good news for the hundreds of settlers now on the land, and for thousands of others who are awaiting this opportunity. We are personally acquainted with a large portion of this land, and we unhesitatingly state that thee is no better in the country. It is well watered by such streams as the Neosho, Verdigris, Fall River, Walnut, Whitewater, Little and Big Arkansas. These all have numerous branches, nearly all of which are well timbered, and whose valleys, varying in width with the size of the streams, are as rich as any in the State.
The great bulk of these lands lie west of a line running south from this place, and this is the direct route for the vast tide of immigration which will soon settle up this magnificent domain. Within three years, the "seat of empire" in this State will be in the Neosho and Cottonwood valleys. Mark the prediction. Bancroft & Co.'s Real Estate Register.
Emporia News, August 20, 1869.
LETTER FROM FRIEND STANLEY.
FRIEND STOTLER: I came here with John Butler, of Salem, Ohio, and Achilles Pugh, of Cincinnati, Ohio, who have been appointed by the Executive Committee of the Yearly Meetings of Friends to visit the different tribes of Indians in the Central Superintendency, in order to encourage them to come and remain on their reservations and adopt the habits of civilized and Christianized society, and cease from their hostilities towards the whites and the Indians. As friends and advocates of the cause of peace on earth and good will to man, we feel called upon thus to labor in accordance with our well known and peaceable principles; and advise and encourage our friends who have lately been appointed to the important positions of Indian agents to the faithful discharge of their duties in every respect.
We have procured the services of William Griffienstein, as pilot to the Indian Territory, to assist us in carrying out our mission amongst the Indians. The above named will likely return from the Indian Territory in four or five weeks.
Three of the President's Committee to visit the Indians, etc., have gone out to Fort Hays and will from there have an escort to the Indian Territory, where we will likely meet with them from time to time. I have lately received a letter from Lowrie Tatum, agent of the Kiowa and Comanche Indians, who wishes me to come there and assist him in his agency; and as I have felt at times it would be right for me to spend some time among those who have been Plains Indians, in order to assist, as opportunity offered, to encourage them in adopting civilized habits and also instruct them in the teachings of our dear Savior, and tell them of the blessings conferred upon the Christian, etc., I concluded to go.
We left Topeka about 2 o'clock p.m., on the 27th of 7th month, and passed through Emporia on the morning of the 29th. Our friends liked the appearance of the place, and we made some addition to our supplies. They had never camped out before we started on this trip, but they enjoy it well. We crossed at the Baker Ford on Cottonwood, and on to Bazaar, El Dorado, and Wichita, near the mouth of the Little Arkansas. Near this place we met several droves of cattle. I found much more improvement along the roads than I expected.
At Wichita we met a messenger with letters from General Hazen, requesting us to go by where Agent Darlington lives, and take him to Camp Supply, and on our way look out for a location for the Cheyenne and Arapaho agency.,
After leaving the Arkansas River and going south we found the country more level and sandy; but some good, rich land until we came down nearly to the south line of Kansas, where we found the country not so good, and in many places barren spots. From about the south line of Kansas, we came in the prairie dog region, where it is said that the dogs, owls, rabbits, and rattlesnakes all live together, in their houses dug out in the ground. We saw many of the dogs, which are about the size of a polecat. We also saw some of the owls. The buffalo grass prevails over this region, and the soil appeared to be a hard, tough clay, very much like our land in Lyon County where the short grass grows.
I am now about 25 miles south of the north line of the Indian Territory, and from here I expect to go about 160 miles south, to the Comanche, Kiowa, and Wichita agency.
Emporia News, August 20, 1869.
There is quite a large tribe of Indians living in the central part of Iowa. They are of the Musquakies, and number about four hundred. They own about three hundred acres of land, near Orford, in Tama county. The squaws cultivate the land, while the men lounge about at their ease, and eat up what the women raise.
Emporia News, August 20, 1869.
M. G. Mains, who lately visited this place, writes his impressions of the country as follows, in the Indiana Herald.
From Burlington we traveled up the Neosho Valley to Emporia, the county seat of Lyon County. This valley is to Kansas what the Wabash valley is to Indianaleaving out the "hager." It is certainly the most beautiful and productive valley your correspondent ever saw. . . It is down this lovely valley the Southern Branch Pacific Railway is being rapidly built. By the first of January, next, the cars will be running from Junction City, on the Kansas Pacific Road, through Emporia to Burlington, and the entire line will, no doubt, be completed in a very short time. . . .
[FOR SOME TIME PAPER HAS PRINTED RUMORS RE ANOTHER PRINTER COMING TO EMPORIA.]
Emporia News, August 20, 1869.
J. C. Fraker has bought the store of goods of C. V. Eskridge, and the old corner is closed up. The Governor retires from business, having accumulated a sufficient amount of this world's goods to enable him to spend the declining years of his life in peace and happiness.
Emporia News, August 20, 1869.
[News from Americus dated August 11, 1869.]
Gen. Geo. A. Custer and Capt. Amos S. Kimball bought thirty-five lots in Americus last week.
Emporia News, August 27, 1869.
A STRANGE STORY.
Reappearance of a Man Stolen by Indians Thirty-Three Years Ago.
Thirty-three years ago there lived in Lewiston, Logan County, a farmer by the name of Harris Hopkins, who had a child, a boy, between three and four years of age. One day while the farmer was at work in a field some distance from the farm-house, the boy started from the house across the field to see his father. The last seen of the little fellow was when he left the house. Hundreds of people turned out to search for the lost child. The river was dragged, the woods searched, reward offered, but all to no purpose. After days of weary and anxious search, the little fellow was given up by the parents and sympathizing friends. The few Indians living in that neighborhood were friendly and peaceable, and no suspicion ever attached to them, and the affair was forgotten or only talked of as a mysterious disappearance.
The Hopkins family at length left their old home and settled in Illinois, and up to ten days ago none of their old neighbors in Logan County had expected to see any member of the family again. The astonishment of the old settlers in and about the neighborhood can be conceived when, week before last, a tall man, browned by exposure to sun and storm, and speaking the broken English of the half-civilized Indians, made his appearance at Lewiston, and claimed to be the child missed 33 years ago.
He stated that a Cherokee Indian, wandering through that section, had enticed him from the field as he was going in search of his father, and had carried him to the far west. The old chief had treated him as his own son, and having been taken away at so young an age, the memory of his parents and former life had faded from his mind. For thirty odd years he lived as an Indian, and supposed that he was the son of the old chief who claimed to be his father. A few months since the chief, then high in rank in the Cherokee Nation, and very advanced in age, found himself on his death-bed. Shortly before he died he called his adopted son to his bedside, and informed him who and what he was.
As soon as the old chief was dead and buried, Hopkins came to Logan County in search of his parents, whom he found had moved to Champaign City, Illinois. He, however, remained during last week at Lewiston, to gratify the curiosity of the old settlers, who had aided in the search for him 33 years ago. His reappearance has caused quite as much excitement in Logan County as did his sudden and mysterious disappearance a third of a century ago. Sandusky (Ohio) Register, July 28.
Emporia News, August 20, 1869.
WHO NAMED OUR COLLEGES.
RECAP:
Harvard College, named after John Harvard, who, in 1838, left to the college 779 pounds and a library of over 300 books.
Williams College, named after Col. Ephraim Williams, a soldier of the old French war.
Dartmouth College, named after Lord Dartmouth, who subscribed a large amount, and was President of the First Board of Trustees.
Brown University, from Hon. Nicholas Brown, a graduate of the college, went into business, became very wealth, and endowed the college very largely.
Columbia College, called King's College till the close of the war for Independence, received the name of Columbia.
Bowdoin College, named after Gov. Bowdoin, of Maine.
Yale College named after Elihu Yale, who made very liberal donations to the College.
Colby University, formerly Waterville College, named after Mr. Colby, of Boston, who gave $50,000 to the college in 1866.
Dickinson College, from Hon. John Dickinson. He made a very liberal donation to the college, and was President of the Board of Trustees for a number of years.
From the Yale Courant.
Emporia News, August 20, 1869.
Admiral Farragut has recently admitted, in a complimentary letter to Admiral Bailey, that the latter officer is entitled to all the credit for the capture of New Orleans.
Emporia News, August 20, 1869.
One-tenth of the population of New York are paupers.
Emporia News, August 20, 1869.
A correspondent of the New York Tribune, after enumerating the various railroads in which Mr. James F. Joy is a heavy stockholder, says: "His aim is to secure one unbroken line, of uniform gauge, from Boston to Galveston, Texasa work second only to the Pacific Railway in magnitude and importance."
Emporia News, August 20, 1869.
A dispatch from Camp Supply, Indian Territory, states that the Peace Commissioners had a most important meeting with the Cheyennes and Arapahos, at which a large number of chiefs were present, and the results are reported favorable.
Emporia News, August 20, 1869.
A Washington dispatch says the agitation of the question of removing the capital has had a demoralizing effect upon the property owners and capitalists there. They begin to think that the Western men are really in earnest, and that unless some action is taken, the removal will be accomplished. An effort will be made to organize a movement to defeat it, and some money will be contributed by capitalists and property holders, like Corcoran, Riggs, and Henry D. Cooke.
Emporia News, August 20, 1869.
KANSAS NEWS ITEMS.
The taxable property of Kansas is estimated at $75,000,000.
Oil has been struck again at Ft. Scott. We hope nobody is hurt.
The Leavenworth Commercial says: "We are credibly informed that the authorities at Washington, influenced by Gen. Sherman's representations, are seriously contemplating the establishment of an arsenal at Ft. Leavenworth, which shall be the point of supply of the military force operating out on the plains and the country west of the Missouri."
Emporia News, August 20, 1869.
STARTLING NEWS. Various rumors of bank failures, suspension of work on the railroad, and other exciting stories have been afloat in our community for some days past; but the most startling intelligence has just reached us. It has just been ascertained, for a certainty, that Newman & Houghton's new goods, direct from New York, have reached Topeka, and next week there will be offered at the old stand of Newman & Houghton the largest and finest stock of dry goods, carpets, hats and caps, boots and shoes, etc., ever seen or heard of in Southern Kansas, which will be sold so low as to astonish all the world and the rest of mankind. Come and see for yourselves.
Emporia News, August 20, 1869.
[Clipping from a local correspondent for the Commonwealth.]
Col. Robinson, Superintendent of Indian Affairs for the Southern Superintendency, has purchased a fine building site in town, where he intends to erect an elegant residence this fall. The Colonel is a brother-in-law of our esteemed townsman and banker, S. B. Riggs, Esq.
Emporia News, September 3, 1869.
C. M. Wood, of Douglass, Butler County, Kansas, was in our office this week. He says the "twenty mile strip" is all taken in that county, and that the country is filling up and improving rapidly.
Emporia News, September 3, 1869.
We had the pleasure, this week, of meeting the father, mother, and sisters of our fellow citizen, Prof. H. B. Norton. They seem to be much pleased with Kansas, and say that in all crops we are far ahead of Illinois, this year. We hope they will have a pleasant visit among our people, and we shall not be much surprised to hear that they have concluded to become citizens of our State.
Emporia News, September 3, 1869.
SOMETHING NEW. In this age of improvement and progress, almost every day brings something new. Among other new things Newman & Houghton have just received from New York a splendid stock of carpetings, mattings, oil cloths, table covers, etc., which the ladies of Emporia and vicinity are particularly invited to call and examine. A full line of domestics, dress, and fancy goods will be opened in a few days. Also a large and carefully selected stock of hats, caps, boots, shoes, and clothing. Please call and see our goods and prices.
Emporia News, September 3, 1869.
O. P. Houghton has bought out the interest of I. D. Fox in the late store of McMillan & Fox. The new firm may be found in the old room near the courthouse, with a heavy stock, and always ready for business.
Emporia News, September 3, 1869.
O. P. HOUGHTON, of the firm of Newman & Houghton, would respectfully inform his old customers and friends, and the public generally, that he has purchased the interest of I. D. Fox in the establishment of McMillan & Fox, No. 128 Commercial street. I shall take equally as much pleasure in selling groceries and woolen goods at my new place of business as I did in measuring calico at my former place.
I have decided, after deliberate consideration, that a city life in Emporia, surrounded by so many congenial spirits, is preferable to herding Texas cattle on the frontier.
Emporia News, September 10, 1869.
IMPORTANT LAW SUIT. We learn from an authentic source that Mrs. Thompson, who was the first settler on the present town site of Oswego, in Labette County, is going to contest the right, in the United States Land Office, of the Oswego Town Company, or any person claiming under them, to enter the land. We understand that she was the first settler on the town site; that she never sold or disposed of her right, or was in any manner identified with the Oswego Town Company. These are significant facts, and are of material interest to the inhabitants of that beautiful young city. Several new and important questions will arise in the trial of the case, which will be of vital interest, not only to the citizens of Oswego, but to the citizens of most of the other towns on the Osage lands, the most important of which will be the right of any town company to enter any portion of the Osage lands. The joint resolution passed by Congress, April 10, 1869, enabling settlers to enter their lands, is entirely silent with regard to the rights of town companies or corporations of any kind. If the land office should decide adverse to the title of town companies, it will be productive of great hardship to the citizens of many of the towns on the Osage lands.
Emporia News, September 10, 1869.
General Rawlins, Secretary of War, died at Washington on Monday afternoon.
General Sherman, it is stated, will act as Secretary of War as interim. General G. M. Dodge of Iowa will probably be appointed to the position.
Emporia News, September 10, 1869.
A QUESTION OF VERACITY.
A few days ago the Leavenworth Bulletin published the following letter, which it says was written by Senator Pomery, just before the time of the impeachment trial.
U. S. SENATE CHAMBER, WASHINGTON, April 16, 1867.
DEAR LEGATE: I want you to see the P. M. General in person and ask him for the P. O. at Leavenworth, and if he will give it to you today, he may count on my support for his nominations, and should either himself or the President get into trouble, even if it be impeachment, they can count on me to get them out, by word and vote, and you may say so to him. Don't go home without making the trial.
I sent for you last night, but could not find you. Burn this as soon as you have read it.
Very respectfully, S. C. POMEROY.
True copy: CORNELIUS WENDELL.
The publication of this letter caused considerable consternation among that class of people who had heretofore had confidence in Mr. Pomeroy's radicalism. One J. F. Legate
"Dear Legate"than whom there is perhaps not a bigger political shyster in the State, rushed into print with a denial, charging that the letter was a forgery. This denial, however, had not the effect of convincing the public in the slightest degree that the letter was not genuine. The Senator, well knowing that Legate's "certificate of character" would be rather damaging than otherwise, comes to the rescue in the following card, which we find in the telegrams.
"The above slip, containing what purports to be a letter from me to one Mr. Legate, concerning the Leavenworth post office, and my promised support of the President, is, as I have once or twice before published, entirely false, from the first word to the last. Not one sentence, or word, or syllable, was ever seen or written by me or by my sanction. A baser forgery could not be perpetrated, as I have proved before a committee of the House of Representatives, of which Hon. B. F. Butler was chairman, called, I think, the Investigating Committee, and I defy them to produce the letter in my handwriting, or of my signature.
The Missouri Democrat's Washington correspondent has the following in relation to the matter.
Gentlemen of this city (Washington) to whom ex-Postmaster General Randall explained his connection with the alleged letter of Senator Pomeroy to Legate, gives Randall's version of the story. He says that Cornelius Wendell was in his room at the Post Office Department, when the alleged letter of Pomeroy to Legate was shown him. He asserted that he knew the Senator's handwriting well and that the original was in that handwriting; that he insisted upon having the letter or a copy. The original was refused, but at Randall's request, Wendell made a copy in his presence and certified to it. Randall afterwards took the copy to the President and explained his possession of it. This was in the presence of a gentleman now in the city.
The Topeka Record throws more light on the subject, and administers some wholesome advice to the Senator. We confess the matter looks a little bad for Mr. Pomeroy. Of course, he is an interested party, and his denial is therefore to be taken with that degree of allowance which should be accorded to a man pleading his own case. The Record says:
"The Senator is no doubt perfectly safe in "defying" anyone to bring forth the original letter; for, as we are informed, he, by some means, induced Legate to return said document to him; and (we presume) he destroyed it. But there are several photographic copies of the valuable missive in existence, which Cornelius Wendell went to the expense of obtaining, and which are scattered around among Kansas men as souvenirs. If the defiant Senator would like to see one of those facsimiles, we think we can put him on the track of it without any trouble. And furthermore, we repeat the fact stated a few days ago, that a prominent citizen of Topeka,a gentleman whose testimony cannot be impeached,stands ready to make affidavit that he saw and read the original letter while it was in the hands of Legate, and that the copy as recently published is, he verily believes, substantially correct. If Senator Pomeroy would like to have the name of the party, he can get it by asking us for it.
We have no desire to do Senator Pomeroy or any other man injustice; but we are anxious to see the much-talked-of corruption of Kansas politics uncovered and laid bare to the public gaze, no matter whose reputation may suffer thereby. And now, since Senator Pomeroy, after so long a silence, has entered the field to defend himself against one charge, we hope he will not subside until he has given some attention to the numerous other accusations equally as important as this, that have from time to time been brought against him, and which are referred to regularly day after day by nine-tenths of the newspapers in Kansas. But it will not do to dismiss these charges with "defiant" denials. They are surrounded by circumstances and backed up by evidence that cannot be swept away by explanations so full and explicit as to leave not the shadow of a doubt.
Emporia News, September 10, 1869.
THE PRICE RAID COMMISSION.
Report to the Governor.
To His Excellency, James M. Harvey, Governor of the State of Kansas:
Your commission, appointed under an act of the Legislature, entitled an Act to provide for the auditing, settlement, and assumption of the Price Raid Claims of October, 1864, and the Indian Expedition of July and August, 1864, under command of Major General Curtis, approved Feb. 29, 1869, would respectfully make the following report of their action.
Your commission have acted, and registered claims numbering five hundred and eighty- three, amounting in the aggregate to the sum of ninety-seven thousand eight hundred and seventy-one dollars and seventy-four cents ($97,871.74). Of this amount we have allowed fifty-seven thousand, four hundred and fifteen dollars and eighty-two cents ($57,415.82) as follows: For material, supplies and transportation, twenty-eight thousand four hundred and seventy-four dollars and fourteen cents ($28,474.14). Damages sustained twenty-seven thousand eight hundred and thirty-two dollars and fifty-one cents ($27,832.51), and of miscellaneous claims, one thousand one hundred and nine dollars and seventeen cents ($1,109.17).
In addition to this, allowed on muster and pay rolls, and not included in the aggregate, the sum of fourteen thousand nine hundred and forty-six dollars and seventy-two cents ($14,946.72).
In our action we have not been governed so much by prescribed forms as what we deemed just and equitable between the State and claimants, as our construction of the law permitted our action to take considerable latitude.
At the same time we have required written vouchers to establish each and every claim coming before us.
Our action in some cases was governed by circumstances surrounding and such outside information as we could obtain.
Our labors have necessarily been of a very tedious character, from the fact that two commissions preceded ours, and many claims coming before us in duplicate and sometimes triplicate vouchers. To avoid allowing claims a second time has required a great amount of investigation and reviewing.
The total expenses of the commission have amounted in the aggregate to the sum of twelve hundred and fifty dollars and ninety-two cents ($1,250.92).
We remain very respectfully your obedient servants.
LEVI WOODARD,
THOS. S. TAYLOR,
DAVID WHITAKER.
Emporia News, September 10, 1869.
LETTER FROM FRIEND STANLEY.
KIOWA AND COMANCHE AGENCY, NEAR FORT SILL, 8th Mo., 23rd, 1869.
RESPECTED FRIEND, JACOB STOTLER:
I arrived here eight days ago, after a rather tedious journey. Just after getting into the northern part of this Territory, we crossed Salt Fork, which is quite a wide stream, with a very sandy bottom; but when we crossed it, the water was low. The water is said to be quite salty. After traveling ten miles we crossed a small creek called Shawnee, and sixteen miles further on we came to Shelton [Skeleton] Creek, where a number of Shawnees had died with the cholera two years ago. From there to Read Fork we crossed some small streams and passed about twenty-three hundred head of Texas cattle. While we were stopping near the drovers, they caught a grey wolf with a lasso and brought it into camp. It is about sixty miles from Salt Fork to Read Fork. We tasted the water of Read Fork and found it to be quite salty. The Texas cattle trail comes in on the north side of Read Fork, and from here to Washita the Texas cattle have been driven along the road that is traveled by the trains hauling goods and provisions to this place and Fort Arbuckle. Some of them have been heavy losers by the Texas fever getting among their oxen. In one case, nearly all the oxen in the train, about one hundred and fifty head, died, and the teamsters had to get the mule teams from the Fort to haul their goods the rest of the way. From Read Fork to North Canadian, it is thirty-two miles. The latter stream is about four rods wide. The country from the south line of Kansas to the North Canadian, I think, is rather poor; but from this point south, through the Canadian bottoms, and also the Washita, the land is pretty good. I think, notwithstanding, we might let the Indians have the country if we can get them to settle down here and be contented.
