davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1908-01-26

every house. from the front, appeared un-
occupied. Doors and windows were closed,
and although no compulsory education law
exists. but two children, and they were
very young. were seen aging in the
streets. AS far as could he learned,
every man in the community was at
work in the nearby brick yards. the ceme-
terry or the experimental station. No cur
few rings yet the county authorities say
that after 10 o'clock a light is seldom
seen in Queen City, and that beyond the
howl of the ever-present "houn' dawg,''
stiffness reiSns after that hour.
But few save the residents of the sur
rounding country, who daily pass along
the road leading 90 the eastern end of
the three settlements, with their single or
double streets lined with neat houses
know that in this little spot in Alexandria
county Va. evist the only true negro
communities in the United States. Many.
In fact all Of the larger cities Of the
country have their .'Darktowns" their
"BIoodfialds their 'Levees.' but such
districts as these are invariably a part OF
the incorporate body.
Usually as a town city possesses such
a quarter. il is found To be the seat OF
disturbance and unrest. But there in
Virginia but a short distance from the
nations capital. 100 negroes live at
peace with themselves. their white neigh
bors, and industriously apply their time.
Evening star., 1908-01-26

and constantly changing commercial con-
ditons as constantly disturb all lines Of
business and all social spheres. There
are more poverty immortality and general
misery in manufacturing places, more dis
turbanceS of social order
Squalor and Ignorance and vice rule
mining towns. where usually three or
Evening star., 1908-01-26

"
NAx Capitol and Congressional
wv Library. near the Virginia
shore OF the Potomac lie
what are said 10 be the only exclusive ne
gro settlements in the United States. A
spirit closely akin to communism reigns
in the regulations governing these unin-
corporaied towns. The preservation of
law and order is the only aim OF at least
one OF these communities, and seldom is
constable seen in their precincts save
in response to a call from the citizens
themselves. who are always anxious TO
rid their midst OF negroes OF doubtful de-
sra bility: for every man in the towns is
sclf-appointed policeman. as well as a
appointed supervisor Of streets Every
man shoulders his share OF the work
No municipal ordinances exist in Queen
tuy. Johnson Hill and Orutt Settlement
which comprise in all about 200 negroes
The residents OF these settlements which
nearly adjoin one another in a portion OF
jefferson district OF Alexandria county
where few, il any, white citizens make
their homes. are known TO the Virginia
authorities peaceful and law-abidiE =
people. and these little settlements are
cited by the few WHO know of their ey-
istence the one accurate local exponent
OF what the negro will do il left to him
self
No improved sewerage system. no cleo
trio lights. in fact, none of the earmarks
OF progress. enlightenment and education
have come to these places, but neatness.
domesticity and cooperation among them
selves can be seen. and the towns are
tal
From what the county authorities say.
these settlements insist that their inhabit-
ants he reputable negroes. and that none
at their number who offend go without
punishment.
Evening star., 1908-01-26

noses; in another delicate features. the
saucy Irish nose and patrician chin and
mouth; in the next a prevailing German
type of face, with fair hair and blue eyes
and heavy forehead: in the next the
hawk-lke Indian cast of countenance
suggestive of the early Georges.
In Norfolk Va for instance one will
Evening star., 1908-01-26

maxim de whole community suffah. Ais
got t take it alike
And SO when the roads need attention,
or the cutters need digging out. or when
the grass becomes too high in the path
ways, the entire male population turns
out and accomplisheS the work. So ii is
that when the front of a mans house be-
comes untidy. his neighbors expect him
Immediately to rectify matters. and the
town is literally operated on a share-and-
share-alke basis in everything but per-
sonai property, for most of the lots are
exactly the same size. and nearly all of
the houses are two-story frames of the
same design.
An unwritten agreement exists within
the precincts of Queen City that all of
the residents must abide by this under
standing or suffer the consequences. Pur-
suant of this idea of planning for the
general good of the many an application
made b- an outsider for the purchase of
property within the town presupposes his
Willingness To do his fair share of the
work of keeping up the standard the old
church deaconS set
Further than this, direct obligation to
vouch for any possible purchaser OF
property is placed upon the owner of
such land or houses. 1t is the owner S
plain duty diligently TO inquire into the
record of his prospective customer before
closing negotiations with him for the
transfer of property. and to assure him.
self that the newcomer is law-abding,
and that he will be compatible with the
community. before the papers are passed.
When one of the undesirable flock
slips past the watchfulness of the city
s,thers and of the property owners or
when one of the elect falls from grace it
is the duty of the man acquainted with
the circumstances OF such shortcomings
to advise the others Of the case. IL the
offense is Il minor one. his fellows ad
monish the offender; If the action is'like-
y TO bring i'll repute upon the community.
the county authorities are likely to receive
Evening star., 1908-01-26

