davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Delta independent., 1906-04-13
STEWART DITCH CASE.
Commissioners Spend This Week
Listening to Arguments.

The case of Blanchard ct al. VS.. The
Stewart Ditch Company, has occupied
the attention of the county commission
ers and the legal fraternity this week.
The plaintiffs desired the commissioners
to set maximum rate for carrying
water through the Stewart Ditch and
as a settlement of the matter meant
much to the plaintiffs, the suit was of
considerable interest.
On Tuesday evening the commission
ers returned finding that taxed the
plaintiffs in the sum of Sc. so per stat
utory inch for carrying water for one
season. 1t is understood that there was
so much general dissatisfaction aroused
that the case was again opened for hear
ing Wednesday morning and a review
of the case was heard. On Wednesday
evening another finding was made and
this time the maximum charge was set
at s4.35.
The plaintiffs own ranches under the
Stewart Ditch and seek to acquire the
privilege to carry water through said
ditch although owning no stock in same.
1t seems that the Stewart people have
been demanding excessive rates for this
use and the commissioners were called
upon to set maximum charge. AL
though such action is by no means final
and the resort to higher courts may be
had it was necessary to have the matter
taken up locally ere final settlement
could be made.
The probability is that the case will
be carried up higher as no matter what
adjustment is made will satisfy both
parties.
The Delta independent., 1906-04-13
ABOUT STAND.
ARD GAUGE.
'0FIciai" Information At Last
Given Although Work Already
Started.

OF course nearly everyone knows that
the Rio Grande is broadguaging its road
from Grand Junction to Montrose and
from Delta to Somerset but little off
cial information has been given out,
the company apparently not wishing to
make any statements that would have
to be recalled. The following letter
sent to George Conklin of this city an
nounces the date on which it isexpec-
ted the work will all be completed and
is published as bit of official infor-
nation concerning the work and to
prove to the skeptical that standard
gauging is actually coming.
DENVER, April Z, 1906.
Mr.. GEORGE S. CoNKLlN,
Delta, Colorado.
Dear Sir:
Referring to your recent letter in
regard to the resolutions adopted by the
Western Slope Horticultural Society,
in which you stated there was gener-
al complaint of the service rendered by
our company in the narrow gauge terri
tory in years gone by.
am very much pleased to tell you
that am authorized to state that our
Railroad between Grand Junction.
Montrose and Somerset will be made
standard gauge by the first day of Aug
ust 1906, and that you are at liberty to
give this information to all concerned.
hope this will be the means Of giving
the shippers in the territory referred
to, n greater amount of satisfaction
than they have had heretofore"
Yours Truly,
FRED Wild JR.,
Gen. Fgt. Agt. Rio Grande.
The Delta independent., 1906-04-13

They gave me the package sent by
mother and was so glad to get the
dimity and the pieces Of white goods.
The Korean Minister from Washington,
Mr.. Kim, was on their steamer and his
daughter is to attend either the JOSH
Lakuin our or foreign school-prefer-
ably the former. Mr.. Kim called on
me yesterday at the school and found
him very pleasant.
Now want to thank you much very
much-fOr your helping US with Wal
lacc's lessons. If we can ever in any
way make some return for all you are
doing for us how happy We will be. We
are now in the midst of gravest perplex-
tiles. So many things to be settled and
one thing so interviewer with another
that It is next to impossible to come to
any conclusion. But will take better
paper to write out the puzzling situa-
tion. We are all well and doing we'll.
Much love to you all,
HAZEL
The Delta independent., 1906-04-13

that the response to the public
If gift to the cruiser Colorado
of Colorado patriotism. The
1agatelle to the men and women
'emain a blot upon the fair name
,gnize the courtesy of the United
.rShip after our state.
Colorado can we'll afford to give
Hen or women who cannot afford
nd.
we subscriptions with the Inde-
the business Office Of this paper.
The Delta independent., 1906-04-13
TheIma is the best sever"

