Winfield Courier, January 2, 1874.

A Peep Over the Shoulder.

This number completes Volume 1st of the WINFIELD COURIER. One year ago it was started to supply a want long felt, not only in the Republican party, but among businessmen of all shades of opinion, who desired a good advertising medium. . . .

The buildings erected during the year just closed have been of the most substantial kind, the most prominent of which we call to mind, the splendid brick Bank building of M. L. Read; the neat Drug house of Maris, Carson & Baldwin; the magnificent flowering mills of C. A. Bliss and Blandin & Covert; the jail and Courthouse; the residences of Kirk, McMillen, and Dr. Graham. These are but a few of the many built during the last twelve months, and they are such as to do credit to any town in the state. Bridges of magnificent proportions span all main streams on the roads leading to town. . . .

Winfield Courier, January 2, 1874.

A SHOCKING TRAGEDY AT LAZETTE!

One of the saddest affairs we have ever been called upon to chronicle occurred at the town of Lazette, in this county, at a masquerade ball given there last Christmas eve. The chief actors in the horrible tragedy were Winfield Scott Osborn, the victim, and Thomas T. Rucker, the accused, of Lazette. Being somewhat acquainted with the accused, and desiring to give a true version of the affair, we went to the jail and got the story from Mr. Rucker himself, and which runs something like the following.

What happened after that the accused very properly refuses to disclose, and only adding that the many wild and exaggerated accounts already afloat will not be believed, but asks the public suspend their judgment until the facts are brought out in a fair and impartial trial.

Thomas T. Rucker, the accused, was born in New Orleans, and was 27 years old last July; he is of medium height, light hair, blue eyes, and has none of that "bully look" generally accredited to persons accused of such a crime, but on the other hand would strike the close observer as a young man who must have had the advantage of good moral training in his younger days. He is well known at Lazette and on Timber Creek, where he bears an excellent character.

Of the murdered Osborn we can say but little. He, we understand, was almost a stranger in Lazette, having come there from Joplin, Missouri. Rucker says he never met him to speak to him until the evening before the fatal Christmas eve.

The prisoner after learning what he had done, no doubt overcome with fear and remorse as well as appalled at the consequences of the bloody deed, attempted to kill himself. In speaking of his widowed mother, who lived at Burlington, Missouri, and how the sad news would affect her, the prisoner was deeply moved and could hardly answer our questions, which shows that he is not at all insensible, nor without feeling. What the Coroner's Jury will show we do not at this writing know, as the result of their deliberations have not been transmitted to this place.

Winfield Courier, January 2, 1874.

A murderer now occupies the county jail.

Winfield Courier, January 2, 1874.

Horse racing is now attracting the attention of our sporting men.

Winfield Courier, January 2, 1874.

The Thermometer has never gotten lower than 10 degrees above zero this winter.

Winfield Courier, January 2, 1874.

Union Sunday school concert on next Sabbath evening at the Baptist Church.

Winfield Courier, January 2, 1874.

This week we issue one day ahead of time to wish our patrons a happy new year.

Winfield Courier, January 2, 1874.

Kansas as a grange state ranks fourth on the list. First comes Iowa, Missouri, and Illinois. Kansas has about seven hundred granges.

Winfield Courier, January 2, 1874.

Corn is becoming very scarce in the country, which will result in a thinning out of hogs and fattening of cattle. Advanced to fifty cents per bushel. Emporia News.

Winfield Courier, January 2, 1874.

Rev. Mr. Rigby baptized his first convert, a young Englishman named Jones, who has been staying with him for some time, in the Walnut River, Sunday before last.

Winfield Courier, January 2, 1874.

The regular communion service of the Congregational Church will be held on the 11th of January, 1874, at 11 o'clock a.m. Preparatory and business meeting on the evening of the 10th, at 6-1/2 o'clock, in the Baptist Church.

Winfield Courier, January 2, 1874.

It puts a person in mind of old times to hear the mellow tones of the new bell ring out on a Sabbath morning. The bell weighs five hundred pounds and is a fine improvement to our young city.

Winfield Courier, January 2, 1874.

By request of T. A. Wilkinson, I would like to state that the bill of T. R. Wilson was credited to T. A. Wilkinson, in the amount of $27.00 of the last commissioners' proceedings, and the Journal Record shows the same not to be T. A. Wilkinson's.

Winfield Courier, January 2, 1874.

The bummers of Arkansas City and Oxford attended the dance at Thomasville on Christmas night, and got away with all the odd hats, caps, and coats that happened to lie around loose, and many was the poor country boy who went home bareheaded. They should have had better luck.

Winfield Courier, January 2, 1874.

RUNAWAY. Thursday morning a team belonging to J. G. Service, which was left standing unhitched in front of the post office, took fright and started at a lively gait up main street. Turning the corner at W. H. H. Maris', they left the seat in the road, and one horse was picked up, and, Mr. Service went on his way rejoicing. Nobody hurt.

Winfield Courier, January 2, 1874.

The Holidays are a good time for the printers. Cake is always plenty and there are always a few who remember the good type stickers. Since our last issue we have received a supply from Joe Lipscomb, who remembered us during the festivities of the Christmas Tree at W. H. H. Maris' on Friday eve. Good boy, Joe. Mrs. Newman also presented the editor with a huge slice of the mountain cake at Masonic festival.

Winfield Courier, January 2, 1874.

Yesterday we stepped into the furniture shop of J. W. Johnston, three doors south of the post office, and were surprised to see his excellent stock of furniture of all descriptions suited to this country. We know Mr. Johnston to be a first-class workman, and as he manufactures the most of his stock himself out of the best of timber, anything purchased of him can be relied on as good and durable. He doesn't advertise to sell at cost, but he does sell at terrible low figures.

Winfield Courier, January 2, 1874.

Number of Marriage Licenses issued for the year ending December 31, 1873: 88.

The following were issued for the month of December just ended.

F. C. Johnson, to Miss Naomi Bickel.

David Perry, to Eliza Cooper.

J. L. Cottingham, to Adorista F. McKee.

Emma Dean, to Estella Tyner.

John Hanahan, to Isabella Anderson.

S. E. Woodard, to Caroline A. Lee.

Jacob Sharp, to Florence M. Lacy.

Charles Fisk to Olive A. Hunt.

Winfield Courier, January 9, 1874.

Mr. T. H. Benning is in town on a short visit.

Winfield Courier, January 9, 1874.

The new county officers take possession next Monday.

Winfield Courier, January 9, 1874.

After tomorrow the ten percent penalty is added to unpaid taxes.

Winfield Courier, January 9, 1874.

Rev. J. E. Platter will preach in the Courthouse next Sabbath, at 11 p.m.

Winfield Courier, January 9, 1874.

The citizens of Vernon Township will have a grand wolf hunt on the 15th inst.

Winfield Courier, January 9, 1874.

T. A. Wilkinson has a splendid team of horses which he will trade for city property.

Winfield Courier, January 9, 1874.

C. M. Scott, of Arkansas City, was in town last Tuesday. He isn't going to Topeka.

Winfield Courier, January 9, 1874.

Cliff Wood killed five hogs yesterday 221 days old which netted 210 pounds each. How is that?

Winfield Courier, January 9, 1874.

Last Friday Mr. Titus dug his potatoes on the Black farm near town and they turned out in good condition.

Winfield Courier, January 9, 1874.

Allison came to grief by having his pony come out behind in a race with Kimble's horse last New Year's day, a bad beginning for 1874 for Allison.

Winfield Courier, January 9, 1874.

We regret to notice that Mr. L. B. Paul has packed up his goods and removed with his family to Independence. Mr. Paul was a good citizen and an enterprising merchant, and his loss is deeply felt by our citizens.

Winfield Courier, January 9, 1874.

Clint. Arnold has sued William Thurman in the sum of $5,000 to repair a breach supposed to have been made in his character by being called a horse-thief by Thurman; and now Thurman has sent J. C. Bigger to Council Grove to take depositions to prove it on him.

Winfield Courier, January 9, 1874.

Harry Ludlow, who recently sold out his interest in the Sumner County Press, and who has been in our city with a running horse for the past week, started west on a hunt last Wednesday in company with a number of our sports.

Winfield Courier, January 9, 1874.

That weathervane again. And now comes Stewart & Simpson and the Board of County Commissioners, who say that T. A. Rice did not give, donate, or make the county a present of that vane, but that the county paid for it as a part of the contract. Give us a rest.

Winfield Courier, January 9, 1874.

Horneman, of Little Dutch, had another dance New Year's night, and although the crowd was large everything was conducted in a very quiet and orderly manner which did credit to the management. The cause assigned for the contrast between this and the one previously mentioned by us, was the fact that a different party of Winfielders attended.

Winfield Courier, January 9, 1874.

Every person in Cowley County who can raise enough money to pay half fare is going to Topeka as a delegate to the third house. Our worthy legislator, Hon. Wm. Martin, and his noon-day shadow, Allison, have already taken their departure and they will be followed in due time by W. W. Walton, R. L. Walker, E. B. Kager, James McDermott, James Kelly, and others too numerous to mention.

Winfield Courier, January 9, 1874.

Wolf Hunt.

The citizens of Vernon Township and vicinity assembled January 5, 1874, for the purpose of organizing for a wolf hunt. D. Hopkins was chosen chairman of the meeting. A committee was appointed to draft a programme for the hunt consisting of Dr. A. S. Capper, E. D. Skinner, and T. Thompson. The place of closing the circle is the northeast quarter of the 16th section of Vernon Township, the boundary lines as follows.

The Walnut River on the east, the Arkansas on the west, the south line of Vernon Township on the south, two miles north of the north line of Vernon Township on the north.

