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TOPEKA, KANSAS, DAILY COMMONWEALTH.
June 1871
TOPEKA, KANSAS.
Dr. Sam Dicks sent me a copy of some more items from the Topeka newspaper, Kansas Daily Commonwealth, starting with June 24, 1871, which might help to fill in some of the missing gaps we have relative to early activities in Cowley County during the time span that is missing from microfilm. Thanks, Sam! I am labeling the paper "The Commonwealth" for simplification. MAW
The Commonwealth, June 24, 1871.
Professor L. B. Kellogg, who has been principal of the State Normal School at Emporia ever since its commencement, has severed his connection with that institution, and is going to Arkansas City, Cowley County, to engage in the banking business. His retirement from that school leaves a void that will be hard to fill. By his activity, energy, and devotion to the interests of the school, combined with his superior ability as a normal instructor, he has made the Emporia school a decided success. We have heard it stated that there is a probability of Prof. Banfield, of Topeka, being made his successor. We doubt whether that institution can do better than to employ Prof. Banfield. He is an experienced and practical educator, and is thoroughly posted in all the modern systems of teaching. The best educational instructors in the state endorse him. He is a Kansas man and is imbued with all the energy, enthusiasm, and progressiveness which characterize its people; and sympathizes with them in their enterprises. We believe the appointment would be a judicious one.
ALONG THE SANTA FE RAILROAD.
The Commonwealth, July 18, 1871.
[Correspondence of the Commonwealth.]
We left Topeka on the early train. The morning was beautiful and the prairie smiled in the loveliness of her June attire. Crops of all kinds seem to promise the most bountiful yield ever known.
Grass and water are everywhere abundant, and the numerous herds of cattle flocking the slopes and swells of the far reaching expanse on right and left, could not be made to look fatter or more thriving.
At Burlingame we laid over a few hours. Here everything seems prospering. Upon inquiry we learned that one firm had sold this season over fifty reapers and mowers, which certainly bespeaks a very healthy prosperity among the farmers in that vicinity.
At Emporia we found everything flourishing as usual. Several large tasty and substantial business blocks are now being erected here. Emporia people are alive to business.
UP THE COTTONWOOD.
No country could present a finer or more lovely prospect than does the valley from Emporia to Peabody. The cultivated fields are most promising, the open prairies gleam with their carpet of green and are alive with cattle, while from the points and sides of the ridges and swells crops out the finest of limestone and in a manner and such abundance as to promise an inexhaustible supply.
COTTONWOOD FALLS.
For the first time we visited this beautiful and flourishing little village, situated on a lovely slope on the south side of the Cottonwood river.
Everything seems prosperous here. Several fine business houses are just being completed; also, two churches. Here we visited the schools in a fine two story stone house, elegantly seated, and every way commodious.
At the Falls House we had an excellent dinner, etc.
Here, also, we found the people full of railroad enthusiasm. They are already making the preliminary survey from Council Grove via the "Falls," on the proposed route of the Chicago, Kansas & Texas railroad, running down the Walnut valley to
ARKANSAS CITY.
Initiatory steps have been taken to secure a road from Americus, on the M. K. & T. R. R. to the Falls, and the best men of the place seem sanguine of its early completion.
FLORENCE
is evidently a business town, and yet though the town is only four months old, they have earnestly begun a good stone schoolhouse, the first story of which is nearly up. We found the Florence hotel, at this place, to be an excellent place to stop at, commodious and well kept.
There is a beautiful country about this place with plenty of timber and stone.
PEABODY
is the nominal end of the track of railroad, finely situated along side the old town site of Coneburg. Like the other places along this splendid valley, this must be, ere long, a flourishing town. New buildings are being constructed every day, and all seems to be bustling with life and activity. H.
PEABODY, June 30, 1871.
FLORENCE.
Its Location, Growth and Prospects.
The Rich Counties of Southwestern Kansas.
A Grand Pastoral Region.
A Grist Mill Wanted.
The Commonwealth, August 10, 1871.
To the Editor of the Commonwealth.
Knowing your desire to keep the readers of the COMMONWEALTH posted on all matters pertaining to the rapid growth and development of Kansas, I take the liberty of sending you a few items concerning the flourishing condition of Florence and its surroundings.
The town is now about four months old, and contains a population of some five hundred people.
It stands on the west bank of the Cottonwood river, about forty-five miles west of Emporia, and is surrounded by a rich agricultural and stock growing country, abundantly supplied with the best quality of water, stone gypsum, and a very fair quality of timber.
The stone is a fine texture of pure white lime, soft and easily worked. Inexhaustible quarries adjoin the town on the west, which are being opened by Mr. Horner, of Topeka, who ships by rail both east and west.
At this point, the A. T. & S. F. railroad leaves the Cottonwood Valley--running in a southwesterly direction to the Arkansas. Here also is the natural crossing for a road from Salina south via Marion Center, Florence, El Dorado, Augusta, Winfield, and Arkansas City.
This road must necessarily be speedily built in order to complete anything like a system of roads for our state. The counties through which it will pass are large, rich, and productive, out of debt, and amply able, if necessary, to build the road within themselves. No part of Kansas is superior to Saline, Marion, Butler, and Cowley counties, either in the production of grain, fruit, or stock. Their average yield of corn is from 50 to 75 bushels per acre; that of wheat from 30 to 40, with oats, rye, and other products about in the same proportion.
Cattle in these counties are plentiful as grasshoppers in Utah. At the present time more than sixty thousand head of native and Texas cattle are feeding on the prairies in Marion, while in some other counties the number is still greater. One of the greatest wants in this portion of the state is a good mill, there being none as yet in Marion County. At Florence, on the Cottonwood river, is one of the best mill-sites or water-powers in Kansas. The site, together with land adjoining sufficient for mill purposes, is offered as a gift to any responsible party who will erect them on a first class flouring mill. This is certainly a fine offer to persons desiring to engage in that business. Those wishing further information on the subject can obtain the same by applying to or addressing CAPT. L. A. THRASHER, Florence, Kansas. X. X. X.
THE TOPEKA, OSAGE & WALNUT VALLEY RAILROAD.
The Commonwealth, August 10, 1871.
To the Editor of the Commonwealth.
Observing that the railroad men of Topeka are feeling out in this direction for a feasible route for the above named road, I ask permission to call their attention to the fact that Americus is now prepared to join hands with them in the enterprise and to give it the "material aid" that will be required at any point along the line. Many of your readers are already aware that from Americus via Cottonwood Falls to the Walnut valley, the people have been for several weeks working up franchises for a railroad, and taking such other steps as would demonstrate the practicability of the route. A practicable corps of engineers made a preliminary survey of the route between Americus and the Cottonwood valley some days since, and reported that a first-class route could be obtained on nearly an air line from Americus to Toledo. From that point to Cottonwood Falls the route lies along the Cottonwood valley all the way, and could be no better. Next Tuesday Americus township votes upon the proposition to take $25,000 of the stock of a road on this route, and the people have already expressed themselves so emphatically on the question that no doubt is entertained but that the bonds will be voted by almost a unanimous vote. And we have every assurance that the towns and counties south will each contribute its share toward building this road down the rich Walnut valley. All these franchises are at the command of the Topeka, Osage & Walnut Valley railroad. In your issue of August 6th, it is stated that this road is to run via Auburn to Burlingame. Very well, so far as the Americus route is concerned, for she is on precisely an air line between Burlingame and Cottonwood Falls. A good route can be obtained all the way from Burlingame to Americus, and no doubt the intervening country will aid the enterprise. So that all that Topeka need do is to pilot the road to Americus and then take the line already worked up from this point to the mouth of the Walnut. Certainly no more direct route can be conceived, and so far as any knowledge extends, the people all the way are alive to its importance. It would afford our people pleasure to meet the railroad men of Topeka for the purpose of comparing notes in this matter, and should the latter see proper at any time to come over to Americus, they will find the citizens ready to put their shoulders to the wheel in building a road from Topeka to the Southwest. . . .
