davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-08-27
The Buffalo and the Great Western Plains

The Buffalo and the Great Western Plains.
When in his westward movement the buff
falo came to the semi-ciyilized inhabitants
of the Mississippi system of valleys, he
brought great plenty of animal food to the
people, who had long been in good meas
ure destitute of such resources, for they had
no other domesticated animals save the dog.
Not yet firmly fixed in the agricultural art,
these tribes appear, after the coming of the
buffalo, to have lapsed into the pure saw
aRery which hunting brings. To favor the
pasturaRe of these wild herds, the Indians
adopted the habit of burning the prairies.
These fires spread to the forests on the east,
killing the young trees which afforded the
succession of wood, gradually extending the
pasturage area of the wild herds until the
larger portions of the western plains east
ward to central Ohio and kentucky, proba-
bly, even into the Carolinas. and southwark
| to the Tennessee river, had been stripped
| of their original forests making way for the
| vast throngs of these creatures which rang
ed the country at the time when we first
knew it. With the rehabilitation of the
hunters habit and with the nomadic con-
ditions which this habit necessarily brinps.
came moro frequent contests between tribes
and the gradual decadence Of the slight
civilization which the people had acquired,
From Mature and Man in America" by
Professor N. s. Shaler, in September Serb.
/ ner.
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-08-27
LOANING MONEY TO FARMERS.
A New Condition of Affairs In Western
Kansas.

Kansas.
TOPEKA, Kan, Aug. 25.-The collapse of
the Farmers Loan and Trust Company and
it's retirement from business is not regarded
by prudent financiers in this state as
legitimate indication of a shrinkage in
mortgage values. This company loaned in
western Kansas in excess of actual prop
erty values for the sole purpose of making
a large commission account to be divided
among its stockholders without special re-
gard to it's security. Other companies have
tried the same plan here and failed, the
business being greatly overdone. Several
years ago. when the business was profitable
to borrower, lenders and agent, many who
had a little money of their own, or who had
friends that had money, and who them
selves had sons or friends they wanted to
establish in the business, thinking that this
was golden opportunity to wealth;
sent their sons or their friends.
money to the farmer. Money became plen-
ty and went to competing with itself for
soon made use of the means offered them
of relieving the lender of much of his cap
ital. The new man, the son of the eastern
stockholder, looking only at present earn
ings in commissions made and high rates
promised, was only too eager to invest his
money in anything that was offered, and
now he has the opportunity of losing good
portion of his capital through his own haste
or greed or of taking the mortgaged prop
erty and holding to it until values are again
assured and legitimate demand will sell
his property.
There has in the last year occurred re-
turn to something like old time conseva-
tiyeness. Lenders are more cautious the
spectators are being weeded out and the
honest borrower is hquidating. The old
established companies doing business on a
conservative and safe basis are still IN the
field and are advising their eastern patrons
that there will be no serious loss on mort
cages now in force; that values are rising
slowly and confidence is being restored.
There are fewer renewals being made than
for several years past, and where farmers
needed more time on their interest coupons.
Some of the larger companies are carrying
them and even furnishing additional money
with which to procure seed wheat and to
provide for other emergencies. Instead of
borrowing all he can the farmer is now Dor
rowing as little as his necessities require,
end the mortgage loan business is assum-
ING a healthier and safer condition with
every prospect that every loan made for
legitimate purposes will be fully paid.
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-08-27