1t is now only in the back towns and
villages and in the true country of New
England that the pure native American
blood is visible everywhere. and you are
still reminded Of Brother Jonathan. The
foreign manufacturing influx has been so
great and the assimilation has been so
complete that new race has practically
taken the place of the traditional Yankee.
Only the south has measurably es-
capped this amaigamation. and one must
travel through the Carolinas and Georgia
to find the true American breed in form.
face. speech and spirit. One may travel
for days in the north and west among the
common people and hear about every
language of the civilized world but ones
own, especially in the smoking car Any
one may notice. if he will that the list of
Evening star., 1908-01-26

!, most significant fact in connection
with the general appearance of Queen
City Is the fact that, when ii Was visited.
Evening star., 1908-01-26

Holmes. Dallas Jackson Hiram Ball. and
the clerk of the church, Isaac Clinkett,
who still lives at Queen City.
Facing the necessity of moving their
place of worship. the trustees conceived
the plan of the purchase of tract of
land in the name of the Mount Olive Bap-
list Church. and of selling subdivided lots
at cost to such negroes desired them.
And SO the first step in their unconscious
and systemless commune was taken.
Twenty negroes purchased twenty lots in
the new township. and the building of the
Mount Olive Baptist Church, which stands
at the head OF the main street of the vii
lage, was begun.
The erection of the church provided a
natural common meeting place. and. as
naturally. the members of the congrega-
ton grew to seek the advice of the elders
and leaders in the church. until the Gus
tom became SO fixed that such church
meetings did away with the necessity for
a town council or a mayor: the necessity
of incorporation became less apparent.
and the residents Of Queen City began to
rely more and more upon the system of
every mans assumption of his share Of
the munlclDal duties, anu upon seeking
every mans advice regarding the opera
ton OF the municipality. provided the adj
vice met with the approval of the church
officers
X x
Not one of the residents of Queen CITY
who were questioned had ever heard of the
communistic principle. To most of those
who had heard the word socialism. =
nothing but mountaineering was suggest
ed, and yet Uncle Isaac Clinkett." coun-
cilor and man of affairs III the village,
gives as the one rule governing the place.
side of the scope of county authority:
'Eyeh man mus do his paht tow'd d keep
in de place nice. long ez we don have no
city officers I'm in de same way each
nm of us knows da; We wouldn't be doin'
right by ouah neighbors ef We didn't
repot rostertrs. 'sturbers of de peace an
de like. We won't stan foh no one man
Evening star., 1908-01-26

stuck. for he must make good personally.
The honest farmer is not always averse
to this method of getting rid of his bad
money.
The distance covered by many OF these
circus goers seems incredible. OF course
we bill the railroads for fifty miles IN
every direction and get excursion rates.
A ffty-mie railroad ride for people VINO
never ride that nsach all the rest of the
wear is merely a picnic-a pleasant eX-
cursion-witn another amusement at the
! end of ii. But What would YOU say of a
couple OF fellows from West Virginia VII
lage driving forty miles to the railroad
station. riding fifty miles 10 junction
with the main line and then many miles
further to see the show at Wheeling !.
After the last performance they took the
next train back. sleeping in their seats
and getting back home after five days on
tie road | saw this in my last season.
and | have heard of many similar hard
ships braved for single three hours
under the big tents.
In the bicycle period we used to have
tent purposely to check and store the
machines of those who used that means
OF getting TO town. and they used to
come twenty and twenty-five miles by
wheel. Ont west it is common thing
for farm boys who have worked behind
team all day TO walk four or five miles
TO view night performance. and then
walk back home again at midnight, the
horses getting the only rest
The circus press agent sees more of
these people than any other living man
in it. not excepting the other employees
of the circus-who are too busy to sit up
and take notice In these later years on
the road | have discovered a rapid thin
ming out of the clean-cut impressive
American features. Even in New Eng
land. outside of Boston. the change is con-
spicuous In some New England manu-
featuring towns like Woonsocket. r. l. !:
Fall River and Lowell. Mass. the great
majority are foreign born, with many
Welsh and French Canadians. Our tabled
fishing fleets Of Gloucester are nne-tenths
Canadians and Scandnavians in person
mel
Evening star., 1908-01-26

