The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1864-08-20
Cattle Specula;iops.

The following article on the disgraceful
cattle speculations--or stealing. for it is no
better-now gong on in the southern part
of this State, is written by G. NJ. Simcock,
Esq, merchant OF Council Grove, to the
Press of that place. Mr.. Simcock's state
ments are entitled to great consideration:
Council GROVE, KAN. Aug. 4th 1864.
EDITOR Press: Being called on for
some remarks at the meeting which was
called on Tuesday evening, Tor the purpose
of getting the sentiments of the citizens of
this county in regard to bringing stock
into our midst, from Arkansas, Texas, and
the Indian Territory south of US: and not
having the gift of CAB that some men have,
l wish to say a few words to the public
through your valuable paper.
In tie first place, it is violation of law
to drive. or cause TO be driven, such stock
into or through the State at this season of
the year And in the second place, it GER
tainly is wrong to encourage the Indians
and Negroes in stealing the stock and run
ming it into the southern part OF our State,
by going to their place of refuge aud buy
ing of them. Ii Is true there are men max
ing money by the operation, and I should
think man could make money buying
cattle at the price that Sir. A. A. Moore
told me the other day. he was offered cattle
at. He SAID a man offered a short time
since. to deliver a lot of good cattle at his
Ranch on the Cottonwood. for eight dollar
per head. II think he said the calves &c
be thrown in for good measure) Now
this man mast get his cattle Uery cheap; but
I
been told BY an eyewitness; that is. thai
| there are men in the southern part of Kan
sas, who pay Indians and Negroes 50 much
per head for cattle. or rather indirectly hire
parties 10 venture further south than they
are willing TO go themselves. and run the
cattle up into Kansas. and the second party
sells TO the third-and l suppose they Cal
afford to sch them cheap-and the seconc
party gives the THIRD party, in some in
/ stances, bill of sale, or rather permit tC
pass on with the castle, the permit signed
as provost marshall or something of tn,
kind; { | am told that nearly every mar
that has cattle to sell is provost marshall;
and the last party tries to think be has
good title, come by them honestly, &c
Now this may all be right, but cannot se
it IN that light, and am opposed to the oper
alton; and l here take the liberty to say
that there is net half dozen men IN ou
county hut what are opposed to il; and TO
two reasons, and | think three: first, W,
are liable O have the Spanish fever among
our cattle; and second We are accused o
UNFOLDING parties engaged in tie trade; thirC
we are liable to a Lawrence raid. Thos,
men who are losing stock, whether they be
rebels or union men, will never forget no.
forgive. 1t is reasonable to suppose tina
they will some day have revenge.
A union man is just as liable to have
his stock confscated. if you call this con.
fscation, as man that is not loyal; and
whether be be a rebel or not, it looks TO me
that there is a more proper way of confs
| eating.
And think, and so do nearly all of OUT
quiet village and county, that those who
speculate 10 cattle had better go in some
other direction to get them.
Respectfully, G. NJ. SIMcoCK.