snakes at once glide out of their holes and
gather round him, making q peculiar purr-
Ing sound with their rattles to denote their
pleasure. Selecting the largest and latest,
Childs picks it up and coolly cuts its head
off with his pocket-knife. The head imme-
dlaately dies, to all appearances. but the
body squirms and the rattles sound for ten
or fifteen minutes after. When the death
throes are over. the body is hung up in the
sun with the neck downwards, and cup or
dish IS placed beneath to catch the oil. In
few hours the heat causes all the liquid
in the body to drain out.
The snakes are we'll fed because their din
ner OF rabbits is always at hand. Mr..
Chllds says that no cruelty is done the ami
mails in placing them there. Indeed they
do not seem to mind their deadly neighbors
IN the least, but go ON breeding az content
eddy rs though in their natural home.
when snake becomes hungry. which hap
pens once in every five or six weeks, he
restlessly squirms about until he catches
more ado, he wriggles his way to the DOOM
ed animal. The rabbit either does not real
ize the danger or il powerless to move.
When within couple of feet the rattler's
head is shot forward like dart, and it is
very seldom that it misses it's aim. The
prey is generally struck in the small of the
back. and after running about for three or
eats the rabbit at its leisure.
;, Mr.. Chllds says that it is an exploded idea
that poisonous snakes do not evenom the
meat they eat. 1t is the habit of rattle
snakes, or moccasins, or copperheads, and
in fact of all of the deadly species to kill
their food exactly as they attack an enemy.
1t they miss at their first onslaught the
snakes seldom repeat it, but retire to their
holes much discomftted.
The snake-farmer is also charmer, and
can teach his reptiles almost any trick. At
his command some of the old ones that he
mas had sufficient time to instruct in the
branches of polite statehood will play dead,
kiss each other any desired number of
times and perform score of other antics.
His first experience with rattlesnakes was
out on the Dakota plains. The sand rat
tiers are hardly as large as the Arkansas
family, but fully rs dangerous. In these
lonely wastes. with only his herd of cattle
as company, Mr.. Childs often solaced him.
self with his flute. One afternoon US he
was rendering an unusually plaintive air, a
little snake approached and gave every evil
dence of sympathy. It writhed as if in
pain and its two small rattles sounded q
doleful tattoo. 1t was evident to the cattle
man that the mournful music went to the
reptiles heart. He at once changed the air
to livelier one. The snake Immediately
changed from grave to gay also.
This occurrence was the beginning of a
fast friendship between the pair, and for
many days Childs drew melodies from his
pipe for his little friend.
Moving to Arkansas, Mr.. Childs found
that his gift of snake-charming was rven
more potent than it was in the west, and
accordingly set about making it Of benefit.
For several seasons he has hunted reptiles
of all kinds among the swamps and hai
made a good living. Encouraged by hii
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-08-27
RAISING SNAKES TO SELL.
Mr.. Childs, Of Arkansas, in Search
Of q Market for the Fall
Crop.
How He Catches, Fattens and
Kills tho Shiny, Wriggling
Reptiles.
prise-snake OIL n y Medicine
wise ~ Sorpents.

- IL OQ1l06, WHO ~ pOOdpAy eAo OAAAy
bona Ade snake farmer in America, was in
st. Louis yesterday on business connected
with his enterprise, and left for New York
on an evening train, where hopes ito find a
market for his fall crop of snake products,
says the st. Louis Globe Democrat.
Thsre l. nothing venomous, Shiny or I'M
canny about Mr. Childs-quite the contrary.
He il Of the blonde type; stands feet in
his CATERS, has well-knit frame, sandy
mustache and hearty laugh. He wears on
his head the conventional sombrero, which
has tanned rattlesnake hide for band.
No lover Of any profession or art could be
more enthusiastic for its success than is
Childs, for his gruesome venture. He has
embarked his energies and time, even if not
any great amount Of money in it, and is re-
solved to make it pay, His farm is situa-
ted near the railroad depot at Harrisburg.
Poinsett county, Arkansas. The farm
proper consists Of pen some twenty live
feet in diameter. In the center of this pen
is q raised platform, accessible in safety
from the outside, on which visitors can
promenade out Of reach of the deadly fangs.
In the woods and wild swamps surrounding
Harrisburg myriads of moccasins, cotton
mouths. rattleanakes and oopperheads ale
found. These vilds are the seed bins from
which It timss Mr.. Childs draws to replen-
ish his farm. At ono side of the Enclosure
is a rabbit warren in which live some fifty
ar sixtv bunries. Their number, however,
is constantly changing. They never diesof
old ACE. They arc the food of the snakes.
Between 600 and GOO reptiles are in the
farm at present, and most of them are in
tended Tor this falls slaughter. Only the
larger ones are used, - they yield greater
amount Of oil, skin and rattles than the
small one. Mr.. Childs expects to harvest
600 ounces Of oil this season, and has made
his price e2 per ounce. Aside from the oil
he viii have q handsome crop OF rattles and
The farmer is-conndent that snake oil,
especially that q the Estsies, VII, soon be-
kansas phyaicians oven now prescribe the
fat and meat for esvere cases OF fheuma-
tism. onnt IN nearalgia. II is we'll known
that aerohate ard athletes often require q
penetfatino oil - Timber stiff joints and
PIT Themselves a proper snm. InouRh
nrofeseionai men psing rsttlesnake oil fol
3he purpoees above named. he is going t.
pas6 IL In that d3xoettOQ.
RI. Chilli ~ ~ oil and fat packed in
nailabie rsospta11es, - that Ne can easily
rsech e1stonas ata 49, .;.,,
.nuo ~ 1sssd. Co.. t.. allows them t
a9avi III over ri Dsseen. and mas neve
- 49,. But akould = stranger mp
reoacs -even walk anoana on the raise'
platluen nbove them rspt!es necom
via uitA Eaee. Thsy 4ulsn q one
s-s.es.N 1ss~ ;-A.-r;Sn S 1n1mW Ill in thei
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-08-27
Encouragement for the Feeble.