The day designated for the hunt: January 15, 1874. Time of starting at the boundary lines 10 o'clock A.M. The men are allowed to carry fire-arms, but no shooting is allowed inside of the ring. Dogs are not allowed to run loose when the ring is closed. The Chief Marshal gives the signal when the dogs are to be loosed. The proceeds of the hunt to be donated to the Cowley County school fund. T. A. Blanchard is Chief Marshal. There shall be a marshal for each line and he shall call as many aides as needed; everyone having a horn or bell is requested to bring it. The chief marshal shall wear a blue scarf; the marshal on the lines and their aides shall wear a red scarf or ribbon.

A general invitation is extended to all, and a special one to the editors of the Oxford and Winfield papers.

By order of Committee.

Winfield Courier, January 9, 1874.

The Board of County Commissioners of Cowley County, Frank Cox, John D. Maurer, and O. C. Smith, completed their labor, as a Board, last Monday. We have not the time or space to review their actions for the last two years, except to say that, although we have differed with them on some things, yet on the whole we believe that their every action will bear the closest scrutiny of the veriest fault finder. No one will doubt their honesty except he who never drew an honest breath or had an honest emotion. Their ability will compare favorably with the average, and we doubt if other men could have been selected in the county who would or could have done better.

The completion of the Courthouse, securing a splendid jail to the county without the expenditure of one dollar, the successful defense of two vexatious lawsuits, at but little cost to the county, all attest the honesty and faithfulness of the late Board of County Commissioners of this county, and just so sure as time rolls the time will come when the people of this county will be free to acknowledge that the old Board has been foully and maliciously misrepresented.

The new Board enter upon their duties next Monday, under the most favorable auspices. Everything in working order. The affairs of the county shipshape and little to do but hold her "so steadily" for the next two years. We shall deal fairly by them as we have with their predecessors, and we hope that the new Board may prove themselves as able, honest, and efficient as the old.

Winfield Courier, January 9, 1874.

MARRIED. MANSER - WALTON. Married in Arkansas City at the residence of Amos Walton, by the Rev. J. E. Platter, on Sunday eve., Jan. 4th, Mr. G. S. Manser of Winfield, to Miss Fannie Walton of Arkansas City.

The happy couple have taken up their residence in our little city, amid the best wishes and warmest congratulations of their numerous friends both in this place and Arkansas City. The bride, without resigning her position as a lady, has become a Man-ser.

MARRIED. KELSEY - POLK. Married at the residence of the groom's parents ten miles north of Winfield on New Year's night, Mr. Cleveland Kelsey to Miss Sophia Polk, both of this county.

Winfield Courier, January 9, 1874.

DIED. In this city, of consumption, January 7, 1874, William T. Dougherty, in the 33rd year of his age. The deceased had been afflicted for a long time and suffered a great deal. He experienced religion a short time ago and died in the triumph of a living faith. He leaves a wife, and family of small children to mourn his loss.

Winfield Courier, January 16, 1874.

The Kaw Agency. Cuteness of Arkansas City Officials.

A short time ago I had occasion to visit the Kaw Agency and if you will permit me I will give you a few of the observations that I made.

We crossed the state line south of Maple City, and the road led down the little Beaver. Of this stream little need be said, more than that it runs through as fertile and fine a valley as there is in this country of the same size. About four miles below the junction of the two Beavers, the agency is situated. The confluence of the Big Beaver and the Arkansas is something like a mile below. The buildings at the Agency are being built in as beautiful a natural grove of oaks as can be found, it being on a gentle eminence that commands a good view of the surrounding country. Here you can find all that is necessary to constitute a rich and fort_____ [?] country. The soil is as good as can be found; water is plenty. In the Beaver it is as clear as crystal, but the Arkansas presents a rather murky appearance. There is sufficient timber for all demands, also good building stone and within easy hauling distance.

Mr. Stubbs, the Agent, whose hospitality we enjoyed, is deeply interested in his work, as his labor shows. He has been among these Indians for the last ten years, and the regard evinced for him by his charges is good proof that sordidness and rapacity are not his characteristics and which have so often been a controlling element in many Indian agents' characters. Notwithstanding the oft repeated saying of many that the present policy of the government was a failure, if it works as efficiently in other places as Mr. Stubbs is carrying it out here, I venture the opinion that the end of Indian difficulties will be seen by the time the present generation passes away. I opine that the hue and cry that is raised by many against the humane policy that is now being tried have expectations not altogether disinterested, could the system be done away with.

Speaking of the half breeds brings to mind the facts that S. P. Channell of Arkansas City, was down there at the time that we were, to see one of these half breeds, Fredrick Handy by name, the one that created such confusion among the merchants of the City a short time ago. Mr. Channell, I believe, had better success than did the officials that were sent down a short time before, to decoy this poor untutored child of the plain out of his native fastness into the jurisdiction of white man's law. As the officials exercised so much shrewdness, as they thought, I will relate the circumstances as told to me.

The city marshal and a constable of Arkansas City went to the Agency armed with warrants, summons, and "sich," to bring Hardy to grief before the tribunals at the city. In order to make things work, it was essential that their victim should be decoyed within the limits of the state. To do this, in the morning the two officials started from the Agency, and before they got to Hardy's house, one of them dismounted and gave his horse to the other one to lead, and told him to go to some agreed place, on the line, and he would bring their man there. So he started off towards Hardy's limping, and when he arrived there he told Hardy that he was a cattle man and had a drove of twelve hundred head up near the line which he wished to visit, but was so lame that he could not walk, and he wished to get Hardy to take him up there with his team.

Fred readily consented to go, and drove up to where the official directed. The house where they stopped is situated near the line, and Fred instead of taking his team into the state, left it across the line. They went into the house, ate dinner, and after dinner Fred heard the officer state that the people of Arkansas City would have to give him credit for a great deal of shrewdness, in getting the half breed out of the Territory. But he had no sooner said it than Fred was again free, having crossed over the line at a bound, and that is why the scheme set on foot by the victimized merchants to get this man where they could make him "fork over" failed.

Winfield Courier, January 16, 1874.

ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ESCAPE TAXATION!

It will be remembered that the last Legislature enacted what was called a mortgage exemption law. At once the Attorney General pronounced the law unconstitutional. It is not only unconstitutional but manifestly unjust. The township trustees or assessors of Cowley County met at the County Clerk's office last spring after election and were directed by the County Clerk to tax all promissory notes held on March 1st, 1872. This means mortgage notes also. Very few, if any, assessors obeyed the instructions. At a later date the County Commissioners directed the County Clerk to examine the Register of Deed's books and take therefrom all evidence of individual credits and charge them to the proper persons on the tax rolls. It has just come to light, now that the personal property taxpaying season is substan-tially over, that said order was not obeyed. This is an outrage, and somebody is to blame for it. We are careful not to accuse any man wrongfully. Perhaps the County Clerk can explain this away, but it looks pretty bad.

The records of Cowley County show a mortgage indebtedness of about two hundred thousand dollars. It is estimated that at least one-half that amount is taxable for 1873. Had this amount been assessed, it would have put into the county treasury twenty-five hundred dollars of county money and as much more of other funds. If this amount had been assessed, every other man's taxes would have been lighter. The very men who can best afford to pay taxes have thus escaped. It was a blood stirring sight, the other day, to see a man who had several thousand dollars worth of mortgages in his pocket walk into the County Treasurer's office and pay forty cents of tax.

Winfield Courier, January 16, 1874.

Butter is fifteen cents.

Corn is eighteen cents.

Eggs are twelve and a half cents.

Winfield Courier, January 16, 1874.

A cold one was last Tuesday night.

Winfield Courier, January 16, 1874.

The new county officers took possession last Monday.

Winfield Courier, January 16, 1874.

County Attorney Torrance is expected home next week.

Winfield Courier, January 16, 1874.

See notice in another column inviting bids for twenty cords of wood.

NOTICE. Notice is hereby given that I will accept bids for furnishing 20 cords of wood for the county, to be delivered at the Courthouse. Please make your bids for hard and soft wood of merchantable quality. Bids to be opened and contract let on the 24th day of January.

M. G. TROUP, County Clerk.

Winfield, Jan. 13, 1874.

Winfield Courier, January 16, 1874.

Ice is four inches thick, and our ice men are shoving it under cover before it melts.

Winfield Courier, January 16, 1874.

Henry McDorman, F. Rix, and R. T. Wells, of Dexter, brought 14 bushels of wheat to Bliss Co.'s mill which made 43 pounds of flour to the bushel, besides the toll.

Winfield Courier, January 16, 1874.

Wichita merchants are buying corn and shipping it to Kansas City. No! We don't need any railroad? Corn sells at Wichita for thirty cents. We are told that it brings $1.75 per bushel out on the Medicine Lodge.

Winfield Courier, January 16, 1874.

The St. Joseph, Kansas and Texas Pacific railroad company has filed their mortgage for record in the office of the register of deeds for this county. It is a pretty lengthy document and looks like business.

Winfield Courier, January 16, 1874.

The Telegram comes to us this week on time and looking better than usual, neither does it contain the usual amount of insults and dirt. W. E. Doud is now connected with the paper as publisher and editor, and bids fair to improve its character.

Winfield Courier, January 16, 1874.

The popular opinion, and one which we entertained ourselves, was, that the county owned the jail, it having been built by the city of Winfield and donated to the county, as we supposed. But the new board of commissioners discovered the other day that the city owned the jail and only gives the use of it to the county.

Winfield Courier, January 16, 1874.

The daily stage line from Wichita to this place is to be changed from the present route and come down the Arkansas Valley to a point about two miles this side of Oxford and then runs into this place and down to Arkansas City. A buck-board will run from here to Douglass.

