WALNUT VALLEY TIMES
[From March 3, 1871, through December 20, 1872.]

[Beginning with VOLUME 2, NUMBER 1, MARCH 3, 1871.]

[APPORTI0NMENT BILL.]

Walnut Valley Times, March 3, 1871.

The apportionment bill passed by the Legislature, on Wednesday, gives Butler County one Representative, and places Butler, Cowley, Sedgwick, and Howard in one Senatorial District.

[THE COUNTY SEAT QUESTION.]

WALNUT VALLEY TIMES, MARCH 3, 1871.

THE COUNTY SEAT QUESTION.
A New Plan for a Perfect Settlement of the County Line
and County Seat Question.
Butler County is without a "Friend" in the State Legislature, but in his place we have now a "Baker" and I trust he will provide bread (and butter) for the friends.

Down here in Butler County we always want some excitement, and if we cannot do better, we go at least in for a new County line, or for a new County Seat, or any other question of that kind. And there is no reason why we should not soon try again to have another County Seat.

Eldorado has had the County Seat, and all the honors and profits connected with that institution for several months; the courthouse building will soon be completed, and of course it is high time to look for another County Seat, and have a little fun and excitement, and meetings and speeches, and then a special election, with unavoidable errors in names and numbers of legal voters, and then we build a new Courthouse and so on ad infinitum.

Now I am not a friend of so many special elections (although I can't deny that every special election has proved to be a great medium to increase the number of voters) and I have therefore made up a plan, which will not only satisfy the most fierce County-seat-mover, but at the same time will keep up such a wholesome uninterrupted excitement with the good people of Butler County, that I hope every Butler County patriot will give it his approval and full support. The principle which I have laid at the foundation of my plan is in short as follows:

It is an established fact that a City is a big thing, and a City with a County Seat is a still bigger thing. Therefore, to promote the most possible prosperity in Butler County, we should exercise our most energy to locate in the shortest possible time, the greatest possible number of cities, and everyone of them should enjoy the benefit of a County-Seat, and as we can have only one County-Seat at a time, it explains itself that the County Seat must be of a perpetual shifting nature; thus bestowing its benefits not only to each city where it stops, but (and that is just the principal merit of my plan) this shifting process produces at the time just enough excitement with us Butler County people as to keep life in us. We need some excite ment anyhow. Therefore I think the following simple plan will answer exactly for all purposes.

1. In every Township 6 miles square in this County there shall be located a City at least one mile square, fully surveyed and stakes driven for each city lot; a public square to be re served of at least ten acres, and said City should be located at or near the geographical center of the Township.

2. These Townships are to be numbered, commencing with No. 1 at the North East corner of the County and running West and East in the same order as Sections run.

3. Every one of the Cities in the County shall have the County Seat for a given time, say for one or two weeks every year.

4. As we cannot afford to build forty or fifty Courthouses, I propose to build one Court- house and Jail on wheels, and move said building from city to city to the last number at the south line of the County, and thence backward in the same order to the place of beginning.

5. The Printers in the several cities will print "Courthouse time tables" and also "almanacks" giving in red print the "Courthouse moveing days" in the same manner as the Catholic Calendar gives the days dedicated to the several Saints. Every Butler County citizen would then see in a moment where he could find the Courthouse at a given time. . . . C. H.

[PERSONALS.]

Walnut Valley Times, Friday, March 3, 1871.

A. T. & S. F. R. R. at Emporia want teams to transport 150,000 pounds of freight to the South and West.

Walnut Valley Times, March 3, 1871.

Wagon loads of buffalo robes are passing north daily through Eldorado from the Indian Agencies south of us.

[EDITORIAL PAGE: COUNTY SEAT QUESTION.]

Walnut Valley Times, March 3, 1871.

COUNTY SEAT QUESTION.
The County Commissioners held a special meeting on Monday of this week, and called an election for April 18th for the removal of the County seat from Eldorado to Augusta. Our County is no exception to all large counties on the question of a permanent location of the County seat. This striving among most towns for the County seat has been a great detriment to the growth and prosperity of our County, and it is to be hoped that the people will give a final stroke and put the matter at rest. . . .

[PERSONALS.]

Walnut Valley Times, March 10, 1871.

We acknowledge the receipt of the "Elk Falls Examiner," a new paper started at Elk Falls in Howard County.

[EDITORIAL PAGE.]

Walnut Valley Times, March 17, 1871.

Every issue of the Augusta Crescent contains at least one article denouncing the people of Eldorado and its denunciations always conclude with something on the removal of the County seat. . . .

[COUNTY BONDS FOR BRIDGES.]

Walnut Valley Times, March 24, 1871.

COUNTY BONDS FOR BRIDGES.
We call the attention of our citizens to an act of the last Legislature authorizing the counties of Butler and Cowley to issue bonds to build bridges, which has become a law by publication in the Kansas Weekly Commonwealth.

The bill was gotten up and put through by Messrs. Baker and Manning, representatives from the two counties interested, and provides that said counties may have an election, on the question of issuing bonds in the sum of thirty-thousand dollars to build bridges in the Walnut Valley.

It does not specify the time of the election, nor the particular locality of the bridges, only that they must be in the Walnut Valley.

We must say that this is a remarkable bill, and passed in a most remarkable manner. We were not aware that any petition had been sent to the legislature asking for such a bill. In fact, we never heard such a project talked about, along the Walnut Valley, and it is certainly not a favorite project with the people off of the valley.

Chelsea has commenced her bridges, and proposes to build them without taxing the balance of the County to pay for it.

Eldorado has just voted bonds to build three bridges, one across the main Walnut, and two across the West-Branch, and the bridges will probably be completed within two or three months.

Towanda and Plum Grove are alive on the subject, and propose to build their own bridges without the aid of the County.

Propositions are being exchanged between Eldorado and Chelsea to join together in building a bridge at or near the dividing lines between the two Townships across the main Walnut.

There has been a good deal said about Augusta building one or two bridges, but as they have established a ferry there, we presume the project has been abandoned, and they now ask that the County build them a bridge. We consider this unfair and shall oppose the project.

It is unfair that one locality shall be taxed to enrich another. The framers of our Constitution were of this opinion when they engrafted into our State Constitution Sec. 8 of article 11, which provides that the State shall never be a party in carrying on any works of internal improvement.

Under this section, the rich and populous portions of the State cannot vote a tax upon the more thinly settled portions, to build up their own locality. This provision is a great protec tion of the rights of the minority against the encroachments of the majority.

The principle is a good one and is just as applicable to counties as to the State. The Legislature saw this and provided that each Township shall have power to build its own bridges.

It is true that a bridge across the Walnut at Augusta would benefit more or less the other portions of the County. So would a bridge across the Missouri at Leavenworth be of some benefit to almost every portion of the state, and yet it would be unconstitutional and wrong for a majority in the Legislature to vote a tax upon the whole state to build a bridge at Leavenworth. It would be equally unjust for the populous districts along the Walnut Valley to build themselves bridges at the expense of the people of Whitewater, Little Walnut, Hickory, and Rock Creek. It would also be unjust to require those Townships that go ahead and build their own bridges at their own expense to aid also in building bridges for other Townships.

Now if Mr. Baker had embodied in his bill the Whitewater and other creeks mentioned above, and made an equal division of the benefits of the proposed taxation, it would not have been open to so much objection; but as it is, we cannot support his bill.

We would be glad to see our sister town of Augusta have a magnificent bridge, but we think they are asking too much, and would advise them to do as we have done; build their own bridge.

[NEWS ITEMS.]

Walnut Valley Times, March 24, 1871.

El Paso is the name of a new town recently laid off in Sedgwick County, on the Arkansas River, thirteen miles south of Wichita.

[EDITORIAL PAGE.]

Walnut Valley Times, Friday, April 7, 1871.

The election to determine whether the County-seat shall remain at Eldorado or be removed to Augusta will take place on the 18th inst. Let every voter remember the day and turn out.

[HERD LAW: COWLEY COUNTY.]

Walnut Valley Times, April 14, 1871.

The Herd law was carried in Cowley County by about fifty majority for the law.

[EDITORIAL PAGE.]

Walnut Valley Times, April 21, 1871.

THE COUNTY SEAT ELECTION.
ELDORADO AGAIN TRIUMPHANT.
The Herd Law Made an Issue!
PRINTED THE COMPLETE ELECTION RETURNS ON COUNTY SEAT ELECTION....FOR ELDORADO: 743; FOR AUGUSTA: 712.

MAJORITY FOR ELDORADO: 31.

Our majority is small, but when we take into consideration that we have fought and defeated two positive propositions, we consider that we have won the most complete victory ever achieved by Eldorado. Not only did we defeat Augusta and the entire southern portion of the County on the removal of the County Seat, but we also defeated the proposition to change the County Lines, this movement alone taking over one hundred and thirty votes from us in the northern and central portions of the County.

Walnut Valley Times, April 21, 1871.

A WORD TO DOUGLASS.
The people in the southern portion of the County have for the last year been at work to secure for themselves a new County to be formed out of the territory now composing the southern part of Butler and the northern portion of Cowley counties. To secure this end the people of Douglass have devoted much time and a great deal of hard work. Eldorado, situated as it is, in the center of the County, could not of course be expected to favor any change in County lines. But as it was concluded by a portion of our citizens that a new County would not be detrimental to the interests of Eldorado, the proposition found favor in the eyes of some of the people in our town, consequently a coalition was formed between a portion of Eldorado and the entire Douglass interest in favor of this new County movement, although it was believed that the proposition could be worked up to a successful issue.

. . . . There is and can be but one county line proposition that stands a ghost of a show of success, and that is the formation of a new County out of Butler and Cowley.

[ARTICLE FROM ARKANSAS CITY TRAVELER.]

Walnut Valley Times, April 21, 1871.

IMMIGRATION. Steadily the throng of covered wagons come pouring down the valley. In spite of the constant effort now being made by interested parties at various points above to turn aside the stream, by the stale old cock-and-bull stories about "sand hills," "alkali," "Indians," and so forth, a goodly proportion of the throng are commencing permanent improvements upon the beautiful lands across the Arkansas. Here is now the best opening in Kansas, which fact the new-comers are not slow in discovering. Traveler.

[PERSONALS.]

Walnut Valley Times, April 21, 1871.

We understand that the main traveled road from Augusta to Winfield has been changed to the west side of the river, thus leaving Douglass out in the cold. We wonder if the people of Douglass can tell how this was accomplished.

[BRIDGE BONDS: ITEM FROM THE TRAVELER.]

Walnut Valley Times, May 5, 1871.

BRIDGE BONDS.
So far as we have talked with the people from various parts of the county, the general feeling seems to be one of opposition to the issue of bonds for the building of bridges. In a very short time, the railroad will have reached Newton, on the Little Arkansas, just seventy- one miles northwest from here in a straight line, while Florence is eighty-five miles, and Cottonwood Falls full a hundred miles distant. So far as mail and railroad matters are concerned, we shall not long need the bridges. We are now, as heretofore, in favor of immediately building them; but the utter impossibility of obtaining any assurance in regard to the equitable division of the money, stands in the way. We think the project will be defeated. Arkansas Traveler.

NOTE: THERE EVIDENTLY WAS NO PAPER PRINTED MAY 12, 1871.

AT ANY RATE, IT IS MISSING!

NEXT ISSUE HAD THE ANSWER: THE TIMES WAS NOT ISSUED LAST WEEK, FOR THE SIMPLE REASON THAT WE HAD NO PAPER TO PRINT IT ON.

[RAILROAD MEETING.]

Walnut Valley Times, May 19, 1871.

RAILROAD MEETING.
There will be an informal meeting of the Corporators, Stock-holders and Directors of the Chicago, Kansas and Texas Railroad, at Eldorado, May 22nd, 1871, one o'clock P.M. It is hoped that every locality from Council Grove to Arkansas City will be found represented.

S. N. WOOD, Sup't.
[HERD LAW.]

Walnut Valley Times, May 19, 1871.

PAPER PRINTED THE ACT TO PROVIDE FOR A HERD LAW IN THE COUNTIES HEREIN NAMED: MARSHALL, REPUBLIC, DICKINSON, BUTLER, COWLEY, SEDGWICK, NEOSHO, WILSON, ALLEN, MITCHELL, AND ROCK CREEK Township IN COFFEY County, AND SO MUCH OF MARION AS IS NOT INCLUDED IN DOYLE Township IN SAID MARION County, SHALL BE EXEMPT FROM THE PROVISIONS OF AN ACT ENTITLED "AN ACT IN RELATION TO FENCES" FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE APPROVAL OF THIS ACT.

[PERSONALS.]

Walnut Valley Times, May 19, 1871.

Daily stages are now running from Florence to Arkansas City, via Eldorado, and all points in the valley south of us, and are carrying daily mail. The Wichita mail and passengers will be carried by this route until the Railroad is completed to Newton, which will be in about one month.

Walnut Valley Times, May 19, 1871.

The Southwestern Stage Company will, after next Monday, make regular daily trips from Florence to Arkansas City, via Eldorado and the towns south. They have Concord coaches, good horses, and careful drivers, and will make quick time. They are running a daily line of stages from Humboldt to this point, connecting with stages from the west and southwest. These two lines from Florence and Humboldt will carry passengers to all the principal points in Southern and Southwestern Kansas, and make connection with the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe R. R., also with the M., K. & T. and L., L. & G. Railroads at Humboldt.

[REPORT FROM "D. D. M." - CORRESPONDENT OF THE STATE RECORD.]

Walnut Valley Times, May 26, 1871.

[ONLY TYPING UP PORTION PERTAINING TO WINFIELD.]
Winfield is the County seat of Cowley County. Last October the site was an unbroken prairie, now it contains half a hundred houses. C. A. Bliss, formerly of the firm of Bliss & Lee of Topeka, is the postmaster and stage agent, and has besides a large stock of goods, and is getting rich, I think. He says anybody that can't make money in that country, should have a guardian appointed to take care of him. He is a generous and true hearted man, and is well deserving of success.

As evidence of the public spirit of the citizens, I will relate an incident. The Baptist Society had a festival recently to raise a little money towards building a church. A cake to be given to the prettiest girl, brought to the treasury $158, and the total contributions of the evening reached upwards of $300.

Among the principal men of the town are Col. Manning, Col. Alexander of Leavenworth, D. A. Millington, and J. C. Fuller, of Fort Scott, who are all members of the town company.

The town site of Winfield is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. From an eminence on Col. Alexander's claim, adjoining the town, the view is perfectly enchanting. Wells and springs abound, one of the latter flowing from a hillside into a deep rocky basin, in volume sufficient if carried into pipes, to supply the town.

But enough for the present. If the readers wish to see the land of promise, the country that in a few years will be conceded to be the Egypt of Kansas, let him visit the Walnut Valley, running through the counties of Butler and Cowley. The route is by cars to Florence, on the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad, thence by stage. D. D. M.

[PERSONALS.]

Walnut Valley Times, May 26, 1871.

Arkansas City is building a pontoon bridge across the Arkansas River at that point.

Walnut Valley Times, May 26, 1871.

The contract has been let for three Tubular Arch, Wrought Iron Bridges, across the streams in Eldorado Township. This will make our town accessible from all points at all times.

Walnut Valley Times, May 26, 1871.

BUFFALO. This is the name of a town which has just been located on the west bank of the Arkansas River, in Sumner County, fifteen miles northwest of Arkansas City. E. R. Trask is one of the founders and will start a paper there. Trask has considerable reputation as a builder of towns. He has not undertaken a job of this kind yet that failed. This new town is on the site of Buffalo Bill's old camping ground.

[ARTICLE RE NEW MAIL ROUTES.]

Walnut Valley Times, May 26, 1871.

Messrs. Baker and Manning secured the passage of a bill in the Legislature, last winter, for the location of a State road from Florence to Arkansas City, and had J. C. Lambdin, of Eldorado, J. M. Herman, of Augusta, and D. A. Millington, of Winfield, appointed viewers. These gentlemen have just located this road, making the distance from Eldorado to Florence thirty-one miles. The Stage Company, in the meantime, have opened a daily route from Florence to Eldorado, and made the necessary arrangements for a permanent line from Florence to Arkansas City, via Eldorado, Augusta, Douglass, Walnut, Lone Tree, Rock, and Winfield.

Prominent gentlemen of this Stage Company came to Eldorado and said that if we would make them a donation of lots, they would establish a daily line from the railroad to our town; and that they would also build their repair shops and offices here, and make this town the Headquarters for all their lines in this portion of the State. We proceeded to "shell out" town lots to the number of twenty-five. We are well satisfied that Eldorado cannot influence the Stage Company to run their lines either by the way of Chelsea or Plum Grove. We expect to get a new route opened from Eldorado via Little Walnut, Hickory and Rock Creeks to Elk Falls, in Howard County. This will supply a large portion of the southeastern part of the County with mail, direct from the railroad. The people on Little Walnut and Hickory Creeks have not had any mail facilities, whatever.

It takes time and work to establish mail routes, and it is necessary for the people to act harmoniously if they expect to secure what they want.

[FIGHT WITH THE OSAGE INDIANS: REPORT FROM LAWRENCE TRIBUNE.]

Walnut Valley Times, June 2, 1871. Front Page.

From the Lawrence Tribune.
FIGHT WITH THE OSAGE INDIANS.
The following is extracted from an official letter received at the office of the superinten dent of Indian affairs, giving an account of the attack recently made in the Indian Territory upon a party of Osages by white men, on the 13th inst.

