The Rise and Fall of Steamboats in Cowley County, Kansas, 1875 (2024)

Winfield Courier, February 18, 1875.

The Traveler says that Samuel Darrah, W. J. Keffer, and J. G.Titus start down the Arkansas in a flatboat with J. C. Lillie, managingEditor.

Winfield Courier, February 25, 1875.

Samuel Darrah and J. G. Titus of this place, and Mr. Keffer of PleasantValley, started last Monday down the Arkansas River in a flat-boat boundfor Fort Smith. We wish those hardy sailors a pleasant voyage.

Winfield Courier, March 18, 1875.

Sam Darrah, J. G. Titus, and Jake Keffer, the three hardy mariners wholeft Arkansas City a few weeks ago to test the navigability of the ArkansasRiver, returned home last Saturday. They report the navigation of the riverimpracticable for boats larger than the Great Eastern. The party floateddown in a skiff as far as Fort Gibson, where they bought ponies to bringthem back.

Winfield Courier, April 29, 1875.

Titus and Darrah, of Winfield, who went down the Arkansas River to FortGibson in a flat boat in February last, report the route practicable, andintend to ship grain that way this fall. Give us a rest. [Newspapersource not given.]

Winfield Courier, July 29, 1875.

By request of Mr. Berkey, of Arkansas City, on the 14th of this monthwe wrote Mr. Enoch Hoag, inquiring whether it would be any violation toexisting government regulations of Indian Affairs to sell flour or wheatat the intermediate points along the Arkansas River in the territory shouldflat boating prove successful down said river. The following letter is ananswer to ours.

T. A. WILKINSON, Supt. Pub. Instruction, Winfield, Kansas.

I am in receipt of the communication of 14th instant, inquiring whetherthe sale of wheat and flour along the Arkansas River, in the Indian Territoryat points where the demand and price would be sufficient to induce suchsale, would be any violation of Government regulations, etc.

In reply I have to call thy attention to the 2nd section of the "IntercourseLaw," the first clause of which I quote, to-wit:

"That no person shall be permitted to trade with any of the Indians(in the Indian country), without a license therefor from a Superintendentof Indian Affairs, or Indian Agent, or Sub Agent," etc.

Section 4 says: "And be it further enacted, That any person, otherthan an Indian, who shall attempt to reside in the Indian country as a trader,or to introduce goods, or to trade therein without such license, shall forfeitall merchandise offered for sale to the Indians or found in his possession,and shall moreover forfeit and pay the sum of five hundred dollars."

I am of the opinion that the traffic proposed would be a violation ofthe foregoing, and perhaps other clauses of the "Intercourse Law."Very Respectfully, ENOCH HOAG, Supt.

Winfield Courier, September 2, 1875.

Bowen & Berkey, of the flat-boat expedition, have returned to theCity. They report the "Arkansaw" navigable 80 miles, as far asthey went, and now say if Arkansas City will raise them $1,000 they willput a steamboat on the river in running order. They stopped their boat atthe Pawnee Agency, as there they learned that flour in Little Rock, Arkansas,was selling at $2 per cwt. and wheat at 60 cents per bushel. They will probablyattempt to turn the river "end for end," and ship wheat and flourdown here next.

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[ARKANSAS CITY TRAVELER ITEMS.]

Winfield Courier, September 9, 1875.

Word was brought from the flat boat last Sunday, which is now near thePawnee Agency, almost one hundred miles from this place, by the river. Theyreport no less than three feet of water in the channel of the river, andare fully satisfied that a small steam tug could be run between Little Rockand this place. They have experienced considerable difficulty in managingthe boat so as to keep it in the channel, but claim they can make a successfulvoyage.

Winfield Courier, January 13, 1876.

The Wellington Press claims that the Arkansas River is navigablefor light draft steam boats as far up as Oxford. Mr. Aldridge, a river pilotof twenty-five years experience, offers to bring a boat of one hundred tonscapacity, from Fort Smith to Oxford. Said steamer not to cost over fourthousand dollars. He wants a guarantee of two thousand dollars and two hundreddollars in hand.

Arkansas City Traveler, February 9, 1876.

We have received another letter from J. G. Titus, now at Muskogee, IndianTerritory, asking when the Parker Brothers' boat would be up the river.He has a lot of baled hay he intends shipping to Fort Smith.

Arkansas City Traveler, February 16, 1876.

The following letter was received by E. B. Kager from a gentleman inWisconsin, of some experience in boat building.

I noticed in the papers you sent me a communication signed "P. H.Aldridge," relative to the navigation of the Arkansas River above Ft.Smith. This is a subject in which I have taken a great deal of interest.I have for some years thought of starting a light draft steamer, and purchaseda couple of engines two years ago for that purpose, and have been negotiatingfor some time for the building of the boat.

Six or seven years ago I was up the Arkansas River to Van Buren, andpaid close attention to that stream, and also to the White River, and wastold that the Arkansas River was not navigable above that place, as theriver was closed by flood wood, which could not be removed.

Now, if what Aldridge said is correct, I think there is a fair chancefor someone to open up a trade. How far is Oxford from your place and hownear your place could I run with a boat drawing not over twenty inches ofwater? I could run up to Van Buren without difficulty, if I could get fromthere, up.

Please write me what you can ascertain in relation to the matter, whatthe river distance will be as near as you can, and what inducements, ifany, are held out. I can build a boat here much cheaper than it can be builtin your country. C. R. GODFREY.

Excerpt reflecting steamboat navigation began in 1795...

Winfield Courier, February 17, 1876.

Another historical picture is "Collect Pond and its vicinity,"as it was in 1795, when Robert Fulton and John Fitch first tried their experimentsin steamboat navigation. Their little yawl is holding two men, and a steamengine that one could carry off under his arm is in full view. Collect Pondwas at that time where the center of New York City now stands. Center streetand the Tombs now occupy the historical navigable lake.

Arkansas City Traveler, March 22, 1876.

ENOUGH stock has been subscribed by the citizens of this place to purchasea half interest in a steamboat for the Arkansas River. Parties will be sentto make the purchase, soon. A number of propositions have been received,and if the first boat makes a successful trip, others will follow. ArkansasCity is the head of navigation on the Arkansas.

Arkansas City Traveler, March 22, 1876.

Parties are talking of sending another flat boat, loaded with corn andpotatoes, down to Little Rock, Arkansas. The river is full to the banksnow, and will continue to be for four months, if it does not vary from precedingyears.

Arkansas City Traveler, March 29, 1876.

Parties at Plainfield, Ohio, are constructing a boat with the intentionof putting in on the Arkansas River this spring, to ply between Little Rock,Ark., and this place. It will be of light draught, but capable of carryingsufficient burden to make the trips pay. Hay and corn are in good demandin Arkansas, and lumber and southern products are staple articles here.We expect to see a boat launched at this place within the next three months.The Arkansas River is the third largest river in the United States, andwith proper effort can be made a navigable stream.

Winfield Courier, March 30, 1876.

The people of Arkansas City are in earnest about navigating the ArkansasRiver. They have raised considerable money to be invested in a steamboatand one is expected to arrive at that place from Little Rock before long.The venture shows them to be an enterprising people. They believe in doingsomething for themselves and the country. Should the project prove favorable,the whole county will rejoice and be benefitted by the pluck of our neighbor.It would also give additional importance to the town. It already has thebest public buildings in the county and the largest business house willsoon be there. Should it become a shipping point, it will add a new impetusto its prosperity.

Winfield Courier, March 30, 1876.

ARKANSAS CITY capitalists will not invest their surplus this year inthe attempt to navigate a stream the Lord declared not navigable. Because,Chamberlain's instructions are to tax all "steamboat and gas companyshares." That lets them out.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 5, 1876.

A BOAT drawing four feet of water could run up the Arkansas River now,without any trouble. The river is full from bank to bank. Corn could bepurchased at fifteen cents per bushel, and floated down to Little Rock,where it would readily sell for seventy-five cents. If a boat should comeup now, and pay cash for corn, the farmers would be hauling corn to townfor a week after the boat had left in hopes of getting rid of the staleproduct.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 5, 1876.

From parties formerly near Plainfield, Ohio, we learn that the companynow building a boat for the Arkansas, is composed of reliable men of means,who will no doubt carry out the project.

Cowley County Democrat, Thursday, April 6, 1876.

Mr. Hoyt has started from Arkansas City to make a purchase of a steamboatto navigate the Arkansas River. This looks like business.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 12, 1876.

Mr. Samuel Hoyt started last Sunday for Cincinnati, Zanesville, Plainfield,and the upper Ohio River, to make a purchase or offer a bonus for a boatfor the Arkansas River. A company has been formed and chartered, under thelaws of this State, and the matter will soon be demonstrated whether theriver is navigable above Fort Gibson. If it proves a success, it will beone of the greatest blessings Cowley County and Southern Kansas has everhad. Thousands of bushels of corn, potatoes, and other products, now a drugon the market, could be sold for cash, and southern products laid down atour doors at a much lower rate, besides it will eventually open up the greatlumber regions of Arkansas, and develop a section of country now scarcelyinhabited.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 19, 1876.

Mr. W. M. Sleeth received a letter last week from the parties in Ohiowho are building the light draught boat for the Arkansas River, statingthat they had employed five additional men, and were pushing the work asrapidly as possible. Mr. Hoyt is now in the East, and will complete allthe necessary arrangements soon for the trial trip. Mr. Graverock, of KansasCity, Civil Engineer of the M. K. & T. Railway Company, paid us a visitof several days this week, working up a project for two tow boats to makeregular trips from St. Louis. He also visited Wichita, where he receivedencouragement from some of the most prominent citizens, and a promise ofaid towards the project. There is enough corn in Cowley County to load aboat all summer, besides wheat, potatoes, and general produce. The matterhas received considerable attention of late and will be thoroughly testedduring this year.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 26, 1876.

Mr. Hoyt writes from Plainfield, Ohio, to C. R. Mitchell that the ArkansasRiver boat will be completed and landed at this place by the first of June.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 3, 1876.

Are on hand with the Largest Stock of Staple and Fancy Groceries, Provisions,Stoneware, etc., you have seen in the City.

Our stock of Teas is the largest ever brought to this market, and willbe sold lower than ever before, and cheaper than any house in the Valley.Drop in and see us.

Store at J. H. Sherburne's old stand, one door south of CityHotel, and opposite the Cowley County Bank.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 10, 1876.

A small boat has been constructed at the Water Mills to cross the Walnut.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 17, 1876.

W. M. Sleeth received a letter from Mr. Hoyt, written at Zanesville,Ohio, in which he stated he had been detained longer than he expected, andwould not be ready to start again before two weeks. The boat was built atPlainfield, and had to be taken to Zanesville for final completion. It is90 feet long, 30 feet beam, and has 19 feet deck, and three foot hole. Itdraws from eight to nine inches of water, and is capable of carrying fiftytons on two feet of water. The first cargo brought up will probably be saltand lumber.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 17, 1876.

A young girl of sweet sixteen was seen running up and down the banksof the Walnut in a frantic manner last Saturday, exclaiming "I'd givefive dollars to see that show." The river was up and the bridge down;she on one side of the raging Walnut while her sweetness was on the other.Her efforts were finally crowned with success by securing the aid of a boat,but lo, when they arrived in town to their moral horror they found the showwas at Winfield, and again she gave vent to: "I'd give five dollarsto see that show."

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Cowley County Democrat, May 18, 1876.

Mr. Hoyt says that the boat has moved down to Zanesville to put in themachinery, and will be along in June. He says a boat shall come up the riverto Arkansas City, and when old man Hoyt says anything, he means it.

[NAVIGATING THE ARKANSAS RIVER.]

Winfield Courier, May 18, 1876. Editorial Page.

In regard to the scheme for navigating the Arkansas River, the ChautauquaNews of the 29th, ult., says: Mr. Graverock passed through here lastweek on his way to St. Louis for the purpose of securing boats to run onthe Arkansas River from its mouth as far up as Wichita or Arkansas Cityat least. If this can be accomplished, it will be a grand thing for allthe country bordering upon that river. The immense amount of wheat grownin that country would then have a cheap outlet to the best markets in theworld, and build up a trade rarely equaled anywhere. This would make ArkansasCity an important, and soon, a very large city.

Elk Falls Ledger.

Winfield Courier, May 18, 1876.

FRED KROPP has completed his excursion boat, launched her above the bridge,and is now ready to accommodate all webb-footed pleasure seekers. For 25cents he will carry you up the river to Island No. 10 and swim you backfor nothing. The boat will carry eight persons. It is propelled by an Archimedeslever. Oars are dispensed with.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 24, 1876.

In regard to the scheme for navigating the Arkansas river, the ChautauquaNews of the 29th, ult., says: Mr. Graverock passed through here lastweek on his way to St. Louis for the purpose of securing boats to run onthe Arkansas River from its mouth as far up as Wichita or Arkansas Cityat least. If this can be accomplished, it will be a grand thing for allthe country bordering upon that river. The immense amount of wheat growingin that country would then have a cheap outlet to the best markets in theworld, and build up a trade rarely equaled anywhere. This would make ArkansasCity an important, and soon a very large city. Elk Ledger.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 24, 1876.

The steamboat for this place leaves Zanesville, Ohio, June 29th. It willtake three weeks or more to make the trip. Preparations are being made toship corn and potatoes during the summer, and hay and flour in the fall.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 31, 1876.

Last Monday was the day for the Arkansas City boat to leave Zanesville,Ohio. It will probably take four weeks to make the trip, going via the Ohioto Cairo, then down the Mississippi to the mouth of the Arkansas, then upthe Arkansas: a total distance of probably 3,000 miles.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 31, 1876.

The boat started from Zanesville, Ohio, last Monday, if nothing interfered.The types made us say the start was to be in June, last week, when it shouldhave been May.

Arkansas City Traveler, June 14, 1876.

Major Sleeth has just heard from Mr. Hoyt again, on the steamboat question.The letter was dated Parkersburg, West Virginia, June 5th, and stated theywere coming along all right, until near Gallipolis, Ohio, where the wheelreceived some injury, and they were compelled to stop six days for repairs.They expect to reach Little Rock, Arkansas, by July 1st, or within the nexttwo weeks. Boats run to Little Rock and Fort Smith, without difficulty,and the only experiment will be from those points to this place, duringlow waters. When the river is full, a boat of any ordinary size could runon the Arkansas. This enterprise offers the only outlet for our immensegrain crop, and is looked forward to with great anxiety by all.

Arkansas City Traveler, June 14, 1876.

The steamboat for this place left Zanesville, Ohio, June 3rd, and isnow on the way. The name of the boat is "Gen. G. F. Wiles," namedfor a prominent boat builder of Zanesville.

Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, June 21, 1876.

The damage to the wheel was repaired at Gallipolis, and the boat is onthe way again. Mr. Samuel Hoyt is the Captain, and is determined to bringit through if it takes all summer. At Gallipolis he was arrested and fined$55 for not registering the boat, according to law. Being new men at thebusiness, they were not aware of the rules. July 15th is the time set forthe arrival of the "Gen. G. F. Wiles" at this place. It shouldbe renamed "Samuel Hoyt," "Arkansas Traveler," "Wash-a-waha" (the Osage meaning for "brave white man,") or the "Relief,"from the fact that the boat is to relieve us of the burden of hauling ourproducts fifty miles to market. The present name has no meaning to us.

Arkansas City Traveler, June 28, 1876.

The Indians are willing to have boats on the river, but object to railroads.

Arkansas City Traveler, June 28, 1876.

ARRANGEMENTS are endeavored to be made to send some parties to LittleRock, Arkansas, to meet and come up on the Arkansas City boat.

Arkansas City Traveler, June 28, 1876.

S. C. WINTIN and M. A. FELTON are about to build a flat boat, and loadit with corn for the Little Rock market. Mr. Wintin made one trip beforewith flour, and thinks corn will pay.

Arkansas City Traveler, June 28, 1876.

A man across the Walnut saw the box of a header machine, near the ArkansasRiver, and thinking it was a steamboat, left his plow and ran a hundredyards toward it, when he thought there was no smoke, and taking a closerview saw his mistake. He is a Granger too.

Winfield Courier, June 29, 1876.

The steam boat, Gen.'l Wiles, now on its way to Arkansas City, whilepassing down the Ohio river near Gallipolis, Ohio, was overhauled and itsmanagers made to pay a fine of $55 for failing to register it before going"down the Ohio." It is probably on the stormy Mississippi by thistime.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 5, 1876.

STEAMBOAT! The steamboat, "Gen. Wiles," passed Cincinnati onthe 23rd ult., making seventy miles per day. Everything is in working order,and progress will be made without further delay if no accidents occur.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 5, 1876.

Last week William Fowler completed his sail boat, measuring sixteen feetlong, and started for Little Rock, Arkansas, with his carpenter tools, provisions,and worldly possessions. He had his boat made with a wheel on each side,to turn with a crank, while sitting on the front seat facing the bow, andan attachment made to the rudder so as to steer with his feet, besides astrong sail to be used when the wind is favorable. He returns to Arkansasto remain permanently, as mechanics' wages are good and work plenty; besides,he has made the necessary arrangements to take unto himself a rib, to sharethe toils and privations of a life in the swamps.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 12, 1876.

HURRAH! The boat is on the Arkansas, and coming right along.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 12, 1876.

We expect to announce the arrival of the "Gen. Wiles" steamboatat this place within the next three weeks.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 12, 1876.

The Arkansas City boat is now stemming the current of the Arkansas River,not a great distance from Little Rock. If they take on coal in the Territory,it will delay them two weeks, as it has to be dug yet.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 12, 1876.

The following, from the Cowley County Telegram, gives an unbiasedexpression and feeling of gratitude in behalf of the farmers, and generalprogress of all.

It gives us pleasure from time to time, to give all the information inregard to the Arkansas City steamboat that we can glean from the "TRAVELER."We look upon this experiment as one in which the whole of Cowley Countyis deeply interested--and for the success of which each and everyone ofher citizens should pray. The successful navigation of the Arkansas Riveras far north as Cowley County is the next best thing to a railroad--in fact,we believe that it would be much better for the county as it would presenta much cheaper outlet for surplus produce than we could possibly get throughthe medium of any road. And the arrival of the boat now coming should bethe signal for a general rejoicing throughout the entire county. We suggestthat when our neighbors can have the exact day of its arrival that theynotify the county so that the farmers may be there en masse tosend up a shout of joy when the smoke stack first rises in view, and sendup cheer after cheer in answer to the tones of its whistle and peal of itsbell. What say you, Scott? Can't you make that a "big day" forthe little city?

Cowley County Democrat, July 13, 1876.

The last report from the steam boat was that it had reached Little Rock,Arkansas, and was making rapid strides for its destination. It is thoughtit will arrive at Arkansas City by the 20th of this month.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 19, 1876.

In looking over the county papers, and talking with gentlemen from differentsections of the county, we find it is generally expected that Arkansas Citywill have a grand celebration when the steamboat arrives. The people ofWinfield and Oxford have asked us to notify them as to the exact time ofits arrival, when they will endeavor to come down and help us out in ourjollification. To this we say, we will do our best to notify all, but theprobabilities are the whistle will be the first warning we will have ofits approach--in which case the fandango can be postponed until the dayfollowing, when we want everybody in the county here to yell, and we promisethem the demonstration will eclipse anything of its kind ever witnessedin Cowley County.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 19, 1876.

C. R. MITCHELL received a letter from Wm. Fowler, who left this placeJune 24, for Little Rock, Arkansas, in a small sail boat, in which he reportshis safe arrival at Russellville, some seventy miles below Fort Smith. Hehad a rough time of it, as the river was constantly raising and filled withdriftwood; but he made good speed, traveling 150 miles in one day, and beingbut six days in making the distance. He made inquiry concerning the "Gen.Wiles," but it had not at that time reached Little Rock, though itmust be near Ft. Smith now.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 19, 1876.

Mr. M. A. Felton started for Wichita, last Saturday morning, with theintention of building a flatboat there and floating pine lumber down theArkansas to this place. He thinks he can come down in one day at the presentstage of the water.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 26, 1876.

The money has been subscribed, and a sail and row boat fitted out togo down the Arkansas, with Messrs. McLaughlin and Chamberlain as voyageurs.Their purpose is to meet Mr. Hoyt and the steamboat, and return with them.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 26, 1876.

We learn that Messrs. Tolles and Endicott, of Grouse Creek, built a flatboat,twenty-five feet long by six feet wide, and loading it with 4,000 poundsof flour, started on Sunday morning down the Arkansas to find a market.This is just a trial trip; but if successful, it is their intention to shipall their flour in that direction.

Winfield Courier, July 27, 1876.

The steamboat that has been expected at Arkansas City, at last accountswas detained at the mouth of the Arkansas River because the engines werenot strong enough to stem the current.

Winfield Courier, July 27, 1876.

We learn that Messrs. Tolles and Endicott, of Grouse Creek, built a flatboattwenty-five feet long by six feet wide, and loaded it with 4,000 poundsof flour, started on Sunday morning down the Arkansas to find a market.This is just a trial trip, but if successful, it is their intention to shipall their flour in that direction. Traveler.

Arkansas City Traveler, August 2, 1876.

A. O. HOYT received another letter from his father last Monday night.At the time of writing (July 24) he was at Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where theyhad been further detained by sickness of the crew. He now thinks the powerof their engine is sufficient to bring the boat up to this place.

Winfield Courier, August 3, 1876.

The heavy firing heard the other morning south of town was supposed tobe at Arkansas City. It was thought the steamboat had arrived. It provedto be two modern Nimrods that went out early to head off the game law.

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Winfield Courier, August 3, 1876.

A. O. Hoyt received another letter from his father last Monday night.At the time of writing (July 24) he was at Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where theyhad been further detained by sickness of the crew. He now thinks the powerof their engine is sufficient to bring the boat up to this place.

Arkansas City Traveler, August 9, 1876.

A LETTER from the steamboat men informs us that they were at Little Rockon the 31st of July. They are coming right along, don't forget it.

Arkansas City Traveler, August 9, 1876.

The latest news from the steamboat is to the effect that a new engineis being bargained for, which will cause a further delay of about two weeks.

Arkansas City Traveler, August 9, 1876.

The Oxford people are taking a lively interest in the navigation of theArkansas River, knowing that the success of the experiment is the successof the farmers and businessmen.

Arkansas City Traveler, August 9, 1876.

Messrs. McLaughlin and Chamberlain, who left this place in a sail androw boat the 25th of July, arrived at Fort Gibson August 1st. They intendcoming back with the "Gen. Wiles."

Arkansas City Traveler, August 9, 1876.

The people of Arkansas City are enterprising and industrious. For nearlyhalf a year they have expected a small steamboat up the Arkansas River.We admire their pluck, and do not wonder at the growth, beauty, and ordernoticeable in this border town. Indian Herald.

Arkansas City Traveler, August 16, 1876.

On Friday afternoon another boat left this place, having on board Mr.Barnes, Al. Mowry, and Frank Speers. They intend to come back with the steamboat,Mr. Barnes as pilot, with Al. and Frank as engineers. A letter was receivedfrom the parties in Little Rock last Thursday, stating that they purposedstarting from that place with the steamer yesterday.

Arkansas City Traveler, August 23, 1876.

L. McLaughlin writes from Little Rock, Arkansas, that they would "fireup and start the boat for this place in one hour." We suppose thatby this time they are well on the way.

Arkansas City Traveler, August 30, 1876.

Mr. Hoyt, A. Chamberlain, and L. McLaughlin returned from Little Rocklast week, and Allen Mowry and the pilot are expected soon. It was foundthat the boat with its present power could not come farther on account ofthe strong current over the rapids above Little Rock. A new engine is tobe put on and another trial made soon. The pilot reports good water allthe way down, and the only difficulty is insufficient power. Parties atLittle Rock offer to put on the additional engine, and take an interestin the boat in order to make the enterprise a success, or put a boat oftheir own on the river as soon as one can be built, and run the two. Mr.Hoyt deserves great credit for the effort made to bring the boat up. Hishealth failing, he was compelled to come home, and is at present down withthe Arkansas chills.

Arkansas City Traveler, August 30, 1876.

A railroad and steamboat meeting was held at Kager's office Monday evening,and it was determined to offer an inducement to parties at Little Rock tocome up with one of their large boats.

Arkansas City Traveler, September 6, 1876.

Mr. E. B. Kager received a letter last night from Mr. H. O. Barnes, thepilot who explored the Arkansas River from this place to Little Rock, inwhich he says there is plenty of water, and a larger boat with a more powerfulengine will start for this place in two days. She gets $300 when he landsat this place and a load back. The name of the boat is the "Inspector."In side of four weeks we expect to see her.

Arkansas City Traveler, September 13, 1876.

STEAMBOAT meetings will be held in the different school districts thismonth for the purpose of organizing a company whereby the farmers can shiptheir own products.

Arkansas City Traveler, September 13, 1876.

The Baird Brothers are building a skiff boat to convey two passengersdown the Arkansas. The parties hire the boat built, and expect to make avoyage to the Mississippi.

Arkansas City Traveler, September 20, 1876.

Meetings will be held at the schoolhouses in the several school districts,to discuss the question of steamboat navigation on the Arkansas River, asfollows:

At Salt City Schoolhouse, Parker's Schoolhouse, South Bend Schoolhouse,Bland's Schoolhouse, Coburn's Schoolhouse, Wednesday, Sept. 20, at 7 p.m.

At Theaker's Schoolhouse, Hunt's Schoolhouse, Holland's Schoolhouse,Spring Side Schoolhouse, Thomasville Schoolhouse, Maple City Schoolhouse,and the store at Silverdale, Thursday, Sept. 21, at 7 p.m.

Speakers will be in attendance, and all are requested to be present andexpress their views.

Arkansas City Traveler, September 20, 1876.

REMEMBER the steamboat meetings.

Arkansas City Traveler, September 20, 1876.

MR. HOYT's report of his steamboat trip was made in full, at the meeting,last Monday.

Arkansas City Traveler, September 20, 1876.

Chas. McIntire and Will. Leonard are having a boat built to make a voyagedown the Arkansas. They are to engage in the rubber stamp business on theway.

Arkansas City Traveler, September 27, 1876.

CHARLES McINTIRE and WILL LEONARD started from Harmon's ford yesterday,for the voyage down the Arkansas. They have a good boat, covered with oilcloth, with a portable stove in it to do their cooking, and expect to floatall the way to New Orleans.

Arkansas City Traveler, September 27, 1876.

FRANK SPEERS, AL. MOWRY, MR. BARNES, and WILL ALEXANDER returned lastnight from Little Rock, where they have been looking after the ArkansasCity boat. Most all of the number had been sick, and had a rough time ofit.

Arkansas City Traveler, October 4, 1876.

The boys tell some amusing anecdotes of their trip down the Arkansas.To avoid mosquitoes, they generally slept on a sand bar, and were almostcertain to hear the steamboat coming every night. Nothing can be done untila new engine is put in, and our citizens are endeavoring to have it done,so that the boat can come up.

Arkansas City Traveler, October 11, 1876

A meeting was held at Salt City yesterday in the interest of the steamboatenterprise. Speakers from abroad were present and much was said but littlewas done. If a sail-boat was built and these blowers from Arkansas Cityand Little Rock would take charge of it, drift sand would be but littlebother. Sumner Co. Democrat.

Come boys, Sumner County is as much interested in the navigationof the Arkansas River as Arkansas City; if she is not, she should be. Itrequires no bonds for a steamboat.

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Arkansas City Traveler, December 13, 1876. Front Page.

The Arkansas River is navigable as far as Ft. Gibson, and the recentexploration by Capt. Barnes, and his party, proved it could be navigatedas far north as this county. A test is being made at the present writing.

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Arkansas City Traveler, January 3, 1877.

Efforts are being made to clear the Arkansas River for steamboat navigationto this point. It is expected this object will be realized. Its consummationwill bring a happy day to Arkansas City.

Arkansas City Traveler, March 14, 1877.

A proposition has been made, and accepted by a steamboat man, for thebringing of the "General Wiles" from Little Rock, Arkansas, tothis place.

Arkansas City Traveler, March 14, 1877.

Mr. Graverock, an engineer of Kansas City, of some reputation, has acceptedthe proposition of the Boat Company of this place to bring the steamboat"Gen. Wiles," from Little Rock to this place, and says it is onlya question of time when he will reach here. He owns one small boat thatwas built for, and is being used, on the Neosho River for carrying rockfor bridge purposes, and intends to bring it up also.

Arkansas City Traveler, March 21, 1877. Front Page.

Editor Traveler:

DEAR SIR: Shortly after the 7th of November last, we started up the ArkansasRiver on the steamer Gen. Wiles for Washington, to look after the post officeat your city. After traveling for several weeks, with prospects the brightest,on nearing an island opposite Big Bend, we saw an armed force, and supposedthey were friends, but afterwards found them to be enemies, strongly fortified.They ordered us not to attempt to pass. We finally laid siege, and afterseveral weeks of most bitter struggling, they sent out a flag of truce withthe following: "You can't take an eight spot with a seven."They went back and opened out on us with all vengeance, and we soon findingourselves overpowered by numbers, dropped back, and off to the left to themouth of Salt water. In order to save ourselves, we ran up Salt water somedistance, and on examination found the water was getting hot. Fearing someevil ahead, we dropped back and made for land, and on nearing land we weremet by friends, who welcomed us among them, even offering us the post officeof this city. Now that the struggle is over, we feel safe, happy, and contented.The country is lovely, with good lands and cheap homes for all that maywish to come among us. W. M. BERKEY.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 2, 1877.

MR. GRAVEROCK, who has contracted to bring the "General Wiles"steamboat, belonging to the company at this place, from Little Rock, sayshe will make the start in about thirty days. He asked for more time so asto allow him to finish erecting a bridge in Neosho County that he has thecontract for.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 30, 1877.

Last week Thos. Baird, Will Alexander, Chester Loveland, and a strangerlashed 15,000 feet of pine lumber together, at Wichita, making three raftsof it, and started for this place.

For awhile everything was a success, but as the lumber became soakedand the lashing more slack, trouble began to grow apparent. They followedthe current, making time at the rate of ten miles an hour, until the rivermade a sudden bend, when one of the rafts struck a tree. The man jumpedoff of it and tied the rope, but the current was too swift, and it spedon down the river. When the others came along they tied up for the night,and in the morning went in search of the missing raft, which they foundin a corn field not far away. The result of the experiment was, one raftleft seven miles from Wichita, one left twelve miles above Oxford, and onethat came through all right. The boys think if they were to try it again,they could come through safely.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 30, 1877.

CHESTER LOVELAND, formerly a resident of this place, made a short calllast week. He came down from Wichita on Thomas Baird's lumber raft.

Arkansas City Traveler, June 6, 1877.

VOYAGERS. Tom and Jake Haney and Hallett, with their wives, started ona journey to Arkansas in a small boat last week. They were making twelvemiles an hour when last seen.

Arkansas City Traveler, June 13, 1877.

The Haney brothers and Mr. Hallett started down the river last Tuesday,the 31st of May. Their boat was well made, and large enough to carry 20tons. It was 12 x 80 feet, with gunnels 4 x 16 inches, with an additionalplank, 2 x 10, pinned down four inches on the outside of the main gunnel,giving a depth of 22 inches. When loaded with their household goods, itdrew about six inches of water. The good wishes of all their friends accompanythem on their way. Mr. Haney intends to work at his trade in Arkansas.

Arkansas City Traveler, June 27, 1877.

Another boat for the Lower Arkansas is now tied up at the bridge. Itis sixty feet long, and provided with two cabins all complete and painted.Wichita Eagle.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 4, 1877.

ANOTHER BOAT, about thirty-five feet long by twelve feet eight inchesin width, is lying at the west ferry with a load of drugs, bound for FortSmith. It has a cabin on each end, and contains thirteen persons and fivetons of chattels. Dr. Trichen, of Wichita, has command of the vessel, andis moving his entire drug store from the railroad terminus of Sedgwick County.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 4, 1877.

MANSON REXFORD started from this place last Thursday morning, and reachedKaw Agency Friday morning with a load of machinery for the Agency, weighing1,820 pounds.

His boat was six by sixteen feet.

Arkansas City Traveler, August 22, 1877.

THREE MEN STOLE CHARLES GALLERT'S BOAT and went down the Arkansas River.

Arkansas City Traveler, August 22, 1877.

ANOTHER BOAT from Hutchinson is making a trip down the Arkansas. It wasanchored at the bridge last Sunday.

Arkansas City Traveler, November 21, 1877.

Thomas Ryan, representative in Congress from the third district of Kansas,introduced a bill in the House on the morning of No. 14th, to provide foran examination and survey of the Arkansas River from Fort Smith, Arkansas,to the mouth of the Little Arkansas, in Sedgwick County, Kansas, to ascertainwhether it is practical and what it will cost to improve the same that itwill be suitable for navigation of commercial boats and vessels. Mr. Ryanhas been advised by men familiar with the river that it is susceptible ofsuch improvement at a cost not exceeding two hundred thousand dollars. Partieswho have made the voyage from this place to Little Rock say the river canbe made navigable at a comparatively small expense.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 12, 1877.

Capt. Peter Myers and J. Reed, Chief Clerk of the stern oar, startedfor Pawnee Agency last week with a cargo of corn. When last heard from theywere doing well--(on a sand bar).

Arkansas City Traveler, December 12, 1877.

Mr. Bacon, a gentleman who has been engaged in running a steamboat onLake Michigan for the past four years, is here to make a proposition torun a boat from Little Rock to this place, for a bonus of one thousand dollars,to be paid when the boat has made the second trip. He has examined the river,and claims a boat can be run without difficulty if the power is sufficient.The money will be subscribed and a contract entered into for the boat tobe here next spring.

Winfield Courier, December 13, 1877.

Steam boating is the order of the day again. A man, calling himself Bacon,agrees to bring a steamboat up the Arkansas for the modest sum of one thousanddollars, payable when he arrives at our dock. Our people are not quite asanxious for a steamboat ride as they were a year or two ago.

Winfield Courier, January 17, 1878.

A man named Bacon has examined the Arkansas River from Little Rock toNewton, Kansas, and proposes for a bonus of a thousand dollars to run asteamboat to the latter place.

Journal of Commerce.

We would suggest to our friend of the Journal that he post himself inthe geography of Kansas in the contemplation of a trip to Newton via steamer.Eagle.

Winfield Courier, January 17, 1878.

The Journal of Commerce is all right on geography. The twenty-fivemiles of prairie from Newton to the old sand bed, called the Arkansas River,is quite level and sandy, and we don't see why a steamboat could not navigateit as well as it could from Wichita down through the sand of that old riverbed.

Winfield Courier, January 17, 1878.

C. M. Scott, of the Traveler, has found time to visit this citytwice within a week, which is pretty well for him considering his otherwork. Here is what the Traveler says he has to do.

"Besides the every day pursuit of publishing a newspaper, attendingpost office, making collections, or rather trying to, soliciting subscribers,etc., he is a notary public, agent of some Ohio capitalists, buys and sellscorn, oats and flour, deals heavily in and makes a specialty of cord wood,posts, and rails, buys, trades, and sells Texas and Indian ponies, is amember of two railroad companies, a director in the Arkansas River NavigationCompany, deacon in a new church organization, is interested in a racingpony, contractor for buildings, and other minor enterprises too numerousto mention, all to make both ends meet."

And we are informed that he visits his girl two nights a week in addition.

Arkansas City Traveler, January 23, 1878.

A SMALL FLAT BOTTOMED BOAT was built and placed on the river last week;bound for Fort Smith.

Winfield Courier, February 7, 1878. Editorial.

The house has passed a resolution, ayes 179, naes, 95, that in its judgmentno subsidies in money, bonds, public land endowments, or by the pledge ofpublic credit, should be granted or renewed by congress to any person orassociation to engage in public or private enterprises, but that all appropriationsshould be limited to such purposes and amounts as shall be imperativelydemanded by the public service.

We believe this is the true doctrine if the term public service includesremoving obstructions to navigation and communication. We hold it to beproper and right that the government should, for instance, keep an openchannel for navigating the Mississippi; but we do not hold that it shouldallow a private association to own the river and control it for privateor corporate profit.

It might have been well enough that the government should have constructedthe first road to the Pacific (it did do so in fact for the subsidies itfurnished in aid, if judiciously applied, would have built and equippedthe road and have left a large margin for profit), but it is not right thata private corporation should own or control the road for the profit of suchcorporation after the government has built or even aided in building it.

Whatever the government aids in building, clearing, or repairing, itshould control for the public benefit and no person or corporation shouldhave any special interest or control therein. It should either be for theexclusive use of the government or be open for the use of all citizens ofthe United States on equal terms.

The Union Pacific has been a public benefit, of course, but it has beenthe greatest swindle that was perpetrated on the nation. One-half of theswindle, if judiciously applied by the government, would have made a betterroad and better equipments, and then the government would have been in acondition to control it and keep it open to the whole public on equal terms,regulating its use and collecting a revenue on its business. It would belongto the public just as the Mississippi does.

We hold that as the government is expending large sums of money on theEads's jetties to provide for the passage of the mouths of the Mississippiby large vessels, she has the entire control of these channels and it wouldbe right and proper for her to collect a revenue therefrom.

The Tom Scott Texas Pacific subsidy scheme is another projected swindle,second only to the Union Pacific and should be at once stamped with thecondemnation of every member of congress and all thinking, honest men. Theprinciple of the resolution adopted by the house is right and should becrystallized into and become a part of the constitution of the United States.

Arkansas City Traveler, February 20, 1878.

Lippmann is running on full time. During the last week there were tworafts of lumber, of ten thousand feet each, landed at Lippmann's landingon the Walnut. The Murphy movement has reached the mill. They have alsoformed an anti-tobacco society. The Ragamuffins and Advance had a boat raceon Saturday. The Ragamuffins came out victorious, they challenge any twomen in Creswell township for a race. If accepted, leave word at the mill.Strayed or stolen from the mill, three jacks, two blacks, and one red one.Persons finding the above will be rewarded by calling at the mill and leavingthe property.

Arkansas City Traveler, February 27, 1878.

The papers have it now that "A man named Newton has examined theLittle Rock as far as Arkansas, and proposes for a thousand pounds of Baconto run a river from Arkansas City to the Journal of Commerce."The item originally was as follows.

A man named Bacon has examined the Arkansas River from LittleRock to Arkansas City, Kansas, and proposes for a bonus of a thousand dollarsto run a steamboat to that place.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 10, 1878.

The following letter from our energetic representative in Congress, showsthat the "improbable" survey of the Arkansas is to be made. Thanksto our wide awake member.

Friend Scott: The House Committee on Commerce has agreed toprovide for a survey of the Arkansas river from Fort Smith up to the mouthof the Little Arkansas, to determine the practicability and cost of makingit navigable for commercial boats. The survey will be thorough, embracingthe subjects of river, slack water, and casual navigation.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 17, 1878.

ED. STANDARD: In the past 48 hours we have had copious showers. The groundis now soaking wet, and it is pouring down rain. This insures our wheatcrop, unless some unforeseen event happens to injure or destroy our prospects.Our wheat crop never looked better at this season of the year. In many placesit is two feet high, much of it jointing. But the oldest inhabitant neverheard, saw, or dreamed of such a season as this. Our peach trees are nearlyall out of bloom, and the leaves are out quite green in the woods; sometrees, as the maples, are almost in full leaf. The prairies are quite green--asmuch so as I have seen them in May. Our farmers are preparing for harvestalready, selecting their reapers, harvesters, and headers. This season nearlyall the harvesters are supplied with self-binders. In a few years, if ouragricultural machinists keep on inventing, our farmers will have nothingto do but oversee and give instructions, ring a little bell, and the horseswill hitch up themselves and go to work, plow and sow, reap and mow, andhaul the grain to market.

