davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

How much whisky has been spilled
there Ledbetter does not know, but
he says there have been thousands of
gallons. He has figures to show that
during the last three years he has con-
hscated 10000 gallons of liquor. This
at Indian territory prices was worth
$4,000.
Bud Ledbstter is wonderful man.,
He is 54 years old, "six-footer" and
weighs over 200 pounds. He has been
an officer for twenty-five years and
has never been seriously wounded in
fight. He has been a deputy mar
shal in Indian territory for thirteen
years and has killed many men. He
is considered the best field deputy in
the territory and he made his repu-
tation at that reckless period when
the fight for supremacy was on between
the government officers and the gangs
OF outlaws which infested Indian ter
ritory.
Ledbetter will not talk about the
men he has killed, but everyone
knows that he never killed one that
he did not have to kill and that every
one was fighting when killed by Led
better 1t has been seven years since
he killed a man. When he was asked
how many men he had killed he grew
serious, cloud passed over his face
and he replied: Many more than |
wanted to- =
When asked who was the first man
he killed, he replied: "Yes, remem-
| ber who it was and where, but l don't
| like to talk about it, No one ever
| hated more to draw a gun down on a
man than he but no man ever did
it with more alacrity when duty de-
manded it. When he does draw his
| gun he shoots.
Since the outlaw days are passed.
Ledbetter has been specially detailed
to break up the liquor business. He
has worked faithfully at it for three
years and while he has not suppressed
1t entirely it is harder to get drink
/ in Muskogee today than it ever was
before, and that, too, in spite of the
greatly increased population.
He can find liquor where no one
else would ever think of it. His most
effective resource is the fence" he
has established on the express lines
and freight trains entering this dis
trict He has spoilers and scores OF
packages containing liquor are tipped
OF to him before the trains reach
Muskogee.
BY watching negro walking down
the street he can tell by his actions
whether he is a bootlegger. BY shak-
ing box or trunk he can tell every
time without opening it whether there
is liquor in it.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

passed the measure making the po-
sitions Of marshal, city attorney,
street commissioner and engineer ap-
pofntive by the council instead Of cleo
tive. We all know that very incompe-
tent men are named for such positions
at times and the people have to put
up with 1t because the council Is
powerless to act II any business
law suit to defend they want voice
in the selection of the attorney to
conduct 1t. In direct sense the coun-
I'll is responsible to the people for
the administration of city affairs and
should be trusted with full authority
to select those necessary to assist
them In the work. Just look back
over the past two years and see the
conflict OF authority between the
street and alley committee and the
street commissioner with the result
that the city never had such misman-
agement. Surely no member OF the
council can point with pride to the
work accomplished. BY the council
electing street commissioner this Off
Ger is directly responsible to the ma
jority and the moment he fails to do
his duty can be removed. And when
it comes down to police affairs the
same argument holds true to greater
extent. 1t means harmony in policy
and enforcement of laws.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

Nine OF the Gipsy band that has
recently been hanging around the city
both men and women-were gath
cred In on charge of disorderly con.
duct and vagrancy, says the Ell Paso
News. They furnished a cash bond
OF $50 for their appearance. 1t is
claimed that while there the Gypsy
band has not only been begging but
also obtaining considerable money un.
der raise pretenses. 1t is also alleged
mat some OF the band have been
guilty of petty thieving and have had
previous bad records. But It is stated
that the cases against them will not
be pushed II they leave town at once.
The next time a Gypsy OUTFIT comes to
Durango the officers should lose no
time In firing them.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18
CUTTERS RUN WITH LIQUOR.
Indian Nation Officer Has Spilled 1o,-
900 Gallons in All.
Kansas City tsar.

