Town Lot Valuation.

The Capital of the 6th inst. takes the stand that the valuation on town lots should be placed low to protect the business interest of the nation, an keep from draining the country of its currency. If The Capital wishes this to be the policy of the commission it will have to take steps toward securing an extra or special act of Congress and an amended treaty or agreement. This matter is not left to the pleasure, good will, or discretion, if they were even allowed to exercise a degree of clemency, we would fee sure of much charity from them; but they are bound, circumscribed by the hard lines of law. Are we compelled to quote again the law governing this appraisement? The Atoka Agreement settled this matter, furnished the law that binds--iron clad--this appraisement: There is not a loop hole for the Commission to throw in or exercise any personal ideas, opinions or wishes. The law is "When said towns are so laid out, each lot on which permanent, substantial and valuable improve-ments, other than fences, tillage, and temporary houses, have been made shall be valued by the Commission provided for the Nation in which the town is located at the price a fee-simple title to the same would bring in the market at the time the valuation is made, but not to include in such value the improvements thereon."

The Capital has an easy job when dictating the policy which would be popular; but if it wants a hard job just try to get the legislation that will be necessary for the adoption or practice of its policy. If The Capital can perfect a low valuation system and get it in practice, the population will owe it a debt of gratitude---it could not advertise itself better than by so doing. Why any surprise over this matter, when the words of the law have been circulated, broadcast among the people, and certainly the residents of a town know the value of town lots? But in the face of all this knowledge many are just now awakening, or, in other words, seem to think THE CITIZEN got this information from the townsite appraisers (because of its close relationship). 'Tis aptly illustrated by this story: A divine was talking to a man about his soul's salvation, and told him of the Savior's sacrifice for his redemption, etc. The fellow looked up with an ignorant innocence and said: "Why, is HE dead?"

The townsite appraisers are sick and tired of hanging on at Muskogee for instructions from Washington. Only those who have had experience in government work, and know how slow the mills of this seat of justice grind, can understand or appreciate this "hanging" business. But as some of the critics say---a man can afford to be hung--by the Unites States Government, when the pay goes on. But for the Choctaw folks to be hung up at Muskogee! They look with longing eyes toward the land of the Choctaw--where the Agreement is law and the cattle law is enforced and a fellow can get a breath without taking in the reminiscence of the decaying carcass of an ox.

The Unkindest Cut of All

We take the above from The INDIAN CITIZEN, whose present editor is Mrs. B. S. SMISER, wife of Mr. B. S. SMISER, of the Choctaw townsite commission. Mr. SMISER, up to the time of his appointment by Gov. McCURTAIN, devoted his personal attention to his paper, and relinquishes supervision, we suppose, in order to perform his official duties. Being thus cogniant to the close relationship existing between Mr. Smiser and the columns of THE CITIZEN, we believe we are not mistaken in saying that he either penned the above line himself or dictated the policy which they represent.___Review.

Poor woman! "Twas ever thus from childhood's hour"__when she would be independent, dares to be original, she is accused of being only the mouthpiece. Woman has but small credit! And small indeed, must be that which The Review placed to the credit of the present editor of THE CITIZEN. Any ordinary observation of facts and conditions would furnish the material, and we were not aware of any extra style of get-up or composition which would cause The Review to think there must be "power behind the throne."

We have always believed Home and its government the natural and most adaped sphere for the display of womanly talents; but to have The Review think our intellect too weak and lacking to product the editorial matter in the last few issues of THE CITIZEN is "the unkindest cut of all."

The commission is already surcharged with arduous duties to occupy their entire time and attention, and we are sorry The Review wants them to shoulder additionally the responsibility of THE CITIZEN'S editorial comments. A woman never relishes being called a "figure-head."

B. S. SMISER becomes acquainted with the contents of THE CITIZEN just as The Review does--by reading it. May be 'twas an over estimate of the ability of the present editor when the policy and management of THE CITIZEN was un-reservedly turned over. With best wishes toward all and malice toward none we give this as a correction to the above.

