PUBLISHED EVERY THURSDAY BY E. C. MANNING.

WIRT W. WALTON, EDITOR.

[Editorial Columns.]

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1877.

The Indian Territory contains 71,200 Indians, consisting of over 40 different tribes.

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1877.

The statistics of the National Grange show that there are in the United States 13,693 granges, with a membership of 532,460. Last year there were 590 new granges established.

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1877.

The Southern "Bulldozer" of modern times is a Democrat, who, failing to carry his point by reason, adopts a mask, and armed with black-snake, hangman's rope, or revolver, and the incendiary's torch, marches forth to conquer, through blood and fire. He is not a respectable being but an outlaw. He repudiates a government of law and inaugurates a government of force. The details of the atrocities committed by fiends called "bulldozers" during the last year alone causes the average American citizen to long for some power that shall suppress their crimes.

The man who has no word of censure for their atrocities; the man who expresses a wish to kill the officers or instruments of the law used to suppress such criminals, is a "bulldozer" at heart.

Today the American nation stands as it were, upon the eve of revolution. All good citizens express the wish, utter the hope, and are firm in the intent that the grave and critical political situation shall be settled by civil, peaceable, and lawful means and power. Force and bloodshed are deprecated by every lover of his country, and the man who now tries to fan the embers of discontent into the blaze of war is a murderer at heart.

The late Hon. W. P. Hackney essays to be a political leader. He assumes the role of oracle and teacher, politically. During the past few weeks, he has uttered such infamous political sentiments, while a journal calling itself Republican in politics was at the same time besliming him with flattery, that the COURIER took occasion to pull the mask from the pretended Republican by publishing some of his public utterances. The brick was awkwardly hurled, but the duck was hit and fluttered terribly. There was no reflection upon his private character, no question concerning his bravery, no imputation upon the record of his life either public or private. Nothing but his public declarations of a political character were referred to for the purpose of showing where his heart was, no matter under which banner he might enroll his name.

Instead of fairly and squarely denying these statements credited to him, he appears in "a card" nearly two columns long in the Democratic organ of this city. The burden of that card is a justification of his political opinions and personal abuse of E. C. Manning. He assumes the character of a very large dog by saying that a "fist is barking at his heels." An attack at the heels having merely thrown the large dog into hydrophobic convulsions, we shall allow the tice to take him by one ear, by his political ear, this time. The big dog's citizen ear, which bears the marks of an adventurous life, shall not be disturbed. Nor shall the straggling official hairs thereon be ruffled. The tice will hold him by the political ear while the hydrophobic fit holds the body, lest the unwary may be bitten. Here are bits of froth that escaped from his mouth and appeared as "a card" in the Democratic Telegram.

"I have said, and still say, that the conduct of the President, with regard to Louisiana and South Carolina, was unlawful, and that in my judgment he ought to be impeached for a violation of the constitution of the United States. The only reason that I can see for sending them (troops) to Louisiana, is that Gen. Grant knew that Board ought to be killed. * * * I think his action since the election, with regard to Louisiana, South Carolina, and Florida, simply infamous. * * * I say that if a majority of the people of the United States want Tilden, they shall have him, and the man that says nay is a traitor. * * * * It will not do at this late date to disfranchise a majority of the people of the United States in the manner attempted in Louisiana (by the Returning Board.) * * * *

"I expect to remain a Republican, and in the future I shall do politically just as I have done in the past, what I please, and if there be any Republicans or Democrats who do not like it they can help themselves. I do not owe the Republican party, as a party, anything. I endorse its principles, but not always its servants, and I have a right to dissent from any acts of men elected by it to office, or oppose them for election if I want to, and to do this without being misrepresented or abused by characterless scoundrels who, through the beneficent influence of too lenient bankrupt law and a want of the proper conception of the fearful crime of perjury committed in the securing of a discharge from debt, thereby are today enabled to publish newspapers in which they abuse those whom they personally dislike, and of whom they are politically jealous."

COURIER RESPONSE:

The foregoing quotations from the "card" scarcely need a comment to amplify their infamy. A respectable Democrat would not utter such sentiments, but their author says he "is a Republican." Like the pirate upon the high seas, he hoists the national flag of the merchantman he wishes to capture and sails alongside the vessel he intends to scuttle and in an unexpected moment, draws his cutlass upon the throats of the too confiding crew.

That "returning board ought to be killed." That is what the "Republican" Hackney says. No word of rebuke from him towards the perpetrators of ten thousand assassinations in Louisiana during the last ten years. His hate is turned upon the Returning Board and towards a loyal president who will not fold his hands and mutely see the officers of the law assassinated by the murderers of loyal voters. If there had been no murders in Louisiana for opinion's sake there would have been no returning board. That board was created by law to prevent outlaws from procuring by force what they could not procure by logic. The Returning Board was created by law to maintain the dignity of the law. The soldiers were sent under the law to sustain the majesty of the law. It is a law that the bulldozer hatesnot less in Louisiana than in Illinoisnot less in Illinois than in Kansas.

Again: "I say if a majority of the people of the United States want Tilden, they shall have him." Here comes your "bulldozer" again. A majority of the people of the United States voted against James Buchanan when he was made the Democratic President, but that majority did not talk "wah" because he was inaugurated. It was the minority that rebelled at the close of his administration because they failed to name his successor.

"I will help inaugurate Tilden with bayonets, if necessary," says Bill Hackney. Have any Republicans threatened war if Hayes was not inaugurated? Plenty of the brawling class of Democrats have threatened "wah" if Tilden was not inaugurated. We copy from the Inter-Ocean a picture of the "Average Democrat." It says:

"By some law which it is not necessary to analyze, the Democratic party draws to itself the reckless orders of society. Rule or ruin has always been the creed of the party. The average democrat is inebriated with the idea of power. The country was made for him: The corn fields, the coal fields, and the `nigger' are for his lordship. Whoever else aspires to, or acquires, an office, from the Presidency down to the whisky gauger, is an usurper, an embodiment of treason, whom it is right to scotch or kill with the readiest weapon. To bulldoze is to assert and defend certain inalienable rights, among which are power and access to the public crib. A horse-leech is nothing compared to him in the cry, `Give, give.'"

Could the most artistic limner have painted the Cowley County "wah hoss" in fairer colors? The New York Herald, the Nation, and scores of independent, non-partisan journals say that the man who now, while the public mind is excited, talks of bloodshed and "wah," is a "miscreant."

"It will not do (for a returning board) to disfranchise the people of Louisiana," says Hackney. No, but it is all right for a rebel to "disfranchise" an American citizen that refuses to join a Democratic Tilden club by first emasculating him, then murdering him, then throwing his dead body into the river, then stabbing his wife in a dozen places, outraging her person, killing the babe in her arms, and finally burning their house to the ground, as was done with the Pinkston family. That is the kind of disfranchising that Hackney has no censure for. When it comes to throwing out the returns from East Feliciana Parish, which in 1874 cast 847 Democratic and 1,688 Republican votes; and in 1876 cast but 3 Republican and over 2,000 Democratic votes, "the returning board ought to be killed." And "Grant ought to be impeached" for preventing it. East Feliciana was pretty well bulldozed. To disfranchise 1,685 voters with the revolver, cowhide, and torch is not worth the notice of the "constitutional" mind of the Cowley County "wah hoss," but "the returning board ought to be killed."

When a man's sympathies and excuses are all expressed for the shortcomings of the Democracy and his censure and obloquy is aimed always at Republicans, it is not difficult to tell where he belongs. If he thinks the Democrats are right, he should say so and stand or fall with them. He certainly has no business in Republican counsels.

To the closing sentences of the above quotations from his "card," this is our reply. When he conveys the idea that Mr. Manning committed perjury in obtaining a discharge from bank- ruptcy, he utters a falsehood that is as black as the heart that gives it birth. On the contrary, the creditors of Baker & Manning were so well satisfied with Mr. Manning's action in the case that they voluntarily signed his discharge from bankruptcy in March 1872. Neither is Mr. Manning "politically jealous" of Mr. Hackney. A man might be jealous of one with pure reputation and in whom all fair-minded men had confidence. Is Mr. Hackney such? No one would be foolish enough to assault his record to destroy him. He is his own executioner.

"In the future I shall do politically just as I have done in the past, what I please," says the wah hoss. This brings us to the gristle of the big dog's ear. Now the tice closes on the real cause of the big dog's hydrophobia. The froth in the foregoing eighteen words is a manifest from which a real diagnosis of the case can be made up. He means by doing "just as I have done in the past," that he will not do as he agrees to do; that politically he is utterly unreliable; that he recognizes no moral obligations; that he has no respect for the rights or feelings of others. As for doing "what I please," that is what ails the big dog. He cannot do as he pleases as we shall proceed to show.

When the subject of filling the various national State, district, and county offices was before the people of Cowley County, our wah hoss, by his own public (not private and confi dential) declarations would have Tilden for President in preference to Conklin. In this he could not "do what I please." And when it comes to "inaugurating Tilden with bayonets," he will not be permitted to "do what I please." In the matter of State officers he was going to "bust" Geo. T. Anthony, but he failed to "do what I please." In the matter of having a hand in naming a Congressman for this district, he was not permitted to "do what I please." In the matter of district Judge, he was going to "bust Bill Campbell," but was not permitted to "do what I please." He promised the Cowley County delegation to Sluss, of Wichita, for the judgeship, but failed to "do what I please," but did what he has "done in the past," went back on it. He agreed to support Webb for judge, but did what he has "done in the past," and probably did "do what I please."