Kansas City tSar
At the southwest corner OF the fed
eral court building in Muskogee, l..
T., the brick wall furnishes the buf-
fer for Bud Ledbetter in action and
there thousands of gallons OF liquor,
from the finest champagne to the
lowest grade of beer, have been
spilled. A spadeful OF soil from
that spot burned in the fire will give
off an odor of burning alcohol. II
the glass of broken bottles were al
lowed to remain there would be a pile
half as high as the court house itself
Under the law, when an officer nnds
liquor in Indian territory, he must
confiscate and destroy it. Ledbe.ter is
special officer whose duty is to sup
press bootlegging. He has come near
er breaking it up than any other man
in Indian territory. But even he is
at this time more or less discour.
aged.
To keep liquor out of a town of
-o'v'" peopie WIN HVe ralrOadS IN the
city, in addition to having half a hun
dred other towns in his district. is
not small matter, especially when
bootlegger can double his money on
every quart OF whiskey he can get
into the territory and when profit and
thirst create geniuses In the art of
getting liquor past the United States
marshals. When Ledbetter finds any
considerable quantity of liquor he
gets a dray. hauls it to this corner
of the old court house and DESTROYS II
by hurting the bottles against the
brick wall.
Ledbetter in action always draws a
big and thirsty crowd. All are willing
to assist, with the hope of being able
to get away with one bottle without
Ledbetter seeing them. Often liquor
runs down the gutter and negroes will
kneel down and drink it. When this
is done a match is applied so that
flames will spread over the liquor
soaked ground. This keeps the ne
groes of. no matter how thirsty.
The court house corner was selected
because 1t is sheltered from the wind
in the winter and there is n large
shade tree valued in the summer.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18
FLOWERS FOR SIX MONTHS.


Several of our leading magazines
are giving MS lists of flowers THAI
will insure blossoms the year round.
One of the parks and streets com
mittee has selected a list of such flow
ers, suitable for the Durango gardens,
for the next six months;
April-At least three varieties OF
crocus grow well here. the Imperial.
common and Cloth-of-Gold. The last
an especially hardy variety. The first
is lilac in color, the second white and
yellow. the last yellow. They require
rich soil and plenty of sun. The cup
daffodil and the tulips also give love
ly blooms this month.
May-All varieties of Columbine
flourish here. The German Iris, peony
and phlox, are not hurt by our cool
nights. English daisy and Siberian
primrose, corn flowers and lilacs -four
ish; and this month the pansies give
us their most perfect flowers. Among
vines, japanese clematis and the wis
tria are best suited for our gardens.
June-There is so much to choose
fiom here that we must remember
our dry climate and cool nights and
select only the ones that will best re-
ward our labors. Roses are first and
nearly all varieties will grow here.
Among the climbers. the ramblers,
hybrid tea and the Prairie Queen are
first. The Rugosa rose is good one
for shrubbery. The perennials give
us lorkspur and foxglove, golden Mar
guerites and Oriental poppy. The an
nuals: Sweet peas, candy tuft, Pc
tunia: shrubs: SNOWFALL, white Jews
mallow.
July-Japanese bellfowers. gladio-
lus, feverfew, hollyhock. Golden glow.
double sunflowers, cosmos, sweet alys-
sum, nicotiana, African marigold, Cali
fornia poppy, erbena, memorial rose.
nasturtium.
August-Canadan goldenrod, car
dinal flower three-colored chrysanthe-
mum, sometimes called painted
daisy" China asters. climbing nastur-
tiums, scarlet runner bean, Henry's
clematis.
Observation-Disclosures autumn cro-
Gus, tea roses, India carma, Datsch
aster barberry, New England aster.
giant daisy, China aster. cosmos.
An effort has been made to select
few flowers only! many might be
| added; We believe that If one or two
varieties from this list for each month
are planted the gardens of Durango
will furnish flowers all summer.
If it is found that this list is help
ful. another list will be prepared for
the six months beginning October 1st
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

In a new theater under construction
in New York the first ten rows of or
chestra seats will be sold at $3,75O
each, the chairs In the first balcony
row at $4,000 each, and the boxes at
$4,000 each, possession to be given
permanently on Tuesday and Thurs
day nights as long as the house exists.
This new style of future is luxurious
taste that few can afford to cultivate,
but shows that the dramatic art is
getting into the region of high finance.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

The sewer plans were prepared by
and under Mr.. Wigglesworths super
vision. Mr.. Wiggglesworth is the one
who tied up the council in the matter
of projected sewage. Mr.. wiggles-
worth is now a candidate for alder
man. In all candor The Herald asks
the voters OF the Third ward II they
Will stand for his election. Has Mr..
Wigglesworth displayed ability in his
work the past two years? The Boule-
ward and sewer propositions should
relegate Genial Billy" to private life
for all time to come.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18
The democratic majority of the pres.

