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Last Wednesday week, the 26th inst., the news that Mrs. McLAUGHLIN was very ill, spread quickly over town. From that time until Friday morning she suffered agony, and although the best medical skill was summoned she died about ten o'clock Friday morning. At her urgent request, Drs. FULTON, WRIGHT and LONG of Caddo operated as a last chance to secure one more hope for life; but death followed almost immediately after the operation. The conditions revealed by operating were ulceration and perforation of the Duodenum. Her sufferings were intense, but bored with the fortitude and patience which characterizes a true child of God. She died as she had lived, strong in faith and perfectly submissive to the will of God. When a child we played at Mrs. McLaughlin's home with her two sisters, and thought her such a sweet faced, motherly woman, always kind and gentle but firm for truth and right. Since the years of maturity have come, we think the same and appreciate far deeper the sublime and lovable character and pure life.

Mrs. McLaughlin was born at Fort Smith, Ark., and lived there during early childhood. She was a daughter of Major HARLAN, who was sheriff of Sebastian county for several years. During the civil war he was made Major General and came with troops to the nation. After the war he located several merchandise interest in the nation--one at Caddo where he then lived, and at Caddo in 1879 Miss Belle Harlan met and married E. C. McLaughlin, a fine, thrifty business man. For twenty-one years this couple have lived very near each other, seldom separated. The greater part of those years was spent in Atoka. Six children blessed their home, but only one remains with the bereaved father--the mother has the majority with her, "over there." God spared her influence to mould and lay a good foundation for the son's character, building and now the structure that is builded upon must be ???tended, guided and perfected by the father. May God strengthen and thoroughly fit him for so great a work.

We pray God that the memory of his God loving and fearing mother may always be a stay to Edgar in the hours of temptation that will come to him with each year's experience.. Mrs. McLaughlin, perfectly conscious and calm, realizing her condition and small hope for life, bid all good bye before the operation and said she would live for Edgar's sake, but if death came, she was ready to meet her God. "Be a good boy, son, and meet mama in heaven," was her farewell to the boy of her joy and pride. The affectionate farewell to her husband of twenty-one years was without words, and God only knew the pain of that parting. "The songs without words"-how sublimely beautiful! And silence is oft more eloquent than words. Who can see the current that bears the mighty river on and on? Just so in this grand, noble life, one had to be cast upon her bosom's mercies to know the depths of her love and charity. You must come into her life, her home influence, to know its beauties, its grandeur of character. Many of those who rise up and call her blessed. Saturday morning at ten o'clock her remains were taken to the First Baptist Church where Bro. MURROW read God's word to comfort the bereaved, assure the Christians of that Eternity waiting , and to warn those who are not in the fold. Bro. MURROW, as all others, spoke in the highest terms of the life Mrs. McLaughlin had lived. Miss Moore played so soft and sweet a funeral dirge, and Mrs. CLAPPER left an impression which only time can erase by the singing of that hymn "Some Day We'll Understand." The remains were then borne to the "city on the hill" and the Eastern Star sisters closed the funeral services. We know on the Resurrection morn when the trumpet shall sound and those sleeping shall appear with Christ in the air, Mrs. McLaughlin will be with the Redeemed Hosts.

Judge Not Lest Ye Be Judged

An exchange puts in this shot at the Dawes commission: Six years ago Congress created the Dawes commission with instructions to endeavor to make treaties and agreement with the Indians of the five tribes and wind up tribal affairs. Now we are told that they have only just begun this great work. If this be true and the townsite commissioners put in as much time as they say will be necessary to complete their work, the long expected change in land tenure in the Indian Territory will never be finished, neither in this world nor in the world to come.__Exchange.

The papers in the Indian Territory have taken occasion frequently to complain and protest against the slow progress and dilatory methods of the Dawes commission, but no attention has been given to their remonstrances, (spelled as in the newspaper) and the commission persistently adheres to the same old habits of indifference and lethargy which have characterized their efforts from the beginning. In the meantime they continue to draw their salaries. The truth is, when the work which these men were appointed to do, shall have been performed, they will be out of a job, and neglect and delay on their part is a matter of self preservation. The Dawes commission, instead of serving the purpose for which it was constituted, has already been an impediment in the way of progressive action in the adjustment of questions in which our people are so vitally interested. If the Federal authorities would cut the heads off the commission, some remains might be submitted that would promise better results.__Exchange.