No-pa-walla, chief of the Little Osages, and some of his men, ten in number, started in the morning from their little village, which is about eight miles south of the Kansas line, to trade robes and furs at one of the border towns of the state. They were met when about two miles on their way by seventeen border white men, armed with guns and revolvers, who demanded the return of a horse which they alleged had been stolen by some of the Osages. The chief assured them that his braves at the camp would find the horse for them if it was in their herds. The white men after consultation presented their arms and ordered the Indians to dismount, which some of them did; and others attempted to escape. The whites commenced firing at the Osages, and pursued them, the Indians making no resistance whatever, as they were unarmed. The chief was wounded slightly in the shoulder.

Two of his men, inoffensive and peaceable like himself, were badly, if not fatally wounded, and another was pursued to the river and killed. Another saved his life by diving into a lake.

Some of the Indians escaped to the village, and amidst great excitement about seventy- five warriors left in pursuit of the whites, and overtook them before they reached the state line, and as they refused to stop and deliver the ponies and robes which they had taken, they were fired upon by the Osages. One white man was killed, and two were taken prisoners; five horses were captured. The remainder of the marauders made their escape and spread the report that the Indians were perpetrating a general massacre of the women and children of the border.

The Indians released the two prisoners whom they captured, and also have given up the horses taken by them in the fight.

A delegation from the settlers on the border have brought down to the agency the pony which the thieves and murderers took with them, and seemed desirous of doing all they could to restore friendly relations with the Indians.

[PERSONALS.]

Walnut Valley Times, June 2, 1871.

Mr. Shannon informs us that the road from Augusta to Eldorado is being worked upon, and he has put in bridges in all bad places for the Southwestern Stage Company. This gives us a good road from here to Eldorado. Crescent.

Walnut Valley Times, June 2, 1871.

Judge Webb has declared the Herd Law unconstitutional in Cowley County. It is claimed that two of the three judges of the Supreme Court of the State hold that it is Constitutional. This is all that we know about it.

[PERSONALS.]

Walnut Valley Times, June 9, 1871.

The State road as located from Florence to Arkansas City, is said to give dissatisfaction at Douglass and other points in the valley.

Walnut Valley Times, June 9, 1871.

The people of Arkansas City are putting a pontoon bridge across the Arkansas River at this place. They propose making their town the initial point for the Fort Sill mail and stage route.

[PERSONALS.]

Walnut Valley Times, June 16, 1871.

The Arkansas Traveler claims that the L., L. & G. Railroad will come to Arkansas City and secure the cattle trade.

Walnut Valley Times, June 16, 1871.

L. J. Webb assumes the editorial chair of the Cowley County Censor, hereafter. Mr. Webb is an old typo, and an experienced newspaper man.

Walnut Valley Times, June 16, 1871.

TISDALE. This newly-organized town starts with flattering prospects. It is located at the exact geographical center of Cowley County, on a beautiful plain adjacent to Silver Creek. The best of timber, and all sorts of building material, are abundant and the surrounding country is unsurpassed. A large two story building, with glass front, finished off in the best manner, is now in process of construction and a hotel, sawmill, blacksmith's shop, and other necessary improvements, are fully provided for.

Walnut Valley Times, June 16, 1871.

The supreme court has just decided the "herd law" to be unconstitutional, as being in conflict with the first clause of section 17, article 2 of the constitution, which provides that "all laws of a general nature shall have a uniform operation throughout the State."

Emporia News.

We do not know where the News gets the authority for the above statement. We are of the opinion that the Supreme Court is not in session and will not be until July.

[ELDORADO IN RUINS.]

Walnut Valley Times, June 23, 1871.

ELDORADO IN RUINS!
Over 100 Houses Demolished!
Great Destruction of Lives and Property!
The Most Terrific Storm Ever Known!
$150,000 Worth of Property Destroyed.
FROM THE TIMES EXTRA of June 17th.

Last evening Eldorado and surrounding country was visited with one of the most terrific storms ever known in this part of the State. About 8 o'clock in the evening a storm came up from the northwest, accompanied with wind, hail, and rain, and before the people had time to make any preparations for it, the hurricane swept through the town. . . . The roar of the storm was terrible, and the earth seemed to tremble beneath our feet.

Walnut Valley Times, June 23, 1871.

NO PAPER. We will not publish a paper next week, for the following reason: J. M. Satterthwaite, Jasper Soule, and M. T. Bonar, compositors in the TIMES office, each had their houses blown down on the 16th, and it will be necessary for them to have a few days out of the office, etc.

NOTE: NEXT ISSUE, JULY 7, 1871, WAS HANDLED BY THE BROTHER OF THE EDITOR [M. M. MURDOCK, EDITOR OF THE OSAGE CHRONICLE]. THE TWO BROTHERS WERE WITH THEIR SICK FATHER AT EMPORIA WHEN THE STORM HIT ELDORADO...WHILE THERE, A TELEGRAM CAME STATING THAT THE WIFE OF T. B. MURDOCK WAS IN A DYING CONDITION AND THAT THEIR BABY WAS DEAD.

"The family of our brother consisted of himself, his wife, a little niece of 11 years whom they were raising, a little daughter between three and four years of age, the babe, about fourteen months old, and a young man employed in the TIMES office, J. W. Hart by name....." [PITIFUL! T. B. MURDOCK ARRIVED TO FIND THE LITTLE CHILD DYING...HIS WIFE WAS RESPONSIBLE, USING A RAZOR TO CUT THE LITTLE GIRL'S THROAT...TURNED OUT SHE HAD BECOME DERANGED AFTER THREATS ON MURDOCK'S LIFE BY THREATS FROM DOUGLASS OVER COUNTY LINE DIVISION, ETC.]

[PERSONALS.]

Walnut Valley Times, July 7, 1871.

W. P. Campbell has nearly recovered from the injuries received in the late storm.

[ITEMS CONCERNING EDITOR/LATE WIFE.]

Walnut Valley Times, July 14, 1871.

T. B. Murdock, the editor of the TIMES is absent from town and will not return for several days.

Walnut Valley Times, July 14, 1871.

DIED. On last Sabbath, July 9th, 1871, FRANK C. MURDOCK, wife of T. B. Murdock, aged thirty years. Our readers are already aware of the sad circumstances surrounding Mrs. Murdock's death; therefore, further comment at this time is unnecessary.

[RAILROAD CONVENTION AT DOUGLASS.]

Walnut Valley Times, July 14, 1871.

At a railroad meeting held at Winfield on the 8th inst., it was resolved to hold a railroad convention at Douglass on the 22nd inst., composed of twelve delegates from Cowley and fifteen delegates from Butler County; to meet as aforementioned and consult as to the best plan to secure the immediate construction of a railroad down the Walnut Valley. The several localities will see to it that representatives are in attendance.

[OSAGE, NEOSHO AND WALNUT VALLEY RAILROAD.]

Walnut Valley Times, July 21, 1871.

OSAGE, NEOSHO AND WALNUT VALLEY RAILROAD.
The above Railroad Company was organized this week, and will receive its charter from the State within the next few days.

Prominent Railroad men are interested in this organization and give assurance that the road will be built as soon as the franchises are worked up. This road is to start from Ottawa, and run up the Marais Des Cygnes Valley to Arronis, in Osage County, thence up the Neosho Valley to Emporia, thence up the Cottonwood Valley, crossing over to the head of the Walnut and passing directly to the mouth of the steam, via Chelsea, Eldorado, Augusta, Walnut City, Douglass, Winfield, and Arkansas City.

The Directors of this Company are: R. M. Kelsey, of Franklin County; J. Mather Jones, of Osage county; F. R. Page, C. V. Eskridge, Gov. S. J. Crawford, E. P. Bancroft, and E. B. Peyton, of Lyon County; M. Vaught, T. B. Murdock, J. D. Connor, and Hon. T. H. Baker, of Butler County; D. A. Millington and H. G. Norton, of Cowley County.

One hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars in bonds have already been voted to secure the building of this road from Ottawa to Emporia. Lyon County will give one hundred and fifty thousand dollars for the continuation of this road to the west line of the County in the direction of the Walnut Valley. Should the counties of Butler and Cowley each vote two hundred thousand dollars in bonds to this road, it will be built the entire length of the Valley within fourteen months. We are assured that the Company proposing to build this road will commence at Emporia and build both ways. We consider this road a feasible one that will reach the Valley sooner than any other, giving us a shorter route east, with better connections than any route now proposed. We shall give further particulars next week.

[EDITORIAL PAGE.]

Walnut Valley Times, Friday, August 4, 1871.

DOUBTED.
Mr. Murdock, of the Eldorado TIMES, owing to his late family misfortunes, desires to sell out his interests there. So we understand from private sources. Parsons Sun.

We have received several offers for the TIMES office of late, but have refused to sell. Our town was nearly destroyed by the late storm, and business is prostrated; we have had two County seat elections within the last eighteen months; have passed through two exciting political campaigns; have had a big land office removal fight on our hands; and above all have lost by death those who were near and dear to us; yet, the TIMES office is not for sale. If our office is sold at all, it will be by the Sheriff. We came to Eldorado to stay, and expect to publish the TIMES as long as it is supported by the people.

NOTE: AUGUST 4 EDITION HAD MORE ABOUT RAILROADS...DECIDED TO SKIP ALL OF THIS EXCEPT FOR A PORTION OF ONE ARTICLE...

RAILROAD CONVENTION HELD AT DOUGLASS, ON THE 22ND OF JULY, WHEREIN RESOLUTIONS WERE ADOPTED....

E. C. Manning, of Cowley County, stated that he was not a delegate from that County, but as an individual he was in favor of a proposition to vote bonds to any company, or to the first company, that would build a road down the Valley.

Gentlemen present at once showed to the meeting that bonds thus voted would be worthless.

T. H. Baker, who made a long speech, was opposed to anything anybody or any project that did not centre in the Chicago, Kansas & Texas Railroad Company, of which he has the honor to be President, we believe.

We were sorry that Mr. Baker attempted to drag old issues into the meeting, but were satisfied that he represented the sentiments of the people of Augusta, as he was repeatedly cheered during his speech. Mr. Shannon, Receiver of the Land Office, wanted three Railroads at Augusta, and was therefore opposed to this one without the others.

At the close of the meeting, Mr. Baker introduced a resolution to the effect that the commissioners be petitioned to submit a proposition to the people of the County to vote $200,000 in bonds to the Chicago, Kansas & Texas Railroad Company, and that a meeting be held at Eldorado on the 12th to select four new directors for said Company; and that a committee of one in each Township in the County be appointed to obtain subscriptions to said petition.

This resolution was carried, after which the convention adjourned.

We are thoroughly convinced that the people of this Valley cannot be united on the Chicago, Kansas & Texas project unless the company is reorganized and a new charter obtained, giving us the privilege of building a road to other points besides Cottonwood Falls, if we desire to do so.

[STATE NEWS.]

Walnut Valley Times, August 4, 1871.

The Arkansas City Traveler says that driving on the trail has slacked up very suddenly. Last week thousands of cattle were passing along the route every day. This week not one herd has passed, and it is said that the driving is about over for this season.

[PERSONALS.]

Walnut Valley Times, August 4, 1871.

Arkansas City is growing very fastso is Wichita.

Walnut Valley Times, August 4, 1871.

Arkansas City is in trouble. One quarter section of the town-site has been "jumped." The company propose to make the fellow jump off of it right lively.

[ITEM FROM THE ARKANSAS CITY TRAVELER.]

Walnut Valley Times, August 4, 1871.

From Capt. Robinson we learn the following particulars of a shooting affray that took place between G. W. O'Bannon and Geo. Peay, in Caldwell on the evening of the 3rd instant. Peay, being under the influence of liquor, and having a spite against O'Bannon, had been following him for some time, and trying to pick a quarrel with him. The first affray took place in the store of Dagner & Stone, when O'Bannon struck Peay on the head with a revolver. Peay after being struck rushed into the street and got a large stone and came at O'Bannon again, when O'Bannon snapped a revolver at him which failed to be loaded. At this critical moment the bystanders interfered and parted them. Peay then declared that either himself or O'Bannon would not live longer than 10 o'clock next morning.

In the evening, an hour or so after the occurrence, they met again on the street, when Peay made another attack, and was shot; the ball entering the left side. After he had fallen O'Bannon stepped up to him and gave him a second shot; the ball entering the left thigh, ranging upward. Peay died in a few minutes and was buried the next day. O'Bannon has left the country. Arkansas Traveler.

[STATE NEWS.]

Walnut Valley Times, August 11, 1871.

E. M. Godfry, who resides about three miles north of Arkansas City, on waking up one morning last week, found that he had a rattlesnake for a bedfellow.

[PERSONALS.]

Walnut Valley Times, August 11, 1871.

The Walnut River is not a navigable stream.

Walnut Valley Times, August 11, 1871.

The people of Arkansas City, Cowley County, are giving watermelon parties.

Walnut Valley Times, August 11, 1871.

The Cowley County Censor has changed hands, Patrick having sold out to Messrs. Webb & Doud.

Walnut Valley Times, August 11, 1871.

At a meeting of the "Citizens Association" of Winfield, Cowley County, the following resolution was adopted.

Resolved, That the little clique of land speculators and political shysters that have brooded over the destinies of the town since its organization, shall no longer control its affairs, so far as the influence of a great majority of the substantial citizens can prevent it. That one of the pleasurable pursuits of the members of this association will be the combing, curbing, and pinching on the lowest back seats, in all town and public affairs, the speculating sharks and members of the "town ring" who have of late been ruling in our midst; as well as to place in positions of honor and trust, within our gift and influence, the good and honest citizens of our town and County; and that we will sustain the good people of Winfield in improving and building up and controlling the town, and in their future endeavors to make it a place worthy of the patronage and support of the citizens of the surrounding community and the County at large.

[WALNUT VALLEY RAILROAD.]

Walnut Valley Times, August 18, 1871.

A WALNUT VALLEY RAILROAD.
At the Railroad meeting, held at the Courthouse on Saturday, August 12th, W. T. Galliher, of Little Walnut Township, was chosen Chairman, and H. E. Stoddard, of Towanda, Secretary.

After considerable discussion a motion that the convention proceed to organize a Walnut Valley Railroad Company with a charter to extend from "at or near the northeast corner of Butler County to Arkansas City, via Chelsea, Eldorado, Augusta, Walnut, Douglass, and Winfield," carried. It was decided that it should be the number of incorporators of this organizationseven from Butler and six from Cowley County. Winfield and Arkansas City were notified to select each three incorporators for this Company.

It is proposed to fully organize this company and then submit a Bond proposition to vote bonds to this local organization in order to secure the immediate connection of a road down the Walnut Valley.

NOTE: ALL SORTS OF PLANS FOR RAILROADS DURING THIS PERIOD

OF TIME...MANY OF WHICH WOULD END UP AT ARKANSAS

CITY. INASMUCH AS NOTHING CAME OF IT, AM HENCEFORTH

GOING TO SKIP ALL ITEMS ABOUT RAILROADS.

[PERSONALS.]

Walnut Valley Times, August 18, 1871.

The election on County-seat comes off in Cowley County on the 22nd. Tisdale and Winfield are the competitors.

[LETTER FROM "S. W. T." - DOUGLASS.]

Walnut Valley Times, August 25, 1871.

DOUGLASS, Aug. 21st, 1871.
ONLY PRINTING A PORTION...

The question to be discussed in the canvass this fall will be of vital importance to our people and the main and most important question with us is, will the people give us a new County or will we still have to go 25 or 30 miles to get to the County seat. Simple justice, it seems, would warrant a division of Butler and Cowley counties; the former alone comprising an extent of territory larger than one and almost as large as others of the eastern States. We cannot think it prudent to hold it together under the jurisdiction of one County Court.

Now gentlemen, we want a new County; not for the purpose of building up or enriching any particular individual, but because the necessities of a large population demand it; and you will be but doing an act of justice to give it to them; besides it will settle at once the vexatious and expensive question of locating and re-locating the County seat. That question however will never be at rest as long as the county remains at its present dimensions. . . .

S. W. T.
[E. C. MANNING: ARKANSAS TRAVELER/"KOWLEY COUNTY CENSOR."]

Walnut Valley Times, August 25, 1871.

ROUGH ON MANNING.
"Mr. E. C. Manning bought the Censor office about two weeks ago, and placed it in the hands of Mr. Webb to manage it, while he (Manning) will do the editing under the cover of Webb's name." Arkansas Traveler.

Of which, we most blandly say, it is a base falsehood, and our neighbor knew it before it published what it thought would work down deep in the minds of the people, and have a tendency to injure the reputation of the Censor, which is striving to establish among its many patrons. Kowley Kounty Censor.

[PERSONALS.]

Walnut Valley Times, August 25, 1871.

Winfield holds the County Seat in Cowley County by 150 majority.

[THE NEW COUNTY MOVEMENT.]

Walnut Valley Times, September 1, 1871.

THE NEW COUNTY MOVEMENT.
It is generally known throughout this County that a movement is on foot to form a third County out of the territory now comprising the Counties of Butler and Cowley. The people residing in the southern portion of this County demand a fair and equal division of territory, so that a new County can be formed from the two Counties named. No lines have, as yet, been designated; but from all that we can learn, Butler County is expected to give a strip ten or fifteen miles wide to form this new County.

Citizens residing in various portions of the County are favorable to this proposition, believing it is the only way to put a stop to our local quarrels. Others are bitterly opposed to the movement on the ground that Butler County is not large enough to divide. In order to settle the question, it will have to be brought fairly before the people. From every indication some of the people of the Southern portion of the County will make it an issue this fall. We have such assurances from many of the leading men who are interested in this matter.

We will keep the readers of the TIMES posted on this movement, and will be prepared, when the proper time comes, to take sides on the question.

