davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The independent. [volume] (Lincoln, Neb.) 1902-1907, 1903-08-13
MACK'S OPINION.

In these days when those wffi6 at
tended the Denver conference, and
those who sent them letters Of ap-
proyal, are subjected to caustic criti-
cisms from the democratic press and
denounced as assistant republicans"
for daring to express an opinion as to
what course the peoples party should
pursue in the future, it is refrt shing
to read an editorial opinion of dill
ferent nature, coming, too, from New
York state democratic newspaper
Vi hose editor Is a member Of the
democratic national committee-n0
les parsonage than Norman E.
Mack, editor OF the Buffalo Evening
Times, with whom, some time ago,
Richard L. Metcalfe, editor of the
Omaha World Herald, exchanged some
open letters on the subject Of the next
democratic national platform. Mr..
Mack said editorially in the Times Of
August 8:
WHO ARE THE POPULISTS?
OF far greater interest than at first
appears is the result of the national
conference Of the peoples party in
Denver while the cumulative effects
Of that result may prove to be of far
reaching Importance.
The mere amalgamation of the two
wings Of the populists Is significant
III itself-how significant, time alone
can show. 1t is to be noted that be-
sides the adoption of resolution of
unification of what the populists ara
pleased to style as reform" forces,
there is alse pledge of hostility to
affi1iation with either democrats or
republicans
Of late years the populistic party has
rot cut much Of figure in politics;
but that 1t did SO at one time it were
useless to deny, the populists elected
city, county and state officials, besides
representatives in congress and mem
bers of the United States senate. 1t is
not to be forgotten that in 1892 James
Z. Weaver the populist candidate for
president, received more than 100000
votes-more than enough, in fact, to
turn the scale one way or the other.
Because their political individuality
has been lost or merged for several
years is not proof that the party itself
is dead, or even that it is less numer-
GUS than before.
AS matter of fact, 1t may prove to
have greater numerical strength
Than ever, when the showdown"
comes 1t may have secured adherents
where least suspected. There are prin-
ciples in it's platform, If such it may
be called, which appeal to many men
who have hitherto been known as re-
Lublicans or as democrats, and It's
ranks may be largely swelled by re-
cruits from each of those parties.
Among the declarations in the adj
dress adopted at Denver are those for
money issued exclusively by the gov
ernment, whether gold silver or pa
per; for public ownership of system
of transportation and of the transmits
sion of ntelligence-meaning, we sup
rose, government ownership or rail-
way, telegraph and telephone facili-
ties; demand that land be put to
active use, instead of being held for
speculative purposes; that ownership
of land in the United States by for
eign residents be abolished, and that
American ships be provided for Amer
ican commerce, without dollar Of
subsidy being granted.
These are propositions which will
challenge the attention of the thought
The independent. [volume] (Lincoln, Neb.) 1902-1907, 1903-08-13
EDITORIAL AND OTHER
COMMENT ON THE DENVER
CONFERENCE.

To live for-and above all perhaps to
carry him forward, the knowledge that
our neignbor democrats and Tspubii-
cans believe the populist principles
tc be true and that they believe the
populist himself to be an honest. con-
sistent, courageous specimen of man
hood
We predict the populists will have q
great revival and that it is to be
great party.
Beal & WINNER in the Custer C0un~
ty Beacon, Broken Bow, Neb., tissue
of the 31st) said: THE conference Of
populists now in session at Denver
have united on the good old populist
principles and the upward tendency OF
the peoples party will date from that
great conference. A part of the dec
larations of the principles is as fol-
lows" Quoting from the address.)
The independent. [volume] (Lincoln, Neb.) 1902-1907, 1903-08-13

