[MORE EDITORIAL ITEMS: WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 7, 1878.]

Deputy Sheriff Jones, of Wichita, returned to that place last week with three men, Geo. Read, H. A. Webb, and Charles Wilson, arrested near Ottawa, as the parties who stole the horses at Wichita the preceding Tuesday.

--

ANTI-SUBSIDY.

The house has passed a resolution, ayes 179, naes, 95, that in its judgment no subsidies in money, bonds, public land endowments, or by the pledge of public credit, should be granted or renewed by congress to any person or association to engage in public or private enterprises, but that all appropriations should be limited to such purposes and amounts as shall be imperatively demanded by the public service.

We believe this is the true docttrine if the term public service includes removing obstructions to navigation and communication. We hold it to be proper and right that the government should, for instance, keep an open channel for navigating the Mississippi; but we do not hold that it should allow a private association to own the river and control it for private or corporate profit.

It might have been well enough that the government should have constructed the first road to the Pacific (it did do so in fact for the subsidies it furnished in aid, if judiciously applied, whould have built and equipped the road and have left a large margin for profit), but it is not right that a private corporation should own or control the road for the profit of such corporation after the government has built or even aided in building it.

Whatever the government aids in building, clearing, or repairing, it should control for the public benefit and no person or corporation should have any special interest or control therein. It should either be for the exclusive use of the government or be open for the use of all citizens of the United States on equal terms.

The Union Pacific has been a public benefit, of course, but it has been the greatest swindle that was perpetrated on the nation. One-half of the swindle, if judiciously applied by the government, would have made a better road and better equipments, and then the government would have been in a condition to control it and keep it open to the whole public on equal terms, regulating its use and collecting a revenue on its business. It would belong to the public just as the Mississippi does.

We hold that as the government is expending large sums of money on the Ead's jetties to provide for the passage of the mouths of the Mississippi by large vessels, she has the entire control of these channels and it would be right and proper for her to collect a revenue therefrom.

The Tom Scott Texas Pacific subsidy scheme is another projected swindle, second only to the Union Pacific and should be at once stamped with the condemnation of every member of congress and all thinking, honest men. The principle of the resolution adopted by the house is right and should be crystalized into and become a part of the constitution of the United States.

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[ANOTHER EDITORIAL ITEM: WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 7, 1878.

SCHOOL BOND INVESTMENT.

"Kansas wants two hundred thousand dollars of government bonds as an investment of her state school and sinking funds." This is the substance of a dispatch that is going the rounds of the eastern press. It is read with surprise everywhere, and leading newspapers in all parts of the country are commenting upon it as one of the best evidences of our prosperity. As an advertisement that dispatch will be worth something to the State. It is a successful answer to many slanders.

Every man in the east who is thinking of casting his lot in the west will have his confidence in Kansas increased by the reading of the dispatch. He will think, and rightly, too, that the State that can make such an investment as that is not in very bad condition. The very fact of the subscription will help to give us a standing everywhere. We think we recognize its importance to the State and her interests. We agree with all the papers of the State that have thus far spoken, that in making this investment just at this time, and in the manner in which it has been done, our state officers have rendered good service to the commonwealth; but we want to protest against the legislation that forces them to go into eastern markets and loan the money of the state of Kansas at four percent interest, while our people are compelled to go into the same market and borrow at several times that rate. Last winter a law was enacted providing that the school fund commissioners should not pay above par for stte or school district funds. Since the enactment of this law, state bonds have been at a premium of from ten to fifteen percent, and of course they could not be purchased at such a price.

By advertising judiiciously, the commissioners have succeeddd in getting the most of the best school bonds that have been issued during the year. Some school bonds that had been issued in former years have also been purchased from holders both east and west. Notwithstanding the efforts made to secure the investment of this fund, it continued to accumulate until it amounted to nearly two hundred thousand dollars. Under the law but one investment of this large sum could be made. The commissioners were forced either to invest in government bonds drawing four percent interest or allow the fund to remain idle in the State treasury.

Had the law permitted them to purchase state bonds and pay the premium, in this single transaction, providing the bonds run twenty-seven years, there would be a saving of forty thousand dollars, or two thousand dollars per year. If they were allowed to buy school district bonds at the prices at which they are now selling, the advantage to the State in this purchase alone would be more than ten thousand dollars per year or the full value of the bonds in twenty years. Some unreasonable (?) people will say that this is the price we pay for short sighted legislation.

Our state permanent school fund amounts today to about one and a half million dollars. It is increasing rapidly and in the near future will amount to eight or ten millions of dollars. If instead of trying to keep this great fund in bonds of different kinds, the policy should be to loan it to the farmers of the State, on unquestioned real estate security at about eight percent interest per annum, there would never be any of it lying idle in the State treasury and it would be where it should always be kept--in the hands of the people. We shall never know the real value of this fund to the State until we have a radical change in its management. How long are we going to compel our commissioners to accept four percent interest from the general government, when our people would give them two or three times this rate on a security that is unquestioned? Let the wise man answer. The COURIER will be with the people.

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[STATE NEWS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 7, 1878 - EDITORIAL PAGE.

There are 483 prisoners in the Kansas penitentiary.

At the Kansas Institution for the Blind, nine boys, working four hours a day each, made twenty-five dozen brooms in one week.

There is now in the state arsenal five hundred Springfield breech-loading rifles and two hundred Sharpe's carbines; also thirty thousand rounds of ammunition. The government owes the state seven thousand dollars for arms.

The Topeka Board of Education has purchased the necessary apparatus for the teaching of the "metric system" in the schools of the city. Their example should be followed by every school board in the state. Our children should become familiar with the system as soon as possible.

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[NEWS NOTES.]

WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 7, 1878.

NEWS NOTES.

The El Paso troubles are to be investigated.

Capt. Eads has a plan to make a permanent channel for the Mississippi.

A bill has been introduced by Mr. Marsh to provide a metric system of coinage.

A bill has been introduced in congress providing that the metric system of weights shall be adopted in the postoffice system on and after Jan. 1, 1879.

Sitting Bull is said to be this side of the line on Frenchman's creek with his own band, the escaped Nez Perces, and the bands of Black Moon, Four Horns, Long Dog, and Red Bar, together numbering 1,280 lodges. Over 5,000 women and children and 8,100 warriors went equipped with Sharp's rifles, plenty of ammunition and government horses and mules and are moving southward on Fort Peck. Gen. Miles can put only 500 men into the field to oppose him. This report has since been contradicted by Major Walsh, writing from Fort Walsh, Canada. He says that Sitting Bull still remains quiety on the north side of the boundary line. It is possible that Spotted Tail's band and other Sioux tribes who are known to have moved north may have been the Indians that were seen on Frenchman's creek.

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[MORE EDITORIAL ITEMS: WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 7, 1878.]

CLIPPINGS.

[From the Wichita Eagle.]

Gen. Phil. Sheridan arrived in the city last night and left by ambulance this morning for a tour of inspection of the posts in the territory. Many of our citizens called upon him at the Occidental. He was accompanied by his staff, consisting of Gens. Crook and Whipple and Cols. Strong and Moore.

[From the Wichita Beacon.]

Court will in all probability close the latter part of this week. A great deal of business has been transacted and the docket pretty well cleared. Judge Campbell, without hurry, permits no dilatoryness, and a reasonable amount of expeditiousness characterizes his sittings.

H. G. Sims was the recipient of a valuable gold watch--an Elgin, and one of the best of that factory. It's a stem winder, half open face, and the cases elegantly enclosed. On the inside of the case is engraved the following legend: "Presented to

H. C. Sims, of the Wichita Bar, 1878, by Hackney & McDonald." This is an expression of their high appreciation of the personal character and legal ability of the leading lawyer of the southwest. We always thought that Sims needed "watching."

[NOTE: THEY HAVE "H. G. SIMS" AND SECOND TIME "H. C. SIMS."

THEY HAVE CASE AND THEN CASES...REFERRING TO WATCH.

HAVE NO IDEA WHICH IS CORRECT IN EITHER CASE.]

---

[From the Sumner Co. Democrat.]

The total majorities for the jail bonds are 312, and the majorities against 329. There is a strong belief that the bonds are defeated.

[From the Sumner Co. Press.]

The Press tells a story of a boy weighing 100 pounds who whipped more than his weight in wild cat. Quimby Gillett is his name and his ferocious opponent was 2 feet high and 42 feet long. The battle lasted a long time, the ferocious beast springing and the boy each time catching him on a pitch fork. The cat finally surrendered.

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[AD: TEBO NURSERY CO. - C. J. BRANE, AGENT.]

WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 7, 1878.

The Tebo Nursery Co.

Clinton, Mo.,

Will furnish the citizens of Cowley county with anything in the NURSERY LINE of the best quality at as Low Prices as any responsible firm.

Apple, Pear, Plum, Cherry, Peach,

and all the minor fruits--Currant, Gooseberry, Raspberry, Strawberry, and Grapes in all leading varieties. Evergreens, deciduous ornamental trees, flowering shrubs, and roses in great varieties; also greenhouse stock. Hedge plants a specialty. Grain and stock taken in exchange.

All stock warranted true to name and first-class.

Leave orders at B. F. Baldwin, a drug store, or address the subscriber at Winfield by mail.

C. J. BRANE, Agent.

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[AD: B. F. BALDWIN.]

WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 7, 1878.

B. F. BALDWIN

DEALER IN PURE DRUGS, CHEMICALS, PATENT MEDICINES, PAINTS, OILS, VARNISHES, GLASS, PUTTY, SCHOOL BOOKS.

A large Assortment of Notions.

BLANK BOOKS, STATIONERY, TOILET SETS, PERFURMERY, FINE SOAPS, TOBACCO, CIGARS, TRUSSES, SHOULDER BRACES, PLAIN AND FANCY LAMPS, LAMP CHIMNEYS,

And in fact everything kept in a first class Drug Store, and all goods warranted genuine.

Physicians prescriptions carefully compounded at all hours of the day or night.

WINFIELD, KANSAS.

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[AD: GILES BROS. DRUG STORE.]

WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 7, 1878.

NEW CASH DRUG STORE!

GILES BROS.,

Winfield, Kansas.

Drugs, Paints, Oils (all kinds), Varnishes, Glass, Putty, Lamp Chimneys, Patent Medicines, Fancy and Notion Goods,

Perfumery of the first class, Fine Cut and Plug Tobocco

and Cigars, Snuff, etc.

Our goods are warranted genuine, and prescriptions will be filled at all hours with prompt attention.

3 Doors North of the Williams House.

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[AD: CITIZENS BANK OF WINFIELD.]

WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 7, 1878.

J. C. McMULLEN, PRESIDENT A. W. BERKEY, ASSIS'T CASHIER

WINFIELD, KANSAS.

CITIZENS BANK OF WINFIELD,

(Successors to Arkansas City Bank, Arkansas City, Kansas.)

DOES A GENERAL BANKING BUSINESS

Pays Interest on Time Deposits,

Loans Money on Well Improved Farms.

Has a Very Superior Burglar-Proof Safe, With all the Recent

Improvements.

CORRESPONDENTS: American Exchange National Bank, New York.

First National Bank, Emporia.

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[AD: A. H. GREEN, ATTORNEY AND LAND BROKER!]

WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 7, 1878.

A. H. GREEN,

ATTORNEY AND LAND BROKER!

Winfield, Kansas,

Buys and Sells Land on his Own Account; and for Others, Pays Taxes, Examines Titles.

LOANS MONEY, MAKES INVESTMENTS, ETC.