A new post has lately been established here, which is called Fort Sill, about thirty miles from Texas, near the Wichita Mountains, and ten miles east of a point called Mt. Scott. There are several sutler stores at Fort Sill. General Grierson has a pretty good house, but most of the buildings are poles about ten feet in length, set in the ground and covered with dirt. There are also many living in tents. There is said to be about four hundred colored soldiers here. The tents make quite a show on the banks of Medicine Bluff Creek. They are on a raise of about sixty feet above the creek bottom on nicely rolling ground. Most of the Comanche Indiansnearly 2,500have come in, and appear inclined to settle down and be peaceable with the whites. Their principal chiefs, Asahava, and Tosa, say that they are going to travel the white man's road. Asahava has been a great war chief and has fought the whites; but he has changed his course, appears well inclined, and tells the Kiowas, who appear not so well inclined, that he will take sides with the whites against them if they should be hostile. They all know he is a brave man and warrior. We feel hopeful that by judicious management and care, there will not be much more hostility towards the whites. It is, however, a very critical time, and we much desire wisdom from above to enable us to act in such a way as to promote glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and good will to all men. I have often felt a desire to use my little influence in obliterating all hostile feelings both among whites and Indians, and encouraging a feeling of charity amongst all. I hope we will all bear in mind that like begets like, and therefore if we act harshly toward the Indians, they will in like manner act harshly towards us. On the contrary, if we act kindly and respectfully towards them, it will encourage the same feeling and action towards us.
The Kiowas, numbering nearly 2,000, are somewhat inclined to commit depredations in Texas, as there have existed, for several years, hostile feelings between them and the settlers. But we are hopeful of getting these troubles settled.
The agent at this place is our friend Lowry Tatum, of Iowa, who superseded Col. A. G. Brown, late of Colorado, who has exerted great influence amongst the Indians of the Plains. He still remains here as a clerk in one of the stores.
Agent Tatum has gained the respect and esteem of all whom I hear speak of him. The General in charge of this post has great confidence in the agent's ability, and Gen. Grierson is equally appreciated. I have mingled with them both and think they are just the men for their respective posts.
The President's Commission has lately been here, and also our friends, John Butler and Achilles Pugh. They all had a satisfactory council with the Indians. The agent accompanied our friends, who expected to go directly to Emporia, and from there to Topeka and Lawrence. The agent is going directly to Iowa Yearly Meeting, where he will meet with many of his friends, from whom he is desirous of selecting suitable persons to come with him to this place to instruct the Indians in farming, school learning, etc. I am expected to remain here during his absence.
Cheyennes and Arapahos.
Our dear friend, Brinton Darlington, late of Muscatine, Iowa, has gone to Camp Supply, in order to be amongst the Indians that he is agent for, viz: Cheyennes and Arapahos. These tribes are the most difficult to manage, but we think we have a very suitable Friend for their agent, and believe that he will be able, with Divine help, to control them, and thus get them to abandon their roving and warlike habits and settle on their reservation, which will probably be on the Canadian River, west of the road leading from here to Harker. Our friends and the Commission had a pretty satisfactory visit with the last named tribe. There is one thing that is giving great dissatisfaction amongst the Indiansthe stopping of their rations of sugar and coffeebut the Commission thinks some satisfactory change may be made. We feel very desirous of suppressing, as much as possible, all hostile feeling, and thus save life and money. Fighting the Indians is found to be very expensive, and causes much suffering to our soldiers and often to others.
Very respectfully,
THOMAS H. STANLEY.
Emporia News, September 10, 1869.
On Thursday the Quaker agent for the Omahas came to town with three Indians on his way to the Kaw Agency. It seems that a few months ago a party of the Kaws made a raid on the Omahas and stole eighteen ponies. The Omahas supposing the theft was committed by the Otoes, made a raid on them, capturing twenty-five ponies. The Otoes recaptured their ponies and killed several of the Omahas. The agent has spent eight hundred dollars in hunting those worthless ponies, and will probably be out as much more before he gets home. City Union.
Emporia News, September 10, 1869.
AD. WOOL! WOOL! WOOL!
McMillan & Houghton,
DEALERS IN Wool, Woolen Goods, -AND-
GROCERIES,
New Store, below Wright's, near the Court House, EMPORIA, KANSAS.
The motto of this firm shall be "Small profits and quick returns." We are paying the highest market price for WOOL, either in cash or goods.
Our stock of woolen goods is complete. It Cannot be Equaled West of the JACKSONVILLE (ILL.) FACTORIES. To our stock of Woolen Goods we have added a LARGE & COMPLETE STOCK -OF- GROCERIES.
[This is the new store O. P. Houghton tied himself to. Weird!]
Emporia News, September 10, 1869.
NEW ADVERTISEMENTS. McMillan & Houghton. Newman & Houghton.
Emporia News, September 10, 1869.
[Under Local Notices.]
Just Received. Large stock of Groceries at McMillan & Houghton's.
Now is the time, and Newman & Houghton's is the place to select new dresses.
If you want a Blanket that will stand the rub, go to McMillan & Houghton's.
A splendid stock of Flannels, plain and fancy, just received at Newman & Houghton's.
Cheap Balmorals and Coverlets, at McMillan & Houghton's.
For Ladies' and Gent's underwear, go to Newman & Houghton's.
Woolen Blankets. A large stock just received at Newman & Houghton's.
If you wish to see something new and tasty for table covers, call at Newman & Houghton's.
Emporia News, September 10, 1869.
Hank Lowe has succeeded in getting covered hacks to run on the Neosho Valley stage line. A good thing. The "Pan Handle," as the stage boys call the Neosho Valley route, is doing well.
Emporia News, September 10, 1869.
BIG GROWTH. We have to record that the indomitable Max Fawcett is ahead on trees. On Friday last he brought us some specimens that had made the following growth this season. Apple tree, this year's graft, four feet two inches; box elder, six feet; thornless honey locust, six and a half feet; maple, seven feet and one inch.
Emporia News, September 10, 1869.
NEW AGENCY. Hanna & Danford have opened an office in Jones' building, over Newman & Houghton's store, in the room lately occupied as a Presbyterian church, where they will do a general agency business. They will buy and sell lands, furnish abstracts of titles, pay taxes, do conveyancing, insurance, etc. . . .
Emporia News, September 10, 1869.
The Presbyterian Church has leased the upper story of the new building of Truworthy & Tandy, on Commercial street, and will occupy it for a place of worship till they can build. It is a very commodious room, much larger, better ventilated, and in every way more suitable for a growing congregation than the one they have been occupying. It will be ready for use by Sabbath week. Services next Sabbath at the hall over Newman & Houghton's store, morning and evening. Sabbath school at 9 o'clock a.m.
Emporia News, September 17, 1869.
DISTRICT COURT, Lyon County, in session since Monday last. Judge J. H. Watson, presiding. We are indebted to F. G. Hunt, Esq., deputy clerk, for the following proceedings.
Anna M. Harper vs. J. L. Harper. Dismissed at cost of plaintiff. F. G. Hunt, attorney for plaintiff.
Timothy McIntire vs. H. G. Fant. Dismissed by agreement. Ruggles & Plumb for plaintiff; Almerin Gillett for defendant.
Attorneys present: Ruggles & Plumb, Almerin Gillett, Wm. B. Parsons, Peyton & Sanders, Cross & McCarty, P. M. Foote, E. W. Cunningham, W. H. Skinner; F. G. Hunt acting as clerk.
[Only listed a few cases.]
Emporia News, September 17, 1869.
GENERAL NEWS ITEMS.
Thirty thousand dollars have already been paid out to six hundred pensioners since the 4th of September. There are two hundred more to be paid.
Gen. Sherman's commission as Secretary of War appoints him until the end of the next session of Congress. The law does not prevent him from holding the two offices of General and Secretary of War, but he must elect which salary he will accept.
Emporia News, September 17, 1869.
KANSAS NEWS ITEMS.
The Indians are making their appearance again on the Solomon. Col. Moorhouse was in receipt of the following letter yesterday, dated Solomon Valley, Camp Plum Creek, Sept. 10. "I have the honor to communicate to you that we discovered Indians on the South side of the Solomon river at 7 a.m. this morning between the mouth of Plum Creek and Lebanon. Pursuit was at once given, which lasted until late in the evening. They showed no signs of fight, and kept well out of the range of our carbines. Tomorrow morning, at daybreak, B. starts to scan the creeks south of the river, and would respectfully request you to forward to us at once 2,000 rounds of Spencer carbine cartridges, as we have only seven rounds to the man. Our scouts, on arriving at Salt Creek today, informs us that Capt. Pilley's scouts saw three Indians at the forks of Salt Creek." The foregoing was written by Capt. Winsell, commanding Company "B," Second Battalion Kansas State Militia. Commonwealth.
Emporia News, September 17, 1869.
A few days ago, in the Solomon valley, as two soldiers were leisurely enjoying a ride, they discovered a trail, which their curiosity prompted them to follow. They soon came upon two Indians, to whom they gave chase, and which resulted in both Indians getting killed. The coroner's jury rendered a verdict of accidental shooting. How careless frontiersmen handle shooting irons, particularly when there is an Injine in front. Junction City Union.
Emporia News, September 17, 1869.
A correspondent writing from the Far West, says: "An old trapper, who crossed these plains thirty-five years ago, assured me that when he first saw them there was no grass at all, but only a few sage bushes and cacti. Now there is a thin soil formed over the sand and gravel, and grass covers the entire surface. And, it appears, that this enriching process goes on faster and faster every year. This is why so many people have been astonished at not finding any "Great American Desert," and conclude that it was only a myth. The truth is, that it did exist, but, like many of the things in this changeful America, it has passed away."
Emporia News, September 17, 1869.
[Americus]
Mr. Wm. Wilkinson, of Kingsville, Missouri, spent a couple of days looking at the country here last week, and thinks he will become a citizen and engage in business in Americus. . . .
Emporia News, September 17, 1869.
T. B. Murdock, our foreman and assistant local editor, stated out this week to make a thorough canvass of Lyon and adjoining counties. . . .
Emporia News, September 17, 1869.
EMPORIA TRIBUNE. This is the name of the new paper about to be started in this place by Mr. Mains. The gentleman arrived here about a week ago with his family. His materials are at Carbondale and will be here in a few days. We have not learned how soon the paper is to be issued, but presume it will be but a short time before it makes its debut.
Emporia News, September 17, 1869.
NEW BUSINESS HOUSE. We clip the following notice of a new business firm in this place from the Aurora (Illinois) Beacon.
James C. Topliff, of the firm of Topliff & French of this city, returned last Monday from a trip to Southern Kansas, where he will soon return, and with his former partner, open a store at Emporia. He reports farming and business prospects looking extremely favorable now in that country. At Emporia they waited several weeks before getting a store, so great was the rush for places in which to open business. We wish the gentlemen every success in their new location.
Mr. Topliff returned a few days ago and informs us his stock of goods will be here in a week or two.
Emporia News, September 17, 1869.
Article re the "old corner store" building of C. V. Eskridge being burned to the ground. The burning was the act of an incendiary. Loss included a safe, carpenter's tools of Mr. McGowan, and the building, estimated at from $1,000 to $1,500. The books and papers in the safe were severely damaged. The building was undergoing repairs for the purpose of occupancy as a store.
Emporia News, September 17, 1869.
E. H. COATS announced his candidacy for Sheriff of Lyon County.
JAMES H. PHEANIS announced his candidacy for Sheriff of Lyon County.
There were two others: A. J. Armstrong and John S. Watson.
Emporia News, September 24, 1869.
MARRIED. At the residence of W. R. Bradford, Esq., corner of State street and Fifth avenue, September 18th, by Rev. M. L. S. Noyes, Mr. ORRIN P. HOUGHTON, of this city, to Miss MARIA BISBEE, of Sumner, Maine.
MARRIED. At the residence of the bride's father, in Weld, Maine, September 6th, 1869, by Rev. A. Maxwell, A. A. NEWMAN, of Emporia, and MARY M. HOUGHTON, of Weld.
Emporia News, September 24, 1869.
[New Advertisers. Newman & Bro., McMillan & Houghton.]
McMillan & Houghton are receiving the largest and best stock of Cassimeres and Jeans ever brought to Emporia.
Emporia News, September 24, 1869.
NEW FIRM. As will be seen in a new advertisement, G. W. Newman supersedes O. P. Houghton in the dry-goods business. Young Mr. Newman has been in the store some months as a clerk, and has already made many friends by his urbane and gentlemanly deportment. We wish the new firm a rush of customers and drawers full of greenbacks.
Emporia News, September 24, 1869.
RETURNED. Our fellow townsman, A. A. Newman, has returned from Maine, where he had been spending several weeks, a few days ago. As will be seen in the proper place, he brought with him a wife. The lady of O. P. Houghton also accompanied Mr. Newman here. We welcome these gentlemen among the Benedicts of the town, and wish them and their brides a long, happy, and prosperous residence with us.
Emporia News, September 24, 1869.
Among our new subscribers this week is General Custer.
Emporia News, September 24, 1869.
Ads.
McMillan & Houghton still have some of that choice corn meal so much praised.
A large stock of home-knit socks, at 60 cents per pair, at McMillan & Houghton's.
If the ladies want any kind of HEAVY SHOES, all they will have to pay for them will be $1.25 to $2.00, at McMillan & Houghton's.
Coverlets, Balmorals, and Blankets; any price, color, or quality at McMillan & Houghton's.
Emporia News, September 24, 1869.
Ad. T. MORRIS, M. D., PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON, EMPORIA, KANSAS. . . .
Office over Newman & Houghton's store.
Emporia News, October 2, 1869.
Friend Thomas H. Stanley came home last week from a trip into the Indian Territory, where he went with the peace commissioners sent out by the society of Friends. His travels extended nearly to the borders of Texas, and most of the return trip he made alone, on a pony, camping out by himself at night. He thinks the ideas entertained by some people of an Eldorado southwest are principally imaginary; that "distance lends enchantment to the view." The country became poorer, he thinks, as he proceeded southwest, until extensive divides of poor, red, thin soil, exhibiting only the buffalo grass were the features of the country. Lyon County, in his opinion, is far ahead of any country seen on his trip.
Emporia News, October 2, 1869.
Newman & Bro. are out with a fine display of business locals. They have the goods, and are bound to sell.
Ads.
Fine Bleached and brown Table Linens, at remarkably low prices, at NEWMAN & BRO'S.
Carpetings. Best Hartford three ply, Ingrain two ply, Venetian Stair carpet Coir, Matting, Hemp, Oil and Rag Carpetings, at NEWMAN & BRO'S.
Call and see our new plaid dress flannels, shirtings, and Huseys. NEWMAN & BRO.
Woolen and Cotton Yarns, at NEWMAN & BRO'S.
Nice Lot of Zephyrs, at NEWMAN & BRO'S.
New Styles in Ladies' Shawls. A full line of high colored plaids, at NEWMAN & BRO'S.
Best Goods at lowest prices, at NEWMAN & BRO'S.
A full assortment, best buck and gauntlet Gloves, at NEWMAN & BRO'S.
Kid Gloves, black, white, and fancy colors, at NEWMAN & BRO'S.
Complete Stock of ladies', gents', and children's hosiery, at NEWMAN & BRO'S.
Cotton Bolts and Wadding, at NEWMAN & BRO'S.
Cloakings and ladies' cloth, at NEWMAN & BRO'S.
Dress Goods and Trimmings, at NEWMAN & BRO'S.
Ladies' Silk Vests, at NEWMAN & BRO'S.
Best Green Teas @ $1.50 per pound.
Best Black Teas @ $1.25 per pound. at NEWMAN & BRO'S.
Emporia News, October 2, 1869.
Ad. Taken Up. Five white pigs. The owner is requested to call and take them away.
L. B. KELLOGG.
Emporia News, October 8, 1869.
The Topeka Commonwealth suggests an excursion of Kansas editors to California over the Union Pacific railroad. Count us in, provided the company will give us a free pass, board us on the trip, and give us a suit of "good close" to make the journey with.
Emporia News, October 8, 1869.
The Western Union Telegraph Company now has 3,469 stations, 52,099 miles of line, 104,584 miles of wire, 103 miles of submarine cables, 2,607 instruments for reading by sound, and 1,334 recording instruments.
Emporia News, October 8, 1869.
Although there are three freight trains running daily on the California Pacific Railroad, having a capacity of one thousand tons per day, the grain is rapidly accumulating along the line.
Emporia News, October 8, 1869.
NOTICE. ATCHISON, TOPEKA 7 SANTA FE RAILROAD.
SUP'TS OFFICE, A., T. & S. F. R. R. CO., TOPEKA, June 23rd, 1869.
The above Railroad will be open for business Monday, June 28th, 1869, between Topeka and Carbondale, at which point trains connect with stages for Burlingame and Emporia. Trains will run daily (except Sunday). . . . T. J. PETER, Sup't.
Emporia News, October 8, 1869.
Messrs. Newman & McLaughlin have commenced the construction of a new business house, 26 x 70, 35 feet high, on the corner of Mechanics Street and Sixth Avenue. The building is to be of stone, with brick front supported by cut stone columns. It is to be finished and ready for occupancy by next May.
Emporia News, October 8, 1869.
EMPORIA TRIBUNE. This paper made its appearance Thursday, Mains & Nixon, editors and proprietors. . . .
Emporia News, October 8, 1869.
Messrs. French & Topliff are about to open the best stock of boots and shoes, hats and caps ever brought to Emporia. These gentlemen are enterprising businessmen, and notwithstanding the destruction of Gov. Eskridge's building, which was being fitted up for their occupancy, and the delay in receiving goods, will be able to accommodate customers in a few days. They will occupy the room opposite the post office. It is their expectation to wholesale largely. Their goods have been bought of the manufacturers at the lowest, and they are able to say positively that they cannot be undersold, and that their goods cannot be equaled in quality or variety. It is a matter of congratulation and encouragement that we are to have such men amongst us, and we bespeak for them a generous patronage.
Emporia News, October 8, 1869.
Asa Gillett has purchased, for the firm of Gillett & Hadley, the lot and building now occupied as a residence and millinery shop, next door north of Newman & Houghton's. He bought of T. Johnson and C. Sipes, paying them $2,000. Less than a year ago these gentlemen bought the property for $800.
Emporia News, October 8, 1869.
John Wayne & Co. have located at Burlingame with their immense lumber yard, and advertise in our paper today. Almost everybody in Southwestern Kansas knows John Wayne personally or by reputation, and he needs no commendation at our hands. [TYPED THIS UP STRICTLY FOR HUMOR!]
Emporia News, October 8, 1869.
The Southern Kansas Stage Co. have their hands full now-a-days to accommodate the traveling public between here and Burlingame. We counted sixteen passengers on one coach this week, and learn that eighteen came in Wednesday night. Two coaches per day run between here and Burlingame.
Emporia News, October 15, 1869.
A TRIP DOWN THE WALNUT.
I left Cottonwood Falls for the Walnut country on the 4th inst., passed up the South Fork, over the hill dividing it and the Walnut, and stayed overnight at Mr. Hubbard's, two miles below the Sycamore Springs. The country up S. Fork is improving some. They are putting up a good stone schoolhouse at Bazaar, and I saw one or two good dwellings going up along the creek.
Mr. Hubbard and his neighbor, a German whose name I cannot remember, bought several sections of land on the east side of the Walnut, and are making large stock farms. They have several miles of Osage orange growing. It is doing well. Mr. Hubbard is from Cleveland, Ohio. He has a fine herd of cattle, and a large flock of sheep. Commend me to Mrs. Hubbard for a good cup off coffee. I met Mr. McWhorter here. He was grunting lively over a long ride on the mower. He and Mr. Baker were cutting a "fire-break" around a large territory here to save feed for their stock.
The next day I passed down the country through Chelsea and El Dorado, and passed the night with Lieut. Conner, one and a half miles below the last named place. Mr. Conner has quite a number of cattle and some horses. He has a good farm and has raised some of the largest corn we have seen. He and his hospitable Yankee wife make their house a pleasant place for strangers.
The next day I passed down the country through Augusta, and spent the night with Mr. Lamb, late of Cleveland, who is erecting a hotel in Douglass. He and his excellent lady know how to keep hotel, and when they get their house finished will have a good place for the traveling public. Douglass is beautifully located on the east side of Big Walnut, about one mile below the junction of Little Walnut. It is a new place, and they are laboring under great disadvantages in the way of getting lumber; but they expect to have a mill in the course of two weeks. Besides the hotel they have a store in charge of Mr. Douglass, the gentlemanly proprietor of the town, a blacksmith shop, and two or three other buildings. I saw two new buildings going up, one of which is to be a store. Eight Mile, Muddy, and Rock Creeks put in near the town, which afford timber for a large settlement. I preached to a small congregation. There was a melodeon in the house, and a small choir was extemporized, which gave us a good sing. I have the honor of preaching the first sermon in Douglass.
The next day, Thursday, I returned to Augusta. There are six houses in this young village. Mr. James has a very neat dwelling. There are two good stores and a blacksmith shop. They are collecting material and laying the foundation for a hotel. A drug store will go up this fall. There is a steam saw mill near the town. The Good Templars and Masons are organized. The Baptists have an organization with monthly preaching. There is a Sunday school under way, and the district school will open on the 11th inst. The town is situated on a plain, between the Walnut and Whitewater Rivers, one mile above their junction. I preached to a small congregation Thursday evening. Friday was a stormy day. I remained and preached again in the evening, when I had a better congregation. I found a number of Methodists here, but they are as sheep without a shepherd.
I stopped with Dr. Stewart, a staunch Texan, who is engaged in merchandising and cattle trading. I spent the time very pleasantly in reading one of his philosophical works, Spencer on Biology. After reading all day and a greater part of two nights, I left off and asked the question, "What is life? Who can tell?" Spencer says, "Life is the co-ordination of actions." "What is action? What is the co-ordination of actions?" But enough of this. I may trouble your readers some day with a short article on the subject.
