davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1906-06-15

who had for months been waiting for
this windfall got Steele in tow and
stopped his indiscriminate giving
they wanted it themselves.
The history of that day will long be
remembered in Oil CITY. 1t was rot
yet dark when young Steele borrowed
a few thousands to continue the day
lions, borrowing was the easiest of
things. In his later years he would
have had trouble in borrowing any
thing, for his financial star had long
since Set
Downfall Laid to Gamblers.
One of those who early attached
himself to young Steele in the hour of
his wealth was Seth Slocum, a gam
bier, and to the work of Slocum friends
of Steele attribute his downfall. 1t was
not long until Goal Oil Johnny" as
he was now known, was the biggest
plunger Of them all at the gaming ia
BILE. He seldom won and when he did
he would almost invariably toss his
winnings to the dealer or some by
stander, saying:
Buy yourself new hat and have
drink on Johnny Steele"
But the ordinary roulette wheel or
the, faro deal was too slow for Goal
Oil Johnny" He wanted action, and
wanted it in punches. He seldom if
ever played poker. There's too much
time lost dealing and drawing cards.
he used to say, when pressed to sit in
game. Its too slow; it's an old
ladies' game.'
One of the favorite stunts Of Goal
Oil Johnny" was to walk into a gam
bling room with a few of his choice
friends and ask the proprietor to sell
him the place. He usually bought at
a fearful figure, and then would take
his place at the dealers chair and loan
his friends money to play against him
self. He didn't know much about deal
ing faro, could scarcely tell whether
a card won or lost for the house, and
so this was the easiest of picking for
the sharks who had associated them
selves with the little king of spend
thrifts.
The news soon spread throughout
the world of this modern lad of money
and that he was easy. From the north
south and east and from the gold
camps of California came gamblers
with the old brace games for fleeing
Johnny Steele. For him, it's now said
SPECIALLY crooked faro boxes and rou.
lette wheels were made, for he did not
long remain in ignorance of the games
and the time came when he had to be
shown that he lost on turn of the
card. He was always shown. His
losings at the gaming table in the first
half of his moneyed career were some
thing fabulous. Then he seemed to
tire all at once of the game and sought
new fields for enjoyment.
Horse That Drank Champagne.
One night at Bradford, Steele rode
down the main street at full speed on
a beautiful mare, for which he had
paid $4,000, and through the swinging
doors of a saloon where 100 oil men
were doing their best to emulate him
in getting rid of their money. He did
not know a soul, but that didn't mat
tor.
"I'm Johnny Steele. Close the doors
The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1906-06-15

bit of flyer in oil. But on this o2ca-
sion he came in from the street and
stood unnoticed by many of the oil
kings who were scrambling for shade
on the market. One minute in obscure
ty for Goal Oil Johnny was enough.
The next moment he had clogged the
wheels of the oil exchange. He stepped
out where he could be seen, selected a
cigar from his vest pocket, pulled a
roll of bills from another pocket,
skinned off 500 note, and folding it
as lighter struck a match and lit
the 800 bill, then touched it to his
cigar. After getting good light from
the century note, he watched it burn
up, and threw away the icgar.
"Faugh! That's bad one,' he said,
as he tried another cigar, and also lit
it with a new $1OO bill.
This simply paralyzed the members
of the big oil exchange. They had been
used to making and losing fortunes in
day, but such wanton waste of money
had never before come under their no.
tice. There was a lull in the proceed
ings and the gang gathered round Coal
Oil Johnny" Then he was happy. He
had attracted attention.
Got to do it, gentlemen. Got to do
it. Can't spend my money fast enough,
so have to burn it up" he said, as he
strutted up to the main desk in the big
room.
Tries to Buy Oil Exchange.
"Say, how much will you take for
the whole place. I'll buy. l want to
own the Oil Exchange for one after
noon," said Goal Oil Johnny" really
in earnest, and seemingly thinking he
could buy the place. "Where's the
proprietor? Tell him Johnny Steele is
here and wants to buy the place. III
give it back to him tomorrow; make
him present of it,"
Such proposition as buying the
Bradford Oil Exchange was impossible.
but it was about the only thing that
John Steele ever liked in those days
that he couldn't buy. Veteran oil men
in western Pennsylvania yet SILVER
when they think what might have hap
pened had such thing as that pro-
posed by Steele that day been possible.
Had Steele in his mad career of spend
ing got control of the oil market for
even one day he would have made
widespread trouble. His mania for
spending at that time had reached such
proportions that he would have STOP
ped at nothing to gain additional no.
tice, and with the millions he then had
he might have cornered the market.
This offer to buy out the Bradford Oil
Exchange was as near az Goal Oil
Johnny" ever came to dabbling in the
fluid which had made his fortune.
Buys Hotel; Gives It Back.
1t was a few days after this that
Steele again electrified the upper oil
country by one of his purchases. He
walked into one of the leading hotels
of the region, and seeking the proprie-
tor said:
II like the looks of this place aad I
want to buy it. How much is it, spot
cash. I'm Johnny Steele and have
the money"
|, The proprietor OF the hotel looked
| 1T the beardless boy. It was his first
The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1906-06-15
Sign That Failed.