To Our Boys

Boys, there is no one in whom we have more interest. There is nothing which would give us more joy or pleasure than to live and see the Atoka boys men among men. Don't you want to be a man to whom your country, your people, your friends, your loved ones can turn for help, advice, support, and in whom all those can trust? To be this, boys, you must first lay a good, true, pure foundation of principles. A man, governed, guided, prompted by the principles of truth, purity and right is the noblest work of God. Boys, to reach this standard you cannot afford to run a risk that may at some future time hurl you down, retard or blend imperfections into your character. Now, boys, there is a great monster who is lying in wait, planning inducing you all to walk into temptation, wrong, and may be ruin. This monster is the manager of the Pool Room. some day he my have to give an account to God for the influence he has weilded. He is now offering a prize to the boy who will leave his home, mother and sisters at night and come to his den of evil devices and low, dirty, obscene talk and habits. Boys, are you going to voluntarily and forewarned walk into this trap. He wants your money, he doesn't care a snap for you or your soul. He would feed his animal body at the sacrifice of your best interest--may be the price of your soul! We have naught to gain by this--save ill will of this one--and surely you will listen to this warning. O if the boys would only come to THE CITIZEN office and assure us that they would stand firm against such temptation, we would rejoice and feel that this warning was paid for in a price more precious than gold or precious stones.

Selection of Lands

How are the Choctaws and Chickasaws going to select their lands? How can they do so? They don't know anything about township lines, range lines, section lines or subdivisions of sections. They have no familiarity with maps or plats of land. They have not had opportunity to be familiar with them. they know nothing about field notes of survey. The allusion here is to the people who have been raised and have always lived in the Indian Territory. The truth is they ought not to be supposed to know anything about these things. They have been raised with a prejudice against these things. Their national pride always suggested to them that an absence of these things was the surest guaranty of the continuance of their existence as tribes or nations, and they have fought against these things as long as they could.

The inter-married white persons and other persons from the states are supposed to know about sections, half-sections, divisions and sub-divisions of lands, but what does the bulk of our Choctaws and Chickasaws know of about N. E. 1.4 N. W. 1.4 Sec. 36, T. 14, R. 2 E., or S. 1.2 N. W1.4 of a given section, township or range. It is no discredit tothem to say they do not understand land numbers. Many persons in the states even do not understand them.

Through no fault of their many of out Choctaw and Chickasaws may be imposed upon when the time comes for selecting allotments of land.

the good people of the Choctaw and Chickasaw nations who believe in fair play and protection of the innocent and uninformed ought to lay the burden, of helping those people in this respect, on their minds and hearts.

the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations ought to devise some methods of assisting their poor and uninformed citizens in this regard. The united States owes them the duty of rendering them all the protection and assistance in this behalf that can be done.

This is a very serious and important question and deserves the consideration of all good people.

The comments upon townsite work and its relation to citizen and non-citizen have been made because of facts that exist and the observation of conditions which all must see. the Indian has been a small, very small, factor in creating the "market value." For instance, when Mrs. FLACK sold the lots comprising the Atoka townsite she charged very reasonably for them. For a residence lot of about an acre she asked $50 for a bill of sale to the right of occupancy. citizens bought up these lots and to-day you would be surprised at the prices on some of them. The non-citizens have in most all instances run up the valuation of town lots. Personally, we wish this was not the case, because it works hardship on some who arenot able topay high valuations. All we want to say, or the fact we want to impress, is simply this: render blame to whom blame is due. Don't blame the nation for wanting the valuation the non-citizens have placed upon her property, and don't blame the commission, since their only course is to follow law which they did not make--nor any more responsible for than you are. As conscientious men to whom a trust has been given, they must follow the law governing them. the old cry--"Taxation without representation"--cannot be forthcoming, for the non-citizens have lived her--"no taxation, no representation to make;" and have paid simply a permit to rent which is small compared to what "taxation without representation" would have cost them in the states.

The Capital of the 5th comments upon the conditions that would be, the value of Indian lands--if the "renter" or non-citizen should remove all improvements and quit the country. No danger of such a condition. The persons who own these improvements were not philanthropist, they looked upon the Indian's domain with a covetous eye and came here for self-interest and the benefit to Indian land came incidentally by way of a neccessity in looking after themselves and promoting their interest. To our faithful missionaries, consecrated educators, we accord the sprit of philanthrophy, and only a few of this class have much to move.