[PERSONALS.]

Walnut Valley Times, September 1, 1871.

Winfield received 247 majority for the County-seat at the recent election.

[EDITORIAL PAGE.]

Walnut Valley Times, September 8, 1871.

The citizens of the southern part of this County held a meeting in Douglass, at which a large number of the citizens of Cowley were present, and nominated W. P. Campbell of Eldorado as a candidate for Representative. They also resolved to make a united effort to secure the formation of a new County out of Butler and Cowley. This meeting presents to the people of Butler County a most important and well defined issue this fall, and the subject deserves the candid consideration of all our people. The proceedings of the meeting are published in full in this issue.

[MEETING AT DOUGLASS.]

Walnut Valley Times, September 8, 1871.

MEETING AT DOUGLASS.
At a meeting of the friends of a new County held at Douglass, Butler County, September 2nd, 1871, S. W. Taylor, Esq., was called to the chair and W. H. Huffman appointed Secretary.

The Chairman proceeded to call the House to order, and explain to a large assembly of citizens of Butler and Cowley counties the object of the meeting.

On motion of C. A. Stine, it was agreed that we invite all good citizens of Butler and Cowley counties to cooperate with us, and help us to organize a new County.

It was moved and seconded that the Chairman appoint a committee of three to draft resolutions expressive of the sense of the meeting. G. D. Prindle, M. W. Brown, and D. P. Warrenburg were appointed on said committee, who after considering, presented the following preamble and resolutions.

WHEREAS, The counties of Butler and Cowley comprise an extent of territory thirty- three miles in breadth and 76 miles in length, containing almost three thousand square miles, being larger in extent than some of the eastern states, and whereas the people of this section of country have to travel, some as far as thirty-five miles, to get to a County seat, at a very great expense, besides having to submit to other innumerable inconveniences; Now therefore be it

Resolved, 1st. That the formation of a new County out of the southern part of Butler, and northern part of Cowley counties, is indispensable to the future prosperity and well being of the people of this part of the valley.

Resolved, 2nd. That the question of a new County is with us paramount to all other issues, but at the same time we are willing to harmonize with the Herd Law element in the County of Butler.

Resolved, 3rd. That our demand for a new County is reasonable and nothing more than justice will warrant and that we will not relax our effort until the aforesaid new County is

established.

Resolved, 4th. That we regard W. P. Campbell of Eldorado as being the most available man to represent the people of Butler County in the next Legislature of the State.

Resolved, 5th. That we will support no aspirant for any office either County or state at the ensuing election, or at any subsequent election, who opposed the formation of a new County, but will vote our united strength against any and all such aspirants for office.

Resolved, 6th. That all the people of the aforesaid counties of Butler and Cowley admit that the said counties are inconveniently large, and that in time a third County must be formed, therefore we believe that while the counties are unincumbered by any public debt, now is the best time to establish permanent County lines, so that each County may assume and pay the public debt that must of necessity be created in the future.

Which resolutions were read and adopted without a single dissenting voice.

At the suggestion of A. J. Uhl, it was agreed that we meet Tuesday evening the 12th of Sept. for the purpose of considering whether we will run a candidate for the office of County

Treasurer.

On motion the meeting adjourned.

S. W. TAYLOR, Chairman.
W. H. HUFFMAN, Secretary.

At the same meeting Professor Shotwell was requested by a unanimous vote to retain the office of County Superintendent.

[PERSONALS.]

Walnut Valley Times, September 8, 1871.

J. P. Short is about to refit the Walnut Valley House, at Winfield.

Walnut Valley Times, September 8, 1871.

A new town has been laid out at the salt springs, in the southeast corner of Sumner County, called Salt Springs City.

Walnut Valley Times, September 8, 1871.

At a large meeting of the people of Arkansas City, held August 28th, A. D. Keith, H. O. Meigs, and Judge McIntire were elected directors in the Walnut Valley Railroad Company.

Walnut Valley Times, September 8, 1871.

We have received a personal letter from L. B. Kellogg, in which he says the people of Emporia feel confident of the speedy building of the railroad from Ottawa to that place, and its extension down the Walnut Valley to Arkansas City, within twelve months. Traveler.

[KILLED AT DOUGLASS: J. W. DOUGLASS.]

Walnut Valley Times, September 15, 1871.

J. W. Douglass was killed at Douglass on Friday night, last, by John Cline. The particulars, as near as we can gather them from the conflicting reports, are these: On Friday evening, about 10 o'clock, while hunting for stray cattle, Mr. Douglass met a man with something under his arm which he seemed to wish to conceal. The suspicions of Mr. Douglass were immediately aroused and he inquired, "What have you under your coat?" The man replied, "Chickens." Mr. Douglass then inquired where he got them and the man pointed to a house about one-half mile distant belonging to a Mr. Long.

They, Douglass and Cline, started for Mr. Long's, who had retired. They called him up and he said he has sold no chickens that night. The three then started for Douglass, but Mr. Cline, not wishing to go there, drew a revolver and shot Mr. Douglass, the shot taking effect in the abdomen.

Mr. Douglass dropped and exclaimed, "I'm shot!" In a moment he was on his feet again pursuing Cline, who turned and fired a second time, the ball taking effect about four inches above the other one. Mr. Douglass dropped and Cline escaped.

As soon as it was light, a party of men from Douglass took Cline's trail and followed him some twelve miles southeast where he was overtaken and brought back to Douglass. On Monday morning he was brought before a justice for examination but wavered an examination and was committed to jail. He was brought to Eldorado on Wednesday.

Mr. Douglass lived until Tuesday morning. He was a prominent citizen of Douglass and much respected by those who knew him.

[A STRANGE STORY: JOHN BROOKS.]

Walnut Valley Times, September 22, 1871. Front Page.

A STRANGE STORY.
A refugee from the wild Indians of the plains, calling himself John Brooks, arrived last Saturday, and left the same night en route for Illinois. He walked across from Fort Leavenworth, and was come across in the country by a couple of young gentlemen of the Gordon family, who learned his story; and becoming interested, aided him to town. Here they took steps to enable him to prosecute his journey to Illinois, where he supposes his family formerly lived.

He tells a strange story. When he was six years old, as he supposes (he is now 22), his father, with the family, left Illinois to cross the plains to California. There were four of them: father, mother, sister, two years old, and himself. They joined a train and had arrived at a point beyond Salt Lake. Here while the train parked, his father went out to bring in a mule. He was fired on by the Indians and fell. His motherholding his little sisterwitnessed it. She ran out to her husband, followed by little John. The Indians seized the infant sister, dashing out her brains against a tree, and snatching up John, turned and fled.

The Indians proved to be a band of Sioux under Red Cloud. They took him to their village, where he was adopted and raised by Red Cloud. The Indians had six other white prisonersfive boys and one girl. By conversing with each other, they preserved their knowledge of the English language.

John was badly treated until he became large enough to take care of himself. Red Cloud's boys, especially, delighted in beating him, and otherwise abusing him. So with the Indian who boasted of killing his father. He taunted John with the possession of his father's scalp. Little John treasured the matter up, and swore, when old enough, to revenge his father's murder on this Indian.

John grew up and was a skillful hunter. He wanted to marry the white girl, but Red Cloud desired another wife, and took her himself. Soon after, about three months ago, he returned one day from a hunt, and riding by the lodge of the Indian who had killed his father, was accosted about that terrible tragedy. He dared the Indian to fight. The Indian seized his gun, and John drew his revolver. The Indian fired, but missed. John put a ball through the Indian's head, and then turned and fled. He had a good pony, but quick pursuit was made. Several times he was on the point of capture, but saved himself by shooting down the pony his nearest pursuer rode. In this manner, before the pursuit was abandoned, he shot down six ponies.

The Indian village from which he escaped, he says, was somewhere near the head of the Yellow Stone River. He struck for the Platte. He fortunately encountered a detachment of Federal troops coming into Fort Leavenworth. He accompanied them.

John Brooks does not know whether his mother was killed, but he recollects that his father came from Illinois. He is going there, with an indefinite idea that somewhere in Illinois he will gain tidings of his father's or mother's family. His appearance is rather prepossessing, and very well agrees with his story. Jefferson City (Missouri) Times.

[EDITORIAL PAGE.]

Walnut Valley Times, September 22, 1871.

"Winfield and Arkansas City ought to stop fighting each other, and join forces to secure the Valley Railroad. Will you meet us halfway, friends?" Arkansas City Traveler.

"Well, now, that sounds like it. Of course we will meet you halfway, and shall be glad when the day comes that will see Arkansas City and Winfield working together to promote their own and the interests of the County." Winfield Censor.

Now, gentlemen, you begin to talk business. Butler County means business on the Walnut Valley Road. Join with us and help build this road at once.

[PERSONALS.]

Walnut Valley Times, September 22, 1871.

The preliminary examination of John Cline for the shooting of J. W. Douglass, before Justices Knowles and Johnson at Eldorado, resulted in his being bound over to court to answer the charges of murder in the second degree, and bail fixed at $6,000.

[PERSONALS.]

Walnut Valley Times, September 29, 1871.

T. K. Johnson [Johnston] has been appointed postmaster at Winfield.

Walnut Valley Times, September 29, 1871.

Arkansas City proposes to organize a Masonic Lodge.

Walnut Valley Times, September 29, 1871.

Winfield proposes to issue bonds and build a five thousand dollar schoolhouse.

Walnut Valley Times, September 29, 1871.

The town difficulties at Winfield are about settled and everything said is to be lovely.

[PERSONALS.]

Walnut Valley Times, October 6, 1871.

E. C. Manning is a candidate for the Legislature from Cowley County.

Walnut Valley Times, October 6, 1871.

In the case of John Cline for shooting J. W. Douglass, the jury returned a verdict of guilty of murder in the 2nd degree.

Walnut Valley Times, October 6, 1871.

Emporia has voted, by a heavy majority, to aid the Osage, Neosho & Walnut Valley R. R. enterprise. It now remains for Butler and Cowley counties to do their duty, and in our judgment a railroad from Ottawa to Arkansas City may be pronounced a sure thing.

Arkansas Traveler.

Walnut Valley Times, October 6, 1871.

THE NEW Township. Sixty petitioners, residing in the east portion of Eldorado Township, have asked the County Commissioners to cut our Township in two in the middle. The job was worked upon the sly and can be called a first-class fraud. The proposition is to form a Township within one mile of town. Our Township is none too large nownot as large as the majority of Townships in the Countyand to attempt to cut it in halves is the most ridiculous movement we have heard of lately. We will have more to say on this subject hereafter.

[COWLEY COUNTY: ARTICLE BY ARKANSAS TRAVELER.]

Walnut Valley Times, October 13, 1871. Front Page.

A NEW DEPARTURE.
Cowley County is proposing to itself a new departure this fall by inaugurating an era of good-will and friendly feeling to take the place of the strife and bitterness which hitherto have so strikingly characterized the political relations of the different sections of the County. The feeling seems to prevail that peace is better than war, and that the people should have a word to say in the management of political affairs.

At Winfield, up to the present time, Manning's voice has alone been heard, and heard in such a way as to stir up animosity.

The rivalry between that place and Arkansas City had been of the most unwholesome sort.

It is high time to end it. Let us be friends. Let us work for the common good of ourselves and the County. We are assured that this is the feeling at Winfield, and we believe it is to be the sentiment here.

The truth is our interests are identical. Above all else, Cowley County wants a railroad; and she wants it now. Several railroad enterprises have been taken up, more or less, including that of a trunk road extending up and down the Walnut Valley. This valley road is the one which will best accommodate the largest number of the citizens of the County. It is, therefore, the road which the County desires most of all to obtain; and, fortunately for us, it is the road easiest to be obtained. We have simply to join with our neighbors of the north end of the valley, vote a reasonable amount of County bonds, and the road is ours.

Winfield and Arkansas City are alike and equally interested in this movement. The leaders of the People's party, at Winfield, have assured us most emphatically, and without reservation, that they will cooperate with us in pushing this railroad matter to a successful issue this fall. Now let us take hold and assist them in breaking up the influence of the Ring.

Arkansas Traveler.

[THE BOND PROPOSITION CARRIED.]

Walnut Valley Times, Friday. October 13, 1871.

THE BOND PROPOSITION CARRIED.
The proposition submitted by the County Commissioners to take stock to the amount of $200,000 in the Walnut Valley Railroad Company and issue the Bonds of the County therefor, was carried in this County by a small majority on last Tuesday. This secures to the Walnut Valley a Railroad within a short time. We have great faith in this Railroad and have every assurance that it will be built with the aid that it will receive.

It now remains for Cowley County to vote Bonds to aid this road. Leading citizens of the County assure us that it will be done at once.

On the line of the Osage, Neosho & Walnut Valley Road, coming from Ottawa, via Emporia, we will have $750,000 franchises. On the proposed road from Topeka, via Burlingame, Americus, and Cottonwood Falls, we will have local aid to the amount of

$700,000. We have every reason to believe that we can put our road under contract within the next ninety days.

Estimated Majority for the Bonds: 50.

[CHICAGO IN RUINS.]

Walnut Valley Times, October 13, 1871.

CHICAGO IN RUINS.
A TERRIFIC CONFLAGRATION.
OVER FIVE HUNDRED LIVES LOST.
LOSS, $300,000,000.00
100,000 PEOPLE WITHOUT HOMES.
Below we give the terrible account of the late fire in Chicago. The fire commenced on Saturday evening and burned until Wednesday.

Chicago, October 8, 1871, 12:30 a.m. The most terrible conflagration ever occurring in this city broke out about an hour and a half ago, and having already swept over six entire blocks, is still raging with almost unabated fury. . . .

[PERSONALS.]

Walnut Valley Times, October 13, 1871.

Eldorado Township polled three hundred votes for and six against the railroad bonds.

Walnut Valley Times, October 13, 1871.

Dr. H. D. Kellogg, of Arkansas City, passed through town yesterday.

Walnut Valley Times, October 13, 1871.

LABORERS WANTED. Another surveying outfit is to be recruited at Arkansas City, within the next end days, and in a few weeks thirty hands can secure work on the Arkansas River Truss Bridge.

[PEOPLES' CONVENTION: WINFIELD.]

Walnut Valley Times, October 20, 1871. Front Page.

PEOPLES' CONVENTION.
The delegates from the several precincts to the Peoples' Convention met at Winfield on Saturday, Sept. 30th, at 2 o'clock, P. M., and nominated the following officers:

For Representative, Judge T. McIntire, of Arkansas City.

For County Clerk, A. A. Jackson, of Winfield.

For Treasurer, E. B. Kager, of Arkansas City.

For Register of Deeds, J. H. Paul, of Vernon Township.

For Supt. Public Instruction, I. P. Hickok, of Winfield.

For Coroner, Manley Hemingway, of Windsor Township.

For County Commissioners for District No. 1, Mr. Phillips; District No. 2, H. L. Gilstrap; District No. 3, E. Simpson.

The ballots were as follows:

For Representative, J. H. Paul, 18, T. McIntire, 22, J. B. Fairbanks, 8, R. B. Saffold, 2.

For County Clerk, A. A. Jackson was elected by acclamation.

For Sheriff, first ballot, a tie, second ballot: James Parker, 25, James Hart, 17.

For Treasurer, Kager, 32, J. P. Short, 11.

For Register of Deeds, J. F. Paul, 22; T. A. Hunt, 15; W. H. Dobyns, 4.

Manley Hemingway, I. P. Hickok, and three Commissioners were elected by acclama tion.

This ticket gives more general satisfaction, and is a fairer distribution of offices than any ever before nominated. Arkansas Traveler.

[EDITORIAL PAGE: NINETY-TWO MAJORITY.]

Walnut Valley Times, October 20, 1871.

NINETY-TWO MAJORITY.
The official vote on the Railroad Bond Proposition, as canvassed by the Board of County Commissioners shows there was a majority of 92 for the Bonds.

[THE ISSUE: W. P. CAMPBELL ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY.]

Walnut Valley Times, October 20, 1871.

THE ISSUE.
Elsewhere in this paper will be found the announcement of William P. Campbell, of Eldorado, as a candidate for Representative from the 74th (Butler County) District.

For the last four years the people of this County have been continually agitating the question of a change of County lines of Butler County. From the fact that many schemes are on foot to form new counties, we conclude that the people of the County are dissatisfied with its present proportions. It is needless to say that the people of the southern portion of this County are the only ones demanding a changewe hear of it everywherehave heard it for the last three or four years. The only question with us to determine is, what will be for the best interest of the majority of the people of this County.

So far as we are personally concerned, we would prefer to have the County lines remain as they are. But that is not the question. Owing to the geographical situation of the County, and to the diversity of interest of those who reside in it, can we succeed in putting an end to the continual local quarrels that are forever going on in this County? We think not.

Not only do we hear of the proposition to form a third county out of the territory now comprising the counties of Butler and Cowley, but we hear of movements on foot to cut this County in two in the middle, making two counties of it. The people will never consent to have it cut in two. The proposition before the people of this County then is, shall we consent to give sufficient territory off the south of Butler County to form a new county out of the territory now comprising the counties of Butler and Cowley. This County is 33 miles wide, by 42 miles long. Cowley is 33 miles wide, by 36 miles long. Should we consent to the above proposition and give our proportionate share of territory, Butler County would still be one of the largest and best counties in the State.

The people of the southern portion of this county demand a new County. They have some rights that we are bound to respect. All the settlers in the northern portion of Cowley County want the third county. Shall we give it to them, or shall we go on as heretofore and expend thousands of dollars every year to keep up our County seat and County-line fights?

