davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1922-05-18
Thinks Cascade Will
Remain Second Glass

In the opinion Of county officials
Cascade county will continue to hold
its rating as second class county
despite the fact that general reduc-
tions have been made this year in the
valuation Of taxable property As
sessment returns for this year have
s4s. completed by Assessor Har-
old Mady and he is not able to estl-
mate at the present time how much
the county viii lose in valuation. He
has yentured the opinion that the val
uation will be 81 100000 less than last
years figure, but this reduction vol
be insufficient 10 automatically lower
the county's classification.
Charles II Martin, county assessor
Of Lewis and Clark county, in recent
statement said that his county would
be reduced from third TO fourth class.
He added the opinion that the alter
alton Of the tax laws by reason Of the
system for property
would eliminate all first class counties
and probably all second class counties.
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1922-05-18
Lelanders Lead Kennedy
ties in Last Sundays Hunt

Where a week ago Sunday the re
suits in the contest hunt being con-
Quoted by the local Rod and Gun club
to decide which side shall provide a
feed" for the club members, points
were reckoned by the hundred last
Sunday they were counted by the
thousand, combined score of IT,
095 points having been tailed. And
where a week previous the Kennedy
ties made the high score, last Sunday
the Lelanders carried off the high
honors by few hundred points. How
ever, the latter team by no means has
a sufficient lead to assure them of
final victory, and it will not be until
the close of the contest next Sunday
and the counting of the points on
Monday that the winners can be de-
termined. With victory within the
reach of either team, renewed efforts
are being made this week to get out
even more men than were afield last
Sunday, and it is pretty safe to say
that when next Sunday night comes
it will be pretty lucky crow, magpie,
hawk or grounghog that escapes with
its life and still has it's nest intact.
The results of Sundays hunt means
that this section of the country has.
or will have 1876 fewer predatory birds
and animals of prey upon the game
birds and fields and flocks Of the
farmers. Magpie eggs were again re
sponsible for the big count, ,f53 of
these being gathered, while $40
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1922-05-18

grown and young magpies were taken
Ii We remember rightly, 1t is estimat-
ed that each magpie destroys on an
average of seven prairie chickens
nests year. With ], ,463 magpies and
eggs destroyed, and with an average
batch of five prairie chickens to each
nest, it would mean that more than
$4,000 prairie chickens have more OF
a chance to grace some ones table
than they had before Sundays hunt.
In addition 10 the magpies, 81
groundhogs were killed, and as some
farmers hereabouts can testify, 81
groundhogs can destroy good many
dollars worth of alfalfa and young
grain. Six crows and II crow eggs
also were gathered in, along with
Ia hawks and 10 hawk eggs, and some
body's fields and poultry flocks are
going to be safer during the coming
months than they otherwise would be.
The interest in the hunts is in
creasing among the farmers and many
are dropping a hint TO either Capt.
Kennedy or Capt. Leland as to likely
hunting grounds, with an invitation to
visit them. The hunts are proving
great sport as well as big benefit
30 farmers and sportsmen, and already
there IL talk among the club members
or organizing another hunt within a
month or so, when il is believed the
predatory birds will lay more eggs to
replace the hatch that has been de-
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1922-05-18
Larceny Charged
Against |. Turner

The finding of considerable
amount of mems clothing in the room
occupied by Lee Turner, which had
previously been missed from the Ham
ment Bros, store, led to the arrest of
Turner early last Thursday morning
and the filing of charge of larceny
against him. The clothing had been
missed several days previous to Turn
er's arrest, and was reported TO Deputy
Sheriff j. w. Leland, who quietly con-
Quoted an investigation. The Satur-
day night preceding Turner's arrest
the till at the Harris pool hall WIS
broken open and robbed, and although
there was nothing other than the fact
that Turner had money afterward to
connect him with this robbery, sus-
picion attached TO him, leading to the
searching of his room, with the above
result.
Turner was taken to Great Falls
Thursday afternoon and was ques-
toned by County Attorney w. j.
Tighe. At first he denied any knowl-
edge of either matter, but when told
by the county prosecutor that in view
of the fact that they had recovered
their goods, Hamment Bros. were in
clined to be lenient in the nature of
the charge, providing he would con-
fess to the job, while on the other hand
the attorneys office would file much
graver charge against him if it was
necessary to prosecute, Turner finally
confessed to the theft, and charge of
larceny was filed against him. He
maintained his innocence as far. as
the pool hall case was concerned, and
this matter was not pressed
Turner has made his home about
here for number Of years, being en-
ployed on various ranches and with
threshine crews. He served with the I
A. E. F. in France. and has always
borne a good reputation up until
recently. when his ability to live with
out work began to cast suspicion
upon him.
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1922-05-18
Want New Petition
Orr C0uIee Route

