TOPEKA, KANSAS, DAILY COMMONWEALTH.

[Miscellaneous Items.]

Thank to Dr. Sam Dicks, historian at Emporia State University, we have more items taken from The Commonwealth, starting with July 9, 1873. MAW

[Note: The first item is humorous.]

BORDER EXPLORATIONS.

Special Postal Cards From the Commonwealth Commissioners.

The New York Herald Eclipsed In Enterprise.

The Daily Graphic’s Balloon Venture Completely Outdone.

Excavating For Indian Remains in Butler County.

DISCOVERY OF THE LONG LOST SIR ISAAC KALLOCH.

He is Found Surrounded by a Tumultuous Mob of Natives.

Seeing the Elephant at Eldorado and Augusta.

Reception of Crew at Arkansas City.—Eloquent Addresses by the Commissioners.

Departure for Coffeyville.

Crossing the Prairies as of Old the Pilgrims Crossed the Sea.

The Home of “J’ingalls.”—Banking Facilities.—The Great Heat.

Severe Ravages of the Paper Cholera.

The Commonwealth, July 9, 1873.

NUMBER ONE.

AUGUSTA, July 5, 1873.

To the Grand Mogul of the Commonwealth.

SIR: Took in the celebrations, etc., at Augusta and Eldorado yesterday. About 700 folks here; 2,500 at Eldorado. Start from here to Arkansas City tomorrow to get the cholera. Col. R.’s face a beautiful blush-rose tint. Will write you tomorrow. S.

FROM THE OTHER COMMISSIONER.

HEADQUARTERS COMMONWEALTH EXPEDITIONARY CORPS, July 5, 1873.

To the Commander in Chief.

SIR: I have the honor to report the complete success of the COMMONWEALTH expedition for the discovery of Sir Isaac Kalloch. He was found by the undersigned yesterday, at Eldorado, the seat of a local cannibal chief named Modoc. Eldorado is a large place, but Modoc requires it all for his seat. When discovered, Sir Isaac was surrounded by a tumultuous mob of at least 2,500 natives, and was reduced to the last degree of distress, his provisions having become exhausted, with the exception of a small package of Hennessy. I relieved his pressing wants from my stores of preserved Crow, and this morning, much refreshed, he departed, in company with Modoc, for a station called Wichita, from which point he proposes to explore the Long Horn. He speaks with much enthusiasm of the rounded limbs of the natives, and expresses no desire to return. R.

NUMBER TWO.

ARKANSAS CITY, July 5, 1873.

To the Most Worshipful Grand Hirokum Jokum.

SIR: We are all here; it is evening, and the sun has sank behind the western hills. This is a most charming place. There is a chain of four or five little lakes, nestling amidst thick timber, with green banks, irregular, clean, and full of numberless persuasions to repose when summer pants in Topeka and blazes in the sky, “twinkle, twinkle, little star, up above the world so high.” Permit me to report, most respected chief, that your distinguished representative (I allude to the Colonel), was honored with a serenade this evening. I am also happy to state that in response to frequent calls he appeared on the piazza, struck the position of a Roman gladiator, opened a dictionary before him, and thus spake to the impatient multitude.

“There are times when the hearts of men are more easily touched than at others. When the feelings of our better natures tire of the burdens of active life and turning to more peaceful scenes yield to the quiet influences of home. Thus it is that I am among you tonight. I feel honored at the reception you have given me. It is not a diaphanous tribute, but a spontaneous outburst of the popular feeling in your locality. I know it. I understand your wants. I am familiar with the motives which ever actuate the American people—a people rocked in the bosom of two might oceans, whose granite bound shores are whitened by the floating diaphony of the commercial world; reaching from the ice fettered lakes of the north to the febrile waves of Australian seas, comprising the vast interim of five billion acres, whose alluvial plains, romantic mountains, and mystic rivers rival the wildest Utopian dreams that ever gathered around the inspired bard as he walked the amaranthine promenades of Hesperian gardens, is proud Columbia, the land of the free and the home of the brave. But, gentlemen, I weary you; there is one upon my right the buckles of whose suspenders I am not worthy to unloose; a legal gentleman who has the whole United States for a client, whilst I only represent the Commonwealth of Kansas. (“Hear him,” “hear him.”) S.

ADDITIONAL INTELLIGENCE.

ON THE PIAZZA AT ARKANSAS CITY, July 5, 1873.

Oh Thou to Whom This Heart Most Dear.

SIR: In response to the calls of “hear him,” the eternal attorney above alluded to rose majestically and began casting his oratorical pearls around him like a Croesus, squandering in the two hours which he spoke the materials for an octavo volume—giving the listener his richest thoughts without copyright, or an engagement with a publisher. He detailed the principal events of our expedition; told how we discovered Sir Isaac; how we victimized the hotel keepers on our route; how we took our vermifuge; how we drank the lite blood of a representative of the Atchison Globe who chanced to invade our territory; how we alleviated the distresses of the unfortunate, and how virtue becometh its own reward. He said the hospitality of the people in the country through which we passed was grandly sublime. We were poorly clad and ye stripped the coats from off our backs; we were hungry and ye divided your last fire-cracker with us; we were homeless and ye took us in. Such kindness is overpowering, so much so, that an insult would be absolutely refreshing to either of us. (A voice: “Let us repair to yonder’s grocery and partake of the beverages thereof.”) “No, no,” said the speaker, “tempt me not. Ask me not to go to my cups. I have lived to see and suffer all the evils which cling around the flowing bowl. I have seen hearth-stones blighted; men shorn of their manliness; women from whose pale cheeks sorrow had crushed the roses; children across the golden threshold of whose lives trails the black shadow of an inebriated pater familias. With these scenes before my mind’s optical demonstration, I decline your invitation with pleasure.” The sobs of the audience here became so boisterous that the speaker had to retire. It was a very impressive occasion, and there was not a dry tear in Arkansas City that night.