W. P. Campbell, who is announced as a candidate for the State Legislature, is thoroughly committed in favor of the third county. He was brought out by the people in the Southern portion of the county and proposes to make the fight on the third County issue. Should he be elected, he will endeavor to secure the formation of the new County; so voters who support him, cannot be deceived on this question.

Mr. Campbell is the choice of the people of this town for Representative and will be supported by them almost unanimously; as also will this third County movement. Prominent men from every portion of Butler County are in favor of making the issue on County lines this fall, and they have signified their willingness to support Mr. Campbell. We are satisfied that he will be elected to the Legislature by a round majority.

Should Mr. Campbell be elected on this issue, we are of the opinion that he will succeed in securing the new County. Therefore, those who vote for Mr. Campbell, vote for the third County, and also for the settlement forever of all our local difficulties. Those who vote against him, vote for a continuation of an endless fight in the County. Of the two propositions, we shall certainly do what we can to secure the election of Mr. Campbell to the Legislature.

[EDITORIAL PAGE: DIVISION.]

Walnut Valley Times, October 27, 1871.

DIVISION.
The citizens of Augusta propose to join with Eldorado to cut the County in a novel shape. They propose to commence on the fifth standard parallel on the west line of the County; thence running east 12 miles; thence south six miles; thence east nine miles; thence south six miles; thence east to the east line of the County. By looking at the map it will be seen that this gives Towanda, the lower part of Whitewater, the whole of Hickory Creek, and the lower part of Little Walnut, to the lower County.

Augusta would expect to be the County seat of this new County. They urge that the direction of the streams and the topography of the country, point this out as the only fair and practicable division. It may be, but the State has generally adopted the square form, in the formation of counties, and we would prefer it. Taking into consideration the flint hills on the east lines of the County, we think that three counties can be formed out of Butler and Cowley and each of them be of convenient size, and about square so far as the population is concerned.

Of course, no division can be made that will suit everybody, but it seems to us that the last mentioned plan would suit the greatest number. We regard division in some shape as inevitable, and believe that the sooner it can be accomplished, the better. We believe that Mr. Campbell, if elected Representative, will make as fair a division, and one as advantageous to Butler County, as any man we could send to the Legislature. We, therefore, hope that the people will elect him, and give an opportunity to settle this vexed question forever. Many think that it will be impossible for him to get a new County without the consent of Cowley. Perhaps so. Let us give him a trial, and if he fail, no harm will be done those who oppose division. If he fails, that may settle the question. If the people in the southern part of Butler and northern part of Cowley really desire a new County now, we are willing they should have it, so they do not spoil our County. This is the sentiment of a majority of our disinterested citizens. Mr. Campbell is a young man, with a reputation for honesty and fidelity to pledges to build up; he has never, to our knowledge, shown a disposition to deceive the people of the County; we believe him to be a man who will not betray a trust confided to him. From all that we have heard we believe that he will be elected by a handsome majority. This is at least our sincere wish.

[A VINDICATION: J. W. DOUGLASS.]

Walnut Valley Times, October 27, 1871.

[Communicated.]
A VINDICATION.
An article in the Wichita Videtee concerning the assassination of J. W. Douglass, on the night of September 8th, calls for a response, that justice may be done to the living and dead. There are gentlemanly blackguards and falsifiers, who can report scandal in polite, or at least decent terms; but this article was evidently written by one abhorring truthone who delights in exhibiting his depraved, brutal, and malicious character to the public; and one who fears not to temper in scurrilous language with the name of the dead.

Mr. Douglass first came from New York to Kansas, in 1867, with little else but an honest purpose, an indomitable will, a strong hand and heart. He was in E. H. Durfee's employ a short time, then struck out for himself. At Ft. Zarah, he kept a ranche, a good stock of goods, and had a heavy trade. In the spring of 1868, just after he had newly stocked his ranche, and invested all of his means, the Indians burned him outhis valuable horse was stolenhe merely escaped with what clothes were on his person. By a tedious process his horse was recovered; and since his location here, two ponies have been stolen from him; and an attempt to take his third pony, by his murderer, was made.

Since his entrance to the army, his life has been an eventful one; one episode being his confinement in that horrible den of southern barbarity, "Salsbury prison," for five months; and in this country his life has been one succession of losses and misfortunesall of which he has bravely faced, never yielding to despondency.

From his claim, which was laid out as the town-site, he has always given lots to whoever would build on them, no benefit occurring therefrom to the donor. He was always ready to lend assistance: it was often sought, and never in vain.

That evening before he was shot, he was very cheerful, and had an unusually gay frolic with his little boy; in fact, he was in remarkably exuberant spirits. His wife, though, felt an unwarrantable sadness and presentiment of coming evil, all day.

Of his going out to find his pony cut loose and gone; his tracking the thief, and the terrible result, nothing need be said as the arrest, on the following morning, of Cline, the abundant testimony, and his subsequent trial and conviction of murder, fully testifies. It is reported that this is not the man's first crime, as he committed murder in Iowa.

Mr. Douglass, our friend and brother, is gone from earththe "boatman pale" has carried him over the riverand he is exploring the vast unknown realms, where he will know care and trouble never-more. Before the death agony had dimmed his eye, or sealed his lips, he looked through the crystal of the future and became resigned to leave the world that had but recently seemed so bright to his mortal vision.

Always prompt, frank, energetic, and genial, we miss him sadly; one and all. Mother and brother, in the far-away childhood's home, will look no longer for his return to them; his brother and sister here, can meet him no more, his voice can no more mingle with theirs in the melodies they have often sung together; and last, his young wife, to whom he was all in all, alone with her fatherless babeonly those can know his loss who have passed through the same ordeal, and upon whom the shadow of the same life, sorrow has fallen.

He had his faults, as have we all; but we can only remember him with kindness, gratitude, and love, for his good deeds and many noble qualities; and will perpetuate his memory by this attestation of his worth as a man and a brother, in the community and the home circle, where his vacant chair reminds us of his grave, his peaceful resting place, at last, on the lone hillside.

[Note: Some of the articles called the murderer Cline; others called him Kline. ]

[PERSONALS.]

Walnut Valley Times, October 27, 1871.

Rev. Stine, of Douglass, was in town this week.

Walnut Valley Times, October 27, 1871.

The following are the nominations of the Cowley County "REPUBLICAN CONVEN TION." For Representative, E. C. Manning; for County commissioners District No. 1, Frank Cox; District No. 2, Lucius Walton; District No. 3, R. Maurer; for Sheriff, Thomas A. Blanchard; for County Clerk, John W. Hornbeak; for Register of Deeds, John Irwin; for Treasurer, A. H. Green; for Superintendent Public Instruction, John Dudley; for Surveyor, W. W. Walton; for Coroner, Dr. G. P. Wagner.

[THE THIRD COUNTY.]

Walnut Valley Times, November 3, 1871.

THE THIRD COUNTY.
The Cowley County Censor, published at Winfield, in answer to our article in the TIMES, of two weeks ago, on the proposition to form a new county out of the territory now comprising the counties of Butler and Cowley says:

"We regret exceedingly that the citizens of Eldorado favor a division of that County and this. We cannot agree with the TIMES that all the settlers in the northern portion of this County want a third County, thereby reducing this County.

"True, there are many near the northern boundary who are anxious for a division, but not all. Again, we think those of both counties who favor this movement ought to consider well the matter before they act. . . .

"Nearly all of the counties in Southwestern Kansas must have county buildings which will cost large sums of money. In large counties the tax upon the people for this purpose will be comparatively small. In small counties the same amount of taxes must be paid, as it is all important that every county have good, substantial buildings for county purposes. Take the case in hand for instance. Butler County we are told, has to send her prisoners to Emporia for want of a jail. This County has to do the same thing. Both need courthouses and county offices. Both counties are large, and can well afford to erect these buildingsgood ones, too, and at once. If the counties are divided, the cost will be much more and the taxes will consequently be much higher. To the people this is an important question. We cannot afford to burden ourselves with taxes merely to gratify some town wanting the county seat, when there are so few to be benefitted, and so many who will be injured.

"We hope that Mr. Campbell will be defeated. We are confident that the people of Cowley will oppose any change in County lines."

Bent Murdock, editor of the Walnut Valley Times, commented as follows.

"We have every reason to believe that nine-tenths of the settlers residing in the northern portion of Cowley want this new County. The formation of the proposed new County will not affect Butler County in the least. The land in the southern portion of this County has never been taxable and has therefore been of no particular benefit to us. By giving the new County, we would yet have a County larger than three-fourths of the counties in the State. We want peace. The people of Butler County have been in a continual uproar for the last two years on this County-line and County-seat question. We see nothing but trouble in the future. So long as these counties remain as large as they are, we may expect war, unless the people become satisfied that the lines cannot be changed. We have not undertaken any underhanded game to divide Butler County.

"Mr. Campbell is an open and avowed third County candidate. He was brought out as such and is stumping the County on the third County issue. He has invited the anti-division candidate to meet him at every post-office in the County and discuss the question at issue. We are satisfied that a good majority of the people of this County will favor Mr. Campbell's election to the Legislature, on the third County issue. Let us then as men who desire peace and prosperity, who desire to see the question settled at once and forever, support W. P. Campbell for the Legislature.

NOTE: FOR SOME TIME THE EDITOR OF THE WALNUT VALLEY TIMES HAS BEEN MAKING IT CLEAR THAT HE HAS NO USE FOR MR. ISAAC MOONEY OF AUGUSTA AND HIS CRONIES...THEY HAVE BEEN A CONSTANT THORN IN HIS SIDE FROM "YEAR ONE" AS THEY WANT THE COUNTY SEAT TO BE AT AUGUSTA.

[CAMPBELL & MOONEY: THE MEETING AT TOWANDA.]

Walnut Valley Times, November 3, 1871.

THE MEETING AT TOWANDA.
Messrs. Campbell and Mooney, our candidates for Representative, were advertised to speak at Towanda last Friday evening. Quite a number of our citizens attended the meeting as did citizens from Augusta. About fifty persons were in attendance at the meeting, including several ladies.

After Mr. Mooney had spoken, Campbell replied in his usual forcible manner. These gentlemen were followed by Messrs. Herman and Brown, of Augusta. Judge Lauck was then called for. He commenced speaking and after he had occupied the floor several minutes, Mr. Campbell arose to a point of order. He said that the meeting was called by himself and Mr. Mooney and was to be a joint discussion. He further stated that he had no objections to Mr. Lauck speaking if he would be allowed to answer him. Lauck refused to yield and Campbell vigorously claimed his right to speak. Campbell stated that he had arranged for the meeting and would not be brow-beaten by a rabble.

Lauck then said: "Do you call the people of Augusta a rabble?" In the meantime he took up a glass and made a motion as though he was going to throw it at Mr. Campbell.

Campbell made no reply. Lauck again leveled the glass at Campbell and repeated the question, "Do you mean to call the people of Augusta a rabble?"

Campbell took hold of a chair with both hands and exclaimed, "I do."

Lauck then threw the glass with all his force at Campbell's head.

Campbell, by a dexterous movement, threw up the chair and the glass was dashed to pieces against the leg of the chair.

Campbell immediately recovered himself and "went for that Heathen Chinee" with a desire to set him up in business. He gave him a sounder on the cope with the chair, which most effectually settled the hash of the fighting Judge. After this the meeting adjourned.

Our man Campbell don't propose to be bullied by Augusta or anybody else, and the quicker the people find it out, the better. Hereafter pugnacious gentlemen will better understand the situation.

Walnut Valley Times, November 3, 1871.

Messrs. Campbell and Mooney, candidates for Representative, spoke at Augusta last Tuesday evening. We had hoped that Mr. Campbell could speak there without being insulted and abused, and when some expressed fears that he would be maltreated there, we always urged that there was no danger. That the people there had too much sense to permit such a thing to happen. In fact, we didn't believe that they had a rowdy mean and cowardly enough to attempt such a thing, but in the last supposition we were mistaken.

After Mr. Mooney made his speech, Mr. Campbell arose to follow. Before he had spoken a word, a lawyer of Augusta, surrounded by a lot of roughs, arose and asked him if he considered himself as addressing gentlemen or a rabble.

Mr. Campbell answered that he supposed the majority present were gentlemen, but a large portion he believed to be a set of ruffians. He stated that he had not come there to fight nor to quarrel, but to peaceably discuss with Mr. Mooney the local issues of the County. It was their meeting and their town, and if they desired to hear him, he would speak.

Another lawyer sung out in the audience: "God damn it! Go on with your speech!" Mr. Campbell then remarked that he felt himself competent to satisfy any gentlemen that took any exceptions to anything he had said or done, at the proper time. Several threats were made at this time.

Dr. Whitehorn then rose and said that he was sorry to see any disturbance. That he hoped the people of Augusta would not disgrace themselves, but would let Mr. Campbell speak. He stated that he and Col. Baker had attended a meeting at Eldorado on Saturday evening and no man raised so much as his little finger to cast an insinuation or insult, but they were treated as gentlemen in every respect. Mr. James and Col. Davis and others then spoke in favor of permitting Mr. Campbell to speak, and through their influence the effort to get up a row failed and Mr. Campbell was allowed to proceed.

We are glad there is a little manhood and generosity in Augusta, and sorry to know that they have men who make pretensions to a position in society, so mean and contemptible as to try to take advantage of a man in Mr. Campbell's situation last Tuesday night.

[E. C. MANNING IN TROUBLE.]

Walnut Valley Times, November 3, 1871.

MANNING IN TROUBLE.
E. C. Manning, of Winfield, was nominated at a Republican Convention held in Cowley County, for representative to the Legislature from that County. Some of the people were of the opinion that Manning would sell his vote for cash. A gentleman by the name of W. D. Roberts, who wrote to Hon. Sidney Clarke to make inquiries about the matter, received the following replies from Hon. Sidney Clarke and from Dan. M. Adams.

We publish all three letters as taken from the Arkansas City Traveler.

WINFIELD, COWLEY CO., KANSAS, September 25th, 1871.
HON. SIDNEY CLARKE, LAWRENCE:

DEAR SIR: We, the undersigned, having been reliably informed that Col. E. C. Manning wanted the sum of $1,000 to vote for you for the United States Senate, during his membership thereof at the last Legislature, beg leave to ask if this be true. We have no personal animosity against Mr. Manningon the other hand, supported him last fall, with the understanding that he was a Clarke man, believing it was the least we could do to show our gratefulness to cast the vote of Cowley County in your favor, after you had so highly favored us in securing titles to our lands.

Mr. Manning is spoken of as a candidate again this fall, and we desire an answer to the above question for our own personal satisfaction and guidance, and unless it should be necessary to use the same, it shall go no further.

With great respect, we have the honor to be your obedient servants.

W. D. ROBERTS, and OTHERS.
Respectfully refer to Maj. Dan'l M. Adams, President of Kansas Valley Bank, Topeka, Kansas.

Will you have the kindness to state the facts in the case (endorsed in this letter) for the information of the people of Cowley County.

Mr. Manning demanded of me personally the sum of $1,000, before he would take a stand in my favor for U. S. Senator. I told him he was elected to vote for me, and that I was not able, and that I could not and would not pay it; that every foot of land occupied by his constituents had been severed from the grasp of the monopolists by the fight I made for the people, and that I would appeal to them if he betrayed his trust and voted against me. I told him I was willing to pay, if I was elected, any legitimate election expenses he might have incurred, within the limit of my means, and asked him to confer with you. Please state whether he made any demand on you or not. Yours Truly, SIDNEY CLARKE.

October 9th, 1871.

TOPEKA, KANSAS, Oct. 10, 1871.
In answer to this I have to state that Col. E. C. Manning came to my room at the Tefft House, in this city, a few days previous to the Senatorial election, last January, and demanded of me the sum of $1,000 before he would even vote for Sidney Clarke for U. S. Senator, saying, `You have the money, I know it, and I need it, and will have it.' I told him Mr. Clarke was poor, and his friends had no such sum to pay him, or any other persons; after which Mr. Manning made some remarks reflecting severely upon Mr. Clarke for his meanness, and left my room.

DANIEL M. ADAMS.
Manning, in answer to the above, published the following communication in the Cowley County Censor of October the 28th.

Three letters are published in the Arkansas Traveler of this weekOctober 22nd-that purport to have been written by W. D. Roberts, Sidney Clarke, and Dan. M. Adams.

Roberts' letter contains one lie, inasmuch as it states that "we have no personal animosity against Mr. Manning."

Clarke's letter contains several lies, the following being the particularly infamous and base one: "Mr. Manning demanded of me personally the sum of $1,000 before he would take a stand in my favor for U. S. Senator."

Dan M. Adams' letter is a lie from first to last. He states that I demanded $1,000 from him before I would vote for Mr. Clarke for U. S. Senator.

I shall speak in fourteen different places in Cowley County between this time and the day of election, Nov. 7th, as per appointment of the Republican Central Committee, and at these meetings will answer this and all other charges that Clarke and his lying followers, and my personal opponents, may circulate. The appointments of the Republican Central Committee are in this paper, and I hope to see a large turnout of voters at every meeting! Let the liars and slanderers face the music.

E. C. MANNING.
Winfield, Oct. 27th.

[$300,000 IN COUNTY BONDS ASKED FOR RAILROADS!]

Walnut Valley Times, November 3, 1871.

STAND FROM UNDER!
$300,000.00!
IN COUNTY BONDS ASKED FOR!
Augusta at the Bottom of it!
Butler County Asked to Give a Half Million Dollars
to Railroads.
Isaac Mooney in the Ring!
BUTLER COUNTY TO BE MADE BANKRUPT!
Just on the eve of the election we find that the Augusta people are circulating a petition to the Honorable Board of County Commissioners of Butler County, asking them to submit a proposition to the qualified voters of the County to take stock in a railroad from Eureka to Augusta, and from Peabody to Augusta and the south line of the County, to the amount of Three Hundred Thousand Dollars.