The democratic majority of the pres
ent council, with which Mr.. Reese
points to with so much pride, was
unable to perform the task of install
ing sewage but dill not hesitate to
pay $1,400 for plans. 1t was an easy
matter to order plans. thus giving the
democratic engineer fat job, but
TO consummate the work proved too
hard a task and the needed improve
ment must go over for another coun-
ell which will be republican. 1t will
prove the old adage-that republicans
do things.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

DR.. w. w. McEwen made a good
record as member OF the legislature.
During the two years DIR. McEwen
presided over the city council the city
was prosperous and the people at
peace with each other. With the doc
tor as mayor the coming two years
there will be no favoritism of any
kind, but good old fashioned honesty
in office.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

After looking over the aldermanic
held The Herald takes more pride
than ever in lending its support to
the men named by the republicans.
We ask voters to size up the men and
conditions and If they do not make
up their minds to stand by and elect
every one of the eight men along with
DR.. McEwen to preside over them we
miss our guess.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

Instead of ordering nine battle ships
year for only three, but all Of the
Dreadnaught class. supposed to be
three times as powerful as the old
model. These big ships can only be
tested in a scrap, but get scrapped
before they can be put to the proof.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

The exports and imports of the
United States last month were the
largest for any January, and equaled
but twice before in any month. Elk
ports amounted to $1S9,OO0,O0O and
imports to $4,000. 900, total of
s315.000,000. and an increase since
1900 of $122,000,OO0. Tariff revisers
ought to find food for thought in these
figures,
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

Lieut.. Peary has made so many Arc
tic voyages that his style has become
condensed. One of his sentences in
his latest narrative is: I'VE broke
up the sledges for fuel to cook the
dogs. which we ate." Thanks to O
substantial OUTFIT, the explorer lived
to tell the tale.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

Let us hear from the democrats as
to the advisability Of officers doing
their full duty in enforcing midnight
and Sunday closing in Durango and
throughout the county. Mr.. Tulley.
Day. are you in favor OF making 1t
hot for those guilty OF violating this
law? And did Oswald Link really ge.
what was coming to him? Don't use
red ink In replying.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

In January in Yukon territory the
dropped to SO below zero. and
an inch of blue snow fell in one dis
trict. Then the weather went up to
10 below, which was pronounced "sul-
try" The meteorological varieties of
the present winter are not confined to
any one locality.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

In Germany every railroad wreck is
by the government, and
invariably some one is held respon-
sibe and punished. The system would
raise stir in the United States,
where the collisions and derailments.
according to interstate commerce fig
ures, average over 1900 month
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

The leaders in the Y. NJ. C. A. move
ment in Grand Junction, have raised
about $4,000 Of the 100000 which
they started out to raise to build an
edifice for the association in that city.
The movement is worthy one, and
the people of Grand Junction deserve
much credit for the efforts to put up
such a magnificent building as $40, 900
should erect
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

The chief significance In the fact
that Grover Cleveland has accepted
an employment at $25,0O0 year Is
that he has abandoned all hope of
ever again being nominated for the
presidency. The remarkable thing is
that he should ever have entertained
such a hope.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

When the South Carolina state IL
quor dispensary system was adopted
the militia was called out to put down
disturbances. Now the dispensary is
abolished as a recognized failure by
common consent. The liquor issue is
hard one to settle. even with the
aid of the militia
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