Criticism, when prompted by the desire to benefit, build up, is kind. When made after investigation after an acquaintance with the conditions that be and are, and with a desire to promote general good, is just; but generally press criticism is too oft hand, too one sided, too hasty, lacking in kindness and justice. The above clippings are both lacking in the elementary principles which should prompt criticism of public officials. "Put yourself in the other fellow's place," the same surroundings, the same pressures upon you, and figure out the conditions before you publish criticisms.

Yes, six years ago the Dawes Commission was sent out here to negotiate for a winding up of tribal relations. One of the first steps was to make a roll, which they did, using dispatch. When the work was finished, the criticism that was then forthcoming was, "they rushed things too much, not enough time given to investigation of cases, etc." Now the Dawes Commission is taking due time to make a correct and satisfactory roll; and the above "hot shot" criticism is their reward. All any man can do is to follow the dictates of a good and wise conscience and get his reward for being fair and just--in the world to come.

The townsite commissioners are not going to be subject to two criticisms; they will make haste slowly and not have the job to do over. Finding fault with the commissioners who are under the department orders--"forward or halt"...is like kicking a man who is bound hand and foot and roasting him because he don't get up and forward march. Newspaper folks ought to be great sympathizers with such conditions; for most any street loafer thinks he can run th4e business and edit the paper better than the editor. Variety and change are said to be most beneficial for all, so why not make a move towards giving news true, pure and just; and hold up a while on roasting officials who are endeavoring to straighten out these muddled affairs. The citizen here should not be kicking about the salaries of these men, since the U.S. Government foots the bills and without any taxes from these parts. The great Book, man's guide into all things, good, true and eternal, commands that we be submissive to the powers that be__to those who have the rule over us. Who are these commissioners to follow? Newspaper protests, or the department's rulings and directions? Were they to try to follow the Press in its dictates they would soon be at sea, in deep water, calling to know, "Where are we at?"

"Be Ye Temperate in All Things."

The enlightened and christianized civilization of the 10th century realizes stronger and stronger the great and dire necessity of a strict compliance to the above command. The demonstration of intemperance in all its forms of vice have been to plain and convincing not to be heeded, and all organized efforts and business interests are taking hold of this matter. The Base Ball Leagues are putting in the temperance clause in their regulations and the age realizes more and more that a man full of whisky injured by the use of tobacco is not worth half wages, a hinderance to any business, besides being a living nuisance to himself and friends. The following is a sample of some of the good and marked moves toward temperance:

"A Bill to forbid the sale of beer and other intoxicating liquors in soldier's homes, immigrant stations, and other public buildings and premises:

Be it enacted by the Senate and house of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That hereafter it shall be unlawful to sell beer and other intoxicating liquors in any soldier's home or immigrant station or other building or premises or ground owned or used by the United States government, or in the grounds appretaining (correct spelling is appertaining)to the same.

Sec. 2. That any violation of this act shall be deemed a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall, for each separate offense, be punished by a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars.

Sec. 17. That no officer or private soldier shall be detailed to sell intoxicating drinks, as a bartender or otherwise, in any post exchange or canteen, nor shall any other person be required or allowed to sell such liquors in any encampment or fort or on any premises used for military purpose by the United States, and the Secretary of War is hereby directed to issue such general order as may be necessary to carry the provisions of this section into full force and effect.

Sec. 18. That all laws or parts of laws which conflict with the provisions of this act are hereby repealed.

After mature deliberation, the Department has decided that it is for the best interest of the service that the sale or issue to enlisted men of malt or other alcoholic liquors on board ships of the navy or within the limits of naval stations be prohibited.