health to the old guard boys,
A health to the brave old guard,
Who dared to march in the.ranks of truth,
In times when the way was hard.
Who bravely stood for the peoples cause,
And made that cause their own,
In days before 1t had won applause,
In days when they stood alone.
A health to the old guard boys,
health to the brave old guard,
Who gave their time and their life and means
With hope of no reward.
Who battled long 'gainst Mammon's might,
Like veterans true and tried,
Who dared to fight for love of right,
Tho they fought on the losing side.
health to the old guard boys,
health to the brave old guard,
Who little knew how much we owe,
To these warriors battle-scarred;
But when the fight is Won at last
The world will place each name.
Away up high for futures eye,
On the deathless roll of fame.
(Song composed by J. A. Edgerton;
music by L. Du Pri; sang at opening
OF Denver conference, July 27, by Miss
A. M. Smiti1.)
Yes. "a health to the old guard
boys health to "those who have
come all the way over the trail," and
fond memories of those who have
crossed the great divide"
The single takers had their inning
on May Ia. The Henry George Edi-
tion. it is conceded, did much toward
disseminating a knowledge OF the
philosophy of freedom" The social
lists, too, have reason to be proud of
their showing in the Karl Marx Edi-
ton of July %.
But these special editions have not
converted all populist readers Of The
Independent to either the single tax
CT socialism. There are some thou
sands of them who are not yet con
vinced that tax on land values only
will solve the problem, SO long as con-
gress illegally delegates to private per-
sons (known as banking corporations)
the power ito coin money and reg
ulate the value thereof" They cannot
see relief in the simple levying upon
economic rent" of land, SO long as the
laws require that rent to be paid-not
in the energy or products of the rent
payer, but in particular commodity,
which can only be had by borrowing at
usury from the national banker or
owner of gold, or by sacrificing human
energy or products of toll in order to
buy the bank notes or gold with which
The independent. [volume] (Lincoln, Neb.) 1902-1907, 1903-08-13

(Song composed by j. A. Edgerton;
music by L. Du Pri; sang at opening
OF Denver conference, July 27, by Miss
A. nj. Smith,
Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1903-12-19

although little has been done to de-
velop them. A number of Calilornians
succeeded in getting locations and they
have formed the Royal OH company.
CREATED ENTHUSIASM.
At the late session OF the Irrigation
congress several barrels Of the product
were exhibited, later at the We
Der county fair, which caused
quite little attention, A num-
Der who attended the congress
became so deeply concerned that they
visited the scene and returned O few
days Afterwards amazed and none the
less astonished. but enthusiastic over
what they had seen and were a unit in
expressing the belief that the day was
not far off when this field would become
important in the production of not only
crude asphaltum, but an excellent quail
ity Of oil.
OOZES FROM THE GROUND.
The substance oosing from the
ground is as black as the blacklist coal
tar and is visible over a strip about
mile in width and for the most part is
covered by water ranging from few
inches up to few feet Above the
surface Of the shallow water are innu-
merable black points, some OF them are
Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1903-12-19

the city IN population and wealth n
material increase " the water supply
was necessity. In the latter part
OF 1902 this club took up the work of
devislng n plan for such Increase and
prosecuted 1t vigorously and intelli-
gently. The various committees APP
pointed by the board of governors for
tho purpose worked indefatigably for
many weeks on the subject, their la
bors finally eliminating in "A plan for
mission by the governor, the members
OF which Were 20 serve without pay,
the duties of which commission TO be.
TO begin and carry to completion n
modern system OF waterworks, which
would provide abundant water for a
population Of 100000 people. There was
also presented with this plan system
OF financing the enterprise which would
ditional burden. This plan was the re-
suit OF much thought and study and
had the unqualified endorsement of the
best Ananciera of sthc city. The Leg
islaturc Of 1908 was asked to pass
such laws as were necessary for the
accomplishment of the purpose indcat-
I'd but, for causes, which It would now
be Improbable to discuss, that body
declined to do 80. In view Of the fact,
however, that the demand for an ad-
ditional supply of water is ever in
creasing in intensity with the growth
of the city it is fair to presume that
the great mass of valuable data, bear
ing on this subject, accumulated by
the Commercial club viii become of
value in considering the question in the
future.
some months prior to the termination
of the school term ending in the spring
of this year It became evident that the
public schools of the city would close
some five weeks in advance of the reg
ular time because OF the lack of funds
at the disposal of the board Of educa-
ton. After the board of education had
nnaliy declared that they We're unable
to maintain the schools longer and had
directed the teachers to quit their work,
the board OF governors of the CONNER
cial club took the matter in hand and
continued the schools for the full term.
This work was accomplished by public
subscription. aided by great concert
given in the Tabernacle, which building
was donated for the purpose by the
authorities of the Church OF Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints. II is only
fair to say, however, that these means
would have been altogether insufficient
had 1t not been for the earnest work of
that public spirited citizen, Mr.. Simon
Bamberger, treasurer of the club and
a member OF the board OF governors,
Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1903-12-19