We shall sleep upon our arms tonight and proceed on our journey in a day or two. We have not yet decided on a programme for future action, but will give you complete particulars of our subsequent explorations.

P. S. Please forward what little washing of ours has been handed in since our departure. Will remit by return mail. R.

LATER.—CARD NUMBER THREE.

Coffeyville, July 7^th, 1873.

To the Presiding Elder of the Commonwealth.

SIR: We arrived here this morning. Col. R. did not wish to stop; the name Coffey-ville did not sound very pleasantly to his ear. If it had been Sodawaterville, he says he would have had no hesitation whatever. I finally induced him to tarry with me, after having him curried off at the office of the Coffeyville Courier. My wit isn’t a circumstance in comparison with my pathos. You are aware, I suppose, that this is the home of the distinguished legislator, “J’ingalls,”—a man who acquired more distinction and notoriety in the late senatorial unpleasantness than even Pomeroy or York. He bears his blushing honors with become dignity and permits us to draw at sight on his back—a kindness which we can never hope to reciprocate. This is a delightful place to spend the summer; you ought to come down and see us—there is money in it. The Col. now thinks he will remain here some time, at least until that “repudiation” matter blows over and the Atchison and Leavenworth papers have forgotten all their points in regard to the railroad question. I can’t make him believe but what a railroad has a right to end where it pleases. The air out here seems to agree with him, and he looks as rosy as a school birl on commencement day. More anon. S.

THE VERY LATEST.

KAUGHYVILLE, July 7, 1873.

Most Potent, Grave and Reverend Senior.

SIR: As will be seen by the heading of this letter, we are at Kaughyville, and I have been coughing ever since we struck the town. I would not have stopped here were it not that the town was visited by a terrific tornado some time last year, and I want to write it up. The people always appreciate enterprise, you know. “Skoph” is with me still; he is as punctual and regular in his demands on my exchequer, as are the epistolary visits of our Great Bend correspondent. The heat here is quite warm. I think it is the hottest heat I ever saw. My paper collars melted in my trunk yesterday while we were crossing the prairie. It was the paper cholera that ailed them. I now wear a handkerchief in place of a collar, and let people imagine I have a sore neck, or “a cold id de hed,” or whatever the please. We have heard of the shooting scrape at Atchison and the attorney will hasten home to take charge of the case. He says these border outrages must be stopped, and the guilty parties prosecuted to the full extent of the law. “Skoph” is anxious to know if the editor of the Patriot was fortunate enough to get shot in the melee, or in the head either. Those monthly statements of my accounts at various places are received and placed on file. Thanks for sending them. “‘Tis sweet to be remembered.” Yours in haste, R.

FROM BUTLER COUNTY.

The Educators of the Southwest.

The Town of Eldorado.

Vineyards of Cowley County, Etc.

The Commonwealth, September 2, 1873.

ELDORADO, August 22.

To the Editor of the Commonwealth.

The teachers are wide awake here in the southwest. We arrived at Wichita on the 18^th, and found Judge Emerson, county superintendent, busily making ready for the onset. Sedgwick is a new county in which educational matters are as yet imperfectly organized, but the people are progressive and zealous to do their duty in this regard.

The following well-known educators were present: State Superintendent McCarty, still a forlorn bachelor, but, considering the facts, wonderfully enthusiastic and energetic; Profs. Norton and Carmichael, of the state normal school at Emporia (the latter is the handsomest professor in Kansas and still a bachelor!), Ex-Superintendent McCartney, of Grasshopper Falls, and Prof. Tucker, of Wichita. There was a fair attendance of teachers, a goodly concourse of citizens, much interest, and boundless hospitality.

Wichita is full of people, money, merchandise, and hope. Kansas has not another so live a town. The two Modocs are running the best paper in the southwest. Judge Mead, J. C. Fouker, Colonel Woodman, and many other friends, seem to be prospering in business and are jubilant in spirit. The roughs of the plains, and congenial female associates, are not wanting, but the police force is efficient and order prevails. Colonel Steele looks as joyful as ever, and sells land with his old vindictive frenzy. A splendid four story hotel is nearly enclosed—almost superfluous in a town boasting the Douglas and Empire Houses. New buildings are going up on every side, and omens are entirely favorable for the happy future of Wichita.

We reached Eldorado on the 20^th. “Institute week,” is among the gala times of this little city. We found over a hundred and twenty teachers in actual attendance. Dr. Hoss, the genial and scholarly President of the Emporia normal, left just before our arrival. The session was marked with much enthusiasm, great kindness, and solid progress.

