davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Mena weekly star., 1922-03-16
FIND OIL IN SCOTT COUNTY
Strike at Abbott Creates Big Enthusi-
 asm in Vicinity.

Report of an oil strike at Abbott. Ark, has created a stir among Mena residents who have property or other interests in that vicinity. Abbott is located in the extreme northern part of Scott county, just over the line from Mansfield, in Sebastian county.
 A Fort Smith despatch says of the reported oil strike.
 "Oil was struck in test we'll at Abbott, 25 miles from here when the drill had reached depth of 2,4OO feet, according to Tom Edwards, president of the Choctaw Brick and Gas Com pany, owners of the well.
 Operations were suspended pending arrival of experts from Tulsa. About 4O0 feet of water is standing in the hole. The drill was working in water when the oil showing was obtained and the drill was stopped at the top of the sand. officials said. Casing has been set.
 The men now conducting the drill ing had only been in possession of the well two weeks. having purchased it from another company and they had had drilled but 1e inches when the oil showing was discovered. Owners are optimistic, but say they cannot esti- mate the value of the strike.
 The Abbott we'll is one-hak mile south and east of Abbott, and three miles southeast of Mans6eld. It was started last October hy the Arkansas Development Company. About two weeks ago the property was taken over by Mr. Edwzrds and his aseoci- af<s
The Mena weekly star., 1922-03-16
MYSTERIOUS FIRES
 THREATEN WOMAN
Blue Flames Seeming to Start in Air in Bedroom of Invalid, Burn Bed ding and Endangers Life
 Many Theories Advanced.

Alva, Ok, March 13.-Blue flames, their origin mystery, which burst into being apparently from the air itself, threaten horrible death to Mrs. Oma Smith, g years old, an in- valid, who lies paralyzed on bed in little cottage here.
 The authorities are completely baf- fled and the woman covers in terror. Bedside watchers, who are keeping vigil day and night, can only leap to the rescue as the mysterious fires burst out at intervals in bedding, clothing worn by Mrs. Smith, wall draperies or any inhammable mater ial in the room.
 Two mattresses have been reduced to smoldering ruins, calendar on the wall has been ignited, a shawl worn by the invalid has burst into flames and several other blazes started in bedding in the last few days.
 First at Midnight Wednesday.
 The first fire came at midnight Wednesday,. The flames, which sud denly leaped up from the bottom of the mattress on the bed, were ex- tinguished by Mrs. Smiths mother, Mrs. John Meyers. Later the mat tress caught fire in another spot.
 Friday, calendar on the wall blazed. Soon afterward, the carpet ignited. An aunt, Mrs. Mary Wag- ner, was in the room at the time.
 The invalid was removed from the bed to chair. Her shawl famed as 1t touched the flour. All bedding and apparel were removed from the room and new mattress installed. It burst into flames yesterday morn ing, witnessed by several, among them newspaper reporter.
 Many Theories Advanced.
 Dr. c. L. Rogers, who was called in following the first blaze, failed to solve the mystery. Speculation here is rife concerning the reason for the fires. Theories advanced include spiritualism, chemical reaction from urine, and incendarism.
 Witnesses say the fires seem to start in the air, blue flames jumping and cracklin.
The Mena weekly star., 1922-03-16
ARKANSAS ADVANCEMENT
 ASSOCIATION IN GREAT WORK
Has Distributed 3O0,O0O 1900 Reasons Why We Are Proud of Arkansas
 Answers All Letters.
Special to The Star.

Special to The Star.
 Little Rock, March 14.-Altho or ganized solely for the purpose of conducting propaganda about Arkan- sas that would overcome unfavorable comment by the metropolitan press, the Arkansas Advancement Associa- tion is now being forced to function as state chamber of commerce. This association has now distributed 300,- 900 copies of it's 1900 Reasons Why We Are Proud of Arkansas" and an- other 100000 of the letter inserts Arkansas, the Wonder State" will in few days be off the press. This publicity matter has gone to all sec tions of the United States and many foreign countries. It is bringing hun dreds of inquiries every day and practically everyone who writes ex- presses a determination to soon be- come a resident of Arkansas. The Arkansas Advancement Association has answered every letter and made an effort to locate the newcomer in the part of the state best suited to their requirements. The association has even gone to the extent of sup plying the prospective citizens with legal opinions, advice in financial af- fairs and in several instances has as-i sisted nonresident property owners to obtain and developing their Ar kansas holdings. Such action will result in the development of several large tracts of timber land in east ern Arkansas, thus adding materially to the wealth of the community. Dozens of letters have been received from residents of Canada and many of these are from mechanics and pro fessional men who desire new loca- tions where the winters are less strenuous. The Arkansas Advance ment Association has even acted as a labor agency in communicating with commercial organizations relative to positions for these inquirers. The of ficers of the association are proceeding on the theory that anything, no mat ter how small, that can be done to bring desirable people 10 Arkansas is worth doing and worth doing well.
The Mena weekly star., 1922-03-16
OLD TIME RESIDENT PASSES z. M. Ellison. 67, Had Resided Guar
 ter Century at Board Camp.