AMERICUS, Aug. 7, 1871.
BARTON COUNTY.
Iniquitous Newton.
The New Town of Zarah.--Improvements.--To Be A Moral Town.
The Beautiful Arkansas Valley.--Buffalo Hunting, Etc.
The Commonwealth, August 19, 1871.
Correspondence of the Commonwealth.
Your valuable paper has just been put into my hands by a friend overland from the white settlements, and my attention called to a history of Newton, the present terminus of the A., T. & S. Fe railroad. It is truly a bad picture, and one we hope not to see again enacted in our state. With laws upon our statute books as rigid as any to be found in the union, the question occurs, Why is this state of things allowed? Open prostitution of the sexes, debauchery, murder, and every crime known to the laws, are daily perpetrated, and no law or wholesome public opinion to arrest its frightful progress!
In a recent letter of that eminently good man, Bishop Whipple, of Minnesota, he describes a town on the Northern Pacific railroad, which he recently visited, as "Hell on Wheels"--so named by the inhabitants. To Newton might be applied (if we are to believe not more than half we hear) the name of "Hell upon Earth," with all its horrors.
As our town is to be the next point on the railroad west of Newton, we feel an interest in having heaven's first law, order, respected with us, as we are to be the end of a division and the terminus of the railroad for some time to come, and as all predict, the great headquarters of the Texas cattle trade in our state for years to come via the new route or trail some fifty miles west of the "Chisholm" trail from which cattle are being excluded by settlers coming in and occupying the country. "Westward the star of empire takes its way" is true in this as in other relations of our advancing civilization on the frontier.
The new town of Zarah, now platted, is destined soon to assume fair proportions. We are informed a building, 24 by 40 feet, is to be erected at once from lumber now arriving, for the accommodation of the postoffice, express office, and a depot for general merchandise. A hotel, and other buildings, are to soon follow. A good population is coming in and occupying the railroad lands under the liberal arrangements of Commissioner Lakin of the A. T. S. F. R. R. Co.
The mangers and proprietors of the new town of Zarah assure me that on their banner is inscribed in letters of light--"ORDER IS HEAVEN'S FIRST LAW," and that the scenes now occurring at Newton cannot be allowed in the new town of Zarah. A decent respect for the opinion of others admonishes them of the necessity of obedience to the laws and a proper observance of the amenities of civilized life; those disposed to respect these requirements will govern themselves accordingly and keep away or take the consequences of any infractions of individuals. These regulations will be as immutable as the laws of the Medes and Persians.
An examination of the rich valleys of the Arkansas river and Walnut creek coming together as the two streams do, just south of the town site of Zarah, affords one of the most beautiful landscapes the eye can find anywhere, and must be seen to be appreciated.
Any one of your readers fond of hunting can here have their fill, with the almost countless numbers of buffalo, antelope, and other kinds of small game in great numbers.
KIOWA.
Zarah, Barton County, August 16.
THE TOPEKA, COTTONWOOD & WALNUT VALLEY RAILROAD.
The Commonwealth, August 19, 1871.
A company has been organized in Topeka, whose articles of association were filed with the secretary of state on the 16th inst., and are as follows.
The name and style of the company shall be the "Topeka, Cottonwood and Walnut Valley Railway Company."
The purposes for which the company is organized is the building, construction, maintaining, and operating of a railway and telegraph line in connection therewith, commencing at the city of Topeka, in the county of Shawnee, and running in a southern direction by what the said company may find to be the most feasible and desirable route, through the counties of Shawnee, Osage, Lyon, Chase, Butler, and Cowley, with branches as may be required.
The length of the road is estimated at two hundred and fifty miles. This corporation shall exist perpetually.
The number of directors shall be thirteen (13) and for the first year shall be as follows.
E. W. Dennis, C. K. Holliday, T. J. Anderson, John Guthrie, Joel Huntoon, Wallace McGrath, F. P. Baker, Thad H. Walker, of Topeka; John Brown, Shawnee County; R. W. Randall, Lyon County; S. N. Wood, Chase County; J. C. Lambden, Butler County; H. B. Norton, Cowley County.
The capital stock shall be two million five hundred thousand dollars in twenty-five thousand shares of one hundred dollars each.
The place for the transaction of the business of the company shall be at the city of Topeka, in Shawnee County, Kansas.
-0-
The Commonwealth, August 23, 1871.
The Arkansas City Traveler says that peanuts are being grown in great quantities upon the sand hills of Cowley County, and with little labor. Charley Gallert has a small patch which he thinks will yield about twenty-five bushels.
The Commonwealth, August 23, 1871.
The Arkansas City Traveler says that a wild cat was killed by the dogs on John Harmon's claim, last Monday, measuring three feet from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail. It had run off with no less than twenty-five chickens.
The Commonwealth, August 23, 1871.
The editor of the Oxford Times keeps a live centipede bottled up in his office, and when anyone calls to "thrash the editor," he turns him loose.
KANSAS.
The Commonwealth, October 8, 1871.
A harness maker, sailor, and photographer would do well in Arkansas City.
The Commonwealth, October 8, 1871.
George Francis Train is to lecture at Leavenworth on the evening of the 10th inst.
The Commonwealth, October 8, 1871.
Col. Jennison is a candidate for state senator in the district made vacant by the resignation of Senator Van Dorn.
The Commonwealth, October 8, 1871.
Joseph Medill, Esq., of the Chicago Tribune, was in Abilene a couple of days last week. The Chronicle says he owns a fine section of land near Abilene.
The Commonwealth, October 8, 1871.
The Arkansas City Traveler says that another surveying outfit is to be recruited at Arkansas City, within the next ten days, and in a few weeks thirty hands can secure work on the Arkansas river truss bridge. Parties seeking employment will do well to go do that point.
The Commonwealth, October 8, 1871.
The Grasshopper Falls New Era says that on last Saturday night John Reider's mill on Grasshopper, ten miles from town, caught fire from some unknown cause and burned to the ground. The mill has just been finished at a cost of $10,000. The loss will be great to Mr. Reider.
The Commonwealth, October 8, 1871.
The Louisville Reporter says that on Thursday night last, in a saloon in Wamego, a negro called for a drink and started out without paying for it. The saloon keeper called after him. Just at the time a Mr. Herring was going out at the door, and the negro throwed and struck him in the breast with a rock, which will probably cause his death.
