davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Weekly independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1887-1914, 1914-02-27
MINING DIAMONDS BY
MODERN METHODS

Machinery and barbed wire have
supplanted, the crude methods'of
breaking up diamond-bearinE blue
earth and protecting the valuable
finds employed 20 years ago in the
South African diamond mines, says
the March Popular Mechanics
Magazine. The depths Of the
strange crater-shaped holes in
which the peculiar diamond bear
ing earth is confined, 10 now pene-
trated by shafts, reaching hundreds
Of feet down into the earth, with
40-feet levels. The broken earth is
removed in closed trucks to the
surface, where after q season of
exposure to sun and atmosphere,
strewn on the ground, it is hauled
to the mills. Here pulsaters finally
locate the diamonds on grease COW
cred inclined tables, to which the
diamonds adhere, while loose sand,
earth and gravel are washed nway
by water. Acres of ground cover
ed by broken earth brought up
from the mines, contain possibly
millions of dollars worth of gems,
and these treasure-troves, are pro-
tected by high fences of barbed
wire with intricate arrangements
at the corners and at the gates.
About 1000 miles Of wire are used
in the defenses about the Kimberly
mines.
Weekly independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1887-1914, 1914-02-27
THE DEADLY AUTO

The Railway Gazette states that
tn recent publication regarding
accidents in the streets of New
York City in 1913 show that auto
mobile fatalities in that city are
increasing with appalling rapidity.
The last whole year for which acci.
dent statistics Of the interstate
commerce commission are avail
able is the year ending June 80,
1912. In that year the railways of
the United States carried 994,l58,-
591 passengers, total Of 33,000,-
100000 passenger miles. The num-
Der of passengers killed in train ac-
cidents collisions, deTaiIments,
ETC., was l39. The number of pass
engers killed in other wavs by step
ping in front Of moving engines
and cars, etc., was i79; making a
total OF passengers killed in all
ways in the entire United States
of 308. The number of persons
killed in the streets merely of New
York City by automobiles in 1918
was 302, or 1T per cent more than
the passengers killed in train acci-
dents in 1912, and but little less
than the total number of passengers
killed in all railway accidents. i.
Furthermore, the situation in re-
spect to automobile fatalities is
rapidly growing worse, the in
crease in the number in New York
City being from 221 in 1912 to 302
in 1913, or almost 40 per cent.
Weekly independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1887-1914, 1914-02-27
HEALTH AND THE
OPEN WINTER

The old time theery that an open
winter is prolific of i'll health
seems to be disproved for the pres.
ent season, in Chicago at least.
The winter has been unusually mild
the thermometer on January 28th
recording 60 degrees. Thee has
been practically no snow through
out the months of December and
January. According to the Bulle-
tin of the Chicago Department of
Health, there has been for the eight
weeks ending January "a reduc.
tion of 1916 per cent in the pneu-
monia death rate as compared with
the average of a like period for
the previous five years; 23.3 per
cent in influenza and 7.8 per cent
in the rate for tuberculosis. There
have likewise been reductions of
measles, which dropped 90 per
cent; scarlet fever, 81 per cent;
diphtheria, 24.2 per cent: and
whooping cough. 1872 per cent. The
Bulletin accounts for this by the
opportunity given by the mild wea.
ther for outdoor living and better
ventilation in living quarters. 1t is
estimated that in the diseases nam
ed there has been a saving of 515
lives during the six weeks of De-
cember and January for which the
comparison was made.
Weekly independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1887-1914, 1914-02-27
ANOTHER BARREL Of PORK

Party lines always disappear in
congress when the old flag waves
an appropriations for the home dis
tricts heave in sight. They do not
fail to disappear in the heavy vote
of the house for the bill which ap-
propriates $25, 100000 to be distri-
buted for good roads among the
states in same accordance with the
amounts they are spending for i'm
proved highways.
This is only beginning. The
more progressive states are now
spending over $50. 900, 900 year
for this purpose. New York state
alone is mourning a debt of $780,
100000. To keep up with them
congress will next year be asked for
$50.000,000 or 100000, 900; the
next year $500, ,0OO,0OO.
This is potentially the fattest
pork burreP ever rolled on the
floor of congress for an emptying
among patriots and bucolic states
men.-New York World.
Weekly independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1887-1914, 1914-02-27
HYPNOTISEO