The petition asking for new road
leading up through Orr Coulee to the
cast bench and the condemnation of
right-of-way through the Mrs. Anna
Rudman ranch, which has delayed the
construction Of the road for the past
two years, was presented to the board
of county commissioners the latter
part of last week by Byron Gillette.
Two of the commissioners, L. H. Kom-
mers and Gilbert T. Boyd, seemed fav-
orable to the building of the road,
while Chairman Ben Johnston seemed
opposed to the project. However, all
members were agreed that the petit
tion in its present form could not be
successfully acted upon, because the
board had found that where it is nee
essary to condemn land to get right
of-way a certain form of petition that
will stand court procedure is neces-
sary. They suggested to Mr.. Gillette
that such a petition be prepared and
circulated and then returned TO them
for definite consideration.
In view Of this, a representative of
the Belt Valley Times, while in Great
Falls Friday. took the matter up with
Commissioner Kommers, who agreed
that he would ask the county survey
or's office to prepare such a petition
as is necessary and send it out here
for circulation. From this it may be
taken that as soon as the petition is
received, circulated and returned,
some definite action will be taken by
the board. The justice of the demand
for new route that will eliminate the |
steep dangerous grade it is now neces-
sary to travel is acknowledged by all
familiar with it, about the only sur
prising feature being that the pro-
posed route, which affords between a
and per cent grade, was not util-
lied years ago.
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1922-05-18
Would Retain Services
of Experienced WOlf0r

Stockmen in the Tiger Butte, Evans
and Deep creek sections have express
ed desire 10 retain the services OF
J. N. Snyder, the wolfer who has been
giving such excellent service there
during the past winter, for the coming
summer in an effort to rid the terri
tory Of wolves, which in the past have
taken such toll from the ranchmen.
However. some of the stockmen who
have signed up to contribute toward
the fund that makes the retention OF
Mr.. Snyder possible have so far failed
to make payment and it is feared that
his services will be lost unless Nhis
money is forthcoming
Since the killing by Mr.. Snyder
some two weeks aEo7of grown won
and six pups there has been no loss IN
stock reported, but at that time the
mother wolf escaped, and it is known
that a big black wolf is still living IN
that section, and further killing OF
stock is expected at any time. Be
sides the wolves, Mr.. Snyder has rid
led the country of 70 coyotes and is
now planning, should he stay IN this
section. on getting a blood hound To
,elp him in the work. He has re-
NAMED on the job faithfully during
he past hard winter, and many stock
nen of that locality have expressed
themselves as loath to see him dis
ontinue his good work now.
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1922-05-18
MeTkIe Mentioned
for State Senator

A rumor that George W. Merkle of
this city would enter the primary
election in an endeavor to gain the
democratic nomination for state SEN
ator gained circulation in Great Falls
the latter part of last week, but in
quiry of Mr.. Merkle as to the au-
thenticity of the rumor brought
neither confirmation nor denial, Mr.
Merkle stating that he also had heard
the rumor while in the Falls, that be-
ing his first intimation as to his in
tentions to seek the nomination, and
that he did not know the source of the
rumor.
SO far two democrats have been
mentioned for the senatorship, George
Judson and Lewis Newman of Great
Falls However, there is move
ment among people engaged in mer-
camille pursuits in the state to send
business men to Helena for the next
session Of the legislature and it is
believed that possibly the rumor gain
ed currency through the mentioning Of
Mr.. Merkle's name in connection with
the office by some Great Falls MEM
Der of the state Merchants assOci-
alton, of which Mr.. Merkle is mem
ber of the executive committee.
Mr.. Merkle has large acquaintance
in Great Falls, and through. % years
residence here is known to all in this
section of the county, and it is not pre-
suming 10 say that those who know
him could cast their vote for him with
confidence that Cascade county
would be well represented in the upper
house should he decide to enter the
primaries. be nominated and elected
in the fall election. He has made
success of his own business under
rather adverse conditions and shouldbe
in position to serve the state faith
fully and efficiently.
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1922-05-18
Legion Plans Care
of Soldier Graves