THE ARKANSAS VALLEY.
The Commonwealth, October 15, 1871.
Colonel Ellenwood, locating engineer of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe railroad, is now beyond Fort Dodge, with a party of about forty, including a detachment of United States troops. They will pass southwest, following up Mulberry creek, and across on to the Cimarron, and thence up this river to the southwest corner of the state. Returning to the Arkansas, they will follow up that river to the west end of the state. They will be absent about six weeks, and this survey will determine the line of the road beyond Fort Larned. General H. J. Strickler accompanies the expedition, to examine and report upon the lands.
Mr. Robinson, engineer in charge of the work between Topeka and Atchison, leaves tomorrow for Newton to organize a party to make a definite location of the railroad line between the latter place and the Arkansas river. When this is accomplished the town of Hutchinson will be located where the road strikes the river. It will be situated in Reno County, on Cow creek. It will be the county seat, and the railroad company propose to make it the end of a division and erect a roundhouse and repair shops.
Work will commence west of Newton, in about twenty days, and will be prosecuted vigorously. The Wichita and South Western railroad is to be built with dispatch, and the cars will soon be running from Newton to Wichita.
The Arkansas valley is awakening to new life under the powerful stimulus of the A., T. & S. F. R. R. Under the management of the General Manager, Peter [?], whose watchful eye and careful hand directs every movement, this road is steadily growing into one of the most powerful corporations in the west. The most competent [?] observers unite in pronouncing the lands of that valley unsurpassed in the state. And yet there are an abundance of good claims to be obtained within a short distance of the railroad line.
KANSAS.
The Commonwealth, Tuesday, November 7, 1871.
R. M. Spivey, of Newton, is a candidate for railroad assessor of the 9th judicial district.
The Commonwealth, Tuesday, November 7, 1871.
Capt. D. L. Payne, formerly of Doniphan County, is the democratic nominee for representative in Sedgwick County.
The Commonwealth, Tuesday, November 7, 1871.
We hear that a paper is soon to be established at Ellsworth.
The Commonwealth, Tuesday, November 7, 1871.
Louis Coffee killed a man named Ed Porter, at Fort Scott, on Thursday night last. Both were colored men. A woman was the cause.
The Commonwealth, Tuesday, November 7, 1871.
Lyndon is going to have a new paper, to be edited by Messrs. Kirby and Bentley. These gentlemen mean business. The paper is to be seven columns, printed on a bran new press, new type, etc. They also propose putting in a first-class job press.
The Commonwealth, Tuesday, November 7, 1871.
Six new stone buildings are now under process of erection in the city of Lyndon, besides a steam flouring mill building.
The Commonwealth, Tuesday, November 7, 1871.
The Burlingame Chronicle says that the coal shaft, being sunk near the depot by Judge Schuyler, is progressing. A depth of about 33 feet has been reached. The trouble has been with the water. But at this writing, the sides of the shaft have been puddled, and further trouble from that sources is not anticipated. Slate has been struck, and coal will, no doubt, be reached in a few days.
The Commonwealth, Tuesday, November 7, 1871.
Woodson County has carried a proposition, by a majority of 121, to subscribe $175,000 to the capital stock of the Paola & Fall River R. R.
The Commonwealth, Tuesday, November 7, 1871.
R. M. Tunnell has retired from the editorial management of the Alma Union.
The Commonwealth, Tuesday, November 7, 1871.
The editor of the Arkansas City Traveler has seen a wild tomato, which yielded ten bushels of tomatoes.
The Commonwealth, Tuesday, November 7, 1871.
The Arkansas City Traveler says that the buffalo on the plains are dying off at a rapid rate in consequence of a disease which has lately broken out among them. The symptoms manifested by the buffalo are similar to those of domestic cattle who have contracted the Spanish fever.
The Commonwealth, Tuesday, November 7, 1871.
The Arkansas City Traveler says that on Saturday evening, 28th ult., as Mr. McGay was returning home with a wagon load of corn, intoxicated, he fell from his seat upon the whippletree, and then to the ground. As he struck the earth, the wagon wheel passed over his neck and jaw, breaking both and causing instant death.
The Commonwealth, Tuesday, November 7, 1871.
It is currently reported that George Noble will resign his position as assistant superintendent of the Kansas Pacific railway, to accept the general superintendency of the Kansas Central railroad, with headquarters at Leavenworth.
The Commonwealth, Tuesday, November 7, 1871.
B. F. Smith, a leading attorney of Paola, died on Saturday, 28th ult.
KANSAS.
The Commonwealth, December 2, 1871.
Lawrence has a new savings bank.
The Commonwealth, December 2, 1871.
D. S. Ames, an old and respected citizen of Fort Scott, died in Buffalo, New York, November 22.
The Commonwealth, December 2, 1871.
Mr. Adams, of Winfield, while out hunting the other day, tackled a wild cat, and succeeded in dispatching it after quite a struggle. The "varmint" measured four feet and weighed over fifty pounds.
The Commonwealth, December 2, 1871.
Mr. Shanley, a citizen of Kit Carson, lost a cow in the storm. After long searching for her, she was found about eight miles from town in a herd of ten to twenty thousand buffaloes. She had become so wild it was as much as three men on good horses could do to get her separated from the herd and bring her back to town.
The Commonwealth, December 2, 1871.
Few people unacquainted with the interior of an insane asylum can form any rational conception of the incidents which are daily occurring therein. About ten days since a patient who had been taken to the state asylum, during the night, while in his bed, contrived to cut about one-third of a blanket that covered him. For several days portions of it were discharged from his bowels, but inflammation ensued, and he has since died. His connections are respectable and well known throughout the state.
The Commonwealth, December 2, 1871.
The Winfield, Cowley County, Censor says that several settlers, who live on the head of Cedar creek, some seven miles northeast of Winfield, returned from a buffalo hunt on Thursday last. They found the remains of a man in a high state of decomposition. The body had some clothing upon it, but the features were unrecognizable. Whether this was the work of Indians or highwaymen, they could not tell. The body was found about one hundred miles southwest of Winfield.
The Commonwealth, December 2, 1871.
The Cowley County Censor of the 25th, learns from Mr. Geo. Peterson, who has just come in from a buffalo hunt, that while hunting about seventy-five miles west of Oxford, he found a dead man who must have lain for some time as he had been eaten by the wolves, and whose description answers to old Mr. Swope, who was christened by the Oxford Times the "Pioneer Hunter of the West." Subsequently two of the wooden wheels which belonged to Mr. Swope's wagon were found within two miles of where Mr. Peterson found the scalped body, so that it is quite certain the remains were those of Mr. Swope. Mr. Swope, although an old hunter, was an educated man, had served under Col. Houston in the Texas war as a lieutenant, fought under Gen. Taylor in Mexico during the years of 1847 and 1848, and was wounded several times.
KANSAS.
The Commonwealth, December 5, 1871.