I will take my leave of the Doctor and his kind family by saying that Mrs. Stewart knows how to make good coffee, and keeps the best of buttermilk.
On Saturday I drove up to El Dorado. The town was full of people. Judge Lambdin says trade is good. The Republicans were holding a primary convention. I see a new stone building going upa residence, I presume. Several new buildings are now under contract. Quite a number would go up if lumber could be procured. They need a good saw mill. The citizens have bought out the dram shop and closed it up. That was certainly a good day's work, and speaks well for the citizens. Rev. Mr. Gordon, late of Emporia, has just reached here. I found them all in a tumble, but he righted things up and insisted on my preaching in his newly occupied house. It has been used for that purpose previously.
Sunday afternoon, in company with Rev. Gordon, I drove up to Chelsea and preached in the evening in a private house. I stopped, of course, with Capt. Donaldson. Chelsea is improving some. They are building a schoolhouse which will be a credit to the place when it is finished.
The crops all the way up and down the Walnut Valley are very good. I never saw better corn and potatoes anywhere.
Monday I started for Emporia, and stayed overnight with a Mr. Norton, three miles from Bazaar, on South Cottonwood. He has a good farm in the bottom, surrounded with the "everlasting hills" of that region. I should think from the names among the good people that St. Michael and St. Patrick were the patronized saints. I reached Emporia on Tuesday, tired and hungry. C. R. R.
Emporia News, October 15, 1869.
We notice the return of our friend, Prof. H. B. Norton, after an Instituting tour of some days. Wherever he goes the teachers will be benefitted.
Emporia News, October 15, 1869.
Thanks to Max. Fawcett for a present of fine Concord and Dracut Amber grapes from Barnes' Vinland Nursery, at Lawrence.
AD. VINLAND NURSERIES, (Formerly Coal Creek), AT VINLAND, DOUGLAS COUNTY, KANSAS. All kinds of Fruit and Ornamental Trees, Grapes, Shrubs, etc., delivered at Emporia. MAX. FAWCETT, Emporia, Kansas.
Emporia News, October 15, 1869.
PERSONAL. We call the attention of our readers to the card of Dr. Mansfield, who comes among us an entire stranger. The Dr. is an old school physician by education, but like thousands of others has examined and embraced the doctrines and practice of the new. He is directly from the city of Richmond, Virginia, where he has been practicing his profession since the end of the late war. During the war the Dr. was a regularly commissioned Surgeon of the Union Army, and served in that capacity with the 92rd [?93rd?] and 118th New York State Regiments, from the beginning to the end of the rebellion. He is a Licentiate of Apothecaries Hall, London, England, graduate of the University of Buffalo, State of New York, and member of the American Institute of Homoeopathy.
CARD. DOCTOR MANSFIELD, HOMOEOPATHIC PHYSICIAN & SURGEON.
Offers his professional services to the citizens of Emporia in all the branches of medical practice. OFFICEFront room, over Emporia Bank.
Can be found any hour of the night at the Madison House, Room 9.
Emporia News, October 15, 1869.
Emporia, Kansas, is said to be going ahead, and it is predicted that the census of 1880 will give it a population of fifteen thousand people, and a tax-roll of five million dollars.
Mo. Democrat.
Emporia News, October 15, 1869.
TOPLIFF & FRENCH. The goods of the new firm have arrived and are opened for the present at the building lately occupied by Mr. Hughes, opposite the post office, on Commercial street. Their stock of boots, shoes, hats and caps is large, and embraces all the varieties kept in such an establishment. No one will fail to notice their new advertisement.
FAIRLY BIG AD. NEW GOODS! NEW GOODS!
Low Prices! Low Prices!
TOPLIFF & FRENCH
HAVE JUST OPENED THE LARGEST STOCK OF BOOTS, SHOES, HATS, CAPS, AND GENTS' FURNISHING GOODS Ever brought to this market, which we have bought of Eastern manufacturers, and will sell at LOW PRICES, at WHOLESALE & RETAIL, FOR CASH. OPPOSITE THE POST OFFICE, Commercial Street, EMPORIA, KANSAS.
Emporia News, October 15, 1869.
Ex-Governor Crawford and Col. J. M. Steele are about to enter upon the real estate business at Emporia. There are no two men better adapted to that branch of business, and none more worthy of unlimited confidence. We need say nothing in behalf of Gov. Crawford. A tried, capable, and successful soldier, for four years the Chief Executive of the Statein none of the varied relations which he has sustained to the community has a shadow of reproach ever rested upon him. Col. Steele was Lieutenant Colonel of Volunteers during the war, and also served as Adjutant of the 19th Kansas Cavalry during the campaign of last winter. He is an active, go-ahead, wide-awake man, and would prove a valuable addition to any community.
These gentlemen go to Emporia to aid in setting up and developing the magnificent country which bounds that place on every side. Both are thoroughly posted as to the capabilities of that section of the State, and while we cheerfully commend them to our friends at Emporia, we trust that they may increase in wealth as rapidly and substantially as the splendid region with which they are henceforth to be associated is bound to do.
Commonwealth.
Emporia News, October 22, 1869.
BUSHWHACKER MOSBY.
Yesterday, while riding in the Pennsylvania Avenue cars, who should enter but Col. Mosby, late C. S. A. From the fact that he carried in his hand a little black valise, on which was printed in large white letters, "COL. JOHN S. MOSBY," everybody in the cars was per force made acquainted with the countenance of this notorious bushwhacker and cowardly murderer. He comes to Washington very frequently, put up at Willard's, and attracts great attention. He seldom hears any good of himself from the conversing groups at the hotel, for some of his victims are generally about to make a few comments on his character as a "soldier." How soon the human heart forgives! The men murdered in cold blood by this wretch are legion, and yet he visits Washington, Philadelphia, and New York, and his Democratic brethren receive him with distinguished honors. One of his dastardly acts alone, which I never call to mind without a shudder, should bring him to the gallows and ignominious death. In the fall of 1864, when in the valley of the Shenandoah, with the prince of soldiers, Gen. Sheridan, a number of brutal acts, perpetrated by this fiend, came under my own personal observation. The one, however, to which I particular refer, was the hanging of seven Union prisoners near Berryville. Gen. Custer had, a few days previous, executed a rebel spy near Middletown. This so exasperated Mosby that he determined to be avenged, and calling out his prisoners, he made them cast lots for death by hanging. Capt. Brewster, of Sheridan's staff, was among the number, and was one of the lucky fellows drawing a blank, which, in that particular lottery, although not a winning card, was a very desirable one. I shall never forget his narration of that terrible affair; the pathetic appeals for mercy; the brutal oaths of the captors as they tightened the fatal ropes about the necks of the prisoners, and the frightful death struggle. One hour after this act was perpetrated, I saw the bodies as they hung by the roadside, the faces black from suffocation, and the tongues protruding from the bloody mouths. It was a sight to rouse the blackest demon of vengeance, and as Sheridan's dusky columns passed, many an eye kindled with wrath, and many a vow was taken to avenge that horrible atrocity. "Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord of hosts," but Mosby, the rebel butcher, seems to fear neither God nor man, as he swaggers into Washington, ostentatiously parading to the public gaze his full name and former title and rank in the army of the rebellion.
Washington Correspondent to St. Albans Messenger.
Emporia News, October 22, 1869.
THAT LETTER.
The Pomeroy-Legate business has been brought by the Leavenworth Bulletin to a square issue of veracity, not between the Bulletin and anybody, but between Mr. Pomeroy and Legate on the one side, and Cornelius Wendell and Legate on the other. This statement may seem odd, but so is the position of Legate. He has apparently "paired off with himself." Cornelius Wendell writes that the original letter, which he then believed and still believes to be in the hand writing of Senator Pomeroy, was shown to him by Legate, to support his application for office. If there was a forgery, Legate must have perpetrated it, one would suppose. He asserts in his card that the letter was a "trumped-up affair"; if so, who concocted it? Did some adroit necromancer contrive to put the letter into Legate's hand, and force him to go to Wendell with it? We might imagine that Legate forged the letter to help him with Wendell; but the fact that he was then, and is still, on the most intimate terms with the Senator, forbids that idea. There is only one possible alternative. Either Wendell deliberately contrived the whole story, and states what is false, or Pomeroy wrote the letter and now falsely denies it. To support the latter view, a letter is published by the Atchison Champion, from General Butler, who says that he well remembers the matter, and that it "appeared to the entire satisfaction of the committee that an infamous attempt had been made to complicate you (Pomeroy) with regard to Andrew Johnson, by the forgery of your name, presenting the forged documents to the Postmaster General, then having an outside party take a copy of the forgery, so that it could not be detected, then destroying the original so that the forgery might be safe, and then publishing the contents of such copy to your injury." The General adds that "the evidence was plenary to show that you (Pomeroy) had nothing to do with the matter," but that he has not the copy of the evidence at hand.
This testimony from Gen. Butler does not explain how the paper, now declared to be a forgery, came to be shown to Wendell by Legate, then and now the Senator's friend! If the statement of Wendell is true, Gen. Butler and his committee did not get to the bottom of the matter, for Legate must have been party to the forgery, if the letter shown by him to Wendell was forged, and it is inconceivable that in that event the Senator would still treat him as a friend. Throwing Legate out of sight, therefore, the question is simply one of veracity: "Did Cornelius Wendell see a letter supposed to be in Pomeroy's handwriting in the hands of Legate?" Or did the said Wendell concoct the whole story, and try to damage Pomeroy by still lying? The Butler letter does not meet that question, though possibly the evidence which he does not send might do so. Mo. Democrat.
Emporia News, October 22, 1869.
Notice in paper re strayed or stolen stock: W. L. COTTINGHAM, Four miles west of Emporia.
Emporia News, October 22, 1869.
AD. LATEST STYLES IN LADIES' FURS. Russian Fitch, Astracan, River Mink, Siberian Squirrel, French Sable, and Cony Furs, in new styles at prices as low as they can be bought at St. Louis, or any eastern city. Call and examine for yourselves. NEWMAN & BRO.
LADIES TRAVELING BASKETS and Morocco Bags. NEWMAN & BRO.
A FINE ASSORTMENT Ladies Silk and Morocco Vests. NEWMAN & BRO.
LADIES AND GENTS' Rubber Overshoes at NEWMAN & BRO.'S.
[There were more that I skipped.]
Emporia News, October 22, 1869.
McMillan & Houghton ran their usual ads plus a few new ones. I skipped.
Emporia News, October 29, 1869.
THE CHEROKEE LAND TROUBLES.
Brevet Major General W. B. Hazen, in a letter dated at Hiram, Ohio, October 4, and addressed to the Associated Press, Washington, says:
"I notice in the special Washington dispatches of October 2, published in the West, the following:
"THE CHEROKEE SETTLERS. Statements from persons well known here, and regarded perfectly reliable, have been received concerning the reported outrages by settlers on the Cherokee neutral lands. The writers say that the reports circulated against settlers are in a great part manufactured in the interest of railroad and land companies."
Hazen stated: "The foregoing is false in every particular and should be corrected. The parties engaged in these outrages have from the first ingeniously denied these charges against them in such a way as to prevent, if possible, any inquiry into the matter by the Government. In September I was sent there with troops, on account of these troubles, and a personal investigation found in all the charges of capturing engineer parties, attempting to hang one of the engineers, burning up all their instruments and property, the tools and property of working parties and many thousand ties, literally true in every case, besides much that has never been reported at all, as it greatly retards the prosperity of the country."
Emporia News, November 5, 1869.
FROM EL DORADO - October 18, 1869.
Dr. Kellogg has gone on a trip to Nebraska to visit his father, who is dangerously ill.
Emporia News, November 5, 1869.
Election over: E. H. Coats elected Sheriff.
County Clerk: R. W. Randall defeated. D. S. Gilmore elected.
Emporia News, November 5, 1869.
CHASE COUNTY. Three candidates for Representative: F. B. Hunt, A. S. Howard, and Capt. H. Bradley. Mr. Hunt was elected.
County officers elected: Commissioners, G. W. Brickell, H. E. Snyder, and H. L. Hunt.
Treasurer: U. B. Warren.
Sheriff: F. E. Smith.
Emporia News, November 5, 1869.
The Walnut country is filling up rapidly. Mr. Renfro, of Cowley County, informs the Chase County Banner that the settlers on what is known as the "thirty mile strip," in the Osage diminished reservation, are much encouraged in relation to the prospects of obtaining their lands, since the recent action of the chiefs of the Osages during the late visit of Supt. Hoag to the Nation, as well as the promises made by him. He informs the Banner that immigration still continues unabated, and that all the settlers want, down there, is to be "let alone."
[RENFRO, COWLEY COUNTY...SOUNDS LIKE A VERY EARLY SETTLER.]
Emporia News, November 5, 1869.
Hon. I. T. Goodenow has been appointed Land Commissioner of the Southern Branch Railroad.
Emporia News, November 5, 1869.
An addition of 60 feet is being put on to the west end of the Robinson House, to be done in thirty days. A stone addition, three-stories high, fronting on Merchants street, is to be put up soon. . . . Mr. Robinson appreciates the fact that we are to have two railroads here soon, and is making his calculations accordingly. Let it be understood by the public generally that the Robinson House will, in a few weeks, be the largest and best kept hotel in this part of the State.
Emporia News, November 5, 1869.
IMPROVEMENTS. [Several mentioned.]
Solomon Nawman, of Clarke County, Ohio, commenced about ten days ago, and has a neat cottage nearly completed, on Neosho street between Seventh and Eighth Avenues.
Emporia News, November 5, 1869.
CRANBERRIES. Thanks to McMillan & Houghton for a nice package of fresh cranberries. The public will find a supply at their store.
Emporia News, November 12, 1869.
We hear it rumored that A. J. Armstrong will contest the right of E. H. Coats to the office of Sheriff.
Emporia News, November 12, 1869.
TRI-WEEKLY. We learn that Parker & Tisdale, of the Southern Kansas Stage Company, have made arrangements to run tri-weekly coaches from Emporia to El Dorado, Butler County, via Cottonwood Falls, for the transportation of mails and passengers. This is a move in the right direction. The people of Chase, Marion, and Butler Counties will be rejoiced to hear this.
Emporia News, November 12, 1869.
Work on the new business house of Newman & McLaughlin is progressing rapidly. The basement is completed, and the cut stone front for the first story is being put in. This will be, when finished, one of the best buildings in town.
Emporia News, November 19, 1869.
The Chase County Banner informs us that a row occurred down in Cowley County the other day between a wagon boss and a Negro teamster. The Negro was wounded in two places, and a bystander received a shot in the right eye, killing him instantly.
Emporia News, November 19, 1869.
COWLEY COUNTY.
The Osage Indians Getting Troublesome.
Organization of a Citizens' Protective Union.
On Wednesday we had a call from Mr. W. W. Andrews, of Cowley County, from whom we have late intelligence from that new county.
There is beginning to be some anxiety about threatened troubles with the Indians, and Mr. Andrews was on his way to Topeka to lay before the Governor a petition signed by almost every legal voter in that county, asking him to take measures for their safety. He also brought us the proceedings of a meeting lately held there, at which a "Citizens Protective Union" was organized, the constitution, by-laws, and resolutions of which we publish below.
Mr. Andrews informs us that immigrants are pouring into that county at a rapid rate. Nine families arrived the morning he left, and dozens more are now on their way thither. It is becoming well known that Cowley is one of the best timbered, watered, and agricultural counties in the State, and between this and next summer the rush will be great.
Mr. Andrews says there has been no outbreak with the Indians yet, but they are saucy, and are committing petty thefts among the settlers. Where the men are about home in considerable numbers, the Indians do not disturb anyone, but they watch, and when they find the men absent they visit the houses and compel the women to cook meals for them, after which they load their ponies with provisions and leave. When they can find two or three settlers out from other settlements, they make a regular business of robbing them. The Indians assert that they will not hurt anybody, but that settlers shall not open claims below the mouth of Dutch Creek. They have robbed and driven back all who have ventured below that point, and the settlers, knowing their treachery, fear trouble will break out.
It must be recollected that these settlers are not on land where the Indians object to their going, further than that they want to save their hunting ground. We hope the Governor will make speedy and decided action in the matter, and do all in his power to relieve the demands of these enterprising people. They have gone on to these lands with the assurance from Superintendent Hoag that they should have peaceable possession of them. Notwithstanding the promises the store of C. M. Wood was burned by the Indians.
CITIZENS' PROTECTIVE UNION.
COWLEY COUNTY, KANSAS, November 7, 1869.
The citizens of Cowley County assembled at the house of Dr. Graham for the purpose of organizing a Citizens' Protective Union.
N. J. Trusty was elected Chairman, and Dr. Graham, Secretary, after which the following constitution, by-laws, and resolutions were presented and adopted.
CONSTITUTION.
ARTICLE 1. This Association shall be called the Cowley County Citizens' Protective Union.
ARTICLE 2. The object of the Association shall be the mutual protection of citizens, both in claims and property.
ARTICLE 3. The Association shall be composed of those citizens residing within Cowley County who subscribe to this Constitution.
ARTICLE 4. The officers of the Association shall be a President and Secretary.
ARTICLE 5. This Constitution may be altered or amended by a vote of two thirds of all the members present.
BY-LAWS.
ARTICLE 1. This Association shall hold at least one session in each year, at such time and place as may be determined upon from time to time.
ARTICLE 2. The officers shall be elected at each annual session, by ballot, and shall remain in office until others are chosen.
ARTICLE 3. The President shall preside at the meetings of the Association, preserve order therein, put all questions, announce decisions, appoint committees, and call meetings at his discretion, or at the request of three members.
ARTICLE 4. The Secretary shall keep a record of the proceedings of meetings, answer all letters addressed to the Association, give proper notice of the meetings, and attend to such other business as generally pertains to this office.
RESOLUTIONS.
Resolved, That the members of this Association use their influence to encourage immigration to the bounds of this county.
Resolved, That owing to the outrages having been perpetrated upon the property of citizens of this county by the Osage Indians, that we petition the Governor for protection.
Resolved, That each citizen be entitled to hold a claim of one hundred and sixty acres of land, provided he improves and resides upon the same within thirty days after making his claim, and that we recognize as improvements sufficient to entitle a man to protection that there be a house upon the claim, and at least five acres cultivated within twelve months from making his claim.
Resolved, That we recognize no man's right to hold a claim of more than one hundred and sixty acres of land.
Resolved, That in the transaction of business this Association be governed by parliamentary rules.
Election of officers being next in order, Dr. W. G. Graham was elected President for the ensuing year, and C. M. Wood Secretary. Adjourned.
N. J. TRUSTY, President.
W. G. GRAHAM, Secretary.
Emporia News, November 19, 1869.
We return our sincere thanks to our neighbor, THE EMPORIA TRIBUNE, for the following flattering notice of our paper.
THE EMPORIA NEWS. This old and ably conducted newspaper will, on the first of January next, be enlarged to a 36-column sheet. The News is already one of the largest and best papers in Kansas. Mr. Stotler is an experienced and indefatigable newspaper man, and has been remarkably successful in furnishing the people of Lyon County and Southern Kansas with a most excellent paper . . . .
Emporia News, November 19, 1869.
A good saw-mill is now in operation at Wichita, Cowley County, and a town is rapidly springing up.
Emporia News, November 19, 1869.
[An accusation came from H. Brandley of Matfield Green, Chase County, Kansas, dated November 7th to Editor Stotler re dirty campaign run by H. L. Hunt, Chairman of the Democratic County Committee, stated that Hunt virtually ran the ticket that was elected: H. L. Hunt and H. E. Snyder as Commissioners, etc.]
Note: Editor Stotler stated: "In another column we publish a communication from Chase county. We know nothing of the matters spoken of, and do not wish to be understood as endorsing it.
Emporia News, November 19, 1869.
E. T. Sprague has the contract for the wood work on Newman & McLaughlin's new business house on Sixth Avenue. Mr. Sprague has been here all summer, and has the reputation of being a good workman.
Emporia News, November 19, 1869.
[FROM PLYMOUTH...COMMUNITY 7 ½ MILES WEST OF EMPORIA.]
Our winter school was opened last Monday by Geo. Melville.
[Plymouth: laid out in 1859...about half way between Emporia and Cottonwood Falls. Had many Quakers.]
Emporia News, November 19, 1869.
Roll of Honor...paid their subscription: C. M. Foulks, J. H. Page.
Emporia News, November 26, 1869.
Several loads of goods passed through town on Tuesday for Baker & Manning, of Douglass, Cowley County. Mr. Baker went through on Monday.
Emporia News, November 26, 1869.
PERSONAL. Toplif & French, owing to their unexpected large trade, have been compelled to have more room; consequently they are, today, moving their stock of boots, shoes, etc., to the room lately occupied by Bay & Hall, which has been fitted up for them. This firm is agreeably disappointed in the amount of business done in Emporia, and their sales have been double what they expected. They will hereafter be found at the old stand of Bay & Hall.
Emporia News, November 26, 1869.
CONTEST. A. J. Armstrong is contesting Mr. Coats' right to the office of Sheriff for the next two years. We heard it reported that Mr. Randall would contest with Gilmore for the Clerk's office, but learned yesterday that he had abandoned the matter. There is scarcely a doubt but that he would have been successful had he done so. Mr. Randall made no effort for the office, not spending one hour in electioneering or giving the denial to any of the lies that were circulated about him.
Emporia News, November 26, 1869.
AMERICUS...About nine miles northeast of Emporia, near the Neosho River.
J. D. Gibson, oldest merchant in Americus.
Squire R. W. Randall ran a Real Estate Agency at Americus.
