davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1922-06-08
John O. Hagen,
Former Monarch
Resident, Buried


John o. Hagen. brother-in-law OF
Mrs. J. A. Kierstaed Of this city, who
died at his home in Aberdeen, s. D.,
recentl, was former resident Of the
Monarch and Kibbey sections, where
he lived number of years ago, lesv-
ing here for South Dakota in 1903.
Mr.. Hagen's death, which occurred On
May %, resulted from an operation t.
relieve intestinal disorders. The fun
eral was held on Sunday, May 26, q
Aberdeen, and was attended by Mn
Kierstead and children and A. J. Vhn
ton, wife and son, Of White Sulphdt
Springs, they being sister and brothar
of Mrs. Hagen. Besides the widow,
Mr.. Hagen leaves three sons and two
daughters, two of whom will be reN
membered by the younger people IA
Belt, Averil, aged II, and Wiiiixu6,
aged rs, they having visited at the
Kierstead home here during the past
two summers.
For several years past Mr.. Hagen
had been deputy head counsel for the
Modern Woodmen of America. He
was also an active member OF The Odd
Fellows, r. NJ A. and Kebekahs, rep
sSntativer of these orders from var.
ious parts of South Dakota to the
number of 500 attending his funeral.
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1922-06-08
Belt Teacher is
Married in the
Falls Tuesday

Miss Louise Bickford, who taught
the third grade in the Belt schools
the past year, and Charles A. Dana,
who had spent the past two weeks
here, we're married at the Presbyter-
ian church in Great Falls Tuesday af-
ternoon at 3 o'clock, the Rev. l.. l..
Totten officiating They were attend
ed by Mrs. Maude Appleyard and
Herbert Siegling of this city. They
expected to leave Great Falls yester-
day for a tour of Yellowstone park,
going from there to Spokane for a
visit with Mrs. Dsna's parents, and
from there to Mr.. Dana's home at
Pullman, Wash. Mr.. Dana was man
ual training instructor in the Malta
schools the past year, and it is under
stood that he will return there next
faff. Rev. Futten,1who- performed the
ceremony, was a fellow student of
Mr.. Dana at the State college at Pull
man
Last Friday evening a shower was
given the bride by Mrs. Appleyard at
the Morrow residence, about 10 of her
lady friends being present. Mrs.
Dana was the recipient Of many ar
sicles that will prove useful in her
life. During her stay here
she made many friends who wish her
much happiness.
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1922-06-08
MerkIe' S Candi-
! dacy Gets Support

George w. Merkle of this city the
latter part of last week filed as a
candidate for the democratic nom-
nation for state senator, and in max
ing the filing adopted as his slogan,
"business, not politics. Mr.. Merkle's
candidacy, here in his home town, is
receiving good support, not only
among members of his own party, but
among republicans as we'll it being
the belief that should he receive the
nomination and be elected he will do
his utmost to put the policy he has
subscribed to, business, not politics"
into effect in the upper house to the
benefit of the state in general. His
candidacy, also, is receiving good
support in Great Falls, and also in the
west end of the county, pledges Of sup
port having been received by him
from several influential business men
Of Cascade.
That the rural sections Of the coun-
ty are entitled to representation in
the legislature is a conclusion arrived
at by the rural residents of the coun-
ty and it is the belief of those who
have been active in urging and pro-
noting Mr. Merkle's candidacy that
his election to the state sem
ate the country districts will not only
get that representation, but a rep
rosentative who is familiar with the
needs of the rural sections Of the
state
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1922-06-08
.BeaIe of Sim ms
Files for Surveyor