We found Judge Campbell and his estimable lady at home, and their door hospitably open. Judge Campbell is a rising man. He is thoroughly solid and practical, is an accomplished jurist, and a prompt, clear-headed magistrate. T. B. Murdock, who publishes one of the best papers in Kansas, has just returned from a trip to “My Maryland.” Notwithstanding his wonderful achievements in the line of bivalves and crustaceans, he manages to hold his own and improve a little. He is the pride and delight of the fair young schoolmarms who so abound in Butler County. He manifests little grief on account of losing the Copenhagen consulate, and his numerous friends are delighted that he is spared the necessity of having to “speak Copenhagen.”

The Walnut and Arkansas valleys are this year especially favored. While drouth has made barren the east and the west, the rains here have been abundant and crops are immense.

We found the whole region reveling in grapes from Arkansas City. Max Fawcett, of that favored burgh, has shown that the lower Arkansas valley is the best fruit region in Kansas. Three years ago the first furrow was turned in Cowley County, and now we see the markets of Wichita, Winfield, Eldorado, and Augusta all abundantly supplied from this one source. Latitude, altitude, and soil are all favorable for fall and early crops. Mr. Fawcett harvests his last grape before September 1^st; his sale is over before the grapes of the Kaw valley are in the market. This will give to the fruit growers of Arkansas City a great and permanent advantage over all the rest of Kansas.

This superb country only lacks the one thing needful—railroads. Eldorado has all the rest: enterprise, energy, culture, fair women and brave men, and the iron horse will put in an appearance in time. RANGER.

MISCELLANEOUS.

The Commonwealth, September 14, 1873.

Mrs. G. H. Newman writes from Toledo, Ohio, to Major D. M. Adams of this city: “There is a family here by the name of Bender. Shall I inquire if they are related to Kate, of Kansas fame, and if they can be induced to remove to Topeka and enter into the business you once mentioned?” The sequel to the above is that it was stated that Adams had offered a premium to any Bender family who would establish themselves in the cemetery business in Topeka a sufficient length of time to kill off about fifty of the old fossils of the town who are continually opposing every valuable improvement suggested in the community.

THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.

The Commonwealth, Wednesday, September 17, 1873.

Not long ago we suggested the wisdom of discussing, as soon as convenient, the proposed amendment to the state constitution, which is to be submitted to the election of the people of Kansas this fall. To bring this about, and to create an issue, we stated as our affirmative of a proposition, that the amendment was a delusion and a snare—or more emphatically a fraud—and argued it at some length, and asked for someone to come up to the support the negative. The truth in all things and the better judgement of the people, proceeds from discussion.

And now the Walnut Valley Times, a very excellent and able paper of the southwest, accommodates us with an editorial, illustrated by a diagram, insisting on the falsity of our proposition. The diagram serves to fix indelibly in our mind the fact that Topeka is in the center of the northeastern sixth of the state, and the argument illustrating it, or which it illustrates, is intended to show the inequalities and the injustice of the last state apportionment; that northern Kansas is the residence of nearly all the state and federal officers, and that the public buildings are for the most part located in the northern half of the state, all of which we could grant for argument’s sake without for a moment making our position untenable or unjust. The column editorial of the Walnut Valley Times, though it shows with a convincing ardor of eloquence that there is obvious inequality in the apportionment of the state and that there is grievous neglect of the various “strips” and “tracts” in the southwest in the selection of state and federal officers, is yet, we are sad to say, not at all to the purpose of the present argument.

The adoption of this amendment will not, we submit, alter this a whit for the better. The populous counties of the southwest that now complain—and justly—of inadequate representation, and point to the excess accorded under the present law to the upper counties, have no remedy this side of a reapportionment which cannot take place until 1876. This little move will prevent their ever righting this inequality, for such counties as Ford, Pawnee, Kingman, and Comanche, et id omne genus, will snap up all the vacancies long before the time of the next apportionment. The truth is the legislature is large enough already, and there is no necessity of increasing our legislative expenses twenty-five per cent merely that a lot of rotten boroughs may send up a shystering lawyer each, to get his winter’s keep at the cost of the state. The inequalities which the Times complains of can be remedied on the basis of the present aggregate of representation. The law providing that the apportionment shall be made on the basis of a census taken just previous to its making, it is plain that if southern Kansas can show a population that will warrant its increase of representation, the present constitutional limit can and will be equalized so as to give them their equitable share. But how has the margin of ten representatives been used since the last apportionment two years ago? It has been occupied by counties for the most part without wealth or population, which the new committee on the “Frontier,” which was order to investigate their organization last winter, found to be wholly unworthy at their inception, or since, of representatives in the state legislation. Counties without half the population each of an ordinary agricultural township, are manifestly receiving more than their due in being allowed equal voice with counties of the population and wealth of Butler County, for instance, in the state legislature. But then this is a matter easily tested. If Butler County and the other populous counties of the southwest favor (much against their ultimate interest, we candidly believe), this constitutional amendment, they can convince the north of their populousness and of their power, by voting it up at the coming general election. The event will prove, we think, that in the newly organized counties this proposition will receive no greater support than in older selected localities, and in the end will be badly beaten. As we before remarked, it lacks thickness.

MISCELLANEOUS.

The Commonwealth, Wednesday, September 17, 1873.