Winfield Courier, January 16, 1874.

Sheriff Parker goes out of office with the respect of all who know him. Some prejudice has been raised against him in certain localities by misrepresentation. But James Parker is an honest man, and those who know him have unlimited confidence in his integrity and humanity. Would that we had more like him.

Winfield Courier, January 16, 1874.

The new Board of County Commissioners met last Monday at the courthouse and organized by electing R. F. Burden of Windsor Township, chairman. Mr. Burden is a careful, prudent, and experienced man. He held the position of county commissioner in Iowa for six years, so that he is no novice. The new board appear to be an intelligent and practical set of men, and bid fair to meet the expectations of all the well wishers of the county.

Winfield Courier, January 16, 1874.

Winfield Courier, January 16, 1874.

Winfield Courier, January 16, 1874.

Winfield Courier, January 16, 1874.

FORMATION OF COWLEY COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

At a meeting of medical men held at the office of Dr. Egbert, Winfield, on Tuesday, January 8th, 1874, it was unanimously resolved to organize a County Medical Society, and the following temporary organization was effected to carry out the necessary arrangements: Dr. W. Q. Mansfield, President; Dr. D. N. Egbert, Secretary; Dr. T. G. Peyton, Treasurer.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

Dr. Nathan Hughes, of Arkansas City, and Drs. D. C. Cram and W. A. Andrews, of Winfield.

It was resolved that the society meet at 2 p.m. on the 2nd Wednesday in February, at Dr. Egbert's office, to form a permanent organization. Also resolved that the members of the medical fraternity of the county be respectfully invited to be present.

Dr. W. Q. MANSFIELD, President.

D. N. EGBERT, Secretary.

Winfield Courier, January 16, 1874.

Last Saturday, Deputy Worden organized a Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry in Winfield. There were twenty-four charter members present, fourteen gentlemen and ten ladies. The officers so far as we could learn are: A. T. STEWART, MASTER; J. D. COCHRAN, OVERSEER; N. C. McCULLOCH, LECTURER; J. G. SERVICE, SECRETARY; JETHRO COCHRAN, CHAPLAIN; MRS. SERVICE, CERES; MRS. MARY A. McCULLOCH, POMONA; MISS BURGER, ASSISTANT STEWART.

The next meeting will be held at the Courthouse next Saturday, the 17th.

Winfield Courier, January 16, 1874.

The Beaver grange of the order of Patrons of Husbandry was organized at Thomasville, Cowley County, Kansas, on the evening of December 26th, 1873, by Deputy J. H. Worden. The following named persons paid their fees, took the obligations, and were duly installed into the following offices: W. A. FREEMAN, MASTER; B. F. NESMITH, OVERSEER; Z. B. MYERS, LECTURER; A. K. JENKINS, STEWARD; JAMES DALTON, ASSISTANT STEWARD; M. S. ROSEBERRY, CHAPLAIN; WARREN WOOD, TREASURER; C. M. ROSEBERRY, SECRETARY; PHILO KENT, GATE KEEPER; MRS. JENNIE WOOD, CERES; MRS. MARY J. FREEMAN, POMONA; MRS. SUSAN DALTON, FLORA; MRS. MARY C. McCULLOCH, LADY ASSISTANT STEWARD.

After instructing members with reference to their duties, the Deputy closed the meeting.

C. M. ROSEBERRY, Secretary.

Winfield Courier, January 16, 1874.

The Board of County commissioners met in Clerk's office. All present.

Resignation of J. W. Tull, of Windsor Township received and accepted and Wm. Fritch appointed to fill the vacancy.

Resignation of H. H. Martin, clerk of Vernon Township, and W. Nixon appointed to fill vacancy.

Resignation of D. C. Onstott, trustee of Ninescah Township and L. B. Walmsey appointed to fill vacancy.

R. Shoen and L. Baldwin were appointed road viewers on A. A. Mills county road to date from Nov. 7th, 1873.

Report on A. A. Mills county road received, and accepted, and the road ordered opened 40 ft. wide.

Report on Wm. Steele's county road received and accepted as far as station 24 as per Surveyor's plat and report.

Report of County Surveyor on the re-survey of a portion of the T., A. & Winfield state road received and accepted as reported.

Petition of E. K. Kouty for Co. road laid over, bond being deficient.

Petition of M. R. Leonard for sec line road. Granted.

Sec line road of W. R. Wadkins laid over under the rule for want of affidavit.

Official bond of R. L. Walker, Sheriff, received and approved January 6th, 1874, amount of Bond $10,000.

Proceeded to take up bills.

Perry Knote, attendance on pauper, allowed. $40.75

Sam'l Khens, for pauper: $28.00

Lyon County boarding prisoners: $113.00

M. Hemingway et al road viewers: $62.00

J. P. Short, office rent: $48.00

Stewart & Simpson, grading: $4.75

E. C. Manning, office rent: $19.00

J. T. Stewart, Sawing wood: $18.00

Shoman & Purcell, court house seats: $297.70

M. L. Read, office rent [claimed $165.00]: $142.08

E. B. Kager, office rent: $30.00

Hitchcock & Boyle, brooms: $2.00

Braden & Burford, stationery: $26.25

Jas. Kelly, office signs: $5.00

H. H. Beck, Road damages: $5.00

Rice & Ray, building outhouse: $85.00

C. M. Scott, Co. printing: $15.25

Jas. Parker, Sheriff: $5.00

Coroner's inquest: $23.10

W. D. Roberts et al road viewers: $16.50

Jas. Parker, repairing chair: $1.00

A. A. Jackson, Co. Clerk [claimed $290]: $190.00

W. W. Walton, Co. Surveyor: $6.00

J. M. Young, Jailer [claimed $10.80]: $7.65

E. S. Bedilion, desk for blanks: $6.25

D. M. Patton et al road viewers: $43.00

A. H. Green, office rent: $7.50

J. W. Johnson, repairing desk: $4.50

T. H. Johnson, office rent: $57.50

H. Chamberlain, treasurer's desk: $50.80

S. Dodsworth, stationery: $149.00

W. W. Walton, Co. Surveyor: $89.76

T. A. Wilkinson, Co. Supt.: $310.00

Jno. Dudley, road commissioner: $14.60

O. C. Smith, gopher scalps; Co. Commissioner: $16.20

T. A. Cowles, gopher scalps: $.80

Jas. Parker, Sheriff: $10.60

J. D. Maurer, Co. Commissioner: $12.40

Frank Cox, Co. Commissioner: $18.40

The following bills were laid over and rejected.

Samuel Khens, boarding pauper laid over: $7.00

E. P. Hickok Co. Supt. rejected: $12.00

McMillen & Shields pauper bill rejected: $19.00

Geo. Millen rejected: $9.22

G. P. Wagner, medical attendance on pauper rejected: $43.50.

E. C. Manning, Probate Judge, office rent rejected: amount not given.

S. Tarrant boarding jury rejected: $9.10

Geo. W. Crane letterheads rejected: $9.00

E. D. Eddy, pauper bill, rejected.

T. A. Blanchard, bailiff, laid over.

G. W. Craine, stationery, rejected.

J. G. Titus, Pauper bill, rejected.

Farrar, Houghton & Sherburne, supplies for pauper Welch, rejected. Endorsed that Cowley County does not feel able to sustain this family any longer.

Ordered that the personal property assessed to James Kelly be transferred on the tax roll to R. W. Waddell & Co.

Jas. Kelly was permitted to withdraw from the files a bill enacted upon filed January 7th, 1874.

E. C. Manning was allowed to withdraw a claim for office rent for probate judge filed January 6th, 1874.

County Attorney was instructed to notify parties who had been ruled for costs on county roads to come forward and pay costs on same.

Board adjourned.

A. A. JACKSON, Co. Clerk.

By J. P. SHORT, Deputy.

Winfield Courier, January 16, 1874.

The new Board of County Commissioners met in the clerk's office.

Present: R. F. Burden, M. S. Roseberry, John Manly, who had been duly elected and qualified.

Moved by M. S. Roseberry, and seconded by John Manly, that R. F. Burden act as permanent chairman of the Board.

Road Petition of Wm. Steele received and granted, the same being in accordance with law.

Ordered that the Sheriff be allowed the sum of $1.33-1/2 each per diem, for boarding and taking care of prisoners until further action in the matter by the board.

E. B. Kager appeared and asked the board to provide a safe for the safekeeping of the funds in his possession. Matter laid over.

The county clerk was authorized to advertise for responsible bids for 20 cords of wood.

Ordered that the county clerk have the sheriff hunt up all the county property that can be found, and invoice the same to said sheriff who shall receipt for said county property.

The county clerk was also instructed to have bolts put on jury-room doors, and sash stops put on all the windows of the courthouse.

Board adjourned until 8 a.m. tomorrow.

Board met at 8 o'clock a.m., January 13th, 1874. All present.

The following bills were presented and allowed.

Joseph Stewart, road damages: $10.00

George Stewart, road damage: $5.00

J. M. Young, jailor: $8.05

A. A. Jackson, County Clerk: $110.10

James Parker: $4.00

R. F. Burden, Commissioner: $10.00

M. S. Roseberry, Commissioner: $8.00

John Manly, Commissioner: $8.00

Bill of G. Black was presented for medical services rendered pauper, and laid over for further information.

Board adjourned to meet again at regular April term.

R. F. BURDEN, Chairman, Board.

M. G. TROUP, County Clerk.

Winfield Courier, January 16, 1874.