A LARGE LIST OF COUNTRY AND CITY PROPERTY FOR SALE.

No. 10. 150 acres, 5 miles from Winfield, all second bottom, 100 acres in wheat; fenced pasture of 40 acres, 12 acres of timber one mile from place; house 12 x 16 feet, 4 rooms, good well, stable 10 x 12; 6 acres in orchard--most of trees now bearing, 12 acres grapes, plants, blackberries. Price, including wheat crop, $2,500.

No. 17. 160 acres, 4 miles from Winfield, 50 acres cultivated, 7 acres wheat; house of 3 rooms, good well and pump, good stable, 100 peach trees. Price: $1,200.

No. 19. 160 acres, 2 miles from Winfield, all first bottom, 50 acres cultivated, 26 acres wheat, small house. Price: $2,200.

No. 23. 400 acres, 240 of which is first bottom, the balance good upland; pine house 14 x 28, 12 story, with a stone addition 12 x 14 and cellar; good well and spring branch on place; pasture of 50 acres, fenced with good plank fence; 53 acres wheat. Price: $4,000.

No. 24. 100 acres; 90 cultivated, 70 in wheat, house

12 x 20; pasture of 20 acres, fenced with stone; all but 5 acres first bottom. Price: $2,250.

No. 29. 160 acres; 100 cultivated, 60 acres wheat; pine house 14 x 16, hedged all round, less 40 rods; 450 fruit trees.

No. 35. 120 acres, good upland; 70 acres cultivated,

house 12 x 16, 12 story, good well; hedged all round, 500 peach trees, 1 acre forest trees. Price: $1,000.

No. 36. 160 acres; 65 cultivated, 10 acres wheat; pine house 14 x 16, 12 story, good well and cellar; spring branch on place, 460 peach trees, 1 mile of hedge, all valley land, 5 miles from Winfield. Price $1,600; one-half cash, balance in one year at 12 percent interest.

No. 39. 160 acres; 30 acres cultivated, as other improvements; good upland. Price: $400.

No. 47. 160 acres, 2 miles from Winfield; 75 acres cultivated, 30 acres wheat, log house 15 x 16, 110 apple trees and 1,000 peach--all bearing; good well; hedged all round, and two cross hedges, from 1 to 5 years old; orchard, vineyard and garden all hedged; 170 grapevines; 75 of which are now bearing. Price: $2,000.

No. 48. 160 acres; 40 acres cultivated, 162 acres wheat, hedged on two sides; 2 miles from Winfield. Price: $2,300.

No. 55. 160 acres; cultivated 70 acres, all good land; 25 acres wheat, house 12 x 16, smoke house 10 x 12, good well, 260 fruit trees. Price: $1,650.

No. 62. 160 acres, 5 miles from Winfield; all under cultivation and hedged into 40 acre tracts by 3 year old hedge; 500 fruit trees, most of which are bearing; pine house 16 x 18, 12 story, with 1 story addition 12 x 18, wood house 10 x 18; good well in wood house; corn crib 10 x 20; stable 16 x 18; walnut and hickory trees 1 rod apart, all around the place 3 years old.

The above is a fair specimen of the lands in my hands for sale. If there is nothing in this list to suit you, I am sure I have something that will.

The above prices include the wheat crop on the respective tracts.

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[AD: LYNN & GILLELEN.]

WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 7, 1878.

We are Closing Out Dry Goods, Hats & Caps,

And Boots & Shoes

AT COST

For next 27 Days

LYNN & GILLELEN.

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[AD: GEO. W. MARTIN.]

WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 7, 1878.

GEO. W. MARTIN,

Makes BOOTS & SHOES

to order from the best stock and gives entire satisfaction to all customers.

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[MEAT MARKET: GEORGE MILLER.]

WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 7, 1878.

MEAT MARKET.

GEORGE MILLER

Has always on hand the choicest steaks, roasts, and other fresh meats. Particular attention paid to neatness.

Shop on Ninth avenue, one door east of McGuire and Crippen's store.

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[PERSONALS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 7, 1878.

Money to loan on one year's time by C. C. Harris.

Mr. Leo. Graves has been dangerously ill for the past two weeks.

Mrs. Reill is building a very neat dwelling in the south end of town.

There was a full force of men working on the west bridge all day Sunday.

J. M. Dever still runs the bakery which is becoming famous for the best bread in the Southwest.

DIED. Mr. Rutherford, who has been living on the farm of J. F. Graham, died last Thursday.

Warren E. Christie recently sold an acre of land joining the town site for $200 to J. Cochran.

Mr. Vandeventer is now visiting in Illinois. He will soon return and lay out his land south of Timber creek in an addition to Winfield.

The city council recently extended the city limits to include Fuller's, Manning's, and Read's additions.

Mr. N. Edwards was up last week with about ten thousand pounds of fine fish from the Salt Fork, Indian Territory.

We would call particular attention to the new card of George Miller's meat market. If George cannot suit you, the case is hopeless.

A donation visit will be held in the lecture room of the

M. E. Church on Tuesday evening, February 26th, for the benefit of J. L. Rusbridge.

STILL THEY COME. Elisha Groove, from Kankakee, Illinois, has bought the farm of Mrs. Bates, six miles east of town, and will settle upon and improve it.

It is expected that the Valley View Cemetery, south of town, will go into the hands of a corporation when it will be made more accessible and convenient.

Mr. T. W. Grant, a nurseryman from Kansas City, has bought a farm in Silverdale township on which he will cultivate a first-class nursery of trees, plants, and shrubs.

Those persons who have been in the habit of driving on the sidewalks in the southern part of the city will much oblige the citizens thereof by using the road which was made for that purpose.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 7, 1878.]

Mrs. Joe Barrett's little child, nine months old, a few days since fell from its high chair on the stove and was burned in a terrible manner. Mothers cannot be too careful with children.

Messrs Randall and Evans, Evangelists, are expected in Winfield today to commence the work of a revival. Their success in such work has been scarcely inferior to that of Moody and Sankey.

Mr. Hamilton, of Bolton township, farther of J. W. Hamilton, the manager of the Parsons road, has so much confidence in the success of that narrow gauge that he has recently invested $1,000 in it.

Max Joseph, an experienced gardener, has two hundred square feet of glass covering his hot-beds, over the river in Land's bend, and proposes to supply Winfield and vicinity with thirty-two different varieties of vegetables, and very soon, too. Hurrrah for Max Joseph!

Clark & Dysart is the name of the firm mentioned in another place who are about to build a machine shop and foundry in this city. They have purchased four lots on Main street, north of the Anderson house, and will build a two story stone building forty feet square.

The Cherokee Strip is again open for entry, this time at $1.25 per acre. This does not mean a ten mile strip in the Indian Territory. That humbug has no foundation in fact. The Cherokee Strip is in Kansas and lies along the south line of the state, averaging about three miles wide.

E. R. Beardsley, of Kankakee county, Illinois, writes to John Rarick, now of Winfield, that in that county there is no business, no road, no money, no whiskey, nothing but mud; that the trees, hills, barns, and hourse are gradually sinking down to a common level, and they are going to "lite out" for Kansas in the spring.

The United Brethren have been holding a series of meetings at Fairview and Walnut Valley schoolhouses with good success; have added twenty-two to their church, and have organized a Sabbath school at Walnut Valley schoolhouse, with A. L. Rarick, superintendent; D. W. Miller, assistant; and Miss Rosy Mater, Secretary.

We notice quite a number of gentlemen who have heretofore been inveterate drinkers now wearing the blue ribbon. We have talked with several of them and they say they have taken their last drink. God, boys; stick to it and you will be trusted and honored. "In the bright lexicon of youth there should be no such word as fail."

A man by the name of Coon was on trial Monday and Tuesday before Justice Boyer, charged with abstracting timber from the lands belonging to the Charles Johnson estate. The jury of twelve men hung out all night Tuesday and yesterday morning brought in a verdict of guilty. Defendant moved for a new trial. County attorney McDermott for prosecution; E. S. Torrance for the defense.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 7, 1878.]

A. H. GREEN never does things on a small scale. When he advertises he either takes a whole column or a whole paper, and is not satisfied with a circulation of moderate extent. See his new double half column advertisement in this isse, and when you have real estate to sell or buy, be sure and give him a call. He is doing a great work in showing up the county and its advantages to the people of other states.

Notice the new advertisement of the Citizens Bank. Col. McMullen has come to stay and do business. He has invested largely in real estate in this town and will make still further investments, while he is selling at a sacrifice the improvements he has left. He is a gentleman of large means, large business experience, and a large heart. He will of course command a large business patronage in his new location. Mr. Berkey, his assistant, pleases everybody, and will soon attain an enviable popularity.

THE MURPHY HAS COME, has been around here several days--we mean nights. We heard about Murphy meetings all over the state and all around us, but in Winfield and Cowley county, it was quiet except when someone got a little "chain lightning" for a considerable "lager." But it was the calm which precedes the storm, and the storm has come at last sweeping away into the Murphy whirlpool, old and young; male and female; rich and poor; hard drinkers and soft drinkers. The meetings have been repeated in quick succession, each patriot has signed that he might save his neighbors, no one has been so selfish as to sign on his own account, but they sign all the same, and the number of names taken in this city already amounts to 103 [? could be

403 ?], and more coming.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 7, 1878.]

It is reported that immense quantities of the best of timber are being destroyed in the Indian Territory south of this and Sumner counties. If no timber were cut down except such as is actually used up savingly, it would be much better, but this wholesale waste should be stopped at once. Where is the deputy marshal for that territory?

Mr. Samuel Clark, of Boswell, Boston county, Indiana, has lately visited our city and made arrangements to remove to this place, built a first-class machine shop and foundry, and open a business that line. Mr. Clark is an experienced machinist, having successfully pursued that business for twenty-one years. This will be one of the most important business acquisitions that our city and county have received.

---

Mrs. Huston requests us to correct the statement that the church and town are indebted to her for the new bell in the tower of the Presbyterian church. Well, we must take it all back, we suppose, but we insist that we have done her no substantial injustice, for though she may not have procured the bell, we are largely indebted to her for the church itself.

---

A man was arrested in Winfield for carrying a town lot off on his boots. Traveler.

The boots were worn by an Arkansas City man. He is about to go into the business of producing "garden sass" on a certain dreary looking knoll near the mouth of the Walnut and was after some good strong soil with which to fertilize it. He failed to get the lot, and in the future the crop on that knoll will be what it has been in the past--small potatoes. Come again, Mr. Sand Hill Crane.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 7, 1878.]

We would call special attention to the new advertisement of Messrs. Giles Bros., druggists. These gentlemen keep only pure, fresh goods, but have a large stock completely assorted. They thoroughly understand their business, attend strictly to it, are particularly careful in putting up prescriptions, and are always on hand to wait upon their customers in a pleasant and courteous manner. Our readers will do well to call on them for anything in their line.

---

REMOVED. The Arkansas City Bank closed its doors at this place last week for the purpose of temporarily removing to the county seat to extend its business. Col. J. C. McMullen, its president, during his residence here for the past five years, proved himself a valuable citizen, and a prudent, careful businessman. We owe to him the credit of building one of the finest residences in Southern Kansas, and locating some of the best and most extensive farmers in this section. By his liberal advertising and constant efforts, he brought many to Kansas and Cowley county that might never have been here, had he not been with us himself. Being a man of reputation and means, besides an affable gentleman, he is bound to succeed wherever he goes, as we earnestly hope he will. Traveler.