IF you don't see what you want,
ask for it, is the sign displayed over
a grocer's counter. And when a man
went in and asked payment of bill
that had been running six months he
was shown out through the front door.
lie is now of opinion that grocers are
not Observation-Disclosures Star.
The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1906-06-15

Linen suits and collars and belts that
are laid in the sun to dry after ironing
will be much sitter than if dried on .
line.
The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1906-11-29
Fine Gifts

That's the only kind we buy. Every
dealer handles the common sort and
verybody knows the prices of the COM
mon kinds. For that reason they are
not the kind you want to buy. You
wouldn't care to make some one pres
ent and have them remark 81 priced
this article in several stores and decided
I didn't want it," That's the beauty Of
buying of US. We buy our holiday lines
from New York Houses that sell only
one dealer in town and as we buy no
duplicates there is no two articles alike
or even worry similar in our stock. We
handle no toys, dolls, or small notions
but you II find suitable and disable gifts
in our stock for every member of the
family. About our prices We think
our prices are most reasonable for the
high grade lines we show. For the last
three seasons We have sold out every
item. This means that our prices are
right or people wouldn't buy and that
we have no old goods to offer you at any
price.
The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1906-11-29
No. Engraving

Every jeweler will tell you he is an en-
graver. Maybe that's true, but will he
do the kind of work that will please
you? Chances are he won't. We con-
stantly employ three or more jewelers.
and only one of them can do the kind of
work that we require when it comes to
engraving. Our engraver does exceed
ipgly fine work and it's not necessary
for you to take our word for it. Call
and see samples or take look thru our
window and notice the engraving on our
souvenir spoons. All our spoons are en-
graved on our premises. This fine work
we offer you free of charge on all articles
purchased Of US. We urge you to select
your Xmas presents early enough to
give our engraver ample time to do the
work in elegant style. You don't have
to pay in advance, just call, make your
selections, make a reasonable deposit,
and we will have the engraving done
and ready for you the next time you
call.
The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1906-11-29
Diamond RINGS

There is just this about the diamond
business of Minot. It's ours. We
claim it and We are going to have it if it
requires an investment of $4,000 to
keep it. We sell diamonds and lots of
them and for no other reason than that
we carry the stock and mount them in
any way the customer desires. Take a
look at our stock of Diamonds, chances
are good that you'll see about the very
stone you're looking for because we
have them in every size from one-eight
to two and a half carats. We have a
line of ring mountings in various styles
and when you select stone from our
stock it never leaves your sight from the
time you see it weighed until it's in the
mounting and ready to be worn. Dia-
monds are the popular Holiday gifts and
we are amply supplied for every Gus
toner. We have Diamond Rings from
$1,000 to $4,000 all ready mounted and
for those desiring more expensive rings
we have line of Tiffany Mountlngs in
which we can set stone in few min
utes as one of our jewelers. is an expert
enced diamond setter.
The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1906-11-29
Toilet Articles

No line affords wider choice of useful
things than this. Handsome Military
Hair and Cloth Brushes in Silver, Ster-
line, Ebony, Staghorn and variety of
natural wood backs. Fine Comb and
Brush Sets in a number of combina-
tons. Beautiful Mirrors to match the
Brushes. Toilet and Travelling Cases in
ample variety. Our stock of toilet ar
ticles of all kinds cannot be matched in
town, either as to quality or high grade,
while our low prices put these finer
goods within the reach of all.
The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1906-11-29
Books

