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Arkansas City Traveler
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1921 to MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1922

[KU KLUX KLAN ENTER "DARK TOWN" IN ARKANSAS CITY.]

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1921

THIRTY MASKED MEN ENTER "DARK TOWN" LAST NIGHT
NEGROES SCREAM HERE COMES THE KU KLUX KLAN
Negro Sought Taken Green Lane Northeast of City.

ROPE PLACED ON NECK

Victim Confesses Stealing and Where Recover Articles

ASKED TO LET PRAY.

When Noose Was Removed from Negroes Neck, He Was Ordered To Hit The TrailHe Did.

Notorious dark town, located in the northeast part of the First ward, was given the scare of its life last night. Thirty masked men marched down on a negro dive and took away the negro they sought.

When these thirty or more masked and armed men entered dark town at 11 o'clock last night, negroes were seen running from house to house screaming, "Here comes the Ku Klux Klan, as it is said that Arkansas City has an organization of the Klan of several hundred members; but whether it was the Klan that entered dark town last night, no one seems to know.

Only a couple of weeks ago Sandy Washington, it is alleged, killed Turk Stewart, both negroes. A couple of months ago Fred Collins, it is alleged, killed Johnny Williams, also a negro, in this section of the city. It is said that hardly a night passes in this district without a big fight or disturbance of some kind which is reported by people living near and in this district.

To clean up this district, the start was made last night when a group of masked men entered a negro dive and took away a negro who, it is report, has been stealing suitcases and hand bags from the Santa Fe depot and off of passenger trains. No violence took place. The men simply went in and got their man, loaded him in the rear of a Ford touring car, placed a rope about his neck, and took him on a journey to a lonely spot known as the Green lane, about three miles northeast of the city. Here they took the negro from the car and placed one end of the rope over a limb on a tree, and the noose remained about the negro's neck.

The negro immediately dropped on his knees, pleading for mercy, and asked time to pray to his God; and it is stated he did some prayingpraying as only one could when he thinks his life is going to be taken. He confessed to the masked men that he stole the suitcases and hand bags, and told them where they could recover the stolen articles.

After the confession, the men released the noose from his neck and told him to hit the trail. When turned loose, the negro tried to hit the trail, he tried to run and couldn't, his legs failed him for a few moments; but when he did get possession of them again, he got out of sight in a flash. It is predicted this negro will never enter Arkansas City again. He will obey the orders of the masked men.

What the future holds, no one can predict; but at this time, judging by the action of last night, it looks as if Arkansas City was due to a needed cleaning out of law violators.

 

[BUYS OUT PARTNER: O. K. CLEANERS & TAILORS]

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1921

BUYS OUT PARTNER
Harry Green is Now Sole Owner of O. K. Cleaners and Tailors.

Harry Green has purchased the interest of his partner, C. A. Broxson, in the O. K. Cleaners & Tailors, at 114 East Central Avenue, and is now sole proprietor of this dry cleaning establishment. This is one of the longest established and best known businesses of this character in the city, and is one of the best equipped for this line of work.

Mr. Green will continue the high quality of work for which this establishment has built up a wide reputation. He has expert workmen employed in every department and is ready to take care of everything in the dry cleaners' line and give the best of service. He expects to branch out soon and materially enlarge his business in order to keep pace with his ever increasing patronage and to meet all possible demands in his line.

 

[CASE OF JOSE MARTINEZ CONTINUES...ASSAULTED ANOTHER MEXICAN]

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1921

The Mexican Case
The case of the state versus Jose Martinez, on the charge of assault on Gabriel Esquabel, both Mexicans, was still on trial in Judge Martin's court today. This is the preliminary hearing and both the state and the defense are putting on evidence in the case. Yesterday the Traveler stated that this was a murder case; but this statement was not correct. Martinez is charged with assault with intent to kill, and the alleged victim has now about recovered. The case was not completed late in the day.

Late today Judge Martin dismissed the case against Martinez, for the reason that there was not enough evidence to warrant holding him. Several witnesses for the state were examined, including some of the policemen; but the evidence was only circumstantial.

NOTE: BELIEVE GABRIEL ESQUIBEL IS CORRECT SPELLING!

 

[MORE INDIAN LAND SALES REPORTED]

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1921

INDIAN LAND SALES
Oil Possibilities Cause Brisk Bidding on Ponca and Otoe Lands.

According to the Ponca City News, the possibility of oil being found in the Ponca and Otoe Indian reservations led to brisk bidding and higher prices being offered for Ponca and Otoe lands, sold in fee the past week at the Whiteagle by Geo. A. Hoyo, the tribal agent. All the lands offered for sale are either leased for oil and gas, or have such leases pending in the Indian department at Washington, D. C., for approval, and with the exception of eleven tracts, all under agricultural lease also.

Ninety-one tracts, ranging in size from ten to 290 acres, were offered and 74, or all but 17, were sold; bringing in a total of $160,284.68. Sixty-two tracts of Ponca land and 29 of Otoe were offered, including 19 Ponca tracts in Kay county, 43 Ponca in Noble county, 17 Otoe in Noble county, and 12 Otoe in Pawnee county. On the average all lands sold for approximately 25 percent above the appraised value, fixed by government agents.

The highest priced tracts of Ponca land sold went to John C. Rujek for $6,890, 120 acres belonging to the heirs of Rosamond Standing Elk, and the second highest was 162 acres bought by Rose Lindeman for $6,555.55, the allotment to Eva Poor Horse, deceased.

The most money paid for an Otoe tract went for the 290 acres belonging to the heirs of George Pickering, for which J. E. Sanders of this city paid $8,356, and the second highest tract was bought by William Donahoe of Red Rock, paying $4,277 for 800 acres, belonging to the heirs of Guinovieve M. Green.

Out of the sale the Ponca Indians received a total of $118,698.68 and the Otoes $41,4495.

 

[WILSON MURDER CASE: MRS. GRACE WILSON SENTENCED.]

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1921

MRS. WILSON SENTENCED
Other Criminal Cases in District Court Go Over to January.

Not to exceed three years in the state industrial farm for women, at Lansing, was the sentence given Grace Wilson by Judge Fuller this afternoon. Motion of defense to a new trial was presented at the opening of court this afternoon and was overruled. The sentence was then given. Defense at once served notice of appeal to supreme court. The notices were served upon county attorney and the clerk of the district court. Appeal bond of $5,000 was given by defendant.

Cases requiring jury trial not now on the assignment for the coming week in district court will be passed up to adjourned days the latter part of January or in February, Judge Fuller announced this afternoon. There are said to be a number of pressing cases requiring court trial, which the judge wants to dispose of during the Christmas holidays, then comes the regular term of the Sumner county court, which begins January 3.

County Attorney Fink expects to bring up the cases of the state against James Stiff and state against Bruce Emory, and one or two other state cases which have been waiting the clearing of the civil docket. These are the cases in which the defendants are accused of having bought Liberty bonds, which had been stolen by the Majors and Adams gangs from banks at Benton, Kansas, and Bartlett, Kansas.Courier.

 

[NAMES SUBMITTED FOR OFFICERS OF NEW BATTERY.]

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1921

LEGION RECOMMENDATIONS
Eight Names Submitted to Adjutant General for Officers.

At the meeting of the American Legion held last night in Legion hall, the following members received the endorsement of the Legion for officers of the new battery of artillery of the national guard, viz:

Harry Moore, Roy Hume, Forest Kuhn, Boyd Mohler, Darrell Haney, J. W. Wilkerson, Joe Boyd, and Robert Cox.

Out of these eight names, the adjutant general at Topeka will appoint four officers consisting of captain, two first lieutenants, and one second lieutenant.

The members decided to get behind the battery proposition and push the recruiting to a successful conclusion at the earliest possible date. As only a few names are lacking to complete the required number, it is expected that this part of the work will be cleaned up in a few days, and which, when completed, will insure the location of the battery here.

 

[KEEFE-LeSTOURGEON CASH AND CARRY ICE PLANT AND MARKET.]

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1921

Work on New Building
Work on the building to be used as a cash and carry ice plant and market, belonging to the Keefe-LeStourgeon Co., and located at the corner of Summit Street and Maple Avenue will be started as soon as the weather permits. The concrete foundations for the large building have been put in place and have now had time to set; therefore, the work on the building proper will be pushed as rapidly as posible.

 

[AFTERMATH OF VIRGIL LA SARGE HOLDUP.]

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1921

STILL AT LARGE
Three Men Detained at Enid, But Have Been Released.

The city officers report that the two men who held up and robbed Virgil La Sarge Thursday night as he was placing his car in the garage at his home on South Second street are still at large today and there seems to be no real clue upon which to work on the case at the present time. Yesterday the local officers caused the detention of three men from Enid at that place, as they were in Arkansas City that night, but they were later released. La Sarge does not have a complete description of the two men as they held a flashlight in his face at the time of the robbery. In the holdup La Sarge was relieved of a $1,200 diamond and about $5 in money.

City officers are at present working on several clues on this case and they may yet find some tangible evidence as to who the robbers really were.

[KU KLUX KLAN IN A. C.]

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1921

THE KU KLUX KLAN
Send $25.00 to Daily Traveler for Provident Association.
The following letter was received in Sunday morning's mail by this office and is explanatory in itself.

"ARKANSAS CITY"
Kansas Realm No. 3 of Kansas
Invisible [Emblem of Order] Empire
Sign of the Cyclops
December 17, 1921.
Editor of the Daily Traveler:This organization, composed of native born Americans, who accept the tenets of the Christian religion, proposes to uphold the dignity and authority of the law. No innocent person of any color, creed or lineage has any cause to fear or condemn this body of men.

Inasmuch as one of the fundamental principles of this organization is to tender aid to the needy and worthy, it is with great pleasure that we enclosed the sum of twenty-five dollars ($25) and request that you immediately deliver same to the Provident Association, to be used as said association sees fit.

For the information of all concerned, communications coming from this Klan, will, in all cases, be written upon official stationery and bear the official seal of the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan.

Thanking you in advance for carrying out the above request, we are, Sincerely yours,Ark. City Klan No. 3. Knights of the Ku Klux Klan.

The Traveler called on Oscar Seyster, secretary of the Provident association, bright and early this morning and delivered to him for the association the $25 as directed and took his receipt for same and if any klansman wants to see it he can do so by calling at the Traveler office.

Secretary Seyster asked the Traveler to extend for the Provident association thanks to the klansmen sending the donation and inform them that others would be acceptable whenever the spirit moved them to send them in.

[ANOTHER ROBBERY OF VIRGIL LA SARGE]

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1921

STOLE CADILLAC TIRE
Thieves Enter Bunnell GarageAtempt Theft of Car.
Thieves again raised a disturbance on the residence premises of William A. Bunnell, at the corner of Second street and Washington avenue, when they entered his garage Saturday night and stole the spare tire from Virgil LaSarge's Cadillac car. Entrance was made through the garage door and it is supposed the thief or thieves must have had a key that fit the lock on the door. The car was locked, but it had been jostled back and forth with the evident intention of getting it out of the garage, and a pile of lath was knocked down, and it is supposed that the noise thus made frightened the thieves away. However, the loss of the tire and the attempted theft of the car was not discovered until next morning.

The same garage was the scene of the recent holdup when two men stuck a gun in Virgil LaSarge's face after he had driven into the garage and turned off the light and robbed him of his $1,200 diamond ring and got about $4.00 in change, then disappeared down the alley. So far no one has been apprehended in connection with either the ring, robbery, or the tire theft.

NOTE: THIS TIME THEY SAID LaSarge and not La Sarge. CONFUSING!

NOTE: ABOUT THIS TIME EDITOR HOWARD/MAYOR HUNT WERE REALLY GOING AT EACH OTHER HOT AND HEAVY! KAY SAID TO FORGET IT! THE

EDITOR STARTED HOUNDING HUNT OVER CITY PRINTING...THEN ON THE FRONT PAGE, HE SHOWED SOME BILLS AND ENDED UP CALLING THE MAYOR, IN ESSENCE, A THIEF FOR MAKING CITY PAY FOR WORK DONE ON HIS PERSONAL CAR. ALSO, ABOUT THIS TIME, MUCH SQUABBLING OVER A SPECIAL ELECTION TO BE CALLED TO VOTE ON THE MANAGER FORM OF GOVERNMENT THAT WAS GOING ON...A PETITION CALLING FOR THIS WAS DRIVING THE MAYOR CRAZY AS HE WANTED TO REJECT IT...IT IS A WONDER ANYTHING GOT DONE!

I SKIPPED ALL THIS STUFF! CONSIDERED A PERSONAL FEUD BY KAY.

 

[BOOZE CAR SOLD...BELONGED TO VERNE SAVAGE.]

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1921

SOLD BOOZE CAR
Verne Savage's Ford Auto Disposed Of At Sheriff's Sale.

It was of the vintage of early 1916, and looked it, the Ford car which was offered at sheriff's sale at the front of the jail at two o'clock Saturday afternoon, but it was in good running order and apparently full of pep. Booze was the cause of its being in its situation, it being sold by order of the court as a car in which liquor had been transported. When Sheriff Goldsmith made a raid on Verne Savage's place near Maple City early last spring, looking for a "moonshine" still, he found this car in Savage's possession, and in it some liquor. That fact sealed the fate of the Ford. The car was bid in today by H. C. Bailey, north of town, for $198. Dr. Bailey used to live in town practicing dentistry. He said today that he is intending to move back to town shortly.Courier.

 

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1921

NOTICE IN PAPER: Mr. Fred Frazee has accepted a position with the O. K. Cleaners and Tailors at 114 East Central avenue, just east of the Osage hotel.

 

[BURGLARY AT BADEN MILL IN WINFIELD.]

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1921

SMASHED VAULT LOCK
Burglary at Mill Looks Like a Skilled Workers Job.

The burglary at the office of the Baden mill has marks of being a job by a worker of some experience, Chief of Police Hoover said this morning, adding details not given yesterday. The vault was entered by breaking through the combination lock in a manner which showed the burglar had some knowledge of the mechanism. The knob was first smashed off with some kind of a hammer. Then a bar was inserted in the hole left by the knob, and by blows of a hammer, driven through, tearing away all the interior parts of the lock. The bolts could then be easily turned. Another mark of some experience was the cutting of the wires of the buzzer signal in the office. This buzzer is for the purpose of calling the foreman of the mill to the office when wanted. The burglar seems to have suspected that these wires might be a burglar alarm, as the wires are so small that they would not be noticed by a casual observer. It is probable that the burglar was giving the place a careful looking over for something of the kind.

No clue to the burglar has been picked up as yet, it is said.Winfield Courier.

 

NOTE: COULD NOT FIND A PREVIOUS ARTICLE IN PAPER RE BURGLARY.

 

[REPLACEMENT OF ONE AUTO FIRM WITH ANOTHER.]

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1921

NEW AUTO FIRM
J. S. Elwell, of Ponca, With Hughs-Elwell Motor Co.

A new automobile firm in this city is the Hughs-Elwell Motor Co., successors to the Hughs-Bergevin company. The new member of the firm is J. S. Elwell and he comes to this city from Ponca City, having moved his family here to reside. Mr. Bergevin has retired from the firm. This firm will continue to handle the Essex and Hudson cars and has on display at present the new Hudson super-six and the Essex touring car. They will continue to handle a complete line of all parts and accessories to the Overland cars, but have discontinued the Overland agency in this city.

Mr. Elwell, the new member of the firm, was formerly with the Marland Oil Co., at Ponca City, and he is quite well known here.

AD: Hughs-Elwell Motor Co., 500-2 South Summit.

 

[W. L. CUNNINGHAM DISCUSSES MANAGER FORM OF CITY GOVERNMENT.]

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1921

DISCUSSED MANAGER PLAN
W. L. Cunningham Addressed Hi-Y Last NightOther Speakers.

The senior Hi-Y met at the Y. M. C. A. club rooms last night and was attended by nearly all of its fifty or sixty members. The opening event was a fine luncheon for which two long tables were spread, and which was enjoyed to the utmost. The south room was then cleared and all assembled to listen to the addresses of the evening. Antonio Buzzi presided, who first introduced Rev. J. E. Tedford, the new pastor of the Congregational church. The matter of city government being the subject under discussion, Rev. Tedford gave a talk along this line, and said that he still believed in the "kingly" form of government, which developed into a proposition that in order to secure good government, men entrusted to responsible positions must be men of the character of Christ. He said that no man had ever yet proved equal to government, but that situation was only approached insofar as the representatives of government possessed the integrity and irreproachable qualities of character as set forth by the great speaker.

The chief speaker of the evening was W. L. Cunningham, who spoke on the city manager form of government. He explained that the law in this matter provided that an election must be called within ten days after the filing of the petitions for the city manager plan, and that the election must be held within 60 days after the filing of the petitions.

The law provides for the election of three commissioners, who from their own number elect one member to act in the capacity of mayor, which in the meaning of the law seems to limit the mayor's prerogatives largely to presiding at public functions of various kinds. These commissioners are paid a salary of $50 a year, including the mayor.

Mr. Cunningham further explained that the commissioners had the authority to employ a manager, who may be an outside party, and whose salary may be whatever is agreed upon by the contracting parties. Either the city manager or the commissioners have the appointing of the heads of the different departments, five in number, such as internal improvements, street work, lighting, water works, etc. The law is conflictory here, the speaker said, it stating in one place that the city manager has the appointing of the department heads and in another place that the commissioners have this appointing power. But in either event, the city manager has the power to discharge the head of any department at any time for sufficient cause, and the responsibility for the administration of all departments rests upon the city manager, who in turn is responsible to the commissioners, by whom he may at any time be discharged for sufficient reasons. The commissioners are subject to recall at any time by the voters of the city.

Mr. Cunningham said that an important feature of the law was the provision made for a budget covering a year's governmental administration. A schedule is made up covering the probable expenditures of the various departments. The money, when collected from the county treasurer, was placed in a bank in a separate account for each fund and could not be checked upon for any other purpose, nor could the account be over checked at any time. This budget before being made up or adopted is submitted to public hearings before adoption or approved. Thus the people at the beginning of a fiscal year would know exactly what the cost of government for that year was going to be.

Asked if he thought it would lessen the opportunity for "graft," Mr. Cunningham stated that he rather thought it would, but added that the success of any form of government in this matter was largely dependent upon the character of men entrusted to official positions. He said he did not give his endorsement or condemnation of the city manager plan, but put the plan up to the boys to study and decide for themselves in merits.

To encourage the boys to exeercise their brains in the matter, he said he would give a prize of $10 to the boy who wrote the best opinion or "essay" of not to exceed five hundred words on the city manager form, and $5 to the next best, the results of this contest to be decided by a committee of three selected from the school.

He required that the boys make their compositions absolutely original, without resort to outside help, and to express their opinions either for or against, as it appealed to them. The speaker closed by wishing the boys well in their school work.

The chairman then appointed Reed Fretz and Donald Gilbreath as a committee on entertainment to prepare a special musical program to be rendered during the holidays while the club could have the assistance of some of the boys who are home from college spending their vacations.

The program closed with music by Reed Fretz on the trombone and Edward Lantz on the saxophone with Gerald Spohn at the piano.

 

[CHANGE FROM MID-CO REFINING BACK TO MILLIKEN CO.]

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1921

Milliken Co. to Take Charge.
The Mid-Co. Refining company will quit business in this city December 31, 1921, as operators of the Milliken plant. January 1, 1922, the plant will be turned back to the Milliken interests by the Mid-Co. Co. and will be operated by them until the plant is sold or leased. The Mid-Co. Co. is cleaning up its business and getting its stuff out ready for market and storage elsewhere. J. H. Tyberendt, who came here with the Milliken company, will have charge of materials for the present. Mr. Tyberendt has been with the Milliken people ever since the plant was located here.

 

[OLD TIME CITY OFFICERS]

OLD TIME CITY OFFICERS
Of Nineteen Here in Year 1902 Eight Are Now Deceased.

R. F. Fitzpatrick, former city clerk of this city, and who is one of the early day settlers here, has dug up a real relic of the bygone days in the city affairs, in the nature of a group photo of the city officials who were in office in the year 1902. At that time W. J. Pollock was the mayor, and the occasion of making the picture at that time, was the fact that Mayor Pollock's term of office was about ended and the officials at that time had the photo made, and from it there was a large picture taken, which was presented to the retiring mayor.

There are nineteen of the city officials and employees in the picture; and of this number, eight are now deceased.