All of which we heartily endorse except "temporarily removing." Well, that is good. Do not be consoling yourself with the hope that Col. McMullen will ever return to Arkansas City. He is sacrificing his property there at any price that he can get for it and has come to Winfield to stay. Welcome, Col. McMullen, to the present and future business center of the Southwest. Your head is level.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 7, 1878.]

Real Estate Transfers.

D. H. Bross to Daniel A. Bells, 5 acres in s. e. 23, 33, 4; $85.

S. D. Pryor and wife to Thomasine True, 160 acres,

n. w. 6, 33, 5; $500.

James F. Crawford et. al., to Pleasant Crawford, e. 3 of

n. w. and w. 2 of n. e. 7, 30, 3; $1,200.

R. B. Waite and wife to Julia A. Gilliard, 1 acre in

18, 32, 4; $25.

U. S. to Silas Thorla, 160 acres, s. e. 7, 33, 3.

J. C. Fuller and wife to H. I. Shafer, lot 4, block 209, Winfield; $40.

Lazette Town Co. to Thomas Walck, lots 16 and 17, block 21, Lazette.

---

PROBATE JUDGE's OFFICE.

MARRIAGE LICENSES.

James S. Barrett to Sarah Ann Smith.

Wm. H. McCabe to Rebecca A. Williamson.

John S. Vandever to Margaret Teter.

Henderson Coanes to Sarah Redman.

Justus Fisher to Esther Williamson.

---

Report of O. P. Darst, administrator of estate of Ann Allison, filed and approved.

Report of O. P. Darst, guardian of Charles and Ira Allison, filed and approved.

Inventory filed in the estate of Charles Johnson showing personal assets $401.48.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 7, 1878.]

Notice to Settlers on Cherokee Strip.

In accordance with the instructions from the general land office, this office will be prepared to receive applications from settlers entitled thereunder to enter the tracts covered by their respective settlements not to exceed 160 acres for each settler, at $1.25 per acre for the period of one year from this date. Each applicant will be required to submit proof to consist of his affidavit corroborated by the affidavits of disinterested witnesses, which shall show that he is an actual settler on the tract desired, and also that there is no other party entitled thereon as a prior settler.

JAMES L. DYER, Receiver.

Wichita, Kansas, February 7, 1878.

---

FROM BALTIMORE.

OMNIA TWP., COWLEY CO., KANS., January 30, 1878.

EDITOR COURIER: Since my last nothing of special interest has transpired in Omnia.

The debating society at Summit schoolhouse, in Richland township, labored last Monday evening withh the following question, "Resolved, That it would be to the interest of Cowley county to vote $,500 per mile to the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad to extend their road from Eldorado down the valley through Cowley county," and the judges by a vote of two against one decided in the affirmative. The sense of the house was then taken, which resulted in three majority against the bonds.

Another lot of newcomers, this time from Missouri, and still the mud continues.

BIRTH. Another newcomer arrived at J. C. Stratton's. J. C. says it is a herder; weight unknown.

ALEXANDER.

---

Sale of School Lands.

On Saturday, 2nd day of March, 1878, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., the county treasurer, T. R. Bryan, will sell at his office in Winfield, at auction, all of section 16, township 30, south of range 3 east, in eight 40-acre tracts. The land is appraised at $4.50 per acre, and no bid will be received for less. The improvements on the northwest quarter of southeast quarter are appraised at $50, as are also those on the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 7, 1878.]

CEDAR TOWNSHIP, JAN. 31, 1878.

ED. COURIER: Thinking a line would not be amiss, I will say we had a series of meetings held by the Followers of Christ and an accession to the church of Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Osborn and Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Caldwell, who were baptized and confirmed on Monday the 28th.

Wheat looks well; weather wet; roads bad; health good. More anon.

[We thank the unknown writer of the above and would like to know to whom we are indebted. Irems are always acceptable. ED.]

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BEAVER JOTTINGS.

Sorry I cannot reproduce the items you lost last week. They have slipped from my mind. However, here are a few others.

One of the smart alecs of our neighbor township, Pleasant Valley, in close proximity to this vicinity, assassinated a disorderly Indian a few days ago. The weapons used were a knife in the hands of the Indian and an ax in the hands of the assassin.

The countenances of our tillers of the soil are aglow with radiant smiles in anticipation of an abundant wheat crop this season. The prospects have never been more flattering than they are at present for a bountiful crop.

Quite a quantity of corn will ornament the stalks in the field.

Mr. Charles Whitson is testing the realities of the happiness of bachelordom, while his better half is off visiting friends in Kentucky. Being exhausted when night comes with his efforts in the culinary department during the day, Charley wearily takes down the--almanac, reads a chapter, repeats the--alphabet backwards, and, after carefully smoothing the pillows over his boots, and snugly tucking the covers around his wearing apparel, stands up in the corner to slumber.

Sweet melodies still titilate the ear and float in the atmosphere surrounding the Centennial, Tuesday and Saturday evenings.

The partaking of the Lords Supper at the Centennial last Sunday was a solemn and interesting affair. Elder Down and Rev. Judge Ross dispensed the bread and wine.

An effort is being made to organize a new school district out of a portion of No. 9 and 10. It is sheer folly, gentlemen, to do such a thing. The number of scholars and inhabitants will not justify the formation of a district. Better attach a slice of No. 4, and thus secure three healthy, prosperous schools rather than four weakly inefficient ones. Our worthy county superintendent is too wise to discomode and oppress many for the accommodation of two or three individuals.

Has Links and Pins been cremated? Horatius has no desire to supercede him as an itemizer from this township. There is room for both pencils, if you will confine your notes to the west. I will see that the east part of the township is represented.

The roads are still passable, if J. W. Browning's success in hauling with four strong mules ten sacks of bran from the mill is any crierion to judge by.

Centennial scholars deserving special mention for excellence in recititation, attendance, and deportment are George Beach,

Edward Hunt, Robert Hunt, John Williams, Willie Holtby, Dick Holtby, Sheridan Teeter, Alonzo Banfille, Oscar McCulloch, Rowell Browning, Clara Browning, Jessie Browning, Nelly Holtby, and Maggie Teeter.

Superintendent Story lately visited this school.

HORATIUS.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 7, 1878.]

DEXTER, KANSAS, Jan. 27, 1878.

ED. COURIER: Can you give me space in OUR paper for monthly reports of my school? The following is for the month ending January 18, 1878:

Enrollment: 82

Visits: 2

Perfect in deportment: 12

Not absent: 23

Cases of tardiness: 57

Geography, advanced: 14

Geography, primary: 27

History: 10

Grammar, advanced: 7

Arithmetic, men'l: 29

Arithmetic, written: 25

Penmanship: 46

Composition: 39

Physiology: 10

T. H. ALEY.

[We think complete school reports might become rather cumbersome, but would like general results, special mention of pupils for meritorious conduct or attainments, or other items of interest. We are informed that Mr. Aley is doing excellent work. ED.]

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 7, 1878.]

RICHLAND ITEMS.

The roads are drying up.

Weather fine.

The farmers are busy preparing for spring work.

The Baptists have closed their meetings at Richland. The Union meetings at Little Dutch have also closed. Each added secreal members to the church.

Floral Grange is adding members to their society, and will have a supper Friday night next.

Prairie Grove Literary, 108, has changed its meetings from Saturday night to Tuesday night of each week.

Good Templars organized at Floral last Saturday night.

A. Jarvis is again under Phelps' care with his arm. Erysipelas has again commenced to spread.

E. P. Sawtell is going to Missouri soon after a brother, and M. C. Hedrrick for his wife, who has been on a visit to her old home.

War has broken out again and great has been the shedding of coats, but no blood as yet has been shed over the jumping of claims. This is the fourth or fifth time. "Let us have peace."

The inquest is over and the verdict comes: "Floral Literary died of fizzle."

They report a good Literary at the Limbarker schoolhouse.

The Baptists are holding a good meeting at the Read schoolhouse on Cedar.

I understand a protracted meeting will commence soon at the Limbarker schoolhouse.

Frank Limbarker is again able to be out.

Farmers are holding hogs and produce of all kinds for higher prices; will pack before they sell at present figures.

Several young men of sober habits, industrious and intelligent, might do well to come to Richland, as we have several ladies who desire to leave this cussed life of singleness. No rake need apply. L.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 7, 1878.]

FAIRVIEW SCHOOLHOUSE, DISTRICT 21,

January 29, 1878.

MR. EDITOR: The Murphy movement has reached here. Rev. Mr. Rusbridge delivered a lecture here last evening, after which the following persons signed the pledge to abstain from all intoxicating drinks as a beverage.

FIRST COLUMN:

Monforte, J. C., Jr.; Burton, W. L.; Baird, Mattie; McKee, Mrs. Ben.; Kicks, Emma; Baird, Allie; Lahr, Peter; Wilson, Ernest; Leech, Francis M.; Newberry, A.; Limbocker, Maggie; Newberry, Mary; McKee, Erma; Curfman, Mary; Keck, Mollie; Limbocker, Clara; Curfman, Bella M.; Wells, Samuel; Limbocker,

W. W., Bartlow, Anna L.; Knox, W. W.; Curfman, Mrs. J. H.; Newberry, Chris.; White, William; Howard, J. W.; Barrick, Mark.

SECOND COLUMN:

Wells, Hattie; Baird, W. C.; Limbocker, F. E.; Bush, R. A.; Bush, S. D.; Bariman, M. E.; Roberts, Cary C.; Monforte, A. C.;

Robertson, Quincy; McKee, Benjamin; Morgan, Richard A.; Monforte, Hattie; Andrews, Mattle L.; Curfman, John W.; Curfman, E.; Curfman, J. H.; Graham, Emily; Lindley, Thos. J.; Curfman, Oscar; Limbocker, Fred; Walis, Wesley J.; Keck, James; Orr, William J.;

Limbocker, Cynthia; Rouse, Alley; Burton, A. C.

Our organization was effected and the following officers chosen: J. W. Howard, president; W. W. Limbocker, vice president; W. L. Burton, secretary; J. H. Curfman, treasurer. Society meets every Wednesday evening at 7 o'clock.

J. W. HOWARD, President.

W. L. BURTON, Secretary.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 7, 1878.]

BEAVER JOTTINGS.

Now, "Links and Pins" and "Horatius" think they are some--don't they? Just as we were getting ready to let off our blast of news and nonsense from Beaver, we found it had been let off, ahead of us. We hope they will not invade our territory again for news. They are welcome to come to our lyceum and gallant our girl's home, but we want our news let alone.

It is reported that parties from Winfield are wanting to build a mill on Spring creek, on the old grange mill site, in this township. Come on. We are ready for all such improvements.

The following gentlemen have built new residences in Beaver recently: Warren Wood, a good pine house; Geo. Teeter, a splendid farm house; Moses Teeter, a cottage; Harvey Dwyer, a cottage also; and David Dix, a box house. Others will build residences and barns soon. Thus, you see, Beaver is improving rapidly, notwithstanding the hard times.

A terrible fight occurred over in Creswell township yesterday morning between two "Sons of Erin." One of the combatants used a raxor on his antagonist, and lacerated his hand shockingly, besides using him up generally. Arrests were made.

One of our young gentlemen had been taking his girl home in a farm wagon, and was composing in his mind--his little prayer that he was going to offer that night in behalf of his "true love" when, all at once, the front wheel came off and that side of the wagon fell suddenly to the ground, causing him to turn a "catastrophe" in the air and fall in a confused heap on the treacherous wheel. Being very much confused in mind, he said: "If it's me, I've lost a pair of mules and wagon; and if it ain't me, I have found a wagon wheel." the team having gone on. After being convinced that it was "him," the only remark he made was "Dad san the luck."

