davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Benton weekly record., 1883-08-25
SOMEWHAT SENSATIONAL.
A Rumor that Kept a Reporter Busy
and Large Num- ber of Persons
Talking.

The business portion of the city was very
quiet to-day, most merchants taking life
| very philosophically with their feet ele.
yated upon red hot stoves. The busy
newspaper man while on his rounds found
nothing to vary this monotony until, no.
ticing a little more than usual stir in q
well-known business house, he dropped in
and found little knot Of gossipers round
the stove very much exercised over q
rumor that Madame Green, the widely
celebrated proprietress of a bagnio at the
corner of ST. John and Main streets, had
attempted to put an end to her existence
by casting herself into the raging Missouri.
The attempt was said to have been made at
a late hour last night, and one Of the group
claimed to have seen the man who had res
cued the Madame from the watery grave
fo.. which she seemed to yearn. This bi
of conversation awoke the reporters sensa-
tional instinct, and he simply flew through
space in his efforts to run the rumor down
and capture it alive. Nobody seemed to
know anything definite, however, and
nothing further could be learned fol
the time being. The rumor gained
currency as the day advanced and there
was very much speculation over the affair.
During the height of the excitement The
RECORDS special artist happened to fall
against a prominent business man who
knew more than anybody about the matter.
81 know all about it." he said. st1he fact
is, the whcle thing is hoax. You see, a
man fell Off the ferry last night and come
in here to dry himself. When we asked
him what made him go damp around the
edges he said he had rescued woman
named Green from Watery grave i'll the
Missouri. There happened to be town
gossip in the store and before we could
catch and kill him he started to spread the
rumor. He did it in great shape, too, for
a dozen people have been in here this morn
ing looking for the man who did the les
cuing. They were all armed, too, and
guess it's just as well they didn't meet him.
No, sir, there's no truth in the rumor. It's
nothing more Or less than story concocted
by Madame Green's political opponents-a
blasted campaign live"
And thus was the reporters long wished
for sensation knocked into smitbereens
and his fond hopes ruthlessly blasted.
The Benton weekly record., 1883-08-25
PRACTICAL PREVENTION.
Safety from ConfIagrations Insured
by the Arrival of the Ne"
Fire Engine.

The heart of the 'fire laddie'' is glad to-
day and the average citizen feels very
good internally over the safe arrival OF
the new fire engine, the "Choteau." The
new machine is of the Button manufac-
ture. madein Waterford, n. Y, is num-
bered 6S5, was built this year, and pur-
chased in St. Paul in May last. 1t is OF
the newest pattern, of course. and, al
though hand-engine, will undoubtedly
do Sll the work required in city the size
of ours. The City Council, when the
question of ordering an engine was being
agitated, very wisely chose the cheapest
and most practical machine to be had.
The city fathers are certainly to be con-
graduated on their judgement and the
fire department will agree with The
RECORD that the councils choice was
wise one.
Tom gJ. Todd, forman of the Engine
company, No. !, together with Y. 3.
Fowler, assistant foreman, Jere Sullivan
and George Mccormick went down to the
mouth of the Marias yesterday morning
and, taking the engine from the steamer
Black Hills, brought it safely to the city.
Il is now quartered in the Park stables on
Baker street, and it is the object of much
curiosity. The new machine will be put
in thorough order by Frank Lepper, the
well known machinist, and the flre de-
partment will give it trial wednesday
evening. The engine company meets To-
morrow evening to make arrangements iof
the trial.
With the engine was ordered one tnous-
and feet of hose, which will be ample TO
protect the business portion of the city.
The water for fire purposes will be obtain
ed from the river. The only feature lack
ing now, in order to render the city almost
absolutely safe from fire, is the building
of few cisterns in the residence portion.
Benton has a great many beautiful and
costly private dwellings and it seems the
duty Of the city fathers to give them all
the protection possible, as The RECORD
presunes they will.
The new engine, together with fhe
hook and ladder truck and the .buckel
brigade" will certainly give US plenty o.
sprotection and the fear of disastrous con
The Benton weekly record., 1883-08-25
A New Saw Mill.