Our friend who runs the Rich
field Record is so much in love
with Colonel Roosevelt that he is
impatient that anyone should criti-
else him even in a mild way. Did
he ever notice the Colonel's style,
or the compound adjectives that he
hurls at men and women alike when
they cross his path: Our friend in
the sheep country has permitted
the colonel to pull the woul over
his eyes. He is badly hypnotised.
If he ever RECEIVERS, he will sud-
denly discover that the colonel loves
himself more than all else in the
world except Office and spoils, and
that for these lin New York; he
is ready to betray friends, party
and country, and all the time
shouting his love for the people,
with an cgotism thai is monumental
a"d ingratitude that is appalling.
- G0Odwin's Weekly.
Weekly independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1887-1914, 1914-02-27
SOME BALL GAME

The several members Of the fam.
lily had been telling what they
would do II they owned the world.
Mother would abolish poverty,
father would provide absolute JUS
tice for all. Sister Sarah would
give every woman the vote. Fin
ally the views Of the ten-ycar.old
Johnny were sought.
What 'ud do il I owned the
world?" said he, looking up from
a geography he had been studying.
"Well I'll tell you what I'd do.
First I'd get old Atlas to sign up
two baseball teams among his
brothers and cousins; then I'd lay
out diamond on the desert of
Sahara; put tho Rocky Mountains
around 1t for fence, give the
players the moon for a ball and
the north pole for bat, and say
maybe | wouldn't sit on top of
Pixies peak and see some ball
game" Judge!
Weekly independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1887-1914, 1914-02-27
NUMBER 8
HIGH WIND PLAYS
HAVOC At M'GILL

A furious wind storm, travelling
at the rate Of approximately sixty
miles an hour wrought havoc at
McGill last Friday night. The con-
crete wall at the west end Of the
transformer house was blown down
as result of the fierce onslaughts
Of the elements. The concrete
blocks crashed into the mass of
wires in the transformer connect
ing with the iigh power line to the
mines and different portions of the
works, leaving the entire plant in
total darkness, and shutting off the
power from the mines. The differ
ent wires in the transformer house
carried various voltage up to the
40, 900 volt line to the mines, and
as these connected, great illuminat-
ing effects resulted.
Emergency crews were summon
ed and within twenty minutes new
wires were strung making connec-
tons in the smelter end and within
two hours lights were available in
the concentrator and power was
transmitted to Copper Flat and
Veteran
The oldest inhabitant at NcGill
cannot recall as severe windstorm
as the one which carried destruc-
tion in its wake Friday night
White Pine News.
Weekly independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1887-1914, 1914-02-27
A CASE OF SMALLPOX

Sunday afternoon Dr.. Wurdcn
found n ,nan on the street whose
face was covered with blotches.
He examined the mnn, as Drs. Hood
& West did. and pronounced him
well along with the smallpox. The
man was taken to the pestheusc at
once where. he was made as ctm-
Portable as possible by Steward
Tnbcf. He gives his name us James
W, jenkins and says he is on his
way from Garfield. Utah, to q place
in California where a job as cleo
trician swaits him. Not having sny
funds he was beating his way. He
has a hanjo and Saturday night he
was in several places in town play
ing instrument. He slept in a
. ,ona at Puccinclli's Saturday night
and Sunday evening Dr.. Wcrden
fumisated It.
While there Is danger OF tho d.
scase spreading TO those who came
In contact with Jenkins Saturday
night, there is no cause for alarm.
Weekly independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1887-1914, 1914-02-27
OGDEN BOOSTERS

An official photographer using
the latest moving picture machine,
as we'll as the Circuit cameras will
accompany the Ogden business men
when they visit Nevada in June.
From present indications at least
thirty cars will form the caravan
Of boosters. The route to be taken
will be the one used by the Nevada
Lincoln Trail association, passing
through Brigham, Tremontou,
Snowville, Montello, Wells, Cobrp,
Deeth, Elko, Carlin, Battle Noun
tain, Winnemucca, INLAY, Lovelock
Wadsworth to Reno.
Arrangements are already well
under way and nothing is being
left undonc to make the tour a
success. Besides the business men
an official physician will go along to
look after the health Of the small
army. There will be Associated
Press representatives as we'll as
newspapermen from the leading
newspaper Of Utah.
Weekly independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1887-1914, 1914-02-27
THE ELKs DANCE


