davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1923-02-15
OLD AGE PENSIONS

The Independent is opposed to
the enactment of an old-age pen
sion bill. In expressing that OPP
position we do not desires to be
accused of lack of benevolency or
sympathy toward those unfortunates
who have entered the shadow of life
and are facing selfish world with
little or no financial possession.
Our objection is based solely upon
the proposition that this legislature
should create no new emoluments
the while it is seeking to cut down
those that already exist.
There is no economic gain for
the state in pensioning old people.
This is an economic year-a year in
which every dollar counts. That
condition will continue during the
next two years. The state will need
all Of its available funds for pur-
poses other than benevolent move
ments-and it should retain its
hold upon them with that idea in
mind.
The counties of Nevada already
provide poor farms for the hous-
ing and care of the poverty stricken.
This aid extends not only to old
but to young persons. Further
provision is made as well for the
care Of indigents, and upon a
proper showing a county allowance
is always made to those in stringent
need. In our estimation this is a
sufficient means for caring for
those people who are unable to
care for themselves when their sun
of life has set.-Elko Independent.
The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1923-02-15
Water Plentiful In Elko-

ELkO.--Cattle are in good condi-
tlon and the heavy SHOWS of the dis
trict will provide plenty of water
for the coming summer, according
70 report from Forest Ranger Nc
henzie OF Mountain City. Hay is
plentiful, he says.
Further indications of an ade-
quate water supply are in the re-
port from the driller of the test
wells on the China ranch east of
Siko. He declares that the well is
low producing about 10000 gal
ons OF water day, and that when
he drilling is completed he ex-
>ects million gallons. The water
low coming is from the first gravel
strata.
The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1923-02-15
Officer Prevents Jail Break

Crazed by drinking alcohol and
desiring to get more, C. ]. Webb,
Virgil Zeni and Edward D. Fahy
made an attempt to break jail in
Reno when William Dean, traffic
officer, was releasing a prisoner.
The three men rushed Dean and
Webb swung heavy blow to his
left optic knocking him down. Dean
got to his feet and came back with
blow that put Webb to sleep for
an hour and Zeni, who next at
tempted to put the officer down and
get out received a blow that sent
him into dreamland. Fahy, who
came in the first rush, retreated to
an inner cell. The officer called
Frank Wheeler, the night desk clerk,
who stood guard while Dean locked
the door.-Reno Gazette.
The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1923-02-15
Snow Shoveling Kills Man

w. r. Bozarth, master mechanic
of the Tonopah Mining Company,
died as he was received at the
Mines hospital where he had been
brought for treatment following
a heroic attempt on his part to
rescue a party of Millers residents
who were marooned on the desert
three miles west of Tonopah.
Mr.. Bozarth tainted from ex-
haustion while shoveling snow to
open the trail to Millers and was
rushed to Tonopah in the hope that
serious consequence might be
averted by prompt medical attcn-
ton. The circumstances surround
ing the death were at once reported
to the Nevada industrial commits
sion, who directed DR.. R. r. Craig
and DR.. C. j. Richards to hold an
autopsy to determine the cause of
death. The physicians reported that
death was caused by a modsr-
The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1923-02-15
Says Reno Is Driest-

Gays Keno Is Drlest-
Reno is the dryest spot in the
entire state if not in the west" ac-
cording to an interview with Cap
tain j. P. Donnelly, federal direc-
tor of prohibition, in the Reno
Journal. 81 am confident that very
little liquor is being sold in the city.
We are keeping a sharp lookout
for violations, and my men report
that there is little doing in the
booze line. Some places have been
closed and padlocks placed on the
doors, the owners fearing to take
any more chances.
However, we will not relax in
our efforts to make Reno and the
entire state as dry at the Sahara
desert, and the campaign is right
now only in its infancy from the
point of activity on the part of the
enforcement officers"
The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1923-02-15
Split Opposed in Nye-