We learn from the Dispatch that Wednesday night a destructive conflagration occurred at Hiawatha, destroying a large proportion of the buildings on the east side of the square. Among the houses burned were the hardware store of Mr. Blakesley, the family grocery store of Mr. Dickson, the shoe shops of Messrs. Zimmerman and Butterfield, and the drug store of Messrs. Mitchell & Zerung. The total loss, it is said, will foot up $12,000.
The Commonwealth, December 5, 1871.
Judge McIntire, representative elect, has shown the Arkansas Traveler an interesting historical relic of the early free state struggle in Kansas. It was a slip of paper containing the original record of the vote of the first Topeka constitutional convention, on the location of the capital. It contains the names of the delegates and each one's choice for capital. Topeka and Lawrence were the principal competing points. November, 1855, is the date. Judge McIntire was one of the leading delegates in that convention. Jim Lane was president.
The Commonwealth, December 5, 1871.
The contractors on the Southern Kansas Railroad, between Independence and Cherryvale, are pushing things forward at a rapid rate. Assistant Civil Engineer Coffin informed the Independence Tribune last week that about 450 men and about 200 teams are now employed on the road. This force is scattered along the entire line, so as to complete it all at an early day. They are putting in about a sixty foot bridge, near Mr. Hefley's, just north of Independence. We learn that the officers will push the road to an early completion, so as to have it ready for work by the first or middle of January.
INCORRECT.--1855.
The Commonwealth, December 8, 1871.
To the Editor of the Commonwealth:
An item appeared in the COMMONWEALTH a few days since to the effect that T. McIntire, representative elect from Cowley County, was a member of the Topeka constitutional union of 1855. Mr. McIntire was a resident of Topeka at that time and for several years thereafter, but he was not a member of that honorable body, which, it has often been admitted, was composed of the best talent ever thrown together in Kansas. Nearly every member thereof was a statesman and equal to the purposes of the times in which they figured. Gov. Robinson, Gen. James H. Lane, Col. C. K. Holliday, W. J. Parrott, Judge Delahay, the good looking and noble head of Phillip C. Schuyler, Judge Latta, Joel K. Goodin, and Judge Smith of Lawrence were among the number who headed the Free State movement and finally succeeded in overthrowing the tyrannical territorial government supported by two presidents of these United States. C.
Topeka, December 8th.
INDIAN AFFAIRS.
Message of Lewis Downing, Chief of the Cherokees.
The Commonwealth, December 8, 1871.
Lewis Downing, chief of the Cherokees, has issued his annual message to the council of that nation, and says in the course of his observations:
Since the adjournment last session of the national council, the Missouri, Kansas and Texas railroad has entered our country on the north, and passed through it and gone several miles south into the Creek Nation.
The Atlantic and Pacific railroad has also entered our nation on the east, entering it at the corner of the Seneca Nation, and it has been completed to the junction with the Missouri, Kansas and Texas railroad. At this point, on the west side, the A. and P. railroad company have established a depot, and on both sides of that road the commissioners, provided for by an act of the National council at its last session, have laid off the town of Downingville. Also four miles east of the confluence of Spring river with the Neosho or Grand river, on the A. and P. railroad, they have laid out the town of Rossville. Lots have been sold at a good price in each of these towns, and there is a prospect of their becoming places of importance.
The M. K. & T. is blamed for avoiding Fort Gibson and for its exorbitant rates of fare and freight, and both roads are censured for taking wood ties illegally.
As a remedy, I would suggest, first, that we confer with other tribes or Indian nations through whose country this road may pass, and by the acts of the national councils of the several nations, establish uniform and reasonable rates of far and freight on the railroad through the whole Indian country for citizens of the country.
Secondly, that the Cherokee nation charter in some form or other another railroad to run from north to south, through the nation on the east side of Grand river, and if possible, have Tahlequah and Fort Gibson designated as points through which it shall run, and thus bring down the high rates by competition.
This second proposition probably contemplates an extension of the M. K., Ft. S. and G. railroad.
The Atlantic and Pacific railroad company require more than two hundred additional feet granted by treaty, at stations, at the junction of the two roads, in order to form a Y, or switch to connect the Atlantic and Pacific railroad with the Missouri, Kansas and Texas railroad, as will be seen by reference to the plat of Downingville. This seems to be a necessity, and I would recommend that it should receive your sanction under certain restrictions.
Mr. John L. Adair, who was elected by the national council at its last session, as commissioner on the part of the Cherokee nation to survey and mark the boundary lines, separating this nation from the states of Arkansas, Missouri, and Kansas, has been diligently engaged in the work assigned him in connection with Hon. Jas. M. Ashley, commissioner on the part of the United States.
The work of surveying said boundary line is now completed, and the making and setting up of monuments will be completed in a short time. I learn that portions of what was claimed as parts of adjoining states have fallen into the Cherokee nation, at several important points, and carrying with them several valuable improvements which by law of the nation approved November 8, 1869, are public property, and are subject to be sold to the highest bidder by the sheriff of the district in which they are situated, after fifteen days notice. But the circumstances are of such a nature that I would suggest a suspension of the law in respect to these improvements for a definite period, while I would suggest that means be taken to secure these improvements to the use and benefit of the nation.
FUN ON THE PLAINS.
How General Custer Entertained Some Chicago Visitors.
A Midnight Attack by "Bloody Savages."
A Hitherto Unpublished Report of a Remarkable Battle with the "Indians."
The Commonwealth, December 15, 1881.
A member of troop D, seventh United States cavalry, writing to the editor of his home newspaper, gives the following amusing account of the manner in which General Custer entertained some Chicago visitors who went out to his domains for a little buffalo hunting last autumn. We can assure the trooper that no report of the "cattle," which he details so graphically, was ever offered to the Chicago papers by any of the "Chicagoese." They were too modest for that.
. . . . One almost equaling it we witnessed when the festive Chicagoese were with us, seeking that little relaxation from business cares, which they found. After a day's successful chase, the party found itself about thirty miles from Hays, tired and hungry. Selecting a camping ground for the night, fires were soon blazing cheerfully, buffalo and venison steaks roasting and frying nicely, and oh what appetites to do them justice! Next came wine and cigars, with which the Chicagoese were well supplied, luxuries for the trooper on the plains generally out of reach, but this one time we had them plenty, and enjoyed them accordingly. The general, wishing to afford his visitors a little amusement during the evening, entertained them with stories of surprise and atrocities committed by Lo! until he had them excited to the proper pitch for pleasant dreams, which he kindly permitted them to enjoy until midnight, when he gave the innocent dreamers a finishing touch. The night proving favorable, the troopers were divided, allowing about forty as an attacking party and to represent Indians, the remainder to defend the camp. Everything in readiness, the sentry on post loudly challenged, "Who comes there?" A regular war-whoop from the attacking party was the answer received, then a volley from the carbines, a rattling fire with revolvers, shouting, yelling and screaming--the attacking party making use of all the Indian imaginable, and a great deal more. The sleepers were by this time certainly wide awake and made to understand what was the matter--that they were expected to fight if they expected ever again to see Chicago. The brave defenders fought nobly, shooting high in the air, entreating the Chicagoese to stand firm, fight for their homes and firesides, and to fight, bleed, and die for their country, never let the stars and stripes be disgraced by allowing a few hundred bloody Indians to whip us; not more than ten to one at most, probably less; what's the country good for if not worth fighting for. Some of them did fight, and from them the most danger was apprehended, as they fired at instead of over their antagonists. Of course, they were quickly placed under the wagons to keep them from shooting somebody. During a lull, one festive old chap was heard bewailing his fate bitterly: "Oh, why did I leave my home and family, friends and business, every comfort in the world, to come out here and be scalped by the bloody Indians? Oh, dear; what shall I do to be saved?" At this, someone told him to grab a root; but he said he couldn't find the root. "Fifty dollars to anyone that will take me out of this," but there was no taker. The fight lasted near one hour. Occasionally someone would drop, and either crawl away or be carried by a few comrades, when he would, of course, be all right and again pitch in. Finally victory was declared for the defenders; and then it was the few remaining on the list of wounded received all the care possible, which meant plenty of wine. Quite a number wished they had remained wounded, but it was too late for that. In the morning the wounded were reported sent to camp, but some of the inquisitive wished to know what became of the killed and wounded Indians. "Oh, they are always carried off of the field as soon as they fall." That settled the matter. Whether the visitors were informed of the true state of affairs before their return home, I never learned. One of them said he would have an account of the fight published. I never had the pleasure of reading the account.
