MART L. ROBINSON.

Winfield Messenger, Friday, August 30, 1872.

Albert Yale & Co., Publishers.

As will be seen from their notice in this issue, the Independence Bank has sold out to Hull’s Bank. As we understand Messrs. Reed & Robinson by this sale bind themselves not to engage in the Banking business again in our city; we hope they may conclude to remain among us in some other business. These gentlemen have won hosts of friends during their business career here and should they conclude to go elsewhere, they can have no better reference than to the citizens of Independence generally, as to their standing and business integrity. Independence Tribune.

Winfield Messenger, Friday, August 30, 1872.

The above named gentlemen have located at Winfield, and will commence the Banking business here soon. They have purchased the first lot south of the Winfield Bank, and will erect a large stone building with brick and glass front immediately. We are always glad to welcome such men to our town, and most heartily do we welcome Messrs. Reed & Robinson, knowing that with the above recommendation they cannot help but succeed. They have gone for their safe and books and will soon be ready for business.

Winfield Messenger, Friday, November 8, 1872.

Mr. Robinson, cashier of Read’s bank, has bought Mr. Webb’s residence.

Winfield Courier, May 15, 1873. [James Kelly, Editor.]

The mason work on the new bank building is finished, and we venture to say that it is one of the finest buildings in this part of the state. We hope more of our businessmen will manifest the confidence in our town shown by Messrs. Read & Robinson.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 22, 1873.

W. C. Robinson, brother of M. L. Robinson, Esq., was in the city the past week visiting his friends. Mr. Robinson is one of the busy merchants of Independence, Kansas.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 5, 1873.

The glass for the front of M. L. Reed’s Bank have been received and when they are put in, the finishing touches will be about completed. The glass are six feet ten inches high by four feet five inches wide. There are few buildings in this part of the state that presents the general appearance or that have cost more than this.

Winfield Courier, August 28, 1873.

Committee to see that the trees are not injured in any way: A. T. Shenneman, Sheriff Parker, M. L. Robinson.

Winfield Courier, April 24, 1874. [City Council Proceedings.]

The Mayor, with the consent of the Council, appointed the following city officers for the ensuing year. M. L. Robinson was duly appointed City Treasurer; J. W. Curns was duly appointed City Clerk and qualified as such. T. H. Suits was appointed City Attorney. Z. T. Swigart was duly appointed City Marshal.

Winfield Courier, May 8, 1874.

DIED. On Saturday, May 2, 1874, at 6 o’clock p.m., little Gertrude, only daughter of M. L. and A. G. Robinson, aged 7 months and 7 days.

A ray of sunshine comes gleaming from the sky, and falls upon our floor, and cheers and warms our home. A curtain falls and it is there no more. But has it ceased to shine? No! If we but look upward to the sky we see it shining still. This little life came like a ray of sunshine to this household; it warmed the hearts of the parents—it brightened home. The light that shone so brightly in the life of Little Gertrude is not quenched, it is only hidden from our view. Let us but keep the window of our souls open toward Heaven, and when the cloud is passed, the light of His countenance will shine in upon us, and give to our stricken hearts that peace which the world cannot give, and which no earthly trouble or bereavement can take away.

Winfield Courier, May 29, 1874.

Mr. M. L. Robinson and wife and Mr. Sam. Robinson, of Winfield, arrived in the city, yesterday, and are stopping at the Caldwell House. M. L. reports Winfield prosperous, business not overdone, the county improving, and an almost certainty of getting the Fall River & Paola Railroad. Our Independence men at Winfield are all reported as doing well, and having a large business. Independence Tribune.

Yes, Bro. Burchard, Winfield is prosperous far beyond most of her sister towns, and the businessmen you sent us, are generally, doing as well as could be expected considering the town came from.

Winfield Courier, June 19, 1874.

City Treasurer’s Report.

The City of Winfield in account with M. L. Robinson, Treasurer, June 15th, 1874.

RECEIPTS.

March 28 By Z. T. Swigart, show license: $5.00

April 2 By Z. T. Swigart, Fines, E. G. Headrick ($6.50); Jno. Inman (3): $9.50

April 8 By J. M. Hamilton, Dol. store: $3.00

April 8 By J. Herrington, gift store: $3.00

April 8 By T. A. Bancroft, license to sell medicines: $1.00

April 8 By Z. T. Swigart, license from Grady’s circus: $10.00

April 9 By Furgeson & Quarles, license, Livery stable: $2.50

May 5 By Reinhard Ehret, saloon: $150.00

May 9 By Joe Likowski, saloon license: $150.00

May 12 By T. E. Gilleland, license merchant: $5.00

May 12 By A. H. Green, license druggist: $3.50

May 12 By Fairbanks, Torrance, & Green, attnys, license: $2.50

May 26 By W. R. Sheppard, license job wagon: $4.00

May 26 By Jones & Reynolds, license butcher: $3.00

May 29 By S. C. Smith, license real estate agent: $2.50

June 5 By W. M. Boyer, license stationer: $2.50

June 5 By W. M. Boyer, license dog tax: $1.00

June 6 By Darrah & Doty, license livery stable: $5.00

June 8 By Z. T. Swigart, fine of Burns, Impounding: $4.35

June 8 By Z. T. Swigart, Impounding (5.60) pro stock sold (10.00): $15.60

June 8 By N. H. Wood, J. P. fine Wm. Thurman: $4.35

June 15 By Frank Williams, grocery license: $5.00

June 15 Balance due treasurer: $89.14

TOTAL RECEIPTS: $481.44

DISBURSEMENTS.

March 15 To balance due treas. as statement published: $168.03

March 20 142 paid: $1.00

May 6 174, 169, 164, 178, 166, 141, paid: $145.02

May 16 196, 143, 153, 31, 152, 139, 145, 140, 165, 172, 186, 168, paid: $155.29

June 9 107, 183, 194, paid: $12.10

TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS: $481.44

M. L. ROBINSON, City Treasurer.

Winfield Courier, August 14, 1874.

At the election for school board, the following were elected: D. A. Millington for director, G. S. Manser for clerk, and M. L. Robinson for treasurer. Very good.

Winfield Courier, September 4, 1874.

The school board of this city has employed W. C. Robinson, Independence, Kansas, to take charge of our school the coming term. He is a brother to the Treasurer of the school board.

Winfield Courier, September 18, 1874.

We publish elsewhere a call for a meeting of the citizens of this place, at the courthouse on next Tuesday, for the purpose of organizing a Literary and Scientific Association for the establishment of a Library and Reading Room, the employment of public lecturers, etc. This city has long felt the need of something of this sort and we are glad that the matter has been taken hold of at last. Let everybody attend the meeting next Tuesday evening.

---

We, the undersigned citizens of Winfield, agree to attend a public meeting to be held in this city, to take into consideration the desirability of organizing a Literary and Scientific Association, having in view the establishment of a Library and Reading-Room, the employment of public lecturers, the encouragement of literature, and otherwise promoting moral and intellectual improvement. Said meeting to be held at the Courthouse, at 7 o’clock p.m., on Tuesday, September 22, 1874.

(Signed) D. A. Millington, W. Q. Mansfield, E. S. Torrance, V. B. Beckett, M. L. Robinson, John E. Allen, James E. Platter, E. C. Manning, T. H. Johnson, A. H. Green, Wm. Bartlow, A. H. Hane, J. B. Fairbanks, J. W. Curns, G. S. Manser, and M. L. Read.

Winfield Courier, September 25, 1874. [Editorial by James Kelly.]

THE POST OFFICE "RING."

WHAT IT DID, AND TRIED TO DO!

HOW TO KEEP A RASCAL IN OFFICE.

The Men Who Control the Opposition.

Chapter of Sound Reading.

The readers of the COURIER will bear witness to our patience under the slanderous misrepresentations of the Telegram and its allies, for two years past. We have hoped in forbearance to avoid a conflict with the "ring" that keeps that paper on its legs. Long since the people of the county withdrew their support from it on account of its personal abuse and unreliability. For more than a year it has been kept running by desperate makeshifts, by moving from room to room, and from garret to cellar about town because it could not pay rent. By paying its employees with promises, by borrowing material, by taking continuances in court against creditors who were trying to compel it, or its editor, to pay their honest debts, and with the aid of all the subterfuges, practiced only by scoundrels, backed by a ring that we hereafter describe in detail, it has succeeded in maintaining a sickly existence.

The ostensible purpose of its being is reform in politics and abuse of Manning. The real purpose of its being is the maintenance of the "Post Office ring" in Winfield. This ring has no influence in the country whatever except through it organ, the Telegram.

If a democrat in Pleasant Valley wants an office, he knows he must get it without the aid of the republican party—hence he comes to town, joins the post office ring in the abuse of the republican party, and says that Manning runs it. This is reported to the Telegram and at once Mr. Democrat is called a hardy son of toil, and a good man for some office. No questions are asked about his qualifications in reading, writing, or spelling, nor is his past character looked into. It is enough to know that he is opposed to Manning.

If a bull-head from Tisdale township wants an office, whose ignorance and stupidity makes him a failure as a farmer, and who cannot get an endorsement from any intelligent man in the county, he at once seeks the P. O. ring, puts in some heavy anathemas against the Republican party in general and Manning in particular, and he is at once reported to the Telegram as a good man from Tisdale to work up the reform ticket in that locality.

If a bummer of Arkansas City, who has been kicked out of the Republican party for incompetency, ignorance, and rascality, wants an office, he writes an abusive article about Manning specially, and the Republican party generally, signs himself "Republican" or "farmer," sends it to the Telegram for publication, whereupon the P. O. ring set him down as one of the "good, noble, and true," men of Creswell Township who are disgusted with conventions and party lines, and who will make a good candidate on the "reform" ticket for some office.

Now and then a man who has voted for the Republican ticket for years from principle, is proposed for some office, and is beaten in convention because some other man is thought to be better, and he in a fit of passion and disappointment will fall to berating the Republican party or some of its members, whereupon the P. O. ring and Telegram fall to besliming him and convincing him that he was beaten by a trick, and that merit has no show in the Republican organization, and his only hope is to be a "reformer."

When the creditors of Allison or the Telegram press too hard upon the concern for pay, postmaster Johnston, or M. L. Read, step in with either cash or security and give relief. They can’t afford to have the thing go down. Thus the P. O. "ring," by management, and the Telegram by blowing, have made and are making perpetual war on:

1st. The Republican party of Cowley County.

2nd. On the financial interests of Cowley County.

3rd. On the material development of Cowley County.

4th. On the business prosperity of Winfield.

Now we propose to show how it is done, and to show up the men who are doing it.

As to the first charge: the Republican party of Cowley County is or should be composed of men who adhere to the principle and policy of the national party, and carrying its principles and policy into Cowley County affairs, they demand that honest, competent, and honorable men be put in office, and that the public money be economically used, and strictly accounted for. That manufactories be fostered and markets for produce be established. To this end has the COURIER labored. To this end have the active members of the party devoted their energies politically. We challenge from anyone a successful contradiction of this statement.

The P. O. ring and the Telegram, have done for two years, and are still doing their best, to destroy the Republican party, and to defeat its noble mission. Two years ago this fall the

P. O. ring opposed the Republican nominees and worked up the liberal ticket and supported it. Capt. McDermott, the Republican nominee, was elected to the House in spite of them. As a member of the legislature from Cowley County he sent forty copies of the Commonwealth every week during the session, to the Winfield post office for distribution among the people here that they might know what the action of their representative was. Postmaster Johnston did not distribute those papers, but destroyed them, and Capt. McDermott knew nothing of it until his return. Not one word of reproach can be raised against Capt. McDermott while a member of the legislature.

Nor can one word of reproach be truthfully said against any of the county officers elected by the Republican party two years ago, save it be some acts of the county board.

Now we declare that neither the republican party nor any of its active members were responsible for the actions of the board which were subject to criticism. The county board was composed of two men, Messrs. Cox and Maurer, who were elected by the Republican party, and Mr. Smith, the other, was elected on the liberal ticket. There are but one or two acts of that board that can by any stretch of the imagination be subjected to justifiable censure. One is the erection of the courthouse, without authority from the people, another was extravagance in purchasing books and blanks for the county officers.

For the first act, Col. J. M. Alexander and the P. O. ring are responsible. They are the parties who more than anyone persuaded Mr. Cox to make the contract with the city of Winfield to build a courthouse and jail.

Mr. Maurer, one of the Republican commissioners of the county, never consented to the movement. This action of the board was taken, too, in the face of a protest against it, signed by several prominent Republicans of Cowley County, E. C. Manning among the number.

The Telegram at the time endorsed the action of the board, and ridiculed the protest. This action of the P. O. ring cost the county $12,500.

