davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Laurel outlook., 1949-02-09
More Than 400 Bills
In. State Legislature
Use Of Axe Seen Necessary On Many AS
Time and Tempers Grow Shorter; Consider
Dividing Future Sessions Into Two Parts

The revenue and taxation COM
nlittee has proposed a bill that
would charge a license fee of
5000 annually for each slot ma
chime operated in Montana, with
an additional charge of 5000 for
each additional coin slot on null
tiple machines. The bill does
not differentiate between 5, 10,
25, 50-cent or 81 machines.
Additional property taxes, in
come taxes and various license
taxes are proposed, all in an at
tempt to increase the state rev.
enue to cover expanding budgets.
Authors of the legalized gamb-
ling bills have hopes for it be-
cause of its revenue features;
otherwise it would meet a quick
death.
Senate Bent On Cutting Costs
WELDING a lethal axe, the Mon
tana senate is set on pruning
state costs. 1t killed the 2-mill
property tax passed by the house.
II also downed the 20 per cent
increase in mileage expense for
state officials.
Stepping up 26 other measures
to third reading, the senate
would prevent horse races of
more than two miles; would per-
nit county officials to close their
Continued on Page Six.)
Laurel outlook., 1949-02-09
BOY SCOUTS PLAN
COURT OF HONOR

In attendance at a district
Scout meeting in Columbus Feb.
8 were Paul Wilson, Leonard
Ferrin, Albert Leuthold and Karl
George from Laurel. Plans were
made for a court of honor to
be held at the Columbus high
school auditorium Friday, Feb.
II.
Included on the program will
be an address by C. H. Swanson,
of Columbus; a first aid
demonstration by members of Alb
sarokee Scout troop; a rope-tying
contest by a Columbus troop; a
minstrel skit by den A, Laurel
Cub scouts, and other contests.
Pictures will be shown and
badges will be given Scouters. All
scouts are urged to attend.
The program will be in charge
If Earl Mott Of Columbus, Rev.
Hoyland of Absarokee and Leon
ard Ferrin of Laurel.
Laurel outlook., 1949-02-09
Magazine Of Kiwanis international Carries
Illustrated Story Complimentary To Montana

the eras of the Louisiana Pur-
chase, Lewis and Clark, General
Custer, Chief Joseph, Fort Ben
ton and the Vigilantes to present
day Montana. The authors state
that "the forebears of many
present Kiwanians were on the
scene as actors in the stirring
drama of the gold rush days"
Applying the detectives and
PHILOSOPHERS of Kiwanis to Mon
tana's great pioneers and bene-
factors, McVey and Cooney sug-
gest an all-time Kiwanis club
somewhat akin to the mythical
district X headed by George
Smell of Billings, past interna-
tiona! vice president, and as
sign to its membership famous
names associated with the history
and traditions of the Treasure
state. The article also high
lights Montana's great industries
and its progress since the days
of John Coulter.
Present governor of the Mon
tana district is A. G. Hunthau-
sen of Anaconda. Merle L. Fagg
of Billings is a trustee of XII
wants International.
Laurel outlook., 1949-02-09
Information Returns
Due February Is, '49

All persons, including farmers,
who during 1948 made payments
to any individual of 100000 or
more as salary, wages, interest,
rents, premiums, annuities, roy
alties, or other fixed or deter
minable income, must report such
payments on an Information Re-
turn for 1899 and Summary
form 1896, due Feb. Is, 1949,
Thomas NJ. Robinson, Collector
of Internal Revenue for the Dis
trict of Montana, announced to-
day.
If a form VIZ is filed for an
employee, form 1899 need not be
filed to report the same informa-
tion. But if an employee receiv-
ed income in addition to wages
subject to Withholding, that in
come must be reported on form
1899. Wages Of farm laborers,
domestic servants and payments
of professional services paid at
torneys, physicians, ETC., are re-
quired to be reported on this
form, if 100000 or more, since,
such payments are not subject
to Withholding.
A separate form 1899 should
be made out for each payee to-
gether with a summary report
on form 1896. Such forms may
be obtained from the Collector
Of Internal Revenue, Helena,
Montana. The completed forms,
due on or before Feb. Is, 1949,
should be mailed to the Commits
sioner of Internal Revenue, in
care of Processing Division, c..
c.. Station, Kansas City 2, Mis-
souri,, Mr.. Robinson explained.
Laurel outlook., 1949-02-09
ADVANCEMENT BADGES
AWARDED CUB SCOUTS.