RECAP: George D. Appleton, Nathan D. Noyes, John B. Maude, as partners trading under the firm name of Appleton, Noyes & Co., plaintiffs, versus Charles C. Stevens, defendant...Judgment on the first cause of action in said petition stated for the sum of $861.55 after the same shall have become due with interest thereon from and after January 1, 1874, and for the further sum of $246.00 as alleged in the second cause of action, with interest thereon from and after the 7th day of February, 1874, and for the further sum of $11.25 as in the third cause of action alleged in said petition, after the same shall have become due, with interest thereon from and after Feb. 11, 1874, together with the costs of said action, and that the said Chas. C. Stevens must answer the said petition by Feb. 9, 1874. Attachment: Sheriff seized defendant's property: northwest quarter of Section 16, township 33, range 4 east, Cowley Co. Further, Sheriff garnished all bills, notes, accounts, goods, chattels, effects, and property of Charles C. Stevens in the possession or under the control of L. J. Webb and J. C. Bigger, partners as Webb & Bigger. Said property and effects will be sold and applied to the satisfaction of said judgment.

R. M. RUGGLES & LOUIS T. MICHENER, ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS.

Winfield Courier, January 16, 1874.

RECAP: Adam Long and John Long as partners doing business in the name of Long Brothers, plaintiffs, versus Charles C. Stevens, Defendant. Judgment demanded in said petition for $445.74 (with interest from Oct 8, 1873, together with the costs of this action)...defendant must answer said petition by Feb. 9, 1874...Attachment has been issued...Sheriff directed to garnishee all bills, notes accounts, goods, chattels, effects, and property of defendant in the possession of L. J. Webb and J. C. Bigger, partners, as Webb & Bigger, on Nov. 11, 1873. Said property and effects will be sold and applied to the satisfaction of said judgment.

R. M. RUGGLES & LOUIS T. MICHENER, ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS.

Winfield Courier, January 23, 1874.

From the Arkansas City Traveler of Jan. 21st.

AN EXPLANATION FROM MR. MANNING.

To the Editor of the Traveler:

In the Dec. 24th issue of your paper you say:

"An attempt was made at the last meeting of the County Commissioners to have the bonds voted to the Kansas & Nebraska Railroad issued to that company. The commissioners however, foreseeing the evil effects that would result from such action, refused to issue them, which course will be sanctioned by the people of the county. We want no bonds issued until we have the road, as it would prevent a transfer to any other company."

As I was acting as the agent of the company in the matter of presenting the subscription book for the county subscription, and as there are several errors in the above item, and as I presume you were honestly misled into making the statement by misunderstandings and misstatements I make this reply.

I will endeavor to correct every error in the above item, and also to so put the whole matter before the public as to allay any suspicion that may have been bred by misrepresentation in other quarters. The criticism you make is honorable and the error one you might naturally fall into without looking the question up.

Neither is there any "Kansas & Nebraska railroad company" in the state.

Nor did the commissioners foresee any "evil effects that would result from such action."

Nor did they "refuse to issue them."

Consequently, their course will not be "sanctioned by the people of the county."

Nor is it true that "we want no bonds issued until we have the road."

Nor would withholding their issue "prevent their transfer to any other company."

Having stricken the errors from your item there is but little left save conjunctions and punctuation marks.

The company intends to build the road. Their financial agent sailed for Europe on the 10th day of December to negotiate the securities preparatory to commencing work early in the spring. I am advised by letter of such action already taken preparatory to spring work as convinces me that the company is acting and will act in good faith.

I suppose the foundation of the item you published lays in the following facts: Some weeks since, Mr. G. B. Duy, the secretary of the St. Joseph, Kansas and Texas Pacific (late Kansas and Nebraska) railway company forwarded to me the subscription book of the company, with the request that I present the same to the chairman of our county board for his signature whereby the county was to subscribe to the capital stock of the company to the amount of $150,000, and for which subscription the county is to receive an equal amount of paid up stock when the bonds are delivered. In said subscription book are the subscriptions of Butler, Marion, and other counties and townships along the line. Upon presenting the book to Mr. Cox for his signature, he thought that as the company had changed its name since the bonds were voted and as there seemed so little probability of its compliance with the terms upon which the subscription was authorized and the bonds voted, that, first; the county was not held to the contract because the name of the company was changed; second, that the subscription would be followed by the issue of bonds, which would be an additional expense to the county of about one hundred dollars, and which amount would be lost in case the road was not built.

At a meeting of the county board shortly after the subscription book was presented to Mr. Cox, chairman, for his signature, the question of making the subscription was brought up again to ascertain if the board entertained the same view of the matter that its chairman did, and a majority of the board decided that if the railroad company would contract to pay the expense of the two elections already held and for issuing the bonds in case of its failure to build the road according to contract that the chairman would make the subscription and issue the bonds.

Now let us see whether the chairman was right in refusing, or whether the company was right in demanding that the subscription should be made.

On the 15th day of April 1873, an election was held in Cowley County upon the question of subscribing to the capital stock of the Kansas and Nebraska railway and issuing bonds therefor.

On the 18th day of April 1873, the board of county commissioners met at the county seat and canvassed the votes of said election and declared at the end of said canvass "that there were eleven hundred and sixty-five votes cast for the railroad stock and bonds and eight hundred and seventy-four votes cast against the railroad stock and bonds, and that there was a majority of two hundred and ninety-one of the votes cast at said election "for the railroad stock and bonds," and in favor of said proposition. Thereupon it was determined and declared by the board that said proposition voted upon at said election had been adopted. And it was further ordered by the board that the chairman of said board be and is hereby instructed and authorized to subscribe for fifteen hundred shares of the capital stock of the Kansas and Nebraska railway company and issue the bonds of said county for the amount of said subscription!"

This is the action of the county board immediately after the election; and had the subscription book been here at the time the chairman would have subscribed the stock according to the above order.

Why did the commissioners make the order? Because the law required it.

By reference to the act under which said election was held we find in session laws of 1872, page 114, as follows:

* * * That if the proposition voted for be to aid in the construction of a railroad (either by donation thereto or the taking of stock therein) or other work of internal improvement, that the proper officers of such county, city, or township shall at once subscribe upon the books of such railroad company, specifically setting forth the conditions upon which such subscription is made, the amount of such donation thereto, stock taken therein, or bonds voted therefor.

Sec. 11. That if the proposition for which bonds were voted be to aid in the construction of a railroad, or any bridge or other work of internal improvement, either by donation thereto or the taking of stock therein, then upon the subscription being made therefor as hereinbefore provided, the officers of such county, city, or township [shall thereupon issue the bonds of such county, city, or township] for the amount of such subscription, and shall forthwith deliver the same together with the original or a copy of the subscription setting forth the terms in full, to the treasurer of state, which said bonds shall be held by the said treasurer of state in escrow until the conditions in the terms of said subscription to such railroad or other work of internal improvement shall be in all things fully complied with; thereupon the conditions of the said subscription being in all things fully complied with, then the treasurer of state shall deliver such bonds to the parties entitled thereto, who shall have the same registered as hereinafter provided: Provided, That such bonds shall not bear interest or be negotiable until after the delivery and registration thereof; And provided further, That in case of a failure to comply with the conditions in the terms of such subscription then such bonds shall be by the said treasurer of state canceled, and redelivered to the county, city, or township issuing the bonds."

Thus reads the law. Thus read the law when the vote was taken. Every voter should have known the law at the time of voting. It is to be hoped that every man voting in this age and country votes intelligently.

The proper officer to make the subscription in this case is the chairman of the county board, which subscription should be attested by the county clerk. All this was known to the board when the above mentioned order was made. Now, what are the terms upon which the subscription was authorized? Here they are.

"That said Kansas & Nebraska railway company shall construct or cause to be constructed and have in full operation within eighteen months from the date of said subscription being authorized by a vote of the legal voters of said county, voting at an election to be duly called and held for that purpose, a railway of the ordinary gauge of four feet eight and one-half inches, and of a class equal to the average of Kansas railways from the north line of said county by way of the town of Winfield to the city of Arkansas City in said county."

Five depots are to be established in the county, two of which are to be convenient to Winfield and Arkansas City respectively. We further find:

"That when said railway from the north line of said county in the direction of the town of Winfield is completed and in full operation to the said town of Winfield and the rolling stock placed thereon one half of said bonds shall be due and deliverable to said Kansas and Nebraska railway company; that when the said railway is completed and in full operation to the city of Arkansas City, the residue of said bonds shall be due and deliverable to said Kansas and Nebraska railway company, the said railway company giving to said county in exchange for its bonds delivered as aforesaid an equal amount in valuation of the full paid up stock of the said Kansas and Nebraska railway company."

We see therefore that the company has until the 15th day of October 1874 to build the road to Arkansas City. That it is possible for them to do so none will deny. That the hue and cry raised last summer and fall in the west against railroads and railroad bonds has materially embarrassed all efforts at obtaining eastern capital to build western railroads should be born in mind. That the financial panic of the last three months has aggravated these difficulties is also true. That we here should also withdraw our sympathy and encouragement at this time is somewhat embarrassing.

Mr. Cox ought to have made the subscription.

The idea of transferring the subscription or the authority to make the subscription to another corporation by a vote of the people without the consent of this corporation and before the time expires in which they are given to earn the bonds is the sheerest nonsense.

The intimation or insinuation made by habitual liars in another quarter, that I or someone else that had no right to them could or would get hold of the bonds and use them is malicious slander steeped in ignorance.

If, in the face of the law and facts, liars will tell it or fools believe it, let them so do. But what man of ordinary intelligence will hazard it by giving credence to such stuff? And what man with any regard for his reputation for truthfulness will stain himself by repeating it?