We herewith print the petition so that our readers may know just what it is:

To the Honorable Board of County Commissioners in and for the County of Butler and State of Kansas.

The undersigned, citizens and electors, of the County of Butler and State of Kansas, would respectfully ask that an election be ordered by your Honorable Body for the purpose of ascertaining the sense of will of the electors of the County and State aforesaid upon the question of the County of Butler subscribing stock to the amount of three hundred thousand dollars (One hundred and fifty thousand dollars each) to the Eureka, Augusta and Southwestern Railway Company and the White Water and Walnut Valley Railway Company, and issuing the bonds of the said County therefor upon the conditions, restrictions, and terms hereinafter set forth, to-wit:

1st. Said bonds shall be taken at par by said Railroad Companies.

2nd. Said bonds shall be made payable, principal and interestthe interest payable semi- annuallyin the city of New York.

3rd. Said bonds shall run for thirty years, and shall bear interest at the rate of 7 percent annum. . . .

Editor T. B. Murdock responded:

Augusta proposes to rule this County or ruin it. The citizens of Augusta don't care what becomes of the County provided Augusta is cared for. Of course they cannot carry this bond proposition but it shows just what they would do if they had a chance.

[EDITORIAL CONVENTION AND EXCURSION.]

Walnut Valley Times, November 3, 1871.

RECAP: MURDOCK ATTENDED THE EDITORIAL CONVENTION AT LAW RENCE WHERE ABOUT 80 EDITORS AND PUBLISHERS WERE PRESENT.

BIG EVENT: THEY WENT BY THE M. K. & T. RAILROAD COMPANY FOR A VISIT TO FORT GIBSON, INDIAN TERRITORY, AND WERE ENTERTAINED BY MAJ. R. S. STEVENS AND MAJ. JOHN CARLAND, COMMANDING AT FORT GIBSON, ETC.

AMONG THOSE PRESENT:

T. B. Murdock and sister, Walnut Valley TIMES.

S. R. Mayberry; M. M. Murdock, wife, and daughter, Osage CHRONICLE.

Jacob Stotler and lady, Emporia NEWS.

NOTE: NO ONE FROM WINFIELD OR ARKANSAS CITY.

[PERSONALS.]

Walnut Valley Times, November 3, 1871.

The Salt River Steam Boat will leave with a heavy load of passengers next Tuesday evening.

Walnut Valley Times, November 3, 1871.

W. P. Campbell don't scare worth a cent, as some of his enemies have discovered.

Walnut Valley Times, November 3, 1871.

MARRIED. At Eldorado, October 29th, by the Rev. P. Hathaway, Mr. John Small, of Butler County, to Miss Eliza J. Brown, of Cowley County.

Walnut Valley Times, November 3, 1871.

The division shriekers want peace. Let them have it in a glorious anti-division victory. Let the people rally at the polls and bury the divisionists so deep that to them shall never come a resurrection. Augusta Republican.

We want peace and we are going to have it. We want this County-seat and County-line question settled forever; and we propose to settle it by electing W. P. Campbell to the Legislature.

Walnut Valley Times, November 3, 1871.

The "ring" that now advocates division has been the cause of more trouble and taxation to Butler County than any other source. Let the people squelch it at the polls.

Augusta Republican.

The anti-division candidate for Representative (Mr. Mooney) was in favor of a new County a short time ago. The people of Augusta, who are now opposing division, have been at work for the last two years to cut Butler County in two in the middle, and if they ever get the power, they will do it. So vote for Mr. Campbell and make a fair division of the territory.

[EDITORIAL PAGE: THE ELECTION.]

Walnut Valley Times, November 10, 1871.

THE ELECTION.
The returns from various portions of the County are not yet all in, but enough is known to satisfy us that Isaac Mooney, the Anti-Division candidate, is elected to the Legislature by a small majority. Considering that one year ago there were not three hundred votes in the County for division, we think the friends of the movement did well.

We are of the opinion that W. J. Cameron, candidate for State Senator, received a majority of all the votes cast in this County. J. M. Alexander will conclude that honesty is the best policy, in the future.

[AUGUSTUS OTTENOT SENTENCED.]

Walnut Valley Times, November 10, 1871.

LOOK AT HOME.
AUGUSTUS OTTENOT, one of the Eldorado ballot-box stuffers, was sentenced by the U. S. district court at Topeka, to six-months imprisonment in the state penitentiary and to pay a fine of $250. He was charged with placing 246 illegal names on the poll books of the Eldorado voting precinct in this County last year, and convicted. We understand that more of the ballot-box stuffers of that place are under indictment, and we hope they will be con victed and likewise punished. There is no safety for this nation, and republican institutions are a farce, if such practices are to be tolerated. It is far better to lose a battle with right on your side, than with a victory through fraud or crime. Augusta Republican.

We will inform the Republican that Augusta stuffed the ballot-box in the spring of 1871, on the courthouse bond proposition. Augusta set the example and Eldorado followed. It is very pretty to talk about "Republican institutions," and "star spangled banners," when referring to poor Ottenot, but if the editor of the Republican will look at home he will find quite as much fraud and corruption there as he thinks he sees at Eldorado. Furthermore, we will state that some of the citizens of Eldorado are under indictment for ballot-box stuffing. When the gentleman talks ballot-box stuffing, let him remember that Augusta was the first town in this County to stuff the ballot-box.

[OTTENOT GONE UP.]

Walnut Valley Times, November 10, 1871.

OTTENOT GONE UP.
We learn from Topeka, that Ottenot, the great ballot-box stuffer, has been sent to the penitentiary. From the proceedings of the United States District Court at Topeka, we take the following.

In the case of the United States against Augustus Ottenot, charged with placing 246 illegal names on the poll books of the Eldorado election precinct, in Butler County, Kansas, at the November election, 1870, for representative to congress, governor, and other officers, the defendant, Ottenot, was convicted and sentenced by the court to six months in the penitentiary in the State of Kansas, and to pay a fine of $250.

The defendant in this case was indicted under the act of May 31st, 1870, known as the "enforcement act of congress for the protection of the elective franchises and the civil rights of citizens." It is the first case of the kind that has been brought in the United States court of this district, and is probably the first case in which punishment has been inflicted on the party for violation of the law in a northern state. The law was passed more expressly to protect the colored voters of the south, and to permit them unmolested to freely exercise their newly acquired right of suffrage. In pronouncing the sentence upon the defendant, who is a young man of twenty-five and formerly a practicing attorney, Judge Delahay gave him some excellent advice and counsel.

[PERSONALS.]

Walnut Valley Times, November 10, 1871.

The division of Butler County is postponed to a more convenient season.

Walnut Valley Times, November 10, 1871.

The Cowley County Censor has greatly improved in appearance lately. It is now a large, handsome sheet, and is edited with ability. It ought to succeed under the present manage ment.

Walnut Valley Times, November 10, 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 whipple-tree, 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.

Walnut Valley Times, November 10, 1871. NOTICE.

Notice is hereby given that by order of the Directors of the Walnut Valley Railroad Company, books will be opened for the purpose of subscribing to the Capital Stock of the Walnut Valley Railroad Company, at the following named places on the 11th day of December, 1871, to-wit:

Post-office, Chelsea;

L. B. Snow's office, Eldorado;

Post-office, Augusta;

Douglass House, Douglass;

Alexander & Saffold's office, Winfield;

Keith & Eddy's Drug Store, Arkansas City.

Dated Augusta, November 4th, 1871.

ANDREW AKIN, President, W. V. R. R. Co.
C. N. JAMES, Secretary.

[COWLEY COUNTY CENSOR: SOLD OUT.]

Walnut Valley Times, November 17, 1871.

SOLD OUT.
Under the above heading, the Cowley County Censor has a long article accusing the people of Arkansas City of being in league with Eldorado to elect Cameron to the Senate, we make some extracts.

"One of the many evidences of double dealing with the people of Arkansas City and its home candidate practiced is the manner in which J. M. Alexander, of this place, was treated. The Colonel was the regular nominee of the Republican party for State Senator. His name was printed upon all the regular Republican tickets, but the "People's" tickets, which were printed in Arkansas City, did not contain the Colonel's name.

* * * * * * * *
"Colonel Alexander, in his speech at Winfield, explained the duplicity of Arkansas City, and charged them with being in league with Eldorado to elect Cameron, who was running for Senator from this district, as the division candidate. The result has proved that Arkansas City was working "on the sly," for Cameron. A letter was seen in Arkansas City by one of our citizens the same day that Mr. McIntyre [McIntire] was here, in which the whole programme of electing Cameron to the State Senate was set forth. The vote of Arkansas City, on Tuesday last, shows how innocent or ignorant Mr. McIntyre must have been. It shows how deep they have buried the hatchet of discord. It shows how much they are opposed to a division of this County. It shows how well they have sold those citizens of Winfield and the County, who cooperated with them in good faith. It shows how well Colonel Alexander divined their motives, and how well deserved was the scoring he gave them at the meeting here the night before the election. Cameron, the candidate who is in favor of a division of our County, received one hundred and sixty-six votes in Arkansas City, while Colonel Alexander, who is opposed to such division, received four votes. The Colonel has, in the past, been the friend of that little burg; perhaps he will not be in the future."

Editor Murdock responded:

We profess to know something about the movement to elect Cameron to the State Senate, and will try and enlighten the Censor on the subject.

According to the decision of the Attorney General, and prominent lawyers of the State, the new apportionment for Kansas will not go into effect until next year. Three or four politi cians in this new Senatorial District came to the conclusion, a few weeks before the election, that a senator might get his seat this winter, if elected from this District.

A call was published, signed by Hutchinson of Wichita, McDermott, of Cowley County, and Lauck of Butler County, calling a Senatorial Convention at Douglass, to nominate a State Senator for this District. We referred to the call at the time, and stated that the new apportionment did not go into effect until next year, and of course we were not entitled to a new Senator. We also stated that the gentlemen above named had no right whatever to call a convention to nominate a State Senator. We never learned who went to Douglass to the Convention, but know positively that the Republicans of this County were not represented at the convention.

After the announcement that Col. (?) Alexander, of Winfield, was nominated for Senator, for this District, we at once determined not to support him. We know nothing of Alexander only from hearsay. He may be a Republicanhe may be a good man, and in every way worthy of being nominated for State Senator, but we will not support men for office under such circumstances.

Had he been properly nominated, by the Republicans of the District, we would have supported him.

But a few days before the election we of Eldorado Township concluded to vote for our fellow townsman, Judge W. J. Cameron. Letters were written to Arkansas City, Wichita, and to Sumner County, stating that the Republicans of Butler County were not in favor of Alexander, and would not support him. It was also stated that we would vote for Cameron. Judge Cameron was not announced, as a candidate, but at the same time, he scooped Alexander in this County. We are glad to know that Arkansas City, and other towns in the District, did not support Alexander. We do not know who is elected, but we do know that Butler County squarely repudiated Alexander. We hope the editor of the Censor will not abuse Republicans of Cowley County for refusing to vote for a man who was improperly brought before the people. We hope that no Republican paper in this District will support any measure that smacks of fraud, or corruption.

[TRAVELER RESPONSE: COL. ALEXANDER'S NOMINATION]

Walnut Valley Times, November 24, 1871.

COL. ALEXANDER'S NOMINATION.
The Censor takes Arkansas City to task for voting against J. M. Alexander for Senator. "The Col. was the regular nominee of the republican party for State Senator," says the Censor. We know something about this regular nomination. Four Winfield men, on their way to Augusta stopped for dinner at Douglass, where they met and talked with three citizens of that place about political matters, including that of a nomination for State Senator.

These four Winfield men suggested that Alexander would be a good man for the place. The three Douglass men thought Mr. Taylor of Douglass would be a good man for the position. After dinner the four set out for Augusta.

That week the Augusta paper came out with a report of a Senatorial Convention held at Douglass, at which the gallant Col. Alexander was enthusiastically nominated by the Republicans of Sedgwick, Butler, Howard, and Cowley counties! Arkansas Traveler.

[NEW PAPER AT WINFIELD.]

Walnut Valley Times, November 24, 1871.

NEW PAPER AT WINFIELD. We had a pleasant call from Mr. Mugford, late of the Oxford Times. He was on his return from St. Louis, where he bought a new outfit for his new paper at Winfield, which will soon be issued. The office has already gone forward. Mr. Mugford is a good fellow, a No. 1 printer, and makes an excellent paper.

[SOUTHWESTERN KANSAS: COWLEY COUNTY.]

Walnut Valley Times, November 24, 1871.

Portion of an article that dealt with Howard, Cowley, Sumner, Greenwood, and Sedgwick counties.

Cowley County.
From the Cowley County CENSOR.

The County Commissioners of Cowley County have submitted a proposition, to be voted on, on the 19th day of December, to issue the Bonds of the County to the amount of five thousand dollars to build a jail at Winfield.

1. Bing Esq., of Independence, called on us yesterday. Mr. Bing has rented the building now occupied by Mr. Triplett's Billiard Hall, and will at once bring on a large stock of dry goods and clothing. Mr. Bing is well known in business circles in Eastern Kansas, and we are glad he concluded to stop among us.

We are pleased to learn that some of our citizens are getting up a genuine "New England Thanksgiving Dinner." Let everybody take hold and make it a success. What we need is sociability, and there is no better way to have a good social time, and visit our neighbors, than a real good old fashioned Thanksgiving dinner. The proceeds are to be used in purchasing a bell for the schoolhouse.

Walnut Valley Times, November 24, 1871.

From the Arkansas City TRAVELER.
Our new bank, conducted by Col. McMullen, is doing a good business.

Mr. Davis's building on Summit street has been rented for a drug store, which will be opened in a few weeks.

Two men were found murdered within a short distance of Arkansas City a short time ago. Supposed to be the work of Osage Indians.

Cowley County cast 965 votes at the late election, notwithstanding it was on a bad, stormy day. Sixty-five voters in our own Township are known to have been absent from the polls. The whole number of absentees for the County was not less than 250. The vote for Cowley County is fully 1,200. Now, counting five (the usual number) to a voter, we have a population of six thousand. The estimate is under, rather than over the true number. Tell your friends. Six thousand souls in a county which less than two years ago was a wilderness inhabited only by savages! Who says that Cowley County is not able to vote bonds to aid a railroad?

[PERSONALS.]

Walnut Valley Times, November 24, 1871.

We received a call today from Messrs. Mugford and Patrick, proprietors of the new paper to be started at Winfield.

Walnut Valley Times, November 24, 1871.

We shall hereafter publish all the Southwestern Kansas news under one heading. We shall endeavor to publish all items of interest relating to our portion of the State.

[SOUTHWESTERN KANSAS.]

Walnut Valley Times, December 1, 1871.

SOUTHWESTERN KANSAS.
For the information of our readers, and the general public, we have carefully prepared a few facts and figures in relation to the great Southwestits growth, development, increase in population and wealth, and its future prospectsso that a fair idea may be obtained of what can be done in a new country within the space of a few years.

The vast territory in Kansas lying west of the counties of McPherson, Sedgwick, and Sumner, is yet to a great extent unexplored, and is to all intents and purposes, a "howling wilderness"the home of the Indian, the buffalo, and the prairie dog. None of the counties west of those above named have, as yet, been organized; although some of them are being rapidly settled up by white people.

In speaking of Southwestern Kansas proper, we mean the ten organized counties in this portion of the State that are more or less identified in interest. The counties of Lyon, Chase, Marion, McPherson, Sedgwick, Butler, Greenwood, Howard, Cowley, and Sumner make up what is to all intents and purposes, Southwestern Kansas. With the exception of three counties, the country is all comparatively new.

There are in these ten counties 10,803 square miles of land, three-fourths of which will at some future time, be cultivated.

The total population of this vast area in 1860 amounted to but 5,275, or one person to every square mile.

The total taxable valuation in 1865, as fixed by the State Board, was $1,702,761. The actual taxable valuation of property in those counties now amounts to $27,479,046; an increase of over $5,000,000 per year.

This enormous increase in population and wealth is attributable to the fact that Southwestern Kansas is the "Egypt" of the State.

We have but one single line of Railroad in all this section of the country, and that but lately built. Therefore, it is natural to conclude that our growth is of a permanent and steady order. It will be readily seen, by the most superficial observer, that our portion of the State, will, so soon as we secure railroads and other internal improvements, become very populous and wealthy.

[SOUTHWESTERN KANSAS: COWLEY COUNTY.]

Walnut Valley Times, December 1, 1871.

Cowley County.
[FROM THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER.]
The Arkansas Traveler will be enlarged and greatly improved soon.

There is no let up, no diminution of zeal and enterprise with which the citizens of Arkansas City work for the interest of the town. The prospects of this young city were never brighter than now. All goes well with us.

The citizen's Association has ordered the printing of 5,000 pamphlets, descriptive of Arkansas City and vicinity.

H. B. Norton and L. B. Kellogg have been appointed to edit the pamphlet. It will be printed at this office.

OUR BRIDGE. The bridge across the Arkansas is to be built immediately. The lumber is nearly all out, and teams are now at work hauling it down to the river bank. Mr. Hobson, the contractor, is in town and proposes to push matters.

Keith & Eddy have some specimens of brown umber and ochre, which is found in large quantities near this place. Parties are investigating the mine, and will soon make arrange ments for the manufacture of mineral paint. This discovery will be of great benefit to Arkansas City by inducing manufactures.