privileges OF members Of the clubs
WIN whom this one is thus affiliated.
sometime iu November of this year
the reopla Of Salt Lake city received
notice that The price of coal would be
advanced from 81 to $j.i5 per ton. Rec
ogni2ing the fact TINT there was no
IdmiN on interest In the state so poor
ana heno go rich that 1t would not be
ale'tel adversely bv this increase in
the l9icc of q necessity. the club at
once began nm agitation on the subject
ana am inNostIgat,oa into the causes OF
l0c proposed raise. This work resulted
ON % prompt return 10 the original price.
mus saving 20 The citizens of the state
many thousand dollars.
VIVA, has been roUltad above gives
hut faint idea Of the good that has
been accomplished by having in our
MIDST an organization. the duty OF
which Is to lool. out for the public
welfare.
II is safe To- say THAT no instrumen.
i0lllN has lH The past been so potent "a
thls I'M BRINGING uhout-a better under
standing bcpGcnn tho various classes of
'lli2"nship. This work alone II pur-
su'd I'D i'9 ultimate and happy con.
clGsion would Far more than Justify the
existence of the club hut I'm addition
~ what has been mentioned II should
be remembered that the club has cir
culaied great quantities OF literature
describing the advantages and re-
sources of the city and state and It's
"hiee force is kept busy continually
answering correspondence of inquiry
from home seekers and capitalists,
IN conclusion would Ike to invite at.
tcnton to the fact that men become
members OF the Commercial club for
various reasons; some Of them support
II because Of the good they hope it viii
accomplish from business STANDPOINT:
others become members for the social
advantages IT offers. while still others
affiliate themselves with Il for COM
bination Of both reasons
II is the clubs mission to satisfy both
OF these interests, and so the club has
been, i'm the past year. the scene OF
many social functions There have been
benquets, musioales, lectures and other
functions given IN its rooms, all Of
which have tended to bring our people
together, and have doubtless been pro.
ductlvo Of much good In many direc.
lions,
One Of the most notable affairs that
has occurred during the past year was
the second annual banquet of the club,
| which occurred ON Dec. IA, and was Civ.
en- In honor Of the Weber club OF Og-
den, I'm celebration of the arrangement
of reciprocal relations between the or
CARNATIONS and with the design Of
cemenung more strongly the friendship
| which now exists between the COM
| mercial centers OF the state.
Believing In organization, as It does.
| II has been the policy OF the club ia
/ organize other public bodies than itself,
! and This feeling has resulted IN the
| organizations during the past six
| months, OF the Hay and Grain associa-
ton rnd Of the Real fstata association.
In conclusion, wish to say that there
Is strong determination on the part
of the club membership 10 live up to
the great possibilities for good that lie
before It.
FISHER s. HARRIS,
Assistant Secretary and Manager.
Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1903-12-19

time, but were finally abandoned for
causes not the fault of the fields.
DID NOT GO DEEP ENOUGH