As stated several weeys ago in the
Belt Valley that he would, Harry O..
Beale of Simms last Thursday filed
with the clerk and recorder his deciar-
alton of intention to be candidate
for the nomination for county sur
veyor on the republican ticket. Mr..
Beale is quite we'll known in this sec
ton through havingsbeen in charge Of
state highway commission crews that
have run several surveys in this sec
tion of the county. His experience
in road building, his friends say, will
make him valuable man for the Of
flee, should he succeed in gaining
the nomination and be elected. He
states as his slogan, Justice, Effic-
iency and Economy"
Mr.. Bealc is a native of Maine and
an '05 graduate Of the university of
that state. He camo to Great Falls
in 1906 and was for four years with
the reclamation service as an engineer.
With the Milwaukee railroad five
years, and with the state highway
commission three years. He is now
engaged in private practice. He had
charge of the Golfer dam works of the
Great Falls concrete bridges, and
while with the Milwaukee built the
sixth street subway. He had made
his home at Simms since coming to
Great Falls, homesteading there and
having ranch there, much Of il ir-
and upon which he pays taxes
Of more than $500 per year.
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1922-06-08

sils, and in one small one was great
clusters of crystals the exact shape
of rosebuds and roses in full bloom
so exact that one would believe them
carved out of marble by an expert.
AT the end of the passage is he large
room, which could be reached only
with the aid of rope, going down q
sheer drop of so feet. Here they found
great stalactites hanging like icicles
from the ceiling, which was fully 100
feet above the bottom, and crystal
formations and other forms the color
of coral. making a scene of rare
beauty as their lights were flashed
about. The air in this room, as in
all other parts, was perfect, and it
is the belief Of the party that from
this room there had once been an out
let from the cave, now blocked by a
cave-in, the air finding it's way in
through crevices in the mountain.
They estimated that this room is fully
1000 feet below the surface of the
mountain, and that the air current
at the entrance would register about
10000 cubic feet per minute.
To explore the cave and see all it's
beauties would require fully eights
hours, and one wants to be warmly
dressed. At present considerable
care would be necessary, but very lit
tie expense would be necessary to
make visit perfectly safe to anyone.
They believe the cave is certain to
take its place as one Of the show
places of Montana. 1t is about mile
and half off the Lick creek road, and
a marker viii soon be placed to show
It's location to thos wishring to visit it.
Will Brodie has offered the name,
NThe Famous Giant Cave Of Lick
Creek" The Lick creek road is now
IN perfect condition, the party says,
and nine turn-outs have been cut to
allow the passing Of cars on the
sunrves along he grade.
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1922-06-08
Belt Men RediSCOyer
Big Mountain Cave

Win, Ed, Lester and Art Brodie
Ernest Siegling and Clarence Som
merville returned home Monday af
ternoon from Logging creek, wher,
they had been working with the for.
estry service in opening the Lick
creek road, and brought with them the
story Of the discovery and explora-
tion of a mammoth cave in the Little
Belt mountains, which has been given
considerable, though rather exag-
gerated and Inaccurate publicity in
the Great Falls daily press. This
party of Belt men, all experienced
miners and accustomed to under
ground work, were those to re-dis-
cover the cave, and it was them, with
Adolph Weholt, assistant government
road supervisor, and Frank Foster,
who explored the great cave.
Upon going to Logging creek they
were told of the existence of the cave
by Andy Miller, mayor of Logging
creek, who said it was first discovered
by Chas. Gustafson, a former resi-
dent of that section, who told Of it's
existence to but few besides Mr.. Mil
ler. Miller had also told Forest Rang
er Giddings Of II. The camp where
the Belt men were stationed was but
a short way from where Miller said he
the cave was located, so
they began search for it. The first
evening, though within 20 feet of
where they later found the opening,
they failed to find it, but the next
evening 1t was located and they be-
gan an exploration Of it. However,
they soon found that rope would be
to go far toward exploring
the cave, so they gave it up until the
evening, when they return
ed equipped with carbonite lights and
rope, and went in for some distance,
but IL took third trip into the cave
TO learn great deal about It.
The entrance to the cave, which is.
said by -Mehoit, who has visited
the famous, Mammoth cave in Ken
lucky, to exceed it in wonders and
beauty, is about two and half feet
In diameter and after going a short
way the party found sheer drop Of
about 10 feet. The passage has about
a 80 per cent drop for It's entire dis
lance, and extends back into the
for a distance estimated
by these experienced underground
men to be 5000 feet. In places this
ia 80 low that 1t is neces-
sary to crawl upon the stomach, and
in others high enough so that one can
walk erect. AT places II was neces-
sary to crawl along lodges OF rock
above holes the bottoms of which they
could not see by flashing their lights
INTO them, making their progress
rather dangerous. Other passages led
IF from this and In some places there
would be one pasageway under an
,ther and it would be very easy, they
Jay. for one not accustomed to under
yround workings to become lost.
The party found many large rooms,
iome as large as good sized store
'oom, the largest Of which was esti-
mated to cover about three acres Of
,round These rooms were many OF
hem filled with water crystal and fos-
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1922-06-08
Council Considers
New Ordinances