[So far names mentioned on the whole do not ring any bells.]
Emporia News, December 3, 1869.
PERSONAL. Mr. D. H. Norton, of Illinois, brother to our Prof. Norton, was in our office this week. He comes to Kansas, we believe, to make it his permanent home, and will probably "stick his stake" in Cowley County.
[D. H.....COULD THEY BE REFERRING TO CAPTAIN GOULD NORTON??]
Emporia News, December 3, 1869.
Committee member Temperance program given at Methodist Church: G. W. Newman.
Emporia News, December 3, 1869.
LARGE GROWTH. Max Fawcett exhibited in our office, last week, a Concord grape vine one year old from the cutting, set out last spring, which produced fourteen main roots measuring in the aggregate 53 feet in length. Nine of the fibers were measured. A number of roots were broken off in taking it from the ground. The longest root measured nearly eight feet. This vine was planted on bottom land that had been subsoiled once. No manure or extra cultivation had been put on it.
Emporia News, December 3, 1869.
ELECTION CONTESTED. A. J. Armstrong filed papers with the County Clerk, Nov. 24th, and the required bond with the Probate Judge, preliminary to contesting the election of E. H. Coats to the office of Sheriff. The statement contains the names of fifty persons who are said to have voted in Emporia township, illegally, for Coats, and five who voted illegally in Jackson township. The trial of this matter has been set for the 22nd inst., when the validity of the contestor's claims will be settled by the decision of the Court.
Emporia News, December 3, 1869.
Mr. D. H. Norton, who arrived here this week, left about 18 inches of snow in Ogle County, Illinois. We have not yet had much more than a heavy frost here.
Emporia News, December 3, 1869.
SIGNS. One of the finest displays of signs we ever saw may now be seen at the paint shop of Geo. B. Cooper. They were painted on tin by that prince of sign painters, Wm. Hanan, of Leavenworth. Those of B. T. Wright, J. C. McGowan, F. R. Page, P. M. Foote, Dr. Trueworthy, and Dr. H. C. Smith, our new dentist, are particularly tasty, and beautiful.
Emporia News, December 3, 1869.
TOPLIFF & FRENCH. These gentlemen are now prepared to wait on customers in their new place of business, in the room formerly occupied by the firm of Bay & Hall. . . .
Emporia News, December 10, 1869.
CHANGE OF FIRM. Jacob Stotler sold one half of his printing establishment to Mr. W. W. Williams, late of Marshalltown, Iowa, but for some months a resident of Emporia. The new arrangement to take effect January 1, 1870.
Emporia News, December 10, 1869.
COMPLETION OF THE U. P. SOUTHERN BRANCH ROAD TO EMPORIA.
Announcement came in this issue that the road had reached Emporia. Article talks about Pomeroy making life rough on them re getting A. T. & S. F. railroad...SKIPPED!
Emporia News, December 10, 1869.
LAMAR INSURANCE COMPANY.
Insurance Company secured a local organization in Emporia.
Requisite stock of $10,00 taken on December 7, 1869. Stockholders met in the Real Estate and Insurance office of Dawson & Havenhill, and organized the Emporia branch.
Manager, E. B. Peyton; Local Directors, Jacob Stotler, J. C. Fraker.
Stockholders.
E. R. Holderman: Hardware dealer.
P. M. Foote: Probate Judge.
Alex. Bailey: Grocer.
John Wilhelm: Lumber dealer.
H. L. Kemper: Tobacconist.
C. B. Bacheller: Attorney at Law.
_____ Finley: Cattle Broker.
W. J. Roberts: Farmer.
_____ Britton.
J. B. Hinkle.
G. W. Frederick: Real Estate Agent.
T. G. Wibley: Merchant.
Paul Beck.
T. C. Hill: Capitalist.
A. A. Newman: Merchant.
Emporia News, December 10, 1869.
R. W. Randall, of Americus, has sold half of his Land Agency at that place, to Capt. T. C. Hill. Both are old residents.
Emporia News, December 17, 1869.
FROM COWLEY COUNTY.
LAGONDA, Cowley Co., Kansas, December 6, 1869.
EDITOR NEWS: I see in your paper occasionally a favorable notice of this county, and a disposition on your part to do justice in recommending to emigrants this new but beautiful country for homes. Too much can hardly be said in its favor. The climate, soil, timber, stone, and water cannot be surpassed anywhere in the State. In fact, nature has bestowed upon it the gifts necessary for a great agricultural and stock-raising country.
This place, Lagonda, is situated 16 ½ miles south of the north line of the county, at the mouth of Dutch Creek, a beautiful stream of water putting into the Walnut River from the northeast, and large enough for mill privileges. Dutch Creek is one of the finest streams for stock raising in the State, with a beautiful and rich valley, and good timber upon it. It is settled some ten or twelve miles up from its mouth. Houses are fast being built, and settlers will soon find themselves in comfortable quarters. The valley of the Walnut River, at this place and through the county, is very wide, and judging from the growth of grass the past season, must be very fertile.
I have understood that persons unacquainted with the country are under the impression that our valleys are low and wet, but such is the case. We have very little standing water at any time of the year. I was here last summer, during the wet season, and at no time did the valleys overflow. The Walnut River is settled from the north line of the county below the mouth of Dutch Creek. Several parties have gone to the mouth of the river and are making settlements there.
The Osage Indians are camped on the Walnut, but seem very friendly, and settlers seem to feel quite secure in person and property. I have heard of no instance of molestation on their part, except in the manner of begging, which is a troublesome practice of most Indians.
We have a store here where the Indians can obtain such goods as they wish. Buffalo being plenty this season, they are able to care for themselves.
I see in your paper, a short time since, a notice that would tend to intimidate persons from coming here to settle. To such I would say that no Indian difficulties are apprehended by the settlers. The settlements are strong enough for self-protection, which tends to intimidate the Indians, and all are peaceable and have been this fall and winter. Respectfully,
C. M. WOOD.
Emporia News, December 17, 1869.
THE OSAGE LANDS.
Mr. Clarke's bill, as the telegraph reports it, is an unfathomable mystery, providing that the U. S. Government shall not, after its passage, have any authority to make treaties with the Indian tribes. This is apparently in direct conflict with the Constitution of the United States, and the telegraph may be at fault.
We wish, however, to call attention to one strikingly unjust feature in the Osage Treaty as it is interpreted by Senator Ross. Three-fourths of the extent of the railroads which it proposes to aid in building are entirely off those lands, and in no way directly beneficial to the settlers upon them. It would seem to be no more than common decency that the pioneer settler, whose toil and sufferings give the land its value, should reap the benefits. We might also add that the construction of some of these roads, as the Neosho Valley road, is already assured.
Moreover, the donations to individual roads are far too great. Ten sections to the mile are enough to build any ordinary road. Let us sketch an outline of what those lands ought to do.
And first, let us remember that New York is not long to be our seaport. Galveston is practically as near to us as Chicago is, and hundreds of miles nearer than New York is to Chicago. The present channel of foreign commerce is an unnatural and temporary one, forced by slavery and the civil war. New Orleans or Galveston, probably the latter, must ultimately be our seaport.
We must therefore have a great railroad from Galveston to Leavenworth, with branches extending in a northwesterly direction, wherever the necessities of the country call for them. The Indian Territory, as such, must soon disappear from the map, owing to the rapid extinction of the various settled tribes. We need not regard this territory as a permanent obstacle to the completion of our system.
From Fort Gibson a great trunk line must extend up the Arkansas to about the 98th meridian, thence extending to Hays City. The Neosho Valley branch is already in rapid progress. The Verdigris Valley branch should extend from a little above Fort Gibson to Emporia. A road from Rolla and Carthage, Missouri, extending through Oswego, Indepen- dence, and the southern tier of counties, and should join the Fort Scott & Santa Fe Road somewhere on the Arkansas in Cowley or Sedgwick County. A branch should also extend up the Walnut to Cottonwood Falls.
It would be better for the State if the old Osage Treaty should be utterly defeated, and a new purchase be made, recognizing the rights of the Indians, the public schools, and the pioneer squatters; and, after that, granting alternate sections, or the proceeds of their sale, to the system of railroads mentioned above, so far as they extend through the tract in question.
Senator Ross, in his recent letter, is guilty of one striking inconsistency. He attempts to justify the evil side of the Osage treaty by pointing to similar monopolies already consum- mated. This is beneath criticism. If Congress had possessed honor and honesty enough to put its entire domain upon the basis of the "Twenty Mile Strip"selling only to actual settlersthe State could today have been richer by hundreds of thousands of people, and hundreds of millions of dollars; even though the landed estates of some of our public servants might have been a trifle less gigantic.
Vast interests are now trembling in the balance, and the crisis is at hand. It is time for the public sentiment of our people to manifest itself in the repression of these great monopolies.
H. B. N.
Emporia News, December 17, 1869.
EMPORIA LIBRARY ASSOCIATION.
Election, Tuesday Evening, December 28, 1869.
Nominating officers (S. B. Riggs, L. B. Kellogg, and H. Bancroft) put the following ticket in the field.
President, Col. P. B. Plumb; Vice President, Col. L. N. Robinson; Secretary, Col. J. M. Steele; Treasurer, H. C. Cross.
Board of Directors: Prof. L. B. Kellogg, Harvey Bancroft, Charles H. Riggs, Mrs. E. P. Bancroft, Miss M. J. Watson.
Emporia News, December 17, 1869.
HO FOR THE DEPOT! A bran new omnibus is now running to every train. It will call for passengers at any place in town. Passengers who wish to leave on the morning train should call at the office of H. B. Lowe, Ticket Agent, the evening previous, and secure tickets and leave word as to where they wish the omnibus to call for them.
Emporia News, December 17, 1869.
TELEGRAPH. We are informed upon the most unquestioned authority that a telegraph line will be constructed to Emporia along the line of the Southern Branch road between now and spring.
Emporia News, December 17, 1869.
Newman & Bro. have received the largest stock of Dry Goods now in Emporia, all bought since the decline in gold. They can and will sell them at prices so low as to astonish everyone. Call and examine.
Emporia News, December 17, 1869.
Cash paid for Eggs, Butter, Lard, and Potatoes at McMILLAN & HOUGHTON's.
Emporia News, December 24, 1869.
PAPER AT EL DORADO. T. B. Murdock and J. S. Danford, of this place, propose to start a paper at El Dorado, Butler County, Kansas, the first number of which will be issued about the 15th of February. . . . We are sorry to lose Bent. from our office, because he has always been industrious and devoted to the interests of THE NEWS. He has the tact and talent for a successful newspaper man, and in his new field we expect to see these qualities developed to a degree that will place his at the very head of the country press in Kansas. Mr. Danford has also had experience as a writer, and will be a valuable hand in the newspaper profession. . . .
Emporia News, December 24, 1869.
J. S. McMillan, of the firm of McMillan & Houghton, returned from the East a few days ago, where he had been spending some weeks, during which time he purchased a heavy stock of groceries, provisions, and woolen goods, for this market. Look in upon them. They always have a good stock, always sell cheap, and always try to give satisfaction.
Emporia News, December 24, 1869.
Sibley, the long-haired son (the hair apparent) of the chief of the Wacos, clad in a civilized suit, with the exception of a navy revolver, the muzzle end of the sheath of which we noticed a little lower than the skirt of his coat, stopped overnight at the Robinson House last week. He is rather a fair looking Indian. He was accompanied by Phillip McCasker, a long time Indian interpreter, and bound for the Comanche reservation.
Emporia News, December 24, 1869.
MARRIED. By Rev. L. M. Hancock, at his residence, December 23rd, Mr. Charles M. Foulks, of El Dorado, and Miss Emma Bowen of Emporia.
MARRIED. At the residence of the bride's father, in Americus Township, on the 19th inst., by R. W. Randall, J. P.; Mr. Ezra Hiatt and Miss Mary Morgan, all of Lyon County, Kansas.
MARRIED. At Mr. Hadley's, in Emporia, on Thursday, December 23rd, by Rev. J. McQuiston, Robert S. Fleming and Miss Alvira A. Bodine, all of Lyon County, Kansas.
Emporia News, December 24, 1869.
ADS.
Our large stock of Ladies' Furs will be closed out this month regardless of cost. What more appropriate Christmas present than a nice set of Furs. Look at the prices.
Astrakhan Furs: $15.00
Siberian Fitch: $23.00
French Sable: $8.00
French Coney: $5.00
NEWMAN & BRO.
Emporia News, December 31, 1869.
The Southern Kansas Stage Company have reduced the fare to four dollars between Emporia and Topekavia Burlingame by stage, and the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe railroad between Burlingame and Topeka.
[EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 1870, STOTLER TOOK IN A PARTNER.
STOTLER & WILLIAMS [JACOB STOTLER / W. W. WILLIAMS]
EDITORS AND PROPRIETORS.
Emporia News, January 7, 1870.
THE EMPORIA NEWS.
Some Account of its History and Progress. [SKIPPED MOST OF THIS.]
The first number was issued on the 6th of June, 1857. Numbers enough were missed in the earlier years of its publication to throw the commencement of the volume on the 1st of January. We believe we are safe in saying THE NEWS is the oldest paper in the State, counting from the day of its first issue. It was the pioneer paper of the Neosho Valley. It was established by Col. P. B. Plumb. The first two or three numbers were worked off in the building on the corner of Commercial and Sixth streets now occupied as a grocery store. That building was weather boarded and roofed. There were two other buildings on the town site in the same condition, and as we remember now, there were three or four cabins within sight of the town, and these were all there were within a circle of two or three miles, in the way of habitations, and these were generally "numerously" inhabited. The town company of which the founder of THE NEWS was a member, took six hundred copies for about six months. We never heard whether they paid for them or not. With this exception THE NEWS has never had a penny in the way of aid. . . . VERY INTERESTING ARTICLE, BUT TOO LENGTHY TO TYPE ALL OF IT.
"During the winter of 1857-58 the editor and proprietor took part in the border troubles, and the paper run itself. This was at the time of the financial crash in the East, and the office did not take in money enough each week to pay the tobacco bills of the printers. . . ."
Emporia News, January 7, 1870.
Paper announces H. W. McCune will be local editor.
Emporia News, January 7, 1870.
EMPORIA AND HER BUSINESS HOUSES.
A Glimpse of the Business of 1869.
DRY GOODS.
The principal houses are Bancroft and McCarter, Newman and Bro., T. G. Wibley, Hall and Bro., J. C. Fraker, and P. G. Hallburg. The first named firm commenced business in October, and has sold at the rate of from eight to ten thousand dollars per month.
Newman Brothers (late Newman and Houghton) have sold during the year in the neighborhood of fifty thousand dollars worth of goods.
GROCERIES.
Most of the stores above (dry goods) keep groceries, but we have some large establish- ments exclusively in the grocery and provision business. Bailey and Painter, Gillett and Hadley, McMillan and Houghton, and Wicks and Mayse are the principal firms in this line of trade. They are all doing a splendid business. The houses of McMillan and Houghton and Bailey and Painter have been established during the past year. Wicks and Mayse bought out G. W. Frederick. Bay and Hall, an old house in this trade, went out of business. Besides these houses, J. L. Dalton, Ferguson and Harvey, and John W. Morris do a very considerable grocery trade. Estimate for grocery trade of the town during 1869: $200,000.
BOOTS AND SHOES.
P. J. Lehnhard, Topliff and French, and William Clap are the firms in this trade. Messrs. Lehnhard and Clapp have manufactories in connection with their trade, and manufacture extensively. Many of the dry goods establishments keep these articles. No estimate given for sales during 1869.
Skipped Clothing, Hardware Stores, etc. None of the names seemed familiar.
Emporia News, January 7, 1870. [By New Local Editor.]
T. B. Murdock started last Saturday morning for Cincinnati, to buy a printing office for Butler County. He aims to get a good office.
Emporia News, January 7, 1870.
The stone work, after some delay, is resumed on Newman & McLaughlin's new building, on Sixth Avenue. The walls of the second story are rapidly going up under the hammers of numerous masons.
Emporia News, January 7, 1870.
We call the attention of our readers to the advertisement of Mrs. Mansfield, in our card column, who is lately from New York, and prepared to suit the tastes of our ladies in every line of her business.
CARD. [UNDER DRESS MAKERS.] MRS. MANSFIELD FASHIONABLE DRESS MAKER. Children's clothes cut and made to order, and patterns for sale. Stamping and braiding neatly executed. Residence on Market Street, in rear of Congregational Church.
[COULD THIS BE THE DOCTOR'S WIFE????]
Emporia News, January 7, 1870.
Topliff & French have closed out all their fur goods except a few ladies' fur band hoods, collars, beaver top gloves and mits, and gents' fur caps, all of which they propose to sell at cost. Mr. Topliff will wait on all who wish to examine them.
Emporia News, January 7, 1870.
A LARGE STORE. Newman Bro.'s have one of the largest stocks of dry goods, groceries, and other goods, in town, and are doing an extensive business. We are gratified to note their prosperity. They have a large country trade, and are generally able to furnish their city customers with fresh butter and eggs.
Emporia News, January 7, 1870.
NEW CARPENTER SHOP. Messrs. Weir & Sleath, carpenters, and newcomers, have commenced business in a new shop recently built by J. Barnes, near the corner of Exchange street and Fifth avenue. They have contracted to build a number of houses, three of which are under wayone for Mr. St. John, late of Topeka, one for Rev. J. Houston, of Forest Hill, who will soon move to our town. . . . [Sleath...not Sleeth.]
[THE OSAGE RESERVE.]
Emporia News, January 14, 1870.
THE OSAGE RESERVE.
EDS. NEWS: With your permission, I will use your columns as a convenient medium for answering numerous questions concerning the Walnut and Arkansas valleys. Probably it will be hardly worthwhile to narrate all the ups and downs of a two weeks' camping expedition; the game which we did not shoot, the poor jokes, and short rations. I will rather follow Mr. Gradgrind's lead, and narrate the more important "facks."
El Dorado seems to be flourishing beyond her former experiences. Business is brisk, whiskey scarce, town lots rising. The town is yet in its rough infancy, a total stranger to white paint and pine siding. We found our old friend, Dr. White, suffering from a most gratifying presence of customers.
Below El Dorado the valley widens, and farms are being rapidly opened.
Augusta is less excited than El Dorado, but seems to be doing a good business. Douglass, near the Southern line of Butler County, has a beautiful site, three stores, extensive water- power, and one of the best hotels on the border.
Butler County is larger than the State of Rhode Island: too large for convenience or comfort. There is much talk about carving a new county out of it and Cowley; in which case, either Douglass or Augusta would probably be the county seat.
Three miles south of Douglass we enter Cowley County and the Osage Reserve. The valleys grow in breadth and beauty, and numerous squatter cabins are visible, as we approach Lagonda, better known on the border as Dutch Creek. The word Lagonda is said to signify clear water, in the language of the Osages, and the name is well applied to a most beautiful stream, but the border settlers are not poetical, and adhere to the old name. The town consists, at present, of one log house and a log store, the former being the residence of Mr. C. Wood, formerly of Cottonwood Falls, and the latter owned by Baker & Manning of Augusta. This is a pleasant site, has one of the finest water-powers in Kansas, and is surrounded by a good country.
While at Lagonda we were somewhat amused and interested by attending a "claim trial." The squatters on the Reserve are thoroughly organized for self-protection, and all claim disputes are referred to their league. Some fifty of the pioneers were present on this occasion, and the question was decided by vote. If legal forms were not very strictly adhered to, we at least concluded that substantial justice was done.
Below Lagonda the scenery changes. The Walnut Valley, still broad and beautiful, is bounded by vast precipices of white magnesian limestone. The stream is exceedingly tortuous in its course, and the timber large and abundant. Crossing the Walnut one mile below town, at the "Kickapoo Corral," we climb the divide, and driving ten miles to the southward, stand upon high bluffs overlooking the Arkansas.
The river here is about the size of the Kaw at Lawrence. The bottoms are broad and fertile and the grass wonderful in its growth. We measured single stalks over ten feet in height. The soil is a sandy loam, loose in texture, but with an increased proportion of clay at the depth of four feet, and therefore not liable to "leach." The settlers at Wichita tell wonderful stories about the adaptation of this soil to hoed crops. Immediately along the Arkansas, for a number of rods in breadth on each side, the soil is piled in sandy drifts, and dwarf oak and Chickasaw Plum are abundant. The Grouse, which flows into the Arkansas some ten miles southeast of the mouth of the Walnut, has broad bottoms, and even more timber than the Walnut. Its mouth is barely within the State. It flows for some distance parallel to the Walnut, about six miles from it.
Immediately east of the mouth of the Walnut, a range of limestone hills crosses the Arkansas, forming a gorge probably three-fourths of a mile in breadth, filled with timber from bluff to bluff. East of this range, we found hundreds of acres of oak openings, and very broad, fertile bottoms. Two other streams, the Neniskan and Shekaska, enter the Arkansas on the west side, within five or six miles above the mouth of the Walnut, each having broad bottoms, and abundance of timber. The Arkansas is far better timbered here than in the region further west. The uplands are generally smooth and fertile, based upon limestone.
The peninsula between the Walnut and Arkansas, towards its southern extremity, breaks off into a smooth swelling ridge, much like that upon which Emporia is situated, but narrower and somewhat lower. Timber, building-stone, sand, water power, all abound in the immediate vicinity. The site has every natural advantage to be found in Kansas; and here, on Monday, in the newest stage of the moon, and near the first day of the year, we laid the rude log foundations on which a thriving town may some day rise. We were spared the trouble of naming it; the charter of the Preston (Texas) and Salina railroad has already christened it Delphi.