One Hugh Maher has begun a curious suit against the Hon. C. B. Farwell, M. C., in the Chicago courts. It seems that Maher got up from a little game of “draw,” with Farwell, ten years ago, $1,700 in arrears. He was unable to pay the debt, so he gave to Farwell a deed for eight acres of land as temporary security. Maher claims that he has never been able since then to obtain a surrender of the deed though he shortly after the “little game,” and frequently since, has made tender of the full amount of the debt. The proper has appreciated since so that it is now claimed to be worth $80,000. If the story be true, it is another striking illustration of the moral lacking and devious ways of the modern congressman.

OPENING OF THE NORMAL SCHOOL.

FARMERS CONVENTION.—TEACHERS INSTITUTE.

COAL BORING.—COUNTY FAIR.

The Commonwealth, Wednesday, September 17, 1873.

EMPORIA, KANSAS, September 15^th, 1873.

From our Special Correspondent.

The Normal School has opened grandly. The attendance is far greater than ever before. The entering class now numbers one hundred and six, and more are coming. The total, exclusive of the model school, will be nearly two hundred this term.

Dr. George Hoss vacates his chair at the end of this term, for the purpose of resuming the chair of “Polite Literature” at the University of Indiana. His successor has not yet been chosen. Miss Smith, of the Oswego, New York, training school takes charge of the model department. She seems eminently qualified for her position. Mrs. Morse, of the city school, has been appointed preceptress of the normal school. The friends of the institution feel that its dark days are over.

The teachers’ institute of last week was by far the largest and most successful ever held in this county. Profs. Hoss, Norton, Carmichael, and Miss Smith, acted as instructors. Superintendent Cavanness is winning golden opinions from everybody by his energy and thoroughness.

The “farmers’ convention” was held today. There was some discussion, owing to contested seats, but the attendance was large, and a full county ticket was nominated, strictly agricultural.

The boring for coal, now over 700 feet deep, has been resumed. The maxim of the company is “coal or China.”

Next week will be busy. The county fair, a Methodist festival, and a public course of scientific lectures, are announced.

It is rumored that Gov. Eskridge will run for the legislature in opposition to Mr. Fiery, the grange nominee. RANGER.

EMPORIA, Sept. 13, 1873.

IS HE A BENDER.

Died of Fear.—A Strange Story from the Indian Nation.

Singular Conduct of an Unknown Man.—A Mysterious Package.

The Commonwealth, Wednesday, September 17, 1873.

From Pete Flynn, who has just returned from a trip to the Indian Nation, we learn the particulars of a strange case. It seems that on the 26^th of last month a strange individual stopped at the house of a colored man, named Rabb, forty miles south of this city, on Big Cana. He was a man about 35 or 40 years old, and six feet high, light complexion, auburn hair, spare build, had one upper tooth out in front. On the left side of his body was a large scar, which looked to be from the effects of a burn.

When he stopped at Rabb’s house, it was near night, and he said he wished to remain overnight. He was granted permission, and Rabb gave him a rope to “stake out” his pony. After he tied the pony, he was seen to take a bundle which he carried, and going some distance from the house, unrolled it, and took out a small package which he secreted somewhere, and which they have never been able to find. Next morning he told Rabb that he wished to remain there several days to allow his horse to rest. His conduct by this time so frightened Rabb that (he says) he was afraid to refuse him. The man was restless, and seemed to be in great fear all the while. Every person that would go by the house, he would inquire who it was, and if it was a marshal. He refused to tell his name, or anything connected with his past life. It was not long until the whole neighborhood knew of his presence, and some wild speculations were made in regard to his conduct.

On the morning of September 1^st he died without any apparent suffering or disease. An inquest was held, and it was decided that he died of fear.

The only paper found upon his persons was a slip, on which was the address of “J. C. Tilton, Pittsburg, Pa.” He was buried by citizens a short distance from Rabb’s house, close to the cattle trail. Someone passing along has written upon the head-board the following: “Supposed to be one of the Benders.” The people down there all think he was one of the Benders, or else an accomplice in their deeds of murder. A vigorous search has been made for the mysterious package, but it has so far proved unsuccessful.” Coffeyville Courier.

FROM THE INDIAN TERRITORY.

President Grant’s Policy.—The Quapaw Agency.

Progress and Improvement of the Indians.

Satanta and Big Tree.

Claim of Van and Adair Against the Osages.

The Commonwealth, Thursday, September 18, 1873.

QUAPAW AGENCY, INDIAN TERRITORY, September 13^th, 1873.

To the Editor of the Commonwealth.