For the second act A. A. Jackson, a Democrat, elected on the "people’s" ticket, is responsible. He was familiar with the wants of the various county officers, and ordered books and blanks at pleasure. He obtained the confidence of the board and either recommended all the books and blanks that were ordered or else ordered them himself, and afterwards obtained the sanction of the board by stating that they were necessary. Jackson made a certain percent on all the books and blanks ordered by him by special arrangement with the various firms from which he ordered them. Jackson was one of the Telegram’s pets at that time and a howler against the Republican party, and of course that paper had no word of censure for him. By this arrangement the county lost several thousand dollars.

The two acts above mentioned are all that could in any fairness be censured, unless it be claimed that the salaries allowed some of the county officers be considered too high. This may be true, but no party is to blame for that. Col. Alexander and other pets of the Telegram told the board that the salaries allowed the County Attorney and Probate Judge ought to be allowed, and several Republicans, among the number, E. C. Manning, discountenanced all these propositions, and Col. Manning declined to accept one half of the salary of the Probate Judge, notwithstanding he was entitled to it under the terms of his partnership association with Judge Johnson. He told Judge Johnson at the time that the salary was too large and he would not have a cent of any such money. So much for Colonel Manning, who we think deserves this mention at our hands, in passing, as he has been accused by the Telegram and its snuffers with being at the head, or bottom, of all the rascality ever perpetrated in the county.

An examination of County Clerk Jackson’s books, which was demanded by the COURIER and Mr. Troup, the Republican County Clerk, who succeeded Mr. Jackson, developed the fact that Jackson’s books, through incompetency, criminality, or both, were in a scandalously incorrect condition, and that J. P. Short, Deputy County Treasurer, had embezzled several thousand dollars of public money. Short was not a Republican elect, but was a member of the P. O. "Ring," a pet of the Telegram, and a howler against the Republican party.

An investigating committee of three, two of whom, the Chairman and one other member, opposed the Republican party last fall, has thus far failed to find anything wrong with the affairs of the Republican county officers although they have been in session several months.

The Telegram is for anybody or anything that will keep T. K. Johnston in the Post Office at Winfield, and serve the interests of its masters, Read & Robinson, and Alexander & Saffold.

When the COURIER expressed the sense of the Republicans of Cowley County, by reproaching Judge Lowe, our member of Congress, for his vote in favor of the salary grain bill, the Telegram made haste to endorse Judge Lowe, and the P. O. Ring sent Lowe a marked copy of each paper. About that time there was an effort made to put Johnson out and put in somebody else, but it failed through Lowe’s influence. Lowe was told that all the Republicans wanted was a man in harmony with the party, no one was particular about the individual. But the COURIER had incurred Mr. Lowe’s displeasure for denouncing him in common with the other salary grabbers. This coupled with the "Ring" endorsement of him saved T. K. At the present hour, after abusing the Republican administration, national, state, and county, for two years, the Telegram hoists the Republican State ticket because it knows it will be elected anyway. This is done to get Governor Osborn’s endorsement to keep Johnston in the Post Office. It then hoists J. K. Hudson’s name, a newspaper publisher, as a candidate for Congress because he is a "farmer," and hoists R. B. Saffold’s name for State Senator because he is a "reformer," and opposed to the Republican party; while H. C. St. Clair, the Republican nominee, is a practical farmer and a patron of husbandry.

Now the Telegram and the "ring" are moving everything to organize an opposition to the Republican party of Cowley County this fall. Why? Because the Republican party won’t endorse Johnston, a man bitterly obnoxious to the public, and notoriously dishonest, as postmaster; won’t give the carpet-bagger from Leavenworth, Alexander, an office; won’t favor the bonding of the County debt so as to enable Read & Robinson, and a few non-residents, to convert the several thousands of dollars of Co. scrip that they hold, into cash. These are the real reasons, no matter what their pretended reasons are. This disposes of charge No. 1.

Now for charge No. 2. "War on the financial interests of Cowley County."

At the time the County Board let the Courthouse contract, Read & Robinson, bankers, were behind the scenes with the money bags. No one would take the contract unless the scrip could be cashed. Read & Robinson, bankers (known as M. L. Read), took the scrip at 65 cents on the dollar. They got it all. In August of last year, the Telegram "Ring" tried to hold a "farmers" political meeting at Winfield. They partially failed of their purpose. Rev. William Martin was one of the speakers of the occasion. The "ring" saw that Martin was the kind of stuff to make an available candidate out of, for the Legislature. He was just about stupid enough to be "above suspicion." So T. K. Johnston went out to the old man’s home shortly after the meeting to interview him. He found the old man "sound," found him possessed of that qualification without which no "reformer" in Cowley County is considered sound, that is, he was opposed to Manning (that he didn’t know why he should be, doesn’t matter), and were he not a Reverend, might be induced to curse him, which would make him the more desirable. Anyway, he would oppose him and that was a good start in the right direction (although Manning was an invalid in the state of New York at that time and had been all summer, but at last accounts he was alive and consequently dangerous); then he would keep T. K. in the Post Office, and favor bonding Read & Robinson’s scrip, and besides was "above suspicion." But the old man didn’t want to be the representative, or said he didn’t, nor would he consent to run. T. K. came back gloomy. The horizon about the Post office was beginning to get somewhat cloudy. By a little strategy, however, by representing to the old man that the people considered him "above suspicion," and demanded that he make the sacrifice, the old man yielded. "Reform" delegates were worked up in Martin’s interest, and he was nominated. By Telegram falsehoods he was elected, and almost the first thing he did was to try to bond the scrip. The Telegram, backed by Read & Robinson, at home, and Allison at his elbow at Topeka, helped him. But the COURIER and the people opposed the measure and he failed.

Last week the Legislature met in extra session to relieve the destitute. Martin went to Topeka. Just before he went to take his seat, he had an interesting interview with members of the "ring." We understand they went in a carriage to his residence in the country and what took place at that interview, of course we can’t tell, except by what the Hon. William did when he reached Topeka. The second bill introduced into the House was "House bill No. 2 by William Martin to bond the debt of Cowley County." It is no measure of relief, no stay of law, no postponement of taxes, no appropriation for the needy, no act of any kind for the relief of the poverty stricken of Cowley County, but an act to convert the scrip of Read & Robinson, Geo. L. Thompson, J. C. Horton, et al, into Cowley County bonds. This, too, in the face of the well known opposition of the taxpayers of Cowley County to bonds of any kind.

Charge No. 3: they make "war on the material interests of Cowley County." To this we say, that by stirring up strife, by seeking to promote personal ends, by detracting from the influence of those who would work unselfishly for the welfare of the whole county, they prevent that material development that awaits us if our people would work and counsel together.

The one overshadowing interest to Cowley County, after the distress of the present hard times is provided for, is the building of a railroad through the Indian Territory. The Republican party is turning its attention to this question.

The P. O. ring and the Telegram are too busy looking after county bonds and "available men" who are "above suspicion" to pay any attention to it. The "ring" delegates to the "reform" congressional convention (Allison and A. Walton) did not go to Emporia and demand a recognition of the interests of Cowley County in that convention. They remained at home still looking for available men who were "above suspicion," and to help Johnston watch the post office for fear Manning might steal it in their absence.

Cowley was not represented in the convention that nominated J. K. Hudson. What did these fellows care about a market for the farmer’s produce so long as they could get their votes? On the other hand, the Republicans sent active, able men to represent them, in the Republican convention at Emporia. Those delegates demanded that the candidates should be pledged to a railroad direct to Galveston, through the Indian Territory. The majority of the delegates in that convention lived on railroads that already lead to Galveston, and defeated the Cowley County resolutions offered by Col. Manning.

Now the Telegram jeers those delegates for their failure. The Telegram and the P. O. ring sneers at the efforts made to wake the people of Cowley up to the importance of this question.

As to the fourth charge, "war on the business prosperity of Winfield."

The P. O. ring, and the Telegram, in order to divert attention from their real designs, must abuse and malign someone, and these are generally the best men in town and county. A. T. Stewart, J. B. Fairbanks, C. M. Wood, Rev. Parmelee, C. A. Bliss, W. M. Boyer, and others, together with all the county officers it could not control, have suffered calumny at its hand. The people of the county are taught that the citizens of Winfield are thieves and cutthroats. This drives people away from the town. This divides our people among themselves. It prevents a cooperation among the citizens of the place in any laudable endeavor, either charitable, educational, religious, moral, or social, or for the general prosperity of the place. No one can deny this.

The COURIER has endeavored to establish good feeling among our own people, and to show to the people of the county that there was no cause for bad blood between town and country. It and its friends have received nothing but abuse in return.

The cabal that backs the Telegram in its baseness has its head and front in Alexander & Saffold, Read & Robinson, and T. K. Johnston. This "ring" is what Alexander calls the

"respectable faction in the Republican party."

We have written what we have written in calmness, after carefully considering the whole subject. We have no desire to make personal assaults on any man. But we have come to the conclusion that longer submission to the assaults of this "ring" upon us, through their mouth-piece, would be cowardly. And in the interests of the people of Cowley County, who have so long been mislead by the misrepresentations of this "ring," we herewith fire our first shot.

Winfield Courier, September 25, 1874.

Proceedings of the Meeting of the Winfield Literary and Scientific Association.

A meeting of the citizens of Winfield was held at the Courthouse September 22, 1874, for the purpose of organizing a Literary Society.

W. Q. Mansfield, M. L. Robinson, J. C. Fuller, Rev. Mr. Platter, Rev. Mr. Rigby, W. W. Walton, and E. B. Kager were appointed a committee to prepare a plan of organization to present at a future meeting to be called by a committee.

We hope all the citizens will take an interest in this society for such an institution, well sustained, can be made a source of much pleasure during the winter, of great and lasting profit.

Winfield Courier, October 22, 1874.

The Presbyterian sociable last night at the residence of M. L. Robinson, Esq., was, we understand, a very enjoyable affair and netted the society $10.55.

Winfield Courier, March 25, 1875.

Notice.

There will be a meeting of the stockholders of the Winfield Cemetery Association on Wednesday, March 31, 1875, at W. H. H. Maris’ store. All persons owning a lot in the Winfield Cemetery are stockholders, and entitled to vote at the meeting. A full attendance is requested. The following is a list of the said stockholders.

JOHN B. FAIRBANKS, Secretary.

John Lowrey, C. A. Bliss, Mrs. Clara Flint, Robert Hudson, W. L. Fortner, W. H. Dunn, _____ Mallard, Dr. D. N. Egbert, J. H. Land, W. M. Boyer, A. Menor, S. J. Swanson, Mrs. Eliza Davis, M. L. Read. S. C. Smith, _______ Kenton, _______ Marshall, Henry Martin, W. H. H. Maris, Mrs. K. Maris, E. Maris, J. Newman, L. J. Webb, J. W. Smiley, George W. Brown, John Rhoads, H. H. Lacy, L. T. Michner, George Gray, N. H. Holmes, John Mentch, M. Steward, J. J. Barrett, J. W. Johnson, J. Evans, ______ Cutting, W. G. Graham, S. W. Greer, Dr. W. Q. Mansfield, J. D. Cochran, C. C. Stephens, W. H. South, J. C. Weathers, Mrs. Joseph Foos, G. S. Manser, Mrs. Southworth, A. A. Jackson, J. F. Graham, Mrs. H. McMasters, S. H. Myton, S. H. Darrah, M. L. Robinson, D. H. Rodocker, R. H. Tucker, James Kelly, W. Dibble, D. F. Best, Z. T. Swigart, R. Rogers.

Winfield Courier, August 12, 1875.

A. Read Robinson, traveling man for Henry W. King & Co. clothing house, Chicago, has been visiting his brother and other relatives here. Will C. has been introducing us to his "brothers" until we have lost all count, and if it were not that the last is always an improvement, we’d say "dis was about blayed oudt." [Another brother of M. L. Robinson.]

Winfield Courier, September 2, 1875.

Several of our farmers are about to introduce sheep into their business of stock raising, and with every prospect of success. Read & Robinson, Bankers, will soon send into Missouri for a large herd. A late article in the Times on the subject of sheep-raising has had its influence, and would be well if the Press, generally, would inform itself on all such subjects, and, in turn, inform the public. Leavenworth Times.

Winfield Courier, September 2, 1875.

We neglected at the proper time to say that M. L. Robinson was reelected Treasurer of School District No. 1.

Winfield Courier, October 28, 1875.

Railroad Meeting.

Railroad meeting at the Courthouse Tuesday night, Oct. 26th, 1875.

Meeting called to order for the purpose of discussing the railroad question; organized by electing Dr. Mansfield chairman, and Amos Walton secretary. Col. Alexander stated the object of the meeting to be to work up correspondence with different parties on the railroad question.

Mayor Millington spoke at some length of the necessity of such an enterprise and that action should be taken immediately in order to cooperate with the counties north of us at once. On motion D. A. Millington, J. E. Platter, M. L. Robinson, and J. C. Fuller were appointed as a committee to carry out the intention of said meeting. On motion, adjourned.