Therefore, after the receipt of this order, commanding officers and commandants are forbidden to allow any malt or other alcoholic liquor to be sold or issued to enlisted men, either on board ship or within the limits of the navy yards, naval stations, or marine barracks, except in the medical department." "An act to prevent the sale intoxicating liquors on Sunday in the District of Columbia:

Be it enacted by the senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That it shall be unlawful for any maker, brewer, or distiller of beer or other intoxicating liquors in the District of Columbia, or other persons or corporation or the agent or servant of such maker, brewer, or distiller, or the agent or servant of any maker, brewer, or distiller of beer or other intoxicating liquors outside of said District, or other person or corporation, to sell or deliver any beer or other intoxicating liquors in the District of Columbia on the first day of the week, commonly called Sunday.

Sec. 2. That any person violating the provisions of this act shall on conviction thereof in the police court on a prosecution in the name of the District of Columbia be punished by a fine of not less than fifty dollars nor more than five hundred dollars for each and every offense. Approved March 3, 1899."

"An act for the punishment of seduction in the District of Columbia:

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That if any person shall seduce and carnally know any female of previous chaste character between the ages of sixteen and twenty-one years, out of wedlock, in the District of Columbia, such deduction and carnal knowledge shall be deemed a misdemeanor, and the offender, being convicted thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or fined not exceeding two hundred dollars or may be punished by both such fine and imprisonment.

Sec. 2. That this act shall not be construed as repealing or modifying any statute relating to rape. Approved March 3, 1899."

The above laws were enacted, instigated by "letters from home" because mothers pleaded that their soldier boys might be protected from intemperance.

Whisky advertisements carried in a newspaper - whose editor claims to be a good church member is on the same line of consistency as would a church directory be if pasted on the devil's back--Exchange.

Mr. McARTHUR, school supervisor for the Choctaws, is the right man in the right place. He comes to us not boasting or blowing as if he knew it all. He says he is out looking over his field of work to acquaint himself with the situation and conditions and determine what is needed to make the Choctaw school system all and educational loving people could desire. We believe he is capable of taking in and understanding our needs and will be earnest and zealous to promote the interest and work he has in charge. He left Atoka last Friday to visit Armstrong Academy.

The Calo folks are certainly a little mixed as to lots and blocks. They must want a block for a resident portion. Then, again, they should have asked for one half section of the Choctaw Nation, for Calo certainly intends to swallow up us neighboring towns--judging from her demands of the townsite appraisers. Wonder if the chosen name will be Sterrett after the townsite is surveyed and appraised?

The U. S. authorities have notified the Indian sheriff to come and get GOINS. GOINS is the Choctaw who was sentenced to be shot by the tribal courts, and the U. s. government interfered. After a trial or hearing the U. S. court decided it did not have jurisdiction of the case, and now the tribal authorities will execute him soon. He is still in the Atoka jail.

SOUTH McALESTER is having a big stew over--"to incorporate or not incorporate--that's the question"--which is causing the racket. This condition has caused much hard feeling and bitter expression, and as yet not decision is reached.

The Choctaw townsite appraisers are at last located at Calo to begin their work in that town. As yet they are not provided with surveying instruments, hence ar not at actual duty yet. The Chickasaw Commission is at Colbert.

The Creek treaty has been ratified by a majority vote of 541. That the United States Congress will ratify the same is thought to be a sure thing.

It would be a good thing for some of the boys in this town if they would hire out to the farmers now who will need help in cleaning their crops, instead of prowling around on the streets late at night and fooling away the golden hours of the day spinning tops and playing marbles. The boys of this town, some of them, are pretty smart fellows, but if they want people to respect them they must work. People these days have little respect for or patience with the young man who loafs around town without any visible means of support, wearing a high standing collar and arched neck tie, when he should be showing his mettle by working. The boy who works is the boy who wins.

Washington Letter.

WASHINGTON, May 27, 1899.

EDITOR INDIAN CITIZEN:
In the matter of the Wichita case or the "Leased District" case, the appeal from the Court of Claims was perfected on last Monday morning and the case goes without further proceedings to the Supreme Court s soon as a transcript of the record can be prepared. The Supreme Court adjourned for the term Monday and will not be in session again until October next. A motion to advance the case for hearing will be made at that time. Under the special statute--the jurisdictional act--it is made the duty of the Court to advance the case.