Our lyceum is getting along bravely. At the last meeting two persons were tried and acquitted for neglect of duty. The prosecutor and wife got "huffy" and things were torn up generally, but at present everything is quiet on the "Potomac."

Our neighbor, Geo. Chaffee, has a new sulky plow.

Mr. Abrahams has the best lot of hogs in the township. He is "waiting and watching for a better price."

Health is splendid in this vicinity.

What is the reason that Cowley county cannot have an agricultural society? Are the people too poor to support one? Or, are they too lazy to organize it? Other counties have agricultural societies, and Cowley being the leading county ought to have one. Let us organize at once and have a fair next fall. Who will be the first to move in this matter?

Wheat is looking splendidly in this part, which fact suggests a question in the "rule of three." If wheat is worth only 50 cents a bushel, when we have a poor crop, what will it be worth next fall after that 85,000 acres in this county have been harvested at an average of 25 bushels per acre?

The singing school at the Centennial has been resurrected and will not proceed at a lively rate. Horatius is the best looking young man that attends and "Links and Pins" is the tallest. Little Dick, the fattest, and most attentive to his girl; and Willie B., the merriest.

It is suggested that a pair of stilts be made and presented to the young man who had to get on the stove hearth to kiss his girl.

It is said by all who see it, that the COURIER is the most readable paper that circulates among the people of Cowley county.

Now shall shall wait to see hos this looks in type before making another attempt.

LITTLE AND MORE.

February 3, 1878.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 7, 1878.]

VERNON ITEMS.

Here we are again!

When one gets well, another gets ill. Mrs. Baker is the unfortunate one this time.

On the 27th ult., Rev. Mr. Gosland failed to put in an appearance at either of his appointments--Nose Bud and Mt. Zion. He has disappointed us twice already this year. J. A. Rupp filled his place.

Pretty little, when they are permitted to have beaux as soon, or even before, they enter their teens. Parents who have no better care or power over their children ought to have none.

GRAPE VINE TELEGRAPH.

NOTE: THIS PERSON ALWAYS PERSISTS IN SAYING "NOSE BUD"

WHEN I BELIEVE THEY MEAN TO MENTION ROSE BUD.

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[SOME ADS/NOTICES.]

WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 7, 1878.

Fresh mince to eat. Peach and Apple butter at WALLIS & WALLIS.

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We are not selling at cost, but will sell goods as cheap as any retail drug house in Kansas. GILES BROS.

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Four tons of New Groceries just received at McGuire & Crippen's.

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Best Coffee. Four pounds for $1.00.

McGUIRE & CRIPPEN's.

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Wm. Atkinson has just received samples of Woolen Cloths and Diagonals. Call and examine them at his shop over Lynn & Gillelen's store.

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Mrs. N. J. Ross has removed her dressmaking and hairworking establishment to the third door west of Kirk's blacksmith shop. She also has a machine for fringing dress trimmings.

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J. W. Johnston keeps on hand a well selected stock of burial cases.

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[RYAN'S OSAGE BILL.]

WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 14, 1878 - FRONT PAGE.

RYAN'S OSAGE BILL.

LAZETTE, Feb. 5.

MR. EDITOR: Now that Mr. Ryan's land bill is pending in the lower house of Congress, it can do no harm to enquire into its merits, with a view to ascertaining how far it will go toward effecting the end aimed at, and to what extent it may be depended upon as a means of settling any of the difficulties pertaining to the question with which it attempts to deal.

The measure evidently has a twofold object. In the first place, it presumes to afford some relief to claimants who may have some notion of becoming land owners, and secondly, it seems to increase the taxable property by hastening the sale of the residue of the Osage lands. In either of these cases the bill, should it become a law, will prove to be wholly inadequate to change the present status of the question, and as a consequence we may expect a continuance of the do-nothing course, which has been pursued by the class of settlers referred to, ever since the first settlement of the country. The bill provides that claimants may have three years additional time in which to make entry by paying a certain amount each year. We have seen that they have taken nearly twice that time already, without paying anything, law or no law. Will Mr. Ryan please explain to us what inducement his scheme offers the settler, to pay money for a privilege, in these hard times, which he is not debarred from exercising as has been his custom heretofore, and in precisely the same manner, without any additional cost to himself whatever?

It is a well known fact that there are numbers of settlers who are now eating peaches, raised from the seed, upon claims not even filed on.

To be sure the bill in question provides that if after a certain time the claimant fails to do certain things, he assumes the risk of losing his claim. This, however, is left wholly with him, and if he sees fit to take those chances, he is at liberty to do so, which in fact is precisely what he has been doing under the old order of things, and which he will continue to do with impunity in despite of anything in Mr. Ryan's bill of to the contrary. There is one aspect of the question Mr. Ryan appears to have wholly overlooked and that is--where a settler resides upon a claim, he virtually owns it. No one attempts or desires to molest him in its occupancy. And he is fully alive to this fact. There is one important difference, however, between the tenure by which he holds his land and that of a title in fee simple. The mere claimant has nothing to do with taxes (except perchance to vote them) while his less fortunate neighbor of the fee simple settles at the desk of the county treasurer for both parties.

This trifling difference, however, Mr. Ryan attempts to adjust by permitting the claimant to contribute his proportion to the tax fund, provided he pays some fifty or a hundred dollars for the privilege.

But unfortunately for the honorable gentleman, those persons who will pay taxes when there is a legal way to avoid it, are not numerous, and we would be glad to have him explain how taxation is to be enforced against land which nobody owns.

Evidently Mr. Ryan is a new hand at the business. And although his first attempt at congressional legislation looks very much like a harmless superfluity, still he has doubtless gained many friends among a certain class of settlers, which, however, is more complimentary to his good intentions than in his ability as a law maker.

TAX PAYER.

EDITORIAL REMARKS.

The object in laying the bill referred to before our readers was to elicit such comments, suggestions, and criticisms as would aid in perfecting its provisions as far as possible before final action and for that purpose the above communication will be of value. Taxpayer states his points strongly and clearly and shows a correct idea of the objects of the bill, but considers it wholly inadequate to the attainment of those objects. He asks, what inducement this scheme offers the settler to pay money for a privilege he already enjoys and is not debarred by the bill from exercising in the same way he has heretofore done; and says the claimant, if he fails to comply with the provisions of this bill, merely takes the same risk of losing his land that he has taken heretofore.

We answer that the risk is not the same. At present the risk to the settler of losing his land is not great. The jumper must have strong nerves if he can live on a tract of land which has been improved by another, in perpetual danger of shot guns and under all kinds of terrors for the term of six months before he can enter; and but few, if any, will attempt it. But pass Mr. Ryan's bill and the risk of losing the land is changed to certainty. The buyer has not got to live in purgatory for six months, he may never see the land or the original settler or even make the least improvement on it, he merely makes his bid, pays his money, and takes his patent. It is a sure thing and no chance for "bulldozing." On 160 acres of land the settler must pay his first $50 within six months or certainly lose his land. The risk is merged in certainty. He will in some way raise and pay that much in probably ninety-nine cases out of a hundred in six months after the passage of the bill. Should he not, the land will be immediately sold, to speculators if you are pleased to call them so, and will be taxable in either case within seven months after passage.

But Taxpayer says, "those persons who will pay taxes when there is a legal way to avoid it, are not numerous," and desire it explained "how taxation is to be enforced against land which nobody owns."

Well, until somebody else owns it, Uncle Sam will have the legal title and Uncle Sam is amply able to pay his taxes, all that he agrees to pay. The unentered lands are not taxable for State and local purposes merely because congress has reserved them from taxation in the organic acts on which the state governments are formed and has repeated these enactments in each case. Should congress pass this bill in the present form, these lands will be made taxable after the first payment by act of congress itself. Uncle Sam, having assented to the taxation, will be bound to see the taxes paid, but he will be safe. When a default is made in a payment to the government, the sums of money already paid, are forfeited as well as the land will be sufficient to pay all taxes and leave a surplus. When a default is made, the title immediately passes to a buyer not a settler, and then the land can be sold for the taxes, or if no default is made, the title passes to the settler at the end of three and a half years, if not sooner, and then can be sold for all the back taxes. There is no trouble about collecting the taxes, my friend. If the bill passes, it will be just as easy as any other tax collection.

Taxpayer thinks Mr. Ryan a new hand at the business. Well, he proves to be able to get more merits into a short bill than Mr. Taxpayer has succeeded in discovering in six weeks, a bill in which the weakest points discovered by Mr. Taxpayer have peculiar strength.

Taxpayer fully realizes the evils we are at present laboring under and recognizes the necessity that something should be done, but does not suggest a remedy. Several attempts by legislation and otherwise have been made to remedy the matter, but have failed. Mr. Ryan has now taken hold of it and has produced the only scheme (as Taxpayer calls it) which is sure to give relief. It is the best we can think of and if anyone else has a better "scheme," we would like to hear it.

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[COMMUNICATION FROM W. B. NORMAN, P. M., RED BUD.]

WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 14, 1878 - FRONT PAGE.

RED BUD, COWLEY COUNTY, KANSAS, February 4, 1878.

ED. COURIER: Dear Sir: For the usual reason, a hitch in the mail service to this place, the Winfield papers of the 24th ult. have not yet been received at this office; and this is no unsual thing, but is rather the rule than the exception, and is a source of great annoyance and frequently of serious business delay. Postmater Kelly, of your city, I am satisfied, has done all in his power to remedy the evil, without meeting with much success. Our mail frequently goes to Oxford; thence to Wichita; from there to Eldorado, and then to Augusta, the initial point of this route making a complete circle around us and occupying about ten days to reach a point only eighteen miles distant from the city of Winfield; and this when there is a daily mail from your place to Wichita, which might leave the mail at this office enroute, and not travel one rod farther to do so, and this too with a road as good as that now traveled over. Would it not be practical to have the services rendered daily at this office by the parties now carrying between Winfield and Wichita?

Counting on your good office I am, sir, in behalf of the people of this community.

Very respectfully, etc.

W. B. NORMAN, P. M.

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[EDITORIAL ITEMS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 14, 1878.

Discussion of the silver bill continues in the Senate. It is hoped a vote on the question will be reached this week.

---

When State treasurer Francis applied to Secretary Sherman the other day for the government bonds that our state school and sinking fund commissioners are purchasing, Sherman said to him humorously: "Yes, I think it's time for western people to take hold of this loan, as you have about ruined our market in the east by the silver agitation."

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Brick Pomeroy in his reminiscences says he learned the printing business in Wellsboro, Pa., in the office of a man named Webb. We are informed that this man Webb was and is Judge W. C. Webb, of Topeka. How Brick could become the red-hot democrat that he is, after learning the printing business under an old time abolitionist like Judge Webb is a mystery.

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[MORE EDITORIAL ITEMS: WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 14, 1878.]

WICHITA LAND OFFICE.

We understand that a change will soon be made in the Registership of the Wichita Land office, and that Hon. L. J. Webb, of this city, is talked of for the place. We think that as far as our neighbors at Wichita are concerned, they should be satisfied with having the location of the land office and the Receivership, and we believe they are. Mr. Webb received the endorsement of a large majority of the members of the state legislature, of most of the state officials, of the county officers of Cowley county, of many of the leading citizens of Winfield, and last but not least, of the republican state, district, and county central committees. The people of Cowley endorse him and would be glad to see him appointed. In fact, in the distribution of federal appointments in Kansas, Cowley county has been overlooked, and it would be no more than right that she should have this one. Mr. Webb possesses all the qualifications necessary for the office and we hope our congressional delegation will urge his appointment.