ToNOPAH.-A conference Satur-
day between the commissioners of
Nye county and Senator Fitzgerald
resulted in the commissioners calling
on the entire Nye county delegation
to oppose the proposed change of
county lines.
1t was related that the White
river valley presents strong claims
Tor the development under the rec
iamation project that has been un-
der advisement for five years. This
project will reclaim thousands of
acres at the lowest cost per acre of
any reclamation undertaking in the
state.
The assessed valuation is placed
at S253,O00 which as the last levy
OF 1913 brought in $500 to the
county.
The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1923-02-15
WHEN ENFORCEMENT is
HARD

There is no good citizen who will
deny the general proposition that
every law should be vigorously en-
forced. But there is no thoughtful
observer who does not realize that
there must be prevailing public
sentiment to insure enforcement of
laws. This sentiment must be
overwhelming. 1t must pervade the
witness box and the jury room. 1t
must be SO manifest that officers
know that it will control elections.
ut makes on difference what a law
is it cannot be enforced unless the
people themselves uphold it.
1t is equally true that contempt
for one law brings general laxity.
If an official winks at disregard for
one law, under sufficient provoca-
ton he will wink at violation of
another. If juror breaks his oath
in one case, his moral fiber has
deteriorated. If a witness practices
evasion in one case, he will not tell
the truth though the heavens fall
in anothr case. A general lowering
and JURORS is inevitable.
These observations are true as to
all laws. Instances of disregard of
any kind of law, because of peculiar
conditions, may be drawn from re-
cent history. But there is one kind
OF law especial difficult to en-
force. All laws of sumptuary
character meet this difficulty.
When property is stolen, all own
ers of property unite to arrest and
prosecute the offender. The witness
is very clear in his identification.
The officials overlook no bit of
evidence. The jurors are eager to
see that stealing is stopped. But
suppose the injured party should
be vague and indefinite in his de-
scription. Suppose he went to the
bounds of perjury, in his effort
to shield the thief. Suppose the
officials looked upon stealing as a
popular vice. Suppose there were
thieves on the jury.
These are conditions under which
sumptuary laws are enforced. Even
when the people are aroused to a
crusading spirit, they cannot main
tain it permanently. Most must
return to their ordinary business
cares. Law violators can lie low
during a crusade. After the excite
ment has died down, they come out
OF their retreats and renew their
lawless activities. That is their
business.
1t is this situation which is caus-
ing so much woe in official circles
throughout the nation at the pres
ent time.-Tonopah Bonanza.
The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1923-02-15

tives underlying the movement, but
from the information which trickles
out of the legislative halls it would
appear that the vets have obtained
support for the repeating measure
by promises that a better law will
be passed in its place-promises in
which the public generally have no
faith. The sentiment of Nevada to-
day is strongly against the liquor
traffic. In the propaganda being so
extensively put out by the liquor
interests the claim is constantly
made that prohibition is a failure.
This is not so. The enforcement
is where the failure lies. Yet in
spite of the notorious laxness- of
in enforcing the law prohi-
bition has done. away with the
greater part of the evils which the
saloon fostered. If another and a
better enforcing act shall be adopt
ed by the legislature the repeating
clause may be easily included in
the new act.-Las Vegas Age.
The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1923-02-15
KICK IF THEY WERE HUNG

A sale Of one cent per gallon
on gasoline to increase the revenue
of the state has recently been de-
clared illegal in California, and
motorists of other states, including
Nevada, are preparing to defeat
like revenue producing legislation
that may be introduced. Strange
how people will go up in the air
when their state asks for a little
revenue to maintain good roads.
The oil companies could raise the
price of gas five or ten cents per
gallon and these same people would
pay it and say NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
vile Record Courier.
The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1923-02-15
S. p. Conductor of Spark. Dies

James Roffiter, pioneer Southern
Pacific railroad conductor of Ne
vada and Uath, aged fifty years,
died late Saturday night in the
5. P. hospital at San Francisco,
after an illness of three weeks. His
body was brought to Reno.
Mr.. Roffiter was a member of the
Order of Railway Conductors and
for the past nine years has been
running out of Sparks, his last run
being on the San Francisco Over
land Limited. Before coming to
Sparks he had a run out of Ogden
and prior to that was a passenger
conductor out of Tonopah. He en-
tered the service as brakeman in
1891. He is survived by a wife
and several children, residents of
Sparks.-Gazette.
The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1923-02-15
EVERYBODY WANTS ONE