W. Q. MANSFIELD, Chairman.

A. WALTON, Secretary.

In the "Centennial" issue of the Winfield Courier, published January 1, 1876, during the time when E. C. Manning was publisher, he stated that at the Second Annual Election, held April 8, 1874, the City Council appointed M. L. Robinson as City Treasurer.

Winfield Courier, January 1, 1876.

READ’S BANK is conducted on business principles; does business in the first brick building built in our town, and is owned by M. L. Read, Esq., one of our leading citizens. M. L. Robinson is the urbane cashier and Will C. Robinson his gentlemanly assistant. The bank is in a flourishing condition.

Winfield Courier, January 27, 1876.

STATEMENT

Showing the amount of monies collected by the City of Winfield from May 6th to December 31st, 1875, and the disbursement of the same by the city.

Received from liquor license $600.00; dog tax $24.00; fines $27.00; billiard license, $10.00; auctioneer license, $40.00; show license, $1.00; E. B. Kager, $348.00. Total receipts: $1,050.00.

Paid out on city warrants as follows:

Clerk of election $2.00; Printing $19.47; Recording deed $1.25; Building sidewalk $90.60; City Marshal $319.15; Removing nuisances from the city $5.20; Clerk District Court (costs) $14.50; Repairing public well $15.88; City clerk $106.65; Police judge (costs) $27.70; Stationery $3.50; Padlock $.60; Guarding fire $4.00; City Attorney fees $74.00; Costs city, V. S. Mansfield & others $5.25; Boarding prisoners $5.55; Witness fees $2.50; Blankets for calaboose $3.00; M. L. Robinson, ex-city treasurer $28.85; Amount in city treasure to balance $320.35.

Total paid out: $1,050.00

I, B. F. Baldwin, clerk in and for the city of Winfield, Cowley county, Kansas, do hereby certify the foregoing is a true and correct statement of the financial transactions of the city for the time aforesaid, as shown by the report of the city treasurer and his receipts and vouchers now in my office.

Witness my hand and seal in the city of Winfield this 21st day of January, A. D. 1876.

B. F. BALDWIN, City Clerk.

Winfield Courier, April 20, 1876.

From the Railroad Meeting.

CANOLA, KANSAS, April 18th, 1876.

EDITOR COURIER: The delegates selected in Cowley County met at this point today with the Elk County men, and a railroad company was organized. L. B. Fleming of Arkansas City was selected as Chairman, and R. C. Story, of Lazette, was made Secretary of the meeting. S. M. Fall, E. P. Young, J. E. Platter, M. L. Robinson, S. B. Fleming, and W. M. Sleeth were the delegates from Cowley County. The title "Parsons, Walnut Valley and Southwestern," was given the road, and a committee of three was appointed to draft a charter for the same. By vote of the meeting the capital stock was placed $1,500,000 dollars, and shares at fifty dollars each. The road is to be in at Parsons, run west to Independence, thence to Longton, Elk Falls, Greenfield, Lazette, Tisdale, Winfield, and terminate at Arkansas City.

The Elk County delegates speak positively of the willingness of their people to vote bonds for this enterprise.

N. B. Cartnell, J. E. Platter, and L. J. Johnson drafted the charter, which was considered, discussed, and adopted in the evening.

The Board stands as follows: M. L. Robinson and J. E. Platter, Winfield; W. M. Sleeth and S. B. Fleming, Arkansas City; E. P. Young, Tisdale; S. M. Fall, Lazette; A. A. Toby, Canola; H. E. Hitchings, R. R. Roberts, and L. J. Johnson, Elk Falls; J. C. Pinney and N. B. Cartnell, Longton; and Wm. Wright, Elk City, Montgomery County.

The Board adjourned to meet at Tisdale on the 2nd day of May.

If the people of Cowley County want a railroad, now is their opportunity to get one. Quick, vigorous, and unanimous action will place them in such relations with wealthy railroad companies that a road over this line will come speedily. Elk County is alive to its interests in this matter, and success will crown our movement if Cowley County joins hand and heart in it. People of Cowley County, what do you say? X.

Winfield Courier, April 27, 1876.

On April 21 articles of incorporation were filed in the office of the Secretary of State for the Ft. Scott, Winfield and Western railroad. J. B. Lynn and M. L. Robinson, of Winfield, are on the board of directors.

Winfield Courier, June 1, 1876.

Quite a delegation from Winfield started this week for the Centennial. On Wednesday M. L. Read and wife, M. L. Robinson and wife, Frank Williams, Mrs. Maris and granddaughter, Mrs. Powers, Mrs. Boyer, Mrs. Mullin, and J. C. Franklin lit out.

Winfield Courier, June 8, 1876.

Will C. Robinson is conducting Read’s bank during the absence of the Cashier, M. L. Robinson.

Winfield Courier, July 6, 1876.

MR. GEO. ROBINSON, another brother of Will C.’s, has just arrived from Illinois. Of course, he is a school teacher. All of the Robinson boys are. He has made application to teach the Arkansas City school. We hope he will be able to secure it.

[George Robinson was also a brother of M. L. Robinson.]

Winfield Courier, July 13, 1876.

WILL ROBINSON, cashier at Read’s bank, showed us a curiosity the other day. It was a twenty dollar Compound Treasury Note of date Aug. 15, 1864. It set forth that after three years from issuance, it would be paid, with compound interest, at the treasury if presented. If not presented in Aug., 1867, interest to cease. It is worth just $23.88 now.

Winfield Courier, August 10, 1876.

Last week in speaking of the action of the school board in reference to employing teachers for the primary and intermediate departments of the Winfield schools, we omitted to mention the fact that Mr. George Robinson had also been engaged as principal. We did not understand at the time that the contract had been closed with him.

Winfield Courier, September 14, 1876.

THE SITUATION.

EDITOR COURIER, Dear Sir: I wonder if the people of this county fully understand the animus of the opposition in this place, to Col. Manning? Nobody doubts but that he would make an able, energetic, faithful worker for the interests of his constituents. But there is a certain bank and broker faction here, which never will consent that any man whom they believe will do anything to ameliorate the condition of the poor shall be placed in a position where he can be of any service to them. Who are they, who are so fearful lest Col. Manning be elected to the State Senate this fall?

Read & Robinson, bankers; R. B. Wait, S. D. Pryor, James Jordon, Curns & Manser, money lenders; with such fellows as A. H. Green.

Why do they oppose Judge Campbell? Because in every case of the foreclosure of their cut-throat mortgages, Judge Campbell, so far as he can do so legally, throws the strong arm of the law around the poor man. These men want the usury laws abolished; and consequently will not consent that any man go to the legislature who they cannot use for that purpose.

They are afraid that Manning will be able, in some way, to do something to cut down their three percent per month. They will not consent that Manning shall go to the legislature, lest in some way he may obtain such legislation as will make it possible for Cowley County to secure a railroad. This three percent ring do not want railroads. They do not want anything that might by any possibility cut down interest on money below the present ruinous rates.

For these reasons these money changers and extortioners will spare neither time nor money, will stop at no slander or abuse to defeat both Col. Manning and W. P. Campbell. Hundreds of people in Cowley County are already beginning to feel the grip of this soulless money power at their throats. Will they stand still and allow themselves to be choked to death without an effort? CITIZEN.

Winfield Courier, September 28, 1876.

M. L. ROBINSON has had an addition built on his residence, and made other noticeable improvements about his premises.

Winfield Courier, October 12, 1876.

A sister of Mrs. M. L. Robinson is sojourning with friends in this city.

Winfield Courier, February 22, 1877.

THE PARTIES RESPONSIBLE.

For nearly two years we have labored for the construction of a railroad into our county. Others have labored with us. Considerable time and money have been spent by four or five men in Winfield to that end. If a policy that was marked out in November, 1875, by those who really wanted a railroad had been followed, the cars would now be running to Winfield. We desired the railroad bond law so amended last winter as to secure the building of a road. But it was not amended, and we have no road. We have labored to secure that amendment this winter, but it has not nor will it be amended. Consequently, Cowley County will be without a road for at least two years.

Every step taken towards securing a road has been headed off by a ring in Winfield. The leaders in that ring of wreckers we give below. There are a few less important members in the ring, but they are only small potatoes and do the bidding of the leaders, who own them. These are the men who have damaged the people of Cowley County one half million dollars by their course in the past, and which course is likely to damage them in the future a half million more. Let them be held responsible.

M. L. ROBINSON.

M. L. READ.

T. K. JOHNSTON.

W. P. HACKNEY.

CUT THIS LIST OUT

and paste it on the cover of your pocket-books, where you can see it each time you open them to pay from 50 to 75 percent per annum interest on every dollar you borrow at the banks; paste it where it will come in sight every time you sign a cut-throat mortgage; paste it on your wagon boxes to be cursed on the road to Wichita with your wheat and other products for the next two years. And when the sheriff sells your home, and you close the door for the last time to leave what was once your own, nail this list upon that door and tell your wife and children that those are the men who are responsible for the calamity that has made you homeless.

Winfield Courier, April 26, 1877. [Editorial by E. C. Manning.]

The people and newspapers of Chautauqua County are having a warm time over the location of a state road.

And now comes the great Kansas City Times and begins a fight on the Memphis, Parsons & Wallsworth, Western Branch, to Cowley. There must be something pretty serious about this move from Parsons to shake up Kansas City.

The Arkansas City Traveler of April 25th contains six columns of opposition to an east and west railroad into Cowley County. That is a good paper to lay away for future reference. It may be that the Traveler and Arkansas City can afford to fight a railroad proposition that proposes to come to Cowley county and it may be that they cannot. Winfield has made no fight on the north and south road, it has made no fight on Arkansas City. Each word in those six columns may add one stone to a monument erected on a barren mound at the mouth of the Walnut to mark the spot where the fool killer has been.

Winfield Courier, April 26, 1877.

STATEMENT OF THE R. R. COMMITTEE.

The undersigned, a railroad committee chosen by the citizens of Winfield, having learned that certain persons opposed to the projected road from Parsons to Winfield and advocates of a road from Emporia to Arkansas City, via Nennescah, have circulated reports that Messrs. Eskridge and Young, at a conference with the committee holden a few weeks since, offered to so modify their proposition, that county bonds voted in aid of the Emporia road via Winfield should not be issued until a certain part of the road should be built in Cowley county, we positively deny that any such offer has ever been made to us by Messrs. Eskridge, Young, or any other person authorized by them.

They insisted that bonds should be issued and placed in escrow.

We further affirm that this committee never refused to entertain a proposition from the Emporia road, but on the contrary at the very first conference with the representatives of this company, we offered to support $100,000 in county bonds for their road (allowing townships chiefly interested to make up the $20,000 additional), providing the objectionable conditions were withdrawn.

We made this offer in good faith and in no way contingent upon any east and west proposition.

This is much better than the terms they are now pretending to accept from the townships to which they are now making propositions and shows that if bad faith exists anywhere, it is on the part of this company and indicates a deliberate purpose to discriminate against Winfield.

The committee never have withdrawn this offer and the only difference between this committee and the representatives of this road is that we would not give the $20,000 additional and they would not consent to the withdrawal of the escrow and litigation clauses.

Messrs. Eskridge and Young never asked for a public meeting to be held in the interest of this road.

(Signed by) S. C. SMITH, W. Q. MANSFIELD, FRANK WILLIAMS, J. E. ALLEN, D. A. MILLINGTON, acting for E. C. MANNING, M. L. ROBINSON, acting for J. E. PLATTER.

Winfield Courier, April 26, 1877. [Editorial.]

THE RAILROAD BONDS.

On the 22nd of May our county is to vote for or against aiding the railroad from Parsons to this place. It is an important step for Cowley County. The favorable or unfavorable decision rendered at that time will tell largely upon the future welfare or illfare of our people. The eyes of all south and southwest Kansas are upon us. At least a dozen railroad projects are looking towards this county. Of course, the manipulators of eleven of these enterprises hope that the bond proposition in favor of the twelfth will fail.

Of course, all the towns from which the eleven start and through which they propose to run also hope the present bond proposition will fail.

Of course, Independence, Emporia, Eldorado, and Wichita all hope the bond proposition will fail.

Of course, every locality that lives off from the industry of Cowley hopes the bonds will fail.

In view of these facts, no man living in Cowley can afford to oppose the bond proposition simply because the proposed line of road does not touch his farm or his town. If a man is opposed to voting bonds from principle, or is opposed to voting any bonds, as a matter of business, then is the position tenable; but it is an evil day for him as a citizen or for they as a community, who take the responsibility of opposing aid to a railroad into Cowley county merely because it does not run everywhere to suit town site speculators.

The farmers of Cowley county want a railroad and those men and that locality will not increase their chances for favors or railroads in the future who now oppose this one before us.