The Sac and Fox and Osage Indians were camped close by. They are perfectly quiet and harmless; perhaps over-awed by the number of settlers. We made the acquaintance of a few of them: the superannuated chief, "Hard Rope," "Little Bear," E-keep-son-Ge, whose name is, translated, "Long-tailed Rat," and some others. Like all the other settled Indians, the Osages are a dying race. Very few children now grow to maturity. "Strike-axe," one of the principal chiefs, told one of our party that he had lost nine children, and only one remained. At the present rate of decrease, these tribes will soon disappear from the earth. "White man's food" and consanguine intermarriages are mentioned as the most apparent causes.
We have the best evidence that the number of the Osages has been greatly exaggerated by interested parties; that 2,000 is above the figure. While encamped near them for some days, we were particularly struck by a sort of prolonged and unearthly wail, which rose every morning at daybreak from their villagesa sound that wonderfully harmonized with the note of the owl and coyoterising and falling for several minutes in strange cadence. This was said by some to be their mode of worship; but Col. Manning, who has spent much time among them, told us that they were mourning for their dead. To us it seemed as if these pre- Adamite people were singing their own death-song.
Most of the timbered claims along the lower Walnut are now taken. The prairie claims are almost untouched. The valleys of the lower Grouse, the Arkansas, Neniskaw, and Shikaska, are almost totally unclaimed, and the best timbered lands await the pioneer. In its adaptation to grass, corn, fruit, and livestock, this region is hardly equaled in Kansas. The survey of the Walnut Valley branch of the A., T. & S. F. R. R. passes across the site of Delphi. A ferry for this point has been chartered, and will be put in operation early next spring. Other good things are in progress. Should the Osage title be extinguished this winter, the growth of this country will be wonderful; and it is impossible to describe the anxiety of the pioneers upon this point. Above all, they desire that the lands be sold only to actual settlers, and not made the plunder of great monopolists, in which prayer most of us will heartily join. If the present Osage Treaty be ratified, actual settlers will receive each a quarter section at $1.25 per acre. Now is the time to act. H. B. NORTON.
Emporia News, January 21, 1870.
THE RIGHTS OF SAVAGES.
Sidney Clarke's bills concerning Indians in general, and the Osages in particular, bring up a new point in social and political ethics. While the Rights of Man, Woman's Rights, and State Rights, are being so generally discussed, the relations of these wild tribes to the nation and to humanity should not be passed neglected by.
Blackstone calls society a social compact, of which each member surrenders a part of his individual liberty for the general good. If the welfare of the nation demands it, he may be taken from his home by a military conscription, and carried to his death in battle. His property may be taken from him for the public use. His house may be torn down to make room for a street, railroad, or military evolution. Therefore, Mr. Jefferson's phrase "unalienable rights," must be understood in a qualified and partial sense. Man has no such rights, absolutely.
If this position be correct, we may be prepared for some rather startling and novel inferences in Mr. Clarke's favor. Are the Indian tribes independent nations? If so, by what right do we claim their territory as a part of our national domain, and exercise legislative authority over it? If they are not independent nations, but rather wards of the government, why should we observe the usages of treaties, in diverting their land to the needs and uses of civilization?
Have these Osages the right to forever withhold from the world's productive workers twelve thousand sections of valuable landsix sections for each man, woman, and child of the tribea territory as large as Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and half of Connecticut? We may say that civilization does not need this land; that there is room enough elsewhere. This is perhaps true today, but will not long be so. The number of young men pushing westward to seek new homes is each year greater than the last; and the vacant space yet available for cultivation is now small indeed. The prevailing maxim of the age is, "The world belongs to the workers." If this is agrarian logic, we must abide the issue, for the principle seems certain to prevail.
If the principles suggested are sound ones, we may lay down this conclusion, that it is right for the government to condemn for public use the vast tracts of land now occupied by the Indians, duly compensating them, as in case of private property so used, and guaranteeing them safety in other homes.
If this be fairly and righteously done, it will be far better for all parties than those solemn farces known as "Indian treaties"which are usually the work of fraud, bullying, and violence. There is the best evidence that this is true of the "Sturges Treaty." The chiefs refused to sign it, resisting every blandishment, till they were assured that the government would wreak bloody vengeance upon them for the murder of a white settler which had recently occurred, and that this particular treaty was their only salvation. So hones men familiar with the tribe assure us. It is hardly necessary to allude to the bribery, the drunkenness, the ten thousand rascalities and villainies, by which these treaties have so often been accomplished. It would be far better for the tribes to carry out Mr. Clarke's policy, appointing righteous, honest, God-fearing men as commissioners to execute the will of the government. H. B. NORTON.
Emporia News, January 21, 1870.
WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENCE.
WASHINGTON, January 13, 1870.
DEAR NEWS: Thinking that a few lines from the Capitol may not be uninteresting to your numerous readers, and having a few spare moments at my disposal this evening, I thought I would devote them to that purpose.
In Congress the fight over the admission of Virginia is till the all-absorbing topic of discussion, and the debate waxes warmer as the fight progresses. Today the debate assumed a somewhat personal character in the Senate, and several little "passages at arms" occurred during the debate. The Senate finally adjourned without coming to a vote, as it had done for the several days previous. When the question can be forced to a vote, the bill will undoubtedly pass. But it may not reach a vote for several days to come.
Several important bills have been introduced in the Senate and House in which Kansas is deeply interestedmeasures for the disposal of the public lands, removal of Indian tribes, etc. The enclosed bill, introduced by Senator Ross, is one in which the people of southern Kansas are deeply interested.
A BILL
To establish an additional land district in the State of Kansas.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That all that portion of the State of Kansas lying south of the fourth standard parallel, and west of the east line of range eight, east of the sixth principal meridian in said State, shall constitute an additional land district, to be called the Arkansas district, the location of the office for which shall be designated by the President of the United States, and shall by him, from time to time, be changed as the public interests may seem to require.
SECTION 2. And be it further enacted, That the President be, and he is hereby, authorized whenever the public interests shall require, to appoint, in accordance with existing laws authorizing appointments to office, a register and a receiver for the district hereby created, who shall each be required to reside at the site of the office for said district, have the same powers, responsibilities, and emoluments, and be subject to the same acts and penalties which are or may be prescribed by law in relation to other land officers of the United States.
SECTION 3. And be it further enacted, That all sales and locations made at the offices of the districts in which the lands embraced in this district have heretofore been included, situated within the limits of this district, which shall be valid and right in other respects, up to the day on which the new office shall go into operation, be, and the same are hereby, confirmed.
I will send you other bills relating to Kansas matters when printed.
There are, strange to say, but few Kansans in Washington at the present time. Indeed, there are fewer lobby members here now than there have been at any session within the last ten years. I met Bob. Stevens today. He had just arrived from Kansas. Conway, our former Representative, the irrepressible Amy Wilmarth, of Topeka, and Doctor Root are all, I believe, that I have seen here. Our members are all busy. I called on Senator Ross today, and found him surrounded with public documents, and hard at work trying to work his way out. The Senator is considered one of the hardest working members of the body, and is rapidly regaining the ground he had lost. I was very glad, for the welfare of our State, to find that the breech between our Senators was rapidly being healed, and that good feeling was existing once more between them. Until the Virginia bill is disposed of, there will be bit little other legislation accomplished, but from the tone of the Senate today, I expect to see that measure disposed of and Virginia admitted at a very early day. In the meantime should anything transpire of peculiar interest to Kansas I will advise you.
Emporia News, January 21, 1870.
The Chetopa Advance has grown to a 32 column sheet, enlarging not only its former size, but also its former name. It now comes to us as the Southern Kansas Advance, and in its present form is justly entitled to the rank of one of the best weeklies in the State.
Emporia News, January 21, 1870.
M. R. Cordeiro, a Mexican, was lodged in jail at this place, day before yesterday, on commitment of Judge W. R. Brown, of the Ninth Judicial District, on the charge of murder in the first degree. He is the man who killed O. J. Whitman, at Wichita, on the 27th of December last.
Emporia News, January 21, 1870.
AMERICUS.
Should the bill now pending in Congress for the removal of the Kaw Indians, and the opening up of their lands to actual settlers, be passed, it will be the making of Americus. This large reservation, extending to the town site, being entirely excluded from the market, has always been a fatal drawback to this place, and should it be thrown open in time for the spring immigration, hundreds of farms would at once be opened up near us, and this whole country begin a forward march that would place us alongside the most thriving localities in the State. Some of the choicest lands in the valley are embraced in this reservation, supplied with good timber, good water, and it is believed there is an abundance of coal on portions of the same. The progress of this bill will be watched with the greatest interest by our citizens.
Emporia News, January 28, 1870.
WASHINGTON, D. C., January 5, 1870.
Hon. E. G. Ross: SIR: Yours of this date received.
In reply to your first query, I unhesitatingly reply in the negative.
To your second, I would state that I have no reason to believe that any money was paid you in consideration of your vote, or that any improper influences were exercised to procure it. My belief is directly to the contrary.
To your third, I reply that I have no reason to believe that any person whatever received money with the understanding or belief that it was to be used in affecting your vote. My information and belief is the reverse.
To your fourth and last inquiry, I state that Perry Fuller was offered several thousand dollars with the expectation that he could influence your action in the premises. I state further that Fuller declined receiving the money, replying to the offer that he could not accomplish anything therewith, and that your action on the question of impeachment could not be affected thereby. Very respectfully yours, C. WENDELL.
Emporia News, January 28, 1870.
GRAVE CHARGES.
Charges of the most grave and serious nature against U. S. Senator Pomeroy appeared in the Leavenworth Times and Conservative of the 25th, and against Representative Clarke, John Speer, and others in the State Record of the 26th instant. It is alleged against Pomeroy that just before the impeachment trial he wrote a letter to one Legate (who it seems was desirous to obtain the Leavenworth post office), in which he tells Legate to see the Postmaster General and ask him for said office as a request from Pomeroy, and instructs Legate to promise him if the request be complied with, his support of the P. M. General's nominations; and if either the last named individual or the President should get into difficulty, even if it be impeachment, they might rely on his aid in getting them out. It is further alleged that Pomeroy tried hard to ingratiate himself into the President's favor, calling frequently at the White House, assuring Johnson of his friendship, and announcing himself prepared to answer to any demands the President might make upon him; also that he promised certain parties to vote for Johnson's acquittal upon receiving a certain sum of money; and that he wrote another letter, dated May 2nd, 1868, in which he stated that the bearer, a Mr. Gaylord, his brother-in-law, was his authorized agent, and that he would ratify any contract made by him; that Gaylord carried this letter to Cooper, who thereupon counted out fifty one thousand dollar bills and placed thereon an accepted draft on Jay Cooke and Co. for fifty thousand more; that Gaylord refused the draft and demanded the money; whereupon Cooper withdrew both money and draft, distrusting Gaylord, and believing that even if Johnson bought Pomeroy's vote he would not be sure of getting it; that Gaylord on going away from Cooper met Legate, to whom he explained the failure whereby the negotiators had lost their share of the money.
These, in substance, are the charges made against Senator Pomeroy. The proprietor of the Times and Conservative says that in making them public he has no fears of a libel suit and thinks he could substantiate everything alleged by such witnesses as Benj. F. Butler, Geo. W. Glick, Elversend Cooper, J. F. Legate, W. F. Downs, S. C. Pomeroy himself, and others.
The disclosure in the Record is in the shape of a letter written from Washington by L. C. Wilmarth, of Topeka, and is in substance as follows.
John Speer, editor of the Lawrence Tribune, was at one time Collector for the State of Kansas, and in collecting the tax for 1866, sent to Topeka a deputy from Lawrence, instead of permitting his regular deputy at Topeka to make the collection. Having collected the tax, Mr. Speer retired from the office and turned over to his successor the tax list of 1866 as uncollected. The result was that Mr. Speer never paid over this money to the Government, by whom he stands charged with over $20,000.
Hon. Sidney Clarke, who became security on Mr. Speer's bond, has made strenuous efforts to have Speer freed from the necessity of accounting to the Government for this money, but has not been altogether successful. One thing, however, was accomplished. The whole matter was placed into the hands of Supervisor Marr, of St. Louis, whose duty it became to report on the merits of the case, after having diligently pried into it. An attempt was made by Speer's friends to have Marr make a favorable report without an investigation, but was decidedly unsuccessful, as Marr refused to do any such thing. Marr, after a careful examination of the case, reported in accordance with facts stated above. This is the gist of the story. We do not know whether it be true or false. We await further developments.
One thing, however, is certain. Rascality in high places is fearfully increasing. Nearly everyday is brought to light some new phase of corruption. The people will soon have cause for being distrustful of everybody. Victimized by this public servant who steals their money, disgraced by that one who robs their confidence by selling his principles and turning traitor to his constituency, observant of how Corruption, courted and flattered instead of being despised and rebuked, stalks up and down in the highest places in the land, as well as in the lower positions of trust, it is no wonder that they are beginning to murmur and to cry out against these wrongs. God speed the day when none but honest men shall fill the offices of the land.
Emporia News, January 28, 1870.
SENATOR ROSS' RESOLUTION.
The people of Kansas, especially along the line of the Southern Branch of the Union Pacific, and still more especially along the line of the prospective extension of this road, will be greatly gratified over the introduction of the following resolution by Senator Ross. Perhaps no portion of Kansas is more fertile than the northwestern portion, which will be rapidly settled up as soon as there is an assurance of the speedy building of such a road as this.
Joint resolution for the extension of the Union Pacific railroad, Southern Branch, and for a grant of land to aid in the construction thereof.
Be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the Union Pacific Railroad Company, Southern Branch, the same being a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Kansas, is hereby authorized to extend, construct, and operate its line of railroad from its junction with the Kansas Pacific Railroad Company, northwestwardly, to a junction with the Union Pacific railroad, in Nebraska, at a point not farther west than the one hundredth meridian of longitude west from Greenwich.
SECTION 2. And be it further resolved, That for the purpose of aiding said company to construct and operate such extension, a grant of lands is hereby made to said company to the same extent, and on the same terms and conditions, as are contained in an act entitled "An act granting lands to the State of Kansas to aid in the construction of a southern branch of the Union Pacific railway and telegraph from Fort Riley, Kansas, to Fort Smith, Arkansas," approved July twenty, eighteen hundred and sixty-six.
Emporia News, January 28, 1870.
TEXAN CATTLE.
There is a prize within reach of Emporia, which she may grasp by merely stretching out her hand.
The cattle-trade of Texas is carried on over two principal trails: the Chism [Chisholm] and Shawnee trails. The former crosses the Arkansas at Wichita, and the latter in the Indian Territory, below the mouth of the Walnut. The two meet above Wichita, and extend to Abilene, on the Kansas Pacific, where the cattle are shipped to the eastern market.
The best information we have been able to gather, is that 50,000 cattle came over the Shawnee trail last year, and over 100,000 by the Chism [Chisholm] trail. It will readily be seen that this traffic is enormous in its extent. The sale of 150,000 cattle implies an exchange of not less than Three Millions of Dollars. A large portion of the purchase-money is paid in merchandise, which is obtained at the outfitting point. Junction City has reaped a rich harvest in this way.
At present, the cattle trails are forced by law within certain limits, on account of the dread of "Spanish Fever." If the business were left to itself, it would naturally flow to Emporia. By this route, the traders would save 150 to 200 miles of driving and freighting.
Could the law be so modified as to allow the trade to come hither without endangering the interest of our own stock-growers?
The report of the Illinois commission shows that the Spanish Fever is not propagated by the air, nor by bodily contact. It is caused by "entophytes"miscroscopic mushrooms bred in the secretions of the animals infected, and is communicated only to such as feed upon the pastures where the diseased cattle have scattered their saliva. Cattle kept off the trail seem to be never infected.
Between the Walnut on the west and the Verdigris and Fall River on the east, there extends a range of flint hills from the Arkansas nearly to a point on the Cottonwood, a little southwest of Emporia. It is totally uninhabited, and likely to be so for years to come. Wherever we have crossed it, it seems to be several miles in breadth. To all appearance, cattle, driven along this long divide would be out of everybody's way, and injure nobody. If permitted by act of the Legislature, the trails would meet on the south side of the Arkansas near the mouth of the Walnut, cross at that point, and immediately ascend the divide of which we have spoken. It would be met by a spur of the railroads some three miles southwest of this place. There would be the cattle-yards. Emporia would be the shipping and outfitting point. It is difficult to imagine the enormous impulse which such a trade would give to business in Emporia, and the growth in wealth and population which must follow. We can probably secure all this by making the proper effort. Shall it be done? Is there any reason why it should not? H. B. NORTON.
Emporia News, January 28, 1870.
THE FIRST BRANCH OF THE NEW PACIFIC ROAD.
Chicago, Leavenworth and Emporia.
From the Washington, Iowa, Press.
LEAVENWORTH, January 10, 1870.
The building of the Chicago and Southwestern Railroad is considered here the most important of all our enterprises. It is believed that the completion of the road will have a great influence in necessitating the building of another Pacific Railroad, which is destined to be a greater success than the one already constructed. The commercial convention held in Louisville, in October last, considered the construction of new Pacific Railroad the most important enterprise upon which they took action. The majority report of the committee on railroads was signed by twenty members, and was as follows.
Resolved, That this Convention memorialize Congress to grant the right of way and such subsidies as may seem just to a Southern Pacific Railroad from San Diego, California, via the junction of the rivers Colorado and Gila, along the valley of the Gila, and south of the same to El Paso, on the Rio Grande, and thence to a convenient point near the 32nd parallel of north latitude east of the Brazos or near that river in Texas; to which main trunk, feeder roads may be built from Leavenworth. St. Louis, Kansas City, Cairo, and Galveston, on the east, and Guaymas, Mazatlan, and San Francisco, on the west, and such other roads on the east or west, as may be desired, with equal right of connection to all.
Resolved, That the President of this Convention be requested to forward a copy of this resolution to the President of the United States, the Vice President, and Speaker of the house of Representatives, and request them to present the same to their respective member of Congress. That the chairman of each State delegation be requested to appoint two gentlemen from their respective States to visit Washington at the next sitting of Congress in the interest of the Southern Pacific Railroad, as recommended by this convention.
The minority report was signed by four members, and was as follows.
Resolved, That the United States ought to grant the aid required to secure the construction of a railroad to the Pacific Ocean, along the route known as the 35th parallel route, branching east of the 106th meridian, through Louisiana, Arkansas, and Kansas.
Both reports aim at the same general object, and the committee, which comprised some of the best engineers and railroad men in the country, was unanimous in the opinion that a road must be built somewhere in that vicinity. They only differed a little in location, and in that not materially.
The Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad is nearly completed to Emporia, 60 miles southwest of Topeka, and 120 miles in the same direction from Leavenworth. This road has a liberal grant of land through to the southern boundary of the State, and when the road is completed to that point, it will not be allowed to stop for want of aid. It will strike the North Fork of the Canadian at the 99th Meridian and the 36th Parallel. This is believed to be the point where the grand junction will be. St. Louis has a road completed nearly halfway across Missouri, in a southwesterly direction, which the people of that city intend as their branch of the new Pacific Railroad. Memphis is already moving in the matter, and a road across Arkansas is a certainty, while the rapid settlement of the Indian country makes an outlet for the products of that fine territory a necessity. If this road across the continent is built, Memphis will be the gate city of Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas, Virginia, and West Virginia for many years to come.
Going west, the line follows the Canadian nearly to Ft. Sumner, on the Pecos River, New Mexico, thence to Ft. McRay, on the Rio Grande, Ft. Goodwin, Arizona, and along the Gila to Arizona City, or Ft. Yuma, and on the Colorado River, and thence northwest to San Francisco. The best engineers in the United States agree that this is the best route on the continent for a Pacific railroad. Following river courses it is easily built, and there is no part of the line which will ever be obstructed by snow, or want for water. There is no finer country in the world than that traversed by this proposed route.
This road ought to be built in five years. There is no doubt but it will be within a few years at farthest. There will be a strong influence brought to bear in Congress, this winter, in the interest of this road and the portions of the country to be benefitted by it, and men of good judgment believe the matter will be considerably advanced if not entirely disposed of before Congress adjourns.
The completion of the Chicago & Southwestern Railroad marks the progress of one branch of this great enterprise to a distance of about 400 miles, namely, from Washington, Iowa, to Emporia, Kansas. This road is already finished nearly to Cameron, Missouri, fifty miles from Leavenworth, and the contract from Cameron to the Iowa terminus is already let to a Mr. Courtwright, one of the most reliable and enterprising engineers in the West. Of course, with the bonds endorsed by C. R. I. & P. R. R. Co., the early completion of the work is a certainty.
The Leavenworth bridge is progressing finely and will be finished as soon as money and energy can do the work. G. T. I.
Emporia News, January 28, 1870.
THE LATEST NEWS BY TELEGRAPH.
From Washington.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 23. The Quaker committee sent out to make a report on Indian affairs in the Northern or Nebraska Superintendency, has made its report for the year just ended. This document recommends as follows:
That no more Indians be removed from their reservations; that the General Government carry out all its treaty obligations faithfully; that no more Indian reservation land be sold at present; that when more is sold, means should be taken to get a class of upright and industrious men as settlers; that a hospital, with a female graduate of medicine, or a matron, should be established at once on each reservation; that a sufficient number of industrial schools be opened on each reservation, and that Indians should be supplied with teams and tools, and industriously urged to become practical farmers. The committee is of the opinion that the Indians, while not accustomed to work, would soon acquire industrious habits if they have tools, and means, and proper encouragement and instruction. It is also their opinion that if the recommendations they have made be carried out, and the policy being pursued continued, the Indians in the Northern Superintendency will in a few years become civilized and self-supporting, and able to exert a good influence among their wilder neighbors.