The federal postoffice depart
ment some months ago strongly adj
vocated the building of postoffices
wherever needed, and in view of
this fact it seems probable that many
such buildings will be erected dur
ing the present administration. Ely
is certainly entitled to a federal
building and doubtless could secure
it if the community would take a
sufficient interest in the matter to
bring it properly to the attention of
our congressman and senator at
Washington. If we don't go after
it we certainly never will get it.
Ely Record.
The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1923-02-15
COMMISSION GOVERNMENT

Senator Fitzgerald of Nye county
has given notice of his intention at
some future time to introduce a
plan for commission form of gov
eminent which, if carried into op-
eration, would reduce the lawmak-
! ing body of the state to seven
elective members, and also a plan to
reduce the judicial district from
ten to seven.
The first proposal requires con-
stitutional amendment. 1t is not
fully developed, but involves the
election of one-chamber body
from seven legislative districts, COM
prising, roughly 10000 inhabitantss
or seven at large without assembly
districts.
The governor, lieutenant COVER
nor and attorney general would be
made members without vote, and
the body would meet either an
nually or whenever the need APP
peared.
Inasmuch as a legislative session
at present occurs every two years
and costs 5000, or an average of
$4,000 annually for a membership
of fifty-four, Senator Fitzgerald
| figures he can save at least $40, 900
annually by the new plan.
The constitutional amendment, if
initiated by resolution approved in
1928 would need second approval
in 1925, a vote of the people in
1926, at the same time a new old
style legislature will be elected,
would be elaborated by legislation
in 1927, and would be tried out
for the first time in 1929. There
is no immediate prospect of the
transition.
The other proposal is to have
the presiding officers Of the senate
and assembly appoint commission
of three to investigate and report
to the legislature of 1925 a plan
to reduce the number of judicial
districts in the state. With each
district costing the taxpayers about
$4,000 annually the senator thinks
a saving of $4,000 might be ac-
complished.
The Record is of the opinion that
the senator has hit upon good
plan to materially reduce expenses
of state government without i'm
pairing efficiency. The population
of Nevada is probably less than that
of score of cities and town in
the state of California, which seem
to carry on" with mayor and
council of limited membership, and
it also seem probable that the judi
ciary of the state could get by with
fewer judges than are now en-
ployed at the expense of the tax
payers. The commission form of
government has been successfully
tried out in many cities with sew
eral time the population of Nevada,
and there would seem to be no valid
reason why it should not prove
as efficient in state affairs. The
Nevada legislature is an expensive
affair, and many of its members are
not qualified as lawmakers, while
some of them in the past have had
such a slight interest in the state
chat they changed their residence
70 other states Immediately after
the adjournment of the session.
With only seven to elect the prob
abilities are that all would be men
of ability and with some experience
in legislative matters. The sug-
gestion is certainly worthy of seri-
Gus consideration by the people,
Ely Record.
The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1923-02-15
COMMENCE TO COMMENCE

A bill to abolish capital punish
ment has found its proper place.
1t was placed on the table by mo-
ton of its author, Senator Meder of
Ormsby. Now let's get the lethal
gas law Strengthened out SO a few
of these murderers that are des-
tined to meet their doom at the
hands Of the state may be executed
forthwith. We've fooled around
long enough already.-Elko Free
Press.
The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1923-02-15

Automobile travel at present is
skittish business, according to VIM.
David, secretary of the Nevada
Highway Association, and every time
he gives out information to would
De travellers who want to make long
trips, he throws word of caution.
as none of the roads are too good
and none are safe without chains.
he declares.
The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1923-02-15
KEEP OUR NOSE OUT