The people of Arkansas City are trying to create the impression throughout the county that Winfield has rejected the north and south road and hence they (citizens of Arkansas City) are justifiable in opposing an east and west road. This effort of theirs is a shystering trick. Winfield offered to stand by a proposition to give $100,000 bonds to a north and south road without any reference whatever to an east and west road. Winfield further offered to stand by a county proposition for $100,000 to each, a north and south and an east and west. But no; the managers of the north and south proposition would have $4,000 per mile and the privilege of building as many miles in the county as they were pleased to, and the bonds must first be delivered before work was commenced. This Winfield would not agree to.

After an east and west road had submitted a proposition to build into the county and nineteen hundred petitioners had asked that an election be ordered on the question of voting $120,000 in bonds thereto, then, and not till then, did the friends and projectors of the north and south road conclude that they could build their road for $120,000 in county bonds; but even then, they wanted the bonds issued as soon as voted. Of course, the friends of an east and west road could not support the proposition at that late date, because:

FIRST: The county cannot vote but 200,000 dollars.

SECOND: The east and west road does not ask to have the bonds issued until the road is built.

THIRD: If the bonds for the north and south road were voted and put in escrow, of course they would take precedence even if the road was not built first.

FOURTH: No east and west road would be built and take the chance of getting $120,000 in bonds after a like amount had already been issued for the benefit of a north and south road.

Note: The first "Sheriff’s Election Proclamation," dated April 9, 1877, was for the east/west railroad. The following is the second "Sheriff’s Election Proclamation," dated April 17, 1877, for the north/south railroad. Election on both propositions to take place on the same day: May 29, 1877.

Winfield Courier, April 26, 1877.

SHERIFF’S ELECTION PROCLAMATION.

WHEREAS, on the 17th day of April, 1877, the board of County Commissioners of Cowley county, in the State of Kansas, made and entered on record the following order, to-wit: In the matter of the petition of E. G. Willett, et al, for an order calling a special election to be held for the purpose of voting aid to a certain railroad company therein named.

Now comes the said E. G. Willett, et al, and presents to the Board of County Commissioners a petition in writing, signed by one hundred and ten resident taxpayers of the municipal township of Rock Creek, in the county of Cowley and State of Kansas, praying that a special election be called for the purpose of submitting to the electors of said township the question of making a subscription to the capital stock of the Kansas City, Emporia and Southern Railroad Company to the amount of twenty thousand and five hundred dollars ($20,500) and issuing a like amount of the bonds of said township in payment therefore.

And upon full consideration of said petition and the evidence and arguments adduced and offered in support thereof, it is found by the Board that said petition has been duly signed by two fifths of the resident taxpayers of said municipal township of Rock Creek and is in all respects regular and sufficient.

It is therefore, on this 17th day of April, A. D., 1877, conformable to the Statute in such cases made and provided, and pursuant to the conditions and prayers on that behalf in said petition set forth and contained, ordered by the Board that a special election be held in the municipal township of Rock Creek, at the usual place of voting therein, on the 29th day of May, A. D., 1877, for the purpose of then, there and thereby submitting to the qualified electors of said municipal township the following proposition, to-wit:

Shall the municipal township of Rock Creek, in the county of Cowley, by the County Commissioners of said county, subscribe for and in behalf of said township take the capital stock of the Kansas City, Emporia & Southern Railroad Company in the amount of 20,500 dollars, and in payment therefor issue and deliver to said railroad company the bonds of said township to the amount of 20,500 dollars, payable, principal and interest, at the fiscal agency of the State of Kansas, in the city of New York, in thirty years after the date thereof, with the privilege reserved to said township of paying the whole or any part of said bonds at any time after five years from the date thereof by giving notice thereof for twelve months; and the further privilege reserved to said township of paying cash for and redeeming the whole or any part of said bonds at the time of the delivery thereof as herein provided, at the rate of 85 cents for each dollar of the face value of said bonds so paid and redeemed. Said bonds to be issued in denominations of from one to five hundred dollars each, as said company may desire, and to draw interest at the rate of 10 percent per annum from the date of their delivery to said railroad company, payable semi-annually, on the 15th days of January and July in each and every year, and all interest coupons matured or about to mature at the date of the delivery of said bonds to be canceled and returned to the county.

Said bonds to be issued in consideration of the construction, operation, and maintenance of the said railroad into or through said township from the direction of Douglass, in Butler county, over the most practicable route to Arkansas City, with two stations in the said township; and upon the further condition that said road shall be completed and trains running thereon into said township within twenty one months from the time designated for the commencement of the work at Emporia.

Immediately after the proposition is voted by the people of said township, and the result of the election duly ascertained and declared, said subscription to the capital stock of said railroad shall be made.

The said Kansas City, Emporia & Southern Railroad Company or their assigns shall construct and equip as aforesaid and have in operation a railroad of a gauge of three feet, so constructed as to form one continuous and unbroken line from Kansas City, in the State of Missouri, by way of Emporia, in Lyon county, Kansas, and Eureka, in Greenwood county, Kansas, Augusta and Douglass, in Butler county, Kansas, to Arkansas City, in said Cowley county, within twenty-one months from the beginning of the work thereon as hereinafter set forth from Emporia; and from Kansas City within three years from such beginning. Said road to be constructed in a substantial manner and the equipment thereof to be first class and sufficient for the ordinary traffic of the road, and the work of constructing said road to be commenced within ninety days after the voting of bonds in aid of said railroad by the counties of Lyon, Greenwood, and the municipal townships in Butler county through which said road is to pass, and the said work to continue uninterruptedly from the commencement to the completion thereof and no part of said bonds shall be delivered to said railroad company, nor be of any binding force or validity upon said township, until said railroad is completed and trains running thereon into said township.

When said road is completed and trains rushing thereon into said township, the bonds of said township to the amount of $20,500 shall be delivered to said railroad company or their assigns and the stock of said company in equal amount, dollar for dollar, shall be delivered at the same time to the County Commissioners for said township.

The forms of the ballots to be used at said election to be, "For the railroad Stock and Bonds," or "Against the Railroad Stock and Bonds."

And it is further ordered by the Board that the Sheriff give notice of the time and purpose of said election by his proclamation on that behalf, to be published in the Arkansas City Traveler and Winfield COURIER for the period of thirty days preceding the date of election.

STATE OF KANSAS, Cowley County, ss.

I. M. G. TROUP, County Clerk in and for the county and State aforesaid do hereby certify the above and foregoing to be a true and correct copy of the original order.

Witness my hand and seal this 17th day of April, A. D., 1877.

M. G. TROUP, County Clerk.

NOW, therefore, I, R. L. Walker, Sheriff of Cowley county, Kansas, do hereby proclaim and make known that on Tuesday, the 29th day of May, A. D., 1877, there will be held a special election, at the usual place of voting in the municipal township of Rock Creek, in said county of Cowley, for the proposition contained in the above order, in the manner and form therein provided and set forth. R. L. WALKER, Sheriff of Cowley county, Kansas.

Winfield Courier, April 26, 1877.

Forgery.

Zebulon Foster, charged with the crime of forgery, is in custody awaiting trial at the next term of court. Zeb. sold a note for fifty-five dollars on Monday to M. L. Robinson. The names of John and Sol Smith, and Barney Shriver had been put to the note and he expected to get the money for it from one of the banks. He offered to sell it to Mr. Fuller, of the Winfield Bank, but did not effect a sale for the paper did not look just right. He then took it to Mr. Read’s bank and Mr. M. L. Robinson received the paper and was to have paid him for it as soon as the young man could produce a reference. Having obtained possession of the note, Mr. Robinson was looking for the sheriff while the young man was hunting a reference. As a result of all the good management on one side and bad management on the other, Zeb. and Dick. were soon walking the streets arm in arm. Zeb. is now waiting to learn what Judge Campbell and a jury of twelve men will have to say about the matter of writing other people’s names to promises to pay.

Winfield Courier, August 9, 1877.

At this week’s meeting of the county board, Mr. M. L. Robinson was appointed Trustee of Winfield township in place of J. S. Hunt, resigned.

Winfield Courier, September 6, 1877.

P. Stump drives the fine bays formerly owned by M. L. Robinson.

Winfield Courier, October 4, 1877.

Our readers will not fail to notice the new advertisement of M. L. Read, which has appeared in the two last issues. It contains an excellent cut of Mr. Read’s substantial bank

building. Mr. Read is a substantial banker, does business in a substantial way, has a substantial safe that neither fire nor burglars can penetrate, and a time lock that will keep the cashier and his assistant from delivering up the contents of the safe during the night, though strongly persuaded by an exhibition of shooting irons.

AD: CENTERED IS A CUT OF THE FRONT OF BANK.

Our Safe is Guarded By The Yale Time Lock.

Collections Solicited and Promptly Attended to.

M. L. Read’s Bank,

WINFIELD, KANSAS,

Does a

GENERAL BANKING BUSINESS.

M. L. ROBINSON, Cashier. W. C. ROBINSON, Asst. Cashier

Possessing ample means for the successful conduct of our business we would be pleased to receive accounts from any believing we can make it to their advantage to do business with us.

REFERENCES:

First National Bank, Kansas City, Mo.

Cass County Bank, Beardstown, Ills.

Rev. O. M. Stewart, Trinity M. E. Church, St. Louis, Mo.

Wichita Savings Bank, Wichita, Kansas.

F. W. Fraey, Cashier 1st. N’l. Bank, Springfield, Ill.

Donnell, Lawson & Co., Bankers, New York City.

Winfield Courier, November 1, 1877.

Read and Robinson have laid out a new addition to Winfield on the southwest.

Winfield Courier, November 8, 1877.

From an article by a K. C. Journal of Commerce correspondent, it was stated:

"The bank of M. L. Read, of which M. L. Robinson is cashier, has been established five years, and occupies the first brick building in Cowley County."

Winfield Courier, November 15, 1877.

By Terrill has purchased the fine carriage of M. L. Robinson. He now has one of the finest livery outfits in Southern Kansas. He keeps the very best of teams and good buggies.

Winfield Courier, November 15, 1877.

Mr. M. L. Robinson sold his house place to Dr. Emerson. He will now improve his reserved block in the southwest part of town. We expect to see a residence there next spring that in magnificence will eclipse everything else in Southern Kansas.

Winfield Courier, November 22, 1877.

CARD. G. EMERSON, M. D., Physician and Surgeon.

Office over New York Store (Manning’s brick.)

Residence, corner 11th and Fuller Street. (Robinson house.)

Winfield Courier, December 27, 1877.

Samuel M. Martin, of Jacksonville, Illinois, has been visiting his brother-in-law, M. L. Robinson, the past week. Mr. Martin has been county clerk of his county for fourteen years. He thinks of locating with us.

Winfield Courier, January 24, 1878.

The south bridge across the Walnut River is completed, accepted, and in operation, and now we swing our hat and give the three times three and a tiger with the best of them. It is ready for operation just in time, for the river has recently come up booming again, nearly ten feet above the ordinary stage. The bridge is one of the most beautiful iron structures we ever saw, and appears to be in every way strong and substantial. It is 150 feet span, 33 feet above low water, on substantial stone abutments, and the approaches are splendidly graded. When the proposition was submitted to vote $2,500 bonds to this bridge and $3,000 to the west bridge, we opposed the proposition because we did not believe we could build both, and voting so small a sum as $2,500 for the south bridge would ensure its failure. But the bonds were carried and the splendid management of the township board with the contributions and active aid of other citizens has proved us to have been mistaken. But while great credit is due to the board and others, we are mainly indebted to the efficient and persistent efforts of M. L. Robinson that this project has been worked up and carried though to complete success at so little cost to the township.

Winfield Courier, January 31, 1878.

J. Hoenscheidt is the architect employed by J. C. Fuller, M. L. Robinson, Jay Page, the Misses Aldrich, E. P. Hickok, C. Farringer, and others in the erection of their new residences. These residences will be built in modern style, to combine symmetry and beauty with convenience and stability, and will cost from two to seven thousand dollars each; hence the propriety of employing a first-class architect.

Winfield Courier, February 21, 1878.

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

Winfield Courier, February 28, 1878. [Millington & Lemmon, Publishers.]

SOUTHERN KANSAS.

THE REMARKABLE PROSPERITY OF WINFIELD.

ITS INCREASE IN POPULATION AND WEALTH THE PAST YEAR.

A Glimpse at a Few of Her Palatial Residences—Episode in the Life of One of Her Citizens.

"A Fine Old Southern Gentleman, One of the Olden Time."

[From the Kansas City Journal of Commerce.]

CENTRAL HOTEL, WINFIELD, KANSAS, February 13, 1878.

A recent census shows a population of 1,611 in this town—an increase of about fifty percent within a year. Without question, it is the most prosperous interior town in the State, and presents more evidence of wealth and permanence and offers greater inducements to businessmen and capitalists than any other.

Real estate is appreciating rapidly, and comfortable tenement houses are in demand and high. Some enterprising mechanic with a little capital could make a fortune by building cottages to sell. There are two dozen houses in course of building now, one-half of which are residences to cost from three to seven thousand dollars, and transfers of lots to parties intending to build others are of daily occurrence. As several of these buildings are being gotten up on a scale of elegance (very unusual for a new county, and especially the frontier), I may be pardoned for a brief description of them.