For some four years past there has been an especial interest manifested in all parts of this country in regard to this Territory. It has been a part of the policy of Gen. Grant to remove as many of the Indian tribes in the country as possible to this Territory, and to settle them as fast as possible upon reservations. It was in some respects an experimental policy, and the results have been watched with the deepest interest. After a period of four years, we may proceed to examine the results in order to ascertain whether the experiment is successful, or whether it is a failure. The policy has been from the first to set apart the Indian Territory for the exclusive use and benefit of the Indian tribes of this country. Every Indian tribe was told by the agents of the government that here they should be protected from white men; they should have this territory to themselves, and be permitted to work out, unmolested by white men, the problem of future destiny. The success of the experiment has been somewhat interfered with by the several efforts that have been made in congress and out of congress to thwart that policy, by opening up the Territory to settlement and to confine and establish the Indians upon individual headrights. This would simply be to repeat the history of the Indians in Indiana, Illinois, and Kansas. The proper title to any bill which provides for the opening of the Indian Territory to the settlement of white men, no matter in what guise it comes, is simply and purely “an act to extinguish the Indian race. The good faith of the government is pledged to these helpless people against any such wrong. The construction of one railway through the territory; another partly through it, and the efforts of other powerful corporations to extend similar roads through it, coupled with repeated efforts in congress to throw open the territory to settlement, has had the effect to alarm and discourage many of the Indians, and there has not been that progress among them that there would have been but for this fear. Notwithstanding this fact, and that the future is full of uncertainty and fear, there has been a marked progress in the condition of all the Indians who have been removed to this Territory. Relieved from the presence of white men, and almost entirely from the corrupting influences of whiskey, they seem to have been inspired with courage and a generous ambition to see who could do the best. The result is that many of the Indians, who in Kansas, were shiftless, worthless loafers, spending their time and money in drinking whiskey, have been transformed by the change to sober, industrious men, with good farms and good homes.

The Quapaw agency is in charge of H. W. Jones. Two years ago when Mr. Jones took charge of the agency, there was but one school, and very little interest manifested in that; now there are four. Then there was an enrollment of less than thirty scholars, now there is over two hundred. The tribes embraced in the Quapaw agency consist of the Quapaws, Peorias, and Miamis, Ottawas, Eastern Shawnees, Wyandottes, Senecas, and the Black Bob Shawnees, in all some twelve hundred and nineteen Indians. Without estimating their annuities or their land (which is held in common), their individual property amounts to $207,241, an average of $170 for each man, woman and child in these several tribes. In educational matters the improvement has been equally rapid. There is a good school in each of the tribes and a good schoolhouse among the Quapaws, Peorias, Ottawas, Senecas, Shawnees, and Wyandottes. Considering that most of the children could not speak a word of English when they first commenced to go to school, their progress has been as rapid as among the same class of white children.

The season has been dry as well as in Kansas, and in some cases the crops suffered from the chinch bug as well as the hot weather; still, among the tribes mentioned, there was raised this year 2,134 bushels of wheat, 64,772 bushels of corn, and 3,250 bushels of oats; they have on hand 997 head of cattle, 881 horses, and 3,621 hogs. Their fields are enclosed with good rail fences, and in many cases they live in fine white houses with barns and wells and all the conveniences of advanced civilization. These are the results of Gen. Grant’s policy among the Indians of this agency. I am told that among the other tribes in the Territory, the result is substantially the same. Facts are stubborn things to deal with, and the result so far is a complete vindication of the policy of the “Friends” or Quakers in regard to the Indian Territory.

The Quapaw agency is situated sixteen miles south of Baxter Springs and four miles west of Seneca. There is a fine farm here called the “agency farm,” consisting of over fifty acres. The house in which the agent lives is very much decayed and not worth repairing. A well is also much needed. I noticed that all the water that was used by the family was hauled from a distance. When men are found who will remove with their families from the comforts of civilized life to live amidst privations among the Indians, the government ought to see to it that they are made as comfortable as possible. There is a blacksmith shop located near the agency. It is in the midst of the Shawnee reserve, and within convenient distance of the several tribes who are under the direction of this agency. Agent Jones is assisted by his son, Endaley Jones, a young man thoroughly posted in business and of great promise. The result shows what zealous Christian effort, guided by judgment and intelligence, is capable of accomplishing for the advancement and civilization of the Indian. I omitted to state in the proper place that there was this year in cultivation among the tribes specified at least 800 acres more of land than was cultivated last year. I am surprised at the beauty of the country: small prairies almost surrounded by timber; beautiful valleys with gently sloping sides; thickly covered with oak trees; then a larger extent of prairie, surrounded as far as the eye can reach, by timber of all shades of color, green and brown, and blended with distance into purple and blue. There is scarcely any underbrush at all; hence it is easy to get through the timber in almost any direction. I am told that the want of underbrush is caused by fire, and the fire is set so as to keep the underbrush down and enable the hunter to see his game. The streams here are beautiful; in most cases gently sloping banks, with smooth, gravelly beds. There is plenty of fish and some turkey and deer. I am reminded in looking over this fine country of the remark of the late A. D. Richardson in regard to Kansas: “God might have made a more beautiful country, but it is doubtful as to whether he ever did.”

The commissioner of Indian affairs, E. P. Smith, will be in Kansas about the 25^th of the present month, on his way to Fort Sill, to be present at the release of Satanta and Big Tree. It is to be regretted that these men were not released at the time the government promised to release them. The Kiowas had performed their part of the contract in perfect good faith; but it seems that the Modoc outrage, thousands of miles away, was made the pretext of holding these chiefs in custody for nearly six months after the time agreed upon for their release. The government ought to set a better example.

