THE WINFIELD COURIER

[Starting with Thursday, May 1, 1879.]

[NAVIGATION OF THE ARKANSAS]

THURSDAY, MAY 1, 1879 - FRONT PAGE.

Report of Mr. J. D. McKown, Assistant Engineer.

U. S. ENGINEER'S OFFICE.

St. Louis, Mo., Jan. 27, 1879.

Major: I herewith respectfully submit the following report of the examination of the Arkansas river from the mouth of the Little Arkansas river to Fort Smith.

In accordance with orders received from this office, I proceeded to Wichita, Kansas, and commenced the examination of the river at the mouth of the Little Arkansas.

The latter stream empties into the main river a short distance above Wichita, part of the water is diverted from its natural channel to supply a mill, but again comes into the main river some two and a half miles below the city. The Arkansas river is very tortuous in its course, that portion from Wichita to Arkansas City passing through a prairie country, and has very little timber on the banks, a thin growth of cottonwood and willow prevailing.

The bed of the stream is very wide for the amount of water running, and is of a light sandy nature, quicksand prevailing in a large degree. In many places where the current is strong, there is a thin layer of gravel over the sand, which once broken through shows the soft sand underneath.

As we go down the river, rock becomes somewhat frequent, rock ridges often crossing the stream, sometimes almost amounting to rapids, and leaving but little room for passage of boats at low water.

I had the advantage of seeing the river at a very low stage of water and in its worst condition. At no time during the examination was there a rise of more than six inches, and that lasted but a few days.

MILES.

From Wichita to Arkansas City ........................ 65

From Arkansas City to the State line ................. 14

From State line to Grand River ....................... 236

From Grand River to Ft. Smith ........................ 94

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TOTAL: ...................... 400

The small amount of money available rendered rapid work necessary, and hurried reconnaissance was all that could be made. On such information as I could obtain, I respectfully submit the following approximate estimate of the cost of improving the river for steamboat navigation at low water.

The Little Arkansas river empties into the Arkansas about three quarters of a mile above the bridge at Wichita. The bed of the main stream is from 600 to 800 feet wide from there to the bridge. The slope of the river from this mouth of the Little Arkansas to a point 1 mile below is 3.03 feet; high water mark at Wichita from the best information obtainable is 7.45 feet above low water, but as the landing would probably be below it, it need not be taken into consideration.

From Wichita to El Paso, a distance of some 15 miles, the slope of the river is about 3 feet per mile, or 45 feet for the whole distance. The bed of the river is generally wide, and to within 2 miles of El Paso needs a continued series of dikes and dams to contract it to a proper width, which would be about 150 feet. This would take a dike of 600 feet every half mile for 13 miles, or 7,800 feet in all. About 2 miles above El Paso, the river narrows down to about the required width, with not less than 3 feet of water in the channel. This extends for nearly 2 miles.

From El Paso to Oxford the distance is 25 miles. The difference of level between the two places is about 69 feet, giving a slope of 2.75 feet per mile. This piece of river is a continual series of comparatively short bends, and the water being forced on the convex side of them, forms a good channel in most places. It will require about 78,000 feet of dam for this distance, or 312 feet per mile.

About 1 1/4 miles above Oxford there is a brush and rock dam which is built for the purpose of throwing in a race or ditch, where it is used for mill-power. The dam is a slight, irregular-built affair, angling down stream.

The difference of the level of the water above and below it at the left bank is 1.37 feet. The right bank here is about 40 feet high and of talcose slate.

At Oxford there is a pontoon bridge. A roadway built to it is made of rock, brush, and prairie hay, the latter predominating, and seems to make an excellent dike, closing the river in to about 150 feet, and making a good channel along the bluff for about a half mile.

Some 4 miles above Oxford the Ninnescah creek empties into the river, adding something to the volume of water.

Brush for mattresses is quite scarce on the river from Wichita to this place; but there is but little doubt that the tall, rank prairie grass, which is indigenous to this region, and grows in great abundance, could be used to advantage in the work by mixing it in with the brush, and in all probability would be economical.

From Arkansas City to Kaw Agency, the distance is 44 miles. The fall of the river between these points is 110 feet, or 2.5 feet per mile.

It will take about 16,500 feet of work to improve this part of the river, or 375 feet per mile.

The river banks are becoming better timbered, and the river improving. The Walnut river empties about 6 miles below Arkansas City and adds a fair amount to the volume of water in the river.

Below the Walnut the river changes somewhat in character. The banks and bluffs are higher and more rocky, the bed of the river more narrow, and timber more plentiful. Oak, hickory, pecan, walnut, hackberry, and many other varieties are common. Cottonwood, of course, is always to be found on the banks and low grounds. Below and near the State line, and a few miles further down, about the mouth of Caloca creek, a quantity of loose rock apparently piled up during freshets, shows itself in the river. Some of this rock should be removed and a dam thrown in to concentrate the water. About $3,000 would do it.

On this piece of river, from Kaw Agency to Salt creek, the distance is 62 miles. The slope of the river is 136 feet, or about 2.3 feet per mile. It will take about 28,000 feet of dam to improve it, or 451 feet per mile. On this part of the river snags are becoming more plentiful. Between Kaw Agency and Salt creek the Salt Fork empties; it throws in considerable water.

From Salt creek to Black Bear creek, a distance of 15 miles, the river is wide and bad, and will take about 14,000 feet of dam to improve it, or 933 feet per mile. The slope is about 2.2 feet per mile, or 33 feet for the distance of 15 miles. Black Bear creek comes in on the right, and adds something to the amount of water in the river, even when very low.

From Black Bear creek to Cimmaron river the distance is 62 miles. The bed of the river is very wide and sandy, sometimes getting as wide as 2,000 feet. It will take some 20,500 feet of dam to improve this part of the river, or 500 feet per mile. The slope of the river is about 1.8 feet per mile, or 112 feet for the distance of 62 miles.

The Cimmaron or Red Fork of the Arkansas comes in on the right, and contributes a considerable amount of water to the main river. Its deep red tinge is in strong contrast with the muddy water of the Arkansas, and the waters running side by side some distance before mingling have a marked and unique appearance.

From the Cimmaron, to the mouth of Grand river, the distance is 87 miles. The slope of the river in this distance is about 152 feet, or 1.75 per mile. It will take about 38,000 feet of dam to improve this portion of the river, or 437 feet per mile.

About 3 miles above the mouth of Grand river is the bridge of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas railroad. The length is 800 feet; there are four spans of 200 feet each, and the lower chord is 34 above low water. The bridge is a strong and handsome structure, built of wood and iron. It has no draw, and may be considered an obstruction.