F. ]. Burch was in the city this week.
John Ratekin of Eckert was in town
Friday.
"On the Frontier" at the Opera
House tomorrow evening.
Chas. Woods of Tongue Creek is pre-
pairing to leave for Idaho. He goes
this week.
c. P. Nutter and family are here
from California visiting with friends
and relatives.
Thos. Lamb and wife and Mrs.
Mrs. Lambs father all left this week
for stay in Denver.
The Senior class play at the Opera
House next Friday Evening. Reserved
seats at Cooks Drug Store.
Bred Bendix, one of the contractors
of the ore work at Saxton, was in the
city this week, buying supplies.
Don't forget the sale at DR.. Maeom-
ber's on April 21st.
Harry Woods and A. Lynn. two pros
porous ranchmen of the North Fork
were in the county seat yesterday.
Herrick & Douglas and W. M. Gill
were both granted saloon licenses at
the council meeting last evening.
A truly Western play by Western
people is "On the Frontier" At the
Opera House Saturday evening. Prices
25, 35 and so cents.
For the past two months the senior
class have been making preparations
for the event of April 20. at the Opera
House Don't fail to see Silas Mariner
played that evening.
Mrs. Gill entertained the Ladies of
the Maccabees at her home last We'd
nesday evening. About twenty five
were present and an enjoyable evening
at cards was the result. Refreshments
were served.
The huge traction engine to be en-
ployed to haul ore to the town of Sax
ton for shipment to the c. F. & l.. will
be put in operation next week. Bad
roads to date have delayed the company
from getting started.
Mrs. Tanner, mother of Mrs. Lynch,
one of Delta's photographers, arrived
here from Denver last Saturday. Mrs.
Tanner has been in the hospital at Dem
yer since last February and although
undergoing very severe operation is
coming out nicely and hopes soon to be
we'll enough to return to her home in
the mountains.
Don't forget the sale at DR.. Macom-
ber's on April 2lst.
| 4
The Delta independent., 1906-04-13
Notice of School Election

Notice is hereby given that the an
nual election for School Director In
School District No. l, in Delta County,
Colorado, will be held at the Town
Hall in the Town of Delta on Monday,
May 7th; 1906. The polls will be opened
at o'clock p. m, and close at o'clock
p. m. The election will be for Secre'
tary of said district.
A. r. KING,
10 Secretary.
The Delta independent., 1906-04-13
COUNCIL PASS RESOLUTION.

The city council of Delta passed following
their meeting last Thursday night The old members still
in Office and the crowni of the body 1t follows
whereasThe Delta independent in its issue of March 80
1906 printed article deogatory certain members
the council concerning delay needed improvements of
Be 1T RESOLvED-That said article only msrepresents
the facts but misleading anu and does
the facts as shown by the records
The resolution stands introduced by W. Obert
outgoing member and voted for by himself W. Cook
other outgoing member and Mr. McMurray Crab
Other members not present.
Anent this naturally have few make The
action itself devoid of the usual procedure any municipal
Elective body that probably the citizens of Delta will SMILE
On the surface of the resolution paper
guilty of the rankest Had told the rankes kind of
lies had ruthessly and ately done injury.
Now few facts these The Independent made
one paaabe when published the article that
said that A. E. Penley seconded motion made by W. E. Obe
that caused delay the work the system Mr.
Penley DID NOT 1t W. g. Cook. This
intentional But further than this the Independent
NO correction make and still maintains that the article pub
sed and embodied article are right and
ones.
The idea of city council regular session otherwise
passing resolution against because that paper had said
something to hurt feelings of members and that besides the
tce published used election material
who has been avowed subject of anagonsm
ing for the resolution is of the absues unhearo that
we ever have had occasion to notice.
This of understands that the resolution itself
stands the minutes is nothing than attempted
vndcation of ones self by ones self will
that when the article published written did
agne but what Mr. Obe and the other members who with
thought that they acting for the Gale had
been blamed individually for the trouble of the system the
past winter and is fair that such belief shall be
anced when it not Such being the and the editor be-
that the delay which ensued the beginning of the
work last caused the difficulty the matter looked and
what published found be The point has
raised that there NO attempt made make the records
that the former report of the committee adopted
That there attempt know that there in
undertaking know Yet peculiar motion appears the
records made by Ober and reads that the report of the
committee extension of the works be reconsdered
Jail voted NO according to the minutes Why this motion
lmade question Why al voted NO another question
The Delta independent., 1906-04-13

10
The Delta independent., 1906-04-13
For Sale

One of the best residence properties
in the town of Delta situate on Garnet
Mesa. New. modern and equipped with
all c6aveniences. Faces the west. In
Quire Of this paper.
The Delta independent., 1906-04-13

Mrs. c. P. Olmsted and daughter,
Mrs. Russell True of Denver, arrived
in the city Wednesday on an extended
visit with friends and relatives.
Don't forget the sale at DR.. Macom-
ber's on April 2lst.
The scene of Mariner with little Eppie
and then Eppie as young lady, so af-
fectionate and devoted to him who has
always been father to her, and then
Eppie telling her father of her love for
another, then Godfrey coming to break
upon her the news that he is her father.
and the recovery Of Manners money =
all these will be given in an artistic
style by the class Of '06-at the Opera
House, April 20.
The Delta independent., 1906-04-13
COLORADO PATRIOTS SHOULD CONTRIBUTE.