KANSAS.
The Commonwealth, Tuesday, December 19, 1871.
Web Wilder is sick with chills at Fort Scott.
The Commonwealth, Tuesday, December 19, 1871.
The Arkansas City bank is in receipt of a 3,700 pound safe.
The Commonwealth, Tuesday, December 19, 1871.
Arkansas City wants a photographer and another livery stable.
The Commonwealth, Tuesday, December 19, 1871.
Fort Scott is to have a "New settler's ball," for the benefit of the poor, on New Year's night.
The Commonwealth, Tuesday, December 19, 1871.
Major John T. Cox has assumed the management of the old Burlington Hotel, at Burlington.
The Commonwealth, Tuesday, December 19, 1871.
The Spring Hill Enterprise boasts of one eighteen months' pig, at that place, that weighs 550 pounds.
The Commonwealth, Tuesday, December 19, 1871.
A number of the most prominent citizens of Garnett are agitating the question of organizing a national bank.
The Commonwealth, Tuesday, December 19, 1871.
Warren Crandall, a farmer of Coffey County, has raised 18,000 bushels of corn this year which is all gathered and stored in a crib.
The Commonwealth, Tuesday, December 19, 1871.
A son of Dr. Reed, of Troy, Doniphan County, aged seven years, has broken one of his legs (the same leg) three times in the last four years.
The Commonwealth, Tuesday, December 19, 1871.
The wife of Theodore Denecke died at Hampden, Coffey County, on the 13th. She was one of the Hampden colony that came to Kansas in 1855.
The Commonwealth, Tuesday, December 19, 1871.
The Eldorado Times learns that the Oxford Times has suspended, and that Mr. Trask, of Oswego, an old newspaper man, will shortly start a paper at that point.
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.
The Commonwealth, Tuesday, December 19, 1871.
Hon. William H. Seward is very low from paralysis, at his residence at Auburn.
The Commonwealth, Tuesday, December 19, 1871.
Tweed was closeted with his family all day on Sunday. He is to be arrested from day to day until some twenty indictments for felony are exhausted.
The Commonwealth, Tuesday, December 19, 1871.
Three thousand houses in the city and vicinity of Jormpour, India, were recently swept away by a flood, rendering ten thousand people homeless.
The Commonwealth, Tuesday, December 19, 1871.
The revolution in Mexico continues to spread. Juarez opened congress on the first. The journals at the capital are discussing the probabilities of an American protectorate. A belief in early American intervention is considered the only salvation of the country. The True Republic announces that present events are favorable for giving a protectorate or annexation to the United States.
The Commonwealth, Tuesday, December 19, 1871.
We recall no message for years which has received as little criticism as the last message of President Grant. Friends have been more than satisfied and enemies less than favored with ammunition. Indeed, they have found the work of criticism or assault so hopeless that they have not seriously attempted it. The message was a source of great strength for the President's supporters and a broadside for his adversaries.
KANSAS.
The Commonwealth, December 24, 1871.
Wathena is shipping butter to Colorado.
The Commonwealth, December 24, 1871.
Ottawa is to have a steam fire engine.
The Commonwealth, December 24, 1871.
Linn County is erecting buildings on its poor farm.
The Commonwealth, December 24, 1871.
Lead ore has been discovered in Montgomery County.
The Commonwealth, December 24, 1871.
Iola is just now indulging in pugilistic and dog fights.
The Commonwealth, December 24, 1871.
Joseph Nixon, of Troy, has purchased the City Hotel at that place.
The Commonwealth, December 24, 1871.
V. L. Spawr has again opened the Pierce House at Neosho Falls.
The Commonwealth, December 24, 1871.
Senator Pomeroy has donated a bell to the congregational church at Cottonwood Falls.
The Commonwealth, December 24, 1871.
Phillip Osborn, of Mound City, killed fourteen large ducks at one shot, one day last week.
The Commonwealth, December 24, 1871.
The Leader says that Cottonwood Falls has more than doubled in size within the last six months.
The Commonwealth, December 24, 1871.
The Republican says that the Augusta land office has paid to the general government $377,343.
The Commonwealth, December 24, 1871.
A son of Hon. Elijah Sells fell and broke his thigh, while skating on Ottawa creek a few days ago.
The Commonwealth, December 24, 1871.
The Journal says that the quantity of pork and lard packed at Ottawa this season will be immense.
The Commonwealth, December 24, 1871.
The coal mine at Leavenworth is now sending up four thousand bushels per day, and the amount is absorbed by the city.
The Commonwealth, December 24, 1871.
The last number of the Girard Press publishes a descriptive list of sixty-nine unmarried men in that town. The Press hopes to see them coupled during the coming leap year.
The Commonwealth, December 24, 1871.
The office of A. E. Ware's lumberyard, near the Gulf railroad depot at Fort Scott, was destroyed by fire on Thursday evening. Loss, $1,000. Supposed to be the work of an incendiary.
The Commonwealth, December 24, 1871.
Colonel Manning informs the editor of the Augusta Republican that the proposition to issue $5,000 in bonds to build a courthouse and jail at Winfield, in Cowley County, was carried by a small majority.
The Commonwealth, December 24, 1871.
From the Mound City Sentinel we learn that Mr. John McAmon, of Blue Mound township, Linn County, died a few days ago of injuries received from a vicious horse. He lived about ten days after the accident.
The Commonwealth, Friday, December 29, 1871.
Hon. E. C. Manning, ex-printer, ex-editor, ex-army official, ex-legislative official, and now attorney at law, Winfield-builder, extensive land owner, money-maker and opposition town worrier, condescended to favor us with a glimpse at his August person yesterday.
1872
SIGNS OF PROGRESS.
The Commonwealth, February 1, 1872.
To the Editor of the Commonwealth.