The Elko Elks outdid themselves
last night at their first annual dance.
The Opera House was beautifully
decorated and the scene on the floor
when the dance was on was truly
inspiring. The Elks left nothing
undone to make the night an en-
joyable one to oil Of their guests.
At eleven o'clock, the lights were
turned off, the orchestra played
q dirRe, the dance stopped and the
Elks paid q silent tribute to their
absent brothers.
OF course, the ladies wore their
best togs and to the writer seemed
fearfully and wonderfully made
the tegs, not the ladies'.
Refreshments, consisting OF sher-
bet and cake, were served and to
the writer seemed the best part Of
the entertainment. Everything
moved along smoothly and the Elks
have cause for congratulation at
tho success Of their party.
Weekly independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1887-1914, 1914-02-27
WAT THEY DIE OF IN OHIO

You can die in Ohio without hav-
ing the doctor attach fancy medi-
cal name TO your death certificate.
Dr.. A. C.. Holland, uf the state
bureau of statistics, is authority
for this statement.
He lived several years beyond
his natural life and then Just peter
ed out" read a certificate from
Washington county. Another said
"He just faded away"
Death came by the visitation of
God in natural way" was jeff
erson county contribution. A Pike
county man died from "A post
mortem hemmorrhage." Cleveland
sent in a certificate which read ::
Stabbed on Sunday" Another
went into details. 1t read: DIED
suddenly in tne basement. History
and appearance, heart disease. Con-
tributory cause possibly sewer
gas"
AS the state spends thousands of
dollars a year classifying causes of
deaths. DR. Holland is now busy
returning the certificates for a more
specific explanation.
Weekly independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1887-1914, 1914-02-27
CALIFORNIA FOR CAlIFORNIANS

California for Californians is u
slogan that has come to be doctrine
over in the land of the festive ma
tive son. The truth of this state
ment is brought home to Nevadans
in multitude of ways Of late more
than formerly. AS Nevada agri-
culture has increased and bid
stronger for California markets
every resource at the command OF
the Californians has been invoked
to stay the competition thus i'm
posed. For instance, though the
eel worm thrives throughout the
length and breadth Of California,
Nevada potatoes showing traces of
this insidious insect are promptly
denied entrance in other markets
there, for be it known that our
potatoes have superior qualities for
the epicurc that will make the
most loyal native son in his desire
for toothsome article forget he
is a native son of the golden west.
Lately it has come to this papers S
knowledge that Nevada alfalfa is
also on the taboo list. A carload
OF Truckee-Carson project hay was
condemned in one Of the eastern
California counties one day last
week, because stalk of Russian
thistle was found among the bales.
And this despite the fact that Rus
sian thistle is one of the chief pro-
ducts Of CALIFORNIA; highways and
byways. Which forces home the
conclusion that if Nevadans are to
compete in California msrkets with
their products they must organize
and export only that which is free
from blcmish.
That Californians are manifest.
ly unfair and unsportsmanlike most
everyone will concpde. The wonder
Is that anything from Nevada is ac-
ccptablc to Californians. Really
they have come to be afraid that
the Nevada gold they have asked
for their bunco exposition IN 1916
Is affected with electrolysis and
will refuse it. But horrorsl Per.
ish the thought. Churchill Stand.
nrd.
Weekly independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1887-1914, 1914-02-27
A MILLION DOLLAR
STATE GOVERNMENT

The population of the state Of
Nevada is in round figures about
$4,000 which IN many states would
be considered as a city of moderate
size and yet it is claimed the cost
of state government is averaging
about million dollars per year.
This includes the funds derived
from TIE state for school purposes.
1t is large sum of money, en-.
tirely too much for the services
rendered to a small population. A
commission form of government,
if properly conducted, would re-
duce the cost to the taxpayers at
least per cent and give far more
efficient service. The commission
form of government has been tried
with marked success in many cities
and towns, but so far it has not
been tried by any of the states.
One advantage of a commission
form is that all Offices are conduct
ed strictly on a business basis,
while under the present form there
is always more or less graft of a
petty nature which in the course
of time runs into large figures. 1t
is said that the Offices at Carson
City are full Of idle clerks and that
the wives of many state off ficials
are on the payrolls fer which they
render very little, if anv, service
in return. This is a species Of
graft that has been in vogue for
many years. The last legislature
attempted to investigate running
expenses of the state ard made a
repoit setting out many unpleasant
facts but nothing further was done
about It, and nothing really accom-
plished. The legislature adjourned
snd then the matter dropped out of
sight end will not be heard of
again until the legislature meets
next year. The old adage "a pub
lie Office is a private snap" seems
to apply very aptly to several state
Offices.
A commission form of g)vern-
ment would do away with the
spoiIs system and inefficient SER
vice, both in state and county af-
fairs aid would prove a Tremendous
saving to taxpayers. Ely Record.
Weekly independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1887-1914, 1914-02-27
SHAKY NIGHT IN
VIRGINIA CITY