Those newspapers that are
squawking around that unless this
country joins the league of nations
our factories will close down and
our streets will be filled with idle
men should shut up. Nothing of
the sort has taken place or is i'm
pending. On the contrary, labor
in America is generally employed
and at excellent wages. The league
of nations has nothing whatever to
do with the country's material
prosperity, except that it is i'm
measurably strengthened and in
sured by our keeping out of an
ENHANCEMENT we have no business
getting into. Mind your own bust
ness has always been a good motto
for any man or nation to adopt
Ely Record.
The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1923-02-15
ANoTHE VIEWPOINT

To nullify the state constitutional
prohibition amendment by the re-
peal of the present enforcement
laws without first enacting a more
satisfactory law seems but little
short of bad faith on the part of
the legislature. At this distance it
is difficult to understand the mo-
The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1923-02-15
SURRENDER OF SOVEREIGNTY

Without taking sides for or
against the repeal of Nevada's pro-
hibition laws it may be noted that
some persons have what seem to
De peculiar ways of looking at
Things pertaining to the relations
OF the state and nation. For in
stance, no less person than Gov
ernor Scrugham sets forth as his
sole reason for vetoing the repeal
bill that even by implication the
state must not lightly surrender its
sovereign right to regulate its own
affairs.
II this is portion of the prelimi-
nary plan anticipating the adoption
Oh the Volstead act as the state
law of Nevada, the Whitley bill nro-
viding for such adoption specifically
provides further that any future
amendment of the Volstead act
hereafter adopted by congress shall
automatically become the law of
Nevada. '"
If ever there were a surrender of
a states sovereign rights this is IL
II the governor has in mind signing
the Whitley bill how can he explain
it?
II the state provides that amend
ments or laws of the nation NAV be-
come state laws automatically the
end OF state sovereignty is here.
The expense of state government
would be wasted money and the
state capitols should be closed or
sold for MISUNDERSTANDING Pine
News.
The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1923-02-15
Hop Dealer Deported-

Deputy United States Marshal Joe
Muller, returned from San Fran
cisco, where in the role of Uncle
Sam, he purchased ticket to China
for Wong Jake, kissed the Chinese
goodbye and placed him abroad a
liner for the Orient.
Wong, better known at "China
Jake" was arrested at Wabuska on
narcotic charge and upon being
found guilty in the federal court his
deportation was ordered.-Carson
Appeal.
The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1923-02-15
Fred L. White No Better

Fred L. White, former postmaster
OF Reno, has returned from Oakland,
where he spent three months in
hopes the lower altitude would bene-
Mt his health. Mr.. White was not
benefited in the least by his stay
on the coast, it was announced, and
while he is able to be about the
mouse he cannot walk without aid
and is not as well as when he left
here.-Reno Gazette
The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1923-02-15
MAY AS WELL MAKE SURE

Fra drills in the publ schools,
which appear to have gone out of
fashion in some parts of the state,
will be compulsory, if the bill pre-
walls that is now on its way through
the legislature. 1t should not be
necessary for special legislation of
this kind, but in the evident lack
of appreciation of this common
sense precautionary measure, by
all means make it a law of the
state-Virginia City Chronicle.
The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1923-02-15
Quail Population Suffers

Deep snow and the extreme cold
weather has had detrimental result
on the quail population in different
parts of Carson Valley. The Re-
cord-Courrier has been asked to
urge farmers to throw a little feed
to the game birds should a flock be
seen and assist in saving them from
starvation.
The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1923-02-15
Treat Well Water

By treating well water with
chemicals, to neutralize the effects
of salts of lime and magnesia,
Lovelock ranchers will be saved the
necessity of transporting their
drinking water over long distances,
it is reported. The effect of the
chemicals will not be injurious to
the system, and will soften" the
water materially.
The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1923-02-15
Abatement Trials Started

Abatement Trials Started
Trial of twenty-three abatement
suits in the federal court at Carson
City has been started. All but
one affect Reno resorts. George
Springmeyer, United States attor-
ney, and his assistant, Charles A.
Cantwell, are both handling the
cases and they hope to average
two or more day and complete the
hearings by the end of this week.
Abatement cases are brought only
where persistent violations of the
national prohibition act occur, this
being the only successfully method,
in the opinion of department of
justice officials, of stopping the vio
lations. The owners of property
affected are compelled to defend the
suits, and unless they can promise,
under bond, that further violations
will not take place, their property
is liable to be closed for year.
Those found guilty of actually
violating the law, if a previous con-
viction is noted, are subject to jail
sentences, with no fines as an alter
Gazette.
The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1923-02-15
And in Nevada, Too