Our implement dealers have the sidewalks encumbered with plows of alldescriptions--

breakers, stirrers, sulky, and gang plows of all kinds, patterns, patents,and descriptions, besides a lot of implements that I don't know the useof.

With such machinery skillfully handled in our productive soil, with seasonableweather, who can contemplate the amount of produce that Cowley County mightraise and export? Oh, if we only had an outlet down the Arkansas river toNew Orleans direct, instead of going 1,100 miles around by way of KansasCity and St. Louis to get there! It is exactly the same distance from thisplace to Fort Smith, Arkansas, as it is to Kansas City, Missouri, and preciselythe same distance to Napoleon, at the mouth of the Arkansas, that it isto St. Louis. At Napoleon we are only 615 miles above New Orleans--48 hoursby steamer--while St. Louis is 1,240 miles, usually six days by steamer.

With the Arkansas River open for navigation from this place or Wichitato the mouth, there need be no famine in China, India, or elsewhere. Thefertile valley of the Arkansas, like the Nile of old, would be the granaryof the world. Its mild and healthful climate, rich and productive soil,must soon attract the attention of emigrants to its mines of hidden wealth.If our Government would spend one-fifth the amount in the cleaning and improvingof our noble river that she does on some eastern harbor or ocean project,our most sanguine hopes would be more than realized, and it would pay theworld at large in getting cheap food for the starving millions.

We want no protection from the Government for our labor. All we ask isa cheap outlet to the sea, the highway of nations, down to the Father ofWaters. Broad or narrow gauge railroad bonds may, like physic, be thrownto the dogs.

I see your people and Kansas City are on the right track--the agitationof river navigation and improvement. It is the poor man's best hold. Nopooling or combination in that. The mud scow and the floating palace havethe same rights there. It is open to all, like the king's highway--the richman's coach or the tinker's cart. Keep the ball rolling. Hurrah for Eadsand river navigation. JAMES CHRISTIAN.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 24, 1878.

A company of old settlers at Arkansas City are constructing a small flatbottomed steamboat, to play upon the Arkansas River below Wichita. Thatthis enterprise is practicable, has never been questioned by river men whoare acquainted with this stream. The Arkansas at all stages flows a sufficientvolume of water.

The only obstacle to the navigation of this river, that has ever beenapprehended, arises from the numerous bars of light sand, which it has beenargued, were liable at any time to effect sudden changes in the currentor channel. These men (one of whom is an old river boatman) says that everytrip made with a boat has a tendency to draw the water to the proper channel,and to assist in removing or washing away these, by no means formidable,bars of light and floating sand. These parties are the first who have proposedto make a practical test, and we now hope the matter will be thoroughlytested, and have full faith in final success.

With the Arkansas River navigable even for small craft, it willsecure to this part of the valley a position, and commercial advantageswhich can be acquired from no other source. Let the people take hold ofthis enterprise with a will, and extend the necessary aid and encouragement,and doubtless ere many months the people of this valley may receive theirfreight and ship their produce from points within their own borders. SumnerCo. Democrat.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 24, 1878.

Mr. A. Walton, of Arkansas City, was in town last Friday. Mr. Waltoncame up to ascertain how much the Oxford people would subscribe to a project,now on foot, to construct a boat, to be propelled by steam, to navigatethe Arkansas river between Wichita and Arkansas City. Mr. Walton says thatthe subscribers will not be requested to pay their subscription until onetrip has been made between those points. Mr. Walton proposes to use a flatboat now at Arkansas City, and by using an ordinary steam engine and sternwheel, intends to experiment on the navigation of the Arkansas River. Thissounds like business, and our people should give it a careful considerationbefore passing it by. Democrat.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 24, 1878.

Messrs. Speers and Walton, of Arkansas City, are endeavoring to obtainthe aid of the towns on the Arkansas River for the purpose of running alight draft boat between that point and Wichita. The boat is built, themachinery spoken, and everything in readiness to push the experiment. Mr.Walton was in town on the 12th looking after their interests. The citizensof this place will hold a meeting on the night of the 17th, to hear thegentleman's plans and objects, and to discuss the feasibility of the project.Independent.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 24, 1878.

Oxford is agitating the question of steamboat navigation on the ArkansasRiver, between Arkansas City and Wichita. The project looks feasible. Ex.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 24, 1878.

SPEERS and WALTON will have their steam ferry boat ready to run thisweek, and before long will make a trial trip to Oxford, El Paso, and Wichita.

Winfield Courier, April 25, 1878. Editorial Page.

The steamboat spoken of on our second page is expected to reach Wichitaabout the 15th of next month. T. M. Lane and other gentlemen are enthusiasticin the belief that the enterprise will succeed. Messrs. Walton & Spears,who are putting their money into it, say they know they can navigate theRackensack to the mouth of the Little river. If the government survey shoulddetermine Wichita to be the head of navigation and experience should determinethe same thing, why--Wichita will be the biggest city in the west.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 1, 1878.

Thomas Ryan, our Member of Congress, writes, under date of April 2, thatthe House Committee have agreed to a survey of the Arkansas River. The followingis the letter written to Scott, of Arkansas City.

FRIEND SCOTT: The House Committee on Commerce has agreed to provide fora survey of the Arkansas from Fort Smith up to the mouth of the Little Arkansas,to determine the cost and practicability of making it navigable for commercialboats. The survey will be thorough, embracing the subjects of river, slackwater, and canal investigation.

In this connection Messrs. Walton and Speers, of Arkansas City,are building a light draught boat, of fifty feet length by sixteen feetbeam, capable of carrying twenty ton of freight, drawing about seventeeninches of water. The boat is about ready to receive its engines, and theproprietors propose to visit Wichita within two or three weeks, we believe.These gentlemen are satisfied that after once learning the channel, theywill find no difficulty in making regular trips, and to that end they wereinterviewing our businessmen on Monday.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 2, 1878. Front Page.

Messrs. Speers & Walton, of Arkansas City, are proposing to opennavigation between Arkansas City and Wichita. They have a boat already built16 x 50 feet with a draft of ten inches, and a carrying capacity of 40 tons.They will ask of our city and citizens the sum of $500; $250 to be paidupon the completion of two round trips between the above places. The trialtrip will be made within the month. T. M. Lane will shortly circulate apetition for a subscription. There is no money to be paid until the feasibilityof the navigation is demonstrated; our citizens should not withhold thesign manual.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 8, 1878.

A steamboat is plying the waters between this place and Wichita.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 8, 1878.

SPEERS and WALTON are going to name the steamboat the "ArkansasTraveler."

Arkansas City Traveler, May 8, 1878.

The steamboat made a trip to Salt City last Sunday evening without trouble.Becoming too confident, they then endeavored to go on after dark, and stuckon a bar, on which they remained until morning, compelling many of the anxiousexcursionists to return home on foot.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 8, 1878.

The steamboat made the trip from Salt City to this place in three quartersof an hour last Monday morning--a distance of seven miles.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 8, 1878.

The steamboat, "Arkansas Traveler," made another voyageseveral miles up the river last Sunday, loaded with excursionists.

Winfield Courier, May 9, 1878.

Saw S. P. Channell yesterday. He says the steamboat runs nicely betweenArkansas City and Salt City. Salt will come down of course. He says thesteamer took on a new pilot at Salt City, who ran the steamer aground. Thepiles are being driven for the bridge across to Bolton.

[BEAVER CORRESPONDENT: "LITTLE BEAVER."]

Winfield Courier, May 9, 1878.

We watch the big sandy for the steamboat, and listen for the shrill whistle,but see and hear it not. Suppose they are putting trucks under it to navigatedry places.

The Daily Winfield Courier, Saturday Morning, May 11, 1878.

Arkansas City has quietly built a steamboat that will carry fifteen tons,and it has made a successful trip to Salt City and return at the loweststage of water for more than a year, and yet they seem to think this isnothing to what they are to do in the steamboat line when the river is surveyed.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 15, 1878.

That steamboat is a verity; the navigation of the raging Rackensack anassured triumph. The new steamer spoken of two weeks since has been launchedat Arkansas City, and made a successful trip from the latter point to Oxford,twenty miles up the river. We are told that the reason the "new andelegant steamer" failed to "come up" to Wichita is becauseWichita failed to "come down" to her. Wichita Eagle.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 15, 1878.

MAJOR WM. SLEETH is one of the delegates to the National Presbytery,to be held at Cambridge, Ohio, and is now on his way to that place, withhis pockets full of Cowley County wheat and hands full of Travelersand circulars describing this wonderful wheat growing region. His wife andchild accompany him. Mrs. Sleeth will remain during the summer, but theMajor will return within four weeks, probably by the way of Little Rock,Arkansas, in order to have a talk with the steamboat men of that place.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 15, 1878.

The steamboat carries cord wood and saw logs from a point ten miles upthe river to this place. The captain informs us he will make a trip to Wichitain a week or two. When the roads are bad and travel impeded, the boat willbe found a very desirable way of shipping goods. It is thought the tripcan be made from Wichita to this place, when the water is at an ordinarystage, within twenty-four hours, and with no more risk than with a wagon.

[KANSAS NEWS.]

Arkansas City Traveler, May 22, 1878. Front Page.

Arkansas City has quietly built a steamboat that will carry fifteentons, and it has made a successful trip to Salt Creek and returned at thelowest stage of water for more than a year. Winfield Courier.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 22, 1878.

The steamboat took a number of excursionists down the Walnut and backSunday afternoon for 25 cents for the round trip. There is more pretty sceneryon the Walnut than most people are aware of, and those that made the tripenjoyed it very much.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 22, 1878.

The steamboat, after making a voyage of twenty-five miles down the Arkansaslast week, came up the Walnut River as far as Harmon's ford. A trip willbe made to a point about eight miles east of Pawnee Agency in a few days,and a contract entered into on their return for delivering freight at thesame place.

Winfield Courier, May 23, 1878.

The steamboat started yesterday for the Pawnee Agency.

Arkansas City Traveler, June 5, 1878.

ANOTHER boat excursion down the Walnut last Sunday.

Arkansas City Traveler, June 5, 1878.

THERE were twenty-seven persons on the steamboat last Tuesday week. Theywere conveyed to the river in a wagon, and from the ford at Harmon's wentto the large island about three miles below the mouth of the Walnut. Thetrip was enjoyed by all. A. A. Newman and R. A. Houghton unfortunately weretipped from the small row boat into the river while attempting to get onthe boat.

Winfield Courier, June 6, 1878.

A gentleman navigated the "Rackensack" from Wichita to ArkansasCity in a flatboat recently. It took him two days to make the trip. He broughtin two catfish weighing 70 pounds, which he found stranded on a bar, andshot.

Winfield Courier, June 13, 1878.

ED. COURIER: Supposing that you would be interested in common with thecitizens of Cowley County in an experiment which we have been making withwhat the K. C. Journal calls a "sorghum pan," to developthe capacity of the Arkansas River for transportation, I send you this briefhistory of the attempt as far as developed.

Our boat is 16 x 50 feet, our engine 12 horsepower, our draft about teninches. Our first attempt was up the river; from Arkansas City, the riverat a very low stage, we succeeded in finding sufficient channel as far asSalt City ferry, and left the investigation there in good water. But aswe desired to know the channel below Arkansas City while the water was low,and we were expecting a rise, we turned down the stream and below the mouthof the Walnut. Our first trip was below the mouth of Grouse into the IndianTerritory and about twenty-five miles. We found the river channel, afterpassing the mouth of the Walnut, a great deal better.

The obstructions or hindrances to navigation, I think, can mainly beset down under three heads. The rocky chutes where rocks on top and underneathhave to be avoided, and where the water runs very swiftly. Three of theseoccur between the mouth of Walnut and Deer Creek, but in all of them thewater is amply sufficient to float a light draught boat.

The next difficulty is the crossings where the channel crosses from oneside of the river to the other, and in these are the principal difficulties,as the water divides, and you must follow the main body or strike a bar;but I think we found no place that the deepest water in the main channelwould not go 15 inches, or sufficient to carry a light draught. These crossingscould be greatly improved by a very little aid in turning and directingthe current. The only other obstructions are the snags. They are generallyin deep water, and sometimes they seem to have piled in together to keepeach other company, and the mariner has to do considerable dodging to keepfrom shaking hands.

As I wrote, we made our first trip 25 miles down, and we felt considerableanxiety as to how our little craft, geared with belt and pulley, would driveus up stream. But when we turned our little engine in against the Arkansas,we soon had our confidence restored. It showed us from the first mile thatit had the power and the will to take us back home, and I thought the littlefellow kept saying, "Now if you will only make those old belts stand,I'll put you through." We made home in less than a day without anytrouble.

Our next trip was 50 miles down the river. We ran 45 miles from 1 o'clock,and the rest next morning. I think the river grows better and the channeldeeper as you go down. This trip was made without meeting any difficulties.There is some beautiful scenery as you pass down where the scattering treesstand out on the hill slopes and remind one of the gentlemen parks of merryold England, of which we have read, and a trip up and down is worth taking,for there is certainly some of the fairest country that ever laid out ofdoors in the possession of the noble red man along the waters of the "BigSandy."

In conclusion, if we have only taken the initiative step that will makeuseful the waters of this grand highway that will open the doors to a cheapertransportation and a better market, we have done something. Our reward sofar has been laughter; our encouragement nix, but we shall hold out faithfulto the end, as we try a freight trip to Pawnee Agency on Tuesday. Yourstruly, A. W. [Believe this was Amos Walton.]

Arkansas City Traveler, June 26, 1878.

"OLD AUNT SALLY is good enough for anybody; Old Aunt Sally is goodenough for me," is the tune the farmers will sing when "AUNT SALLY"arrives and makes a cash market for wheat. The boat by that name left LittleRock, Arkansas, last week, and is expected here in ten days.

Arkansas City Traveler, June 26, 1878.

Hon. Thos Ryan is not the only man who thinks there is a future for theGreat Arkansas River.

President Grant, in one of his messages, called the attention of Congressto the feasibility and immense importance of rendering the stream navigableand to the practicability of utilizing its waters in a great canal thatwould successfully and cheaply transfer the entire surplus products of thevalley to the headwaters of ship navigation on the Mississippi River. Theriver might be either successfully "jettied" or "locked,"but we think there could be no doubt of the success of a canal. Grant wasnot only a good President and a great General, but a successful civil engineer,and we believe he knew what he was talking about when he told Congress thatthere was something in the Great Arkansas River besides catfish, sandbars,and water snakes. Eagle.

Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, July 3, 1878.

For years our people have talked of navigation on the Arkansas Riverfrom Little Rock or Fort Smith to this place. The columns of this paperhave been freely used by numerous parties in attempting to prove the practicabilityof running a line of steamboats on the "raging Arkansas," andin these communications statistics from all over the country have been putforth to convince the people that the saving in the cost of transportationwas of such magnitude as to justify the outlay of a good round sum in experimenting.The "shovers of the quill" pictured in glowing colors the immenseadvantages river navigation would give the town, county, and the whole ofSouthern Kansas--the entire State, we may say, for that which benefits oneportion of the State benefits all, directly or indirectly.

Railroads were desirable, it is true, for the building up of a town,and for carrying away the surplus of farm products; but transportation bywater was the "consummation devoutly to be wished," as therebythe farmers would be enabled to sell their produce at a nearer and muchbetter market. It has been clearly proved that where one town prospers throughthe means of a railroad, half a dozen excel it through the advantages possessedin having a water outlet.

In all the efforts of our people to satisfactorily demonstrate that theArkansas is a navigable stream for boats of light draught, theyhave met with most bitter opposition and ridicule at times from the townsremote from the river's banks--and even the press from some of the townshave seen fit to hurl lance after lance at the handful of men at the mouthof the Walnut who were struggling for the advancement of the whole countryas well as for the good of the city of Arkansas City.

Our citizens have sent representatives to Washington, in order to enlistthe sympathies of our Congressional delegates, but until quite recentlythese Congressmen have displayed a singular apathy in a question of suchcommercial importance.

They preferred to vote yes on the appropriation bills before that Augustbody, whether it be for draining some man's cow yard in the East, or forbuilding a cordwood landing on the Missouri or Mississippi, but would nottry for an appropriation to help the thousands of people who would be benefittedby the improvement of the Arkansas.

One tenth of the useless expenditures on wild cat railroads which havebeen sanctioned by Congress would put a line of steamers on this river andbuild all the landings between our city and the mouth of the river. Stillthose in power remained inactive and apparently disinterested.

Nearly three years ago Messrs. Berkey, now of Salt City, and Wintin builta pine flat boat at this place, loaded it with flour, and started for LittleRock. It was purely a venture, and a private one. Both parties were satisfiedthat a boat could go down the river with a good load, and they realizedthat the best way to demonstrate this to the satisfaction of everyone wasto make the trip, or trial. It would furthermore serve to draw the attentionof the people of Arkansas to the incalculable good to be drawn from thesuccess of those engaged in the work. The boat started in low water, butafter the first two or three days little or no trouble was experienced inmaking the trip.

Well can we remember the Sunday morning when they were advertised tostart. The bridge over the Arkansas was crowded with spectators eager tosee the first boat from Arkansas City start for the South, and the churcheswere mainly filled with empty benches.

News from that unassuming flat boat was watched for with as intense interestas though the lives of all on board were in peril. This enterprise was nota success financially, but it was the cause of sending Mr. Samuel Hoyt eastthe following summer--the Centennial Summer--with instructions to do allin his power to get a boat to come up to this point. Mr. Hoyt went to Ohio,where he purchased a light draught steamboat, and engaged a captain andcrew to make the trip.

They steamed down the Ohio and into the Mississippi, the father of rivers,and thence down to the mouth of the Arkansas. Here they experienced considerabletrouble with high water, as the engine was not powerful enough to work againstthe strong current of the Arkansas, but after a delay of several weeks theygot as far up as Little Rock, where the boat was abandoned, it having becomeevident that it was not the right sort of a boat for this river.

The failure of this enterprise was a damper on the spirits of our people,and the enemies of the project crowed louder than ever over our loss. Itwas considerable of a loss, as the boat cost three thousand dollars, andonly sold for three hundred--not to mention the expenses of Mr. Hoyt duringthe many weeks of his absence.

Not entirely discouraged, however, several parties in this vicinity havebeen constantly writing to prominent men in Little Rock, in the hopes ofreviving the interest in this great project, and our representative in Congress,the Hon. Thomas Ryan, has taken the trouble to work up an appropriationof $30,000 for the purpose of a survey of the river from Little Rock toWichita--the result of which was, an enterprising and wealthy firm of thatcity, Messrs. Eisenmayer & Co., together with other gentlemen, exertedthemselves in the cause, and chartered a steamboat to make the trip. Todo this, quite a sum was made up to protect the boat from loss, and an agentof the firm, Mr. Charles Schierholz, was sent up here to buy old wheat forshipment.

The news that the steamboat "Aunt Sally" had started from LittleRock reached here Tuesday, the 25th of June, and from that time the topicof conversation has been nothing but steamboat. Even now there were manywho openly laughed at the idea of a steamboat coming to our city, and consideratelyinformed us that if we held our breath until that boat arrived, it wouldbe a long while ere we breathed.

Those who had been friends to the enterprise hoped on, though hardlydaring to express their convictions that their hopes would be realized."Have you heard anything from the steamboat?" was asked everyminute in the day almost, and though the answer was always in the negative,their expectations continued to raise with each passing day.

Last Saturday an Indian brought the startling news that the boat wasseen to pass the Osage Agency on Friday, and that it was then past Kaw Agencywithout a doubt. Still those of little faith ridiculed the possibility ofsuch a thing. Saturday afternoon some even claimed that they heard the whistleof the steamer and everybody was on the qui vive for news. On Sundaymorning groups of men could be seen on the houses, with strong field glasses,looking for the tell tale smoke, and at about 9 o'clock, while many wereleisurely taking their late Sabbath breakfasts, their ears were startledby a loud, though hoarse, sound in the direction of the river, which menfamiliar with such sounds instantly recognized as the whistle of a steamboat.

For a space of a minute or two, probably, nothing was heard, when oneof the wildest yells that ever ascended to the empyrean rose from all overthe town. Everything was confusion, and the men engaged in a mad race forthe livery stables, each anxious to secure a conveyance. Soon another andlouder whistle from dear old "Aunt Sally" nearly upset everybodywithin hearing, and the town just cut loose and ran for Harmon's ford, wherethe great column of smoke told us the precious receptacle was resting.

Excitement! There wasn't a sane person in the crowd of three hundredmen, women, and children who went stringing down to the water. Arrived atthe ford, we saw the long looked for "Aunt Sally."

There may be nothing wonderful in the appearance of a small river packet,built for the plantation business of the south. Many of the spectators onthat Sunday morning have seen some of the handsomest crafts that ever restedon water; have spent days and nights in those magnificent vessels that sailin the great chain of northern lakes, and have crossed the mighty ocean,the while taking their ease in the most superb staterooms that can be fittedup for the convenience of mortals; but we seriously doubt if any of themever experienced so much pleasure as they did when they gazed on the formof "Aunt Sally," and realized that the navigation of the ArkansasRiver was no longer problematical, but an accomplished fact.

Cheer after cheer rent the air, and the crew of eight that had been firstto make this trip were received with open arms. Men, who heretofore hadbeen first to church, forgot that this was the Lord's day, and that thepreacher stood in the pulpit waiting to break the bread of life to theirhungry souls. For once their spiritual appetites were appeased, and forfear that gnawing sensation, peculiar to famishing souls, would assert itselfbefore they were through with the hand shaking, several buggies were suppliedwith enough "spirits" to revive the fainting ones. This was abetter sermon to the lost of our community than was ever thundered fromany pulpit in the land, and one whose effect would be lasting.

After an hour of talking with the river men, everybody was invited onboard, and in a few minutes we were placidly gliding along the smooth surfaceof our beautiful Walnut River. And just imagine our sensations! We feltdeliciously; felt as if "our back was buttered, and a convoy of angels,with rainbow-tinted wings, were pouring golden syrup upon our head untilit trickled down even into our brogans;" or as if we had been intendedfor peach marmalade and spoiled in the cooking. Thrills of ecstasying joycoursed through our system like a two-year-old goat going uphill. We feltas though we had been let loose at a picnic dinner before anybody else wasin sight. Felt better than after a Saturday night with Col. Bennett, Capt.Leach, and Evarts, the Secretary. In fact, we were felled, stunned, overwhelmed,and dum-fuzzled.

We wanted to see the man who said our river wasn't navigable, and thenwanted to see him slapped into a straight-jacket for lunacy. We wanted tosee him kicked by a jackass, though we were willing to let the contractout to someone else. We wanted--pshaw! We didn't want anything, only tobe let severely alone, that we might contemplate upon the future of ArkansasCity, that sits on a hill, and from her throne of beauty is yet destinedto rule the commercial world of Southern Kansas.

Glancing down the vista of time, and gazing into the now almost certainfuture, we saw a glorious fulfillment of the promises made in our emigrationcirculars, and felt that though we had fought for this for years, and againsthome opposition, too, still we were blessed beyond our desserts. Time andagain had our faith weakened, and in despairing tones, we could cry out,"How long, O Lord, how long?" and then we would read a few kindand friendly (!) notices in the Winfield, El Dorado, and Wichita papersrelative to a tub at Arkansas City that could float on a heavy dew.

But "he laughs best who laughs last." Sneak into your holes,you insignificant, twinkling, inland towns, and never dare to stand in thebroad, effulgent rays sent forth by a seaport city. Yes, pull your holesin after you, and leave not a trace of your miserable hamlets on the faceof the earth. To fetch your metropolitan sportsman down here, and ere hereturns he can "a tale unfold that will harrow up your soul, and makeeach individual hair stand up like quills upon the fretful porcupine."Then come down yourself and you will go back firm in the belief that "verily,the half had not been told," you will feel like pulling the "bluegingham apron of the sky" over your pale, dim little phizzes and keepingdark. The supply of greens will even fail, and the dilapidated carcass ofthe old woman with a case knife will breathe her last in one of your mudpuddles, and rolling up her eyes like a dying duck in a thunderstorm, willpass o'er the jasper sea, and her history and yours will be as a tale thatis told.

After the trip in the morning, the gentlemen connected with the boat,viz: Captains Barker and Lewis, proprietors; Messrs. Chapman and Smith,pilots; Mr. Colton, citizen of Little Rock, and Mr. Baird were driven uptown,and the crowd stopping at Schiffbauer's store, the doors were thrown open,and they filed in to partake of--well, there was a general good feelingpervading the people, and they did justice to all that was handed out. Bythis time the hotel man warned them that it was time for attending to the"solids" required by the inner man, and they repaired to the CentralAvenue, the guests of Mr. Chas. Schiffbauer, who sustained the reputationfor liberality that this firm has gained.

In the afternoon the country people poured in from all quarters, as thenews spread like wild fire that the steamboat was here, and that an excursionwould be given at four o'clock.

At the appointed time the banks on either side of the river were linedwith those anxious for a trip on the first steamboat that ever came up toArkansas City.

At five o'clock the boat shoved off, with three hundred and seventeenpersons aboard, and gave them a delightful voyage, while our brass bandfavored them with some of the finest music they had. Truly it was a pleasantsight, and an occasion long to be remembered by the participants.

The day ended as quietly as it had begun, and with the exception thatthe people were gathered in groups, earnestly discussing the prosand cons of the case, no one would have supposed anything unusualhad occurred.

And now for the boat and the trip from Little Rock. The "Aunt Sally"(God bless her!) is a regular river packet heretofore plying between Perryville,Arkansas, and Little Rock, carrying cotton mostly. Her length is 85 feet,width 18 feet, and she draws 12 inches light and 18 inches loaded. At theregistering office at Memphis she is registered at a capacity of 65 tons.She is owned by Captains Barker and Lewis, both of whom are river men oflarge experience. They left Little Rock on Tuesday, 18th inst., and reachedFt. Smith the Friday following, a distance of 280 or 300 miles. Left Ft.Smith on Friday, the 21st, and reached this place Sunday morning, the 31stof June, though they could have been here Saturday night as well. The reportof every man on board the boat is that they had no difficulty in comingup, and they were surprised a steamer had not been up here years ago. Thecurrent is strong and swift, but with a boat built especially for a tradewith this part of the country, they could make a round trip in eighteendays. In coming from Ft. Smith here they ran but 107 hours, and estimatethe distance at about 450 or 500 miles.

The plan in navigating this river is to run a line of barges. A solid,compact boat, with a powerful engine, could make a fortune soon in plyingbetween this point and Little Rock. The fact is self-evident, yet a fewfigures may not be uninteresting. The pine flooring which our people buycosts but $15 per thousand in Little Rock, and we have to pay $60 for thesame quality at Wichita. Pressed hay cannot be bought there for less than$15 or $18 per ton, while we can lay it down at the wharf here for $5. Cornis worth 60 cents per bushel there, and in two months you can buy all youwant for fifteen cents per bushel. Again, the towns around here and theagencies south of us in the Territory create a demand for an immense amountof groceries, etc., which trade Little Rock may as well have as to let St.Louis have it, while the saving in freight would buy a boat or two in alittle while.

But there is no need of enlarging upon the benefits from an outlet bywater. The people must see it in this light, and ere long we shall see aregular line of steamers plying between Little Rock and Arkansas City. Amen.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 3, 1878.

The fast "flat" WICHITA loosed her moorings at island No. three,last Saturday after-noon, headed for Arkansas City, sailing master, FinelyRoss; steer, who had the rudder hung for the occasion, Tom Woodman; cook,W. D. Russell; cabin passengers, Will Woodman, Capt. Cornell, and severalothers.

This boat will touch all the intermediate points and probably some othersnot in her shipping log. We hope she will never meet with the mishap thatwill compel her master to order the helm hard too, on account of the cooksbeing taken short, on provision, or the order issued to throw out her grapplingirons and take reef around the cook's shirt tail. Beacon.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 3, 1878.

Commodore Berkey made another successful voyage down the raging Arkansas,with less water than Columbus started to sail on. His boat was launchedat the post called Oxford, and we are informed they took a load of fruitand lumber to Salt City. His enterprise and perseverance as a navigatoris commendable to all. BILLY BARLOW.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 3, 1878.

KANSAS CITY shipped 100,000 bushels of corn to St. Louis, last week,on the first line of barges run between those two cities. Barge navigationon the Missouri River promises to be a success, and will result in makingKansas City the city of the West--that is, until a line of steamersis established between this point and Little Rock.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 3, 1878.

The boat that came up from Arkansas City, last Wednesday evening, attractingthe citizens of the city almost unanimously, to the foot of the long bridge,was propelled by a belt and windlass. Her apparatus broke when near here,and the Captain hove to for the purpose of repairs. He said he came hereto get shafting. Beacon.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 3, 1878.

Aunt Sally will take your wheat, and H. Godehard will sell you groceriesat bed rock prices. Remember this.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 3, 1878.

THINGS WERE LIVELY on the Walnut soon after the arrival of the steamer"Aunt Sally" on Sunday, but nothing compared with the rush toSchiffbauer Bros. & Co. after the arrival of their caravan of new goods.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 3, 1878.

TOM. CALLAHAN gazed in speechless astonishment for fifteen minutes atthe steamer, "Aunt Sally," and then finding his tongue he burstout with, "Be Jasus, I can sell me hogs at me own door now."

Arkansas City Traveler, July 3, 1878.

YOU TRAVELER man: Send us up your steamboat, now you have a chance. Wewant to look at the thing. Eldorado Press.

Couldn't think of it for a moment. There isn't business enoughup there to justify the proprietors in making the trip. But come down andsee the Little Rock steamer, and then prepare to move your hamlets downhere at the head of navigation.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 3, 1878.

The entire day tomorrow. We expect people from every town in Cowley andSumner counties. Let everybody turn out and see the first Steamboat everin this country. The

Winfield Courier, July 4, 1878.

C. A. Bliss, G. S. Manser, A. B. Lemmon, E. P. Kinne, J. C. Fuller, M.L. Read, T. R. Bryan, W. M. Allison, J. W. Curns, C. C. Black, D. A. Millington,E. S. Bliss, E. S. Torrance, A. E. Baird, J. B. Lynn, M. G. Troup, M. L.Robinson, J. C. McMullen, E. C. Manning, and probably many others, all withtheir wives, will make a raid upon Arkansas City, the steam boats, and Newman'sdam on the Fourth. They will seize all the provisions they can find in thecity, capture both the "Aunt Sally" and the--the--well, Amos'steamship, will rip out Newman's dam, and steam up the Walnut to Winfield,driving a large herd of catfish. Bliss and Harter & Harris will loadthe steamers with flour at their mills. The party will start at about 9o'clock a.m.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 10, 1878.

FRIEND MURDOCK: The steamer "Aunt Sally," from Little Rock,arrived this morning. Our town is mad with excitement. Men, women, and children,some on foot, some on horseback, others in buggies and wagons, rushed "pellmell" for Harmon's Ford on the Walnut, to witness a sight that ourpeople have thought of, dreamed of, and prayed for the last six or sevenyears: a real, living, breathing steamboat; as the children sometimes say,"a sure enough steamboat."

There she was, puffing and blowing like a thing of life. Some two hundredpeople rushed on board and examined her all over, from deck to Texas--cabin,engine, boiler, water wheel--all were scrutinized. They were in her andall over her.

Steam being up, the captain invited all hands to a ride up the Walnutas far as Newman's mill and back. The bank was lined with people and theyells and cheers of those on deck and those on shore made the welkin ring.It was hip!--rip!--huzzah!--one after another. A general good time was had.

In the afternoon three hundred persons went aboard by invitation, fora ride down the river. Our cornet band did their best tooting on the occasion.Everything was hilarity and joy.

Little preaching was heard in Arkansas City today, you may depend. "AuntSally" was in everybody's mouth.

She will stay until after the 4th, and will try to get up and see Wichita,if possible. The boat is owned by Captains Burke and Lewis, of Little Rock;is 85 feet long, 18 feet wide, and draws 14 inches light, and about twofeet when fully loaded; carries 40 tons; made the run from Ft. Smith tothis place in six days; met with no difficulty or obstructions on the way;the pilot thinks the river even better above than below Ft. Smith.

At this stage of water a railroad is nowhere alongside of a steamboat.Hurrah for the navigation of the Arkansas! It is no longer a matter of speculation,but is now a fixed fact--a reality. The "Aunt Sally," the pioneersteamer of this great Southwestern river, has proved it. JAMES CHRISTIAN.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 10, 1878.

The receipts of the steamboat excursion on the Fourth amounted to $160.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 10, 1878.

We will have extra sheets again this week, containing Judge Christian'saccount of the steamboat, as published in the Wichita Eagle.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 10, 1878.

Farmers and all interested in the steamboat question are requested toattend a meeting in Pearson's Hall, next Saturday, at 3 p.m.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 10, 1878.

The Telegram last week spoke handsomely of our steamboat andof the benefits which river navigation would give to the entire county.Allison is always foremost in speaking for the good of Cowley. Now we wouldlike to hear from the Courier man.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 10, 1878.

A paper was drawn up and signed by all the principal businessmen in town,last Monday, the tenor of which was an expression of thanks to Messrs. Eisenmayer& Co., of Little Rock, Arkansas, for the interest they had taken inthe navigation of the Arkansas River.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 10, 1878.

Messrs. Seymour and McClaskey say that if the town will buy the ferryboatwest of town, they will put a 20-horsepower engine on it, and take a loadof wheat to Little Rock. Mr. Henry Pruden also makes a good offer: He wouldbuy this boat and the one at Salt City, and putting 1,200 bushels of wheaton the two, take the load down to Little Rock. Here he would sell the bargesfor what he could get, and only ask the town to pay the deficiency, as theyare worth much less there than here.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 10, 1878.

The steamboat men desired us to express their thanks to the unknown personor persons who supplied them with that bountiful dinner on the Fourth. Theywere loud in the praise of Kansas hospitality, and declare they were nevertreated better in their lives than during their stay in Arkansas City.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 10, 1878.

The editor of the El Dorado Press says that "a little steamboatcapable of carrying ten tons penetrated the sand of the Arkansas" asfar as this place. There wasn't any sand penetrating done, Mister. Thatisn't the kind of a steamboat we have down here--and then you missed yourguess on the tonnage amazingly.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 10, 1878.

The steamboat started for Little Rock last Saturday, and the captainthinks they can make the trip in seven days, without trouble. Hon. C. R.Mitchell and Mr. Harter went as passengers, the former to represent ArkansasCity, and the latter to look after the interests of his mills in Winfield.

Winfield Courier, July 11, 1878.

We "let off" our surplus patriotism on the Fourth by goingto Arkansas City and taking a ride on the "Aunt Sally" beneaththe classic shades of the "raging Walnut." The said "AuntSally" is not exactly like the Sound steamers that ply between FallRiver and New York. We did not see the elegant staterooms, dining-hall,furniture, and such; but she paddled along just as well as though arrayedin gay plumage. The passengers stood up on deck and sweltered in the heat;taking two or three small showers for variety; then the whistle made mostunearthly screams and the band played patriotic airs. The boat was mannedby Channell, Sleeth, Swarts, Farrar, Mowry, and many others of the old sailorsof Arkansas City. Many Winfield ladies and gentlemen were on board withus, exhibiting more enthusiasm, we thought, than did our "seaport"friends. When we returned to the landing, Bonsall was on hand with his camerato take a picture of the boat and its passengers, but we shall never believehe got a good picture until he furnishes us with a copy. When that infernalwhistle shrieked, it was with difficulty that we prevented our unsophisticatedWinfielders from following the example of the Indians down the river byjumping off and wading ashore. Troup jumped about 18 feet, Harris 14, Baird12, Bliss 10, McMullen & Lemmon 3, Hudson 2. The rest of them were onthe other side of the boat and we were not able to record their feats ofground and lofty tumbling.

Winfield Courier, July 11, 1878.

The "Arkansas Traveler" navigated by Messrs. Speers and Waltonhave demonstrated that the Arkansas River from the Pawnee Agency to Oxfordis navigable for steamboats, and the "Aunt Sally" has removedall doubt from that part of the river from Pawnee Agency to Fort Smith.Boats of 150 tons burden and two feet draft can run all the way from NewOrleans to Arkansas City for a part of the year without doubt.

The "Aunt Sally" is not one of the lightest draft boats. Itdraws about 14 inches light and 20 inches loaded. It is an old clumsy concernof very little value and was chosen to make the trial trip because if itshould succeed in getting up the river and fail to get back, its loss wouldscarcely be felt. Its owners have a much larger boat that draws less waterwhich they will now send up for a load. Other boats will follow and thepresent outlook is that a great deal of wheat is to be shipped from ArkansasCity this year.

If this commerce proves to be what is promised, it will be a "greatthing" for Cowley County; even if boats can run only three or fourmonths in a year, it will be a great help. Twenty boats, each carrying 5,000bushels of wheat to a trip, and each making fifteen trips in a year, wouldcarry off our surplus crop and bring up our heavy groceries, lumber, andmachinery, at a total saving of not less than $200,000 a year to our farmers.

If this proves a success, it will be due to our enterprising friendsat Arkansas City who have struggled and labored, and spent their money freelyfor years to accomplish this result and they will justly reap the advantagesof a large trade and an extraordinary impetus to the growth and importanceof their town. We heartily congratulate them on their present flatteringprospects and would gladly aid them by any means in our power, not onlyfor themselves but for the benefit it will be to the whole county. Threecheers for Arkansas City!

Arkansas City Traveler, July 17, 1878.

STEAMBOAT NAVIGATION up the Arkansas River is the great cause of goodquality and great bargains at Hoyt & Speers' Athletic Grocery. Downwe come, passing bed rock to Little Rock prices. 5 lbs. coffee for one dollar;4 lbs. tea, $1; 18 bars of soap, $1; 13 lbs. soda, $1; fruit jars almostat your own price. From this time we are in hopes to get our goods directfrom St. Louis and Little Rock, via steamboat up the Arkansas River,which will enable us to start a wholesale house for the benefit of smallertowns in our county, such as Winfield, Maple City, Thomasville, Salt City,Webb Center, etc.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 17, 1878.

The Pruden boys take 700 bushels of wheat down the river this morningon the barge.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 17, 1878.

MR. O. J. PALMER will go down the river with the Pruden boys on the flatboat.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 17, 1878.

THE PRUDEN BROTHERS, of Salt City, have loaded the boat formerly usedas a ferry west of town, and intend taking their wheat down to Little Rock,if it can be done by mortal hands. Success to you, boys.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 17, 1878.

When the navigation of the Arkansas River is a settled thing, and grainis regularly shipped by boats or barges, it will cost less than one-halfto ship wheat to New Orleans than it costs to ship it to Kansas City fromWichita by rail.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 17, 1878.

The parties who are circulating the report that "Aunt Sally"stuck in the Arkansas, on the morning of her return, would do better toconfine themselves strictly to the truth. It was not in the Arkansas, buton the bar at the "cut-off," the worst place between here andLittle Rock, that the boat stuck; and this can be avoided when the partiesare more familiar with the river. Come, gentlemen, give the old man a chance,and throw your cold water on our heated citizens. They need it worse thanthe steamboat enterprise.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 17, 1878.