With Aldermen S. A. Remington
and Will Brodie absent, short meet
ing Of the city council was held last
Thursday evening. About the first
matter of Importance TO come ~dp~was
the consideration of a petition from
dog owners and taxpayers asking
the ordinance relating TO dogs be
amended by reducing the license fee
from $4.00 on male dogs and $40 on
females to So and IS. Ordinance No.
81 was amended in answer to the pc
tition the new license being fixed at
the figure given. Mayor Millard
stated that he had named Harvey Null
liner as policeman and had instructed
him to rigidly enforce the ordinance
as it now stands Mr.. Nulliner re-
places Albert Castner as policeman,
Mr.. Castner being appointed but for
one month while he council conducted
an investigation to ascertain if full
time officer could be financed, learn
ing that it was impossible. Mr.. Null
liner continues his work with the city
team and draws additional compens-
sation in the amount of $25 month
for his services as police officer.
The report of the city waterover-
seer showed that there were number
of delinquent users some for shorter
and some for longer periods of time,
and the water overseer was instruct
ed to turn the water off at these
places unless all arresrage was paid
by the first Of July. City Attorney
Leo C. Graybill was also instructed
to draft an amendment TO the present
water ordinance covering the ques-
tion of delinquency, misuse, etc, to
submit to the council at its next meet
ing.
The report of the police magistrate,
the first one submitted in many a
month for the simple reason that he
had nothing to report, showed fines
of $23.75 assessed and collected dur
ing the month of May. Most of this
amount came from COW owners who
insisted upon letting their animals
run at large, and from water users
who used water out of hours for irri-
cation.
Rental of the city billboards was
also brought up for discussion, the
city dads finding that for some time
past there had been no revenue from
them, though they had been in use
more or less. A rate of $1.00 per
board for the first week and 10 cents 1
a day thereafter was agreed upon as
the rental in future.
The old and much discussed license
question was again up, it being stated
that there were certain businesses in
town from which license could be
and that several hundred 1
dollars year could be derived from
such source. The city attorney
was instructed 10 draft such an ordi-
nance TO be submitted to the councilI
at Its next meeting.
After allowing the bills as audited,
ihe council adjourned at $50 o'clock
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1922-06-08
Crassh0ppsT Pest
Again Threatening

While it had been thought that the
long winter and the late cold, damp
spring would have q tendency to
destroy this seasons crop Of grass
! hoppers, the warm days of the past
two weeks has resulted in the hatch
out of thousands Of young hoppers
and farmers coming to town SAP that
the number of young hoppers that are
now infestinR the fields is really
alarming, and they cannot see but
what there are as many OF them as in
the past. As yet the hoppers are
smball and are not flying, but little
investigation around the surface of
the ground in crop fields reveal vast
numbers of them. The condition is
the same in many parts of the county,
according to County Agent F. E. Mac
Spadden. Mr.. MacSpadden received
many calls from this section Sunday
last in reference TO the methods Of
combating the pest, and Monday Wis
tied this section TO make an investiga-
tion.
Right now is the time to ex-
terminate them, for in another month
there will be so many Of them and
they will be 80 scattered that many
crops will be destroyed before the ad-
vance Of the pests can be checked"
said Mr.. MacSpadden.
During the Matching season the
grasshoppers are confined TO certain
territories and poisoned bran well
placed will do a great deal toward
preventing recurrence of the swarms
that swept the country Last year. ne
added.
A fund of 81 900 TO be used in pur-
chasing supplies for poisoning grass
hoppers was appropriated Monday by
the board of county commissioners and
Agent MacSpadden was appointed to
have charge of the determination cam
paign which will be started as early
as practicable Mr.. MacSpadden will
make monthly reports TO the board or
the progress being made.
The commissioners received a let
er Mondaw from A. l.. Strand, state
advising immediate ac-
ton against the hoppers. The injur-
ious hoppcrs, the letter read, are
hacthed during the last week in May
and the first three weeks of June.
Use of poison during the Matching per-
Od ls necessary, lt Was saius because
control measures are not effective
after the hoppers have grown wings
md are scattered throughout the
.rops.
Accompanying the letter was copy
# the insect pest law, enacted during
he last legislative session, and which
,perated effectively in rs counties last
,ear. 1t was set forth that the aver
lge cost per acre for grasshopper
was les sthan 80 cents
V1icf was more than returned m the
alue of crops saved from the hop
ers.
1t is hoped that Mr.. MacSpadden
rlI have the cooperation Of every
ancherA this section in the fight
gainst the pest. for little can be ae-
omplished otherwise
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1922-06-08
RADIO CORPORATION is
LAUNCHED IN HELENA

