The Mena weekly star., 1908-02-20
AC0MMUNITY SADLY TROUBLED

is claimed, helping.
 | Just before starting Cleaver went to a spring at some distance from the house, ostensibly to get water, but it was thought later that he went to see McGee, who they now believe was in hiding near by. Not long after the wagons started to Mena, within half hour, the house was seen to be on fire. Mo- Gee charges that it was burned by the people of Cherry Hill, but they insist that such was not the case, but that they believe McGee was ly- ing in wait to do this as soon as they were out of the way. In fact, 1t is said that it was testified before the commissioner that McGee had said that if he left, the house should do no one any good" It is also stated that he owed Dr. J. A. Norris for the lumber, and that this was his threat when he was being pressed for payment for same.
 Did Not Swear at Women.
 It is charged that the men who moved the outfit swore at the women. This is bitterly denied, it being further asserted that none of the men in the party are addicted to such language at all. The women, on the other hand, are said to have used rough language on the way, but on arrival are said to have thanked the men for their kindness as we'll as for food furnished, as did also McGee, who arrived before the goods were unloaded. At this time Mrs. McGee said she did not know what they were to do as they had no means, whereupon she was handed a piece of money by one of the men, who was much surprised to see her put it in a purse containing much more than he had with him.
 No Thought of Trouble.
 The people of Cherry Hill had no thought of any further trouble. They considered they had done charitable act while, of course, re joicing at being rid of people they considered very undesirable. This was the status until United States Deputy Marshal Holt appeared a few days later at Cherry Hill with warrants for the arrest of the most actively interested. When he made his errand known each one came in at once, relieving him of all trouble possible.
 The men all maintain that they will make no effort to conceal either their motives or their acts, and hope when the entire matter is laid before the court their troubles will end.
 How Cherry Hill Feels.
 As an indication of how the people of the whole community feel about the matter, on arrival at Cherry Hill of the representative of The Star, he was approached by citizen who was not in any way connected with the affair, nor with any of the indicted parties save as neighbor, and was earnestly requested to look into the matter carefully and give the story as he found it, thus plac- ing the unfortunate men in the true light before the readers of his paper.
 The simple story as above told IS the result of inquires made.
 The Community in General.
 Cherry Hill. the official name for which is now Egger, is one of the very oldest settlements in Polk county. is in the very best agricult- ural section of the county and the population is made up mostly of people who have spent their whole lives in that locality. They take especial pride in their fine school, which has an attendance of from 80 to 100 pupils and is run for eight months each year. They have a splendid and active church of about 180 members and there are eight chufches within a radius of four miles of the Egger poftoffice. The people are industrious and prosper ous and hospitable to degree and live at peace with themselves and the world. There is not a pauper in the district and if misfortune over takes any one prompt and substan- tial relief is afforded until he is again on his feet.
 1t is unnecessary, under these circumstances, to say that it is a quiet and law-biding community. and if ever there had been dissen- sion. the trouble that now faces some of it's most respected citizens would have long since knit the peo- pie together in bonds of brotherly love.
 A Few Homes Ever Locked.
 Perhaps the reason why these people overlooked the danger they unwittingly incurred of coming in contact with the laws of the land is that for many years they have had little or no need for outside inter- ference with their affairs. It has long been the custom, and is now, to ignore such things as house locks and guards against dishonesty. When they left their homes unlocked and unguarded. they gave no thought to fear of loss. If neigh bor came to home and found it's occupants away and he wanted to