Following the Pollock administration, Capt. M. N. Sinnott, present city clerk, was the mayor for four years. The picture in question may be seen at this time at the office of Fitzpatrick & McDowell.

This old time photo contains the likeness of the following men.

William J. Pollock, mayor, deceased.

R. F. Fitzpatrick, city clerk.

J. W. Stanford, treasurer, deceased.

L. C. Brown, city attorney.

Thos. S. Murray, city assessor, deceased.

L. E. Woodin, superintendent water works (now residing at San Pedro-Wooley, Washington.)

Capt. O. S. Rarick, city marshal, deceased.

Geo. H. McIntire, policeman, deceased (died only last week here).

P. E. Nash, policeman, deceased.

J. H. Matthews, city engineer.

T. B. Norman, sexton, Riverview cemetery, deceased.

P. H. Franey, street commissioner, deceased.

J. W. Bennett, engineer, water works (present superintendent, water works).

Frank Brandenburg, jailor (present chief of fire department).

George Blakey, fire marshal.

T. T. Tyler, assistant fire marshal.

Ben McCullough, city fireman.

Ernest Wolfe, city fireman.

Walter Blakey, city fireman.

 

[BILLY GRAY HAS ANNUAL DISTRIBUTION FROM EAGLE LODGE OF GIFTS.]

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1921

BIG CHRISTMAS EVENT
Billy Gray's Annual Distribution of Gifts for Eagle Lodge.

The Eagle Lodge gave its annual oyster supper and dance in Eagle's hall last night. The event was for the members and their families and was largely attended. A fine supper was served and the dance was largely participated in, and the affair was greatly enjoyed from start to finish.

The annual supper and dance is only one of the Christmas activities of this lodge, the other principal event being the distribution of Christmas gifts, which for several years past has been under the personal supervision of Billy Gray.

The distribution will be made from the basement of the building occupied by the Eagle lodge, where everything is now in practical readiness for this event. The distribution will be greater this year than ever before, according to Mr. Gray, who has collected a wonderful line of wearing apparel, groceries, fruits, and goods of various descriptions, which will be on exhibition to the public next Saturday.

Mr. Gray would like to have as many as possible see this display, so that they may have an idea of the extent of this annual undertaking by the lodge. Perhaps there is not a city anywhere else that can boast of such a sight as will greet the visitors to Billy Gray's basement quarters, on North Summit street Saturday.

On Sunday at 8 o'clock the distribution will begin and will continue all day; and if necessary, into the night until all goods of all descriptions are disposed of. There will be two or three ladies as well as four or five men together with a Santa Claus to help take care of the crowd. There will be sacks of candies, nuts, oranges, etc., for between 1,500 and 1,600 chil dren under 16 years of age. There will be gifts for everybody, but people must come to the lodge quarters to receive them.

Billy Gray is making arrangements to have all the news boys of the city present on Friday at 3 o'clock, at which time he will have a photographer present to take a group picture of the boys. There are about fifty newsboys in the city and Billy wants every one of them present at the above time.

The distributions of these presents will constitute one of the biggest Christmas events in the city this year, and those whose hearts will be gladdened thereby are expected to number twenty-five hundred to three thousand people.

 

[BURFORD FAMILY.]

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1921

Three Generations Represented
Mrs. J. L. Fisher and her mother, Mrs. Glaman, both of Wellington, and Mrs. George H. Collins, of Kansas City are expected to arrive tomorrow for an over Christmas visit with Mrs. Fisher's daughters, Mrs. Roy Burford and Mrs. Owen Cooper, and their families. This brings together three generations of the Burford family, Grandma Glaman, her daughter, Mrs. Fisher, and the latter's daughters, Mrs. Burford and Mrs. Cooper, all of whom are anticipating a very pleasant and joyful Christmas visit together.

 

[BENEDUM & TREES COMPANY...CLARKE NO. 4, COWLEY COUNTY]

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1921

ANOTHER WELL IN COWLEY
Clarke No. 4 Comes in Bigger than No. One.

The Clarke Well No. 4 was drilled in today, says a report from Winfield. It is a larger well than the Clarke No. 1 drilled in five years ago last May. The bit penetrated the sand twelve feet yesterday after the casing was set and in a few hours the hole filled up for 1800 feet with oil. There is gas with it and a flowing well may be obtained.

The driller and friends went to the well early this morning after a short rest, expecting to drill in the well today.

Paul Trees, manager for the Benedum & Trees company for the west, and who is drilling this well, says this is a better well than the Clarke No. 1. The oil flow is stronger in the upper sand. He says the sand is thicker and the well will be better.

This well was so promising even before it was drilled in today that more drilling was promised at an early date. Mr. Trees announced that he would locate another well at once and start drilling as soon as materials and equipment could be mobilized. "This well coming in good means more drilling for Cowley County," said Mr. Trees. "It means a lot more drilling right up there in that field," he continued.

The well was drilled by Trees Brothers for the Little Pirate Oil company, which is a subsidiary of the Benedum & Trees company.

The well No. 4 is located 300 yards north of the Well No. 1. If this well settles down to be a better and bigger well than the No. 1, it will be a fine well, for that well has been pumping 45 barrels a day for more than five years. The new well will be shot at once.

 

[FORGED CHECK WRITTEN ON SIDWELL DRILLING COMPANY, WINFIELD.]

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1921

FORGER MAKES A NICE HAUL
Bad Check for $5,500 Drawn On Winfield Drilling Company.

Winfield, Kan., Dec. 21.What is said to be the biggest forgery known to this section of the state came to light one day recently when it was discovered a forged check for $5,500 drawn on the Sidwell Drilling company of this city had been cashed by a bank at Teague, Texas. According to word received by the drilling firm, a stranger deposited the check there and later drew out $3,000 and disappeared. It is thought the blank check was stolen from the firm's office here. The check was drawn on a Winfield bank and dated Dec. 8.

 

[FORGERY/HENRY ADKINS - SELLING MORPHINE/MANNING KEMP, COLORED]

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1921

TWO SENTENCED
Forgery and Sale of Morphine Brought Pleas of Guilty.

Pleas of guilty were entered by two defendants in state cases in district court Monday afternoon.

Henry Adkins of Arkansas City pleaded to forgery in the second degree. He was sentenced to the state reformatory at Hutchinson for from one to ten years.

Manning Kemp, a colored man of Arkansas City, pleaded guilty to selling morphine. His sentence was sixty days in jail and a fine of a hundred dollars.

Courier.

 

[MANAGER FORM OF CITY GOVERNMENT]

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1921

MANAGER FORM GOVERNMENT.
City Commission Turns Down Petitions as Expected.

Claims There Were Only 636 Electors.Almost 400 Names Marked Off.Refused Supplemental Petitions.

The petitions for the manager form of government were turned down this morning by the city commissioners on the report of the city clerk, which stated that there were but 636 names out of the 1,031 names submitted on the petitions that were qualified electors of the city, which means that nearly 400 names were crossed off by the city clerk, from some cause or another.

LENGTHY ARTICLE ABOUT THIS...EDITOR HOWARD INVOLVED!

 

[MAN FOUND DEAD: DR. J. H. KNAPP'S VETERINARY HOSPITAL.]

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1921

FOUND DEAD IN HIS BED
L. M. Lawless Died Under Rather Peculiar Circumstances.

Light in Man's Room at Late Hour This Morning, Led to Discovery of His Lifeless Body.

L. M. Lawless was found dead in his bed in one of the rooms on the second floor of Dr. J. H. Knapp's veterinary hospital in the 100 block on South A street, this morning. Mrs. Knapp noticed a light in the man's room at a late hour and called the attention of Mr. Bates to it, who made investigation with the above results. The matter was reported to the authorities and the body was taken in charge by the Smith-Grant Funeral Home awaiting an inquest by Coroner Marsh, who was notified and who was expected to be here by 4 o'clock this afternoon. It was late in the forenoon when the body was found.

L. M. Lawless was a man 42 or 43 years old, and for the past three or four years he had been in the employ of C. H. Bates in the teamsters' business, whose office is in the building adjoining the veterinary hospital.

When asked by a Traveler reporter in regard to the man's death, Bates said all he could say was that when he opened the door he found him lying on the bed, dead. Asked as to the probable cause of his death, he stated that he could not say what caused the man's death. From another source it was reported that Lawless had to be helped to his room the evening before, which it is thought caused the rumor to be circulated that his death may have resulted from drinking too much bad liquor. The coroner will investigate this part of the case upon his arrival here, it was stated this afternoon.

Lawless was a single man and had no relatives in this city so far as learned. It is reported that he has relatives living in Hutchinson. Arrangements for the disposition of the body and the funeral will not be made until Coroner Marsh has arrived and at least made an official investigation of the case. It is probable that the coroner may decide that an inquest is needed to settle the matter of the cause of death.

 

[BERT HARRIS, LOCAL POLICEMAN, DIES.]

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1921

BERT HARRIS DEAD
City Policeman Died This Morning of Pluro Pneumonia.

George V. Harris, better known here as "Bert" Harris, who was a member of the local police force, passed away at the family home, 209 West Central Avenue, at 11:30 o'clock this morning. The cause of death was double pneumonia and he had been ill just one week. Wednesday, a week ago, he went home feeling badly and from that time on he grew steadily worse until the end came. He had been on the night police force here since last March, and he was considered by the city authorities as a good officer and always faithful to his duties in this line.

Bert Harris was 53 years of age last June. He had resided in this city and vicinity for the past thirty-five years. He was born in Illinois and came to this country when he was a small boy. He leaves a wife, the present Mrs. Harris being his second wife, and Leona Rae, a small child, is their daughter. By his first wife Mr. Harris leaves three children. They are Mrs. Nora Adams, wife of Frankie Adams, of this city; Mrs. Vern Phelps, of Guthrie; and Mrs. Grace Lewis, of Tulsa, Oklahoma. All where here at his bedside when death claimed him today.

His mother, Mrs. Bella Brown, who resides in this city, also is left to mourn his death. One brother, Tom Harris, of Tulsa; and one sister, Mrs. Frank Higgins, of Perry, survive him. The brother has been in the city for several days and he will remain here until after the funeral services and burial.

Prior to moving to the city the last time, Bert Harris had been engaged in farming and livestock raising. He was well known among the cattlemen of southern Kansas and northern Oklahoma. He was a member of the local Eagle lodge and of the American Union, a social and fraternal order. Arrangements for the funeral had not been made late this afternoon.

 

[WASHINGTON/STEWART...MURDER CASE.]

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1921

The Washington Case.
Late this afternoon the case of the state vs. Sandy Washington, on preliminary trial in J. W. Martin's court, was not completed. The first witness in the case was Earl Sanders, better known among the colored population of the city as "White folks," and he was questioned in regard to the trouble between Washington and Turk Stewart, in which the latter lost his life, for more than an hour. He was the star witness for the state, it is said. Late in the day other witnesses were being examined and the trial was not completed. It was the supposition of officers and others who heard the evidence that Washington would be held for trial in the district court.

 

[THE WASHINGTON HEARING...MURDER CASE...TURK STEWART.]

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1921

THE WASHINGTON CASE
Negro Charged With Killing Another Given A Hearing Today.

Sandy Washington, negro, on the charge of shooting and killing a negro companion, Henry "Turk" Stewart, on the evening of Sunday, December 4, in this city, was given a preliminary hearing in the state court of J. W. Martin, this afternoon. The case was set for nine o'clock in the morning; but on account of the county attorney, Ellis Fink, not being present at that hour and because the court was busy with the trial of a civil action, the trial was put off until one-thirty this afternoon. All morning and also during the afternoon hours, the Zadie block, where the office of the justice of the peace is located, was swarming with colored people who had been called as witnesses in the case, or who were otherwise interested in the trial.

H. S. Hines and Harry S. Brown are defending the negro and County Attorney Ellis Fink, with Deputy C. H. Quier, of this city, are prosecuting.

Several witnesses were called to testify on either side of the case, as there is always two sides to a killing, the same as there is to any other kind of a controversy. Washington contends that he shot the other man in self defense.

Witnesses at the investigation of the coroner here on the day following the shooting, testified that the two men were at least 26 feet apart when the shooting occurred and that Turk Stewart had no gun at the time.

Following the shooting on the quiet Sunday afternoon, Washington hid out and on the following morning, which was Monday, he returned to the city. Local officers then placed him under arrest and he was charged by the county attorney with murder. He has since been in the county jail at Winfield, being unable to make bond in the sum of $5,000. Testimony in the case this afternoon was expected to be interesting, as the attorneys will go into the affairs of the two negroes, and to what sort of an argument led to the killing. Stewart died in a local hospital about five hours after being wounded, having been shot through the body in two places.

 

[ADKINS/FORGERY - KEMP/DOPE]

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1921

Goes to Reformatory
Henry Adkins, colored, was taken to the state reformatory at Hutchinson today by Sheriff Goldsmith to serve a term after pleading guilty to forgery in the second degree. He is said to have forged a check for $18 on an Arkansas City man.

The alleged forgery took place several months ago, but Adkins was not arrested for some time.Free Press.

---
Manning Kemp, an Arkansas City negro, who pleaded guilty to the charge of selling dope, several days ago, was brought here last night from the county jail to act as a witness in the case of the state versus Sandy Washington, now on trial in the justice court here. Kemp was a witness for the defense at the hearing today. He will be taken back to Winfield where he will serve time in the county jail, on the charge named herein.

[CORONER RULES ON DEATH OF L. M. LAWLESS.]

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1921

DIED OF ACUTE INDIGESTION
No Inquest Over Body of Lawless, Found Dead Yesterday.

The county coroner, Dr. H. W. Marsh, came here from Winfield this morning to investigate the death of L. M. Lawless, who was found dead in his room on the second floor of Dr. J. H. Knapp's veterinary hospital, about noon yesterday. The coroner took the testimony of O. H. Bates, the dead man's employer, B. I. Grove, L. M. Bates, and C. D. Grant from the Smith-Grant funeral home, who took charge of the body. There was no conflicting testimony, and the conditions did not point to any violence, and the coroner's report on the case was that acute indigestion and a weak heart was the cause of his death.

The deceased was 42 years of age and was born in Effingham, Kansas; both his father, Michael Lawless, and his mother having come from Ireland. His brother, J. Lawless, and sister, Mrs. Mary Sullivan, both of Atchison, Kansas, are here today making arrangements for the disposal of the body.

The funeral will be held at Effingham, to which place the body will be shipped on the 8:05 Santa Fe train this evening.

 

[LOCAL DRUGGIST RECALLS GOVERNMENT TAX ON THREE WARS.]

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1921

THREE SETS OF STAMPS
Local Druggist Recalls Government Tax on Three Wars.

F. O. Thomas, well known local druggist, recalls the fact that he has been in the drug business long enough to have used three sets of United States war tax stamps. There are, no doubt, other druggists no in business who can recall the same condition in this connection, but that fact was brought to the mind of Mr. Thomas yesterday when he made an unusual sale. He entered the drug business in 1882 as a clerk, and at that time the civil war stamps were still on the bottles of bay rum, brandy, etc. Then he recalls the stamps of the Spanish- American war, which took place 23 years ago this year. Now the world war stamps are placed on many articles in the drug line.

Yesterday Mr. Thomas received a call for a certain flavor of perfume, which is now very rare, and which he happened to have on the shelf. When he got the bottle down to make the sale, he discovered that it had on it the stamp of the Spanish-American war, indicating that it was on sale at least 23 years ago. Then he was compelled to place a world war tax stamp on the bottle, which he sold at this time. Other local druggists may have knowledge of such a circumstance in this connection, but the fact that Mr. Thomas mentioned the incident in the presence of a Traveler representative last night, led to the story in this matter being published at this time.

 

[LOTUS DAY FILES ON 640 ACRES IN IDAHO/OTHERS ALSO!]

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1921

FILES ON 640 ACRES
Arkansas City Boy Takes Advantage Of His Ex-Service Rights.

Lotus Day returned yesterday from Idaho, where he took advantage of his overseas service rights by filing on 640 acres of Uncle Sam's land. The land he filed on adjoins the land heretofore filed on by otther Cowley County boys, each of whom took 640 acres.

The names of those having land in this section are Carl Elliott (son of Og. Elliott) of Burden, Lee Stuber of Winfield, T. F. Jones, who formerly worked at Winfield, Ray Day, and Lotus Day.

The land is situated 45 miles north of Gillette and 70 miles west of the South Dakota line. Lotus says the land is hilly, has timber and water, and is good grazing land and is also good for raising gardens; further, all kinds of vegetables can do well. He says the grass makes fine winter pasture for stock.

Lotus has built a house on his land and thereby established his residence. He has two years in which to start improvements and five years in which to prove up on his claim. He said there was about eight inches of snow on the ground when he left and that it was still snowing. He estimates he has about $4,000 of pine timber on his land if he could get it to market, and says there is a railroad being surveyed within about fifteen miles. He also says there is a wildcat well being drilled within fifteen miles of his place. He is appreciative of this opportunity offered him by the government and is well pleased with his prospects.

 

[ANOTHER ARTICLE ON BILLY GRAY/EAGLE LODGE]

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1921

GREAT CHRISTMAS EVENT
Billy Gray's Annual Christmas Distribution Bigger Than Ever.

Among the Christmas benefit undertakings in this city, Billy Gray's annual distribution of gifts under the supervision of the Eagles lodge, ranks right up to the forefront as usual. In fact, Billy fairly outdoes himself this year, having collected a wonderful supply of wearing apparel and useful articles, which was opened for inspection to the public this morning. The many visitors to the basement of the building occupied by the Eagles lodge expressed great surprise at the display collected. Mr. Gray says that not a penny in money was received this year to make this collection of gifts; but all came on his personal solicitation, and every article in the house was carried there by himself. Some of the local merchants have made estimates of the value of the wearing apparel, which estimates range around $1,000 to $1,200, which does not take into consideration groceries, fruits, and articles of other kinds.

Mr. Gray has provided 525 pounds of candy, enough to make up 1,600 sacks, also 1,600 sacks of peanuts, which are fresh roasted for the occasion, 12 boxes of apples, and 8 cases of oranges, estimated to supply 1,600 sacks containing apples and oranges. The candy, nuts, apples, and oranges were paid for by Gray out of money left over from last year.

Among the articles to be distributed tomorrow are 265 boys' caps and hats, about $1,200 worth of wearing apparel consisting of men's suits, ladies' dresses, underwear, hose, overcoats, men's shirts, etc., and in addition, there will be four sacks of candy, nuts, oranges and applies for all school children up to fourteen years of age.

Two Christmas trees have been decorated to delight the children and there will be a Santa Claus in the person of John Wilhelm. At eight o'clock tomorrow morning the children are asked to line up at Eagle hall in the 100 block on North Summit street to receive their treats. There will be a competent force of men and women on hand to see that the children are properly taken care of. The quarters will be kept open throughout the day tomorrow for the distribution of the entire collection of gifts received by Mr. Gray. Every person in the city in need of wearing apparel is required to visit Santa headquarters here and every effort will be made to provide all according to their needs.

Billy Gray claims to be the one who initiated this form of Christmas giving in this city, this being his sixth year in the business. Last year he distributed more than $1,000 worth of groceries. But this year has been the greatest of all, and Mr. Gray is very proud of the results achieved. He had a photograph taken of the Christmas quarters this year to preserve for future reference.

The children and many families are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Christmas morning when many homes in this city will be made happy through the untiring efforts of Mr. Gray and the commendable generosity of the Eagle lodge.

 

QUESTION: 100 BLOCK, NORTH SUMMIT STREET?

I THOUGHT THEY HAD MOVED BY THIS TIME TO THE 200 BLOCK....???

THEY HAD TWO NOTICES PUT IN PAPER AHEAD OF TIME...

#1: Saturday, the day before Christmas, we want everybody to come to the basement under the Eagle hall and see what presents we are going to give away on Christmas day to the kiddies. We will show you something for the kids that you never have seen in Arkansas City before.

Don't take your neighbors word for this but come and see for yourselves. It won't cost you one penny.

Santa Claus has his home in the block the Osage hotel is in. Come everybody.By Eagle committee.

#2: Sunday, Christmas day, is the day we are going to give the kiddies their Christmas presents. It will be in the basement under the Eagle hall. We want every school kid and every Sunday school kiddie under the age of 15 years old to come and their their Christmas present. We will have presents for all, two Christmas trees, and a Santa Claus all day. Kiddies come and have a big time.By Eagle committeeW. J. Gray, John Wilhelm, Mike Lane.