time, but were finally abandoned for
causes not the fault Of the fields
DID NOT GO DEEP ENOUGH.
Men who are competent to Judge have
since declared that the reason for this
failure lad in the fact that the wells
were not sunk deep enough, that they
had not been put down to a solid forma-
ton, and that had Henry l.. Driver and
other promoters OF the gas well enter
prises. kept right on they would not
only have found stronger and better
hows of gas but within a depth of 5000
feet struck the oil strata.
INTEREST REAwAKENED.
Until a little over a year ago the
surrounding fields remained dormant.
Some activity was evidenced in other
parts OF the state few years ago. but
the Salt Lake valley section was an
narently abandoned, until late last
year, when Charles Is. Rowland. who
had visited Utah a number of times and
had been on the low fiat lands near
Pennington, where the Driver wells
were put down dozen years ago. Mr..
Rowland relates that in October a year
ago, he was in Chicago and at the
Grand Pacific hotel in that city he
happened TO meet Col William Wiess.
a prominent capitalist of Beaumont.
Texas, and who at that time was ex-
tensively interested in thase fields.
ADVICE OF A TEXAN.
Mr.. Rowland Informed the captain of
what he had seen in Utah. He gave
The Texan information concerning the
formations that existed here and told
him of the conditions as they were in
general.
GREATEST IN THE WORLD"
After listening attentively TO the
story of Mr. Rowland the captain
advised the latter TO Immediately re-
turn to Salt Lake city and to lose no
time in securing in some way title to
the lands, for, he declared. II the con
ulllonA WE'RE as described, nc
was as positive as anyone could be that
the Salt Lake valley would become one
OF the greatest oil fields OF the world.
owing to his delicate state OF health.
Captain Weiss did not care to enter in
TO any new enterprises. but promised
TO give Mr., Rowland all the assistance
that he could.
BEGAN LEASING LANDS.
Acting upon the advice OF the Texas
capitalist. MIR, Rowland returned TO
Utah. Ills acquaintance here was
limited. but he know DR.. p. S. Keogh,
20 he laid his plans before him and they
quietly commenced leasing and locat-
ing lands in the vicinity OF the old
gas wells near Pennington, But soon
after his arrival from Chicago. Mr..
Rowland went to Beaumont, Texas, for
the purpose Of studying that field and
Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1903-12-19

nrg.A HE Old chamber OF commerce.
IA which, under the efficient sec
retaryshlp Of Judge r. j.. COL
horn accomplished so much Tor
~ cood of Salt Lake CITY,
wont out OF existence COCA
many years ago for reasons
which we're then familiar ana
..,,cb are now Of no particular inter
WV A series Of years followed us GN,
-" ,,;on when Salt Lake city oecup"u
''' n,,,ouo position among cities OF
Wv nsr sae IN The United states OF
s' no organization Of pnsP'esS
10 rbo necessity Tor such an organ
p'" ,r,nressod itclf upon the mlnos
=, the people 10 such an extent ma,
heb II, 1902, there was incorporates
" tho laws OK The state Of Utah
U ,so nresent organization known MS me
cor,morclal club. This club began WIN
49,. .a,,horshiu Of 55 Of the most prom
NY a,,,ons OF the cik, and Mr.. W.
Nelden Was made president me
,nh from this small beginning has
r,ovn rapidly and substantially unr'
ay a bas n membership Of over 4OO'
,,sdont and nonresident members
ana its assets approximate $4,000 IN eS-
r,ss Of all RS liabilities. The CONNER
,ib ,,uh Salt Lake city, Us In realty
chamber Of commerce or board OF
,,odo TO which has been added the So
.,,l foattire Its membership consists
=, hnsiness and professional men, and
any reputable citizen of the state Oh
r,,b Is entitled to belong to it, The
,,,o,hod Of its organization and the
,norner IN which 1t is conducted Is IN
,ne with The custom of similar orgahi-
cations IN other parts Of the united
gates. where II has ben demonstrated
,h.t tho social feature aids in main
tonng the efficiency Of the organiSa-
tlon from a business standpoint
The club has taken an active part IN
every public question OF Importance
that had arisen since us inception anu
while not always successful in accom-
pishlng the results 1t desired, 1t has
nevertheless been the means of accom-
Fishing mitch good for the community
at large, and has every reason to ex-
rect long life and continued pros
puty
DURING THE PAST YEAR.
It's proposed here to give only brief
outline Of the principal work undertake
a by the club during the past year.
A detailed statement Of all 1t has ac-
compllshed and attempted to accom-
Ilsh, IN the fullllment Of its mission,
would take up more pace than has
been accorded this article.
For many years It has been evident
to the thoughtful citizen that In view
Of the rapid and substantial growth OF
Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1903-12-19