About 1/4 of a mile above, the mouth of the Verdigris empties, and makes quite an addition to the volume of water. The Grand river discharges still more than the Verdigris, and to-gether they make a very perceptible difference in the main stream.

Below the mouth of the Grand, the river changes very much in its character. The bed of the river is not so wide, the channel much better, and the bars and banks contain more gravel.

From the mouth of Grand river to Greenleaf's creek, about 28 miles, generally good; 5,000 feet of dam will suffice for this distance, but it is almost impassible in places on account of snags which in some localities almost fill the water-way.

At Greenleaf's creek the river was closed with ice, and the examination had to be abandoned. But as Mr. Albert had made a survey of that part of the river in 1879, his report will give information concerning it. The distance from Grand river to Fort Smith is 94 miles, and I should think that $150,000 would be sufficient for its improvement.

In the above estimates I have taken the costs of the dams at $4.50 per linear foot, which I think would be sufficient as most all of the work would be in shallow water.

SUMMARY.

LOCALITY. DISTANCE, MILES.

Wichita to El Paso ............................. 11

El Paso to Oxford .............................. 25

Oxford to Arkansas City .................... 25

Arkansas City to Kaw Agency ........... 44

Kaw Agency to Salt creek .................. 62.5

Salt creek to Black Bear creek ........... 15

Black Bear creek to Cimmaron river . 41.5

Cimmaron river to Grand river .......... 87

Grand river to Fort Smith ................... 94

TOTAL: 409

LOCALITY: Linear Feet of dam.

Wichita to El Paso ............................. 7,200

El Paso to Oxford .............................. 7,800

Oxford to Arkansas City .................... 17,000

Arkansas City to Kaw Agency ........... 16,500

Kaw Agency to Salt creek .................. 28,000

Salt creek to Black Bear creek ........... 14,000

Black Bear creek to Cimmaron river . 20,500

Cimmaron river to Grand river .......... 38,600

Grand river to Fort Smith ...................... ......

TOTAL: 149,000

LOCALITY: Cost of rock excavations.

El Paso to Oxford .............................. $3,000

Arkansas City to Kaw Agency .......... $3,000

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TOTAL: $6,000

LOCALITY: Total cost.

Wichita to El Paso ............................. $37,000

El Paso to Oxford .............................. $38,600

Oxford to Arkansas City .................... $76,500

Arkansas City to Kaw Agency ........... $77,250

Kaw Agency to Salt creek .................. $126,000

Salt Creek to Black Bear creek .......... $63,000

Black Bear creek to Cimmaron river . $92,250

Cimmaron river to Grand river .......... $171,000

Grand river to Fort Smith ................... $150,000

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TOTAL: $826,500

Add for contingencies and Engineer expenses $73,500

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GRAND TOTAL: $900,000

The Arkansas river passes through the Indian Territory from the southern boundary line of the State of Kansas, to Fort Smith, Arkansas, a distance of about 330 miles by river. Little trade could be expected from the Territory except in the Cherokee Nation, between Fort Smith and the Grand river, where, pershaps some business might be done.

That portion of the country tributary to the river in Kansas, from Wichita to the State line, is rich, fertile, and well cultivated, and would derive great benefit from the opening of the river to navigation.

Yours respectully,

J. D. McKOWN,

Ass't Engineer.

MAJ. CHAS. R. SUTER,

Corps of Engineers, U. S. A.

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In accordance with your instructions of July 8th, 1878, I have caused a reconnaisance to be made by Mr. J. D. McKown, assistant engineer, of the Arkansas river from the mouth of Little Arkansas to Fort Smith, and a copy of his report thereon is hereiwth submitted.

Except in the upper portion before mentioned, the navigable low water depth is about the same as that of the Arkansas river between Little Rock and Fort Smith, and it would of course be useless to attempt to get a greater depth until the balance of the stream was correspondingly improved.

The estimates presented by Assistant McKown are for removing snags and rocks and so contracting the width of the stream as to give at low water a depth of about 2 feet, but this estimate is only a rough approximation at the best, and no work on this scale should be undertaken, even if deemed advisable, until a thorough survey of the stream has been made, the cost of which is estimated at $16,630.

I am, however, of the opinion that by removing the snags and constructing slight dams at some of the worst shoals, the navigation would be so much improved as to render it as good as that between Little Rock and Fort Smith, and this would seem to be all that is worth doing until the general improvement of the river is undertaken. The cost of this work would be about $100,000, which could be expended in one season.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant.

CHAS. R. SUTTER,

Maj. of Engineers.

Brig Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS,

Chief of Engineers, U. S. A.

THURSDAY, MAY 1, 1879 - FRONT PAGE.

Measles plenty in this vicinity. Mortonville still improving, a new store will open there in a few days. School closed at Green Valley March 26. Teacher: Mr. Corron.

MAY 1, 1879.

We understand that David Coon has sold his farm to Allan Parks, late of Indiana. Mr. Parks also bought another claim just east of Dutch creek, and intends putting up a store and selling goods.

Mr. Watt has sold his claim to Doctor Thompson. He will bring in about 400 sheep to stock the claim and some of the waste prairie that lays out unimproved.

Richland school has opened for a three month's term. Miss Fannie Pontius, teacher. The taught the winter term of three months and gave general satisfaction.

Peaches nearly all killed; there will be none to dry this year and barely enough for canning purposes.

Nelson Burkey is homesick and is going back to Iowa to live. We shall probably see him here again within two years.

Farmers are through planting corn.

Considerable clover sowed this spring in Richland.

Married: April 10, 1879, at the office of N. J. Larkin, Esq., in Richland township, Marion Daniels to Miss Elenora L. Groom, all of this township.

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MAY 1, 1879.

And now the barefooted urchin rejoiceth in all his glory, and thrice blessed are they who are possessed of a mother-in-law in these garden-making days. Alas, for the forlorn bachelor. It is a sad commentary on the tendencies of christianity, when Sunday schools insist on appointing infidels to instruct their bible classes.

School reopened at the Centennial last Monday, under the supervision of Miss Henrietta King.

Now is a golden opportunity afforded the school board of district No. 4 to exhibit usual energy and enterprise in accepting the advice of the COURIER in a recent issue, to plant shade trees around the school house. The board might appoint an arbor day and request that each family in the district send one representative with a young, thrifty, growing tree. The hearts of posterity would surely overflow with gratitude to the energetic board that engineered the work to a successful issue. Who will be the first to establish a name on the scroll of fame in this direction?

Victor school house has considerably improved its appearance by a coat of paint and a supply of hitching racks for securing horses. This is a good example for other school houses to follow.