The present editor of THE CITIZEN is at a disadvantage when commenting upon the townsite matter-"because of the close relationship existing between Mr. Smiser and the columns of THE CITIZEN." From the townsite commission we will endeavor to get true and correct reports of their work and plans; but please credit us with some originality and please understand that the Choctaw commissioner is in no wise responsible for editorial comments. Being a wife should not deprive a woman of independent and original opinions, especially when engaged in a distinct and independent work.

Quite an amusing little item reached our ears a few days ago. When the Dawes Commission were in Atoka framing the Agreement they were discussing the results of townsite work and mentioned a certain party upon whom a high valuation or "market value" would work a hardship. Not long since, tin the Phillips case against the railroad company for damages to his farm, this same party referred to was a juryman and wanted $39,000 damages for Phillips. this high valuation of Indian land was placed by a non-citizen.

The heavy rains of recent date have caused the farmers to cry "enough," and all the rivers streams and rills are full to overflowing. The channel cut to change the water course of the Canadian river is standing the high water well. The water has cut the channel much wider, and the opinion is that by another high water period of flood this channel will be large enough to carry the water and save the country from an overflow.

The Citizenship Commission enrolling Choctaws is at work at Goodland now. clerk A. TELLE and A. J. HARKINS were visiting their families here last week, and left for Goodland on the Katy Flyer Sunday. Commissioners on behalf of Choctaw Nations are A. J. HARKINS, Simon LEWIS, Joe DUKES, and A. TELLE, clerk. The Dawes Commission being always understood to be there.

FATHERS and mothers, there is a monster in this town besetting your boys. Look well as to where your boys send their time. Don't trust to any other than actual knowledge of our boys' whereabouts. You boy, although a good lovable son, may deceive you--when he is beset by the demon of vices.

The policy of the United States authorities toward the school system her is a good one, and in harmony with the treaty provisions and the wish of the people. More money into the neighborhood schools, less in the academies and a proper, graded and classified course of work and study in each.

A terrible and furious tornado stuck parts of Oklahoma and the Chickasaw Nation last Saturday. The Agency at Anadarko and the city of Chickasha are reported to have suffered the greatest loss. Much property was destroyed, many lives lost

Washington Letter

Washington, May 6, 1899
EDITOR INDIAN CITIZEN:

The request of the Secretary of the Interior to have the appraisement of the lands of the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations begin as soon as practicable was referred to the Indian Office for a report. It seems to be quite well understood that the Indian office report has been made and is quite favorable to the early beginning of the work. The matter has since been referred to the Dawes Commission for a report . A favorable report from that Commission is anxiously looked for.

The regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Interior, Oct. 7, 1898, to govern mineral leases in the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations require the trustees for said nations to receive applications form parties desiring to make leases of land within said nations for the purpose of engaging in the mining of coal, asphalt or other minerals, and if authorized by the United States Indian Inspector for the Indian Territory, to enter into leases with the parties. The trustees, thinking the department had been led into an error in authorizing and directing them to lease "other minerals" besides coal and asphalt, called attention to the matter on the ground that they thought their authority to lease was limited to "coal and asphalt." This action of the Choctaw and Chickasaw trustees was referred to the Indian office for a report. The Indian office sustained the trustees and held that nothing but "coal and asphalt" could be leased. The department overruled the Indian office and held that the regulations were proper and within the law.

Gov. McCURTAIN of the Choctaw Nation has made a very strong protest to the Commissioners of Indian Affairs against the ruling of the department, and sustaining the view of the trustees and of the Indian office. No leases for "other minerals" than coal and asphalt have been set up here yet. If such a lease should be made and sent up here for approval, the Secretary will review the whole question; but for the present the matter will be held as abeyance.

An act of the Choctaw Council passed at its recent session in March repealing all laws authorizing the manufactures and sale of timber has been approved by the President. This puts an end to the timber agitation in the Choctaw Nation.