Probably no gift is more universally
satisfactory than books. And while the
art of book making and illustrating be-
comes more perfect the cost grows less.
We have books suitable for every age,
sex and class: all Of the late fiction,
standard novels, poems and classics.
Some magnificent editions at prices that
will surprise you by their cheapness.
Will be pleased to have you come in
and look over our books at any time.
The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1906-11-29
For the Ladies

loo many gifts to enumerate them ALL
Make a note of any that seem suitable, then
come to the store and see the rest.
BooKs-Fine padded and limp leather gift
editions.
ART PoTTERY-Many beautiful things in this
line.
HAND PAINTED CH1NA-No question about this.
Cur GLAss-Will be priced a lifetime.
TOILET CAsEs-Ours will certainly please.
DRESSER SETs-Beautiful and useful.
MANICURE SErs-The quality that gives salts
faction.
PHoTo HoLDERs-All the latest ones.
Fancy BoxEs-For Handkerchiefs, Gloves,
Ribbons, etc.
Music koLLs-Often the very thing wanted.
HAND BAGs-New, stylish and useful. See
them.
JEwELRY-A hundred gifts in this line
S1LvERwARE- Something that always pleases
WATcHEs-One of the best gifts of all.
STERLING GooDs-A new line this year.
PERFUME-One thing that's always acceptable
STATIONERY ITEMs-Fine Box Paper and Desk
Accessories.
BURxr WOOD AND LEATHER GooDs-Nice line
Ut them.
The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1906-11-29
SiIvcrWare

You will find here a magnificent array
of the choicest things the market af-
fords both in sterling and plated wares.
You cannot choose amiss when you
make selection from our stock. A big
variety of novelties.
The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1906-11-29
For the Men

Choosing gift for man often seems puz-
zling for the ladies' We have scores of items
that will please him.
BooKs-Always good gift.
STERLING ART1cLEs-Ths season S most popu-
lar line.
C1CARs-Nothing will better suit smoker
SMOKING SErs-A practical gift.
FANCY BoxEs-For Collars Cuffs, Ties, etc.
FOUNTAIN PEN-An ideal gift for busy man.
STERLING NOTWITHSTANDING especially for
men.
POCKET BooKs-We have the kind men like.
POCKET KN1vEs--The kind that gives good
service
STATIONERY ITEMs--Ink stands, paper weights
BRUsHEs-Finest hair, cloth and military and
other brushes.
WHIsK BRooMs--Fancy ones.
TRAVELLING SETs--In large variety.
PLAYING CARDs--Fine ones for Christmas
SHAVING MIRRoRs--Stand and triplicate.
JEwELRY-No end of things in this line.
WATCHEs--A superb gift.
The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1906-11-29
Fancy Goods

Always favorite line because it af-
useful goods. A bigger line than ever
here this year and the prices are the
lowest for which such desirable goods
can be Sold
Boxes for Handkerchiefs, Gloses,
Fans, etc., etc, in Burnt Wood
and Leather, CeIIuloid, ETC., Artis-
tic Japanese Novelties, OrmuIa
Ware, Brass and Bronze Novelties,
Fancy Candies, Ferniers. Vases
and hundreds Of other items. -:
The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1906-11-29
For Girls

BooKs-Many written especially for girls.
B1BLEs-Small Oxfords will please.
CAMERAs-This always suits.
P1CTUREs-For her own room.
HAND BAGS AND POCKET BooKs-She needs
one.
TOILET ART1CLEs-All sorts OF these.
FANCY GooDs-In Metals, Wood, Celluloid. etc.
WATcHEs-Every girl hopes for one.
PERFUMES girls like perfume.
The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1906-11-29
Shaving Supplies

Always appreciated by man if the
quality be right aud we insure you as to
that. We are agents for the Gillette
Safety Razor-the best on the market.
Full outfit for $500. All other shaving
requisites, also.
The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1906-11-29
Stationery Items