New wheat only 55 cents at Wichita. Twenty cents off for freighting leavesthe farmers of Cowley County only 35 cents per bushel for their crops thisyear, if they intend feeding the railroad magnates. Your only alternativeis to unite on some steamboat project, and put your grain down south. Nofarmer can raise wheat and make a living by selling it at fifty cents.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 17, 1878.

At a meeting held at the Bland schoolhouse, July 13, for the purposeof making arrangements with D. B. Hartsock to carry our produce down theArkansas River to Little Rock, Capt. R. Hoffmaster was called to the chair,and A. H. Buckwalter was chosen Secretary.

On motion the following six men were appointed to solicit subscriptionsin aiding Mr. Hartsock in building a boat: E. Bowen, Lyman Herrick, G. O.Herbert, W. Chambers, Frank Lorry, and Wm. Trimble. Moved and seconded thatthe proceedings of this meeting be published in the TRAVELER. R. HOFFMASTER,Chairman.

A. H. BUCKWALTER, Secretary.

In connection with the above, we will state that Mr. Hartsock's planis to raise money on the wheat solicited from the farmers, and then buildor purchase a steamboat at Little Rock, or some other river town where boatbuilding is carried on. Mr. Hartsock is a river man of large experience,having spent most of his life on the water, and if successful in raisingthe wheat, he will put a boat on this river as soon as one can be built.It will pay our farmers to contribute liberally to this enterprise, as theycan more than save the amount of their donations in the price they willget for their grain shipped south. As we said last week, the surest meansof success is in unity of action, and the farmers cannot do better thanto join in advancing this project. Mr. Hartsock is a thoroughly reliable,honest, and upright man, and has only taken hold of this at the earnestsolicitation of numerous friends in Bolton Township, who are alive to thenecessity of a water outlet for their grain, and he proves his confidencein the practicability of the scheme from the fact that he puts all his ownwheat (the product of a hundred acres) in with the rest.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 24, 1878.

AL. PRUDEN left the flat boat at the mouth of Deer Creek last Thursdaynoon, and returned home by wagon. He reports the boys are all in good spirits,and having better success every day.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 24, 1878.

A couple of bold navigators passed down the raging Arkansas last Sunday,bound for Little Rock, and hailing from Dodge City.

[BEAVER CORRESPONDENT: "HORATIUS."]

Winfield Courier, July 25, 1878.

As we have survived another celebration of the day of our National Independence,and the delightful excursion on the "Aunt Sally" on the bosomof the placid Walnut on the 4th, and not perceiving anything special inyour columns from this locality since my previous communication of threeor four weeks ago, I once more endeavor to note the casualties and progressof this vicinity. Before I proceed any further, allow me to interpose anapology for irregular correspondence, viz: the pressure of business makesit almost impossible for your humble servant to find sufficient time tokeep you informed in regard to the doings of this vicinity.

It is unnecessary for me to expatiate on the celebration of the 4th andthe steamboat excursion, as the COURIER was strongly represented on thatoccasion. Our good people enjoyed the steamboat ride with great pleasureand satisfaction, and wish the enterprising people of Arkansas City successin their efforts to make the river navigable.

Winfield Courier, July 25, 1878.

I. H. Bonsall made a good picture of the "Aunt Sally" and herliving load of freight, notwithstanding the fact that neither the boat northe people would hold still a moment. He has our thanks for two copies.Bonsall is one of the finest artists in the state.

Winfield Courier, July 25, 1878.

Henry Pruden and O. J. Palmer started from Salt City down the ArkansasRiver with 700 bushels of wheat in their boat last week Wednesday. The farmersin that vicinity intend to ship their wheat in that way. David Maricle sayshe intends to ship the proceeds of his 700 acres of wheat on flat boats.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 31, 1878.

Hon. C. R. Mitchell returned from Little Rock last Friday night, afteran absence of about twenty days. It will be remembered that Mr. Mitchellwent down the river on the "Aunt Sally," in company with Mr. Harter,of Winfield, to talk up the navigation of the Arkansas with the businessmenof Little Rock, and see what could be done in the way of putting a lineof boats on the river between Arkansas City and Little Rock.

On Saturday morning a meeting was called at Pearson's hall to hear hisreport, and the house was crowded to its utmost capacity.

Mr. Mitchell stated that they found low water among the islands at themouth of the Salt Fork, and down in the Creek Nation, but that the greatestdifficulty in finding a channel lay in the fact that the water was constantlyfalling, which made it impossible to tell exactly where to go. This is thecase in any river where there are sand bars, or where the channel is liableto change. Even below Little Rock, after a rise the boats either wait untilthe water falls to its natural stage before attempting a trip, or are carefulto sound the entire way in order to avoid the bars, as there are numerous"shoots" or false channels created by the water during its fall.Mr. Mitchell further reports that with but little improvement, the riverabove Fort Gibson is better than below it, except probably in extreme lowwater, and is navigable the greater portion of the year.

By a system of jetties, the difficulties at the Salt Fork and in theCreek country could be removed with but very little cost, when the riverfrom Arkansas City to Little Rock would furnish better facilities for navigationthan the lower portion of the river does.

Arriving at Little Rock, Mr. Mitchell conversed with the businessmenof that place, prominent among whom are C. F. Penzel, Eisenmayer & Co.,W. B. Cotton, M. D. Pritchard, Charter & Pfeiffer, and Mr. Geyer. Thesegentlemen all express a willingness and determination to push the matter,and will invest money in boats next year. Mr. Penzel is a generous, public-spiritedman, and will put a thousand dollars in the enterprise, satisfied that the"up-river trade" will be an immense thing for that country. Ourwheat will bring from ninety cents to $1.10 per bushel, instead of onlyseventy-five cents, as has been reported. It is far superior to Texas wheat,the latter being dried and shriveled.

Mr. Mitchell then interviewed the steamboat men with reference to comingup here, but found none willing to make the trip this year, for fear oflosing the cotton trade, which commences in September, and furnishes a largebusiness to boats during the winter months. Below will be found a list ofboats, whose owners intend sending up in the spring.

In the first place Capt. Lewis says he will be the first one up here,bringing the "Aunt Sally." As our readers are familiar with theboat, no description of it is necessary.

The "Rose City," James Bowlin, captain and owner, is 130 feetlong, 30 feet beam; cylinders, 10 in. in diameter and 36 in. stroke; boilers18 ft. long, 3-1/2 ft. in diameter; draws 10 in. light; will carry 100 tonson 18 in. of water, and 150 tons on 20 inches. Her registered capacity is250 tons.

The "Big Rock," Captains Brodie and Hattaway, is 119 ft. long,25 ft. beam; cylinders 9 in. in diameter, 30 in. stroke; boilers 18 ft.long, 38 in. diameter; allowable pressure of steam, 140 pounds; wheel 9ft. in diameter, 16-1/2 ft. long; Registered 180 tons.

The "Fletcher" is a regular packet plying between Little Rockand Fort Smith, is 135 feet long, 34 ft. beam, and has the strongest powerof any boat on this river.

The owners of the above boat have assured Mr. Mitchell that they willpositively come up in the spring. In addition to these, a Mr. John Darrowintends sending two or three small boats up, he owning a complete line ofthem.

Mr. Mitchell then went to St. Louis, to obtain estimates in boat building,and found that many river men of that city were manifesting considerableinterest in this project, and who propose sending boats next spring.

In conclusion, we would say that C. R. Mitchell has done all that anyman could under the same circ*mstances. To the objections urged by some,that he knew nothing about the river, we answer that his ignorance was morethan equaled by his determination to find out, as is proved by his stripping,and wading the river when they were in search of deeper water. To the slursand accusations of others, to the effect that he was "bought off,"we make no reply, other than they are beneath the notice of a man, and haveno weight among the better class of citizens.

Winfield Courier, August 1, 1878.

L. C. Harter returned from Little Rock last Saturday evening. We havesince interviewed him and now give his account of the trip.

He went from Arkansas City to Little Rock down the Arkansas River onthe "Aunt Sally" in twelve days. Some three or four days of thistime was spent in laying up and delays which were not necessary had theboat desired to make the trip in as short a time as possible.

The boat went down without any load because the captain had doubts aboutbeing able to get through with any loading. The channel was very erraticand difficult to trace. Many times in following what appeared to be themain channel, the boat traced the windings until it ran onto the sand inwater not more than six or eight inches deep. They then had to work offand return upstream until they found a better "shute." In eachcase, however, they succeeded in finding a passage with at least 20 inchesof water. The mode of hunting for the best channel was by getting off theboat and wading. Mr. Harter relates some of his exploits in that line.

He thinks the main difficulties of taking down a load at this stage ofthe water are the snags, which are somewhat dangerous. The sand is not verytroublesome, for when they run on a bar they usually work off by the useof the cable and wheel in 15 or 20 minutes. He thinks that if the stageof water was still lower, the channel would be better, more distinctly marked,and much more easily traced than it was when he went down.

The "Aunt Sally" did not come up early enough. Had she comeup two weeks earlier, she might have returned with a good load. She is farfrom being the kind of a boat that should come up here. She draws too muchwater and is in other ways unsuitable.

Mr. Harter thinks that a boat constructed like one he saw on the rivernamed the "Big Rock" would be much better. It is about 120 feetlong and wide in proportion, with engine and machinery on the bottom. Hebelieves such a boat could run up to Arkansas City and take good loads bothways for three or four months in the year. It will draw 10 ½ incheslight and 18 inches loaded. At present it would be difficult to get boatsof that class to come up to Arkansas City, were the stage of water everso good, because they are engaged in the cotton trade on the river below.

After awhile the large boats will be up and take this trade from them;and then if the stage of water is right, they will doubtless be glad tocome up. Mr. Harter is of the opinion that a steamer of the class he speaksof as the best for this trade could tow six or seven barges, each loadedwith about 30 tons, and at the same time carry 50 tons itself.

He says that the Little Rock millers and some steamboat men estimatedthat a stock company with $14,000 capital could get up and run such a fleetand make it pay. To insure business and interest in the project, they wouldrequire that one-third of the stock should be taken in this vicinity; andif that was done, they would venture the other two-thirds. The Little Rockmillers will agree to take all the wheat that such a fleet can bring downat ten cents a bushel higher prices than is paid at St. Louis at the sametime. If the fleet could make six trips a year, it could take off half amillion bushels. Should it only take 300,000 bushels, it would be wonderfulhelp to the farmers of Cowley. The present price of wheat at Little Rockis 95 cents; corn, 65 cents.

Mr. Harter fears that Pruden's flat-boat will not get through and thatthey will suffer loss. He thinks it would be safer to load a flat-boat withflour because if they should get stuck, there is a market for flour at variousplaces all the way down, the flour could be readily removed from the boatat almost any place and sold, while wheat would be a loss.

Mr. Harter returned by railroad via St. Louis. He is enthusiastic forriver navigation and thinks it will be made a success.

[CORRESPONDENT FROM BETHEL: "ORLANDO."]

Winfield Courier, August 1, 1878.

Mr. John Anderson, Captain Barker, Peter Paugh, and Mr. Lyons, four ofBethel's most substantial farmers, visited the seaport town of ArkansasCity last week to see what arrangements they could make to ship their wheatdown the Arkansas River. They went on board the steamboat to interview thecaptain. They talked and discussed such subjects as finding Symme's Holeand uniting the Atlantic with the Pacific ocean by cutting a canal throughthe Isthmus of Panama. Our farmer friends finally ventured to ask the captainif he expected to run a steamer between Arkansas City and Little Rock; andif so, what he would load with. The captain said he would, perhaps, loadwith sugar and molasses seed. The boys left that steamboat sadder if notwiser men. ORLANDO.

Arkansas City Traveler, August 7, 1878.

The people interested should see to it that a boat is put on this riverbefore Congress meets and kept on it while Congress is in session, as thiswould insure an appropriation of half a million dollars for the improvementof the Arkansas from Gibson or Little Rock to Wichita.

From Hon. Thomas Ryan we learn that the entire Southern delegation inCongress is working for the opening up of the Arkansas River. They realizethe magnitude of the trade that will spring up with the success of thisproject, and they stood by Mr. Ryan to a man in his efforts to secure theappropriation for the survey, which will commence next month.

In view of the many improvements made on Western rivers in the last fewyears, New York has become aroused on the subject, and seeks to hold a greatportion of the trade that is going to Southern markets, by deepening theErie canal twelve feet, and making it absolutely free--so that one can getbills of lading from Chicago to Liverpool through this canal.

The report of the surveying corps will doubtless determine the appropriation,but keeping a boat on the river, plying between our town and the agencies,would have an immense influence for good.

Arkansas City Traveler, August 7, 1878.

The people of Cowley County, Kansas, are excited just now over the recenttrip of a steamboat up the Arkansas River to Arkansas City. They want aline of barges established on the Arkansas River, which flows through oneof the most productive portions of the State. They believe, and correctly,too, that if they could make the Arkansas River the outlet for the shipmentof their surplus crops, it would be worth millions of dollars to the peopleof that great valley.

[REPORT FROM "ARCANUM"--BEAVER TOWNSHIP.]

Arkansas City Traveler, August 7, 1878.

Our farmers are highly jubilant over the prospects of the successfulnavigation of the Arkansas River. God speed the time when Cowley will nolonger be under obligation to pay tribute to the Atchison, Topeka &Santa Fe railroad.

Arkansas City Traveler, August 7, 1878.

Now that there has been so much said pro and con, concerningthe navigation of the Arkansas River, allow your correspondent to say afew words in favor of navigating the "Big Useless," as some callit.

We have heard it stated frequently since the "Aunt Sally" madethe trip that her Captain was paid by the A., T. & S. F. R. R. Co. forreporting the trip up the river a failure, and now we hear the same reportagain concerning this last boat, now on the river.

Now let us look at this matter squarely in the face and see if thereis any reason for believing this report. The managers of the above mentionedrailroad have already made the statement that they expected to transportover their road the snug little sum of 3,000,000 bushels of wheat from thissection of Kansas. Out of that vast amount, I think it fair to state thatCowley County will furnish 500,000 bushels. Let us now see what the railroadwill make on this wheat by shipping it over their road, from Wichita toKansas City, at 16 cents per bushel, the rate charged. The freight on 500,000bushels of wheat at 16 cents amounts to the sum of $80,000. Now wouldn'tit pay them well to keep all other transportation out of the country, ifthey can possibly do it? Would $10,000 or $12,000 be any great loss to them,as long as they can secure to themselves such a sum of money as that, byexpending so little? It is reasonable enough to suppose that the companydid do it, whether they did or not. All reading people believe that theA., T. & S. F. R. R. are keeping out all other railroads. If such isthe case, they would try to keep boats from navigating the river. If thereis reason in one case, there is in the other.

Now that it has been proven that the river can be navigated, why notnavigate it? Why not improve the opportunity? It is because we all havea different idea of navigating the river, or of building the boat. If suchis the case, let us put our ideas together, and go ahead and do something.We must act, and act together if we intend to make use of this natural outletfor our produce.

If men of capital will not build a boat, let us do it ourselves.Ten farmers of Bolton Township can build a small boat that will take allthe surplus grain away, in the county. If you can't go with the boat, thereare plenty of good men who will, and one or two of the farmers can go alongand see how the selling is conducted.

Don't let us talk anymore, but let us do something. The river can bemade to serve us if we will make it. We have only to reach out our handand catch the prize, or we can stand off and growl like a dog with a sorehead, and discourage all who try to do something.

If men of money can't be induced to invest a dollar, because they thinkthey can't make five hundred percent, on their money, let men of brains,"sand" and wheat, come forward and do it.

Let us hear from the wheat-growers, the ones most interested.

Arkansas City Traveler, August 7, 1878.

MR. L. H. GARDNER received a letter from a Mr. Bacon, of South Frankfort,Michigan, who proposes to bring a boat up this river. The dimensions ofthe boat are 70 feet keel, 20 feet beam, drawing 9 inches light, and 18in. loaded.

Arkansas City Traveler, August 14, 1878.

BONSALL has album size photos of the "Aunt Sally," the firststeamboat from Little Rock to this place.

Arkansas City Traveler, August 14, 1878.

Since the practical test of the navigation of the Arkansas by Messrs.Speers and Walton, an effort has been made at Wichita to organize a companyfor the purpose of purchasing a light draught steamboat, the object beingto ascertain whether or not the Arkansas River can be made navigable asfar up as that city. If it could, there would be millions in it for Wichita.

Winfield Courier, August 15, 1878.

A stock company to build a boat for the Arkansas River is being formedat Arkansas City. This is a move in the right direction and there shouldbe liberal subscriptions and plenty of them at once.

[ANOTHER CARGO OF WHEAT LANDED AT LITTLE ROCK BY FLAT BOAT.]

Arkansas City Traveler, August 21, 1878.

Editor Traveler:

GENTLEMEN: We arrived here last night, our wheat in fair condition. Wemade points on the river as follows:

Left Arkansas City, July 16.

Left Kaw Agency, July 20.

Left Ponca Agency, July 27.

Left Pawnee Ferry, July 29.

Left Childers Ferry, Aug. 2.

Left Ft. Gibson, Aug. 5.

Left Ft. Smith, Aug. 9.

Left Van Buren, Aug. 10.

Arrived at Little Rock, August 13.

Wheat at this point is in good demand. We were offered 90 cents for ourcargo at Ft. Smith. Sold ours to Mr. Eisenmayer & Co. for 90 cents herein Little Rock. The wheat in this country does not amount to anything. Itwas all damaged by the heavy rains, and is badly shriveled.

The mills here are anxious to receive wheat. The Rose City Mills areowned by J. W. Austin. He told me this morning, that he would pay St. Louisprices for all the good wheat that could be brought down the river, whichis now 95 cents. The wheat that we brought down, if it had been in goodcondition and clean, would be No. 2 wheat. That is what the Rose City Millscall it; Mr. Eisenmayer says good 3. We had very little trouble with ourcargo after we left the mouth of the Salt Fork. There is no sale here forflat boats.

The "Big Rock" is here making short trips down the river. Theowners are very anxious to make a trip up the river to Arkansas City. Ido not know whether she will make another attempt or not. We have not seenthe Captain; we saw J. W. Hathaway, who is half owner and engineer. He wants$300 to guarantee him against loss in case he does not get there. In casehe gets there and is able to bring back a load, all he wants is 25 centsper bushel on his cargo, or what he makes in bringing the wheat down. Ido not know what they will do. The boat will be back tonight and I willsee them both. H. B. P.

Winfield Courier, August 22, 1878.

The Pruden boys, who left this place some weeks ago on a flat boat loadedwith 700 bushels of wheat, arrived at Little Rock last week safe and sound,having experienced but little trouble after leaving the mouth of Salt Fork.The boys deserve credit for their pluck and determined energy in makingthis venture; and we hope they will realize a good price for their wheat.

A pretty good joke was perpetrated on one of our restaurant managerslast week by Col. Manning, who happened in to take supper. Being alone,he engaged in conversation with the lady about the steamboat that latelymade the trip from Little Rock, Arkansas, stating:

"You have had a steamboat up the river lately?"

"Yes, a boat called 'Aunt Sally' came up and remained several days.Another one would have been up if it hadn't been for a lawyer up at Winfieldby the name of Manning. He came down with $500 and bought them off."

"That was mean."

"Yes, but it's just like him. I've heard of him a long time, andit's just like him."

"Did you ever meet him?"

"Oh, yes. I was introduced to him and his wife when he was downon the boat."

At this juncture the Colonel ran his nose into the coffee for fear ofbeing recognized, and kept silent, when the lady asked:

"Do you live about here?"

"Yes, I live up in Beaver Township, on a farm."

After supper he left, but called at the house again shortly afterwards,where he met two gentlemen that were looking for him. When he came in andwas called by name by his friends, the surprise and embarrassment of thelady can better be imagined than described.

[VERNON CORRESPONDENT: "SCREECH OWL."]

Winfield Courier, August 22, 1878.

Threshing is on the program. Wheat going from 20 to 28 bushels to theacre. If that don't do about right, I will eat my old hat. We wish thoseLittle Rock merchants would come with their boats and give us seventy-fivecents for our wheat, then we would pick up courage enough to put in anothercrop. SCREECH OWL.

[BARGE LOADED WITH WHEAT FROM A. C. REACHES FT. SMITH.]

Arkansas City Traveler, August 28, 1878.

On Thursday evening a barge arrived at our wharf loaded with wheat fromArkansas City, Kansas. Arkansas City is situated on the Arkansas River,near or at the mouth of the Walnut Creek, some three hundred miles abovethis place. The boat was in charge of Messrs. Pruden and Palmer, and thewheat is a part of the cargo purchased for the Aunt Sallie, and left byher, because of some unknown influence, and is being transported down tofill the contract made with Mr. Shearholtz for Eisenmayer & Co., ofLittle Rock. Mr. Pruden says he started with 650 bushels, and finding shoalwater at Ponca Agency he had to store 250 bushels. His boat draws fifteeninches light, but with his load, from Ponca down, he had no trouble. Hewas on the way since July 16, and laid up six days on the trip.

Much credit is due to the pluck of Messrs. Pruden and Palmer, and theyshould be encouraged. This trade may prove a valuable one to this section,and the people of that part of Kansas are so anxious to establish it, weshould give them all the aid and all the encouragement in our power. Wewill refer to this subject again. Ft. Smith Herald.

[MORE ABOUT PRUDEN AND PALMER, FLAT BOAT CREW.]

Arkansas City Traveler, August 28, 1878.

H. B. Pruden, O. J. Palmer, and the flat boat crew returned from LittleRock last Saturday. They came to Ft. Smith by steamboat, thence by stageto Muskogee, thence by rail to Independence, thence by private conveyancehome.

They say they found no less than three feet of water in the channel allthe way down, and that the river from this point to Fort Smith is as deepas from there to Little Rock. It is the opinion of Mr. Pruden that flat-boatingis practicable, and will pay if the barges can be brought back.

Arkansas City Traveler, September 11, 1878.

Hank Pruden, an old river navigator, was in town this week.

Arkansas City Traveler, September 18, 1878.

The Oxford folks have made a contract with parties owning a steamboat,to make regular trips from Fort Smith to that place. The contract specifiesthat the boat shall make regular trips for a year, the projectors to receivea stipulated amount of cash each trip. Wichita Eagle.

Arkansas City Traveler, September 18, 1878.

Pruden's flat-boat sold for $35 at Little Rock.

Arkansas City Traveler, September 18, 1878.

We are glad to be able once more to chronicle a practical effort to navigatethe Arkansas River. Messrs. Seymour and McClaskey, of Bolton Township, whileothers have been talking, have been quietly at work building a steamboathull, with a capacity to carry 200 tons of freight. They are now repairingtheir machinery and will have it ready to put on and move their boat bysteam as soon as the hull is completed.

These gentlemen need, and certainly from the practical manner in whichthey have gone to work, deserve assistance. The hull is solidly constructedof good oak lumber and built by a practical boat builder. It is expectedto draw 7 inches of water with her machinery all on board. One boat successfullynavigating the river and farewell to high freight tariffs.

Winfield Courier, September 19, 1878.

The Oxford folks have made a contract with parties owning a steamboatto make regular trips from Ft. Smith to that place. The contract specifiesthat the boat shall make regular trips for a year, the projectors to receivea stipulated amount of cash each trip.

Arkansas City Traveler, September 25, 1878.

Last night a large number of our citizens gathered at the M. E. Churchin this city to hear the Hon. Thos. Ryan, our member of Congress and candidatefor reelection.

Mr. I. H. Bonsall was elected chairman and E. G. Gray secretary of themeeting, and after music by the brass band, Mr. Ryan was introduced.

After speaking of the Cherokee Strip and Osage Diminished Reserved lands,which he has succeeded in placing in the market and providing easy termsof payment, he dwelt for a few moments on the subject of navigation of theArkansas River, and says the authorities have promised that a survey shouldbe made before congress assembles. He then passed to a consideration ofthe financial question, and established himself firmly on the grounds ofWestern interest. He is in favor of the greenback dollar, and of abolishingthe National bank notes, and substituting greenbacks therefor. At the sametime he is not to be confounded with the so-called Greenback party, whosescheme, as he terms it, is to repudiate all promises made by the Government.Mr. Ryan's views on all public questions are in sympathy with the masses,the laboring classes, and serve to make him the popular man he is in thisdistrict. His reelection is insured by even a larger majority than he hadlast term.

[COMMUNICATION FROM "I. H. B."--CORRESPONDENT.]

Arkansas City Traveler, September 25, 1878.

Dear Traveler,

In company with R. A. Houghton, Wm. Sleeth, and Jas. Christian, yourcorrespondent paid a flying visit to the ship yard on the west bank of theArkansas River opposite the town, and there found Cyrus Wilson busily engagedin building a steam boat for John McClaskey and J. H. Seymour. The boatis intended to run between Arkansas City, Cowley County, Kansas, and LittleRock, Arkansas. The boat is a trifle larger than Aunt Sally. The ribs andhull are constructed of good oak lumber and will be a good substantial boat,85 feet long and 22 feet beam. The hull is 83 feet by 16 feet on the bottom,and 85 feet by 18 feet on the deck, and with the machinery on board, willdraw less than eight inches; the bow is not square like the Aunt Sally,but built with a "Model bow." Messrs. McClaskey & Seymourdeserve a great deal of credit for rushing this enterprise as they have.Being men of limited means, they have shown true western pluck in takinghold and working out of almost nothing this boat, and the public shouldgive them all the aid in their power to enable them to put on a good andserviceable piece of machinery.

Their intentions are to put on McClaskey's saw mill engine and load thehull with wheat and go to Little Rock and with the proceeds of the saleof the load of wheat purchase two good engines suitable for the work andfinish the upper part of the boat down at some saw mill where good pinelumber can be had at reasonable figures.

I think it would be a good plan for the different parties holding wheatnotes given to induce boat building to sign them over to Messrs. McClaskey& Seymour to apply to finishing this boat and make sure of having oneboat at least on the river this fall.

Most all signing these notes would consent to their transfer to the firstboat as that was the object in donating the wheat. Now is the time to pushthis work on to a successful issue and it should not be allowed to failfor want of means to finish the boat and put on board good powerful enginesthat will enable them to handle the boat in all stages of water. Bring alongyour wheat and put this work on a sure basis. I. H. B.

Arkansas City Traveler, September 25, 1878.

Now is the time to hand in your subscriptions to the McClaskey steamboat.

Arkansas City Traveler, September 25, 1878.

The steamboat just being finished by McClaskey & Co. will soon belaunched for Little Rock.

Arkansas City Traveler, September 25, 1878.

All parties who signed subscriptions to the Hartsock enterprise wouldbe doing well to transfer them to the McClaskey Steamboat.

Arkansas City Traveler, September 25, 1878.

Mr. John McClaskey is building a steamboat on the Arkansas River westof this place. He deserves considerable credit for his pluck and enterprisein this matter.

Arkansas City Traveler, October 2, 1878.

Almost every paper that you pick up has something to say on the dulltimes, the finances, and what will bring about a change for the better.

Almost every locality has its local hobby, to better the condition ofthe country, and some localities have one advantage and some another.

But let us examine our own selves. Let us view the situation of our ownhome, Arkansas City and southern Cowley. What are our own wants, and underwhat disadvantages do we labor? Have we not the best county of land in theState? Have we not as mild and salubrious a climate as any in the UnitedStates? Have not our farms produced the most enormous crops of wheat, oats,corn, and vegetables for the past few years? Is forty to fifty bushels ofoats to the acre not satisfactory to the farmer? Is twenty to forty bushelsof wheat to the acre not sufficient? Is fifty, seventy-five, and one hundredbushels of corn to the acre not enough to compensate for the labor expended?Is it not a fact at this time that our land fairly groans with the weightof produce on hand waiting a purchaser or an outlet to market?

Situated as we are on the southern line of the State on the banks ofthe Arkansas River, right reason and common sense would dictate that ourbest hold is down the river by some means, either by flatboat, steamboat,or both combined.

The want of transportation is wasting the abundance of food for the people,keeping our farmers poor with thousands of bushels of grain on hand, whileothers at a distance are starving for the grain which is wasting on ourhands for want of means to get it to market.

It would seem like a work of superogation in this enlightened age toundertake to convince anyone of the cheapness of water transportation overrailroad transportation, but we will give one example that must convincethe most stupid and pigheaded of its truth.

The British Commercial Reports give the case, showing actual shipmentsat paying freight rates of one-half million ton per mile.

British Commercial Report No. 10 for 1875, under the title of "ProposedInland System of Navigation," says:

"As to relative costs of transport by water and railways, aninstance is given of a case in point. A Cincinnati steamer with her towsladen with coal from Pittsburgh, was passing down the Ohio river, boundto Orleans, distant from Pittsburgh about 2,000 miles. The cargo consistedof 336,000 bushels of coal weighing 13,440 tons. This coal was being transportedto New Orleans at 5 cents per 100. At this very moderate rate the down tripbrought to the boat and barges $13,440, considered a remunerative trip bythe owners. Now, to have carried such a freight by rail would have demandeda force of fifty trains, or 1,344 cars, with 10 tons each. At $2.00 a car,with 10 tons freight, to be carried 2,000 [which is even lower transportationthan can be profitable on the railroads], this cargo would have amountedto $268,000, making a difference of more than $250,000 on the transportationof the cargo by one cheap steamboat and her barges.

Cost by rail: $268,000

Cost by water: $13,440

Gain by water: $254,520

Now, such being the case, what is the duty of the farmers of southernCowley, Sumner, and Chautauqua counties but to bend all their energies,concentrate all their means to the establishing of a line of boats on ourriver that will afford us a means of getting all our surplus produce, ofwhatever description, to market. It is every man's interest! It is everyman's duty to contribute what he can towards such an object. Almost an existencedepends on it. The price of farm products rise or fall in proportion tothe accessibility to a market. Thus corn in Cowley County today is onlyworth from 12 to 15 cents per bushel, while on the Mississippi River, itis worth from 55 to 65 cents a bushel. Wheat is a drug at home here at 40cents, while on the Mississippi it is worth 90 cents to $1.25 per bushel.Do you ask the cause? I answer high railroad freights. But, says the farmer,what can I do toward reduction of freights? We cannot build steamboats.No, but you can contribute your quota to help those who are willing to puttheir means into a boat as an experiment to test the feasibility of rivernavigation.

Two of your neighbors, Messrs. Seymour & McClaskey, are now buildingand have on the "ways" a boat 82 feet long and 18 feet wide, builtin a neat and substantial manner by a competent boat builder. The materialused is good sound white oak lumber, sawed at their own mill. The bottom,sides, ribs, etc., are to be decked with pine, and equipped with a good20 horsepower engine and boiler temporarily until she can be got to wherea more powerful engine and boiler can be procured. These men mean business,they are your neighbors, and have no greater interest in the prosperityof the county than you have, and no more means to spend, yet they are willingto risk their all--you ought to be willing to risk something to help them.

A little from everyone would help these men, and encourage them in theirnoble enterprise. Will you do it? I doubt not but that you will come uplike men with your little 5 or 10 bushels of wheat, or the cash if you preferit. It is money well spent. It will be like bread cast upon the waters,for thou shalt find it after many days a rich harvest of good.

Winfield Courier, October 3, 1878.

The steamboat which is being built at Arkansas City will be launchedin a few days when her machinery will be put on board preparatory to a trialtrip down the river.

Arkansas City Traveler, October 9, 1878.

Steamboat meetings will be held at several places in the southern partof the county this fall.

Arkansas City Traveler, October 9, 1878.

There is a chance for farmers to get 90 cents per bushel for wheat, andno bonds to be voted, and no election to be held. Donate a few bushels ofwheat to load the boat when she goes down.

Arkansas City Traveler, October 9, 1878.

The steamboat lying west of town is ready for the water as soon as thecalking is completed, which will be in the course of three or four days,when she will be launched and started on her trip to Little Rock.

Arkansas City Traveler, October 9, 1878.

We again call the attention of everybody in the city and country to thefact that the building of the steamboat is progressing steadily, and desireto call particular attention to the fact that these parties deserve suchaid as the farmers and city feel that they can give. Farmers desiring todonate wheat can deliver it to Messrs. Schiffbauer Bros. & Co., or toWm. Speers at the mill--not to be delivered to the parties building theboat until the boat is ready for her first trip. She will be loaded, andher first trip down the river will be an attempt to reach Little Rock witha load of wheat.

Arkansas City Traveler, October 9, 1878.

The meeting was called to order by Capt. Hoffmaster, who was electedchairman, and J. O. Wilkinson, secretary. Amos Walton came forward and explainedthe object of the meeting in an extended speech, explaining the reason whythe Arkansas River has not been navigated ere this. He gave his experiencein navigating the river last spring, proving conclusively that the rivercan be navigated with light draught boats nearly the whole season, and thatthe channel did not change in the regular chutes at all. He showed by statisticsthat steamboat transportation is far cheaper than any other kind. He thenread a letter from a gentleman now surveying the Kaw River, stating thathe intended to survey the Arkansas after he had completed the survey ofthe former stream. Mr. Walton, continuing, said there was nothing in thepolitics of any party that was one-tenth the value to the farmers of thiscounty, Bolton in particular, as there was in the successful navigationof this river. He then referred the people to the boat now building by McClaskeyand Seymour, and said that those gentlemen had promised him not to ask forany aid from the people until their boat was constructed. That time hasnow arrived, and he now asked the people to respond according to their ownjudgment of what was right. Mr. Walton closed his remarks by calling fora general expression of opinions by the members of the meeting.

Captain Hoffmaster was called, and said that he was willing to give allhe had donated to the Hartsock enterprise, Mr. Hartsock having given itup. Mr. Herrick came forward and said that he was willing to do the same.All then came forward and turned their donations to the Hartsock fund overto McClaskey and Seymour. Messrs. Herrick, Bowen, Sample, and Conaway wereappointed a soliciting committee, when the meeting adjourned, to meet nextSaturday night, October 12. R. HOFFMASTER, Chairman.

J. O. WILKINSON, Secretary.

Winfield Courier, October 10, 1878.

The Freeman Brothers have secured nearly $2,000 in subscriptions in OxfordTownship and West Vernon to their proposition to build a tow boat to navigatethe Arkansas between Oxford and Little Rock.

Arkansas City Traveler, October 24, 1878.

One thousand people will witness the launching of the new boat now almostcompleted.

Arkansas City Traveler, October 24, 1878.

Four caulkers at work on the steamboat hull, and in about a week shewill ride the waves of the Big Sandy.

Arkansas City Traveler, October 24, 1878.

Donations of grain for the steamboat can be left with Schiffbauer &Co., to be loaded on the boat when she is ready to move.

Arkansas City Traveler, October 24, 1878.

The oakum for corking the new boat has arrived, and the boat will beready to launch in about a week. Capt. Barnes, an old steamboat captainand pilot, is superintending the job now, and will go down the river withher.

Arkansas City Traveler, October 24, 1878.

Messrs. Seymour & McClaskey are getting their engine ready for thehull of the steamboat, and Little Rock will soon hear the whistle, and Kansaswheat will show in her market.

Arkansas City Traveler, October 31, 1878.

The following was intended for publication in last week's issue, butwas handed in too late. ED.

The meeting was called to order by Mr. Walton, after which Mr. Mercerwas called to the chair and J. O. Wilkinson was chosen secretary. Mr. Waltonthen came forward, and made a stirring speech in favor of the practicalnavigation of the Arkansas River. Said that all the people living alongthe river should be interested in its navigation, and Bolton in particular.The people of Bolton had shown more enthusiasm in the matter than the peopleof any other township so far. His whole speech was pithy, pointed, and welldelivered, and at the close was greeted by a round of applause from theaudience.

Mr. Walton then introduced Mr. Barnes, an old river pilot of thirty years'experience, who told them in a brief speech that he had made a trip downthe Arkansas, and gave them a practical knowledge of its peculiarities,its drifting channel, chutes, etc. He found that the rocky chutes had agood stage of water in them the greater part of the time. This is in contradictionto what we have heard heretofore in regard to this matter, but he presentedit in such a truthful manner the people believed his statement. He furthersaid that there was as good a stage of water from here to Ft. Gibson asfrom Gibson to Ft. Smith. Mr. Barnes had visited the boat now being builtby Messrs. McClaskey and Seymour, and pronounced it good for carrying onethousand bushels of wheat on twenty inches of water, and also said she wouldtake three barges in tow.

His remarks were well received by the meeting, after which committeeswere appointed and resolutions passed. Messrs. Lorry and Mercer were addedto the soliciting committee, and Mr. Lorry was appointed a committee ofone to wait on Mr. Hartsock for the purpose of collecting those wheat notesgiven him (Mr. Hartsock) by the farmers, to aid him in his now abandonedsteamboat enterprise.

The following resolutions were then carried unanimously.

Resolved, That the TRAVELER be requested to add its influencein Arkansas City and elsewhere, in aid of the steamboat,

Resolved, That the proceedings of the meeting be published inthe Arkansas City TRAVELER. J. O. WILKINSON, Secretary.

Arkansas City Traveler, October 31, 1878. Editorial Page.

We assure our Bolton Township friends, and all interested in the navigationof this river that anything we can do in their behalf, or in furtheranceof their enterprise, will be done willingly and cheerfully. Our faith inthe ultimate success of this scheme was never stronger, and we believe theday is not far distant when this southern tier of countries will have thebest outlet in the State for their produce, and at a saving to them of thousandsof dollars in railroad bonds not voted. Next spring and summer will seemany boats here from the South, buying our grain at a good round figure,or for a moderate sum ready to float it down to the best of markets, whereits superior quality will command the highest prices. The snug, well builtcraft lying west of town is a monument to the industry and self-denial ofthe two gentlemen who have risked their little all, and confidently devotedtheir time and means to the completion of the boat, relying only upon thegenerosity of their many friends for what assistance is tendered them. Ifthe enterprise is a success (and we earnestly hope it will be), to Messrs.Walton and Speers, no less than to those now laboring on the boat, the peopleowe a debt of gratitude not easily paid, as they have worked untiringlyfor the interests of the community.

[APPEAL TO FARMERS TO AID STEAMBOAT BY AMOS WALTON.]

Arkansas City Traveler, October 31, 1878.

It has been requested of you that you give some aid to the parties whoare giving their best endeavors toward building a steamboat, and determiningby a practical test the value of the river running by your doors, for transportation.You will grant the great value to yourselves of the increased and cheaperfacilities for getting to a better market. You grant also that if the farmersdetermine that this enterprise shall have a fair test, it will get it, andrequires but a slight aid from each.

Now if these men have thus far, single handed and alone, pushed the matterfar enough to satisfy you that they mean business; if they have risked everydollar they have--can you well refuse the necessary assistance toward makingit a complete success? The first trip will be the hard one, and the costlyone. You should bear your share, for if that is successful, the case ismade, and you gain a highway to the sea cheaper for all time than iron railscan carry, and open to all. A. W.

[THE ARKANSAS.]

Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, November 6, 1878.

For months past our people have agitated the subject of navigation onthe Arkansas. In July, as the reader will recall, the Sally made a tripfrom Little Rock to this point, and demonstrated the fact that somethingcan, and should be done, with steam on our river. True, the Sally droppeddown the river without loading, but the policy of another town and the influenceof money is the key to the cypher. It is plain to any man with honest convictionsand an eye that can see beyond his nose, that the Arkansas can be navigatedto this point for months during the year, by the same class of boats thatannually ply the Yellowstone. But, says the reader, "It takes moneyto build boats, and we are all poor people." Grant it, perhaps youare not only poor, but in the worst of all financial conditions, in debt,covered with a cut-throat mortgage, at possibly two percent, a month. Now,most men hope to see better days in the near future! For years you havebeen toiling, early and late, to lift that mortgage, but yet it remainsa terrible tax on your strength. Year after year you have been hauling yourcrop fifty miles to meet a market too flat to compensate you for the costof production! After paying your annual expenses together with your interestat two percent, you find that you have not a nickel remaining.