Wm. Jeffries displayed his usual intelligence by the observance of an arbor day. He planted a row of cottonwoods all along the north and east sides of his 160 acre farm.

Mr. Philip Teeter has made arrangements for the purchase of 80 acres of land of Wright and Barber.

Another one of Beaver's beauties, thinking her maiden name was growing monotonous, accepted as a desirable change, Mrs. Cora Gibbs. If allowed to express our preference, we think Miss Cora Godfrey was the prettiest name of the two.

Jno. Jones, with 75 head of cattle, passed through our neighborhood last Wednesday, enroute for a summers pasturage in the Nation.

One of our charming young widows is seriously contemplating the destruction of her present cognomen. Such are the vicissitudes of life.

W. A. Freeman is meditating on the probabilities of accumulating a fortune in Chautauqua county.

Miss Louzena Holland gave a birthday party at the residence of her brother, Dr. C. G. Holland, last Wednesday evening, which was pronounced a success.

We admire the integrity and manliness which the COURIER displayed in a recent issue in its disposition of the gold question. Its utterances admirably accord with our experiences and observations at the would be famous place two weeks ago, and are the sentiments of all fair, honest, sane minds that have investigated the matter.

Uncle Warren Wood is determined to keep pace with the times, having erected a tenant house on his farm, and ornamented his pretty residence with one of those conductors of the electric fluid, which secures comfort and safety to the inmates thereof.

Capt. D. Northup is on a trip to Illinois.

Theodore Dillis is the champion "dropper" on a corn planter.

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MAY 1, 1879.

The experiment has been tried in several instances where men have hauled 350 or more bushels of wheat to Wichita to clean and put it on a car ready for shipment, they have been offered in every case from 10 to 15 cents more per bushel for it than they could get for it on the street. This is an index of what we may expect in Winfield. The experiment of building the "Grange" elevator at Wichita by the "Patrons," and the good results obtained in preventing pooling while it was operated by the Grange agent, gives us a hint that we should follow promptly.

Are the farmers that will make Winfield their shipping station ready to take the preliminary steps to build a "Farmers" elevator, to be owned and controlled exclusively by them? There should be a full discussion in every neighborhood, so that all can act intelligently and promptly when the time arrives for action, and to secure choice of site on completion of final surveys and location of railroads. An elevator the size and capacity of the "English" elevator at Wichita can now be built (including 3 or 4-horse engine) for $5,500. A general interest should have a general representation in its stockholders, not alone for the greater responsibility devolving on its agent, but for the power it will confer in matters of transportation and commission which a single buyer or shipper could not command.

Vernon, April 24, 1879. REX.

MAY 1, 1879.

Henry Barr and family, of Baltimore, Kansas, are visiting in this neighborhood.

Last Saturday, in coming home from town, Mr. Ingraham took the authority to baptize himself, wife, and others in the creek by upsetting the wagon. No serious damage done except a few bruises.

Winfield Courier, May 1, 1879.

SALT CITY, April 25, 1879.

Many visitors to the springs, most all of whom go away satisfied that there are curative properties of great value in them, and that there is a great future before us, which tends to encourage us, and as a community we are indeed hopeful.

Since my last Dr. Arnold has put up a 1 1/2 story frame 16 x 30 in which he will soon have a full line of drugs. Two new physicians have located within the past ten days.

Mr. Trenary occupies Capt. Foster's old residence, and buildings are all filled with occupants.

N. A. Haight has resurveyed and corrected Mr. Royal's town plot, and everything is now ready for business.

Mr. Walker has sold his farm, also Mr. Carpenter, and still there are fine farms, improved and unimproved, that can be bought at low rates. If you are skeptical on this point, come down and we will convince you of the fact.

MAY 1, 1879.

Hon. C. R. Mitchell was in town last week.

The District Court convenes next Monday.

"Job wagons" are becoming quite numerous.

The "Hotel de Finch" is full to overflowing.

The colored population of Winfield is on the increase.

Charley McIntire came up from the seaport last Friday.

Messrs. Kenning Bros. are putting up a neat sulky for By Terrill.

Mr. Dan Mater is erecting a nice residence in the rear of his shop.

"Bixby's Best" red wagon made its periodical visit to Winfield last week.

W. C. Root went to Wichita last week to meet his brother and "stock up."

Under the artistic hand of "Andy," Read's Bank is assuming an elegant appearance.

Gen. C. W. Blair has been in this county the past week attending to the railroad election.

Sid S. Major has purchased the property formerly owned by E. P. Kinne, on 12th Avenue.

Mr. George Gully is building a neat residence on his lot, back of Hendricks & Wilson's hardware store.

Twelve wagon loads of immigrants, from Joplin, bound for Colorado, passed through town last week.

The Baptist church in this city will next Sunday, and until further notice, hold their services in Manning's Hall.

Messrs. George & Hill have received their stock of hardware, wooden and willow-ware and are now ready for business.

C. C. Harris returned from a trip to Kingman county last week and reports everything "dry, dusty, and disagreeable" out there.

Mr. G. W. Legouier, Ind., spent several days of last week in Winfield. He expects at tome future time to make his home with us.

We were pleased to meet Mr. Calvin Coon, an old subscriber, and one of the leading farmers of Rock township, last Friday.

Winfield Courier, May 1, 1879.

The COURIER Job office turned out one of the largest jobs ever done in southern Kansas, last Tuesday. It was a three shoot poster, 3 feet wide by 6 feet long.

A. M. Fitzsimmons, of Maple township, had the misfortune to get his leg broken by a kick from a mare. Being in poor health, it is a very serious matter with him.

An exchange advises its readers to guard against the Spring fever, and says that the first indication of the approach of the disease is a yearning desire not to do anything.

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MAY 1, 1879.

The following is the vote of this county on the proposition to vote $68,000 to the extension of the L. L. & G. railroad through this county on Tuesday last, so far as heard from as we go to press:

TOWNSHIP FOR AGAINST

Beaver ................................ 75 30

Bolton, east ..........................

Bolton, west ..........................

Cedar, east ...........................

Cedar, west ...........................

Cresswell ............................. 43 182

Dexter ................................ 27 20

Harvey ................................ 51 5

Liberty ............................... 11 11

Maple ................................. 16 32

Ninnescah ............................. 16 16

Omnia .................................

Otter, north .......................... 2 18

Otter, south .......................... 2 27

Pleasant Valley ....................... 32 4

Richland, North .......................

Richland, South ....................... 47 5

Rock ..................................

Sheridan .............................. 62 2

Silver Creek .......................... 33 3

Silverdale ............................ 20 22

Spring Creek ..........................