 

[MORE ABOUT BENEDUM/TREES CLARKE WELL.]

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1921

CLARKE WELL A SUCCESS
Said to be Best Producing Well in Cowley County.

A hundred and fifty barrels a day on the pump is the estimated production of Clarke No. 4, which was shot Wednesday afternoon, says a report from Winfield. Yesterday, after standing twelve hours, the well swabbed a hundred and twelve barrels.

Today the well is being cleaned out preparatory to going on the pump. It is reported to be in good condition in every respect and ready to produce. The prospects for this well being a long time producer are exceedingly good. It has a good depth, twenty-eight hundred and twenty-five feet. It has twenty feet of good sand, and is entirely free from water.

All together, this makes it the best well so far brought in in Cowley County. Fifty to seventy-five barrels is the best any of the commercial wells have done so far. While this is not a phenomenon in the way of production, it indicates the possibilities of more wells of the same kind or better, and insures further development in this field.

The Little Pirate Oil Co., to whom this well belongs, is preparing to go after another right away. Work on Clarke No. 5 will begin soon, Paul Trees of The Little Pirate Co., said today.

Twenty feet of sand such as this looks exceedingly good, Mr. Trees stated. Some of the big producers in the field north of here have only eighteen inches of sand, he said.

 

[DEPUTY SHERIFF CHARLES GOFORTH HAS RESIDENCE BURGLARIZED.]

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1921

DEPUTY ROBBED
Part of Sheriff's Force Separated From Defensive Weapon.

A bold, bad burglar entered the home of Deputy Sheriff Charles Goforth last night and got away with a revolver, three diamond rings, and a small amount of money, Charley reported to Sheriff Goldsmith last night. The family was away from home from seven to shortly after eight o'clock. On returning it was found that the house had been entered and ransacked. Entrance was by the front door, which had been left unfastened, it appeared. The rings belonged to Mrs. Simpson, who is rooming at the Goforth home. No trace of the burglar has been found.Courier.

 

[JUDGE McINTIRE'S SISTER, BETSY JANE OSGOOD, DIES.]

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1921

DEATH OF MRS. OSGOOD
Well Known Arkansas City Woman Died Early Christmas Day.

Mrs. Betsy Jane Osgood, of 411 West Cedar Avenue, who has been ill for a number of weeks past, on account of paralysis, passed away at the family home early on Christmas morning. Her death was not unexpected at this time, as she had been in a critical condition for many days. Death came as a relief to her suffering. Mrs. Osgood was well and favorably known in this city as she and her family had resided here for many years. She was a resident of Arkansas City constantly for thirty-three years. Since the death of her husband, Edward A. Osgood, two years ago last Saturday, Mrs. Osgood had resided at the above address and her son Frank lived with her and was her sole support, from the time of the death of the husband and father.

Mrs. Osgood was born in Clarmont, New Hampshire, August 1, 1842. She moved from that place to Topeka, with her parents, in 1854. She was united in marriage to Edward A. Osgood, at Topeka, in 1861. Her maiden name was McIntire and she was a sister of C. M. McIntire of this city and of the late G. H. McIntire, whose death occurred here December 11. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Timothy McIntire, who were early day residents of this city.

Besides the son, Frank, the deceased leaves another son, George Osgood, of San Benito, California, who was unable to be here, and two daughters, Mrs. Dora Day of this city, and Mrs. Nettie Covert, of Chicago. The latter was here some time ago, but was compelled to return to her home before the death of her mother. Another son, Chas. Osgood, passed away here a number of years ago. Two brothers, C. M. of this city and Timothy, of Redwood, California, also survive her.

Several grandchildren who survive her were here for the funeral services yesterday. They are Mrs. Clyde Lake, formerly Miss Cecil Day, now of Pawhuska; Miss Ernestine Day of this city; Forrest Osgood, of Hutchinson, Kansas; and Ferrel Osgood, of Guthrie, Oklahoma. Mrs. Laura Osgood, mother of the Osgood boys, was also here from Hutchinson to attend the services. Chester McIntire, nephew of the deceased, resides in this city.

 

[W. D. FULTON OF THE ISIS THEATRE RECEIVES CHAIN FROM FATHER.]

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1921

A Fine Watch Chain
W. D. Fulton of the Isis theatre received a beautiful watch chain as a Christmas present from his father, L. W. Fulton, of Wichita. The chain contains twenty-three gold nuggets taken from his father's mine, known as the Caribel mine, in New Mexico.

The chain is a double one and has a charm hammered out from a large nugget, the labor on which alone cost $18. The chain is a double one and would be worth about $75 on the market.

It came as a very pleasant surprise to Mr. Fulton, and he is very proud of it.

 

[BENEDUM/TREES - CLARKE NO. 4]

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1921--FRONT PAGE...PLAYED UP SILVERDALE WELL...STERLING TEST!

Other Cowley Oil News
Work of cleaning out the Clarke No. 4 on the Little Pirate ranch near Akron is progressing favorably according to reports from their today. The well is continuing to look good. Workmen are pulling the big casing today preparatory to putting the well on the pump. A test of the well's production will be possible inside of a few days.

 

[TEL-RADIO CLUB]

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1921

RADIO SET INSTALLED
Tel-Radio Club Will Soon Be Ready To Give Demonstrations.

Robert Everett, of Emporia, Kansas, of the Everett Construction company, which has a sewer contract in this city, and A. Wenzel of the Wichita Cos-Radio company have formed a partnership for the purpose of engaging in the business of installing radio receiving sets for anyone in this city desiring wireless telephone and telegraph service.

A temporary aerial has been constructed on top of the North Windsor hotel building and Mr. Wenzel has installed a Crebe radio receiving set in room 28 on the third floor of the hotel, where he is testing out the apparatus. The Crebe radio receiving set is the finest on the market and is a wonderful piece of mechanism. In the test made last night, Mr. Wenzel listened in on some beautiful music from the Denver station.

Mr. Wenzel expects to be ready soon to give a demonstration for the members of the Arkansas City Tel-Radio club and expects also to give a public dinner and demonstration soon. Just now he is awaiting the arrival of a loud speaker, before giving any demonstrations.

Considerable difficulty is being experienced in receiving supplies on account of the demand now being made, Mr. Wenzel stating that the Cos-Radio company of Wichita has orders for about $150,000 worth of equipment to be supplied mostly to three different radio companies in Texas. He also reports a considerable demand for equipment from the oil interests in Kansas.

A little later both the aerial and receiving set will be moved to the Osage hotel, where arrangements are to be made for public concerts and entertainments. This installation is by and for the benefit of the Arkansas City Tel-Radio Club, whose members can derive all the benefits of the service without charge. Furthermore, it is planned to let the public have the benefit of the weather, crop, and market reports. During the day it is mostly matters of commercial interest that are being transmitted, and Executive Kraul of the Boy Scouts plans to provide free delivery of messages of particular importance to the business interests of the city. The businessmen of this city may thereby be kept in close touch with the outside world in all matters of commercial importance.

The firm of Wenzel & Everett is now ready to install receiving sets for anyone desiring radio service. The installation consists of an aerial, poles, wire leads, receiving set complete including detector and two-stage amplifier, and all necessary wiring; also a loud speaker, which will enable messages to be heard in the room without the use of headsets. The total cost of such installation will be about $500.

After the installation there is practically no further expense as the entire service comes free, and it is pointed out that the entertainment value of the service will far exceed the cost of installation.

Each party making an installation will also be provided with an easy code so that they may interpret telegraphic messages in addition to all the other benefits. Mr. Wenzel states that the company will guarantee every set installed, and everyone will be given an opportunity to learn its value and worth before installation is made.

 

[FRED BEESON]

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1921

Fred Beeson is the only cowboy in this section who is participating in the roping contests in Texas at this time. Among the towns he will make are El Paso and San Antonio, at each of which towns there will be a three days' roping.

[Kay obtained a photo of medal Beeson won at 101...gold...Joe Walker, local barber, has the medal in his possession...it was stolen after Kay took photo (and right now I cannot remember where I put photograph)...Joe offered reward...medal reappeared in a week or so.]

 

[FOUR BANKS DISTRIBUTE CALENDARS FOR THE YEAR 1922.]

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1921

DISTRIBUTING CALENDARS
Banks Combine to Put Out 1000 Beautiful Large Calendars.

Large calendars are being distributed for the four banks of this city for the year 1922. Instead of each bank putting out individual calendars as has been the custom heretofore, the banks formed a combination and put out a beautiful large calendar containing the names of the banks, as follows: The Traders State Bank, The Home National Bank, The Union State Bank, and the Security National Bank. The combined resources of these banks is given as $5,525,000. The banks are putting out 1,000 of the calendars, the town being divided for purposes of distribution according to the four wards, each bank distributing in one ward. Besides this distribution offices, schools, and public places are being supplied and some are also sent out of town. The picture on the calendar, which is very beautifully done, is a water and wood scene entitled "At the End of the Trail," being a nice work of art. The calendars will doubtless be in great demand by the patrons of the various banks.

 

[NEW DOCTOR IN TOWN]

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1921

Specialist Locates Here.
Dr. R. L. Ferguson, of Hutchinson, an eye, ear, and nose specialist of considerable note, has bought an interest in the Arkansas City clinic and is moving his household effects from Hutchinson to this city. He has a wife and one child, and the family will occupy the residence at 815 North Summit Street, just vacated by Mrs. Meriba White. For the past three months Dr. Ferguson has been doing special work in the clinic at Chicago.

 

[SANDY WASHINGTON CASE...SHOT TURK STEWART]

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1921

WASHINGTON DISCHARGED
Defense Wins Case Wherein Negro is Held on Murder Charge.

Case of state versus Sandy Washington, on the charge of shooting and killing Turk Stewart in this city on the afternoon of Sunday, December 4, came to a close in the court of J. W. Martin here late in the afternoon of yesterday, when the defendant was discharged from custody, the charge of murder having been dismissed upon the suggestion of County Attorney Ellis Fink. After several days hearing in the preliminary, held at different times in the past two weeks, the county attorney concluded that the plea of self defense probably would stick before a jury in the district court; and therefore he made a motion to dismiss the action and not carry the case up, as there would be a great deal more expense to the county in this event. The defendant has been in the county jail since the date of the killing, or rather since the day after the killing, as he escaped that afternoon, and gave himself up to the local officers the following day, which was Monday.

Both parties to the case are negroes and Stewart was killed by a revolver in the hands of Washington. This is not denied. But it was stated by several witnesses in the case that Washington was a peaceable negro and that Stewart provoked the fight by calling at the home of Sandy Washington, in Darktown, and breaking in the door after the owner of the home had told him to come in by the way of the door. Then, the testimony showed Stewart threw two different pieces of iron at the other man. Washington ordered him away and after the fuss had been carried on for some time, the man who started the quarrel was shot. He died several hours later in a local hospital. The majority of the witnesses in the case were on the side of the man who did the killing.

H. S. Hines and Harry S. Brown were the attorneys for the defendant and they consider the dismissal of the case at the preliminary hearing a great victory, as it is seldom that a man charged with a criminal offense is freed at the first, or preliminary trial.

 

[DR. R. CLAUDE YOUNG'S CAR.]

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1921

SETTLE INSURANCE CLAIM
Auto Damages on Account of Elements, Several Days Ago.

Frank Howe of Wichita, representing the Mid-West Insurance company, was in the city today to adjust an automobile insurance claim for the Hill Investment company. The claim was made by Dr. R. Claude Young, whose car while being towed to the Moody machine shops, skidded on the icy pavement one day recently, and hit Homer Hill's automobile, which was parked in front of the Houston-Hill printing office, doing considerable damage to the car. Dr. Young carried property and personal liability insurance on his car; and while it is claimed that he would not be responsible, the accident being due to the elements, yet he assumed the responsibility, and the Mid-West company sent its representative here to make the adjustment with the doctor, making good his loss. The settlement was very satisfactory to all parties concerned, and the doctor is thoroughly convinced it pays to carry personal and property liability.

 

[OLD TOM MANTOR HOUSE BEING REPAIRED.]

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1921

C. M. Johnson is repairing the old Tom Mantor house at 302 North A street, putting it in good shape for renting purposes.

 

[MANY AUTOMOBILE TIRES STOLEN RECENTLY.]

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1921

MANY TIRES STOLEN
Companies to Discontinue Insurance after January 1, Says Report.

Automobile thefts have become very numerous of late, so much so that the insurance companies have concluded not to accept insurance upon equipment of this character after the first of January. The local agencies have not been notified to this effect as yet, but the information has been given out in the trade journals. According to the indications, iff insurance is carried at all on extra equipment, it will be classed as special and will carry a rate of 20 percent on the hundred.

The extent of tire thefts is partially indicated by the report from the Somerfield-Hess fire company yesterday that within the past two weeks they have supplied tires to replace tires stolen from their patrons as follows: Will Kroenert, Fred Jepson, Bob Harrison, Bob Finney, New Era Milling Co. (one from Ford and one from Studebaker car), "Fat" LaSarge, D. N. Brown, and R. W. Pharo.

It is stated that all insurance on extra tires now in effect will be valid until the date of expiration.

 

[CHAMBER OF COMMERCE]

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1921

BALLOTS CANVASSED
Board of Directors of Chamber of Commerce in Session Last Night.

The following report of the meeting of the board of directors of the chamber of commerce is submitted by Secretary O. B. Seyster.

The board of directors of the chamber of commerce met last night at the chamber of commerce room in the city hall, to canvass the ballots for the selection of twenty-two nominees from whom will be chosen the eleven directors for the chamber of commerce for 1922. The annual election of directors will take place in the chamber of commerce rooms Tuesday, Jan. 19, 1921. The polls for voting will open at 7:30 p.m. on that day. All members should keep in mind this date and event and be on hand to cast their vote for the directors, on that night. The virility and stability of the chamber of commerce always depends on the directors.

The result of the official canvass made last night was as follows:

102 ballots returned. Four thrown out because of voting for twenty-two names instead of eleven as per instructions on the ballot.

One hundred forty-five members received one or more votes. Of these the twenty-two receiving the largest number of votes were:

John B. Heffelfinger, R. H. Rhoads, R. W. Oldroyd, Chas. Spencer, R. C. Sowden, John McE Ames, R. J. Grover, Albert Faulconer, Ralph Brown, Albert Newman, Fred E. Goodrich, R. T. Keefe, R. C. Dixon, W. J. Gilbreath, A. H. Denton, H. S. Collinson, W. R. Ranney, V. E. Creighton, J. L. Bishop, Lloyd Lesh, Foss Farrar, Fred DeMott.

By vote of the board of directors, these men were declared the official nominees to be placed on the official ballot for the annual election of directors of the chamber of commerce on Tuesday, January 10, 1922.

The board of directors also reviewed the activities of the year and discussed the budget for 1922. A compilation of money contributions to various activities revealed some interesting facts regarding who is really getting behind Arkansas City. Figures were compiled on eight of the activities which, during the year the business interests of Arkansas City were asked to contribute to the amount, including the chamber of commerce dues.

The two hundred twenty-six members of the chamber gave to one or all; 93 non-members gave to one or more. A total of $14,923.59 was contributed. $1,533 was contributed by non-members of the chamber of commerce; $12,390.59 by the members of the chamber of commerce, of which $9,414.09 was contributed by thirty-nine of the business interests whereas the other business interests of Arkansas City belong to the chamber of commerce contributed $3,976.50. In other words, thirty-nine business interests of Arkansas City have carried nearly two-thirds of the entire load. All other business interests, both members of the chamber of commerce and non-members, have carried only slightly more than one-third.

Who is standing behind Arkansas City?

 

[UNUSUAL OBITUARY: JAMES QUINN.]

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1921

Obituary
James Quinn was born in Ottawa, Canada, March 15, 1835. He came to the United States when 14 years of age, residing in Illinois until beginning of the civil war. He was a volunteer in company "H", Fifth Missouri cavalry, where he served as captain during his three years of service.

He was married to Mary C. York in 1865. To this union were born 14 children, seven boys and seven girls, all of whom are still living. They moved to Kansas in 1876, braving the hardships of pioneer life, believing God's promises to them that love the Lord.

He was converted to the M. E. church, united with the Friends church in 1875, at Ridge Farm, Illinois, and has lived a faithful life, teaching his children to trust in the Lord he had so faithfully served. He said a week ago to his family, "They that have clean hands and a pure heart shall see God." When suffering the last few hours, he said "The dear Lord will help me." He passed away very peacefully December 24, 1921, at 8:20 p.m., age eighty-six years, nine months, and nine days. He leaves his faithful and devoted wife to mourn his death.

 

[FORMER OWNER OF OSAGE HOTEL SITE VISITS: J. F. HOFFMAN]

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1921

Old Timer Here
J. F. Hoffman of Colorado Springs, Colorado, who has been in the city a few days on oil business, left last night for Kansas City. He is an old timer of Arkansas City, having formerly owned the site now occupied by the Osage hotel and conducted the old City hotel at this location for many years. He stopped off here on his way to Kansas City from the Texas oil fields.

 

[FORMER FREIGHTER VISITS CITY: E. W. BLAKEY.]

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1921

E. W. Blakey of Corydon, Iowa, and daughter, are here visiting W. W. Brown. He is an uncle of Mr. Brown, and was a resident of this city many years ago, being a freighter from here down into Oklahoma before the railroads were built. He is now one of the biggest dealers in registered cattle in Iowa, having a finely improved ranch and raising only blooded stock.

 

[HOMEACRES: GEUDA SPRINGS ROAD TO BE BUILT.]

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1921

HOMEACRES BEING IMPROVED
Is Ideal Location for Small Fruits and Truck Farming.

The real estate firm of Fitzpatrick & McDowell report the sale of a 10 acre tract in Homeacres to Pete Post, who intends to build a new house and barn immediately, and the premises will be occupied by Mr. Post and his mother. He expects to develop the tract for small fruits and truck garden and for this purpose will irrigate the land.

Homeacres was platted by Fitzpatrick & McDowell about a year ago. The land comprises 68 acres divided into 11 tracts ranging from two to ten acres. There is a forty foot standard road running north through the plat from the Chestnut avenue road running west from the city, and the county commissioners have ordered the north line of the plat to be opened up for a public highway. When this road is opened up, it will be the main traveled road from Arkansas City to Geuda Springs. The road is to be opened and graded soon.

The land in this plat has a gradual slope to the east and is admirably adapted for irrigating and makes an ideal spot for small fruits and truck farming. Anywhere on the tract an inex haustible supply of water can be secured by driving a point down to a depth of 16 feet.

Tracts heretofore sold are as follows:

B. C. Rhoads, 10 acres.

J. P. Ward, 3 acres.

H. T. Parr, 2 acres.

J. T. Lewis, 2 acres.

C. C. Criss, 4 acres.

Pete Post, 10 acres.

These sales have all been made within the past year and Fitzpatrick & McDowell expect to have the balance of the plat cleaned up by spring. All the land sold is being improved and put out to small fruits and truck farming. The land on this plot sells for $200 to $250 per acre.

While Homeacres is outside the corporate limits of Arkansas City, yet it is close enough to constitute a suburb of the city, and is an ideal location for the purposes intended.

 

[FRONT PAGE COMMENTS FROM EDITOR HOWARD ABOUT PAPER.]

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1921

RECAP ONLY: Fifty-two years ago the Traveler began its career in Arkansas City. Thirty-five years ago, the editor of the Traveler started the first daily paper in Arkansas City, and with the exception of ten months of that time, he has been connected with this paper.

 

[MOTOR CARS IN KANSAS MAKE SMALL GAIN/MOTORCYCLES DECREASE.]

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1921

MOTOR CARS IN KANSAS
Make Small Gain in 6 Mo.Motorcycles Decrease.

Topeka, Dec. 31.The number of motor cars in Kansas made but a small gain in the last six months, while motorcycles materially decreased.

Motor vehicle licenses issued in the last half of 1921 numbered 289,937267,699 pleasure cars, 21,648 trucksthe secretary of state's office announced today. This compares with a total of 287,393 last June 30 and 265,448 last December 31.

Motorcycle licenses now total but 2,271, a decrease of 1,127 from six months ago.

Beginning with 1922 licenses will be issued on a calendar rather than a fiscal year basis.

 

[PLANTING PEACH ORCHARD: E. S. BERRY.]

