davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Omaha daily bee., 1921-06-19
Important Part Played by The Bee Development Empire Of Nebraska
Many Early Settlers Avoided Nebraska Plains On Basis
Of Misinformation Widely Circulated That Large
Part Of Territory Was "a Desert Population
Sparse When Territorial Organization
Effected in 1854.

ed his wonder; but his mind was SC
dulled by prejudice that it could not
reason the simple step to the plain
conclusion that a region with soil
and climate which supported such
vast herds of wild cattle, without
protection, was destined to become
| famous throughout the world for the
production of domestic cattle and OF
the most important foods for them
as we'll as for mankind.
Great American Desert"
In Bradford's General Atlas OF
1885 and Olney's Geography of 1887
the Great American Desert was in
definitely indicated as the region
west of the Missouri river. In
Mitchell's Geography of 1889 it is
definitely shown as an oblong region
just east of the Rocky mountains,
south of the Platte and extending
as far south as the headwaters Of
the Red river.
In S. G. Goodrich's Comprehen-
sive Geography and History, pub
lished by J. H. Cotton & Co. in 1855,
the Great American Desert is indi-
Gated as extending from the south
fork of the Platte southwark to the
Red river, to the Rocky Mountains
on the west and including parts Of
Nebraska, Kansas and the Indian
Territory on the east. Its general
extent was noted thus: "An i'm
mense tract called the Great Amer
ican Desert extends along the east
ern part of the Rocky Mountains
from the Nebraska territory to
Texas, Ia length of nearly 800 miles"
Early Explorers Views.
In a very superficial view these
maps were as truthful as could be
expected. From the earliest observ-
ers, on the other hand, we have
stories of the great fertility of this
region. Jaramillo, with Coronado's
expedition in 1541, whom Chesterton
would doubtless class among the un-
educated, expatiated on the agricul-
tural richness of eastern Kansas. In
a letter dated April 10, 1906, Bien-
vile, the distinguished French colo
mist of Louisiana, notes that Cana
dian travellers along the Missouri said
that the country was the finest in the
world; and Nicholas de la Sale,
writing October 16, 1903, had as
cended the Missouri river as far as
800 to 400 leagues through the finest
countries in the world"
An advance detachment of the
military arm of the Yellowstone ex-
pedition of 1919 marched through
section of the condemned country
from Belle Fontaine, a barracks
about Is miles west of St. Louis, to
its winter quarters on Cow island,
now 10 miles above Leavenworth
In a letter written at this camp an
officer of the detachment said: "We
have passed through a country
which is not surpassed in fertility of
soil and water courses by any in the
world"
The promoters of territorial gov
Omaha daily bee., 1921-06-19

ernment for the Nebraska country
who lived on the Missouri border
and knew precisely what they were
talking about, reveled in descriptions
of its richness.
desert" Phantasm.
The desert, then, was largely fac
titious phantasm. The mighty senti-
nels of the Rockies, which immortal
lie the names of the discoveries of
the hali-educated originators and
sponsors of the myth-Pikes Peak,
Longs Peak, Fremonts Peak - al
this moment look down upon the
putative desert plains at their feet
teeming with crops of agricultural
staples, and, with improved methods
of cultivation, destined to support a
large population of general farmers.
Contemplating the worldwide
ruin of the war, came an accusatory
chorus of social seers against the in
stitutions which should have pre-
vented it, and religion and education
are the derelicts most severely con-
demned. Wells most profoundly
reasons against the educational sys-
tenn and Chesterton paradoxically
lampoons it. There are no snakes
to be met with throughout the whole
island" is a whole chapter OF The
Natural History of Ireland That
sums up the great American desert
myths. .
The Early Populations.
The sparse population OF Nebrasks
on its territorial organization in 1854
is quite explicable. By the prow.
sions of the Indian country act OF
June 80, 1884, none "os the territory
was eligible to white settlers. The
275 who were here, most OF them al
Fort Kearny, comprised mostly
licensed traders. r.
When Iowa was established as q.
territory in 1888 the Indians had
ceded large part of their, lands to
the United States, and the two great
counties of Dubuque and Des
Moines had been under territorial
government for two years as part
of the Territory of Wisconsin. Con
sequently there were about 10000
white settlers in the new territory
when it started.
For similar reasons Wisconsin had
a white population of 1900 when
it became a territory. In like cir
cumstances the Territory of Mis-
souri, began with a fairly stable
white population of 10000. Mime
sofa had about 5000, principally in
the continuous group of eastern
counties, Ramsey, Washington and
Dakota, and in Pembina, Lord Sell
kinks settlement on the Red river
and now in North Dakota. So the
political beginning Of these neigh
boring territories was comparatively
regular and orderly, while that of
Nebraska was perforce irregular and
disorderly.
Kansas and Nebraska Contrasted.
Kansas, organized as territory at
the same time as Nebraska, was
CONTINUED on Page Three)
Omaha daily bee., 1921-06-19