At last Thursday evenings regular
meeting of Belt Valley Post No. 101
American Legion, plans for the proper
attention to the graves of all soldier
dead buried in Pleasant View GENE
terry this coming Memorial day were
made, the executive committee an
nouncing the appointment of Baptize
Pizzini, Raymond Millard and Andrew
INITIAL as a general welfare commit
tee, which was instructed to locate
the graves prior to May 26, when post
members will go to the graves of the
Ia or Is soldiers of various wars who
are buried there and thoroughly clean
them. 1t had been strongly hoped
that the monuments which are sup
piled by the government to mark the
graves of all soldier dead might be
erected by Memorial day. but there is
so much detail necessary in establish
ing the identity of the soldiers to the
satisfaction of the government that
this was impossible, so it has been de-
cided that for this year again Ameri-
can flag would be placed on all the
graves.
The executive committee also ap-
+.
Pilgeram, Ernest Troutman and
Hilmer Dahl as the athletic and en-
tertainment committee and the COM
mittee was instructed to endeavor to
arrange for joint social session with
the Women's Auxiliary in June. The
Legion is also anxious to provide
suitable swimming hole for the city, this
being one of Commander Kings pet
ideas-and mighty good one at that.
Chuck" when a youngster liked to
swim himself And he was some
swimmer, too, having established a
long distance record in the Hudson
river in New York that has never been
broken by boy of similar age. King
hasn't forgotten those days of real
sport, but with maturing years the
safety first" idea has become thor
oughly established with him, and it
is his idea to provide place which,
while affording all the sport of swim
ming, will also insure perfect safety
for the youngsters. A location for
ported to the next meeting of the Leg
ion, when more definite plans will
be worked out.
The Legion's Fourth of July plans |
were discussed and some novel enter
tainment may be looked for. Nego- |
tiatiops for classy ball game are
already under way.
The, delegate to the state convention
of the Legion, which will meet in Ka!-
ispell next month, will be elected at
the next meeting of the local post, and
the general welfare cimmittee was or
dered to prepare the instructions for
the delegate to be given at that time.
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1922-05-18
Danno Now Faces
a Charge of IIIe-
gal Capitalization

Jas. Danno, proprietor of James
Place, ostensibly a soft drink parlor
was arrested last Thursday by Dep
uty Sheriff j. w. Leland on charge
of Illegal eohabitation, it being alleged
that Danno had been living with An
gelina Ward, aged 10. as his wife.
The Ward girl made her appearance
here some three weeks ago, and Danno
rented a house on the east side of the
creek and set up housekeeping. With
in a short time they removed to an
other part of the city where they con-
tinued to live until Danno's arrest.
Both Danno and the girl were taken
to the county Jail by Deputy Leland
Thursday afternoon, and were ques-
toned by County Attorney w. j.
-ffighe. Following a formal charge Of
illegal cohabitation was placed against
Danno, the complaint specifically fix
ing May z as the date. When ar
raigned Friday Danno entered plea
Of not guilty TO the charge, testifying
that the girl was employed by him as
housekeeper. Danno gave bonds in
the amount Of $500 for his appearance
in the justice court this coming Satur-
day, May 20.
Danno has served time in the county
Jail on a bootlegging charge, and soon
after being released on this charge
was taken up on gambling charge,
and now has $500 posted with Justice
Shields as bail on this score. He has
never been given preliminary hear
ing on this last charge. His partner,
Tony Morello, is just finishing two
year sentence at the state penitentiary
for the shooting of Charley Sanders
here late in 1919. MoreIlo's sentence,
it is said. viii expire next Monday.
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1922-05-18
NJ. ID. NICHOLSON. SEEKS
OFFICE OF TREASURER