Queen CITY the largest Of the three,
With some 5uO inhabitants, bears. accord
Ing to Crandal Mackey commonwealth s
attorney for Alexandria county, an al
most unbiemished reputation. The charge
of illicitly selling liquor among them
selves has. however. been brought agains,
some of the residents of the other settle
men,s by the officers or the law
The residents of Queen City rarely. if
ever give the county trouble" said M
Mackcy few days ago. When ono oi
their number becomes bad. a committee
OF the citizens will call upon the authori-
Evening star., 1908-01-26

~~D DITHIN sight of the Washing
ton Monument White House. I
w iaal,9 ;s4s25. sss "sar Gse='sisans. is@ sssnsa
The Tucumcari news and Tucumcari times. [volume] (Tucumcari, N.M.) 1907-1921, 1908-05-23
COUNCIL HAS A BUSY SESSION

ed all infectious cases progressing
favorably.
Council ordered that all practic-
ing physicians report all infectious
cases under their care Immediately
to health officer in future.
Council took up several cases for
Investigation relative to infectious
diseases not properly quarantincd,
and after going thoroughly over the
matter found that they we're with
out foundation and were merely
circulated from heresay.
Bill OF Geo. Holden and lno.
Brown for leveling dirt taken from
excavations OF new buildings and
used by city on streets was approx.
ed by finance committee and order.
ed paid.
City marshal Benson reported
on the sanitary work, giving the
number OF places inspected and
names OF owners and stated that
most OF those so notified had com.
plid with the ordinance immediate.
ly.
The names OF those who had fail.
ed to comply with same and in.
structed that suit against them be
instituted at once. The CITY was
ordered to take charge OF such work
that had not been done by property
owners and to have same done al
once and 10 supervise same he wa.
also ordered to rush the work oil
inspection and serve notices on al
offenders and to report all cases al
the next regular meeting.
Clerk, ]. X. Daughtry read .
communication from {. J.. Pillow
asking the Council to set a time fol
a thorough test OF the chemica
engine, this was received as in.
formation, and the Clerk was in.
structed to notify Mr.. Pillow tina.
another test would not be necessar,
as the members were satisfied tina.
the engine would I've OF no value e
the city in event OF fire. The pa
pers relative 10 some were turned
over to the city attorney Tor iurth
er information.
The question OF revising an au
dicnce regarding the city occupa
ton tax and II on cement side
walks on the principal streets wa,
taken up and some time devoted L
each but owing to the late hour tn,
council adjourned until 1890 Fri
day evening when these matter
will be taken up and acted upon.
The Tucumcari news and Tucumcari times. [volume] (Tucumcari, N.M.) 1907-1921, 1908-05-23
NOTICE.

To The Red River Valley Company, a
corporation organized under the laws OF
New Mexico, and The Farmers Loan \
Trust Company, a corporation organized
under the laws Of the State uf New YORK:
You and each of you are hereby notified
that the undersigned has hlcd IN the District
Court OF the 9th Judicial District Of the
Territory Of New Mexico, sitting in and
for the County Of Quay, q petition praying
for the appointment Of commissioner To-
assess the damages which the said Red
River Valley Company. as owner, and the
said Farmers Loan & Trust Company, as
mortgage. may sustain by reason OF the
the establishment. erection and mainten.
ance Of the main line OF railroad OF the
undersigned. over, across and upon the
following described real estate lying and
being situated in Union County, New
Mexico. via:
A strip OF land three hundred goo feet
in width through the east half Of the south
west quarter Of section fourteen 90.
township thirteen (iJ) north. range thirty.
three (IJD east. QUAY county New Mexico.
and further described as follows,
Beginning at a point on the east and
west center line Of said section fourteen
(I4), said point being distant one hun.
bred and fifty feet (tSol ieel west from
the intersection of this said east and west
center line with the center line Of the
main track OF the Chicago, Rock Island x
III Paso Railway, as same has been stakcd
aud constructed through said section,
measured along the said east and west
center line OF said section fourteen "a,
and being also distant fifteen hundred and
one I5oi) feet east from IN. northwest
ccrnet OF the said %southwcs, quarter OF
section fourteen IA. Thence southeasterly
at an angle Of ninety-one degrees (gIo), IN
the southwesterly direction from the said
east and west center line OF section fourteen
(I4l along a line running parallel with ana
distant one hundred and nifty lISo) feet
southwesierly at right angles from the
center line OF the Chicago, Rock Island &
FL PaSo main track; a distance OF twenty
three hundred and forty and four tenths
(2l4o. 81 feet, TO a point On the south line
OF said section fourteen lI4). thence east
along the south line OF section fourteen IA
a distance OF three hundred (3ool feet.
/ Thence norihwes,erly along a line making
an angle OF ninety-one degrees lgfol in a
northeasterly direction from the south line
OF section fourteen az and running par
allel with and distant one hundred anu
fifty (ISo) feet northeasterly at righI
angles from the center line OF the Chicago,
Rock Island X III Paso Railway main
track, a distance Of twenty-three hundred
and forty and four tenths llI4o Al feet
to a point ON the east and west center Ian,
OF section fourteen (I4). thence west alonl
the aid cas- and west center line of sec.
ton fourteen tai a distance Of three
hundred goo ice, to the point Of begin
] n,n9 All containing gtNleRn and lNlelNt
The Tucumcari news and Tucumcari times. [volume] (Tucumcari, N.M.) 1907-1921, 1908-05-23
Battleskips an lnsur-
ance Against War