He agreed solemnly and faithfully to support Manning for Senator and finally did as he has "done in the past," repudiated his pledges and undoubtedly did "do what I please."

He repeatedly said he would not be a candidate himself for the place, but secretly strove for it and failed to "do what I please."

He was "going to bust Manning" in two different conventions, but failed to "do what I please." After the conventions, he voluntarily announced that he should not make any speeches in the canvass and then, during the last week thereof, sneaked out over the county and wilfully, intentionally, and wickedly misrepresented the Republican Senatorial candidate, thereby doing as he had "done in the past," violated his voluntary agreement. He was not going to take any part in the canvass, but did write several articles misrepresenting Mr. Manning that were published in the Telegram and Traveler over a fictitious name, thereby doing as he had "done in the past"lied.

He was "going to bust Lemmon politically," but that gentleman stepped out of the bulldozer's way, hence he failed to "do what I please." He was "going to take Story's scalp" in the Republican convention, but failed to "do what I please." He was going to name two or three other county offices, but failed to "do what I please," and hence did just as he had "done in the past." He peddled bogus tickets all day at the polls Nov. 7, 1876, and hence did just as he had "done in the past."

The cruel imputations that the wah hoss makes in his "card" upon Mr. Manning's private life or public record were sufficiently answered when Mr. Manning in a public card offered to withdraw from the Senatorial candidacy if his enemies could establish the truth of any of the infamous charges they were making against him.

The wah hoss of the Walnut says: "I do not want any newspaper war with Col. Manning. I have no paper of my own to reply to him in." The columns of two papers in Cowley County have been open to Mr. Hackney for three months past and he has freely abused Mr. Manning therein during that time. But no reply has ever been tortured out of the subject of his calumnies. The wah hoss has two newspapers under his thumb and is annoyed because the third is not there.

During the last five years, more than two hundred columns of newspaper matter containing abuse of Mr. Manning have been published in Cowley County. Of late Mr. Hackney has seen fit to contribute his share. It would be an outrage for him to finally resent some of it. A "tice" can be worried until he will turn upon a very large dog. Thus far, we have only animadverted upon the public declarations and political inconsistencies of the wah hoss. No one ever made more generous efforts to cover with the mantle of charity the missteps of the private and official record of another than has the man whom Hackney calls a "fist" striven to do for the wah hoss.

Some people have rights as well as others. A decent respect for the feelings of our fellow beings, an honorable discharge of moral obligations, a respectful expression of difference in political opinions, ordinarily, should be acknowledged and recognized, but under the present administration if you want peace, call off the "bulldozers." "Let us have peace."

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1877. Editorial Page.

The Atchison Champion says: "This State of Kansas is a Republican State. It gave Gov. Hayes over forty thousand majority. Its people are a martial people. Of its total population, a very large proportion are trained and disciplined soldiers. But there is not one citizen of Kansas in a thousand who does not want the disputed Presidency settled quietly and peacefully, under the forms of law. There has been no talk of "wah" in Kansas. Our people know what war means, and they want none of it. They take no stock in and have no patience with the blustering, brawling rascals who are howling for "wah." They are quietly going about their business, "and waiting for the verdict," and perfectly content to accept it, whether it be for Hayes or Tilden."

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1877. Editorial Page.

Our schoolhouse caught fire the 15th inst.

Lazette school is in good condition with an attendance of 75 scholars.

Dr. Jackson (so called), true and tried Republican, lost one dollar on Tilden's election.

The Methodists are making a move toward building a church in this place.

You will save yourself much trouble by renting a Post Office Box. The post master is a little deaf.

Letters are frequently dropped in our office on which old canceled stamps are affixed.

S. M. Fall is building a fine residence, which will reflect credit upon Windsor Township.

On the 12th instant a prairie fire swept over our country on our north, devouring everything in its way. John Cooper is one among the many who suffered from its devouring elements, losing hay, grain, stable, harness, combined reaper and mower, and other farm implements.

What is reported to be a Silver mine has been found near the east line of Cowley County on a tributary of the Cana. The precious metal crops out in three places in the banks of the stream, varying in thickness from four to eight inches.

The Presidential Electors have voted Hayes is elected, and our country is saved. Glory to God! Peace on earth, good will to men. Democrats will you "Haw tew" now?

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1877. Editorial Page.

Grouse Valley contains a good number of stock men who are feeding herds as follows:

Mr. Hamilton, of Lyon County, has over one hundred head of cattle feeding on Haine's farm.

Geo. Denton has a herd of fifty odd.

L. L. Newton has some eighty odd head.

Albert Lynn is feeding fifty head at Robert Armstrong's.

Parks and Campbell have nearly a thousand head of sheep at Armstrong's.

James Lee has eighty five head of cattle.

B. H. Clover has fifty head of cattle.

R. F. Burden handles over one head of cattle.

There are several hundred head of hogs along this portion of the valley feeding with the cattle or fattening for market.

A heavy prairie fire came into Harvey Township some two weeks ago, burning John Cooper's stable, harness, oats, wheat, hay, and nearly everything else belonging to him. No other party was damaged seriously.

A singing school has been started at the Armstrong schoolhouse. Dennis Newton, formerly a member of the editorial corps, has been visiting L. L. Newton. He seems greatly pleased with this part of Kansas, and especially with our "summer weather."

Rev. Mr. Thompson, of Baltimore, holds semi-monthly services at the Armstrong schoolhouse.

On the 25th a shooting match came off at Benderville. Theodore Miller and Will Savage were the "crack" shots.

On the evening of the same day and at the same place, a dance and supper were given at J. P. Crafts.

At Lazette, on the 25th, R. M. Jackson gave a social hop, which was enjoyed by all present.

At the Armstrong schoolhouse Santa Claus put in an appearance on the night of the 25th, and distributed gifts to the children and an excellent supper to old and young. A number of selections read and a few appropriate songs filled the programme.

The Lazette Lancers, in company with a battalion from Timber Creek, went on the 26th on a grand jack rabbit hunt. Total receipts, twelve jack rabbits.

MARRIED. `Tis rumored that Elder David Dale was married on the 25th, but as he gave neither cake nor card to your correspondent, shall not notice the matter further.

The subscription toward building a church at Lazette amounts at this date to nearly five hundred dollars.

The Lazette Bugle appeared with a new "head" on Christmas. Its note was as lively as usual.

The discovery of silver mines still progresses in the eastern part of Cowley.

D. R. Laycock recently cut his right foot with an ax while cutting timber in the woods. The wound was cut deep and long, and will seriously disturb Mr. Laycock's business.

W. E. Dwyer is able to be out of doors, though he expects to see no more with his damaged eye.

The Lazette school, under the management of George Lee, is in a very prosperous condition, over eighty scholars having been enrolled this term.

Dr. A. J. Chapman has just received a large stock of drugs, groceries, etc.

A literary society has been organized at Baltimore, and its weekly meetings are lively. A similar society is forming at the Armstrong schoolhouse.

Squire Strother, the accommodating trustee of Harvey Township, has the longest nose, by actual measurement, of any man on Timber Creek.

The patrons of the Lazette post office received but two mails last week, an outrage too often committed to be longer borne.

January 1, 1877.

[PERSONALS.]

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1877.

Boys, there is fun brewing on the railroad question.

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1877.

Hon. A. J. Pyburn left for Topeka this morning.

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1877.

CLIFF WOOD is again able to walk without a cane.

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1877.

A dwelling house to rent. Apply at this office.

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1877.

Rev. Rigby is with us again looking fat and happy.

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1877.

W. W. W. has gone upup to the Kansas Mecca.

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1877.

If you want to buy a farm, call at the COURIER office.

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1877.

The taxes on property in Arkansas City are six percent.

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1877.

The COURIER enters upon the fifth year of its age this week.

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1877.

A good live real estate firm could make money in this place.

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1877.

The New York Store has an illuminated show window curtain.

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1877.

HENRY T. FORD has returned from Illinois, looking better for his trip.

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1877.

The Lazette Bugle is upon our table. We gladly place it in our exchange list.

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1877.

The county board was in session this week and did a large amount of business.

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1877.

Mr. Shields, of the firm of McMillen & Shields, is spending a few weeks in town.

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1877.

The new county officers have filed their bonds and will take possession next Monday.

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1877.

The spire of the new Methodist church in this place is to be over one hundred feet high.

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1877.

It cost over $15,000 to run the official machinery of Cowley County from Nov. 1, 1875, to Nov. 1, 1876.

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1877.

The County Commissioners have made the COURIER the official organ of the county for the year 1877.

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1877.

L. LIPPMANN, the Grouse Valley Lumberman, was in town Wednesday taking new orders for his busy mill.

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1877.

Over $3,000 of county warrants were destroyed at the last meeting of the county board. Treasurer Bryan had canceled them.

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1877.

The bond proposition in Coffey County has been withdrawn. It is to be re-submitted in January. The law ought to be changed first.

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1877.

Tom McGuire has moved his grocery business into the corner building adjoining his old stand. A good move, and Tom seems prosperous.

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1877.

Five hundred more tax receipts were issued by the county treasurer before December 20th, 1876, penalty day, than were issued prior to the same date in 1875.

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1877.

A. T. STEWART, of this place, has been again appointed State Agent for the Patrons of Husbandry. This is evidence that he has made a good officer, and we rejoice at this continued mark of confidence.

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1877.