The new saw mill on the Marias, about
seventy miles from Benton, recently es-
ablished by Joe Kipp will prove of great
benefit to Benton. Joe deserves great
deal of credit for his enterprise. Birch
creek, which bears the logs down from the
mountains, is not nearly SO we'll adapted
to the purpose as is the upper Missouri
where the boom company have failed, so
far, to make successful drive. The shear
boom placed in the creek is 600 feet long,
and the catch boom sixty feet. The cost
of placing these booms was very great,
and Joe assures us that If the enterprise
had failed at any time up to the moment
the logs were taken from the creek he
would have lost at least 81 500.
The Benton weekly record., 1883-08-25
THE FIRE FIGHTERS.
Thorough Trial OF the Engine IN
made and the Fire Boys are Welt
Satisfied

Ever since the arrival of the new fire
engine there has been much interest
manifested, and the trial set for to-day has
been anxiously looked for. Early this
morning the fire department commenced
to make arrangements for the trial and
they were made as thoroughly as possible.
At 2 O'Clock this afternoon the new
fire fighter was brought forth, together
with the hose and other apparatus and,
without many preliminaries, the work of
trying the engine commenced. Under the
direction of the proper officers the hose
was first laid to THE RECORD Office and Il
stream was soon sent over the mansard
roof that would have been very unfriendly
to any conflagration that might have start
ed. This test was very satisfactory
and was followed by similar
one on the buildings OF I. J. Todd & Co.
and t. G. Power & Brother. All Of the
tests were most satisfactory and it is the
general belief that the new engine will
prove OF far more worth than was at first
anticipated.
Benton's fire department is now in g.
most flourishing condition and the many
persons who have any money invested in
property can feel much more safe
than at any time heretofore. There
is spirit of determination exhibited
by the members of the department and il
will be phenomenally frigid day when
they get left in their endeavors to conquer
the fire fiend.
The Benton weekly record., 1883-08-25

A long man with celluloid collar,
whose Christian name is not made III ami
fest, took upon himself the task of crawl
ing outside of the entire stock of tarantu-
lar juice which Benton saloons carry, last
evening, and his numerousness was some
thing perfectly startling for time. lie
wanted war, and wanted it bad. His insane
desire was soon gratified, however, and
THE RECORD news fiend had the exquisite
pleasure Of seeing him rebound from an
insulted mans fist in manner just as
gratifying as it was ungraceful. As the
warlike citizen was seen asleep on lum-
Der pile afterward, it is safe to presume he
was not run in and that drinking men will
find plenty Of the intoxicating fluid behind
the numerous bars to-day.
The Benton weekly record., 1883-08-25

Joe Kipp, the propritor of the Marias
Mills will soon bring into the city large
lot of spruce shingles which are now being
sawed at the mills. These shingles are
almost worth their weight in gold, on ac-
count of their rarity, and persons desir
ing to build should not fail to purchase
while they can be had. Mr.. Kipp's mills
are now turning out 10, 900 feet of lumber
daily and he brings to this city $4,000 feet
three times month. Everyone should
notice the advertisement of the Marias
Mills In another column and govern them
selves accordingly when buying,
The Benton weekly record., 1883-08-25

There has been considerable agitation
in business circles for day or two ovei the
report that George Overfield, the genia
representative of I. G. Baker d Co., had
met the Grim Reaper in the East and
been moved down in the prime of his
youth as suddenly as the Colorado burro
destroys the unsuspeeting thistle. The
principal ingredient of the report, hoWev-
er, seems to have been air, for Mr.. Over
field is at present busily at work IN the
East purchasing goods for his well-knoWn
house, and writes his friends that he new
er felt less like dying in his life. Benton
doesn't care to lose such talented young
men as George Overfield, and his determi-
nation to let nickle-plated harps and angel
wings go by the board will give his many
friends great deal of pleasure.
The Benton weekly record., 1883-08-25