Tisdale ............................... 69 1

Vernon ................................ 74 4

Windsor ............................... 140

Winfield .............................. 183 2

Winfield City, 1st ward ............... 287 2

Winfield City, 2nd ward ............... 252 2

MAY 1, 1879.

On last Saturday, in company with S. L. Gilbert, our enterprising loan agent, and, by the way, one of the jolliest fellows in Cowley county, our local took a flying trip up the Walnut valley into Rock township. After seeing the acres and acres of green wheat, the splendid orchards, fine farms, and large, commodious dwellings, one is astonished at the amount of improvement that has been done in such a short space of time.

Winfield Courier, May 1, 1879.

A. T. Spotswood & Co., received five car loads of goods last Monday, and have had four men working like beavers to get them on the shelves as soon as possible. They have an immense stock, and a person not acquainted with the "ways and means" of stowing away groceries would think it impossible to get them all inside the house. Mr. Spottswood is a pleasant, genial gentleman, of sound business tact, and will make things lively in the grocery line. There "ad" will appear next week.

MAY 1, 1879.

Now that the season for planting trees has come, we would urge upon the attention of our citizens the importance of this matter. Nothing that can be done will add more to the beauty and attractiveness of a town than large numbers of shade trees along the streets, and the cost is comparatively small. Let every citizen take this matter in hand and our town may soon be as famous for its shade trees as for its sidewalks.

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MAY 1, 1879.

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MAY 1, 1879.

Mr. J. F. Hyskell, who was considered one of the best tinners in Winfield and an estimable citizen, has removed to Dexter and is in the tin and hardware business under Mr. J. F. Truesdale, whom we congratulate on his acquisition. We bespeak for Mr. Hyskell a cordial reception from the citizens of Dexter and vicinity.

MAY 1, 1879.

W. C. Muzzy to J. M. Alexander. $300.

MAY 1, 1879.

The following is a list of cases that will stand for trial at the May, A. D. 1879, term of the District Court of Cowley county, beginning on the first Monday in May, and have been placed on the Trial Docket in the following order.

FIRST DAY - CRIMINAL DOCKET.

SECOND DAY.

THIRD DAY - CIVIL DOCKET.

FOURTH DAY.

FIFTH DAY.

SIXTH DAY.

SEVENTH DAY

EIGHTH DAY

NINTH DAY

TENTH DAY

MAY 1, 1879.

The Eclectic State Board of Examiners will meet for examination of Physicians and Diplomas at the Central Hotel, Winfield, Kansas, on Tuesday, May 13th, at three o'clock in the afternoon.

H. OWENS, M. D.

Member of Board.

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MAY 1, 1879.

The Sunday mail will be made up on Saturday evening.

The post office will not be open Sunday mornings, but will open in the evening for one hour from 5 to 6 o'clock, except in bad traveling when the mail fails to arrive in time.

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On and after May 1st mails will leave Winfield for Wichita Sunday mornings at 8 o'clock, and mails will arrive at Winfield from Wichita and be distributed here at about 5 1/2 o'clock p.m., after which the Winfield post office will be open one hour for delivery.

D. A. MILLINGTON, P. M.

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MAY 1, 1879.

The next session of the Cowley County Normal will open Monday, August 4, and will be in session four or five weeks. Professor W. A. Wheeler, of Ottawa, will act as conductor. Several instructors will have charge of classes in the various grades. Instruction will be given in the "A" grade studios and in vocal music. No pains will be spared in making this a profitable session to all who may attend it.

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MAY 1, 1879.

Conklin's big swamp was up yesterday noon which shut us off from our dinner. J. C. Walters took pity on our hungry condition and gave us a dinner fit for a king. That ice cream could not be beat. Call at his restaurant just west of the post office.

Mr. John Brooks, of Windsor township, is one of the most enterprising and public spirited men in the county. He brought in the election returns for Harvey, Windsor, and Silver Creek yesterday promptly on time though he encountered on the way two of the most energetic rain and hail storms we ever get.

MAY 8, 1879.

Winfield is soon to become an important railroad center. The Cowley, Sumner & Ft. Smith railroad will be built to this place within four or five months, and the Southern Kansas and Western will not be far behind.

Already a city of near 3,000 inhabitants, the population of Winfield will ere long be doubled, etc.

MAY 8, 1879.

The building of the Southern Kansas and Western railroad from Independence to Winfield within the next ten months is assured. The franchiese are voted along the whole line. Louisburg township voted the bonds some weeks ago by an overwhelming majority. Last week Tuesday the Elk townships voted bonds to the road.

On the same day Cowley county voted the bonds by 1200 majority. The company has deposited $10,850, which now cannot be withdrawn and which it must forfeit to Cowley County if the road is not in operation to Winfield within ten months. Major Gunn, the engineer, and Gen. Blair both assure us that it will be built long before the time given, even before the year 1879 expires.

MAY 8, 1879.

RECAP: $1.50 STRICTLY IN ADVANCE...CASH: OTHERWISE $2.00 PER YEAR...running supplement only because we are crowded with ads, and shall discontinue it whenever ads drop out, so as to give us 15 columns of reading matter in the regular issue.

Please hand in your subscription as early as possible. It will help us in preparing a new and commodious office and in placing therein a new cylinder power press, which shall be done as soon as possible. The Courier will then be enlarged to a 36 column paper...[I gather it will be enlarged if they get enough subscriptions.]

MAY 8, 1879.

A good white woman cook wanted at Walter's Restaurant.

Mr. L. W. Lawton returned last Monday to his home in the East.

Capt. J. B. Cook, of Ninnescah township, made us a very pleasant call Tuesday.

Capt. Frank Lorry, of West Bolton, was in the city last week. He brought Mrs. R. C. Story a beautiful red bird.

Our young folks had a grand picnic last Saturday in the Hickok grove, on the Walnut, about three miles below town.

McCommon & Harter now proclaim to the world that they will give a thimble full of lemon juice with four ounces of squirt for half a dime.

Mr. J. S. Mann has been busy opening up his goods this week. He has a very fine stock and is making many improvements in the building in order to show his goods to the best advantage.

Mr. A. Beck has associated with him in the photography business Mr. Dillon, and the firm will hereafter be Beck & Dillon. Mr. Dillon is an artist of long experience and knows his business thoroughly.

Dr. W. G. Graham starts this morning for Boston, Mass., where he goes to attend a meeting of the Supreme Lodge of the Knights of Honor, of which society he is one of the most prominent members.

Mrs. Mansfield's maple sugar party last Thurday evening was a very pleasant affair, and we hope to meet the same very entertaining hostess and guests many times more before maple sugar goes out of fashion.