ROBERT WALLIS and family, relatives of W. M. Boyer, have arrived and will stay. Robert and C. C. will open up a grocery store at Ford's old stand. Robert bought Sheridan's farm, west of town. Sheridan goes to Oregon.

[Note: Paper had Wallace...Wrong! Corrected this. MAW]

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1877.

The sheriff, the postmaster, the editor, the "capitalist," the attorney, and two law students enjoyed a magnificent New Years' dinner at the residence of Capt. Lowrey. The Misses Stewart and Bryant were particularly solicitous upon that occasion.

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1877.

ALEX. L. WHITEHALL, late editor of the Watseka Republican, made us a pleasant call since our last issue. Mr. Whitehall is an attorney at law and has been for years past the prosecuting attorney of the county he comes from. He is visiting his uncle, Capt. Stevens, of Floral, and may decide to become a resident of Winfield.

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1877.

SAM. BURGER, of this township, has the contract to feed and care for the paupers of Cowley County for the next six months. Here is an opening for those loafers that are always trying to live off the county. Sam is going to open a soup house. If the grasshoppers come, he will set his guests catching them for a square meal.

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1877.

DEATH. A distressing accident occurred in Beaver Township on the night of the 25th ult., resulting in the death of Nellie, an infant, 13 months old, child of Ed. Weitzel. The parents, with infant and several other persons, were in a wagon returning from a Christmas party, and were approaching the Arkansas for the purpose of crossing. Before arriving at the stream, the wagon passed over some object and upset, throwing its contents upon the ground and frightening the team to a runaway. The child's clothing caught in the wagon some way and it was dragged violently along and far out into the stream, where the team stopped from exhaustion, before its distracted parents could recover the little one. It was so injured that it died on the 27th.

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1877.

COL. QUARLES' many friends will be pleased to know that he looks better and feels happier than for many a day. His new young wife and rustic home have inspired him with new energies and hopes, and he intends to live his life over again and if possible improve upon the one that is gone. (If the improvement is sufficiently meritorious, it will be patented.) The Col. has seen about as good a day and about as long a one as any man in the State. A Kentuckian of high social standing, an associate of the immortal Clay, once Speaker of the House of Representatives of the blue-grass State, always one of the men who commanded respect and exerted influence wherever he lived, he will have to get up and dust to cut the swaths of his early history.

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1877.

The ceremonies of laying the cornerstone of the new M. E. church at Winfield will take place on Wednesday, January 10th, 1877, at 1 o'clock p.m. All masons in good standing are cordially invited to be present and participate in the ceremonies.

The members of the order will meet at Masonic hall at 1 o'clock p.m., forming in procession, will march to the place where the building is to be erected. Music. Raising Cornerstone. Prayer, by Rev. J. E. Platter. Depositing coin, etc. Music. Ceremonies of laying Cornerstone. Anthem. Address of G. Master. Oration, by Rev. J. L. Rushbridge. Benediction.

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1877.

The brethren of Adelphi Lodge, No. 110, A. F. & A. M., are hereby notified and requested to be present and participate at the ceremony of laying the "cornerstone" of the new Methodist church in Winfield, at 1 o'clock, Wednesday, the 10th inst. Neighboring lodges are also invited to be present and assist on that occasion. Ample provision will be made for the comfort of guests from abroad.

By order of the lodge.

JAMES KELLY, Secretary.

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1877.

ED. COURIER: Floral Grange elected their officers at the last regular meeting in December, the 22nd inst. Jolly Sam Phoenix, Master; J. R. Thompson, Overseer; R. Thursk, Lecturer; T. Dicken, Stewart; J. H. Howard, Chaplain; C. R. Turner, Treasurer; J. O. Vanorsdal, Secretary; J. Casper, Gate Keeper; Mrs. N. Dickens, Ceres; Mrs. E. Thompson, Pomona; Mrs. M. C. Vanorsdal, Flora; Mrs. Jennie Phelps, L. A. Stewart.

Installation of officers will take place the second Friday night in January, the 12th prox. Floral Grange is not dead. It holds two regular meetings each month, has good attendance, and pleasant meetings.

They have started a store on the Rachdale [?] plan, and are building an ice-house 14 x 18 feet, which they expect to fill for their use. So you see we are going to do our own business, mind our own business, and keep cool.

Old "Saint Nick" was out this way too. He left a Christmas tree at Floral. The house was crowded with young and old. Miss Wright, our teacher, was the mother of it. She got it up for the scholars. It was very nice and appropriate to the occasion. All present seemed to enjoy themselves, and all were sorry that Christmas didn't come more than once a year.

Sportsmen about Floral spend their time chasing deer, wolves, and rabbits. Thousands of rabbits have been killed, and James O. Vanorsdal killed two wolves last week. After January 1st the deer may rest, as the law will then confine us to wolf and rabbit.

Floral literary is in full blast and meets every Thursday night. The present officers are J. O. Vanorsdal, G. N. Cansley, Edwin Mount, and John Casper. Exercises consist of vocal and instrumental music debates, essays, declamations, and select reading.

Protracted "gum sucks" are the order of the day with the young folks this winter about Floral. U. S. Floral, December 30th, 1876.

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1877.

EDITOR OF COURIER: The citizens of Dist. No. 37 met at the schoolhouse to hear a report from the committee appointed to take subscriptions for building a bridge across Timber Creek. The report was highly satisfactory. A committee was then appointed to advertise for bids and let the contract, which committee consisted of Robert Weekly, H. L. Barker, G. W. Mentch, Peter Paugh, and the writer hereof. This enterprise illustrates the proverb, "Where there is a will, there is a way."

In conclusion, I would say to our friends in Winfield, who desire a railroad, lay aside all jealousy and bickering, lay your shoulder to the wheel, make a long, strong pull, and a pull together, and you can count on the hearty cooperation of Dist. No. 37. Bring on your railroad project! Hurrah for a bridge and railroad! S. E. B.

Winfield Township, Dec. 30, 1876.

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1877.

DEAR EDITOR: On Christmas day Brane's schoolhouse was decorated with a Christmas tree heavy laden with presents of various kinds, from a knitting needle to a red ear of corn. Programme for the evening:

1st. Song by the choir, "Merry Christmas."

2nd. Prayer by the Rev. Jos. Mason.

3rd. Presenting the reward books to the children who had committed the highest number of verses, one reward to each class.

4th. An address by the Rev. Jos. Mason, suited to the occasion.

5th. Santa Claus comes in and surprises the little folks, distributes the presents, and ushers in a good time generally.

At the close of the exercises, the audience repaired to their homes quietly and of some refreshments did partake, and their little ones to sleep did shake; but since, we learn a chosen few did back into the schoolhouse go, to tip the light "fantastic toe."

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1877.

TO THE WINFIELD COURIER.

GREETINGS. A merry Christmas and happy New Year from the people of Red Bud, and a real old-fashioned Christmas, too.

Snow six inches deep and the thermometer away down below zero. O, how we wish for the sleighs, bells, robes, and articles left in the north, in old Lang Syne, when we gathered up our household goods and gods and left for the genial clime and Italian skies of the sweet sunny South. But `tis ever thus, etc. As we hadn't either, Wm. E. Seaman resolved to make the most of his opportunities and seized upon an old log lizard, and a dry goods box, nailed one upon the other, hitched Moll and Fox to one end, stowed his fun-loving wife and self in the other, and started on a calling tour through the settlement to the tintinnabulation of an old nail in a tin cup.

This stirred up the Arctic blood of S. F. Gould, and determining not to be outdone, he cut his hayrack in two, and throwing some hay and quilts on it, piled on wife and babies, about a dozen, and started in wake of his predecessor to the tune of their own happy voices, calling at the house of your correspondent, who with his "vrow" joined the merry group, and after various incidents and hair breadth escapes, brought up at the house of that happily mated, newly wedded couple of young old folks, A. M. Fitzsimmons and lady (formerly Mrs. Mary Olmstead). Here we found a genial company of young and old gathered to welcome our friend Fitz. back to his old home and to have a good time generally, in which we were eminently successful.

After partaking of the hospitality of our host and hostess, we took our way to our homes over the crisp snow while the heavens, oversprinkled with a crystalline delight. made us think of old times and places where such scenes and pleasures were the rule. May such times recur and be enjoyed by every reader of the COURIER for a hundred years to come, and may you and I, Mr. Editor, be there to help them enjoy the fun.

December 26th, 1876.

NOTE: The foregoing communication arrived rather late for publication, but it is good. ED.

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1877.

Notice is hereby given that sealed bids will be received until Saturday, January 24th, 1877, for repairing the superstructure of the bridge across Timber Creek. Contractor to use all the material of the old bridge that is suitable. For plan and specifications, call on or address, S. E. BURGER, Secretary of Committee.

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1877.

Come with credentials, come with money to pay your dues, come with receipts from State Grange so that you may receive the instructions from the State delegate and get the password and full instructions, which you are entitled to if you are a member, square on the books, either 4th or 5th degree.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877. Editorial Page.

E. C. MANNING, EDITOR.

The Kansas legislature ought to pass a resolution asking Congress to pass the Tom Scott railroad bill.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

The Arkansas Traveler comes out in favor of Gov. Osborn for U. S. Senator. The lying miscegenator has gone back on Col. Plumb.

TYPED THIS EXACTLY THE WAY IT APPEARED IN PAPER!