Walnut Valley Times, December 1, 1871.

[From the Cowley County Censor.]
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 killed thirteen buffalo, and brought in one hundred and four turkeys as trophies, besides their buffalo meat.

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 is the work of Indians or highwaymen, they could not tell. The body was found about one hundred miles southwest of this city.

[PERSONALS.]

Walnut Valley Times, December 1, 1871.

McIntire, the Representative elect from Cowley County, pledged himself in writing against the division of that County. How is it, then, that the Traveler favors division? Republican.

If the moon points down in the spring of the year, why is it that a rooster will fly over the fence instead of crawling through it?

[SOUTHWESTERN KANSAS: COWLEY COUNTY.]

Walnut Valley Times, December 15, 1871.

Cowley County.
[From the Cowley County CENSOR.]
Now that the settlers on the Osage lands need assistance in their effort to have the time of payment extended upon their lands, they naturally turn to Senator Pomeroy for relief. He has always been ready to help the settlers, and will not fail them now. Springing from the old New England stock, who knew nothing but labor and study, he has ever had a warm side and a willing ear for the approach or word of the laboring class. A petition will be forwarded to him in a few days, setting forth our wants, and rest assured it will not be unheeded. No man has more friends in Southwestern Kansas than has Senator Pomeroy, and none have cause to expect more.

Messrs. Pomeroy, Caldwell, and Lowe, our Senators and Representatives in Congress, can now be of great service to a very large class of settlers on the Osage Diminished Reserve, by exerting themselves in their behalf. By the terms of the law and the instructions issued thereunder, all settlers who have been upon their claims one year prior to the 15th day of this month, or who had settled prior to the 15th day of July, 1870, were required to pay for said lands. How hard many who were too poor to provide well for their families have tried to meet this requirement and succeed at great sacrifice, we will not attempt to statebut they are many. How many have tried and failed, we cannot say; but they, too, are many. Men have offered fifty percent interest for money to enter their land with, and failed to obtain it. Men have sold their stock and even their last team and cow to raise the money, or have offered them for sale at half their worth, and then failed. They have suffered great anxiety and greater sacrifices to save their land, but to no purpose. So much money has been used to enter land with, and that, too, within so short a timethree monthsthat all the money in the County has been exhausted.

Now we find hundreds and probably thousands of settlers on the Diminished Reserve, within the limits of Montgomery, Howard, Cowley, and Sumner counties, who are upon improved claims or tracts of land, worth hundreds and in some cases thousands of dollars, and yet they cannot afford an opportunity to enter the same. In some cases all their worldly possessions are embraced in these improvements. They will not yield them willingly. Let relief come.

It lies with Congress to pass a bill concerning these Osage lands that shall contain plain and reasonable features. One that will not be subject to a hundred rulings and necessitate and allow a hundred interpretations. And above all extend the time of payment to all now upon the land for at least one year, and give to all who come after one year to pay in after settle ment. Will one congressional delegation attend to this immediately after Congress convenes next month?

Walnut Valley Times, December 15, 1871.

[From the Arkansas TRAVELER.]
FERRET THEM OUT.
It is well known that there is a band of horse thieves and marauders in the Southwestern part of Sumner County. Can't they be cleaned out? What say the law abiding citizens of Sumner?

[PERSONALS.]

Walnut Valley Times, December 15, 1871.

Col. Alexander, of Winfield, resigns as a member of the Walnut Valley Railroad Company, because the Charter of the Road says it shall terminate at Arkansas City, and not at the south line of the State. We have not learned who will be selected to fill his place.

Walnut Valley Times, December 15, 1871.

The Winfield Censor is printed upon the oldest press in the State. Neodosha Citizen.

The Censor generally looks like it. Paola Spirit.

The Censor is well printed, well edited, and withal one of the best looking papers in this portion of the State.

[PERSONALS.]

Walnut Valley Times, December 22, 1871.

DOUGLASS ITEMS. There is a proposition on foot to move one of the Cowley County papers to this place.

Walnut Valley Times, December 22, 1871.

NO PAPER. In accordance with the usual custom, there will be no paper issued from this office next week. We all desire a little rest and recreation during the Holidays, etc.

[SOUTHWESTERN KANSAS: COWLEY COUNTY.]

Walnut Valley Times, December 22, 1871.

Cowley County.
[From the Cowley County CENSOR.]
Quaker meetings are held twice a week in town.

"Egg-nogg" and "Tom and Jerry," all the rage now.

Hay is worth $6 per ton delivered in town. Corn 60 cents per bushel, potatoes $1, wood $3 per cord.

Walnut Valley Times, December 22, 1871.

[From the Arkansas City TRAVELER.]
We are glad to learn that Senator Pomeroy and other members of the Kansas delegation are earnestly endeavoring to procure a revocation of the order for the removal of settlers from the Territory.

A petition was in circulation last week, praying for the establishment of a tri-weekly mail route from Wichita to this place, down the east side of the Arkansas, passing through El Paso, Nenescah, Oxford, and Arcola.

The safe for the Arkansas City Bank was brought in last week. It weighs three thousand and seven hundred pounds, has a burglar proof box weighing one thousand two hundred inside of the safe, and is warranted to be fire proof. It is one of the best safes in this State.

DEXTER. We had the pleasure of visiting this thriving little village last Friday, and found it located about as heretofore described in these columns. At the time of our visit business was brisk. Three new houses were almost enclosed, and we learned that twice that number would be built within the present month. Among the business houses:

A. J. Bryan & Co., dealers in dry goods and notions.

D. Elliot & Co., groceries, provisions, etc.

Dr. Wagner, drug store.

Mr. Bateman, eating house.

Reynolds & Sanford, blacksmiths.

John Grayham, blacksmith.

L. W. Graham, hotel.

B. Perry, boarding house.

Jas. McDermott, attorney at law and notary public.

O. P. Darst, meat market.

F. Henrion, drug store.

Aside from these, Dexter has a large Masonic Hall, 20 x 40, a good saw mill, and many other public improvements. Good, first class claims can be taken on all sides of this village, in bodies from one thousand to four thousand acres. Good water can be procured on any part of the town site, and coal within ten miles. Captain McDermott, the most enterprising man in the town, will be glad to give any information to parties desiring to settle in that locality.

[TO POSTMASTERS: COMPLAINT ABOUT MAIL DELIVERY.]

Walnut Valley Times, Friday, January 5, 1872.

TO POSTMASTERS.
We are on the warpath. We can't, won't, and shan't stand it any longer. It usually takes a letter or paper one week to get from Winfield or Arkansas City to this place. We have a letter that was eight days on the road from Wichita. We generally get the Chase County paper five days after it is published. We often get three mails at one time from the east. Uncle Sam pays for having our mails looked after. We are disgusted with this slip-shod kind of business and don't propose to stand it any longer. The people at Chelsea are shamefully treated by the postmasters and mail agents on the railroad. Plum Grove gets a mail as often as once a month. The Elk Falls mail is not carried at all, we understand. If Postmasters do not report the mail contractors to the Department at Washington, we will report the postmasters, and that right speedily.

[SOUTHWESTERN KANSAS: COWLEY COUNTY.]

Walnut Valley Times, Friday, January 12, 1872.

Cowley County.
[From the Cowley County Censor.]
L. J. Webb and E. G. Nichols have sold the Winfield Censor printing office to W. H. Kerns, who will continue the publication of the same at Winfield.

We notice with pleasure the fact that the Quakers of this town and vicinity are the most enterprising class of our citizens. Their religion is not stowed away in some remote corner of their heart, never to be brought to light.

[SOUTHWESTERN KANSAS: COWLEY COUNTY.]

Walnut Valley Times, January 19, 1872.

[From the Winfield MESSENGER.]
Three new houses going up at the present writing. Next spring we expect to record the erection of a dozen, every week. What we need are good substantial buildings. Who will be the first to put up a solid business block?

A sad accident occurred some five miles west of this place one day last week. A woman who was holding one end of a pole while her husband was nailing the other to keep the horses in the stable had her skull kicked in by one of the horses. She expired instantly. Her husband brought her here from Illinois only a week or two before this sad occurrence.

TISDALE. Although Tisdale was nothing but a myth six months ago, yet at the present it has a fair prospect of becoming a thriving town. It is situated eight miles east of Winfield, surrounded by one of the best farming districts in Southern Kansas.

There seems to be some trouble among the old officers and the newly elected who were to have changed last Monday. The Sheriff, J. M. Patterson, and the Register, W. A. Smith, claim that they were elected for two years, and had only served one year of their term. The newly elected officers, Mr. Parker, Sheriff, and Mr. Paul, Register, claim that the first election was irregular, and that they were elected at the regular election last fall. Mr. Patterson vacated his office on a compromise with Mr. Parker. Mr. Paul and Mr. Smith, both worthy gentlemen, and each believing himself in the right, show a determination to have a decision from the high tribunal of the State.

A man by the name of Beriah H. Trusdell, residing in the vicinity of Dexter, Cowley County, was found dead, on the 6th day of January, about two miles from his home. The Coroner's jury found a verdict that he came to his death "by age and exposure to the cold."

There is a petition going the rounds which will be presented to the Legislature the coming season, praying for a law that will compel the people to herd their cattle. That the settlers should have relief of this kind is evident, for it is out of the question to suppose that in a new county as thickly settled as Cowley there would be timber enough to fence the crops and keep them from being overrun by stray stock. More than this there are a great many here who are not able, at the present, to fence their claims, and it would be but little satisfaction to cultivate their crops and be in constant fear lest they should wake some morning and find the very bread snatched from the mouths of their children by a drove of hungry cattle.

If the law was limited to but five years, it would add wealth to our country; in that space of time they could have hedges, and the poor laboring man would be encouraged to strive and cultivate his land, besides, it would not fail to induce others to come and make their future homes in our midst. It is to be hoped that the Honorable Body will consider their peti tion, and pass a law for their relief, that cannot be decided unconstitutional.

Walnut Valley Times, January 19, 1872.

[From the Arkansas TRAVELER.]
Within the last two weeks, five new enterprises have come in. In fact, our town has been making a very creditable growth all winter; and from the present indications, we shall push ahead with wonderful rapidity when spring opens. The five additions are: Clothing Store, Drug Store, Barber Shop, Silversmith, and Harness Shops. This is encouraging. At this rate we shall have a city of the second class within another year. Everyone should use their utmost endeavors to encourage the enterprise and capital next spring.

OUR BRIDGE. The work on the Arkansas Bridge has been somewhat delayed, owing to the difficulty of obtaining the long timbers. Parties on Grouse contracted to furnish these, but trees of the right size were not to be found. Finally the timbers were ordered from Michigan, pine being substituted for native lumber, and they are now on the road. Mr. Hobson writes that he will commence work as soon as they arrive. The native lumber is nearly all on the ground.

[PERSONALS.]

Walnut Valley Times, January 19, 1872.

Dr. H. D. and Professor L. B. Kellogg of Arkansas City were in town last Tuesday.

Walnut Valley Times, January 19, 1872.

A new Judicial District, composed of the counties of Greenwood, Howard, Butler, Cowley, Sedgwick, and Sumner, is talked of.

Walnut Valley Times, January 19, 1872.

The Winfield paper says that Philip Koehler, of the National Hotel, of Augusta, was there last week trying to make arrangements to put up a grist mill on the Walnut at that place.

Walnut Valley Times, January 19, 1872.

Col. Alexander, of the law firm of Alexander & Saffold, made us a pleasant visit yesterday. The Colonel occasionally writes up the Augusta Republican in the absence of Major Davis. Winfield Messenger.

Walnut Valley Times, January 19, 1872.

CHANGED. We have received the first number of the Winfield Messenger, a new paper started at Winfield on the ruins of the old Censor. W. R. Kerns is the editor and publisher. Mr. Kerns starts out right and we believe will make his paper a success.

[SOUTHWESTERN KANSAS: COWLEY COUNTY.]

Walnut Valley Times, January 26, 1872.

[From the Arkansas TRAVELER.]
Cowley County.
Work on the Arkansas River bridge commences today. The pile-driver arrived a few days ago, and Mr. Hobson, the contractor, is expected every day. Laborers desiring work had better call on E. P. Kinne or on Dr. Keith, immediately.

There is a movement on foot to try and get a railroad from Eureka through Winfield and Arkansas City. We understand that the Arkansas City people had a meeting last Tuesday evening for the purposes of having some action taken in the matter. If Cowley County wishes to have a railroad, and wishes for one that will benefit her, we are of the opinion, from what we can learn at present, that this would be a desirable road to obtain. We regret that circumstances were such that we could not attend this meeting.

[PERSONALS.]

Walnut Valley Times, January 26, 1872.

Butler County is the largest in the State.

Walnut Valley Times, January 26, 1872.

Dr. A. S. Tandy, of Emporia, passed through town yesterday, on his way to Arkansas City.

Walnut Valley Times, January 26, 1872.

It is stated that the House Committee on County Seats and County Lines will report favorably for giving two Townships off the northwest of this County to form a new County.

[EDITORIAL PAGE.]

Walnut Valley Times, February 2, 1872.

ANNOUNCEMENT.
I am unexpectedly called away from home and will be gone about three weeks. W. P. Campbell will have editorial management of the TIMES during my absence.

T. B. MURDOCK.
[FROM ARKANSAS CITY.]

Walnut Valley Times, February 2, 1872.

FROM ARKANSAS CITY.
An old friend of ours, writing from Arkansas City under date of the 23rd says:

Work has been commenced on the bridge across the Arkansas River at that place.

Trade here is lively, and claims are changing hands in numerous instances. Parties with money are coming into the country. A company has been formed to operate the Salt springs in this vicinity.

Our people here are almost unanimous in a desire for a law that will do away with fencing.

There wandered here, from Wichita or Newton, a little while ago, one of those abandoned cases who are outcasts from the society of all good men and women. After being turned from every door, heart sick, and faint and weary in the rough journey, she took poison, and after lingering for days in agony, death conquered, and the river of life goes on here as though one waif had not floated away forever.

The sudden change in the weather is causing some pneumonia, otherwise, our health is very good.

[JUDICIAL DISTRICT BILL INTRODUCED.]

Walnut Valley Times, Friday, February 2, 1872.

Mr. Nichols, Howard County, has introduced a bill in the Legislature creating the Thirteenth Judicial District, comprised of the counties of Greenwood, Howard, Cowley, and Sumner.

[SOUTHWESTERN KANSAS: COWLEY COUNTY.]

Walnut Valley Times, February 2, 1872.

[From the Arkansas TRAVELER.]
Cowley County.
Within two or three weeks the Traveler will be enlarged to a seven column paper.

OSAGES.
The Osages have about completed their fall hunt and will return to their camping ground on the Shawkaska in a few days. Considering that the buffalo have been driven so far west, they have made a good hunt. There are about four hundred lodges in the whole tribe, and it is said they will average about twenty-five robes to the lodge. The main herd of buffalo is about one hundred and twenty miles west of Arkansas City. Straggling heads are found within a distance of thirty-five miles west. As the Indians return, the buffalo will follow, and by next spring the bulk of them will be within a radius of thirty miles west.

We learn from parties on the Grouse that settlers are continually crowding into the Territory, near the mouth of Beaver Creek, on to the so called Cherokee Strip, and that some have made permanent improvements. It does not seem right to have this tract of land set aside and held for Indians when there is not an Indian residing on it; and if any should be located thereon, they would not be able to gain a subsistence, as all the game has been frightened off and the buffalo driven far from them. Let the lands that are occupied by the Indians be held for them, and those that are not occupied and never will be, be brought into market for the settler. Although this land is very fertile and would make the best of farms for the settler, an Indian would starve to death if he were compelled to stay on it.

Walnut Valley Times, February 2, 1872.

[From the Winfield MESSENGER.]
The name of the Lone Tree Post Office, is changed to Little Dutch.

Mr. Foos will soon have his cheese factory in operation. He calculates to milk about one hundred cows. Mr. Evans of this place is engaged, and it being only three or four miles from Winfield, we may expect to buy our own home-made cheese.

The citizens considering the welfare of our town and County have concluded to print ten thousand or more circulars, describing our County, its towns, streams, and resources. Their object in doing so is to attract the attention of eastern people to share our rich and fertile homes.

TISDALE. This enterprising little town has voted $1,300 bonds to build a good school- house. They certainly mean business out that way, and they feel proud of their section of the country. They have two stores there at present, a shoemaker and a blacksmith shop. Persons desiring good claims can find them by going to this young town and making inquiries. The people are accommodating and will do all they can to assist you to a new house.

Winfield has twenty-six business houses including restaurants that do a small grocery trade, three blacksmith shops, three shoemakers, four saloons, two lumber yards, two meat markets, three hotels, one photographer, nine lawyers, two justices of the peace, three notary publics, two churches, one schoolhouse, besides its numerous dwelling houses. Its population is increasing daily. One year ago it did not have more than eight or ten houses, whereas, at present it must have houses enough to accommodate a population of between eight and nine hundred.

[PERSONALS.]

Walnut Valley Times, February 2, 1872.

We notice in the Arkansas City Traveler, that our old friend, Hon. Amos Walton, has resumed the practice of law in Arkansas City. We served three years with Mr. Walton in the army, and know him to be "true blue." Mr. Walton formerly resided in Douglass County and was elected to the Legislature for one or two terms. Besides being a good lawyer, he is in every respect a gentleman and we wish him success.

[PERSONALS.]

Walnut Valley Times, February 9, 1872.

The Legislature has appropriated $50,000 for Normal School buildings at Emporia, and $76,000 for the State Penitentiary at Leavenworth.

