davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Blackfoot optimist. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1907-1918, 1915-01-07
Bootlegging and
Gambling Must Cease

II there has been any prediction
suspicious, reports or insinuctions thai
Ralph w. Adair, the newly elected
prosecuting attorney Of Bingham coun
ty, was not unalterably opposed to
both boOtlegging and gambling, in ali
their illegal forms, without fear or
favoritism, the following letter should
officially dispel them. In his endea-
vor to put the lid down tight, Mr..
Adair knows that the assistance Of
the public is necessary, and If he
cannot get that assistance without
partiality to places and persons, he
will invoke the aid of a grand jury.
His voluntary and creditable letter
follows:
Blackfoot, Idaho, Dec. 26, 1914.
Sir:
Statements in derogation of can.
didate made during a political cam
paign, and prediction promises made
by any candidate are seldom needed,
but because of certai attacks made
upon me in the recent election, a
doubt seems to exist in the minds
Of some people as to my attitude on
certain important public questions.
Now that the election is over and l
am about to assume my duties as
public prosecutor, l want my posi-
tion to be clearly Understood by all,
that no misapprehension may exist
in the mind of any person as to my
purpose relative to law eforcement.
This statement can have no political
purpose and I mean exactly what
I say herein.
I shall endeavor, throughout my
term in such office, to strictly and
impartially enforce all the laws of
tho State, and shall make a special
effort to summarily put a stop to
boot-lcggfng and gamblig. A deplor-
able condition exists in this county
which cannot longer be tolerated. The
deceit, law abiding citizens. demand
an Improvement of this condition. l
shall ad do expect the aid of all
the police and court officials in my
endeavor to stamp out lawlessncss,
and if the ordinary machinery of gov.
crment is not sufficient, intend
to ask the court to call grand
jury, and may invoke other extra
The Blackfoot optimist. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1907-1918, 1915-01-07

Ihe city council held regular meet
ing last Tuesday night with all mem
bers present but Councilman O'Neil
who was out Of town.
Minutes of previous meeting wert.
read and approved
The council unanimously resolved to
issue no more licenses without they
are paid for in advance
Nofear Davis, chairman of the i'm.
provement committee, exhibited map
from tho Idaho Light and Power Co.,
showing their new plans and prices
for Illuminating the city. No definite
action was taken and the matter
was referred back to the committee
On the recommendation of Council
man Peck, the council voted to pur.
chase d push cart for the cemetery
sexton, to be used for the improve,
ment of the silent addition.
The Chief of Police reported col.
lections amounting to $3.50 for the
months of November and December.
The Police Judge reported that he
had collected $7S for the month of
of December, and that there is $15
due in outstanding fines.
The City Clerk made his final re.
port, and Sewer Commissioner Smith
made his annual report.
Chief of Police Simmons submitted
an inventoried report of the city's
property.
The designations of W. H. Sim.
mons as chief of police, and Geo.
Holbrook as clerk, were rendered and
accepted by the council with rising
vote of thanks for their faithful and
pleasant performance of duty.
Councilman Bond, who has Lee
chosen by the county as one of the
commissioners, offered his resigna-
ton. but the council refused to accept
it, believing that his valuable ser.
vices to the city would not interfere
with his duty to the county.
The resignation of Chief of Police
Simmons to take place on the 10th
inst brought to light the following
eight applicants for positions on the
police force of the city of Blackfoot:
T. R. Jones
w. H. Clayton
R. A. Palmer
Roy Clarke
Lee Faulkner
VIM. Drew
Russell Sewen
Ray Ramie
The resignation of city clerk de
The Blackfoot optimist. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1907-1918, 1915-01-07
HEN FRUIT PRESERVER

r. G. Flemming is receiving a
great deal of encouragement about
the egg preserver he has invented,
and from present prospects he is
headed for the sunny side of Easy
street. Mr. Flemming has devoted
several years in the perfection Of his
egg preserver, and Mr.. Pearson and
others who have tried it say it will
surely keep eggs fresh for almost
a year.
The Blackfoot optimist. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1907-1918, 1915-01-07
Awarding Of
Bids POSTPONED