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

If the Representatives from Cowley County vote for the choice of their constituents for U. S. Senator, they will support Col. P. B. Plumb.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

Sylvester Powell, a buss driver in Wichita, on New Years night last, attempted to take the life of City Marshal Michael Meagher, but lost his own in the attempt.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

The latest hint concerning the Presidential question comes from a talk with President Grant. It is in substance as follows.

If the disagreement of parties should result in no choice for president, then Mr. Ferry, the president of the Senate, will be acting president until a new election can be called in June and the president chosen at that election will be inaugurated July 4th, 1877.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

Two separate Legislatures, consisting of a Senate and House, each, and both claiming to have a quorum in each House, organized in New Orleans, January 1st, the Republicans occupying the State House, and the Democrats occupying St. Patrick's Hall. The Democrats met in joint session, January 2nd, read a vote of the State by parishes, and declared Nichols elected Governor and Wiltz Lieut. Governor.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

Our Congressional delegation should have a law enacted this winter under which the unsold Osage lands may be sold. There are in Cowley County alone two hundred thousand acres of land belonging to the Government. It is the refuse land of this region, principally fit for pasturage. The rich upland, the bottom, and timber land, the little valleys with water are all occupied. The Remainder will never be taken for agricultural purposes.

If parties who own the best land could buy it for grazing land, it would soon become taxable. To this end Congress should say that from and after Jan. 1st, 1878, all unoccupied lands on the Osage trust tract and Diminished reserve shall be for sale to private purchasers at a price not exceeding one dollar per acre, nor in tracts larger than 640 acres. It should also say that from and after the 1st day of July, 1878, all occupied lands belonging to the government upon said reservation shall be for sale to whoever wishes to purchase at $1.25 per acre in tracts not greater than 640 acres. This would soon make all our lands a source of revenue.

Will not our Congressional delegation give this matter their attention?

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

The Oswego Independent misapprehends the COURIER, and for that matter the press of the State, when it says "apathy pervades the State" upon the question of land titles on the Ceded lands. The feeling of the State press may be stated thus: that actual settlers shall obtain lands for homes upon easy terms, that arbitrary rulings by department officers should be set aside, that foreign capitalists who buy a railroad for the speculation there is in its franchises should be held rigidly to the letter of the law if its interpretation is favorable to actual settlers, or should be held strictly to the spirit of the law if that is favorable to them, that a representative of the people of Kansas would be unworthy the trust if he allowed its humblest citizen to suffer wrong, that there is but little danger of any aspiring man with ordinary energy neglecting to popularize himself with the voters of Kansas.

But, brother Independent, the press of Kansas notices with "apathy" that "Ceded land question" when it springs up just as a Senator is to be elected or appointed, or a Congressman to be nominated, or a Lieutenant Governor brought out, or a convention held to send delegates to a Presidential nominating convention, or an electoral college chosen, or a land officer to be appointed, or a woman suffrage campaign to be engaged in. These are the inopportune times at which the Ceded land titles seem to be most disturbed. Doest ken.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

[AD: R. R. STOUT, BLACKSMITH.]

R. R. STOUT,

BLACKSMITH, WINFIELD, KANSAS.

I have opened a shop opposite the old Methodist church, where all kinds of blacksmithing will be promptly done at reasonable rates.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

Skipped Cowley Commissioners Proceedings on Editorial Page, Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877. M. G. Troup, County Clerk, showed total amount claimed: $3,687.70. Also, total amount allowed: $2,485.17.

[PERSONALS.]

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

New faces in town every day.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

What has become of Paul Pry?

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

One of our druggists wants to sell out.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

Short is tying up goods at the New York Store.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

Albert Baldwin is very sick with pneumonia.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

The "party lash" hangs up in the Courthouse.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

AL. REQUA, wife and boy, are again residing in Winfield.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

The lumber for the new Methodist church comes from Lippmann's mill.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

The remnant of Ford's museum is moved down to Requa's old stand.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

Money scarce at two and a half percent per month on good security.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

A pleasant call from Geo. Thompson, of Silver Creek, on Wednesday.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

E. C. SEWARD furnishes the lumber for the Presbyterian church building.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

Boys too weak to spit over their chins chew tobacco in Arkansas City.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

Miss Hattie Hunt is again among the number of Winfield's fair ones.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

HACKNEY & McDONALD will soon be in their new rooms in the corner brick.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

Several hundred hogs are being prepared for market in the vicinity of Winfield.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

FRANK GALLOTTI's new house is nearly completed. What is he going to do with it?

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

The Oxford mills have temporarily suspended operations, on account of low water.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

A boy who has $7,000 at interest and a $6,000 farm is clerking for a Winfield merchant.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

Who "will care for mother now," since the county has ordered the paupers to be corralled.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

A copy of last week's COURIER was put into the cornerstone of the new M. E. church yesterday.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

TREASURER BRYAN carried Cowley County's share of the State expenses up to Topeka last week.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

The teacher at Limbocker schoolhouse had to give up the contract. Too many naughty boys.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

Dr. Graham has the contract to attend to the medical wants of the county paupers for the next six months.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

The office of County Superintendent will be open every Saturday, until further notice, in the Courthouse.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

The Wallis Brothers are repairing, preparatory to occupancy, the building lately known as Ford's store.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

Reverends Rushbridge and Platter are holding a series of interesting religious meetings this week at the Courthouse.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

The colored girls of Winfield all secreted themselves last Friday while Scott, of the Traveler, was passing through town.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

R. R. STOUT now owns and runs the blacksmith shop opposite the Methodist church. He is a good workman and clever citizen.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

We shall be glad when Fred Hunt's mustache gets so large that he cannot play the jewsharp and disturb our evening readings.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

The Lazette Bugle appears again this week doubled in size and improved in appearance. It is now an eight paged journal.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

MR. BULL, of this place, is offered $4,000 for his interest in the novel egg basket recently patented by himself and associate.

[AMOUNT HARD TO READ...COULD BE $1,000!]

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

DIED AND BURIED. The wife of John Blevins was buried at the Winfield cemetery last Monday. We have been unable to learn the particulars of her death.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

MRS. NANCY McGUIRE, grandmother of T. A. Wilkinson, is living in Bolton Township, aged 99 years. She is hale and hearty and does her own housework.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

The Telegram of date December 29th appeared January 6th with a very creditable history of county and town, but incomplete list of the business firms of our city.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

DR. H. B. RUDE, of Dexter, called upon us this week. The Dr. is good company and we hope to see him often.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

COUNTY ATTORNEY McDERMOTT and Superintendent Story were both over from the valley of the crystal Grouse this week and were duly inaugurated for the next two years.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

Ben Clover and Mr. Brooks, of Lazette, have gone over to Oswego to make arrangements with the railroad authorities for a depot at Lazette. Ben ought to have a "switch" for his own benefit.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

Simpson and Stewart are standing round with a brick and trowel of mortar in each hand and whenever the weather moderates for a few minutes a few inches is added to the walls of the Presbyterian church.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

PAT HIMROD, an old resident of Cowley County, and for a time clerk in Green's drug store, is now the treasurer of Rice County, having been appointed by the county commissioners to take the place of their defaulting treasurer.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

Our readers who want cheap goods in certain lines should read what is said in another place in our local columns about the old stand of McMillen & Shields. They close out special classes of goods to make room for a change in stock.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

FRANK WILLIAMS, of this place, is shipping Tunnel Mills Flour to Philadelphia. He purchases staves and hoops in the knock down at Kansas City and sets them up here, barrels his flour, sends it to the Quaker city, and makes a profit. How much more of this could be done if we had a railroad?

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

The chimney on the sheriff's dwelling burned out one cold windy night this week and the hook and ladder company got out the ladders to scale the roof and watch developments. The little engine house was so secure, however, that one whole end had to be taken out, the doors taken off the hinges, the building turned round, and the alley closed up before the ladders could be obtained. There are only eight keys to the lock that opens the door.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

An interesting debate upon the "Resolved, that a constitutional monarchy is preferable to a republican form of government for the people of the United States," transpired at Aurora schoolhouse, in Vernon Township under the auspices of the Aurora Library Society, last Friday night. Rev. Wm. Martin for the affirmative and J. B. Evans, Esq.., for the negative were the leading debaters. Of course, the negative won. Elder Hopkins, P. M. Wait, and C. S. Smith, judges.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

The Cowley County District Grange had a good meeting last Saturday at the Courthouse, and elected the following officers for the ensuing year: Wm. White, Master; Ed. Green, Overseer; G. N. Fowler, Lecturer; C. C. Krow, Stewart; H. L. Barker, Asst. Stewart; S. N. Sparks, Chaplain; Jas. O. Vanorsdal, Treasurer; C. Coon, Secretary; F. Schwantes, Gate Keeper; Mrs. Vanorsdal, Ceres; Mrs. Barker, Pomona; Mrs. White, Flora; and Miss Birdsell, Lady Asst. Steward.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

JUDGE CAMPBELL had a busy session of the district court at Wichita, closing last week. Mr. Creeks, charged with the murder of Williamson, was tried last week and the jury, after being out about three hours, returned a verdict of manslaughter in the third degree. He was sentenced to three years in the penitentiary, the full extent of the law.

Horneman, charged with assault with intent to kill Dwyer, was found guilty of the charge and sentenced to five years in the penitentiary.

Fink, for horse stealing, and B. F. Robinson for grand larceny, were both sent to the State's prison for five and one years respectively.

