Santa Fe new Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1898-1951, 1898-01-13
RED RIVER RECORD
History of Townsite Troubles That
Have Retarded Development of
Great Gold Camp,
SETTLED SATISFACTORILY
Colorado Springs Capitalists Have Taken
Hold in Earnest and Prospects Are
Bright Letters Of Inquiry
Pouring In.
Special Correspondence New Mexican.

Special Correspondence New Mexican.
Red River, Jan. 10.--In 1898, Sylves-
ter M. Malette located, as homestead,
the present town of Red River In Taos
| county. This land was fenced and cul-
tivated two years, during which time
substantial buildings were erected. In
1895, E. |. Jones, u Colorado man, ap-
peared on the scene and expatiated at
great length on the inestimable value of
the mineral resources of the section and
the advisability of advertising the same
and preparing Immediately for the re-
ception of the influx of people which
would surely result.
A compact was entered into between
Mallette and Jones, whereby stock
company was to be incorporated for the
purpose of building town. Mallette
was to have one-third of the capital
stock, which was to be worcestershire,
and was to have without price, when
sub-divided, the lots on which his build
ings should be found to be and several
other lots, at valuation of $25 per lot,
the value of the latter lots to be with
held from said Mallette's share of the
dividends until paid for
In February, e. l. Jones formed a
company and located, as placer claim
this land, the claim being known as the
| Gilt Edge placer. survey number 954. A
ditch about 20 rods long. two feet wide
and foot deep was dug.
Subsequently another ditch, 900 feet
long and two by four feet, was dug for
the purpose of draining portion OF this
land on which town was to be built.
No attempt has been made to work
the land as placer claim, but prepara-
tions We're rushed for the building of the
town. E. l. Jones offered to give 100
lots to actual settlers, who would i'm
prove same, and went to Colorado
Springs to enlist capital for the enter
prise, his secretary, II. c. Bradley, stat
ing to parties anxious to commence
building that allotment of the 100 lots
would be made on Jones' return.
Jones returned, but refused to comply
with his agreement. This caused his
secretary to leave him and become the
champion of the settlers cause.
The Red River City Town & Mineral
company was formed in June, 1895,
with E. l. Jones as president and +. M.
Jones as secretary. just prior to and
succeeding the formation of the com
pany, Jones sold lots and gave bond for
title.
By Jones orders improvements were
removed from lots claimed under the
100 lot contract, but this ceased sud-
denly after Orrin Mallette had made
very vigorous protest.
In July, 1896, to test Jones title, the
settlers jumped the townsite. Innumer-
able petty lawsuits followed, resulting
in the arrest of many of the settlers on
the charge of barratry. These cases are
still pending.
In February, 1897, the settlers filed
protest against the patenting of the
placer claim. The then register of the
land office at Santa Fe, j. H. Walker,
appointed L. F. Butler as special COM
missioner at Red River to take testimony
in the case, May IL being the day set for
the hearing.
During the fore part of May, E. l.
Jones, accompanied by his attorney,
went to Albuquerque and obtained an
injunction, restraining the settlers from
further interference and citing them to
appear May 10 o.before Judge Laughlin in
Santa Fe.
On May 8, the settlers subscribed
money and sent E. Fl. Hatton to protect
their interests. The injunction was dis
solved.
On May IL, before l.. f. Butler, L, 5.
Riley appearing for Jones and P. j.
Dugan, of Pueblo, Colo, for the settlers,
Mrs. McNulty, stenographer, commenced
the taking of testimony, which lasted
nearly three weeks. As money for the