M. L. Robinson has chosen the southwestern portion of town for his residence, and is building a stately mansion upon an eminence which commands a landscape of surpassing loveliness. The building has only recently been commenced, but the designs according to the drawings of the architect are elaborate and costly. A large force of workmen are engaged and the pleasant weather is being improved.

JOE FLUFFER.

Winfield Courier, May 2, 1878.

Work is progressing rapidly on the residence of M. L. Robinson, Esq. The roof has been put on the back part of the house and the walls of the front part are almost done. When complete, this will be the finest residence southwest of the state capital.

Winfield Courier, July 4, 1878.

A Threatened Famine.

C. A. Bliss, G. S. Manser, A. B. Lemmon, E. P. Kinne, J. C. Fuller, M. L. Read, T. R. Bryan, W. M. Allison, J. W. Curns, C. C. Black, D. A. Millington, E. S. Bliss, E. S. Torrance, A. E. Baird, J. B. Lynn, M. G. Troup, M. L. Robinson, J. C. McMullen, E. C. Manning, and probably many others, all with their wives, will make a raid upon Arkansas City, the steam boats, and Newman’s dam on the Fourth. They will seize all the provisions they can find in the city, capture both the "Aunt Sally" and the—the—well, Amos’ steamship, will rip out Newman’s dam, and steam up the Walnut to Winfield, driving a large herd of catfish. Bliss and Harter & Harris will load the steamers with flour at their mills. The party will start at about 9 o’clock a.m.

Winfield Courier, July 11, 1878.

M. L. Robinson’s palace residence is nearly completed. He has got his gas works to work beautifully and has bid coal oil "good bye."

Winfield Courier, August 29, 1878.

M. L. Robinson’s residence is nearly completed, and is one of the most magnificent structures in the Southwest.

Winfield Courier, October 3, 1878.

Mr. M. L. Robinson and wife have gone to Kansas City to purchase furniture for their new house which is nearly completed.

Winfield Courier, October 31, 1878.

WINFIELD, October 30, 1878.

After this date Mexican dollars will be received by us at 90 cents.

M. L. ROBINSON, Cashier Read’s Bank.

J. C. FULLER, Winfield Bank.

B. F. BALDWIN, Cashier Citizens’ Bank.

Winfield Courier, November 21, 1878.

We desire to give M. L. Robinson, the commissioners, and others full credit for saving $4,000 to the county in the final reduction of the Santa Fe proposition to $144,000.

Winfield Courier, December 5, 1878.

The stage, a hack, and a buggy, all well loaded with passengers, made a race of the trip from Wichita to Winfield last Thursday. They left Wichita about 8 o’clock in the morning and until they passed Bushnell it was doubtful which would win. Soon after passing that place a wheel ran off and let the stage down. Not long after that the buggy horses began to wilt. The hack, which was one of Terrell & Ferguson’s rigs, got in before three o’clock p.m., loaded with M. L. Robinson & wife, Mrs. Millington, an Alton gentleman, and the driver, with the team in excellent condition; the stage mended up and got in two hours later, and the buggy got in a little later still, but one of its horses died before morning and the other was not much better off.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 2, 1879.

The following is a list of new buildings erected in the city of Winfield since January 1, 1878, with the name of owner and cost of building.

M. L. Robinson, residence, cut stone: $15,000.

[Paper showed that the total cost of buildings was $180,200. It stated 201 were erected.]

Winfield Courier, January 2, 1879.

[This issue listed Courier advertisers.]

READ’S BANK. This is one of the institutions of Winfield. The bank occupies a large and fine brick building, keeps its funds in an enormous fire-proof safe, with burglar proof chest combination, and a time lock, and all modern safeguards. M. L. Read, the president, is a gentleman of character and abundant means. He owns a large amount of valuable real estate in this city and county, and is reputed one of the wealthiest men in the state. M. L. Robinson, the cashier, is one of the ablest financiers in the county, and under his skillful direction, success is sure. W. C. Robinson, his assistant, is an assistant indeed. Wilber Dever writes up the books. Each member of the force is a gentleman by instinct and habit.

Winfield Courier, April 10, 1879.

On Friday evening last week the young people assembled at the residence of Mrs. M. L. Robinson and a most delightful evening was spent. An elegant supper was served at ten o’clock, after which the tables were removed and the dining room given up to dancing, which was kept up until a late hour.

Winfield Courier, April 24, 1879.

To the Voters of Cowley County.

On the 29th of this month you will be called upon to cast your ballots for or against the proposition to exchange the bonds of your county for $68,000 of the stock of the Southern Kansas and Western Railroad Company. It is your duty to prepare yourselves to vote intelligently, and in order to assist you in doing so, your committee, appointed to look after the railroad interests of your county, desire to advance a few reasons (which appear to them to be well founded), why this proposition should receive the favorable consideration of every vote in the county.

In the first place, the proposed road is greatly needed to advance the material interests and welfare of the people. It is to extend through the county from east to west, affording this county a connection with all the eastern roads running through Missouri to the Mississippi river; with the projected road through southern Missouri to Memphis and with the M. K. & T. road running through the Indian Territory to Texas, with a Ft. Smith connection soon to be made which will open up to us the long coveted market of Little Rock and other coveted southern points.

The advantages to be derived from these connections, in bringing to our doors the cheap lumber from the pineries of Missouri, Arkansas, and Texas, the superior coal of the eastern counties, reduced freights from St. Louis and the east, and in the transportation of our own exports to a favorable market, certainly cannot be over-estimated.

But will the road be built if the bonds are voted? This query, owing to the singularly modest demand of the company in asking but $68,000 for building nearly forty miles of first-class road, using steel rails, and overcoming the Grouse hills, may well be repeated and answered doubtingly by the reflective mind. Nevertheless, we can confidently assure you, fellow-citizens, that if the bonds are voted in Elk and Cowley Counties, the road will not only be built, but will be completed considerably ahead of time. A letter just received by the chairman of this committee from Major O. B. Gunn, chief engineer (and who, we may justly add, stands at the pinnacle of his profession), whose honor and truthfulness are unimpeachable, says: "I told your people that while our proposition was for the first of March, we should expect to reach Winfield by the 1st of January; but I am able to say that if the bonds are voted all along the line, so we can spread out, we shall try to do even better than I stated."

How do we know that the company mean business, and that the road will be constructed if the bonds are voted? We know it on business principles. The company is backed by representatives of some of the best railways in the country, and possessed of immense capital. The building of this road is necessary to the welfare and prosperity of other roads owned by these backers. The company have deposited with the Winfield Bank the amount of money fixed by the county clerk to pay the expenses of the election, provided the bonds are voted and they fail to comply with their agreement.

The company has placed in the hands of T. H. Bryan, county treasurer, a certificate of deposit of the banking house of Armour Bros., Kansas City, payable to the order of the county treasurer, for $10,000, dated April 12, 1879, to be forfeited to the county, provided the bonds are voted in Elk and Cowley counties, and the company fail to build the road as stipulated.

The contract for the construction of the road from Independence west to the Elk county line has already been let, to be commenced immediately, and the ties and steel rails for the same are purchased and waiting to be used.

But some men say that the voting of this subsidy, though small, will, added to that already voted to the Cowley, Sumner & Ft. Smith company, increase and make our taxation burdensome. Let us see if it will. We propose to make a plain statement of figures that cannot lie, nor be controverted.

The interest on $68,000, for one year, at 7 percent, amounts to $4,760. The road will be assessed at not less than $6,000 per mile. Taking 38 miles as the least length (a low estimate) of the road, the assessment will amount to $228,000. We will average the tax at $3 on the $100 valuation, as some townships pay more, and some less. The tax on the road then will amount to $6,840, or $2,080 in excess of the interest! It is easy to see that this excess, each year for 30 years, without any accumulation of interest, would nearly extinguish the whole debt. But used as a sinking fund, which under the present law, it must be, and availing ourselves of the wise provision in the proposition, giving the county the privilege, after ten years, of paying off the indebtedness, as we become able, no one need feel the least apprehension that the county is assuming more than she is able to bear; but that, on the contrary, she could not do a wiser thing for her future welfare and prosperity, than to buy the construction of this road with her bonds, getting the stock of the company to boot, which may not be considered, by any means, worthless. The time may come when the stock of a first class road like this one, and backed by unlimited capital like this, will be worth nearly par.

But the road itself is by no means all the taxable property that it brings in. Consider the increased valuation of all kinds of property resulting from it! The settlement of unsettled lands—the growth of towns and stations—the increase of crops and stock, and the inflow of capital for all purposes, certainly must convince a reasonable mind—a mind of fair capabilities—that it would not be the part of wisdom to reject such a proposition as the one before us.

In conclusion, fellow-citizens, we would have been pleased to have paid a deserved eulogy to our county, the best and fairest, and to become the richest of the best and fairest state in the Union; a county, in which to be a resident, may justly add to one’s pride and self-respect—but our circular is full lengthy now; and we must be contented with the few plain facts herein stated.

Committee.

J. M. ALEXANDER.

M. L. ROBINSON.

E. P. KINNE.

T. K. JOHNSON.

R. L. WALKER.

Winfield Courier, July 3, 1879.

M. L. Robinson and family started for Colorado last Tuesday and will be absent about six weeks. He goes for health and pleasure, and will take in Pueblo, Colorado Springs, and Manitou. We wish him a pleasant trip. The editor expects to be with him.

Winfield Courier, July 24, 1879.

RECAP: Millington started on a three week junketing excursion of the mountains of Colorado...returned in less than three weeks.

Started July 5th, went to Topeka, Kansas City, and then stopped at Colorado Springs, Colorado. After spending eight or ten days in that vicinity visiting Cheyenne Canon, Ute Pass, Garden of the Gods, Glen Eyrie, Monument Park, Pike’s Peak, etc., the party went south and west, visiting the Veta Pass and the Rio Grande, returning home from there.

While at Colorado Springs, he and his wife were in the company of M. L. Robinson and family, J. C. Fuller and wife, John Stalter, J. L. Robinson, and others. He commented that J. L. Robinson had a jovial wit and sparkling imagination; J. C. Fuller had a dry humor and quick repartee. J. L. Robinson and J. C. Fuller contributed extensively to the pleasure of their various excursions, carriage rides, rambles, walks, climbs, and picnics among the canons, gorges, glens, parks, mountains, and rocks of that wonderful region.

When at Topeka just starting for Pike’s Peak, Lemmon asked the Millingtons who they were going with. Millington answered, "M. L. Robinson and J. C. Fuller." Lemmon rejoined: "Correct. Never think of going to Colorado with less than two bankers with you."

At Colorado Springs Mr. and Mrs. Millington joined Frank and M. L. Robinson, who had been riding about in that vicinity two or three days.

"Frank Robinson informed us that the water there ‘runs up hill.’ We were at first inclined to be skeptical on this point; but our own observation soon showed us that Frank had good grounds for his conclusions. We started out for the foot of the mountains, about six miles, and it looked to us to be downhill all the way. Colorado Springs is located on a bench of land above a bluff which rises from a creek valley lying just west of town. Along the streets of the town on both sides are streams of water running south in ditches. We followed north and northwest along one of these streams down into the creek valley to where the ditch was fed from the creek, and we could not make it appear to us otherwise than that the water was running uphill all the way from that creek through the irrigating ditch, winding up the bluff into town. Other ditches bringing water from the foot of the mountain presented a similar appearance.

"Our explanation is that the mountains beyond loom up so incredibly steep and high that in comparison a moderate rise toward them looks like a descent."

Millington told about his trip to Pike’s Peak with M. L. Robinson. "We started from Colorado Springs before six o’clock in the morning and rode in a buggy six miles, up to Manitou Springs at the entrance of the canon at the foot of the trail. Here we mounted hardy and sure-footed ponies and entered upon the trail at about seven o’clock. Our route was steep uphill, winding around mountain peaks and precipices, up a stupendous gorge or canon; past numerous water falls—many of them covered by enormous granite rocks which had tumbled down from thousands of feet above; winding along in a narrow mule path in the steep sides of fine debris, which had tumbled down from the heights above; hugging overhanging rocks to keep from falling into the stupendous chasm below; crossing over the gorge back and forth to avoid impassible precipices; and finally at the end of four and a half miles, and having risen 3,000 feet, we emerged from the canon into a wider valley, in which there was much vegetation, and which was crowded with splendid quaking aspen trees and many firs; along which valley we passed westward toward the peak, still rising rapidly and winding between lofty peaks. Following this valley a mile and a half we turned to the left, directly south, and went up along the backbone of a very steep ridge for two miles, which brought us up to the Lake House, a log hotel on the margin of a beautiful lake lying in an ancient crater at an elevation of 9,700 feet.