The court was in session thirty-three days, and besides the criminal docket, disposed of eighty civil suits.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

It looks as though the whole Cowley County delegation at Topeka had gone back on the COURIER. Not a word from Walton, Lemmon, Webb, Pyburn, or Mitchell in two weeks. Even the ladies have not written. We are not so much surprised at the reticence of Walton, Lemmon, and Webb; but the silence of Pyburn and Mitchell is mysterious. Here we are all anxiety about the prospects of "our Wirt"days and nights of suspense and no light. We think however the situation is safe or there would have been some "hollering." But to the time of going to press this is our latest news, taken from the old, reliable morning Commonwealth, of January 9th.

"We are authorized to state that Judge Webb is not a candidate for Chief Clerk of the House. This we suppose assures the unanimous election of Wirt Walton. He will make a No. 1 Clerk in all respects and is entitled to the office."

Judge Webb is the only opposing candidate that we have heard of and consequently Mr. Walton must have a clear field.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

In the interests of teachers and the cause in which we are engaged, it becomes us to keep thoroughly informed regarding the theoretical and practical workings of our profession. To do this efficiently, satisfactorily, and to the best purpose, one and all engaged in the vocation of teaching should subscribe for and read one or more of the leading educational periodicals of the country. There being no publication of this nature in our State, we are compelled to look elsewhere for such matter. To aid anyone who may desire to secure a journal or journals devoted wholly to the interests of our profession, I have secured greatly reduced rates from the leading educational organs of the country. I shall take great pleasure in furnishing any applicant with the list and terms. No true teacher can afford to neglect the opportunity for personal and professional improvement found in these journals, and found nowhere else. R. C. STORY.

Jan. 8, 1877.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

The Sabbath school for 1876 was organized April 8th, with the following officers: Superintendent, Joel Mason; Asst. Superintendent, S. H. Sparks; Secretary, C. J. Brane; Treasurer, Miss M. J. Huff; Librarian, Mrs Maggy Huff; male teachers, S. H. Sparks, Wm. Crabbs, Joseph Crabbs (Joseph Crabbs after a short time left our county, at which time William Wilson was chosen teacher in his stead). Female Teachers, Miss M. J. Huff; Mrs. Cover; Mrs. M. E. Brane; Mrs. Ella Chatterson.

There were seven organized classes. The average attendance for thirty-five Sabbaths was as follows: Teachers 5, scholars 21¼.

Our school committed 1,101 verses. Receipts $18.80, expenditures $18.10, for books, papers, lesson leaves, etc. Our school distributed twenty copies of Sabbath School papers each Sabbath, alternate Children's Friend and Missionary Visitor, up to November 1st. We also received and distributed forty copies of lesson leaves per month, up to November 1st.

We gave our scholars tickets every Sabbath. Gems and rewards were also distributed to the scholars. The school has been a grand success. The number of Scholars enrolled the first Sabbath were 17 and the scholarship increased to 34. The attendance varied with circumstances. During the entire nine months of our school, there were but three Sabbaths that we failed to meet, owing, to bad weather.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

All persons indebted to the undersigned prior to Jan. 1, 1877, are urgently requested to call at once and settle. I must have money or its equivalent, in order to keep my business running.

Winfield, Jan. 6, 1877.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

The cornerstone of the new M. E. Church building was favorably lowered to its resting place yesterday, at 2 o'clock p.m. A derrick had been erected over the northwest corner of the sub-structure of the edifice and a beautiful white magnesia limestone two feet in length, eighteen inches wide, and one foot in thickness, with a cavity chiseled upon its lower side, prepared for the occasion. Between the hours of one and two p.m., a procession was formed in front of Masonic Hall, composed principally of members of the Masonic fraternity, including several from the Arkansas City and Douglass lodges. The order of procession was as follows: First, tyler, with drawn sword, stewards, master masons, members of the order, band of music, city officers, Royal Arch Masons, past master, oldest member of the order, carrying bible, square, and compass, chaplain and orator, wardens of Winfield Lodge deputy G. M., deacons on either side. The procession marched to music to the building grounds. A large concourse of people were already at the appointed place.

The ceremony of settling the consecrated stone in the place where it shall rest for ages, commenced by an invocative prayer, full of eloquence, passion, and pathos, from Rev. Platter. At this point of the proceeding the ancient order of Masons conducted the ceremony. High Priest Read was master of the occasion. The stone was squared, leveled, and plumbed, corned, oiled, and wined, surrounded with jewels, badges, weapons, and ceremonial words that were imposing and impressive, but not fully comprehended by the uninitiated.

The High Priest produced a small tin box containing a copy of the Telegram, Traveler, and COURIER. Also, a history of the county of Cowley, city of Winfield, M. E. Church Society, a list of its officers, name of pastor, names of contributors to the building fund, a specimen of all American coins, a centennial 25 cent piece, and other mementos of interest to "ages yet to be" and in presence of the audience it was sealed and placed in the under side of the stone.

Contractor Welch then, by direction of the High Priest, settled the "cornerstone," amid benedictions, music by the choir and band. Rev. Rushbridge delivered an oration that came from the heart and went to the hearts of his hearers. The benedictions being pronounced and doxology sung, the assembly dispersed. Taken all together the occasion was the most noted that ever transpired in our little frontier city, and will long be remembered by the participants.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

List of letters remaining unclaimed in the Post Office at Winfield, Cowley County, Kansas, on the 8th day of January, 1877.

FIRST COLUMN: Atkinson, S. B.; Allen, J. Samuel; Borland, John; Buss, Henry H.; Beasley, Wm.; Barton, William M.; Berry, Miss Annie; Berry, Mr.; Brown, Thos. W.; Coyle, Miss Hulda; Clark, Mrs. Lucinda; Colyer, Mrs. Evaline; Dunn, J. C.; Dawson, J. J.; Eaton, Wm. H.; Ford, Frank; French, James; Filley, John W.; Frazier, M. Th.; Gupton, B.; Gamble, E. J.; Hafer, G. W.; Hanson, John C.; Hahn, Emanuel; Hart, Wm. O.; Johnson, D. W.; Jay, Samuel; James, William; Johnson, D. C.; Kizer, Sebastian; Kinneson, J. J.; Killgore, J.; Loyd, Hannah L.; Loyd, Mrs. Sallie.

SECOND COLUMN: Mouser, Mr. A.; McCollin, A. J.; Mack, J. P.; McKee, Miss Mary; Morris, Miss Carrie; Norwood, L. C.; Proctor, Calvin; Robinson, Mrs. D. C.; Rogers, C. C.; Reed, Miss Chloa; Roberts, Miss Mollie; Rollin, Thomas; Retherford, Peter; Roberts, David; Rowe, Mrs. Sarah; Reed, Mr. Edward; Roberts, Mrs. Nancy J.; Reed, W. T.; Stewart, Mart; Sears, J. J.; Sheffield, John; Summers, Miss Lizzie; Stoneman, J. W.; Turner, Samuel, Upp, Mrs. John R.; Vermillion, Jas. W.; Watt, J.; Warner, Esther; Wilson, Martha E.; Wilson, Noah; Ward, Susan F.; Woods, Leo; Woodyard, John.

Persons calling for any of the above will please say "advertised."

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

A Card. The partnership heretofore existing between the undersigned and Mr. E. S. Torrance having been dissolved, I shall continue the practice alone, on my return from Topeka, and shall return in time to attend the District Court at its next session. L. J. WEBB.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

There will be an examination of teachers Saturday, the 3rd day of February next, at the schoolhouse. Applicants for examination are requested to notify the examining board of their intention to appear, and to appear promptly by 9 o'clock a.m., on the 3rd, prox.

Winfield, January 8.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

Messrs. Clark & Williams desire us to say that the "20 percent," mentioned in their advertisement will not be kept by them, in case the shares are not all sold, but that not only the 20 percent, but the entire amount will be returned to each and every shareholder, should they not be able to sell the shares and do as they advertise in their Real Estate Distribution.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

Has now commenced at the old stand of McMillen & Shields, one door north of Myton's Hardware store, and will continue from day to day for CASH or CORN until said goods are all sold. Said goods consist of

BOOTS AND SHOES,

HATS AND CAPS,

READY MADE CLOTHING,

CLOTHS AND CASHMERES,

DRESS GOODS AND SHAWLS,

FELT SKIRTS AND OTHER SKIRTS.

White goods and Fancy goods, etc., and other traps too tedious to mention.

Most of the above named goods will be sold regardless of cost for CASH or CORN, in order to make room for ANOTHER line of goods.

NOW is your time to get bargains one door north of Myton's Hardware Store.

REMEMBER, Cash or Corn.

Winfield, January 10th, 1877.

Winfield Courier, January 18, 1877. Editorial Page.

