La Junta tribune., 1907-11-16
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There was bunch of Santa Fe
officials in town few days ago, the
party including William Archer,
superintendent of the water service,
and Purchasing Agent Bartlett. Ac-
companied by Tom Wood. with Claire
Althen as chauffeur. the bunche went
out to Roland's ranch, by the auto
mobile route to investigate the
water prospect. MIR. Archer en-
ployed Mr.. Davis. the present own
er OF Roland's ranch, several weeks
ago. to develop the water prospect
ON the ranch for the purpose Of as
certaining the supply available. Mr..
Archer says the quality Of the water
is Of the very best, and was evident
ly pleased with the work that had
been done in developing a supply. as
Purchasing Agent Bartlett paid
500 down for q six months option
on the place. the agreed purchase
price for the l60 acres being 5000.
The Santa Fe will continue the work
Ut development. and if a sufficient
supply is found available, will spend
from 81 900 to $4,000 in developing
the prospect. Roland's ranch is
nearly 300 feet higher than La Jun
to, and if sufficient supply is de-
veloped the railroad company will
have no difficulty in bringing the
water into town by a gravity sys-
tenn, and the elevation will insure
good pressure. However. if the
Santa Fe does not have better luck
bringing the water into town than
the automobile did with the official
party, this dream will never come
true. The automobile went dead"
five miles out Of town and the Of
ficial party had to walk in. Santa
Fe officials, however, are used to
such things.
! Edward Riley, known in local
financial circles as a frenzied Rock
Island promoter. escaped from the
pententiary at Canon City last We'd
nesday, and is once more at large
seeking whom he may bunco out of
automobile rides, top coats, suits of
clothes, and SIGH. Mr.. Riley played
star engagement in this city last
spring, all on the strength of phony
check Cor several thousand dollars
which he deposited in one of our
local banks. He claimed to be the
advance guard of the Rock Island,
(which was headed for North La
Junta, where they were to erect i'm
mense shops and terminal facilities.
Real estate activity in North La
Junta was something fierce while the
pipe was on, but it only lasted two
days. Mr. Riley, whom so may
people spoke of so highly, was found
out, and the Rock Island and real
estate boom collapsed with a dull,
sickening thud. The peritentiary
officials have offered a reward of
500 for the capture of Mr.. Riley,
and as he is probably now headed
for La Junta some of our
citizens will probably have an oppor-
tunity to pick up some easy money
in day or two.
Last Monday County Treas
urer Downer issued receipt
in full to the Santa Fe Rail-
road Company for the taxes due
Otero county for the year 1906. The
tax with accumulated interest
amounted to $32. 2.sO4.62, and is pay
ment in full of every cent of tax
assessed. The Santa Fe made a
thorough investigation of property
valuations in Otero county and fl
nally decided that the assessment of
railroad property in this county was
fair and just, an amicable settle
ment being effected that was emil
nently satisfactory to the county and
the Santa Fe as well. Tax Agent
Freeman expressed himself as being
well satisfied with the assessment of
property valuations in Otero county,
and said that outside of the sugar