z. M. Ellison, who for more than a half century has been resident of Polk county, died Tuesday night at 10 o'clock at his home at Board Camp. He was CT years of age and with his parents came to Arkansas from Geor- gia while youth. Ever since he has been resident of the Board Camp community, which in the early days was known as Silver Center. To his friends and acquaintances he was best known as "Mose," and he and his family are related to many in the Board Camp community. MT. Ellison was the last of five brothers to pass away, but there are ten living sisters, all but two of whom live in Polk county. For many years decedent was engaged in the mercantile business at Board Camp. He is survived by his wife, five children, 20 grand children and one great grandchild. His chil- dren are Jones, Gilbert, and Ali El- lison, Mrs. Lou McCown and Mrs. Mary Shirley, all residing in Polk county. Burial took place Wednes- day afternoon at Board Camp ceme- tery, services being conducted by Rev. McMillan.
The Mena weekly star., 1922-03-16
ANOTHER DOLLAR
 DAY IS COMING
Mena Merchants Have Set March 25 as Day for Unusual Bargains
 Free Events.

The merchants of Mena, co-operat- ing with the American Legion, are arranging for Dollar Day to be held March 25. Not only will Dollar Day Bargains be featured, but there will be other attractions as well.
 To start of the springtime, a free baseball game will De btaged between members of the American Legion turnout the county, and ex-service men, they pitting their skill against the Mena High aggregation A warm contest is expected. as players from al points in the county will be fn the lineup against the intellectuals. A
 The war is over. despite some opin- ion as to high prices still prevailiag in some things. but nc one has for gotten the thrill of war times. The noise and military nnap will b< brought back when the Mena Howit- ger Company goes into action on Menn6eld shortly after o'clock Sat ura.ys The zsilitArx company has re- ceiSed thfar equipment Of trench mnxfsrs. howstzsrx. one pound guns. etc. and if ysu believe Fuu hsve ke.rs some noise tidx belief viii h< nhsft<re< ~hen fhe biK gum co into nr<<ru.
 4f the sf*ue<ze<& are freeL fke dat1 lh H4reH <a <<1<f1 n<sst meet k z <ox e<s-@t>@ t>@es-<<z1. <-A <e~ <-s z.-z.. rrza 4 ths <<eaN k h< st>pp<
The Mena weekly star., 1922-03-16
SOLDIER BONUS BILL GAINS STEP
House Ways and Means Committee Approved by Vote of 19 to 5- Time of Calling Up Is
 Uncertain.

Washington, March 14.-A favor able report on the long controverted soldiers bonus bill was ordered today by the House ways and means com mittee by vote of 19 to 5. Chairman Fordney plans to submit his formal report tomorrow or Thursday, but said the time of calling the measure up in the House would not be fixed definitely until after the return here of Speaker Gillett, who is in Florida with President Harding.
 Representative Fordney said he did not expect Speaker Gillett to bring any message on the bonus from the executive and that the subject of the conference with the speaker would be the question of calling up the bill next Monday under a suspension of the rules. Some members of the House, however, expressed the belief that MT. Gillett would be prepared to give the presidents views on the com- promise bill.
 The vote on the measure today in the committee was taken ten minutes after Secretary Mellon, Comptroller of the Currency Crissinger and Gov ernor Harding, of the Federal Re- seve Board, had been questioned for two hours in open session as to their ideas of the bank loan adjusted cer- tificate plan. The five members vot- ing against a favorable report were Garner, of Texas, Kitchen of North Carolina, and Collier of Mississippi, Democrats, and Treadway, of Mas sathusetts, and 'Iilson of Connecti- cutt, Republicans. All members of the committee were present with the exception of Mir. Kitchin and Repre- sentative Chandler, Republican, Ok lahoma, whose votes were cast by proxy.
 Before the final vote the commit- tee rejected 19 to 5, an amendment offered by Backarach, Republican, of New Jersey, to impose for a period of three years a one per cent tax on wholesalers, designed to raise $560,- 100000 with which to finance. the bonus. Those supporting this amend. ment were all Republicans. Long worth, Ohio; Backarach, Mott, New York; Tilson ard Watson, Pennsyl- vania.
 Under an amendment suggested b, Governor Harding and adopted by unanimous vote, banks making orig inal loans en the adjusted service cer | tificates rediscounted by other banks authorized to make original loans of the certificates rediscountable by fed eral reserve banks, saying the gen. eral economic effect would be unfav- orable.
 Decision to call the federal re- serve board governor, Secretary Mel Ion and Mir. Crissinger, was reached by the committee at a morning se- cret session. The Democrats insist ed that they finally carried their point after sharp debate, the vote being Is to II, with seven Republi- cans supporting the motion and two Democrats opposing it.
The Mena weekly star., 1922-03-16
Bodies Blown 400 Feet.