Mr. Fenlon's amendment to the bill on the state penitentiary in the house yesterday afternoon certainly suggests the heading of this article, if his motion was all it appears to be on the surface. But Mr. Fenlon is a communicant in the Roman Catholic church, and I heard him say that he believed all the decisions of the pope of Rome were infallible, some of which decisions re that our "common school system" is an "agency of hell;" that no private member of the church has a right to his judgment on any religious doctrine; that no Catholic has a right to read even the Catholic bible without authority from his bishop, and that it is the duty of the members of the church to submit their judgment and conscience to the judgment of the priest. Now Mr. Fenlon, as a loyal Roman Catholic, believes all this, and much that is even worse than this. Hence Mr. Fenlon, instigated by Bishop Miege, of Leavenworth, wishes either to convert the Kansas State prison into a monastery or drive all religious teachings from within its walls. They first attacked the common schools in this country, on the ground that the Protestant bible was sectarian, and then, when they succeeded, abandoned the schools on the ground they were Godless. Romanism hates an open bible and a free education, and she will join hands with any party under heaven to close the former and destroy the latter. When chaplain of this prison, we offered Bishop Miege and his clergy the privilege at any time to hold such service in the penitentiary as he desired, in harmony with the laws of the state, but he refused to acknowledge the legitimacy of a protestant ministry, and declined to confer with us on the subject at all. As an individual, we claim no superiority over anybody; but as an officer of the state, we could not sacrifice the principles of our republican institutions even to please a Roman bishop. The directors sustained me in my position. Then rather than send a priest to the prison even at the request of a protestant chaplain, he would let his Catholic parishioners die without the benefit of clergy. The bishop, through Mr. Fenlon, now appeals to the legislature, and should Mr. Fenlon's amendment become a law, all order, as well as religious teaching, will cease to exist in the Kansas State penitentiary.
Grant to Roman Catholics the exclusive right to attend no worship unless conducted by a Roman priest, and you must grant all others the same right, and that will divide the inmates of that prison into at least twenty factions. Hence, instead of having one chaplain, you will send twenty. Now, I think I have as much respect for the right of conscience as Mr. Fenlon, Brigham Young, or any man in the Kansas State penitentiary, yet I have very little respect for Brigham's religious right to hold fifty wives, or the conscience of a man, convicted of felony, rape, or murder, who says he can't conscientiously hear the bible read which forbids these crimes, or listen to the wholesome advice of a minister who points out a better way. It is a pity that men of such a tender conscience are found guilty of such gross crimes as commit them to prison. Persons of such a tender conscience as this had better keep out of the penitentiary. And Mr. Fenlon's application of the "bill of rights" to this class is as grand a monstrosity in law as the attachment of a pair of mule's ears on his head in the kingdom of nature. D. P. MITCHELL.
A SAD OCCURRENCE.
The Commonwealth, February 1, 1872.
On last Friday, a poor German family living in the upper story of a home on the Shunganunga, about a mile from the city, heard a cracking in the lower story, where another family manufactured brooms. They proceeded below and found the room enveloped in flames. Before they could remove a single article, the whole building was involved. By hard work, the daughter returning her wash money to the family coffers, about $100 had been laid by for investment in a homestead in the spring. This, together with a watch and all their household goods, were destroyed. The family were kindly provided for among the neighbors at night, and now they are temporarily occupying a tenement. The family have the hearty sympathy of their neighbors in this, to them, severe loss.
DESTITUTION ON THE FRONTIER.
The Commonwealth, February 1, 1872.
To the Editor of the Commonwealth.
It is my painful duty to inform the public that in consequence of the long and severe winter, many of the settlers along the western frontiers have been reduced to want for food and clothing, the children particularly, suffering for the latter. If there exists in this city a society of ladies whose friendly aid could be enlisted in this matter, a few days of prompt effort would unquestionably result in the accumulation of a sufficient quantity of food and clothing to relieve and gladden many hearts. Being a stranger here, and the call for immediate aid coming from my district, I would be glad to put myself in communication with any person or persons, who will feel it a duty to take an interest in their fellow citizens' extremity. I await a response, and I believe it will come.
W. L. BEAR,
Osborne County, Rep. 93rd District.
The above card of Mr. Bear directs the attention of the benevolent to an object of charity which calls for a prompt and liberal response. Contributions of clothing, provisions, or money to be expended therefor, may be sent to the residence of Mr. Geiger, on Monroe street, or to Col. Dennis', on Topeka avenue, or left at the store of Geiger & McGrath, Kansas avenue. If merchants or others, willing to contribute goods or money, will notify either of the undersigned, the articles donated will be called for.
MRS. E. W. DENNIS,
MRS. GEO. GEIGER.
TOPEKA, Feb. 1, 1872.
COUNTY LINES.
The Commonwealth, February 1, 1872.
The legislature is again tinkering the county lines, the present proposition being to add a part of Johnson to Wyandotte County. When this is done, it is rumored that a part of Miami is to be added to Johnson, a part of Linn to Miami, a part of Bourbon to Linn, and so on through the list. We believe that evil and evil only can result from such changes. These are old counties, with histories of their own, land records, schools, township, roads, debts and obligations, officers and local records--with a multiplicity of peculiar interests, which it is the height of folly to attempt to disturb.
To change the record of deeds, mortgages, and judgments from one county to another would be very expensive and would lead to complications and disputes about title which would last as long as the present generation. And so of the school tax, township and county expenses and taxes, and the transfer of the obligations incurred in one county to another. We see nothing but confusion and expense attending such legislation, and the less we have of it the better it will be for the people. Fort Scott Monitor.
The Commonwealth, February 17, 1872.
Died, at the residence of his oldest son, Hon. Isaac Sharp, Council Grove, Kansas, on Saturday, February 3rd, 1872, Dr. Samuel Sharp, father of Hons. Isaac and J. L. Sharp. He was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, December 29th, 1789, and was therefore in his eighty-fourth year. Dr. Sharp was a descendant of a long line of Quakers, his great grandfather having crossed with William Penn to this continent, and assisted in organizing Quaker colonies.
The Commonwealth, February 17, 1872.
The "minions of the law" laid hands on Rev. D. P. Mitchell at Manhattan the other day for selling chestnuts on the street, contrary to the desire of a complaining groceryman. The Justice discharged the accused, not deeming the offense a punishable one. The Nationalist adds: "This little episode did not prevent brother Mitchell from delivering one of his most effective sermons at the M. E. church in the evening, and it probably added many to his congregation."
The Commonwealth, February 17, 1872.
The following is a statement of the business of the Neodesha land office during January.
Osage lands sold, 27,722 47-100 acres; public land sold, 1,438 92-100 acres; homestead entries 20; received for Osage land, $34,653.12; received for public land, $1,848.65; on declaratory statements, $600; fees and commissions on homestead entries, $229.32; fees on military land warrants, $5; total number of acres sold, 33,046 53-100; commissions on final entries under homestead act, $4,297; total receipts, $37,379.06. Amount received from February 1st to 13th inclusive, for Osage lands, $19,147.80; number of acres sold, 15,318 22,100.
[Not sure I got the above figures transferred correctly.]
MR. CRANE AND THE FIREMEN'S DANCE.