While upon this strain, I must say, that the vicious cupidity of the scandal swallowing public is amazing. The haste in which falsehoods are seized and swallowed and then half digested are cast out again to be a hundred times seized and swallowed is appalling. No attempt is made to protect by public opinion the most spotless character from calumny's stain. It seems to be forgotten that the strongest safeguard to social order is an intelligent, quickened public conscience; that laws cannot be so stringent as to secure to each his own; that they are but the work of minds, and that minds equally as strong may outwit them. It will not do to justify men in keeping within the law when moral law is violated. A community governed by and living within the law alone becomes a licensed banditti. In such an atmosphere the poor and ignorant are at the mercy of the rich and learned, and popular opinion is the child of passion goaded by the lash of wrong. A people who countenance a public slanderer are nursing a viper that may at any time turn upon anyone that crosses its heedless path.

As for myself, I cannot stop every day to tread upon the vermin in human form that spends its vicious energies in attacks upon me. Several of the maggots that have essayed to devour my body have fled the country or withered into oblivion. A few are spared by an inscrutable Providence to breed and stick. Let them crawl and squirm and bite. Honest or intelligent criticism is worthy of notice. Slanderers, fools, and liars will have their day.

Hoping that I have so put this question of the one hundred and fifty thousand dollars in county bonds that "he who runs may read" please allow me to subscribe myself as a humble reader of the Traveler.

E. C. MANNING.

Winfield Courier, January 23, 1874.

The following bill was introduced in the Senate by Mr. Ingalls and after twice reading was ordered printed.

Winfield Courier, January 23, 1874.

HON. WILLIAM MARTIN.

On Monday last, there was a caucus of the Republican members of the Legislature at which there were present seventy-seven out of one hundred and thirty-nine members of both Houses, including Speaker McEckron. This number declared their fealty to the Republican party and pledged themselves to stand by it. Rev. Martin, of Cowley, went into the caucus but formally withdrew from it saying that he belonged to no party. How does this tally with the editorial of his manager, Mr. Allison, published in the Telegram immediately after the election, in which it was said that Martin's election was not an anti-Republican victory, but an anti-Manning and McDermott victory? Martin seems intent upon "busting" the Republican party by abandoning it, and to "bust" the railroads by riding on them free.

Winfield Courier, January 23, 1874.

RICHNESS IN THE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE:

The new County Clerk has struck a rich lead. The books and records are in such a condition that no one can make any sense out of them. Errors are apparent everywhere. In one instance, that of the school district at Arkansas City, the bond levy by the Commissioners was nine mills, but the County Clerk put it on the tax roll ten mills all the way through. In the Winfield Township tax roll, many errors have come to light. The State Board of Equalization raised the valuation of land twenty-two and a half percent; the County Clerk raised it only twenty percent. There is a large difference between the amount charged to the Treasurer, and the tax roll that was put into his hands to collect by.

The new County Clerk is so nonplussed by the situation that he has suggested to the chairman of the county board that it would be well to have a meeting of the Commissioners to examine the affairs of the office so as to relieve him of an irregularity, and to give the new incumbent a fair start in the business.

As we said in regard to the mortgage business last week, we are careful not to charge anyone with irregularity or improper conduct wrongfully, but give all an opportunity to explain or defend; but as there has been no explanation to that matter offered to the public, so there may be none to this.

We await future developments with interest.

Winfield Courier, January 23, 1874.

A fine rain here Wednesday.

Winfield Courier, January 23, 1874.

Dr. Hunt has gone to Missouri on a short visit.

Winfield Courier, January 23, 1874.

All stock being wintered in this locality looks remarkably well.

Winfield Courier, January 23, 1874.

Deputy Worden is engaged a good share of his time in organizing Granges.

Winfield Courier, January 23, 1874.

The Kimble race horse was badly beaten by a horse from Missouri last Monday.

Winfield Courier, January 23, 1874.

There is a proposition before the legislature to remit the ten percent penalty upon unpaid taxes.

Winfield Courier, January 23, 1874.

Curns and Manser, the real estate men, must be prospering; they appear in a new suit of clothes frequently.

Winfield Courier, January 23, 1874.

George Oaks has bought over one hundred stock hogs this winter at three cents per pound gross. His corn fed cattle are doing finely.

Winfield Courier, January 23, 1874.

The oratorio of Esther is to be put upon the boards at the courthouse some time next month under the auspices of the congregational church.

Winfield Courier, January 23, 1874.

Nate Robinson has moved his harness shop into the building formerly occupied by the Telegram office.

Winfield Courier, January 23, 1874.

Owing to the "stringency of the times," the Telegram has been compelled to move out of its former office to cheaper quarters.

Winfield Courier, January 23, 1874.

P. M. Sholl, left for his home in Illinois Wednesday morning, and his landlord wants to know where to send his little bill.

Winfield Courier, January 23, 1874.

Allison, instead of staying at Topeka all winter as was his intention when he left here, has notified his partner that he will be home in a week or so.

Winfield Courier, January 23, 1874.

Messrs. Lacy and Newland have filled two ice houses with nice ice. Fisher & Ehret have filled one. Mr. Stewart has not put up any yet, he is waiting for a better freeze.

Winfield Courier, January 23, 1874.

T. K. Johnston, the Winfield Postmaster, is the only man heard of in the county thus far that publicly justifies Rev. Martin for refusing to give up his railroad pass. Stick to him, T. K., you brought him out.

Winfield Courier, January 23, 1874.

Wishing to treat representative Martin fairly we give him credit for voting in favor of remitting the ten percent penalty upon unpaid taxes, for it is true as he says, that our people are hard pressed for money to pay their taxes.

Winfield Courier, January 23, 1874.

Messrs. Webb and Manning tried skating on the mill pond the other day and broke through. The latter went down to his arm-pits several times in water over his head in depth, but caught on the edge of the ice each time and managed to keep from dying a "stiff cold water man," until Mr. Webb by resolute daring got a board to him whereby he was enabled to get ashore.

Winfield Courier, January 23, 1874.

Winfield Courier, January 23, 1874.

Mr. Manning's communication to the Traveler, which we republish this week, is a forcible and complete answer to and expose of the misrepresentations regarding the issue of railroad bonds. We produce the law and terms of subscription as appeared in the original manuscript; whereas the Traveler for want of space left them out. It is not everyone that has access to the law and terms and it is better to publish it all.

Winfield Courier, January 23, 1874.

Our fellow townsman, W. W. Walton, was defeated in his race for assistant Chief Clerk of the House. He received ten votes and Mr. Allison of the Telegram received ten votes for the same place, but they were both beaten. Representative Martin supported Allison very warmly, so that it appears that a man can get just as many votes who is a candidate for a position from Cowley County without Martin's assistance as with it. Before the result of the vote was announced, several men had changed their votes, thus making the record show that Allison received six votes and Walton only two.

Winfield Courier, January 23, 1874.

T. B. Stevenson, Esq., of Nebraska City, Nebraska, is in the city taking depositions of witnesses before L. J. Webb in a case pending in the District Court of Pawnee County wherein the people of the State of Nebraska are plaintiffs; and Ortigal N. Palmer, George W. Waldo, and Celesta Randall are defendants. The defendants are charged with the murder of George Randall, the husband of Celesta Randall, one of the defendants. The deceased was the son of a citizen of this county, and the witnesses whose testimony is being taken are children of the deceased. The deceased was found dead some months since near his home in Nebraska.

Winfield Courier, January 23, 1874.

An Explanation.

Mr. Ed.: I rise to explain. I saw in the COURIER of last week that some person wants to know why the mortgages were not put on for taxation. The statement is true that the County Commissioners authorized the County Clerk to put them on for taxation. Accordingly, I hired a man to take an abstract from the recorder's office of all mortgages on record the first of March, thinking I should notify the parties to appear before the County Board on their first meeting in January, and when I got the abstract the last of December, I found that a mistake had been made and that instead of showing the mortgages on the first of March, it showed all on record from the first of March to the present time which were not taxable. I then ordered a new abstract and owing to the great press of business in taxpaying, and the time necessary to get up the abstract, my term of office ran out before I could get them.

There have been some decisions in the Supreme Court that decides that any property subject to taxation and not listed can be put on the tax roll anytime before the settlement with the County treasurer in July. Therefore, I presume it will be attended to. Hoping that the above explanation will be satisfactory, I am

A. A. JACKSON, ex-County Clerk.

Winfield Courier, January 23, 1874.

W. H. SOUTH has bought W. H. H. Maris' entire stock of dry goods, notions, hats, caps, boots, shoes, glassware, and queensware, and will continue the dry goods trade at the old stand of Maris & Co. Mr. South will also continue the Jewelry trade.

Winfield Courier, January 23, 1874.

The highest market price paid for CORN at the Old Log Store.

Winfield Courier, January 23, 1874.

TO RENT. Two bottom farms, well improved, plenty of water and timber. One two miles, the other ten miles from Winfield. Or would sell one reasonable and give time on a part of payments.

Enquire at City Meat Market.

Winfield Courier, January 30, 1874.

From the Traveler.

The delegates of the County Grange meet at Winfield next month.

Fire. Last Sunday the house of Mr. Chaffee, four miles north of town, was totally destroyed by fire. Mr. and Mrs. Chaffee were absent, and their son tried to light a fire, but could not make it burn. Soon after he started to go to one of the neighbors, when he saw his home in flames. Only a few articles were saved.

On Sunday January 18th, John Easton, of South Haven, went out hunting when he was met by Eckles, two Ward boys, and Kirtland. Eckles told Easton that he had been telling lies on him about stealing, etc. Easton said that Eckles had stolen and that he could prove it, when a fight took place. Easton had the gun in his hand, and during the scrape it was discharged close to Eckles' head, taking his hat off. This was more serious than Eckles had bargained for, so he quit, and the escaped man had Easton arrested. Easton was released on bail and then had Eckles and the two Ward boys arrested, who are now at Wellington awaiting trial.