Mr. O. F. Boyle came down from Wichita last Sunday to interview the boys and look after his property here. Mr. Boyle looks hale and hearty and is surprised at the strides Winfield has been making since his last visit.

The very little folks, not to be outdone by their big brothers and sisters, also had a picnic last Saturday, in the grove west of town, where the youthful penchant for "cake, pie, and lots of fun" was indulged in to its fullest extent.

Max Joseph never forgets the printer. His first and finest lot of "garden sass" found its way to our table, and now our drinks are daily cooled with ice from his wagon. Max has a large lot of ice which he will deliver the coming summer at very reasonable prices.

L. L. Comfort, the pioneer wood-cutter, is 68 years old May 15th. He will cut wood (for old customers) at 15 cents an hour. Help the old boy to earn a quarter, when you can, "without injury to yourself and family."

Mr. L. C. Gilstrap, of Silverdale, called on us Tuesday. He has just returned from Independence, and says that from Independence this way the dirt is flying lively all along the line of railroad for several miles, and that the ties and iron are arriving in large quantities. He predicts that the road will be completed to Winfield during 1879.

Winfield Courier, May 8, 1879.

MAY 8, 1879.

Mr. Ezra Meech has a fine Jersey bull and two heifers of the same stock which can be seen by visiting his premises in the north part of this city. They are pure blooded, of the very best pedigree and are of the best milking stock in the world. These cows, when properly cared for, will produce twenty pounds of butter each per week. The dam of the animal first mentioned produced in June, 1877, 2 lbs. and 14 oz. of butter per day.

Mr. Meech has also one hundred fine Paular Merino bucks and some two hundred ewes. We visited him last week in shearing time and saw clippings of fifteen to twenty-three pounds of fine wool per head. He proposes to cross these with the native sheep and thereby raise a hardy race of sheep, producing heavy fleeces of fine long staple wool.

Mr. Meech is a genuine Vermonter and understands the sheep business to perfection. His fine stock and large experience will prove of inestimable value to the farmers of this county.

MAY 8, 1879.

The court commenced its session on Monday. His Honor W. P. Campbell presiding. Present: E. S. Bedilion, clerk; C. L. Harter, sheriff; E. S. Torrance, prosecuting attorney, and a full corps of local attorneys.

The docket was called and several cases were disposed of as follows: State vs. Creek. The defendant plead guilty to three indictments for cow stealing. He was returned to the jail to await his sentence.

The following cases were continued.

The following were dismissed.

Judgment was taken for plaintiff in the following cases in default.

All civil cases were continued over to next week.

TUESDAY.

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MAY 8, 1879.

Council met in regular session Monday evening.

Petition to stop the depositing of manure and carion on lots between the machine shop and timber was presented.

City Attorney requested to draw a health ordinance.

Petition of E. G. Cole for druggist's license was referred back for corrections.

Petition of M. Fleming for druggist's license presented and referred back on account of incompleteness and for bond.

City Attorney instructed to prepare ordinance covering the licensing of auctioneers, etc.

Committee on wells reported in favor of sinking four or six wells within the fire limits. Report received and committee further instructed to locate the wells and advertise for bids.

Bill of C. C. Stevens for marshal's salary presented and bill allowed to amount to $43.83 1/2.

Bill of Walch & Smiley of $17.50 for street crossings presented and referred to committee on streets and alleys. Bill from same for sidewalk referred to same committee.

Bill of Geo. Gray of $1.00 for burying dead dog and hogs presented and allowed.

Bills of Conklin Bros. of $53.76, and Allison & Crapster of $54.75, for city printing, presented and referred to committee on Finance.

Committee on streets and alleys reported finally on bill of Fortner & Cady for bill of $60, and bill allowed.

Council adjourned till Friday night.

MAY 8, 1879.

The Board of Education, elect, met Monday evening in pursuance of the provisions of the law for the purpose of effecting an organization.

The meeting was called to order by Mr. M. G. Troup, after which officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows.

The clerk's salary was fixed at $50.00 per annum.

The Treasurer's bond was fixed at $10,000.

Resolution passed that no application for position as teacher be considered until after the middle of June, and that in the meantime all applications be filed with the Clerk of the Board.

Board adjourned to meet again at the office of Jennings & Buckman, when the report of the retiring Board will be received. A full attendance of the retiring Board at that time is

requested.

MAY 8, 1879.

TOWNSHIP. FOR AGAINST

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MAY 8, 1879.

MAY 8, 1879.

REAL ESTATE TRANSFERS.

MAY 8, 1879.

The partnership heretofore existing under the firm name of Lofland & Gale is this day, by mutual consent, dissolved. The business will be continued by S. H. Lofland, he assuming all the indebtedness and collecting all the accounts due the firm.

S. H. LOFLAND.

J. G. GALE.

Winfield, Ks., May 3, 1879.

MAY 8, 1879.

There will be a meeting of the Officers and Directors of the Walnut Valley Fair Association, on the 17th inst., at the office of Col. Alexander, in this city, at 12 o'clock m.

EUGENE E. BACON, Secy.

MAY 8, 1879.

NOTICE. JOHNSTON & HILL have been appointed Agents for J. W. Stout & Co.'s Marble Works. All parties wishing HEADSTONES, TOMBSTONES, or anything of the kind will find it to their advantage to call on them before looking elsewhere. They also keep on hand a full line of Burial Cases, Metallic Cases, and Coffins.

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THURSDAY, MAY 15, 1879 - FRONT PAGE.

A Rich Discovery.

The following is from the Leadville Reveille. The George Melville mentioned is our George, and his many friends in this city and county will congratulate him on his good fortune should his one-eighth prove as rich a fortune as is represented in this article.

"For several days past rumors of a rich strike on Carbonate Hill have been circulated about town, but not till yesterday did such rumors become facts, and last evening great was the excitement. This rich find of carbonate has been made on Carbonate hill, within a quarter of a mile of the city limits, and the shaft house on the mine can be seen from any part of Chestnut street. It is on what is called the Judge Pendery mine, which is located south of the Crescent and west of the Yankee Doodle mines.

"Judge Pendery, a well known attorney of this city, selected last July a place in which to sink a shaft, and with himself, L. M. Goddard, E. H. Gruber, and others, let a contract on the 19th of last December to begin sinking. At the first the shaft passed through 40 feet of wash, containing boulder and sand, after which porphory was struck, through which the shaft steadily progressed a distance of 140 feet further.