The awarding of bids for furnishing
supplies for the State Insane Asylum
that was to have taken place last
Saturday, has been postponed to next
Monday, January 18th. Tho post
ponement was made by DR.. Hyde on
request of a number of local merchant.
who desired more time to place their
bids. See call for bids on pago
seven of this ISSUE
The Blackfoot optimist. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1907-1918, 1915-01-07
New Chief of Police
and Night Patrolman

velops but one applicant, that was
Oscar Rider, and he was the unani.
nous choice of the council to sue
coed Geo. Holbrook, resigned.
The selection of a new chief OF
police has been considered for some
time by the mayor and councilmen,
and the large number of good men
who sought positions on the police
force made the selection of one Of
them no easy or pleasant matter.
However, there was one very good
ground for selection, and that was
experience, and in this respect Rus.
sell Sewcll for chief, and VIM. Drew
for night patrol, had the best of their
competitors and were recommended b.
the mayor. On motion of Councilman
Bond, seconded by Councilman Younie
tho appointment of Sewell and Drew
were unanimously confirmed by the
council.
The following bills were read and
allowed:
The Blackfoot optimist. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1907-1918, 1915-01-07
BLACkFOOT WELL REPRESENTED

With young Peter Johnston and
Marvin Thomas as clerks in the
senate, and Miss Betty Ezell as as.
sistant enrolling clerk in the same
body, this community is not without
some legislative influence and repre-
sentation in the third house of the
thirteenth session If the Idaho lcgis.
lature.
The Blackfoot optimist. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1907-1918, 1915-01-07
LOST THEIR BABE

Last Saturday morning Thelma
Pearl, the 22-day-old child of Mr.. and
Mrs Oscar Rider, after a few days
illness. died Of congestion of the lungs
The funeral took place last Monday
and was largely attended by the many
friends of the bercaved couple.
The Blackfoot optimist. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1907-1918, 1915-01-07
A GOOD APPOINTMENT

It is rumored in political circles
that Alex Younie will be appointed
one of the new members of the board
of directors of the State Insane Asy-
lum at Blackfoot, Notwithstanding his
opposite affiliation to the governor,
who seems to have an inclination not
to give all the spoils to the victors
The Blackfoot optimist. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1907-1918, 1915-01-07
WANT BETTER LIGHT

Sam Rich and his neighbors arc
illuminated by electric light, as the
Idaho Light and Power company are
constructing a transmission line out
In that beautiful farming district wher
electricity will soon be used for all
motive power on the farm.
The Blackfoot optimist. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1907-1918, 1915-01-07
FOR SALE OR TRADE

AT bargain. One Overland auto.
mobile in good running condition. Ap
ply at this office. adv.
Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1915-09-09
0RV|LLE WRIGHT TO
QUIT THE WORKSHOP
AerOplane Inventor Will Devote
Life to Research Work.

Dayton, O.-Orville Wright, the aero
plane inventor and manufacturer, is
to devote his life to research work,
giving up his business interests.
The inventor for years has had the
ambition to develop and amplify his
research work, but since the death Of
his brother Wilbur several years ago
his time has been taken up almost en-
tirely by the management of his bust
ness and patent litigation. In the last
week two offers have been made for
the Wright holdings here but without
success.
Mr.. Wright refused to make public
any offers he has received, but Day
ton bankers say substantial sums and
credits were concerned.
II cannot say now how soon this
change will come about or give any de-
tails of how or why it will be made"
said Mr.. Wright
1t is said Mr.. Wright's health is poor
and he is in nervous condition. Con-
frOnted with this as a possible motive
for selling the plant, he still refused to
reveal his intentions further.
II never was interested especially In
the business end of it," said Mr.
Wright. II am not averse to making
money from it. But that is not what
I am striving for.
"My patent litigation is going favor
ably, both in the United States and
abroad. The court Of appeals has sus-
tanned the decision of lower courts I'm
every instance, and there is a little
further work along those lines.
81 have not gone into the war game
as other aeroplane manufacturers have.
The trouble has been in getting high
powered aeroplane motor that is re-
liable. They are pretty delicate things,
but am working on new 120 horse
power engine which have not put on
the market"
Concerning the New York newspaper
story in which it was said the Ger
man government held an option on the
Wright plant, Mr.. Wright had an ex-
PLANTATION to make.
"The story Is an untruth. I know
that it was based merely on a sugges-
ton that the German government get
an option ON this company. Some one
thought it would be good scheme for
the Germans to buy the Wright com
pany and prevent other countries from
getting any machines. A letter tQfhat
effect was written to the German con-
sui at New York, and from that source
the story emanated."
Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1915-09-09

Rely on Wind Exclusively.
So steady are the winds at Cura-
Goa that three wireless telegraph sta
tons depend on windmills. to furnish
their power
Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1915-09-09