"From this point we went west and southwest, climbing diagonally up the steep side of a spur or ridge, running down southwest from the peak. A mile and a half of the steepest kind of climbing brought us around the point of the ridge. A storm was raging above us, and we rode into it, winding up the west slope of the peak. The storm was rain, snow, and hail with the sharp reports of lightning and thunder reverberating among the crags around us. One discharge splintered a granite rock to pieces but two or three hundred feet from us. But we were well wrapped and comfortable and kept climbing and winding up spirally from the west side of the peak around the north and east sides to the south side, where we emerged above the storm, and still climbing up toward the north, arrived at the signal station on the very summit, having risen above the lake nearly 5,000 feet, about 2,000 up to the storm, 2,000 through the storm, and 1,000 above it.

"We arrived at the summit at about a quarter past three o’clock in the afternoon. The storm was still raging below us. Far down the sides of the peak, all around from 1,000 to 5,000 feet below us, rolled the dark clouds, the lightning flashed incessantly, and the thunder crashed and reverberated; but we looked over the storm down to the east and saw the city of Colorado Springs, eighteen miles distant, lying apparently immediately below us, and many other objects stretching away in the distance. But the storm though still far below us was widening toward the east and soon shut off our vision from the lower world. Sometimes a little fraction of the cloud would roll up from below on one side of the top and plunge down on the other side, but otherwise it was fair on the top.

"The situation forcibly reminded us of the lines of the poet:

‘As some tall cliff uprears his awful form,

Swells from the vale and midway leaves the storm,

Though ‘round his breast the rolling clouds are spread,

Eternal sunshine settles on his head.’

"At four o’clock p.m. we commenced our descent. Before we had proceeded a mile down the trail we found ourselves entering the upper side of the storm, and by the time we had descended another mile, we found ourselves surrounded by a war of the elements which cannot be described. The rain, snow, and hail were in themselves terrible, but the lightning and thunder were too frightful to contemplate. The air was filled with rapid flashes, and reports sharp, loud, and incessant, crashed and reverberated among the crags about us. We heard the splintered and exploded rocks rattling and jingling all about us, but could not see them for the darkness and density of the storm.

"My companion, M. L. Robinson, got down from his pony and by the light of the lurid flashes, I thought he looked rather pale. There were several strangers on their ponies along, and not only men but ponies seemed almost paralyzed by fright. There was one woman, strong and courageous as she went up, now entirely demoralized. She and her husband had dismounted when we overtook them coming down. He was standing pale and speechless by the side of the trail. She was on her knees, her face deformed by her fears and distress, large tears rolling down her face, moaning, praying, begging for life. She prayed and promised the Lord that if he would save her from this terrible danger, she would never go to Pike’s Peak again the longest day she ever lived. M. L. tried to soothe and quiet her, but he might as well have attempted to quiet the storm that was crashing around us. We told them that was no place to stop, to get on their ponies and ride down out of the storm. We proceeded to follow our own advice and were soon below the worst of the storm; and when we reached the Lake House, the storm was all above us toward the top of the peak. We arrived at Manitou from the top of the peak in four hours. It had taken us eight hours to go up. We arrived at Colorado Springs at nine o’clock p.m."

Winfield Courier, July 31, 1879. [Part of an editorial by D. A. Millington.]

Mrs. J. C. Fuller returned from Colorado last Saturday. She had gained more in health than we could have expected in so short a time. After we left the party, they went to Denver and to Georgetown. J. C. visited the top of Gray’s Peak. He and his wife then left for Pueblo from which point Mrs. Fuller started home and J. C. started up the Grand Canon for Leadville. M. L. Robinson and family were to spend a few days at Idaho Springs and vicinity after which Mrs. Robinson and her boys will probably return and M. L. will pursue his investigations into the mineral resources of Colorado and New Mexico. We did not learn whether it was arranged that the two bankers should join in their travels or not.

M. L. Robinson suddenly and unexpectedly returned from Colorado yesterday morning.

Winfield Courier, July 31, 1879.

The depot of the C., S. & S. F. railroad at Winfield is located three blocks south of M. L. Robinson’s residence.

Winfield Courier August 14, 1879.

We give M. L. Read, M. L. Robinson, and W. P. Hackney the credit of securing the depot where they desired. There had been a desire on the part of some to locate it east of town, but no proposition was made in that direction. The only proposition made to Mr. Strong other than that of Mr. Read was for the location west of town between 9th and 10th streets, but this proposition was not put in form and therefore probably not considered. Mr. Lemmon took no part in these matters. If he holds his office by accident, lightning has struck twice in the same place.

Winfield Courier, September 4, 1879.

M. L. Robinson returned Tuesday evening from his westward wanderings. He left Mr. Fuller at Leadville. M. L., after doing Colorado, turned his attention to New Mexico, visiting Santa Fe and other points in that Territory. He seems greatly benefitted by the trip.

Winfield Courier, September 11, 1879.

M. L. Robinson, who recently returned from his second trip to Colorado, says that in visiting New Mexico he took by rail the famous switch-back over the Raton mountains, but when he returned he walked through the great tunnel. The trains were expected to run through the tunnel this week, and the switch-back is to be taken up and laid over another mountain near Albuquerque. Mr. Robinson made some small investments in several undeveloped mines at Leadville in the vicinity of rich developed mines, taking about a tenth interest in each, on the principle that a thousand invested in testing a mine is only a hundred lost to him, should it prove valueless, while should it prove to be rich, a tenth would be a large fortune. One of the investments is in a new mine named the WINFIELD MINE, in which both he and Mr. Fuller took shares, as well as Boyle and Melville and some others. As this mine has been christened from our city, we shall take great interest in its future fame.

Winfield Courier, September 18, 1879.

SNOW HILL, SALT CITY, KS., Sept. 12th, 1879.

ED. COURIER: After a dusty drive of three hours, we arrived at this Saratoga of the "Great American Desert," without meeting any hair-breadth escapes, or observing anything wonderful on the way. Having pitched our tent and pegged it down strong, we proceeded to unpack our provision-chest, to find "refreshments for the inner (wo-)man." A sheet-iron stove, which we found in the garden at home, answered our purpose well, and we were soon provided with a splendid cup of coffee; in fact, a good dinner altogether.

We are waiting and watching for Sunday and that Winfield party: Read’s, Robinson’s, and Spotswood’s, besides Mrs. Best and Mrs. Roberts, with their tent and goodies, which we may be able to borrow, as they are freshly cooked. . . . H. P. M.

Winfield Courier, October 2, 1879.

The city of Winfield now contains between fifty and seventy-five dollars more taxable property than it did last week. The new addition of M. L. Robinson was taken into the city at the council meeting last Friday evening. Besides all the buildings, etc., contained in this addition, there is over $20,000 worth of railroad, side-track, depot building, etc. The river is now the southwest limits of the city.

Winfield Courier, November 20, 1879.

Messrs. J. L. Horning and Ivan Robinson have purchased the hardware stock of H. Jochems and rented the building for a term of years. Mr. Horning is recognized as one of the live, energetic businessmen of our city, and his proprietorship will in no wise detract from the popularity which this store has enjoyed for the past five years. Ivan Robinson, the other member of the firm, has been engaged in the hardware business for several years, and is one of the most popular young men in the city. The fact of his being a brother of M.. L., Will, and George Robinson is a sufficient recommendation.

Winfield Courier, January 1, 1880. Holding New Year Reception:

Mrs. M. L. Robinson, on Mencrest, between Twelfth and Blandon, assisted by Misses Ella Holmes, Sarah Hodges, and Allie Klingman.

Winfield Courier, January 15, 1880.

Read Robinson, who likes traveling too well to confine his usefulness to any one city, is in Winfield inspecting the banking business of the Read’s and Robinson’s.

[RAILROAD MEETING: ARKANSAS CITY TO FORT SMITH.]

Winfield Courier, January 22, 1880.

A meeting was held at Manning’s Hall last Wednesday evening to consider a memorial to Congress asking that a right of way for a railroad be granted through the Indian Territory from Arkansas City to Fort Smith.

Mayor Lynn was called to chair and J. E. Conklin chosen secretary.

A committee, consisting of C. C. Black, C. Coldwell, W. R. Davis, J. L. Horning, and M. L. Robinson, was appointed to prepare a memorial.

Senator Hewson, of Memphis, addressed the meeting, stating the advantages and importance to this section of the country of such a road.

The committee reported a memorial as follows, which was adopted, and the committee instructed to procure signatures and forward.

"The undersigned citizens of Cowley County, in the state of Kansas, would respectfully represent, that this county and the adjacent counties of Kansas are producers of corn, wheat, oats, hay, hogs, and cattle; and that they have large quantities of the commodities named, over and above their own requirements for market; but on account of the present condition of things they are cut off and deprived of their proper and legitimate markets, which should be Memphis, Tennessee; New Orleans, Louisiana; and Little Rock, Arkansas; and the cities and country adjacent to said city. We would further show that our country is almost wholly destitute of timber, while in the state of Arkansas, only a short distance away, there is a superabundance wasting for want of transportation.

We would further show that by building a line of railroad from the line of Kansas at or near Arkansas City, to Fort Smith in the state of Arkansas, relief from all difficulties stated would be obviated.

We would further show that on the 17th day of Dec., 1879, the Hon. H. C. Young of Tennessee, introduced House bill 3032, in which the right of way and charter for said railroad is asked and provided for, and we respectfully request the said bill be enacted into a law and the company or body corporate thereby created be authorized to build a line of railroad and telegraph upon such terms and limitations as Congress may its wisdom provide.

And we especially solicit and request the support and influence of the Representatives and Senators from the state of Kansas and our sister states, in perfecting and passing this bill.

All of which is most respectfully submitted."

Winfield Courier, April 22, 1880.

M. L. Robinson has been confined to his bed by sickness for a week past. As soon as he is able, he will likely go to Colorado for fresh air and recreation.

Winfield Courier, April 29, 1880.

Last Tuesday evening the marriage of Mr. George Robinson and Miss Ella Holmes was celebrated in the Methodist church, which was filled to overflowing by the friends and acquaintances of the parties. The church was handsomely decorated, one feature being a large horseshoe in evergreens with the initial letters, "R." and "H." on either side. Mr. Wm. Robinson and Miss McCoy acted as bridegroom and bridesmaid. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Hyden, assisted by Rev. J. E. Platter. Thus was joined in the bonds of wedlock two of Winfield’s brightest lights.

[George Robinson was a brother of M. L., Will, Read, and Ivan Robinson.]

Winfield Courier, May 6, 1880.

Read’s Bank is being papered and fixed up in fine style.

M. L. Robinson is again on the streets after his severe illness.

Winfield Courier, June 24, 1880.

S. M. Martin, brother of Mrs. M. L. Robinson, and wife are visiting here. They will accompany M. L. and lady on their mountain tour. The party starts today (Wednesday).

Winfield Courier, August 5, 1880.

The last we heard of M. L. Robinson, he was at Colorado Springs, and M. L. Read was at Georgetown.

Winfield Courier, August 12, 1880.

Mrs. M. L. Robinson has returned from Colorado.

Winfield Courier, August 12, 1880.

Read Robinson appeared on our streets last Saturday, direct from Colorado and New Mexico.

Winfield Courier, August 12, 1880.

B. F. Baldwin writes from Colorado Springs thus: "As soon as I can find time, I will write you what I know and think of Colorado. I will say, however, that I like it much better for a place to sojourn during the hot months of summer than a permanent home. My family are here and quite well. I have much improved in health since I came here. J. L. M. Hill and S. H. Myton left here yesterday (August 4th) for New Mexico and home. M. L. Robinson, wife, and boy left for Alamosa and the San Juan country on same train."

Winfield Courier, September 2, 1880.

Col. M. L. Robinson has returned from the mountains and mines looking as though trout, rabbits, and other game must have suffered in his presence.

Winfield Courier, September 23, 1880.

A very fine and successful lawn party, for the benefit of the Ladies’ Library Association, was held at the residence of Col. M. L. Robinson, last Thursday evening.

Winfield Courier, December 16, 1880.

The Capital makes merry over the Commonwealth because it called Sam Wood an iconoclast. This reminds us of T. A. Wilkinson, who at one time got angry with and demolished our banker, M. L. Robinson, by calling him a "nepot."

Winfield Courier, December 23, 1880.

We have conversed with a great many citizens in relation to the railroad stock owned by this county and the expression so far is almost unanimous that an election should be called to vote on a proposition to authorize the county commissioners to sell our stock in the Southern Kansas and Western and in the Cowley, Sumner and Fort Smith, either or both, at not less than sixty-five cents on the dollar in cash or in the bonds of this county. Of course, they desire to sell at the highest possible rate, but think it better to take even 65 cents than to hold on long for a higher price. If on a close examination of the law, it shall be held that it means that the precise price to be sold at shall be named in the proposition and that it could not legally be sold, at a higher price, it would be necessary to find the highest price that could be obtained; but if, as seems most reasonable, the intent of the law is merely to prohibit the sale of the stock at a lower price than that named in the proposition, but allowing the commissioners to sell at as much higher price as they can after the vote authorizing the sale is carried, then there is no need of any delay in calling the election.