Cottonwood is worth $16 cord ut Benz
ton.--Independen
Our neighbor, who has faculty for
dropping into blunders, is responsible for
the above item. Wood Is worth from So TO
$40 cord and coal $l5 ton. being con-
siderable reduction on last years fuel
prices. These figures are big enough
without stretching 'em.-press
The RECORD will purchase all the wood
the gress will furnish at SO cord.
The Benton weekly record., 1883-08-25

fiagrations which may have been present
in the mind of the property owner hereto
fore can now be put away forever. Benton
has fire department which will soon be
noted througout the Territory and. under
the direction of such men as Tom J. Todd,
Jere Sullivan and G. B. Fowler, the pro-
perty of every citizen is almost absolutely
safe. Let every man give them the en-
couragement they are entitled to.
The Benton weekly record., 1883-08-25

As will be seen by notice published else
where, bids are wanted by the City Engi-
neer for the construction of an engine
house for the city of Benton. The build
inc is to be located on st. John street and
will be 20x5s feet. The material to be
used in its construction WILDE determined
by the bids, it is presumed, but will most
likely be brick. The style of architecture
is very neat and when completed the house
will be an ornament to the city, as we'll IS
of inestimable value,
The Benton weekly record., 1883-08-25

Mr.. S. R. Harley, a resident of the Mon
tana district, who is now in the city, states
to RECORD reporter that there is more
glowing future in store for his section than
the most sanguine resident has ever dared
to expect. A number of mining experts
from different portions of the West are now
looking oyer the mines and prospects, and
without exception, Mr.. Harley states, they
express the opinion that the Montana dis
trict is more rich in mineral than any of
the new discoveries in the northwestern
mineral belt. The output of the district
is, of course, not very large as yet, but
new claims are being located daily and as
fast as they are developed the richness of
the camp must become more apparent.
Mr.. Harley is very much pleased with the
outlook and says that the few persons who
have expressed skepticism as to the real
worth of the Montana district will soon
be compelled to admit that it is one of the
richest mining camps in the country.
The Benton weekly record., 1883-08-25


There seems to bca great deal of feeling
exhibited by merchants who carry stocks
Of goods exclusively in one line-such as
clothing, groceries, saddlery, etc.-that
general merchants will not drop the goods
the exclusive dealers handle. For in
stance, a leading clothier said to a RECORD
rustler this morning, 81 find my business
here considerably hampered by grocers
and other general dealers who carry small
stocks of clothing and, in some eases they
cut prices below what can afford to make,
depending on their profits in other goods
to make them even. When one house in
vests as much money as | do in single
line it seems to me that other merchants
should give it all possible show to dispose
of it's goods at a fair profit. 1t certainly
doesn't pay Il general store to dabble in
clothing, but they will do it, The same
complaint is made by others, and the
RECORD is led to belIevesthat much better
feeling would be created were exclusive
stores allowed to have full sway in hand
ling the line of goods they undertake to
carry. Let Benton merchants give the
matter a careful thinking over, and much
good may come Of 1t.
The Benton weekly record., 1883-08-25

Blackfoot Agency is now very quiet, a
resident of that vicinity reports to The
RECORD to-day, the Indians having all
gone North. The rumor that Major
Young, the Biackfoot agent, has resigned
is wholly false. He is at present attend
ing to duty and denies any intention Of
leaving the agency. Major Young doesn'l
bear the best reputation in the world, AMI
there are many persons at the agency and
in the vicinity who would be glad to Sc
him removed, but it seems that pleasure il
o be denied them.
The Benton weekly record., 1883-08-25

There seems to be a boom on Birch
Creek. Alltne best lands have been taken
up and settlers are coming in very rapid
II. The land along Birch Creek is very
fine and persons settling there will never
have cause to complain of their choice Of
location.
The Benton weekly record., 1883-08-25

Despite the disparagng remarks made
about the Dudes it was a noticeable
fact this afternoon that every member of
the Hook & Ladder company present at
the drill took turn at the brakes, while
not member of the hose company lent
hand in running the engine. The reason
probably was, that the Dudes" sent the
water through the hose with such velocity
that it required the full complement of the
hose company to hold the nozzle steady.
The Benton weekly record., 1883-08-25
The City Sircs.