Baton Rouge, La, March 14.--A tornado which swept down this morning about 2 o'clock from the southwest practically destroyed the little settlement of Sunrise, on the Frisco road in West Baton Rouge, killed two people, injured about six teen others, destroyed six houses, and did other damage.
 The dead are Rosa Wright, ne- gro woman, and her child, who were blown out of their home and found in g ditch after the tornado had passed. more than 400 yards from their home.
 J. M. Davis, head of the round house for the Frisco, was injured and two of his children were hurt, one seriously. Mrs. Mur, a white woman, had her arm broken.
 Six houses in Sunrise were blown down, a large barn on Popular Grove plantation, belonging to Horace Will kinson was destroyed, two box cars at Anchorage, the Frisco terminal, were turned over. The superstruc- ture of the Thompson gravel plant at Anchorage was blown down.
The Mena weekly star., 1922-03-16
TOLL OF MOTHERS
 AND BABES GREAT
U. S. ChiIdren's Bureau Finds 100000 Infants Die Under Year and 20,- 900 Mothers in Child Birth Same
 Year-Effort to Save Life.
Special to The star.

Special to The Star.
 Little Rock, March 12.--As many inquiries have come to both the gov ernor's office and the State Board of Health requesting information re- garding the Sheppard-Towner act, re- gently passed by Congress, the follow ing statement is issued:
 After careful surveys turnout this country by Federal and state health authorities and number of volun- teer health organizations, the data compiled showed an extremely high maternity and infant death rate, and many of the causes contributing to this high death rate were found to be, in a measure at least, preventable. ton, states that in 1919 about 100000 babies died in the United States be- fore they reached one year of age, and that 10000 mothers died from child birth in the same year. The Chill dren's Bureau further estimates that one-haf of the babies and two-thirds of the mothers so dying might have been saved.
 "This act will be administered by the Chief of the Children's Bureau of the Department of Labor, the Surgeon General of the U. s. Public Health Service and the U. s. Commissioner of Education, which immediately dis spells any idea that the act is to be administered by group of spin sters," as has been charged. On January Eth, 1922, Governor McRae issued a proclamation designating the State Board of Health, thru its Blu reau of Child Hygiene, to administer the act in Arkansas.
 Under the terms of the act, $10,000 will be awarded to each state, as soon as appropriated by Congress, to be expended in accordance with a pro- gram to be approved by the state and Federal authorities above desig- mated. The accrued benefits to be de- rived from the act subsequently, will be contingent upon an appropriation from the legislature, similar to the Smith-Hughes and other Federal aid measures.
 "The purpose of the act is to fur nish instruction in the hygiene of ma ternity and infancy thru public health nurses, consultation centers, and oth- CT educational methods. Incompe- tent, ignorant and superstitious mid- wives, often eolored, are contributing largely to the maternity death rate in Arkansas. There is nothing in the act to restrict the practice of mid wifery, but an effort will be made to list all of the midwives of the state and give courses of instruction thru local agencies to those who may quail fly, and an effort will be made to pro- hibit those grossly incompetent from practicing altogether. Many mothers die due to lack of proper prenatal care. Many causes of eclampsia or convulsions, nephritis (kidney dis easel, hemorrhage, etc, may be avoid ed by observing certain simple in structions.
 "The one greatest factor contrib uting to the high infant mortality rate is improper feeding.
 Many of the deformities, such as club feet, spinal curvature, etc, may be readily corrected in infancy and early youth without pain and at lit tie expense that would require ex- pensive disqualification and the most difficult surgical procedure in later childhood"
The Mena weekly star., 1922-03-16
ANCW|N IS WITH
 MENA DELEGATION
Southwest American Paints Interview With Meha's Popular School Super intendent, Who Makes Good Talk
 for Methodist Assembly.
from the Southwest American.