LOCAL ITEMS.

Ben HARRISON was in town Tuesday.

Boone Williams of Lehigh wa in town recently.

Ask Alex HAAS how Commissioner RALLS is for telephoning.

J. D. LANKFORD made a busness trip to South McAlester Tuesday.

Attorney RALLS and WOODS returned from a country trip tuesday.

Misses Mary and Eva TUCKERleft last week for their home near Stringtown.

Marshal CONLAN spent Sunay with his family, but returned to court at South McAlester Monday.

Dr. SHARK has had ten years experience in dental work and is a graduate of Iowa City School of Dentists.

Hon. B. S. SMISER, of Atoka is in the city attending the meeting of the commission to investigate Choctaw warrants.___Capital

Mrs. DUNLAP of Lehigh passed through Atoka this week en route to Bentonville, Ark. where she will visit for about two months.

W. H HARRISON, representing the Southwestern Soda Fountain Co., of Dallas was in the city Saturday distributing "treats" for Dr. Pepper's.

Miss Mattie RAMSEY brought a lovely boquet to THE CITIZEN office Monday, and the beauty and fragrance of these flowers wa a treat to us for several days.

Judge John M HARRISON returned from Denison the latter part of last week and left his little daughtermuch better, but Mrs. HARRISON remained to nurse her.

Geo. McCROSKEY, a native of Mississippi and an old acquaintance of the family, and Murry McKELVEY and Dr. PATTERSON were visitors in our city three or four days recently.

Prof. E. H. RISHEL went to south McAlester this week to attend the meeting at the point for the inspection of national and school warrants. Quite a number of our citizens attended this occasion.

Just received, an elegant line of new jewelry, consisting of plain and set rings, neck chains, lorgnets and silk guards. All cheap for cash. HODGES DRUG STORE.

Prof. MASTERS, of the Baptist Academy faculty, preached at No. 6 last Sunay night and was accompanied to that place by Commissioner RALLS, Miss Anna L. MOORE, and Mis CORWIN who returned from there to Coalgate.

Mrs. Henry WARD, of Kiowa and son Willie and Herbert are the guest of Mrs. Wm. YORK. Herbert was brought down to be under the care of Dr. FULTON. Mrs. WARD and Mrs. YORK were pleasant callers at THE CITIZEN office Monday.

G. A. PATE went south on the Flyer Tuesday.

Wm. HARRISON went to South McAlester this week.

Misses SOULIE ad Lavina PATE went to Caddo Tuesday.

The neat cottage on the old COLAN residence lot is about complete.

Ed NEELEY returned last week from working on the telphone lines south of town.

Miss CORWIN of Coalgate was the guest of Miss anna L. MOORE Saturday and Sunday.

Dave McCLURE, of Oklahoma City, arrived in town last week and is the guest of the b>McBRIDEboys.

The yards of J. S. FULTON and J. T. CLAPPER are the first too hae a city effect--not cross fences. this effect is quite pretty.

Mrs. SHELBY, of Booneville, MO., a sister of J. E. ADAMS, is a guest in our city and will remain with her brother andfamily for about a month.

The B. Y. P. U. will hold its usual meeting Sunday evening. Topic--God's covenant and ours. Psalm 105:1-10. Leader--Miss WinnieJACKSON. all are cordially invited to attend.

The Masonic Halls are suffering great dmage and loss by fire recently. This week the Hall at Ardmore was dreadfully damaged by fire and a great loss of records and valuable papers.

Elder HOPKINS a field worker of the Christain church, was in Atoka several days recently and preached Sunday morning and night. His sermons were good, full of thought, true to Bible teaching and encouraging to Christains.

W. H. BALL of Wapanucka, and grandson, R. T. BALL came in Monday last and took the north bound Flyer en route to Athens, GA. Mr. BALL was going to visit his aged mother and R. T. BALL, son of Ed BALL, was going to make his first visit to his grandmother.