Mule Team Drowned.

Frank Lorry's mule team was drowned in the Walnut at Harmon's ford last Saturday. Ed. Keho was driving and barely escaped with his life. He did not know the river was up and drove in with the mules checked and straight across the river. After floundering sometime both animals were drowned, but not until they had drifted almost to Speer's mill. The wagon and mules were drawn out and the harness saved.

The law provides that a gauge shall be placed at every ford, indicating the depth of the water, but we never have had one at any of the fords in this township. Soon after the mules were drowned, a wagon with men, women, and children was about to attempt a crossing and were only saved by the warning of John Harmon, who told them of the danger.

Winfield Courier, January 30, 1874.

MARRIED.

CRAINE - LAMB. On Sunday, Jan. 25th, 1874, at the residence of the bride's father, in Rock Township, by the Rev. Mr. Platter, Mr. C. A. Craine to Miss May Lamb.

The marriage was somewhat sudden and took the people by surprise, particularly the boys mentioned in the following.

WOULD YOU BELIEVE THAT A LONG, LONG POEM COMES NEXT CARRYING ON ABOUT LAMBS AND CRAINES???? SKIPPED POEM.

Winfield Courier, January 30, 1874.

The Social Club of Arkansas City gave a ball last night.

Winfield Courier, January 30, 1874.

S. Varner is putting a fine stone walk in front of his shop on South Main Street.

Winfield Courier, January 30, 1874.

Col. Manning went to Topeka to attend the senatorial election. Winfield is well represented at the capital.

Winfield Courier, January 30, 1874.

Cliff. Wood makes pretty good wood. The county has contracted for twenty cords of that wood at $4.25 per cord.

Winfield Courier, January 30, 1874.

The Ladies of the M. E. Church will give an Oyster supper and Social in the Courthouse at Winfield, Feb. 4, 1874.

Winfield Courier, January 30, 1874.

Owing to the uncertainty of transportation between this city and St. Louis, we have been compelled to issue our entire edition this week upon yellow paper.

Winfield Courier, January 30, 1874.

Last week Mr. Blandin's team got away from him and ran savagely down Main street and brought up in front of Requa & Bing's clothing store. No damage done.

Winfield Courier, January 30, 1874.

Winfield Courier, January 30, 1874.

Nearly the entire population of Little Dutch was in town on Monday attending a lawsuit between Messrs. Horneman and Lacy, which was tried before 'Squire Boyer. The former got judgment.

Winfield Courier, January 30, 1874.

Maj. J. M. Crowell, special agent of the post office department, arrested Lafayette Reed at Wellington last week, charged with having abstracted from the mails a draft for the amount of $395.

Winfield Courier, January 30, 1874.

The saloon keepers of this city got "up on their ear," last Saturday and went for two drug firms for selling whiskey without license. One firm sold it by the drink and the other by the gallon. Each firm was fined twenty-five dollars and costs.

Winfield Courier, January 30, 1874.

The body of Mr. Townsend, the young stranger who died recently at the Hudson House, was last week claimed by his relatives, who paid the bills contracted by him during his illness, as far as they thought right and proper (but refused to be fleeced) and took him to his home in Pennsylvania to die no more.

Winfield Courier, January 30, 1874.

Winfield Courier, January 30, 1874.

The Board of County Commissioners held a special meeting yesterday for the purpose of examining the condition of the County Clerk's books as left by A. A. Jackson. Although no order was made against Mr. Jackson, yet the Board was unanimously of the opinion that a worse kept set of books would be hard to find within the limits of the state of Kansas. Their examination corroborated the statements made by the COURIER of last week in regard to the matter. The Commissioners decided that the trouble was due more to carelessness and ignorance than to wilful dishonesty, although of course that doesn't exonerate Mr. Jackson from blame. The Commissioners will appoint a special committee to help Mr. Troup, the present Clerk, put the books in shape.

Winfield Courier, January 30, 1874.

PRISONER ESCAPED!

Wednesday morning last, our city was thrown into a tumult of excitement by the announcement that Thos. Rucker, the Lazette murderer, who had been confined in the city jail at this place since the tragedy last Christmas was missing. The inhabitants of the town immediately proceeded to the jail and soon found that it was no hoax, but a bona fide fact. Scouts were immediately dispatched in every direction, but failed to discover any trace of his whereabouts.

The means by which he escaped are very indefinite. It is generally supposed that some outside party opened the doors and gave him his liberty, although it is possible that he had the tools furnished, and did the work himself. At any rate he has gone and the next thing is to find him, although Sheriff Walker is confident that he will soon have his hands on him, as well as the one who gave him his freedom.

And while he is gone, it would be well if the city council would put the jail in a condition to hold him an hour or so if he should be brought back. A man who has a friend in the world and wishes to get out need not stay in his cell an hour. In the first place, there is nothing to prevent anybody giving a prisoner anything they wish, as the windows have nothing to protect them except some iron bars with space enough between to throw a sledge hammer.

Then again, the jail is at least twenty rods from the nearest human habitation, and the building could be bombarded with a ten pound cannon and the noise would be hardly heard by the citizens at home. The doors are also in such a shape that Rucker could easily have lifted them off the hinges with a crow bar. If some protection was put around the windows and the upper story occupied by a family, it would become more difficult for a prisoner to make his escape when LAST THREE LINES IMPOSSIBLE TO READ.

Winfield Courier, January 30, 1874.

County Medical Society.

At a meeting of medical men held at the office of Dr. Egbert, Winfield, on Tuesday, January 8th, 1874, it was unanimously resolved to organize a County Medical Society, and the following temporary organization was effected to carry out the necessary arrangements: Dr. W. Q. Mansfield, President; Dr. D. N. Egbert, Secretary; Dr. T. G. Peyton, Treasurer. Dr. Nathan Hughes, of Arkansas City, and Dr.'s D. C. Cram, and W. A. Andrews, of Winfield Executive Committee.

It was resolved that the society meet at 2 p.m. on the 2nd Wednesday in February, at Dr. Egbert's office, to form a permanent organization. Also resolved that the members of the medical fraternity of the county be respectfully invited to be present.

DR. W. Q. MANSFIELD, President.

DR. D. N. EGBERT, Secretary.

Winfield Courier, January 30, 1874.

Chas. G. Brooks, a Labette County detective, arrested at Danville, Illinois, sometime in the middle of the month, a man named Reuben Bloomfield, charged with a number of crimes, the principal one being the murder of Henry Route in this county about two years ago. Word was received at this place by Acting Co. Attorney Fairbanks to the effect that Bloomfield was in custody and wishing to know if he was wanted here, and if he was not, he would be tried for some minor offense with which he was charged. Mr. Fairbanks told them to bring him along; but in a short time he received notice that he had committed suicide by taking strychnine shortly after his arrest.

We take the following particulars from the Danville Times, which was kindly furnished us by Mrs. Mullen.

"There are a few items in regard to the murder of Henry Route not yet made public, which by the kindness of Mr. Brooks, the reporter, is able to lay before our readers. In April 1872, Route started with his own team from the neighborhood of the Bender murders in Labette Co. in company with Bloomfield, with the ostensible purpose of visiting Cowley County in the same state, where Bloomfield claimed to have some land. Route had a little money and a team, and it was the proposition that if Route liked the land and the price, he would buy it. Nothing was heard of the parties until sometime in May when Bloomfield returned without his companion, but with his team. He said that he had sold Route a quarter section in Cowley County and taken his team in payment. In the meantime he had been in various places spending money freely and leading a dissolute life on the strength of the money, which it is now believed he had robbed of the murdered man.

Time passed away and no tidings came of Route, whose wife yet lived in Vermillion County. Sometime in the summer Route's coat was found on Big Hill Creek, in Labette County, cut and slashed by a knife in several places, together with his hat, but no traces of the body. The hat and part of the coat were sent to Mrs. Route, who identified the hat, and believed the coat from its texture to have been her husband's.

Bloomfield was living in the country near Danville, and when he was arrested he was not far from his house cutting hoop-poles. When the officer made known his business, he made no resistance, but seemed rather pleased; he said he wanted to go to Kansas anyhow, and wished to know if this would afford him a chance to get there on a free pass, and was told that it probably would if he went with an officer. He then asked leave to change his clothes, which was granted, and it was at this time that he is supposed to have procured the strychnine which he doubtless kept concealed in the cabin. He then told the officers the best route to follow to the city and after kissing his wife good-bye, took his seat in the buggy with four officers. On his way to the city he turned round and took the poison, spilling a portion on his clothes. The Sheriff hurried ahead to a house for an antidote, but before the carriage arrived, Bloomfield was dead.

arranged the screen in front of which the victims were placed in order to dispatch them, and was an inmate of the house for some months during the scenes of those terrible murders which so shocked the civilized world and made Labette County so notorious.

Winfield Courier, February 6, 1874. Front Page.

Special Correspondent, "J. K." sent news from Topeka January 26, 1874, re Kansas Legislature. [J. K. is James Kelly.]

The Senate passed a resolution declaring that members should not draw pay for services not rendered; in other words, should not receive their per diem for such time as they might be absent from the sessions. In the House Mr. Boyd, farmer, from Montgomery County, moved to indefinitely postpone it (which motion would kill it) and the motion carried. Martin of Cowley voted "Aye."

The Senate also passed a resolution that members who had accepted free passes from the railroads and whose passage to and from the legislature cost them nothing, should not draw their mileage of 15 cents per mile each way. This was indefinitely postponed in the House on motion of Mr. Potter, reformer, of Coffey County, the farmers and reformers all voting "Aye."