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TURKEY.

The past week has witnessed many important movements and has been one of unusual excitement among the powers of Europe. Greece actually commenced war against Turkey. The 10,000 troops sent into Thessaly came on the 4th to Domaco, a place garisoned by 2,000 Turkish troops, attacked and captured it at the point of the bayonet and took a large number of prisoners and considerable war material, losing themselves one hundred and fifty men. This was several days after the Turko-Russian armistice was signed, and left Greece alone at war with Turkey. The Turkish minister at Athens telegraphed home to be taken away and five Turkish men of war were sent for him. The Greek government were in great trepidation, but determined to pursue their present policy.

The Turkish troops have evacuated all the Danubean fortresses and Erzeroum in accordance with the stipulations of the armistice and the Russian troops have taken possession. They have also taken possession of the outer lines of defense around Constantinople, and a line of forts on the Aegean, Mamora, and Black seas.

The conditions of the armistice are not yet fully made public, but as far as they have transpired are, first, the erection of Bulgaria into a principality; second, war indemnity territory or money compensation; third, independence of Roumania, Servia, and Montenegro, with increase of territory for each; fourth, reforms in Hersegovina and Montenegro; fifth, understanding between the sultan and czar regarding the Dardanelles; sixth, evacuation of the Danubian fortresses and Erzeroum.

When the articles were signed by the commissioners, an order was at once dispatched to all Russian corps to suspend hostilities. The Servian, Roumanian, and Montenegrin governments likewise issued the same orders to their troops. Steps are being taken to commence a definitive treaty of peace at Adrianople. Each day something new has transpired in relation to the terms of the armistice, and it is now thought that Russia has the free occupation and use of the Dardanelles, the sea of Marmora, and the Bosphorus. It is also believed that the Turkish fleets on the Danube and Black see are to be delivered to Russia as a part of her war indemnity.

The office of Grand Vizier has been abolished and a new ministry formed under European names and forms, and the Turkish government promises many other reforms in the direction of civilization and equal rights of Christians.

It is thought that Russia is concentrating troops in Roumania so as to be ready to dispute successfully the pretentions of Austria.

Count Andrassy called a conference of all the European powers to meet at Vienna to negotiate on the terms of the peace. All the powers except Russia readily assented and have appointed delegates. Russia objects to Vienna or any other large city as the place for holding such conference and claims that some retired and quiet little village would be the better place.

Great Britain has been in a turmoil of excitement. She first sent a fleet to the Dardanelles, then withdrew it, and has finally sent a fleet to Constantinople. In parliament the liberals who opposed the special appropriation of $30,000,000 to meet the exigencies of the times have withdrawn their opposition and the sum has been voted. The attitude of John Bull is very threatening, but Russia has shown as much adroitness in diplomacy as power in arms and will probably avert further war.

The Russians have during the war captured 120,000 men, 20 Pashas, and 1,000 cannon. Her total losses have been 90,000 men and the Turkish losses, besides those captured, have been far greater.

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[COUNTY PRINTING.]

WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 14, 1878 - EDITORIAL PAGE.

RECAP ONLY.

Kansas Attorney General denies the right of county commissioners to let the printing required by law at any other than the rates prescribed by law. Judge Perkins of the judicial district east of Cowley county made a decision taking the same ground. "The commissioners have no control over the tax list, except to see that the bills presented are correct and pay them; the law provides just what shall be paid the printer, etc." The Paola Spirit: "The county board have no more right to let certain kinds of printing to the lowest bidder than they have to contract to let out the work of the register of deeds or clerk of the court to the lowest bidder." Leavenworth Times: "The fees to be paid for nearly all kinds of county printing are fixed by state law, at rates that allow just a fair living compensation for doing the work--as low as any printer can do it and make wages;" and that parties who bid less, "except to get even by cheating the county in the quality of the work done."

Under this ruling of the attorney general, those county printers who have not been paid full legal rates can sue the county and recover the balance.

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[OSAGE TRUST AND DIMINISHED RESERVE LANDS: PROCEEDS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 14, 1878 - EDITORIAL PAGE.

PROCEEDS OF THE SALES OF PUBLIC LANDS.

The house committee on education and labor have reported a bill to distribute the proceeds of the sales of public lands among the states for the purposes of education. This is far better than the old practice of using these lands to create revenue, but the system of allowing speculators, corporations, or anyone else to obtain these lands from the government in quantities exceeding 160 acres on an any terms is wrong in principle, and in practice highly injurious to the best interests of the country. The only true system is to give these lands to actual settlers only, at prices not in excess of the actual cost to the government of survey, expenses of the land office, etc. The settler in a new country, in the hardships, privations, sickness, and sufferings which he must endure while he is making a country valuable not only locally but to the whole United States earns the land and more too, and should have it without paying any profit to the government or any school fund.

The management of the Osage Trust and Diminished Reserve lands has been an enormous wrong to the settlers, compelling them to pay $1.25 per acre for their lands merely to allow the Osage Indians to make an enormous profit to which they were in no way entitled. They actually made a treaty with Sturgis in 1868 by which they sold Sturgis the whole diminished Reserve at about eighteen cents per acre. This was considered by them a fair valuation. It is the labor of settlers and nothing else that has since made these lands more valuable. It was then the duty of the government to have bought these lands outright of the Osages at eighteen cents per acre, and at once to have surveyed and opened them to settlement at eighteen cents, plus the cost of survey and land office expenses, which, all told, would not have cost the settler as much as forty cents per acre. Instead of this, the settlers have been taxed eight-five cents per acre for the purpose of making "bloated bondholders" of a lot of lazy, dirty savages out of the hard earnings of industrious American citizens.

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[STATE NEWS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 14, 1878 - EDITORIAL PAGE.

STATE NEWS.

"Old Settlers Clubs" are being organized in many parts of the state.

One hundred and eighty-eight newspapers are published in Kansas.

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[NEWS NOTES.]

WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 14, 1878 - EDITORIAL PAGE.

NEWS NOTES.

The new popular 4 percent national loan is being rapidly taken throughout the country.

The southern educational convention passed a resolution favoring the distribution of the proceeds of public lands among the states on the basis of illiteracy as an educational fund.

From Fort Benton we have news of a great turmoil among the Indians, stirred up by the Sioux, who are trying to organize the Indians to kill off the whites before they become too numerous.

William Sturgis, the Chicago railroad king, who once made a treaty to buy the Osage Diminished Reserve at eighteen cents per acre, has filed a voluntary petition in bankruptcy. Liabilities, $1,200,000; assets, $500,000 in L. L. & G. stock and $250,000 in Crescent iron works stock.

Collector Booth states that his deputies and the deputy

U. S. marshals have met with armed resistance on the part of illicit distillers in overpowering numbers in Winston county, Alabama, and are unable to enforce the revenue laws in that section. The commissioner replies, telling Collector Booth to employ more men and act vigorously.

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[PERSONALS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 14, 1878.

OH the mud!

Our streets need sidewalks.

This is a good time to set out trees.

A China wedding at Dr. Mansfield's tonight.

Money to loan on one year's time by C. C. Harris.

An apple wagon was in town this week, all the way from "Arkansaw."

Work commences this month on the railroad from Parsons to Winfield.

The new iron bridge spanning the Walnut river southwest of town is completed.

Stewart & Simpson have the contract for putting up the machine shop for Clarke & Dysart.

Walker Brothers have one of the most unique and beautiful show cases out. Go and see it.

Col. McMullen's bank brings a good many people from south Sumner and Cowley to this place on business.

P. W. Hughes, one of the heaviest farmers in Elk county, was here last week looking for a location in Cowley county.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 14, 1878.]

Some Cowley county money is being invested in 4 percent government bonds through the school fund commissioners.

Word comes to us of the sale of a negro boy over near Lazette for $50. Somebody please read the riot--no, the fifteenth amendment.

DIED. Daniel Cook, of Sullivan county, Missouri, died in Winfield on the 8th inst. of pneumonia and heart disease. He leaves a wife and seven children.

Dr. Marion Goss, of Rockville, Indiana, is in this city looking up a location. Like all other newcomers, he likes the country about here and will probably become one of us.

Sixteen teams from Vernon and Beaver township are hauling government supplies from Wichita to Fort Sill, and at last accounts were stuck in the mud below Cheyenne Agency.

We want that wood. Those who have promised us wood on subscription and others would confer a favor that would be duly appreciated if they would bring it along in spite of the mud.

The communication from "Kansas Traveler" is well written and spicy, even peppery, but on a careful examination we conclude it is as decidedly personal as though names were called; so we must reject it.

Rev. F. C. Wright will be here to commence his duties as pastor of the Baptist church about the first of March. He has been pastor of the Baptist church of Jefferson, Ohio, for the past six or seven years.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 14, 1878.]

Our readers will notice the new advertisement of Prof. C. Farringer. He is a music teacher of the first class, and as a repairer and tuner of instruments has but few equals. His music rooms will be well supplied with instruments for sale.

AD: PROF. C. FARRINGER.

TEACHER OF VOCAL AND INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

Tuner and Repairer of

PIANOS AND ORGANS

MUSIC ROOMS on Main street, south of Williams House.

(Mrs. Farringer will attend to the selling of instruments, books, etc., and Eddy Farringer will collect and receipt all bills for runing and teaching.)

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During a protracted meeting on Rock creek recently, several roughs continued to disturb the meetings and two of them, both young men, are, we understand, to be arrested and punished. The others may escape on future good behavior.

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A low gambling concern has been operating openly in the Headquarters building. We were informed it was licensed by the city council. Probably the city dads did not know the nature of the institution, but should now arrest and punish the operators.

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That "Cherokee Strip" is a big thing! Twice it has been thrown open to settlement as long as there was anything anybody would settle on, and once it has been in market to sealed bids, and now it is in market again to "actual settlers." Pretty poor picking by this time.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 14, 1878.]

Our readers will not be surprised to learn that Wirt W. Walton was the best-dressed man at the Knight's Templar baill at Topeka last week. It is rumored that he will be married soon to the daughter of a prominent citizen of the capital city and go to Paris to spend the summer.

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Messrs. Randall and Evans, Evangelists of the Baptist persuasion, are holding a series of meetings at the Methodist church. The Presbyterians, Methodists, and Baptists are united in supporting these meetings. The interest manifested, and the skill and talent exhibited in the management, address, and music are marvelous to say the least. The house is nightly crowded and great results are anticipated.

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The letter of W. B. Norman, which appears on the first page, was post-marked "Ninnescah, Feb. 4," but did not reach the Winfield post-office until the evening of the 7th; and this is no unusual occurrence, unless better than usual. There is something radically wrong in this matter. It could not well be worse. We have a daily mail route both ways between here and Wichita and there is no good reason why the mail matter between here and Ninnescah should not be delivered the same day it is mailed. In the matter of the Red Bud mail, we know of no reason for such a state of things as Mr. Norman describes. Under the present regime it should be greatly remedied, but probably a new mail route is the only thing that will afford complete relief.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 14, 1878.]

Real Estate Transfers.

S. D. Pryor and wife to Thomas E. True, lots 3 and 4 off

s. 2 of n. w. 3 sec. 6, tp. 33, r. 5.

