Ft. Gibson Post

Vol III No 42

Thursday September 1, 1898 (Part 2)

Abstracted / Transcribed by Linda Haas Davenport

When the print is so faded that it cannot be read <.....> will be used . All transcription will be as found in the paper, misspellings and all

Pages 2 & 3 preprinted

Page 4, column 1

The world has been startled by the proposition of universal peace and that all Europe disarm, including Russia. The rest of Europe are suspicious that the Russian bear has a hidden scheme in this proposition.

Col Roosevelt of the Rough Riders has made his report and says that there is only about half a regiment of his gallant boys left, "the other half having perished on the field of battle or lie deadly sick of wounds or disease in the hospitals in Santiago and other places."

We see by press dispatches that Col Tom Marcum, Territorial member of the Democratic National Committee, is in favor of W J Bryan for Presidential candidate in 1900. Mr Marcum is a power in Democratic Territorial politics, and no doubt voices the sentiments of a majority of his constituents here. Nothing certain about the people of this Territory having opertunity to vote at the next Presidential election.

Live people make a live town, and no town can ever be live and prosperous without live and prosperous inhabitants. Look at the town of Wagoner situated out on the dry prairie, possessing comparatively limited natural advantages, but growing and prosperous beyond most any town in the Territory, possessing superior natural advantages. Wagoner is a live and progressive town because it has live and progressive people who have just pledged themselves to raise $90,000 to convey water from Grand river six or seven miles distant, to that town. This same Grand river flows right through Fort Gibson, but as yet has never been utilized, although containing a splendid dam site with a capacity of 40,000 horse power. Natural advantages are but little good to a town unless they are utilized.

Page 4, column 2

A BANDIT SCARE.
     Some excitement was created in town last Saturday night by the report that a gang of outlaws and bandits were on hand to rob the place, and were then hiding in oldtown in the vicinity of the old fort. Town Marshal Perry and his deputy John Fulsome, were soon on guard. US Deputy Marshal Dobson of Muskogee, stopping in town, also hurried out, besides a number of armed citizens, all determined to give the robbers a warm reception should they "put in an appearance," but they did not show up. Suspicious characters were seen in town at a late hour. About 1 o'clock two horsemen were seen riding through town, supposed to have gone north in the direction of Tahlequah. If robbers were on hand they were likely prevented from an attack by the show of armed resistence.

BANKRUPT STORE.
     Patronize home instiututions. Do not go from home to buy anything that your merchants have got, if you can help it. But if you must go abroad to buy, go to the best place, a cheap and reliable house. If you are in Fort Smith, you will find such a place at the Bankrupt Store, next door to the Boston. Call for Louie Baer, and tell him you saw the "ad" in the Fort Gibson Post.

Page 4, column 3

COL. D. M. WISDOM.
   Something Concerning the U.S. Indian Agent for the Five Tribes.
     Col D M Wisdom, United States Indian Agent for the five civilized tribes of the Indian Territory was in Fort Gibson, Monday on business connected with his office. Being a public servant, and holding an important Federal office under a Republican administration, while a life-long Democrat and a former Confederate colonel, renders a sketch of this man somewhat interesting to the public.
     The writer is a northern man and a life-long Republican, having known Col Wisdom about seven years, always as an honest man, who has filled with ability and honor every public position to which he has been entrusted. He was appointed U S Indian Agent by President Cleveland, having succeeded Leo E Bennett, an able and good man, who is now US Marshal for this district. The fact that Mr Wisdom has been retained in this important Federal office when there are so many competent Republicans who would like the position tells more than the writer can say in his favor.
     When the United States Government Agent chosen to pay out monies to the Cherokee freedmen, last year, was dismissed charged with various irregularities, and worse, Mr Widsom was assigned the task, which was tangled and difficult, but which was performed by him with ability and entire satisfaction to all parties concerned. In all his various capacities as Indian Agent he has acted with moderation, consideration and ability, always aiming to meat outright and justice, and in nearly every case giving satisfaction to all parties concerned.
     Last summer when war broke out among the Indian fractions in the Choctaw nation and U S troops were called to act, Col Wisdom by his moderation, diplomacy and influence among the Indians averted serious trouble and much bloodshed. Since the Curtis law has come into effect in this Territory, Col Widsom is virtually governor of this Territory so far, at least as the Indians are concerned, for he is empowered by the Interior department at Washington, to look after and adjudicate affairs of the five civilized tribes, moneys and revenues from lands, minerals, timber, etc., being paid in trust to him, to the apparent satisfaction of the Indians.
 Brief Sketch
     Col Widsom is a Tennessean by birth and residence, and is proud of the old State of Jackson, Houston, Crockett and other celebrities of great deeds and world renowned fame. His father was a wealthy planter and owned many slaves, but lost nearly everything in the war of the rebellion. The great battle of Shiloh or Pittsburg Landing was fought on his father's land. Col Wisdom participating in the battle, of which he can given an interesting account. After the war himself and father were almost penniless, and, as it were, had to commence life anew. His father was a man of a good deal of political influence in his day, a friend and staunch support of President Andrew Jackson, when his opponents were pressing him so hard.
     This brief sketch and review of the character and life of Dew M Wisdom, United States Indian Agent for the five civilized tribes of the Indian Territory, is a free and voluntary contribution to a man whom the writer believes to be an honest, capable and reliable public servant in whom the people of this Territory have confidence and trust. J.S.H.