The Secretary of the Interior will not take action at present looking to the removal of the discharged and objectionable striking miners in the Choctaw nation who have been complained of by the Choctaw authorities. He is not satisfied that all other remedies have been exhausted.

Preparations are being made to begin the work of the appraisement (spelled as in paper) of the lands of the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations. Mr. KENYON of Minnesota has been recommended by the Dawes Commission and appointed by the Secretary of the Interior to have immediate charge of the work in connection with Wm. H. HARRISON for the Choctaw Nation and Ed JOHNSON for the Chickasaw Nation, all to be under the direction of the Dawes Commission.

The Secretary of the Interior has just made an order to reference to the manner of making payments to teachers of neighborhood schools. Under the first regulations about school accounts they were required to be sent up here and allowed with a view to payment here, but the Secretary rightly concluded that the plan first announced involved too much delay and useless supervision. The plan now is for the U. s. Indian Agent at Muskogee to pay those teachers. The teachers will be given vouchers or certificates by the Supervisor of schools who employs them. These vouchers or certificates must be approved if correct by the Superintendent of schools for the Indian Territory.They go then to the office of the U. S. Indian Inspector for the Indian Territory for his approval and then to the U. s. Indian Agent for payment. It is thus seen that these accounts must pass the supervision of four officers of the U. S.

This is more supervision than they had under the old system in the Nations, and the Secretary held it to be ample protection to the tribal funds. It insures prompter payments of teachers accounts and consequently a higher grade of teachers. This order is a very important and beneficial one.

Died.

In Atoka last Thursday, the 25th inst., W. C. CLARK. Mr. and Mrs. Clark arrived in our town about the first of March, and he has been ill and very low during all this time. Mr. Clark was born in Mississippi in 1845, but moved to Texas during early childhood. In 1872 in Bell county, Texas, he married Miss Addie JOHNSON, who is now his widow.

Since 1872 Mr. Clark has been manager of the Clark Bros.' wagon show, known as the largest show of its kind. Before his marriage in Lee county, Texas, Mr. Clark joined the Methodist church and was a consistent Christian until the church turned him out on account of his business. His wife says this did not restrain him from attending and contributing to Christian service, or work, and that he was always concerned about such matters.

He was married twenty-seven years and leaves six children--four grown sons and two daughters--Ruby, whom we all know, and a baby girl. Allie, Lum, and Loomie are the sons who were at his bedside when death claimed him, and another son was en route here but got as far as St. Louis. M. L. CLARK, a brother of the deceased also came.

The remains were taken to the Methodist church Friday afternoon and Bro. J. S. MURROW conducted the funeral services. The body was then taken to its last resting place on the hill.

Mrs. Clark owns the Arcade Hotel here and says she likes Atoka and the kind people, and may make this her future home. Those who know Mrs. Clark will be glad to have her remain, and all will find her a true, good Christian woman. The family have our sincere and tender sympathy in their sorrow at the loss of the father upon whom all leaned for general aid.

CHOCTAW SCHOOLS

Explanations in Relation Thereto by Supt. Benedict
Muskogee, I. T. May 29, 1899.

Editors of Capital:
South McAlester, I. T.
Gentlemen:--I received a letter some time ago asking for information concerning our plans to work in the Choctaw nation, but have not been able to answer you until now. I have been waiting for further instructions from Washington. I am now prepared to make the following statement:

I intend soon to hold a series of teachers' examinations in each nation whose schools we control. Certificates will be issued to all who pass these examinations. In the selection of teachers, preference will be given to those who have taught in the territory, provided they prove themselves to be fairly well qualified. Certificates will be of two grades, valid for one and two years. For a second grade certificate, valid for one year. Applicants will be examined in reading, penmanship, orthography, arithmetic, geography, U. S. History, physiology and theory and practice of teaching.

For a first grade certificate, valide for two years, applicants in addition to the above named branches, will be examined in physics, civil government, algebra, botany, bookkeeping and literature. I do not intend to make the examinations very difficult this year, but shall aim to fairly test the knowledge of the teachers. Those who are barely able to pass an examination will be expected to improve from year to year, and the examinations will be so arranged as to require all teachers to become careful students of their work.