E. C. MANNING, EDITOR.

The second election in Sycamore Township, Butler County, to vote the bonds of the township to the proposed branch of the A. T. & S. F. road to Eldorado, was held on Tuesday, the 9th inst., and the proposition was again defeated by three or four votes. The township is twenty-three miles long and eight miles wide and contains 117,700 acres of land and thirty- seven voters. But the necessary two-thirds vote could not be obtained. Eldorado ought to have bulldozed that three or four votes. This must put a quietus on the Eldorado bob-tail for awhile. Sycamore and Bazar Townships on the line have failed to give the required aid. Emporia, as usual, helped to thwart the bob-tail. Friend T. B. Murdock took the management of that railroad into his hands one year ago last November. He would have a railroad to Eldorado in less than no time and down the valley a few minutes afterward. Nearly fifteen months have passed away and Eldorado and the Walnut Valley are no nearer a road than in Nov. 1875. At the December, 1875, meeting in Emporia, we presented a plan whereby a road could be built to Winfield in 1876. Murdock and his Emporia friends voted it down. Now Emporia is red hot for a road on that plan and Eldorado and Augusta have each held meetings and resolved in favor of the same plan. Then was the time to move, but Butler and Emporia would not. A railroad company (local) was perfected at the Emporia meeting. Col. Plumb was made President, T. B. Murdock, Secretary, J. C. Fuller and J. E. Platter, of Winfield, directors. The directors ordered the secretary to open subscription books along the line from Emporia to Arkansas City. The secretary did not do it. The directors ordered the officers to employ an engineer and party, to have the survey of the line made at once and the right of way obtained. The officers did not do it. The directors from Cowley County pledged the money to pay for the survey in Cowley County, the directors in Butler and Lyon Counties did not come to time with their share. The directors in Cowley County pledged individual subscriptions to the capital stock to the amount of fifty thousand dollars. No opportunity to subscribe was offered.

The Secretary did not attempt to obtain subscriptions. He was going to have a standard gauge road to Eldorado, have it at once, have a bob tail, and hold the end on the Eldorado town site. Murdock & Co. were going to secure such legislation last winter as would enable them to carry out their plans. The legislation they obtained is what defeated them. The editor of the Times said funny things about the editor of the COURIER, and quoted "Mary had a little lamb" at his expense, when the COURIER raised up on its ear concerning the policy pursued by the Eldoradoites.

Gentlemen, the COURIER told you "sum leedle dings" then which you did not believe but which you now realize. By your leave, or without your leave, it will tell you "sum leedle dings" now, and you can believe them and act upon them as you see fit. This is our suggestion: BEFORE YOU TAKE ANY STEPS TOWARDS CONSTRUCTING A RAIL ROAD INSERT THE WORD "MAJORITY" IN SECTION FIVE OF CHAP. CVII, LAWS OF 1876.

Our suggestion is more significant than we can tell you now.

Winfield Courier, January 18, 1877. Editorial Page.

Hon. T. B. Murdock writes to his paper as follows:

"We met Col. Sears, attorney of the M. K. & T. road today and had a lengthy talk with him in regard to the proposed Humboldt Road. He said that Maj. Gunn was on the Winfield route making a survey, and that within a few weeks a route from Humboldt via Eureka and Eldorado to Wichita would be run. He said his company was going to build either to Winfield or Wichita within the year, but that in his opinion, the Winfield route had the preference. It may be they can be induced to adopt the Wichita route. If the road should be built to Winfield, it will go by the way of Fredonia and Howard City, and will not touch Greenwood or Butler counties."

Winfield Courier, January 18, 1877. Editorial Page.

A correspondent of the Eldorado Times writing from Sycamore Township says:

"On yesterday we held our bond election and the vote stood 21 for and 14 against; as the law requires a two-thirds vote, the proposition was not successful. At the former election 12 only voted for and 17 against, so we have rapidly gained in actual votes. More than two- thirds of our voters had said they would vote the bonds; were really in favor of them and would have voted for them yesterday had it not have been for the two days visit made the township by Messrs. Finley and Holderman of Emporia.

They came talking a narrow gauge project from Emporia to Arkansas City and asking $4,000 8 percent 20 year bonds per mile, with the promise (?) of extension of the road to Kansas City.

By smooth talking they over persuaded a few of our citizens and thereby caused the defeat of the only proposition that can possibly bring us a road in the next five years."

Winfield Courier, January 18, 1877. Editorial Page.

The great sensation about the danger to settlers on the Ceded lands has been vaporized by a letter from Hon. J. J. Ingalls, showing that the bill was intended to aid only one man who had bought and improved a 1,000 acre farm on that tract. The letter closes as follows.

"Meanwhile I can assure the settlers that all their interests shall be vigilantly protected. Their representatives in Congress will not slumber nor sleep. During three years of strenuous conflict, I have omitted no effort to secure the rights of the people, and in the future as in the past, I shall not hesitate to do their will. Fidelity to their welfare justifies me in asking the continuance of their confidence, and should any emergency arise presenting obstacles too formidable for me to encounter, I will promptly inform the settlers of dangers which menace them and of any inability to guard the trust that has been in part confided to my keeping."

Winfield Courier, January 18, 1877.

The Black Hills Pioneer says: Five months ago where there was a tangled mass of pine and other brush, there stands the city of Deadwood, a city of three thousand inhabitants. The city is a mile long, has over two hundred business houses, a mayor, and a municipal government.

Winfield Courier, January 18, 1877.

The recent reported discovery of silver ore in this vicinity is creating considerable interest. That a mineral closely resembling silver, at least, has been found, and small quantities extracted from the ore, is now a certainty. The ore has been examined by numerous silver miners and so far as we can learn they all report it as having every appearance of the genuine article. When extracted it has the color, hardness, and brilliancy of pure silver. This would appear to the uninitiated as a positive proof of identity.

But the very manner in which the metal has been separated from the ore has raised a doubt in the minds of practical miners as to its genuineness. This has been effected by subjecting small quantities of the ore to an intense heat over a blacksmith's forge. And it certainly requires all the heat which can be generated in this manner to fuse it.

The BUGLE is now entering upon its second centennial, and we take this opportunity to congratulate you upon your exceeding good fortune in having gained the services in your own behalf of so able and well conducted a vehicle of instruction.

Winfield Courier, January 18, 1877.

Skipped "Annual Statement of County Clerk" given on Editorial Page of Winfield Courier January 18, 1877. This item was to be concluded in a supplement.

[PERSONALS.]

Winfield Courier, January 18, 1877.

Snow all gone. Eggs fifteen cents. Corn twenty cents. Wood four dollars per cord.

Winfield Courier, January 18, 1877.

TONY BOYLE and wife are again with us.

Winfield Courier, January 18, 1877.

BY. TERREL's stable is in running order.

Winfield Courier, January 18, 1877.

The Timber Creek Bridge is going ahead.

Winfield Courier, January 18, 1877.

Everybody rejoices at the success of "our Wirt". The Kansas House of Representatives has honored the lively local editor of the COURIER with the Chief Clerkship.

[SKIPPED LONG ARTICLE BY MANNING PRAISING WIRT!]

Winfield Courier, January 18, 1877.

The thickest ice in nine years down here this winter.

Winfield Courier, January 18, 1877.

Wheat is jumping up. It brings $1.30 at Wichita. Foreign war.

Winfield Courier, January 18, 1877.

The Evening Star Club gives a dance next Thursday evening.

Winfield Courier, January 18, 1877.

"It never rains but it pours." Six railroads headed for Winfield now.

Winfield Courier, January 18, 1877.

STEWART & SIMPSON laid one course of brick that warm morning, Monday.

Winfield Courier, January 18, 1877.

JOHN ALLEN has moved Lacy's ice house on to Ninth Avenue for an office.

Winfield Courier, January 18, 1877.

Three narrow gauges and three wide gauges headed for Winfield. Whoop-em-up.

Winfield Courier, January 18, 1877.

The surveying party of the projected road from Humboldt to this place are en route to Winfield.

Winfield Courier, January 18, 1877.

WANTED. From one thousand to two thousand bushels of wheat at Bliss & Co.'s mill, Winfield.

Winfield Courier, January 18, 1877.

S. D. PRYOR is expected to arrive today with a new wife. Her maiden name was Sarah P. Wait, cousin of his first wife.

Winfield Courier, January 18, 1877.

The collection taken at the Union Sabbath School last Sunday for the benefit of the children of P. P. Bliss, amounted to $2.91.

Winfield Courier, January 18, 1877.

JACOB FUNK, one of the wealthy and best men of Danville, Iowa, writes us that he and several of his neighbors are coming to Winfield in the spring.

Winfield Courier, January 18, 1877.

The late P. P. Bliss, the victim of the Ashtabula horror, was a cousin of our townsman, C. A. Bliss. The wife of the sweet singer died with him. Their two children were left in New York and were not lost in the disaster as reported at first in the papers.

Winfield Courier, January 18, 1877.

Rev. Rigby has invented and constructed a coal oil lamp that will make him a fortune. The patent is about to be issued. A lamp of his manufacture can be seen at Bliss & Earnest's store that is an imperfect model of the one to be patented. But to a novice that one seems perfect.

Winfield Courier, January 18, 1877.

Our early day fellow-townsman, W. E. DOUD, publishes a Democratic paper, the Censoral, in the Republican county of Greenwood, and thus he mourneth:

"We offered to pay the county over $200 for the privilege of doing the printing, yet the wise men of our county government sees fit to award it to the Herald and pay for it."

There is a county board that has some Republican backbone.

Winfield Courier, January 18, 1877.

MR. BEN WRIGHT, of Beaver Township, met with a severe loss last Thursday, by the burning of his dwelling house and all its contents. The fire is supposed to have originated from a spark falling into the bedding in the upper story of the building from the stove pipe. But recently a prairie fire destroyed most of his corn crop and the last loss is a peculiar hardship.

Winfield Courier, January 18, 1877.

We are permitted to make the following extracts from private lettersthe first from J. T. Richmond, of Oxford, to Wm. Rodgers of this place; the second, from W. W. Andrews to Dr. Mansfield, both of this place.