who personally raised the greater part
OF the sum needed.
When It was definitely determined
that the San Pedro road would be built.
thus forming another connecting link
between this city ana the Pacific coast,
the club decided TO show it's apprccla-
ton OF the great accomplishment by
giving banquet to United States SEM
ator w. 4. Clark as token OF uppro-
citation Of the work of himself and ag-
sociates, This function was given iu
the club rooms and was attended by
nearly 300 members Of the club and
their guests representing nineteen
twentleths Of the business interests OF
the state, and every phase Of our roe
lgious, business and political thought.
1t win be remembered that in Sep-
TENDER last there was held IN the city
of ogden the eleventh session Of the
National Irrigation congress, which
was attended by many OF the most
prominent and distinguished citizens of
the United States ana which surpassed
in the character OF it's accomplishment
any preceding meeting of that great
body. The Commercial club Of this
city, apprecIatng the Importance Of the
gathering referred to and It's bearing
upon the material interests Of the arid
west, went TO the assistance Of the city
OF Ogden and succeeding IN raising
from our public spirited citizens some
thing over $1,000 to aid In the entertain
ment Of the congress. TOO much praise
| cannot be given to our sister city on the
] north for the magnificent manner in
which she handled the affair, and It Is
cause of C ngrntulaton that salt
Lake city was enabled to be OF SER
| vice to her,
The club also at this time had as It's
guests the Washington correspondents
| OF the great daily newspapers of the
| country, who We're in attendance upon
| the congress. Aided by the Press club
| these distinguished gentlemen were en-
| tertaned with trips about the city and
visit to Utah lake, for the purpose
| Of inspecting the proposed reservoir
site, and by a banquet at night This
was only one Of many other parties Of
| distinguished men who have been en-
| tertained during the past year by the
| club. The ultimate advantage derived
| by the city and state, from the extend
ing of such courtesies can only be in
definitely determined, but the officials
Of the club have always considered It
| I'm line with the prODer work of the
organization. and feel sure that the
expense incurred will return In a thou
sand ways of benefit.
| During the year reciprocal relations,
| involving an exchange Of club courte-
| sizes, have been made with many of the
| most important commercial clubs of the
| country, so that the bearer of card
| OF membership I'm the Commercial club
| Of Salt Lake City Is entitled to all the
Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1903-12-19

making comparisons. Altogether, Mr.,
Rowland made two trips 20 the Texas
field and finally came away thoroughly
convinced that conditions were every
bit as favorable here as any place lie
had seen.
He endeavored to interest Beaumont
capitalists but owing to the distance
between there and here and the fact
that the field there offered favorable
opportunities for investment, he found
It very difficult task. Mr.. Rowland
met Capt Weiss there, who introduced
him to many prominent citizens and
finally to Robert T.. c. Wilson. who
had been engaged by the Galley Gufiey
syndicate ia leasing oil lands in the
Beaumont district,
LAID BEFORE PENNsYLVANIANs
Mr. Wilson consented to go to
Pittsburgh, where he undertook TO in
terest his employers to the extent at
least Of investigating the Utah field.
S. V. SHELF BECAME INTERESTED
At about this juncture the support
of Schuyler V, Shelp, manager OF the
Walker Bros Dry Goods Co., was en-
listed and he Joined heartily into the
plan TO bring about the development
of the lands along the lake shore be-
tween this city and the northern end
OF the lake,
GALLEY AND GUFFEY CAME HERE,
Mr.. shelp also went to Pittsburgh lat
err to interview the Pennsylvania oil
kings. and through his endeavors
Messrs. Galley and Guffey consented to
local fields. Both were here during
the past summer In addition to this
they had some OF the best oil experts
in the country on the ground and all
seemed to reach the one conclusions:
that the geological and other conditions
could not be more promising for large
productive wells. Accordingly, MessrB.
Galley and Guffcy made n proposition
which was accepted by Mr.. shelp and
his associates.
Up to this time the promoters of the
enterprise encountered many discour-
agements, but when the Pennsylvania
ans concluded to come, the horizon
commenced to brighten.
CONTROL 5000 ACRES.
The Gaey-Guffey syndicate was Civ
an the controlling interest in something
like 10000 acres of lands the
consideration being that they
were to sink wells to great depth
and thoroughly determine the worth of
the field. Tine machinery has begun TO
arrive and within few weeks active
drilling operations will be In progress;
they having contracted TO sink three
wells. only the most modern machin-
cry will be used and the first pipe to
be put down viii measure 10 inches in