The Independent is informed
appeal for funds for the purchase
has not been up to the standar
amount desired, 81, 500, is a mere
of Colorado, and it would forever
of Colorado should they fail to rec
States government in naming "
Every schoolchild in Delta m
10 or 25 cents, and there are few
to give so cents or $1.OO to this +,
Come to the front NOW. LIE
pendent, or mail contributions to
The Delta independent., 1906-04-13
Trustees Selected.
Secretary.

The congregation of the Presbyterian
Church met last Wednesday evening
and selected j. b. Killian, l.. W.
Sweitzer, j. F. billiard. John kurz,
Miss Royce and II. w. Davis as trus-
tees for the following year. Elders
were also selected.
Amador ledger., 1906-03-23
More Railroad News.

1t is understood that the work of
building the branch railroad from a
short distance below Valley Springs
to Campo Seco will be begun at once.
1t is also said that the route from the
latter point to Gwin mine and to the
timber region beyond has recently
been resurveyed, and this has given
rise to the report that the road is to
be continued to higher points. The
extensive operations of the Sierra
Nevada Water and Power Company,
which for the next five or six years
will call for the shipment of immense
quantities of cement and other sup
plies, appear to offer great induce
ments for the rapid extension of the
road. Campo Seco is now using
gre;.t deal of material in the extension
of Its copper smelling plant and the
road from Lodi to Valley Spring is
blocked with freight cars loaded for
that point.-Calavera Prospect.
Amador ledger., 1906-03-23
Costly Leather.

''We have had," said the dealer,
&C walrus leather two inches thick,
such leather being worth about $500 a
side, bringing, as it does, 81 80 a
pound.
cit takes four or five years to tan
walrus hide of that thickness. If
the hide is not thoroughly and per-
fectly tanned the raw strip left in the
middle Will turn as hard and smooth
as iron.
cit takes two or three years to tan
inch-thick walrus, and the leather of
that thickness calls for ST. % a pound !;
three-quaIter inch waIrus brings 75
cents pound by the side.
''Walrus leather is used chiefly for
polishing purposes by manufacturing
Jewelers. 1t is cut into discs, which
are mounted as cheeIs. Walrus is
durable leather, and it is especially
desirable in this use because it pol
lshes without scratching.
Amador ledger., 1906-03-23

postal facilities afforded the govern
ment is one of the most practical
measures of reform that has been
introduced lately. 1t is not intended
that at the restriction shall effect
private individuals, but 1t is intended
to cut down the great amount OF
government property shipped over the
roads at certain seasons and prevent
an undue weight allowance, being
figured out in favor of the railroads.
The appropriation recommended by
the committee on postotfices and post
roads will meet the normal growth
of the service, but it is intended to
retrench as far as possible in an en-
deavor to put the postofiice on a
paying basis.
1t cost the United States nearly
three times as much to distribute
seeds, bulbs and trees to farmers
and planters as it cost to purchase
the comodities.
Figures in the report of b. T..
Galloway chief of the bureau of plant
industry, for 1905 show that the
government paid S245, 900 fer the
handling of s9O,OOO worth of seeds.
The items of salaries, travelling ex-
penses, assembling and mailing, and
miscellaneous, amount to s270 tor
every 81 in actual value. Will it doi
Amador ledger., 1906-03-23

to British photographers. In the dis
cussion that followed, the general
opinion seemed to be that the latent
image-the uudeveIoped photograph
is an electro-chemicaI formation of
molecular nuclei, around which the
visible image is subsequently built
up by development.
The automatic gas kinder and
extinguisher of Herr Raupp, of Nav
ence, is basaed upon the singular
effect of light in increasing the cleo
tric conductivity of selenium. With
the coming of daylight, the selenium
permits the ready passage of an cleo
trio current, and this causes the shut
ting off of the gas, which the appa.
ratus turns on again and ignites as
darkness comes again. The selen1um,
OF course, is shielded from the light
of the burning gas
Amador ledger., 1906-03-23
Appropriations for Pensions.