tifc exploring expedition from the
first military post established in the
Nebraska country (soon after called
Fort Atkinson) up the Platte river
to the Rocky mountains.
A Poor Prophet.
OF the country west of his start
ing point, then called Council Bluff,
he fatuously prophesied: I'm regard
to this extensive section of the coun-
try, we do not hesitate in giving the
opinion that it is almost wholly unfit
for cultivation and, of course, un-
inhabitable by a people depending
upon agriculture for their subsist-
ence."
His observation was farcically su-
perficial and his summing up graph
ically untrue. The bottom lands of
the Platte, he found, were from two
to ten miles wide. Beyond these
the surface is an undulating plain,
having an elevation of from 50 to 100
feet, and presents the aspect of hope
less and irreclaimable sterility." 1t
has been said, plausibly, and it
seems, charitably, that Long was
piqued because he was allowed only
a scant outfit for his expedition,
which had been ostenstatiously start
ed as a scientific arm of the famous
and infamous Yellowstone expedi-
ton, and so revenged himself in a
rampage on the country. r...-.
Lieut.. G. K. Warren, Typographical
engineers, whose military prescience
earned the title of "He&o of Little
Round Top" at Gettysburg, made
the following utterly incomprehensi-
Omaha daily bee., 1921-06-19
ell, superintendent of Indian affairs
at St. Louis, said:
Gail Desert"

at St. LOUIS, SalQ:
Gall Desert"
IF we draw line running north
and south, SO as to cross the Mis-
souri, about at the mouth of the Ver-
million river, we shall designate the
limits beyond which civilized men
are never likely to settle"
If they should go beyond this line,
he said, they would never stop on the
east side of the Rocky mountains.
The mouth of the Vermilion river is
in the very rich county of Clay.
South Dakota, yet Mr.. Mitchell said
that "the sterility of sandy soil, to-
gether with the GOODNESS and dry
ness of the climate" barred settle
ment thereabouts.
Senator Atchison Of Missouri in
his notable speech at Parkville on
August 6, 1853, said:
"In one word, I have been told
often and again by gentlemen who
know that in all the country called
Nebraska that there is not as much
good tillable land as there is in the
six counties constituting the Platte
(purchase) country. And many
persons in this assembly know that
this information is substantially cor
rect"
Prejudiced Senator.
But Senator Atchison's wish may
we'll have fathered this slanderous
thought, for he opposed the political
Omaha daily bee., 1921-06-19
Writer Pictures Historical Background of Events Out
Of Which Have Emerged Great State and
Great Newspaper-Eary Territorial Develop
ment Retarded By False Reports Con-
cernng Fertility of the Soil
By ALBERT WATKINS.

(Ab Watkins the following outline Of Of
history founding Of Omaha his
society probably
Nebraskas from
tackess prairie through territorial days into statehood than other
all of
characters of Nebraska history pioneer dayEdors Note)
Omaha daily bee., 1921-06-19
Called Nebraska" !"

George w. Manypenny, commits
.ioncr OF Indian affairs, in his report
for 1858 speaks of 'the specific
.ranta to different tribes west Of
The courier-index., 1921-02-18
F' Penny Wise and Fuse Plug
 Foolish"-- the Result

Investigation into the cause of a recent fire in Marianna, said to have started by defective wiring, disclosed the fact that pennies were being used in the place of fuse plugs, and because of this cheap substitute short circuit ignited the drop cord at the socket instead of spending its force by blowing a fuse plug.
 A. A. LaGendre, manager of the Peoples Electric Company, has since made investigation in several other homes and places of business and has found that it is no uncommon thing here for persons to substitute pennies for fuse plugs. This is a most dangerous and foolish prac- tice and no doubt has already re- suited in heavy loss through fire.
 "The main object of putting fuses on any electric light or power cir cult, is for protection of property, whether at your home, place of business or at the plant itself, said MT. LaGendre.
 "The old saying that a chain is no stronger than it's weakest link ap- plies to electric circuits, the differ ence is that the fuse is put in in- tentionally to form the weakest link so that any greater strain put on the circuit than 1t is safe for it to carry will cause the fuse to melt and break the circuit, thereby stop ping the flow of electric current. In other words, it is 6 silent watch man, ready to act at any time for your protection.
 .Electricity like anything else, will flow the path of least resist ance. It is sent out from the plant on one wire and will consume it's energy in your lights or whatever
The courier-index., 1921-02-18
Henderson Loses
 DWelling in Fire