So long as the failing embers of vitality
are capable of being rekindled into warm
genial glow. Just SO long there 10 hope for
the weak and emaciated invalid. Let him
not, therefore, despond, but derive encour-
agement from this and from the further
fact that there is restorative most potent
in renewing the dilapidated powers of q
broken down system. Yes, thanks to it's
unexampied tonic virtues, Hostetter's
Stomach Ritters is daily revlvinR strength
in tho bodies and hope in the minds of the
feeble and nervous. Appetite, refreshing
sleep. the acquisition of hesh and color, are
blessings attendant upon the reparative
processes which this priceless inviRorant
speedily initiates and carries to q success
fnl conclusion. Digestion 10 restored, the
blood fortified and sustenance afforded to
each life-sustaining organ by the Bitters.
which 10 ino6ensiye even to the feminine
palate, vegetable in composition. and
tAeRpughV eAfA Ca u ~ regain viz
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-08-27
Retail Department.;


please ouna al Ines. JAIL ands
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-08-27

On furniture. No removal. no publicity.
. Appl1 - Ga South Main street
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-08-27

THE WESTERN NATIONAL BANK
OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
10 BROADWAY.
CAPITAL 4s.5oo.ooo.
DEPOSITORY OF PUBLIC MONEYS
OF the Unitsd States, the Sta . of New York. the
,,.xr,,, Cts OF New York.
H. A. sniTh. THos. ]. BRsSNAS.
Cashier. Asst Cashier.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
Rrayton Ives, President.
toward j. herwind, Pres. Colo. Coal and Iron
Charles ]. Canda, Ex. Assistant Treasurer. 2.
W.T.. n. Color, Jr.. of w. N. Color Co.. u
CAAane,y Nj. Depsv. Priest. n. \. G. &H. r Co.
w. Snyder.
hsscsllas Hartley. Of Hartley d Graham. IS
Henry ,. Hyde. Pres.. Eauisahls Life Assurance
Society.
+. .. Aaithiessen, Of r. o. Naathieseen 4
Wischsr's sugar ke6ning Co. ~ Mal eirset.
J1cn Z. eearies. Jr.; frsst Haveneysrs 6usAs
siSa.. ssi... Pr. Fourth sa..t n..isaal
WUliaaC WAl61, Ixasere.a.y q o. Eaus. /.
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-08-27

D1IEOIORS
4. =: foet. A. j. Eeiigman.
=. y. soansoa' Richard Hockey,
James Sullivan.
Interest allowed on time deposits Exchange
lss0s1 on pranclpAl citi lis Of tie United states,
SAnnnA ~ EarOpe transfers of money maAe
~ teiegraph- Iollections promptly attended Is.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1890-01-02

The "kids" rather got ahead of the
"bloods" in the way Of turnout on
New Years day. 40
Miss Minnie Doty, of Mcpherson,
is visiting with Miss Flora Smith of
this city, this week.
Miss Rhoda Allen, of this city, gave
party to a number of young friends,
last Friday evening.
John Weltmer was down to tho
Bend, Monday, from Claflin, and
made US short call.
Mrs. Will Evans, of Kansas City
is visiting with the family of ]. G..
Evans, and other friends.
T. G. Tufley, of Great Bend, and
Henry Garrettsen, of Odin, start the
new year as subscribers to the DEMO
Graf.
B. Markey, our worthy county sur
veyor, furnished the DEMOCRAT fam
lily nice, young, fat turkey, for New
Years eating.
Harry Tracy. who has been spend>
ing the holidays in Great Bend, re-
turned to his home in Garden City,
Wednesday night.
Miss Ina Simmons. daughter of E..
Simmons, arrived this week from Paw
nee county, Neb. The balance of Mr..
SIS family are expected next week.
j. D. Weiner, of ssThe Grand" at
Hutchinson, and his brother, Adolph
Weiner, banker of St. Louis, were
in the city Monday of this week.
Miss Cora Delhi, who has long been
assisting Register of Deeds Strothman,
has gone to Oklahoma, to reside with
her parents. The good wishes of a
host of friends go with her.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1890-01-02
New Alliances.