From the Southwest American.
 Superintendent Fred R. Angwin, of the Mena city schools, formerly prin- cipal of Peabody school here, arrived in Fort Smith Monday to attend the meeting of the twenty commissioners of the Methodist Assembly project, which will be held tomorrow morning at the First Methodist church.
 Mena citizens are making strong effort to land the Methodist Assem- bly,. Their proposition will be pre- sented tomorrow morning by Super intendent Angwin. w. s. MacLafferty, F. J. Smith, Claude Williford, Elmer Sapp, George Petty and Dr. T. 0. Owens, pastor of the First Methodist church in Mena, all prominent men of affairs in that city.
 Situated fifty-two miles south of Fort Smith, in the heart of Polk coun- ty, Mena has a picturesque and beau tiful site to offer for consideration.
 Superintendent Angwin, in discuss ing the site which Mena citizens are presenting the board of commission CTS said last night, from a point of unexcelled beauty spot, and from fi- nancial standpoint, Mena has to offer to the commissioners a proposition which we believe will be unequalled Unquestionably we are offering thu most beautiful site in the entir, southwest.
 "The location is 1,400 feet abov' sea level, and ideally situated. Ever Lake Junaluska, in North Carolina the general assembly for southern Methodism, could be no more attrac 1 tive. There are seven mountain streams within short distance o- the site, and promoters of the projecf in Mena have announced intentions o1 constructing an artificial lake to ado to the attractions for pleasure seek CTS there. Already there are excel lent driveways leading to picturesque mountain peaks, and trails for those who enjoy hiking
 The site will be permanent in view of the fact that it is on the govern ment reserve, and this alone is worth considering. 1t is also located on the highway to Hot Springs, and roads are practically always in condition for making overland trips.
 There is another thing, too, which we know is vitally important, and of which Mena can be justly proud and that is our excellent waterworks system. Our water is 100 per cent pure and is derived from an artesian well, situated on a high mountain, two miles from Mena.
 Should the project be landed in Mena, a depot will be constructed on the site in order to accommodate wis., itors to the assembly The depot would be built within about a mile of the present station.
 "The citizens of Mena are not mak- ing an effort to land the project from money making standpoint. Our one main aim is to give those of the Methodist faith in the five states ad- vantages of the beautiful scenery in Polk county and to share the abund- ant resources which Nature has so generously bestowed upon us."
The Mena weekly star., 1922-03-16
Served Warrant on Old Charge.

E. R. Jackson returned Tuesday morning from Stephens, where he had gone as special deputy sheriff to serve warrant on John Myatt, former Mena resident, and to place him under bond to appear in circuit court next month. Myatt had been indicted about year ago together with Dr. c. Cochran. W. M. Patrick and c. B. Freeman on charge of conspiring to defraud man named Stubbs in the sale of a piece of Nena realty. The case was never called to trial because Myatt had never been located, but it is expected the hearing will be had at she April term.
The Mena weekly star., 1922-03-16
Mrs. Lydia Iagston Dead.

Mrs. Lydia Logston, mother of W. D. Logston, died Tuesday at her son's following a short illness from pneu- monia. Mrs. Logston was aged 80 years. months and 13 days She was born in Illinois. Five sons sur vive. but none were able to attend the burial save ". D. Logston. Funeral services were held Wednesday after noon h charge of the Rev. ". L. Brandon of the First M. F. Church. Interment was at Whiteoak cemetery.
The Mena weekly star., 1922-03-16
tories Is Is Responsibilities WORK
BLAMEs Ku KLux THREATS.
Says Man Slain Represented Himself
 as Agent of Klan.

Gulfport, Miss, March 9.-D. H. Ruddock, of Passe Christian, Miss, held in the county jail here in connec- tion with the killing of Nick Mooi late yesterday, stated today the kill ing was an outgrowth of Ku Klux threats made aganst him by Mooi, representing himself as an agent of the order. The shooting occurred at the Ruddock home, following which Ruddock surrendered to the sheriff Both men have families and bore good regulations.
The Mena weekly star., 1922-03-16
INTEREST IN CITY ELECTION Only Few Days Left in Which to
 Make Nominations.

With only a few more days left in which to make nominations, interest in the coming city election is increas- ing. There are three aldermen, city attorney and city clerk to elect at the annual contest, which takes place this year on April 4. City Clerk W. N. Martin will likely be g candidate for reelection, and so will City Attorney L. N. Burnett. The terms of Alder men J. F. Averitt, Mark P. OIney and W. J. Lauck expire. Alderman Olney will not be candidate for another term. Voters in the Second Ward. which he represents, have placed in nomination Elmer Eddy and Robert Norris as candidates to succeed Alder man Olney. Alderman Averitt will be opposed by T. M. Goddard in the First Ward, and thus far Alderman Lauck has no opposition in the Third Ward.
The Mena weekly star., 1922-03-16
AFRICAN DUTCH FEARED. Shuts Delays Martial Law, Becaus'
 of Possible Revolt.