In reply to a letter of inquiry sent to capitalists in Boston by Capt. J. S. Hunt for the commissioners, he received a letter offering sixty-five cents on the dollar for the S. K. & W. stock.

Col. M. L. Robinson has a letter from Robert H. Weems, the bond man of the great financial firm of Donnell, Lawson & Co., which we copy below. From this it will be seen that the writer quotes the K. C., L. & S. stock at 91 to 92. In the consolidation the same stock is rated at 95. The S. K. & W. stock which we hold is put into the consolidation at 75. We presume if put on the N. Y. market, it would be quoted at about 72. The letter quotes the A. T. & S. F. bonds offered for our stock at 99.

If we should trade our $68,000 stock at 75 for these bonds and then sell the bonds at 99, it would realize us $50,490 in cash or 74-1/4 cents on the dollar in cash for our stock.

Another idea is that the calling of the election if done during this month need not cost the county but little extra, for the regular township elections are to be held on the first Tuesday in February and the stock elections could be held at the same time and with the same officers of elections.

The following is the letter above mentioned.

Mr. M. L. Robinson, Cashier, Winfield, Kansas.

Dear Sir: Yours of the 9th was duly received, and in reply we beg leave to state that the stock of the Kansas City, Lawrence & Southern R. R. is worth from 91 to 92. The 40 year 5 percent bonds of the A., T. & S. F. R. R. are worth 99 and interest. The consolidation you mention has appeared here in the various papers and as stated by you. This would result in the county securing $54,000 in 5 percent bonds, which are worth par, and we do not think that they will be worth less in the future. The county can undoubtedly trade them off to the Cowley, Sumner and Ft. Smith road. The 7 percent bonds issued by your county will be hard to get, as they are more scattered.

I will be pleased to hear from you further regarding this matter, and anything which I can do for you or for the county will be done most cheerfully and faithfully. Yours truly,

ROBT. H. WEEMS.

Winfield Courier, December 30, 1880.

With the earliest settlers of Winfield, came Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Millington, since which time their hospitable home has been a favorite with our society people.

At their reception last evening an unusually happy and enjoyable time was had. Mr. and Mrs. Millington, assisted by their daughters, Misses Kate and Jessie, were truly at home in the manner and method of receiving their friends, with a smile and a pleasant word for all. No wonder the hours passed so quickly by. All restraint and formality was laid aside for an evening of genuine good feeling and pleasure.

Among those present were Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Bliss, Mr. and Mrs. N. L. Rigby, Mr. and Mrs. McDonald, Mr. and Mrs. Hackney, Mr. and Mrs. Spotswood, Mr. and Mrs. Gene Baird, Mr. and Mrs. Bedilion, Mr. and Mrs. Moffitt, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Fuller, Mr. and Mrs. McMullen, Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. H. Brown, Dr. and Mrs. Black, Mr. and Mrs. Hickok, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Pryor, Mr. and Mrs. Troup, Mr. and Mrs. Scovill, Mr. and Mrs. Lundy, Mr. and Mrs. Lemmon, Dr. and Mrs. Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Short, Mr. and Mrs. Kretsinger, Mr. and Mrs. Shrieves, Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Williams, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Millington, Mrs. Huston, Miss McCommon, Wirt W. Walton, and J. R. Conklin.

Refreshments were served to the satisfaction and praise of all, and not until a late hour came the "good nights" and the departure of friends for their homes, each of whom will not soon forget the pleasant evening with Mr. and Mrs. Millington. Daily Telegram.

Winfield Courier, January 20, 1881.

On Wednesday night there was a meeting held at council rooms, embracing a number of our prominent citizens, to secure, if possible, one of the two roads that Gould proposes building. All the gentlemen present were in favor of doing what was possible to secure this end. W. H. Smith, Col. Alexander, J. L. Horning, T. K. Johnson, Mayor Lynn, and M. L. Robinson were appointed as a committee to confer with the managers, and obtain from them, if possible, a proposition. Messrs. Myres, Read, and Seward were appointed a committee to defray expenses.

Winfield Courier, February 10, 1881.

CRYSTAL WEDDING. Mr. and Mrs. Shrieves celebrated the 15th anniversary of their marriage by inviting their friends to attend their crystal wedding on Tuesday evening, February 8th. Accordingly a merry party filled the omnibuses and proceeded to their residence, one mile east of town, and spent an evening of unalloyed pleasure. Mrs. Shrieves, assisted by her sisters, Mrs. Cummings and Mrs. Wm. Shrieves, entertained their guests in a graceful and pleasant manner. Although the invitation cards announced no presents, a few of the most intimate friends presented some choice little articles in remembrance of the

occasion.

The following were present: Mrs. Hickok, Mrs. Mansfield, Mrs. Butler, Miss Graham, Mr. and Mrs. Kinne, Mr. and Mrs. S. D. Pryor, Mr. and Mrs. Wallis, Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. Spotswood, Dr. and Mrs. Van Doren, Mr. and Mrs. Earnest, Mr. and Mrs. H. Brown, Rev. and Mrs. Hyden, Rev. and Mrs. Platter, Mrs. Houston, Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Millington, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Fuller, Mr. and Mrs. Black, Mr. and Mrs. Williams, Mr. and Mrs. R. S. Wilson, Rev. and Mrs. Borchers, Mr. and Mrs. Meech, Mr. and Mrs. Mill-house, Mr. and Mrs. S. S. Linn, Mr. and Mrs. Snyder, Mr. and Mrs. W. D. Roberts, Mr. Hendricks, and John Roberts.

Winfield Courier, February 24, 1881.

In making out the papers for the sale and transfer of the stock in the S. K. & W. railroad from the county to the purchaser, there were some errors which made the transfer defective and the papers were sent back for correction.

Commissioners Gale and Bullington met at the county clerk’s office on Monday of this week and made the proper correction. It is said that they also sent Messrs. James Harden, treasurer, and M. L. Robinson to New York and Boston to buy bonds.

These two gentlemen started east on Monday eve, but we suppose on their own expense and for their own purposes for the Commissioners have no power or authority to put the county to any expense for such a mission. They probably have gone to see the inauguration of the president and other sights and can well afford to do so, but the idea that they expect the county to pay their expenses is preposterous. The idea that they would be of any particular use to the county in finding and buying bonds at a low rate is equally absurd. The state has a financial agency in New York and the bankers of that institution live in the midst of bonds and stocks and know now more about our bonds, where to get them and what they are worth, than two new men could learn in six months. All our Commissioners need to do is to send the funds to the financial agency and instruct them to buy our bonds to the best advantage for the interests of the county. The idea of sending men from here to do the business is absurd and ridiculous.

We suppose that the howl raised in some quarters because the bonds were not bought in when the stock was sold, might have worried the commissioners some and made them feel that they ought to hurry up the matter of buying in the bonds in some way, so that when asked to send these experienced intelligent men east to hurry up the matter, without looking up the law or considering the use of sending them, they in their individual capacity and not as commissioners told them to go. But the story soon got out that the commissioners had sent them on this wild goose errand at the expense of the county and then commenced a howl indeed. Almost every man we met made either an angry comment in condemnation or a ridiculous comment in disapproval.

We would ask the people interested to keep cool and not to get excited. The commissioners are trying to do the best thing for the interests of the county and will not pay out the people’s money for any expenses not warranted by law.

The gentlemen named have a right to go east and buy bonds for that matter just as we fellows who stay at home have the same right.

Winfield Courier, February 24, 1881.

Treasurer Harden and M. L. Robinson, the committee appointed to buy our bonds, left on Monday’s train for New York and Boston. If bonds are to be had, they will get them.

Winfield Courier, March 3, 1881.

Treasurer Harden telegraphs Capt. Hunt that he and Robinson have bought $35,000 of Cowley 7 percents on good terms.

[ITEM TAKEN FROM COWLEY COUNTY MONITOR.]

Winfield Courier, March 3, 1881.

We are very much surprised at an editorial in this week’s COURIER in relation to the subject, "Our Stock and Bonds."

The following is the official action of the commissioners, and we want to say for Messrs. Gale and Bullington that neither of them were to blame for the necessity that caused the board to take the action detailed below.

On Feb. 21, 1881, the Board of county commissioners met in official session. Present: G. L. Gale, chairman, L. B. Bullington, member, and J. S. Hunt, county clerk.

The board directed the county clerk to correct the journal entry of February 4th and February 7th, 1881. Said entries were accordingly corrected. These errors were informalities in regard to the transfer of the stock of the Southern, Kansas and Western railroad.

On motion of the chairman it was resolved that James Harden, county treasurer of Cowley county, and M. L. Robinson be appointed and empowered as a special committee to take the corrected papers relating to the special election, held February 1st, 1881, and AT THE EXPENSE OF COWLEY COUNTY, proceed to Kansas City, Missouri, and have the same approved by Wallace Pratt, attorney, to whom the original papers had been referred by Charles Merriam, trustee; then proceed to New York and Boston and purchase for and in behalf of Cowley County, Kansas, forty-six thousand two hundred and forty dollars worth of the outstanding bonds of the said Cowley County, Kansas, provided the seven percent bonds of the said Cowley County can be purchased at a commission or premium of not more than two and one-half percent; the six percent bonds of said Cowley County at not more than par and accrued interest, and the ten percent bonds of the said Cowley County at a rate correspondingly beneficial to the interests of said county, or any of said specified bonds to the amount of forty-six thousand two hundred and forty dollars worth at as much better rates for the interest of said county as possible. And if the present purchase can be made at such rates or at most one percent of such rates, this committee shall ascertain as much as possible in relation to whom the holders are of such bonds at what rate and the lowest rate any of said bonds can be purchased, etc., and make a full report of all of said items on their return.

Board adjourned. J. S. HUNT, County Clerk.

We clip the above from the last Monitor and will remark that when we wrote the editorial in the COURIER alluded to and when we went to press we had not been furnished a copy of the commissioners’ proceedings, and as they are usually furnished the county paper by the clerk, we had not been to the records to examine them. We had heard rumors on the street concerning the proceedings, which struck us as improbable for the reasons then given. Now that we have a copy of the official proceedings, we make the correction by publishing them as above.

We do not wish to do injustice to any parties connected with this matter and are disposed to give to all the credit of desiring in their action to accomplish the best interests of the county. We know that the commissioners would act in no other way but for the interests of the county according to their best judgment; but we must be permitted to dissent from the course taken and to hold that there was no use in sending delegates east to buy bonds, and that there is no law to authorize the payment of the expenses of such delegates out of the county treasury. We think a mistake has been made in trying to rush this matter and still believe that a considerable sum of money might be saved for the county by waiting awhile for the holders of our bonds to discover that we are not going to take the first offers at any price, and that they must come down in their prices to value or they cannot sell to us. We believe that we can do better than to pay par and expenses for our 7 percent bonds.

Winfield Courier, March 3, 1881.

On last Tuesday, Feb. 25, there was a panic in Wall street, resulting from the opposition of the national banks to the funding bill and their attempts to coerce the government, and stocks declined largely, ranging from two to seventeen percent decline. Messrs. Robinson and Harden must have arrived in New York at a good time, for we suppose there must have been a pressure to sell our Cowley 7 percent bonds as well as other bonds. If they have chanced upon a time when they could buy at 95, it may not be so bad a scheme after all.

Winfield Courier, March 10, 1881.

We get the following information from Col. M. L. Robinson, who, with Treasurer James Harden, returned from the east Monday night.

The prices paid for Cowley 7 percents, were $15,000 at par and $29,000 additional at par with 2 ½ percent commission to be paid if we keep the bonds, and with an option of the county to return this last $20,000 at any time within six months and receive the cash and accrued interest.

This gives the county a chance to buy $20,000 of other bonds at any time within six months in case they can be had at such rates that it would be a saving of money to return these on which we have the option.

The situation is that if the county, at the end of six months, decides to return the bonds and take par and accrued interest, it saves $700 interest for the six months; but if it concludes to keep the bonds, it must pay $500 commission, and in that case, it saves $200, net of interest over and above the commission, thus giving the county the vantage ground, all the option and six months to figure for better terms.

Before they left for New York, the best offer we had was $1.05. At that rate the $35,000 now bought would have cost us $36,750, but it has actually cost us only $35,000, a saving of $1,250.

There is still left of the proceeds of the stock $10,740 in cash in the hands of the county treasurer which will be used as fast as may be in buying any bonds which may be picked up at reasonable rates. At present it is impossible to buy more 7 percents at less than $1.05; but by watching for chances, it is thought the amount of $10,740 at less rates. Donnell, Lawson & Co., had $50,000 of our 6 percents for which they asked par but it would be a saving to the county to buy 7 percents at 5 percent premium rather than to pay more than 90 for 6 percents.