James Crawford et. al. to Pleasant Crawford, e. h. of

n. w. qr. and w. h. of n. e. qr., sec. 7, tp. 30, r 3.

R. B. Waite and wife to Julia A. Gilleland, 1 acre off

n. e. qr. sec. 18, tp. 32, r. 4.

United States to Sibel Thorle, s. e. qr., sec. 7, tp. 3,

r. 3.

Abram H. Buckwater to school district No. 69, 1 acre offf

n. w. qr. sec. 11, tp. 35, r. 3.

Henry B. Hollowell to school dist. No. 16, 1 acre off

s. w. qr. sec. 11, tp. 35, r. 3.

Amanuel Showers and wife to John S. Spangler, n. e. qr.

sec 34, tp. 31, r. 3.

Robert Allison and wife to J. H. Rarrick, s. qr. n. e. qr. sec. 26, tp. 34, r. 6.

Maria E. Andrews to John E. Allen, 2 acres off s. e. qr. sec. 21, tp. 32, r. 4.

D. A. Millington and wife to M. L. Bangs, lot 15, blk. 88, Winfield.

D. A. Millington and wife to D. T. Long, lot 12, blk. 166, Winfield.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 14, 1878.]

PROBATE JUDGE'S OFFICE.

MARRIAGE LICENSES.

William L. McClellan to Rachel Rayford, by Judge Gans.

James F. Goatley to Sarah E. Key.

F. A. Hale to Viola E. Moses.

Leander F. Harris to Henrietta Spratlin.

Isaac W. Onstott to Lucy M. Turner.

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PICK-UPS BY OUR RAMBLER.

Large numbers of wolves infest Sheridan, Liberty, and other townships and carry off pigs, chickens, and turkies. The county commissioners should at once offer bounties on wolf and rabbit scalps.

I surmise a wedding will soon take place on Turkey creek, in Sheridan township.

Many farmers are plowing for their spring crops. Some are breaking prairie.

There are many large lots of hogs and large amounts of wheat and corrn in the county for sale.

J. G. Caster, late of Mahaska county, Iowa, has taken the Truesdell farm in Sheridan for two years and is running several plows on it.

J. J. Hawkins, of Liberty, says his growing wheat beats anything he ever saw in Illinois and wants a railroad if anyone has any to spare.

James Greenshields, of Liberty, raised last season sixty-three bushels of peanuts to the acre. They are the finest I ever saw, having four meats to the pod. He has peanuts and a large amount of corn on hand. I shall not be surprised if he should raise a coffee crop next year.

David Venator, recently from Marion county, Iowa, killed three fine large deer on Silver creek. He is a good Iowa farmer and wants the COURIER.

Robert Shinn has a good stock farm but has rented L. Weimer's place on Silver Creek.

R. B. Overman's school in Sheridan schoolhouse No. 47 will close in two weeks. He is a success.

W. J. Hodges, late of Green county, Wisconsin, has 140 head of fine cattle which he is stall feeding. He has bought about 4,000 bushels of corn at 20 cents and will take 2,000 more at same price.

W. H. Clay, of Sheridan, has rented his farm to H. Hank, but stays on it to improve it by hedgerows, breaking, etc.

L. J. Davidson, of Liberty, is recovering from a severe fracture of the leg, which has kept him down since last October. He has had a hard time with it but he will have the COURIER.

A serious fight recently occureed in Creswell township between two Irishmen, Thos. Calahan and Patrick Somers, at Somers' house, in which Calahan was badly cut with a razor.

A fray occurred in Frank Waldo's store, at Salt City, between two young men, Wm. Skinner and Hugh Steiner, in which Skinner stabbed Waldo seriously with a knife.

DIED. A man belonging in Chautauqua county but living temporarily with Mr. Oliver, in Otter township, recently drank so much liquor that he laid out in a wagon overnight and was found dead in the morning. An inquest was held.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 14, 1878.]

Mr. C. W. Paris, from Davis county, Iowa, has bought the farm of J. Musgrove, in this county, near Ninnescah. He was a member of the third Iowa cavalry during the late war. At Arkansas Swamp, Arkansas, he was wounded by a ball, which entered his left eye and lodged just above the right eye, and has since been totally blind, yet he still writes. About two hours before receiving the ball as above stated, he alone rescued a nephew of Jim Lane and another from five rebel soldiers. He was a brave soldier and is an intelligent gentleman. He has settled in the midst of rich land where there is not an acre unfit for cultivation for miles around, but is all fine, moderately rolling prairie. His friends in Iowa will do well to follow his example. He has an interesting family and will be quite an acquisition to this county.

[NOTE: I DO NOT UNDERSTAND THE PHRASE "totally blind, yet he still writes." THAT IS PHRASE PRINTED!]

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VERNON ITEMS.

Two wagon loads of cousins just arrived from Indiana. Who'll be the next to follow friends to this land of paradise and "mud?"

The East will soon be informed: A young man recently wrote a letter to one of his friends (not his "beeswax") concerning Cowley county, and thirteen inches long. The sheets were all fastened together. It put one in mind of the Prophet's roll. His friend will think, "Glory, what a letter."

They had a prodigious greenback speech of three hour's duration in their lyceum at Mount Zion. Hurrah for silver! If they give me plenty of the hard, they may have their paper.

Uncle James Brook's brother from Iowa came here a few days since. More cousins. Cousins are good things.

While Will Carter was taking his pork to Wichita, last week, one got out and ran away. He went hunting in that region thereafter, and slaughtered a wild boar weighing 250 pounds.

The easiest way to subsoil is to drive through your field with a load of stone behind seven yoke of cattle.

GRAPE-VINE TELEGRAPHER.

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EDITOR COURIER: Perhaps you would like to hear from the north part of the county. I have just closed a five weeks' meeting at the Richland schoolhouse, during which time eighteen names were added to the membership of the church. D. THOMAS.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 14, 1878.]

NOTES FROM THE TRAVELER.

R. C. Story paid the schools at this place a visit on Monday and Tuesday, and gave them a pleasant talk. He reports the management good, and the school one of the best in the country.

The county surveyor, Ed. Haight, was at work surveying town lots at this place on Monday. While we think of it, Ed.'s name is North A. Haight, but somehow he has always been recognized as Ed.

Will Leonard has purchased a half interest in the Sumner County Democrat, and will be recognized as one of the members of the press at the county seat of Wellington. Will has it in him to become a worthy newspaper man, and a few months at the capital of Sumner county will convince the people of it. A good practical printer always makes a good readable paper. We hope he will have the support of the people generally.

Bridge or no bridge is the question. The $2,200 has been subscribed on this side and the matter lies with the people that will use one the most.

The county superintendent is visiting the schools in Bolton township this week. He has visited all the schools between the Arkansas and Walnut rivers, and intends visiting all in the county. It has proven not only a pleasant task to Mr. Story, but a very useful one to many of the teachers.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 14, 1878.]

TISDALE ITEMS.

We are having a day or two of fine weather. I wonder when we'll have a shower!

Our enterprising friend, John McGuire, has put up a four-ton scale. He says it is best to buy and sell by weights. Wonder why?

All are glad to hear that Mrs. Ed. Millard is recovering from her protracted illness.

John Hall is building a neat addition to his house, notwithstanding the fact that our Lyceum has decided that Kansas farming does not pay.

Dr. Lytle talks strongly of moving to the Indian Territory. I hope not, for Tisdale needs a drug store and an accommodating druggist.

John Napier, our wagonmaker, is preparing to leave the world and move to Arkansaw, and the old stage barn has already moved over on Thomas Sander's farm. "We are seven," is the way Tisdale now counts her buildings. Well, well; away they go.

Dr. Wright is raising stock quite extensively; that is, he calls out the neighbors to help raise "Old Puss" about every third day. John Mac is also a practical farmer; he holds sacks for wheat.

Art. Morse is contemplating something. It begins with M. or H. and stays over on the Walnut.

Mr. Armstrong's congregation at this point intend making a supper for his benefit, likewise for the church.

Ivy Carson's herd of Texas cattle is looking well. It shows that he is a splendid hand at the business.

Mr. Wm. Hodges has gone to Wisconsin to attend to some property matter. His son Charles is caring for the stock. It looks as well as any in the county.

At the horse races last Saturday I saw the largest crowd I ever saw outside of Winfield in the county; and fast horses! Whew! I think there were fifty; and betting! Shot guns, saddles, hogs, watches, poultry, jack-knives, and two dollars in money change hands in such a manner as shows the American love of feast or famine. Haven't you a good "purp" to "stake," Mr. Editor?

A. H. Tanner, our blacksmith, had an opportunity to sell a set of tools; but Arb. says he has more work than one man can do, so declined selling. Glad of it, Arb. I will stay here a while longer, and want some left-handed work.

Some of the Tisdale scholars will try the February examination of teachers. Don't be too "hard," Mr. Story.

Give us a "Murphy movement," fire, flood, or something else; this is too dull.

Horatius, of Beaver, has my mundane poetry; and the mud is nearly gone (so am I).

Feb. 5, 1878. LYCURGUS.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 14, 1878.]

Church Gambling.

A bill to prohibit lotteries, pool selling, grab bags, fish ponds, and other devices of chance popular in church fairs, has passed the lower house of the Maine legislature. An amendment to exclude grab bags, etc., was voted down, the originator remarking that gambling of all kinds, however sugar-coated, was to be cut up by the roots. I understand a similar bill is before the New York legislature. Is it not time the once holy church should see the depth to which she has fallen, when legislatures have to pass laws to prevent her from gambling?

M. V. PHILLIPS.

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A donation visit will be held in the lecture room of the

M. E. church on Tuesday evening, Feb. 26th, for the benefit of

J. L. Rusbridge.

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CEDAR TOWNSHIP.

ED. COURIER: Last Friday, Saturday, and Sunday the good folks of this township were edified by the preaching of three of the Elders of the Joe Smith branch of the Mormon church. Their labors were rewarded by an increase of four members, two gentlemen and their ladies. Notwithstanding the extremely cold weather, they were baptized last Monday in Beaver creek, just above the farm of D. M. Patten.

Last Thursday the lovers of the "light fantastic" had a hop at the residence of L. W. Miller, Esq. It was one of the most enjoyable affairs of the season. The supper was an immense success.

The Beaver Creek Cemetery Association have organized by electing J. G. Custer, president; W. A. Metcalf, secretary; and G. C. Compton, treasurer. They have laid out one acre into lots, and propose to sell them at the extremely low price of three dollars each.

We have been having quite an exodus of "damphools" from this vicinity into the Indian Territory. By some hook or crook the word got out that the Indians had ceded a strip off the north side of the territory to the United States. After staying sown there two nights and one day, they packed their traps and struck out for home.

Mr. O. S. Ricord's four-month school ended last Thursday.

Our mails have been delayed on account of high water. It will be dry enough next summer.

Feb. 5, 1878. I GUESS.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 14, 1878.]

EAST BEAVER JOTTINGS.

The gentle zephers--incident to this season of the year--have commenced to remind us of the approach of spring, consequently our P's of H. are bestiring themselves preparatory to "sowing the seed of the righteous."

The wheat fields of Messrs. Isaac Beach, J. W. Browning, D. Northrup, G. and M. Teeter, aggregating three hundred and fifty acres, are looking exceedingly beautiful.

In calling the neighborhood roll this week, we discerned the response of a strange voice, and our investigation discovered it to have emanated from J. H. Walton, of Ringgold county, Iowa. He proposes to bask in the effulgent rays of the genial sun of southern Kansas.