The Montana Radio Corporation,
which plans to install broadcasting
plant and then take up very actively
the work Of selling and installing
radio sets in the cities Of Montana,
paying particular attention to the
ranches of the state, was recently
launched at Helena. The company is
already assured Of the endorsement
of the state department Of agricul-
ture, and application has been made
for designation as federal broad
casting station.
1t is hoped to have the station well
established by the middle of July. II
will rank as one of the most powerful
sets in the northwest according to
the present plans and viii cover the
state of Montana thoroughly by day
This would make it's range at night
about 1000 mikes IteaH be seen that.
this will be Of great service 10 farm
ers of the state, as wen as giving the
city Of Helena great deal of fav-
orabIe publicity.
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1922-06-08
SUMMER TILLAGE IN
CREASED IN PAST WEEK

With burst of speed which sur
prisas- her rivals, the summer tillage
club 10 Hobson springs into the first
place at the head of the. hist Of state
clubs, as a result of an intensive drive
just completed, is the announcement
just made by bulletin issued from
the office of the Montana Develop
ment association, summarizing the
efforts Of the clubs under its super
vision.
May 43thEwheH the last bulletin
was issued Sweet Grass was at the
head Of the list, with S,725 acres. Hob
son by its drive more than doubled ITS
former acreage, securing 6,735 acres
OF new land TO be summer titled and
from third place on the list
Fort Benton advanced from ninth
place to third place in the list, and
added 4y500 acres to its total, whlie
Sweet Grass. the previous leader, ad-
ded only 1000 acres and dropped
back to second place
Six new clubs got into what ~
known as the 3,O00-acres class-Mal-
Ia, RapeiJes Windham, Carter, Gias-
Cow and 0swego.
The total acreage now listed m
Montana simmer tiIlage clubs nov -
i4l -235 acres, an increase Of 35,65o
scces- The total number of Members
is 2 1855, an increase Of 5sO.
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1922-06-08
Heavy Hay Crop
PIeaSGS Farm erS


Farmers living in all directions from
Belt report that never has the hay
crop of this section been heavier than
the coming crop, alfalfa already stand
ing from Is TO 18 inches high and as
heavy as possible on the ground. Tim
othy, too, is an exceptionally heavy
crop And the prospects Of such a
crop are very gratifying to the ranch
ers, especially those running any
number Of cattle, for while most Of
them went into the winter last year
with what under normal conditions
would have meant a surplus this
spring. the long heavy feeding rap-
idly diminished the stacks and very
few have any extra stocks Of hay at
the present time.
But with the present crop IN signt
and especially should the second cut
Ting Of alfalfa prove q good one, II
ig auite certain that the stoekmen and s
dairymen win be able to store up
surplus that will insure them ample
feed for next winter. even should II
prove repetition of the past one.
The cutting of the first crop of alfalfa
will begin with in the next three
weeks, farmers say.
The state Of Washington, It is said,
,as a poor crop Of hay this year, which
would give Montana profitable hay
market. but it is. doubtful IL stock
nen of this state viii sell their ur- I
,lus IN view of their experience during
he past few years.
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1922-06-08
Tax Leaguers Talk
to Local Audience