Mr. and Mrs. D. N. ROBB and Rev. J. S. MURROW left last week for Wewoka, I. T., in the Seminole Nation. Mr. MURROW holds a metting there and Mr. and Mrs. ROBB are visiting. Mr. ROBB lived at this place many years ago. They returned home Tuesday.

At the last conference meeting of the Baptist Church the members called Rev. Joseph MURROW as assistant pastor, and with his uncle as a co-worker, the Baptist church should see a wondrous change for general good. We hope the church will grow and be in need of an assistant pastor continually, and then our town will have the valuable addition of Rev. Murrow and wife as residents.

Joshua YOTA, a fullblood Choctaw boy, call at our office this week. He is a "trusty" in the jail and serving out his sentence for disturbing the peace at his home, Tuskahoma. The boy has an honest, good countenance and a manly, gentlemanly bearing. We suppose strong drink is at the bottom of his trouble . (The rest of the paragraph is iledgible).

Dave McCLURE went out to Pat LITTLEPAGE'S Monday.

Geo. MOULTON of Coalgate went south on the Flyer Sunday.

Julius HAAS was at south McAlester Monday and Tuesday.

Mr. CLAPPER has a patent on his lawn mower which works well and is a great improvement.

G. H. PERRY of Conway was at our office last Monday and subscribed for THE CITIZEN.

Dr. SHARK is on hands at the Davis Dental Parlor to attend all those who need such work.

Mr. HODGES is only waiting on the subscription to put in the local telephone system.

There is a new baby at the home of Mr. RODDY and another at the home of Rev. TRICKEY.

Mr. Geo. L. FISHER, representing the Ballard's Snow liniment Co., was in our office Monday.

The Sunday School picnic which was to have been last Saturday was unceremoniously postponed by the heavy rains.

Parties desiring to locate a gin in Atoka, will do well to see John M. HODGES, as he has a location building and some machinery he will sell at a bargain.

Ice cream will soon be ripe, get your flavoring extracts of c. R. Smith & Co. they have all kinds, lemon, vanilla, strawberry, banana, pineapple, rose, etc., all cheap for cash.

A Welcomed Day

The examination of the Choctaw warrants was an occasion of much importance to South McAlester this week. Thos of honor, distinction, wealth and position gathered there. Gov. McCURTAIN, Treasurer TThos. SANGUIN, Auditor Simon WOODS, National Secretary S. J. HOMER and the school trustees from three districts were the prominent Choctaw representatives ?????, and Mr. E. P. ZEVERLY in behalf of the United States government.

Then a mass of parties who had bought up and held these warrants were there, each tohave his paper properly identified, which would entitle him to his pro rata fo the $75,000 appropriated to pay off such debts.

The teachers who have been suspended for so long will know "where they are at;" and the business men will welcome the cash that will take the place of this long treasured national paper. The country will be much benefited by this circulation of cash.

After Delinquent Physicians

Dr. J. W. McCLENDON went to South McAlester this week with a list of 100 names of physicians in this Nation who are systematically dosing the population and being renumerated by positively refuse to be dosed by the Medical Board. Dr. McCLENDON obtained Gov. McCURTAIN'S approval of this list and his signature to the same. He will not proceed to report these men and they will have to answer for their course to the "higher powers that be." The Indian Agent has already received instructions how to deal with these gentlemen. The backing wil be forthcoming if they show fight and recent victories of Uncle Sam's power should cause the gentlemen to participate.

Academy News

On Friday night, May 19th, Professor W. M. MARTIN of Ardmore will deliver in Atoka his popular educational lecture "Our Boys and Girls."

On Sabbath May 21st, Rev. Daniel ROGERS of Muskogee will preach an educational sermon at eleven o'clock. By request of the pastor both of the above will be given in the Baptist church. Both the lecture and the sermon have been planned with the hope of helping the educational interest of the community.

The Atoka Baptist Academy will close with appropriate exercises on May 25th. A program has been planned for the afternoon and another for the night. Orphans who have had the Academy for their home, will be at liberty to go to their friends on Friday May 25th. E. H. RISHEL, Principal.