We are very ready to admit this is not the experience of all who mayread this article. God forbid that it shall long remain so with any. Isthere not a better way than you have been doing in the past? We think thereis. Go to your neighbor and talk the matter over. Maybe he is in the samesuds as yourself. Call a meeting, get out your best men--men of money ifyou have them. Make up your mind at the start that it will require patient,earnest labor to accomplish any object worth attaining. Ascertain the exactamount in wheat, cattle, or cash each will contribute to a general poolof funds. Go to another community and with your committee work for thispurpose. Soon you will have on hand a fair amount, if not sufficient tobuild, to purchase something that can run on the river, if no better thanthe Sally. Make a beginning and others will follow. How long would the watersof the Arkansas run to waste if they passed through California? Little Rockhas men of capital, though they seem slow to see the advantages that aresure to accrue to them, as well as us, from this enterprise. Put your boatson the river and you will see Little Rock, Ft. Smith, and other points sendup their boats for your produce and pay a good price, almost at your doors.

Can you afford to rest easy and let this subject pass without earnestefforts? No, you cannot. Sober reflection will tell you that just as longas you raise wheat at a cost of 50 cents per bushel and haul it to Wichitaand sell it for the same, or less figures, you can never lift that mortgage.One day the money loaner will jog your memory and the sheriff's hammer willknock you out of house and home, and leave you, perhaps in old age, withouta shelter on life's pathway to the grave. Work for a better market, workto get out of debt.

Arkansas City Traveler, November 6, 1878.

Capt. I. D. McKown, of the U. S. A. Engineer corps, with his assistants,Messrs. Kimball and Davis, are now at the Douglas Avenue Hotel. They willremain here till the latter part of the week to complete their arrangementsfor the preliminary survey of the Arkansas River from Wichita to Ft. Smith,Arkansas.

The surveying party will consist of five or six persons all told, withtwo flat boats, 8 x 20 feet, with compartments for sleeping and storageand covered with a canvass awning. Capt. McKown and party have just completeda like survey of the Kaw River from Junction City to Kansas City, and havemade a favorable report as to its being made navigable between the abovepoints, a distance of 200 miles. They averaged about seven miles a day onthis stream.

The party will leave here on Friday or Saturday and proceed down theriver, making an accurate record of distances, the amount and flow of thewater, width of the river, height of the banks, amount and quality of thetimber, and character of the bed on the river generally.

When completed, a report will be made through Major Suter, of St. Louis,chief engineer of the department, to General Humphreys, at Washington, thehead of the Engineer corps.

Out of the general appropriations made by Congress of $20,000 for thesurvey of the White and St. Francis rivers, in Arkansas, the Gasconade,in Missouri, and the Kaw and Arkansas rivers, a special assignment of $3,000was made for the survey of the two latter. The people of this part of theArkansas valley will watch for the report with a great deal of interest.The jetty system is the plan proposed for the opening of these rivers forcommercial purposes. Wichita Beacon.

[EDITORIAL: STEAMBOAT.]

NATHAN HUGHES, PUBLISHER.

Arkansas City Traveler, November 13, 1878.

The launching of the first steamboat built at this point took place onthe Arkansas directly west of town on Wednesday last. Her hull is 90 feetin length and her width 22 feet. After settling in the water, she drew aboutfive inches. The builders assert that with machinery and fuel, she willcarry two thousand bushels of wheat in sixteen inches of water.

This is an enterprise that should command the endorsem*nt of every well-wisherof the land, not simply because of the wheat that she bears to a Southernmarket, but she will add further proof to the fact that the Arkansas canbe navigated as far up as this place and thereby open the way to a lineof boats.

We shall say more on this question in the future, but are crowded with"copy" this week.

Arkansas City Traveler, November 13, 1878.

On Monday morning last Capt. I. D. McKown, employed by the U.S.A. Engineercorps to make the survey of the Arkansas River from this point to Ft. Smith,as provided for by an appropriation in the River and Harbor Bill of thelast Congress, arrived in Wichita, bringing with him three assistants forthe prosecution of the work. Capt. McKown had just completed the surveyof the Kaw River, and made his report to Maj. Sutter, of St. Louis, on the24th inst., when he was immediately assigned to the survey of our river.The party brought with them the boat used in navigating the tempestuousKaw, and on Monday a Herald representative boarded the craft, whichlay at anchor at the Second street landing, and found the Captain and "crew"laying in a stock of provision for the long voyage before them, over "unknownseas"--or river, at least. Instead of a boat, our reporter found therea "flotilla," which consisted of two fishing boats joined together,laid over with plank and covered with canvas. Within these somewhat contractedquarters, Captain McKown was found. He proved to be a most accommodatingand companionable gentleman, and an interesting conversation was enjoyed,at least by the Herald man.

The appropriation for survey of this river is only about $1,200, whichCapt. McKown declares to be entirely inadequate to provide for anythinglike a thorough survey for the river to Ft. Smith.

Nearly $1,500 was expended in the survey of the Kaw for a distance of109 miles, while the distance on this river to be traversed is at least350 miles.

Three months will be consumed in the trip from here to Ft. Smith, andthe work will consist in taking bearings of the river, sketching the banks,sounding, and ascertaining the fall of the river. This latter will provedifficult, as it is impossible with the money appropriated to run a completeline of levels between Wichita and Ft. Smith. Captain McKown was loath,of course, to express any opinion on the chances of the river being madenavigable.

The result of his survey of the Kaw was a report favorable to its beingmade navigable, and the rivers similar as to character of bed, althoughthe Kaw, of course, has a larger volume of water in its channel.

It will be impossible to dredge the Arkansas, but Captain McKown doesnot hesitate to say that it is possible to make it navigable by narrowingthe channel by a system of dykes, wing dams, and jetties; but whether thisis practicable depends, of course, upon the cost of the work, and that willbe approximately determined by the present survey.

Mr. Nixon, the County Surveyor, made it his business to show the surveyingparty every attention and courtesy possible, and to make their stay herepleasant. On Tuesday evening a supper was given at the Douglas Avenue tothe party. At the elegant table, spread by mine host, of that hotel, wefound seated about twenty-five of the prominent businessmen of the city,together with Capt. McKown and party. Mr. Stanley tendered the hospitalitiesof the city to the party in a neat little speech, to which Capt. McKownresponded in a few words, expressing his appreciation of the complimentsextended. After the supper a very pleasant social evening with music andinformal exercises was passed in the parlors of the hotel, and the partyseparated at 11 o'clock with many expressions of satisfaction from the gentlemenof the surveying party, and with many desires from the citizens for a safetrip and bon voyage to the "hardy mariners."

Capt. McKown made one addition to the party here of W. W. Camp, and startedupon his expedition Friday morning. Wichita Beacon.

Arkansas City Traveler, November 13, 1878.

The U. S. surveying corps is on the Arkansas and should receive specialattention from all who desire improvement of the river.

Arkansas City Traveler, November 13, 1878.

HURRAH for the "Cherokee!" It is the first boat launched onthe Arkansas River at this point. Gentlemen, help her to her engines andsee her ply on the river.

Winfield Courier, November 14, 1878.

EDITOR WINFIELD COURIER: Dear Sir: According to promise I send you anaccount of the steamboat Cherokee now building at this point.

On Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 6th, the Cherokee was successfully launchedand is afloat in the Arkansas River opposite this town ready for the machinery,which will be put on her during the next ten days. McClaskey & Seymourare the owners, and the boat was built by Cyrus Wilson, one of our mechanicsand an old experienced boat-builder.

The hull is sixteen feet wide and eighty feet long on the bottom; eight-fivefeet long and eighteen feet wide on the main deck, with guards projectingtwo feet all around, making the boat on the main deck twenty-two feet wideand eighty-five feet long, making her four feet wider and several feet longerthan the "Aunt Sally," and, having a model bow, she looks morelike a steamboat. The hull is built of oak ribs and two inch oak plank onthe bottom and two inch pine plank for the sides. Her draught when she wentinto the water was less than four inches, while empty. After the crowd rushedon board, with ninety men, besides several boys and children not counted,her draught was six and a half inches. That number of men will weigh asmuch as her machinery; if not more, and her draught will not exceed seveninches. With fuel and all ready for a trip, fifty tons of freight will puther down one foot more, making her draught 19 inches; so that she can carryat least one thousand bushels of wheat on 20 inches. As the river at itslowest stages and on the shallowest bars or fords has never been less than18 inches to two feet of water, we feel confident that this boat can runten months of the year and carry at least one thousand bushels of wheatat a trip.

The Arkansas River, once opened for boats, will give Cowley County thebest outlet for her surplus crops that we can hope for. If this boat canmake one or two successful trips between Little Rock and Cowley County thiswinter, other boats will follow in the spring, and there will soon be aline of steamboats making regular trips up and down the long neglected Arkansas.

This enterprise, pushed on to a successful issue, farmers will be enabledto sell their wheat in Winfield and Arkansas City at Wichita prices--savingto them the cost of hauling fifty miles to an uncertain market. Cowley Countywheat once started down the river, will bring railroads to Cowley Countysooner than anything else that we can do. Now the railroads have our tradewhere they are, without building into the county to hold it, but with navigationfairly established down the Arkansas, they would have to come to the countyto secure our trade.

River navigation means to all of Southern Kansas, and especially Cowleyand Sumner counties, increased prosperity that a ready market always brings.It means cheaper rates for freight on all we have to sell, and every centsaved on price of freights goes into the pockets of the producer. It alsomeans lower prices on all we consume; in short, higher prices on all wehave to sell and lower prices on all we have to buy; thus being a two foldbenefit to all.

River navigation has several advantages over railroad lines, as all freightcan be carried for less than one-half railroad charges. It cannot be monopolizedby any company. No combination can be formed for pooling earnings, and itwill give Cowley County cheaper railroad rates, as it will be a check uponany railroads after they do come, and we shall be able to obtain betterterms from them than we could possibly hope for if we were entirely at theirmercy.

With railroads north and east and the river carrying our crops south,Cowley County will be in a fair position to advance to the front ranks andwill soon be able to offer better inducements to turn the tide of immigrationto her borders than any other county in the southwest. The time has comewhen every man in Cowley County should lay aside all personal feelings andlocal interest and put his shoulder to the wheel and give the county a shoveahead. That will secure to her these much needed facilities for years tocome.

Don't let the golden opportunity pass while we stand quarreling overlocalisms, but let us all work together for the true interest of the wholecounty.

Most respectfully, I. H. BONSALL.

Arkansas City Traveler, November 20, 1878.

Wheat for the boat can be delivered at Schiffbauer Bros. store.

Arkansas City Traveler, November 20, 1878.

The donation wheat can be delivered on the boat at the bridge Fridayand Saturday.

Arkansas City Traveler, November 20, 1878.

It is expected to move the boat below the bridge today where her machinerywill be set and she will be ready to move out.

Arkansas City Traveler, November 20, 1878.

Take your donation wheat to the boat Friday and Saturday, below the bridge.

Arkansas City Traveler, November 20, 1878.

The river surveyors under charge of Capt. McKown, have at last made theirappearance. Notwithstanding the very low stage of water, the observationsshow well for the river, and carry out the predictions of the friends ofwater navigation.

Arkansas City Traveler, November 20, 1878.

Capt. McKown with his party, spent the evening of Monday in a socialchat with our citizens. The Captain has been engaged in the survey of manywestern rivers, and is fully competent for the work assigned him. He saysthe work must be pushed in order to get the reports into this Congress.He says the river has grown much better since leaving Oxford. The Captainbelieves in the Jetty system, and is a strong believer in water transportation.He and his company departed Tuesday morning with the sincere well wishesof all our citizens.

Arkansas City Traveler, November 27, 1878.

Farmers who have subscribed wheat for the boat will please bring it forwardwithout delay as the boat is about ready. It can be delivered on the boatbelow the bridge or at Benedict's store in the city.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 4, 1878.

The boat is loading below the bridge and will leave for belownext week.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 4, 1878.

The surveying party report the latitude of Wichita 245 feet greater thanthis place.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 4, 1878.

The rise in the river has come in good time. The boat will leave forbelow with a fair load, and we hope will obtain a good price.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 11, 1878.

A complete list of the subscriptions on the boat will be published inour next issue.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 11, 1878.

Amos Walton is thinking of going down the river on the "Cherokee"when she leaves. Better remain at home, Amos, and attend to repairing thesouth end of the bridge. The people elected you trustee to look after justsuch business.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 25, 1878.

Capt. Walton and the Cherokee are at the dock south of town. Slush icecooled the Captain's ardor.

[EDITORIAL COLUMN.]

Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, January 8, 1879.

We publish in another column Walton's reply to what he terms a sarcasticlocal. We certainly have no objections to the boat making every effort toprove successful, but deny, that if a failure, it falls entirely on theowners of the boat. The public have an interest in the navigation and improvementof the river, and if the first boat that starts down with a load runs ontoa bar, without power to reverse, and push off, we think it will dampen theardor of the enterprise, and not enhance our chance for an appropriation.We would like to see the boat make a successful trip, but we would likealso to have an appropriation made to improve the river. On that appropriationbeing made, hangs the entire enterprise.

Now, if our correspondent can look beyond the single object of a smallcraft with weak power and appreciate the movement to improve hundreds ofmiles of navigation affording a market to thousands of our people and ablessing to generations, he will realize the situation. The one is a child'stoy, the other, a great measure for the benefit of a nation.

[SEYMOUR AND McCLASKEY: STEAMBOAT OWNERS.]

Arkansas City Traveler, January 8, 1879.

Editor Traveler:

SIR: I have been asked by Messrs. Seymour and McClaskey, the buildersand owners of the steamboat [CHEROKEE], now completed and ready to move,to make a short reply to a sarcastic local in your last week's issue, inwhich their work is called a failure, and to state that, in the opinionof good mechanics, the power is fully sufficient to drive the boat, andto say further, that since the matter if successful is all for the people,and if a failure, the heaviest loss will fall on them. They have a right,in justice, to ask a suspension of judgment until they have made a trial.Hoping at least for fair dealing from the paper, they remain yours, SEYMOUR& McCLASKEY,

By A. Walton.

[GOOD NEWS FROM DOWN THE RIVER: REPORT FROM "HENRY STYE."]

Arkansas City Traveler, January 15, 1879.

Mr. Henry Pruden:

DEAR SIR: I received a letter from your friend, ________ _________, writtenOct. the 12th, and have written to him twice, making him a proposal in eachletter, offering to build a boat as good or better than the Aunt Sally ata cost of one thousand dollars. I also furnished him an invoice of materialand its cost, except labor and machinery, about two hundred dollars, andas he has failed to answer, I now write to you making you a proposal.

If you and your friends can form a company and furnish the one thousanddollars, you can use your own judgment about sending a man to see that itis expended for that purpose, or you can deposit it here subject to my order,and receive receipted bills as vouchers that the money is used for thatpurpose. I believe that such a boat would pay for herself in about threetrips according to the offers made to other boats. I also propose to takecharge of her, and run her in the waters you prescribe, as cheap as anyother licensed man can, or take an interest in her.

Would be pleased to hear from you on the subject as soon as possible.

Arkansas City Traveler, January 15, 1879.

Little Rock letters inform us that several boats will leave there, loadedwith Southern supplies, and destined for this port, as soon as the riveropens and the first rise comes.

Winfield Courier, January 16, 1879.

The steamboat Cherokee still lies bound up in icy chains, unwept, unhonored,and unsung.

Arkansas City Traveler, January 22, 1879.

Post Master, Arkansas City, Ks.:

DEAR SIR: As we are desirous of opening up a trade with your country,you will greatly oblige us by handing this to the prominent merchants ofyour city. We are now paying $1.00 per bushel for No. 2 wheat. Corn is nowselling at 50 cents per bushel. Potatoes $2.00 bbl. (all jobbing prices),and lumber $10 to $15, dressed flooring $18, shingles $2.50 to $3.00 per1,000. Salt $1.50 per bbl. As there is a prospect of the Arkansas Riversoon rising, when they will start for your place, and any orders merchants(or others) forwarded us will be forwarded on the first boat, and wheattaken in exchange.

P. S. We always pay St. Louis prices for wheat, and often do better thanSt. Louis.

Arkansas City Traveler, January 22, 1879.

The ice in the Arkansas is growing rotten and we may look for a breakup in a few days, after which steamboats and flat boats will begin to maketheir way up and down the river.

Arkansas City Traveler, January 22, 1879.

Capt. Brodie, formerly of the Steamer Big Rock, writes that he has soldthe Big Rock and is building a steamboat suitable for the upper ArkansasRiver, to cost some $3,500, and would like some resident of Cowley Countyto take a third interest in the boat and to look after the business here.If any one has a thousand dollars to invest this spring, this would be asgood a chance for an investment as has been offered in this part of thecountry. Anyone thinking of making such an investment can get further particularsby inquiring of I. H. Bonsall, Arkansas City, Cowley County, Kansas.

Winfield Courier, January 23, 1879.

The thaw is causing our streams to run so that a general breakup is anticipated.The Cherokee is ready to start down and two boats ready at Little Rock tostart up as soon as there is a rise in the river.

Arkansas City Traveler, January 29, 1879.

Nathan Hughes, Esq."

DEAR SIR: Your favor of 20th at hand. We will take from 1,000 to 5,000bushels of No. 2 winter wheat delivered here at 90 cts. per bushel, andguarantee to furnish transportation at 25 c. per bushel.

Who have you with capital sufficient to handle the grain business, shippingwheat here to be paid for on arrival? Or will it be necessary for us tosend there and buy as it comes in town?

We understand two of your citizens intend bringing down 1,000 bushelswith a small steamboat. We will make the offer to encourage the pioneerenterprise.

We will pay the following prices for the wheat here on landing.

For No. 2 winter, $1.00 per bu.

For No. 3 winter, .95 per bu.

For No. 4 winter, .85 per bu.

The lot to be nearly of equal division as to grades. Will you pleaseconsult with some grain dealer and place us in communication. We can sentup a boat by February 1st, if the water remains. Respectfully, J. W. AUSTIN& CO., Rose City Mills.

Arkansas City Traveler, January 29, 1879.

There is a proposition to turn out two boat loads of flour for the steamerswhen they come up.

Arkansas City Traveler, January 29, 1879.

The quotations for lumber at this place, allowing good pay for shipment,will be $8 per thousand less than Wichita prices, when the boats arrive.

Arkansas City Traveler, January 29, 1879.

Wm. Malee, who was pilot on the St. Lawrence for nineteen years, calledat this office on Thursday last to make inquiries in reference to the boatnow about to start, and the river.

Arkansas City Traveler, January 29, 1879.

Mr. Ballou and experienced river men from the eastern part of the countywere down looking at the boat. They expect to go down in the first boatand to investigate the river thoroughly.

Arkansas City Traveler, January 29, 1879.

A letter from Dr. Leonard of the 25th says: "I think the navigationof the river is the big thing for our town and country. Many persons arebeing introduced to me. You are destined to be a city. The river will benavigated and it will make your town."

Arkansas City Traveler, January 29, 1879.

It will not be long, if the pleasant weather continues, before we shallsee several boats from Little Rock. Merchants from Winfield and other smalltowns will then come to the head of navigation for their goods, insteadof ordering from Kansas City and elsewhere.

Arkansas City Traveler, February 5, 1879.

Dr. Griffith and son have purchased a one-half interest in the steamboatCherokee.

[STEAMER "CHEROKEE"]

Arkansas City Traveler, February 5, 1879.

The owners of the steamer Cherokee have been experimenting with theirboat during the past week, preparatory to starting for Little Rock. Havingto adapt a saw mill engine, with quick motion, to a steamboat, which requiresa slow motion; and as a number of engineers had expressed a doubt aboutthe changes made working successfully, they have very wisely thought bestto give the machinery a thorough trial before starting on their trip. Theywent down the Arkansas to the mouth of the Walnut and came up the Walnutto Harmon's ford, with their boat loaded with wheat. The boat moved up tothe "cut-off" with as good speed as the Aunt Sally did empty,and the current to the "cut-off" is as strong as that of the Arkansas.She made four and part of the time at least five miles an hour, up stream.When the owners have the opportunity of getting a good steamboat engineon their boat, it will be one of the best investments in this part of thecountry, not only for its owners, but for the country at large, as it willbe able to make regular trips through the season. The Aunt Sally demonstratedthe fact that during a spring rise a boat can run from here to Little Rockwithout trouble, which was a good point gained. A doubt still exists, however,as to whether the river can be navigated at ordinary stages of water. Ifthe Cherokee can make three or four trips during ordinary stages of waterthis summer, it will do more to convince steamboat men that the river isas good above Ft. Smith as below, and it will have a good influence on Congress,helping to create an interest in favor of making an appropriation for theimprovement of the river.

Excerpts...

[EDITORIAL COLUMN: COWLEY COUNTY, KANSAS.]

Arkansas City Traveler, February 12, 1879.

The Arkansas River is navigable from this place to Little Rock threemonths in a year, and during the last two years the attention of steamboatmen and speculators has been directed to the great benefits to be derivedfrom the opening up of water transportation between the Western and SouthernStates.

During this time several trips have been made to Little Rock by flatboats loaded with flour and grain, and on the morning of the 30th of June,1878, a regular river packet of 65 tons burden arrived at this place fromLittle Rock, having made the trip with no difficulty in eleven days--a distanceof over 800 miles. Encouraged by this, and having full faith in the ultimatesuccess of the scheme, two parties have built a steamboat at this place,the dimensions of which are 90 x 20 feet, with a capacity of fifty or sixtytons, and started with 1,000 bushels of wheat for Little Rock, February5th, 1879.

Arkansas City Traveler, February 12, 1879.

Boats will leave Little Rock for this point in a few days. They willbring up groceries, shingles, and dressed lumber.

Arkansas City Traveler, February 12, 1879.

The Steamer, "Cherokee," left our landing on Tuesday, withone thousand bushels of wheat, on her trip to Little Rock.

[RYAN TRYING TO GET MONEY FOR ARKANSAS RIVER SURVEY.]

Arkansas City Traveler, February 19, 1879.

We publish in this number a letter from Hon. Thomas Ryan to M. R. Leonardon the subject of an appropriation to improve the river. We received a somewhatsimilar letter from Mr. Ryan several days ago, a synopsis of which appearsin the local column.

Hon. M. R. Leonard, Topeka, Kansas.

I am this moment in receipt of your letter of the 28th ult., signed alsoby C. R. Mitchell and Nathan Hughes. Allow me to say that it is wholly unnecessaryto introduce a bill for this purpose. The proper course is to push the subjectupon the Committee on Commerce, and get them to incorporate an appropriationinto the River and Harbor Bill. I have thus far been greatly embarrassedby the delay in the report of the survey. It is not possible to get actionuntil that report is before the Committee. At one time I was advised itwas in print, and would be out in a few days. I soon after found that wasa mistake, and that the report had not yet been received at all at the WarDepartment. I got the War Department to telegraph to St. Louis for it. Thereply came that it would be ready in two weeks. It is now time it was here,and probably will be in a day or two. I have never neglected the matterfor a moment. I have pushed it upon the committee time and again and theyare now awaiting the report preparatory to such action as the report maywarrant. I am sensible of the great importance of the project. I was theauthor of the movement and shall have more pride in prosecuting it to asuccessful termination than in any other one of my Congressional career,as I believe it will contribute more than any other one measure to developthe resources of the valley.

Arkansas City Traveler, March 12, 1879.

Twenty thousand dollars are appropriated for the improvement of the Arkansasriver above Ft. Smith.

Arkansas City Traveler, March 12, 1879.

The Senate added nearly $2,000,000 to the total of the River and Harborbill as it came from the House, making the present total about $8,000,000.

Arkansas City Traveler, March 12, 1879.

At Little Rock five days ago, the river was falling very slowly, withsix feet scant.

Arkansas City Traveler, March 19, 1879.

Read the report of the river made by a practical man and then say weare not the head of navigation. For the small sum of $100,000, just aboutthe amount Congress sometimes appropriates for a bayou, we can have a navigableriver equal to that from Fort Smith to Little Rock to carry off our surplusproduce.

Arkansas City Traveler, March 19, 1879.

On the subject of improvement of the Arkansas river, Hon. Thos. Ryanwrites as follows:

"We got $20,000 for improvement of the Arkansas betweenWichita and Ft. Smith. We would probably have got much more if the reportof the survey had arrived before the House Committee on Commerce reportedthe River and Harbor bill to the House. The report states that the riverfrom this point to Fort Smith can be made as good for navigation as it isbetween Fort Smith and Little Rock for the sum of $100,000."

Arkansas City Traveler, March 26, 1879.

From the Little Rock papers, we see that the river has fallen to a verylow stage, but the carrying trade still goes on. We see that the Aunt Sallyis billed for up the river.

Arkansas City Traveler, March 26, 1879.

The Cherokee will again start on her winding way down the river thisweek. Capt. McCloskey in charge, Will Griffith, Clerk. The boys seem determinedto prosecute this enterprise themselves without any regard to talk eitherway. While they think the river too low for a fair chance, they think withhard work they can get into better water and then work down. They deservecredit for their pluck.

Winfield Courier, March 27, 1879.

The question of utilizing the vast, though ever-changing current of water,known as the Upper Arkansas River, flowing through our State from west tosouth-east, and making it the highway to a southern market, has been a livingsubject with the enterprising agricultural people of Cowley, Sumner, Sedgwick,and those counties lying along and contiguous thereto, ever since the firstsettlement of that fertile valley in 1870. Owing to their remote distancefrom a railroad or a market, and the consequent cost of transporting thevast surplus of wheat raised in Cowley and Sumner, this matter has beenof vital interest to the people living within their borders. The subjecthas been discussed in the field and in the grange; has been the slogan ofthe country politician and the shibboleth of the farmers. It has been resolvedupon by conventions, petitioned for by representatives and memorializedby our State Legislature until Congress has taken the matter under consideration,and appointed a commission of competent engineers to personally visit, examine,and report on the feasibility of opening up the stream for navigation, fromsome point near the terminus of the Wichita branch of the Santa Fe railroadto Little Rock, Arkansas.

In view of these facts, a brief account of the local and individual effortsto solve the problem will doubtless be of interest. During the fall of 1872,A. W. Berkey and A. C. Winton, of Cowley County, built a small flatboatat Arkansas City, loaded it with flour, and started down the river, boundfor Little Rock. While they may not have had the "unexplored wildness"that lay between De Soto and the dream of his ambition or the dangers thatbeset Coronado in his march of disappointment through undiscovered Kansasto encounter, yet four hundred and fifty miles of an unknown river, guardedby a semi-barbarous people who have no particular good feeling towards afrontiersman, lay between them and civilization, presented anything buta cheerful outlook for this pioneer voyage. The trip was made, however,without adventure, and in a reasonable length of time. The produce disposedof, the navigators returned overland to Arkansas City, and reported a fairdepth of water and a lively current from the State line to Fort Gibson.

On the strength of this report, a joint stock company was immediatelyorganized, and an agent appointed to proceed at once to the Ohio River andpurchase a suitable steamer to ply between the points named. A light draughtwharf packet was procured, and a point known as Webbers' Falls, betweenLittle Rock and Fort Gibson, reached on her upward trip. Here it was foundthat her engines were of insufficient power to stem the current, so shewas taken back to Little Rock, and there sold at a loss to her owners oftwenty-five hundred dollars.

This failure temporarily dampened the ardor of even the enthusiasticcommercial path-finders, and nothing further was attempted until the summerof 1878, when Messrs. W. H. Speers and Amos Walton, two leading public spiritedcitizens of the county, equipped a "ferry-flat" with a 10 horse-powerthreshing machine engine, and by several trips up and down the river fora distance of 60 miles from Arkansas City, demonstrated beyond a doubt thata steamer could be successfully propelled on the Arkansas River at any seasonof the year. The flat was fifty feet long, sixteen feet wide, and drew teninches of water. This novel little craft visited Grouse Creek, the WalnutRiver, Salt City, the Kaw Indian Agency, Oxford, and other points alongthe river, and attracted crowds of people wherever it went. At Oxford apublic reception was tendered its officers and crew! These experimentaltrips were all made while the river was at its lowest stage, and prior tothe annual "June rise."

Soon after this and while the "ferry-flat" was still prominentlybefore the public, Mr. I. H. Bonsall, an experienced engineer and prominentcitizen of Arkansas City, corresponded with the businessmen of Little Rock,and induced them to send a boat on a trial trip to the upper country.

The little steamer, "Aunt Sally," (see engraving) a tug builtfor the deep sluggish bayous of Arkansas, and used in the local cotton tradethere, was selected and manned for the purpose. Though not designed forswift water, this crude little steamer made the complete voyage, and, incommand of Captains Lewis and Baker, with Mr. Chapman as pilot, landed safelyat Arkansas City, and was moored there, in the Walnut River, Sunday morning,June 30th, 1878. The officers reported sufficient water and a safe currentfor light draught steamers for the entire distance, and expressed themselvesof the opinion that a boat built especially for the purpose could run regularlybetween the two States every day in the year.

Soon after the "Aunt Sally" returned South, Henry and AlbertPruden and O. J. Palmer, of Salt City, Sumner County, started for LittleRock with a "ferry-flat" loaded with seven hundred bushels ofwheat. The wheat was sold at a good round figure, and the gentlemen returned,reporting a successful trip and a good stage of water.

On their return, the businessmen of Arkansas City, finding that steamboatowners in the lower country were not disposed to adventure up so far withtheir boats, resolved to build a steamer themselves, and with it make regulartrips between their city and the Indian agencies in the Territory. Afterseveral attempts to find men of experience to take the matter in charge,McCloskey Seymour secured the services of Mr. Cyrus Wilson, who began thebuilding of a boat for the purposes named.

Wednesday afternoon, November 6, 1878, the "Cherokee," thefirst steamboat ever built in Kansas, was successfully launched at ArkansasCity.

The hull of this boat is 83 feet long, 16 feet wide on the bottom, and85 feet long and 18 feet wide on the boiler deck; beam, 22 feet, with guardsextending 2 feet around a model bow. She carries two twenty-horse powerengines, and with all her machinery, draws less than eight inches of water;and, when loaded to the guards, will not draw over sixteen inches. The shallowestwater found on the bars between Arkansas City and Little Rock during thelowest stage of the river was eighteen inches. From this it will be seenthat the "Cherokee" will answer the purposes for which it wasbuilt, and be of great service in transporting the supplies from these countiesto the Indian Agencies lying south and east of Arkansas City.

With the Arkansas River opened for navigation, and a good line of boatsand barges making regular trips between the points named in this article,business of all kinds will receive a fresh impetus in Southern Kansas. Therewill be no railroad monopolies, no "pooling of earnings," andno forming of combinations to affect the interest of the producers. Thefarmers of this locality will then have a highway of their own by whichthey can exchange their surplus wheat, flour, and corn for the coal andlumber of the Lower Arkansas. The advantages of this proposed line of commerceare apparent, and need not be repeated here. The attention of Congress hasbeen called to them, and we patiently await the official report of its Commissionon the subject of navigating the Upper Arkansas River.

--[State Agricultural report.]

Arkansas City Traveler, April 2, 1879

The river is rising slowly, with 5 2 10 feet by the gauge.

The neat little steamer, "Rose City," arrived last eveningwith a fine trip. She is receiving, and will leave this evening at 5 p.m.Shippers and planters can bear it in mind. She was built for the trade,and stands No. 1. Capt. Conrad has charge, and the old veteran, James Bolandis pilot.

The steamer, "Aunt Sally," arrived, and will leave today forPerryville.

The steamer, "John D. Scully," arrived last evening with afine trip from New Orleans. She belongs to the Kountz line, and leaves thisday for New Orleans, Capt. Poe in command.

Little Rock Democrat.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 2, 1879.

The ferry boat built here for the Pawnee Agency, started from the bridgeyesterday for the Pawnee crossing, under command of Capt. H. B. Pruden.She was loaded with 12,000 lbs. of potatoes.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 2, 1879.

The little steamer Nonesuch, built at Dardanelle, has passed Van Burenon her way up the Arkansas river to Arkansas City, Kansas, 275 miles aboveFort Gibson.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 16, 1879.

Capt. H. B. Pruden landed at Pawnee Agency with a flat boat loaded withpotatoes.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 16, 1879.

A letter from Mr. H. H. Corey, of Spadra, Johnson County, Arkansas, says,"I want to know if one, or two thousand bushels of wheat could be boughtreadily at your place, also what is the depth of water at medium and lowstage. Could a neat little steamboat crawling ten inches when loaded withfifty tons do anything on the river there? We are building a boat for theupper river if there is any business for her." So they come, and oneor two successful trips will put us a line of light draught boats on theriver all the time.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 23, 1879. Editorial Page.

We publish this week J. D. McKown's report of the upper Arkansas riverto Maj. Charles R. Suter, Corps of Engineers, U. S. A. Also the endorsem*ntof the latter officer and recommendation of the work to Brig. Gen. A. A.Humphreys, Chief of Engineers, U. S. A. The same was forwarded to Hon. M.R. Leonard, by our Congressional delegation, and left with the TRAVELERfor publication. Senator Plumb writes a very interesting letter on thissubject, and will spare no pains in securing the necessary appropriationsfor this purpose.

Major: I herewith respectfully submit the following report of the examinationof the Arkansas River from the mouth of the Little Arkansas River to FortSmith.

In accordance with orders received from this office, I proceeded to Wichita,Kansas, and commenced the examination of the river at the mouth of the LittleArkansas.

The latter stream empties into the main river a short distance aboveWichita, part of the water is diverted from the natural channel to supplya mill, but again comes into the main river some two and a half miles belowthe city. The Arkansas River is very tortuous in its course, that portionfrom Wichita to Arkansas City passing through a prairie country, and hasvery little timber on the banks, a thin growth of cottonwood and willowprevailing.

The bed of the stream is very wide for the amount of water running, andis of a light sandy nature, quicksand prevailing in a large degree. In manyplaces where the current is strong, there is a thin layer of gravel overthe sand, which once broken through, shows the soft sand underneath.

As we go down the river rock becomes somewhat frequent, rock ridges oftencrossing the stream, sometimes almost amounting to rapids, and leaving butlittle room for passage of boats at low water.

I had the advantage of seeing the river at a very low stage of waterand in its worst condition. At no time during the examination was therea rise of more than six inches, and that lasted but a few days.

Miles.

From Wichita to Arkansas City 65

From Arkansas City to the State line 14

From State line to Grand River 236

From Grand River to Ft. Smith 94

TOTAL: 409 Miles

The small amount of money available rendered rapid work necessary, andhurried reconnaissance was all that could be made. On such information asI could obtain, I respectfully submit the following approximate estimateof the cost of improving the river for steamboat navigation at low-water.

The Little Arkansas River empties into the Arkansas about three quartersof a mile above the bridge at Wichita. The bed of the main stream is from600 to 800 feet wide from there to the bridge. The slope of the river fromthe mouth of the Little Arkansas to a point 1 mile below is 3.03 feet; highwater mark at Wichita from the best information obtainable is 7.45 feetabove low water, but as the landing would probably be below it, it neednot be taken into consideration.

From Wichita to El Paso, a distance of some 15 miles, the slope of theriver is about 3 feet per mile, or 45 feet for the whole distance. The bedof the river is generally wide, and to within 2 miles of El Paso needs acontinued series of dikes and dams to contract it to a proper width, whichwould be about 150 feet. This would take a dike of 600 feet every half milefor 13 miles, or 7,800 feet in all. About 2 miles above El Paso, the rivernarrows down to about the required width, with not less than 3 feet of waterin the channel. This extends for nearly 2 miles.

About one-half mile above El Paso there is a rocky reef extending acrossthe river, running out from the left, where there is a rocky bank. The expensewould be but slight to place it in good boating order: $2,500 would be sufficient.

From El Paso to Oxford the distance is 25 miles. The difference of levelbetween the two places is about 69 feet, giving a slope of 2.75 feet permile. This piece of river is a continual series of comparatively short bends,and the water being forced on the convex side of them, forms a good channelin most places. It will require about 78,000 feet of dam for this distance,or 312 feet per mile.

About one and one-fourth miles above Oxford there is a brush and rockdam which is built for the purpose of throwing in a race or ditch, whereit is used for mill power. The dam is a slight, irregular built affair,angling down stream.

The difference of the level of the water above and below it at the leftbank is 1.37 feet. The right bank here is about 40 feet high and of talcoseslate.

At Oxford there is a pontoon bridge. A roadway built to it is made ofrock, brush, and prairie hay, the latter predominating, and seems to makean excellent dike, closing the river in to about 150 feet, and making agood channel along the bluff for about a half mile.

Some 4 miles above Oxford the Ne-Ne Scah [Ninnescah] Creek empties intothe river, adding something to the volume of water.

Brush for mattresses is quite scarce on the river from Wichita to thisplace; but there is but little doubt that the tall, rank prairie grass,which is indigenous to this region, and grows in great abundance, couldbe used to advantage in the work by mixing it in with the brush, and inall probability would be economical.

About three-fourths of a mile below Oxford the river widens out and isfull of bars. At five miles from Oxford, the banks on the right are highand contain considerable loose slate. The river bottom is of rock, but thereis a fair depth of water: from 2½ to 6 feet. About fourteen milesabove Arkansas City, the banks on the left are about 30 feet high, of sandand clay, underlaid with loose rock.

The slope of the river from Oxford to Arkansas City, a distance of 25miles, is 65 feet, or 2.6 feet per mile. There will be necessary for thispiece of river about 16,500 feet of dike and dam: 660 feet per mile. Theapproximate amount of water in the river at Arkansas City is 575 cubic feetper second. At this place there is a wagon-bridge about 600 in length, withthe lower chord 20 feet above low-water. A draw would be necessary to allowthe passage of boats. In the present state it is an obstruction to navigation.

From Arkansas City to Kaw Agency, the distance is 44 miles. The fallof the river between these points is 110 feet, or 2.5 feet per mile.

It will take about 16,500 feet of work to improve this part of the river,or 375 feet per mile.

The river banks are becoming better timbered, and the river improving.Walnut river empties about six miles below Arkansas City and adds a fairamount to the volume of water in the river.

Below the Walnut the river changes somewhat in character. The banks andbluffs are higher and more rocky, the bed of the river more narrow, andtimber more plentiful. Oak, hickory, pecan, walnut, blackberry, and manyother varieties are common. Cottonwood, of course, is always to be foundon the banks and low grounds. Below and near the State line, and a few milesfarther down, about the mouth of Chaloca [Chilocco] Creek, a quantity ofloose rock, apparently piled up during freshets, shows itself in the river.Some of this rock should be removed and a dam thrown in to concentrate thewater. About $3,000 would do it.

On this piece of river, from Kaw Agency to Salt Creek, the distance is62 miles. The slope of the river is 136 feet, or about 2.3 feet per mile.It will take about 28,000 feet of dam to improve it, or 451 feet per mile.On this part of the river snags are becoming more plentiful. Between KawAgency and Salt Creek the Salt Fork empties; it throws in considerable water.