The "Act to exempt mortgages from taxation," as it is called, has been repealed.

A bill has been introduced into the House to create the county of Yates, including that part of the 20 mile strip which is in Butler County.

A bill has also been introduced to create the county of Elk, out of the north half of Howard. It is waiting the action of the House.

The petitions signed by our people praying for an extension of the time in which to make payment for our lands, was put into the shape of a concurrent resolution, and offered in the Senate by Senator Murdock the second day of the session and laid over one day under the rules. The next day it was taken up, adopted, and sent to the House, where it was referred to the Judiciary committee, which committee reported it back recommending its adoption. Since then nothing has been done with it. It might have been adopted in five minutes, at any time, but it seems to be left to float around loose, without anyone to look after it, and today, the fourteenth day of the session, it has not yet been adopted.

Our Representative, Mr. Martin, has introduced a bill to vacate the state road from Nennescah to Winfield. He tried to introduce it under the head of "Presentation of Petitions," and sent it up to the Clerk's desk, but it was returned with the information that it was out of order. Afterward he was more fortunate and succeeded in getting it in.

J. K.

Winfield Courier, February 6, 1874.

THE COUNTY DEBT.

We understand, since our arrival at home, that an effort is being made to have Mr. Martin procure the necessary legislation allowing the Board of County Commissioners to fund, or rather bond, the county indebtedness. We do not believe that the people of Cowley County wish this thing done. Twelve months ago, the circumstances were altogether different. Then we had a Courthouse to build and many thought it necessary to provide funds for that. But now that our county buildings are all complete, we can see no necessity for it. We are very well aware that it would be money in the pockets of a few, for instance, county officials, who have to take most, or all their fees, in scrip. But we are now hopeful that the tax next year, with care and economy, will clear the county almost, if not altogether, of debt. In the present state of affairs we would not favor any bill authorizing the Board to bond the debt without first submitting the question to a vote of the people of the county. And we hope that whatever legislation Mr. Martin secures in that particular will provide that the question be so submitted. We would be glad to hear from our readers on this subject, that we may act understandingly in the matter and take such action as will place the county on the best financial basis having due regard for those who hold the county's "promises to pay."

Winfield Courier, February 6, 1874.

A Card.

ED. COURIER: Will you allow me space in your valuable paper to expose one of the biggest swindlers and one of the biggest swindling associations in Cowley County? The swindler above referred to is Mr. E. P. Young. The association is the Tisdale Town Company. I take this method of informing the public in general of both of them. I do not do this through any malicious purpose whatever. I do it simply because I have been swindled by both of them. Mr. Young is a man of no honor. He has defrauded me out of honest labor. Mr. G. W. Foughty (who, by the way, is Mr. Young's tool in the town company) has done the same. Now I don't intend to accuse these so-called gentlemen or farmers and laboring reform advocates of anything that I cannot prove. I am willing to test what I charge them with before any court of justice in Kansas.

M. G. CROWLEY.

[We have no desire to occupy our columns with personal attacks, such as the above, and would not, under any circumstances, do so now, if the party had not signed his name in full, and we understand him to be a responsible man. And as we have given him space we, of course, will publish any reply that Messrs. Young & Foughty may see fit to make.] ED.

Winfield Courier, February 6, 1874.

The ground hog saw his shadow Monday.

Winfield Courier, February 6, 1874.

About six inches of snow fell last Saturday.

Winfield Courier, February 6, 1874.

There are twenty granges in Cowley County.

Winfield Courier, February 6, 1874.

Col. Manning returned from Topeka last Sunday night.

Winfield Courier, February 6, 1874.

James McDermott, E. S. Torrance, W. W. Walton, and James Kelly returned home last Monday night.

Winfield Courier, February 6, 1874.

Mr. C. A. Bliss has the hams of thirteen hogs in his smoke house, undergoing the curing process. We believe that this is the largest lot of hams ever cured at one time in this county.

Winfield Courier, February 6, 1874.

A dance will be given at Hudson's Hall on Friday evening Feb. 13th. Good music will be provided, and no pains will be spared to make the affair enjoyable. All are invited. Tickets fifty cents. T. M. CONCANNON, Manager.

Winfield Courier, February 6, 1874.

Sheriff Dick Walker has a new and safe way of keeping his prisoners. Since the jail has been "broke" so much, he takes them to bed with him. We understand that Mr. Walker will not trust anymore of his prisoners in the jail while the city authorities carry the keys.

Winfield Courier, February 6, 1874.

Last Wednesday, Manning & Johnson sued James Jordon before Justice Boyer, for attorney fees for the amount of two hundred and fifty-four dollars. A jury awarded the plaintiffs forty dollars, whereupon they took an appeal, and the case will be carried to the District Court.

Winfield Courier, February 6, 1874.

Last Tuesday Sheriff Walker arrested, on Grouse Creek, Wm. Slater and a man named Bryant charged with assisting Thomas Rucker to break jail last week. Mr. Wm. Slater is an uncle of Rucker's. Before leaving, Rucker gave Slater a deed to his land. Bryant owned up to his part of the transaction, which was the bringing of a horse from Slater's to Rucker wherewith to make his escape. The men were up for a hearing before 'Squire Boyer yesterday, but the case was continued until Saturday, when if any charge is found against them, they will be taken to Emporia for safe keeping.

Winfield Courier, February 6, 1874.

MARRIED. [VINCULUM MATRIMONII.] One by one the lilies fade. E pluribus unum, ad astra per aspera, sic semper tyranus, Vox populi vox Dei, Erin go bragh, vis unitr fortios vive vale Dum vivimus vivamus, etc.

For the benefit of our readers we will say that the above quotations means that our kind jolly friend, and worthy and efficient County Treasurer, E. B. Kager, has gone and got married. The bright eyes and sunny smiles of Miss Wright of Arkansas City did the business for him. Well, poor fellow, he has been ailing for some time, and his exit from bachelordom was not altogether a surprise to his friends. The young couple have the best wishes of the entire COURIER force.

Winfield Courier, February 6, 1874.

Fifty-seven grange delegates, being nineteen granges represented by three delegates each (the Lazette grange not being represented), met at the Courthouse in Winfield, on Monday, February 2nd, at 11 o'clock a.m., for the purpose of organizing a County council. The meeting being called to order Mr. A. S. Williams was made Chairman, and N. C. McCulloch, Secretary pro tem. The Council was then organized and the following officers were elected: A. S. Williams, Master; T. A. Blanchard, Secretary; A. T. Gay, Overseer; W. A. Freeman, Gate-keeper. A. H. Acton of Bolton Township, Simeon Martin of Maple Township, and John Irwin of Rock Township were elected Trustees. A Constitution and By-laws were adopted, a copy of which we are sorry to say we have not yet received. After the matters pertaining to the County Council were satisfactorily settled, they proceeded to choose delegates to the State Council. The following are the delegates chosen: J. J. Johnson of New Salem, B. A. Davis of Silverdale, and Adam Walk of Grand Prairie.

Winfield Courier, February 6, 1874.

At a meeting of medical men held at the office of Dr. Egbert, Winfield, on Tuesday, January 8th, 1874, it was unanimously resolved to organize a County Medical Society, and the following temporary organization was effected to carry out the necessary arrangements: Dr. W. Q. Mansfield, President; Dr. D. N. Egbert, Secretary; Dr. T. G. Peyton, Treasurer. Dr. Nathan Hughes, of Arkansas City, and Dr.'s D. C. Cram and W. A. Andrews, of Winfield, Executive Committee.

It was resolved that the society meet at 2 p.m. on the 2nd Wednesday in February, at Dr. Egbert's office, to form a permanent organization. Also resolved that the members of the medical fraternity of the county be respectfully invited to be present.

DR. W. Q. MANSFIELD, President.

DR. D. N. EGBERT, Secretary.

Winfield Courier, February 6, 1874.

MARRIED. MUSGROVE. GRAHAM. Married in Winfield January 27th, 1874, by the Rev. B. C. Swarts, of Arkansas City, Mr. J. R. Musgrove, of South Haven, Sumner County, to Miss Lessie Graham of Winfield.

Winfield Courier, February 6, 1874.

Notice is hereby given that the partnership heretofore existing between the undersigned and J. C. Bigger is this day dissolved, Mr. Bigger having opened an office in St. Louis, Missouri. I shall continue in the practice at my office heretofore occupied by the firm of Webb & Bigger. The firm business will be carried on by me, and I will collect all monies due the firm and pay its debts.

Jan. 17, 1874. L. J. WEBB.

Winfield Courier, February 6, 1874.

In Justice's Court before D. A. Millington, J. P., in Winfield Township, Cowley County, Kansas.

George W. Foughty plaintiff.

vs.

Perry Chance, defendant.

On the 10th day of January A. D. 1874, said justice issued an order of attachment in the above entitled action for the sum of fifty dollars ($50.00) which has been returned served and on the 15th day of January, A. D. 1874, continued said cause for further hearing until the 14th day of February, A. D. 1874.

PRYOR & KAGER, Plaintiff's Attorneys.

Winfield Courier, February 6, 1874.

THE COUNTY RECORDS.

The readers of the COURIER will remember that we published sometime ago an intimation that the county records, as left by Mr. Jackson, were in a bad condition, and should be thoroughly investigated.

The County Board, no doubt acting on the COURIER's suggestion, met at the County Clerk's office, and after careful deliberation, concluded to appoint a committee of three to straighten out the records and give the new County Clerk a fair start with the world. They accordingly selected S. M. Fall, of Lazette; Lucius Walton, of Pleasant Valley; and Wm. H. Grow, of Rock; three as good men as the county affords, men of integrity and ability.