I learn that at the payment made to the Osages, about two months ago, Col. Van and Mr. Adair, both well-known Cherokees, famous lobbyists at Washington and clamoring with Boudinot to have the Territory opened for settlement, prescribed a small bill of half a million against the Osages for services at Washington. The agent couldn’t see it. Van and Adair then counseled with the Indians apart from the agent. This resulted in allowing $300,000, and the Osages entered into a contract with Van and Adair to pay them that amount. The history of the claim is briefly that a bill was pending in congress to sell the Osage land in Kansas at 40 cents an acre; through the influence of Superintendent Hoag, the Washington committee of Friends and the board of Indian commissioners, the bill was changed so as to fix the price at $1.25 per acre. It was this difference of 85 cents that Van and Adair claimed to have saved the Osages, for which they now ask the small sum of $300,000. In the meantime, Superintendent Hoag, finding that there was trouble among the Osages, dropped down among them, and of course explained the whole thing to the Osages in the presence of Van and Adair. The Indians then explained that they supposed it was $3,000 instead of $300,000; only a mistake of a few ciphers, and a small thing to make a fuss about. C.

THE KIOWA CHIEFS.

Satanta in the Bosom of His Friends.

Big Tree on His Native Heath.

The Commonwealth, Friday, September 19, 1873.

Satanta and Big Tree, under guard, arrived at Fort Sill on the 4^th, and were turned over to Gen. Davidson’s command. Their relatives were permitted to see them. The captives were informed that they would be kept in confinement till the end of the month, when Governor Davis and the Indian commissioner would treat with the tribe for their release. They were warned that any attempt to escape would meet with summary punishment. Satanta replied he was used to being in jail. Both are looking well, but reduced in flesh since their confinement. The night after their arrival, signal fires were seen blazing at various points on the Wichita mountains, indicating to the various camps that the great chiefs had arrived.

On the day following they were visited by various distinguished Kiowas, among them Kicking Bird, Lone Wolf, Big Bow, White Horse, and a brother of Big Tree. A correspondent of the St. Louis Times gives the following description of the interview between Satanta and his family.

This evening the prisoners were visited by Satanta’s father and mother, each of whom is over seventy-five, his three wives, and from six to eight “little Indians standing in a line.” Big Tree was visited by his mother, Kicking Bird and Lone Wolf being also present. The old man, on first seeing him, stood quite rigid, looking fixedly at him with his hands clasped for some seconds; then rubbing his eyes, as if to assure himself his failing sight was not deceiving him, threw himself into his son’s arms. When the squaw and small fry were let in, wasn’t there a Babel! All were crying, laughing, and chattering together, like any other women.

Of these Satanta took comparatively little notice until he came to his eldest son, a boy about sixteen years of age. He embraced him passionately, and after holding him some minutes in his arms, he buried his face in his hands while the boy slunk into a corner of the cell and covered his head with his blanket.

Affecting as the scene was, it wound up with a rather ludicrous incident. Satanta’s youngest wife sidled up to him, and after unwrapping enormous folds of buffalo robe and blanket from what looked very like the old budget of an itinerant tinker, she rather morosely plucked his sleeve, and pointing to a sleeping papoose scarcely six months’ old, desired him to “look at his son.” For an instant the chief’s nether jaw fell an inch or two, and he rubbed his scalp-lock and looked reflective. His discomfit, however, was momentary, and, like a sensible savage, concluding that “to be sad about trifles was only folly,” he tossed his head, and laughed, and said his heart felt good to see all his folks around him.”

THE ARKANSAS VALLEY.

The Land of the Locomotive, Pioneer, and Steam Plow.

Thirty Thousand Homesteads Awaiting Settlement.

The Commonwealth, Friday, September 19, 1873.

Of all that has been written of the Arkansas valley and its various localities, much has been left unsaid, and if the observations of one who has no special interest in any one particular part of it, nor inclination to give some gentlemanly proprietor of a “saloon and boarding house” a puff, you are liberty to use this.

As often as I have been over the road and up and down this valley, at each succeeding trip new and interesting features unfold themselves, and attractions that have hitherto passed unnoticed, meet the gaze. The time was when this valley had no such appearance of fertility and verdure as it now possesses. But a few years ago, and within the memory of many of the living, it did not belie, in numerous respects, the name of the “Great American Desert,” applied to that unknown and almost unexplored territory or plain lying west of the Missouri, the remembrance of which, as gathered from the then crude geography of our boyhood, arises still in our minds as the Golgotha of America, a parched, barren, desolate region, and that to enter upon its leagues of dreary waste was but to leave all hope behind. From whatever cause, there can be no doubt that all that boundless, billowy region of prairie, that now is so enchantingly unrolled by a journey over the A. T. & S. F. R. R., was once bleak, uninviting, barren, and desolate. With no denizen but the savage and wild beast, its limitless expanse trod under foot by herds of buffalo, its verdure destroyed by fire, that, speeding its way from Indian wigwams or from lightning, has in the course of years had its effect upon it.

