Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1897-04-03
Driven With His Family From the
Gem of the Antilles by the
Spanish.
Finds a Home in Wa-Keeney.


zen had gone in 1891, to look after a
tobacco plantation which he inherit
ed from relatives. Finding the in
terror of Cuba delightful place, with
its prodigal luxuriance of fruits and
forests, royal palms: orange trees
loaded with golden fruit, bright
plumaged songsters, matchless SKY
that at night is spotted with stars
bright as the purest gems Ralph
soon gave up all thought of returning
to the land of his birth. One OF the
prime reasons. however. was not the
beautiful Island and Incompatible
scenery surrounding his plantation,
but the Incompatible blue eyes ana
beautiful form of sweet Nelly George,
the belle of the entire province. the
daughter of Elorentine George, an
EngliShman, who had lived in Cuba
for years. In the course of Few
months she became the Pearl of the
pearl of the Antilles to Ralph
Clay, and when, Bonita Nelly
George, answered yes to the moment
Gus question propounded by him. and
their engagement was made pubic,
he was envied by many unsuccessful
Spanish suitors high in rank in gov
eminent service, and bitterly hated
by others.
So they were married and commenc-
ed their home-building in the land OF
their adoption, and in the course of
time sweet little Minta came to bless
them. No happier two years ever fell
to the lot of man than these had been
to this couple; but now black visaged
war doomed up. The CubanSf were
growing restless under the tyranny of
the Spanish sent from Madrid to rule
and rob. Ralph Clay was open-in his
denunciation of the methods employ
ed by the Spanish to eXtort money
from Cuba, and when the revolt came
he threw his fortune into the patriot
treasury. and himself into the conflict
for Cuba Libre. He was watched
closely by his old enemies who had
not forgotten their inglorious defeat
at Cupid's shrine.
Every means were employed to Sc
cure his capture. His plantation was
laid waste. His wife and baby were
compelled to fly for their lives, hid
ing in the mountainous district.
Ralph was with the patriot army,
ranking Colonel, and one day while on
duty accommodating, was shot and so
severely wounded he was relieved
from further duty. Knowing that he
would be bounded day and night by
his relentless foes, he decided to make
his escape. Disposing of his planta-
tion he managed to elude the Spanish,
and with his. family and faithful
nurse landed at Key West. Deciding
to go north, fate led him to select
Wa-keeney, where, in due time, the
Internationally arrived.
On stepping from the train they
were met by NJ. w. BEEN, of the Cen
trail House, and by him escorted to
his popular place. They soon found
Mr.. BEEN an ideal host, a thorough
business man, and possessing that pc
culiar ability of making all his guests
feel perfectly at home. The apart
ments are commodious and well fur
nished: the table is always supplied
with the delicacies of the season; the
attendants are polite and know their
business. and it is proverbial that
drummers are in mighty good luck if
they can Sunday at the Central.
The now thoroughly happy family
retired to their rooms to recover from
the fatigue of their long journey.
Awakening the next morning with
light hearts and full of confidence,
they decided to proceed at once to the
looking up and furnishing home.
But first, said Ralph, / must speak
to the landlord about the banking in
stitution of this place We want
safe, solid bank to do business with,
and / must see to cashing some drafts
as we will soon need money. InQuir-
ing of the landlord regarding the
banks brought forth the following:
''Why, win take you up and intro
duce you to the officers of the Wa
Keeney State bank 1t is one that
enjoys the distinction or being as sub
stantial as the rock of ages, and most
L. l.