J. W. Browning has been performing charitable acts, with his ditching machine, this week.

A spelling match transpired at the Centennial schoolhouse last Monday eve. Representatives from four schools and many intelligent citizens contested. After two hours of word massacre, the ribbons (not the blue) were awarded to Messrs. C. Jenkins and M. H. Markcum.

Dr. C. Rogers and Mr. J. S. Herron are prospecting for claims in Sumner.

The familiar "honk" of voracious wild geese greets our ears from Capt. Northrup's wheat fields. The Captain says they are an ornament to his farm, but he dislikes their foraging propensities.

MARRIED. Married February 3, 1878, in this township, by Esq. Bradburry, Mr. John Vandever to Miss Phoebe Teeter.

Though some condemn the course pursued,

Press on, O John, with heart renewed.

May life for you with bliss abound,

And little Johns your hearth surround.

"Little and More" introduces himself by some hits at "Links and Pins" and your humble servant. Sorry I spiled your news, but if you will dispose of that cold you may invade our dominion and raise your musical voice in our Centennial.

February 9, 1878. HORATIUS.

[Spelling errors were not made by me in this article. MAW]

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 14, 1878.]

BEAVER ITEMS.

Mud? oh! no mud in Kansas, in the way agents for immigration enthuse would be immigrants for the west.

After repeated efforts the young folks have organized a singing class at the Centennial schoolhouse.

"Billy" Byers has commenced his new residence in east Winfield, also G. W. Byers and R. S. Tannehill have invested in town lots and will improve them the coming summer.

From the way Sam R. writes he is evidently happy in his kingdom! Mr. John H. Walton, of Illinois, has located in our midst.

R. S. Tannehill has completed a new bridge across Beaver creek, which connects his farm to his timber and pasture lands. Mr. Tannehill will deal largely in stock for which he has every advantage.

Litttle and More is a "new one on us," but will he explain who it was that lost his wagon wheel. Geo. A. assures us it wasn't him, as a person might infer from that dad sapped expression.

Thomasville wants a post office.

Squire Bradbury now looms up in his official dignity, and in a friendly manner he advises the young people to never avoid the sea of matrimony.

Anyone wishing to see fine hogs let them traverse the western portion of our little township.

C. C. Rogers, Shannon Herron, and Lewis Hammond are prospecting in Sumner with a view of locating.

LINKS AND PINS.

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BIRTH. Mr. C. M. Wood would hardly speak to a common man last Tuesday. A ten pound boy is what was the matter.

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OXFORD, KANSAS, FEBRUARY 4, 1878.

EDITOR COURIER: If you are going to have a railroad so soon, we want to get under your wing instead of the old Eagle that spreads her wings and exercises her beak on the Athisontopekaandsantafe river terminus.

Being just "over the river" we don't propose to do without a good many luxuries that our sort of people require over at the "City."

Since Gen. Murphy made a success of bridging the raging Arkansas, and the mud got too deep for us to stay on top of the earth or go anywhere else, we had to have the Murphy movement on three sleighs (Jo, and Ed. and Miss Jennie). A. Graff, Prof. Hanerich, and Lillie Walton pinned the blue ribbon on about 100 Saturday, and called a halt till they can send for more "blue ribbons and cards." Bro. Harris, Baptist minister, Bro. Stewart, Methodist, and Jno. M. Coldwell and Lillie Walton, Presbyterian, and all their people are having a big meeting together. Methodists added 40, Pres. 10, and Baptist 10, and the work still goes on lively.

The Christians are running an independent meeting. Bro. Cain is chief of the Presbyterian church. They have consigned some 20 to the christianizing influence of immersion in thhe "Raging Arkansaw." So you see we are enjoying the life that now is and have a hope for the one to come. Most of our best citizens are at work either at the church or at the college hall, where the Trinity are at work.

The Good Templars installed a crusade against dram shops, and the saloon keepers beat them at their own game by locking up the saloon and donning the blue ribbon, and will probably add the red one, oh! G. T., as soon as the meeting folks have time to open lodge.

We are glad the amend honorable was made to one of our most enterprising citizens, John M. Rothwell. It was John M. Arnold that bankrupted.

Wheat never looked so well. Cattle are fat on the volunteer wheat.

Gridley is a justice of the peace, vice Esquire Jones, by Wade McDonald's sharpness as a lawyer.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 14, 1878.]

DEXTER ITEMS.

Times are somewhat dull. There has been so much rain that farmers have not got along with their work as well as they would like.

Our hog merchants have just got home and bring bad news. One of them sold his hogs and deposited his money in the First National bank of Kansas City the day before it suspended; consequently, he came back without his cash.

Several of our citizens have the Colorado fever. They think the good place is just ahead.

The Silver creek and Lazette boys met here with ours last Saturday to try their fast horses and had a good time.

James Harden got in Sunday evening with his new goods, and proposes to sell in such a way that people will call on him.

Mr. H. C. Hale has sold his stock of drugs to Mr. Hite. Dexter is quite a wholesaling town.

Greenbackers are getting quite plenty here.

SUBSCRIBER.

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SHERIDAN CLIPS.

Rain, snow, and mud.

Wheat is looking extra for this season of the year.

Sheridan lyceum progressing finely.

One of the best schools ever taught in the county is in District 47 by R. B. Overman.

There is to be a festival at the Sheridan schoolhouse Thursday evening, the 14th, for the benefit of Rev. Nance, of Maple City.

William Reynolds, formerly of Sheridan, who had his house burned three years ago, is now making arrangements to again settle upon his place.

We have an old chap in Sheridan that jumped a claim last fall, but abandoned it a few days ago for fear of snakes next summer.

MARRIED. Will McClellan, formerly of Indiana, and Miss Rachel Raford, of Texas, met at Owen Shriver's and had some words. They went to Winfield, where Judge Gans adjusted the matter for them, and they are happy now. They had been home but a few hours when the Sheridan minstrel band, armed with cow bells, shot guns, and tin pans, gave them a serenade. After an hour and a half of hard pounding, the serenaders were invited in, introduced to the bride and groom, and given refreshments. After doing justice to the running gears of a turkey, pies, and cakes, the band retired in good order, and the question, as propounded by the boys, now is, who will be next? Echo answers, J. M. W.

J. W. Hamilton, formerly of our town, but now a resident of Winfield, was back a few days ago on his old stamping ground canvassing for the leading paper, the COURIER, and, I understand, with success.

PAUL JONES.

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[OUR NEIGHBORS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 14, 1878.

OUR NEIGHBORS.

The three horse thieves arrested by deputy marshal Jones, near Ottawa, and brought back to Wichita, were arraigned before Judge Campbell last week and plead guilty. The Judge sentended them as follows: Geo. Reed, one year; Horace A. Webb, five years; and Charles Wilson, three years in the penitentiary. William Smith was sentenced one year at same time for horse stealing and Frank H. Bartlett three years for grand larceny. The five have been taken to the prison near Leavenworth.

Wichita wants the office of deputy internal revenue collector located in that berg.

Mrs. Russell, Judge Campbell, and others will render the cantata of "Queen Esther" in Wichita tomorrow night.

L. B. Snow, Esq., of Eldorado, has been appointed one of the commissioners to select the school funds recently awarded to the state school fund. A good appointment.

Eureka Censorial: Walker & Crowell received another load of flour from Winfield, one day last week.

Our worthy friend, C. M. Jackson, proprietor of the Eureka house, makes his weekly visits to Arkansas City, carrying the

U. S. mail. He says that city is moving up to Winfield.

Wichita Herald: Rev. Randall's talks were simple, yet powerful and convincing. As his objective point in coming to the state was Winfield, he was constrained by the earnest calls from them, to leave by stage Thursday morning for that town.

Wellington Press:

Judge Walton's head has recovered from the effect of the gun shot jar, and he can again think clearly on the map question.

Sixty days after date, we expect to have another electin for jail bonds.

A ripple of excitement was produced on Wednesday evening of last week by the arrival of Gen. Phil. Sheridan, en route for Fort Sill and other points in the Indian territory. He was accompanied by Generals Crook and Whipple and Colonels Strong and Moore of his staff. The distinguished party was entertained at the Merchants' hotel.

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[EDUCATIONAL: R. C. STORY.]

WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 14, 1878.

NOTE: THIS APPEARS TO HAVE BECOME ALMOST A WEEKLY ITEM IN PAPER...AM SKIPPING MOST OF THEM...TOO LONG! BELOW IS ONE ITEM. TEACHERS' EXAMINATIONS.

The teachers of our county would do well to read carefully the schedule of examinations for 1878, and then closely inspect their certificates. Instead of giving a certificate to a candidate upon his average standing, as heretofore, the board of examiners will grant certificates upon only good standing in every branch. The necessities of the schools, no less than the requirements of the law, demand this, and no measure will tend more than this one to elevate the standard of professional teachers.

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PORTION OF ANOTHER ITEM:

From the monthly reports sent to this office by the teachers, the following facts are gathered. In the month of September four schools were reported in session, with an enrollment of 108, and an average attendance of 69. In October 24 schools were heard from, in which the enrollment was 846, and the average attendance 595. In November 36 teachers sent in their reports, showing an enrollment of 1,160, and an average attendance of 816. In December 46 districts were reported, in which the enrollment was 1,495, and the average attendance was 1,118. Reports should have been sent from twenty or thirty additional districts.

In February, 1870, Cowley county was organized, and then contained a population of seven hundred. The progress of our county since that time may be judged from the following.

YEAR NO. DISTRICTS HAVING SCHOOLS. NO. OF PUPILS.

1871 3 210 [?? obscured ?]

1872 43 659

1873 70 2,478

1874 75 3,038 [?? obscured ?]

1875 78 3,355 [?? obscured ?]

1876 82 3,013

1877 92 4,680

The misfortunes which fell upon our county and state in 1874 show their effects upon school interests in the number of children reported in the district July 31, 1875, on which estimates the appropriation of state fund was made in 1876. With this exception Cowley county can show a record second to no other county in the West, a record of which any and all of her citizens may well be proud.

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ANOTHER ITEM.

TISDALE, JANUARY 29, 1878.

R. C. STORY, CO. SUPT. Dear Sir: Yours of 26th inst. is at hand. I do not think there is any method of furnishing books in common schools that is so satisfactory as for the district to own them, provided the board use proper care to secure them against theft and misuse.

District 46 has the following method: The board marks the books, that is, numbers them, writing the number of district and number of book in the grade on the inside of the cover and with ink. This cannot be erased. The pupil takes a book and has sole care of it till the end of the term. If a pupil misuses a book, his parents pay for it. If the book is fairly worn out, the district furnishes another. The books are not so badly used or treated by the scholars as they would be did the parent buy them. But two books have been lost during three years of such use.

Grading: This is a difficult matter under any circumstance, but it is much less so when the teacher has a hand in it and grades to suit himself. Still I find fond parents who think I am too hard and do not prromote their children fast enough. That matter I hold generally without any controversy more than a plain statement of the pupil's ability, and I never had a pupil withdrawn on that account. I do not think however there would be any benefit on this ground (grading) if the teacher is not firm and well qualified to make just and equitable distinctions between the surface work and true ability of the pupil.

The progress of the school is certainly greater than by the old method, for it is not necessary to tie a worker to a drone, as when we cannot change scholars to either a higher or lower class; neither does it cost the patrons of school as much in dollars and cents.

In summary: The books last longer, the scholars learn faster, there is a greater interest taken, and it is much more economical and business like than the "good old way" of parents furnishing individual books.

