Wood River times. [volume] (Hailey, Idaho) 1882-1915, 1884-06-04
THE PIONEER ASSOCIATION.

Some months ago an association OF
Pioneers of the Pacific Coast was
founded in Haley. At first the in
tention seemed to be to admit only
such persons as would find admission
in similar associations all over the
coast, the sole requisite for member
ship IN which is that the applicant
shall have come to the coast prior to
the spring of 1850, or be the son OF
one who came prior to that time.
Soon, however, the limitation was re-
duced to 25 years residence on the
coast or slope, then to 20 years; and
lately it has been generally understood
that several persons have been asked
to join, Notwithstanding they dis
claimed the requisite residence on the
coast, they being told that all that was
required was for a man "to think
right" 1t is even stated that some
persons who arc known to have lived
west of the Rocky Mountain divide
Les. THAN ONE YEAR have bosh adj
mtted to fellowship in the Society.
While these changes have been
making in the requisites for member
ship, the most disquieting reports as
to the aims and objects of the Society
have been generally circulated. These
were, mainly, that the Association pro-
posed to control the politics Of this
region, and run things to suit itself.
At first these reports were laughed at,
because it was not believed possible
that the genuine pioneers-the trail
blazers and empire builders Of tho Far
West-could, by any manner of
means, be prevailed upon to band to-
gether for all unworthy purpose; aud
no great weight was attached to the
uniavorable rumors.
But, during the past three weeks,
these rumors have assumed a most
tangible and startling shape.
NJ mbers Of the Association are re-
ported OF boasting, in houses of pub
lie resort, and on the sidewalks OF
Main street, that they would control.
by means Of the Association, all the
jures of our courts, and that they
would have cases decided to suit them
Another member is accused of saying
threateningly, "You just wait, ane
you'll see what we the Pioneer Asso
citation will do. We are All strong
NOW, and will soon number 800"
All this, taken in connection will
three or four jury trials where the yer
dict was in fragrant contradiction will
the evidence, has convinced many tina
some INSCRIPTIONS persons had foun,
their way into the Pioneer Associa
ton, and were using the inhuenc
thus acquired to further their own pri
vate ends, regardless Of the mean
employees; and the Association ha
consequently fallen into such disre
pute that many sterling citizens an
genuine pioneers have fastened t
W sh their hands of tho whole bus
ness by avowing their purpose {
withdrawing at the first opportunit
or by refusing to become members 6
all.
In this state of affairs the duty {
every pioneer who has at heart tn
good of this western country, whic
he has helped to develop,Fis plal'
And the TINES, voicing the sentimet
of every fair-mindcd man in this con
munity, of every true patriot, of ever
real friend Of the genuine trail blazer
calls upon them to do that duty. All
speedily as possible; as they can do
none too soon, if they wish to pr
serve unsullied their own good nam
and retain tho esteem Of every perso
whose good opinion is worth havin