A largely attended meeting of
cub Scouts was held Friday eve
ming at the Methodist church,
with Clyde Bray presiding. There
are nine cub dens in Laurel COM
prising approximately 60 boys.
Advancement badges of gold and
silver arrows were awarded to
Scout members.
A program of skits was pre-
sented by the Scouts. Two diff
ferent groups put on acts using
the song Buttons and Bows"
with part of their group dressed
as girls. One skit was accom-
panied by Mrs. Lester Dahl,
pianist, and the other had a
phonograph accompanist for the
singing. Den A put on a min
strel act which was chosen by the
judges for presentation at the
court of honor to be
held in Columbus Friday evening.
Also on the program was a num-
ber of enjoyable cowboy songs
by Elroy Giles, with Mrs. Giles
as his accompanist.
The next den meeting will be
Friday, Feb. 25, at the church.
Laurel outlook., 1949-02-09

About IS friends and neighbors
signed the guest book Wednes-
day, Feb. 2, when Mr.. and Mrs.
A. w. Orr of 406 Date avenue
held open house in observance of
their golden wedding.
In the receiving line with Mr..
and Mrs. Orr were their three
sons, Lester A. and Alden w. of
Billings and Charles H. of Lau-
rel. Their only daughter, Mrs.
George La Fargo of Yreka,
Calf, was unable to attend, but
called by telephone.
Refreshments were served by
Mrs. Lester Orr and Mrs. Alden
Orr, daughters-in-law of the ell
Laurel outlook., 1949-02-09
MRS. PRE|KSzAS
SUCCUMBS FEB. 5
Conduct Funeral Wednesday
For Widow Of Minister
Lived Here Since 1916

The death of Mrs. Mary Prefix
szas, 20, a resident of Laurel
more than 80 years, occurred at
her home, 319 Third avenue, Sat-
urday about noon. Death was
attributed to heart trouble. Fun
eral services were conducted
Wednesday afternoon at the Ger
man Congregational church, of
which she was a member and
burial was in the. Laurel ceme-
terry. She was the widow of the
late Rev. David Preikszas, who
served the Congregational church
here as pastor in his latter years.
She was the daughter of Mr..
and Mrs. John Sewzik and was
born June 3, 1878, at Grabinik,
East Prussia. She married Rev.
Preikszas there Oct. 81, 1906.
They came to Parkston, S. D.,
in 1908 where Rev. Preikszas
served as minister of a Congre-
gational church until going to
Alexander, Kans., in 1910 to oc-
,upy a similar position. The fam
ly came to Laurel in 1916.
Mrs. Preikszas is survived by
1 daughter, Miss Laura Prefix
;zas of Laurel; a son, Otto Prefix |
izas of Great Falls; a grandson,
ohm Preikszas, and three sisters
living in Russia.
Laurel outlook., 1949-02-09
Seek 5000 Women
For Reserve Units

Seattle, Feb. "a drive to
enlist or reenlist 5000 women
veterans of World war II in the
Thirteenth Naval district in We
(inactivey, U. S. naval reserve is
now underway.
The list includes those now in
associated billets with reserve
units, U. S. naval reserve wo-
men (Waves) and U. S. coast
guard reserve women (Spars)
who were in World war II.
Ratings available include cler-
ical, administrative and special
ist.
Laurel outlook., 1949-02-09
KEY CLUB SENDING 5
TO WASHINGTON MEET

Two delegates and their alter
mates were elected at a recent
meeting of the Laurel high
school Key club, to attend the
International Key club conven-
tion in Washington, D. c., March
25 and 26. The delegates are
Jim Wilson and Gene Spildie,
and their alternates are Ralph
Hodges and Dick Duncan. The
Laurel club expects to send at
least five of its members to the
convention.
The five Montana clubs, Lau-
rel, Billings, Miles City, Deer
Lodge and Anaconda, have char
tered two buses to carry approx
imately 60 members to Wash
ington. The tentative schedule
calls also for stops at Chicago
and New York City.
Business pertaining to inter-
national affairs of the organiza-
tion will be transacted at Wash
ington, with President Truman,
Vice President Barkley and Sec.
Of Defense Forrestal as speakers
at various luncheons.
Part of the two days at the
national capital will be occupied
by sightseeing and an excursion
by way of the Potomac will be
made to Mount Vernon, home of ,
Washington.
Laurel outlook., 1949-02-09
Golden Wedding Of Mr.. and Mrs. A. w. Orr
Observed By Relatives, Friends, NeighbOrs