From Salt Creek to Black Bear Creek, a distance of 15 miles, the riveris wide and bad, and will take about 14,000 feet of dam to improve it, or933 feet per mile. The slope is about 2.2 feet per mile, or 33 feet forthe distance of 15 miles. Black Bear Creek comes in on the right, and addssomething to the amount of water in the river, even when very low.

From Black Bear Creek to Cimarron River, the distance is 62 miles. Thebed of the river is very wide and sandy, sometimes getting as wide as 2,000feet. It will take some 20,500 feet of dam to improve this part of the river,or 500 feet per mile. The slope of the river is about 1.8 feet per mile,or 112 feet for the distance of 62 miles.

The Cimarron or Red Fork of the Arkansas comes in on the right, and contributesa considerable amount of water to the main river. Its deep red tinge isin strong contrast with the muddy water of the Arkansas, and the watersrunning side by side some distance before mingling have a marked and uniqueappearance.

From the Cimarron to the mouth of Grand River the distance is 87 miles.The slope of the river in this distance is about 152 feet, or 1.75 per mile.It will take about 38,000 feet of dam to improve this portion of the river,or 437 feet per mile.

About 3 miles above the mouth of Grand River is the bridge of the Missouri,Kansas and Texas Railroad. The length is 800 feet; there are four spansof 200 feet each, and the lower chord is 34 above low-water. The bridgeis a strong and handsome structure, built of wood and iron. It has no draw,and may be considered an obstruction.

About one-fourth of a mile above, the mouth of the Verdigris emptiesand makes quite an addition to the volume of water. The Grand River dischargesstill more than the Verdigris, and together they make a very perceptibledifference in the main stream.

Below the mouth of the Grand, the river changes very much in its character.The bed of the river is not so wide, the channel much better, and the barsand banks contain more gravel.

From the mouth of Grand River to Greenleaf's Creek, about 28 miles, generallygood; 5,000 feet of dam will suffice for this distance, but it is almostimpassable in places on account of snags, which in some locations almostfill the water-way.

At Greenleaf's Creek the river was closed with ice, and the examinationhad to be abandoned. But as Mr. Albert had made a survey of that part ofthe river in 1879, his report will give information concerning it. The distancefrom Grand River to Fort Smith is 94 miles, and I should think that $150,000would be sufficient as most all of the work would be in shallow water.

Locality. Distance, miles.

Wichita to El Paso: 15

El Paso to Oxford: 25

Oxford to Arkansas City: 25

Arkansas City to Kaw Agency: 44

Kaw Agency to Salt Creek: 62.5

Salt Creek to Black Bear Creek: 15

Black Bear Creek to Cimarron River: 41.5

Cimarron River to Grand River: 87

Grand River to Fort Smith: 94

Total: 409 miles.

Locality. Linear Feet of dam.

Wichita to El Paso: 7,200

El Paso to Oxford: 7,800

Oxford to Arkansas City: 17,000

Arkansas City to Kaw Agency: 16,500

Kaw Agency to Salt Creek: 28,000

Salt Creek to Black Bear Creek: 14,000

Black Bear Creek to Cimarron River: 20,500

Cimarron River to Grand River: 38,000

Grand River to Fort Smith:

Total: 149,000 linear feet of dam.

Locality.

El Paso to Oxford: $3,000 Cost of rock excavation.

Arkansas City to Kaw Agency: $3,000 Cost of rock excavation.

Total: $6,000 Cost of rock excavation.

Locality. Cost.

Wichita to El Paso: $32,400

El Paso to Oxford: $38,600

Oxford to Arkansas City: $76,500

Arkansas City to Kaw Agency: $77,250

Kaw Agency to Salt Creek: $126,000

Salt Creek to Black Bear Creek: $63,000

Black Bear Creek to Cimarron River: $92,250

Cimarron River to Grand River: $174,000

Grand River to Fort Smith: $150,000

Total: $826,500

Add for contingencies and Engineer expenses: $73,500

The Arkansas River passes through the Indian Territory, from the southernboundary line of the State of Kansas, to Fort Smith, Arkansas, a distanceof about 330 miles by river. Little trade could be expected from the Territoryexcept in the Cherokee Nation, between Fort Smith and the Grand River, whereperhaps some business might be done.

That portion of the country tributary to the river in Kansas, from Wichitato the State line, is rich, fertile, and well cultivated, and would derivegreat benefit from the opening of the river to navigation. Very Respectfully,J. D. McKOWN, Assistant Engineer.

Maj. CHAS. R. SUTTER, Corps of Engineers, U. S. A.

In accordance with your instructions of July 8th, 1878, I have causeda reconnaissance to be made by Mr. J. D. McKown, assistant engineer, ofthe Arkansas River from the mouth of Little Arkansas to Fort Smith, anda copy of his report thereon is herewith submitted.

Except in the upper portion before mentioned, the navigable low-waterdepth is about the same as that of the Arkansas River between Little Rockand Fort Smith, and it would of course be useless to attempt to get a greaterdepth until the balance of the stream was correspondingly improved.

The estimates presented by Assistant McKown are for removing snags androcks and so contracting the width of the stream as to give at low-watera depth of about 2 feet, but this estimate is only a rough approximationat the best, and no work on this scale should be undertaken, even if deemedadvisable, until a thorough survey of the stream has been made, the costof which is estimated at $16,360.

I am, however, of the opinion that by removing the snags and constructingslight dams at some of the worst shoals the navigation would be so muchimproved as to render it as good as that between Little Rock and Fort Smith,and this would seem to be all that is worth doing until the general improvementof the river is undertaken. The cost of this work would be about $100,000,which could be expended in one season.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Brig. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS, Chief of Engineers, U. S. A.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 23, 1879.

Ed. TRAVELER:

The Steamer Dardanelle landed at this place today on her first trip upthe Arkansas. She is a small boat, built especially for the upper Arkansastrade: draws eight inches of water empty. The steamer belongs to CottonBros. & Co., Dardanelle, Arkansas, who are engaged in running a largeflouring mill at that place. One of the firm is Captain on the boat, andmeans to load her down with wheat to supply his mill. Yours truly, T. E.BERRY.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 30, 1879.

The Arkansas river got its back up last week and is now on a gush. Lookfor boats up any day.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 30, 1879.

A Government ferryboat will soon be placed on the Salt Fork at the PoncaAgency.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 7, 1879.

The Steamer "None Such," the first boat of the season fromthe Lower Arkansas, reached this port of entry last Wednesday evening. Sheis a light draft boat, drawing but eight inches, with side wheels, and designedexclusively for the upriver trade. Capt. Cotton tells us that he met therise in the river about sixty miles below here, though he feels confidentthat he could easily have made this port with his trim little steamer, atlow water mark.

He passed the Steamer "Cherokee" on her way down, near thePawnee Landing. The steamer will remain here for two or three days whenshe will load with one thousand sacks of wheat and return to the lower country.

The "Fletcher," the "Big Rock," and the "WaterWitch," are all billed for this port on the mountain rise, and willbring up shingles, lumber, etc., and return with wheat to supply the Dardanelleand Little Rock market.

This is an enterprise that will develop our country, and the beautifulpart of the scheme is that Congress is disposed to give us the requisiteaid to improve the navigation of the Arkansas without bonds or pledges.As No. 2 wheat is always worth one dollar at Little Rock, farmers can sowa broad acreage this fall, feeling reasonably certain that our home marketwill, in the future, reward their industry.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 14, 1879.

Look out for the boat, John G. Fletcher, which will be up the last ofthe week. Read the notice of her departure in another column.

[EDITORIAL PAGE: ARTICLE RE STEAMER JOHN G. FLETCHER.]

Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, May 14, 1879.

The river is on a stand with 9 feet and 7 ft., 10 inches, by the UnitedStates gauge, but from reports above there have been very heavy rains, sowe can look for a big river, and planters can take it in time.

The steamer "John G. Fletcher" left the levee this morningand went up to the Cairo and Fulton railroad landing for 50,000 feet oflumber for Arkansas City, Kansas. She also will take other freight and passengers.It will be a pleasant trip. So passengers going to Colorado or Leadvillewill find it to their advantage to consult Capt. Hennegin. He also takesfreight for Dardanelle, Webb City, Fort Smith, and Fort Gibson, leavingon Thursday at 5 p.m. It will take two weeks to make the round trip, thedistance being 850 miles from Little Rock. Capt. Hennegin will have thepleasure of taking the first boat through of her size, for which he deservesgreat credit. Democrat.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 14, 1879.

Keep it before the people that the Cowley, Sumner & Fort Smith R.R. will reach here the coming fall. The appropriation for the Arkansas riverwill be used in improving navigation this season, and hence, two highwaysto market will be secured. Now is the time to make investments of capitalin this city, and those who take advantage of these circ*mstances will becomethe fortunate ones.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 28, 1879

The steamer, Cherokee, was at Ft. Smith on the 19th. She willthere discharge her cargo and return up the river immediately.

[THE STEAMER "CHEROKEE."]

Arkansas City Traveler, May 28, 1879.

The little steamer Cherokee made its appearance at our wharfon Monday last from Arkansas City, Kansas, 444 miles above this place byU. S. measurement, Captain McClaskey in command with a crew of eleven men.The Cherokee brought 800 bushels of fine wheat and reports the river low,yet navigable for small boats. She met the John G. Fletcher above Webber'sfalls, discharging her lumber and preparing to return. Had the Fletcherstarted a week sooner, she would have reached Arkansas City without troubleand sold her lumber at a fair profit and could have brought 20,000 bushelsof wheat down on the June rise. Good wheat is worth from 50 to 60 centsat Arkansas City, and here about $1.00. The wheat brought here is of a superiorquality. Arkansas City is in Cowley County, Kansas, and has about 800 inhabitants.Winfield, the county seat, has about 2,000; population of the county isabout 18,000. There are four papers in the county, three Republican andone Democratic, the reverse of this county, which has three Democratic papersto one Republican. This in a great measure is an index of the kind of peoplethere, and accounts for the rapid development of that region, which wasa wild country but half a dozen years ago.

Ft. Smith New Era.

[STATE NEWS.]

Winfield Courier, May 29, 1879.

Five steamboats are plying between Dardanelle and Arkansas City.

[REPORT FROM AMOS WALTON RE THE "CHEROKEE" STEAMSHIP.]

Arkansas City Traveler, June 11, 1879. Editorial Page.

EDITOR TRAVELER:

Supposing a desire on the part of the friends of the Cherokee to hearsomething in regard to the trip and our experience on the river, I proposeto write in brief, until I can give them a more thorough knowledge of thefacts developed by our experience.

We left Salt Fork, or Ponca Agency, at which place I joined the crew,on the 26th of April, at half past one o'clock, and landed in the mouthof Poteau at half past five o'clock on the morning of the 19th of May: ouractual time, about 21-1/2 days. We laid up whole days, without moving, accordingto my diary, 8, and detained two days, one upon snags, where we had a goodchannel but accidentally struck our bow upon one and drifted upon more;and one whole day at the mouth of Verdigris, by missing channel--making10 days without running. I estimate, also, three days lost for lack of appliancesand some experience in the river, and think now, that if we had the sametrip to make again, we could make it in about eight days. Although the riverwas low, our soundings generally run over two feet. Some of the worst riverwas for about 15 miles below Bear creek, where it spread out very wide,with numerous channels. I think our worst bar was at the mouth of Cimarron,where the water spread evenly over the whole river--a smooth, solid bar,but sounding two feet. Taken altogether, we are satisfied that the rivercan be utilized as a means of transportation to our city and our producingcommunity.

As you advance down the river, the timber grows better and extends fartheraway from the river--the Cedar begins to make its appearance on the bluffs,and we begin to see something that looks like coal formation, cropping outfrom the banks.

About 12 miles above Childer's ferry, on Old House creek; 3 miles fromthe river, is a four foot vein of splendid coal. This is on the left bankof the river. Further down, on the right, and just above Childer's ferry,is a vein of the same depth, which has been worked. Either can be workedwithout any difficulty.

Below this, again, on the farm of Napoleon Moore, we dug, from the bankby the boat, some very fine coal, which we used in the forge and furnace.These first outcroppings our smith called good coal. We have specimens andintend to take a ton or two back with us.

As we go on down, we find the river growing better in the length of theruns without crossing--sometimes narrow and deep for six or eight miles,with high banks on either side, and sometimes breaking away from the riverin a gently ascending slope covered with grass and thinly scattered oaks.The scenery alone is worth the trouble and hardships incident to a tripdown the river.

We have been kindly received and well treated by the people of Fort Smith,and part of them are fully alive to the importance of working up a rivertrade, while some seem to have grown rich here and feel that the countryis far enough advanced for all their purposes. The town is a small one inpopulation, considering the amount of territory covered. Many of the premisestake in two acres of ground, and you can walk around among these countryhomes for hours, finding splendid old oaks for shade trees--cedars, flowers,and blue grass for adornment. When you first see the town, you see onlythe main street, and expect a town of about 1500 inhabitants, but afteryou have traveled for hours around in the suburbs you conclude they havewhat they claim, about 6,000. They have four newspapers--three Democraticand one Republican; seven churches; one fine furniture and chair factory,splendidly furnished with machinery, and anxious to work up a trade withus. They have a great many business houses and no specialties; they keepeverything under the same roof that people want or call for. Their busytime is after cotton picking commences.

We sold the wheat to Dr. Wall, who has a very fine mill about one mileout of town with all the latest improvements and capable of grinding 300bushels a day.

I have been treated very kindly by the gentlemen of the press here, whoare, as they always are, everywhere, keenly alive to the importance of openingtrade with our country, and they promise hearty cooperation with us in ourattempts to improve and navigate the river.

There have been two courts in session here--State and United States--andI have had a chance to see that summary dispensation of justice we readof in the U. S. Courts. I have seen a jury take only three-quarters of anhour to condemn a man to death, that I, although hearing all the evidence,arguments of counsel, and charge of the Judge, would not have condemnedat all--only a slight difference of opinion; one calls it justice, anothersays it is judicial murder.

To conclude, I have written this hasty letter to give you some idea,for the present, of what we have seen and done. I will say in regard topine lumber, wagon stuff, furniture in the rough, coal or fuel of otherkinds, we can make an exchange that would be of almost incalculable benefitto our country, and there is a market along the river for all our wheat,corn, and potatoes; and I am now satisfied that they can be successfullytransported by the river.

I start up the river tomorrow. Yours, A. W.

Arkansas City Traveler, June 18, 1879.

Capt. Walton, of the steamer Cherokee, hove into this port of entry lastMonday morning. He reports leaving the boat at Ft. Gibson on the 10th, andgives it as his opinion that she will reach here in a few days. The steamerhas on board pine lumber, shingles, and wagon stuff.

Excerpts...

Arkansas City Traveler, June 18, 1879.

The Citizens of Arkansas City have made arrangements to give the peopleof Southern Kansas a grand entertainment at a grove on the banks of theWalnut near town, with the following attractions.

We are expecting the Steamer Cherokee from below, and if the river isin good beating stage, will give Excursions down the river through the day,with accommodations for everybody.

Arkansas City Traveler, June 25, 1879.

Agent Whiteman says the Indians report that the "Steamer Cherokee"has passed on her way up the river. We now look for her certain on the 4th.

Winfield Courier, September 25, 1879.

Go to the foundry and see the new steamboat.

Winfield Courier, September 25, 1879.

Some gentleman from the north part of the state is building a small steamboatfor the Walnut, which he intends to run between here and Arkansas City whenthe water isn't too low. He proposes lifting the boat over the dams witha windlass. The hull is already built, and is thirty feet long and six feetbeam. It will be a "side-wheeler," and will be propelled by aPaine engine of three horsepower. We hope he will succeed with his enterprise,and are quite certain that he will find enough pleasure-seekers to makeit a paying investment.

Arkansas City Traveler, October 1, 1879.

The Arkansas river at Pine Bluff, Arkansas, is but twelve inches in thechannel, and three steamboats are aground.

Arkansas City Traveler, November 12, 1879.

We have a communication from a party claiming to be an old steamboatman who says he wants to build a large boat for the Arkansas river for thepurpose of towing flats.

[THE NEW STEAMER.]

Winfield Courier, December 11, 1879.

Last Saturday we took a trial trip on the miniature steamboat, the "Necedah,"of which we have spoken before as being built by Mr. E. R. Appleby for theWalnut at this place. The boat is a perfect little beauty, is 31 feet long,and 7 feet wide, will carry 40 persons, and is propelled by a "Corney"engine, three-horse power, built especially for this boat. We steamed upthe river over five miles, made several stoppages, and returned in lessthan two hours. The boat was as smooth as a Mississippi river steamer, andcan be propelled at the rate of 8 miles an hour. It is the intention ofthe builder to run it as a pleasure boat, and no person could pass an hourmore pleasantly than by taking a ride up the river on the little "Necedah."

Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, December 17, 1879.

Navigation on the Arkansas has closed for the season on account of theice.

Winfield Courier, January 22, 1880.

Suss, Seward, Troup, and several others went up the river last Sundayon the little steamboat. When about two miles up, they spied a lame duckwith a broken wing, and immediately started in pursuit. The duck provedto be a good swimmer, and for over an hour the contest for possession onone hand and life and liberty on the other, was waged with unequaled fierceness.But the duck was captured, and that evening seven tired but brave soulswere tucked away in seven little beds, with a duck feather ornamenting eachheadboard as a trophy of this glorious victory. They now think of joiningthe militia.

Excerpts...

[COMMENTS: ARKANSAS VALLEY PRESS ASSN. MEETING.]

Winfield Courier, April 29, 1880.

Another report: "After a pleasant ride across to Winfield throughas beautiful country as there is to be found in Kansas, we landed in thebright, enterprising, and handsome county town of Cowley. Omnibuses andcarriages were in attendance, and all the editors and their friends weresoon most hospitably cared for. The programme of the citizens' committeeprovided a theatrical entertainment for those who arrived on Friday. Carriagedrives, boat rides on the small steamer any hour on Saturday, and afterthe adjournment of the editorial convention, a ball at Manning's splendidopera house followed by a banquet."

Another report: "We were greeted as the guests of the city, sumptuouslyentertained, 'busses and carriages were at the disposal of the editors,and the beautiful city was shown to best advantage, a little steamboat constantlyplayed up and down the Walnut to give the editors what Kansas people seldomenjoy, a steamboat ride--there is fourteen miles of still-water navigationin the Walnut at that place--bands played, and the 'crack' military companyof the State turned out for dress parade, while flags and banner streamedfrom housetops."

Another report: "The editors were met at the depot, placed in carriages,and escorted to the town by the Winfield Guards, who made a handsome appearancein their light uniforms. Winfield with its handsome buildings, and fourteenmiles of stone sidewalk, was a wonder to all who never saw the place before.The editors paid a visit to the quarries where the wonderful Cowley Countystone comes from. Among others they visited the quarry of Babco*ck, Sarjeantand Smith, and saw the stone which is going to go into the new Governmentbuilding at Topeka. The stone is what is known as the magnesian lime stone,but is of much finer texture than either the Junction City or Cottonwood.The editors visited the Winfield foundry by special invitation to witnessthe casting of a fourteen foot column; they also were taken on an excursionseven miles up the Walnut in a beautiful side wheel steamer, which was gailydecorated for the occasion."

"At four o'clock the editors, their ladies, and the invited guests,were taken about the city in carriages, and then to the wharf on the Walnut,where was tied up the steamer Necedah, a small steamboat, 31 feet long,built to run on the Walnut. For several hours the little craft was keptbusy steaming up and down the river, giving the editors and their ladiesan opportunity to try a life on the ocean wave. The Necedah carries twentypassengers and navigates the river fourteen miles above the city."

Winfield Courier, April 29, 1880.

There is talk of getting up a boating club here. The Walnut offers fineopportunity for boating, and it is a pleasant as well as a healthful exercise.

Winfield Courier, May 6, 1880.

Will leave her landing at Bliss' mill, on Saturdays, at 2 and 4 o'clockp.m. on a trip up the Walnut, 5 miles and return, to accommodate any andall who may wish to take a boat ride on a live steamer. On Sundays willgo out every 2 hours. Parties wishing the services of the boat on otherdays during the week, for picnics, etc., should leave orders on slate incabinet shop in old ten pin alley.

Also all kinds and styles of boats neatly built to order. E. R. APPLEBY.

Winfield Courier, May 6, 1880.

A mania for boating has taken hold of the young men here. Several "clipper-built"skiffs are now on the river, and two others are in the "dry dock"and will be launched with due ceremony in a few days.

Winfield Courier, May 6, 1880.

Winfield is the prettiest town, has the finest sidewalks, most commodiousbusiness blocks, convenient opera house, best building stone, liveliestnewspapers, spiciest local writers, neatest morning daily, most hospitablepeople, best regulated post-office, artillery company, public schools, steamboatlanding, and has the handsomest women of any town in the state. At leastthat is the way we heard it when there last week. Clay County Dispatch

Take care, Wirt, you're getting back to your "old tricks" again.

[ARTICLE FROM WICHITA EAGLE RE NAVIGABLE ARKANSAS RIVER.]

Arkansas City Traveler, May 12, 1880. Front Page.

Nixon, not satisfied with the report and verdict of the engineer designatedby the government to make a survey of the Arkansas River, or at least notsatisfied that Congress and its members would approve the practicabilityof the scheme, in addition and accompanying the petitions forwarded by him,obtained and forwarded the affidavits of two men who had made experiments.

Mr. O. E. Kimball, of Oxford, who has lived on the bank of the rivernine years, swears that in 1871 he constructed and for some time thereafterran a ferry boat at that point. The river at this point is about 500 feetwide and the channel was ever changing and cutting out deep holes.

In 1877, for the purpose of a pontoon bridge, John Murphy constructeda jetty about half way across the river of hay, trash, and small stone.The result was in a very short time a deep channel, with even smoothly flowingcurrent, cleaning out all the bars, and for a long distance, both aboveand below the jetty, deep enough for ordinary navigation.

The next affidavit is made by Amos Walton, now editor of the ArkansasCity Democrat, who swears that he has had experience in running a ferryboat on the Arkansas river by steam, and has also experience in contractingthe channel by the same, by the use of a brush jetty. He threw three channelsinto one of about 200 feet wide. The channel and jetty are still extantand as good as when examined by McKown. Walton swears that he ran a lightdraught steamer one trip down to the mouth of Grouse creek, one trip downto the Kaw Indian agency, and another trip to Ft. Smith and as far backas the Ft. Gibson bridge. He swears that wherever the river was confinedby obstructions, he found a good clear channel and that he agrees with thereport made by the U. S. engineer corps.

Now what have the incredulous to say? Wichita Eagle.

Excerpt...

[HON. THOMAS RYAN, OF TOPEKA.]

Winfield Courier, May 20, 1880. Front Page.

He succeeded in enlisting Congress in inaugurating a survey of the Arkansasriver to the line of his State, with a view to its improvement for the purposeof navigation. Last year Congress appropriated $20,000 for the improvementof that river from Ft. Smith to Wichita, and will this session appropriatea like sum. If the stream can be made navigable for one half of the year,it will be of incalculable advantage to the State of Kansas.

Arkansas City Traveler, October 13, 1880.

Capt. Curtis, in charge of a U. S. surveying party, passed through townlast week. He is making another survey of the Arkansas River, in view ofits improvement so as to be capable of navigation.

Arkansas City Traveler, November 17, 1880.

We understand that Mr. L. C. Wood, formerly of this city but now of Wichita,has secured from the Government the contract for removing snags from theArkansas river between Wichita and Fort Gibson. He is building a boat atWichita, and expects to be in Arkansas City about the first or second weekin December. If our friend can crown his labors with success, we may lookfor a revival of the navigation scheme.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 8, 1880.

The Arkansas river crafts, to which the Beacon so sneeringlyrefers, are now about ready for business--will be finished tomorrow.

The main working boat, which is of the flatboat pattern, is 14 x 45,bottomed with two-inch plank, and heavily braced and floored. Upon it willbe placed the derricks, ropes, tackle, anchors, and machinery for takingup snags, stumps, trees, and other obstructions from the river--the workto begin here at once.

The other boat is a small, covered one, intended for private use, storingtools, living in, and keeping such things safe and dry as it is not bestor practicable to leave exposed. This "vessel" is only 7 x 23,and it is solidly, as well as neatly, built.

There can be no mistaking it, there is wisdom in the movement, whetherit is a pet hobby of Hon. Thomas Ryan or any other person. The river shouldbe kept clean, whether it can be made navigable or not. But we believe itcan be made so; and most effectually, for light draught vessels.

When that is accomplished, look out for a rise in wheat and other products,the same as they have at Fort Smith, or approximating thereto. Wheat thereis now quoted at one dollar; corn, 56 and 70, and other things in proportion.Let the clearing go on. Wichita Republican.

Arkansas City Traveler, January 5, 1881.

Capt. Curtis, in command of the party for opening up the Arkansas River,is constructing a boat on the Walnut (near Pat Endicott's place), the samebeing 18 feet beam by 70 long, to be used as a commissary by the command.The boat will be covered with canvas, and will add greatly to the comfortof those engaged in the undertaking.

Arkansas City Traveler, January 5, 1881.

In pursuance of a previous notice, a meeting of the citizens of Ft. Smithwas held at the court room in Fort Smith on Saturday evening, December 18,1880.

On motion Capt. A. H. Reynolds was called to the chair and C. M. Barnesappointed secretary. The chairman stated the object of the meeting, whichwas to cooperate with the citizens of Kansas in improving the navigationof the Arkansas River.

Mayor Brizzolari submitted the following preamble and resolutions, whichwere adopted.

WHEREAS, It is of vital importance to the development of our trade andcommerce that the free and uninterrupted navigation of the Arkansas Rivershould be secured to us by Congress, by proper legislation, from Wichita,Kansas, to the city of Little Rock, thereby affording us river navigationto the Mississippi, and with the view of securing this object--be it

Resolved, That this meeting shall be known and designated asthe Arkansas River Navigation Association; and be it further

Resolved, That the chairman appoint an executive committee offive persons, which executive committee shall be known as the executivecommittee of the Arkansas River Navigation Association of Fort Smith.

It shall be the duty of said executive committee to draft suitable memorialsto Congress to further and promote the free navigation of the Arkansas Riverby improvements in the channel.

The aforesaid committee shall act in concert and place themselves incommunication with all associations, meetings, companies, and organizationshaving the same object in view. The said committee shall take steps to induceall other cities, towns, and counties lying on the Arkansas river to joinus in our efforts.

They shall have power to appoint such committees to aid them in theirlabors, and said committee is fully empowered to take any needful stepsto secure and further the objects and purpose of the Association.

The following gentlemen were appointed as such executive committee: Hon.I. C. Parker, Hon. Wm. M. Fishback, Hon. James Brizzolari, Hon. B. T. DuVal,Col. Thomas Marcum. On motion it was resolved that Capt. A. H. Reynoldsshould be added to the said committee.

It was further resolved that the Ft. Smith newspapers and other papersfavorable be requested to publish the proceedings of this meeting, when,on motion, the meeting adjourned to meet again at the call of the executivecommittee.

C. M. BARNES, Secretary. Fort Smith Elevator.

Arkansas City Traveler, January 5, 1881.

A meeting of the representative men of Kansas, Arkansas, and the IndianTerritory will be held at Wichita today for the purpose of talking up andadvocating measures looking to the opening of the Arkansas River for navigation.This is one of the most important questions for the above mentioned Statesnow on the tapis, and a successful result would give them marketfacilities second to none in the United States.

Winfield Courier, January 6, 1881.

The Arkansas City Democrat says:

Capts. Wood and Smith are building a large boat on the Walnut, to beused in snagging out the Arkansas.

Arkansas City Traveler, January 19, 1881.

The Kansas City Journal says the Arkansas River is frozen overas far south as Little Rock, and navigation to Wichita is closed.

Winfield Courier, January 20, 1881.

The Arkansas river is a navigable stream, or so reported, and a partyof United States employees are now clearing it of snags and obstructionsas far north as Wichita, and the Oxford people are trembling for their pontoonbridge and the water power mill of Bates & Thompson. The latter enterprisealone is worth more than all the navigation of that stream will be in thewhole state of Kansas.

Arkansas City Traveler, March 9, 1881.

F. M. Vaughn recently took a load of corn from this city to Pawnee Agency;and in crossing the Salt Fork on the ferry boat, the load proved too heavyfor the boat, causing it to sink. Luckily they had passed the deeper channel,and hitching his mules to the boat, Mr. Vaughn pulled boat, wagon, corn,and men safely to shore. F. M. Vaughn says ferry boats are handy thingsto have.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 20, 1881.

This, from the Ft. Smith Independent, explains itself.

We have two little steamers now running from Ft. Smith to points abovein the Indian Territory. This line has a lively and increasing trade betweenFort Smith and the upper lands in merchandise, lumber, corn, hides, cottonseed, baled cotton and hay, and from twelve to twenty passengers each trip.

Commodore Huff has recently placed on the line a new boat--the "FortSmith"--de-signed to run in the trade between Fort Smith and ArkansasCity, Kansas.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 4, 1881.

A Dr. C. F. Adams, who is navigating the Arkansas river under the auspicesof Gov. St. John, arrived in Wichita last week. He left Pawnee Forks, threehundred miles west of Wichita, two weeks since. He says at the present lowstage of water, there are several stretches of from three to four milesof water from four to ten feet deep. The Doctor's objective point is LittleRock, and what he will find further down we cannot say, but so far, he says,the river is navigable without a great outlay of money, and he will reportto headquarters to that effect.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 11, 1881.

Dr. C. F. Adams, whom we mentioned last week as making an investigationof the Arkansas river, with a view to its navigation, arrived in town lastThursday, and of course reported at the TRAVELER office. He is travelingalone in a small boat, 4 feet beam and 14 feet in length, and expects toarrive at Ft. Smith in about two weeks. The trip from Oxford to this citywas made in a little over half a day, and the Dr. is firmly convinced ofthe navigability of this stream by properly constructed boats. Among otherinteresting matters, Dr. Adams stated that he found coal at various pointsalong his route, and called especial attention to a vein near the mouthof Slate creek, which he estimated at 12 feet thick and but forty feet belowthe surface, which he traced for a mile and a half along the river. Shouldthis fact be verified, it will be the means of solving the much vexed fuelquestion for this region. That coal underlies the greater portion of theState seems to be pretty generally believed, the only question being asto whether it exists at a depth which will render the working of the veinspracticable.

[REPORT FROM "IKE" - ARKANSAS CITY.]

Winfield Courier, May 19, 1881.

The boys in charge of the snag boat say their captain will be up fromFort Smith by the first of next month with a steam snagger, ready for cleaningthe Arkansas of snags. IKE.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 25, 1881.

We have seen some letters from Capt. Curtis, of the U. S. Eng. corpsin charge of the improvement of the Arkansas, written to L. C. Wood, Esq.Mr. Curtis has been at Little Rock, Arkansas, for several months superintendingthe building of the river steamboat to come up the river to Arkansas City.The boat is of the size of those used on the lower river, will have thelatest improved machinery, and of draught light enough to run up to ArkansasCity at any season of the year. Capt. Curtis expects to have his boat completedby the latter part of June, and run up to Arkansas City by the 10th of July.Wichita Republican.

Excerpt...

Winfield Courier, June 9, 1881 - Front Page

The river here affords splendid opportunities for boating, and a steampleasure boat is to be put upon the waters soon, in addition to which willbe several small boats, which will be let out to parties for a reasonableconsideration.

[SNAG BOAT "WICHITA" - ARKANSAS RIVER SERVICE.]

Arkansas City Traveler, August 31, 1881.

From a Little Rock paper we clip the following description of the governmentsnag boat "Wichita," which was built for service in the ArkansasRiver above Fort Smith and named as a compliment to one of the flourishingtowns of Kansas. The trial trip took place August 1st, and any day we maylook for the "Wichita's" appearance on our waters.

"The boat was built by Capt. Joe Evins, of Dardanelle, under thesupervision of Capt. T. H. Handbury, corps of engineers, United States army,government engineer of this district. All the wood, with the exception ofthe cabin, built by J. Lawrence, of St. Louis, was obtained in this city.William Farrell, of the Wrightsville mill, furnishing the excellent lumberused in the hull. The boat is 125 feet in length, with a 26 foot beam and3 feet hold. When completed she will draw sixteen inches. She has two steelboilers, each 36 inches in diameter and 16 feet in length. They have fourflues each. There are double engines, cylinders 8-1/2 inches in diameter,with a stroke of 36 inches. She is supplied with a first-class stand capstan,and a crane to pull sixty tons. She will have accommodations for officersand crew to the number of thirty, and no efforts will be spared to makeher one of the best crafts dedicated to the stump pulling service of UncleSam."

[SNAG BOAT ON THE WAY: "WICHITA."]

Arkansas City Traveler, October 5, 1881.

From a letter to the Schiffbauer Bros., of our city, from Capt. Thos.H. Handbury, of the corps of engineers, now stationed at Little Rock, Arkansas,under date of September 23rd, we clip the following.

"In the course of a few days, now, the new snag boat, 'Wichita,'which has been built for service in the Arkansas River, between Fort Smith,Arkansas, and Wichita, Kansas, will set out from this place for her fieldof duty. In due time it is hoped that she will reach your city and openup a channel of commerce which will greatly benefit the merchants and farmersof your vicinity, as well as those on the river below."

The boat is under the command of Captain Joseph Evins, who will,upon his arrival here, take charge of the flat boats and other Governmentproperty left in the hands of Messrs. Schiffbauer last winter. We trustthat the initial trip of the "Wichita" may be fruitful to goodresults, and her coming will be anxiously looked for from this time on.

[U. S. SNAG BOAT EN ROUTE TO ARKANSAS CITY.]

Arkansas City Traveler, November 9, 1881. Editorial Page.

C. H. Williams, one of the engineers on the U. S. Snag boat, now en routefor this place, was in town last week. The boat, of which a full descriptionwas given in the TRAVELER some time since, is now lying near the mouth ofthe Cimarron, awaiting a rise of water. Capt. Joe. Evins is in command,with a crew of twenty-eight men.

Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.

The Arkansas City Democrat learns from C. H. Williams, secondengineer on the boat, who was in that city last week after the mail forthe crew, that Capt. Joe. Evins with a U. S. snag boat, a steamer of eightyhorse power, manned with a crew of twenty-eight men, is now lying on theArkansas ten miles above the mouth of the Cimarron, about one hundred milesfrom this city. He says they started from Little Rock, Arkansas, on the26th of September, in a good head of water, and found no difficulty in reachingthe point above named, but says they will have to lay up where they areuntil there is another rise in the river sufficient to carry them over thesand bars. They have three months provisions on board, and are well providedto hold the fort until the raging Arkansas lets down more water, when theywill sail for this point, the head of navigation.

Arkansas City Traveler, November 30, 1881.

Mr. Evins, one of the crew of the snag boat, "Wichita," nowlying near Ponca Agency, and waiting for a raise of water to make this city,was in town several days of last week.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 21, 1881.

The Government snag boat, "Wichita," is now on the ArkansasRiver just east of Pawnee Agency. They will have to wait for the water torise before coming further.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 21, 1881.

Two men from Winfield started down the Arkansas River last week, in asmall boat. When east of Ponca Agency, they got out to take a view of thesurroundings, and noticed high bluffs just east of where they were, andinquired what stream put in there. On being informed that it was the bluffsof the Arkansas, they looked at one another and wondered. They had traveledabout seventy miles by the river and only got thirty-five miles from ArkansasCity, which they had left sometime previous. The river makes a bend of fifteenmiles east and then comes in again almost due south of town.

[GOVERNMENT SNAG BOAT "WICHITA" NOW NEAR PAWNEE AGENCY.]

Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, January 4, 1882. EditorialPage.

During the past two or three weeks considerable excitement has prevailedin town with reference to the project for opening up and rendering the ArkansasRiver navigable for suitable craft at all seasons of the year, at leastas far up as Arkansas City. One or two appropriations have already beenmade by Congress for this purpose, and the work has been going on quietlyfor some time. When the Government undertakes to do anything no slight obstaclewill prevent its progress, but in this matter no real obstacles exist.

We had quite a talk with Captain Evins, now engaged on the work, lastweek, and he says he can clear the river of snags in one season, but themain work will come in the constructing of levees to confine the currentto one stream. He furthermore says, when this is done, a channel of 2 to2½ feet deep can be secured the year round, and be better, in fact,in low water than at a high stage. Several boats have already been builtat Little Rock ostensibly for this trade, and Captain Cotton, whom our citizenswill remember made a trip up the river to this place some years since, hasconstructed a boat, expressly for this trip, 20 x 100 feet, with good machinery,cabin, etc., and will take advantage of the first raise in the river, tomake a start for Arkansas City.

No stronger proof of the Government's determination to push this projectto a successful completion is needed than afforded by the U. S. Snag Boat"Wichita," now lying in the Arkansas river, some 75 miles belowthis city, near Pawnee Agency, Indian Territory. This boat was built atLittle Rock, Arkansas, by Capt. Handbury, Corps of Engineers, U. S. A.,for the sole purpose of removing snags, overhanging timber, and other obstructionsfrom the Arkansas river above Fort Smith, and is to be exclusively usedon this portion of the river.

It will perhaps give our readers some idea of this vessel if we appenda short description of the mode of construction, machinery, and adaptabilityto the ends for which she was built. The hull of the boat is composed ofhard, all heart, white oak wood, cut in the vicinity of Little Rock, andis of the following dimensions.

Length 125 feet, beam 26 feet, depth of hold 3 feet, carrying capacity,250 tons, and when loaded with a full crew, all the machinery and rationsfor three months on board, draws but fifteen inches of water. She has two85 horsepower high pressure engines, with cylinders 8½ inches indiameter, and a stroke of 36 inches. Two steel boilers, 16 feet long and3 feet in diameter, with two 10-inch and two 8-inch return flues in each.Her main shaft is 5 feet in diameter and 21 feet in length, and the propellingwheel is 12 x 17 feet. Also a steam doctor and pumps for supplying the boilerswith water. For snagging, there are two more engines, cylinders 6 x 12,working at right angles to run the capstan, and in addition a derrick andboom with a hoisting capacity of 45 tons.

Accommodations on board this boat are equal to those in the best of riversteamers, consisting of a neatly stained cabin, fitted with all modern conveniences,8 state rooms, 8 x 8. The cook house, servants' cabin, bath and wash house,and closets are detached from the main cabin. A complete outfit of rigging,etc., with three months rations for the full crew, which consists of Capt.Joseph Evins, under whose superintendence the boat was built, commandingmate, 2 engineers, carpenter, watchman, clerk, sailor, 2 cooks, laundryman,fireman, 2 cabin boys, and 16 deck hands--making 30 in all.

There are over 200 feet of hose on board with hot and cold water connectionsin case of fire or any needed use. In a days run upstream with an averagespeed of 8 miles a hour, she will consume about 4 cord of hard wood.

Captain Evins says if he had started two days sooner from Little Rock,he could have made Arkansas City easily, but as things now stand, he willmost probably drop back to Fort Gibson and await the spring rise to comeup.

A party of our citizens accompanied the Captain, upon invitation, toinspect his vessel, and see, themselves, the preparations made for prosecutingthis undertaking. Captain Evins is very sanguine as to the speedy successof the enterprise he is engaged upon, and with so intelligent and energetican officer in command, we think the "Wichita" will make a goodrecord in the annals of Arkansas River navigation.

Arkansas City Traveler, January 4, 1882.

Capt. Evins, of the snag boat, Wichita, spent several days of last weekin our town.

Arkansas City Traveler, January 4, 1882.