Emporia News, January 28, 1870.
Red River.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 23. The recognition of the Red River leaders by the Hudson Bay Company, as the only legitimate government in Winnipeg, has elicited much conversation in this city. No force will be attempted against the insurgents, but profuse promises of a transcontinental railroad are made, to change the rapid course of events towards annexation to the United States. It is announced that such a bill will be passed at the February session of the Dominion Parliament, and that Great Britain may be induced to guarantee five percent dividend on the stock. Minnesotans are urging a land grant from Breckenridge, on Red River, the termination of the St. Paul & Pacific Railroad, to Winnipeg, on the border, with assurances of its immediate construction as a sure means to check the Canadian scheme.
Emporia News, January 28, 1870.
The Virginia Bill.
WASHINGTON, January 23. The Reconstruction Committee, this morning, agreed to report the Virginia bill as it passed the Senate, with recommendations that it be adopted by the House immediately, and it is expected the bill will accordingly pass the House tomorrow.
Emporia News, January 28, 1870.
Missouri.
ST., LOUIS, Jan. 24. The Democrat's Washington special gives numerous accounts of the examination of Gould and Fisk, by committee examining the gold conspiracy. Gould stated to a direct question that he did not know a thing in any way whatever, connecting the President or his family with the conspiracy. Gould says but little about his testimony, but in less than three hours after leaving the committee room, Fish had told his story to a room full of reporters, who wrote it, but it embraces but little more than was published in the New York papers last fall. Fisk's style, however, is very notable as the following examples will show: When asked what became of a certain $25,000 placed to Mrs. Grant's credit, he replied, "It's June where there the woodbine twineth." Speaking of Corbin, he said, "he is an old thief," and photographs him in a single sentence thus, "when he reaches his hand on the shelf he cleans off everything on it."
The correspondent makes the following comparison of the two men: Gould is quiet in manner and reticent in speech, while Fisk is noisy and pushing and garrulous to the last degree. Gould gave his evidence with caution and precision. Fisk was profane, oratorical, dramatic, and bifalutin. Gould deliberated on every answer he made, and went no further than necessity required. Fisk poured out a torrent of words, and was no more to be checked than Niagara in its flow. Gould gave no extraneous information; but Fisk continually slopped over. There was business in the room while Gould sat in the witness chair; the two hours of Fisk was a broad farce, or a roaring comedy from beginning to end. Gould made no pretense, and attracted no attention. Fisk was gorgeous with striped pantaloons, brown velvet coat, a square yard of shirt bosom, half a rod of gold chain, a diamond large as a walnut, neck-tie of the latest and loudest swell pattern. Both of them went back to New York last evening.
Emporia News, January 28, 1870.
Thanks to Hon. E. G. Ross for Public Documents.
Emporia News, January 28, 1870.
Max Fawcett returned from the mouth of the Walnut, this week, and brought with him a couple specimens of grass, which he clipped from the summit of the highest ground in the vicinity of the town site of Delphi, one of which was a fine grass about three and a half feet high, and different from any we have seen in this vicinity; the other, a coarse grass, about eight feet high; and from the appearance of these grasses, Max is earnestly of the opinion that the land on which he cut them will produce the most abundant crops of wheat, and we have no doubt of it.
Emporia News, February 4, 1870. TEXAN CATTLE. [Editorial.]
A communication appeared in the last week's NEWS with reference to the Texan cattle trade. We would like to see the question of allowing these cattle to be driven to this point for shipment thoroughly discussed. Are Texas cattle really infected with Spanish Fever? Is not much of the furor against these herds caused by the efforts of beef men in the west, fearful of the competition of the Texas trade? If there really is infection, how is the disease communicated to other cattle?
H. B. N. [NORTON GENERALLY GAVE HIS INITIALS ONLY] mentions a route over which he thinks they can be driven to within a short distance of Emporia, without the least possible danger of injuring anybody. It seems to us this matter is worth looking into. What shall be done? Shall a meeting be called to take into consideration the expediency of throwing open our gates to this trade? We believe a public discussion of the matter, bringing to light all the possible reasons for and against the measure would do no harm and might result in much good.
Emporia News, February 4, 1870.
Travel to and through our town has been very large lately. The tide of immigration and business has turned in full force hitherward, and the Cottonwood and its tributaries, the Walnut, Whitewater, and both Arkansas valleys are becoming thickly settled. We believe that in five years Butler, Cowley, Sedgwick, Marion, and Chase Counties, will favorably compare in population with any part of the State. Chase County Banner.
Emporia News, February 4, 1870.
LATEST NEWS BY TELEGRAPH.
Washington. [Giving only part of article.]
Mr. Clarke introduced a bill to dispose of the Cherokee Neutral Lands in Kansas to actual settlers only. Referred.
Mr. Clarke also introduced a bill to amend an act granting lands to Kansas for railroad purposes. Referred.
Mr. Taffe introduced a bill amending the act regulating trade and intercourse with the different Indian tribes. Referred.
Emporia News, February 11, 1870.
FROM TOPEKA. Doings of the State Legislature. Editorial Correspondence.
TEXAS CATTLE.
The measure to change the law so as to permit the driving of Texas cattle into our section of the State having been discussed both in private circles and in THE NEWS, it is but proper for us to state that there will be no change this season. A consultation of all the members from our section of the State, including the counties of Lyon, Greenwood, Butler, Chase, and Marion was held on Friday last, and it was found such a measure would be just about unanimously opposed. All realize that it would be a good thing for Emporia, and while all the members feel as though they would like to do anything in their power for the up building of the town, they do not think it best to jeopardize the stock growing interests by opening up a way for the admission of Texas cattle, in order to do so.
CHEROKEE RESOLUTIONS.
A series of resolutions in regard to the Cherokee Neutral lands have occupied much time in the House. These look to the recognition of the rights of the settlers, and are intended as an expression against Joy. Nearly all admit that the treaty by which Joy got the lands was an outrage not only upon the settlers, but upon decency, and completely trampled under foot the preemption and homestead laws. But the question is, what good will the passage of these resolutions do now, as the government has already commenced to issue patents to Mr. Joy. The discussion of the question has been long and tedious. The patience of the members has been worn threadbare, especially that portion of them who wish to stop speech-making and proceed with work. A full history of the treaty and the troubles has been brought out. The resolutions can only amount to an expression of sympathy with the settlers. . . . The discussion so far has developed a committee which has been sent down to Cherokee County to inquire into all matters connected with the troubles.
NEW LAND DISTRICT.
Senator Mead introduced a resolution a few days ago asking the passage of Senator Ross' bill to create a new land district in southwestern Kansas. This has passed and gone to Washington. Senator Mead is always on the look out for the interests of his district.
KAW LANDS.
Representative Drake, of Americus, has introduced the following resolution, which has passed the House and is now in the Senate.
House Concurrent Resolutions No. _____ relating to the Kaw lands in Kansas.
WHEREAS, it is currently reported that a treaty is now before the Senate of the United States for the sale of 135,000 acres of the Kaw Indian Reserve, at 87 ½ cents an acre, to a railroad company, the same being among the best lands in Kansas, which is needed for actual settlers, and
WHEREAS, this legislature and the people of Kansas are opposed to the practice of disposing of public lands of the United States by treaty; now therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
1. That we protest against the sale of said lands to any person or corporation except to actual settlers under the laws of Congress.
2. That our delegation in Congress be requested to use their influence against the ratification of said treaty, and the Secretary of State is hereby instructed to transmit to the President of the United States and to each of our Senators and Representatives in Congress a copy of this preamble and Resolution.
Would it not be a good idea to give this Kaw trust land to the Valley Railroad (excuse me for not getting in the initials of the new name of the road) provided they will release Morris and Lyon Counties from the county bonds which they have voted for its construction?
SKIPPED THE REST.
Emporia News, February 11, 1870.
TEXAN CATTLE.
JUNCTION CITY, KANSAS, February 9, 1870.
EDITOR NEWS: In your issue of the 4th inst., you ask "are Texan cattle really infected with Spanish Fever?" Being a native of Texas, and a resident for twenty-five years, I feel competent to answer the question. I reply, no. There is no such thing as Spanish Fever in Texas cattle, or the "Texas cattle fever," as it is generally called here. The idea is absurd, ridiculous; and only those who fear competition put forth such objections.
I have no interest in your town, but will give you a few figures as proof of the advantage of the Texas cattle trade. About 200,000 head of Texas cattle reached Abilene and vicinity last summer. Of that number, about 150,000 head were shipped east30,000 driven to Omaha and the west, and 20,000 are being wintered hereabouts. Just think, what an immense trade this must necessarily bring to the country. In Abilene last summer $75,000 worth of goods were sold to Texans alone. While at his place, at least $50,000 worth was sold. Add the sales of Salina, Ellsworth, and other points, and they will amount to $150,000, which is no small thing.
If I had time, I would say more in behalf of the Texas cattle trade. But enough for the present. B.
Emporia News, February 25, 1870.
CRESSWELL.
This new town (formerly called Delphi) at the mouth of the Walnut seems to promise good things. The town company consists of Messrs. Plumb, Stotler, Norton, Eskridge, and Kellogg, of Emporia; Judge Brown and H. L. Hunt, of Cottonwood Falls; Kellogg & Bronson, of El Dorado; Baker & Manning, of Augusta; and Messrs. G. H. Norton, Stain [?], Brown, Moore, and Wilkinson on the site.
Mr. John Morris, of this place, is intending to open a grocery store there speedily. The company have the material to start a newspaper as soon as circumstances will permit. The company have not yet received a title to the land, but hold it as yet by the border law. They make good offers to all actual settlers. Having 160 acres of timber adjacent to the town site, they offer a lot and the necessary timber to any person who will build a log house, and proportional bounties to those who make more costly improvements.
Mr. Clarke's bill, to remove the Osage Indians and open the land to actual settlers, recently received a decided majority in a test vote in the House of Representatives; and the Senate committee has reported favorably upon a similar bill. It is almost certain that this will speedily become a law, and that the land will be dedicated to civilization within the next thirty days. There is already an immense rush of settlers in that direction. Thousands on thousands of fertile homesteads await the coming of the pioneer.
A considerable Welsh colony is already located upon the Arkansas bottoms, a short distance above Cresswell, the vanguard of a great host of most worthy, moral, industrious, intelligent people.
Cresswell is an excellent site for merchants, mechanics, mill-wrights, and all classes of workers. Owing to its position at the convergence of several of the finest valleys in Kansas, and only seven or eight miles from the southern border, it must be the center of a great traffic with the Indian tribes and the military posts. The soil and climate are especially adapted to livestock, hoed crops, and fruits.
Messrs. Hunt & Fawcett, of this place, have located there, intending to embark in the fruit and nursery business. No point in the State is better provided with building materials
sand, timber, clay, sandstone, and the choicest magnesian limestone. For young men of energy and enterprise, seeking new homes on the border, we know of no better site than Creswell.
The place wants, immediately, a hotel, stores of different sorts, a sawmill, and a full representation of the various mechanical trades. For all these, the town company offer good inducements. Who speaks first?
Emporia News, February 25, 1870.
THE POTTAWATOMIES. The Committee of Pottawatomie Indians that passed through town some two months since, on their way to the Indian Territory, to seek lands suitable for a new Reservation for such of their tribe as desire to move from their present homes, returned from their trip on the 15th instant. The majority of the committee are quite enthusiastic in their recommendation of the country, and will probably recommend in a very strong manner the expediency of moving, at a General Council to be held at St. Mary's Mission next Saturday. They report as good corn as is found here, plenty of grass, and consequently lots of cattle. Judging from the sleek appearance of most of the committee, we are willing to certify that there is plenty eat there. Record.
Emporia News, February 25, 1870.
TELEGRAPH NEWS.
CHICAGO, Feb. 23. A letter from Fort Sully says that Little Swan, a Sioux Indian, arrived at the Cheyenne Agency on the 14th instant. He gives the particulars of a desperate fight between three hundred Sioux and Crow Indians in the early part of January, about the mouth of Yellowstone River, in Missouri. It appears that a party of twenty-nine Crows came on foot to steal horses from the Sioux Indians, and met two young Sioux Indians, one of whom was killed and one wounded, who managed to escape, which alarmed the Sioux Indians, and the warriors mounted their horses and hurried to the point where the Crows had fortified themselves in a fort built with loose stones, and defied the Sioux Indians, who charged several times unsuccessfully, losing five killed. The last attack was made near sundown, under Spotted Eagle, who was killed. The Sioux Indians then managed to overpower the Crows, everyone of whom were killed in a hand to hand encounter. The Sioux Indians lost twelve killed on the ground, and five died the next day. Many were dangerously wounded.
Emporia News, March 4, 1870.
RATHER STEEP. The Walnut Valley Times advertises 240 acres of land for sale at the trifling price of $315,000. Somebody must have struck oil.
ANOTHER ARTICLE: The EMPORIA NEWS sends greetings to its beautiful offspring [Walnut Valley Times]. We had reason to expect a good deal of Bent, but he has succeeded himself. . . .
Emporia News, March 4, 1870.
THE BREATH OF LIFE.
The above is the title to a pamphlet just issued from this office and prepared by Dr.
W. Q. Mansfield, of Emporia. Its object is to throw light upon that department of medicine known as Homoeopathy. . . .
Emporia News, March 4, 1870.
TELEGRAPH NEWS.
CHICAGO, March 2. A letter received today at Sheridan's headquarters from Col. D. Stanley, Dakota Territory, gives a discouraging account of Indian affairs in that region, based chiefly upon information brought to that post by a Sioux Indian chief, named Little White Swan. This chief, who is very friendly toward the whites, and considered perfectly reliable, says he had entertained hopes of bringing in all his people, but recently the notorious renegade and murderer, John Richards, had so stirred up and influenced them against the whites that hostilities this coming season will probably be worse than ever before. Several tribes besides the Sioux are brewing hostilities, and are sending out war parties in every direction.
Emporia News, March 4, 1870.
Newman Bros., the young, enterprising and genial men who keep the general store three doors north of this office, have received a lot of muslins and other domestics this week, and a supply of ready-made clothing also, which they will sell low. This is only a shadow of the stock they will receive in a week or two. They are doing a lively business and merit much more.
Emporia News, March 11, 1870.
FROM CRESSWELL.
Capt. G. H. Norton lately arrived from this new settlement on the Arkansas. He reports buffalo abundant within one day's ride; deer, antelope, and wild turkeys daily visible. Several parties from Illinois and elsewhere have passed through town within a few days, on their way to this point. Coal has been discovered within two miles of Cresswell; in how large quantities is not yet known. It is in the bed of a stream, and nearly covered with sand. The fragments taken out are clean, brittle, and burn with a brilliant flame. Cresswell has a beautiful site and a capital location for business. The Osages are not in that vicinity now. They are perfectly quiet and peaceable, being powerless in the presence of so great a number of settlers as are now pouring into this region.
No town in Kansas has a better prospect for the great trade of the border. The company have reserved some 400 lots to give away as bounties to those who shall make improvements on the town site. This offer is unprecedently liberal. For the production of livestock, fruit, and hoed crops, this Arkansas Valley leads Kansas. We can scarcely doubt that the Osage title will be extinguished before the end of the present session of Congress. Here is a field for enterprise. Capt. Norton returned with a considerable party last Monday.
Beautiful mill sites, any number of excellent farms, ledges of the finest magnesian limestone, excellent commercial advantages await the settler at and near Cresswell.
Emporia News, March 11, 1870.
THE A. T. & S. F. RAILROAD.
We learn from the Topeka Commonwealth that a meeting of the stockholders of the above road was held in that city on Thursday last, 3rd inst., at which the following named gentlemen were elected directors for the ensuing year.
Henry Keys, Vermont; Emmons Raymond, Boston; Adna P. Balch, New Hampshire; George Opdyke, New York; Henry Blood, New York; Chas. W. Pierce, Boston; Alden Speare, Boston; Thomas Sherlock, Cincinnati; Carlos Pierce, Canada; Thomas J. Peter, Cincinnati; S. C. Pomeroy, Kansas; D. L. Lakin, Topeka; C. K. Holliday, Topeka.
The new board immediately organized by electing officers as follows.
President, Henry Keys; Vice President, Henry Blood; Treasurer and Secretary, Charles W. Pierce; Executive Committee, Henry Keys, Emmons Raymond, Adna P. Balch, George Opdyke, and Thomas Sherlock.
Among the stockholders of the company there were present at this meeting: Henry Keys, Emmons Raymond, Henry Blood, Charles W. Pierce, Alden Spear, Thomas Sherlock, T. J. Peter, D. L. Lakin, C. K. Holliday, George B. Wilbur, William Currier.
The directors passed through here on Friday last on their way to Wichita, on a tour of inspection of the route beyond this place, and returned on Monday.
The Commonwealth informs us further, that it is the intention of the company to prosecute the work vigorously to Emporia and beyond. The executive committee have been instructed to make arrangements for securing the immediate completion of the road between Atchison and Topeka. The company have already expended upwards of six hundred thousand dollars directly from the pockets of the members, on the work that has been performed thus far. No bonds have been sold as yet, though it is expected that a large amount will be disposed of, which will yield to the company all the funds their immediate necessities require. The company are doing nobly, and are entitled to the respect, good-will, and cooperation of the people.
Emporia News, March 11, 1870.
TELEGRAPHIC NEWS ITEMS.
A story comes to us through the telegraph that trouble is apprehended on the Osage lands between the settlers and Indians. We must say we do not put much credit in this report. We have seen persons from the western part of the lands within the past week who said nothing about the matter. The settlers desire peace, and the Indians know too much to make war on the large number now on the lands.
Emporia News, March 11, 1870.
DOWN, DOWN.
Gold has gone down, down, until within the past week it touched $1.11, and ranged from there to $1.13. This is received throughout the country as cheering news. In fact, a telegram informs us that several houses in Rochester, New York, have resumed specie payment. The Administration is jubilant. Upon this subject the Chicago Tribune remarks:
All the efforts of merchants and operators, of holders of dry goods, wheat, breadstuffs, and cotton, have been combined to hold it up to $1.25, or, failing in that, to $1.20. But they can no more hold it than Canute could restrain the tide. All their efforts to sustain the premium have been at their own loss, and, unless the operators in gold can see some good reason to believe that our exportable cotton, breadstuffs, petroleum, and our new product of gold from the West, must very soon fall off, the holders of gold will have no resource but to realize while they can, and any general effort to realize in the present state of the market would bring gold down to 10, at which figures silver would probably come into circulation. The causes which govern the decline are behind and above the speculators, and they can only save themselves and make a profit by operating in accordance with these natural causes. If the country would but realize that the quickest, surest road to an abundant currency is to bring gold to par, and so add to the actual volume of our currency the $200,000,000 now being painfully held and carried as a dead and losing commodity, the efforts of our commercial community would be for a fall in gold, instead of against it. The moment gold touches par and comes again into general circulation, it will be found that we have more money in the country than we know what to do with. Suspended enterprises of every kind will move forward; cautious and frightened capitalists will become bold; men now crouching under a sense of danger will find that the last shot is fired and the war is ended. So it has been in other countries on a resumption of specie payment, and so it must be here. We look with hope for the day when the enormous board of gold now being held by the merchants of New York shall be thrown upon the market, breaking it utterly, and sending the yellow coin again into circulation. It will prove a day of redemption, not only for greenbacks, but for all the people.
Emporia News, March 11, 1870.
We clip the following items from the first issue of that excellent paper, the Walnut Valley Times:
Stock in Butler County is doing exceedingly well; has required but little feed this winter.
There are about sixty boarders at the El Dorado House. The building is crowded to its utmost capacity all the time.
J. S. McWhorter was in town last week. He says that El Dorado is the county seat of Emporia.
We regret to learn that Prof. Wilson is making preparations to move to his claim near Creswell. Mr. Wilson has done much for the interests of Butler County, and will be greatly missed by our citizens. Creswell will find in him an ardent worker in the cause of religion, morality, and education, and a general good citizen.
We are glad to acknowledge a visit from our enterprising friend, J. K. Finley, of Emporia. Mr. Finley is investing largely in and about El Dorado.
Our townsmen, Wilson, Betts, and Kellogg, have just returned from Creswell and report the lower country full of claim hunters, and lively times generally.
The following new counties have just been organized by the Governor:
CowleyFebruary 28th, 1870; Winfield, county seat.
McPhersonMarch 1st, 1870; Sweadal, county seat.
SedgwickMarch 2nd, 1870; Wichita, county seat. [They had Witchita.]
Three magnificent engines for the Missouri, Kansas & Texas railroad, passed through this city yesterday, on the Kansas Pacific railway, for Junction City. They were made at Pitsburg, and show that this new road is bound to be first-class in all its branches.
[SKIPPED OTHER ITEMS.]
Emporia News, March 11, 1870.
Paper printed a Biographical Sketch of Lieutenant Governor Eskridge [Emporia].