Several of the active members of
the Cascade County Taxpayers asso-
citation visited Belt last Saturday night
and addressed an audience Of probably
so people at the auditorium. For the
most part those attending were mem
bers of the Tiger Butte Taxpayers
association, though there were num-
Der from the city present DQninic
Spogen acted as chairman of the meet
ing and introduced the vsFious
speakers.
The fixst to take the floor wasFSec-
retary Wright of the county ascot
alton, who explained its aims and
made a report if it's accomplishments
during the past year, taking all the
credit for the associations for what
economies that have been effected in
the various county offices since the
organization of the association. Mr..
Wright stated that Cascade county
had the third highest assessed palu-
alton of all the counties of Montana,
and therefore was paying the largest
proportion of tay money into the
state treasury. He suggested that
the association and its various
branches should send delegations to
the state equalization board in an en-
deavor to have the valuation reduced
to par with other counties.
Harry B. Mitchell, former candi-
date for congress and aligned with the
Nonpartisan league two years ago,
was the next speaker. Mr.. Mitchell
in his talk showed that he was
thorough student of the tax question
and was talking from a thorough
knowledge of his subject rather than
on any personal grievance he might
have with things political. He pointed
out how much of the blame for high
taxes did not lay with officials, but
with the people themselves, using as
an illustration how Chancellor Elliott
of the state University, upon the rec
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1922-06-08
G OrdOn Files For
Sheriff Job Again

Setting at rest rumors which had
gained little circulation in this end
of the county to the effect that he
would not again be candidate, Sher-
iff Bob Gordon last Thursday after
noon filed with the county auditor his
declaration to enter the primaries as
candidate for the republican nom
nation to succeed himself While his
friends maintained that there was no
question but what he would seek
second term, his delay in declaring
himself gave rise to the humor here
that he would not be candidate.
Sheriff Gordon in making his filing
pledges '.'striet enforcement Of all
laws and with his record for this
during his first term, the slogan can
be taken as meaning just what it
says. He has been commended for
his lazy enforcement activities by
Governor Dixon, Attorney General w
D. Rankin and prohibition enforce
ment officials, he having secured 130I
on liquor cases alone. His
wild chase of bootlegging aufomo-
bile into Belt one Sunday morning a
couple Of years ago. taking hurdle
In the shape of concrete sidewalk
extending foot above the street to
head the bootlegger off, is still an
occasional topic Of conversation here,
as showing the spirit which he gives
to his duty of law enforcement
The selection of his deputies, too.
is a matter which has brought Sheriff
Gordon much favorable comment from
most parts Of the county.
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1922-06-08
IDEAL GROWING CONDJ.
TIONS OVER MONTANA

Ideal growing conditions prevailed
IN Montana for the week ending May
27, according to reports by county
agents from 19 counties received BY
the state department Of aKE1cultuM,
Sixteen Of the 10 counties reported
precipitation. Seeding Of wheat and
oats is practically completed. Farmers
are now planting ecorn and f1ax. 4
large acreage 0f corr n btfnK nexdsds
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1922-06-08
WILL OPPOSE ROOSEVELT
FOR THE NOMINATION

Charles w. Peterson Of Great Falls
has filed as a republican candidate for
the nomination for county auditor.
He formerly lived in Sand Coulee
where he was connected with the Cot
tonwood Coal company. II nominated
and elected Mr. Peterson says he will
faithfully perform the duties of the
office. At present Mr.. Peterson is
an engineer at the Great Falls fill
tration plant.
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1922-06-08
wINDHAM BANKER WITH
DRAWS FROM THE RACE

Loren w. 10y of Windham. asso-
ciated with bank there, and MEM
ber of the last Legislature, who some
time ago announced that he wnnid be
a candidate for the republican nom
nation for congress, announced while
attending the bankers meeting in
Great Falls that he win not be can
didafe.
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1922-06-08

Parties attempting 10 drive to
Kings Ffff Sunday found 1t blocked
by snow at a point about q mile be-
low the divide. However, the snow
10 said 10 be melting rapidly and the
foxaxtrp service has senf a creW To The
hin to work upon the road this week.