Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1891-10-24
THROUGH THE TERRTrORY.

THROUGH THE TERRITORY.
! Seventeen members Ut Baxter post
: attended the reunion at Southwest
City, Mo-, and they were well received
aud amply provided for. The reun'
ion was success in every particular,
being one of the hest attended and
most enthusiastic meetings Of old SOL
diers ever held IN that section of coun-
try. The Rev. Hackney of Joplin W as
the principal orator and was rather
radical in some Of his remarks, but
his speech was well received by the
majority and the reverend gentleman
found many who were delighted with
all he said. The Indian territory was
well represented at the meeting bv
both soldiers aud citizens, and Arkan-
sas brought out her full quota, among
whom were some who had not seen q
blue coat or u brass butten since the
war.
Of course Missouri had the largest
representation, both of Federals aud
COnfc,lerates, but there was no bitter
hess or i'll feeling engendered and the
Kansas Jayhawkers took as much de-
light in caressing the shuff-chewing
female whose daddy fl the Yankees
with Misunderstanding shotgun as
they did In drinking homemade still
slOp with federal quartcrmasler.
The Mcdonald county people are a
whOle-souled, libcral-hearted set OF
christians, and whether you go among
them on special invitation or just drop
in unexpectedly you are sure of kind
entertainment II not royal welcome
such as the Baxter veterans received.
II ia a fact that some of the ladies
down there use snuff with stick, but
that is nObody's business but their
own, and whether she comes from
Cross Hollow, Rocky Comfort or Hog
eye, a lady should have the same right
to use snuff that the long-legged Kan
sas crank has to use dOgtail plug or
moonshine whiskey. Snuff chewing
cannot be called an intellectual 0ccu-
patton, but ii occupies the mind as
well as The jaws and as nerve exhi-
laratOr is far superior TO chewing gum.
Southwest City is nestled IN Honey
creek hollow, surrounded by high
hills on every side, and is well sup
piled with splendid spring water, four
saloons aud q peach brandy manufac-
tory. 1t is ten miles from q railroad,
but has large territory trade and the
people generally are prosperous, vir.
tuous, contented and happy.
The drive of fifty miles through the
northeast corner of the territory is a
most delightful one. The roads are
good, the country is generally well
settled and the landscape from all
points Is like magnificent panorama.
Crossing the NeOshO river ut PoOler's
ferry We strike the Cherokee nation,
and judging from tho appearance Of
things the Cherokees are q civilized
tribe. Good farms with comfortable
houses, barns and out buildings, large
straw stacks and big corn shocks are
evidences OF agricultural prosperity
and at Falkland, a little town Of only
one years growth, we find seven
stores IN full bias: and all seemingly
doing a good business. Falkland has
sure enough railroad aud il bound
to be q commercial center.
At Harlan's ferry on Grand river
scene equal to Cropsy's famous
american Autumn" is presented to
view, Grand river is one OF tie most
beautiful streams on the continent
aud al this season OF the year the view
up the river Is unusually magnificent.
The river banks are Hinged with dark
green willows with the hill sides for q
background which are covered with
the variegated leaves Of every variety
of forest trees and vines commonly
found in this section. The ash, oak,
sugar maple aud walnut were so ar
tislically commingled with the bright
er hued scarlet of The sumac and ivy,
covering half mile of hill side, with
one of most splendid panoramic scenes,
such as natures God alone can make,
and that only iIr The fall of the year.
The scene was so grand, magnificent
and exhilarating and the river itself
SO lovely and clear that we filed all
our empty water jugs and passed
on into the gloom Of the deep for
est OH the other side.
From Harlan's ferry TO the Missouri
state line the country is well settled
with nearly every acre IN wheat aud
corn. 1t is a rich country and Occu-
pied mostly by white tenants who rent
from the Indians, and pay q handsome
revenue every year for The use of the
lands. We trust our Quapaw friends
will follow the example sci by the
Cherokees, and instead Of leasing their
lands TO cattle men, seek out good
thrifty farmers and have all their
lands put IN grain. 1t would he bet
ter for them II they could do this
work themselves, but 1t is better to
rent the lands 10 farmers than toilet