"On last Saturday, the 19th of April, just four months from commencement, iron was struck. On the 21st carbonate appeared, the first being gray sand carbonates. This stratum was 6 inches in thickness, and two assays being made showed respectively, 342 and 447 ounces of silver per ton. After through the sand carbonates with chlorides were found, the first assay from this showed 263 ounces, and the next 298 ounces per ton. These hard carbonates have been sunk into 2 1/2 feet and show remarkable increase in richness and quantity. Yesterday afternoon a selected piece, the least taken out, was assayed by Messrs. Hayes & Wood, and the wonderful result of 14,080 ounces per ton was obtained. This shows a coin value of $15,206 per ton.

"One great result of this discovery has been to dissipate the idea of all experts, and in fact the prevailing opinion, that but one contact vein or strata of carbonates exist, at least on Carbonate hill. This discovery is 150 feet below the contact on which are located the Crescent, Yankee Doodle, Carbonate, and other mines. This may be the means of inducing others to sink on down and eventually open up bodies of ore that will astonish the world.

"Governor Tabor, General Bearce, and others have visited the mine, and after a thorough examination, we learn have expressed the opinion that this is the greatest strike ever made in the camp and will be worth millions to Leadville.

"The present owners in the mine are as follows, with the fractional share owned by each: J. L. Pendery, one-fourth;

L. M. Goddard, one-eighth; Mr. Dunning, of Kansas, one-eighth;

E. H. Gruber, one-eighth; George Fryer, one-eighth; Judge Ballou, one-eighth; and George Melville, one-eighth. We congratulate all the gentlemen on the prospect of an early fortune."

MAY 15, 1879.

As I am comparatively a stranger in this part of the country, I will not be able to give you as much news as some others.

Commencing at Lazette, the first person I called upon was Dr. Chapman. The Doctor had moved into his new building; had added dry goods and groceries to his drug business. He seemed to be doing a large business, in fact, was in excellent spirts.

I met Mr. Baker on the street. He used to be the jolly, good-natured blacksmith of Benderville. He had not time to talk; ten teams waiting with plows heaped around the sthop till you could scarcely find your way into the door. He was sweating, and I presume had been down to the well taking a drink.

I met an old acquaintance on the street, who introduced me to McD. Stapleton. McD. was busy, but laid down the cigars and in a few minutes we were smoking and happy; discussing railroads and general business. McD. is courteous and genial, and from the way he handles dry goods, shows he understands his business.

The sights of Lazette: the two leading stores, Chapman and Stapleton are doing a business little short of your best business houses of Winfield. I must pass over the others, as my acquaintance is not sufficient to mention their names.

I wandered down the creek passing the beautiful farm of Mr. Brooks, all surrounded by stone fence and a hundred acres of wheat to gaze upon as you pass Benderville. Here I met Mr. Craft, one of those whole-souled men that we are always happy to meet. He showed me his farm, one of the finest in the country, fine buildings and the largest and finest residence in this part of the county.

I called over to see Charley Jones. I found no change in Charley since the time he surveyed in the Indian Territory, or when he ran a business in Lazette. He looks as young as ever; but now he has a wife and baby, and such a pretty baby! Charley was all smiles, and seemed as happy as a lark. He is the only merchant of this place and is doing a large business.

QUESTON: WAS CHARLEY JONES AT BENDERVILLE? NOT CLEAR!

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Winfield Courier, May 15, 1879.

MAY 10, 1879.

Miss Jennie Rouzee is teaching a subscription school at Enterprise.

If our farmers would not be pestered with calf buyers, they should muzzle their young kine so that Wm. Butcher cannot hear their mellow voice, thus betraying their locality.

Miss Amelia Jones is conducting a subscription school at Beaver Center.

J. M. Hawthorne rejoiceth over the advent of a plow boy.

Giser against the world as a blacksmith.

As Mr. John Lucas had the misfortune to lose a team this spring, thereby rendering him unable to put in a crop, several of our good citizens showed their appreciation of his manliness and sympathy for his condition by having a plowing bee Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of this week. The following named parties constitute the roll of honor, and who believe in helping a weary brother to pull against the stream: Messrs. John Miller, Buck Tannehill, Wilson Shaw, Wm. Beach, Wm. Butcher, James Williams, John Browning, Zack Whitson, Hiliary Holthy, and another gentleman whose modesty prevents publishing his name.

Last Monday Miss Amy Robertson began a three months' term of school in district No. 44.

MAY 15, 1879.

Lofland, of the black front, has been repainting his

building.

BIRTH. Mr. A. A. Knox, one of the best farmers in Winfield township, is the happy father of an 11 pound girl.

Smoke the "Laurel Wreath," the best five cent cigar in the market; at McCommon & Harter's drug store.

The family of Mr. A. T. Spotswood arrived last Saturday evening and consequently our worthy grocer is happy.

The Daily Telegram has got a new head and looks quite metropolitan. This does not look like an early "play out" as some croaker predicted.

Mrs. Judge Campbell came down from Wichita last Saturday to spend a few days among her friends in Winfield while the judge is holding court.

N. C. Clark and A. M. Squire, of Vernon township, have one of the finest young nurseries in the State and are prepared to supply fruit and ornamental trees, bulbous roots, flowers, and plants. They have a new seedling strawberry of their own production, which is more hardy and promises to rank with the Wilson's Albany as a fruit bearer. We were favored last week with a specimen quart of these berries and pronounce them first class.

Noticing that many ill-looking men go into Foultz Bro.'s barber shop and none but good-looking men come out, we last week visited that locality to investigate. We discovered that when a rough-visaged man came in either Jack or Harry would give him a clean shave for ten cents and a good trimming for a trifle more, and that the customer enjoyed the operation and went out transformed in appearance. Before we went in we looked so mean that we were mistaken for Tilden, but when we came out we passed for "Old Grant."

We were pleased to meet Mr. John Howe, of Indpendence, last Saturday evening. Mr. Howe represents the well-known firm of Baden Bros., of Independence, and came here to locate a branch house. He came in Saturday afternoon, was taken in hand by our enterprising land and loan agents, Messrs. Gilbert & Jarvis, and before supper he had rented a building, the lease was drawn up, all the business transacted, and he was ready to start back for goods. The firm which Mr. Howe represents is one of the largest wholesale and retail houses in the Southwest, and supply most of the retail firms throughout Montgomery, Elk, and Chautauqua counties. They will open out in the Martin building, on South Main street, sometime during next week.