Walnut Valley Times, February 9, 1872.

The Legislature is at work securing protection to the quails. A bill is recommended for passage prohibiting anyone from shooting quails except upon his own farm.

Walnut Valley Times, February 9, 1872.

The Augusta Republican says: "We believe Col. Manning is innocent of the charges made against him in the Lawrence Standard, and that he is fully able to establish this fact by incontrovertible evidence."

Our cat, you know!

Walnut Valley Times, February 9, 1872.

The Arkansas Traveler is to be enlarged to a seven column paper and otherwise improved, the material being on hand. The Traveler is published at Arkansas City, a young and thriving town at the mouth of the Walnut, by Kellogg & Scott, and edited by L. B. Kellogg, late of the Emporia Normal School. It is one of our most welcome exchanges.

[KEITH & EDDY, ARKANSAS CITY MERCHANTS, DISCHARGED.]

Walnut Valley Times, February 16, 1872.

DISCHARGED.
Keith & Eddy, merchants in Arkansas City, were arrested a short time ago and brought before the United States Commissioner at that place upon a charge of passing counterfeit money.

It appears that they bought a draft from a man by the name of Hoyt, who afterwards paid $150 to another party. Somehow two of the bills of the denomination of $20 each found their way into the U. S. Land Office at Augusta, and resulted in the arrest of Keith & Eddy as above stated. One of the parties was examined upon the charge and discharged, and the case dismissed. They are both highly respectable citizens, and no one at Arkansas City believes either of them to be guilty of knowingly passing counterfeit money. But notwithstanding this, Mr. Brig. Gen. U. S. Deputy Marshal Barnes re-arrested them, and took them to Wichita for trial, where they were again discharged for want of evidence against them.

This man Barnes needs taking down about two button holes. He is cutting most too wide a swath for a man of his caliber. It has been but a short time since this same official came to Eldorado on a splurge. He arrested two boys traveling through the country on a charge of horse stealing; took and locked up their horses, and turned the boys loose. He swaggered around town during the next day, and seeing the boys were not disposed to run away and leave their horses, he released them.

When asked for his authority for arresting them, he was unable to show any; when the boys asked for legal advice, he abused and threatened the attorney, who being unarmed, had to take it. It seems that the Government ought to be able to find efficient officers who are, at the same time, gentlemen.

[PERSONALS.]

Walnut Valley Times, February 16, 1872.

Settlers upon the Osage lands are to have one year's extra time to pay for their homes, upon paying ten percent interest.

[EDITORIAL PAGE.]

Walnut Valley Times, February 23, 1872.

RETROSPECTIVE.
With this issue we close the second volume of the TIMES. . . .

"Cowley County was unorganized, and in possession of Indians. It now has several promising towns, two newspapers, and a population of about seven thousand. The total population of our County is about 10,000, being five times as much as it was two years ago."

[NEW DISTRICT.]

Walnut Valley Times, February 23, 1872.

NEW DISTRICT.
The House of Representatives has passed a bill creating the 13th Judicial District to be composed of the counties of Greenwood, Howard, Butler, Cowley, Sedgwick, and Sumner. This will no doubt meet the approbation of all the counties interested. We hope this bill will pass the Senate.

[SOUTHWESTERN KANSAS: COWLEY County.]

Walnut Valley Times, February 23, 1872.

Cowley County.
[From the Winfield MESSENGER.]
The election for the location of the County seat in Sumner County seems to be a fraud. An Injunction was served upon the County Commissioners prohibiting them from counting the votes. Oxford polled 500 votes. A report is circulating that the Oxford ballot box was stolen and that the citizens had a lively chase to get it. They will hold another election for the location of the County seat.

Walnut Valley Times, February 23, 1872.

[From the Arkansas TRAVELER.]
Lazette is the name of a new town started on Grouse Creek, about one mile north of Jeffersonville. Mr. Fall and a Mr. Ganes, from Johnson County, are the principle movers in this new enterprise. Thirty families from Olathe are expected to settle in Lazette next spring. We understand that Mr. Ganes has already put up a first class saw mill. We know that the Grouse valley is one of the finest in Kansas, and we see no good reason why this new town should not prove to be a thriving place.

[THE TRAVELER.]

Walnut Valley Times, February 23, 1872.

The Traveler.
We give below an article published in the Arkansas City Traveler upon its enlargement.

"We present our readers this week the Traveler enlarged and improved. Its actual circulation, nearly 700 copies each week, is much larger than that of any other newspaper published in Butler, Cowley, Howard, or Sumner Counties, with the single exception of the Eldorado TIMES. Its advertising patronage speaks for itself, and also for the enterprise and push of the businessmen of Arkansas City.

We do not think there is a newspaper in Kansas which receives a better home support, taking into account the size of the place in which it is published. Our object in mentioning this is not to glorify the Traveler, but simply to furnish another illustration of the kind of people making up this community. Intelligent men abroad, speaking of Arkansas City, have frequently said in our hearing that no town possessing such a class of citizens as this has, can fail. It is true. Arkansas City is not intended to fail. Without boasting, and without unneces- sary noise it proposes to keep plugging away, until it becomes a thriving, populous city commanding the trade of a large scope of country. Let the Traveler prophesy: Two thousand people in Arkansas City at the end of two years from this day, one railroad, and the Traveler a nine column paper; five thousand at the end of five years, three railroads, and the Traveler a daily; further, this prophet speaketh not.

[THE CHEROKEE STRIP.]

Walnut Valley Times, March 1, 1872. Front Page.

THE CHEROKEE STRIP.
The following letter will be interesting to all settlers on the Cherokee Strip. It is written to a gentleman who was at Washington last year as the agent of the settlers on that strip of landa strip on the south line of the State, three miles wide and two hundred and fifty miles longbelonging to the Cherokee Indians. We copy from the Chetopa Advance. Senator Pomeroy has lost no effort to secure this just measure, and his letter will be read with interest.

U. S. SENATE CHAMBER,
Washington, Feb. 8, 1872.
Mr. R. WRIGHT: I am glad to hear from you once more, and to assure you the strip bill shall pass. You did not labor here all last winter for nothing; and the Indians who abandoned their claims shall not be allowed to come back to take the lands from our settlers! I remember all you said, and your case in particular. The Cherokees, though, went back, this session, on the agreement of last year, and demanded to have them "appraised." But today, after a long hearing, they consented, and agreed before the secretary to stand by the bill with this change only:

"All lands east of the Arkansas River to be sold to the settlers, on one year's time without interest, at $1.50 per acre. And all west of the Arkansas at 75 cents per acre, etc."

I took 50 cents per acre off from the lands west of that river, and put 25 cents per acre on the lands east. This is a fixed agreement, and by it, I got rid of the appraisement. I did not like to trust it. I am sure you'd rather pay 25 cents more and have it fixed in the bill.

Write me if you have any suggestions to make; but I will stick to it till it goes through.

S. C. POMEROY.

[SOUTHWESTERN KANSAS: COWLEY COUNTY.]

Walnut Valley Times, March 1, 1872.

Cowley County.
[From the Winfield MESSENGER.]
INSANITY.
We understand that our Probate Judge held an examination upon an insane man, whose name we did not learn, on Thursday last. It seems that the man shot at his wife with a gun, with the determination of killing her, whereupon the son leveled a revolver at his father and fired. The ball grazed his chin, stunning the father so that the son had an opportunity to secure the gun and also his father. At the time we go to press, the examination is still in progress. We will give full particulars next week.

Seeing that half-sheets are becoming popular throughout the State, we thought we would try our hand at it. We have all the current news in this week, only we have not our usual supply of light reading. We are printing some ten thousand circulars for distribution, giving a full description of our town and county. Call and see them and send them to your friends in the East.

[SENATORIAL BRIBERY.]

Walnut Valley Times, Friday, March 22, 1872. Front Page.

SENATORIAL BRIBERY.
We have read many denunciations of the report of the Investigating Committee, and find considerable truth in them. The affair throughout was a "white-washing" arrangement and reflects but little on the committee which was chosen to investigate the frauds that were perpetrated by Clarke, Pomeroy, and Caldwell. They have utterly failed to prove that Pomeroy gained his seat by any illegal act, and for Clarke they proved that he gave some of the members of the Legislature a "free lunch," but it seems from the report that he lost his footing and therefore sold to Caldwell.

They have attempted to prove that Caldwell was the man who gave the most money for his seat in the Senate, and they made a very bad case out of it. Snoddy, the Chairman of the Committee, is charged with being corrupt himself, and that he feared to have some important witnesses brought before the committee on account of them implicating himself. The investigation will now come before the U. S. Senate, where it should have been in the first place. Winfield Messenger.

[THE THIRTEENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT.]

Walnut Valley Times, March 22, 1872.

Our readers are aware that at the last session of the Legislature, a new Judicial District was formed, composing the counties of Greenwood, Howard, Butler, Cowley, Sedgwick, and Sumner, and called the thirteenth Judicial District. . . .

The friends of various lawyers in the District presented the names of about half a dozen, as suitable candidates for the office of Judge.

Greenwood: I. R. Phenis.

Cowley: Col. Alexander; Mr. Fairbanks.

Sumner: Hon. W. P. Hackney; Hon. R. C. Sluss; and Judge Tucker.

Butler: W. P. Campbell.

The friends of W. P. Campbell, and especially the lawyers of this city, were unanimous in their request that he should receive the appointment. Besides receiving the support of his friends here, he was highly recommended by many of the prominent lawyers, Judges, and Legislators throughout the State. On last Friday, we were happy in receiving the intelligence that W. P. Campbell had received the appointment.

Judge Campbell came to this State from Kentucky over two years ago, and since his location here, has always been considered one of the leading lawyers of Southwestern Kansas; and while here has received the support and patronage of those who desired the services of the best legal talent that could be secured. As a lawyer, he has the friendship and good will of the profession; as a citizen, he is courteous and gentlemanly, and has many warm friends who feel honored in his promotion. As a Judge, we feel assured that he will not only do honor to the bench, but that he will also receive the substantial support and recommendation of the legal profession throughout the entire District. We certainly wish him every success in his new field of labor.

[THE WALNUT VALLEY R. R.: ARKANSAS CITY TRAVELER.]

Walnut Valley Times, March 22, 1872.

THE WALNUT VALLEY R. R.
The people of Augusta are evidently repenting of their opposition to the Walnut Valley Railroad. They now urge it, and are willing to do all in their power to aid its construction. We are glad to chronicle this spasm on the part of Augusta. The truth is the Valley road is a necessity, is THE road for Butler and Cowley counties. Cowley also needs the Wichita and Arkansas City railroad, and an east and west road.

Mr. Cooke of the Winfield Town company, who has been spending several weeks at Topeka, during the last session of the Legislature, informs us that there is every prospect of the speedy building of this road; that the Kansas Pacific proposes to take hold of the matter in earnest this summer. Arkansas Traveler.

[PERSONALS.]

Walnut Valley Times, March 22, 1872.

DISTRICT COURT. The first term of the District Court for the new (13th district) Judicial District, will be held in Cowley County commencing on next Wednesday. His Honor, Judge Campbell, will preside.

[DOWN THE VALLEY.]

Walnut Valley Times, March 29, 1872.

DOWN THE VALLEY.
EDITOR TIMES: In company with E. S. Stephenson, our well known artist, I bid farewell to our thriving little village on Sunday last, and departed for Winfield, the County seat of Cowley County. In passing down the Valley, one cannot but become enthusiastic over the rapid progress and development made by our enterprising and energetic farmers. . . .

We finally beheld Winfield and ere long we alighted at the "Bradish House," where we found Judge W. P. Campbell and others of the legal fraternity assembled and engaged in interesting conversation. The "Bradish House" is indeed one of the best hotels in the Valley, and travelers will always find an accommodating hostess, and table spread with the best the market affords. . . . Perambulating through Main Street, we finally strolled into the Messenger office, where we found the typos "slinging type with a vengeance." We had the pleasure of an introduction to the editor, Mr. Kerns, who we found a polite, clever, and affable gentleman.

Hearing the stentorian voice of Mr. Parker, the Sheriff of the County, announcing the District Court in session, we repaired to the Court Room where we found Judge Campbell on the bench presiding with his usual dignity and grace.

We had the pleasure of forming an acquaintance with Col. Alexander, R. B. Saffold, E. S. Torrance, Col. Manning, Judge Johnson, and Capt. Fairbanks, all members of the legal fraternity, and composing the Winfield Bar.

Judging from conversations with members of the Bar, I should infer that Judge Campbell, by his courteous and affable manner as a citizen, his ability, integrity, and sobriety as a Judge, is gaining many friends, and will no doubt shed luster upon the position he now so ably fills. . . . A. B.

[PERSONALS.]

Walnut Valley Times, March 29, 1872.

Alexander, of Cowley County, is a candidate for State Senator for this District.

Walnut Valley Times, March 29, 1872.

Adam Bloom was admitted to the bar at the late term of Court in Cowley County.

Walnut Valley Times, March 29, 1872.

Mr. S. D. Pryor, of Augusta, gave us a friendly call this week, and we are gratified to learn that he has come here with the intention of locating and opening a law office. Mr. Pryor is an acknowledged well read man and talented lawyer, and Winfield will add another useful member to her class of able men, by the addition of Mr. Pryor. We trust our citizens will extend to him a generous welcome. He will be found for the present at the office of Alexander & Saffold. Winfield Messenger.

Walnut Valley Times, March 29, 1872.

We learn from the Commonwealth that Hon. W. P. Campbell of Eldorado has been appointed Judge of our new judicial district. It is our opinion that Judge Campbell is well qualified to fill the position with credit to himself and the district; without disparagement to other members of the bar whose names were mentioned in connection with the judgeship, we may say that the Governor's choice could not have fallen upon a man in the district who would be more likely to give general satisfaction to all parties concerned than Judge Campbell. Arkansas Traveler.

Walnut Valley Times, March 29, 1872.

We are happy to inform our readers that the indications now are that the Kansas Pacific Railway Company will commence work on our Walnut Valley railroad within a short time. The President of the K. P. has assured a number of individuals, including Judge McIntire, of this place, that his company is ready to build the road this season if the local franchises can be secured. It is now time for Cowley County to take hold in earnest. No need to be deprived of the advantages of a railroad longer than the time actually required to build it. Arkansas Traveler.

[WALNUT VALLEY RAILROAD: FROM ARKANSAS CITY TRAVELER.]

Walnut Valley Times, April 5, 1872.

WALNUT VALLEY RAILROAD.
The Arkansas Traveler of last week contains the following article in reply to the Augusta Republican on the Walnut Valley Railroad.

"The Republican replies to our complimentary intimation that Augusta has repented of her hostility to the Walnut Valley Railroad Company by saying that we are misinformed. The Republican wants a railroad in the Walnut Valley but wants it to come from Peabody via the Valley of the Whitewater, to Augusta, and thence down the Walnut; and it asks: "Will the Traveler and the people of the thriving little town of Arkansas City aid in its construction?"

Augusta still wants to be put on record as bitterly opposed to the Walnut Valley enterprise as it now stands; the bonds already voted, to quote the words of the Republican, "are not worth the powder to blow them up," the whole thing was an "Emporia and Eldorado trick," and that sort of stuff.

We submit that if the newspaper correctly represents the sentiment of the town, Augusta is verging on the madness which precedes destruction.

We can readily see that if Augusta could within a reasonable time obtain an east and west road and this Whitewater road, and prevent Eldorado from securing any railroad, town lots at Augusta would sell far more readily than they do today. But no sane man outside of her corporate limits can see just how all this is to be brought about. But if Augusta will abandon this utterly selfish policy, and join hands with Eldorado, Douglass, Chelsea, and the balance of the County, the Valley road will shortly be put under contract and all of the above mentioned towns at once enter upon a career of prosperity in striking contrast, certainly, with the present stagnation at Augusta.

Now, for our position in answer to the Republican's question: We will work for any and every road that promises to be of substantial benefit to the people of Cowley County. If you can manage your Whitewater enterprise and desire to push it down the valley to this place, of course we will help.

But candidly, neighbor, the Walnut Valley road via Chelsea, Eldorado, Augusta, Douglass, and Winfield, to Arkansas City, and, as soon as possible, on to an intersection with the Atlantic and Pacific, and with the Gulf as its ultimate terminus, is the road we should all work for.

What say you men and "brethren," along the line, cannot we all work together for the accomplishment of this grand railroad achievement? Chase, Morris, Wabaunsee, and Shawnee will join us in building this great trunk road from Topeka to the Gulf.

[PERSONALS.]

Walnut Valley Times, April 12, 1872.

The Arkansas City Traveler says that it understands that Hon. G. P. Smith, of Humboldt, will be a candidate for Congress before the Republican Convention next fall. This makes the four hundred and fifteenth candidate for Congress from Kansas.

[SETTLERS IN THE TERRITORY.]

Walnut Valley Times, April 12, 1872.

SETTLERS IN THE TERRITORY.
Senator Morrill of Maine recently introduced a resolution asking the Secretary of the Interior to furnish what information he might have respecting the occupancy of the Indian Territory by unauthorized persons. The reply was as follows.

I have respectfully to report the latest information on the subject is contained in a communication addressed to this office, 28th ultimo, by John B. Jones, United States agent of the Cherokee Indians, in which he quotes from a letter received by him from Isaac Gibson, United States agent for the Osage Indians, to the effect that the latter had been across the Arkansas River, twenty miles south of the Kansas line, where he found hundreds of settlers who informed him that all the good lands for fifteen miles down the river were claimed up; that most of the timber lands and valleys are claimed from Coffeyville to Arkansas River for twenty or thirty miles into the Indian Territory; that the settlers are sanguine of holding their claims, and say if they are not molested until the 1st of March, their numbers will be so great that the Government will not dare attempt their removal.