Chickasaw Cattle Tax

STONEWALL, I. T. May 5, 1899

EDITOR CITIZEN: The late cattle tax law in the Chickasaw Nation is decidedly contributing immensely for the betterment of the financial condition of the nation, and evidently the minds and intentions of the framers of this law were focused upon this favorable result; but there is a dangerous possibility lurking in the background which time and expensive experience will reveal.

The law is a cordial invitation to stockmen to come and graze their herds, regardless of immensity upon our range "as long as grass grows and water flows"__during the year--for the enermous sum of two bits per head. To be sure, two bits is goodmoney, but we are constrained to believe that the immense old Texas steer which, by means of his capacious and extensible receptive capacity, consumes tons of hay during the grazing season, is getting his living might cheap. Besides, such grazing will depreciate to a marked degree the utility of the lands that can only be used for pasturage after allotment. There is sure to be herded on our range thousands of foreign and diseased cattle spreading their contagion among the range stock of citizens. Again the cattle of residents in the nation will naturally "and otherwise" drift into the herds of our sojourning stockmen and throught intentional mistake be driven away. So it is our impression that the cattle tax law is ruinous to our range for a trifling consideration; that it threatens our home stockmen with a serious lossage from disease; and lastly that is endangers their security to their stock.

While it is always a gratification to see money coming into our national treasury, for innovation is always greeted, yet our serious comtemplation persuades us that said lawwill eventually occasion a much greater public detriment than public good; and, if so, it should be amended or abolished by future legislation. The genius of good government is the enactment and maintenance of laws for the good of the public; and when attendant evils begin to loom up ahead or the scales of experience indicate a bad result of greater weight than the good, then is the law antagonistic to the mission of good government.

Seminole burning Cases.

Muskogee, I. T., May 6.__The celebrated Seminole burning cases come up for trial Monday. There are about twenty defendants. They are charged with being members of the mob that kidnaped and afterwards burned at the stake Lincoln McGEISEY and Palmer SAMPSON, the two Seminole Indian boys. The two boys were charged with having murdered and assaulted Mrs. Lear, a white woman.

Horace SPEED, district attorney for Oklahoma, will assist District Atorney SOPER in prosecuting these cases. The defendants were arranged today and pleaded not guilty.

Knights of Pythias at Vinita.

The tenth annual convention of the Grand Lodge, Knights of Pythias, Indian Territory, which convened at Vinita last week, adjourned on Wednesday to meet next year at Davis, I. T., after electing the following officers:

Grand Chancellor__Frank SMITH, South McAlester

Grand Vice Chancellor__R. R. EVANS, Krebs.

Grand Prelate__P. W. MALLORY, Gowan

Grand Master of Exchequer__Alex HAAS, Atoka.

Grand K. or R. & S.__R. L. COMER, Claremore.

Grand Master at Arms--J. J. SHEEHAN, Chickasha.

Grand Inner Guard__J. WALLENDER, Goodland.

Grand Outer Guard__E. W. EBOY, Nowata.

Supreme Representative__Joe M. LALAY.

A banquet was tendered the visiting Knights at the Hotel Western at which we understand there were 175 guest.

We call attendtion especially to the honor and distinction conferred upon our townsman, Alex HAAS , Grand Master of Exehequer. For one of Alex's age this is an especial trust. He has been Grand Representative for the Lodge for two years. We are not in the least surprised, for we know Alex's true worth and ability and are glad the same is reckoned to him abroad. That the year will be a success fo far as Alex can control and influence we insure.

A Pleasant Party.

Mrs. Bertha STANLEY gave her friends quite a pleasand and enjoyable social Tuesday night. Most all the young folks were there and the main feature of pasttime and amusment was a card game. Below we give a sample of Mr. Jones' card as filled out by him. Delicious cream, cake and berries were served and a general good time to all.

01. Who are you?__J. W. Jones.
02. If not yourself, whom would you rather be?__Joe Jefferson.
03. Where do you live?__Johnson Junction
04. Your opinion of the Phillip pine situation?__Just Jumping.
05. Describe your character?__Just Jagged.
06. Your favorite flower?__Johnnie Jumpup.
07. What is your latest fad?__Jumping Jack.
08. The height of your ambition?__Joining Jiners.
09. Your chief accomplishment?__Jumping Jail.
10. Your favorite book?__Johnson's Johnson.
11. Your favorite author?__John Johnson

Additional Local Items.