It was then a land suited to its tenantry. But like the hidden gem that lurked in some unknown cavern for ages, to be at last discovered and set in a princely coronet, so this land, in the fullness of time, has been occupied for just what anyone who has ever been over it will say God intended it—the land of the locomotive, the pioneer, and steam plow. It has at last entered upon its duties appointed of Providence, and this land has approached its destiny, for the accomplishment of which, unknown and beyond the ken of mortal wisdom, its silent wastes listening to the onward march of the pioneer, and who at the proper time would enter upon and possess it. Though the ways of Jehovah are often past finding out, yet its leagues of prairie had not, for all these centuries, nodded their verdure to the passing summer cloud for nothing. The mysterious alchemy of time was perfecting it for man’s use; and little by little it assumed the habiliments of culture and fertility. Washington Irving, in his journey through a portion of this region nigh on to forty years ago, mentions his encountering the progress of the wild bee westward as the avant courier of the pioneer; and it might well be said as supplementary to this, that with the settler the buffalo flies to other fields, and a new and better verdure unrolls itself at the heels of the first settlers. No traveler’s journey is better defined than the steady march of the blue stem grass, as civilization moves its ceaseless steps beyond the western horizon; and not alone in this, but with the settling and development of the country come the rains, frequent and more abundant.

The Arkansas Valley throughout its whole length has, during this year, so far constantly kept the machinery of storm in motion, and it has been an ill-favored locality that has not had its weekly copious and blessed shower. So today, through the beneficence of government, and enterprise of capital, the Arkansas valley sends greeting to the houseless and the shelterless, the shout of welcome, and tenders its thirty thousand homesteads to any who will but seek them. Could the unceasing monotonous stretch of fertile prairie vined with healthy streams of water, where but to puncture the surface makes it drip with moisture, be but correctly miniatured to the hives that swarm the olden world, how a new ardor would startle their sluggish blood, and new hopes people their brain. In all lands, in all times, a hearthstone of their own all desire to have, and a roof that knows no grasping landlord, to shelter the little ones. And here they are; the vision with ease shapes itself into reality, and no one so poor, and none so ignorant but what he can procure a home, and a better inheritance, but let him essay however feeble an effort.

Starting from Topeka at early morn, it is not expected that much will be learned or discovered of that portion of the country lying between there and Emporia, and so with the window open we feel the cold dark currents of the morning breeze fan our cheeks and utterly oblivious to Carbondale, and Burlingame with its turmoil of strife with Lyndon for the county seat, or Osage City with its ochre, coal, and brick, we are through by daylight to Emporia, and as the trains run from the junction to and through the town, we catch a slight glimpse of the decorous little city, its prim streets and coal hunting inhabitants. Let no traveler attempt hurling a brick-bat into the throngs that crowd its streets and jam the depot grounds, for sure as he does, the slates of this unambitious town will have to be rearranged and some new man put forward as candidate for the United States senate in place of the wounded one. If Emporia has a weakness, it is in this direction, but withal, for a town of three thousand people, it is entitled to the appellation of the nicest town in Kansas.

Refreshed by a six-bit breakfast, we leave this place, believing ourselves at peace with all mankind and prepared for the cozy sights of farm and field, of wood and stream, of verdured slopes and fertile valley, that come like an ever-changing panorama to the eye, along the Cottonwood from Emporia to Cottonwood Falls, where, across the river, half embowered in shade, sits the village. It is noted for its two dams, one, Hon. S. N. Wood, and the other built across the river and used for milling purposes. It has the finest courthouse in the state, and as fine building stone as is gathered in any part of the west. Chase County has fine lands; her cattle upon a thousand hills; one of the best counties for cattle and sheep, and as good land lying in its valleys as was ever covered by the old time deluge. Travelers should not think poorly of Cottonwood when the station is called out, but, if in quest of a good county, you can be gratified by stopping here and investing.

Next come three or four rural hamlets and neighboring settlements, and Florence with its flagging quarries. Here is where the Marion Centre people get on and off; and we are now in another splendid county for land, rock, water, cattle, timber (such as it is) and people. The old quiet Presbyterian county seat lies up the valley to our left some seven miles, and Peabody, the next station in Marion County, some ten miles west of this, is where the austere Yankee, with his business and intelligence, has broken out in a chronic form. All the country we are passing through is Marion County. Here is your land, my young friend! Bought for a bagatelle from the railroad or obtained as dowry by marrying some rich farmer’s daughter. On we go to Newton, a place the sowing of whose wild oats has cost it an odium from which it only recovered by the exertion of some of the best people we will meet on the road. The cattle trail, the dance house, the Texas sombrero, the painted sepulchres, that mocked femininity, have all departed, and Newton buries out of sight her score or more of those who were victims of the bowie, bludgeon, and bullet, and is today quietly and surely treading its way onward to the position of a leading town of the western portion of the state. It is the county seat of Harvey County, whose fertile land is only limited by its area; a county that has no foot of bad soil, whose inhabitants mean to stay, where no extravagance has been indulged in, and the county is out of debt. What do you think of that? No inconsiderable item these times. At Newton will be found the residence of the founder of the grange, an institution whose principles are dear to every American heart and adored by every lover of liberty. Success to the cause. [Source: Unknown.]

POSTAL AFFAIRS.

The Commonwealth, Friday, September 19, 1873.

Postal changes in Kansas during the week ending September 13, 1873, furnished by Wm. Van Vleck of the postoffice department.

Established—Chalk Mound, Wabaunsee County, Wm. Brewer, postmaster; Farms, McPherson County, Isaac P. Carper; Hebron, Clay County, Wm. Milroy; Oak Bridge, Howard County, David H. Faler.