The city and village school boards of the territory may, if they desire, require their teachers to pass these examinations.

The Atoka agreement expressly prohibits the freedman of the Choctaw nation from participating in the school funds which we control. This makes it impossible for me to assist the colored people of your nation at present.

No provision is made either for the education of the white children of the territory, but wherever practicable, I deem it advisable to bring the children of the whites and the Indians together in the neighborhood schools, and I shall take pleasure in cooperating with the various school boards of the territory in this matter.

Yours truly,
J. D. BENEDICT
Supt. of schools in Indian Territory.

Muscogee Normal Institute.

The United States Superintendent of Schools for Indian Territory, Hon. J. D. BENEDICT, announces that all techers under him will be required to pass examinationa on Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, Grammar, Geography, U. S. Physiology, Theory and Practice of Teaching, for certificates of second grade lasting one year.

For first grade certificates lasting twoyears, examinations will be on the studies above named and also upon Physics, Botany, Algebra, Civil Government, Bookkeeping and Literature.

Those wishing special preparation for these examinations will find what they need at the Muskogee Normal Institute. Opens next Monday.

TUSHKAHOMA

Tushkohoma, I. T. May 26, 1899

EDITOR CITIZEN: The enrollment was begun here at Tuskahoma on the 22. inst. The work at this place has not been very haevy. The commission proceded to enroll in the Choctaw Nation on April 18, 1899, commencing at Alikchi. The number enrolled to date has been as follows:

Alikchi_Choctaws, 3032; Chickasaws, 10.
Goodland_Choctaws, 949; Chickasaws, 36.
Antlers_Choctaws, 599; Chickasaws, 13.
Tushkahoma_Choctaws, 483; Chickasaws, 16.
Total_Choctaws, 5,061; Chickasaws, 75.
Freedmen_Choctaws, 1,885; Chickasaws, 718.
Of course these figures are not absolutely correct, but ar not far from it. There has been a great deal of trouble in determining the merits of the claims of the freedmen, owing to the fact that no rool has been kept of htem. Only an estimate can be made until the final roll is made up. The fact has developed, however; that they have steadily increased since emancipation.

Another decision has been rendered as you know and it throws the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations still deeper ito trouble as regards their citizens. Those applicants who hve been in doubt as to enrollment who have a judgment from the courts are now in high clover. They are now certain that other agencies than "God Almighty and an Indian can make an Indian," for the reason that they know they have not a drop of Choctaw or Chicksaw blood in them or their ancestry on either side, but the courts have declared them eligible to enrollment because at some remote period they themselves or their ancestors were married to a Choctaw or Chickasaw. This doesn't look right, but we are bound to enroll them (all conditions being complied with) or be in contempt of court.

BOGGY DEPOT ITEMS

Rev. S. C. HICRONYMUS and Mr. WILLS left Tuesday for the district conference of the M. E. Church South, held in Durant. A. K. MILLER, P. E., presided, secretary being absent, N. B. AINSWORTH, of McAlester, was elected to that office.

Delegates and preachers poured in from all parts; welcome homes were had without the asking and a general spiritual uplifting was felt by all.

The church building, though large, seated only part of the crowd that attended.

Bro. STEGALL opened the session by a real Holy Ghost talk, " I am going home," and a general handshaking followed, much to the disgust of a very up-to-date choir, which seemed to be sorely outraged by such reprehensive(?) conduct. Several young men were licensed or re-licensed to preach.

Among the many other good things siad by Bro. W. A. DICKEY in his 11 o'clock sermon; we mention the following: "The great battle was not fought on the fields of Gettysburg, though 16,000 soldiers met in mortal combat. It was not at Yorktown, though the fate of the nation depended on tis result. It was not in the valley of Waterloo, though all Europe stood breathless awaiting the result. But it was in your secret chamber, whom calling upon God you conquered self. That was a greater victory than was over gained by Washington, Grant, Lee or Napoleon."

The wind did considerable damage here Sunday evening. Besides destroying Mr. HAWK's barn and uprooting treesin all parts of town, it seriously injured the physical growth of anumber of our citizens.