Mayor Kellogg, James Benedict, and T. McIntire, in company with Capt.Evins, started last Friday to visit the Government Snag Boat at Pawnee Agency.

Arkansas City Traveler, January 4, 1882.

Kansas prairie hay retails at $18 per ton at Little Rock, Arkansas, andhas the credit of being the best hay in their markets. When the steamboatcomes up next spring, some of the surplus hay might be disposed of.

Arkansas City Traveler, January 11, 1882.

Capt. Evins, of the Snag boat, "Wichita," is absent at hishome in Arkansas, on leave of absence. He will return in about three weeks.

Arkansas City Traveler, January 11, 1882.

A public meeting will be held in I. H. Bonsall's office at 8 o'clockthis evening, at which the committee that accompanied Cap. Evins, and madean examination of the Snag Boat, "Wichita," will hand in theirreport. All interested in this matter should make a point of attending,and hear the different views entertained on this subject.

Arkansas City Traveler, January 18, 1882.

Boom for the Steamboat.

Arkansas City Traveler, January 18, 1882.

Steamboat meeting tonight.

Arkansas City Traveler, January 18, 1882.

Attend the Steamboat meeting to be held at Bonsall's office this eveningat 8 o'clock.

Arkansas City Traveler, January 18, 1882.

A Steamboat meeting will be held at the office of I. H. Bonsall thisWednesday evening, at 8 o'clock, to organize a plan of action relative toobtaining an appropriation for improving the Arkansas River. This is a matterof vital importance, and our people will consult their own best interestsby attending. Be on hand and help the "steamboat boom."

Arkansas City Traveler, January 18, 1882.

At the present low stage of water in the Arkansas River, large boatsare still navigating it as far as Fort Gibson, as will be seen by the followingitem from the Cherokee Advocate.

"The steamboat `Fort Smith' arrived at the Fort Gibson wharfon the 28th ult., loaded with salt and departed with a cargo of cotton."

[CRESWELL CORRESPONDENT: "O."]

Winfield Courier, January 19, 1882.

The party of four who went down with Capt. Evins to take a look at theU. S. Snag boat "Wichita," now lying east of Pawnee Agency, havereturned and made their report that she is there, and will come up whenthey have a sixteen inch rise in the river.

Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, January 25, 1882. EditorialPage.

The matter of improving and rendering the above stream navigable is nowbeing agitated in earnest by our most influential citizens. Our membersof Congress and Representatives have been corresponded with, and one andall express themselves as in favor of the measure, and in every way willingto exert themselves to the utmost to gain the desired aid in the way ofthe necessary appropriations. In connection with this we publish, below,a letter from Capt. Thos. H. Handbury, Corps of Engineers, U. S. A., toDr. Kellogg, which is full of information upon this project, and shouldbe read by all our people.

Hon. H. D. Kellogg, Mayor.

DEAR SIR:

Your note of the 16th inst., relative to the improvement of the upperArkansas River, is at hand, and I take great pleasure in replying at once,seeing that I can give you some facts of interest in regard to this workwhich you seem not to be in possession of.

In February, 1869, Major Luter, Corps of Engineers, U. S. A., reportedto the Chief of Engineers in Washington, D. C., the results of a reconnaissanceof the Arkansas River between Fort Smith, Arkansas, and Wichita, Kansas,that he had been instructed to have made. His Assistant, J. D. McKown, whomade the reconnaissance, submitted a rough approximate estimate of the costof permanently improving the river. Major Luter did not deem it advisableto commit the Government to an expenditure of so large an amount as thisestimate called for without some more definite data and statistical informationthan could be obtained by a mere reconnaissance of the river. In order tothoroughly study the problem and to develop a plan which would most economicallyand most radically improve the river for all time, he deemed it best thata thorough instrumental survey should be made, extending from Wichita, Kansas,to Fort Gibson, Indian Territory, where it would join to one previouslymade from that point to Little Rock, Arkansas.

In connection with this the data could be collected for an elaboratereport such as Senator Plumb refers to in his communication to you. Forthis purpose he estimated that an appropriation of $16,360 would be necessaryand recommended that it be made. This recommendation has been renewed everyyear since and laid before Congress.

In the report above referred to, Major Luter says:

"The estimates presented by Assistant McKown are for removing snagsand rocks and so contracting the width of the stream as to give at low watera depth of about 2 feet, but this estimate is only a rough approximationat the best, and no work on this scale should be undertaken, even if deemedadvisable, until a thorough survey of the stream has been made, the costof which has been estimated at $16,360.

"I am however of the opinion that by removing the snags and constructingslight dams at some of the worst shoals, the navigation would be so improvedas to render it as good as that between Little Rock and Fort Smith, andthis would seem to be all that is worth doing until the general improvementof the river is undertaken. The cost of this work would be about $100,000,which could be expended in one season."

Whatever plan of permanent improvement be adopted, there is certain preliminarywork such as the removal of snags, rocks, over-hanging trees, etc., thatmust be done. This affords temporary relief for the commerce seeking thisoutlet and is absolutely necessary. It is for this work that the estimateof $100,000 is made, and to it the funds that are from time to time appropriatedby Congress are devoted. My own estimate for the next fiscal year is $30,000and also $16,300 for the survey, making in all $46,300.

This estimate, with my report and recommendations, is now before Congress.

No plan has as yet been recommended for the permanent improvement ofthe Arkansas River, for the simple reason that we have not the data uponwhich to base intelligent conclusions as to what is best to be done. Todevise a plan for the permanent improvement of a stream of so much importanceas the Arkansas River is destined to be, running as it does between hillsand through plains unsurpassed in natural wealth by any in the world andwhich is going to affect the development of this wealth, is a problem ofno small importance and should be undertaken only with every possible databearing upon the subject at hand. To collect these data it requires money,and it is that which is meant when we estimate $16,300 for the survey ofthe Arkansas River between Fort Gibson and Wichita.

In this connection it is well, perhaps, to refer to a point that is usuallymade by members of Congress, and rightly, too, as the law requires it, whena new work of improvement is to be undertaken. They desire reliable statisticalinformation, showing what interests are to be affected and to what extent,and they naturally look for this to the Engineer Officer submitting theproject for the improvement. He very often, as in this case, has no meansof collecting this other than through the liberality of public spiritedcitizens, or those more or less pecuniarily interested in the success ofthe undertaking.

If the citizens of a community liable to be affected by a contemplatedriver improvement for which an appropriation is to be asked of Congresswould make it a point to furnish the Engineer Officer, for his report, allreliable statistical information available bearing upon the improvementproposed, I have no doubt but little difficulty would be experienced inobtaining any reasonable appropriation asked for. As a general thing itis almost entirely upon the report of this officer that Congress makes anappropriation for River or Harbor improvements. Respectfully, yours truly,

Arkansas City Traveler, February 1, 1882.

Capt. Evins, of snag boat "Wichita," was in the city last week.The Capt. says his arrival at Arkansas City with the "Wichita"is certain.

Arkansas City Traveler, February 1, 1882.

H. P. Standley, Editor and Proprietor, together with Stacy Matlack, C.F. France and Capt. Evins, of the "gun boat Wichita," are in theTerritory hunting. We've engaged the dears. The other animals are as yetunengaged.

Arkansas City Traveler, February 8, 1882.

Messrs. S. Matlack, C. Mead, C. L. France, of Toledo, Ohio, and ye editorreturned to the city on Sunday last from their trip to the Territory andthe Snag Boat "Wichita" after having had a most delightful week'srecreation. The members of the party are under obligation to Capt. Evins,of the Wichita, the first mate, Mr. Treline, and the engineer, Mr. Matthews,for the courtesies extended to them while on their vessel, which were dulyappreciated and would be gladly reciprocated should occasion offer.

Arkansas City Traveler, February 8, 1882.

Mr. Charles Williams, Asst. Engineer on the Snag Boat "Wichita"spent several days in our city this week. He returned to the Wichita yesterday,taking down a lot of stores and other government property upon a flat boat.The trip will probably take three or four days if the weather is favorable.

Arkansas City Traveler, February 22, 1882.

A BOILER ENGINE AND FERRY BOAT will be sold to the highest and best bidder,at Public Auction, for cash, at Pawnee Agency, on Tuesday, the 21st dayof March, 1882.

Cowley County Courant, March 2, 1882.

Arkansas City is contemplating putting a small boat on the Arkansas River,to ply between that city and Geuda Springs. That would be a pretty nicescheme, and would probably be as satisfactory as a steamer running fromLittle Rock.

[U. S. SNAG BOAT "WICHITA" LYING AT MOUTH OF THE CIMARRON.]

Arkansas City Traveler, May 3, 1882. Editorial Page.

The U. S. snag boat, "Wichita," is lying at the mouth of theCimarron unable to get down the Arkansas, as she draws 14 inches and thereis only six in the river. They have been lying there for six weeks, butexpect soon to get down in consequence of the usual spring rise. The Captainsays surveyors will soon start down from Arkansas City to determine thepracticability of the jetty system for making the river navigable; and ifit can be done, work will begin inside of a year. He also thinks it feasible,saying at a cost of $2,000,000 a three foot channel could be made thirtyfeet wide, taking about five years to complete it. Kansas wants this done,as it will give her cheaper rates on Wood and coal, and afford transportationdirect to the seaboard for her wheat, corn, etc. After getting down, the"Wichita" will work for the next year improving the river betweenFort Gibson and Fort Smith. Indian Journal.

Arkansas City Traveler, June 7, 1882.

The U. S. snag boat, Wichita, is now at work in the Arkansas betweenFort Smith and the M. K. & T. railroad.

Arkansas City Traveler, November 8, 1882.

Mr. Charles and Frank Gilkey, of Maple City, Kansas, left this placethis week for a voyage down the Arkansas river. They have a boat 8 by 16feet, drawing five inches of water, and all the necessary rigging for sailing.They take guns and traps with them and expect to spend some time huntingalong the banks of the river where game is abundant. The TRAVELER will befavored with a communication now and then showing their progress.

Arkansas City Traveler, February 28, 1883.

Frank Stedman and Ed. Parish have built a boat and intend making a businessof fishing for the next three months. They intend shipping fish to foreignmarkets.

Winfield Courier, May 1, 1884.

The river surveyors unceremoniously cut through the mill dam, to taketheir boats through, damaging it to the amount of about $300.

Two boats, carrying about twenty-two government surveyors, are anchoredabout a mile north of the bridge. The object, they say, is to straightenthe river if possible, but it seems that the government has taken this modeto use the money appropriated for the improvement of the Arkansas River.This is the third time they have surveyed the river and nothing of any importancehas been done.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 7, 1884.

We received a pleasant call last Monday from Capt. Burrowes and Lieut.F. P. Spalding, who have been lying near our city, on the Arkansas River,waiting instructions the past three days. From these gentlemen we gatherthe following particulars with reference to the survey which is under thedirection of Major M. B. Adams, of the U. S. Corps of engineers, with Capt.Burrowes in charge and Lieut. Spalding as assistant, with a force of twentymen. Mr. E. B. Adams is levelman and Mr. M. A. Orlopp recorder of the expedition.The object is to definitely settle the feasibility of the navigation ofthe Arkansas River between Fort Gibson and this city and possibly Wichita;and the length of river over which the present survey will extend is 315miles and will take about five months to complete. The corps left WichitaMarch 31, and to this point report plenty of water. Considerable delay wascaused by the west Arkansas River Bridge here, which was so low that itnecessitated the removal of the cabin from the boat before it was possibleto pass. No difficulty whatever was experienced in going over the dam. Infact, the boys seemed to appreciate the run. Yesterday morning they badeadieu and by this time we presume are within the bounds of the Indian Territory.

Arkansas City Republican, May 10, 1884.

We had the pleasure of meeting Capt. F. T. Burrowes, civil engineer,who under the direction of Maj. M. B. Adams, of the U. S. Engineer Corps,was ordered from the lower Mississippi--his former base of operations--toproceed to Wichita, and take charge of the surveying expedition at thatpoint. The task assigned to Capt. Burrowes is to survey the Arkansas Riverfrom Wichita, Kansas, to Little Rock, Arkansas, for the purpose of determiningthe feasibility of making this stream navigable. The aim being to bringthe matter before congress at as early a day as possible for the necessaryappropriations to make the stream navigable from Little Rock up. Capt. Burrowessaid from what he had learned of the river below to Arkansas City that hewas satisfied that it could be made navigable for the most of the year,but that it would be hard to make it navigable above this place. The Captainexpressed himself as greatly surprised at our growth and prosperity. Ourcanal and mills were a source of wonder to him. His outfit consists of twoflat boats, 12 x 40 feet each, well equipped with all the necessaries oflife, as well as instruments requisite for this kind of work, and last butnot least, a crew of 20 as jolly, hale, well-met young men as anyone couldcare to meet in his travels. After replenishing their stock of suppliesfrom Ward & Pickering's supply store, they started down the river Wednesday.Success to you, boys, and may we all meet again under as pleasant circ*mstancesis all the harm we can do you.

Arkansas City Traveler, June 18, 1884.

The North Fork for the past two weeks has been higher than before knownfor several years. With the first rise went downstream the ferry-boat whichthe military so kindly furnished, and until a skiff could be made, the mailswere stopped and travel of all kinds impeded. Quite a number of large cowoutfits en route to the roundups were several days delayed at the Agencyon account of the high water. Cheyenne Transporter.

Arkansas City Traveler, June 18, 1884.

Mr. F. T. Burrowes, the United States engineer who recently passed downthe Arkansas River in charge of a surveying party, writes from Pawnee Agency,under date of June 9, as follows.

"For the last two weeks we have found a regular steamboat riverat the present stage of water, and if this stage would only continue forsix months in the year, Arkansas City could be made the head of navigationat moderate expense."

Winfield Courier, September 18, 1884.

Mr. T. C. Price and David Nicholson, of Vernon, were out on the ArkansasRiver Sunday grape-hunting; and in a secluded place, came across a boatsunk in the sand, and on the bank was a small show case with a number ofpipes, a cigar, and several plugs of tobacco inside. A little further onwas a wagon-sheet, a quilt, and a woolen blanket. In another place was founda lady's shawl with a name, "Amelia Barnard," on it. In otherplaces scattered about in the bushes and along the bank were found coffee,sugar, bacon, and cooking utensils. Everything indicated that the thingshad lain there some time. The oars belonging to the boat were found nearby.The case is a mysterious one and the many things scattered around indicatedgreat haste. The boys are making further search and will unravel it, ifpossible.

Arkansas City Republican, October 11, 1884.

At the miller's convention at Winfield several days ago, the questionof making the Arkansas River navigable, was sprung. A new plan was discussed,by which it is hoped to be able to ship flour down the river. It is as follows:Flat-boats are to be built with a capacity of seven or eight tons; severalof these will be coupled together, similar to railroad cars; at the frontand rear, small steamboats will be attached, to furnish the propelling power.It is hoped that in this manner several tons of flour will be taken downstream.A committee, consisting of James Hill, Mr. Bliss, of Wood & Bliss, Winfield,and Mr. Hargus, of Hargus & Clark at Wellington, were appointed to investigatethe plausibility of this scheme. As soon as possible, these gentlemen willgo down the Arkansas, and if they find water to the depth of one foot allthe way, this plan will be put into execution. The boats they contemplatebuilding will draw about 8 inches of water, and will be controlled by ourmillers.

Should this plan be executed, it will be of great benefit to ArkansasCity. The flour from Wichita, Douglass, Wellington, and Winfield will comehere for shipment.

Every farmer is interested in this enterprise. Every mechanic will beprofited. Every man building a house, and in fact all will be benefittedif these enterprising men should be successful. When the boats return, theycan bring lumber, fuel, and other necessaries, which of course will giveus a cheapening of freight rates.

[EXCHANGES.]

Winfield Courier, October 16, 1884.

The A. C. Republican chronicles another scheme for the unravelingof a knotty problem: "At the millers' convention at Winfield severaldays ago, the question of making the Arkansas River navigable was sprung.A new plan was discussed, by which it is hoped to be able to ship flourdown the river. It is as follows: Flat-boats are to be built with a capacityof seven or eight tons; several of these will be coupled together similarto railroad cars; at the front and rear small steamboats will be attached,to furnish the propelling power. It is hoped that in this manner severaltons of flour will be taken down stream. A committee consisting of JamesHill, Mr. Bliss of Bliss & Wood, Winfield, and Mr. Hargus, of Hargus& Clark at Wellington, was appointed to investigate the plausibilityof this scheme. As soon as possible these gentlemen will go down the Arkansasand if they find water to the depth of one foot all the way, this plan willbe put into execution. The boats they contemplate building will draw abouteight inches of water, and will be controlled by our millers.

Arkansas City Republican, October 18, 1884.

Correspondence is being carried on between Jas. Hill and eastern partiesrelative to the cost of building boats for the purpose of going down theArkansas.

[KANSAS MILLERS: WINFIELD, WELLINGTON, ARKANSAS CITY.]

Winfield Courier, November 6, 1884.

The millers of Winfield, Wellington, and Arkansas City have subscribednecessary funds to experiment on a project to establish a line of bargeson the Arkansas River for the transportation of flour, grain, etc., to thehead of steamboat navigation.

Arkansas City Republican, November 8, 1884.

The boat to be used in going down the Arkansas is completed. It was launchedWednesday, and Thursday the cabin was erected. Yesterday the crew, consistingof Engineer Moorhead, Frank Bealls, and others, departed on their venturedown the river.

Arkansas City Republican, November 8, 1884.

Rev. I. N. Moorehead was here this week, visiting with his former parishioners.He was a guest of James Hill. Yesterday he took passage on the Miller boatdown the Arkansas on a recreation trip, but will return in a few days. Mr.Moorehead was formerly pastor of the M. E. Church here, but is now stationedat Pueblo, Colorado. In the west he has been delivering a lecture entitled"The Real Power." His many friends have prevailed on him to deliverthe same lecture here on Friday night, Nov. 14, in Highland Hall. An admissionfee will be charged: 50 cents for reserved seats and 25 cents general admission.

Arkansas City Traveler, November 12, 1884.

The millers of Winfield, Wellington, and Arkansas City have subscribedfunds to experiment on a project to establish a line of barges on the ArkansasRiver for the transportation of flour, grain, etc., to the head of steamboatnavigation. Winfield Courier.

Arkansas City Traveler, November 12, 1884.

DOWN THE ARKANSAS. A boat having on board Wm. Moorhead, Harry Hill, FrankLandes, Howard Dayton, and _____ Bailey, left this city last Friday morningto make a survey of the river, looking to the feasibility of establishinga line of barges from here to the head of navigation. Rev. I. N. Mooreheadalso accompanied them for a short distance.

Winfield Courier, November 13, 1884.

Engineer R. S. Moorhead and crew will start in a few days down the Arkansasin a boat furnished by the millers of Arkansas City and Winfield. Theirobject is to ascertain whether the Arkansas can be opened for practicalnavigation. The prime mover in this enterprise is Mr. J. Hill of our city.Mr. Hill has engineered several enterprises which at first seemed to promiseno success to successful results, and while everyone is incredulous therecan be but one prayer for the success of the great work. A. C. Democrat.

Arkansas City Republican, November 22, 1884.

The improvement and navigation of the upper Arkansas River is of theutmost importance to the business interests of Fort Smith. Lack of adequaterailroad facilities and the absence of competition between lines of transportationis a great disadvantage to our city. Looking to this improvement of theriver, a survey was made some time since of the stream from Arkansas City,Kansas, to Fort Smith, and a company is being formed of the prominent businessmenof Arkansas City, and it is to be hoped of Fort Smith, to place a line oflight steamers on the river to ply between the two cities. The boats areintended to draw only about 12 inches of water and this can be found almostall the year. Furthermore, an appropriation can be secured from congressto place the river in first rate navigable condition, and thus insure thepermanency and prosperity of the proposed enterprise.

The advantages to Fort Smith's shipping interest is made plain when itis known that it now costs, by rail, one dollar per barrel to ship flourfrom Arkansas City, when the same can be shipped by river for about fortycents. This line of shipping would place us in direct communication withthe rich wheat fields and fine cattle range of Kansas. Let the matter beagitated and the company--in part--be formed at this place. It will be abig thing for Fort Smith. Fort Smith Tribune.

Mr. Beall in a letter from Little Rock says he saw the government surveyorat Little Rock, having just completed surveying to that point, and was assuredthat we would have no trouble in our plan of navigating the river.

[PLEASANT VALLEY. -- "COUNTRY JAKE."]

Winfield Courier, December 4, 1884.

The next on list of Cowley's enterprises is rafting flat boats down theArkansas River to the point of steamboat navigation. Some of Arkansas City'smen of industry are taking hold of the enterprise. The river has been surveyed,and reports are favorable. There are eleven flats being built at ArkansasCity now for shipping agricultural produce. If they don't look out, theriver will be frozen up, then they will have to move their boats on bob-sleds.

Arkansas City Republican, December 6, 1884.

In another column will be found a report of the "Aunt Sally"coming up the Arkansas. She came up the Walnut to just east of our city.People went wild that day over the occasion. It was on Sunday and the congregationof churches were sadly depleted. Fred Farrar was one of the non-curious.He attended services. The "Aunt Sally" was loaded down with spectators.Judge Bonsall took a view of the boat with some 300 souls on board. It wasa gala day and will long be remembered by our citizens.

Arkansas City Republican, December 6, 1884.

The question of utilizing that vast, though ever-changing current ofwater known as the Upper Arkansas River, flowing through our state fromnorthwest to southeast, and making it the highway to a southern market,has been a living project with the enterprising agricultural people of Cowley,Sumner, Sedgwick, and those counties lying along and contiguous thereto,ever since the first settlement of that fertile valley in 1870. Owing totheir remote distance from a railroad or a market, and the consequent costof transporting the vast surplus of wheat raised in Cowley and Sumner, hasthis matter been of vital interest to the people living within their borders.The subject has been discussed in the field and in the grange, has beenthe slogan of the country politician and the shibboleth of the farmers.It has been resolved upon by the conscientious, petitioned for by representatives,and memorialized by our state legislature until congress has taken the matterunder consideration, and appointed a commission of competent engineers topersonally visit, examine, and report on the feasibility of opening up thestream for navigation, from some point near the terminus of the Wichitabranch of the Santa Fe railroad to Little Rock, Arkansas.

In view of these facts, a brief account of the local and individual effortsto solve the problem will doubtless be of interest. During the fall of 1875,A. W. Burkey and A. C. Winton, of Cowley County, built a small flat-boatat Arkansas City, loaded it with flour, and started town the river, boundfor Little Rock. While they may not have seen the "unexplored wilderness"that lay between DeSota and the dream of [CANNOT READ NEXT WORD...THINKIT IS A MAN'S NAME], or the dangers that beset Coronado in his march ofdisappointment through undiscovered Kansas, to encounter yet four hundredand fifty miles of an unknown river, guarded by semi-barbarous people whohad no particular good feeling towards a frontiersman, laying between themand civilization, presented anything but a cheerful outlook for this pioneervoyage. The trip was made, however, without misadventure, and in a reasonablelength of time. The produce disposed of, the navigators returned overlandto Arkansas City, and reported a fair depth of water and a lively currentfrom the state line to Fort Gibson.

On the strength of this report, a joint stock company was immediatelyorganized, and an agent appointed to proceed at once to the Ohio river andpurchase a suitable steamer to ply between the points named. A light draughtwharf packet was procured, and a point known as Webber' Falls, between LittleRock and Fort Gibson reached on her upward trip. Here it was found thather engines were of insufficient power to stem the current, so she was takenback to Little Rock, and there sold at a loss to her owners of twenty-fivehundred dollars.

This failure temporarily dampened the ardor of even the enthusiasticpathfinders, and nothing further was attempted until the summer of 1878,when Messrs. W. H. Speers and Amos Walton, two leading public spirited citizensof the county, equipped a "ferry flat" with a 10 horsepower threshingmachine engine, and by several trips up and down the river for a distanceof 60 miles from Arkansas City, demonstrated beyond a doubt that a steamercould be successfully propelled on the Arkansas River at any season of theyear. The flat was fifty feet long, sixteen feet wide, and drew ten inchesof water. This novel little craft visited Grouse Creek, the Walnut River,Salt City, the Kaw Indian Agency, Oxford, and other points along the river,and attracted crowds of people wherever it went. At Oxford a public receptionwas tendered its officers and crew. These experimental trips were all madewhile the river was at its lowest stage, and prior to the annual "Junerise."

Soon after this, and while the "ferry flat" was still prominentlybefore the public, Mr. I. H. Bonsall, an experienced engineer and prominentcitizen of Arkansas City, corresponded with the businessmen of Little Rock,and induced them to send a boat on a trial trip to the upper country. Thelittle steamer, "Aunt Sally," a tug built for the deep, sluggishbayous of Arkansas, and used in the local cotton trade there, was selectedand manned for the purpose. Though not designed for swift water, this crudelittle steamer made the complete voyage, and, in command of Captains Lewisand Baker, with Mr. [NAME OBSCURED] as pilot, landed safely at ArkansasCity, and was moored there, in the Walnut River, Sunday morning, June 30th,1878. The officers reported sufficient water and a safe current for lightdraught steamers for the entire distance, and expressed themselves of theopinion that a boat built especially for the purpose could run regularlybetween the two states every day in the year.

Soon after the "Aunt Sally" returned south, Henry and AlbertPruden, and O. J. Palmer, of Salt City, Sumner County, started for LittleRock with a "ferry flat" loaded with seven hundred bushels ofwheat. The wheat was sold at a good round figure, and the gentlemen returned,reporting a successful trip and a good stage of water.

On their return, the businessmen of Arkansas City, finding that steamboatowners in the lower country were not disposed to adventure up so far withtheir boats, resolved to build a steamer themselves, and with it make regulartrips between their city and the Indian agencies in the Territory. Afterseveral attempts to find men of experience to take the matter in charge,McCloskey Seymore secured the service of Mr. Cyrus Wilson, who began thebuilding of a boat for the purposes named.

Wednesday afternoon, November 6, 1878, the "Cherokee," thefirst steamboat ever built in Kansas, was successfully launched at ArkansasCity. The hull of this boat is 83 feet long, 18 feet wide on the bottom,and 85 feet long, and 18 feet wide on the boiler deck; beam, 22 feet, withguards extending 2 feet around a model bow. She carries two twenty horsepowerengines, and with all her machinery draws less than eight inches of water,and, when loaded to the guards, will not draw over sixteen inches. The shallowestwater found on the bars between Wichita and Little Rock during the loweststage of the river was eighteen inches. From this it will be seen that the"Cherokee" will answer the purposes for which it was built, andbe of great service in transporting the supplies from these counties tothe Indian agencies lying south and east of Arkansas City.

With the Arkansas River open for navigation, and a good line of boatsand barges making regular trips from Arkansas City, business of all kindswill receive a fresh impetus in Southern Kansas. There will be no railroadmonopolies, no "pooling of earnings," and no forming of combinationsto affect the interest of the producers. The farmers of this locality willthen have a highway of their own by which they can exchange their surpluswheat, flour, and corn for the coal and lumber of the Lower Arkansas.

We furnish this bit of navigation reminiscence to our readers to showwhat has been done to make the Arkansas navigable. It is taken from thebiennial report of the state board of Agriculture. The scheme which hasnow been made practicable by our millers was contemplated and experimentedon as early as 1875. It will be seen that "Aunt Sally" made asuccessful voyage and her officers pronounced sufficient water and a safecurrent for light draught steamers for the entire distance, such as ourmillers are now building. Mr. Moorehead will remain in Arkansas City fora short time and then go east to pay a visit. His next trip will be up theArkansas on the millers boat, which is now being constructed. He has nodoubts whatever but what we will be shipping merchandise down the riverwithin 60 days. It will be a great day when that occurs. The failure ofthe "Cherokee" and others to make a successful trip was becausethey were not constructed properly. They were not built for such shallowwater.

Winfield Courier, December 11, 1884.

Engineer Moorhead returned Tuesday after his trip down the Arkansas River.He is sanguine of the success of the scheme for the practical navigationof the river. He thinks that an iron power boat drawing about twelve inchesof water and similar to those employed on the St. Lawrence can successfullyrun between Arkansas City and Gibson. The boats can load with grain andreturn with coal and timber. Mr. Jas. Hill, who is now in Chicago, willascertain the kind of boat which will best answer the purpose and if hereceives encouraging advice from those experienced in river navigation willpurchase an experimental boat.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 17, 1884.

W. M. Sleeth started to St. Louis last Friday to meet James Hill. Thesegentlemen expect to purchase the boat for the river while there.

Arkansas City Republican, December 20, 1884.

Maj. W. M. Sleeth and Jas. Hill returned from St. Louis Thursday. Theyinspected a number of boats for use on the Arkansas, and then came hometo report to the Navigation Company. A boat which had been used on the RedRiver in Texas proved conclusively that a like boat could be used on theArkansas. It was 18 x 100 feet, with 100 horsepower and drew 12 inches ofwater. Messrs. Sleeth and Hill thought it was best to be on the safe sideand came to the wise conclusion to try a boat of smaller capacity but thesame propelling power. A boat drawing ten inches of water and 15 x 75 feet.These gentlemen are going to make sure this time in getting the right kindof a boat; demonstrating that small steamers can be made to pay and thenlarger ones will be utilized.

Arkansas City Republican, December 20, 1884.

The latest scheme is to make the Arkansas River navigable. We reprinta former report published in the REPUBLICAN November 19.

"The scheme of navigating the Arkansas River between this city andLittle Rock has proven better than the most sanguine had anticipated. Sometwo weeks ago a flat boat and crew with Engineer Moorhead in command starteddown the Arkansas River for the purpose of ascertaining the feasibilityof navigating the stream. This was brought about by a desire of cheap freightrates to the south on the flour by our millers. The cruise down the riverwas easily accomplished, and plenty of water was found all the way. Fromhere to the mouth of the Cimarron River, boats drawing eighteen inches ofwater can be used. From there on down the water is sufficient to carry anyboat that may be utilized. The crew and boat returned Tuesday night andEngineer Moorhead has sent in his report. On Wednesday the projectors metand talked the matter over. Thursday at another meeting the following directorswere elected: Jas. Hill, W. M. Sleeth, C. A. Bliss of Winfield, V. M. Ayres,and C. H. Searing. A charter has been granted in the name of the ArkansasRiver Navigation company. Thursday morning it was decided by the stockholdersto send Jas. Hill and Maj. W. M. Sleeth east for the purpose of purchasingthe power boat, and enough lighters to form a fleet. They left on the afternoontrain. The flat boats will be built as quickly as possible, capable of carryingthirteen tons of flour each. Messrs. Sleeth and Hill are in the east negotiatingfor the power boat.

Excerpt...

Arkansas City Republican, December 20, 1884.

are the proprietors of the lower stone flouring mill on the canal. Thismill was built during 1883. The building is five stories high, all of stone.It cost some $65,000, for machinery and building. About $55,000 capitalis required to keep this huge piece of machinery in operation. It is theflouring mill of the southwest. An average daily run of 250 barrels of flouris turned out. The Crescent Patent is their leading brand. The Morning Staris the favorite, and the third brand is Old Gold. As to the merits of thesedifferent grades of flour, the large wholesale trade carried on by Messrs.Landes, Beall & Co., simply testifies. Daily they make large shipmentsto the west and southwest: Kansas, Arkansas, Texas, and many other statesare supplied with flour by the mill. Owing to their large southern trade,the demand for lower freight rates to that region has caused these gentlemento enter prominently in the scheme of navigating the Arkansas River betweenhere and Little Rock. Should the height of their ambition be reached anda line of steamers be kept constantly plying between the two above namedpoints, then their southern wholesale trade will be increased three fold.This firm alone averages shipments of 200 barrels of flour per day, andas the demand for their flour grows, so will the firm of Landes, Beall &Co., increase their facilities for making it. They are men of enterpriseand will succeed when others fail. To the world at large, the REPUBLICANcheerfully recommends this firm and their flour.

[MILLERS CONVENTION AT BRETTUN.]

Winfield Courier, December 25, 1884.

The millers of this and adjoining counties met in convention at the BrettunHouse in this city Tuesday and, we understand, put flour down in harmonywith surrounding circ*mstances, making a discount of twenty-five cents onthe hundred pounds. They also talked over the Arkansas River navigationscheme. A boat drawing ten inches of water and 15 x 75 feet in size willbe put on as an experiment. If small steamers can be made to pay, they willtry larger ones.

Arkansas City Republican, January 10, 1885.

The Navigation company assembled in the parlors of the Leland Hotel Wednesdayand talked over the scheme of navigating the Arkansas. Mr. Wood, of Wood& Bliss of Winfield, was in attendance. The company empowered Jas. Hillwith a permit to have a propelling boat constructed immediately, and weunderstand that Mr. Hill will go east for that purpose next week. Soon hewill know our fate. The river has been surveyed and Mr. Moorhead says emphaticallythat a boat can be run on the Arkansas. By the time navigation is openedup, we will be ready for our pork packing establishment. Messrs. Prescott,Duncan & Barnett want to be looking a "leetle out," or oursteamboat will whistle before they are ready to ship their pork to the southwest.

Arkansas City Traveler, January 14, 1885.

Messrs. Wood, of Winfield, Ayres, Mead, Landes, Beall, and Sleeth metat the Leland Hotel Wednesday last, to perfect drawings and specificationsfor the Arkansas River boat, soon to be built in St. Louis. The size ofthis boat will be 16 feet wide and 75 feet long, being forty horsepower.The boat will be completed in about sixty days.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 15, 1885.

The Arkansas river navigation company held another meeting at ArkansasCity last week. Mr. B. F. Wood, of the Winfield Roller Mills, representedthis city. The company empowered James Hill to have a propelling boat constructedimmediately, and Mr. Hill will likely go east for that purpose this week.The river has been surveyed and engineer Moorhead says emphatically thatboats of right proportions can be run on the Arkansas. Thus will the "Nileof America" succumb to enterprise and grit.

Arkansas City Republican, January 17, 1885.

A movement is on foot to organize a stockcompany to build an excursion boat to be run between Arkansas City and LittleRock.

Arkansas City Traveler, January 21, 1885.

Arkansas City is still discussing the navigationof the Arkansas. They say it can be done. When they make a success of it,we shall move for a congressional appropriation and seek water navigationof the Walnut to Douglass. Tribune.

You will have to begin moving for the appropriationimmediately then as the boat is ordered and under fair way to completionnow. As soon as things open up permanently this spring, you can come downand hear her "toot."

Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, January 24, 1885.

Tuesday Ben. Woods, of Winfield, representingBliss & Woods, came down and with the stockholders in the navigationcompany here, held another meeting in the parlors of the Leland Hotel. Forsome weeks they have been investigating the Arkansas River, and on the daymentioned above crowned their endeavors by issuing a decree for T. S. Moorheadto proceed immediately to St. Louis and order the construction of a shallowwater steamer. The steamer will be used in propelling lighters loaded withfreight down the Arkansas to Little Rock. Last Monday our Millers receivedplans and specifications of a shallow water steamer, from a St. Louis firm,which were adopted at the meeting Tuesday with the exception of a few slightchanges. The plans adopted are as follows. The steamer is to be 75 feetin length and the beam 15 feet. The hold will be three feet. It is to bea stern-wheeler with two engines of 70 horsepower. Without cargo, it willdraw less than 12 inches of water. The engine room at the rear and quartersfor the crew and the pilot house at the front compose the compartments ofthe steamer. No accommodations will be made for passenger traffic. Mr. Moorheadwill be in the east until the steamer is completed. Then he will sail downthe Mississippi to the mouth of the Arkansas, and thence up the river tothe head of navigation: Arkansas City.

Mr. Moorhead is a thorough engineer; hehas surveyed the river, finding 10-inches of water all the way down, andhas pronounced it navigable, and now he proposes to verify his assertions.The steamer will be running the river trail, and the overhanging trees removed.Lighters will then be built on which the flour is to be conveyed down theriver. When our steamer comes sailing up, it will be an "epoch."

Arkansas City Republican, January 31, 1885.

T. S. Moorhead left for St. Louis Monday.He was unable to go Saturday last as was stated last week. No doubt butwhat work has already commenced on the steamboat by this time.

Excerpt from a very long article...

Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 5, 1885.

This brings me to the effects of forestry on navigation. Eighty yearsago the hardy pioneers began cutting the timber from the banks of the Ohioriver, and long ago its fertile banks, failing to receive the protectionof the forest trees, through the agency of the freezing of winter and thewashing of the stream, have been caving in, thus each year increases thedistance between its banks; thus robbing the farmer of his best soil, whichcontributes to enlarge the sand-bar and islands of the river, and a portionis added to the delta on the gulf.

But these are not the worse results. As the stream has grown wider, thedepth of the water has decreased, which has greatly aided in making navigationpassable during the great part of the year to only the smaller class ofboats. Had the primeval forests continued to line her banks, their washingaway would not have occurred; or should they once more become fringed withwillows or other suitable trees, the reduction of the banks would not onlycease but the process of rebuilding would commence and appreciable differencein the depth of the channel would be observed. It would also add to, insteadof diminish, the value of lands adjacent. I thus refer to the Ohio river,not because it is an isolated case, but because, for many years, I had abundantopportunities to witness these operations; and deplore the results. Likecauses produce like effects, and other rivers are affected in a similarmanner.

There are great causes operating against internal navigation, viz: Thedeficiency of a regular supply of water in the rivers, caused by the destructionof the forests at the sources of the streams; but I must confine this articleto forestry on the banks of the rivers.

Other causes being the same, the depth ofa stream will be proportioned to its width. Thus, if it averages one footin depth, it will be two feet deep if it becomes contracted one-half; andthis additional advantage would be secured, that this depth would be morelikely to be continued than if the stream had remained at the previous depth.This law is, perhaps, generally understood; but how shall we apply it successfullyto our navigable rivers? We cannot wall them in with brick and mortar. Wecannot hem them in with a mighty frame work of sawed lumber. No, but mancan exert almost miraculous power in fixing their boundaries by walls offorests. Obstructions on opposite banks, such as suitable trees, that willreduce the width of the stream, are the means, and the only means availableto man that will ever permanently and sufficiently secure such rivers asthe Arkansas and Missouri to navigation. Let the native willows be systematicallyplanted and cared for along the banks of these rivers, and so managed thatthey will continue to encroach on stream until the desired width and consequentdepth is secured, and the great object will be attained. Me thinks I heardsomeone say, "impossible." It is your privilege to exercise yourjudgment. But permit me to ask you to give it some careful thought. It haspleased the creator to place to man's use the powers of nature in combatinglike powers, and it seems plain to my mind that the mighty forces of forestgrowth are designed in this case to be utilized by man in fixing the banksof streams in such a way that their waters may be made available for thepurpose of navigation. When this growth becomes permanent and the riverbecomes swollen above its artificial banks, in consequence of the sluggishcondition of the water in and along the young timber, a deposit of sand,clay, leaves, etc., will take place, which will be repeated at each risingof the stream. At the same time, in consequence of the contraction of thebanks, additional depth and also weight of water being secured, which acceleratesthe movement of the current, thus it plows a deeper channel and continuallyforces the movable sand, etc., toward either bank, thus the double operationis secured, viz: building up and fixing the banks, and furrowing out thechannel. I might here give another outline of the plan of operations, butwill defer it for the present. I believe this plan is entirely practicable,and the only one by which the Arkansas, Missouri, and like rivers can beutilized for purposes of navigation. Here is room for the exercise of abroad statesmanship. Here is an opportunity for the government to extendits helpful arm and confer untold blessings in the immediate future uponman, which blessings may continue to the end of time. Railroad men willsneer at these propositions; statesmen may think it rather dirty work fortheir dignity; and small politicians will not vociferate in their favor,except they see a prospect of inflating their purses thereby. In the meantimethe industrial classes will continue to submit to the exactions of railroadand other monopolies until, through the power of a better education, theywill rise in their might and demand of their servants proper attention totheir best interests.