der Orrs. Mrs. Bill Orr of Bill
lings, granddaughter-in-law, had
charge of the guest book.
Mr.. and Mrs. Orr were mar
ried Feb. 2, 1899, at Fort Scott,
Kans., the home of their child
hood, and came to Montana De-
cember 1912. They farmed in
the Silesia, Edgar and Rockvale
communities until 1885, when
they moved to their present
home in Laurel.
Mre. A. C. Ford of Billings, a
sister of Mr.. Orr, was among
the guests at the reception.
At a family dinner Sunday,
Jan. 80, four generations of Orrs
were represented.
Laurel outlook., 1949-02-09
Officers Are Chosen
By Girl Scouts

Girl Scout troop 9 met Monday
at the home of Mrs. Paul Will
helm, with Amy Alvin presid-
ing. New officers elected were
Clio Ostwald, president; Jeanie
Byers, vice president; Dolores
Wilhelm, secretary treasurer, and
Phyllis Hickenbottom. scribe. Pa
troll leaders are Lorraine Lish
and Jeanie Benin.
Mrs. Fred Getz was present
and told the troop they would
soon be able to pass tenderfoot
tests and receive pins. Riddles
were told and refreshments
served before adjournment.
Laurel outlook., 1949-02-09
Mass Is Celebrated
For Mrs. Branstetter
Who Died In TuscOn

Requiem high mass was cele-
brated Saturday morning by Rev.
Cornelius Shea of Billings at st.
Anthony's Catholic church for
Mrs. Margaret Branstetter, So
Mrs. Branstetter died Jan. % in
Tucson, Ariz.
Pallbearers were Elmer, Har-
old, Roscoe and Robert Branstet-
ter, William Harper and Don
Regnier.
Surviving are the widower,
seven sons, five daughters, two
brothers, two sisters, SO grand
children and a great-grandchild.
Burial was in st. Anthony cem-
etery.
Laurel outlook., 1949-02-09
BY BURLEY BOWLER

Helena, Feb. 9.-More than
400 bills have been introduced in
this session of the legislature, a
disappointment to many men,
bers who work diligently but sell
dom have their names attached
to proposed measures.
"We've got to kill off a mess
of these petty measures quick"
a three-term member said, "if
we're going to get anything
worth while done this session."
More than 300 bills have been
introduced in the house and al
most 100 in the senate. Feb. 16
is the last day on which bills
may be transmitted from one
house to the other. Those fail
ing to reach that stage become
duds.
AS the session wears on, bills
pile up and members anxious to |
get back home are becoming less
patient with those who insist on
Saying their piece" on every bill
presented.
1t is a physical impossibility
for any member to become con-
versant with every piece of legis-
lation proposed. A score or more
of committees divide the work
of studying the bills introduced.
Their recommendation of "do
pass" or "do not pass" usually
prevail, but in this session sever
al bills have been revived after
being rejected, only to be killed
again-all time-killing processes.
The attitude of tolerance which
prevailed the first 80 days of
.he session is noticeably subsid-
ng. Veteran lawmakers who
know what last day rushes and :
stopping the legislative clock" !
means are anxious to get to the !
bills and dispense win {
)ratory on measures which ev- ,
sryone but their authors realize ,
ire going to be killed anyway. $
Verbal exchanges in debate are I
low considerably sharper.
And the worst is yet to come. h
The six school bills, the legalized n
bill and the slot ma 4
hine bills, all are bound to set 9
IF a spell of oratory and argu- g,
1ent which will keep the men, n
ers in night and Sunday ses- n
ions. p
Propose A Cooling Off" bi
IntermissiOn 81
To avoid congestion and allow
lore time for both the legisla- OF
RS and the people to become II
cquainted with proposed meas al
res, two bills have been intro
uced to divide the legislative N
sssions into two periods. In the
rst session, bills would be in
'oduced and assigned to COM
ittees. The second would be
svoted wholly to action on those
lis.
One bill proposed one months br
termission. The other would CT
ave one years intermission. Al
hese bills are being seriously M
,nsidered for submission to the M
,ters, as a constitutional amend II
ent would be required to make
em law. oil,
Revenue Bills Now Foremost te
The governor has been handed Rt
e per cent liquor tax bill, it
wing passed both houses. 1t Sc
a revenue measure for coun- br
IS and towns, and it is esti- ch
ated that its total will be ap-
oximately 100000 per year. et'
Laurel outlook., 1949-02-09
TELLS EXPERIENCE IN
RADIO FARM CONTEST