Last Friday afternoon a lively gent from the country was in Joe's saloon, and not behaving to suit, Joe ordered him out, when he seized a cuss, and threatened vengeance. Someone called out "Police!" and the country gent ran away like an antelope, with Ed. Nicholson and several others after him, followed by an excited crowd of men, boys, bootblacks, loafers, and school was just out, and a crowd of school children followed in the wake, making a very exciting and amusing affair of it. The pursued was finally overtaken and captured and marched back into Main street followed by the crowd. Here two ladies fell upon the prisoner and cried and moaned as though he was their only stay and support and was going to his execution. The prisoner was taken before Judge Boyer and Joe was summoned to make his complaint. Joe appeared and said he had no complaint to make, and no one else having any, the prisoner was told he could go, but someone suggested that he should jump out of the window and let the crowd have another race, which he accordingly did, and someone sung out that the prisoner had escaped. Again, there was excitement and rushing to and fro and searching in every notch and room along the street to find him. When found he was marching proudly along the sidewalk with a lady on each arm, but was not further molested.

[A. H. GREEN, WINFIELD, COMMISSIONED AS BRIGADIER GENERAL.]

MAY 15, 1879.

Gov. St. John has commissioned A. H. Green of this city as Brigadier General of the Kansas State militia. If the Governor is as fortunate in all his appointments, he may well be congratulated. As a civilian, Mr. Green is one of our most active, enterprising businessmen, and whatever faults he may have had, he is always true to his friends and never counts the cost when he can do them a service.

As a military officer he has a clear and honorable record. Of unquestioned courage, quick perceptions, sound judgment, and ready execution, he is will qualified for his position. Nor is he lacking in military experience. He was a soldier in the Union army all through the war for the preservation of the nation and a participant in some of the hardest fought battles of the war. He is a native of Muscatine County, Iowa; lived in Indiana, where, at the age of 18, he enlisted and was commissioned captain of Company D, 48th Indiana volunteers, before he arrived at the age of 20. Under his command this company made a good record, and was known as the best drilled company in the brigade.

He was an active participant in the campaign down the Mississippi, which culminated in the fall of Vicksburg, and was with Sherman in his "famous march to the sea," serving a part of the time as aid-de-camp on the staff of Gen. W. T. Clark. He received high testimonials for his ability and conduct as an officer from his regimental officers up to Maj. Gen. Sherman himself. He was engaged in the battles of Euka, Corinth, Raymond, Jackson, Champion Hills, Black River, seige of Vicksburg, Mission Ridge, Lookout Mountain, and many others through to the sea and on through the Carolinas.

Winfield Courier, May 15, 1879.

Mr. O. F. Boyle is again at home in Winfield after a successful campaign in Wichita, in which he has bought and shipped about two millions of bushels of wheat. But his gigantic wheat operations are not his only successes. He is a partner in the great Pendery mine on Carbonate hill, Leadville, Colorado, which promises to prove the greatest discovery of this age of great discoveries, and our Tony Boyle and George Melville are likely soon to take rank among the bonanza millionaire kings. We congratulate our friends on their good fortune and believe it could not have fallen into better and worthier hands. Mr. Boyle is an ardent friend to Winfield and Cowley county, an energetic and straightforward businessman, and a fortune in his hands would be of the greatest benefit to this county of his home and heart.

The Leadville Reveille remarks of this mine: "Were it simply a discovery of carbonates, that would in a few short months produce a few million dollars, it would be nothing compared to what this strike really is."

The carbonate vein is reported to be fully 3 1/2 feet thick and of unknown width and length. In the middle of the vein specimens assayed upwards of $19,000 per ton and decreased in richness toward the outside, where it assayed $518. Just outside the vein, rock and dirt assayed $45 per ton, which, had it been the richest of the lode, would make it a bonanza. Nothing in the great Comstock and Consolidate Virginia were ever equal to these assays. If these mines hold out as rich as is now promised for them, the question arises, What is to be done with all the silver? Will it not become as cheap as iron?

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MAY 15, 1879.

QUESTION: JOHN P. DENTON...ANY RELATION TO ALBERT?

MAY 15, 1879.

REAL ESTATE TRANSFERS [CITY ONLY].

Winfield Courier, May 15, 1879.

Mr. E. C. Sales is putting up a patent lime-kiln on the land of Mr. A. A. Wiley in the canon beyond the Tunnel mill. When this kiln gets well into operation, it is expected that it will be able to supply Winfield any day and all the time, there being no delay to wait for burning. It will be ready in about three weeks. The stone at that place is the best in the county for lime.

Winfield Courier, May 15, 1879.

WINFIELD, KANS., May 12, 1879.

Truly yours,

EZRA MEECH.

MAY 15, 1879.

I. L. Comfort, the pioneer wood-cutter, is 68 years old May 15th. He will cut wood (for old customers) at 15 cents an hour. Help this old boy to earn a quarter, when you can, "without injury to yourself or family."

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MAY 15, 1879.

Our wife has got a new No. 8 (that is what they call it), and is happy. We are happy, too, because she is so smiling and cheerful and does not make a clatter like a threshing machine when she runs her machine; besides she does not get tired, but sleeps sweetly at night.

We told D. F. Best to deliver to her the best sewing machine that ever was made, and believe he has obeyed to the letter, at least our wife thinks so.

The points of superiority she claims for it are:

1st. It is noiseless.

2nd. It is worked with the greatest ease.

3rd. It works rapidly.

4th. It makes substantial work.

5th. The work is neat and beautiful.

6th. It does every kind of work.

7th. It is always in repair.

8th. It is a beautiful piece of furniture.

And, finally, she would not have any other kind in the house.

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MAY 15, 1879.

M. B. Rupp has a fine barn in progress.

Mr. Shenneman has a small house built on his farm.

Hedge laying has been carried on to some extent this spring.

Farmers are improving their farms, some in building fence, laying out groves, orchards, and planting them with trees.

Wm. Carter is sick with rheumatism.

Mrs. Kimball is quite sick with hemorrhage of the lungs.

One of Dock Oldham's little girls has been very sick a long time. She was first taken with the measles, then other

complaints.

Rev. J. A. Rupp preaches every two weeks at Valley View at eleven o'clock.

District No. 48 has for the first time started a Sunday school, with J. A. Rupp, Supt.; Chas. McClung, Ass't Supt.; Mary McClung, Sec.; Ada Kimble, Librarian and Treasurer. All are invited. We can now boast of three Sabbath schools.

Pleasant Grove will have a picnic the last of May. All the schools around will be invited.

Mt. Zion Sunday school is to have a concert.

Mr. Emory Tibbs, from Illinois, is stopping with Mr. Rupp. He likes it well here.

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MAY 15, 1879.

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MAY 15, 1879.

Notice is hereby given that the Board of County Commissioners of Cowley County, Kansas, will meet at the office of the County Clerk of said county on Monday, June 2d, A. D. 1879, for the purpose of fairly and impartially equallizing the valuation of all property returned by the assessors for the year 1879; at which time and place all persons feeling themselves aggrieved by their assessment can appear and have all errors in the returns corrected.