Brief RECAP only. Eskridge was 38 years old at this time. Born in Virginia. Moved with parents to Ohio when he was one or two; stayed there about two years; then moved to Illinois. Parents poor. Eskridge came to Kansas in 1856, and settled at Lawrence. He was identified with the free State party in the early Kansas troubleswas a correspondent of three or four papers published near his old Illinois home. In the spring of 1857 he moved to Emporia. He was elected representative to the legislature in 1861, re-elected in 1862, and again re-elected in 1863. In the fall of 1864 he was elected State Senator. He secured the location of the State Normal School at Emporia. Married in 1861 to Miss Mary E. Dixon; father of two children. In mercantile business for ten or twelve years. Now Lieutenant Governor of Kansas..1870.
Emporia News, March 11, 1870.
Max Fawcett arrived from Cresswell Tuesday. He reports people pouring in there rapidly, and the flowers in bloom, and grass big enough for cattle to feed upon.
Emporia News, March 11, 1870.
McMillan & Houghton have disposed of their stock of woolen goods, and have put in their store instead a large and magnificent stock of queensware and glassware. These gentlemen are doing a very heavy retail business, and we infer from the number of loaded wagons we see leaving their door, that they are doing considerable in the jobbing line.
Emporia News, March 11, 1870.
District Court.
This court commenced its spring term on Monday last, his Honor, Judge J. H. Watson, presiding. Clerk, F. G. Hunt; Prosecuting Attorney, P. B. Plumb; Sheriff, E. H. Coats.
Emporia News, March 11, 1870.
Business Notices.
For Sale. I have for sale a few cords of building stone. Price, $5 at the quarry east of Normal School; $7.50 delivered to any part of town. L. B. KELLOGG.
A Farm to Rent. Inquire of J. K. Finley at A. N. Hanna's Real Estate office above Newman Bro.'s.
Groceries at reduced rates at McMILLAN & HOUGHTON'S.
Best Hartford three ply carpets at NEWMAN & BRO.'s.
Emporia News, March 11, 1870.
Real Estate Transfers.
John Carter to Elisha Parker, 30 acres of n e 1/4 of sec. 8, town 19, range 10; $85.00.
Elisha Parker to Samuel B. Dillon, warranty deed; same description as above, $100.
J. C. Stewart to J. H. Hunt, warranty deed, lot 82 Constitution street, Emporia; $200.
J. H. Hunt to C. V. Eskridge, warranty deed, lot 82 Locust street, Emporia; $250.
Emporia News, March 18, 1870.
[Article re Emporia getting supplied with good water...portions only of article.]
"It is notorious, and that too, beyond the town site, that the facilities for obtaining water in Emporia are neither ample, cheap, or convenient. And if this is the case now, with the Neosho and Cottonwood available, how will it be in the hot summer months when the waters of those streams are rendered entirely unfit for drinking purposes by the excrement of hundreds of cattle that stand in them from morning till night to court the shade and avoid the flies? Everyone knows this to be the case. What, then, is to be done? There are not wells enough in the town to supply its wants. At least three-fourths of the houses have no wells, and the two public ones are so much out of repair, and the supply of water so small, that they are almost useless. At the present rate of increase, the population by June will not be much, if any, less than 3,000 souls, and thirsty enough they will be about that time."
About the only solution "M." could come up with was Artesian wells...and he was very dubious about that...suggested the city authorities do something soon.
Emporia News, March 18, 1870.
GEN. SHERIDAN TO SENATOR ROSS.
The following is General Sheridan's letter to Senator Ross upon the subject of protection to the frontiers of Kansas.
HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSOURI, CHICAGO,
March, 1870.
My Dear Senator Ross: I have your letter of February 21, on the subject of further protection to the frontiers of Kansas, and will communicate with Gen. Schofield on the subject. It is my impression, however, that Gen. Schofield has already made arrangements and dispositions to give the protection so necessary. Gen. Schofield has reported to me that he considers a war inevitable, and with the very Indians we have been feeding for the last year. We are very much embarrassed by the apparent sympathy of members of Congress, and humanitarians generally, who seem to forget that all that we require of Indians is that they shall not murder our people. There will be no Indians killed or injured by my orders if they will comply with this very reasonable condition. I am, Senator, Very respectfully,
P. H. SHERIDAN, Lieutenant General.
Emporia News, March 18, 1870.
OUR KANSAS LETTER.
Biographical Sketch of the Kansas Normal School Teachers.
The following letter, published in the Elgin (Illinois) Gazette, was written by one of the students of the Normal. [Skipped part of article.]
PROF. L. B. KELLOGG was born in Ohio, Sept. 28, 1841, and his parents removed to Northern Illinois when he was but four years old. He was educated in a district school until the age of sixteen years. At this age he received from his father a gift of his time to the age of twenty-one, for the purpose of acquiring a better education; and the summer after his sixteenth birthday he commenced teaching as a writing-master. At the age of seventeen he commenced his career in the teacher's profession, as an assistant in a country district school, at a salary of ten dollars per month. The next summer (1858) he taught the village school at Solon, McHenry County, Illinois, at a salary of sixteen dollars per month. In the spring of 1860, he entered the Normal University of Illinois as a studentstopping at intervals to earn money by teaching, and continued the course of study until graduation in 1864, where he left behind him a reputation for true morals, upright demeanor, and thoroughness in scholarship.
In the fall of 1864 he was engaged as Principal of the Grammar department in the Normal University, and in January, 1865, he was selected by the Board of Directors of the Kansas Normal School, through the recommendation of President Edwards, to commence the experiment of a Normal School in Kansas, and to accept the Principal's chair, which position he still holds.
His appearance is manlya young, boyish cast, his conversation elegant and plain, his views extensive, his disposition amiable, his great executive talent is indelibly impressed in his countenance. He is as much admired for his amiability, simplicity, and high-bred courtesy as for his remarkable abilities and acquirements.
In February, 1865, he took charge of the Normal School, and with a zeal, diligence, self- denial, and perseverance which have seldom had any parallel in the history of education, he has been able to make and sustain the rank and character of the Kansas Normal School; and has, by his unflinching labor in the cause of education in Kansas, gained a reputation as one of its best educators. All the friends of the Normal, as well as the students, are highly elated at the thought of having such a spokesman at the helm, and the manner in which he entered upon his duties more than answered their highest expectations. The consciousness of intellectual strength, the just reputation he has attained, the elevated station to which he has been raised, have not, in the slightest degree, injured the natural modesty of his character or the mildness of his temper.
PROF. H. B. NORTON,
Associate Principal, and a refined and accomplished scholar, was born in New York in 1837. Of his youthful years, I know but little; but that his education was not neglected, and that he applied himself with assiduity to his studies, I may fairly infer from his subsequent services in the teachers profession and the editor's chair.
He was educated at the Rockford (Illinois) Academy and Beloit (Wisconsin) College, and graduated at the Illinois Normal University in July, 1861. From 1861 to 1863, he taught in the public school at Warsaw, Illinois, and in 1863-1864 he edited the Daily Pantagraph at Bloomington. In 1864 he was elected County Superintendent of Public Instruction of Ogden County, Illinois. In 1865, he entered the Kansas Normal School as Associate Principal, where he still remains.
To enter into the particulars of his early and eventful lifethe continued offers of offices of public trust and honor; his fearless and manly defenses of the reform movements; to enter these and other numerous eventful incidents of his young life would be impractical for the writer to do and do him justice.
Prof. Norton is a very remarkable man. His power, as a speaker, as a writer, and of seizing and retaining a strong hold upon the popular mind, has seldom been equaled by the best speakers and writers of Kansas. Of great originality, and of strong and clear conceptions, which he is able to embody in language equally perspicuous and forcible, and has the power of making his oral instructions in the schoolroom superior to the text book. With a ripe scholarship, the patience to bear with dullness and waywardness (a peculiar trait with young people), those kind and urbane manners to win love and respect, that tact in controlling and governing the free and wild-spirited American youth, and that happy manner of illustrating difficulties and imparting knowledge, which are as essential as high literary attainment to form the perfect schoolmaster, has endeared him to the young men and women of the Kansas Normal School, and to his brother and sister teachers in Kansas and Illinois.
[Next Mrs. Jenette H. Gorman, teacher at the Normal School is played up...Skipped.]
The Normal School opened its present session with 160 pupils. A. G. O. E.
Emporia News, March 18, 1870.
The Quakers are after General Sheridan on account of the Piegan Indian slaughter. They want him removed. We believe with Sheridan, that it is simply a question whether the whites or the Indians shall be killed. We are in favor of the whites. According to all the evidence at hand, we may look for a renewal of the Indian war as soon as the grass starts, and a few such decisive kicks as were lately dealt out to the Indians by Col. Baker and his men will save many valuable lives.
Emporia News, March 18, 1870.
THE KAW RESERVE.
Enoch Hoag, Superintendent of Indian Affairs, has received the following from the Commissioner of Indian affairs, at Washington, in relation to the settlement of the Kaw diminished Reserve.
WASHINGTON, D. C., Feb. 12th, 1870.
Sir: This office is informed that a plan is on foot to occupy the lands of the Kansas Indians with "Professional Squatters," for the purpose of compelling Government to open up the same for pre-emption and sale, thus defrauding the Indians of the value of these lands by terms of pending treaty.
This information is communicated in order to place you on your guard, and that you may instruct Agent Stubbs to keep a sharp lookout in order to prevent professional squatters or any other parties from occupying or trespassing upon the Kaw Reservation; and you will please direct him to inform yourself and this office at once of any such unlawful movement, in order that it may be nipped in the bud, as it is the determination of the Government to fully protect these Indians in their rights. Very respectfully etc. E. S. PARKER, Commissioner.
[STATE NEWS.]
Emporia News, March 18, 1870.
Enoch Hoag, Indian Superintendent for this Superintendency, arrived night before last at the Agency of the Kansas Indians, in this county, and Maj. M. Stubbs, the agent, was to have accompanied him yesterday, with six of the tribe, on a trip to the Cheyennes, on the Canadian River, to council with the plains and other Indians. Other agents are to be present. It is hoped a pacific understanding will be arrived at with the wild Indians, sufficient to avert an Indian war this year, though it is hardly probable such a measure will be accomplished. These Quaker Superintendents are doing all within their power to create a fraternal feeling between the whites and the Indian tribes. C. G. Advertiser.
Emporia News, March 25, 1870.
Change in Proprietorship -OF- NEOSHO VALLEY NURSERY.
HAVING decided to locate at Cresswell, I have sold the Neosho Valley Nursery to John Fawcett and Sherb. Hunt. Their motto, like mine, will be good stock at fair prices, and true to name. MAX FAWCETT.
Emporia News, March 25, 1870.
Shade Trees Planted.
We are now ready to receive orders for planting shade trees. FAWCETT & HUNT.
Emporia News, March 25, 1870.
GREAT FIRE AT MIDNIGHT. TWO BUILDINGS DESTROYED.
LOSS FIFTEEN THOUSAND DOLLARS.
RECAP: Ruble & Spangler's harness shop burned up.
J. L. Dalton restaurant burned up.
Other buildings damaged.
Printing office of Mains & Nixon badly damaged; press somewhat damaged.
Emporia News, March 25, 1870.
R. C. Haywood & Co. will open their furniture and carpet store, in their new building, April 3rd, with a stock selected in view of a large wholesale and retail business.
[Haywood???]
Emporia News, March 25, 1870.
The directors of the Creswell Town Company met in this place on Monday last and effected a permanent organization as follows.
President, H. B. Norton.
Vice President, C. V. Eskridge.
Secretary, W. R. Brown.
Treasurer: L. B. Kellogg.
Executive Committee: C. V. Eskridge, H. D. Kellogg, and Capt. Norton.
Emporia News, March 25, 1870.
Gasoline. Having purchased of H. C. Morris his stock of lamps, I have removed the same to the ticket office of the Stage Company, on Commercial street, north of Seventh avenue, where I will keep constantly on hand every variety of lamps for parlor, churches, and all manner of private and public buildings and purposes, and a full supply of gasoline. . . .
H. B. LOWE.
Emporia News, April 1, 1870.
FROM CRESWELL. [Header had only one "s".]
MESSRS. EDITORS: For the benefit of those of your readers who are interested in hearing from Cresswell, I give you what items of interest I have from that very modern city. Inquiries are constantly being made as to the chance of obtaining good claims in the vicinity of Cresswell. To all such anxious inquirers I would say that within a radius of eight miles from the town site there are still a large number of excellent claims remaining untouched, composed of choice bottom and timbered lands, lying on the Arkansas and Grouse, and a nameless creek on the south side of the former. The distance from Cresswell to the State line, measuring down the Arkansas River, is from twelve to thirteen miles, the river leaving the State two and three-fourths miles below the mouth of the Grouse. Not more than four or five claims are taken in this whole distance. A large number of fine claims can be found here on both sides of the river, many of them being well timbered, especially those in the vicinity of the mouth of the Grouse, and from there down to the State line. Up the Arkansas excellent bottom claims can be found on both sides of the river, but no timber is to be had except Cottonwood and Black Jack. South of the Arkansas, about five miles from the mouth of Walnut, is a fine creek, whose name we do not know, running nearly parallel with the Arkansas in a southeasterly direction, and entering it near the State line, probably a little below. This is a beautiful stream, timbered with hard timber, mostly Oak and Walnut. The land, judging from its appearance, is of the very best quality and is virgin soil indeed: not a claim has yet been taken on the stream to my knowledge. It runs a distance of at least fifteen or twenty miles in the State, affording room for thirty or forty good claims at the lowest calculation. Many beautiful springs rise in the hills and flow down to the stream, and all things considered, I think it one of the most desirable locations in Cowley County.
Much uncertainty has heretofore been felt as to the exact location of the State line, and certain interested parties above us on the Walnut have been in the habit of informing all those emigrating to our locality that Cresswell was in the Indian Territory, the State line passing some two miles to the north of us. These reports we have been unable to contradict, not knowing ourselves exactly where the State line was; but within the last week the Cresswell Town Company have obtained from the Hon. Sidney Clarke a copy of the field notes of Johnston's survey of the State line, which settles the matter beyond dispute, and locates the State line as crossing the Arkansas two and three-fourths miles below the mouth of Grouse, and passing from six to eight miles south of Cresswell. Within the next four weeks the entire southern line of the county will be hunted out.
Cresswell is just beginning to assume the form of a town. The following are some of the latest sensations: Major Sleeth [they had Sleath] & Co. will move their new steam saw mill from El Dorado to Cresswell by the middle of May, and propose to add a shingle machine at once.
Daniel Beedy, of Emporia, will put in a water saw mill, shingle machine, and planing mill this summer and add a flouring mill as soon as there is a prospect of having anything to grind. This will be on the Walnut one mile northeast of town.
Two stores will be opened at once, one a grocery and provision store, the other a general assortment. A hardware and tinware and a drug store will be opened by June 1st.
Negotiations are now in progress which will undoubtedly give us a weekly newspaper and one of the best job offices in southern Kansas, within the next sixty days.
A solid rock-bottomed ford has lately been discovered across the Arkansas River, one half mile below the mouth of the Walnut. This we think will when improved make one of the best water-powers in the State; and now it gives us a good ford in low water and an opportunity to a ferry boat in high water, or perhaps in any stage.
The State Legislature at its last session ordered that a State road be opened from Emporia to Cresswell by the most direct route by the first of August next.
These are only a portion of the enterprises now on foot, but will serve to give you some idea of our progress and prospects. The weather has been fine most of the spring, and building, plowing, etc., is being vigorously pushed. Three buffalo were seen from Cresswell last week feeding on the bluffs south of the Arkansas. But enough for this time.
Respectfully, G. HYDE NORTON.
Emporia News, April 1, 1870.
John Morris thinks of going to Eureka instead of Cresswell, as was announced last week. Johnnie had better stay here.
Emporia News, April 1, 1870.
A. A. Newman, of the firm of Newman Bros., has gone east after goods, which, upon their arrival, will be received in their new storeroom, on the corner of Sixth avenue and Market street. This is a magnificent room, and will be filled with a magnificent stock of goods. The front room above will be occupied as a millinery store, and the basement as a restaurant. Newman Bros. will themselves occupy a portion of the upper story.
Emporia News, April 1, 1870.
AMERICUS.
The Kaw Indians enjoyed unusual festivities last week, occasioned, as we are informed, by their elevating Bill Johnson (a member of the tribe) to the position of Chief of one of their bands. We happened to be coming down Indian Creek, alone, last Friday, when our ear caught a terrible uproar, howling, whooping, and general hilarity, which seemed to come from the woods ahead of us, and proceeding to the spot, we discovered a large camp of the Kaws, painted and decked out in true Indian splendor, and the most of them participating in aboriginal gamesracing, mimic battles, "base ball," etc. Each Indian seemed to endeavor to make as much noise as possible. The sight would undoubtedly have been an interesting one to a newly arrived citizen, and the crowd that surrounded us and saluted us with "tobacco, two-bits," etc., would probably have got a better "come down" from an audience of that kind. The same performances have been kept up nearly every day since. We understand that the Kaws have promised to come to town and give a "war dance," as soon as the grass grows, provided the citizens will furnish a beef for the occasion, and they have been assured that the said beef shall be forthcoming. "The public are cordially invited." R.
Emporia News, April 1, 1870.
H. B. Lowe is a candidate for the office of City Marshal on the temperance ticket.
Emporia News, April 8, 1870.
Written for THE NEWS.
FROM CRESWELL.
This town is situated on the Arkansas River, twelve miles above its intersection by the State line; said intersection being two and three-fourths miles below the mouth of the Grouse. The Walnut enters the Arkansas at Creswell, and the valleys of other streams on the south side of the Arkansas converge at this point, making it the natural center of business and population for Cowley County.
Creswell is named as a point upon four chartered lines of railroad, viz: The Walnut Valley Branch of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe road; the Preston, Salina & Denver road; the Emporia & Holden road; and the Arkansas Valley, or Fort Smith & Hays City road. It is also confidently expected that this will be the point of crossing for the Fort Scott & Santa Fe road. The Legislature, at its recent session, ordered the immediate survey of a State road, by the most direct route, from Emporia to Creswell.
The company have determined to spare no expense or effort to make Creswell the metropolis of the Arkansas Valley. The following are among the enterprises already inaugurated.
Sleeth & Co., of El Dorado, have contracted to put their steam saw-mill and a shingle- machine in operation at Creswell by the 15th of May.
Daniel Beedy, now resident at Emporia, has contracted to build a grist-mill, saw-mill, and planing-mill upon the Creswell water-power; work to commence by July 1st, 1870.
G. H. Norton & Co. have opened a general stock of groceries, dry goods, boots and shoes, which they pledge themselves to sell at El Dorado prices.
Betts & Fraser, of El Dorado, will at once open a stock of groceries, provisions, and campers' supplies.
C. R. Sipes, of Emporia, has purchased an interest in the town, and is preparing to open at Creswell the largest stock of hardware, tinware, and agricultural implements ever offered south or west of Emporia.
A stock of drugs and medicines has been ordered by responsible parties, and a well- provided drug-store will speedily be established.
We are also happy to announce that the best job and newspaper office south of the Neosho will commence the publication of a newspaper at Creswell within the next ninety days.
Max Fawcett, recently of the Neosho Valley (Emporia) Nursery, has transferred his entire interest to Creswell, and is arranging to establish there the largest fruit and nursery concern in Kansas.
L. F. Goodrich, of Emporia, is now at work erecting a feed and livery stable.
A ferry has been chartered, and will be running upon the Arkansas by July 1st.
The above may all be regarded as certain and reliable.
QUESTIONS:
First article had Cresswell except for caption...this one stated Creswell.
Did not pay attention to "Goodrich"...could be if I had studied ads more thoroughly, he might have shown up.
Emporia News, April 8, 1870.
Prof. Norton has gone to Creswell.
Emporia News, April 8, 1870.
HEDGE PLANTS. Blackburn & Hamilton are selling fine, healthy hedge plants at McMillan & Houghton's.
Emporia News, April 8, 1870.
NEW ARRANGEMENT. Mr. Shoop, under whose able administration the Buckeye House acquired a wide reputation for comfort and good meals, has sold out to Messrs. Worden & Birdsall, of Illinois. The latter named have commenced preparations to enlarge and improve, and as soon as they can obtain the brick, will commence the erection of an addition on the east side of the house, 20 x 45 feet. Additional kitchen room is now being built. The house thus enlarged will be one of the most capacious in town. Mr. Birdsall, who is now in charge of the house, is a pleasant gentleman, and confidently expects to please his guests. [Worden? Birdsall?]
Emporia News, April 8, 1870.
NEW GOODS. Newman Brothers will receive in a few days, their large and well- selected stock of spring goods, which the senior member of the firm is now ordering in New York. They are purchasing more heavily than ever before, to satisfy the demands of their extensive and rapidly increasing trade. They expect to be ready to open them on or about the 15th, in their new building on Sixth avenue.
In connection with the above, Mr. Newman will bring on a heavy stock of millinery goods, the largest and finest ever brought to Emporia, which will be opened about the same time, in the spacious and elegant front room above. An excellent milliner from Boston, a lady of ten years' experience in the East, will return with Mr. Newman. We advise the ladies to delay their purchase of millinery until they have examined their stock.
Emporia News, April 8, 1870.
The first election for officers for the city of Emporia passed off very quietly on Monday last . . . CITY OFFICERS: Mayor, H. C. Cross; Police Judge, E. W. Cunningham; Marshal, H. B. Lowe.
Emporia News, April 15, 1870.
The Walnut Valley Times of Friday last says one hundred and seventy-two immigrant teams passed through El Dorado last week on their way to Sedgwick and Cowley Counties. From one to two hundred teams pass through here each week destined for those two counties.
Emporia News, April 15, 1870.