Virginia City is evidently not
yet done with the shakes" for be-
ginning last night at 9:l5 o'clock,
and continuing at intervals mp to
3:45 this morning another series Of
earthquakes passed across this Dsrt
of the country. Beginning at 2
o'clock and increasing velocity and
severity, the earthquakes followed
one another in quick succession, the
elimination coming at about twenty
minutes of four. This was the
heaviest one OF all but the one a!
1920 was not far behind in its in
tensity. The last quake was accom-
panied by distinct rumbling
sound, rattling windows and arous-
ing nearly every one in tuwn from
their slumbers. Many people
dressed and went out of doors but
it proved to be the climax of the
night disturbances. It is reported
that one or two chimneys were
shaken down.
Underground the earthquake was
again much in evidence, causing a
sluffing off Of loose rocks and caus-
ing the nights shift considerable
un easiness. .-Chronicle.
Weekly independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1887-1914, 1914-02-27
TONOFAH MINERS TO
REDUCE COST Of LIVING

The Miners union last night re.
So'Ved to establish supply house
on the cooperative plan as soon ss
inc stock is subscribed and quar-.
tcrs rented for the accommodation
OF the large stock of goods which
the union propose to carry.
The plan is to capitalize for 500.
600, tho stock to be subscribed bv
members at $40 a share. Then tho
union will add $500 received
from the sale Of the hospital to the
working capital and the company
will be ready to proceed to bust.
mss. The proposition was two to
one In favor. Bonanza.
Weekly independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1887-1914, 1914-02-27
WILLIAM MYERS

At z o'clock this morning Will
liam Myers, one of the oldest resi-
dents of this county in point of
residence, died at the home Of his
son in-law, Mr.. Alfred Bruce. Mr..
Myers was born near Herkimer,
Herkimer county, New York in
1889. In 1859 he crossed the 18TH
mus and settled in California.
When the Civil war broke out, he
enlisted in California regiment
and was stationed for a time at
Fort Douglas, Utah. His regiment
was afterward transferred to Fort
Ruby in Rlby valley, this county.
He was promoted to second lieu
tenant for faithful service and held
that rank when he resigned from
the service in 1864.
That year he and his brother,
James. and Mr.. A G. Dawley form
ed partnership and located a
ranch in Ruby valley and began
raising cattle and grain. They
raised the first crop of grain that
was raised in Ruby valley and per-
haps in the county. There were TO
threshing machines this far vest
at that time and they threshed
their crop by tramping it out with
horses. The ranch they located in
1864 now belongs Joe Billy Smith.
MIR. Myers lived in this county
continuously from the time he was
stationed at Fort Ruby until his
death. His brother died several
years ago leaving him and Mr..
Dawley the oldest settlers of the
county in point of residence. Mr..
Dawley survives him and is now
the oldest settler in the county in
point uf residence.
Mr. myers health began to fail
several months ago and for long
time he was unable to leave his
bed. He had the best of care but
age undermined his constitution
and loving care and medical skill
could not stay its ravsges. He was
a state builder and lived to see a
wilderness grow into a prosperous
state. As citizen, he ranked high
As soldier lie ssrved his country
faithfully. He leaves behind u good
record and good name.
Two daughters, Mrs. Alfred
Bruce of Elko and Mrs. Jack
Thomas, of Kimball, White Pine
county, survive him.
The remains will be brought
from the ranch tomorrow and the
funeral will take place Wednesday
The hour and place cannot be
fixed until Mrs. Thomas is heard
from.
Weekly independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1887-1914, 1914-02-27
BANKS FOR FARMERS