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1921

PLANTING PEACH ORCHARD
E. S. Berry Preparing to Set 1,000 Trees West of City.

E. S. Berry has purchased eight acres of land just west of the Arkansas river on the Chestnut avenue road, where he is getting ready to plant a peach orchard. He intends to set out about one thousand trees. Mr. Berry is having the ground prepared and Rogers Bros. nursery of Winfield, will set out the trees. In about a year he expects to build a house on the land, and will add truck farming to fruit raising. This is good river bottom land and well adapted to the purposes for which he intends to use it.

 

[D. U. WALKER, MISSOURI PACIFIC CONDUCTOR, REPORTS HITTING CAR.]

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1921

TRAIN HIT AUTO
Missouri Pacific Train Hit Overland Car at Cameron Yesterday.

D. U. Walker, conductor on the Missouri Pacific between here and Dexter, reports that his train hit an automobile at Cameron yesterday at about 12:30 o'clock. The train was coming around a sharp curve at this point and the driver, W. F. Brown, who lives a mile east of Cameron, did not see it in time to get off the track. The engine sideswiped the auto, which was an Overland touring, turning it end for end. Mr. Brown, who was the only occupant of the car, was considerably shaken up, but according to reports not seriously injured. The automobile was pretty badly damaged, the radiator being torn up and other damages done.

QUESTION: WAS D. U. WALKER, MENTIONED ABOVE, THE FATHER OF

D. ARTHUR WALKER, ATTORNEY? THE ANSWER IS "YES."

 

[INTERURBAN CAFE: WEST FIFTH AVENUE.]

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1921

DINNER FOR NEEDY
Fund Provided at A. C. Cafe for Meals Tomorrow.

The Traveler has been informed by the management of the Interurban cafe, located on West Fifth Avenue, that there has been a fund provided and left there, to be used on New Years day, to furnish dinner for any of the people in the city at noon that day who are really in need and have no other means of securing a New Years dinner. Any such person is asked to call at the cafe and they will be provided with a good dinner, to be paid for out of the fund left for this purpose. Those who call for this purpose need not fear that they will in any way be embarrassed.

 

[PUTTING IN NEW ROAD: MIDLAND VALLEY.]

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1921

Putting in New Road
The work of laying steel on the new line of railroad to extend from the Midland Valley to the new town of Shidler, southwest of here in Oklahoma, has begun, it was reported here this morning. The new line is to connect the oil field at Shidler and Whizbang, with the Midland Valley and is being put in by the Shidler interests. Shidler is a new town and is said to be drawing more attention at present than is Whizbang.

 

[COMMENTS FROM OL PARIS RE PART SITUATION.]

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1921

FEW STATE PARKS
Developments in This Line Only in Recent Years, Says Ol Paris.

Ol Paris, who is conversant with the park situation not only in this state but nationally, says that according to the standard adopted by the national park board, Arkansas City is well up to the forefront in the matter of city parks. The state park idea was implanted as far back as 1840, but lay dormant for years; and it is only in the past few years that there has been development of any consequence in this line. There are now 24 states in the union that have state parks. Kansas has only one state park. According to the code adopted by the national board, there should be one acre of park area for every 175 of a city's population.

Mr. Paris says Arkansas City has a total of 50 acres in its combined city parks, and to bring this city entirely up to the standard, there should be 68 acres for park purposes, according to which it appears this city should have about 18 acres more than it now has for parks.

The city has no park board, but all matters with reference to parks come under the supervision of the mayor and city commissioners. Mr. Paris has some plans with reference to park developments in this city, which he expects to push when the appropriate time arrives.

 

[HOCKADAY'S: 112 SOUTH SUMMIT STREET.]

AD: Our Annual Gift as NEW YEAR'S GREETING

Free TurkeysDucksChickensCracker JacksBalloons

AT

HOCKADAY'S

112 SOUTH SUMMIT STREET

JAN. 2, 1922 AT 2:30

COME AND SEE THE FUN!

ARTICLE--

The Hockaday Auto Supply company will give away a number of live turkeys, geese, and chickens on Monday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, these birds to be liberated from the roof of the building occupied by the company on South Summit street. Those who capture the fowls when they are thrown off the building will the opportunity to claim them as their own.

 

[CORNERSTONE TO BE LAID FOR NEW EPISCOPAL CHURCH.]

[ANDREW J. HUNT MEMORIAL CHURCH]

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1921

Lay Corner Stone Sunday
The program in connection with the laying of the corner stone for the new Episcopal church, located at A street and Walnut avenue, will be carried out tomorrow afternoon at three o'clock. On this occasion Bishop James Wise, of Topeka, will have charge of the program and will deliver the address. He will be assisted by Rev. F. F. Busch and members of the church here. The public is invited to attend the corner stone laying on Sunday afternoon.

 

[MORE ABOUT HOCKADAY'S]...

MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 1922

Capture Flying Fowls
Summit street in front of the Hockaday service station was filled with a solid mass of people this afternoon at two-thirty when the Hockaday company pulled off their turkey serenade. Over a score of turkeys, ducks, and chickens were liberated from a third story window of their building. The wind being in the south, the majority of the crowd gathered slightly to the north of the building thinking that the fowls would be apt to fly in that direction.

Most of the turkeys flew a short distance, but the ducks and chickens did not alight a great distance from the window.

The first turkey was caught by Charles Coudreay, of Kaw City, Oklahoma. Others who won birds were A. W. Swartz, Hiram Simmons, Jim Madden, L. M. Jones, L. C. Estep of this city, and possibly a score more.

 

[MARKET CHANGES HANDS]

MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 1922

Market Changes Hands
J. H. Kennedy, of Wichita, is the new owner of the Public Market, located on South Summit street, and he is in charge of the place today. He has brought his family here and will make Arkansas City his future home. Mr. Kennedy succeeds F. A. Schroder, who has been in charge of the market for the Public Market company, but he is now the sole owner. The place will still be known as The Public Market. Mr. Schroder expects to be transferred to Wichita Falls, Texas, for the company with which he is employed.

 

[E. E. ELLIS, PROPRIETOR OF THE I. X. L. ROOMING HOUSE ARRESTED.]

MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 1922

E. E. Ellis, proprietor of the I. X. L. rooming house, on South Summit street, was arrested last Saturday night by Officers Pauley and Fox, on the charge of "operating a house for immoral purposes." He gave bond in the sum of $50 for appearance in court. It is reported that the complaining witness in this action is a girl who has been rooming at the house alleged to have been operated by Ellis.

Bill Craft is booked for trial tomorrow evening on the charge of "soliciting." He gave bond in the sum of $50. Ellis put up the bond for Craft, the officers report.

 

[B. F. BROWN: HOMINY MAN.]

MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 1922

HOMINY MAN ON JOB
Sells Ice Cream at PawhuskaDuring Summer Months.

B. F. Brown, known as the hominy man, has just returned from Pawhuska, Oklahoma, where during the past summer he was selling ice cream. He reports that he has been sick of pneumonia for some time, which delayed his return to this city for the purpose of selling hominy during the winter. He has sold hominy here for the past five years and is known by almost every housewife in the city, as he sells from house to house. He reports the ice cream business good in Pawhuska during the summer months, while he does a nice hominy business here during the winter. He has rented a house at 420 South Fourth street, which he is occupying.

 

[FITZPATRICK TELLS STORY OF NORTH CAROLINA WEDDING.]

MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 1922

BUT HE "JINED" THE PAIR
North Carolina Justice of Peace Had Never Witnessed a Wedding.

R. F. Fitzpatrick, of the real estate firm of Fitzpatrick & McDowell of this city, is very fond of a joke, but he has one which has an identification with the real estate business, which he is especially fond of. It is a story of a North Carolina justice of the peace, who had never witnessed a wedding, and who was unexpectedly called upon to perform a marriage ceremony. Beyond the management of real estate, drawing up deeds, and the like, he had no legal knowledge, but any lack of information was fully made up by his breezy self- assertion. When the couple to be married, with a witness, appeared before him, he lost no time in removing his hat, and remarked:

"Hats off in the presence of the court." All being uncovered, he said: "I'll swear you in fust. Hold up yer right hands."

"Me too?" asked the witness.

"Of course," said the captain, "all witnesses must be sworn. You and each of you solemnly swear that the evidence you shall give in this case shall be the truth, th' ole truth, an' nothin' but the truth, s'el you God. You, John Marvin, do solemnly swear that to the best of your knowledge and belief you take this yer woman to have and to hold for yerself, yer heirs, exekyerters, administrators and assigns, for your an' their use an' behoof forever?"

"I do," answered the groom.

"You, Alice Ewer, take this yer man for yer husband, to have an' to hold forever; and you do further swear that you are lawfully seized in fee simple, and free from all incumbrance, and have good right to sell, bargain and convey to the said grantee yerself, yer heirs, administrators and assigns?"

"I do," said the bride, rather doubtfully.

"Well, John," said the captain, "that'll be about a dollar 'n fifty cents."

"Are we married?" asked the other.

"Not yet, ye ain't." quoth the captain with emphasis. "But the fee comes in here." After some fumbling it was produced and handed over to the "court" who examined it to make sure that it was all right, and pocketed it, and continued.

"Know all men by these presents, that I, Captain X, being in good health and of sound and disposin' mind, in consideration of a dollar 'n fifty cents to me in hand paid, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, do and by these presents have declared you man and wife during good behavior, and till otherwise ordered by the court."

 

[SADDLE ROCK CHANGES HANDS.]

MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 1922

Saddle Rock Changes Hands
G. M. Key from Wichita has purchased the Saddle Rock restaurant, the deal having been made two or three days ago and the new proprietor, who is a wide-awake restaurant man, took charge this morning. The former proprietor, Mar Yuan, will return to his old haunts in Los Angeles. The Saddle Rock, under Chinese management, has been a popular eating place, and from indications its popularity will not diminish under the present management, Mr. Key being an agreeable congenial gentleman.

 

[PROHIBITION IN KANSAS AND UNITED STATES.]

MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 1922

MANY LIQUOR PROSECUTIONS
Attorney General Says the Victory is Being Won Daily.

Prohibition in Kansas and United States Did Not Come Through Politics, State Official Declares.

Topeka, Kans., Jan. 2.

Although fighting against heavy odds, officers of the law in Kansas are gradually winning the greatest battle in the prohibition conflictthe battle for law enforce mentRichard J. Hopkins, attorney general, declared today.

"The enforcement of the prohibition law in Kansas has had the effect of educating the people on the subject so that overwhelming public sentiment is for prohibition," said Attorney General Hopkins. "With this public sentiment and the cooperation of all officials, we can hope for the ultimate extinguishment of all liquor violations. Public sentiment in Kansas now, as at no other time, has its full heart and soul set against all crime. Our county officials are doing wonderful work."

A recent survey made by the attorney general shows there have been about eight hundred successful liquor prosecutions in Kansas since last January; 8,300 gallons of liquor and 30,265 gallons of mash have been confiscated and destroyed; five hundred stills have been captured; the amount of fines imposed amounts to approximately $100,000; and the average jail sentence of those convicted is fifty-four days."

"The prohibition law, like all criminal laws, requires vigilance on the part of the officers to enforce," Hopkins continued. "In the rural districts it is an easy matter to maintain prohibition. In the cities it is more difficult as strangers are constantly coming and going and secret places are more easily maintained.

"Prohibition in Kansas and in the United States did not come through politics. It came through strength of necessity, and by moral uplift. Except the Declaration of Independence, it is the most advanced step ever taken by a nation.

"The liquor men pulled down the roof upon their own heads, they forgot God, cursed religion, violated law, degraded the material welfare of the country, and now are out of business. The temple of Bacchus, like the temple of Diana, is no more.

"It must be received and understood once and for all, that prohibition is not here for a visit. It has come to stay and a wise man will so perceive and act accordingly.

"The eighteenth amendment, and the Volstead act in support thereof, renders prohibition more easily, enforced in Kansas. Some chronic offenders who think they can evade a state law have a wholesome fear of a federal law and its sure penalties.

"The class of people now guilty of participating in the violation of the prohibitory law, both state and national, is striking and significant. The criminals of the underworld who originally considered themselves aristocrats in the defiance of the law have now thronged the illicit manufacture, sale, and carriage of liquor; and the class of professional liquor viola tors are of more desperate character and kind than of a few years ago. Likewise, in the so- called respectable walks of life, men of greed are yielding to the temptation of the rich golden profits.

"In Kansas we have the advantage of what are considered first class and drastic laws for the suppression of the liquor traffic and the advantage of having practically all of them passed on favorably by the supreme court. Likewise, we have the public sentiment with us and with very, very few exceptions, the hearty cooperation of local officers.

"The average so-called reformer usually wants to stop everyone else from doing the things he doesn't want to do, but it is just the reverse in the liquor proposition. A lot of good citizens who are glad and willing to testify against an automobile thief or a burglar would much rather not be called upon to reveal the fact that John Jones, the neighbor, has a private still and making liquor only for home use, for sometimes neighbor Jones owns the home- made still in co-partnership with the neighbor called on to testify.

"Of course, it is only a question of time until public sentiment will convince these people that this sly violation of the law has a most demoralizing effect on their community and sooner or later a number of these so-called first families will realize that this evil will manifest itself in its most hideous form in their own homes and that with the bad grade of liquor now being dispensed, will sooner or later make believers and law-abiders out of a class of people who at the present time wink at the law when it comes to a personal appuncation.

"There is a studied effort on the part of the enemies of prohibition by subtle suggestions and open and vicious attacks to discredit the law and its enforcement. But the main proposition that every good citizen, as well as every officer, is considered with, is impressing upon the law violators, whether they be rich or poor, professional or amateur, that the way of the transgressor is hard."

 

[FIRE AT PALACE CLEANERS/BARTELL BARBER SHOP.]

TUESDAY, JANUARY 3, 1922

FIRST FIRE OF YEAR
Palace Cleaners Shop Scene of Explosion and Flames Yesterday.

The fire department answered the first alarm of the present year Monday evening at 5:05 o'clock. The blaze was in the room occupied by the Palace Cleaners at 118 South Summit Street, in the rear of the building occupied by the Bartell barber shop.

The large box which is known as the dry cleaning rack was the scene of the blaze. There was an explosion which shattered one of the windows of the building, but fortunately there was no one injured in the accident. The firemen answered the alarm and assisted in putting out the fire.

There were two suits of clothes in the dry rack at the time and they were destroyed by the fire. The amount of the damage has not been estimated. This fire probably will be listed as one of those of unknown origin.

 

TUESDAY, JANUARY 3, 1922

TRANSPORTING LIQUOR
Arrests Follow Collision Between Autos Sunday Night.

As the result of a collision between cars near City Wells last night, Frank Touchstone and G. W. Cornwell, of Winfield, are in jail on a charge of transporting liquor, the collision having revealed, it is said, that the men had a bottle of corn whiskey in the car with them. In the collision some damage was done to the fender of Lark Parson's Reo, the other car in the affair.

The charge of transporting liquor is against both men. Touchstone, who was at the wheel at the time, is also charged with driving a car on a public road while in an intoxicated condition.

The story was that Parsons drove his car well into the ditch to escape the approaching Maxwell, in which were Touchstone and Cornwell. The Maxwell, it is said, was zigzagging across the road, and took one of these slants when opposite the Reo. City Marshal Fred Hoover and Policeman Kimberlin went out and made the arrest. Today the two prisoners were turned over to the sheriff on the state warrant.Courier.

 

AD APPEARING TUESDAY, JANUARY 3, 1922

New Cream Station for ARKANSAS CITY

We wish to announce to those interested that we will have a cream buying station in operation at our plant at 1100 South D street, January 2nd, 1922.

We will pay 30 cents per pound butter fat until further market change.

Bring your cream, eggs and poultry to our plant. We will endeavor to please you.

A. S. KININMONTH PRODUCE CO.
-0-

[MEASURING DEVICE PLACED ON WALNUT RIVER BRIDGE, WINFIELD.]

TUESDAY, JANUARY 3, 1922

MYSTERY SOLVED
Explanation Made of Curious Machine on South Bridge.

That black box fastened to the west rail of the Walnut river bridge on South Main street is part of an apparatus for measuring and recording the rise and fall of water in the river, it was explained today by those who have it in charge. The box has caused a great deal of wonderment and questioning, but no one seemed to know about it. Today it was learned that William Mason, who lives south of the river, near the bridge, is looking after the apparatus.

Attached to the rail of the bridge adjacent to the black box is a horizontal timber upon which is fastened a measuring scale ten feet and one tenth in length. The scale is divided into feet and tenths of a foot. Between zero and three feet the scale is divided by markings, each of which represent two one-hundredths of a foot.

An opening in the bottom of the box, through which projects a short length of pipe, allows a weighted cord to be let down to the water. A permanent marker on this cord is applied to the scale and the reading taken and noted. Mr. Mason says this is done twice a day, morning and evening. The fluctuations in the height of the river are thus accurately recorded.

This apparatus was placed on the bridge several weeks ago by agents of the United States Geological Survey. Its purpose is to record the flow of the river. Similar apparatus has been placed on bridges throughout the country in order to get a dependable estimate on the amount of water available in any given region. Some day this will be valuable in making plans for the conservation of water, or for utilizing the rivers for water power.

Mr. Mason was asked to look after the apparatus because he lives nearby. He gets a small fee for doing it. The daily records are forwarded to the survey at the end of each week.

Courier.

 

[SANTA FE BRAKEMAN, WALTER H. FINNEY, KILLED AT PERRY.]

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 1922

WALTER H. FINNEY KILLED AT PERRY
Fell Under Car Today and Body Cut in Two.

LEAVES FAMILY HERE.

No Witness to Accident Supposed a Mis-step Wife and 3 Children in This City.

Walter H. Finney, Santa Fe brakeman of this city, met instant death this afternoon at Perry, Oklahoma, according to word received at the local divisional office, having fallen under an oil tank car, and as the wheels of the car passed over him, the body was terribly mangled. The accident occurred as the train he was working on, No. 422, northbound local freight, was switching on the house track at Perry. There were no eye witnesses to the fatal accident, according to the report received here, although the other trainmen were near at hand at the time of the killing.

It was reported at the south yards here this afternoon that the body of Mr. Finney was cut in two by the wheels of the train, but the division office force stated that this was not contained in the report sent to that office. However, the body was horribly mangled, and the wheels of the car are said to have passed over the body, from the crotch, and over the back. Conductor A. H. Matthews, of this city, was in charge of the train at the time of the accident, and late in the day the officials here had not received his statement of the case.

Walter H. Finney leaves a wife and three children, two girls and one boy, here, the family home being at 317 South D street. He was 32 years of age and had been in the employ of the Santa Fe on the Oklahoma Division as a brakeman and an extra conductor for the past eight years.

The accident which resulted in the sudden death of Mr. Finney occurred at 12:10 o'clock this afternoon and the news was telegraphed to the local office in a very short time after that hour. According to the information received here, the body was taken to an undertaking parlor in that town and will be prepared for shipment and sent to this city tonight on train No. 18, arriving at 8:10. Arrangements for the funeral services and burial will be announced later. A committee of B. of R. T. men was sent there on train No. 15 at 4:10.

Conductor Chas. Freeman and Elmer Wilson, both of this city, were assigned the duty of carrying the news of the sad death of the husband to the wife and children here this afternoon. Later in the afternoon several of the local trainmen went to Perry to look after the body and have it properly taken care of there. It was not learned whether or not there would be an inquest held over the body at Perry.

Walter H. Finney was employed by the Santa Fe in this city as a brakeman on March 3, 1913, the records in the local office show. He was promoted to be an extra conductor on September 27, 1917. At the time he was employed here, he was 24 years of age.

He was a splendid employee, according to all reports, and was well liked by all his fellow workmen, as well as by the local officials, under whom he was employed.

The report received here in regard to the accidental killing was to the effect that Mr. Finney was riding on a tank car, while this and another car were being switched onto the house track; and that in some manner he fell off the car, the result being that he was run over before he could get in the clear. It probably will never be known whether he made a mis-step and fell from the car, or whether he was in some manner jolted from the side of the car, as all tank cars have a footboard on either side.

 

[E. E. ELLIS OF THE I. X. L. ROOMING HOUSE]

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 1922

IN THE CITY COURT
Case Against Rooming House Proprietor and Girl is Dismissed.