The novel and interesting ex-
periences a group of farmers en-
countered last year while par
ticipating in national radio
program, r. F. D. America, were
recounted Tuesday by Ishmael
"Babe" Yost, one of three yell
lowstone county farm people who
won the privilege of going to
Chicago for a national contest
after passing a local elimination
contest. He told the story at
largely attended meeting of the
Laurel Rotary club.
A number of guests, most of
them farmers, also attended.
They were c. V. Mosier, auc-
tioneer; B. L. Price, Laurel at
torney as well as farm operator;
Jess Keefer of Park City; Ed
ward Coombs; Harold Richard
son; DR.. r. J. Roselott; Ellis |
and Herman Stanley.
Charles Staiger, program COM
introduced Yost, who |
explained that the radio program
in which he had had a part was
intended to bring a
closer understanding of rural
ife to city people.
The local elimination contest
vas arranged by field man who
selected the contestants after an
Eight farm men
md women of Yellowstone coun-
y were chosen, four east and
our west of Billings, including
drs. E. w. Coombs near Laurel.
One of the questions, "What
reed of animals, after disposing
f all the males and females,
an continue to exist ?" was ans I
'ered by Mrs. Coombs, who said I
Mules"
"What happened in 1620?"
rought Mrs. Coombs' reply, 1
The Pilgrims landed"
"What happened April 10, !
1902" Babe didn't know. "That's G
ne day you were married." he
as told.
Despite his slip-up, Babe, Mrs. !
combs and Bob Lenhardt won !
le trip to Chicago where Babe
rested the title of Farm Cham c
ion of the Week from Mrs. v
atherine Porter of South Caro- n
ma.
There were many things to see
Chicago. Babe in his recital
uesday recounted number. t
he first was a trip to the Ii
hiding of industry and science is
here the visitors saw the COM ii
etc history of mans advances n
rough the ages and those con- p
tests of nature that are repre- -
nted by his hard work and ac- ,
knowledge. u
The usual tourist trips are 7
rough the better sections of l.
e city, but the Montanans
shed to see how the poorer
.ople lived, and were granted is
cir desire when they viewed hi
Imans packed in narrow spaces F
ID often wretched surroundings NJ
nile pursuing their kind of life. liz
Among the pleasant events Of II
e sojourn in Chicago was a SC
nner at a night club, vaude- al
lie show, a visit to Quiz 81
ds performance, a huge par in
e that was part of the Amer c,
IN Legion convention, visits to of
lustrial plants, inspection of tn
hitting concern, a tour Of the
licago Tribune and a visit to Of
e railroad fair and pageant ul
lere the Montana people were tr
ecial guests. M
The contestants were given ig
hearsal or practice perform tn
ce before the michrophones. tr
the day and at the appointed mi
ur they later participated in to
= actual, unrehearsed contest. M
ey all tried hard. Babe won
d could stay for a try at big Gil
r stakes. In the intervening ial
ne he tried to escape the moist re
Continued on Page Ten) I've
The Daily Alaska empire., 1949-10-28

clothing and other necessities, they enjoy an economic security on a par with the highest income group of any native people in all Alaska. "
 It said hospitals and medical fac ilities at the Pribilofs are adequate, school systems on both islands com pare with the best native schools in Alaska, and housing is bettfr than that found in many white communities
 Oldroyd and Dawber signed the main report and filed supple mentary concurring report "so there may be no charge of our being in any way limited or influenced by the other members of the commis- sion or its consultants who are employed officials of the govern ment or who in any way involved in the present administration Of Alaska"
 The Association on American Affairs praised the survey report as constructive"
 Oliver Lafarge, association presi- dent, urged that the recommends tions in the report be acted upon immediately, particularly tn t which would give the islanders full wages instead of part compensation and part free housing, food and services.
 He also urged, as did the report, that the charter and constitution approved by Secretary of the In- terior Krug last September, be ac- cepted by the islanders and put nto effect.
The Daily Alaska empire., 1949-10-28
GOLD MAY BE FROM WRECK,
 RIVER BOAT
Art Glover Gives New Ver- sion of FishwheeI Dis-
 eovery Along Yukon