Tuesday afternoon while pr. w.. J. Henderson was telephoning at his home the operator broke into his conversation to inform him that his house was on fire. He insisted that there must be some mistake but would look into the matter. In passing through the kitchen he found that the cook was also in ignorance of any conflagration but as they both stepped out into the yard they found that the roof over the kitchen was just ready to fall in. The house, a two-story frame building, known as the Sutton prop erty, was recently purchased by Dr. Henderson, and was one of the old landmarks on Walnut street. The house was valued at $1 300. pr. Henderson holds a 5000 policy on the building and $350 on the furni- ture.
 Sparks from this fire fell on the residence of J. I. Maynard, over block away and the roof caught in three places but the efficient work of the fire department extinguished the flames promptly and only about S100 damage was sustained.
The courier-index., 1921-02-18
Health Officer
 Orders CLean-Up

Dr. E. D. Wall, city health officer, has issued spring cleanup notice, calling upon the people of Marian na to get rid of all refuse, filth, manure heaps, tin cans and other things that breed disease. He also calls attention to the importance of looking after the screening in all homes, and further suggests the liberal use of lime and whitewash about the premises.
 Cooperating with the city health officer in this cleanup campaign are the Hi Y boys under the leader ship of Rev. Saylor, and members of the Civic Improvement League. The Hi Y boys will act in the capacity of assistant sanitary inspectors and will make surveys of the city and inspect sanitary conditions before and after the cleanup. In this work the Civic Improvement League will cooperate and will offer sug- gestions for improving the health conditions of Marianna.
The courier-index., 1921-02-18

it is being used for, then it re- turns to plant as dead current on the other wire and the generator gives it more energy and sends the line current out again. This keeps up as long as the generators are running. Another way to look at it is the heat from the fires under the boilers at the plant is trans ferred through the generator thru all the wires in town. Each wire is allowed to carry the amount that will be safe without getting hot. That is where the fuse does it's work. Take for instance where two wires not installed come together or what is usually called short-circuit. In this case there is an abnormal rush Of heat currents trying to go back to the generator. The only thing that saves the gen. orator from burning up is the fuses or circuit-breakers at the plant The same is true with the wires going into your home. The fuses are put there for your protection as we'll as for the protection of transformers. Electricity when handled correctly, is one of the safest as well as the most useful commodities known. You would rot throw lighted match into a barrel of gunpOwder or take the safety valve off steam boiler. Why? Because it would not be safe to do so Neither is it safe to put in pennies to replace fuses that have done their duty in protecting your home. By replacing fuses with pennies you are simply throwing away your safety valve The best method to follow is to call an electrician. He can tell you why the fuses are blowing"
The courier-index., 1921-02-18
MULE DROPS DEAD AT
 SIGHT OF AIRPLANE

Pine Bluff, Feb. 15.--An exhibi- ton pilot arriving over the city in his plane chose to alight in q pas ture adjoining the city limits late this afternoon. He waved to a crowd of eager boys on nearing the earth. who .got it" that he wanted a small heraof cows driven from a smooth surface on which he intend- cd landing. They drove the cows some distance but lone mule re- fused to give ground. The pilot landed despite the mules ohstinacy. The animal turned his head half around and dropped dead.
The courier-index., 1921-02-18
CIVIC IMPROVEMENT LEAGUE
 READY TO START ACTIVITIES