The case of the city versus E. E. Ellis, of the I. X. L. rooming house, on the charge of keeping a house for immoral purposes, which was filed in the city court several days ago, was dismissed at the session of the court last evening on account of a lack of evidence. The case of the city against "Billy" Craft, on the charge of "soliciting," was also dismissed, and "Billy," who is said to be a female, and who has been stopping at the

I. X. L. rooms, was given instructions by the city judge to leave the city on the evening train. Officers say that she returned to Wichita, which is her home.

 

[AL BEESON]

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 1922

WON FIRST MONEY
Arkansas City Boy Beats All Competitors in Roping at El Paso.

Al Beeson has just learned that his son, Fred Beeson, who is entering the roping contests in Texas, won first money in the El Reno contest, which was a three days' affair. He will attend the roping at San Antonio January 20-21-222, and is expected home about the 26th. The two items of time and the amount of the prize were not given, but all the cowboys in this section and Beeson's many friends here will be glad to learn of his success.

 

[FIRM CHANGE]

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 1922

Charlie Masters Retires
At press time the information reached this office that L. D. Fuhrman has purchased the interest of Chas. Masters in the firm of Masters-Fuhrman. Mr. Masters retires from business because of ill health. He will rest up until his health is restored. After that he will decide what he will do. Mr. Fuhrman will continue the business.

 

FROM DISTRICT COURT NEWS...WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 1922:

LANTZ VS. HANNA, ET AL, SEPARATE ANSWER OF CITY OF ARKANSAS CITY AND BOARD OF EDUCATION.

[I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THIS WAS ALL ABOUT!]

 

[COWLEY COUNTY TAXPAYERS LEAGUE]

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1922

Cowley County Taxpayers League meeting at Arkansas City, Feb. 4th, at 2 p.m. at junior high school building to complete organization and to elect two delegates from this congressional district to state meeting Feb. 15th.

Advisory board completed as follows:

North half of Cowley countyE. Simms, J. B. Wilson, P. L. Alderson.

WinfieldP. H. Albright, P. T. Stall, W. S. Taylor.

Arkansas CityR. C. Howard, Jacob Seyster, C. G. Roseberry.

South halfR. P. Hunt, F. C. DeMott, C. T. Whalenmaier.

Names of committee will be announced on that date. Every taxpayer is requested to be present.H. P. Holman, chairman.

 

[MARSHALL RICHMOND, INJURED BY BULL.]

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1922

Marshall Richmond, the farmer from southeast of the city who was injured by a bull at his home, on Monday evening, was re-

ported to be no better today and the attendants at the hospital stated that there was no encouragement to offer in his behalf.

 

[COUNTRY CLUB HOLDS ANNUAL MEETING/ELECTS OFFICERS.]

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1922

At the meeting of the stockholders of the Country Club held in the city building last evening, the following officers and directors were elected: Dr. W. T. McKay, president; R. A. Brown, vice-president; Foss Farrar, secretary; R. C. Dixon, treasurer; Fred Shea, financial secretary. DirectorsA. H. Moore, R. W. Oldroyd, Albert Faulconer, J. B. Lantz, W. T. McKay, and F. E. Goodrich. Twelve members constitute the board, the six holding over being Ralph Sowden, R. C. Dixon, R. A. Brown, R. T. Keefe, C. C. Sollitt, and Foss Farrar.

 

[GASOLINE EXPLOSION: J. T. BROWN RESIDENCE.]

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1922

GASOLINE EXPLOSION
Serious Results Narrowly Averted in Brown Home Yesterday.

An explosion in the residence of J. T. Brown yesterday shortly before noon resulted in blowing out some window lights and causing a small blaze, which did some damage to the furnishings, as well as singeing the eyebrows and hair of the only occupant of the building at the time, Mrs. J. T. Brown.

The shock also knocked Mrs. Brown to the floor, but she was not bruised in any way.

Mrs. Brown was cleaning a dress, using gasoline in a container on the back porch. She had taken the dress into the kitchen to run it through the electric wringer, having first turned off the gas in the kitchen stove. While in the act of putting the dress through the wringer, there was a sudden explosion, which was of sufficient force to break several window panes and the flames resulting burned up the dress and damaged some wood parts on the washing machine, burned the insulation off the wiring, and destroyed a rug.

A neighbor, Mr. Holland, who happened to be in his backyard, noticed a light in the kitchen window of the Brown residence and heard some commotion, and he quickly came to the assistance of Mrs. Brown and assisted in putting out the fire. Mrs. Brown attempted to call the fire department, but the explosion had knocked the telephone receiver down and she could not immediately get a response from the central operator. The call was not made as Mr. Holland immediately arrived and the two together soon had the fire under control.

The only possible explanation of the cause of the explosion is that there must have been a short in the electric wiring which came in contact with the highly inflammable dress goods. The force of the explosion also indicated that there must have been considerable gas fumes in the room as well as the gas contained in the dress being cleaned. The house furnishings were insured with the Roseberry Investment company, while the damage to the building was covered by insurance with the C. Lytal company.

Mr. and Mrs. Brown when seen by the Traveler reporter at their jewelry store this morning were feeling very fortunate in the matter and thankful to have escaped more disastrous consequences.

 

[FIVE ALLEGED DRUNKS ARRESTED BY NIGHT POLICE FORCE.]

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1922

IN THE CITY COURT
Five Alleged Drunks Arrested by the Night Police Force.

Night Policemen Atterberry and Jobe made five arrests last night and the victims were placed in the city jail a part of the night, but all were released on bond this morning at nine o'clock, as the city judge was compelled to go to Winfield before that hour to be in attendance at the district court session there.

The quintet of well known Arkansas City men arrested last night is composed of the following: Harley McElhinney, Arthur La Sarge, Virgil La Sarge, "Pal" Gregg, and Mike Crouse. All are being charged with being drunk and Virgil La Sarge is also charged with driving a car while he was in an intoxicated condition. When released on bond this morning, each of them seemed to be in good spirits, but some of them thought the city should furnish them with breakfast before they were released. William Bunnell signed a bond of $25 for each one of the party and they were instructed to appear at the city courtroom at 5 o'clock this evening, or the bonds will be declared forfeited.

Parties who reside on South Summit Street report that a squad of city officers was shooting at someone late last night, but in this connection the chief and the other members of the day force declared they were not aware of such a case. No one about the city hall seemed to know what the shooting was for or what it meant, and no one could be found there who was willing to give out anything on this subject.

 

[G. J. MORELAND...ONE IN SEARCH OF A WIFE.]

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1922

MORELAND WAS HERE
Visited His Children and Re-Paid the Sheriff.

G. J. Moreland, who was released from the county jail several days ago after he had received "a message from God telling him to chop wood and not bother folks," was in Winfield yesterday. While here he paid a visit to his two sons who are in the orphans' home here and also repaid Sheriff Goldsmith forty cents loaned him when he left.

When Moreland was released the sheriff loaned him forty cents for interurban fare to Arkansas City. When Moreland came back yesterday to visit the children, he paid a visit to the jail and repaid the officer.

Moreland was taken in custody after he had made a house-to-house canvass at Arkansas City hunting for a wife. He said God had told him to get a wife and this was the only method he knew.

Free Press.

 

[GROCERY STORE SOLD.]

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1922

SOLD GROCERY STORE
Major Harrelson Sells White Way Store to Tom C. Hamm.

Major Harrelson has sold his grocery store on South Summit Street near Madison Avenue to Tom C. Hamm, of Big Heart, Okla., who took charge this morning. Mr. Hamm is well known by the Arkansas City produce and wholesale houses, he having had dealings with them for a long time, and is known as an enterprising and responsible businessman. Mrs. Harrelson has been associated with her husband in the conduct of the store and they have built up a very successful business. The store is known as the White Way Grocery, and under the management of Mr. and Mrs. Harrelson, it grew into a thriving business. Mr. Harrelson has not made any definite arrangements for the immediate future, and he and his wife probably will rest for a time. He has an offer which, if accepted, will take him out of town, but has come to no decision with reference to it. Their many friends here will regret to see them get out of business and would be glad to see them enter some other line and remain here.

Mr. Tom C. Hamm will continue the business under the name of the White Way Grocery.

 

[NEWFIELD JEWELRY STORE MOVES.]

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1922

E. G. Newfield has moved his jewelry store from the north part of the room formerly occupied by the Fowler Office Supply Co., on North Summit Street, to the north room of the building occupied by the Bahruth plumbing shop, at the corner of Summit and Central avenue. The move was made last night and the jewelry store was in the new location today.

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AD, FEB. 1, 1922: CENTRAL HARDWARE CO., 122 SOUTH SUMMIT STREET.

 

[COMLEY LUMBER CO. STATES IT IS COMPETITIVE IN PRICES.]

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1922

OFFERS TO MEET COMPETITION
Says Comley Lumber Co., If Grade Is Taken Into Consideration.

Editor TravelerIn a recent item published in your paper and furnished by a real estate man of this city, where lumber prices in Tulsa were compared with prices in effect in Arkansas City, the writer feels that the item has been an unjust one. It tried to put us on the list as profiteers. The charges we deny.

The public, including the real estate gentleman, must not forget that there are many, many different grades of lumber. That list stated 3/8-inch oak flooring could be bought for $57.30, but I notice that there was no grade specified. There are five different grades of 3/8- inch oak flooring. Then there was mentioned 2x6 and 2x8, but no grade mentioned again, and what grade would you expect to get as there are four grades of same.

When comparing prices, let us take grades into consideration, the same as we do in buying other merchandise. If it is fair to consider quality in some items of merchandise, it surely is fair to do so on all merchandise.

The Comley Lumber company has been in business in Arkansas City for thirty-nine years, and we never have hesitated to tell what grade we were pricing to the public, and we never intend doing otherwise. If investors and home builders wish to construct their homes with material of a low or no grade, we will gladly supply them, at same terms and prices as were quoted in that item. We know you do not want to use material of a low grade for your home. We will meet any legitimate competition, regardless who they are, and where located.

We will gladly compare profits with any real estate man, and prove there has been no profiteering in the lumber business.

Comley Lumber Company, Clarence Schwan, manager.

 

[TRADE DAY IN ARKANSAS CITY.]

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1922

TRADE DAY WAS BIG SUCCESS
Biggest Business Since Day Was Established is Report.

Checks Received From Many Surrounding TownsMany Stores Report Big Crowd Shoppers All Day Long.

Yesterday was Arkansas City's regular monthly trade day and according to all reports and indications, it was very successful.

RECAP: Shoppers from Ponca City, Newkirk, Geuda Springs, Blackwell, Oxford, Wellington, Winfield, Dexter, Silverdale; and shoppers from the new oil field towns: Burbank, Tonkawa, Apperson, Whizbang, and Grainola.

The roads were muddy from the rain and snow of the preceding days, but people came from all over this city's trade territory.

Statements from some of the merchants were made.

J. A. Haney, of the Economy Cash grocery.

Al G. Wright.

Leonard Kuntz of Kuntz's cash clothing store.

Gus Pantier of the Reed store.

Guy Ecroyd, Newman's advertising man.

George Cornish, the photographer.

R. H. Rhoads of the Palace Grocery Store.

J. W. Gilbreath, of the Gilbreath-Calvert store.

I. D. Fuhrman clothing store.

George D. Ormiston, Ormiston shoe stores.

A. H. Fitch, Fitch's music store.

J. R. Smith, Peoples store.

E. L. McDowell, the jeweler.

George F. Duman of Kirkpatrick's furniture store.

J. T. Brown, jeweler.

J. H. Britt of Axley's meat market.

John Freeland, advertising manager, J. C. Penney store.

It should be remembered that the first Wednesday in each month is trade day. Secretary Seyster of the Chamber of Commerce is developing a proposition in connection with the trade day offerings that may prove of much value.

 

[MILLINERY SHOP IN C. H. DEVLIN STORE...ETHEL LOUD.]

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1922

Returns From Market
Miss Ethel Loud has returned from the eastern market where she has been to purchase millinery for her shop, located in the C. H. Devlin store here. She reports a fine visit in the east and while away she purchased a nice line of millinery for the store here. The new spring and summer goods in the hat line are keen for the coming season and the new stock has already begun to arrive in the city. Miss Loud will have an elegant display in this line very soon now.

 

[HILL GARAGE GETS NEW BATTERY STATION...W. E. HAMMOND.]

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1922

New Battery Station
W. E. Hammond, the battery man, formerly located at 1215 South Summit Street, is opening up a new battery station in the Hill Garage, 306 North Summit Street. He is already prepared to rebuild and recharge batteries but will have a special announcement to make within a few days with reference to his battery business. He proposes to introduce something new in this city.

 

[LIBERTY BOND CASES: JAMES STIFF/BRUCE EMORY.]

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1922

BOND CASES SIXTH
Stiff and Emory Trials Will Begin Next Monday.

The Liberty Bond cases in which James Stiff and Bruce Emory are involved will begin next Monday, assignment of these cases for that date having been made in district court this morning. Two days, the sixth and seventh, have been allotted for these trials. It may take longer. Stiff and Emory are charged with buying bonds which, it is alleged, they knew to have been stolen. The transaction is alleged to have been with the Majors gang of bandits which operated in Kansas and Oklahoma in 1919.

The bonds in the Stiff and Emory cases were sold by them in New York in 1919, it is alleged. When interest coupons from these bonds came to be paid, the treasury found them to be of numbers listed as having been stolen from a bank at Benton, Kansas, and from a bank at Bartlett, Kansas. They were traced back to Stiff and Emory, whose defense is that they did not know the bonds were stolen when they bought them.

Trial of Jim Stiff was started December 1, 1920, in district court here. A jury was empaneled and sworn to try the case, then discharged when it was found that the information filed by the county attorney had omitted the "Winfield, Cowley County, Kansas," which gives the court jurisdiction to try the case. Stiff was at once rearrested on a new information and a preliminary examination held in order to get the testimony of some important witnesses who might not be present at a second attempt to try the case.

The trial of Bruce Emory was then taken up and pressed through several days. The star witness for the state was a young woman alleged to be the wife of a leader of the bandit gang. She attracted a vast amount of attention at the time. It is not stated whether she will appear again in person. The trial resulted in disagreement of the jury. It is possible that the transcript of the woman's testimony may be used at the coming trial.Courier.

 

[A. H. DENTON]

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1922

A. H. Denton writes to the Traveler from Washington, D. C., under date of January 29, that he wishes for sunny Kansas and that he is sorry he missed the Kansas Day celebration in Topeka. He says there was thirty inches of snow fell in thirty hours there on that day and that he was at that time snow bound in Washington.

 

[Y. W. C. A.]

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1922

There were 21 members of the board of directors present out of the 24 on the board to elect officers for the ensuing year. Mrs. Gardner resigned from the Y. W. board work as her church duties are heavy and she feels that her church work comes first. She has served as president of the board for this purpose.

The new officers are as follows:

Mrs. Ralph Oldroyd - president.

Mrs. J. O. Campbell - vice president.

Mrs. J. O. Brown - secretary.

Mrs. Mary J. Clark - treasurer.

 

[LaSARGE, ET AL, CITY COURT]

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1922

In the city court last evening there were four fines assessed. They were as follows: Mike Crouse, Runt LaSarge, Virgil LaSarge, and Pal Gregg, on the charge of being drunk; each paid a fine of $25, after pleading guilty to the charge named. Case against Harley McElhinney was dismissed for the reason that he pleaded not guilty to the same charge.

NOTE: FINALLY FIGURED IT OUT...

ARTHUR LaSARGE WAS CALLED RUNT;

VIRGIL LaSARGE WAS CALLED FAT.

 

[NEW RULES IN LIQUOR CASES]

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1922

Topeka, Kan., Feb. 3.Persons engaged in manufacturing and selling intoxicating liquors in Kansas are not only subject to the payment of heavy fines and penalties, but the government can force the collection of the amounts by the seizure of property even to the extent of taking over a homestead.

Case cited: Franklin county, Joe Rank. Seized the house and lot of Rank. The place was advertised for sale and the government bid the property in for an amount equal to penalties and taxes imposed against Rank for manufacturing liquor.

Under the Volstead act persons engaged in the illegal manufacture of intoxicating liquor are subject to a penalty of $500, an addition to penalty of $1,000, and those selling it double the regular revenue tax. The penalties are inflicted as punishment for failure to report or pay the regular tax. By enforcing this section of the Volstead act, revenue officials say they hope in time to practically eliminate the manufacture of liquor in Kansas.

NOTE: NOT SURE I UNDERSTOOD EXACTLY WHAT THEY WERE SAYING...AND

IT APPEARS TO ME THE PAPER, AS USUAL, MESSED UP SOME OF

THE WORDING.

 

[TRANSPLANTED PEOPLE FROM COWLEY COUNTY TO CALIFORNIA.]

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1922

Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Drennan write another letter from California, in which they mentioned former residents of A. C. and Winfield.

Kansas Day Picnic at Long Beach:

Arkansas City--

A. T. Buchanan, Mrs. Ambrose Brown, Mr. Carmichael, Wal Wentworth and wife, Ed. Garris, Fred Swartz, Dr. Guinn, Mr. Johnson, Attorney Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Lockwood, Mrs. Bogert, Ted Bunnell and wife, Mr. Jaquins, Will Scott, J. A. Ruby, N. D. Sanders, S. A. Beach and wife and two daughters, Thos. Timmerman and family, Sam Endicott, W. W. Van Pelt, secretary of chamber of commerce, Riverside; W. S. Graham, Minnie Toombs Calvert, Mrs. Titus, Frank Thomas, sister, A. F. and A. R. Williams, Mr. and Mrs. G. A. Van Deveer, Myrtle Williams Colton, Mr. and Mrs. N. C. Cottingham, Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Haley, and a like number from Winfield.

There were 6 or 7 thousand people formerly from Kansas. Mrs. Ed Nelson, suffering from stroke, lived at Winfield; her husband was county clerk for many years.

Also mentioned: Mr. and Mrs. Jas. M. Phillips at San Diego; Lockwoods, already mentioned, lived at Coronado. Also mentioned: Rivers Allen, who used to live in A. C., doing a splendid plumbing business, owner of a nice apartment house in Coronado. Also mentioned Bob Mears, in quest of a ranch. Ed Gleason family and Mr. Bates also mentioned as former A. C. people.

 

[MARSHALL RICHMAN DIES FROM INJURIES...BULL/HAYRAKE.]

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1922

Marshall Richman died about 9 o'clock this morning in the Arkansas City hospital from the effects of injuries which he received Friday evening, January 30, when a bull crowded him into a hayrake, running a rod into his body, and inflicting serious wounds.

Only relative besides his wife living in this section is his nephew, Leo Richman, who lived with him. Body will be sent to Villa Grove, Illinois, former home of the deceased, who was 44 years of age.

 

[WHIZBANG]

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1922

C. W. Sanderson of the Occidental Loan and Detective Agency of this city was in Whizbang yesterday in the interests of the company. He reports that eight strings of tools are idle now owing to lack of water. The drillers on one well, he said, went 3,700 feet without striking a bit of water. To rememdy the water situation, pipelines are being laid to Whizbang from the Arkansas river, a distance of about seven miles. He said the Santa Fe railroad was building an addition 40x60 feet to the depot at Burbank, and also adding a sixty- car track in the switch yards.

 

[BENEDUM/TREES - LITTLE PIRATE OIL AND GAS COMPANY.]

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1922

The new test of the Little Pirate Oil and Gas company, which was spudded in the latter part of last week is reported drilling around 100 feet. This is one location north of Clarke No. 4, which is making now around 125 barrels daily.

 

[COWLEY COUNTY TAXPAYERS LEAGUE MEETING.]

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1922

A large crowd of taxpayers assembled at the junior high school building in this city this afternoon at 2 o'clock, calling this meeting to complete the organization and to elect two delegates from this congressional district to the state meeting to be held in Topeka February 15.

Two to three hundred people attended.

Chairman H. P. Holman called the meeting to order and stated its purpose. He said the meeting was for the discussion of the tax question and the waste proposition in the matter of conducting the public's business, and asked "Where is the limit of taxation?" His answer was, nothing but the deep blue sky. There is no end, unless action is taken to restrict waste and extravagance. He urged the necessity of getting back to normalcy, and restricting unnecessary and extravagant expenditures of the people's money. He sounded a note the tone of which indicated that taxes have mounted up to a degree reaching the danger line, and where the burden of taxation is becoming too great to bear. He called the attention of the taxpayers at this meeting to the fact that the revolutionary war was caused by overtaxation. He said the taxes here now are burdensome; that agriculture is bleeding; that farm products won't bring enough on the markets to pay these taxes.