Arkansas City Republican, February 7, 1885.

The first iron steamship was built in 1798.

The first steamboat plied the Hudson in1807.

Arkansas City Republican, February 14, 1885.

Just after we went to press last week, wordreached us that the dam across the Arkansas west of town had gone away.Also the bridge. It proved partly true. About 125 feet of the dam was carriedaway and about the same number of feet of the bridge was taken. The damagedone to the dam cannot yet be estimated as the floating ice and high waterwill not permit a boat in its current. The water in the canal is so lowthat the flour mills have been stopped. Nothing can be done until the swollenwaters subside and then quite a while will be consumed in repairing thebreak. The immense pressure of the ice against the bridge pilings causedthem to give away and the dam, at the same time. This catastrophe will furnishseveral laborers employment for a time at good wages. "It's an illwind that blows no one any good."

Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, February 21, 1885.

At a recent meeting of the Winfield EnterpriseAssociation, its members signified their willingness to impose upon thetownship the task of giving $40,000 to aid in constructing the D. M. &A. Road, and if need be vote a like sum to secure the K. C. & S. Road.One gentleman, according to the Courier, also suggested the feasibilityand possibility of offering sufficient inducements to the A. T. & S.F. and S. K. Railroads to build a union depot and joint shops in this city,and stated that the prospects of navigating the Arkansas River, and otherinfluences, pointed forcibly to the necessity of the Santa Fe moving throughthe Territory soon to a southern market, in which case they must have shopsabout this location. Winfield being ninety-five miles from Cherryvale andabout the same distance from Newton, offers a very advantageous situationfor joint shops and a roundhouse, and if our businessmen push the feasibilityof the matter, there seems no doubt that this can be obtained. When theD. M., & A., and K. C. & S. strikes us, now anticipated before thesummer rolls by, this scheme will be all the more probable. With four railroadsradiating from Winfield, with their shops here, we will have a town thatwill lay all others in Kansas in the shade--hardly excepting the state capital.

What imaginative minds the businessmen ofWinfield possess. When the terminus of the Santa Fe is removed from hereto Winfield, it will be when the earth ceases to revolve on its axis, andnot before. We like to see Winfield prosper; but say, neighbors, don't stealour all. Don't take the terminus from us; don't pattern after our "littleditch" from the Arkansas to the Walnut; don't say you are at the headof navigation, oh, don't, please don't, you make us feel so bad. And, say,neighbors, when you get a town that lays all other towns in the shade, don'tforget that we are planting trees down here, and are likely to be in theshades long before Winfield takes root.

Arkansas City Republican, March 21, 1885.

T. S. Moorhead, who came in Tuesday, informeda REPUBLICAN representative that the boat for the navigation of the ArkansasRiver would be completed in about three weeks. Work was under good headwaywhen he came through St. Louis. With the advent of the Kansas City and Southwesterninto Arkansas City, and the navigation of the Arkansas River this summer,won't the terminus boom?

Arkansas City Republican, March 21, 1885.

Yesterday forenoon Bliss & Wood, theWinfield millers, came down to hold a meeting with the members of the ArkansasRiver Navigation Company here. The meeting was held at the residence ofJohn Landes.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 1, 1885.

Mr. Hill reports that the boat for the ArkansasRiver will be completed in two weeks, and will be brought here immediatelyafter.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 23, 1885.

The Arkansas City Democrat says the new steamboat of the ArkansasRiver Navigation Company is now completed and lying at St. Louis ready tobe brought to Arkansas City. Engineer Moorhead and Fred Barrett will soonstart on their cruise from St. Louis. The boat will draw ten inches of water.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 29, 1885.

In Geuda Springs a stock company has beenformed to run a steamboat between that place and Arkansas City. The directorschosen are George Ferris, J. H. Noble, Will M. Berkey, and B. F. Hall, ofthat city, and C. L. Swarts, Amos Walton, and A. V. Alexander, of ArkansasCity. An investigation of the Arkansas River between the two points named,shows a course in no place less than fifteen inches deep, the shallowestplace being found just south of the large island below the ferry. A boat20 by 75 feet is to be built, with a draft of 12 inches. It is expectedthe boat will be ready to make trips two months from date.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 30, 1885.

The Saratoga of the West is bound to have some kind of a transportationline. The Geuda Springs News says that "a company was organizedrecently for the purpose of building a steam boat to ply on the river betweenthat point and Arkansas City. The boat is to cost about three thousand dollars,and be capable of carrying seventy-five or a hundred passengers, and willmake two trips daily. Messrs. Berkey, Noble, and Ferris made a trip downthe river to examine the depth of the water, and they reported favorably.The building of the boat will commence soon."

Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 14, 1885.

While a Beacon ambassador was coming up from Caldwell yesterday,he made the acquaintance of Mr. Jas. Hill, of Arkansas City. Mr. Hill isone of the company which is now building the railroad from Beaumont to ArkansasCity. The company expects to have the road in running order about November1^st. The road is graded four or five miles west of Beaumont andrails will be laid this week. Mr. Hill says Arkansas City is very lively,and that the Arkansas River Navigation Company have already one boat builtand launched in St. Louis, and will make her first trip about June 1^st,and as soon as they get started nicely, they expect to put on fifteen ormore boats, so as to have a boat leave Arkansas City every other day. Theboats are built of steel plate, will be fifteen feet wide and seventy-fivefeet long, and notwithstanding their weight, will only draw one foot ofwater. Wichita Beacon.

Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, May 27, 1885.

Geuda Springs Herald: Our steamboat company have gone to work in earnestnow. Mr. Amos Walton, the president of the association, was over to seethe members of the board at the end of the route Wednesday. Arrangementswere made to go to work soon. The engine and boiler will probably be purchasedinside of two weeks.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 28, 1885.

The barge line between Geuda Springs and Arkansas City seems to be materializing.The Herald says: "Our steamboat company have gone to workin earnest now. Mr. Amos Walton, the president of the association, was overto see the members of the board at the end of the route Wednesday. Arrangementswere made to go to work soon. The engine and boiler will probably be purchasedinside of two weeks."

Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 4, 1885.

Engineer Moorhead informs us that the boat of the Arkansas River NavigationCompany is completed at St. Louis and ready to be brought around by waterto Arkansas City. It will cost seven thousand dollars laid down at the Terminus,and draws ten inches. The test of the navigable qualities of the "ragin'Arkansaw" will be made in the near future. The projectors feel confidenceof the success of their experiment.

Arkansas City Traveler, June 10, 1885.

T. S. Moorhead started from St. Louis yesterdaywith the steamboat designed for navigation on the Arkansas River. The vesselis of light draft, drawing but twelve inches, 75 feet long with 16 feetlength of beam, and cost $6,000. She is named the "Kansas Millers."Several steel barges, which she is designed to propel, accompany the vesselas towage. If the navigation of the river shall prove a success, as itsprojectors feel confident, the problem of cheap freight is solved.

Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, June 13, 1885.

About 25 Days Will Elapse Ere the "KansasMillers" Will Put in Port at Arkansas City.

Judge Bonsall received a letter Tuesdayfrom T. S. Moorhead, at St. Louis. Mr. Moorhead is the gentleman who wentto bring the steamer up the "Nile of America." By permission ofthe Judge, we reproduce this letter in our columns.

DEAR BONSALL: We are here, and, as per Globe-Democratof today, will leave foot of Morgan Street, near bridge, for LittleRock, Ft. Smith, and Arkansas City, Kansas, Tuesday, 9th. Our boat is calledthe "Kansas Millers," is a snug little craft, and will do thework no doubt by river. The distance is 1,595 miles; 500 miles by riverto mouth of Arkansas. We can make that in five or six days, and the 1,000miles on Arkansas will take about 20 days. We may do better or worse. Wewill get there on the 4th if possible or before.

Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, June 20, 1885.

The Globe-Democrat describes asteamboat intended for Kansas waters.

"Wednesday morning a small towboat,intended for the upper waters of the Arkansas River, left this port forher destination, Arkansas City, Kansas. The distance she will have to travelbefore arriving there is over 1,400 miles. The boat was built at Carondelet,by Allen & Blaisdell, is 75 feet long, 15 feet beam, and 3 feet hold.The hull is built entirely of the best boiler steel, is provided with enginesof the stern-wheel type, 8 inches diameter by 42 inches stroke, with boilerof fifty horse power. She draws only twelve inches of water and is destinedto go under a bridge with only twelve feet clearance. Attempts have beenmade heretofore to navigate the shallow waters of the upper rivers and smallerstreams, but this is the first boat built, with abundant capital at hand,to develop the navigation in a proper manner."

Arkansas City Republican, June 20, 1885.

Gilbert & Co., have purchased the boatbelonging to parties at Salt City and removed it down to Rock ford on theArkansas near the mouth of Chilocco. A boat run at this point will be ofconsiderable convenience to cattlemen.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 2, 1885.

The Arkansas River Navigation Company expectsto have its steamer at Arkansas City as an attraction on the Fourth. Speakingof this boat, on the 14^th inst., the St. Louis Globe-Democratsaid: "A small tow-boat, intended for the upper waters of theArkansas River, left this port recently for her destination, Arkansas City,Kansas. The distance she will have to travel before arriving there is over1,400 miles. The boat was built at Carondelet, by Allen & Blaisdell,is 75 feet long, 15 feet beam, and 3 feet hold. The hull is built entirelyof the best boiler steel, is provided with engines of the stern wheel type,8 inches diameter by 42 inches stroke, with boiler of fifty horsepower."She draws only twelve inches of water and is designed to go under a bridgewith only twelve feet clearance. Attempts have been made heretofore to navigatethe shallow waters of our upper rivers and smaller streams, but this isthe first boat built, with abundant capital at hand, to develop the navigationin a proper manner."

Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, July 4, 1885.

Through the instrumentality of the ArkansasRiver Navigation Company, Arkansas City is gaining a widespread and enviablereputation. Nearly every exchange we pick up now-a-days contains a complimentarynotice of the steamer "Kansas Millers" and Arkansas City. Thelatest we notice is in the Fort Smith Daily Tribune, which says:

"Under the above heading the LittleRock Democrat, of the 23rd inst., gives the following description ofa little craft that was built to ply the waters of the Upper Arkansas."

"A novel craft landed at our wharfyesterday. It was a diminutive stern wheel steamboat named 'Kansas Millers.'A Democrat man boarded her and found that she was 75 feet long,10 feet beam, and was built on a steel barge shaped hull. Her papers sayshe was built at St. Louis the present year, is 21 tons burden, has capacityfor 20 passengers, is required to have a master and pilot, one engineer,two crew. She has one boiler, two engines--has cylinders 8 inches by 3-½feet stroke. The captain is T. S. Moorhead, who is also principal owner;engineer, James Johnson. She carries two passengers, Dr. Hull, an excursionist,and 'Robinson Crusoe,' a traveling scenic artist. She left this morningfor Arkansas City, Kansas, between which point and Ft. Smith she is expectedto ply in the interest of the flour mills. As she does not draw no morethan a wash tub, she will probably be able to do so."

Arkansas City Republican, July 4, 1885.

Capt. Barnes, an old navy captain, camein from Howard City Monday. Capt. Barnes was here to see the "KansasMillers," and she had not come in. He went to meet her in a row-boat.

Arkansas City Republican, July 4, 1885.

Thursday noon the report was circulatedon our streets that our steamer, the "Kansas Millers," had arrivedand was anchored in the Walnut near the mills. The 4th of July printingcommittee rushed down into our office and ordered 10,000 bills to spreadthe glad tidings that the "Kansas Millers" had come. Hackman werebusy making up loads of parties to go down and see our new steamer. A representativeof the REPUBLICAN was busy grinding his shears so as he could report thenews in the latest style. Excitement ran high. When everybody was aboutready to start for the wharf, word reached us that the steamer had not arrived;that there was a row boat anchored near the mills; that Dick Hess had learnedthis fact and in thinking the matter over, the row boat was enlarged toa full grown steamer and as he gave voice to his vivid imagination, thereport became thoroughly circulated. Consequently, the 4th of July committeehas a job at the REPUBLICAN office waiting to be distributed.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 9, 1885.

The ferry boat on the Arkansas river atGeuda Springs has been moved to the mouth of the Chilocco creek for theaccommodation of freighters and others.

Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, July 11, 1885.

Wednesday afternoon Allen Ayers spread theglad tidings to the effect that the steamer had arrived. For a time it washardly credited, but soon wagon loads of people were seen going to Harmon'sFord. On arriving there we saw the long looked for steamer, the "KansasMillers." Capt. Moorhead, Fred Barnett, and "Robinson Crusoe"were there. The steamer left St. Louis June 13 and made good time when runninga safe voyage, and surpassing the most sanguine expectations of Capt. Moorhead.She would have been here July 4, according to promise, but the drift woodand high water at Tulsa would not permit the steamer to go under the bridge.The railroad company are building a higher bridge, which is nearly completed.

The boat is a novel one indeed, and hasto be seen to be appreciated. On several other occasions the REPUBLICANhas given a description of the steamer and it is as we have stated heretofore.In traveling, the steamer averages about seven miles per hour on the Arkansas.It has been practically demonstrated that small boats could run on the riverto this point. We will now have a southern outlet. Barges will be builtand the steamer will soon be towing great cargoes of flour down to the "tooth-pick."

For a time the steamer will be used as anexcursion boat until the steel barges are built. Fred Barrett will be incommand and Capt. Barnes will be the pilot.

All the way up the river, the "KansasMillers" made the best time of any craft. Sand bars were no hindrance.Capt. Moorhead tells us that any bar he ran onto, he either was able togo across or back off. It was impossible to stick the steel bottomed steamer.He was 20 days in traveling 1,791 miles, the distance by river from St.Louis to Arkansas City.

Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, July 11, 1885.

Thursday afternoon an excursion was advertisedto occur down the river on the "Kansas Millers." The boat wasto cast anchor at 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. Immediately after dinner about 150persons went down to the landing, but they met with disappointment. Theengineer took a sudden notion he wanted to return home and left on the afternoontrain. No other engineer could be obtained so the excursionists wanderedback to the city down-spirited but hopeful.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 16, 1885.

The "Kansas Millers," the steamboatof the Arkansas River Navigation company, of which Messrs. Bliss & Woodare members, arrived at Arkansas City yesterday, having come fourteen hundredmiles from St. Louis, in charge of Capt. T. S. Moorhead. It anchored inthe Walnut, at Ayres' mill. At Tulsa, in the Territory, the high water anddrift kept her from passing under a large railroad bridge and delayed hertoo long to reach Arkansas City for the Fourth. Her crew and passengers,besides the captain, were James Johnson, engineer; Dr. Hull, an excursionist,and "Robinson Crusoe," a traveling scenic artist. The boat cost$7,000 laid down at Arkansas City; is of twenty-one tons burden; capacityfor twenty passengers; requires a master and pilot, one engineer, and acrew of two. She draws ten inches of water, is seventy-five feet long, withfifteen feet beam, and has a steel, barge-shaped hull. The Navigation companyexpect to ply her between Arkansas City and Fort Smith in shipping flour.She crossed shoals in but four inches of water in coming up.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 16, 1885.

Judge Torrance took in the Terminus Wednesdayand Thursday, seeing steamboat and other novelties. A large party were totake a moonlight excurt down the river Wednesday on the steamer, but theengineer had skipped for St. Louis; and without a licensed engineer, theboat couldn't lift anchor.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 16, 1885.

Through the courtesy of Mr. Spencer Bliss,representing Bliss & Wood in the Arkansas River Navigation Company,our elongated reporter hauled himself from his couch at 3:30 yesterday morning,and in company with Mr. J. W. Millspaugh and Prof. Davis, sped away behindMr. Bliss' bay chargers for the city of many "invalids" and much"medicine." The object was to join the Navigation Company, composedof James Hill, Bliss & Wood, Searing & Mead, and V. M. Ayres, andleading citizens of the Terminus, in an excursion down the "ragin'Arkinsaw" on the new steamer, Kansas Millers, as a practical test ofits ability to master the sand bars and general "cussedness" ofthe American Nile. The hour of rising, though at first a severe shock toour delicate nerves, was such a charm that it will likely continue a life-timehabit--if we have to sit up every night as on this occasion to do it. Dr.Evans and Mr. H. H. Hosmer were also among this bevy of early worms. Itwas a perfect morning; the tear drops of heaven had descended, making theair as soft and balmy as though wafted from the "fountain of eternalyouth"--exhilarating beyond expression. A lovelier country can't befound under the blue canopy of heaven than that lying between here and ArkansasCity. And just now it teems with promises of abundant crops of corn andother prospective cereals, while the shocks of golden wheat and oats continuallydot the landscape. All along the road are the houses of many of Cowley'spioneers, and the evidences of their having laid up lucre where thievescan't cabbage it--in numerous tasty and substantial improvements exhibitedall around. Reaching Arkansas City at 7 o'clock, a destructive raid wasmade on the ever unexcelled Leland Hotel. The balmy atmosphere inhaled onthe road down was so bracing to the invalids of our party that all noseswere upturned at the thought of a regulator of interior departments--knownin Arkansas City parlance as "medicine" venders. A man is mightyfortunate to be able to stave off the "quick and sure" miasmagrip of the canal, on entering the Terminus. Being full of Leland substantials,we delivered ourselves to the tender mercies of Archie Dunn and were soonlanded on the banks of the placid Walnut, just east of the city, in theterrible presence of a Kansas steamer--a real, live steamboat, whose shrillvoice sounded "all aboard.!" With a recklessness only attributableto enterprise, two more Archimedean levers were here put among the excursionists:Judge McIntire, the venerable and able editor of the Democrat, andDick Howard, the young, energetic, and talented faberizer of the Republican.The excursion party, aside from those mentioned, contained sixty ofArkansas City's leading capitalists and businessmen, all the specially invitedguests of Capt. Moorhead and the Navigation company. The trip was made fora thorough exhibition of the merits of the boat--to show thinking and enterprisingmen just what it could do. No ladies were along. They were reserved fora time when less business and seeming experimental danger were ahead. Theboat is a surprise to all--exhibits clear through the deep faith and determinationof its projectors. It is a steel hull structure, seventy-five feet longand fifteen wide. Its gross capacity is thirty-four tons, with twenty deckor steerage passengers. It has two high pressure engines with eight inchcylinders, one boiler thirteen feet long and three and a half in diameter,giving 60,000 pounds tensible strength. Its canvas-covered deck has onehundred chairs and its license limit to excursions not over forty milesdown the river, is one hundred and thirty. She has pilot, berths, cookery,and all the requisites of a first-class tow steamer: life-boats, plank floats,cork life-preservers, etc., with stern wheel propeller. It drew but thirteeninches of water yesterday and when loaded to its fullest capacity, willdraw only fourteen. It is managed by T. S. Moorhead, captain; FredBarrett, mate; Samuel Clarke, formerly a machinist of Winfield, engineer;John Harrigan, fireman; H. P. Barnes, pilot; and Peter Yount, deck hand.James Hill, Spencer Bliss, C. Mead, and Allen Ayres represented the NavigationCompany on this trip. At 8:05 the boat pulled out down the river for theland of the Noble Redskin. Prettier scenery can't be seen in this sectionthan greets the eye upon either bank as you glide down. The velvety verdurewas broken here and there by high bluffs, and, after you get down the Arkansassome distance, by low banks, giving a prairie view for miles around. Thebroad Arkansas, with the air impeded by but little timber, affords a moreexhilarating breeze. The trip is delightful--charms one accustomed onlyto the dingy den of business. Going down, the steamer made over fifteenmiles an hour. The river was swelled about thirty inches, but plenty ofpicturesque sand bars adorned it. As a practical test, the boat left thechannel several times and glided over bars on which not more than eightinches of water flowed. The bottom could be heard grinding along on thesand. Being of steel bottom there is no friction and it seems impossibleto stick the little steamer. About as bad places as the Arkansas containswere passed over with perfect ease. If the boat should happen to get stuck,however, only the fore could strand, and the aft will draw it back. Thefirst cargo ever sent down the Nile of America was on board: five cwt. offlour and fifty bushels of corn, unloaded at Gilbert & Newman's cattleranch, fifteen miles down. Thirty miles below Arkansas City, on the Kawreservation, was found as pretty a grove as ever grew wild--a beautifulgrassy incline, dotted with branching oaks, reminding one of some of theold Pennsylvania hillsides. Here the excursion landed and spent severalhours, the principal of which was a grand feast which had been preparedby C. Burnett, of Arkansas City's St. Louis restaurant. It was soon demonstratedthat, in "setting up" such "grub" for the crowd, Capt.Moorhead had a government contract that threatened bankruptcy. Nothing butfour life-boats and sixteen cork life-preservers saved the COURIER's leanman. Unfortunately, there was no "medicine" on board, and DickHoward, of the Republican, is probably now sleeping his last longsleep. Returning, a speed of about seven miles an hour was maintained, ina current much swifter than when status quo. About half way up, an anchoragewas made in a shady nook, and toasts given to the "Kansas Millers."Mayor Schiffbauer was master of ceremonies and Nate Snyder did the shorthandact. The Mayor voiced the warm interest of Arkansas City's businessmen inthis promising enterprise. James Hill, general manager of the K. C. &S. W. railroad and father of this steamboat scheme, showed up the greatsaving to Cowley County in freight rates, in the success of this barge line.The company propose to put $5,000 into a barge fleet. It will be composedof five steel barges, enclosed, and forty feet long and ten wide, each withordinary capacity of twenty-five tons. They will ply them between ArkansasCity and Fort Smith and Little Rock. Flour, meat, hay, etc., will be takendown and coal and lumber brought back. Flour, etc., can be taken down for$5 a ton, half what it now costs by rail, to the best market we can get.As good coal as can be found in Colorado and Pennsylvania can be boughtat $2.50 per ton at Ft. Smith and lumber at prices to greatly benefit theconsumer, laid down at Arkansas City. The daily expense of running thisline will be twenty dollars. The boat cost $7,000 laid down at its destination,and with the barges, will show an investment of twelve thousand. Capt. Moorhead,under whose supervision the boat was constructed and brought up, said hehad made a careful examination of the river all the way up and is satisfied,beyond a doubt, that it can be navigated with ease and profit to the companyand people. The Captain takes great pride in this enterprise and shows anenergy and knowledge of water most commendable. He says he can make thedown trip to Ft. Smith, Arkansas, in four days, and return in six--threetrips a month. He is convinced that in the near future two boats will benumerously plying the Arkansas to Arkansas City. The fifteen thousand dollars,appropriated and yet unused by Congress last winter for the improvementof the Arkansas river, will be applied for and promises to be forthcomingwith other appropriations as soon as successful navigation is assured. SpencerBliss, Judge Sumner, Judge McIntire, A. V. Alexander, and others made goodspeeches commendatory of the enterprise. The Navigation Company has dividedits capital stock into 110 shares of $100 each. They were opened for subscriptionsfrom those on the boat, and well on to $5,000, the amount necessary to constructthe barges, was subscribed by H. D. Kellogg, J. H. Sparks, Ira Barnett,Herman Godehard, T. R. Houghton, Snyder & Hutchison, H. O. Meigs, PeterPearson, Henry Endicott, Frick Bros., Wagner & Howard, S. F. George,C. H. Burroughs, A. V. Alexander, Mayor Schiffbauer, George Cunningham,Kimmel & Moore, Judge Sumner, and others. All were enthusiastic overthe success, so far, of navigating the river.

On the boat is a queer character, a navigatorand explorer who has been interested for years in the successful navigationof the Arkansas: L. F. Hadley, known along the river as "Old RobinsonCrusoe." He is a Quapaw Indian by adoption, having been with differentredskin tribes since he was eighteen, and is known among them as "In-go-nom-pa-she."Capt. Moorhead found him at Pine Bluffs, Arkansas; he wanted to come alongand the Captain took him in. His early hobbies were scenic sketching andshorthand, and he is making a complete map of the river's channel. His stayamong the Indians has been of a missionary character, and his stories ofIndian life, as given to the reporter, would make an interesting volume."Robinson Crusoe" has made the Arkansas a study for years andhas always been certain that it could be navigated. He is a native of Michiganand first got in with the Indians of Northern Michigan. In 1881 he cameup to Arkansas City in the steamer, "Aunt Sally," which many herewill remember, under Capt. John McClary. It was an old wooden snag boatand of course a poor test. Then Crusoe mapped the river also. He is indeedan eccentric character, possessing an astonishing amount of self-acquiredknowledge.

The barges will not be completed for fortydays, during which time the "Kansas Millers" will make excursiontrips down the river. Winfield people couldn't spend a day better than ingoing down for such a trip. Captain Moorhead and the Navigation companywere assiduous in attentions to the guests on this trip. And the reporterfound in Engineer Clarke a most pleasant and instructive escort throughthe intricacies of the lower deck. Mr. Clarke is an old Mississippi boatman,a thorough engineer, and the Company made a good strike when they securedhim permanently.

We shall not soon forget our first tripdown the "ragin' Arkinsaw" on a steamboat. The construction ofthis steamer is the inauguration of a great enterprise, and exhibits forciblythe characteristic "git up and git" of Cowley County men. Mr.James Hill, the father of the enterprise, and Capt. Moorhead, who plannedand superintended so successfully the construction of the boat, are entitledto special credit. Mr. Hill would like to see three locks in the Walnut,letting the steamer come up to Winfield, which she could easily do withthese adjuncts.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 16, 1885.

In mentioning the new steamer of the ArkansasRiver Navigation company, "Kansas Millers," the A. C. Republicansays: "In traveling the steamer averages about seven miles perhour on the Arkansas. It has been practically demonstrated that small boatscan run on the river to this point. We will now have a southern outlet.Barges will be built and the steamer will soon be towing great cargos offlour down to the "tooth-pick." For a time the steamer will beused as an excursion boat until the steel barges are built. Fred Barrettwill be in command and Capt. Barnes will be the pilot. All the way up theriver the "Kansas Millers" made the best time of any craft. Sandbars were no hindrance. Capt. Moorhead tells us that any sand bar he ranonto, he was able to go across or back off. It was impossible to stick thesteel bottomed steamer. He was 20 days in traveling 1791 miles, the distanceby river from St. Louis to Arkansas City."

Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 16, 1885.

If the Arkansas River Navigation Companyare good schemers and want to advertise themselves and Cowley County, theywill get up an excursion down the Arkansas for the Cowley County editorsand their wives and sweethearts. The cost would be small, the ride on thesteamer, "Kansas Millers," very pleasant, and the newspaper menwould all turn out, witness the practical test, and give the enterprisea big boom. Put in your oars, boys. The navigation company merely need thematter suggested to them. We are certain the invitation will be forthcoming.To properly write up such an enterprise, the reporter must be there, youknow.

Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, July 18, 1885.

Monday an excursion on the "KansasMillers" down the Arkansas by the businessmen was originated as thenext day's programme. Bright and early two bus loads of our citizens wendedtheir way to the Harmon's Ford landing and boarded the steamer. All togetherthere were some 60 passengers. At 8:10 the steamer heaved anchor and ina very few moments we were out of sight of the many spectators who camedown to see the excursionists start. We steamed down the river at a livelyrate. In twenty minutes we were out of the mouth of the Walnut. On enteringthe Arkansas the speed of the vessel was increased and in a few minuteswe were steaming along at the rate of 18 miles per hour. The passengersgave themselves up entirely to the enjoyment of the trip. All were inclinedto be jolly and forget business cares one day at least. Cracking jokes,perpetrating harmless tricks, enjoying the beautiful trip down the Rackensack.The steamer had a canvas awning put up to keep out the scorching rays ofthe sun, and as the cool breezes came up the river, one and all felt itwas good to be there.

At 9:15 we landed at the Grouse Creek ferry,about 20 miles downstream, to put off some freight which V. M. Ayres hadshipped to Gilbert's and Newman's ranches. This was the first consignmentof freight to the "Kansas Millers." It consisted of 50 bushelsof corn and several hundred weight of flour. The passengers, full of life,took the place of deck hands and soon had the cargo landed.

Once more we heaved anchor and steamed downthe river about five miles, and landed in a beautiful grove on the Kaw reservation.When the steamer had been made fast, all clambered ashore, and ran and jumpedlike school boys. While ashore C. A. Burnett took advantage of our absenceand in a short time had spread a picnic lunch. All ate their fill. It wasa splendid bill of fare, and Charley and his efficient cook deserve mentionfor their efforts to refresh the inner man. After partaking of the bounteousfeast and the remnants being cleared away, we steamed up the river for home.

Capt. Moorhead ran the boat across severalsand bars to show the passengers that it was impossible to stick the steel-bottomedsteamer. After this had been fully demonstrated, the passengers were calledto order by A. V. Alexander and a meeting was held for the purpose of organizinga stock company to build steel-bottomed barges. Mayor Schiffbauer was chosento preside and N. T. Snyder was chosen to be secretary. Mayor Schiffbauermade a few remarks stating what great advantages Arkansas City would gainby having navigation opened on the Arkansas. He stated that Capt. T. S.Moorhead informed him that coal could be bought in quantities for $2, andlaid down in Arkansas City so that it could be sold by dealers for $5 or$6 per ton. It was good coal, better than that which we had been paying$8 per ton for. Over 12 tons of the coal had been burned on the "KansasMillers" and out of that not a clinker had been found. He spoke alsoof lumber trade with Arkansas. Jim Hill next occupied the attention of thepassengers. He was followed by T. S. Moorhead, Dr. Kellogg, Judge McIntire,and several others who spoke in glowing terms of the steamer and the navigationof the river. After the question of building barges had been thoroughlydiscussed, the meeting proceeded to subscribe stock. Shares were taken untilover $2,000 had been subscribed. The sum needed was $5,000. The meetingadjourned then until 7:30 p.m., when they met in Meigs & Nelson's realestate office to finish up the $5,000 stock company.

After the adjournment of the meeting, thecrowd gave themselves up once more to enjoyment. At five o'clock we anchoredat Harmon's Ford. Getting aboard Archie Dunn's busses, we were soon uptown.And thus ended a day of great recreation and profitable pleasure.

The sun was very warm coming upstream, compellingall passengers to seek shady nooks.

Alexander was the story-teller. He was nota success--cause audience went to sleep.

Spencer Bliss, Dr. Evans, and J. W. Millspaughof Winfield were down and took in the excursion.

Frank Greer, of the Courier, andProf. B. T. Davis, of the Tribune, were the representatives ofthe Winfield press and were busy all day with paper and pencil.

The REPUBLICAN office furnished the billof fare cards.

Searing & Mead, Wood & Bliss, ofWinfield, V. M. Ayres and the Arkansas City Roller Mill Company composethe navigation company. V. M. Ayres is president and C. H. Searing Secretary.These four milling firms, having practicably demonstrated that the Arkansasis navigable by steamers on the pattern of the "Kansas Millers,"and having used $7,000 to further the enterprise already, naturally turnto the town most benefitted for assistance in the furthering of the enterprise.The directors are B. F. Wood, Maj. W. M. Sleeth, and James Hill.

Arkansas City Republican, July 18, 1885.

The REPUBLICAN has frequently wondered whya boating club had never been formed in Arkansas City for the utilizationof the Walnut River south from the foot of Depot Street. The river affordssplendid advantages for rowing.

Arkansas City Republican, July 18, 1885.

The Daily Courier suggests thatan editorial excursion should be given by the Navigation Company.

Arkansas City Republican, July 18, 1885.

Mrs. Allie Bishop came down from WinfieldThursday night and took a pleasure trip on our new steamboat yesterday.She returned home today.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 22, 1885.

All ladies intending to take a ride on thesteamboat can buy black silks for the next fifteen days, from ten to fifteencents less than former prices, at the Rink Store.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 22, 1885.

The enterprise of the Kansas millers inbuilding their steamboat to carry the product of their mills to a southernmarket, and return to this city with lumber, coal, and other merchandise,has been duly celebrated by the press of this region, and credit awardedthe owners for their useful adventure. She was built in St. Louis and broughtto this city by Capt. Moorhead, where she arrived two weeks ago. Since thenthe vessel has made a number of excursions down the river for the purposeof testing her steaming properties and to afford our citizens the noveltyof a steamboat ride on their own rivers. These trial trips have been eminentlysatisfactory, the vessel making good time, and the engines working withease and regularity. But the barges are yet to be procured, and the requiredamount of capital for their construction has not yet been raised. The intentionis to have six of these vessels built, with a carrying capacity of 10 tonseach, the aggregate cost of which will be $5,000. Two-thirds of this amounthas been raised, and the balance will soon be subscribed.

Doubts are expressed by some cautious soulsof this attempt to navigate the Upper Arkansas proving a success. They talkof low water and sand bars, and frozen streams, and all kinds of impediments.These difficulties will have to be faced, and the boat owners have madefull allowance for their recurrence. During the driest period of the summer,the stagnant water will be so low that the vessel, light draft as she is,will have to lie up. In the winter ice at certain intervals will be aptto impede her passage, and then she must lose a few trips. But making ampleallowance for all these drawbacks, there will be navigation for the "KansasMillers" and other boats of her class, during six or seven months inthe year, and this will content their owners. The Upper Ohio during thehot months becomes just as shallow as the Arkansas; and it is a stale jokein that country that the county commissioners are about to fence in therivers to keep the cows from drinking them dry.

We believe it is an accepted fact that theseasons are changing along our main water courses owing to the diffusionof population. The theory seems now established that the cultivation ofthe soil promotes evaporation and thus increases the rainfall. This willgive us a shorter dry season in the coming years, and most probably renderthe five or six months of suspended navigation in excess of the realizedfact.

Aid may also be expected from congress inclearing the river bed of impediments. Indeed, there is now an unexpendedbalance of $15,000, as we are informed, appropriated for improving the ArkansasRiver, which may be rendered available, in whole or in part, for use withinthe limits of this state, now we have a steamboat navigating the stream,to render its expenditure justifiable.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 23, 1885.

A number of our people, ladies and gentlemen,young and old, are very desirous of an excursion down the "Ragin' Arkansaw"on the "Kansas Millers." County Commissioner Walton has consultedwith Captain T. S. Moorhead and has the promise of the boat for Thursday.Mr. Walton is also trying to arrange an excursion train down in the morning,but Mr. Ingersoll, of the Santa Fe depot, at the Terminus, is uncertainwhether this can be done. A train to return at night is assured and thecrowd can go down at noon. One hundred can be comfortably seated on theboat and one hundred and thirty is the limit. It would be a delightful,charming trip. The boat fare, just enough to pay expenses, will be 50 centsper capita, and the whole trip will not cost over $1.50 apiece. Mr. Waltonwill complete arrangements in time to duly advertise it in THE DAILY.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 23, 1885.

Capt. H. P. Barnes and Samuel Clarke, pilotand engineer of the "Kansas Millers," came up from Arkansas CityMonday. Capt. Barnes came up to see his old friend. Capt. John Lowry, withwhom he steam-boated years ago on the Illinois river. Great stories arealways insured when two old steamboat captains meet for the first time infourteen years or more.

Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, July 25, 1885.

The "Kansas Millers" awakens theechoes near Arkansas City. It is the first steamboat that has ploughed themad waves and sand bars of the Arkansas as high as Arkansas City. The tripup the river has demonstrated the fact that the Arkansas is navigable forsuch steamers as the "Kansas Millers." This will open a directconnection south and will greatly benefit Cowley County. Burden Eagle.

Arkansas City Republican, July 25, 1885.

The Courier started a boom fora Cowley County editorial excursion down the "Ragin' Rackensack."The REPUBLICAN would like to make an amendment. Why not take in Sedgwick,Butler, Sumner, and Cowley? Have a boat load, you know.

Arkansas City Republican, July 25, 1885.

A meeting was held in rooms in the HasieBlock Tuesday evening by those interested in the navigation of the ArkansasRiver; about $1,000 more stock was subscribed to build Barges. It was determinedto build the wooden barges immediately and have them carrying freight in10 or 15 days. Work will commence as soon as the lumber arrives. The steelbarges will be ready for use in about 60 days or as soon as they can bebuilt. Capt. Moorhead had written to a boiler firm at Kansas City to senda man here to make estimates. He came Thursday. The reading of a letterreceived by Capt. Moorhead from a civil engineer in the employ of the governmentcreated new zeal for the enterprise. The following is an extract.

Mr. T. S. Moorhead, C. E.:

SIR: Referring to your letter of July 11th,I have to inform you that it is as yet an open question whether improvementsshould be extended above Fort Gibson, or not. A survey of the river hasbeen made from Wichita, Kansas, to Fort Gibson, Indian Territory, duringthe past year. The notes are partially worked up in my office and when completed,a study will be made of the river and report made. Until this is done, itis not deemed advisable to expend any money above Fort Gibson, I. T. Yourboat and plans materially alter the condition of things and it is your privilegeto forward to this office such facts in regard to your plans for the commerceof the river as you may think advisable. You could not have arrived at amore opportune time, for in a few weeks I should have been obliged to statethat there was little if any commerce, and of course that would have settledthe question of improvement.

Your arrival opens up the subject anew.I know all about the river that is necessary, so you will do well to collectall the data as to how much freight and how many passengers you expect tocarry. Please give facts and figures rather than theories. It seems to methat Kansas needs this southern outlet, and if the commerce is only sufficient,there is nothing to prevent my recommending improvements as high as ArkansasCity, at least. You should collect statistics and have them signed by theleading businessmen of the place or surrounding section, forward the sameto me by September 1st at least. I trust you will correspond freely withthis office as it is my wish to render you all the assistance I legitimatelycan. I will try to visit Arkansas City in the Autumn in order to get betterideas of the needs of the section. The great determiner is commerce, presentand prospective, however, and your best policy is to collect data alongthis line.

LATER. Just as we go to press, Maj. Searingcomes in and announces that the contract has been closed for three steelbarges with the Kansas City firm. One barge is to be 16 x 60 feet; and theother two, 12 x 60 feet. They will be done and in use by Sept. 1, 1885.The wooden barges will not be built.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 29, 1885.

On Monday evening the Kansas Millers madea moonlight excursion down the river, affording her passengers a delightfulthree hours' ride. Yesterday afternoon four coach loads of excursionists,accompanied with a band, arrived from Winfield, and enjoyed the noveltyof a steamboat ride.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 29, 1885.

We received a pleasant call on Saturdayfrom Frederic W. Sweet and Sam F. Woolard, both of Wichita. These are energeticyoung businessmen, who for the purpose of making the people of the two citiesbetter acquainted, have arranged for an excursion party of businessmen andtheir lady friends to spend a day here. Three hundred persons will composethe party, and a special train will carry them hither and home again. Thehour of starting is set at 8 o'clock, and Arkansas City will be reachedat 10. They have also chartered the steamboat for the day, and propose runningshort trips down the river. The fame of the saucy craft, the Kansas Millers,has been heralded through the state, and the curiosity of our neighbor townshas been piqued to see this much described boat. The excursionists willleave here at 8 p.m., arriving home two hours later. We bespeak for thema pleasant and profitable day's outing.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 29, 1885.