Many fine gifts in our stationery
stock.
Desk Sets. Ink wells. Gold and
Fountain Pens, Paper Weights,
Letter Openers, Portfolios and
high. grade Box Papers with
holly decorations.
The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1906-11-29
Watches

No matter how much or how little
you want to invest in watch, it will
pay you to get it here We will be here
to make good every claim we make for
our movements and cases and will dup
licate any bargain prices offered any
where.
The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1906-11-29
Leather Goods

Hand Bags will be one of the most
popular gifts for lady this year and
we have all the late styles. Also fine
Pocket Books, Purses, Wallets, ETC., for
the men. Prices are right on ALL
The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1906-11-29
Cut Glass

OF course you want only the finest for
gift purposes and that means you must
get it here. Anyone who is posted as to
cut glass will at once recognize the
fairness of our prices.
The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1906-11-29
For Boys

BooKs--The best gift for boys.
POCKET KN1vEs--He doubtless needs one.
GAMES AND GAME CARDs--All the latest ones
Misunderstanding finer than this.
CAMERAs--Every boy wants one.
BRUsHEs--He should have his own.
P1CTUREs--One for his room.
STERLING NovELT1Es-M Many suitable ones.
The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1906-11-29
Perfumes

There is always large demand for per-
taken to get right quality We have an
immense stock and it includes the finest
odors of the best perfumes both in fancy
gift packages and in bulk. Also have
dainty bottles and atomizers which we can
fill with perfume. Sachet powders,
colognes, toilet waters, etc., in abundance
here.
The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1906-11-29
Christmas Candies

Pure, wholesome and delicious as
Christmas candies should be. We
handle Johnston's Chocolates-have
them in fancy gift packages from Is
cents up 10 1925.
The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1906-11-29
Christmas Cards

Send your old friends some of these
pretty little Cards or Booklets as a
token of your good will. Have hundreds
Of them at any price you want to pay.
The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1906-11-29
Smokers Articles

If you would avoid the ordinary
"holiday" Cigars let us furnish them
and you will insure getting the kind he
will enjoy. Also good line of Pipes at
a variety Of prices from 10 cents up to
$1,000.
The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1906-11-29
Fine China

Impossible to do justice to our line
here but do not fail to see it when you
are in. Prices range from S1.25 for
single pieces up to $500 for full sets.
The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1906-11-29
Games

All of the new things are here and all
of the old favorites. Bring the little
folks in before the rush begins and let
them see the display.
The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1906-11-29
Cameras

Do not overlook cameras. 1t is a gift
that is apt to be pleasing to people of all
ages and is sure to please the young. Cam
eras have been so perfected that anyone
can become a successful amateur. We
have fine line of the best cameras made
If you wish to get one, better make sure of
it by buying at once.
Prices range from 81 90 to $780,.
The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1906-11-29
Pictures

These beautiful art studies are ideal
gifts. We have all the latest ones.
Better come soon if you want widest
selection.
The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1906-11-29
JeWeIry

Scores of novelties for all in this line.
If you are interested in new things in
jewelry, come in while the assortment
is complete.
The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1906-11-29
Good Gifts at a Saving

selection
gifts
within limitations Of pocket book Our ample
usefulness WORTH
everything
bargains in goods worthy quality
The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1906-11-29

Charms, Lockets, Necklaces,
Stick Pins, Waist Sets, Fobs,
Chains, Rings, Brooches, etc.
The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1906-11-29

In this ad we
give an outline of
our stock, but some
of these lines contain scores
of items which you should
know about. 1t is our desire
that you come in and see
them and as soon thereafter
as you can spare the time. You
will insure satisfaction and saving
by getting all your holiday gifts
here. At any rate. see what we have.
The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1906-11-29

Elsewhere in
this ad we have sug-
gested it Q ms especially
suited for your friends
OF both sexes and all ages.
You will find it helpful to
check through these lists as
well as through the entire ad.
You will get hints that will save
you time and worry. We want this ad
to be useful to you--to help make this
an easy Christmas and to save money.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1906-03-14
MRS. RAY HAD
BAD HUSBAND

According to a complaint filed by
Mamie L. Ray for divorce from
George Phillips Ray, the defendant
hubby, was a dire rascal. Mamie
says that they were married at Ro-
salia, June 10, 1896, and that short
ly after she was taken sick with a
nervous disorder, and then 1t was
that the troubles commenced. 1t
is alleged Ray would often remain
away all night flirting with Dame
Fortune at cards. During all their
married life they were constantly
embroiled in petty chickering's to
which their 9 year old girl was a
witness. She wants the court to
grant her divorce and the custody
of the child.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1906-03-14
COMPTROLLER Farley Will Tell the
Observation-Disclosures Are That Sur
plus is Switched From One Fund
to Another--Ful Statement Com
ing.