Dr. HANNA and wife, Mr. FARHNEY, and in fact almost all the town, went to the Wapanucka singing convention Sunday, and they abode there till Monday, for the creeks were full of water.

"The Choctaw and Chickasaw singing convention" convening at Wapanucka the 28th inst, was a glad success. The country was represented by two or three hundred delegates and friends. This organization was started about a year ago, with H. G. ROBERTSON, Pres., J. C. FARHNEY, Vice, T. D. MULLEN, Secty., and Miss Gracie FARHNEY, Tresurer. The interest manifested by the increasing crowds proves that the efforts of Prof. RAMSEY and others noted musicians, are not in vain. The annual meeting of this order is to be at Rock Creek, July 14th, 15th,and 16th, and is expected to exceed all previous meetings, bot in attendance and interest.

By inviting the public to these gatherings, we offer entertainment and instruction. That the people of Rock Creek be not crowded to death, many will come prepared to camp--good scheme.

More Boggy Depot Items:

The teachers of Ego, Boggy Depot and other places organized a branch of teh Indian and Oklahoma Teachers' Association at Ego on teh 13th ult. Prof. DRAIN of Ego was elected president, WILLS of Boggy Depot vice president and Prof. MULLEN of Folsom secretary and treasurer.

To Mr. and Mrs. Wyatt was born a fine girl last week. Dr. HANNA reports mother and child doing nicely.

Bro. STUCKEY, M. E. presiding elder of the Choctaws, preaches tonight.

Mrs. G. B. HESTER returned Saturday from Muskogee, where she had been visiting her sick daughter, Mrs. OWENS, who is not rapidly improving.

Mr. and Mrs. Charlie COBB spent Sunday in Atoka.

Dr. Hanna and Prof. Wills were in Atoka Monday.

Our Roads and Streets

It has now been about four years since any work has been done on our streets, and roads leading into Atoka. The laws of the Choctaw Nation provide that the County Judge shall appoint persons to see that the roads are worked, and further provide that each male person over 18 years and under 50 years will be required to work upon the roads six days. I understand Judge HARRISON has appointed J. W. VAIL as road-overseer for Atoka and vicinity. The Clerk of Judge Harrison's court has issued a commission to Mr. Vail.

Mr. Vail will be unable to improve our streets and roads unless our citizens comply with his requests and either go in person or send some industrious hand to work for him. Now is a splendid time to work our streets and roads and if each citizen does his part there is no reason why Atoka should not have excellent streets and roads leading thereto.

How many of our citizens are willing to comply with the law and give the aid requested? Please hand your name to THE INDIAN CITIZEN and let us have a list of all those who will cooperate in an effort to better our streets and roads. ....CITIZEN

All Interested

Mrs. John McAFEE was around over town Tuesday working up an interest in the National Decoration Day, on May 30th, next Tuesday. The town is expected to take part. Everybody is invited to attend adn bring flowers to place upon the mounds which mark the resting places of the dust which once formed the bodies we loved so dearly. Saturday evening at the Methodist church a committee on general management will meet. At 3o'clock Tuesday all will assemble at the Methodist church an dgo in procession to the city of the dead.

Courteous Employes

The attention and courtesy of trainsmen on the M. K. & T. railroad is a matter often discussed by patrons of the road an dmany and varied are the compliments passed on the boys. The care and watchfulness of trainsmen are manifested in various ways and nothing escapes the knights of the road. The other day Miss Alice BENNETT, daughter of the U. S. marshal at Muskogee, by some means dropped her pocketbook out of the windowof a car near Pleasant Grove, MO. She reported her loss to the conductor and when the train reached Sedalia, he notified Supertindent LYON's office and they in turn sent a wire to the conductor on passenger train No. 2, the first train to pass Pleasant Grove, informing him of the loss and advising him to keep a sharp lookout for the missing pocketbook. The message had the desired effect and the lost treasure was found intact. In the pocket book was a valuable diamond pin. Nothing is lost, strayed or stonlen on the "Katy." __Parsons Sun.

OKLAHOMA AND INDIAN TERRITORY

Oklahoma, with all her grievances, has more freedom than Cuba.