NJ. ID. Nicholson, deputy clerk and
recorder, filed Saturday as candi-
date for the republican nomination for
county treasurer Courtesy effIr=
iency and personal attention 10 the
duties of the office are promised by
Mr.. Nicholson if elected to the office.
In 1909 Mr.. Nicholson became un-
dersheriff under John A. Collins. and
for six years continued in that posi-
tion under Sheriff L. II Kommers.
taking his present deputyship in 1919.
In 1918 he was the republican candi-
date for sheriff, being defeated by j..
p. Burns. Mr.. Nicholson has been
resident OF the county for % years,
and has always been efficient In plihllc,
service
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1922-05-18
Rankin Files for Nom
iinatiOn for i. S. Senate

AS has been anticipated, w. D. Ran
kin, attorney general, has filed with
the secretary of state his declaration
of intention TO be candidate fer the
republican nomination for United
States senator from the second Mon
tana district, opposing Carl Riddick of
Lewistown Dr. o. M. Lanstrum of
Helena, whom it has been supposed
would also seek the nomination, has
decided to remain out of the race, ac-
cording to general opinion in Helena,
while there is yet some doubt as TO
whether Senator John K. Edwards of
Rosebud county will enter the race.
he refusing to make a definite state
ment al the close of conference with
party leaders in Helena last week.
Mr.. Rankin, according to daily press
reports, seems to have the endorse
ment of the Dixon faction of the
party, while Mr.. Riddiek- has aligned
himself with no faction, seeming
rather to depend upon the rank and
file of the republican party for en-
dorsement than upon the warning fac
tions of the party.
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1922-05-18
Clean Up Improves
City's Appearance

Belts first annual cleanup cam
paign came to close last Saturday
evening after the various district com
mittees, aided by large number of
school children, trucks from the Mil
lard and Brodie mines and the city
team had made last united. effort
to rid the city of what in some places
amounted TO % or more years accum-
ulation of rubbish. That all was not
removed in the full three days de-
voted to the effort only goes to prove
the necessity for such a movement as
was sponsored by the local post Of
the American Legion, and which re-
ceived the hearty cooperation of the
city officials, Boy Scouts, Camp Fire
Girls, the committees appointed in the
various districts and a large majority
Of the citizens.
Saturday an effort was made to
complete the work throughout the
city, the school children being offered
a free ticket to the Pythian theatre
for their help, and many responded.
Vacant property that had not receiv-
ed attention earlier in the. week was
cleaned, and much rubbish that had
been gathered previously and not cart
ed away was removed and Saturday
evening some members Of the fire de-
partment strung line Of hose and
washed down the ashes lying along
the riprap back of Castner street.
greatly improving it's appearance
from the east approach to. the
wagon bridge. But the task
proved too great to be completed
in one day and it was necessary to
leave some places unfinished Many
loads found their way to the dump,
and while it cannot be said that the
city has been thoroughly cleaned,
there is little chance Of contradiction
when 1t is said that the general ap-
pearance and sanitary conditions are
greatly improved. Such places as were
covered during the campaign, and this
includes much the larger part Of the
city, show marked contrast to the
unsiRhtly appearance before the open
ing of the campaign. The breeding
places of flies and disease germs
have been cleaned and this cannot but
mean more healthful, pleasant sum-
mer for the residents Of the city.
Such rubbish as has been gathered
but not removed will be taken away
by the city team as soon ~ It can be
reached, and If present plans hold
good for another year, the places that
II was impossible to reach this year
will be the first to receive attsntion
next year. The city health depart
ment will see that such accumulationa
as remain and constitute nuisance
will be removed ut once, and a request
will be made Of the city council that
il provide a few receptacles for the de-
posit Of loose papers at various places
in the city in order 10 keep 1t clean.
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1922-05-18
Eleven TO be Cfa-
duated from Belt
Valley High June |