Postmasters Appointed—Cherokee, Crawford County, Solon L. Manlove; Covington, Smith County, Augustus Payne; Godfrey, Bourbon County, H. P. Merigold; Lincoln Centre, Lincoln County, D. W. Henderson; Muscotah, Atchison County, Seneca Heath; North Lawrence, Douglass County, James Walker; Rubens, Jewell County, Thomas West; Scotch Plain, Republic County, Joseph McGowan; South Cedar, Jackson County, Samuel B. Jones.

ALF. BURNETT.

The Commonwealth, Friday, September 19, 1873.

Concerning the appearance of the great humorist at Kansas City, the Journal of yesterday says:

A crowded house witnessed Alf. Burnett and the fine combination at the opera house last night. Mr. Burnett appeared, in addition to “Mr. and Mrs. Candle,” in his original sketch, entitled “Women’s Rights.” Burnett is immense, and must be seen to be appreciated. There is more fun in an hour with Burnett than with any other man in the world. The entire performance went off with bursts of applause.

MISCELLANEOUS.

The Commonwealth, Friday, September 19, 1873.

The Blade of last evening contained a very ungenerous, unjust, and entirely uncalled for attack on the bowling saloon on Sixth avenue. So far as our observation extends, Mr. Faxon keeps as orderly a place as any man in the city. No one was arrested in his place on Wednesday, as stated in the Blade, and the police do not hang around there any more than at any other saloon in the city; or if they do, they certainly neglect their duties in other portions of the city. We are authorized to state that the article in the Blade is a misrepresentation of the facts from beginning to end. When the Blade urges the suppression of the bowling alley, it forgets that the alley is authorized by ordinance, that Mr. Faxon pays his license promptly, and that he has entered into bonds to keep a respectable place. When he violates the provisions of his license, it is then time to talk about suppression.

CAPITOL HOUSE, TOPEKA.

The Commonwealth, Friday, September 19, 1873.

We call the attention of the traveling public and all persons who intend visiting the state fair, which commences on the 22^nd, to the fact that the Capitol House is prepared to receive and accommodate an unlimited number of guests. It has recently been enlarged and improved, and will be found one of the best resorts in the city during the fair week, or any time thereafter. The Capitol House is well known among commercial men of the leading cities of the country, and we are pleased to state that it also bears an excellent reputation among them for good management and hospitality. The accommodations of this house are good, its rooms airy and well furnished, its location convenient, and the table we are assured will be daily spread with the choicest viands our city markets can afford.

The Capitol House now has a reputation second to no house in Topeka, and Mr. Kellam understands and performs the duty of host to perfection. He superintends everything about the house, while our genial and popular friend, Brown, at the clerk’s desk, looks directly after the comfort of guests. We shall expect that during fair week the house will increase its already large circle of friends, and its tables be daily filled with visitors who want strictly first-class board at reasonable prices.

AD.

The Commonwealth, Friday, September 19, 1873.

Hand sewed custom boots, every pair warranted, in half sizes, fit guaranteed, only nine dollars at Hill & George’s, 188 Kansas avenue, boot upside down. Sept. 17.

THE ARKANSAS VALLEY.

A Trip West From Newton.

General Appearance of the Country.

Some of the Towns Along the Road.

The Commonwealth, Saturday, September 20, 1873.

Correspondence of the Commonwealth.

Shall we go to Wichita? No! Let the busy metropolis go ahead with its business and its beeves. We are going up the Arkansas valley, and unless our geography as issued by the railroad is wrong, will strike it at Hutchinson. Thirty miles then through as lovely a country as ever the sun traveled westward over. They say the Mennonites are settling about Burrton, and if the story be true, that they eschew politics as a sinful occupation, what a lot of backsliders their ranks would contain in a very short time. We know some men who to pass through the community would set out the contagion or infuse the virus for holding office. But we forget that here is more land waiting for you or someone else, and we wonder, as the Indiana man we met with on our trip did, why they do not plow it. People come in droves and scatter out, and are lost in these stretches of prairie that follow the setting sun long after we have seen it dip. They come by rail and by toiling teams both night and day; and some have left the wife and babes to fight the wolf in distant places from here, and have trudged on as best they could to this land of Eldorado, to win with pluck and thrift a home denied them in a land where Sunday schools are plentier and cheap lands scarcer. We wish them success.

Two miles out from Hutchinson, and the passengers are intently gazing out of the window toward the northwestern sky. The car is all commotion, and ejaculations that speak of thrilling surprise run like an electric spark from passenger to passenger—and no wonder: for there against the noontide sky miles away, comes on with ponderous gait, a huge black object that strides the air like a thing of life. Awe and consternation seize the happy innocents on board from Ohio and Peru, Indiana, until some passenger with the daily Graphic in his hand partially allays the rising fears by informing them that in all probability it is Wise with his balloon, out of course, and departed from his reckoning. “Ladies and gentlemen, keep your seat; there is no danger, it is only the eastern bound storm for this week, twenty minutes late. Peanuts, peanuts,” cries the train boy and the drouth overtaken inhabitants from the western reserve and the pocket regain their seats in safety.

But here is Hutchinson, a village of 800 people, who look like they had been picked out of the best people of the east and set down here with none of the signs of transplanting; live, wide awake people who believe in schools and churches, and who have laid aside the conventional subterfuge of whiskey-shops and started out with seventeen drug stores with back room accompaniments to supply its thirsty inhabitants with alcohol for purely mechanical purposes.