Let us look into this matter. Here is say, to strike an average, $5,000 in scrip taken in as county tax by Mr. Short, while deputy for Devore; he presents it to Mr. Jackson for cancellation. Jackson takes the No. and amount and marks canceled on his book, hands them back to the treasurer, who may sell it, thus putting it afloat once more to be taken up at some future time.

Now follows a few pertinent queries: What right had Mr. Short to present these orders to Mr. Jackson to be canceled, until he had marked them "paid" across the face, in red ink, as the law requires?

We most sincerely hope the latter is the correct conjecture. [We could not get at the exact figures as the committee of investigation together with the County Board sat with closed doors so that we could not get in.]

We hope these gentlemen will think better of this matter, and allow at least the accredited representatives of the press to know what is transpiring. The people who read the papers are the taxpayers of the county and they have a right to know all about it, and will know, let it cost what it may, so long as we run a paper.

Winfield Courier, February 13, 1874. Editorial Page.

Winfield Courier, February 13, 1874.

Attend the ball at Hudson's hall tonight.

Winfield Courier, February 13, 1874.

Geo. Richmond has a large lot of full blooded Brahma hens which he is anxious to dispose of.

Winfield Courier, February 13, 1874.

Our people should not forget the concert and play at Arkansas City next Wednesday and Thursday evenings.

Winfield Courier, February 13, 1874.

Robert Thirsk, Esq., of Richland, dropped into our sanctum last Tuesday. But being an active granger, he couldn't fool away much time with us.

Winfield Courier, February 13, 1874.

The stage from Wichita has been taking a rest up at Augusta, because the lazy denizens of that place are too stingy to bridge their streams.

Winfield Courier, February 13, 1874.

The price of corn is gradually raising. A short time ago it was plenty at eighteen cents while now it is scarce at thirty cents. A large number of cattle have been brought into this county lately and more is expected, which will make corn rather scarce before next Fall.

Winfield Courier, February 13, 1874.

Joe Lipscomb says it always did amuse him to see a playful horse, but it isn't so amusing when they begin executing double shuffles on the top of his head, like that one did the other day. The doctor sewed up the tracks and Joe now wears a pocket handkerchief on his cranium for convenience.

Winfield Courier, February 13, 1874.

TISDALE, Feb. 9th, 1874.

Ed. COURIER: Allow me to say in explanation to a remark I made in my card of last week in regard to Mr. Foughty being a specimen of the reform party, that I had no reference to the Grangers or the reformers of today, but the howling reformers of last fall.

M. G. CROWLEY.

Winfield Courier, February 13, 1874.

Mr. Barrett, who lives east of town, last Tuesday set fire to the grass near his house for the purpose of burning off a small space, but the grass being very dry, the fire started off with a flash and didn't stop where he expected but went flying across the prairie at a lively gait. A large tract was burned before the flames were checked. No damage is known to have been done.

Winfield Courier, February 13, 1874.

Winfield Courier, February 13, 1874.

Thomas R. Bryan, Esq., of Dexter, gave us a call last Monday and like a sensible, successful farmer, left us $3 for the COURIER and KANSAS FARMER for one year. He also informed us that there is a good prospect for a grist mill on the Grouse River at Dexter. A good grist mill would do well at that place, and is one of the very things our friends at that place need.

Winfield Courier, February 13, 1874.

David Slater and James W. Bryant, the two men who were arrested a short time ago on the charge of assisting Rucker to break jail, were up before Justices Millington and Boyer last Saturday, for a hearing. Judge T. H. Johnson appeared for Slater, and asked a continuance, which was denied. He then waived an examination for his client, and Slater accordingly gave bail in the amount of $1,500.00, to appear at the next term of the District Court. County Attorney E. S. Torrance dismissed the charge against Bryant, in order to make him a witness in the case. The bail for his appearance as a witness was fixed at $1,000.00, which he has so far been unable to give, and is yet in the custody of the sheriff.

Winfield Courier, February 13, 1874.

To Grangers.

To Patrons of Husbandry throughout my district, I would say that having been elected agent, I have put myself in communication with the State agency, and expect soon to publish all needed information for your guidance in making purchases. In the meantime talk the matter up and if possible bulk orders for your Grange. We will as soon as possible make contracts with retail dealers in our district of which due notice will be given. All communications to this agency to be addressed to me at Winfield, Cowley County, Kansas.

THOS A. BLANCHARD, Agent.

Winfield Courier, February 13, 1874.

MARRIED. KAGER. WRIGHT. Married on the evening of Feb. 5th, 1874, at the home of the bride near Arkansas City, Mr. E. B. Kager, of Winfield, to Miss Ada Wright of Arkansas City.

Winfield Courier, February 13, 1874.

Died in this city, February 11th, 1874, of inflammation of the bowels, Dr. D. N. Egbert, in the 29th year of his age.

The death of Dr. D. N. Egbert has cast a gloom over the entire community. He was universally respected by all, and especially beloved by the Sabbath School children, with whom and for whom he has labored faithfully ever since he came to Winfield, some two years and a half ago. He was buried yesterday by the Odd Fellows with very impressive ceremonies. The funeral sermon was preached by Rev. J. E. Platter of the Presbyterian Church.

Winfield Courier, February 13, 1874.

County Council.

Pursuant to a call of Deputy J. H. Worden, the delegates from the different subordinate granges throughout the county met at the Courtroom in Winfield. The meeting being called to order by the worthy Deputy, proceeded to temporary organization by electing brother A. S. Williams temporary Chairman, and N. C. McCulloch Secretary pro tem. Whereupon the Master appointed the following committees.

On Constitution and By-laws: J. H. Worden, Jos. Stansberry, and Frank Cox.

Committee on Credentials: W. H. Grow, H. H. Martin, and A. Walk.

Committee on Resolutions: T. A. Blanchard, John Irwin, J. C. Vanorsdol, C. G. Handy, and A. T. Stewart.

Adjourned to meet at 1:30 o'clock, p.m.

1:30 p.m.: Meeting called to order by the sound of the gavel, whereupon the committee on Credentials made the following report and declared the following members entitled to seats.

Pleasant Valley grange: Lucius Walton, E. Frederick, H. H. Constant.

Winfield grange: A. T. Stewart, J. D. Cochran, N. C. McCulloch.

Darien grange: W. H. Grow, John Irwin, Wm. White.

Eagle grange: Daniel Grant, Samuel Jay, J. Tipton.

Bethel grange: Jos. Stansberry, John Mentch, Geo. Yount.

Silverdale grange: B. A. Davis, Wm. Butterfield, S. C. Winton.

Beaver grange: W. A. Freeman, Warren Wood, J. A. McCulloch.

Grand Prairie grange: Adam Walk, W. P. Heath, Thos. Cooley.

Sheridan grange: Jos. Burt, H. W. Stubblefield, W. H. Clay.

Vernon grange: A. S. Williams, J. H. Worden, T. A. Blanchard.

Philomathian grange: H. H. Martin, A. H. Beck, John Boyd.

Richland grange: S. W. Phoenix, N. J. Larkin, Frank Cox.

New Salem grange: J. J. Johnson, C. C. Crow, J. C. Baker.

Centre grange: C. G. Handy, Ed Millard, A. T. Gay.

Committee on Constitution and By-Laws made the following report, which was unanimously adopted.

CONSTITUTION.

ARTICLE I. The association shall be know as the Cowley County Central Committee of P. of H.

ARTICLE II. The object of this Council is to aid Patrons and persons connected with the business department of our order in buying supplies, in selling, in marketing, and shipping their surplus products, and for mutual consultation and action of all members upon matters that effect their financial interest, and relate to the good of the order.

ARTICLE III. This Council shall be composed of delegates from the subordinate granges of Cowley County and others adjacent thereto, as follows: one for each grange at large and one for each ten members or fraction equal to six, who shall be elected by the subordinate granges at their last regular meeting of the Council in February next following their election, and hold their office for one year, or until their successors are duly elected.

ARTICLE IV. The officers of this Council shall be a Master, Overseer, General Agent (who shall be ex-officio Secretary), Gate Keeper, and an Executive Committee of five, two of whom shall be the Master and Overseer. The Council agent shall be the Assistant State Agent within his council district, and shall give suitable bond to the Executive Committee of the Council for the faithful performance of duty. The officers shall be elected by ballot at the first regular meeting after the meeting of the State Grange in each year.

ARTICLE V. This council shall hold its regular meetings on the second Saturday of each month at 10 o'clock a.m. Nine members shall constitute a quorum for doing business.

ARTICLE VI. The Executive Committee shall have the general supervision of the officers of the Council, any three of whom shall constitute a quorum for doing business, and shall have the power to remove at any time the Council and appoint someone in his place.

ARTICLE VII. It shall be the duty of the Council agent to receive, bulk, and forward all orders for goods, under the seal of the State Agency and upon their arrival see that the same are properly distributed to the parties ordering. He shall levy such percent upon goods purchased, and upon products sold through this agency, as the executive committee of the council shall direct, and at the end of each quarter report the total cash value of such purchases, and, sales to the office of the Central State Agency. He shall keep a correct cash account of all money received and paid out by him as Council Agent and keep his books open to inspection at all times by the Executive Committee, and under their direction make arrangements with the retail dealers and business houses of his district for supplying goods to members of the order. He shall open a stock record, keep prices current from different localities that are deemed of importance, attend to the business correspondence of the Council, and perform such other duties as the Executive Committee or Council may from time to time direct, and receive such compensation for his services as the Executive Committee may designate, subject to the approval of the council.<