A special meeting of the City Council
was held last evening. Mayor Conrad pre-
siding, and all members present except
Alderman Cummings, who was absent
from the city. c. l.. Spencer acted as
clerk pro tenn.
A charitable feeling seemed to have ta-
ken possession of the members of the body,
and all fines assessed for absenteeism were
RENTED.
In the matter Of the petition of c. NJ. :.
Lanning & Co., to allow their awning on
Front street to remain as it now Is, there
was some contradictory action and the
matter remains as though never acted
upon.
The Press printing bill was allowed as
presented, and that of James McDevitt,
sheriff, for boarding prisoners on account
Of the city, was referred to the auditing
committee.
The petition OF j. A. Kanouse and 9th.
ers, asking change in the west line of
Main street, was reported on adversely by
the special committee to whom it had been
referred, and was rejected by the coun-
cil
The petitions Of Jere Sullivan and Cans
& Klein, asking to be permitted to retain
their awnings, were laid on the table.
The judges and clerks who served at the
last city election were reappointed to serve
in the same Offices at the approaching cleo
tion on the 25th inst.
The extension of all sidewalks on Main
street to Fourth, was ordered by ordi-
nance.
| The resignation of Marshal Crawford
having been accepted it was ordered that a
| new Marshal be elected at the same time
the bond question is voted on, the 25th
inst.
| Ordinances Nos. 21 and %, were adop-
ted. The former leyies special taxes, and
the latter provides for the condemnation
of property, the opening of streets, etc.
| The map of the old townsite just finished
by City Engineer Griffith, was referred te
the committee on streets and alleys. 1t is
understood to-day that the map was found
in accordance with contract, and will be
| framed at once and turned over to the
proper officers.
Council then adjourned until the mex
regular meeting.
The Benton weekly record., 1883-08-25
NOTICE TO Az.

The RECORD has duly contracted under
he printing law to do all the legal adver-
ising and public printing for which no.
eau county is chargeable. and has filed
he bond required bV law.
The Benton weekly record., 1883-08-25

The selection Of fire marshal or chief
Of the department, seems to be Il very
Worrisome subject with the members and
the general public. Mr.. Jack Maclay,
who was appointed to the place, has de-
clined to serve and a new man must be
found. AS is usual, every member Of
the fire department has candidate
whom he would have the council appoint
but, nevertheless, it ia persumed there
will be no very great trouble in bringing
them to an agreement. The city council
should allow tiremen to select their own
man, is customary in all cities, and con-
firm their choice without word. There
may be a little fun in the meetings of the
department, but the result will be far
more gratifying to the fire boys, just the
same.
The Benton weekly record., 1883-08-25

Owing to a lack of time yesterday The
RECORD was forced to omit the proceed
ings of the hose company at their meeting
Tuesday evening. The boys met and
made arrangements for taking part i'll the
grand fremens, display to-day, besides
transacting there business of more inn
portant nature. 1t is the general belief
that under the fostering care of Foreman
Mcdonald the hose company will shortly
become one of the most celebrated organ
isations in the Territory and this paper is
ready at all times to assist it.
The Benton weekly record., 1883-08-25