He said that the taxpayers assembled at this meeting and forming an organization did not intend to tear down the schools and roads; in fact, he said, it is the intention to make these institutions better, but he repeated that extravagance and waste had been abroad on every hand and there had been a great deal of loose business in connection with the expenditure of the public's money, and proclaimed the business of this taxpayers' organization to be to see that there was an accounting so that the public may know how their money is being used, and where it goes to.

He said there should be a public auditor and reports made so that each taxpayer may know just how his money is being used. He cited that some townships had not drawn a dollar of the road drag money to which they are entitled, while other townships have overcharged the limit allowed by law. He stated that there should be an official drag sheet so that each township would know exactly what it is entitled to, all getting what is coming to them and none getting more than their share.

He recommended the lessening of tax levies by from one-third to one-half the present levies. He was not for any ugly-faced wild action, but believed the time had arrived to get down to bedrock, maintaining all those things absolutely essential and meeting all obligations of honor and upright citizenship.

After these introductory remarks, the minutes of the previous meeting were read by the secretary, R. J. Murrray. The chairman then announced committees as follows:

Investigating committee on state institutions of Cowley County, U. S. Alexander, Winfield, chairman; A. H. Abrams, and O. S. Gibson.

Committee on poor farm and roads: W. C. Bender, Floral; J. H. Goff, Arkansas City; and Louis Maurer, Dexter.

Attorney on road law, Albert Faulconer.

Attorneys on legislation and legal matters pertaining to the organization: W. L. Cunningham, Judge C. L. Swarts, C. T. Atkinson, Chas. Roberts, and A. M. Jackson.

Committee on finance: M. B. Light, A. H. Denton, and J. O. Rambo.

The chairman announced that two delegates to the state meeting would be elected at this meeting, but this election had not taken place at time of making this report.

The resolutions committee, consisting of U. S. Alexander, C. T. Franks, and O. S. Gibson reported, but these resolutions were not available for publication today.

The resolutions recommend a strict surveillance in regard to the conduct of the public's business and in the expenditure of the people's money, and a definite accounting for every dollar spent. The resolutions take a flat stand against the present state automobile tax law. They also declare the extension of paved roads in rural districts questionable under good conditions and unthinkable under present conditions.

---
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1922

The meeting of the taxpayers league Saturday afternoon at the Junior High school was largely attended at the beginning, and for a goodly portion of the time it went very nicely.

U. S. Alexander explained the road law as he interpreted it. When he had finished, several parties spoke in regard to what Mr. Alexander had said. Mr. Alexander claimed that the road law did not retain the automobile tax in the county, that the state highway commission had full control of it.

Albert Faulconer explained the law very clearly, showing that the automobile tax remained in the county, and could not be taken out by the highway commission, if the law was observed. He admitted that the state highway commission had to approve the expenditure of the money, and also the road that was built.

R. J. Murray, secretary of the league, also spoke in regard to the law and explained the law as it was intended. When the legislature was in session, there was a great clamor for federal aid, and this law was passed in the form it is, in order to secure federal aid. The automobile tax collected in the county is placed in what is called a state aid fund, and is kept in the county where it is collected. The requirements of the federal aid are to the effect that the state must give aid and in order to have state aid, the only way it could be obtained, was by labelling the automobile license tax, state aid fund, and keeping it in the county. This was done to prevent the state issuing bonds for state aid, in order to meet with the requirements of the federal aid proposition.

The controversy grew quite heated, and many of the taxpayers left the hall while this was in progress. At the beginning of the meeting, there was a good sized crowd present, but it was probably reduced a third while the quarrel was on. A lot of those present had no desire to be engaged in a controversy, as they came there to see if a way could not be evolved by which their taxes could be reduced.

U. S. Alexander and Commissioner Crotsley were elected as delegates to the state meeting of the league at Topeka. A collection was taken up to pay their expenses.

Finally, after much argument, harmony was restored, and the meeting began to talk business once more. W. H. Nelson, A. H. Abrams, O. S. Gibson, R. C. Howard, and others made short talks, after which the meeting adjourned.

Following are the resolutions adopted by the league, reported by the resolution committee, composed of U. S. Alexander, O. S. Gibson, and C. T. Franks.

We, your committee on resolutions, realize that the predicament of the taxpayer is a most grievous one to bear. Improper governmental policies, and countless follies, carelessness and thoughtlessness, formed largely during the recent war, in public affairs, compels us to shoulder burdens of taxation tremendous in amount and almost impossible of payment.

We believe, the war being over, the extravagance, careless and hasty methods of handling public affairs, which were unavoidable during the war, are inexcusable now. Since we are demanding retrenchment in the conduct of the general government, we as citizens of Cowley county, demand the most careful and economical handling of the business of our state, our county, and the various municipalities of our county.

And while we realize that perhaps justice dictates a patient, quiescent attitude, we contend that much may be done to render these burdens less intolerable and to some extent relieve the present strain that overwhelms us.

Taxes for interest on bonds, public improvements already secured, maintenance of the status quo in county affairs, and proper support of the existing school system must be met. We insist, however, on the strictest economy and a full measure of service for moneys used for the above purposes.

We declare unqualified opposition to the extension of city streets, brick pavement, or so- called hard-surfaced roads into the rural districts, such improvements being of very doubtful propriety in times of easy money, and unthinkable under present conditions. We delare positive opposition to the automobile license law passed by the last legislature, in that the money raised thereby is excessive, and that perhaps more than 50 percent of this tax leaves the county which pays it, and lodges in a state commission, with full power to receive everything and do nothing. $3,000,000 from automobile owners of the state is too large a sum to be placed in the hands of individuals and commissions without a definite and specific plan for its use.

Therefore, as a committee, we recommend that this meeting organize as a taxpayers league, to be known as the Cowley County Taxpayers Association.

 

[EVERETT AND WENZEL, THE RADIO MEN.]

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1922

Everett and Wenzel, the radio men, have just installed a new receiving set put out by the Colin B. Kennedy Co. of San Francisco, which is capable of receiving in wave lengths from the shortest up to 25,000 meters, which is the greatest length in use anywhere on the globe. By this set the local radio people will be enabled to receive messages from any of the European countries or, in fact, anywhere on the globe. They are also experimenting with the indoor aerial and now have one at their station in the North Windsor hotel on which they can receive messages within limited distances. They hope in time to develop an inside aerial that will eventually displace the outdoor aerial altogether.

 

[PETE GOCHIS, BUSY BEE AND PURITY CANDY KITCHENS.]

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1922

AD IN THE FORM OF A LETTER...

Busy Bee and Purity
Candy Kitchens
I am writing you this letter to tell you to add the Busy Bee and Purity Candy Kitchens to your list of patrons who have gotten big results from Traveler advertising.

Some few days ago, upon the recommendation of J. R. Burford and H. D. Howard, I took a space in the double page advertisement of "Molly O." Our candy department made a special "Molly O" chocolate which we advertised in the Traveler. The results were wonderful. From the day the advertisement appeared in your paper, we have had a big run on "Molly O" chocolates, in fact, our business on this one chocolate has grown to such an extent that we are now making and selling from seventy to eighty pounds of the "Molly O" chocolates daily.

We are sending Mable Normand a special box of these "Molly O" chocolates and when we receive her answer, we want another advertisement in the Daily Traveler on what she thinks of her name-sake.

Traveler advertising has paid us.

Yours truly,
PETE GOCHIS

 

[T. TURNER, COLORED, BACK IN JAIL.]

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1922

Deputy Sheriff Fred Eaton this afternoon brought T. Turner, colored, here from Arkansas City and lodged him in the county jail. The officer explained that Turner's bondsmen had surrendered him.

Turner is charged with violating the liquor law on four counts.Free Press.

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[WM. BUNNELL RE LUMBER PRICES...RESPONSE TO COMLEY LUMBER CO.]

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1922

Editor TravelerI have no axes to grind or no enemies to punish; neither am I a candidate for governor or mayor. I was born and raised in Arkansas City, 41 years ago. I never knew that there was a "Crying Room" located here before, but I understand that one of the line lumber yards have one. I am not trying to kid the people or myself that I do not make money for I do, and my books and business will show it. I am for the people of Arkansas City and the city. If it had not been for them or the city, I would not have what I have today.

I caused to be printed in the paper the prices of lumber in Arkansas City, and the prices of lumber in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I cut two ads out of the Tulsa World last Sunday and I have them in my office for inspection for anyone who cares to see them. Tulsa's prices were just about one half what the prices for lumber are in Arkansas City. I telephoned to a bood businessman of Tulsa, Okla., and asked him if the lumber yards who published the ads in the Tulsa World were good, reliable firms and carried first class, good grades of lumber, and he informed me that they did and were absolutely A No. 1, and OK.

Now if I have done anything wrong, I would like to find it out. If I have, I will apologize for any harm I have done to anyone. I have invited a representative from the lumber frater nity and a representative from the chamber of commerce to take a ride with me to Tulsa, in an enclosed Franklin car, investigate, and find out facts and print them in the papers right and just. I have one lumber yard in Arkansas City, who says it will compete with anyone's prices, and all I am conttending for is the right prices, and that they will make the prices right, the same grade and lines of lumber that is advertised in the Tulsa World.

I have taken the matter up with the president of the chamber of commerce and also Mr. Seyster, secretary of the chamber of commerce, and have asked them to investigate same. I think lumber prices are absolutely too high in Arkansas City, if our neighboring town of Tulsa can sell it for about one half of the price of lumber here. There is something wrong some place and it should be investigated, and find out who is right and what is right and the people of Arkansas City should have the benefit of it. Arkansas City needs an independent lumber yard. I think we have too many line lumber yards.Wm. Bunnell.

 

[J. H. REID STARTS BUSINESS, COLLINSON HARDWARE CO. BASEMENT.]

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1922

J. H. Reid, for the past seventeen years a resident of this city, and who is the well known sheet metal worker, has resigned his position with the Central Hardware Co. and will launch out in business for himself next week.

On Monday morning he will open a shop for this line of work in the basement of the Collinson Hardware Co. Sheet metal and tile roofing will be handled by the new firm, and there is no doubt but Mr. Reid will succeed in the new undertaking here, as there is always something in the building line for such materials. Mr. Reid is the man who understands the business, too.

Here are some of the buildings in the city which contain the work of Mr. Reid in this line: Presbyterian church, Methodist church, Catholic church, Christian Science church, Episcopal church, city hall, Home National bank, Security National bank, Osage hotel, Trimper block, and also many of the better residences of this city. His work is well known here and elsewhere in this vicinity and his friends here will be pleased to see him out for himself in this trade.

 

[CITY COMMISSION MEETING]

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1922

NOTE: PART OF THIS MEETING, COVERING AVIATORS, PLACED IN THAT

FILE!

Secretary Seyster of the Chamber of Commerce made inquiry as to whether the board contemplated any change in the ordinance with reference to the handling of fire works in this city; this inquiry being made in behalf of the merchants who desire at this time to make their orders for Fourth of July fireworks, most of which orders go direct to Japan. The board responded to the effect that there was no change in the ordinance contemplated.

City Engineer Chas. W. Lusk presented a matter in behalf of William Bunnell, who discovered that some lots he purchased on North Second street extended fifteen feet farther north than he at first thought, and that the street in front of this fifteen feet had not been paved although his property has been assessed for such paving. From the engineer's explanation, it appears that this fifteen feet was not paved on Second, Third, and Fourth streets, pending the proposition of whether Kansas Avenue here should remain a fifty-foot street or be made an eighty-foot street. It appears that it is up to the board of commissioners to either purchase the fifteen feet off of each of the lots affected, or pave these streets the additional fifteen feet. The matter was left to the city engineer to check up and make his recommendations in regard thereto.

 

[POLICE/ANTI-AUTOMOBILE THIEF ASSOCIATION/CONKRIGHT.]

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1922

ALLEGED AUTO THIEF CAUGHT
Earl Conkright Said by Officers to be "King of Thieves"

Officers Lay in Wait For Him Here Sunday Morning and Took Him at Point of Sawed Off Shotgun.

In the capture here Sunday morning of Earl Conkright, alleged auto thief, local officers and officers of the Anti-Automobile Thief Association of America, who have been at work on this particular case for some time past, claim they have in the toils one of the worst criminals in this section of the country.

Conkright was arrested here Sunday morning at 11 o'clock by Policeman Ed Pauley and Deputy Sheriff Fred Eaton, assisted by J. J. Bradfield, district manager of the A. A. T. A. A., and E. E. Marvin, chief of recovery of the same association. The alleged bad man showed no resistance or fight at the time of the arrest, as he had no chance to do so, and there was no trouble experienced in the capture, as the fugitive had no weapons at the time.

His arrest occurred at the home of Chas. Humble, at 408 North Seventh street, after the four officers mentioned had laid in wait for him to come out of the house, from 4 in the morning until the time of the arrest, when the man wanted walked out of the house in his shirt sleeves on the way to the out house; and he walked right into the arm of the law. Pauley immediately covered him with a sawed off shotgun and commanded him to throw up his hands. The command was given by the officer the third time before the alleged bad man stuck 'em up. Then Officer Eaton advanced and placed the handcuffs on the man. In the meantime Bradfield and Marvin were watching the house and they had been on guard there since long before daylight that morning.

Conkright was taken to the city jail and there he was identified later in the day by the sheriff from Independence and also the sheriff from Sedan, the latter coming here for the man to take him to Sedan, where he is to stand trial on the charge of auto stealing.

Chas. Humble was taken in charge by the officers at the same time and was questioned by the officers for some time, but later in the day he was released. He claimed that the stranger came to his place about a week ago, upon invitation from him, as Conkright told him at the Santa Fe station where they met by chance, that he was broke and had no place to stay overnight.

Officers say that Conkright was located here by a tip given to them by a woman, but the name of the woman in the case has not been made public. There were no women at the Humble home when the arrest was made Sunday morning. Officers now say that Conkright has been in the city for about a week; and that since they learned he was here, they have been attempting to locate him and that as soon as they received the tip, they immediately set about to capture him and to do so with as little trouble as possible and that they desired no bloodshed. Therefore, they lay in wait for him in the barn.

There is said to be a reward of $100 for his arrest and he will be tried at Sedan on the charge of stealing a Buick car from Mrs. Emma Ackerman, at Chautauqua, Kansas, on November 31. The car was recovered late in December, the A. A. T. officers say, the body being found in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and the engine in Pawhuska, Oklahoma.

Sheriff Powell took his man to Sedan last night. Sheriff Troutman, of Independence, was in the city Sunday evening and identified the man as Conkright and he said he knew him person-ally. Sheriff Powell also claims to know the man and his record.

The local A. A. T. officers say they have been on the trail of this man for some time and J. J. Bradfield, who is now in charge of the local office for the association and who has recently secured a number of new members for the association here, says that he too has the record of Conkright.

According to the story as related to the newspapermen this morning in the office of Mr. Bradfield here, this alleged auto thief has had a hand in the stealing of some 35 or 40 autos in this part of the state. He is said to be a smooth guy and has never before been arrested on this charge though he has been under suspicion for a long time. The officers claim now to have the dope on him for a positive conviction of the theft of the car from Chautauqua and also for the theft of another car, stolen some time ago.

Mr. Bradfield says that Conkright's home is in Coffeyville and that he has a wife and one child there. But he seldom stayed at home, though he has been in and out of that town a great deal. The A. A. T. has spent about $2,500 in locating this man, he says, and now they mean to prosecute him to the full extent of the law. "Proof positive," is claimed against the man by the A. A. T. officers and they mean to treat him as a criminal, they say.

It is said that Conkright told Humble that he had some money coming to him, after the time that he lit here, and that he did receive the sum of ten dollars after reaching this city, and while at the Humble home. Taken as a sum up of the case, it seems that the alleged bad man was captured at this time for the reason that he was broke for the time being and there was a woman in the case.

It is said that his alias names are Ranson and Howard, and that he has been in the auto stealing game for the past three years. When the A. A. T. sums up its case against the alleged auto thief, he probably will be on the road to the state prison for a long term of years. J. J. Bradfield gives the two local officers, Pauley and Eaton, great credit for the part they played in the capture of the man here on Sunday morning.

 

[MORE ABOUT REAL ESTATE MEN/LUMBER PRICES.]

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1922

At the regular meeting of the real estate and insurance men today at the Osage hotel, a resolution was passed requesting the Arkansas City Chamber of Commerce and the local lumber yards to investigate thoroughly the price of lumber here, as compared with neighboring cities and to take up the proposition of taking the trip offered by a prominent real estate man.

 

[SANTA FE HAS FLOUR STOLEN FROM A BOX CAR HERE.]

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1922

Santa Fe officers reported to the police last night that a box car on the tracks here had been broken into and nine sacks of flour had been stolen from the car. So far as known today there is no clue to the robbery and no arrests have been made.

 

[MORE ON REAL ESTATE/LUMBER IN ARKANSAS CITY.]

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1922

A LUMBER DEALER REPLY
Quotes Prices From Several Surrounding Towns on Lumber.

Editor Traveler:The writer feels that he had best be very lenient to our friend, the real estate man, for he admitted to me that he knew nothing about lumber, its grades and quality. I surely would consider it a very dangerous thing to try and argue with someone on any line of merchandise where I know positively nothing about it. I, as a businessman of Arkansas City, will not tolerate an unjust claim made through one of the dailies, regardless who the gentlemen may be, when it comes to trying to hurt one's business, instead of working together as businessmen should.

We have no apologies to make, as you will see when you compare Arkansas City's lumber prices with prices in effect at other cities, and I will let you be the judge, and see if the claim against us was just or not. I also notice that our friend, the real estate man, had to call on help. This I did not need to do, as I knew we would be able to fight our own battle.

Let the public compare prices and judge accordingly.

Ponca City
No. 1 Dem. ------- $4.50 & $ 4.75

3-8 oak fig. ------------- 120.00

Bevel siding ------------- 70.00

B flooring ---------------- 70.00

No. 1 Y. P. lath --------- 9.00

Wichita
No. 1 Dem. ------- $4.50 & $ 4.75

B. fig. ---------------------- 8.00

No. 1 Y. P. lath --------- 10.00

Bevel siding ------------- 6.50

Drop siding B ----------- 7.00

Oklahoma City
No. 1 Dem. ------- $4.50 & $ 4.80

Bevel siding -------------- 6.00

B fig. ----------------------- 8.00

No. 1 Y. P. lath ----------- 9.50

Drop siding B ------------- 6.50

Tulsa
No. 1 Dem. ------- $4.50 & $ 4.75

B. fig. ------------------------ 6.50

No. 1 Y. P. lath ------------ 9.00

Bevel siding ---------------- 6.00

Drop siding B -------------- 6.00

We have a wholesale price this morning of 3-8 oak flooring at Wichita, Kansas, of $90.00. This price is not retail, but wholesale. They also quote B finish at $75.00. I hope I have proved that our prices are in line with other cities. Those prices are from line yards and independent yards.

It appears to me that our friend is mistaken when he says he is "for the people of Arkansas City, and for the city." I am convinced that he has some lots that are very undesirable for residence purposes, and is trying to dispose of them through the channel of what he calls "an independent lumber yard."

It was rumored some time ago that the lumber dealers of this city were the cause of that prospective Independent man going back on his deal, but I wish to say that nothing of the kind has ever taken place.Comley Lumber Company, by Clarence Schwan, manager.

 

[MORE ABOUT EARL CONKRIGHT, ARRESTED HERE.]

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1922

CASHED BOGUS MONEY ORDER
Another Chapter to Case of Earl Conkright, Arrested Here.

Another chapter to the case of the state versus Earl Conkright, arrested here last Sunday morning on the charge of stealing an auto at Sedan, and who was taken there for trial, has come to light in this city.

It is stated on reliable authority that Conkright, while in this city last week, cashed a bogus express money order at the Economy Cash grocery for the sum of $50. The money order in question was sent over the regular route by the express company, going to the New York office, and was returned here marked bogus. Investigation showed that the order was one of a number of blanks stolen in Oklahoma some time ago. Conkright was identified while he was in the city jail here on Sunday morning as the man who cashed the order at the Economy store, so the story goes. This being true, as related by local officers, Conkright probably will be charged with theft and securing money under false pretenses, as well as with auto stealing.