The rains during this month is just what were needed to rush the crops along.

The Methodist church has been erected near Coldwater, Grant county, at a cost of $1,000.

With Colonel RANDLETT in charge the Anadarko agency will be under military discipline.

The Oklahoma Historical society meets in Cleveland county June 3, for the election of officers.

Oklahoma will make an excellent showing in members adn in eloquence at the Trans-Mississippi.

Robert COLLINS of Bluejacket, I. T., struck an obstinate bronco which a friend was riding, to make it move. The bronco struck back at Collins, with both feet, landing over the heart and killing him instantly.

A Pottawatomie county witness said he did not know what a joint was and the judge sent to jail until he could think it out. In a short time he sent word to the judge that, if he was not mistaken, a joint was something like a saloon.

Judge BUFORD has refused to grant a new trial to Joseph PENTECOAT, convicted of manslaughter in the first degree for killing James BOWERS. Judge Buford sentenced Pentecoast to fifteen years in teh penitnetiary. Pentecost's attorneys have appealed to the supreme court. His bond was fixed at $5,000 pending appeal.

Superidtendent (spelled as it appears in paper) of Public Instrucion HOPKINS is making preparations to see the enforcement of the new law requiring public schools to maintain libraries. Some of the schools already have taken steps to provide libraries, but not all are obeying the law. The law provides for the expenditure each year for libraries as follows: Districts employing on teacher, $4 to $10; districts having one to four teachers, $10 to $25; more than three teachers, $25 to $50; and cities of the first class, $50 to $100.

Charles EVANHOE of Pawnee county, has had sometiing of a romantic career in Oklahoma. Twenty-fiveyears ago, while emigrating to the Osage country whith his wife, a storm overtook him at night at the trading post of Gray Horse. Evanhoe drove into the Gray Horse creek in the darkness and his team and household effects were swept away. He rescued his wife, but she died shortly afterward. Evanhoe went to St. Louis, where a Roman Catholic nun eloped with him and came to the Osae country. Mrs. Evanhoe is now the mother of five children.

Owing to a mistake made in the presidential proclamation defining the southern boundary line of the Cheyenne and Arapahoe country, when the latter was thrownopen to settlement nearly 3,000 acres of the richest and most desirable agricultural land in the valley of the Washita river is now unlawfully occupied by settlersas teh department of teh interior holds that the land in question is a part of the Kiowa and Commanche Indian reservation. An order was made at one time for the removal of the intruders but it has never been fully carried out. The ejection of some of the settlers caused the dispute to be appealed to Washington.

The overflow ditch by which the waters of the Choteau creek are carried into the South Canadian river instead of being allowed to inundate Lexington proved its value last week during the heavy rains. The ditch carried all the water.

An Oklahoma man dropped a package containing $50 in currency the other day and offers a liberal reward for its return. Thisis too indefinite. Unless he offers iin excess of $30 how can he expect to iinfluence the finder by a reward of any kind.

Kansas newspapers are continually reminding the people of Oklahoam that they owe their state $44,206.70 for keeping prisoners which we can't pay. The 6 per cent is never mentioned. This will mkae some fellows who were opposed, wish the building bill had passed and Oklahoma kept its own prisoners and got the value of their labor.

Memorial day this year in Oklahoma will occur on May 30, Govonor Barnes has issued a proclamation naming May 30 as the date for decorating the soldiers' graves.

The grpae crop in Kay county promises to be very large again this year. Vineyards in this vicinity have never failed to give good yields, and the vines are young as two years old often ripen ten to twnety pounds of fruit. There is a field here in the production of grapes for the market which should not be overlooked.

In Lincoln county there are one thousand acres of ground planted in peanuts.

STOLEN

One black horse pony, branded H W onleft shoulder an dhip, little white spot on forehead and one of his fore feet was split. Stolen from me, on May 19th three miles on this side of Antlers, I. T., by a negro named William TYSON. If anyone catches him with the pony, take the pony away from him and write to me and I will come and get the pony and pay whatever the person charges for his trouble. My address, W. J. FISHER, Kulli Tuklo, I. T.