DON'T BE CLANISH.
     "Don't establish yourself in the estimation of your associates that you are clanish. The most dangerous people on earth is those of clanishness." Muldrow Press
     It appears that the "Watts gang" runs Muldrow in the Indian Territory, having control of the town organization, being a solid clan. A few days since the editor of the Fort Gibson Post was knocked down by a bludgeon in the hands of one of the gang. You cannot throw a stone in the streets without striking a Watts, and that's watts the matter with Muldrow. - Wichata Beacon

Page 5, column 1

Patronize home institutions.

Improvements on the streets will continue.

Dick Trent of Tahlequah was in town Monday.

Cotton picking will soon commence in this vicinity.

E E Starr of Tahlequah was among the Old Settlers here Monday.

The family of Town Marshal Perry arrived last week for permanent abode here.

For nice fresh groceries call at the Acme grocery house. Fine fresh goods and low prices.

Wm Brown of Muldrow, druggist and merchant was in town Tuesday, and took the stage for Muskogee.

Deputy Marshal John Fulsome was in Tahlequah last week. That Cherokee girl is suppose to be all right.

Mr J Ryan of Claremore was in town this week. He has traded a farm for the Thomas Thornton property here.

Some fine painting and lettering on the store building of the Butler Mercantile Co.; also stone work, drain and grading the surroundings.

Page 5, column 2

T W Collins received information Tuesday that his father was very ill at Fort Smith.

Dr Chas M Ross of Tahlequah was among our numerous visitors Saturday last.

Mr and Mrs Robt L Baugh of Muskogee were in the city a few hours Tuesday.

Mrs C L Browden went up to Nowata Sunday to visit her daughter, Mrs Wm V Carey.

F H Nash went over to Muskogee Monday to select a suitable room at the new Kendall College for his daughter, Miss Lutie.

There is a fine specimen of lead ore at the Red Start grocery house that was picked up not far from town. Yes, there is a load in this vicinity.

John Faulkner, one of Muldrow's most esteemed and respected citizens was in town on Monday attending the old settler's meeting, and left for Tahlequah in the evening.

At a trial in the mayor's court last Monday it was attempted to be proven that one man attempted to shoot another with a bottle of Rochester tonic, but the thing wouldn't go off.

Misses Daisy Harris and Kennie McMakin, two pretty and esteemed young ladies of Muskogee, passed through Monday enroute home from a visit to Tahlequah.

The McBride House, which has recently been painted and otherwise improved, appears to be appreciated by the traveling public. Mrs McBride is a very courteous and obliging lady.

Page 5, column 3

Doyle & New, the leading liverymen of Muskogee, who are now running old Dyer stables, are doing an increasing business between Muskogee and Fort Gibson. They run two hacks daily, making all trains on the Valley road, from which road people going both ways to Muskogee make better time by getting off at Fort Gibson and taking these hacks. Tom Maxwell, an old Fort Smith hack driver, is on this end of the line.

David Neal of Fort Calhoun, Nebraska, patentee and proprietor of the "anchor riprap," was in town last Saturday inspecting Grand river banks in the vicinity of the railroad bridge. It is claimed that this method is the most successful and economical for holding and protecting river banks. Grand river has been making bad inroads on the land in the vicinity of the railroad bridge, and something must be done to stay its ravages.

J D Miller, who has been section foreman at this place for a long time, has accepted a like position with Roadmaster McLoud on the Illinois Central railroad in Missouri. Mr Miller has already gone to his new work and his family will follow him in a short time. They have many friends in Fort Gibson who regret their departure, and whose best wishes go with them.

The wife and family of Prof Bird, including several daughters, arrived in town last Sunday to make their permanent residence here - a desirable acquisition to society. They are welcome. Prof Bird has excellent credentials as an educator, being endorsed by good and prominent men, some of who are known by the senior editor of The Post.

W A Scott, believes with the Bible that we can't gather grapes from thorns nor figs from thistles, but thinks that figs may be gathered from fig trees, even in Fort Gibson, and has a fine tree of this species growing near his residence which he expects to bear fruit in year or two.

We invite farmers to bring in products of the soil for exhibition - good samples of corn, potatoes, onions, cabbage, beets, tomatoes, apples and other fruits and farm products, which we shall be pleased to mention. Take a lot to the farmer's meeting next Saturday.

Presiding Elder Lovett of Muskogee made a pleasant call Monday. Mr. Lovett is a liberal Methodist. He may embark in the newspaper business between now and winter, in which case we trust the Lord may be merciful to him.

Jas S Stapler, the well known and highly esteemed Tahlequah kanker and business man, was here Saturday enroute to Kansas City,

W M Gulanger, better known as "Clutch," yesterday shipped two cars of the fattest, finest cattle ever sent to market from this place.

Dick Taylor, the blacksmith, was thrown from a wagon Monday evening, resulting in his left shoulder being dislocated.

Fine shower of rain yesterday - Vegetation flourishing like a green bay tree.

The Cherokee authorities have been instructed by the Interior Department to accept nothing but cash in payment for school privleges and other revenues. All these expenses have been paid in outstanding Indian script which was on the market at about 50 cents on the dollar. This action is made necessary by operation of the Curtis law, and will make Cherokee script almost worthless.