In the closing hour Of congress Mr..
Williams Of Mississippi, leader of the
democrats in the house, referred to
Mr.. Cannon as 1.-The speaker whom
everybody loves for his big brain, his
big heart and his impartiality." Uncle
Joe's devotion to a fair deal could get
no stronger testimonial
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

Some OF the railroad companies
have abandoned contemplated i'm
provements on account of hostile leg
islation in the states where the i'm
provements were to have been made.
This kind of retaliation may eventual
ly return to plague the railroads.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

We trust every voter will read the
We point with pride" resolutions
written by our esteemed friend. Willis
A. Reese. Now we are glad that Will
lis has 80 much pride to throw at
the birds.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

DR.. Parkhurst declares that the
naval pageant at the jamestown ex-
position will have the appearance of
being a kick at Christianity" Can
the doctor mention any better peace
preservative. as the world goes, than
a competent navy?
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

The democratic party has stood by
police force that absolutely refused
to join Sheriff Thompson in enforc-
ing the criminal laws of the land.
Let few get together and resolute
as much as they desire. but we opine
not very many will point with pride
to the policy pursued.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

Kentucky is not yet tired of trying
Caleb Powers before democratic
juries. Mr.. Powers has not been hung
for having been elected to state
office as republican, but seems to
be serving life sentence on the in
stallment plan.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

Two OF the big western railroads an
nounce that they will double track
their lines during the year 1907. May
be this extra facility is thought to be
necessary In order to accommodate
the vast increase of business promised
under the 2-cent rate law.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

Denatured alcohol is so popular in
Germany that the potato production In
that country last year went up to L.
775.579.000 bushels. The new alco-
hol has not begun to get in its work
in the United States, but the expert
ence of Germany shows that its posi-
bilities in farming have not been over
stated.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

William r. Hearst Is one OF the few
public men who has succeeded in cali
Ing his own blufr. After announcing
that he would never be candidate for
another office he Immediately went
into training for whatever may be in
sight in 1908.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

The democratic resolutions are sure
enough an April 1st production. And
to think Brother Willis A. Reese con
siders the voters gullible enough to
swallow the dose.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

Presuming that the Russian gen.
erals can not fight each other more
effectively than they fought the Japs.
the innocent bystander need not be
disturbed by the impending duels at
st. Petersburg.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

Just as the boon of 2-cent pas
senger fares is about to be realized a
fury-breathing and tail-switching
comet threatens to crash against the
earth and tear up the tracks.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

Last year the British merchant ma
rine made net gain of $4,000 tons,
and that Of Germany increased 31s, 900
tons. Uncle Sans unprotected ship
building is not In this class, and
scarcely In any class.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

London has voted public ownership
failure, but Mr.. Bryan sticks to 1t
that buying up 10000, 100000 worth Of
railroads would be a good thing for
Uncle Sam.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

AS chief manager of railroad a
certain financler sold the bonds OF his
company to himself at 65 cents and
then. as an insurance magnate. he
bought them in at 96 cents. This
transaction is far ahead of any of
Pooh Bah's achievements.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

San Franciso announces that its
Chinatown is rising again, but revised
and improved. The 49er who borrows
two-bits II back in his old haunts, and
Mayor Schmitz will run for another
term. Frisco has ceased to fear that
its local color will be impaired.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

So the democrats in convention as
ing out OF hundreds Of dollars which
taxpayers feel compelled upon to In
stitute suit for recovery.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

A vote the coming election for
Frank Sheets means efficiency in the
city clerks office. Frank is steady
as clock work and well qualified for
tho work required.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

DR.. w. H. c. Folsom will not be q
dummy II elected alderman. And fur
thermore will not be any ones tool.
Dr. Folsom 10 enterprising and be-
lieves the way to bring the city to
the front IL through legitimate i'm.
provements. Eject the doctor alonr
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

The president writes to the Panama
canal commission that "the work of
construction is going on we'll, and will
continue to do So" but this does not
necessarily imply that the head en-
gineers will resign or get fired oftener
than three times a week.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