 

[BRUCE EMORY TRIAL POSTPONED DUE TO HIS ILLNESS.]

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1922

Bruce Emory's trial failed to start Monday morning in district court as scheduled, owing to the reported sickness of the defendant. Emory, according to a message to his attorney, Judge A. M. Jackson, is sick at his home in Kansas City. This being the only jury case set for today, the jury was excused to four o'clock this afternoon. Whether Emory will be here at that time or able to tell when he can be here, was not indicated.

Emory is charged with the buying of liberty bonds known to have been stolen. The previous trial of the case, over a year ago, resulted in disagreement of the jury. It is not stated by the county attorney whether he will call the case of James Stiff, on a similar charge, tomorrow.

A motion for continuance was filed by Emory's attorney today, alleging defendant's sickness as the reason. The county attorney has caused an investigation to be begun at Kansas City to determine the degree of Emory's sickness. At four o'clock a showing is to be made on the motion, at which time it will be determined whether a continuance or a forfeiture of bond should be ordered.Courier.

 

[SONNY JONES, COLORED, WHO KILLED WASHINGTON.]

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1922

Banishment from the state of Kansas is practically the sentence given Sonny Jones, colored, of Arkansas City, in district court this morning. His sentence was one to five years in the penitentiary, with a parole on condition that he leave the state and stay away. Sonny was convicted a short time ago on a charge of assault upon Sandy Washington, another colored man. Sonny had drawn a gun upon Sandy and had made Sandy walk some distance under fear of being shot. Since that time, Sandy has killed another colored man who made an attack upon him in his own home. Sandy was given a finding of justifiable homicide in his preliminary examination. It is probable that bad ones will let Sandy alone hereaf ter.Courier.

 

[FIFTH AVENUE THEATRE CLOSED INDEFINITELY.]

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1922

The Hickman dramatic stock company, booked for a two weeks' engagement at the Fifth Avenue theatre, arrived Sunday from Blackwell, registering at the Fifth Avenue hotel. However, the company is not playing the engagement, having been canceled Saturday evening by Manager Abbott, and the Fifth Avenue is dark indefinitely, according to the house manager, R. A. Watts. The latter stated this morning that he would return to his home in Blackwell, and does not expect to return to this city. Mr. Abbott is reported to be at Drumright, Okla., and just what disposition of the house will be made is not known at this time. It seems to have proved a white elephant ever since Lenhart & Barker failed to make a go of it.

The Hickman company is said to have had a contract for a two week's engagement at $1,000; and it is reported the company will take action on this contract, to recover the amount involved in the contract.

 

[I. O. O. F. LODGE TO BE REMODELED.]

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1922

The building committee of the I. O. O. F. lodge was appointed last night and consisted of the following members: Frank Reynolds, E. A. Wycoff, James M. Griffith, Chas. Peek, Frank Lemaster, and W. W. Albee. Plans for the remodeling of the second floor of the I. O. O. F. building were adopted last night, and this reconstruction work, it is estimated, will cost between $3,000 and $4,000.

The dining hall is to be placed on the third floor, which will be reached by a winding stairway directly over the stairway leading to the second floor. The entire front portion of the second floor will be converted into a club room, while five property rooms facing a hallway will be constructed in the space formerly used as a dining hall. All details are expected to be worked out by the end of the present week and work will begin next week.

The Odd Fellows lodge purchased this building about twelve years ago and at the time of contracting for its purchase, were carrying a debt of $18,000. The lodge is now entirely out of debt and has an income from rents sufficient to pay for this new improvement in two years' time. The initial financing was done by A. D. Prescott, who advanced the money and arranged for the lodge to pay back in monthly installments. The lodge paid out on the proposition quicker by two years than the paper called for. This was partly due to the fact that a number of members paid dues for three years in advance, while a number of other members paid for a shorter period in advance. The I. O. O. F. members do not take all the credit, having been nobly assisted by the Rebekah lodge.

According to plans the work is to be completed by April 26. The I. O. O. F. lodge is in splendid condition, being one of the strongest fraternal organizations in the city. This lodge will be one of the best equipped and will have one of the finest homes in the state when this work of remodeling has been completed. Few organizations can boast of a more successful career than the Arkansas City I. O. O. F. and the Rebekah auxiliary.

 

[BOND CASES GO OVER...BRUCE EMORY LAID UP WITH PNEUMONIA.]

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1922

The Stiff-Emory-Sweet bond buying cases were passed over to March term in district court late yesterday afternoon mainly because of the serious sickness of Bruce Emory. Emory is reported at the point of death with pneumonia at his home in Kansas City, County Attorney Fink was reliably informed. The jury panel was excused by Judge Fuller till Tuesday morning.

County Attorney Fink expressed himself as ready to try the case against Dr. E. S. Sweet of Atlanta, who is charged with the same offense as that alleged against Stiff and Emory, the buying of bonds known to have been stolen. Sweet's attorneys, however, declared they were not ready to go to trial. The county attorney then announced that he was not ready to go to trial on the case against Jim Stiff. All were then passed over to the March term.

Speculation as to whether Mrs. Charles Morris, the star witness for the state in the first trial of Emory, would be here was ended by the announcement of County Attorney Fink that morning that Mrs. Morris is dead. Mrs. Morris was the wife of one of the noted bandit leaders, now serving a sentence in the Colorado penitentiary for assault with intent to kill, alleged to have been committed upon an officer who was attempting to arrest Morris' gang of bandits after a bank robbery. Mrs. Morris gave some interesting information to the officers, after Morris was captured, information which led to the recovery of some of the stolen bonds.

She was brought to Winfield to testify, guarded by the city marshal of Colorado Springs and the police matron. She wore a wine colored coat trimmed in gray fur and attracted much attention. It is reported that she died on an operating table in an Oklahoma hospital about a year ago. Her testimony against Emory and Stiff is in the records of the Emory trial.Courier.

 

[ALBERT WORTHLEY, FATHER OF EDNA WORTHLEY UNDERWOOD.]

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1922

Albert Worthley left this morning for an extended business trip to New York and other places in the east.

 

[W. G. BUFFINGTON/PERCHERON TEAM.]

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1922

W. G. Buffington was in town today from his "Shoo Fly Farm" with his prize black Percheron team having them shod all around. He is keeping them up in shape for the spring stock shows, particularly here and at Wellington. While here he had his horses weighed, the 5-year-old Percheron weighing 2,190 pounds with the harness on, and the other one weighing 1,780 pounds including the harness. They are fine black Percheron animals, the 5-year-old having won first prize at the Cowley County Fair and the A. C. Livestock Show last fall. According to reports, Mr. Buffington keeps the flies off of everything around his ranch.

 

[REAL ESTATE MEN/LUMBER]

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1922

TO TULSA THIS MORNING
Wm. Bunnell and Party Making Trip to Investigate Prices.

William Bunnell, of the Bunnell Real Estate company; J. O. Brown, representing the building contractors; E. S. Berry, a contractor, representing the Chamber of Commerce; and Grover L. Pierson, representing the T. M. Deal Lumber company; left this morning in Mr. Bunnell's enclosed Franklin car for Tulsa to investigate the prices of lumber in that city.

Recently Mr. Bunnell, in an interview published in the Traveler, gave prices on lumber quoted from advertisements of lumber dealers in the Tulsa papers, and also gave the prices on lumber quoted from material in Arkansas City. These prices showed lumber to be selling in Tulsa somewhere around fifty percent cheaper than prices quoted in Arkansas City, and in the published statement Mr. Bunnell claimed prices on lumber in this city were too high.

This article brought forth a reply from one of the local lumber dealers in which it was claimed that the variation in price was due to difference in the quality of the lumber, that quality was not taken into consideration in the Tulsa prices quoted. The local dealer claimed that Arkansas City prices were not out of line with prices in surrounding towns, and offered to meet any and all fair competition.

Mr. Bunnell took the matter up with the Chamber of Commerce, with the result that his offer to take an investigating committee to Tulsa in his Franklin sedan car was accepted, and the party departed on the trip as stated above.

It is thought there may be local conditions at Tulsa which will account for the lower prices being quoted there on lumber. The matter will be thoroughly investigated, all interests being well represented by the men making this trip, and it will undoubtedly result in the exact facts being arrived at and close the controversy being carried on over this matter.

 

[DISPOSITION OF SOME CRIMINAL CASES.]

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1922

The case of the automobile holdup, an adventure run into by Roy Lockyear a few weeks ago, is all that is left of the criminal assignment in district court for this week. James Warren and Bert Pritchard, the men accused in this case, may be tried the last of this week. [NOT SURE I COVERED THE BEGINNING OF THIS.]

Owing to the sickness of H. S. Hines of Arkansas City, defendants' attorney, in the cases of Herbert Cornelison, charged with breaking jail; Fred Collins, colored, charged with killing another colored man at Arkansas City, and T. Turner, colored, charged with violating the prohibitory law, these cases were passed this morning and will not be tried until the March term. The passing of the bond cases to the March term cleaned up the assignment for this week.Courier.

 

[ARKANSAS CITY MEN INVOLVED WITH NEWKIRK ROAD HOUSE RAID.]

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1922

ROAD HOUSE RAIDED
Two Arkansas City Men Connected With Case at Newkirk.

Newkirk, Feb. 8The sheriff's force Monday raided an alleged road house near the correction line four miles north of Newkirk and arrested two men and three women. About three gallons of corn whiskey and two new cars, a Buick coupe and a Ford roadster, were also seized, it was stated.

Those arrested were Harry Fitch of Arkansas City, "Chod" Collins, formerly of Ponca City, and three women whose names were not learned. The prisoners are being held in jail and it is said charges will be filed on all five. Officers say they have evidence to warrant filing forfeiture proceedings against the cars.

Collins, it is said by the officers, has borne the reputation of being a whiskey runner for a number of years.

NOTE: QUESTIONS...HEADER SAID TWO A. C. MEN...DOES THIS MEAN

THAT COLLINS WAS LIVING IN A. C. AT THIS TIME?

CORRECTION LINE....THAT IS A NEW ONE TO ME!

 

[GROCERY STORE PURCHASED...JAMES RIGG/BIRD GROCERY STORE.]

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1922

Jim Rigg Buys Grocery
James Rigg, cashier at the Midland Valley station, has purchased the Bird grocery store at 200 North D street and he and Mrs. Rigg are now in charge of the store at that location. Mr. Rigg will still retain his position at the Midland Valley and his wife will have charge of the store. He is moving to the house at that location and will rent his residence, which is in the same locality. Mr. Rigg is well known here and his friends predict for him a successful career in the business world.

 

[PEOPLES STORE MEETING]

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1922

Last night at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. C. K. Freeman, on North Third street, the employers of the Peoples store gave a dinner and party for the employees of the company. Nearly all the employees of the two stores of this concern were in attendance and the evening was a very enjoyable one for all concerned. This was the sixth annual affair of the kind for the Peoples store and on this occasion the employees were given their bonuses for the past year's business. The dinner was served at seven o'clock and needless to say it was very elaborate, the menu being perfect, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all those in attendance.

The entertainment for the evening consisted of cards, music, and dancing. Following the hours taken up in the entertainment of the members of the party, the bonuses were presented by the proprietors.

Taken as a whole it was one of the nicest and most enjoyable of the business parties given in this city during the present season.

Following is the complete list of the employers and the employees of the Peoples store, all of whom were present at the party last night with the exception of J. H. Smith and H. S. Ford, who were unable to be there on account of sickness.

J. R. Smith and C. K. Freeman, owners and manager of the store.

Grocery departmentJ. H. Smith, manager; M. M. Ellis, Geo. Steckman, Oscar Burton, Alfred Moffit, Ralph Marshall, Edward Lamb.

Meat marketDan DeSelman [NOT SURE OF LAST NAME!]

Ware roomE. W. Wright.

Mrs. H. C. Small, in charge of phone exchange.

Dry goods departmentMrs. Ed Burns, Mrs. Frank White, Mrs. Pattison.

Ready to wear departmentMiss Rose Freeman.

Shoe departmentJohn Newton and J. W. Cinby.

Men's clothing and furnishing departmentC. K. Freeman, Thomas Piersel [or Piersol], _. S. Ford.

Office departmentJ. R. Smith, Mrs. Clifton, Miss Thwaiter Hyden, Miss Marion Lambert, Howard Smith.

Display and advertising managerJ. L. Russell.

Ruten Cummins, night watchman.

Store No. 2In charge of Fred Carter, assisted by Mrs. Carter and Mrs. Williams.

NOTE: I MAY HAVE A NUMBER OF THESE NAMES WRONG! VERY HARD TO

READ!

 

[JUDGE WHITE, BLIND.]

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1922

The study of law, carried out under the handicap of his blindness, is being successfully carried out by Probate Judge White. Today the judge was proudly exhibiting a sheepskin from LaSalle Extension University, Chicago, conferring on him the degree of Bachelor of Laws.

Judge White spent more than 2,400 hours in this study. He is now studying Kansas reports, having recently acquired a set of Kansas reports. In about a year he expects his law examination, and if he is successful, he can then be admitted to the bar.

Judge White's text books are read aloud to him and his only notes are mental. In spite of this, he has been very successful so far in his studies.Free Press.

 

[EARL CONKRIGHT...ANOTHER CHAPTER]

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1922

Still another chapter in the case of the state versus Earl Conkright, who was arrested in this city last Sunday morning and later taken to Sedan to be tried on the charge of stealing an auto there, has come to light in this city and as a result of this alleged transaction, there has been a warrant issued here for the arrest of the man, which will be served on him in case he is released under bond at Sedan on the auto stealing charge.

This case is one in which there is a $25 forged check, which was passed on Burton Hess, of the Somerfield-Hess Tire and Rubber Co., of this city. The check is said to be a forgery, as it was sent to the city where the bank is located, in the eastern part of the state, upon whose blank it was written, and was returned marked "no funds" in the name of the party who is alleged to have signed it. The signature was not in the name of Conkright. This check is said to have been written by Conkright, and he was identified as the man who presented it here and who received the money on it. Now the warrant in this case is issued from the state court of W. T. Ham here, in order to hold the man in case he is released on bond at Sedan, the local officers explained.

It has been reported to the Arkansas City officers, who are at work on this case, that Conkright is attempting to have the trial at Sedan put off and that he probably will be released on bond. It is said that he comes of a wealthy family and that his father, a former banker in eastern Kansas, is now at Sedan attempting to secure his release under an appearance bond.

 

An Arkansas City policeman claims to have another serious charge against this man, the facts in which have not yet been made public. It is reported that Conkright was in this city some time ago and that he threatened the life of one of the local officers, but at that time the officer in question was not aware of the alleged threat. The facts in the case were related to the officer, since the arrest of the man here, and his detention on the charge of stealing an auto at Chautauqua, and on which charge he will be tried at Sedan.

 

[TORBETT CLARK, IN ARKANSAS JAIL...ESCAPED FROM TRAIN.]

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1922

County Attorney Fink stated today that he has so far received no word from the governor of Arkansas that a requisition for Torbett Clark, now being held for officers from this county at Paragould, Arkansas, has been honored. Judge Fink expects to hear soon.

Clark is wanted here on a charge of stealing the Guy Feaster Ford car. The car was recovered in Missouri, and Clark arrested; but he escaped from a Missouri officer as he was being brought back here for trial.

Clark escaped by leaping from a car window at Oswego, Kansas. He was not caught until arrested at Paragould by officers there.Free Press.

NOTE: I COVERED THIS PREVIOUSLY!

 

[ETHEL DUVALL, DUVALL PHARMACY, REMODELING BUILDING.]

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1922

Miss Ethel Duvall of the Duvall Pharmacy has leased her business room, now occupied by Elmer Davison and Vaughan shoe shop, to the Shank-Dweelaard Jewelry Co.

Miss Duvall has just had the plans made for the remodeling of this room, putting in a new front, lowering the floor, and making various other improvements for Shank-Dweelaard. They will occupy this room as soon as it is completed.

Elmer Davison, who occupied the south portion of the room with his barber shop, has rented one of the basement rooms beneath the Traders State bank, and will open a shop there very shortly.

NOTE: NOTHING SAID ABOUT WHERE VAUGHAN SHOE SHOP WILL MOVE!

 

NOTICE APPEARING IN PAPER THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1922

ALL ARKANSAS CITY FILLING STATIONS NOW ON A STRICTLY CASH BASIS...

Effective February 15 the following filling stations will be placed on a strictly cash basis. We pay cash for all gas and oils; and on account of the increased tendency to buy on credit, and the difficulty experienced in making collections, we cannot operate successfully and do a credit business.

Day-Fagan Filling Station

H. W. Hendryx Kanotex Stations

E. W. Grimes, Manager, Kansas-Texas Oil Co.

F. O. Herbert Filling Station

Lesh Oil Products Co., E. A. Bigley, Manager

[PROPOSED WOOLWORTH STORE.]

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1922

Information is forthcoming from an authoritative source that a new Woolworth store is to be located in this city. Representatives of the Woolworth people have been in town this week trying to close a deal for a location. They want a fifty or seventy-five foot front and negotiations are now pending for a certain location, which is said to be very satisfactory to the Woolworth representatives. They expect to have the contractor here shortly to make the plans and specifications, and if everything goes through satisfactorily, Arkansas City will soon have a new business block and a big Woolworth store.

 

[BENDURE BUILDING WORK.]

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1922

Work on the Bendure building in the 100 block on South A street has been resumed after a delay to allow the concrete floors to set and on account of the recent cold weather. With fair weather prevailing, it is the plan of the owners to have this building completed in about 30 days from this time. The walls, made of concrete blocks, are now being put in place and there is at present a large force of men on the job there.

 

[BLOODHOUNDS SENT TO NEWKIRK]

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1922

The Arkansas City bloodhounds were taken to Newkirk last night on a call from the officers of that place for the purpose of tracing parties who robbed a house of diamonds and other jewelry. Officer Fox went there with the dogs and put them on the trail of the alleged thieves. They led the trail to the home of a negro, it is said, but there were no arrests in the case it is stated here.

 

[MORE ON ROY LOCKYEAR'S STOLEN AUTO/CHARLES McCANNON.]

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1922

AUTO BANDITS ON TRIAL
Man Who Held Up Roy Lockyear, Telling About It Today.

Flat denial of Roy Lockyear's story was made on the witness stand this afternoon by Charles McCannon, alias Virgil Cannon, alias James Warren, one of the two men charged with having taken an automobile from Lockyear on January 19. McCannon, as his true name appears to be, and his cousin, Bert Pritchard, are on trial in district court today. The trial was still in progress at press time.

Lockyear testified that he had been hired by the defendants to take them in a car to the place of a man named Frazier, in Pleasant Valley township. At the Mary Sparks place, Lockyear said, one of the men had drawn a gun, had robbed him, and had taken the steering wheel and had driven the car to Silverdale. There they had turned him loose, with the car, having found that the radiator leaked badly and the car would not develop speed.

Sheriff Goldsmith arrested the men that evening at Hardy, Oklahoma. The state this afternoon had witnesses of long residence in Pleasant Valley testify that nobody by the name of Frazier had ever lived in that locality. S. S. Page, who lives on the Sparks place, testified to seeing an incident, his description of which tallied somewhat closely with that related by Lockyear as to the hold up. Page was on a hay stack about a quarter of a mile from the group and was unable to identify the men or give minute details.

The jury trying the case consists of John Coffey, Star Wetmore, B. F. Ames, E. R. Graham, T. L. Thompson, K. F. Hittle, W. B. Canine [?], Walter Corbin, T. L. Casement, D. Willis, Joe Strum, and J. M. Koching [?].Courier.

 

[EVIDENCE DESTROYED BY TWO MEN AT THE REX ROOMS.]

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1922

DESTROYED EVIDENCE
Two Men Arrested by Sheriff Goldsmith Last Night.

Destruction of the evidence of bootlegging, if evidence it was, was effected by one of two men arrested last night by Sheriff Goldsmith, the sheriff related this morning. All that was left of the alleged evidence were some pieces of glass from a broken fruit jar, and a strong and pervasive odor like unto that of corn whiskey. The liquid from which came the odor was spilled on the stairs of the Rex rooming house and on the clothes of the sheriff and shoes of the man supposed to have been carrying the jar.