Yours respectfully,

E. A. MILLARD.

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[EVANGELIST REV. A. F. RANDALL.]

WINFIELD COURIER, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1878 - FRONT PAGE.

COMMUNICATED.

On Thursday, Feb. 7th, Rev. A. F. Randall, the Evangelist, who has been expected for some time, arrived in this city and commenced holding services. The first meeting was held in the Baptist church on Thursday evening and since that time in the Methodist church. On Saturday evening Mr. M. H. Evans, who, with his wife, conducts the singing in connection with those meetings, joined Mr. Randall. The meetings are a union effort of the Methodist, Baptist, and Presbyterian churches for the promotion of religious life among the churches of Winfield and the conversion of the irreligious. . . .

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[EDITORIAL ITEMS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 21, 1878.

Senator Jones, of Nevada, says that silver, since its demonetization, has appreciated in value rather than fallen.

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Mr. Nickerson, president of the A. T. & S. F. R. R., gave one hundred dollars to help pay the debt of the Baptist church at Newton.

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I SKIPPED AN EDITORIAL ABOUT CONGRESS CONSIDERING THE PROPOSITION TO TAX INCOME IN FEB. 21, 1878, ISSUE OF COURIER.

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TURKEY.

The Porte refused the firman to permit the British fleet to come to Constantinople on the ground that if granted, the Russians would at once occupy the city. Austria and other powers have applied for firmans for like permission, which have been refused. The pretense for wishing to send fleets into the Bosphorus is "to protect Christians." Later this pretense was thrown of and British officials stated openly that it was to forward their interests. The ministry is understood to have ordered Vice Admiral Hornby to force the passage of the Dardanelles. It is reported that the Porte has ordered the forts along the Dardanelles to fire upon the British fleet if it attempts the passage, and that the Russian army are ready to occupy Constantinople the moment a British fleet shall pass the Dardanelles.

The British fleet of six ships passed the Dardanelles on the 13th with no opposition except the Turkish protest, and anchored at Prince Islands in the sea of Marmora, thirteen miles south of Constantinople.

LATEST. The situation about Constantinople is difficult to be determined because the dispatches are so contradictory. It is probable that the British fleet have not yet entered the Bosphorus and that the Russian army has not entered Constantinople. The Cretan insurrection is spreading, the people claiming annexation to Greece. Greece has again sent an army into Thessaly, encouraged by the presence of the British fleet in the Sea of Marmora. An insurrection against the Turkish government has broken out in Thessaly. It is about concluded that a European congress will soon be held in Baden-Baden, in which Russia, with the other powers, will participate. Englang keeps up her bravado and has set all her factories to work on war material. America seconds England in demonstrations against Russia. Germany preserves the attitude of peacemaker.

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[MORE EDITORIAL ITEMS: WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 21, 1878.]

U. S. MARSHAL.

This question is finally settled and the lucky man is not

C. H. Miller nor Hon. Sidney Clarke, but Ben F. Simpson. We should think Mr. Simpson would not want it. He is a lawyer by profession, education, and intellect. A place on the supreme bench would fit his capacity. He is one of the commissioners engaged in revising our statutes. He has held many important positions in this state which he has filled ably and honorably, and he is well and favorably known all over the state. If he accepts, he will do his duty faithfully.

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PASSED AT LAST.

The silver bill has passed the senate in a modified form by a vote of 48 to 21. Some of the most objectionable features of the original bill were stricken out or modified. As it passed not more than $48,000,000 can be coined in a year; not more than $5,000,000 can be invested in bullion at a time; and the government, not the silver bullion owners, get the profit of the difference between bullion and coin. It will probably pass the house as it comes from the senate and we presume the president will sign it. We are heartily glad that this question is so nearly settled.

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[MORE EDITORIAL ITEMS: WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 21, 1878.]

TELEGRAPH NEWS OF THE PAST WEEK CONDENSED.

The senate territorial commission has reported in favor of making the territory of "Lincoln" of the Black Hills country.

The greater part of Turkey's funded debt of $925,000,000 is held in England, and not a cent of interest has been paid for three years.

Fires and small-pox rage in Texas.

More fatal encounters reported at Deadwood, D. T.

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STATE NEWS.

Pres. Nickerson has gone to Pueblo to consolidate the business of the Colorado narrow gauge roads with the

A. T. & S. F. Messrs. Strong, Morse, and other magnates are with him.

C. L. Svenson, of Topeka, has invented a light furnace and boiler for heating rooms and water. It costs only $30.

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[MORE EDITORIAL ITEMS: WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 21, 1878.]

PICK-UPS BY OUR RAMBLER.

EDITOR COURIER: I left Winfield on the 12th inst. on a ramble, called to see many of our farmers, especially in the eastern part of the county. I found them, generally, in good spirits, but rather blue over so much mud. I think, myself, this mud question is rather thin after my week's ride through it.

On my trip I visited the quiet little town of Tisdale; met at this place J. W. Wright, late of Clark county, Iowa. He is both farmer and doctor. I also called upon W. D. Lytle, late of Fremont county, Iowa, who has purchased a drug store in Tisdale, and is keeping a general line of drugs; he is also studying medicine under directions of Dr. Davis, of Winfield.

After obtaining many subscriptions for the leading paper at that point, I started north through Sheridan township. I stopped overnight with Wm. Ovington, who informed me that the rabbits around there were dying with a disease resembling cholera, four or five being found dead in one burrow. I made further inquiry and found his statement corroborated by others in the same vicinity. It is hoped this disease will spread all over the state as it beats rewards for scalps. It is to be hoped the wolves will be likewise afflicted.

I took dinner with the good-hearted, genial, hospitable Kentuckian, Arthur Bonwell, who, of course, takes the COURIER. Going north I met Geo. Saunders and E. Pate, who are making well drilling a business; met also on my journey many newcowmers, among others Robert Parmleys, from Monticello, Kentucky, who has bought a farm of Mr. Burnett in Sheridan township.

Henry Quier has been trying a new plan of catching hawks which is a success. He places a dead rabbit in a low place, then sets a steel trap over the rabbit, covering it with fur. When the hawk makes a dive for his prey, he finds himself a victim of misplaced confidence.

I visited the noted wolf hunter, Aaron Treadway, who was lately chasing a wolf when it suddenly turned and caught his best hound by the nose. Aaron, seeing something had to be done or his hound would be killed, jumped from his horse, and drawing his pocket knife in one hand, caught the wolf by the throat with the other, and held it while he plunged the knife to its hilt in its side until it was dead. I think he would be some in a bear fight.

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[ORDINANCE NO. 71.]

WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 21, 1878 - EDITORIAL PAGE.

ORDINANCE NO. 71.

An Ordinance Regulating the Keeping of Hogs in the City of Winfield.

SECTION 1. That any person, or persons, who shall keep any pig, or pigs, hog, or hogs, within the corporate limits of the City of Winfield, shall keep the same in a pen or enclosure upon a floor made of plank or boards; and any person, or persons, who shall keep any pig, or pigs, hog, or hogs, within said city, without keeping the same upon a floor as aforesaid, shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined in any sum not exceeding fifty dollars.

SECTION 2. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the 15th day of March, 1878, provided that it shall be first published once in the Winfield COURIER and Cowley County Telegram.

Approved February 18, 1878.

R. L. WALKER, Mayor.

Attest: HENRY E. ASP, City Clerk.

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[ORDINANCE NO. 72.]

WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 21, 1878 - EDITORIAL PAGE.

[Published in the Winfield Courier Feb. 21, 1878.]

ORDINANCE NO. 72.

An Ordinance Taxing and Regulating Bowling Alleys, or Ten-Pin Alleys.

SECTION 1. Every person, or firm, who shall keep, run, or have charge of any bowling alley, or ten-pin alley, within the corporate limits of the City of Winfield, shall be taxed in the sum of twenty-five dollars per annum; and, upon the payment of said tax, such person, or firm, shall receive a license, signed by the mayor of said city, and attested by the clerk thereof, which license shall expire on the first day of May following.

SECTION 2. And such person, or firm, so licensed, shall give a hand in the sum of two hundred dollars to the city of Winfield, with one or more sureties, to be approved by the city council, conditioned that they will keep an orderly house; that they will not keep the same open on the Sabbath day, commonly called Sunday; that they will not keep the same open between the hours of 11 o'clock p.m. and 4 o'clock a.m. of next day.

SECTION 3. Any person convicted of violating any of the provisions of this ordinance shall be fined in any sum not to exceed one hundred dollars.

SECTION 4. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after its publication once in the Winfield COURIER and Cowley County Telegram.

Approved February 18, 1878.

R. L. WALKER, Mayor.

Attest: HENRY E. ASP, City Clerk.

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[ORDINANCE NO. 73.]

WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 21, 1878 - EDITORIAL PAGE.

ORDINANCE NO. 73.

An Ordinance to Prohibit the Construction of Buildings of Combustible Material Within Certain Limits in the City of Winfield.

SECTION 1. No building shall be constructed or placed upon the east one-half of block number one hundred and eight (108), or upon the east half of block number one hundred and nine (109), or upon the west one-half of block number one hundred and twenty-eight (128), nor upon the west half of block number one hundred and twenty-nine (129), within the corporate limits of the City of Winfield, in the County of Cowley, and State of Kansas, except the same be of brick or stone, or brick and stone, or some other incombustible material, with fire-proof roof; and any person violating this section of this ordinance shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined in any sum not exceeding one hundred dollars.

SECTION 2. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after its publication once in either the Winfield COURIER and Cowley County Telegram.

Approved February 18, 1878.

R. L. WALKER, Mayor.

Attest: HENRY E. ASP, City Clerk.

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[ORDINANCE NO. 74.]

WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 21, 1878 - EDITORIAL PAGE.

[Published in the Winfield Courier Feb. 23, 1878.]

ORDINANCE NO. 74.

An Ordinance to Provide for the Construction of Sidewalks.

SECTION 1. That a sidewalk of the width of four feet be built, commencing at the southwest corner of block one hundred and twenty-seven (127), thence running east along the south side of said block to the east side of the same; then commencing at the southwest corner of block number one hundred and forty-seven (147), and extending east along the south side of said block to the east side of the same; then commencing at the southwest corner of block number one hundred and sixty-seven (167), and extending along the south side of the same to the southeast corner of said block; then commencing at the southwest corner of block number one hundred and eighty-seven (187), and extending along the south side of the same to the southeast corner thereof; and that said sidewalk be built of stone of dimensions not less than two feet square, and that unless the same be built within 60 days from the taking effect of this ordinance by the owners of the lots abutting on said sidewalk, that the same will be built by the city, and the lots or pieces of ground abutting on said sidewalk will be assessed for the payment thereof according to the front foot abutting on said sidewalk.

SECTION 2. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after its publication once in the Winfield COURIER and Cowley County Telegram.

Approved February 18, 1878.

R. L. WALKER, Mayor.

Attest: HENRY E. ASP, City Clerk.

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[PERSONALS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 21, 1878.

C. A. Bliss is putting a stone sidewalk in front of his store.

Davis & Mendenhall are erecting an office on Ninth avenue.

Ed. Burnet is making several improvements in his restaurant.

[? NOT SURE SPELLING OF LAST NAME IS CORRECT ?]

Winfield Courier, February 21, 1878.

The foundation for M. L. Robinson's new house is almost completed.

They have begun laying the foundation for the new machine shop.

The new stone building of Jay Page is rapidly nearing completion.

The "old reliable," Brooking, still "pegs" awa