1t is a serious matter that, bv n
vote Of 1870 to 50, the four battle.
ship programme recommended by
the president'has been rejected by
the house. Nobody wants to put
a sent more than is necessary into
battleships. They pay no direct
dividends to their owners, and the
value Of the indirect profit on them
in the protection and preservation
OF peace is apt 10 be less appreci.
ated than il deserves. Battleships
are insurance against war. They
are very dear to build, unproduc.
tive when built, and very expensive
to maintain. But all insurance is
expensive and unproductive. II
would be an enormous economy
II we could do away with the need
OF nre insurance or even make !.
material reduction in the cost oi it.
The loss 10y fire last year in this
country was about $4,000, 900;
the insurance loss was SI28, ooo,.
900, and doubtless the ost OF in.
surance was considerably more
than that sum. Besides this cost
Of insurance premiums we must
reckon as part OF our fire apparatus
and tiremen in the country. Meas
ured up against our fire insurance
bill our wal insurance bill does
not seem SO big. Last yea, il was
about s2oo, 900, 900 about sos, 900.
ooo for the navy and SIo2, 900, 900
Tor the army; II is, OF course, a
pity TO have TO pay so much.
Whenever all the leading nations
can agree 10 diminish the chances
OF war and carry less wal insurance
we can and will Join with them in
doing so. But until there is such
agreement II will be bad economy
tor us to save money on u war
insurance. Congress is willing to
vote two hattleships and a couple
OF colliers, aud to authorize naval
expenditures OF nearly sIS,ooo,.
900. That is by no means a mig.
gardlv provision, but IN the judg.
ment OF the experts it does not
quite warrant us in feeling that as
against the chances OF war we are
fully insured "-Harpers Week.
ly,
The Tucumcari news and Tucumcari times. [volume] (Tucumcari, N.M.) 1907-1921, 1908-05-23

Council met in regular session al
8 o'clock Thursday evining. The
entire board being present. Meet.
ing was called to order by Mayor
Stewart.
The minutes OF previous meeting
were read by the clerk and were
approved.
Sanitary ordinance No. a. was
taken up and read regarding the
peddling or sale OF milk within the
city limits in an uasanitary and inn
pure condition, also the peddling
Of impure water. The minimum
fine for such violations being S.,
and the maximum saS. This ordin.
ance was amended to read that it
is unlawful to maintain, sell or
peddle any impure water or milk
within the city limits.
The health officer was authoriz-
ed to inspect all such water and
milk at any time he deemed neces.
saty.
There were also a lew changes
made in ordinance prohibiting spit.
ting on side walks, walls and floors
OF public buildings within town
limits. Ii was suggested that cir
culars be gotten out warning the
public OF the danger OF this prac-
tice. On motion duly seconded
this ordinances was proved and or
dered to he published.
Ordinance fixing distances OF
slaughter houses at n mile from
city limits, was taken up and read
and referred to the committee.
Ordinance no. as covering all
cases OF petty %larcency, and fixing
a minimum line OF S. and a maxi.
! ".um OF S25, on all such violations
as read tor the second time and
on motion duly seconded was pass
ed.
Ordinance No. 40 regarding
springling Of streets in business
,ections OF town during the months
OF MAY. June, July, August anC
September and charging merchant:
a fee oil so cents per month, foi
same vas read for the first tim,
and tabled Tor further investigation
Special committee reported OF
contract with ]. A.. Street O
sprinkliug streets during summer
months and same was accepted bN
the Board and ordered to he pro
perly executed.
Report OF Health officer. DR.
Rivera was next heard, he report
The Tucumcari news and Tucumcari times. [volume] (Tucumcari, N.M.) 1907-1921, 1908-05-23
ADJOURNED MEETING.
City Council Revi,es The DC
cvpation Tax.

