The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1898-01-22

g ' s:5:5:'' , :; 2: e e:
wealthy merchant
and set the tape-bound machinery at
Washington working in her behalf,
says the New York Herald. Hattie
Ross, the daughter Of Missouri far
mer, was three months ago appointed
postmistress of Acorn Ridge, replac-
ing L. D. Robinson, who had been post
master during Cleveland's term. Rob
inson did not in the least relish giving
up the office to Miss Ross. He could
get along without the profit accruing
him from the mail business, but as the
postoffice was located in his store,
making the building a center of activ-
ity, Robinson decided to prevent his
girlish rival from taking it from him
at all hazards.
A short time ago Miss Ross came to
the conclusion that something was
wrong with the mail of Acorn Ridge.
Every one seemed to be getting along
without communicating with the out
side world, and no one outside seemed
to have the smallest interest in the
residents of Acorn Ridge. No letters
came into Miss Ross postofice, either
for the purpose of mailing or distri-
button. The newly appointed post
mistress set to work to ascertain the
reason for this and speedily discovered
an amazing state of things.
Robinson had defied the United
States authorities and had continued
conducting the postofice in his store
as before the appointment of Miss
Ross. All the residents were going
to the Robinson store for their mail.
Robinson having secured It regularly
by driving to the railroad station and
getting the mail bags from the train
hands, to be afterward distributed at
his establishment. Miss Ross com
planned to Washington and the arrest
OF Robinson followed. He was charged
with having established a postofice at
a place not designated or authorized
by the postmaster-general. Miss Ross,
the 19-year-old postmistress, appeared
as complaining witness. Robinson |
gave bonds to answer.
Miss Ross, who has the sympathy of
the citizens of Acorn Ridge in her
plucky fight, tells the story as fol-
lows
"A few days after I took charge Of
The office Robinson began his work.
When people would come into his store
he would ask them to have their mail
brought there. He got people to sign
orders for their mail to be brought to
Ills store and told them If they had let
ers to mail he would take them to
iome other Office without charge. He
aid he was going to run a daily hack
md take all the mai, he could get. He
declared he would 's$arye the thing
ut. He then circulated paper to
EDITION me out. and found he could
ot do that. Then he circulated an
Their petition the same week TO force
ne to move the 'postof1cc back into
is store. He says ha will continue
run the postofice if it costs him
300 year.
When Mr.. Robinson's case came IN
hey just released him. / don't think t
hey treated me fairly. They told me
tier the trial that Mr.. Robinson would |
OF repeat the offense. That shows |
lat he and they know that the law
as been violated. In any event. / am
Ostmistress, and do not intend to
I've up the fight for any one. It is
lie fight of girl against a strong and !
ealthy man, but l feel sure that 7
lall win, for l am rightly appointed
= the government, and surely no one y
IN take the postofFice from me, even =
the people Of this town wished If
hich they don't, for nearly every one
des with me-"
And so the matter stands at nresen+ .
lould the former postmaster continue -
run a postofice of his own Miss -
oss will again appeal to Washington y
nd she has the law of the United :
ates ON her side and the armed
rength of the country to back II :,
obinson's chances against her seem -
be very slim, but he will retire From, =
Q combat with the knowledge tbo+
en- If beaten he is the only man nm
cord who has defied the government
oppose him from a postoffice no
Ion and afterward started an orno-
ion postoftiee with a measure of snc- M
So. SUI te