President Roosevelt hunted high and
low for 100000 man to steer the
canal project to successful conclu-
sion. and has apparently made up his
mind that the 100000 article is a
creature OF the Imagination.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

Mrs. Russell Sage gave $4,000 to
build . new public school at Free
port, L. l.. and was 80 much pleased
with the spirit In which the gift was
received" that she doubled It. The art
Of graceful acknowledgment will come
IN for moro attention.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

In Montevideo 3.4S9 merchant YES
sells arrived last year. OF which only
sixteen were American. There are
249 foreign commercial establishments
In the city, and the United States is
without single representative. Uncle
Sam must take a hand In fostering
ships or continue to stay out in the
cold
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

Some of the papers are again talk
ing naval disarmament, which prob
ably means that the next batch of bat
tie ships will be at least thousand
feet long and have tonnage of 10000
each.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

Savings banks In New York state
Increased their deposits $4,000, 900
last year. gain greater than the saw
ings bank totals of Canada or Japan.
The provision for rainy day is not
in any part OF this coun-
try
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

Under the democratic law OF elect
ing city attorney. street commissioner
and marshal. the aldermen had no
recourse but put up with incompeten.
cy. And still We find the Democrat
condemning the republicans for pass
Ing measure that corrects this abuse.
1t is democratic consistency.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

This years production of gold is ex-
pected to reach $45o.OOO.OO0. Some
how the fact harmonizes poorly with
Mr Bryans intention to try again for
the position of chief expounder of the
United States government.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

Frank Balster was for the impartial
enforcement of the Sunday closing
law. still we find the party casting
him one side and naming in his place
some one who is an unknown quantity
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

Mr.. Hearst is building palatial res
idence in New York. Not many men
can thus console themselves for the
loss OF the executive mansion in AL
bany and the White house in Wash
inxtOn.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

The democrats spent something like
s1.400 for sewer plans and then the
council showed Its inability to carry
out the work In a business like and
comprehensive manner.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

Brazil has ordered battle ship of
the Dreadnaught pattern. Some Of
these days leviathan so big will be
produced that the world will call 1t a
Joke and let 1t go at that.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

Uncle Sans new battle ship, the
Vermont, is In the 16,0O0-ton class.
In case of scrimmage it would be
apt to tackle anything afioat, and the
result would rest with straight shoot
Ing.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

The country is cordially reconciled
to the announcement that the govern
ment engineers will take hold OF the
Panama Job.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

Socialism and public ownership met
with another Jolt in the London munl-
clpal election. The verdict of London
is that the experiments already made
in municipal ownership have been
wasteful and generally bad for tax
naYera.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

Railroad rebates look small com
pared with the rake offs mentioned by
witnesses In the investigation Of high
railroad finance. Some Of the brokers
seem to roll in velvet when operations
Of this kind are afoot
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

Dobbins of the Fourth ward II an
old work horse OF the kind that al
ways gets there. He possesses bal
ance wheel which is good thing In
any aldermanic body.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

If the office of chief engineer OF the
Panama canal were elective instead OF
appointive maybe an incumbent could
be found who would at least hang on
to the end of his term.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

Both Honduras and Nicaragua are
putting up game fight. 1t will un-
doubtedly be the best bantam contest
of the season.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

Tho democrats never overlook bet.
They could not forgo the pleasure OF
naming a candidate for treasurer al
though 1t means defeat.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

DIR. McEwen is going to win on the
I'd day OF April because his former
administration was credit to the
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

Wren a man thinks he Is q great
man it's sign that he hasn't any
children to prove to him that he 10 q
fool.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

Any administration that will point
to the work on the Boulevard with
pride" must have pride to throw at
the birds.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18
Frank Sheets is the kind OF boy the
people love to honor.

Do not elect the republican ticket
II you expect the men named to go
back on the party platform.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

The voters cannot afford to elect
such men as Wigglssworth who made
farce OF sewage.
Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-03-18

The Herald contends that the leg
islature did a wise thing when 1t