County organizer, r. T. Shelton,
reports the following new township
alliances organized, viz:
aFairview Alliance" organized in
Fairview township, on Christmas
night, Dec. 18th. President, A. D.
Butler; Sec. j. G. Wilcons; Lecturer,
N. A. Address. This alliance was
started with "a members, the largest
number of any alliance in the county
when first started.
"Blood Greek Alliance" was organ
lied in Albion township, at the Boyle
school house, on Dec. 26th, with Hugh
Boyle president; John McAfee Sec
rotary, and Henry Boyle lecturer.
Homestead Alliance" was organ
lied at Hoisington on the 28th OF
December, with the following officers:
Pres. s. Wilson; Sec. j. w. Nc
Caulley; Lecturer, Henry Smith.
cred Wing Alliance" was organized
at the Red Wing school house in
Cheyenne township, on the evening Of
December 3Oth. FL. E. Smith was
elected president. John Heime sec
rotary, and Henry Uden lecturer.
screen Valley Alliance" was Or
ganized in Liberty township, on the
LIST inst, the officers being, Pres. w.
j. McGreevy; Sec. r. c. McMullin;
Lecturer, E. E. Epperson.
The Northern Alliance" of Buffalo
township, took the secret work in the
Farmers Alliance and Industrial
Union on Dec. 31st. Following are
the officers: Pres. III. S. Everitt;
Sec. j. T. Purviance; Lecturer, James
Wins.
"Ceder Run Alliance" in Clarence
township, also took the secret work
on the same date, and elected the
following officers: Pres. j. 81.
Rhoades; Sec. w. c. Dinwiddie;
Lecturer, John Compton.
Mr.. Shelton reports all the township
branches increasing in membership,
and the outlook for the alliance
growing brighter each day.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1890-01-02
PERSONAL.

Will Osmond returned from K. c.,
Tuesday.
T. l. Owings and wife are in Omaha
this week.
John III. Bement Was up from Paw
nee Rock. Wednesday.
DR.. s. J. Shaw ran down to Topeka
the first of the week, ON business.
Nick and Peter Meyers were down
from Bever township last Saturday.
G. N. johnson ran doyn to Kansas
City the first of the week, on business.
Hon. III. j. Roetzel, of Ellinwood,
was doing business in the city Friday
last.
Phil Marley. of the south side, is in
Bancroft. Mo. He reads the DEMO
Graf,
Sam Rosenfeld was in the city last
week, shaking hands with many old
friends.
Mrs. Thos. leighton is visiting with
the family of J. D. Weiner, of Hutch
inson, this week.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1890-01-02
Dedication.

Next Sunday, Jan. 9Th, 1890 the
German Evangelical (new Lutheran)
church of this city will be dedicated.
All christian friends are invited to
attend.
Services will begin at 1890 in the
morning and at 2:2O in the afternoon.
Rev. w. Echelmeier of this city
will deliver the opening address and
dedication prayer.
Rev. II. Barkman, from Marysville,
Kas., will deliver the dedication
sermon in German and Rev. Keenan,,
of this city, will follow in English.
In the afternoon, Rev. w. Shussler,
from Hudson, Kans., and Rev. F..
Labrowske; from Salina, Rams, and
Rev. Bosworth, of this city, will
officiate.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1890-01-02

The G,ttters'aspe man sets himself up
as a polished critic, and jumps with
both his warped feet onto one of the
gentlemen from Larned in attendance
at the masque ball on Christmas night.
1t is probably lucky for the G,tttersnipe
man that he picked upon Larned boy
instead of Great Bend boy upon
whom to practice his criticism; other
wise Willie's papa's pants would be
vacan: now-they would have the
stuffin' kicked out of them.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1890-01-02
New Stone Bridge.

The county commissioners have
contracted with Capt. j. B. Hannum
to build an $3.50 stone, arch bridge
across Blood creek, in Grant township,
at the corners of 10 and II and %
and "a, near the old, John Frank
place. This bridge has been long
needed. The commissioners will try
this stone bridge as an experiment,
and if it proves satisfactory, bridges
to be built hereafter will be, of stone,
and thus the money expended fol
them will be kept in our own county,
and our own people get the benefits
instead of some foreign company.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1890-01-02
Normal Notes.