The Commonwealth, February 22, 1872.
To the Editor of the Commonwealth.
If Mr. Crane had heard the discourse on Sabbath evening himself, it would have saved him the trouble of writing his card for the COMMONWEALTH, for we did not say one word, either directly or indirectly, against the honor or respectability of the fire company as such. We said their design to put out fires was laudable, and they deserve our thanks and sympathies, but that was no reason why our wives, sisters, and daughters, in violation of their church obligations, and the plain teaching of God's word. Should dance with them. We said the temperance cause was a good one, but if the Good Templars should pick a man up out of the gutter, and thus save him from a drunkard's grave, and afterwards get up a dance under the auspices of the society, it was no reason why our Christian women should be expected to dance with them.
We simply denied the right of any association to even reasonably expect that our Christian women are under any obligation whatever to dance with them, because, in some way, they were useful to society. Does Mr. Crane think that dancing ever put out a fire, or saved a drunkard from the gutter? Mr. Crane should remember that we believe in a God; that the bible is our rule of life, and the church to which we have sworn allegiance has some claims upon us.
When we adopt the creed circulated by the teacher of the association to which Mr. Crane belongs, we may then think otherwise. Women, who do not believe in a God or the Bible, may have some excuse for dancing, but as our Christian women have not yet abandoned their God or their church, I hope you will excuse them. Would Mr. Crane like to discuss the physical, intellectual, and moral advantages of the modern pleasure dance, through the columns of the COMMONWEALTH?
Thee is not a respectable physician in the land who will endorse the "modern pleasure dance," as generally conducted, as promotive of health. Its intellectual and moral advantages are yet to be discovered; and I confess my want of ability to discover how a costly preparation for a ball can financially aid the fire company.
D. P. MITCHELL.
MASS MEETING SUNDAY AFTERNOON.
The Commonwealth, February 27, 1872.
The mass meeting of several Sunday schools of Topeka, on Sunday afternoon last, preparatory to Mr. Hammond's coming, was much larger than anticipated. Union Hall was filled to its utmost capacity. It is estimated that there were at least 1,200 persons present. The streets began to be thronged with people, and nearly every seat in the place was taken long before the meeting commenced. Extra chairs and planks were brought in to fill every available place. The aisles and stairway were crowded with persons standing, and the edge of the rostrum was occupied by, at least, fifty lads.
Notwithstanding the immense crowd, the ushers succeeded well in preventing confusion, and everybody seemed to be satisfied. The meeting commenced at 4 o'clock, conducted by Rev. D. P. Mitchell, of the Methodist Episcopal church. Rev. L. Blakesley, of the Congregational church, had charge of the music, assisted by Mr. M. H. Fuller, organist, and members of the different choirs of the city. Some of Mr. Hammond's favorite hymns had been printed on slips of paper and distributed through the audience. The singing was grand. No one could have listened to the thousand voices singing in perfect harmony that first hymn:--
What means this eager, anxious throng,
Pressing our busy streets along?
Voices, in accents hushed, reply,
Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.
without feeling lifted up by its inspiration.
After prayer by Rev. J. E. Rudisill, the meeting was addressed by Rev. Dr. McCabe, Rev. Mr. Taylor, and Prof. Gray. At the close of the speaking, Mr. Mitchell stated, that as Mr. Hammond was accustomed to hold children's meetings during three or four days at the beginning of his labors in a community, he thought it very important that the school board of our city be requested to adjourn the afternoon sessions of the schools on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of next week. Accordingly, a motion was made to that effect, and was carried unanimously by a rising vote. The interest taken in this matter seemed to be very general.
Announcements were made that another meeting would be held on Wednesday evening next, at the Methodist church, and that persons from Lawrence would address the meeting, giving an account of Mr. Hammond's work there; also, that a similar meeting would be held on Friday evening in Union Hall, at which Mr. Hammond would be present.
MISCELLANEOUS.
The Commonwealth, February 27, 1872.
The sales of real estate at Rossville have been satisfactory thus far, and the prospects are excellent for the season. A gentleman from Pennsylvania will purchase land in the vicinity for a colony.
The Commonwealth, February 27, 1872.
Ex-Mayor McAfee has bought a one-third interest in the grocery store of Knox & Bro. The capital will be enlarged and the new firm proposes to furnish everything desired to make our citizens comfortable.
The Commonwealth, February 27, 1872.
Messrs. Wilcox, Adams & Co., have received a letter from Mr. Joseph Allenbaubergropensteinershaubintcker, of Co. "B," 5th U. S. infantry, asking for a Real Estate Publisher. They will take pleasure in mailing him several hundred copies if he still survives.
The Commonwealth, February 27, 1872.
One of the "bach" representatives says of Topeka ladies: "The most noble and patriotic mothers, the best and most generous sisters, and the prettiest sweethearts of any city, not only in Kansas, but in the world."
The Commonwealth, February 27, 1872.
The scientific institute at its last meeting authorized the secretary to subscribe for the Journal of the Franklin Institute and the American Naturalist. The next meeting of the institute will be on Friday evening, March 1st, at which time Mr. N. P. Kinsley will deliver a lecture on the "Descent of Man" as taught by Darwin.
The Commonwealth, February 27, 1872.
We learned at a late hour last night that the conference committee on the apportionment bill had agreed upon a report. We may not have it just right, but as we understand it, the only change in the northern district is to put Shawnee and Davis counties into it. It puts Leavenworth, Douglas, and the counties south together, including Bourbon. The rest of the state is the third district.
HOW "OLD MAC" CELEBRATES LEAP YEAR.
The Commonwealth, February 27, 1872.
Our old friend, and everybody's friend for that matter, the venerable McMeeken, of the Tefft House, sometimes called Rip Van Winkle, has his little peculiarities, which crop out at unexpected times. One of these occasions was Sunday last.
Mrs. Mac was absent from town, and our friend of the flowing beard, taking advantage of the situation, pressed into the service every able-bodied individual of his extensive hash corps, and got up one of those spreads in the way of a Sunday dinner, such as only old Mac can get up. To the feast were bidden the guests and patrons of the Tefft, and of course the COMMONWEALTH was represented by its ablest-bodied and hungriest representative.
ENTHUSIASTIC CELEBRATION AT COL. HORNE'S.
The Commonwealth, February 29, 1872.
On Monday evening last a large party of Topekans took possession of the residence of Col. Horne, one of the fathers of Topeka, for the purpose of celebrating the anniversary of that gentleman's birthday.
The guests were invited by Mrs. Horn, much to the surprise of the colonel, as the matter had not been brought before the city council, and no appropriation asked for. Nevertheless, a collation was served late in the evening which would compare favorably with that for which the state had just paid seven hundred dollars, and no grand duke was there either. Two large tables were spread in the upper rooms, and loaded with all the substantials and delicacies of the season, which were discussed with great relish by the entire party. Mr. G. W. Crane proposed the colonel's health and everybody took a horn; the colonel replied that he was "too full for utterance," Marshal Billings felt that he had "much to be thankful for."
At a late hour, "the council adjourned," wishing many recurrences of the event.
MEETING AT THE METHODIST CHURCH LAST NIGHT.