There was call meeting of the officers of the Civic Improvement League at the home of Mrs. R. l.. Nixon on Wednesday afternoon, February 16.
 The purpose of this meeting was to plan for the years work and to appoint committees. The following committees were appointed to serve for the year:
 Mrs. J. I. Morris, chairman of sanitation; Mrs. K. L. Nixon. chair man of Park Committee. Mesdames A. A. McClendon, R. L. Nixon and J. l. Morris formed a committee to cooperate and work with other or ganizations for the Identification and sanitary conditions of the city.
 On the first day of March the League will begin an active clean up campaign, in cooperation with the city health officials, for the pro- motion and improvement of the health and sanitary conditions of the entire city. Spring is here and now is the time to begin to clean up. Do not wait until the flies and mos quitoes begin to swarm around and the sanitary officer comes around and serves a notice to clean up.
 The League has made extensive plans for work to be done this year. Among one of it's plans is to form community groups in different parts of the city and award prizes for the best kept back yards and flower gardens, and the neatest looking premises, and to furnish quantity of flower seed to those who wish to have flower gardens.
 We have just entered the portals of another new year. A new year means a new deal and presents a new chance. As everyone knows, we only get out of any city, com munity or organization just exactly what we put into it, so let's all start this year right What Is done was done yesterday and IS gone, and tomorrow isn't here, but today we have before us and we have the chances of the newevear. The Civic Improvement League is striving to salvage the spirit of cooperation and turn it to the public good, for a more sanitary, more healthful and more beautiful Marianna and to this end it needs the service and CO., operation of the Hi | boys, Camp Fire girls and every man and wo- man in the city of Marlanna.
The courier-index., 1921-02-18
Doctor RemOUeS
 His OlUn Appendix

Kane, Pa., Feb. 16.-Dr. Evan O'Nein Kane, the 60-year-old sur geon of this place, who late yester- day removed his own appendix in one of the most remarkable surgical operations on record, spent a com paratively easy night and sent word from, his bedside today that he is farther on the road to recovery than is usual the day following an op- eration for the removal of the ap- pendiN
 Just say that l am getting along all right" said the doctor through his nurse. Maybe a little later on will have a statement that will be of interest"
 It was stated that Dr. Kane, since the operation, has dictated number of letters and given direction re- garding the conduct of his personal affairs and practice.
The courier-index., 1921-02-18
Income T0r Primer
 Is NOgC AUuiI0bLe

The following statement has been issued by Collector of Internal Rev enue Jack Walker:
 Copies of the Income Tax Prim- CT, recently issued by the Bureau of Internal Revenue, which contains questions and answers relative to the filing of income tax returns, are now available at the office of Collector of Internal Revenue, Lit tie Rock, Arkansas. Copies may be obtained only through Collectors offices, and are not being mailed from Washington
The courier-index., 1921-02-18
Grant Will Address
 Teachers Meeting

H. L. Lambert of Moro, president of the county Teachers Association, has just received word from Dr. J. B. Grant, rural school supervisor, stating that he would be present at the next meeting of the Teachers Association of Lee county on Sat urday, March 5, and would accept the invitation to deliver an address to the teachers. President Lambert said yesterday he would have the full program ready for publication in next weeks issue of the Courier Index
The courier-index., 1921-02-18
HONOR ROLL, JANUARY, 192
 High School