The House of Representative has
passed the bill appropriating s14c,
100000 to meet the pension bills of
the next fiscal year. This is almost
at the maximum of appropriation.
Mr. Gardner of Michigan, chairman
of the subcommittee, opened the
debate which preceded the passage of
the act, with statement of figures
as to pension payments which are
astonishing and interesting. He
showed that there are yet six names
on the pension roll of the War of
Revolution, though it is 123 years
since it was ended, and 5000 on that
of the second war with Great Britain.
The cost of the great Civil War was
six billion dollars, and during the
forty years that have passed since the
surrender of Lee, the country has
paid So, 300, 900, 900 in pensions charge
able to that war. Mr. Gardner ven
lures the prediction that before the
last survivor is removed from the
rolls, sum equal to the whole cost
of the war will have been paid. At
present there are 500, ZOO pensioners
on the roll of the Civil War, and IL, :
400 on the roll of the Mexican War.
There wero for the Spanish War 312, :
600 enlistments, and there are to-day
more pensioners chargeable against
that war than the maximum number
under Shafter in Cuba. Mr. Gardner
predicts that in twenty years there
will be $4,000 Spanish War pen
sloners on the rolls.
As by amendments to the pension
law age is now to be considered a
permanent disability within the mean
ing of the law, war will have ad-
ditional terrors If the cost is to be
multiplied by two, to meet the pen
sion claims. Mr. Gardner shows that
France pays each year S26, $50, 900;
Germany, s21, ,653, 600; Austria Hung
ary, $40, 723, 4S2, and Great Britain,
SO, 85b, 900. The aggregate paid by
these four great powers is S6s, 427, 6S7,
or less than one-half paid by the
United States. The figures are
ELOQUENT.
Amador ledger., 1906-03-23
A DYED BEARD.
1t Probably Changed the History of
the Whole Human Race.

the Whole Human Race.
The most striking case in history of
the Importance of trifles is furnished
by the story of Musa, the leader of the
Moslem host which won from Christen-
dom in three and half years domin-
ions which it took the soldiers of the
cross twenty generations to win back.
He had red beard. This was a trifle.
Musa, though very great general,
was very vain man, and he dyed his
beard black. This was another trif1e
One of his captains chaffed him on the
subject, and Musa forthwith had him
stripped and scourged. For this, at
the very height Of his conquering ca
reer, Musa was recalled by the caliph
and disgraced. This made it impos-
sible for him to command the Moslem
army at the battle Of Tours, on the is
sue Of which, as all historians agree,
the destinies Of Europe and perhaps Of
the whole human race depended.
1t is almost certain that if the genius
Of Musa had replaced the incompetence
Of the half dozen tribal leaders whose
dissensions made victory impossible
the forces Of Islam would have Joined
hands from the west to the east and
inclosed Europe in their grasp.-Lon-
don Standard.
Amador ledger., 1906-03-23
rhe Firnt Knitting Machine.

Historic mention of hand knitting is
first found in the books of the time of
Queen Elizabeth, though it is known
that 1t was one of the arts Of the Pom
peiians. The first machine for knitting
was the invention Of one William Lee,
who made application for patent in
England in 1859. On being refused u
patent by the English authorities he
forthwith departed for France and
soon afterward set up a large factory
at Rouen. The Lee machine, which re-
main1t- the same as it was 200 years
before, was introduced in the colonies
during the Revolutionary war. A
sharp Yankee improved on it and set
up the first United States stocking
factory at Cohoes, N. Y, In 1882.
Amador ledger., 1906-03-23
The American Chameleon.

The American chameleon, small liz
ard (Anolis carolinensis), inhabits vari-
GUS parts of the southern United States.
The little animal has the remarkable
habit Of quickly and completely chang
ing its colors, varying from brown to
yellow or pale green. Its food consists
Of insects. The little animal is perfect
ly harmless to higher forms Of life, Is
often kept as a pet and has been worn
attached to a chain as an ornament.
The toes are provided with adhesive
pads, which enable the lizard to run
upon smooth vertical surfaces. - St.
Nicholas.
Amador ledger., 1906-03-23
The Work of the Heart.