The men gave their names as J. E. Bright and F. E. Sturm. They were well dressed, and arrived a few minutes before the arrest in a new Oakland car. They were taken up as a result of a watch which has been kept by the officers for alleged bootleggers said to make regular stops at the Rex rooms, coming twice a week. The sheriff had a description of the alleged bootleggers. When he saw the car stop at the Rex and one of the men get out, carrying something, the sheriff believed the trail was warm.

The man started up the stairs. "Hold on," called the sheriff. "I want to see you." The man glanced around and then put on speed up the stairs. The click of a pistol hammer brought the man to a halt about halfway up, with the sheriff a few steps below. Then the man dropped it, the sheriff states, and threw up his hands. The jar struck the steps and broke. All the contents were spilled, some of it going onto the sheriff.

The man in the car was detained by Undersheriff Don Goldsmith. Both men were taken to jail and booked for investigation. No liquor was found in the car, it is stated; but there were a number of bottles of patent medicine for veneral diseases. It is thought the men peddled these medicines.Courier.

[NUMBER OF MEN ON POLICE FORCE IN ARKANSAS CITY.]

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1922

Ed Pauley and Guy Crutchfield comprised the day police force in this city today, as the chief, C. H. Peek, went to Wichita to attend the Shrine circus, and J. W. White, the other member of the day force, is in El Dorado on a several days business trip.

The day force is composed of four men, including the chief; and the night force also has four men, including the merchants' night watchman.

[INFORMATION GIVEN ON NUMBER OF MEMBERS A. C. ATHLETIC CLUB.]

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1922

In a letter from Frankie Adams, boxer, to the local newspaper editor, some information came out about the local athletic club...

" . . . . If some one of the Arkansas City Athletic club or the American Legion, or better yet, the sport writers of the two daily papers, would like to promote the bout, etc.

" . . . . There are 680 members of the Arkansas City Athletic club with dues paid up till June 1922. I do not know how many members the American Legion has, but it looks as though a sufficient number could be gottten out to make the show a success. I have made every effort I know how to put the game on its feet here, but I cannot do any more than I have on account of lack of capital. . . . "

[THE REAL ESTATE MEN/LUMBER CONTROVERSY.]

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1922

LUMBER PRICE CONTROVERSY
Investigating Committee Has Not Yet Agreed Upon Report.

William Bunnell, E. S. Berry, J. O. Brown, and G. L. Pierson, who made a trip to Tulsa Wednesday to investigate the prices of lumber, returned last evening, reporting a pleasant trip. The object of the trip was to settle the controversy over the prices of lumber here and at Tulsa, Tulsa prices published being much cheaper than the Arkansas City prices.

Two newspaper representatives were given a statement last evening by Messrs. Berry and Pierson, with the request that their report be submitted to the other two members of the party for their approval before publication. The result was Messrs. Brown and Bunnell refused to accept the statements of Messrs. Berry and Pierson as a committee report. This afternoon the committee got together and was making further investigations. It is thought that the committee may be able to reach an agreement soon and submit its report for publication. To publish a report from each member would only continue the controversy.

 

[COLD DRINK/LUNCH STAND TO OPEN AT 114 SOUTH SUMMIT STREET.]

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1922

Frank McDonough of El Dorado and Russell Mayfield, formerly of the Mid-West Tire Company, of this city, are opening a cold drink and lunch stand at 114 South Summit Street. They will serve cold drinks, including near-beer, and lunches, hamburgers, chile, etc., and will be ready for business at 11 a.m. tomorrow.

 

[NOTICE PRINTED IN PAPER BY LOCAL PHYSICIANS.]

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1922

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
We, the undersigned physicians and surgeons of Arkansas City, Kansas, do hereby notify the public that no arrangements have been made with us by the so-called Kansas Hospital Association for our attendance and service in case of sickness of any of the members of said Association. We will decline to answer any calls given us by or through said association, and will not co-operate with or recognize said Kansas Hospital Association in any manner, as such does not conform with the rules governing the American Medical Association, in which we hold membership.

This statement is made for the purpose of correcting any impression that the people of Arkansas City or vicinity may have as to any connection the undersigned might have with said association. No arrangements have been made by said association with the undersigned, nor will the undersigned consent to become in any manner connected or affiliated with said association.

W. T. McKay, M. M. Miller, B. C. Geeslin, Milton Hahn, Ernest F. Day, J. L. Wentworth, L. S. Morgan, L. M. Beatson, Edwin A. Tufts, C. R. Spain, R. Claude Young, Clarence L. Zugg, E. H. Clayton, J. H. Douglass, Charles Dunning, P. S. Ayres, W. H. Payne, A. J. Berger, A. B. Oechsll [?], R. L. Ferguson.

The Arkansas City Hospital and Mercy Hospital endorse the above statement.

The Arkansas City Hospital, R. Claude Young, president.

Mercy Hospital, E. F. Day, Sec'y.

---
We, the undersigned druggists of Arkansas City, wish to state, we do not endorse the so- called Kansas Hospital Association in any way.

Sollitt & Swarts Drug Co., W. N. Harris, Ole Fox, Duvall Pharmacy, W. H. Lightstone & Son, E. C. Dye, F. O. Thomas.

NOTE: TWENTY DOCTORS SIGNED.

 

[SHIDLER, OKLAHOMA.]

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1922

SHIDLER BOOSTERS HERE
Oil Town is 57 Days OldHas 1,000 Population.

The Shidler booster club visited Arkansas City, arriving about noon today, and took dinner in this city. There were about sixty businessmen of Shidler represented on this trip, including the Pershing kid band of that city. "Shidler is 57 days old, and the kid band is six months old," said F. M. Loyles, of the Shidler commercial club. According to Mr. Turner, the president of the club, the town has a population of 1,000 plus a little, allowing for the arrival of newcomers since they started on this trip. The band is said to be composed of the youngest musicians of any band in Oklahoma, and furnished the music for the booster trip. They played on the streets of this city, performing very creditably. The boosters were all bubbling over with enthusiasm for their town.

The principal literature they were distributing consisted of copies of the Shidler newspaper, The Derrick. Shidler is located about three miles east of Whizbang and will be the terminal of the railroad which is being built from Foraker to the oil field. In three weeks time about 100 buildings have gone up, including all kinds of business buildings, among them a theatre.

According to F. M. Loyles, Shidler is the result of the development of the Osage oil leases, which at the recent sale brought the unusual total of nearly $8,000,000, and the city, he said, appears as the logical successor of Whizbang. According to report, many of the citizens of Whizbang are deserting that city and moving to Shidler.

Shidler aspires to be the Drumright of the Osage, and there seems to be little doubt that the Osage field is destined to develop into a second Drumright field. All this territory is of special importance to Arkansas City, and the opinion is being expressed that this city should begin immediately to boost for special car service into the field, so that workers in the oil field may reside in this city and also to keep workers already residing here from moving to the oil field.

 

[CORRECTION MADE IN PAPER RE "REX ROOMS" LOCATION.]

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1922

Not Local Rex Rooms
In the story published in the Traveler of Friday, in connection with the "destroyed Evidence" case, the Rex rooming house referred to is located in Winfield and not in Arkansas City. The story in this connection was taken from the Courier and that paper was given credit for the story, as published in the Trav-eler yesterday. The local Rex rooms are in no manner connected with the case.

 

[CHAMBER OF COMMERCE - BUDGET PLAN.]

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1922

Secretary Seyster of the Chamber of Commerce stated this morning that the budget committee will make their final mop-up next week, bringing to a close the solicitation campaign which has been in progress for some time to raise a budget of $15,000 for the chamber's 1922 activities.

Up to this morning approximately $12,500 has been subscribed and there is enough out, according to the apportionments, to more than make up the balance. Mr. Seyster stated that all of the industries and also the public utilities, without an exception, had unhesitatingly subscribed the amounts apportioned to them. The same has generally been true with the business and professional men, there being but few who have questioned the amounts apportioned to them.

The campaign has been pushed as rapidly as possible and the results have been very gratifying. The business interests of the city are unanimous in their expressions of approval of the budget plan, the secretary reports.

 

[REAL ESTATE MEN/LUMBER PRICES.]

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1922

COMMITTEE SUBMITS REPORT
Trip Made to Tulsa to Investigate Lumber Prices

Cheap Prices Quoted Because of Lumber War Were on Inferior Grades of Lum berControversy Settled.

Following is the report of the committee who went to Tulsa to investigate the prices of lumber in that city in order to settle the controversy arising by the publishing of Tulsa prices by William Bunnell in the Traveler and comparing them with Arkansas City prices. The Tulsa prices as published were much cheaper than prices quoted in this city, and a controversy arose between one of the local lumber dealers and Mr. Bunnell, which controversy was also published in the Traveler. In order to arrive at the facts and to settle the matter, Mr. Bunnell offered to take a committee to Tulsa to make an investigation. Mr. Bunnell having taken the matter up with the Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Berry was designated to represent the chamber in the investigation. The committee's report follows.

Report of Committee
Upon our arrival in Tulsa we stopped at the first lumber yard we came to, which was not one of the yards whose advertisements had been published in the Traveler by Mr. Bunnell.

We first asked the price of No. 1 dimension lumber, and were told that No. 1 dimension was not handled by the Tulsa yards. After the manager of the yard had given us prices, he told us he was making prices right down to the price of the mills in Arkansas, and it was not fair to compare his prices to the prices in neighboring towns because there were 24 yards in Tulsa and, though they were trying to keep it quiet, they were in a fight; and when they got through, some of the yards would be out of business.

We also visited three more yards and inspected stock and asked prices. We found some of the No. 2 dimension to be equal to the No. 1 dimension handled in Arkansas City. All cheap priced material quoted in the advertisement cut out and republished by Mr. Bunnell was found to be very inferior, and worthless for house building purposes, and would hardly make a good chicken coop. Mr. Bunnell republished those advertisements supposing they meant suitable material for house building.

Below is a list of prices given in Tulsa, Bartlesville, and Arkansas City.

Number two dimensionTulsa, $35, $33, $30, $35; Bartlesville, $45; Arkansas City $45.

Drop sidingTulsa, $65, $58, $65; Bartlesville, $70; Arkansas City, $70.

CeilingTulsa, $65, $50, $45, $55; Bartlesville, $60; Arkansas City, $60.

Yellow pine flooringTulsa, $65, $65, $65; Bartlesville, $75; Arkansas City, $75.

Oak flooringTulsa, $100, $125, $120; Bartlesville, $160; Arkansas City, $125.

Shingles, 5x2Tulsa, $6.25; $6, $5.25; Bartlesville, no report; Arkansas City, $6.

Yellow pine lathTulsa, $8.50, $6.75, $6.50, $6.50; Bartlesville, $11; Arkansas City, $9.

B finishTulsa, $85; Bartlesville, no report; Arkansas City, $90.

One manager told us that he had gone to the mills in Arkansas and bought several cars of mill run and 3rd grade to take care of his trade at advertised prices.

Mr. Brown this morning (Friday, Feb. 10, 1922) received by phone from Tulsa price on bill complete for a two-story house and there was only $6 difference between Tulsa and Arkansas City prices.

Mr. Bunnell wishes to state that he enjoyed the trip to Tulsa, and is satisfied that the situation is herein correctly reported, and is absolutely satisfied with the report of the committee. The committee also wishes to report that we are satisfied Mr. Bunnell was at all times working for what he thought to be the good of Arkansas City.

(Signed) E. S. Berry, J. O. Brown, G. L. Pierson, Wm. Bunnell.

The trip was made very pleasantly in Mr. Bunnell's enclosed Franklin car, and was much enjoyed by each member of the committee. The mileage gauge showed 323 miles traveled, and the trip was made without mishap except that Mr. Pierson was run over by a Ford car, but was not injured in the slightest.

 

[WEIRD CASE: R. A. WRIGHT, ARKANSAS CITY.]

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1922

A STRANGE CASE
Chickens, A Colored Lady, Weird Gardening, Booze.

Several strange elements entered into a little lawsuit which came up for trial in district court late Friday afternoon. The case is not yet finished, but some weird testimony promises to develop, according to statements of attorneys to the jury.

To begin with, two jurors were out and only four regular jurors answered the call when the case came up. At first it was agreed that these four men would hear and weigh the evidence; but the defendant, R. A. Wright, of Arkansas City, objected and wanted a full jury.

Judge Fuller then sent Sheriff Goldsmith into the audience which is usually present while court is in session, and eight more men were sent into the jury box. The defense challenged

T. J. Eaton, one of the regular jurors, and another man was finally brought in. The jury was then accepted.

In stating his case, Ward Wright, attorney for Mrs. Jennie Funkhouser, colored, plaintiff, told the jury that his plaintiff owned some lots in Arkansas City adjacent to the home of Wright. A crop of onions put in on the lots had been devoured by Wright's chickens, he said, and his client sought damages.

The defense attorney, Tom Pringle, told the jury that the evidence would show that the onions were poorly put in by the lady's husband and a friend while in a state of intoxication. The evidence would show further, he declared, that the wind blew the onions out and that there was little left for the chickens.

The case, which will not be a long one, promises to be hotly contested.

The jury, as finally accepted, was made up of the following men: W. H. Griffin, E. B. James, J. C. Bird, Monroe George,

J. R. Matthews, E. Esley, W. T. Barnes, F. Young, Roy Lockyear. S. H. Wood, B. M. Kingsley, and J. T. Koons. Nine of these men were taken from spectators' seats in the courtroom.Free Press.

---
In the case of Funkhouser versus Wright, the plaintiff was given a verdict of $30 damages. This case is explained in another story in this issue of the Traveler.

 

[CITY COURT]

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1922

Mike Crouse was fined the sum of $75 in the city court last evening on the charge of being drunk and driving a car while in a drunken condition. He was arrested by the police the night before.

Ethel Hammond, negro woman, was fined the sum of $25 on the charge of "soliciting" on the streets of the city. She was arrested the night before by the city officers.

The night police were called to the Fitch home last night at 401 South First street by the report that there was someone prowling about the house. When the officers reached the scene, they were told that the intruder had been frightened away by Bud Fitch.

Three boys, Leonard Blass, Ramon Kindred, and James Lowe, were taken into custody last night by the police on the charge of matching pennies. They were turned over to the probation officer, C. H. Isham, who is investigating the case.

MATCHING PENNIES? WAS THAT A CRIME?

 

[VETERINARIAN HAS OFFICES AT COLLINS GARAGE ON SOUTH A STREET.]

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1922

Dr. C. M. Downing, veterinarian, with offices at the Collins garage on South A street, returned last night from Manhattan where he had been to attend the state convention of the Kansas veterinarians.

 

[STREET SIGNS - JUNIOR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE]

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1922

Arrangements are being made to put out the street signs ordered some time ago by the Junior Chamber of Commerce. These are neat two-way metal signs, and a sufficient number were ordered for all the street intersections in the second ward. The signs are being placed in one ward only, as an experimental proposition, with the intention of placing them all over the city if proved satisfactory in this ward.

The signs are to be mounted on a ten-foot hollow post set in three feet of concrete, at the intersection of the streets and avenues, and are of a very durable, neat, and attractive charac ter. That it is a commendable enterprise on the part of the junior chamber seems to be self- evident. By the use of these signs, residents of the city will become much more familiar with the streets of the city, and this system of street marking will be of especial value to strangers in the city.

 

[ELMER DAVIDSON MOVES BARBER SHOP IN CITY.]

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1922

MOVES BARBER SHOP
Old Time Barber Has New Location, Corner Summit and Fifth Avenue.

Elmer Davidson, one of the oldest and best known barbers of this city, is moving his shop today from 312 South Summit Street to the basement of the Traders State bank building. In this transaction, Elmer Davidson absorbs the shop owned by Earle Rowe, which was recently opened at this basement location. There will be four barbers employed, Earle Rowe, Ollie Christy, Bill Parrott, and Mr. Davidson. The shop will be ready for business under the new management tomorrow.

 

[AUTO THEFT CASE: LOCKYEAR/McCANNON & PRITCHARD.]

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1922

TOO MUCH PENALTY
Alleged Auto Bandits Acquitted by Jury in District Court.

Was it too much penalty for the amount of crime accomplished which led the jury in the automobile hold-up case to render a verdict of not guilty? That was the verdict in State against Charles McCannon and Bert Pritchard trial, which began Thursday morning, and which went to the jury yesterday morning at nine o'clock. The jury was out until after five yesterday afternoon, then brought the verdict stated.

It is reported that several of the jurors have since stated that they thought that ten to twenty-one years in the penitentiary, the prescribed penalty for highway robbery, was too heavy for what the defendants had actually gotten away with.

One juror appears to have held out until after five for conviction. He then went over to the side of acquittal, and the verdict was obtained.

Many warm debates have taken place today between members of the jury and members of the panel who did not get on the case, but who heard the testimony. Some of the jurymen maintained it was Lockyear's testimony against the two alleged bandits, with the benefit of the doubt to the defendants. Lockyear, the driver of the car in which the party made the trip, it was asserted by the jurors, had had an opportunity to call for help at a house at which the party stopped for water for the car, but had not done so. The other side argues it this way: sitting in the back of the courtroom at part of the trial was George Oldham, a farmer, his face bandaged as a result of wounds inflicted by desperadoes a few months ago; was it likely, they ask, that any person with ordinary caution would make any move which might bring on a shooting?

The people on this side of the argument point out these things testified to by witnesses and admitted by the defendants.

Charles McCannon, the apparent leader of the two defendants, registered both men at the Bradley rooming house, 1300 Main, the night of January 18, writing his own as "James Warner," his companion's as "Arthur Wiornick."

After the arrest Warner gave his name as Vergil Cannon, later changing it to Charles McCannon; Wiornick as Bert Pritchard.

The two men hired Lockyear to take them to the place of a man named Frazer, accurately given as "four miles east of Hackney, half a mile south, and a mile and three-quarters east;" though no such man has ever lived in that locality.

They refused to ride in Lockyear's Ford car, requiring Lockyear to borrow a larger car.

The men were armed with pistols, as described by Lockyear when he first told the story to the officers.

They hired a car to make a trip in the country, though, according to their own statement, the amount of money they had was not enough to pay a reasonable hire for such service.

The car tunred out to be a leaky one, which could not get up much speed, and so became undesirable as loot for any intelligent bandit.

There the argument goes round and round.

McCannon explained that he had registered under an assumed name as he was afraid the rooming house might be raided by the police and his name get into the paper. This, he said, would have been a very great shock to his wife, who now has a baby a few weeks old.

McCannon's father, who attended the trial, is said to have expressed the opinion to an acquaintance that his son would not be able to get a fair deal here because he is an outsider, and the witnesses against him were local men. That charge against our community, at least, has been vindicated by the verdict of the jury.Courier.

 

[TWO CARS STOLEN...ALBERT WILLIAMS/A. H. FITCH.]

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1922

TWO CARS STOLEN
Albert Williams' Dodge and A. H. Fitch's Buick Leave Town.

Two autos were stolen from this city on Sunday and at last reports this afternoon, neither of them had been recovered. One of the stolen cars, however, it was reported this morning, had been traced to Cedarvale from this city and there the trail was lost.

Albert Williams, of northwest of the city, had his Dodge touring car taken from in front of the First M. E. Church Sunday morning, in broad daylight, and while he was attending church services there. There were many cars parked in front of the church at that time, and the thief or thieves, no doubt made away with the car without anyone on the outside taking notice of the affair. It was learned by the police later in the day that this car stopped at a local filling station and the driver purchased gasoline there. Later in the day the trail was taken up and the car was tracked to Cedarvale, by the police and Fred Gould, of the Gould Insurance agency. The Gould Insurance agency had the insurance on both of the stolen cars. The Dodge was a 1922 model and was in perfect condition, it is reported.

The second car taken was a Buick roadster, belonging to A. H. Fitch, the music man, and it was taken from in front of the Fitch residence, at 401 South First Street, late last night. The car was left parked in front of the house and was missed by members of the family about 10:30 o'clock that night. The police were notified at once and began a search for the car. This was a 1921 model.

The local officers and representatives of the Gould Insurance agency were today scouring the country in their efforts to recover these two cars and apprehend the thieves.

Albert Williams is a member of the local A. H. T. A. and this lodge, with the insurance company, is offering a reward of $75 for the arrest and conviction of the thief and the return of the Dodge car to this city. Cards giving a description of the car complete were being sent out by the chief of police this afternoon to all the surrounding towns in Kansas and Oklahoma.

Late in the day there had been no news of either this car or the Fitch Buick received by the local officers.

Cowley County Historical Society Museum