Commencement week at the Belt
Valley High school will begin with the
baccalaureate sermon at the auditor
ium on Sunday evening, May IS, the
class having chosen Rev. A p. Alton
to deliver the address, and the week
following will be full one for the
class of IL young ladies and men who
will on June / complete their high
school education The class of % is
composed Of eight girls and three
boys, the Misses Marjorie Weir, Flor
ence Brady, Mary Hauskama,, Pearl
Marquardt, Engeline Blais, Susan
Seha, Ann Hubber and Gladys Eng
dahl, Messrs. Norris Jewell, Eddie
Lester and Leo Shannon.
The Commencement exercises will
be held at the auditorium on Thursday
evening, June /. AS yet no Com
mencement day speaker has been Sc
cured, but Supt. J. X. Culver is in
communication with several and hopes
to have secured one by the first Of
next week. Norris Jewell has been
chosen as the class valedictorian and
Miss Engdahl as saIutateriaH, and an
appropriate program Of music has
been provided for the Commencement
exercisis.
On Wednesday evening of Com
mencement week the class day exer-
cises will be held, also at the auditor
ium, to which the public is invited.
The program for this will be announc-
ed next week, hut it is known that it
viii be Of an order that should at
tract a large audience. On Friday
evening, June 2, comes the big event
Of the week-the Junior prom, which
viii mark the closing Of the city
schools for the year.
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1922-05-18
Boy Hurt by ExpIo-
sion Of Dynamite

Lawrence Vitosky, nine-yead old son
of Mr.. and Mrs. Mike Vitosky, was
badly manned late last Friday after
noon at his home in Kennedy addl-
tion when cartridge from which he
was attempting to remove the cap,
exploded, mutiIating both hands, and
piece of the cartridge being blown
into his stomach and causing internal
injuries.
The little fellows mother had gone
to neighbor's for few minutes
and he went into the house and to his
fathers kit to get the cartridge, and
then attempted to take il apart, using
pair of pliers for the purpose. Evi-
IDENTIFY the pressure of the pliers on
the cap exploded it, his hands receiv-
ing the full force Of the explosion. He
ran into the house screaming to his
mother, who had returned home, that
he was shot Shortly afterward Frank
Horan was coming down the road
riding one horse and leading another.
and he was asked to summon medical
aid. Releasing the horse being led,
he hurried to the Rocky Mountain ele-
vator from where DR.. j. w. Graybeal
was called.
Upon examining the boy and learn
ing the extent Of his injuries, he was
put into the physicians automobile
and. accompanied by the father, was
hurried to the Columbus hospital in
Great Falls. il being feared that an
operation would be necessary to re-
move the piece Of cartridge from his
stomach. An examination at the hos
pital revealed that the amputation
Of the two fore fingers on the left
hand was necessary, while the under
part Of the right thumb was blown
away An X=ray examination Of the
stomach showed the piece Of cart
ridge so located as to make ii danger
Gus to attempt to remove II at that
time.
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1922-05-18
MINING co. GETS AUTHOR
ITY TO DO BUSINESS HERE

The Silver Dyke Mining company, a
Maine corporation. acquired authority
to transact business in Montana Fri
day by filing articles Of incorporation
in the office of County Clerk John E..
Moran. The company, which is com
posed Of Portland. Me. business men,
is capitalized at $500, 900
None Of the capital stock has been
subscribed in money, but the actual
capitalization in terms Of property,
is $424, ,996. The company owns 13
claims In the Neihart district. Ran
som Cooper, Great Falls attorney, is
the representative Of the company.
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1922-05-18
HAVE SPECIFICATIONS
FOR NEW BRIDGE ROAD

The board of county commissioners
have caused to be sent to the Belt
Valley Times office copy of the
specifications for the new road to be
built form the new wagon bridge
north of town upsover the hill, in order
that local people may prepare bids
without the necessity of making q trip
to the county surveyors office in
Great Faiiss sThe bids are To be open
ed. week from Friday, May 20.
The specifications call for the clear
ing of SO acres of land of brush, the
moving Of 1886 feet Of earth, 45 feet
of loose rock and 10 feet Of solid rock,
and the building of 4,427 feet Of road
Four 2s-foot culverts are to be placed.
II is understood that three local peo-
pie are planning ON submitting bids,
Chas. r.. Rice, Harry Boyle, d. w.
Burnett
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1922-05-18
RAYNESFORD MEN HURT
WHEN AUTO TURNS OVER

Edward Stiruch and Anton Bre.
ganek of the Raynesford section, were
taken to the Columbus hospital in
Great Falls last Saturday night fol
lowing the overturning of the automo-
bile in that city in which they were
riding. Stiruch sustained a compound
fracture of the right ankle and body
bruises. Breganek was badly shaken
up and bruised, but sustained no
broken bones. 1t is believed that his
back is severely sprained.
Just how the accid Mt happened the
men are unable 20 say, but they
agree that something went wrong,
causing the car TO run into a ditch and
upst