M. G. TROUP, County Clerk.

MAY 15, 1879.

WINFIELD, KANS., May 5, 1879.

J. L. BERKEY,

MAY 15, 1879.

The Cowley County Normal will open Monday, August 4, and will close the first week in September. William A. Wheeler, of Ottawa, Geo. W. Robinson, of Winfield, Miss Lillian F. Hoxie, of Fort Scott, and Superintendent Story will have charge of the classes. Three grades will be formed, and work adapted to each grade will be given. The aim of conductor and instructors will be to make the labors of this session fruitful in the practical work of the school-room.

At the close of the Institute proper a county organization of the teachers will be effected, and two or three days will be given to discussion of the needs of country schools and to consideration of matters of general and special interest to the teachers. Can not every teacher in Cowley county attend this session and start in at the beginning? Teachers must realize the fact that they must either keep abreast of their professional work and progress or else fall behind and out of the ranks.

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MAY 15, 1879.

Prof. A. B. Lemmon, of Topeka, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, has sold his interest in the Winfield COURIER to Mr. D. A. Millington, the editor and former senior member of the firm. Mr. Millington will as heretofore run the COURIER upon the same old principles, and no doubt continue to make it rank among the best and most able weekly papers in the State.

MAY 15, 1879.

The state board of railroad assessors have put the following valuation per mile upon the different lines within the state.

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Winfield Courier, May 15, 1879.

Company A of the Sixteenth Infantry, under command of Captain Morse, from Ft. Riley, arrived in Wichita Monday night. These troops are for a guard on the border against white settlers makiing a raid on the Indians and their lands. The President is in earnest

THURSDAY, MAY 22, 1879 - FRONT PAGE.

C. C. Burr, Boston, President; W. B. Strong, Vice President and General Manager; Thos. Nickerson, L. T. Burr, G. A. Nickerson, Boston; J. R. Mulvane, Ross Burns, Topeka; G. A. Hamilton, of Belle Plaine, Jas. E. Platter, Winfield, L. K. Myers, Wellington, C. K. Holliday, Topeka; G. L. Goodwin, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary; E. Wilder, Secretary and Assistant Treasurer.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 22, 1879 - FRONT PAGE.

The cattle drive from Texas, north, has just begun. The first herd of 300 head passed Cimarron ranche north of Camp Supply, for Dodge City about May 5th. Many others are on the trail and the drive will be good this year. Stock wintered in the northern part of the Territory and in the western counties of Kansas, are a little thin, owing to the hard winter and dry spring.

At Caldwell officers of the Cherokee Nation represented they were there for the purpose of "collecting a tax" of the stock men for pasturage in the Territory, and the matter is creating considerable comment and general dissatisfaction. If it is carried out, stock men will be compelled to drive to the Pan Handle of Texas or Western Kansas. The pasturage that these Indians want pay for, is never used by the Indians and has been burned off every fall for years.

About half way between Ft. Reno and Camp Supply, near the Post, we saw millions of young grasshoppers, but they were confined to a space of a few miles, and but little fears were entertained of their taking the red man's corn.

The veto of the army appropriation bill caused considerable uneasiness among the military men of the several posts and will be very embarrassing to both officers and soldiers. Some WHITE HORSE THIEVES ran off thirteen head of ponies belonging to the Cheyenne chief, "Stone Calf," and soldiers were scouring the country to overtake them but failed to find them. All along the line we heard of several cases of horse stealing.

Thousands of Texas ponies will be driven to Kansas this year. Mr. Kincaid, at Caldwell, lately came up with 300 head, followed by James Steen, with 900 head. Brown, Jennings, Malone, and Scott will be here by the middle or latter part of summer, each with from one to five hundred head, and the probability is that ponies will be cheap.

Tom Donnell and Ben Clarke in the U. S. scouts at Ft. Reno, and Amos Chapman and Harry Cooms, a Pawnee, at Camp Supply. These men have made quite a record already in Indian exploits, and will figure extensively this summer if any trouble should arise.

The Comanches and Kiowas near Ft. Sill raided into Texas lately, and the "Rangers" dropped one of them, "Sun Boy" by name, for which the Indians made another raid and killed Joe Clarke. This took place April 12th.

George and Bob Bent, half-breed sons of old Colonel Bent, for whom Bent's fort was named, are both among the Cheyennes now, raising cattle and farming. The boys have a very interesting history.

There are no buffalo in the Territory at this time, but during June and July they will come east of Camp Supply and into western Kansas, probably within 150 miles of Winfield. Deer are plentiful, and antelope can be found in Harper and Barbour counties. On the Cimarron, near Jones' ranche affords good hunting and fishing. One of our party killed one panther and a number of turkeys while there, and we fished until we were tired of catching them. Owing to the recent raid to settle in the Territory, hunting will not be permitted near the Interior of the Nation. I will be going in a few days, again, and will notify you of any matters of interest. Yours, C. M. [C. M. Scott]

MAY 22, 1879.

GROUSE CREEK, May 19, 1879.

Crossing Grouse creek at Benderville, I spent sometime in company with several others examining the banks. Here are excellent indications for coal. Several small veins have been discovered in the vicinity. Time and means may develop rich paying coal fields deeper down in terra firma.

On the west side of the river lays the farm of Mr. Morris, of Black Hills fame. He has just finished building a large stone barn, costing I am informed, from $600 to $800. Here I may state that the Grouse valley between Lazette and Dexter contains more and better barns and stables than any other part of the country, some of the stone buildings costing many hundred dollars more than the one above mentioned.

To the south of this place lays the farm of George Gardenhire. This farm has been under the charrge of Mr. Tucker, the pedagogue of this school district. He seems to be a success, both as farmer and teacher, a young man of good acquirements and excellent ability.

Next is the 720 acre farm of George Ballou, and here dame rumor has located the railroad, passing through about the site of the old French & Lawson saw mill. If this is true, here or a little further south will be the town site of the Grouse valley, when Dexter and Lazette will unite into one town, and make the second town of the county in population, and perhaps the first in intelligence and solid ability. We passed a pleasant hour with Squire Ballou.

I now pass to the farm of Dempsey Elliott, Mat Jackson having gone to Indiana for something, and Mr. Harris has quit making sorghum. Mr. Elliott has quit merchandising at Dexter, and is now in the stock business. He is absent at present, gone to St. Louis with a large herd of hogs. I ascend the bluff opposite this place, and here a beautiful sight opens up to my gaze. To the west and at a l