WM. RODGERS:

Dear Sir: . . . . Bed rock dirt on our claim prospected twenty-five cents to the pan. Tidings have been looming up big since you left. One interest in No. 2, above ours, sold a few days since for $800, and a one-third interest in No. 6 sold for $1,200. There are a good many buyers in the Camp and I am confident that we could take $4,000 for our ground if we wanted to. So, you see, Saw Pit is looking up. Claims on Deadwood are held very high. Lardners and McKays have both struck it rich. They have been sluicing on Deadwood up to the last few days. Everything now is froze up. It has been thirty degrees below zero for three days but warmer now.

The quartz mills are doing big business. There are two running day and night and another ten stamp mill is nearly ready and five more on the road. There has been some good leads struck since you left. The new town, Central City, reaches from Gayville to Golden Gate and runs up Saw Pit one block. We managed to get three lots by running for them. They were all taken in less than two hours after the survey. It is now about half built up with log cabins, and next summer will see a solid town from Gayville to Golden Gate. Menors are still living where they did.

Winfield Courier, January 18, 1877.

Dr. W. Q. Mansfield:

. . . . I hope to realize something the coming season in the shape of lucre. I have ground which prospects fully equal to any in the Hills. I judge from the papers that the outside world is wonderfully insane on the Black Hills question. My observations and chances to know are perhaps fully equal to those of any man in the Hills, and I sum them up as follows.

About one thousand claims have been taken and worked from one to five months by from one to six hands without paying one farthing. In all the Hills about three hundred claims have paid from one to four dollars per day for all work done on them. About one hundred claims have paid from four to six dollars per day to the hand. About twenty-five claims have paid from six to twelve dollars per day to the hand. Five claims have paid from twenty to thirty- five dollars per day to the hand. No claim ever reached the highest figure for a whole week's run except claim No. 2, which took out on the summer's work $170,000. It is the general opinion, in which I concur, that there will be about three times as much money taken out next season as there was last, as the deep diggings are only fairly opened, and there will be from six to ten quartz leads worked, that will pay handsomely, and four or five silver leads bid fair to become the pride of the Hills. . . .

I read with deep interest everything from Cowley. After seeing much of the world, it is the land of my choicethe land of flowers, fruits, and grains.

Winfield Courier, January 18, 1877.

DIED. January 12th, 1877, at 9 o'clock a.m., at the Central Hotel in Winfield, George Albert Baldwin, aged 16 years, of Pneumonia fever.

George Albert Baldwin was the youngest brother of our esteemed townsman, B. F. Baldwin. He came to Winfield Dec. 16, 1875. Since that time he has attended the Winfield school about nine months and became very well known by the young folks of our town.

By his circumspect deportment, kind manners, and gentleness of spirit, he has endeared himself to all who knew him. He was the comfort and pride of an affectionate brother, who now sadly mourns his death. Every attention that medical skill and loving hearts could render was administered to him during the fatal sickness. His affliction and death attracted more attention and elicited deeper sympathy than is usually bestowed upon persons of any age. Rev. Platter preached the funeral sermon at the Baptist Church to a crowded house of weeping, sympathizing friends. The remains were accompanied to their final resting place by the largest funeral escort that has moved out of Winfield to the solemn toll of bell for many a day.

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877. Editorial Page.

E. C. MANNING, EDITOR.

The writer does not imagine that the readers of the COURIER are very eager to learn his opinions on the subject of railroads, but as some persons of sufficient consequence to circulate incorrect statements concerning themstatements which he conceives sill tend to divert public attention from the facts and prevent from arriving harmoniously at a practical plan to procure the construction of a railroad into this county in the shortest possible time, he will here state some of his opinions on the subject as concisely as possible.

We have been waiting for six years for some company operating a railroad in this State, or some Eastern company, or some company of capitalists, to make us a proposition. We have been hoping that some company having immense capital at their command would see the great advantages they could gain by investing their money in a railroad in this county.

We have indeed received many propositions, but always from companies having no money at command which they would or could put into such a road. One of these propositions we have accepted and voted conditionally $150,000 in the bonds of our county, or at the rate of $5,000 per mile. Other counties also voted aid, and thus $5,000 per mile was secured for the whole line from Junction City to Arkansas City, and some grading was done.

The company then went to work to enlist capitalists in the undertaking, and though they were men of influence in financial circles and labored faithfully for many months, they utterly failed to convince any company of capitalists that the franchise of $5,000 per mile was sufficient to make the road worth the balance of its cost when completed. No capitalists would accept of the franchises as a gift and build the road, and the result was an entire failure.

This and other experiences, whether we saw it or not, showed conclusively that capitalists would not invest in the capital stock of any road to our county.

We then hoped that the A., T. & S. F., the M., K. & T., the L., L. & G., or some other road already built would see that they would make great sums of money by building a branch to us, but our experience for the last year shows, whether we see it or not, that no such thing is ever likely to occur until we are first sure of some other road.

We have now spent more than one year in making inquiries and collecting information about railroad building in the West, the cost, mode of raising the means, earnings, market value of capital stock and of mortgage bonds, condition of companies which propose to build, and other matters bearing on the subject.

We have had interviews with the officers of about twenty railroad companies which propose to build in this direction, and now we ought to understand the subject much better than we did eighteen months ago.

We have found that the stock of Western railroads is worth nothing, or next to nothing in the market. Even the Hannibal and St. Jo, and the Ohio and Mississippi, both on through routes, and doing exceptionally good business, are not much better, the stock of the former selling at 13, of the latter at 6 cents on the dollar, while even the land grant roads in this State, the L., L. & G. stock, is unsalable at any price; the M., K. & T. is but little better, the K. P. next, and the A., T. & S. F., best, selling for 12 to 17 cents on the dollar; and we have not been able to find that any road in Kansas is doing business enough to pay a fair interest on the total cost of construction, or even to pay up the interest on its mortgage bonds.

We have found that very few roads in the West, and none in Kansas, other than two or three having large land grants, not excepting the Wichita branch, have ever been built either in whole or in part with Eastern capital, or the capital of any other company.

We have found that no company even proposes to build any kind of road in this direction in any other way and with any other means than those that the citizens, counties, and other municipalities along the line of the road raise cash enough by private subscriptions and voting bonds, to procure the right of way, grade, bridge, and tie the road ready for the rails, which road bed is to be mortgaged for money enough to iron and equip the road; and we concluded that this is the only way we shall ever get a road.

We have found that on the most favorable route, that down the Walnut Valley, it will cost $3,500 per mile to make the road bed through Butler and Cowley, and that in an eastern or northern direction from Winfield, it will cost about $6,000 per mile cash to make such bed for a standard gauge.

We have found that there is no hope of such road down the valley, at least until we get another, and that there is no hope of being able to raise $6,000, or even $4,000 a mile in cash along the line of the road to the east.

We have found also that even if said sum of $6,000 per mile should be raised for such road and the road bed be made, yet it would require the issue of at least $10,000 per mile of the mortgage bonds of the road to iron it and put it in operation; that the mortgage bonds of such roads are very low in the market, nominally at 10 to 50 cents on the dollar, but really unsalable, owing to the fact that such roads have failed to pay the interest on the bonds, and some of them have been foreclosed, and we conclude the bonds could not be sold and the iron and equipments could not be procured. We know of one road in this State that is in precisely that condition.

The best Kansas railroad mortgage bonds are the L., L. & G., 18 cents, the M. K. & T., 60 cents, the K. P., 40 to 65 cents, and the A. T. & S. F., 82 cents, all land grant roads, and all have failed to pay their interest for the last three years.

We therefore conclude that it is utterly impossible for us to get a standard gauge road, and that the sooner we adopt and act upon the conclusion unitedly, the sooner we shall take hold of something that is possible and push it to success.

The writer is in favor of any road we can get, but is not in favor of fooling away year after year upon absurdities, and in being cajoled by railroad companies, which only desire to keep us from getting a road at all.

It is high time that the leaders of public opinion in this county should inform themselves and act rationally and unitedly instead of lying back on their prejudices and howling at those who are taking the trouble and expense of collecting the facts.

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877. Editorial Page.

Hon. T. B. Murdock writes to the Eldorado Times from Topeka, as follows.

It was a terrible shock to learn of the defeat of the bonds in Sycamore Township; and the worst feature of the whole matter is that the Emporia people were down there the day before the election working against the bonds. Emporia people are determined that we shall not have a road down the Walnut Valley unless it starts from their town. We wish to say in this connection, however, that P. B. Plumb is not responsible for this narrow gauge scheme. He advised Emporia not to go into our county until after the election was over in Sycamore, and refused to sign the petition in Lyon County.

So now he is abused by the friends of the project for allowing Emporia to meddle with our affairs, while on the other hand, Emporia people are abusing him because he refused to take hold of their narrow gauge project. Plumb is blameless in this whole matter.

A number of Emporia people have been here several days and profess to be very confident of the final success of the principal narrow gauge. They say there is money behind it and that it will be built if the required bonds are voted. They want $4,000 a mile, in bonds, for a narrow gauge road. These Emporia parties have been to Kansas City, and claim to have secured very great encouragement from citizens of that town. Lyon County has already submitted a proposition to vote $100,000 in bonds to this project, and Emporia men all claim it will carry.

We have not as yet learned what new move will be made in the interest of our railroad. Every officer of the A., T. & S. F. company are unanimous in the opinion that they will not be bulldozed by Emporia. We can assure our readers that the Bobtail is not dead by any means. The friends still have life, energy, and hope; and when we consider that our enterprise is backed by a powerful railroad company, and that this company will not stand by and see us slaughtered, we certainly have reason to hope for ultimate success. Within a very few days we will know just what is to be done to make our road a success. In the meantime, no man should allow himself to become demoralized. We are going to have that road. There is nothing like clingitude.