Union forces in Green Briar, and also
more complete information regarding
those irregulars who are in sympathy
with us, as well as tne character of
their leaders. Judging from the rec
ommendation given you by Colonel
Maitland felt that you were peculiar
ly adapted to render this service How
ever, Sergeant Wyatt, I propose stat
ing plainly that this may prove an
exceedingly dangerous detail, and if
you decide to accept it, it must be
done as volunteer"
He paused questioningly, and drew
a quick breath, realizing suddenly the
seriousness of the situation and the
Importance of my decision.
Il am perfectly ready to go, sir"
Ewell broke in impatiently with his
high-pitched voice.
MAY | ask if it be generally known
in Green Briar that you are enlisted
in the Confederate service?"
ITO but very few, SIR" I answered,
turning to look across at my unex-
pected questioner. ITO none I am at
all likely to encounter. My mother and
Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1915-09-09
MAY IRWIN BACKS WILSON.
Wants Cabinet Post to Laugh His De-
tractors Out Of Court.

Nants Cabinet Post to Laugh His De-
tractors Out Of Court.
New York.-May Irwin fills no posi-
ton in President Wilson's cabinet,
which precludes her reprimanding those
she thinks talk too much, but as suf-
fragist who campaigned ardently for
the president she feels privileged to
stand up for him. So she sent letter.
to President Wilson which said, among
other things:
"In these times, when our beloved
country is facing the most crucial prob
lens of its history, you have shown
yourself as great patriot and states
man as ever held the executive office
"But as usual there are some agita-
tors and self seekers who for the sake
Of notoriety are attempting to handicap
the work of the president, even to the
extent of hurting this nation into the
bloodiest war of all history. am only
it the duty of every woman, child or
man to encourage you with direct
approval of your course; hence this
letter.
~ would like to see new depart
ment added to the government, to be
known as the department of laughter.
The function of it should be to laugh
out of court these fools and self seek
ers, these pests and jingoes who are
trying to annoy you in your work. The
rulers Of old had their Sir MOtleys and
testers for just such purpose. I re-
,spectfully apply for the portfolio of
this department on the superstition that
l know a good laugh when l see One."
Up to the hour Of going to press the
good submarine Oyster Bay had not
even shown it's periscope preparatory
to firing an answering broadside.
Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1915-09-09
Taylor County Land !

100 acres of gently rolling land, free
from stone; 25 acres of loamy coil are
cleared, the balance is timber cut over,
lot of good pasture, with fine creek
cutting one corner. A small frame
house and a good log barn are on the
farm. Price $500 per acre. Cash
$500 90; balance on time at per cent.
100 acres of fine land, 8 acres in
meadow and the balance Of timber cut
over. This farm has a fine creek run
ming through it, is one mile from
school, 81 miles from Whittlesey, 7
miles from Rib lake and IL miles from
Medford. Price $500 per acre. $500
cash, balance on time to suit purchaser,
per cent mortgage.
J. Fl. BELL & BROTHER, Medford,
Or the Mineral Point Real Estate
Agency, at The Democrat Office.
Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1915-09-09

Wyatt" he said kindly, eff you
ever desire to change your arm OF
the service, you are the kind of man l
want to ride with me-"
/ smiled in appreciation, but before
I could answer, the man who had been
sitting silently in the corner arose,
and stood erect in the light. The
gleam of the lamp instantly revealed
his face, still Swallowed by the wide
hat brim, the firm, bearded chin, the
gravely smiling eyes.
General Ashby," he said with quiet
dignity, Sergeant Wyatt, I am sure,
performs this important duty without
thought of reward 1t is the South
that has need of such men in every
branch of her service" He came for
ward, and extended his hand cordially.
II am General Lee, and am very
glad to greet, and wish God speed to
the son of Judge Wyatt. If you return
in safety, you will report to me in
person at Richmond General Jack
son will so arrange with your battery
commander.
They were all upon their feet,
standing in respectful attention.
murmured something, l scarcely knew
what, bowling as l backed toward the
door. And this was Lee-Robert B..
Lee-this man with the kind, thought
full face, the gentle voice, the gravely
considerate manner. And he had
greeted me in words of personal
friendship, had spoken to me Of my
father. l know l Strengthened to SOL
dierly erectness, every pulse thrilling
with a new resolve A moment l stood
there, my eyes on the one face l saw
before me, and then went out into
the darkness. The orderly closed the
door
Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1915-09-09