It appears that our 7 percents are straight 30 year bonds, while the vote which authorized the issue provided for 10-30s, that is, subject to call after ten years. This mistake in issuing would have proved quite serious had ten years run and were we now able to sell 5 percents at par, for by calling the 7 percents, we could save 2 percent per annum for 20 years or 40 percent, equal to $27,200.

We have not time now before going to press to find out whether the same mistake is true of our $128,600 of six percents. From the above we conclude that Messrs. Robinson and Harden have done well and fully justified the commissioners in sending them.

Winfield Courier, March 10, 1881.

One of M. L. Robinson’s valuable carriage horses killed itself last week. It was running in the barn-yard and stepped on the end of a short stick, which flew up, striking the horse between the fore legs, and inflicting a deep wound from which the horse bled to death in a few minutes.

Winfield Courier, March 17, 1881.

While the 5-20 three percent, funding bill, requiring national banks to deposit only three percents for security of their circulation, was pending, after having passed the senate and before and after it passed the house, the national banks, for the purpose of raising a scare to defeat the bill made a rush to deposit greenbacks in the treasury to retire their own circulation. The amount thus deposited in a few days was about seventeen millions of dollars.

Whatever effect this movement might have had on the action of President Hayes, he vetoed the bill; and then the banks wanted to withdraw their seventeen millions of green-backs and not retire their circulation. The question arose whether they could be permitted to do so and was discussed in a meeting of Garfield’s new cabinet, and it was decided that it should not be done; that if the banks wanted to increase their circulation again, the law provided a way and they must go through the whole formula again.

Now, as M. L. Robinson says, we do not understand finance as well as we do some other things, and do not know but the best thing for Hayes to do was to veto the bill; but we do not sympathize with the banks in their bulldozing efforts to scare the house and the president to defeat the bill, and we are glad that they got picked up at their game.

It would be a dangerous precedent to allow them to deposit millions of treasury notes for the purpose of affecting legislation and then withdraw their funds as soon as the object was accomplished or defeated. Perhaps now that they find it is not so easy to get their money back, they will not be in so great a hurry to surrender their circulation and create a scare the next time.

Winfield Courier, April 7, 1881.

On last Thursday evening was gathered in the magnificent salons of M. L. Robinson one of the largest parties which have assembled in Winfield this past season. The honors of the occasion were conducted by Mr. and Mrs. Robinson and Mr. and Mrs. A. T. Spotswood in the most graceful and pleasing manner, making each of the guests feel delighted and happy. A new departure was made in the hour for reception which we cannot too highly commend, that of substituting 7 o’clock for the late hours which usually prevail, but the habits of some were so confirmed that they could not get around until nine o’clock. The banquet was excellent beyond our power of description. Nothing was wanting to render it perfect in all its appointments. At a reasonable hour the guests retired, expressing the warmest thanks to their kind hostesses and hosts for the pleasures of the evening. The following are the names of the guests as we now remember them.

Miss Nettie McCoy, Mrs. Huston, Mrs. S. H. Myton, Mrs. Mansfield, Mrs. Eastman, Mrs. Ticer, Mr. M. G. Hodges, Mr. C. A. Bliss, Mr. W. C. Robinson, Mr. W. A. Smith, Mr. W. J. Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Loose, Mrs. Herrington, Mr. and Mrs. Van Doren, Mr. and Mrs. S. S. Linn, Mr. and Mrs. Wallis, Mr. and Mrs. Lemmon, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Fuller, Mr. and Mrs. Platter, Mr. and Mrs. J. Harden, Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Hackney, Mr. and Mrs. S. D. Pryor, Mr. and Mrs. Black, Mr. and Mrs. H. Brown, Mr. and Mrs. Hodges, Mr. and Mrs. Hickok, Mr. and Mrs. Conklin, Mr. and Mrs. T. R. Bryan, Mr. and Mrs. Dever, Mr. and Mrs. Bedilion, Mr. and Mrs. Holmes, Mr. and Mrs. Barclay, Mrs. W. F. Baird, Mr. and Mrs. Mann, Mr. and Mrs. Allen, Mr. and Mrs. Doane, Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Millington, Mr. and Mrs. Horning, Mr. and Mrs. Troup, Mr. and Mrs. F. Williams, Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Baird, Mr. and Mrs. Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. McDonald, and Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Read.

Winfield Courier, April 21, 1881.

The Winfield Bank was caught in a rather unpleasant predicament Tuesday. On Monday they had a workman fixing something about their safe, and it is thought he accidentally turned the dial on the time lock; at any rate, when the cashier came to open the safe at the usual time, he found that it would not open. This left the bank dead broke as far as the availability of their cash was concerned. In the emergency Read’s Bank came to the rescue and furnished Cashier Fuller with a roll of bills about the size of a man’s hat, with which the Winfield Bank did business until by close watching they caught the changed time of their lock and got the safe open. These time locks are sometimes as annoying to the banks as they are to the burglars.

Winfield Courier, April 21, 1881.

Quite a jolly party left on the A. T. & S. F. Tuesday afternoon on a pleasure trip to Topeka and Kansas City. The party was composed of Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Bahntge, Mrs. Dr. Emerson, Mrs. A. T. Spotswood and children, and Miss Smith. They will be absent several days. M. L. will stop over in Topeka to attend the directors’ meeting of the A. T. & S. F. M. L. Robinson was selected by the commissioners to vote the Cowley county stock.

Winfield Courier, May 5, 1881.

Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Robinson entertained about 75 of the young folks, both married and unmarried, at their pleasant residence last Friday evening. Singing was rendered by Miss McDonald.

Some of the ladies and their outfits were described by editor:

Mrs. Read Robinson, white Cashmere trimmed in white satin, white kid gloves and shoes; Mrs. George Robinson, plain and brocaded pink silk, handsome lace, white kid gloves and shoes; Mrs. George Whitney, heliotrope satin trimmed in brocade of the same color and Valenciennes lace; white gloves; Miss Nettie McCoy, brocaded peacock blue and old gold silk, silver filigree ornaments; Miss Julia Smith, handsome black silk, jet passementerie trimmings; Mrs. Emerson, white French bunting with lace trimming, and black silk velvet skirt.

Winfield Courier, May 19, 1881.

The contract on the McDougall building was let to John Swain, on Monday and work was begun immediately. It is to be completed by September 1st. The work is in charge of a superintendent, and referees have been appointed to settle disputed questions between the contractor and superintendent. The referees appointed are A. B. Lemmon, M. G. Troup, and M. L. Robinson.

Winfield Courier, May 26, 1881.

Messrs. M. L. Read, S. C. Smith, Captain Lowry, and M. L. Robinson have purchased the grove west of town, known as Lowry’s Grove, and will improve and throw it open for the benefit of the public as a park.

Winfield Courier, June 9, 1881.

RIVERSIDE PARK.

Winfield, behind the large cities of the State in nothing, has taken a step ahead of them by the establishment of a pleasure ground for her citizens, to be known as Riverside Park. The park grounds include forty acres, situated but a quarter of a mile from the depot of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad, and is easy of access from all parts of the State, from the fact of two lines of railroads running into the town. A splendid flagstaff has been planted in the middle of the park, from which will float the national colors, while a fine fountain of unique design is also to be erected. The river here affords splendid opportunities for boating, and a steam pleasure boat is to be put upon the waters soon, in addition to which will be several small boats, which will be let out to parties for a reasonable consideration. Rustic seats will be placed all around and through the park, which, with the beautiful, shaded and winding walks, fine lawns, the pleasures of the river, the luxuriant velvet grass upon the finest camping ground in the State, will render it the most favored spot in all the West. The citizens of Winfield have taken hold of the matter in earnest, and what they undertake they never fail to put through. A fine flag pavement is now being put down between the city and the park, while the highway between the two constitutes as fine a drive as can be found in the State.

The ground comprising the park was purchased a short time ago by Captain Lowry, Captain S. C. Smith, Messrs. M. L. Robinson, J. L. Horning, A. Spotswood, and M. L. Read, who give it to the city free, for the purpose of holding public gatherings of all kinds, Sunday and public school picnics, camp-meetings, and other pleasure and business assemblage. These gentlemen have shown a public spirit that is commendable, and deserve, as they have received, the thanks of the people of the city, for whom they have done so much.

Winfield Courier, June 16, 1881.

Dr. Davis, M. L. Robinson, and W. P. Hackney will start next week for New Mexico. They did not start this week as was first intended.

[VISIT TO WINFIELD: "CLIFF" - COMMONWEALTH REPORTER.]

Winfield Courier, June 30, 1881.

ARKANSAS CITY, June 15th, 1881.

On Tuesday I took a run up to Winfield to pass the afternoon, and succeeded in doing so to my entire satisfaction. Winfield is a nice place. It has broad streets, and trees, and sidewalks, and nice houses, and above all, a hospitable community of intelligent enterprising citizens. Just now, it being an off year in politics, the attention of the public is devoted to the improvement question, much the same as Topeka has been. Like Topeka, Winfield has "boomed" all the Spring, and business has been good and the citizens have felt like putting their money into those things which attract and hold the admiration of strangers and conducive to the happiness and health of the residents.

At the depot, I met Will. Garvey, formerly of Topeka, who said in the same breath that had inquired how long I was going to stay, "Do you see that park off there? Well, M. L. Robinson will take you over to see it in his buggy." We went uptown, and, sure enough, in fifteen minutes I was seated in Mr. Robinson’s carriage, and ten minutes afterward was being shown all over one of the most beautiful parks in the State.

It lies a quarter of a mile west of the A., T. & S. F. depot, on the north bank of the Walnut River, and consists of forty acres of grand old trees, and aspiring younger ones not yet freed from the clinging vines which make shade and add a grotesque and charming appearance to them. The place is named Riverside Park, and is the property of M. L. Read, the banker, Mr. M. L. Robinson, his nephew, Mr. S. C. Smith, and Mr. Lowry. They have had a force of men in it cleaning out the underbrush, and locating and clearing drives all the spring, and have really succeeded admirably.

There is a long drive and a promenade along the waters’ edge, covered by the shadiest of trees, and allowing glimpses of charming scenery upon either bank of one of the most beautiful of Kansas streams. Other drives run at all angles in and about beautiful groves, affording a ride of more than ten miles within the enclosure. The trees are full of birds, which are protected and fostered. A speaker’s stand will be placed for the 4th of July, when the park will be used for celebration purposes. This stand will consist of a stone twenty feet square, placed upon pillars of masonry, and will be donated by the proprietors of the celebrated Cowley County stone quarry, Messrs. Holmes & Co. The river affords a fine boating course, and boats will be placed upon it at once. A steamboat is being secured, which will make excursions up and down the river. Riverside Park is certainly a great improvement. CLIFF.

Winfield Courier, August 4, 1881.

Mr. M. L. Robinson and family left on the Santa Fe train Monday for the west. They went first to Kansas City, and from there will start west, Mrs. Robinson and family for California, while M. L. will join J. S. Horning and Dr. Davis in a ramble over the mountains of Colorado and New Mexico.

Winfield Courier, August 25, 1881.

Mrs. M. L. Robinson and children are in southern California for the summer.

M. L. Robinson, Dr. Davis, and 76 Horning are bracing up the wilds of New and Old Mexico.

Winfield Courier, October 27, 1881.

Col. M. L. Robinson returned from California with his wife and boys last Monday. He is looking bright and healthy, and says he has had a grand time. We interviewed him, but he did not dwell on the glorious climate and productions of California. After mentioning that he saw our Kate and Ex Saint looking and felling well at Las Vegas, on his way home, he filled up his interview in an enthusiastic description of his twelve mines, his 640 acres of land just entered, and the great city of Robinson, which is being built thereon, right in the midst of the Black Range mining country in New Mexico.

When he was going out, he went to the Black Range country and secured his twelve mines, then to make his mines more accessible and valuable, he found in the forks of two beautiful mountain streams a beautiful and fertile mountain valley, right in the pass where everybody must travel from anywhere to everywhere else, where every railroad must cross, and laid a claim to 640 acres. He then formed a town company consisting of railroad and New Mexico capitalists and laid out the city of Robinson. He then entered his 640 acres of land, left his city and his mines in the hands of his colleagues, took steps to have two railroads surveyed to his city, and then went to California and made his visit. On his return he found six good buildings completed in Robinson and fifteen more under contract, and a great rush for building lots. It is already becoming the center of trade to a large and rich mining district, with mines all around from two to ten miles distant. The A. T. & S. F. Railroad Co. have surveyed a route from Socorro to Robinson and are about entering upon the work of construction. The N. M. Central and Southern have also projected a road that will reach this town in a few months. Verily with his town and his mines he must soon become a millionaire.

We have been seeing in the papers glowing notices of the new town of Robinson, and of the Black Range mines; but did not know that M. L. Robinson ha