Miss WINANS and HARDIN went to Lehigh Wednesday.

Judge HUMPHREY, of Cameron, I. T. was in town last week consulting with his client J. E, HOTEMA, who is in jail here.

Mr. and Mrs. SCRATCH, Miss Bunice SCRATCH, Mattie FEARS; Messrs, Hayden LINEBAUGH, Leon OFFICER, and Dan MAYES left Wednesday for the Limestone pond to have a picnic and a fishnic for two or three days.

Roads and Bridges.

Some of our energetic, wide awake townsmen have raised about $150.00 to be used upon the roads in and out of Atoka to trading points. The Jim DAVIS crossing to be bridged and road put in good shape is the main object now in view. By thismove the Wapanucka trde will fall to Atoka and much more from surrounding localities.

Phases of Child Life.

Children pass through a great many phases. Transitions are often trying. Keep these relateed facts in mind. We sometimes fix a fault by taking too much notice of it. A mistake should not be treated as a willful sin. A transient awkwardness may be due to rapid growth. A shyness of behavior, which amounts to a painful timidity, will pass if not accentuated by comment and reproff. This is especially true in regard to speeck. Children sometimes use slang; sometimes pick up words and phrases which are worse than slang; but the mother need not be unduly alarmed because of this.

They boy and girl will speak the language and use the dialect of home; and if mother possesses the children's entire confidence she will not find it difficult to convince the children that vulgar speech is a thing to avoid. Mothers will never in years to come regret a union of mild measures with firm adherence to principle in the home life. But of harshness and too much government they may repent in dust and ashes.__Harper's Bazar.

Treasurer Moseley's Visit.

Denison, Tex., May 6.__Treasurer P. S. MOSLEY of the Chickasaw Nation is in the city on business. Mr. Mosley when asked if the Chickasaw warrants would be paid off soon replied: " The warrants will be paid off as soon as passed upon and approved. They will be paid by checks drawn on the bank where the funds are deposited in St. Louis. The committee is checking up the warrants now and passing on them."

A Visit to Atoka.

We spent two nights in Atoka at the home of our old-time friend and co-laborer, Dr. J. S. FULTON. Years ago when we were just about grown we taught together and did some other things together, down in Texas, nothing bad, however. Dr. FULTON and wife have a beautiful home, one of the nicest in the town of Atoka, which is an old town and has numbers of of nice homes. They are Methodist in faith, but noble hearted, high minded Christians. How it rejoices me to see old friends doing well, succeeding and pleasantly situated.

It was our privilege to be in the home of and dine with that splendid character and his excellent wife, Dr. and Mrs. J. S. MURROW Bro. Murrow has lived in Atoka Thirty-two years, was for many years pastor after coming there and has not long since been called again to the pastorate. The Lord bless him in his work.

In speaking about our visit to Atoka we mention the Atoka Baptist Academy. This is said to be the best equipped institution of learning in the Choctaw Nation open to both Indians and whites. This school has been for years under the efficient management of Prof. E. H. RISHEL. __Baptist Beacon.

$5.00 Reward.

I will pay the above reward for one brown mare, 8 years old, about 14 hands high, white spots in forehead, plain brand (Bar over J H) on left thigh, to be delivered to me at my home, Two miles east of Citra and six miles southwest of Gurtie. She strayed or was stolen from my place on Monday, March 27, 1899. John L. LEMMOND, Citra, I. T.

Little Rock, Ark. May 10- At 2 o'clock yesterday morning the storehouse of H.W. ROBINSON at Sweet Home, near this city, was fired by an incendiary. when the fire was under way the incendiary aroused Mr. Robinson at his home nearby. Robinson reached the burning store just in time to save his brother within. As soon as Robinson had left the house the incendiary attacked Mrs. Robinson with an ax and a terrible struggle followed, in which she was beaten into semi-consciousness. After robbing the residence the man escaped.