my silent companion to converse, be-
ing rewarded merely by grumbled and
evasive answers Finally / desisted
in the attempt, content to follow his
lead. Taylor, astride his sorrel, with
gun resting grimly across his knees,
rode straight through the brush, away
from the pike, down the valley of a
small stream. In crossing, the horses
drank their fill.
How about the valley road" l
asked as we climbed the opposite
bank
The leader glanced back at me.
"This yere way is higher, an a darn
sight NOR quiet" he answered gruf1y.
Soldiers been marching over the pike
all day. Mout be all right fer yer, If
yer've got a pass-but amt got none
Well 'hev' good 'nough ridin' in bout
a mile NOR"
"You are aiming for the cut-off?"
u be-yer do kno' sumthin' of this
yere kintry, reckon, but yer've got
more eddication than eny Cowan l
ever hooked up with afore. Yer don't
talk none like mountin' folks"
l drew a quick breath, sensing the
return of suspicion.
That's true," l admitted readily.
"You see I went to school at Coving-
ton; they were going to make a
preacher out of me-"
Taylor stared into my face, his
vague suspicion seemingly gone.
well, I'll be d-d-a preacher"
He rode on into the dusk, chuckling,
and followed, smiling to myself, glad
that the mans good humor had been
SO easily restored.
We were fed at hut back in the
foothills, where an ola couple, the man
lame, were glad enough to exchange
their poor food for the late news from
the army, in which they had a son.
Then we rode steadily to the south.
When dawn came we were to the west
of Waynesboro, in broken country, and
all through those long night hours
scarcely a word had been exchanged
between us. We camped finally in the
bend of small stream, where high
banks concealed us from observation.
There was little to eat in our haver-
sacks, but we munched what we had,
and Taylor, his eyes on the horses,
broke the silence.
(TO BE CONTINUED)
Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1915-09-09
FEW LEFT IN SHAKERTOWN.
Only Four Remain In Wealthy Ken
lucky Settlement

Lexington, Ky.-Four elderly and in
firm persons are the only occupants Of
the immensely valuable Shaker settle
ment, one of the few remaining colo
MES of the sect, near here. Sisters
Christine Johnson, eighty-four, and
Martha Olson, eighty-seven, died one
day recently within the hour.
Shakertown, now so sparsely settled,
once was f1ourishing town, with man
ufactOries and various business enter
prises and controlling rich adjacent
farm lands.
Even now the property is valued at
millions. Recently a trustee was ap-
pointed to manage the affairs of the
cOlOniStS.
Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1915-09-09

l led my horse down the dim path In
dicated, until l came to where the
other animal-a rangy, ill-groomed
sorrel-was securely hidden. l had
blindly stepped into trap, but just
what kind / could not as yet deter
mine. / must win the mans conf
dence, and learn what / could. The
fellow, whoever he might prove to be,
was evidently in concealment.
Whoever he might prove to be-spy,
scout, bushwhacker or deserter-be-
yond ali question he possessed init
mate knowledge of the country lying
beyond the Alleghenies. He knew the
existing conditions there, and was ac-
quainted with the people. Once his
confidence could be fully secured, pro-
viding his sympathies were with the
cause of the South, as was most prob
able, his information would be of the
utmost value. Reticent as he was,
suspicious and close-mOuthed, silent,
typical mountaineer, he could surely
be induced to let fall some scrap Of
information. And somewhere along
the way an opportunity must surely
arise whereby l might escape from his
company, if such a move became
really desirable.
Revolving these thoughts rapidly in
my mind, l returned to the hut, care
fully bearing the bundle containing
tho fodaro1 frn1yod nnd0Ys
arm. The gaunt mountaineer, busily
engaged in preparing breakfast at the
open fireplace, scarcely favored me
with a glance of recognition, but be-
gan to arrange the scant supply of
food on an overturned box.
Gust pitch in, an help yourself,
Cowan," he said, affecting cordially
of manner not altogether natural.
Thar amt much of it, but we'll eat
whut we've got, an then rest awhile.
If yer a-goin' ter travel along with me
it will be done mostly at night till we
git down Covington way"
l seated myself without ceremony.
"You are in hiding, them" I asked
expressionless face opposite.
wal, not exactly. We've grown
pretty skeery back in the hills-no-
body thar knows their friends frum
their enemies these days. Yer amt
been thar lately, / reckon?"
mo; not for over a year."
Things has changed sum since
then. Nobody lives ter hum eny more'
It's sure hell in Green Briar these
days-somebody is gettin' kilt every
day er two. The cusses travel in
gangs, murderin' an burnin' from one
end o. the county to the other" He
spoke in an even, drawing voice, with
not the slightest show of emotion, as
though telling an ordinary bit of
news: "D-d if l know which outfit
is the wus-the Yanks or the Rebs."
(which are you WITH"
who, me?" He paused in his bolt
ing of food, and gave vent to an un-
pleasant laugh. II rather reckon it
would puzzle the Lord Almighty ter
find that out. I dent give a whoop
fer neither of 'em. I'm fer OF Jem
Taylor, an it keeps me tolor'ble busy
tending ter his affairs, without both
erin bout no government"
"Then your name is Taylor?"
81 reckon it has been for bout sixty
years. Thars a slew o. Taylors over
along Buffalo crick, an SOM of 'em
are Yanks, an a parcel of 'em are
Rebs, but they don't git Of Jem ter
Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1915-09-09