A. C. Armstrong is fitting up a restaurant in Newman Bros.' new building. He will have it ready for business next week. Mr. Armstrong has had experience in this line, and will conduct a first-class restaurant in every respect. Boarders will be accommodated by both day and week board.
Emporia News, April 15, 1870.
Mr. G. W. Hubbell, of Eureka, also our old friend, I. R. Phenis, were in our office this week. Mr. Hubbell is a newcomer, and has entered into partnership with Mr. Phenis for the practice of law. The firm is Phenis & Hubbell. . . .
Emporia News, April 15, 1870.
STABLES BURNED. The frame stable belonging to Esq. F. G. Hunt was burned on Monday last, which consumed at the same time another stable across the alley, belonging to the Normal School boarding house property, owned by Mr. Jno. Wood. Both buildings were very speedily in ashes. A horse in the latter was liberated by someone who was fortunately at hand in good time. Mr. Hunt lost, in addition to the stable, valued at $175, about fifteen bushels of corn and some hay. The stable of Mr. Wood was probably worth $50. The origin of the fire lies between the possibility of spontaneous combustion, and boys in the stable playing with matches.
Emporia News, April 15, 1870.
City Council Proceedings Friday Evening, April 8, 1870.
First meeting. C. V. Eskridge elected President of the Council. Balloting led to the election of H. W. McCune, City Clerk; S. B. Riggs, City Treasurer, and Chas. Wilson, City Engineer. On motion Messrs. Robinson, Williams, and Wheelock were appointed a committee on means to protect against fire. . . .
Emporia News, April 15, 1870.
The plastering of the new storeroom of Newman and McLaughlin, on the corner of Sixth Avenue and Mechanics Street, is probably the best job of the kind in town. We do not know the artists who smeared the mud.
Emporia News, April 15, 1870.
A "perfectly reliable gentleman" corrects us in our remarks about the Kaws, in a recent article. He states that the tribe is dissatisfied with their head Chief, Ala-ga-wa-ho. They claim that he cheats and otherwise misuses them, and they have been appealing to the Great Spirit, in dances, "mass meetings," "wide-awakes," etc., to come to their aid and put Mr. Ala downreduce him to the ranksand to elevate No-pa-wa, who is now an under chief, to the head Chieftaincy. To this end they have been keeping up their dances for several weeks, and have also been making braves of a good many of the young Indians. Some of the whites believe all this fuss is for some other object, connected with the contemplated removal of the tribe from their reservation, but the Indians are mum as to that.
As soon as the grass gets a good start, they promise to come down to town and give us a war dance.
Emporia News, April 15, 1870.
The Social Club will give a social hop in Newman's new building, corner of Sixth Avenue and Mechanics Street this evening.
Emporia News, April 15, 1870.
W. A. Ela found a splendid well of water near Judge Watson's residence, on Friday last. It furnishes a very strong stream of excellent water. [Ela? Sounds familiar.]
Emporia News, April 22, 1870.
Written for THE EMPORIA NEWS.
MAX FAWCETT'S CLAIM.
EDITORS NEWS: Max Fawcett is well known to the good people of Emporia as a marked and peculiar genius, possessing much taste, refinement, ingenuity, and love for the beautiful. He has taken a claim one-half mile west of the young city of Creswell, which I recently had the pleasure of visiting, and which I propose to describe.
It is situated on the north bank of the Arkansas, here a noble stream forty rods in width. A bluff of magnesian limestone some thirty feet high here rises abruptly, washed by the river a part of the way, but bending in such a manner as to enclose a bottom of some thirty acres, covered with a splendid growth of timber and grape-vines. Out of this bluff pour three beautiful springs. One is received in a square cavity cut with a chisel in the soft magnesian stone. Another pours out of a pipe in such a manner as to form a miniature and fanciful cascade, showing some of the peculiar touches of the proprietor.
A few rods from this is a cave about ten feet wide and four feet high at the entrance, larger within, and passable to the depth of about one hundred feet; beyond that too small to conveniently penetrate, but of unknown extent. Here is a most perfect natural cellar for meat, fruit, and vegetables.
The cabin stands on the bank just above. It is not yet very thoroughly completed, and was, a few nights ago, invaded by a pack of prairie wolves, doubtless attracted by the scent of dried apples and graham crackers. One yell from under the blankets caused them to vanish more rapidly than they entered.
Just back of the house is Max's garden. This is in a conical sink-hole, evidently connected with the cave below. He has shoveled this partly full of loose earth, and laid it off in garden beds with his own quaint taste. Various ornamental plants are also growing about the house.
The land is a warm, sandy loan, admirably adapted to the growth of corn, fruit, and nursery stock. The Chickasaw plum, now in full bloom, grows in thickets all over it. From the building site the scenery is truly magnificent, including many miles of the river, the town-site, and vast vistas of bottom, upland, and bluff. Here "Mac" has found a site exactly adapted to his genius. He seems perfectly happy here, and declares that nothing could induce him to return to dull, muddy, monotonous Emporia. His estate here will soon be the most beautiful in Kansas.
Creswell is founding. Dr. Wolsey, of Iowa, is here building a hotel. He is a man of means and energy, and intends business. He will become the most popular Boniface in the state.
C. R. Sipes, of Emporia, is erecting a building for his new hardware store.
Mr. Sleeth, of El Dorado, is to move his new sawmill hither on the 1st proximo.
A stage-route, a water-mill, a newspaper, two or three stores, a restaurant, a ferry, and many other improvements are in the near future.
Hundreds of excellent claims await the pioneer.
Dr. Kellogg will soon be ready to show these to all anxious inquirers.
Cowley County will be known as the garden of Kansas.
H. B. N. [NORTON]
[Note: They had Dr. Wolsey...not Woolsey.]
Emporia News, April 22, 1870.
Editorial re need for improvements in Emporia, asking the question shall we vote bonds in the sum of $30,000 to handle it?
Emporia News, April 22, 1870.
FROM CRESWELL.
CRESWELL, April 9th, 1870.
EDITORS NEWS: We arrived home on the 2nd and found things as we wanted them. Messrs. Smith, Thompson, Cain, and Gibson came down with us. Mr. Smith drove his stake on the south side of the Arkansas, on a first class claim within two miles of town; the others preferred claims on this side, but not having corn enough for their team, they were compelled to return to Emporia without having time to look them up. They say they like the country and are coming back again. We hope they will. They are just the kind of men we want here.
Charley Sipes is here. He has bought John Stram's share in Creswell. He is wide awake and energetic, and will do more than a full share toward making Creswell the important place it is destined to be. He is building a house and will soon bring down a first class stock of hardware and tinware.
We have had plenty of rain during the past week, as much as is needed at present. Emigration is coming in fast, and our county is settling up with as good a class of people as can be found in any part of Kansas, and all seem perfectly satisfied. Many who were here from Emporia last winter and this spring will remember a lame man named Rogers. He died two weeks ago. He was a whole-souled and generous-hearted fellow; we all liked him.
On the east side of the Walnut, about a mile from town, in a rough, rocky ravine, there is a natural bridge; it is a perfect one, with not even the keystone lacking. The highest part of the arch is about ten feet above the bed of the ravine; it has about twenty feet span. The top of the bridge is level and just wide enough for teams to cross on; and if it had been made for that purpose, it could hardly have been made better than it is. The road to Grouse will probably pass over it.
A few feet above the bridge there is a round basin hollowed out of the solid rock; it is about twenty feet across and about three feet deep, and is filled with clear water that runs out of a little cave through a trough worn in the rock. ON the side opposite the bridge the basin is half surrounded by a semi-circular rock ten or fifteen feet high, and a few rods further up the ravine there is a beautiful little cave, with a basin similar to the one I have tried to describe. It just fills the bottom of the cave. These were discovered by Captain Norton while looking for a route to the Grouse. Further up the ravine the geologist will find the book he likes to read.
On the third of this month I planted two weeping willow trees by my spring on the side of the hill by the river. I think I can safely claim the honor of planting the first tree in Cowley County. MAX FAWCETT.
Emporia News, April 22, 1870.
STATE NEWS.
RAILROAD MEN. R. S. Stevens, General Manager, and O. B. Gunn, Chief Engineer of the M., K. & T. railroad, have been in town this week making arrangements for the location of the depot. The grading will be completed to the State line within four weeks, while the iron rails are being pushed forward at the rate of a mile per day. This will be the first road to reach the Cherokee line. Stevens is exciting as much wonder and consternation among the railroad kings, as did the little Corsican "corporal" among the kings of Europe.
Chetopa Advance.
Emporia News, April 22, 1870.
MARRIED. At the residence of E. A. Osgood, on Sunday, April 10th, 1870, by F. G. Hunt, Esq., Mr. Albert T. McIntire and Sarah E. Noe, both of Lyon County.
Emporia News, April 22, 1870.
Newman & Bro. will move into their new storeroom on the corner of Sixth avenue and Mechanics street the latter part of next week. They are receiving and will continue to receive many new goods. If the ladies wish to see something fine in the way of dress goods, they should go to this store. We will not enter into details until after they move. They speak for themselves in another column.
Emporia News, April 22, 1870.
Charlie Sipes, having set his stakes at Creswell, on the Arkansas, is here to ship the lumber, which will go this week, for a storehouse, in which, when completed, he will open a stock of hardware, agricultural implements, etc. He reports the prospects for the rapid settlement of that section and the town as the most encouraging, the grass six inches high, prairie flowers in full bloom, and all things lovely. We congratulate the town company of Creswell in securing Charlie for one of its citizens. He has our best wishes.
Emporia News, April 22, 1870.
NEWMAN & BRO. are receiving their mammoth stock of spring goods. They have a fine and complete assortment of Dress Goods, White Goods, Hosiery, Dress Trimmings, Clothing, Carpeting, Hats, Boots and Shoes. They bought in New York and Boston, at lower prices than goods have reached since 1881, and will sell at great bargains. They will move into their new store on Sixth avenue next week. All who wish good goods at low prices, will do well to give them a call.
[???Whatever happened to McLaughlin...thought he and Newman were building the new store??? Most confusing!]
Emporia News, April 29, 1870.
[Correspondent C. R. R. re making rounds of areas around Emporia.]
Quenemo (beautiful place) is the Sac and Fox Agency converted into a town. There are dry goods, grocery, drug, and hardware stores in town. They expect to have a railroad. The Methodists are preparing to build a church. The country around the town is par excellent, and timber abounds.
Emporia News, April 29, 1870.
A Washington foundry has been making use for some months past of petroleum for fuel. It is said to work like a charm, to be cheaper than coal, and to dispense with firemen, coal heaving and other labor connected with the use of coal.
Emporia News, April 29, 1870.
THE KAW LANDS.
Why don't our Senators and Representatives in Congress do something to get the Kaw Indian lands thrown open to settlement? If they desired to do something for a small portion of their constituents, they could do nothing that would receive the approval of Morris and Lyon Counties to a greater extent than the removal of this miserable little band of Indians, and the opening up of their rich strip of lands for settlement. Two or three treaties have failed from various causes, and perhaps it was best they should. The Indians have been begging to get away for years, and the people surrounding them have been begging to have them go. And yet not the first paper effort has been made by any of our Congressional delegation to relieve the people of the company of the Indians, or to remove the hindrance to the growth of the country. Most of the Reserve is in Morris County. That county will have to commence paying a heavy railroad tax this year. She needs this rich body of land, and the large amount of personal property which its settlement would bring on her tax roll to help pay her debts. The same arguments apply to Lyon County. We can see no reason why a sound, honest treaty should not long ago have been made for this land, except a desire to steal a share of it. Whatever the reason is, the people begin to place the responsibility of its not being brought into market just where it belongswith our Congressional delegation.
Emporia News, April 29, 1870.
RECAP: Long article re John Speer, of the Lawrence Daily Tribune, who had the misfortune some years previously to be appointed U. S. District Collector for Kansas. In the course of time he was removed. Afterwards rumors galore, stated he took about $30,000. Others said he took $160,000. NEWS of the opinion that Speer did not steal this money. "He cannot even tell where it has gone. It was stolen by shysters in his employ. At least we shall always think so. Mr. Sidney Clarke, we believe, was Speers' backer in getting the position."
[Gather Clarke figured some way to get most of the money and put the blame on Speer.]
Emporia News, April 29, 1870.
A. C. Armstrong is the proprietor of the new restaurant on Sixth Avenue. He tells us that so far his patronage has been quite satisfactory. We have been surprised that there have been so few eating houses established in our city, considering our population and the great demand there must be for such places.
Emporia News, April 29, 1870.
Johnnie Morris is not going to Creswell. Johnnie Morris is not going to Eureka. Johnnie Morris is going to stay in Emporia. He has bought Fred. Haussler's candy factory and ice, and now has the factory in full blast at his old stand. He will dispose of his groceries, refit his room, and open an ice cream saloon in due season. Now, Johnnie, this is something like the proper thing, and we hope you will make good ice cream and plenty of money.
Emporia News, April 29, 1870.
Newman & Bro.'s double-column advertisement will appear next week. It was expected that they would move into their new building the latter part of this week, but the carpenters have disappointed them, and it will not be ready for occupation until week after next. In the meantime, they are prepared to accommodate everybody with everything in the mercantile line. They are doing an immense trade. We called several times without finding them at leisure.
Emporia News, April 29, 1870.
AD. NEW RESTAURANT. A. C. Armstrong
Would announce that he has fitted up in first-class style a RESTAURANT, Which he proposes to conduct in a first-class manner, in the basement of the new STONE BUILDING OF NEWMAN & BRO., Corner Mechanics Street & Sixth Avenue. He would respectfully invite the patronage of the public.
Emporia News, May 6, 1870.
The A. T. & S. F. Railroad Company have petitioned the House Pacific Railroad Committee that its name be changed to the National Pacific Company, and that it be allowed to construct its road to such point on the southern or western boundary of this State as may be most desirable or suitable, and that it be allowed to extend its road from the point where it shall leave the State line of Kansas to a point on the Rio Grande at or near Albuquerque, and thence along the valley of the Rio Grande to a point on the southern boundary of New Mexico, opposite El Paso; and that such corporation be granted the same grants, rights, privileges, etc., as are granted by act of Congress approved July 27, 1866, to the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad Company.
Emporia News, May 6, 1870.
AD. NEW GOODS!! NEW GOODS!!
The LARGEST STOCK and LOWEST PRICES at
NEWMAN & BROTHER'S
NEW STONE STORE.
109 SIXTH AVENUE.
TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS' WORTH OF DRY GOODS, MILLINERY, CARPETS, CLOTHING, HATS, CAPS, BOOTS, AND SHOES. Bought in NEW YORK and BOSTON since the great decline in gold, and will be sold at RUINOUSLY LOW PRICES.
We have a large stock and attractive styles of Dress Goods, Black Silks, Japanese Silks, Irish and French Poplins, white and figured Pequet, white, figured, and buff Brilliants, checked and striped Nainsooks, Organdy, Swiss, Book and Mull Muslin, white and colored Tarletons, checked and plain Challies, French, Scotch, and American Ginghams, Chambrays, etc.
The celebrated brand of PRIZE MEDAL BLACK ALPACAS.
Shawls, Arab Mantles, Paisley, Ristori, and several other beautiful and popular styles.
Ladies' Skirts, White and Colored, Embroidered and Plain; together with the latest novelties in Hoop Skirts.
Ladies' Baskets, Morocco Bags and Satchels, and a great variety of the best Gloves and Hosiery.
BAJOU KID GLOVES. Best in the market. Every Pair WARRANTED.
CLOTHS, CASSIMERES, Satinets, Jeans, Cottonades, Linen Drills, CLOAKINGS AND SACKINGS.
We especially request inspection of our assortment of Bleached, Brown, Dice-checked, and Turkey Red TABLE LINENS AND NAPKINS.
MILLINERY!! MILLINERY!!
The largest and most attractive stock ever brought to Emporia. Ladies are respectfully requested to call and examine it. Mrs. C. Kidder, an experienced Milliner, late of Boston, will have charge of this department.
Country Merchants will do well to examine our stock and prices before going East, as we will sell at Leavenworth, Kansas City, or St. Louis Prices.
Emporia News, May 6, 1870.
Newman & Bro. are going to move into their new store next week. They will have the neatest storeroom in town. They have an immense stock of beautiful and cheap goods to move into it. The millinery department, in charge of Mrs. C. Kidder, just from Boston, was opened yesterday, upstairs in the new building. We visited this department yesterday, and we assure the ladies that they will find many bonnets there theat they will at sight call sweet, etc.
Emporia News, May 6, 1870.
Settlers are locating on the Kaw Trust Land in goodly numbers. Several families have taken claims, and built comfortable houses, near Wright Creek, and others have done the same on Allen Creek. Now that a commencement has been made, we shall be surprised if the whole tract is not soon claimed up, unless something occurs to stop it. The people are out of patience waiting for Congress to act, and they are now disposed to take possession and run the risk.
Emporia News, May 6, 1870.
AMERICUS.
WAR DANCE. The Kaw Indians are going to give a war dance in Americus next Saturday afternoon and evening. The "fatted calf" has been provided by the citizens, and Bill Johnson says the "full company" will be out. Performance to commence about four o'clock, and continue until eight. This is to give Southern and Southeastern Kansas a chance to come in on the afternoon train, and go home on the eight o'clock train.
Emporia News, May 13, 1870.
A DEGENERATE FEMALE SOLDIER.
(From the St. Louis Times.)
During the investigation of city cases, yesterday, a tall specimen of the demimonde, clad in unimpeachable black, and with a countenance beaming with smiles, appeared in the lobby. This lady is an historical character, having served over two years in the Federal army during the warfifteen months as a private in the Illinois cavalry, and over nine months as a teamster in the noted Lead Mine Regiment, which was raised in Washburn's District, from the counties of Jo Davis and Carroll. She was at the siege of Corinth, and was on duty during most of the campaign against Vicksburg. At :Lookout Mountain she formed one of a party of eighteen selected to make a scout and report the position of Gen. Bragg's forces. She was an attache of Gen. Blair's 17th corps during most of the campaign of the Army of the Tennessee, and did good service in the reconnoitering operations around the Chattahoochie River, at which time she was connected with Gen. Davis' 14th corps.
The girl, who is now 22 years of age, but who looks much younger, went through her army life under the cognomen of "Soldier Tom," by which name she will be recognized by many who served in the Department of the West. Her business in the police court was in the capacity of a witness in the case of a courtesan named Julia Roberts, who plead guilty to the charge of disturbing the peace at Mozart Hall a few nights ago.
Emporia News, May 13, 1870.
Our old settlers all know McMillan & Houghton, and for the benefit of the newcomers, we will say that they keep everything in the way of groceries, flour, feed, queensware, etc., and they are very sure to have butter and eggs and all kinds of country produce. You will do well to make a note of this, stranger.
Emporia News, May 13, 1870.
AMERICUS.
The Kaw Indian dance, announced for last Saturday, did not come off, owing to the cold and stormy weather. A great many persons came, notwithstanding, and were disappointed. We understand that the dance will be given next Saturday evening, if the weather is fair, and that being the only condition there need be no disappointment next time. A squaw race is promised as an additional attraction. The newly arrived citizens seem determined to see the show, if it takes all summer, and a big time is anticipated.
Emporia News, May 20, 1870.
SENATOR ROSS' SPEECH.
By far the ablest speech that has thus far been made on the bill providing for the sale of the Osage Indian lands was made on the 5th inst., in the Senate, by Senator Ross. Mr. Ross took strong ground in favor of the sale of these lands and declared himself in favor of allowing railroad corporations, on certain conditions, to purchase them. He showed in a clear and forcible manner that it was for the interest, not only of the State of Kansas, but of the Government itself, as well as for the advancement of civilization that these lands be purchased from the Indians and thrown open to actual settlers. The speech was comprehensive of the whole subject, and upon its conclusion Senator Stewart of Nevada rose and thanked Mr. Ross for having thrown more light on the question than had been shed by all the speeches heretofore made at this whole session of Congress on this subject.
Senator Pomeroy complimented his colleague and concurred heartily in his views. The people of this State owe much to Senator Ross for this able effort to secure the passage of a measure of such vital importance to them, and we believe they will appreciate it. Every citizen of Kansas ought to read that speech. With regard to the passage of the bill this session, there is much doubt. It is strenuously opposed by Senator Morrill and others, who, like him, look at the Indian with an imaginative eye and possess very humanitarian (?) ideas concerning him. It is all very nice to advocate these fine spun theories with regard to the rights of poor Lo, without knowing anything about the true condition of things; but it isn't very sensible after all. Senator Ross insisted that the Indians desired to leave their reservation which for the most part has come t be a very poor hunting ground and to go where game is more plenty. And this we believe is really the fact. The western people, who are capable of looking at this matter intelligently, practically are a unit in the desire that this reservation should speedily come into market.
Emporia News, May 20, 1870.
AMERICUS.
The Kaw Indian war dance last Saturday was a success, so far as to bring a crowd of spectators; but an utter failure as a dance. It was estimated by many persons that the crowd numbered nearly fifteen hundred, made up of people from the other towns in the county, and from the country around. But few Indians came in, and after a very shy and tame commencement, the dance was soon brought to a close by their refusing to remain, and the people who had come long distances to see a great war dance were compelled to go away disappointed. It appears the Indians got into a quarrel among themselves over the money collected "to defray expenses," and though every effort was made to keep them and have the show performed as announced, it all availed nothing. It is a matter of deep regret to our citizens that the people were disappointed, but it could not be prevented.
[END OF MICROFILM ROLL: JUNE 3, 1868, THROUGH MAY 20, 1870.]
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