At an adjourned meeting OF the
city council read Friday evening,
the following members were pre-.
sent; Stewart, Gerhart, Flat, Nea.
ius, clerk Daughtry, and attorney
Alderdge. The revision OF the &C.
cupation tax was the special order
OF the evening, and after athorough
discussion the following changes
were agreed upon; Drug stores and
Jewelry stores, raised from $500
to $1,000. Ware house handling
hides, pelts, wood, fuel and feed
$1,000. Brokerage and commits.
sion, $40, 90. Flour and feed store,
$500, wagon yard, $500. Cold
storage and retail ice dealer, SIo,.
90. Ice factory, whole sale and
retail, S25,oo. Hotels or rooming
houses, 40 rooms or more, sac, 90,
OF less than &C rooms $1,000. Sc.
cond hand store, $1,000. Racket
store, $1,000. Slot machines, $40.
90 each. Tailor shop, $500.
Travelling shows or Theatrical per.
formances in tent, room or hall ,
$500 TO. each performance. Nov.
ing picture shows or other Thcat.
rical performances permanently
located, $500 per mouth. Bakery,
$500 per year. Harness and sad.
dlery, $500. Tinshop and plumb,
ing, $1,000. Skating rink, 5000
Shooting Gallery, $1,000, Millin,
cry stores, $500. Brick or cement
Block factory, $1,000.
The Tucumcari news and Tucumcari times. [volume] (Tucumcari, N.M.) 1907-1921, 1908-05-23
NEWS SPECIAL ADDITION

Mr.. Newing OF the Tucumcari
News was down this week work.
ing in the interest OF an illustrated
edition of that paper to be issued
in June. II is to have some ao,-
o printed and the r. /. X. r.
will distribute some 5000 Of them.
II will be a general writeup OF the
county Of Quay, and We are glad
TO see our citizens supporting i,
for we want to see Montoya widely
advertised. tor il is the best town
ON the line, so they who know say.
II 10 a good scheme and we trus,
II Will meet with very hearty APP
prevail all over the country Mon
toys Republican.
The Tucumcari news and Tucumcari times. [volume] (Tucumcari, N.M.) 1907-1921, 1908-05-23

T.. Edwards OF the First National
Bank CT Tucumcari came down to
take charge OF the bank at this
place. He is polite, agreeable
gentleman who will make it win il
honest, courteous treatment count
aud he understands the banking
business and we can cheerfully re.
commend him to the public as a
"a whom you will be pleased to
form the acquaintance Of, and your
business dealings with him, we
have every reason to believe will
be satisfactory. Call and see him.
-Montoya Republican.
The Tucumcari news and Tucumcari times. [volume] (Tucumcari, N.M.) 1907-1921, 1908-05-23
NEW MOVING PICTURES.
Will Open On May 26ih at War.
rens Hall.

Miss Lorenzo Phillipson arrived
this week and will establish a per
manent moving picture show III this
city, she was accompanied by her
brother, sister and uncle.
Miss Phillipson has had several
years experience in this line and
proposes to give the public one
OF the best shows OF this kind
known. She has purchased one oil
the latest and most modern ma.
chimes, the Edison No model,
which is considered the best.
The show will consist OF moving
pictures, illustrated songs a n d
vaudeville performances.
The first performance will be on
Tuesday night MAY 26th at War.
rens Hall.
The Tucumcari news and Tucumcari times. [volume] (Tucumcari, N.M.) 1907-1921, 1908-05-23

Bob" Evans says we need
more battleships and fewer states
men," This is wrong, We need
more battleships, more statesmen
and more naval commanders who
do not have the mouth disease COM
mon to men who desire 10 pose as
statesmen. This is the only slap at
Fighting Bob" Evans ever print.
ed in a newspaper. We knew he'd
get too garrulous as he grew older,
Wichita Daily Beacon.
The Tucumcari news and Tucumcari times. [volume] (Tucumcari, N.M.) 1907-1921, 1908-05-23

Is Montoya a good point for a
bank. Well, one would think so
from the deposits the first day. 1t
reached the so,oII notch, and some
three or tour OF our merchants
have not changed from Tucumcari
yet, and but few farmers have de-
posted to date and we think i, will
soon prove all that we believe it
would be.