Agent Jones adds that there are also many intruders east of the ninety-sixth meridian in the Cherokee country. In addition to the foregoing, it is known that there are many intruders along the lines of the railroad in the Indian Territory, but this office is unable to give their number from the date at present in its possession.

[EDITORIAL PAGE: THE WICHITA EAGLE...M. M. MURDOCK.]

Walnut Valley Times, April 19, 1872.

THE WICHITA EAGLE.
. . . The Eagle is hatchedthe shell is broken, the bird is born, and its name is Wichita. M. M. Murdock's new venture, the Wichita Eagle, made its appearance on our table last Friday.

. . . We knock under to the superior skill and taste of our elder brother, and pronounce his paper much handsomer than ours. We wish the new paper a prosperous journey through life, and hope it may ever be found battling for liberty, truth, and the rights of the people.

[W. V. RAILROAD MEETING.]

Walnut Valley Times, April 19, 1872.

RECAP: WALNUT VALLEY RAILROAD COMPANY DIRECTORS MET IN AUGUSTA ON SATURDAY, APRIL 13TH. IN THE ABSENCE OF ANDREW AKING, PRESIDENT, L. B. SNOW WAS ELECTED CHAIRMAN.

Directors present: C. N. James, Sec., M. M. Jewett, Treas., L. B. Snow, H. O. Meigs, A. J. Uhl, D. A. Millington, J. M. Rayburn, J. C. Becker, and J. M. Alexander.

H. O. Meigs had the proxies of A. D. Keith and T. McIntire, authorizing him to cast their votes on any business that may come before the meeting of Directors.

They came up with Resolution: That this company shall immediately take such steps as will insure the building of the Walnut Valley Railroad as speedily as possible.

Walnut Valley Times, April 26, 1872.

RECAP: THE WALNUT VALLEY TIMES BRINGS OUT THE PUSH FOR A RAILROAD BY ELDORADO: $150,000 STOCK IN THE FORT SCOTT, HUMBOLDT & WESTERN RAILWAY (FIFTH PARALLEL)...DIRECT EAST AND WEST ROAD FROM ST. LOUIS TO FORT SCOTT, AND THENCE WEST TO THE ARKANSAS RIVER. ALL INTEREST IN ANY RAILROAD TO ARKANSAS CITY AT THIS TIME DIES A SUDDEN, QUICK DEATH.

ALSO, THEY KNOCK AUGUSTA FOR A LOOP BY QUOTING KANSAS STATUTES AT THEM, KILLING CHANGE OF COUNTY SEAT FOR THE TIME BEING.

[PERSONALS.]

Walnut Valley Times, May 3, 1872.

Hon. T. R. Wilson, of Arkansas City, is spending a few days in town.

Walnut Valley Times, May 3, 1872.

The Wichita Eagle is the name of a paper just started at Wichita by Hon. M. M. Murdock, formerly of the Burlington Chronicle. The Murdocks seem to have special skill in getting up neat papers. Until the Eagle made its appearance, we thought the WALNUT VALLEY TIMES about the neatest paper in the State. Atchison Champion.

[TWO MURDERS: WILLIAM KRANE, ETC. BRUSH AND HARTMAN.]

Walnut Valley Times, May 17, 1872.

[From the Winfield MESSENGER.]
TWO MURDERS.
Murder No. 1. We give it in full, as it came to us. It seems that a man by the name of William Krane and his wife, living in the southeast part of the County, have not lived very happily together, and the consequence was that they repeatedly threatened to separate; and the wife was determined to leave and return to her relatives in Missouri. Now in this neighborhood there lived a man named John Weymyer, who also was from Missouri, and had received intelligence that compelled him to sell his claim and leave for that State. Mrs. Krane, hearing of this, availed herself of the opportunity of accompanying him. They had proceeded about a mile from their recent homes on their journey to Missouri, when they were overtaken by Krane, in company with one McNett. Krane and McNett rode up to the wagon, and on nearing it, Krane drew up a musket, loaded with buckshot, and fired at Weymyer, killing him almost instantly. Mrs. Krane, sitting in another part of the wagon, was uninjured. McNett was arrested as an accomplice. Krane went to the Territory, but was afterwards induced to come over the line and give himself up. They are both in the hands of the Sheriff and deputies at the present, and will have to go to Emporia, in all probability, to be lodged in jail.

We cannot learn whether Krane had any enmity against Weymyer, but the general report is that McNett was connected in some way about inducing Krane to his hasty action. It is said that McNett loaded the gun; how true this is we are not able to state.

Murder No. 2. Two men living in the southern part of this County by the name of Chas. Brush and Johnson Hartman purchased a plow in partnership. Hartman had used the plow more than was liked by Brash, so he concluded to take it home, and with the assistance of a couple of men did so. Hartman called at the residence of Brash and asked for the plow. He was told to go and take it, but on finding it, he discovered that Brash had taken his half interest of the plow off, whereupon Hartman returned to the house, and standing in the door, drew his revolver on Brash and demanded the parts he took from the plow. Brash, having no way of getting out of the house, saw that his only chance lay in defending himself, and he snatched his revolver and shot Hartman, killing him almost instantly. He was brought before a justice of the peace, and it being proven that he committed the murder in self defense, he was discharged.

[PERSONALS.]

Walnut Valley Times, May 17, 1872.

Our younger brother, R. P. Murdock, of Emporia, arrived here on last Tuesday and will spend a few days in the railroad metropolis of the Southwest.

[THE COUNTY SEAT QUESTION.]

Walnut Valley Times, May 24, 1872. Front Page.

THE COUNTY SEAT QUESTION.
Elsewhere we publish the order for an election to be held in this County on Saturday, June 1st, 1872, for the removal and relocation of the County seat of Butler County.

The voters of this County have, at three distinct and separate elections, selected Eldorado as the town where the County seat of this County should be.

Not satisfied with this, the people of Augusta and immediate vicinity have succeeded in having another election called for relocation. . . .

Walnut Valley Times, May 24, 1872.

RECAP. Appears that two of the Murdocks must attend Judge Dillon's Jury at Topeka [Wichita and El Dorado Murdock]. Grand Jury held at Topeka April 1872 uncovered all sorts of land frauds at the U. S. Land Office, formerly at Augusta and now at Wichita, Kansas. Frauds uncovered supposed to have been committed at Augusta within the last two years before trial called.

[PERSONALS.]

Walnut Valley Times, May 24, 1872.

The removal of the land office, brought about by the Eldorado ring, was the means of taking at least $50,000 of taxable property outside the limits of Butler County.

Augusta Republican.

The fifty thousand dollars thus taken out of the County, according to the report of the Grand Jury, was first stolen from the settlers who had to prove up on their lands.

[EDITORIAL PAGE.]

Walnut Valley Times, May 31, 1872.

The Editor is absent.

Walnut Valley Times, May 31, 1872.

A recent dispatch states the partial destruction of San Francisco by an earthquake, and the destroying of 3,000 lives.

Walnut Valley Times, May 31, 1872.

The United States Grand Jury, lately in session at Topeka, has finished the investigation and finds that extensive land frauds have been perpetrated in Southwest Kansas, under the homestead and pre-emption acts, and recommends the removal of certain officers, and the erasure of many false and fraudulent entries.

[EDITORIAL PAGE.]

Walnut Valley Times, June 7, 1872.

INJUNCTION GRANTED.
Upon proper application, Judge W. P. Campbell granted a temporary Injunction upon the County Commissioners, restraining them from canvassing the vote on the County seat election until a hearing can be had on the legality of the election as called by the County Commissioners. The hearing is set for June 17th.

We learn that interested parties will test the validity of the County seat election in the courts. It is high time that something should be done to check the illegal proceedings had at these County seat elections. We hope that a most thorough investigation may be had, and that justice may be done to all parties.

Walnut Valley Times, June 7, 1872.

Recap election totals for county seat change to Augusta.

Against change: Eldorado had 1,020 votes.

For change: Augusta had 1,224 votes.

Majority for change: 204 votes.

[EDITORIAL PAGE.]

Walnut Valley Times, June 21, 1872.

The editor is still absent.

Walnut Valley Times, June 21, 1872.

COUNTY SEAT INJUNCTION CASE.
This case came up last Monday in the District Court, Judge Campbell presiding, and after argument it was decided that the petition did not show that the plaintiffs were entitled to the relief demanded, and the temporary injunction was denied. The plaintiff presented a bill of exceptions, and the court enjoined the County commissioners from canvassing the vote until the matter can be heard in the Supreme Court. The plaintiffs were required to give bond in the sum of $10,000, and to file their petition in error in the Supreme Court within ten days.

Walnut Valley Times, June 21, 1872.

Portions of article concerning Injunction case re change of county seat to Augusta and actions taken by people in Augusta.

"The town [Eldorado] was guarded by about eighty well armed men on Sunday night. Towards morning a good many people living in the country had heard about it and came in well armed, and determined to resist any lawless acts of the Augusta people. Supposing that the only danger was in the night, some of the country people went home at daylight and most of the town people took their arms home and went to work.

"Court opened on Monday at 9 o'clock, A. M., and the injunction case was taken up at ten, on the motion of the commissioners to dissolve the injunction, and the case was being argued by one of the Augusta attorneys in support of the motion.

"At the hour of eleven, about 125 men from Augusta and vicinity, some on horseback and some in wagons, rode into town and stopped at the courthouse, dismounted, and hitched their horses. Their arms were hidden in the wagons. Of course the matter created some consternation in the court room, which was soon cleared, but the court proceeded with its business. No demonstrations were made, but each side seemed determined. The Augusta people announced that they were going to take the County recordspeaceably if they could, forcibly if they must. The Eldorado people quietly told them they had better not, and a fight seemed inevitable.

"About 4 in the afternoon Col. Baker made a speech to the mob and persuaded them to go back to Augusta and partake of a supper to be prepared by the ladies, and in the meantime to consult as to their plans in the future. This suggestion was readily accepted and acted upon, and in a few minutes all was quiet. The people saw that they had been duped, and that the reports which inflamed their passions were all ingenious fabrications, and the leaders of the movement are heartily ashamed. They went to Augusta and had a supper prepared for them by the hospitable ladies of that town, and had some speeches and a good time, and all went home happy, resolving to be good, law-abiding citizens in the future, and we sincerely hope they will."

[CONVENTION: KANSAS CITY, EMPORIA & WALNUT VALLEY RAILROAD.]

Walnut Valley Times, July 19, 1872.

RAILROAD CONVENTION.
Delegates from the several conventions along the line of the Kansas City, Emporia & Walnut Valley Railroad, and from Kansas City, met at the courthouse in Emporia July 11th to consider the matter of raising money and apportioning to each locality along the line its equitable share to build the road. Prof. H. B. Norton, of Arkansas City, was made chairman, and Prof. Warner Craig, of Osage County, secretary.

Entitled to seats in the convention

Cowley County: H. B. Norton, L. R. Kellogg, C. A. Bliss, and C. A. Millington.

Butler County: W. M. Sparks, A. L. Redden, and T. B. Murdock.

Among those who were made directors

Cowley County: C. A. Bliss and Thomas Blanchard, of Winfield, and A. D. Keith, of Arkansas City.

Butler County: Wm. Sparks, of Chelsea, T. B. Murdock, of Eldorado, and Neil Wilkie, of Douglass.

[PERSONALS.]

Walnut Valley Times, July 26, 1872.

A party of buffalo hunters from Timber Creek in Cowley County passed through town last Saturday on their return from a buffalo hunt. From C. L. Clabaugh, Esq., one of the party, we learn that they found buffalo in great numbers sixty miles west from the Arkansas River and within fifteen miles of the settlements on the Chikaska. They also found wild plums in the greatest abundance. The party returned after an absence of five days out from Oxford loaded with buffalo meat and plums. Oxford Press.

[COMMUNICATION FROM "H. K. W." - ARKANSAS CITY.]

Walnut Valley Times, August 16, 1872. Front Page.

FROM ARKANSAS CITY.
ARKANSAS CITY, Aug. 5, 1872.
EDITOR TIMES: Our country sends you word that we are reveling in the delights of a beautiful harvest and scarcity of money. Reconcile that sentence if you can; if you can't, form your own opinion on the facts.

With regard to crops, I will say that four years in succession have been seasonable here and in this vicinity, and this year it could scarcely be better. The oat crop has been heavy and considerable sown. The wheat crop is better than in almost any other portion of Kansas, and there will be a great deal sown this Fall.

The herd law has worked admirably, giving every man who had a team a chance to raise a subsistence and so far no trouble, and the thousands that would have been invested in fences has been put into buildings and cultivation, and the hedge rows broken for miles in a line show that in a few years we shall be the best fenced county in the State. While neither the country nor the towns have gone ahead with a rush, there has been a steady progress, and the changes have been from those with little capital to those that have more.

Arkansas City has been organized as a city of the third class with a full set of officers, and proposes to be the Emporia and the Emporium of the Southwest.

The agitation now is for a railroad from Wichita to this place. A company has been formed, money raised for a survey, and the survey completed; finding out of the easiest grades within the State and extending through a country whose productive capacity will make a great local trade, besides being a link in a connection from gulf to ocean. Situated as you are in your county, through local strife we cannot carry county bonds, and so we shall build it through the aid of the Townships.

We have barrels of salt running out of Salt Creek into the Arkansas River, while day after day barrels of salt are brought into town from three or four hundred miles east. There are claims still to be taken up, and land already claimed and deeded can be had very cheap. Many of the old settlers are in a quandary now. Having overrun the time allowed for purchase by the law, they are denied the right to purchase the land, and don't know when they can get it. Health, with the exception of the ague, is very good.

Politics will run high, both parties claiming to be strong. Each will have a full ticket in the field and work for it. Yours, H. K. W.

[WALNUT VALLEY RAILWAY.]

Walnut Valley Times, August 30, 1872.

WALNUT VALLEY RAILWAY.
Two Hundred and Sixty Majority for the Proposition
In the Four Townships Along the Line.
---
The Road to be put under contract within sixty days
from the voting of the Franchises. Selah.
---
Eldorado all ablaze with excitement in Anticipation
Of the Speedy Building of the Road.
It is extremely gratifying to be able to announce that all the Bonds for the Walnut Valley Railway have been voted, and that we have assurance that work will soon commence on the road.

For nearly three years the citizens of this and other portions of the county have been earnestly at work to secure a railroad, knowing that without one, we could not expect to be successful in building up a town here, and could not hope for prosperity to attend the efforts of the citizens of the County. . . .

Our road, to be constructed from Cedar Point, a station on the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway, to Eldorado, a distance of thirty miles, will be in all respects a first-class railroad, and will be owned and operated by the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe company, a first-class company. The Townships of Cottonwood, in Chase County, Sycamore, Chelsea, and Eldorado, in Butler County, have voted to donate Township bonds to the amount of five thousand dollars per mile to secure this road.

With the completion of this road, we shall feel amply repaid for all our past labors, and shall buckle on our armor with renewed faith in the future, ready for new conquests and new victories.

[THE COUNTY SEAT QUESTION.]

Walnut Valley Times, September 13, 1872.

THE COUNTY SEAT QUESTION.
The Supreme Court of the State reverses the decision of W. P. Campbell, in the County seat case sent up from this County. The citizens of Eldorado enjoined the County Commissioners from canvassing the vote on the County seat Election. Judge Campbell dissolved the injunction and an appeal was taken. The Supreme Court decides to sustain the injunction and make it perpetual, thus preventing the commissioners from ever canvassing the vote.

All the officers of the County have been enjoined from removing from Eldorado and this case will be tried in the November term of court, at which time the question will be settled, so far as the last election is concerned. The decision of the Supreme Court is in accordance with the position taken by the TIMES when the election was ordered. Let us have peace.

[TEACHER'S INSTITUTE: H. B. NORTONEDITOR, BENT MURDOCK.]

Walnut Valley Times, October 25, 1872.

H. B. Norton, of Arkansas City, was at our Teachers' Institute during its session and thus writes of us in the Arkansas Traveler.

The town was full of handsome school ma'ams and their cavaliers. An Institute of over seventy teachers convened on the 23rd prox. It was a gala week. Everybody kept open house, hospitality ran rampant, and we "boarded round" right royally. Our bighearted and digestive friend, Bent Murdock, gave away a big edition of his paper to the teachers.

The TIMES is building a cut stone block, and waxes fat. Eldorado is the largest and most wealthy town in the valley. Judge Campbell is opposed to the one term principle, and is going to be re-nominated. So be it. Dr. White resembles Jeshurun, and sells infinite piles of quinine. His lady's ministrations of hospitality will be remembered for a long time to come. They are glorious hosts.

Walnut Valley is full of people, full of corn, full of grit; but hogs are scarce, fruit scanty, and money wanting. We wait for a railroad with anguished hearts. Heaven speed the day.

["DIXIE"]

Walnut Valley Times, December 20, 1872.

A new town has been started in Cowley County four miles south of Arkansas City, called "Dixie." It is on the extreme south line of Kansas and has a good prospect of two railroads from the northwest and northeast. It is on the Texas cattle trail, and has a flattering prospect of making a large town.

TOWARD THE END OF THIS ROLL OF MICROFILM, THERE WAS VERY LITTLE TO BE GATHERED IN THE WAY OF NEWS...MOST OF THE SHEETS OF THE NEWSPAPER WERE BADLY TORN...JUST SCRAPS IN SOME CASES.

PAPER ENDS WITH "DIXIE" ITEM - DECEMBER 20, 1872.