London, March 1.-The general strike called by the miners leaders at Johannesburg is revolutionary movement, according to the Cape town correspondent of the Daily Tele- graph. The strike issue has been eclipsed by the threat against the state, he says.
 There is speculation over Premier Shuts delay in proclaiming martial law, which is regarded as gravely overdue, but it is said he as actuated by fear that such step would preci- pitate conflict in which the strikers, who are mainly Dutch, might be rein forced from the veldt.
The Mena weekly star., 1922-03-16
TWO MORE COMMISSIONERS
 METHODIST ASSEMBLY HERE
Dr. Forrey Hutchinson of Oklahoma City and Dr. J. H. Ball of Alva.
 Ok, See Site.

Tuesday afternoon train No. 8 brought to Mena two more of the Commissioners chosen to locate the Western Assembly of the M. E. Church, South, ill session at Fort Smith as this is written. These Com missioners were Dr. Forney Hutchin- son, pastor of St. Luke's M. K. Church. South, at Oklahoma City, and the Rev. J. H. Ball of Alva, Ok.
 On arrival, by arrangements pre- viously made, F. " Tomlinson and V. w. St. John ascertained that the visitors insisted on returning north on No. 4, just one hour after arrival. This ascertained, no time was lost, and the drive was taken to Grandview Heights, from which much of the pro- posed site was seen. as we'll aa the National Forest trail which leads to the Peak. over and into the National Forest adjacent to the Assembly site.
 Passing around the Horseshoe Drive stops were made at advantag- ecus points, and then careful sur vey of the lands where it is proposed to locate the assembly hall, lake, etc, was made from The Bouiders. Here Mrs NJ. A. Stratfon, who knew Dr. Hutchinson several yeAvs ago at Hot Springs, joined the ps.rty. bringing field glasses for ciossr inspection of the scenery.
 Leaving the Bculders, a hurried drive to see the stoncwork in the new Catholic church. then Janssen Park. and a trip to StllweIl Heights eeen- pfed tbe rerlzininr rnlrufes anfl the tfsip left for Forf SHath
The Mena weekly star., 1922-03-16
BLOOD SERUM FATAL TO THREE
Wisconsin Will Probe Remedy Used
 in Waukesha Sanatorium.

Waukesha, Wis, March 11.-With three inmates of Westhaven sana- torium dead following the injection of a well known serum for the treat ment of a disease of the blood at the institution, an inquest has been or dered by Coroner l.. F. Lee, and Gov ernor Blaine has interposed by send ing state physician from Madison to assist in the autopsies.
 The dead men are.
 Capt. Roy Baker, Eauclaire.
 Walter Schuman, 30, Milwaukee.
 Leon Padace, 24, Walkesha.
The Mena weekly star., 1922-03-16
LOSES s2e.oo CARGO. Dry Axents Destroy See Casks of Whiskey Aboard the Honest Clsy.-

New Orleans, March ls.-The good ship Honsst Clay. toertker with <oo casks of whisk<y. wzs seExes hy fed. erai prehibltzor srenfx ss che val proce<tirR enutipazly thfz1 xkef &eHtzsf toward faks fnnfrhsrfrin early today. TeHy Fnnezn. tks sktu. pr. ~as Arrrted The crrw enrAueN
 teks O trns<ts If ths fai6snr pzrsg. nfrs shs carre wAs werfh frt t1sc. W. <HEz # %*< <~~{rpYee ey tn< 1ry
The Mena weekly star., 1922-03-16
J. NJ. Melee to sanitarium.

J. M. McBee. who resides at Cove, was brought to Mena Tuesday evening and given hearing as to his sanity before Judge Finger in the county court Following the examination 1t was determined McBee should receive treatment at the state hospital. Dep uty Sheriff Doug Walker and ]. T. Dempsey, who brought Melee to Mena. returned to Cove and later in the night Deputy Walker took the af- fiicted man to Little Rock.
The Mena weekly star., 1922-03-16
Plays Prank With Baby.

Kensett, Ark, March 14.-The 12- day-old baby of MT. and Mrs. T. Woods, residing a mile east of here, last night was blown from a bed on which it was lying when a wind storm blew down the Woods home, across the yard to fence where it's clothing caught in the pickets and held suspended uninjured until the storm subsided. The child's par ents were seriously hurt.