It is matter of much wonder to the or
dinary observer how easily and rapidly
the festive Chinaman takes on the ways
of civilization. Our Mongolian brothers
on arriving in America soon give over
the habits that characterized them while
under the Mikado's Watchful eye and
grasp with startling tenacity the ways of
the ssMelican man, They fall into all
the bad habits first and take chances on
picking up the good ones later. The little
town of Maiden, whose boom has been
watched with much interest from this
city, seems to have been the proud posses
sor of a slant-eyed heather of more than
usual acquaintance with the white mans
excentrciities and one who exhibits them
in most practical manner. Having had
some little misunderstanding with broth
er rat-eater the first of last week, the high
" civilized celestial fell upon him and
smote him unto death. Not feeling quite
satisfied with this, however, he am
putated the head of his offending country
| man and cast his carcass into prospect
hole, probably to save burial expenses. A
glad feeling of conscious power then stole
over HIM, and he followed up the murder
by going into town and filling his saddle
colored hide with fusil oil. During his
exhibition of bibulous bestiality he gave
himself away, as many Americans have
done before him, and will probably bt
/ forced to answer for his crime to the out
ragged law. Itseems rather hard, though
that Just rs he was becoming a little familiar
with the habits of his adopted country h,
should be cut off in the flower Of his you'll
for simply hurrying one of his kind int.
the presence of the great and almighty
4 .Tosg
The Benton weekly record., 1883-08-25

his impressions and experiences through
these columns. The "reminiscences may
prove interesting reading.
The Benton weekly record., 1883-08-25

Major Bartlett's company of the Third
infantry, which has been stationed on the
Marias, near Birch Creek for the summer.
has been moved to Fort Shaw. The re-
moyal of the company leaves the country
wholly unprotected from Cree raids and
settlers up there, although confident Of
their ability to take care Of themselves in
case Of Indian troubles, think the govern
ment should allow them some military
protection, at least.
The Benton weekly record., 1883-08-25

Sheriff McDevitt went on the war-path
last evening and had a war-dance around
the proprietors Of the cateh-penny games
which have held forth on the streetcorners
for day or two. The men were notified
to leave town at once and, as they were
seen to engage buggy at an early hour
this morning, it is safe to presume they
have left the classic shades of Benton far
behind. Their room Is far preferable to
their company.
The Benton weekly record., 1883-08-25

Mr.. Theodore Furhkin, manager Of the
business of Klienshmidt & Brothers at this
point, desires the RECORD to correct the
unWarranted statement made by the Press
this morning. The firm of Kleinshmidt
& Brother is not going out of business in
Benton, butts simply shippinga few lines of
miscellaneous goods in order to make room
for a complete line of fancy and staple
groceries, which they will open at once.
1t is intended by the finn to have in OPP
GRAFTON here just as soon as possible the
largest exclusive grocery house in the Ter
ritory, and the RecoRD is pleased to hear
so. MIR. Fuhrkin and his associates III the
Benton store feel very much hart at the
attack made upon them by the morning
paper and think, very justly, too, that they
do not merit any such treatment,
The Benton weekly record., 1883-08-25

A young man named Henry Golfer, Of
the Bitter Roo. valley, eloped last week
with Christine Gorman, a girl only twelve
years of age. six masked aca accom-
panied Golfer for the purpose OF preventing
any interference with his scheme.
The Benton weekly record., 1883-08-25

-. G. Raker, Esq, left on the Billings
coach this morning for st. Lonis. lie is
bent on business and pleasure.
Middletown transcript., 1883-03-02
NO. g..

good they impart. Let every man, if
possible, gather some good books under
his roof, and obtain access for himself
and family to some social library.
Almost any luxury should be sacrificed
to this.'' And one cannot wonder that
Fenelon said eff the crowns of all the
Kingdoms of the empire were laid down
at my feet in exchange for my books
and my love of reading, I would spurn
them all y or that the historian Gibbon
wrote: GA taste for books is the
pleasure and glory of my life. 1 would
not exchange it for the glory of the
Indies"
All these words of wise writer's show
that he who rightly cultivates the read
ing habit can not only have the best of
friends ever at hand, but can at length
say with all modesty, if he reads Alright
and remembers well: :" My mind to me
a kingdom is.