in the Doorway.
take nary side. At that, I'm gittin' all
the fightin' l banker arter. Naturally,
I'm a peaceful critter, if tn cusses let
me alone"
"Quieted down some over there late
ly, hasn't it,"
Huh! Thar's a regiment o. blue
coats at Lewisburg, an few cavalry
men ridin' Their pixies. Don't amount
ter hill o. beans as fer as Their boys
are concerned. All they got ter do is
go further back in the hills, an be a
bit more keerful. l reckon, young
man, yell find plenty O. deviltry going
on in Green Briar, if We ever git out
that away. Wal, thet's all thar is fer
us ter eat, an I'm goin' ter take a
snooze"
He closed the door, fastening it Sc
curely with a wooden bar, and
stretched himself out on the floor.
The room was dark, as the only win
dow was tightly boarded up, and using
my bundle for pillow, lay down
also. In a short time his heavy
breathing was evidence enough that
Taylor slept. Slowly my heavy eyes
closed, and I lost consciousness.
The sun was below the mountain
ridge, when the heavy hand of the old
mountaineer shook me into sudden
wakefulness. With nothing left to
eat we were not long in preparing for
departure. l endeavoring vainly to get
Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1915-09-09

l left the county at the first outbreak.
My fathers affiliations were with the
Union element"
Most fortunate. Nothing could be
better, General Jackson. The SER
geant can very safely travel as Fed
eral officer in search of recruits. The
matter OF papers can, of course, be
easily arranged"
Jackson turned toward his aide.
What Federal troops are now gar
risoning Charleston, Swan"
"An Ohio brigade, with a regiment
of Pennsylvania cavalry. There is also
a company Of heavy artillery outside
the town.
The commander leaned his head on
his hand.
ut was not my original plan to
send you into the lines of the enemy
in Federal uniform. However, Gen.
eral Ewell's judgment is probably cor
rect. Have you late army list there,
Colonel Swami"
Eyes, sir, issued the fourteenth"
He turned the pages slowly, leaning
forward to the light Here is Lieu
tenant Raymond, Third U. S. cavalry,
reported on recruiting detail. His
regiment is stationed at Fairfax
Court House"
He will answer as well as any
other. 1t is scarcely probable the
man would be known in that remote
section What is the full name? and
where is he from?"
Charles H.; appointed from Yer
mont"
Colonel Swan will arrange the
necessary papers and equipment. Or
derby, have Major Kline step in here
at once. All, Kline, have you among
your trophies of war a Federal lieu
tenants uniform which will probably
fit this MANI
Il believe so, sir" and the officer
addressed ran his eye appraisingly
over my figure. ANY particular regi-
ment?"
Third United States cavalry. Have
it pressed and sent here at once, Sc
curely wrapped, together with saber
and revolvers. Sergeant, do you de-
sire better mount?"
mo, sir, my horse is fresh and a
good traveller"
Then that will be all, Kline; ex-
cept, of course, complete Federal cav.
airy equipment for the horse"
The officer saluted and disappeared.
the door instantly closing behind
him, cutting off the hum of voices
without. There was a moment of 81.
lence.
"You had better retain your present
dress until after you leave the valley"
counseled Jackson, slowly. Swan
will furnish you with pass, which
should be carefully destroyed after
passing our pickets at Covington. 1t
will be of no service to you beyond
that point. My best wishes for your
success, Sergeant Wyatt"
He stood up, and | fels the firm
grasp of his hand. Then Ashby grip.
ped my shoulder.