This year $4,000 will have to be
paid to eastern bond holders on the
general municipal fund and ON June
1 5000 interest will be paid on the
original water bonds. When the
treasurer gets through taking out
money for the interest account the
remainder of the surplus is placed
in what Is generally known as the
water department fund. If this fund
has $4,000 in 1t and the general
fund has nothing the council grants
to Comptroller Farley the right to
draw on the water fund to make up
the deficiency in the general fund.
IN other words, the money earned
by the water works is used to de-
fray general expenses of the city in
stead of going into betterments and
creating a sinking fund to pay off
the water bonds.
1t seems that the thing complain
ed of by the chamber of commerce
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1906-03-14
KICKS ON THE
new REGRADE

w. G. Russell, who lives on Divi-
sion street between Buckeye and
Euclid avenues has sent commun.
ication to the city council object.
ing to the proposed regrade of Di.
vision street in front of his home
cutting Division street 7 IL feet be
low it's present level.
When the last grade was made
his house was about Z 1-2 feet
above the street. The proposed
grade would make it about Is feet
above the street. He maintains
that he would have no access to his
house should the proposed work be
done.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1906-03-14
Mother CRUSHED INFANT
CHILD IN HER SLEEP

At an early hour yesterday morn
ing Mrs. u. o. Tatro, who lives at
904 Perry avenue, awoke to care
for her days old baby boy only
to find that she had rolled upon
the infant in her sleep and killed
it. The little babe had been as
phyxiated by it's own mother.
Mrs. Tatro, who is but 10 years
of age, Is in a most critical condi-
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1906-03-14
Merry PARVENU|S
BEHIND BARS

After living in the Hotel Spo-
kane, eating at Davenports and or.
dering over $500 worth of clothes
from Bernh elmer, the tailor, and in
many other ways living a life of
luxury without a cent of his own,
Miller Hopkins has landed behind
the bars of the city jail to serve
out $50 fine for vagrancy.
He now owes the hotel for the
time he was stopping there, Daven-
port for the time he ate there with.
out paying, Bernheimer for the
clothes he ordered, and Richard B.
Stack for the money he secured by
getting Mr.. Stack to endorse
worthless check for 500. Seventy
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1906-03-14
WHERE HAS $206,829 EARNED
BY WATERW0RkS GONE?

is fact, namely, that the general
expenses of the city are borne en-
tirely by direct taxation, but in
part by transferring funds from the
water to the general fund.
But the statement to be issued by
the comptroller will solve this prsb-
lem and judgment may we'll be sus.
pended until its issuance.
GERAGTHY GIVES OPINION,
Today Corporation Counsel Ger.
agility rendered verbal opinion to
City Treasurer Eggleston in which
he stated that there should be no
fund in this city such as the So
called water department fund. He
also stated that the earnings of the
water department should be placed
in the general fund.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1906-03-14
TELEGRAPH BRIEFS
(Scripps News Association.)

(Scripps News Association.)
ST. PETERSBURG, March IA
1t was confirmed today that officers
of the first regiment of artillery of
the palace guards had resigned in
q body when ordered to the Baltic
to pacify the province. The War
saw socialists issued decree de-
nouncing the election as a farce.
They declare the revolutionists
must fight mercilessly in the spring
to grain their aims before May /.
The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1906-03-14
LEFT HIS wife
TO STARVE

A divorce is sought by Grace A.
May against her husband, Edwin
A. May, for cruel and inhuman
treatment. In the complaint Grace
says that they were married in
Iowa, July 10, 1905, and that the
following September, Edwin betook
himself to parts unknown and that
ever since there has been a COM
plete estrangement. Prior to Ed
wins fitting the complaint alleges
his wife at times was in danger of
actual starvation.