FAIRBANKS, Alaska, Oct. 28- R-Art Glover of the Territorial Department of Mines cited an old river boat wreck story today as a possible explanation for the few gold nuggets found in the new Yu- kon River gold rush" area.
 He emphasized there is no evil dence that would permit the de- partment's endorsement of the gold reports as the real thing or even as reasonable gambling chance. He advised against anyone going after gold unless able to write off his costs as total loss if neces- sary.
 In citing the old toat wreck story as of undetermined origin and unconfirmed authenticity, he said it is at least a most plausi- ble explanation to account for presence of the few meager mug gets so far discovered"
 Years ago. he related, small river boat was reported to have broken up and sunk in the Yukon River in that area. A small amount of gold among the passengers pos sessions was lost.
 Action of the river current and ice during subsequent years could have distributed couple of hand fuls of nuggets over several miles.
 It would likewise explain, he said, the unorthodox occurrence of rela- lively coarse gold on top of the gravel, miles from any m.neralized eedroek exposure.
 If in sinking prospect holes, 1t is found that gold does not occur at an appreciable distance beneath the surface of the gravel, then the boat wreck story gains support, Glover asserted.
 He expressed the belief that more money already has been spent by excited gold seekers than ever will be taken from all the claims combined.
The Daily Alaska empire., 1949-10-28
TWO GOLD RU5HER5 AT
 NEW FIND
Tell of Hearibreak at Hdsty GambIe-Ug Rumors
 of Planted

FISHWHEEL, Alaska, Oct. 28.- tR-A couple of "cheechako' gold rushers from Alabama and Minne- sota told today of the heartbreak of nasty gambles on the Yukon River
 Andrew Morrison, 23, of Mont gomery, Ala, and James Cartier. 24, of Duluth, Minn., were among the outsiders (Alaskans call them cheechakos) who spent their money on a wild gamble at the word of nuggets being found in the bleak wilderness where this tent camp sprang up.
 They still hadn't heard how AL aska mining officials were advis- ing inexperienced men against the gamble; how one called any mug. gets in the area "a freak occur renee; how a geologist found one of the first of four nuggets" to be brass instead of gold.
 Ugly Rumors
 But they were aroused by ugly rumors that nuggets might have been planted or "salted" in the area by some one who might have expected to gain by gold seekers rush, even though one veteran pros pector commented in disbelief How can you salt whole river bank?"
 AS the gold seekers fed the fires of suspicion by talk and rumor, it was the newcomers who first showed disillusionment and discour- age,hent.
 Morrison, construction worker, said: I've got my whole summers savings tied up here, and if it's a phoney I'm going to know who started it.
 Gold Fever-DOpe
 Cartier was lured all the way from Seattle by the first gold re- ports. He had spent the summer there at work as a stevedore, and saved $450 to enroll next spring at Northwestern University. He said he had sunk his entire savings cn equipment, grub" and plane fare.
 This gold fever is like some kind of dope" he commented. T didn't really think of what I was doing until I got up here alone and start ed to dig into this frozen ground. | haven't even found color yet and am beginning to believe these stories about salting'"
The Daily Alaska empire., 1949-10-28
New Explanation About Yello1u Metal Fin
All Is Not Gold Thaf----" Fiqhts Starting as Miners
 Demand Assay of Findings

FAIRBANKS, Alaska, Oct. 28-lR --Eldorado or dud? Bonanza or oust?
 All Alaska was wondering today what actually is going on at Fish, wheel on the Yukon River, where the 20th Century 49ers are heating up in subzero temperatures over whether thely've got something or aot
 Fishwheel is the wide spot in the Yukon River, mile from the Arc tic Circle and l65 miles northwest of here, where Clifton Carroll re- ported a couple of weeks ago he .ound sized gold nuggets in the muck on the axle of his fishwheel, net-equipped waterwheel to :atch fish.
 Wednesday prospectors in the rigid tent town demanded that first specimens of nuggets be sent 10 the University of Alaska here or assay.
 Yesterday geology professor Rich lrd Ragle examined them and de- clared:
 Three of the nuggets are gold and one is brass"
 Veteran miners generally agreed his entire report took negative view.
 As this is written, results of his assay have not yet got back to Fishwheel, which awaits the assay report with tangled nerves"
 FIGHTING STARTS
 Jack Daum, staff writer for the Fairbanks News-M Miner, who flew 70 the strike area and staked him. self a claim while covering the story for his newspaper, radioec last night that:
 Arguments and near fistfights flared along the Yukon Wednes- day and yesterday.
 Gilbert Lord, Fort Yukon road house proprietor, has taken per- sonal charge of the first nuggets found and has been the most out :poken booster of this area as the -.ggest thing since the Klondike.
 "Prospectors who have spent