The Commonwealth, February 29, 1872.
Owing to the disagreeable storm of yesterday afternoon and evening, the mass meeting last night at the Methodist church was not as largely attended as it would otherwise have been; yet, the body of the house was very well filled, and much interest was manifested.
The meeting, which was conducted by Rev. D. P. Mitchell, was opened with prayer by Dr. McCabe, followed by several others; after which, Mr. Mitchell stated that they were not there to discuss any particular subject, but to hear of the work that was being done in other places, which would encourage them to exercise faith in the result of the work which they were about to enter upon. Accordingly he introduced Rev. Mr. Gardner, pastor of the Presbyterian church of Lawrence, who said that the first thing he would say was to confess his faith, that in the coming of Mr. Hammond, Topeka would receive a great blessing; he felt it in his very bones. He gave as his reason that Kansas City, Leavenworth, and Lawrence had each been greatly moved, and hundreds had been converted through Mr. Hammond's labors. He said that the interest seemed to increase in a geometrical ratio as he went from one city to another. The reason which he gave for this was, that in each succeeding place, more prayer was offered, and more notice was given of his meetings. He relieved Mr. Hammond of the charge that he is a sensationalist. Mr. Hammond believed in advertising the real results of his work, but nothing more.
In speaking of the results of the meetings in Lawrence, he said that hundreds of children and a very large number of adults had been converted; among the latter, were many persons of influence in the city. Two newspaper men--Maybry and Prentis, were spoken of particularly; also the mayor of Lawrence. The meetings were the general topic of conversation. The audiences were large, the one last Sunday afternoon reaching the vast number of 1,994 by actual count. The immediate success of Mr. Hammond's work would depend upon the promptness of Christians in cooperating with him. His remarks were exceedingly interesting, and were well taken.
Rev. Mr. Irwin, of Kansas City, then spoke of the work that had been done in that place. He believed Mr. Hammond to be a man of God. There was no excitement in his meetings; men calmly and intelligently listened to him, and those who worked in his meetings did so dispassionately. The children did a great work in going out and bringing into the meetings gamblers, saloon keepers, and other hardened men. He spoke of the work as still going on in that place, and in closing made an earnest plea that those present should exercise great faith in God.
THE RUNAWAYS.
The Commonwealth, February 29, 1872.
Two boys giving their names as Shaffer and Clay, the former claiming to be from Atchison and the latter from Clay County, Missouri, were arrested by Policeman Hershey in a Kansas Pacific freight car Tuesday morning. They were put in the calaboose, but shortly after released, there being no evidence of guilty intentions, except that they had thrown out a bag of shorts.
Yesterday morning the father of one of the lads came from Holton, after riding all night and inquired for the boys. After some little time, he ascertained that they were at the A. T. & S. Fe depot. So donning another hat and coat, he found them, as stated, playing ball, whereupon they were seized and started for home.
KANSAS PACIFIC FREIGHT REDUCTIONS.
The Commonwealth, February 29, 1872.
On and after March 1st, 1872, the Kansas Pacific railway will adopt what it known as the special or river freight classification, which will reduce freight on general merchandise from Kansas City and Leavenworth to Topeka from 20 to 50 per cent.
This will be welcome news to our merchants and will secure to Topeka as low rates as are at present in force to any city in the state, and there is no reason why we should not do the wholesale business of the west and southwest.
This matter of reducing freights has been under consideration for some time, and in its consummation, no one is entitled to more credit than Major Anderson, the affable and accommodating agent of the K. P. company. He, an owner of property in Topeka and a stockholder in several important enterprises, has by continued exertion secured this result, which we regard as most vital to our commercial interests.
Notwithstanding the difficulties under which our businessmen have labored, our trade exhibits are fair, and as to the wholesale trade, especially, the merchants do not complain, although margins have necessarily been limited in many departments in order to compete with our enterprising neighbors.
On and after tomorrow, the scene changes and our wholesale merchants will be "even-handed" with all contests, where, even now, our quotations are the same in most departments and lower in some branches of trade.
[Rest of article is missing.]
KANSAS.
The Commonwealth, Tuesday, April 9, 1872.
A brewery will be in full operation in a few days at Matfield Green.
The Commonwealth, Tuesday, April 9, 1872.
Miss Rosa Remington, the belle of Denver, is visiting friends in Leavenworth.
The Commonwealth, Tuesday, April 9, 1872.
The Arkansas Traveler says the bridge over the river at that point is now completed.
The Commonwealth, Tuesday, April 9, 1872.
The Eureka Herald contradicts the report that the wheat in that vicinity has been killed.
The Commonwealth, Tuesday, April 9, 1872.
No. 4 of the Manhattan Beacon says the anti-temperance ticket was successful at the recent election in that city.
ARTICLE RELATIVE MURDERS IN COWLEY COUNTY.
The Commonwealth, May 17, 1872.
The Winfield (Cowley County) Messenger gives a detailed account of two murders.
A Mrs. Crane fell out with her husband and started for Missouri in company with a man named Weymyer, who had sold his claim and was also going to Missouri. They had proceeded about a mile from their recent homes, when they were overtaken by Crane and a Mr. McNett. Crane and McNett rode up to the wagon, and on nearing it, Crane drew up a musket, loaded with buckshot, and fired at Weymyer, killing him almost instantly. Mrs. Crane, sitting in another part of the wagon, was uninjured. McNett was arrested as an accomplice. Crane went to the Territory, but was afterwards induced to come over the line and give himself up.
In the second case, two men, Charles Brash and Johnson Hartman, owned a plow in company. Brash carried the plow to his own house and took it apart. Hartman asked for the missing part, and drew his revolver on Brash, who shot Hartman dead.
KANSAS.
The Commonwealth, May 19, 1872.
There is thirty-five feet of water in the river at Independence. The rains in that locality have been very heavy.
The Commonwealth, May 19, 1872.
The last span of the long bridge across the Arkansas at Wichita will be put down next week.
The Commonwealth, May 19, 1872.
Carbondale is to have a new schoolhouse. Bonds to the amount of $5,000 were voted on the 11th with but one opposing vote.
The Commonwealth, May 19, 1872.
A full grown antelope passed through Arkansas City last Sunday. A herd of them has been grazing over the Arkansas for some time.
The Commonwealth, May 19, 1872.
The Walnut and Arkansas rivers are both very high, caused by the recent rains. The Walnut sweeps down its channel at the rate of eight miles an hour, carrying with it fence rails, cord wood, saw logs, and trees. It is aid to be higher than it has been for years before.
The Commonwealth, May 19, 1872.
The Kaw lands, being in market, according to the best information obtainable, are drawing the usual crowds of claim-hunters. Several covered wagons filled with immigrants from Adams County, Illinois, passed through Americus on Monday, bound for the reserve.
The Commonwealth, May 19, 1872.
Judge Wm. Spriggs and Hon. E. S. Niccols have, in pursuance of an appointment, gone to St. Louis, where they will meet certain prominent railroad men, who have expressed a desire to enter into a contract to build and equip the Paola and Fall River Railroad, from Paola through Garnett and westward.