[PERSONALS.]

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.

Bliss' mill runs night and day this week.

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.

Ira McCommon is B. F. Baldwin's druggist.

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.

JOHNNY REED's new dwelling house will soon be completed.

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.

We understand that wheat sold at $1.30 last week in Wichita.

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.

WILL ROBINSON has commenced the manufacture of soap.

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.

WALLIS BROS. are having a glass front put in their storeroom.

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.

A new auction store arrived from Independence one day this week.

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.

L. J. WEBB is a member of the committee on Printing and State Library.

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.

CHETOPA, a noted chief of the Osages, is very low with consumption, and is not expected to live.

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.

Oliver E. White, of Albany, New York, cousin of Mrs. C. C. Black, is spending a few weeks in the city.

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.

JAMES McDERMOTT, County Attorney elect, has removed to Winfield, where he will remain permanently.

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.

MR. STUBBLEFIELD, of Sheridan Township, offers to sell a good team of horses and rent his farm on time for $400.

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.

MR. RODOCKER has sold his photograph gallery, and intends starting to the Black Hills some time next week.

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.

The "School Basket," is the name of the paper published by the children of the Intermediate department of our schools.

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.

Cowley County orders are at par. The Treasurer pays cash on presentation. No use for the law requiring registration now.

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.

FRANK STARWALT's pleasant face can be seen at Baldwin's drug store, where he is always ready and willing to wait upon customers.

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.

All the timber on Walnut which could not be reached by the chopper's axe before the river was froze over is now being cut up into cord wood.

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.

Jason Pope, of Augusta, is again on the streets of our city. He says Winfield is the best place to get a contract for laying brick walls he ever has visited.

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.

Mr. D. Stapleton, of Lazette, was in town this week. He was in attendance at a meeting and feast of the Masonic lodge of this place, on Monday evening last.

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.

We were happy to meet Mr. Ira McCommon, brother-in-law of Rev. Platter, again upon our streets. He arrived last Monday evening, and expects to remain with us.

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.

We understand that the party at the Courthouse this evening is exclusively a club dance, given for the benefit of the members of the Evening Star Club.

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.

Look out for bogus silver coins. A gang of counterfeiters have been arrested at Independence at a coin factory. They had a large quantity of coins made of tin and glass.

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.

We are pleased to see the face of Mr. N. A. McKittrick, of Augusta, ex-sheriff of Butler County. He is an extensive stock dealer, and is looking up the stock trade in Cowley.

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.

COL. McCLUNG, with his corps of engineers, is on his way surveying the route for a railroad from Oswego to Winfield. We are not posted in the plans and purposes of the company which Col. McClung represents, but presume we shall be informed more fully when he arrives.

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.

The Central Hotel dished up the supper which was given after the installation of officers of Winfield Chapter, and which was as good a supper as mortal man could wish for.

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.

MR. IVAN A. ROBINSON, a younger brother of Geo. W. and W. C. Robinson, who arrived in Winfield a few weeks since, is waiting upon the customers at Sam Myton's hardware store.

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.

MR. M. B. WALLIS has purchased Frank Gallotti's interest in the stock of clothing formerly carried by Boyer & Gallotti. The business will be managed by the firm of Boyer & Wallis.

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.

We were pleased to receive a call from Mr. G. L. Gall, of Rock, late of Lockwood, Michigan.

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.

HACKNEY still claims to be a Republican, though he wants to fight for Tilden. Wonder who wrote his card in the last Telegram. Grammatically, orthographically, and poetically, it is a great improvement on his former efforts.

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.

The editor is absent at Topeka this week and the COURIER has to run itself. If there is anything wrong in the editorial columns of this issue, blame the editor for not staying at home and doing up the editorials himself.

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.

Master Frank Freeland, while skating on the Walnut last Monday, opposite Lowrey's ice house, went into an air-hole and would have been drowned had it not been for the presence of mind of one of the small boys who were with him.

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.

BY TERRILL, formerly route agent of the Southwestern Stage Co., who is well known by many of our citizens, has rented the stone livery barn and has a fine livery outfit, consisting of brand new buggies, carriages, wagons, and fast horses. He has laid a new plank floor, fitted up a comfortable office, and repaired and improved the barn generally. Success, By.

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.

DEATH CAUSED BY ACCIDENT. On last Tuesday evening Mr. Austin, brother-in-law of Mr. Abe Land, while out hunting, was shot by the accidental discharge of his rifle, the ball striking him in the left cheek, just below the cheek-bone. His body was not found or the accident known until yesterday afternoon. Mr. Austin was a fine young man, and beloved by all that knew him. The bereaved friends have the heartfelt sympathy of the entire community.

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.

HAMPTON, whom Mr. King pointed out on our streets last summer as having shot a man in Missouri, and who was arrested by Sheriff Walker and held until sent for, has had his trial. It resulted in a verdict of guilty of shooting with intent to kill. His brother, who was in the same fracas, was found guilty of murder in the first degree. Sentence had not been passed upon them because of a motion for a new trial. They will probably receive the punishment they deserve. The Howerton, who was arrested here, threatened to avenge himself upon Mr. King as soon as released for having pointed him out to the authorities.

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.

THE WALLIS BROS. have completed the repairs of the room formerly occupied by Henry T. Ford, and have received a large and new stock of groceries and confectionery. They opened their doors and were ready for business last Tuesday morning.

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.

The following were the officers of Winfield Chapter, No. 31, Royal Arch Masons, installed by P. H. P. Bennett, of Emporia, assisted by P. H. Hargis, of Wichita.

John D. Pryor, High Priest; M. L. Read, King; James A. Simpson, Scribe; W. C. Robinson, Captain of the Hosts; A. Howland, Principle Sojourner; W. G. Graham, Royal Arch Captain; J. W. Johnson, Commander of the 3rd Vail; Perry Hill, Commander of the 2nd Vail; S. H. Myton, Commander of the 1st Vail; Frank Gallotti, Treasurer; N. C. McCulloch, Sentinel.

After the installation P. H. P. Read was presented with a fine lambskin apron and collar and a jewel of office, after which the members, with their wives and ladies, repaired to the Central Hotel, and partook of supper and refreshments prepared especially for the occasion. The supper was gotten up in that good and tasteful style as only the cooks of a first-class house can get up. It was undoubtedly the grandest supper ever given in Winfield. The cakes were trimmed and mementoed with the different designs and emblems of the Masonic order. Quite a number of members of the order from Wichita, Arkansas City, and Lazette were present.

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.

I wish to rent my farm, 2½ miles southwest of Tisdale, with fifty acres in cultivation and good buildings, also to sell a good team of horses, a wagon, and farming implements on time.

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.

300 bushels of onions, 400 bushels of beans, 200 bushels of potatoes, and 300 pounds of lard, at Bliss, Earnest & Co.'s.

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.

City Council met at City Clerk's office, Jan. 1st, 1877.

PRESENT: M. O. Troup, Chairman of the Council; H. Brotherton, T. B. Myers, councilmen; J. E. Allen, City Attorney; B. F. Baldwin, City Clerk.

Bill of J. Headrick, $11.25, against Cowley County, for medical attendance on pauper, was read and Council recommended the County Commissioners to pay the same.

Bill of H. Jochems for $2.42, mds. furnished the City, was read, and on motion referred to the finance committee.

Bill of E. C. Manning, $24.00, for city printing, was read, approved, and ordered paid.

Bill of Robert Hudson against Cowley County for care of pauper, one W. Hudson, was read and on motion referred back to him without recommendation of its payment.

On motion the Council adjourned.

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.

The copartnership heretofore existing between W. M. Boyer and F. Gallotti, under the firm of Boyer & Gallotti, is this day, by mutual consent, dissolved. The business will be carried on at the old stand under the name of Boyer & Wallis, who assume all liabilities of the late firm, and collect all accounts due said firm.

Winfield, Kansas, Jan. 22, 1877.

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.

Skipped County Treasurer's Quarterly Statement and School Fund Statement.

Winfield Courier, February 1, 1877. Editorial Page.

E. C. MANNING, EDITOR.

DEAR COURIER: The joint convention has taken the vote on Senator for this day, and adjourned until tomorrow. Result as follows: Plumb, 57; Osborn, 41; Simons, 29; Sears, 27; Martin, 8; Shannon, 1. Plumb will likely make it tomorrow. M.

Winfield Courier, February 1, 1877. Editorial Page.

The Ashtabula bridge has been rebuilt, and trains are again crossing.

Winfield Courier, February 1, 1877.

The Indian Herald devotes two columns to the obituary of old Chetopah, chief counselor of the Osages, who died on the 9th inst., of consumption. Old Chetopah, in the early settlement of Independence, had his camp about three miles from this city, near Table Mound. He was a natural leader, a friend of peace, and his service to the Agent have been valuable.

Winfield Courier, February 1, 1877.

The great overshadowing subject of interest to the people of this county is the question: How can we get a railroad during this year?

The farmers are almost unanimous in urging that something be done immediately; some plan adopted and carried out at once to secure that end.

We have evidently arrived at a crisis which must be met by the united action of our people, based upon an accurate knowledge of the facts, unbiased by prejudices of party or the schemes of older railroad organizations, or our county will be impoverished and many of our best farmers and citizens will be driven to abandon this section for more favorable locations.

We are in a crisis, which if we meet with the proper unity and spirit will place our county among the most favo