Senior Class-Edna Marable, Eva Carlow, Virginia Dupuy, Maude Goodwin.
 Junior William Lawson.
 Sophomore Class-Josephine Va den, Martha Thornton, Edith Willis, Stella Katzenstein, Martha Turner, Hal Nixon, Arthur Rauscher, Mar win Newborn.
 Freshman Class-Frances Brad ley, Louise Greenhaw, Winnie Hop kins, Edna Glasscock, Helen Can non, Herbert Beauchamp, Herbert Jackson
 Eighth-Rebekah Smith, Madge Jarratt, Russell Dupuy, Oliver Payne. .
 Seventh-Marjorie Atwater, Mar garrett Daggett, Martha Bradley, Frances Beazley, Dollie Newborn, Leland Williamson, Jessamine Dag gett, Harry Shumacker, Edwin Beck CT.
 Sixth-Lina Greet, Florence Hud- son, Norma Whitenton, Chas. Rauscher, Marshall Apple, William Daggett, Grace Clifton, Ethel Grif- fin, Jaunita Harris, Helen Kelley
 Fifth-Irene Spence, Lucille Suit, Claudine West, Kittie Cleaver, Oc- tava Kirby, Mary DeLoche, Iona Noble, Carol Hewitt Marjorie Slut ton, Louise Clark, Virginia Dupuy, Mary Miller, Evelyn Brown, Brown Pilllington, Edmond Johnson, Jr., J. w Greer, Edwin Potts, Robert Jar gatt, Howard Bennett, Joe Williams.
 Fourth Stanley Zimmerman, Will liam England, Chas. Pilkington, Corinne Applewhite, Lillian Brewer, Loella Chinault, Thelma Hunter Margarett~ McGrew, Sarah Sutton, Bobette Shumacker, Doris Terrell, Alice Wall, Temple Wall.
 Third-Pauline Beauchamp Aga tha Mitchell, Katherine Beazley, Viloet Blair, Martha Williams, Max inc Daggett, Lillian Dowdy, Sarah Hewitt, Elizabeth Sutton, Audrey Adams, Lee Greet, William Hale, Jack McClintocl, Otha Suit, Geo. Verhoeven, Roy Mcfarland, Buster Allen, Scott Kirkpatrick.
 Secondly William Trousdale, Her bert Warren, J. F. Mcbride, James Spence, Arthur Johnson, Virgil Baw, Lawrence Greenhaw, Houston Good win, William Chinault, Kelley Wald en, c. D. Hood, Frances Bean, Christine Norment, Margaret Me- Culloch, Ruth Mitchell, Margaret Frazier, Hester Casteel, Virginia Pittman, Ellen Woodall, Frances Fitzgerald. ,,
 First-Helen Adams, Evelyn Cliff ton, Wilesta Mathews, Marjorie Spivey, Edna Schmidt, Alberta Le- Gendre, Billie Osborne, Doris Hen- derson, Rachel Strain, Sue Cobb, Georgia Gambrell, Mary Johnson, Lillian Dorsett, Katherine Mcbride, James Harmon, John Harp, Everett Johnson, Benjamin Johnson, Gar land Schmidt, Maxcy Wells, John Jarratt, Robbie Smith, Wilbur Bark CT, Govan Burke, George Blair, Ralph Brainerd, Andrew Hudson, Byron Keasler, Ned Spain.
 The Literary Society met Febru- ary '. The following program was given by the Juniors:
 Song-Society.
The courier-index., 1921-02-18
Liberal Donations To
 European Relief Fund

There is great effort being made in the United States to raise thirty-five million dollar fund for the relief of the starving children of Europe. This movement is head sd by Herbert Hoover as national chairman and by Hamp Williams of Hot Springs, Arkansas, as chairman of the State of Arkansas.
 A few days ago local organization was perfected in our town for the purpose of raising as much as pos sible for the fund. Brother Saylor was appointed as chairman and E.. c. Robertson as secretary of the local organization. Committees were appointed and canvassed the busi- ness section of the town last week Following is list of subscribers to the fund, the total amount being l,,t c1 000.
The courier-index., 1921-02-18

porter.
 Stella Katzenstein, Sophomore Class Reporter
 Herbert Jackson, Freshman Class Reporter.
 Instrumental Music-By Bernice Jones.
 Reading-O Jones.
 "A Visit to China Walter John ston.
 Musical Reading-Ed Marable.
 Debate: Resolved, The credit system should be abolished and the cash system adopted.
 These programs are given every two weeks. The next program will be February 2l, at 2:30 p. m. We extend cordial invitation to ev- eryone.
The courier-index., 1921-02-18
WE WANT TO KNoW?-

Are there any gems in the crown of ones head?
 Are the pupils of the eye as dense as M. H. s. students?
 Did anyone ever cross the bridge of your nose?
 Can you shingle the roof of your mouth with the nails on your toes?
 Did the crook of your elbow ever get put in jail?
 Can you sharpen your shoulder blades?
 Did the cap of your knee ever explode?
 Why can't you sit in the shade of the palm of your hand?
The courier-index., 1921-02-18
REFUSES SEAT IN CABINET

St. Augustine, Fla, Feb. fT.- Former Gov Frank O. Lowden of Illinois, has definitely declined to be considered for secretary of the navy and will not be appointed to any post in the initial makeup of the next administration.
The courier-index., 1921-02-18


 Proceeds collection at Chris
 tian Church last Sunday One bale cotton by Grove
 Reed Co.
 It is said that s10.0O will feed one child until the next harvest comes in. One dollar is supposed to keep one child alive for one month Marianna has no allotted quota but the people of our com munity should contribute literally to this fund because every penny subscribed is for the support of Humanity and for the protection Of human life If every man and woman in Marianna would resolve to subscribe the amount of money they spend incidently each day for i've days there Is no estimate of the value that could be done with the money subscribed.
 If you care to subscribe to this fund sec Rev Saylor or MT. Rob ertson and they will take your sub seription