From our Regular Correspondent.
Ring the bell.
"Seems to me half the school is gone. -
A taffy party some place tonight.
We did not get an invite so no COM
ments.
Profs. Stryker and Hempy are at
home again, and the faculty seems not
so slim.
Mrs. Allen, Of Rich Hill, Mo-, is
visiting her daughter Mrs. Briggs, at
the college.
One of our students has just learned
that Christmas has come and has
started to his home.
!. Miss Ham and Mr.. Webb, last year
students were visiting at the college
Saturday and Sunday.
The girls at the girlotory had their
pictures taken Monday. What bunch
of girls! That picture ought to look
sweet.
The news class Saturday had very
interesting lesson. The negro question
came up and had many advocates both
pro and con.
ALI of the students who went home
for the holidays are in their old places
again and everything is moving along
smoothly. About five new students
are in since Christmas.
A new society has been formed at
the normal. This is secret order. 1t
takes two and some times three weeks
to get admitted to this society. E. f.
Wright is president. For men and
boys. No women, girls or old maids
admitted, hence the three named last
will take notice, not call, save trouble,
patience, and don't get offended.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1890-01-02
We Are Not

In the loan business, but we can make
a few FARM LOANS on easy terms. As
our capital is something less than
81 900, 900, we cannot accommodate
everybody; but if your security is
good, call at our Office and get all the
money you need-while it lasts.
SMrTH BRorHERs. Attys,
36 80 Great Bend, Kansas.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1890-01-02

Mrs. A. p. Wood, the Forest Ave
nue. nilliner, is closing out her stock
Of goods to quit business. Everything
she has in the way of millinery, silks.
plushes, velvets, satins, ribbons, orna.
ments, etc., will be sold AT COST, and
ladies' will do we'll to call early and
secure what they want before the
stock has been picked over. This
cost sale will continue until her entire
stock Is disposed Of Southwest Of
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1890-01-02

MARR1ED,-On Tuesday, Dec. 81,
1889, at the home of the brides
parents, in Eureka township. F. NJ
Lorimor to Miss Flora Leek. A
number of guests were invited, and
the wedding was very delightful
affair especially to the bride and
groom. The DEMOCRAT wishes them
the compliments cf the. season and
long life and happiness.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1890-01-02

Don't get scared, its only bad cold
brought on by the little cold snap of
the last few hours. When you catch
the sure enough Russian influenza
everybody in the neighborhood will
know it, by the sneeze.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1890-01-02

This office has just finished 100
copies of the Constitution and By
Laws of the Heizerton Creamery 20.
Parties wanting work of that kind
should call and see samples, and get
our prices. We eau please you.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1890-01-02
Albert Items,

Albert Items.
From ''Spunk."
''Happy New Year, to all.
Rev. Joss of Otis was in town Tues
day.
Miss Emma Grunewald has returned
to Larned.
Mr.. Luck, of Kansas City, was in
town last Monday.
Miss Kitty Seeber is spending
vacation week at home.
Our station agent took in the sights
at Great Bend Xmas night.
Mrs. Alice Cox took the train for
Great Bend Tuesday evening.
Miss Kittie Seeber was the guest of
Miss Wilkinson on Sunday last.
Rev. D. B. Shney of Emporia passed
through town Tuesday evening last.
The gentle kansas Zephyr" got up
on his muscle during vacation. Tom
says he hopes it wont blow so hard next
time Kitty takes him to Buttons.
Miss Alice Button, who has been
teaching school in Stafford county, was
in town Saturday accompanied by Mr..
and Miss Bluno of same county.
Mr.. and Mrs. Greenboam left for
Joliet, Ills, on Monday evening where
it is said, the newly made man and
wife will make their home in the future.
Mrs. Greenboam, formerly Miss Anna
Grunewald of this place, is an intel]i-
gent and accomplished young lady and
we congratulate Mr.. Greenboam in
being so fortunate as to secure such a
prize. May their joys be deep as the
ocean, and their sorrows light as its
foam, is the wish of their friend
"Spunk.'
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1890-01-02

Public installation of officers OF
Pap Thomas post, G. A. R., Saturday
evening of this week. An invitation
is extended to all to be present.
Good speakers from abroad are ex
pected to be present, and "caml
fire" will be held.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1890-01-02
Ladies. Have Tried It.

A number of my lady customers
have tried ..'Mother's Friend" and
would not be without for many times
its cast. They recommend it to all
who are to become mothers. r. A.
PAYNE, Druggist, Greenville, Ala.
Write Brad6eld Reg. Co., Atlanta,
Ga, for particulars. By G. A.
Hooper.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1890-01-02
Strayed.

From my place, IL miles south east of
Great Bend, on Sunday Dec. Is 1889,
one bay mare about IL years old; lame
in right shoulder, had shoe on that foot.
tip of left ear split; had on halter. A
reasonable reward will be paid for her
recovery.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1890-01-02

Will Spencer, north east of town. be-
gins the new year by looking after a
new baby girl which came to his house
on Sunday last.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1890-01-02

Friday evening of this week A. G..
Schermerhorn and wife, of this city,
celebrate their silver wedding at their
handsome, east side residence. Quite
a number of invitations are out, and
a grand time will be enjoyed.