FALLON.-The marcel wave is
becoming popular with male stud
ents of the Churchill county high
school, according to the report of a
school correspondent. The fad
started when a members of the
senior class appeared in classes with
his hair marcelled, but the person
who waved the hair was evidently
not an expert at the business, the
correspondent asserts.
And boys and girls both are part
ing their hair in the middle and
sticking it down with some abusive
substance. Not only that, but at
least one of the male students is
making use of rouge applied over
a liberal background of powder.
A pretty little high school miss is
authority for this statement.
Furthermore, it is declared, stu
dents of the third year English class
are writing poetry.
The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1923-02-15
A CITIZENS DUTY

Every day, in every way, Sparks
is growing and prospecting.
Every day, in every way, resi-
dents of this city should make it
their business to assist in this
growth and prosperity. There is
much to be done and the counsel of
all is needed. When a citizen fails
to assist in the upbuilding of their
city, county or state, they are
failing in their full duty as citi-
zens-Sparks Tribune.
The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1923-02-15
Two Reno Places Closed

Judge E. S. Harrington upheld
George Springmeyer, United States
district attorney, in the abatement
cases against the Royal Bar at
Reno and the Star Barrel House,
and ordered the Royal closed for a
period of nine months and the Star
Barrel House for a period of eight
months. Other abatement cases are
to be taken up at once.-Reno Ga
zette.
The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1923-02-15
Increased Pay Opposed

Increased Pay Opposed
Gov. Scrugham is in receipt of a
letter from the Chamber of Com
merce of Eureka county, request
ing him to withhold sanction of a
measure passed by the assembly
last week, increasing the salaries
of Eureka county officers. The bill
was introduced by Whitmore, Eu-
reka assemblyman.
st is uncalled for and not in
line with the general policy of the
state" the letter says.
The Eureka county commercial
body requests an opportunity to lay
before the governor expressions OF
public" opinion in that political sub
division on the question of salaries
before he approves any bill relating
thereto.
The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1923-02-15
Wind Damages in Elko-

Winu DamdBeS IN Eiko-
The terrific wind which whipped
the snow over Elko most of the day
and throughout the night, did con-
siderable damage around the city.
The paper roofing on top of the
Pioneer building was blown entirely
off by the force of the gale; George
Russell company has one of their
grocery store windows patched up
with boards as a remembrance of
the heaviest wind Elko has wit
messed in some time. Bill Manning
has hole in the roof of the South
ern Pacific freight depot, which he
states was caused by the topping
If one of the brick chimneys, blown
over by the wind.
The Palace restaurant also lost
chimney during the course of the
blizzard, and several other chimneys
are said to be blown full of debris
SO they will not draw.
The arial of the Steninger radio
set was smashed, when both sup
ports were blown crashing to the
ground. So far as is known this
is the total destruction wrought
BY the gale, but it is possible that
more will be reported during the
day.-Elko Free Press.
The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1923-02-15

Chinese, and other Oriental peo-
pies, have lower blood pressure
than the people of western nations,
according to writer in a promi-
nent medical journal.
The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1923-02-15

Sewell Store Burns
Fire, which seems to have been
The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1923-02-15
First Mining Camp Child

IL was worth several hundred dol
'ars for Butler Massey, young
man formerly of Grass Valley. to
be born in Tonopah, Nevada. very
soon after the late "Jim" Butler
made his famous gold discovery that
IS said to have brought the mining
district Of Tonopah into existence
says dispatch. He was the first
child born in the new town and in
nonor thereof Butler deposited $500
to the credit Of the baby in a San
Francisco bank. Massey came into
possession of the money-increased
several fold by interest-when he
was II years of age a few months
prior to the death of his benefactor