Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1892-07-16

OF powder at tho residence of John
Westerman, TO Splitlog avenue, came
very near killing Mr.. Westerman's four
children and Harry Blackman, neigh
boris son. As it was, Clara Westerman,
aged 7, was perhaps fatally burned, and
the four others slightly injured. The
powder was in cigar box on a bench
in the back yard of the Westerman
premises. One of the little ones acct
dentally dropped therein lighted
match and instantly those nearest were
thrown to the ground from the shock of
terrific explosion. Clara, the young
est child present, was soon enveloped in
flames. Rose, aged 9, tried to rescue
her younger sister, but her clothing
also caught fire, and but for the quick
work of her brother she would have
persisted. Harry Blackman, who was
present, got off with slight injury, he
having been some distance from the
powder when it exploded. Hopes are
entertained that Clara will recover,
although the attending physician says
her case is critical, her chest, arms,
hands and throat having been fearfully
burned
Lawrence Journal: Col. w. II. T.
Wakefield received note from j. W.
Watkins, who had purchased the Jeffer-
sonian plant, saying that MIR. Carter,
Watkins partner, had left town under
circumstances that would make his re-
turn impossible. The note concluded
with the statement that Mr.. Watkins
would not come back. and giving Col.
Wakefield permission to take charge of
the shop again. Mr.. Wakefield went
down there and found everything up
side down. Last weeks papers were on
the press, not having been mailed, and
all the outfit of the shop was thrown
around everywhere and much of it
ruined. just before the man Carter
left he was given $52.75 by neighbor
to keep till after the Fourth. He is
keeping it yet. Several other people
are losers by Carter's decamping. A
warrant has been issued charg ing him
with grand larceny and another with
obtaining money under false pretences.
This is the fifth shop in Kansas that
Carter has wrecked and he shows him
self good hand at it.
Topeka Capital: Chas Staufer and
Miss Mayer were boat riding on Soldier
creek, in the vicinity of the Santa Fe
railroad bridge. The water is from
twelve to fifteen feet deep at this point
and the boat was being propelled at
rapid rate through the water, when sud-
denly it struck one of the piles which
was hidden just beneath the surface of
the water. The boat was capsized in
an instant and both of the young peo-
pie thrown into the water. At the time
another boat happened to be near, occu-
pied by A. Parsons and young lady.
Mr.. Parsons Immediately rowed for the
boat, and noticing that the
man seemed to be swimming ashore he
gave his attention to the young lady.
She had gone under the water once, and
Mr.. Parsons righted the boat and.had
her take hold of the stern and hold on
while he pulled her ashore; but while
he was doing this he looked toward Mr..
Staufer and saw him sink beneath the
surface. That was the last seen of him
alive, for he never appeared again. Mr..
Parsons is sure he could have saved the
man if he had been alone, but
being some distance from him and hav-
ing the two ladies to look after he was
prevented from lending him any assist
ance.