One of the most remarkable things
about the heart is the amount of work
it does. Considering the organ as a
puWp whose task is to deliver a
known quantity of blood against a
known =" head," it is easy to show
that In twenty-four hours a man s
heart does about 124 foot tons of
work. " In other Words" says a CO.
temporary, "if the whole force ex-
pended by the heart in twenty four
hours we're gathered into one huge
stroke, such power would lift ia
tons one foot from the ground. A
similar calculation has been made re-
specting the amount of work expended
by the muscles involved IN breathing.
In twenty-four hours these muscles
do about twenty y-one foot tons of
work.
Amador ledger., 1906-03-23
Smoking" Ponies a Strange
Custom of Usage Indians

One of the ancient customs of the
Usage Indians which is still followed,
despite the coming of civilization
and the allotment of lands among the
members of the tribe, is that of
smoking" ponies. The custom is
as old as the tribe, and probably Will
be followed as long as Indians wear
blankets. The present ceremony is
the same as has been used by the
members of the tribe since the wealth
of an Indian was counted in ponies.
The pony smokes" occur early in
the year, generally after a large pay
ment of government funds has been
made. The leading members of a
band OF Osages in one part of the
reservation will load all their be-
longings into wagons and ponies, and
go for an extended visit to the mem
bers of another band ID another pa1t
of the reservation. The teasting and
dancing probably will last for several
ponies begins. On the day of the
pony smoke the guests and their hosts
sit in circle, the latter with their
best ponies in a herd near them.
The chief of the hosts lights his pipe,
and after it is going we'll he crosses
the circle and hands the pipe to an
Indian whom he likes among the
guests. If the latter smokes, the host
returns and picks one of his animals
from the herd and leads it across the
ring to the honored guest. There is
the utmost formality about the cere-
mony. 1t is an occasion when each
Indian shows his friendship and
affection for member of the other
band, and the affair is attended by
much solemnity. Following the lead
of the chief of the hosts, the other
mem bers of the band in turn carry
the pipe across the circle and present
it to some friend. 1t sometimes
happens that the friend does not
smoke, but this is very rare occur
renee. After all of the ponies collect
ed by the hosts have been smoked to
the guests, the latter take their ponies
and return to their homes.
An Indian likes value received for
the things which he gives away, and
Amador ledger., 1906-03-23

one pony smoke means that the visit
ing tribe is required by courtesy to
give their hosts return engagement.
In few months after the Big hill
Indians call on the Bird creek In
dians for pony smoke, the latter
returns the visit and in turn are the
recipients of ponies. 1t is not always
ponies that are smoked, but the
blanket, bead and calico smokes are
small affairs as compared to the cere-
monies attending the disposition of
thousands of dollars worth of horses.
Amador ledger., 1906-03-23
ETNA SCHOOL REPORT.

The following are the names of
pupils who were present during the
month. h.-primary room: Media Mori,
Joe Bernecich, Dora McMahon, Selma
Leonesio, Maude Mcmahon, Edith
Thompson, Ray thompson, Charlie
Digitale.
Miss g. Badaraco.
Principals room: Frank Brown,
Earl Vela, John Leonesio, Dave
Dondero, Chester Holtz, Herbert
Clark, Byard Holtz, Josephine Fop-
piano, Ernest Brown, Emmet Murphy,
Theresa Leonesio, Nelson Vele.
Miss Kate Driscoll.
Primary room Days atten dance,
581; days absence, 81; number belong
ing, .26; daily attendance, 30.5 per-
oentage of attendance, 80; number cf
pupils enrolled, 35.
Principals room Days attend
ance, 412: days absence, 20; number
belonging, 22.7; daily attendance,
21.7; percentage, .95; number of
pupils enrolled, %.
Amador ledger., 1906-03-23
Romance of a Song.

Eyes, the Die Is Cast" has a roman
tic history. 1t was written by Colonel
Paul Pestel Of the Russian army, who,
with others, conspired against the Rus
sian government in 1925. The plot was
discovered, he was arrested, imprison-
ed, tried and on July II, 1928, was
hanged. During the interval between
his trial and execution he composed
the words and music Of this song and
with a bit Of iron scratched them on
the wall Of his cell, where the song
was found some years after his death.
Amador ledger., 1906-03-23
STANISLAUS FOREST RESERVE.
Applications for Grazing Permits.

Notice is hereby given that all
applications for permits to Craze
cattle, horses, and sheep within the
season of 1906, must be submitted to
S. l.. N. Ellis, Forest Ranger in
charge, Sonora, California, on or be-
fore April first, 1906. Full inform
alton in regard to the grazing fees to
be charged, and blank forms to be
used in making application, will be
furnished upon request addressed to
the above named officer.
THOMAS III. SHERRARD,
mr2-4t Acting Forester.
Amador ledger., 1906-03-23
Heart and Lungs.

The action of the heart, lungs and di-
gestive system is involuntary, for the
reason that it is Indispensable to life
and must be carried on under all cir
cumstances. If a man had to think of
his heart or had to remember that he
must breathe or that his food must di-
gest he would have no time to do any
thing else, and If by chance he should
forget to keep his heart going or his
lungs in operation he would fall dead
on the spot