Two bills to establish farm banks
were introduced into Congress last
week, one in the Senate and one in
the house. These bills have the 3D..
prevail of the Wilson administration.
They were introduced by Senator
Fletcher of Florida and Represent.
ative Moss of Indiana, members of
commission which President Wilson
sent abroad last summer to study
the foreign system of banks for
farmers. They provide for long
time loans on farm property. Bills
for short time loans are to he in
troduced later.
1t is proposed to have in the
treasury department Bureau of
Farm Land Banks" which is to
have general control of such banks.
Any group of farmers within a
state organize a cooperative farm
land bank, with power to issue
bonds which may be- sold to raise
funds in distant money markets.
Out of the banks capital, subscrib-
ed ny its stockholders, or out of
money arising from the sale of
bonds, loans may be made tu farm
ers. These loans may run as long
as 35 years. The banks stockhold-
ers are responsible for the debts of
the bank, up to twice the par value
of the stock they hold. Postal saw
ings funds may be deposited in the
country banks.
Farmers in this country have
always worked under great disad-
vantages. because they could not
easily borrow money when they
needed it to make their crops, al
though they may have gvod Sc sur
ity. In a small farming village
there is no. one, as a rule, who can
lend much money. Investors in
distant places know nothing about
the needs of that community bnd
nothing about the value Of the Sc.
cnrity offered by the device of the
small, local banks. issuing, selling
and guaranteeing bonds, it is ex-
pccted that money will flow from
the investors who will have it lying
idle, and will reach the farmers
VINO can put it to profitable use.
President Wilson, Secretary Rryan,
Secretary McAdoo and the authors
of these bills are very enthusiastic
about them. They believe that
such banks will bring to American
agriculture greater prosperity than
it has ever known.
Weekly independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1887-1914, 1914-02-27
NO NORTH: NO SOUTH

Typical Of the truth that time
heals all wounds, a Confederate
officer of the Civil war opened the
simple exercises with which ground
was broken on the l05th anniver-
sary of the birth Of Abraham Lin.
coin for the Lincoln memrrial at
the nations capital. Ex-senator
Blackburn of Kentucky, the officer
referred to, with uncovered head
spoke in eulogy of the President
whom he fought against half q cen.
tury ago. In the United States
Senate 1t was Southerner who
made the motion to adjourn out Of
respect to the memory of Lincoln
following the reading by smother
Southern Senator Of Lincoln's
Gettysburg address,.
Little things these are perhaps,
but deeply significant Of the spirit
Of the country. We have let the
dead pnst bury iis dead. We have
forgotten sectionalism forcsworn
old hatreds. There is no North,
no South. We are one country,
bound in eternal brotherhood by
the bonds of fraternity, equality
aud msgnanin,ity. --Humbold, Star.
Weekly independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1887-1914, 1914-02-27
THE MEXICAN SITUATION

The situation in Mexico is near
the danger point. The execution Of
William S. Benton, a British SUBJ
ject, by General Villu is causing a
good deal Of rash talk throughout
the county, especially along the
border. While Villa claims that
Benton tried to kill him and that
he was turned over to a court
martial and regularly convicted
and executed, Benton's friends
claim that he was cruelty murder.
ed.
The whole matter Is being thor.
ougly Investigated by our govern.
ment and the facts so far as they
can be ascertained will soon be in
possession of the state department.
From whatever angle the affair
is viewed, 1t has a sinister look
and may lead to var. While II Is
being investigated, there should be
patience on the part Of our people.
This country wants no war with
Mexico so long as 1t can be avoided
with honor. But there should be
no hesitation on tho part of our
government in making the fighting
factions in Mexico respect our flag
and protect our citizens and the
citizens of other countries. If no
thing but war will do this, then
war should come. but every other
means known to diplomacy should
be tried before the country Is
plunged into a costly, bloody war.
Let us calmly wait the action OF
the authorities at Washington.
.--~-~~~-.--es-
Whence the Torn "ouaok.r
Weekly independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1887-1914, 1914-02-27

In America it is estimated that
the number of rats is nearly equal
to the population, but they are not
nearly as dangerous or destructive
as the rats found in many foreign
countries and arc more easily OK.
terminated. 1t is estimated by Pro-
fessor Elliott that there arc 40,-
100000 rats in the British Isles.
India's population Is outnunbered
by rats to the extent Of four rats
to each human being.
Weekly independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1887-1914, 1914-02-27
fhouphtfui.

whenever I Hnieh reading one OF
my poems" said the poet. II always
loavo tho platform on uptoo" "How
thoushtfuli" remarked his friend. ITO
Woid waking the audience, 1 suppose
Weekly independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1887-1914, 1914-02-27
SCREENING Granite sIss..

Y has been observed that, under
In conditions which have not
explained. granite win warp like
wood. A slab set In wall has been
under observation in Switzerland, and
. perceptible dlstortion has made ~
Ieli entt-Harpsr's weeAiz.
Weekly independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1887-1914, 1914-02-27

Her Forte.
But q woman doesn't care TO boss
The lob II shD can boss the boSs.
Weekly independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1887-1914, 1914-02-27

Whence the Term "ousok.r
"ouack" doctor originally meant
quake" or agus doctor.