We regret to learn that Capt. Moorhead'sfailing health has compelled him to resign his command of the Kansas Millers,and return to his former home in Milton, Pennsylvania, with a view to restand recuperation. His engagement as surveyor on the Kansas City and Southwesternroad brought him into intimate relations with our own citizens, and hisestimable qualities and usefulness in enterprises of this nature led tohis being placed in charge of the construction of our new steamboat. Thosebest acquainted with Capt. Moorhead part with him with regret, and trustthat he will soon return with restored health. Capt. Alton, late of Ohio,has been engaged to take charge of the boat.

We understand it is the intention of theowners to employ the Kansas Millers till the 6th of August in carrying freightto the various agencies. On the date given she will be used by the Wichitaexcursionists. Then she will take a trip to Fort Gibson, carrying merchandise.Money has been raised to build the barges to form the vessel's towage, andan order given to a Kansas City house to do the work. Thus early in Septemberthis pioneer in the enterprise of water carriage to the lower Arkansas,will be ready to tow the product of our mills to an eastern market, andbring back coal, lumber, and other bulky freight on her return voyage.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 30, 1885.

Our folks, nearly one hundred and fiftyof them, got home from the steamboat excursion down the "Ragin' Rackinsack"at 6:30 Wednesday, on the regular north bound freight. The trip was notas tranquil as expected--though the additional romance added spice to thetrip and gave a very extensive view of the Nile of America. Then some fellowswho hadn't tampered with labor in many suns were made to work like beavers.The boat was too heavily ladened--a third more people on than should havebeen, every available space being filled. With 150 on board it was no wonderthat the pilot and captain got "all broke up." The boat stucktwice on sand bars and had to be roped off, staying four or five hours ateach "stick," the whole cargo helping to extricate it. The wholenight, with its balmy breezes and silvery moon, was spent on the river,and the excursionists raked their craniums for amusem*nts, succeeding finely.THE COURIER's fat man hasn't turned up yet--possibly buried in the sandof the "Arkinsaw," but we look for him this evening, when he willgive his history of the trip. The stranding of the boat can be easily explained,and augurs nothing against the success of navigating America's Nile. TheJuvenile Band was a splendid attraction. Its fine music was a source ofmost acceptable relief and enjoyment.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 30, 1885.

Chas. M. Leavitt, Our F. M., representedTHE COURIER in the "Kansas Millers" excursion Tuesday. Some accuseus of a premeditated scheme to sink the boat. If it stands this test, weshall warmly advocate a still greater test--embracing Judge Bard, E. C.Seward, et al, with the whole "Fat Man's Paradise."

Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, August 1, 1885.

The first moonlight excursion upon the Walnutand Arkansas occurred Monday night under the management of Allen Ayers.There were some sixty or seventy aboard. The boat was especially lightedup with Chinese lanterns of many different colors. It started a little before8 o'clock and got back by 10, having gone down the rivers about ten miles.The extreme beauty of the evening made it a very enjoyable affair. The skywas clear. The rising moon flooded the waters with a broad streak of goldenlight, and made the scenery look very beautiful and picturesque. The ArkansasCity String Band furnished some of that excellent music for which it isfast becoming famous. One was inclined to think of the words of Shakespeare.

"How sweet the moonlight sleeps uponthis bank,

Here will we sit and let the sounds of music

Creep in our ears. Soft stillness and thenight

Become the touches of sweet harmony."

There was a melodeon on board and the ladiesoccasionally entertained the company with a song. Frank Hess, also, paralyzedhis listeners by his wonderful performance upon that instrument.

In order to keep cool a great many crowdednear the water wheel, which served as a gigantic fan, and now and then theyregaled themselves with the delicious ice cream that was furnished in abundanceby Hamilton & Pentecost.

Our space will not permit us to relate allthe points of interest during that pleasant trip. When the steamer started,it was not covered by canvas, and the people soon become conscious of somethingfalling upon them like fine rain. Imagine the astonishment of the ladies,who wore white dresses, when they found that their clothing was nearly blackby being covered with soot from the smoke stack. Guy Sparks, in his eagernessto study Natural History and obtain a specimen for his museum, quite terrifiedthe ladies by dropping a large locust in their midst. When the boat nearedthe landing place, a painter who was more anxious than the rest to be thefirst one to touch his "native land," made a jump for the shoreand fell in. He probably thought that the night was too damp to be comfortable.The guitar players performed with such might and hearty good will that atone time three out of four instruments were minus E strings. But that difficultywas soon overcome. There was much merry-making, and it is to be hoped thatthere will be more such excursions after night, and that everything willpass off as pleasantly as this, the first moonlight excursion down the Walnutand Arkansas.

Arkansas City Republican, August 1, 1885.

The "Kansas Millers" took a loadof freight down to Pawnee Agency yesterday, stopping at intermediate points.Searing & Mead sent flour; V. M. Ayres, flour and corn; and the RollerMill Co., flour. Maj. C. H. Searing and wife, Mrs. H. Clevinger and littleboy went as passengers. The boat will return in time to take care of theWichita excursion.

Arkansas City Republican, August 1, 1885.

About 150 excursionists composed of theelite of Winfield came down Tuesday to enjoy a pleasure ride on the "KansasMillers." The steamer heaved anchor at 2 p.m. Everything went lovelyuntil the boat started to return, when the pilot ran it on a sand bar. Thishappened twice. The boat did not get back to pier No. 1 until 4:30 a.m.All say that it was through the ignorance of the pilot that the boat becamestranded. The fat man of the Courier was aboard and he was tooheavy a burden. We acknowledge a call from Mr. Leavitt. He is a pleasantgentleman and we hope he will come again. A pleasant time was had by theexcursionists with the exception of sleeping on the bar all night.

Arkansas City Republican, August 1, 1885.

The excursion to Arkansas City will be asuccess. Sam Woolard and Fred Sweet have returned from Arkansas City, wherethey have made all the arrangements for a first-class time. They have securedthe use of a beautiful grove, near the railroad, and have chartered thesteamboat for the day. The arrangements for this excursion are more completethan any that ever left the city. Anybody that fails to take it in willregret it. Wichita Eagle.

Arkansas City Traveler, August 5, 1885.

The Winfield excursionists had a rough experienceon the river last week, when they stepped aboard the Kansas Millers to enjoythe romance of a moonlight ride. There were too many in the party, someof the excursionists had large avoirdupois, and the boat resented the invasionby getting hard aground. The Courier "fat man" was onboard, and the lean editor left in the office; and he irreverently pokedfun at his distressed brother.

[EXCURSION DAY.]

Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, August 8, 1885.

Thursday was excursion day. At about 10o'clock a.m., the train arrived from Wichita with four passenger coachesand a mail car, loaded to their utmost capacity with some 400 excursionists.A large crowd of our citizens were down at the depot to meet the visitors,but the train pulled on down to the road leading to Harmon's Bridge.

A large body of the people went to the beautifulgrove adjoining the steamboat landing, while a still greater portion cameup to the city to enjoy a first-class meal at our hotels. After dinner agoodly number went down to the river to enjoy a ride on the steamer, whichmade frequent trips up and down the Walnut. The Wichita Cornet band wasin attendance and enlivened the occasion with some choice music.

The base ball club was on hand and refusedto play against our boys unless a purse of $50 was put up. Our boys didnot want to do this because their pitcher was sick in bed; but a numberof the lovers of the game, in order that the match might be played, wentdown in their pockets and fished out the necessary sum. At 3 p.m., the gamecommenced with the Wichitas at the bat. They were all great big shoulderedstrikers and it was evident they would have a "walk over" afterthe first inning was played. On the seventh inning the Border Club threwup the sponge, the score standing 36 to 5 in favor of the visiting club.The Border Club expected to play the same crew as it had on its visit toWichita. There were just two of the old nine present. The rest were takenfrom St. Louis, Olathe, and Kansas City. Arkansas City's ball club can playagainst Sedgwick County, but when it comes to ringing in the world, we crawfish.But five of the original Border club played, word having been sent to someof the boys the game would not come off. The game had a bad effect on everybody,except the visitors, and we feel very sorry that our boys should have beenbeaten so badly. The excursionists returned home at 7 p.m., joyous and happyand well pleased with the entertainment furnished them by the inhabitantsof the city on the sandhill.

Arkansas City Traveler, August 19, 1885.

The steamboat Kansas Millers is reportedstranded on a bar near Ponca Agency, with a load of flour aboard.

Arkansas City Traveler, August 19, 1885.

A letter from one Thompson, of Ohio, offeringto sell a small steamboat of 20 inches draft, to ply on the Arkansas River,was read and tabled.

Arkansas City Republican, August 22, 1885.

It will be remembered by our readers thatthe REPUBLICAN published a letter in regard to the improvement of the upperArkansas a short time ago. The letter had been received by Mr. Moorheadand was from Mr. Taber. The following is another letter received in regardto the matter.

Mr. I. H. Bonsall, U. S. C. C. Commissioner,Arkansas City, Kansas.

SIR: I am very glad to get your letter ofthe 5th. There is one matter that is specially acceptable, and that is yourdirect manner of presenting facts. Your letter will be of great servicein connection with preparing estimates. There is one point that you willbe pained to learn, but yet should know and that is there is now no moneyon hand especially appropriated for the reach from Fort Smith to Wichita,Kansas. The last of it was expended in accord with my predecessor's plansin January last. There being no actual navigation above Fort Gibson, itcould not be expended above there until the river was improved below. WhenI came into this district, there was only a small balance left, and I simplycarried out my predecessor's plans. It is a great pity that the "KansasMillers" did not arrive about a year earlier. As it is now, it willsimply require patience until congress meets. You are practically openingan entirely new question. Neither myself or my predecessors have dared layvery much stress on this stream of river, for there was no actual navigation;now all this is changed, and when I send my report of the survey on to Washington,I shall send with it matured plans for the improvement of this reach asfar as Arkansas City at least. There should be no reason why an appropriationshould not be made, as you can offer some of the grandest statistics I haveever received. The river has been made first class except a few shoals ashigh as Gibson from Fort Smith with the money to which you refer. Thereis now $6,590.61 available for the entire reach from Wichita, Kansas, toits mouth. This has been reserved for the snag-boat service on the lowerriver, which reservation has been approved by the Chief of Engineers. Youwill see that I may be able to use a little of this to give you temporaryrelief. None of this appropriation has been used anywhere else since the"Kansas Millers" passed Little Rock, or rather since I saw a noticein the St. Louis Globe-Democrat that such a boat was building.If you had only sent me word say last February of what was expected, I couldhave held some money. As it is, however, I was in duty bound to expend itwhere navigation urgently needed it. I am intensely interested in the newdeparture and you may depend upon my making good use of every argument youcan give me. I have already sent a recommendation to the Secretary of Warthat the bridge at Tulsa be changed, this being based on Mr. Moorhead'sletter to said Secretary. Until Congress meets, little can be done. Everythingfavors an appropriation for I am able to say the river can be improved.The people demand an improvement and the commerce warrants it. I will tryand spare a thousand dollars to fix the worst places. There is also a wayby which arrangements can be made with the Secretary of War by which thecitizens of Arkansas City can deposit to my credit at Little Rock, say $2,000,as a contingent fund. I have to reserve about this amount to care for propertyin case there should be no new appropriation. If the citizens are practicallysure there will be, they can make this deposit and I will use up my owncontingent. Then when the new appropriation comes along, and I have notdrawn on the contingent, it reverts to the citizens. If I have been obligedto so draw, all that is drawn of course is used and only the balance willbe returned. I am not allowed to spend any money in advance of an appropriation.This I believe gives you the whole scope of the question. I will visit youbefore writing my report. This is a large district and I have Fort Smith,Dardanelle, Batesville, St. Francis, and Pine Bluff to visit yet, whereimportant matters wait my attention, before turning to you. A free interchangeof thoughts, opinions, and views is earnestly requested. Respectfully Yours,H. S. TABER, Captain of Engineers.

EDITOR REPUBLICAN: In connection with theabove letter, I would suggest that a public meeting be called so that allpersons interested in this matter (and every citizen of Cowley County isinterested) can attend and take part, and that the ways and means of accomplishingthis most desirable object be thoroughly discussed. Now is the time to giveCowley County such a shove ahead that all doubts as to her future will bea thing of the past. Make this river navigable and the future of CowleyCounty is assured.

The great need of Southern Kansas is transportation.Give us cheap freight rates and we can then successfully compete with thegrain producers in Illinois and other points north and east of us. It willgive us competition over nature's highway, where there can be no pooling,as it is free to all. Depending upon railroads where combinations are formedand earnings pooled is folly when river navigation can be obtained. Keepthis boat on the river until congress meets and prove that the river canbe made useful, and then make an effort to have an appropriation for thepermanent improvement of the river and this will accomplish the object inview. Let a public meeting be called at once, inviting all the farmers andbusinessmen of Cowley to attend and give the matter a fair discussion, andthen let us all put our shoulders to the wheel and push this through. Itcan be done; all that is needed is united action. Most Respectfully, I.H. BONSALL.

Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, September 9, 1885.

The enterprise of Kansans is proverbial,and the farmers and businessmen of Cowley County form no exception to therule. To carry this flour to market, and bring back a supply of lumber andcoal, river navigation has been determined, and a light draft, flat-bottomedsteamboat, drawing but 12 inches of water, has been built, which is nowon her way to Fort Smith with a cargo of flour, which is regarded as theinitial point to an extensive and prosperous river navigation.

Arkansas City Traveler, October 14, 1885.

On Monday Mr. E. Palmer, senior proprietorof the Mid-Continent Boiler Works, of Kansas City, arrived in town withsix workmen, to construct a steel barge for towage by the Steamer, "KansasMillers." The materials, it seems, have been standing unloaded at thedepot for several weeks, but the steamboat company, having a depleted treasury,have taken no steps to have the barge put together, waiting the return homeof Mr. James Hill. The workmen are now employed erecting a stage on theother side of the Walnut River, at Harmon's ford, for the construction ofthe barge. During the detention of the materials here we learn from Mr.Palmer several kegs of nails and washers have been abstracted from the car,and more material will have to be sent before the work can be completed.The vessel when put together will be 60 feet long, with a breadth of 12feet, and her capacity is estimated at 20 tons. With a full cargo her draftof water will not be over 2½ or 3 inches. The steel plates are 12feet long by 3 feet wide; those which compose the hull are ¼ inchthick, while the bow will be made of plates three-sixteenths thick. Fourlengths will compose the stowage portion of the barge, the ends fastenedwith strip iron secured to the steel by four rows of rivets placed 1½inches apart. Bars and braces and angle iron will be freely used to givethe vessel the necessary staunchness. An inside deck or flooring with plankwill be laid over the bottom of the barge, and at the gunwale, or upperportion of the sides, an upper deck will be laid. The sides, we should havementioned, will be three feet high. The addition of the bows and stern willextend the vessel 12 feet, and give it shapeliness as a river craft. Itwill be built in six water tight compartments. Three of these vessels wereordered, but the order has since been modified to two, and the materialsfor the other barge will arrive here in a few days. The cost of the twowill be about $2,600. Mr. Palmer and his crew of workmen are staying atthe Central Hotel.

Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, October 17, 1885.

THE NAVIGATION OF THE ARKANSAS A LUSCIOUSPLUM FOR ARKANSAS

CITY AND THE NAVIGATION COMPANY HAVE PLUCKEDIT.

Last week the material for one barge arrived.Monday last E. Palmer, representing the Mid-Continent Boiler Works of KansasCity, arrived with six workmen to set the barge up, and have been employedall this week at it. The barge when put together will be 60 feet long by16 feet wide with a capacity for carrying 20 tons. It will draw about 3inches of water when loaded. The Navigation Company have ordered the materialfor another barge, and they are now determined to have navigation openedup on the Arkansas before fall is over. The steamer, Kansas Millers, willtow the barges downstream. The trouble heretofore experienced will now beavoided. No cargo will be put on the steamer. It will be used to tow thebarges, and as it only draws 10 inches of water, no difficulty will be foundin navigating the Arkansas. Jas. Hill came home from New York this weekand set everything to going. He says the scheme must work and we have nodoubt but what it will.

Arkansas City Republican, October 17, 1885.

Soon we will have two steamboats plyingup and down the Arkansas.

Arkansas City Traveler, October 28, 1885.

The workmen have finished one of the bargesthat will form the towage of the Steamboat, Kansas Millers, and are nowputting the second barge together. The vessel is sixty feet long, and isnot an unshapely specimen of river architecture. It is built in six watertight compartments, and although the steel which forms the hull of the bargeis ¼ of an inch thick, it is so well stayed with bars and angle ironthat it is really a staunch vessel. Its burden is 20 tons and when loadedwill displace 2½ inches of water.

Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, October 31, 1885.

The following is a partial list of the improvementsmade in Arkansas City since March 1, 1885.

Steamboat $7,000

Barges $3,000

Arkansas City Republican, October 31, 1885.

One of the steel barges to be used by theNavigation company is almost completed.

Arkansas City Traveler, November 11, 1885.

Bro. Merydith, of the Dexter Eye, visitedArkansas City lately, and here is his account of what he saw and reflectionspertinent thereto.

"Last Saturday in company with Mr.R. Hite, we made a visit to Arkansas City. We found the streets crowdedwith teams and everything lively. The stores and shops were crowded withmen, women, and Indians. They have some of the finest stores, hotels, etc.,in southern Kansas. We met several of the prominent men of the town andwe learned one of the secrets of their success. They have a committee oftwenty-five of their leading citizens who subscribe a certain amount toraise a fund to be used in carrying out any project or scheme to advancethe interest of their town and surrounding country. On Sunday we were furnisheda good rig by Messrs. Bryson & Moore, and in company with R. Hite andC. W. Barnes, we went to see the sights along the river and canal. The firstthing visited was the steamboat, 'Kansas Millers.' We found it manned byRobinson Crusoe, a translator of the Indian language. The boat is 16 feetwide and 75 feet long and draws about two feet of water. They have justfinished a new steel barge and will be ready for business shortly. We believefrom what we saw and learned that they will make the enterprise a grandsuccess. We next went to look at the canal. They were drawing the wateroff in order to wash out the channel and instead of the banks caving inor its washing out too much, as some said, we found that the sand from theriver caused it to be a kind of self-feeder and is regulated on Sunday byraising the water gates and running the surplus sand off. There are threelarge flouring mills and water enough for a dozen more. One cooper shopwhere they put up their own barrels. There is 22 feet of a fall and waterenough to run all the factories in the state. Arkansas City is buildingup rapidly. There are nine large business houses in course of construction,and altogether there is not a town in Kansas that has a more glorious futurebefore her."

[EXCHANGES.]

Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, November 14, 1885.

Last Saturday, in company with Mr. R. Hite,we made a visit to Arkansas City. We found the streets crowded with teamsand everything lively. The stores and shops were crowded with men, women,and Indians. They have some of the finest stores, hotels, etc., in southernKansas. We met several of the prominent men of the town and we learned oneof the secrets of her success. They have a committee of twenty-five of theirleading citizens who subscribe a certain amount to raise a fund to be usedin carrying out any project or scheme to advance the interest of their townand surrounding country. On Sunday we were furnished a rig by Messrs. Bryson& Moore, and in company with R. Hite and C. W. Barnes, we went to seethe sights along the river and canal. The first thing visited was the steamboat,"Kansas Millers." We found it manned by Robinson Crusoe, a translatorof the Indian language. The boat is 16 feet wide and 75 feet long and drawsabout two feet of water. They have just finished a new steel barge and willbe ready for business shortly. We believe from what we saw and learned thatthey will make the enterprise a grand success. We next went to look at thecanal. They were draining the water off in order to wash out the channeland instead of the banks caving in or it washing out too much, as some said,we found that the sand from the river caused it to be a kind of self-feeder,and is regulated on Sunday by raising the water gates and running the surplussand off. There are three large flourishing mills and water for a dozenmore. One cooper shop, where they put up their own barrels.

There is 22 feet of a fall and water enoughto run all the factories in the state. Arkansas City is building up rapidly.There are nine large business houses in course of construction and altogetherthere is not a town in Kansas that has a more glorious future before her.

Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, November 28, 1885.

ARTICLE 6. There shall also be appointedby the managers, at the regular semi-annual meetings, a standing committeeon railroads and steamboats, to consist of five members, to whom shall bereferred all matters relating to the transportation of merchandise and passengersto and from the city. They shall semi-annually and whenever they deem itexpedient make reports to the managers or board all such subjects relatingto the various railroad and steamboat lines connected with our city, withsuch recommendations for the action of the managers or board as they maydeem advisable.

Arkansas City Traveler, February 24, 1886.

We mentioned in our last issue that BradfordBeal left town with J. H. Sherburne, intending to pay a visit to the MaineCattle Co.'s ranch. On reaching Ponca he found the ice on the Salt Forkbroken up, and the ferry boat lying high on the opposite bank. On that sideof the river there were Charles Howard, on his way home from the same ranch,and several others just as anxious to pass over. There were several tonsof ice frozen solid within the boat, and with the deficient appliances athand, launching the vessel was no easy matter. But they worked like goodfellows all Saturday afternoon and the whole of Sunday, until their exertionswere rewarded by getting the ferry afloat. This enabled them to open communication,and those that were detained on both shores went on their way rejoicing.In justification of their working on Sunday, these pious citizens will probablyurge that their ox was in the pit.

Arkansas City Republican, March 27, 1886.

Navigation of the Arkansas River now seemsto be an assured fact, but one thing certainly can be relied on, even ifCongress does not appropriate the $120,000 asked for, and that is, thatA. V. Alexander & Co., a home institution, cannot be undersold in lumber,lath, shingles, sash doors, cement, plaster, etc.

Arkansas City Republican, April 10, 1886.

The much talked of steel barges for thenavigation of the Arkansas River have at last been completed. There aretwo of them, each 10 x 60 feet. They are capable of hauling three car loadsof flour, drawing only about 10 inches of water. Next week the "KansasMillers" will tow them down to Ft. Smith with a cargo of flour andother freight. With the Ft. Smith Road and a line of steamboats plying upand down the Arkansaw to this city, won't our boom be immense!

Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, May 29, 1886. From Thursday's Daily.

Boating parties on the silvery bosom ofthe Walnut are now the order of the day, or the evenings, rather. A morepleasant course for boating would be hard to find, and our young ladiesare promising themselves many a moonlight ride, forgetful of the consequencesto the tender hands of their Romeos.

[ARKANSAS RIVER: NAVIGATION.]

Arkansas City Republican, June 12, 1886.

As our readers are well aware, for severalyears the navigation of the Arkansas River has been agitated. A few monthsago matters began to arrange themselves into definite shape. The millersof Cowley County had foreseen that they must have a southern market openedup to them at a cheaper freight rate than they were obtaining from the railroadcompanies or else their milling interests would suffer materially. Accordinglythey formed themselves into an association and had the steamer, "KansasMillers," constructed to ply upon the upper Arkansas from this citydown to the larger cities in the state of Arkansas. Captain T. S. Mooreheadbrought the "Kansas Millers" to its landing in the Walnut in Julyof last summer. This clearly demonstrated that the Arkansas River couldbe navigated as far up as this city. The plucky Millers in their venturehad met with more than the most sanguine dared to hope for: SUCCESS.

Later on the steel barges have been constructedfor the carrying of the cargo, and yesterday morning the first consignmentof freight was made. The steamer with its barges glided gracefully downthe Walnut into the Arkansas with Capt. Barnes in command without a mishapand disappeared from view in the distance.

This navigation of the Arkansas River meansmuch for the future welfare of Arkansas City.

Heretofore the transportation rates on acarload of flour, by railroad, to Ft. Smith has been almost $100. It isnow being sent down to the same destination for less than $50 per carload.On the six car-loads sent down Wednesday, some $300 in freight rates hasbeen saved to the shipping millers of Cowley County. This is an item thatis worth looking after and will have a tendency to make the efforts of bothseller and buyer double what they have been heretofore in the navigationof the river. On the return trip Capt. Barnes will load up his barges withlumber. On a carload of lumber from Arkansas, the freight rate is about$8 per thousand. The "Kansas Millers" will bring the same to ArkansasCity for half of that sum. Thus it will be seen what the navigation of theArkansas River means for us.

Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, June 12, 1886. From Friday's Daily.

Captain Thompson, a steamboat captain onthe Ohio River, is in the city. He came here to investigate the navigatingof the Arkansas. He arrived 24 hours too late to take the "Kansas Millers"for Fort Smith. Capt. Thompson says the Arkansas is navigable upon the planproposed by our millers. He will remain in our city several days.

Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, June 12, 1886. From Friday's Daily.

Capt. M. Thompson, of London, Ohio, is inthe city looking after the purchasing of an interest in the "KansasMillers" navigation steamboat line upon the Arkansas River.

Capt. Thompson came up the river severalyears ago on the "Rob-Roy." He thinks the navigation of the riveris possible and would be a paying investment.

He tells us he would gladly lay all theflour the millers of Cowley County could manufacture down at Ft. Smith athalf freight rates charged by the railroads.

Should Capt. Thompson make the necessaryarrangements to take charge of the "Kansas Millers," he will bringa small steamer he has at present upon the White River above Evansvillein Indiana and use it in going up the Walnut and Arkansas Rivers from thiscity to gather up the cargo. The REPUBLICAN hopes the Captain will succeedin making the purchase.

Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, June 19, 1886. From Monday's Daily.

Capt. M. Thompson, who has been in the cityseveral days, will leave for St. Louis in the morning. Capt. Thompson camehere from London, Ohio, to purchase an interest in the "Kansas Millers,"but as it had gone down the river with a cargo of flour, the trade was notmade.

The Captain desires to undertake the taskof navigating the Arkansas from this city down and should he make the necessaryarrangements to do so, he will bring his steamer here from the White Riverin Indiana. It is 12 x 56 feet and only draws 10 inches of water when inoperation. The Captain informs us he will bind himself to navigate the Arkansasfor two years, making a trip at least once a month to Fort Smith, sometimes,twice, if our two steel barges are furnished him. Flour will be laid downat Ft. Smith for 25 cents per hundred, just half the rate charged by therailroad companies.

Today Capt. Thompson met with the NavigationCompany to come to an understanding in regard to the matter. Should theagreement be favorable, Capt. Thompson will remove his family here and makeArkansas City his home.

Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, June 19, 1886. From Tuesday's Daily.

Capt. M. Thompson met with the navigationcompany Monday. It is very probable that the captain will purchase a half-interestin the "Kansas Millers," and bring his small steamer here fromthe White River. It will run between here and Ponca Agency, while the "KansasMillers" runs from Ponca to Ft. Smith. The matter will be definitelysettled in a day or so.

Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, June 26, 1886. From Friday's Daily.

Winfield has a steamer. It is called "TheBelle of Winfield." Large name that; larger than the boat. It is saidthat a party of excursionists went up the river aboard of her and got stranded;then there was a sad and solemn procession walked down the banks of theplacid Walnut, towing the boat. It resembled a Quaker funeral.

Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, June 26, 1886. From Friday's Daily.

A party was organized at Wichita the firstof the week to sail down the Arkansas River to Arkansas City, headed byRev. Parker, pastor of the Congregational Church. Bright and early Mondaymorning the party set sail on a flat-boat down the river. All went alongsmoothly until they arrived opposite a farm house. It was about eating timeand the party thought it would be a grand opportunity to go ashore and obtainsome fresh milk at the farm house and eat dinner. In attempting to landthe covering of the boat caught in the branches of some trees on the bank,causing it to tilt to one side. Before the canvass could be released fromits fastening, the boat capsized and the entire party with all their "chattels"were precipitated into the "ragin' Rackensack." Fortunately, theriver was shallow and all waded ashore, getting nothing but a severe wetting,and losing about $100 worth of wraps, clothing, etc. The party, with theirenthusiasm considerably dampened, wended their way to the farm house, thesight of which had been the cause of the mishap. From the farm house theywent to the nearest railroad station and came in a roundabout way to ArkansasCity, arriving yesterday on the noon train. The party was bound to visitthe future metropolis of the Arkansas Valley in the face of all opposition.

Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, July 3, 1886. From Wednesday's Daily.

John Landes informs us that the steamer,"Kansas Millers," with her barges has arrived at Ft. Smith. Theyarrived there Monday, having made the trip in safety. At Ponca Agency adelay of three or four days was caused by the engineer getting sick. Theboat did not stick upon any sandbars.

Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, July 10, 1886. From Wednesday's Daily.

Capt. E. S. Bliss, of "The Kansas Millers,"got in today by rail, and reports a jolly and successful trip down the "ragin'Arkansaw." He was 66 hours and 5 minutes making the trip with a crewof eight, and no trouble, with the exception of a little between Salt Forkand Pawnee. About one-half of the cargo of 100,000 pounds of flour was soldin the Territory. The captain says the river was about three feet abovelow water mark and says there is no doubt "The Kansas Millers"is a success. On account of pressing business, he left the boat at Ft. Smithand came back by rail. Mr. Bliss is highly pleased with the trip, and saysit is better than going to the mountains. Courier.

[KANSAS MILLERS.]

Arkansas City Republican, August 7, 1886.

Capt. Thompson arrived in this city lastevening from Ohio. He came to take charge of the "Kansas Millers,"having been telegraphed for by the Navigation Company. After remaining inthe city overnight, he left this morning for Ft. Smith, where he went totake charge of the steamer and bring it up the river to this city. He intendsto be here in ample time to run an excursion Saturday, August 14. On thefollowing week Capt. Thompson will start for Ft. Smith with another loadof flour. He will endeavor to make two trips per month. The navigation ofthe Arkansas from this city down to Ft. Smith has now begun in earnest.

[KANSAS MILLERS.]

Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, August 27, 1886. From Monday's Daily.

Capt. Thompson, of Ohio, has effected thepurchase of a two-thirds interest in the "Kansas Millers." Hewill go down to Ft. Smith tomorrow and bring her up. Bliss & Wood havesold their one-third interest in the boat to parties at Ft. Smith.

Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, September 1, 1886.

The vision before our people's minds isa thrifty commercial and industrial city of 30,000 or 40,000 inhabitants,a railroad center with work shops and other division buildings, and a rivernavigation employing a large line of boats. This vision they feel so confidentof seeing speedily realized that they have their estimate of value on whatis shortly to be, and show their faith by putting their money into propertyat rates commensurate with their expectations. The only risk they run isin carrying this business too far and getting prices so high that they cannotbe maintained.

Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, September 18, 1886. From Wednesday's Daily.

Steamboat excursion on the Walnut River,for the benefit of getting the "Belle," of Winfield, here. Everybodybuy tickets to help the boat to get here. Tickets on sale at the Post Officeand J. L. Howard's.

[STEAMBOAT LOADED FOR FORT SMITH.]

Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, October 9, 1886. From Thursday's Daily.

Recently a steamboat was loaded at ArkansasCity with a cargo of wheat, corn, and other produce and shipped for FortSmith. The trip was successfully made and proved a profitable one to theowners of the boat and cargo. We mention this to call attention to the greatArkansas as a channel of commerce, which it will be when opened properlyfor navigation. Little or more money has been appropriated for or expendedupon the river in the way of opening it for navigation. When this is doneby appropriations from the government commensurate with the importance ofthe stream and interests of the country, the growth and development of thecommercial and agricultural interests will be proportionately exchanged.

Wichita Eagle.

Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, January 15, 1887. From Wednesday's Daily.

In the spring a boating club is to be organized.The Walnut River from Harmon's Bridge down affords a most excellent placefor rowing.

[ATHLETIC CLUB.]

Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, February 26, 1887.

Yesterday afternoon we were shown a platof the Santa Fe addition, east of the city, and the proposed park and racetrack. It was drawn by E. B. Wingate and is a special effort and we cansay it is a credit to his skill. It shows the addition laid off in lotsand blocks, streets and alleys, each being colored up in good style. Adjacenton the northeast is the race course and park. The track is to be one mile;the inside space to be used as a base ball and pleasure grounds. A smallsteamer is to be put on the Walnut River; also row boats. A boat house willbe built at the foot of 5th Avenue. Following the course of the river isa driveway about one mile in length.

If the intentions of the club is carriedout, we are safe in saying Arkansas City will have the handsomest and bestpleasure grounds in the state. Santa Fe addition will also become a popular,and splendid place to reside.

There will be a meeting tonight in the roomsof the Business Men's club to complete the organization and take the necessarypreliminary steps to the successful carrying out of the enterprise.

The park is to be devoted to the buildingof agricultural fairs, etc.

Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, February 26, 1887. From Monday's Daily.

R. U. Hess has commenced the formation ofan athletic club. The intention of the organization is to place pleasureyachts, row boats, etc., on the Walnut River. He hopes to have everythingmoving properly by early summer.

Thus does my coverage of the earlynewspapers stop. Our hopes of using steamboats came to nought! I did findone reference to events in 1872 in the following...

Skipping forward to papers coveredin the 1920s...

Arkansas City Traveler, Thursday, June 16, 1921.

Capt. M. N. Sinnott, city clerk, has dugup a very interesting record of city affairs which dates back many years,at the beginning of the city administration of the now famous Arkansas City,Kansas, and which is being kept for future use in the matter of lookingup affairs that may be needed for various purposes.

This notation appears on the record datedAugust 9, 1875.

"Petition congress to make appropriationto make the Arkansas river navigable. Town company to deed 150 lots to theA. C. Navigation Co. to aid in purchase of boat to cost not less than $2,000to navigate the Arkansas river."

The following are miscellaneousitems relative to river travel and activities on both the Walnut and Arkansasrivers, which I found in the Arkansas City Traveler in variousissues...MAW.

[MEASURING DEVICE PLACED ON WALNUTRIVER BRIDGE, WINFIELD.]

Arkansas City Traveler, Tuesday, January 3, 1922.

That black box fastened to the west railof the Walnut river bridge on South Main street is part of an apparatusfor measuring and recording the rise and fall of water in the river, itwas explained today by those who have it in charge. The box has caused agreat deal of wonderment and questioning, but no one seemed to know aboutit. Today it was learned that William Mason, who lives south of the river,near the bridge, is looking after the apparatus.

Attached to the rail of the bridge adjacentto the black box is a horizontal timber upon which is fastened a measuringscale ten feet and one tenth in length. The scale is divided into feet andtenths of a foot. Between zero and three feet the scale is divided by markings,each of which represent two one-hundredths of a foot.

An opening in the bottom of the box, throughwhich projects a short length of pipe, allows a weighted cord to be letdown to the water. A permanent marker on this cord is applied to the scaleand the reading taken and noted. Mr. Mason says this is done twice a day,morning and evening. The fluctuations in the height of the river are thusaccurately recorded.

This apparatus was placed on the bridgeseveral weeks ago by agents of the United States Geological Survey. Itspurpose is to record the flow of the river. Similar apparatus has been placedon bridges throughout the country in order to get a dependable estimateon the amount of water available in any given region. Some day this willbe valuable in making plans for the conservation of water, or for utilizingthe rivers for water power.

Mr. Mason was asked to look after the apparatusbecause he lives nearby. He gets a small fee for doing it. The daily recordsare forwarded to the survey at the end of each week.

--Courier.

[NEW STEEL BARGE FOR ARKANSAS CITYSAND PLANT.]

Arkansas City Traveler, Monday, March 20, 1922. Front Page.

A new steel barge is being constructed bythe Imperial Welding and Boiler company of this city for the Arkansas Citysand plant. According to the plans and specifications, the barge is to be66 feet long, 22 feet wide, and 6 feet and 6 inches in depth. It will holdtwo carloads of sand and is being built at a cost of $10,000. The bargewas designed and is being built by the Imperial Welding and Boiler companyunder the personal supervision of George P. Covell, the company's manager.The work on the barge has been delayed for several days on account of thehigh water in the Arkansas river, but will be resumed shortly as the wateris rapidly receding.

When completed the boat will weigh 33 tonsand its weight capacity in sand will be 80 tons (two carloads) which willmake the total weight 113 tons when the boat is loaded. There is no machinerybeing installed on this boat. This has been provided for, the Imperial companyhaving already built a steel barge for boiler and engine, which will beused to tow the new barge. The sand company is figuring on a total outputof 25 carloads of sand daily, and for this purpose is investing a totalof $60,000. This will be the largest sand plant west of Kansas City.

The sand plant is being operated by thefirm of Dunn & Ambrose, under the title of the Arkansas City Sand company.J. B. Ambrose is the secretary and treasurer and N. C. Dunn is the president.Mr. Dunn bought in about a year and a half ago. He is an old time sand manand is prominent in the sand business.

The sand in the Arkansas river here bearsthe official test of 92 percent pure, and is the best sand in the statewith the exception of the product which is taken from the Kaw river at KansasCity, Kansas, which is 96 percent pure. The sand in the Missouri river nearthe mouth of the Kaw is not worth anything for building purposes, accordingto George P. Covell. The A. C. Sand company's plant is located on West Washingtonavenue. The sand used by the company is pumped from the bed of the Arkansasriver into the barge and is again pumped from the barge into the railwaycars for shipping.

It is one of the important industries ofthis city and is marketing its product over a wide territory.

Arkansas City Traveler, Tuesday, April 11, 1922.

There was a weird story being related herethis morning in regard to parties who saw a man riding on a large log downthe center of the Walnut river here on Sunday afternoon. There seems tobe no one who can be located at this time who really saw the man in thispredicament but, nevertheless, the story was being told today. Those whoare inclined to believe the story are wondering whether or not he gainedthe bank safely and how far he rode down stream on the log before beingrescued, or was saved by his own hands.

Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, April 12, 1922.

Three Arkansas City boys who went fishingyesterday just above the dam three miles northwest of town on the Arkansasriver met with some wholly unexpected experiences which furnished excitementnot usually incident to the life of a fisherman or expected by pleasurehunters on a fishing expedition, according to a report made by Arthur Hillthis morning.

The participants in this fishing event wereBud Sospburg, W. B. Bethel, and R. W. Hide. They constructed a three-lograft which they were using, and on which they had most of their clothing,hats, and shoes. The breaking away of the canal at the point where theywere located caused a rush of water; and as a result, they lost controlof the raft. In order to save themselves, they caught onto the branchesof a tree and pulled themselves out while the raft came on down the canal.They were left with but little wearing apparel, most of their clothes havingcome down with the raft. In this plight they were compelled to hike fortown and presented a spectacular aspect, when they were later picked upby Arthur Hill in his automobile near the Chestnut Avenue bridge which spansthe Arkansas river west of town, and delivered to their respective destinationsin town, fishless, and nearly clothesless, but rich enough in adventure.

Arkansas City Traveler, Saturday, April 15, 1922.

J. B. Ambrose, of the Arkansas City Sandcompany, reports that his company is again doing business on the Arkansasriver west of the city after an enforced vacation on account of the recenthigh water in that stream. Yesterday the company hands, with the machineryat the pumping station near the Madison avenue bridge, loaded and shippedout eight cars of sand.

The Arkansas river sand from this pointis in great demand all over the country for building purposes and the localcompany expects to get its share of the business this spring and summer.The work of yesterday was the first done there for a week or more, on accountof the high water and the recent wind storm.

Mr. Ambrose also tells a good joke on himselfand the company, which was the result of conditions of the elements, andwhich might have been prevented, had the men of the company known just whatturn the elements were going to take on a certain occasion.

The company had a large raft, or barge,located on the Walnut river, which was used in the pumping of gravel fromthat stream, and during the high water in that river, the barge was towedfrom the main part of the stream, where there was lots of back water, inorder that it might not break loose and float down the raging stream. Nowthe boat is on dry land, as the water fell several feet in the night recently,and naturally the barge had to remain there, as it was anchored. Now, thereis going to be a big job for someone in getting the heavy barge and themachinery which it contains back into the stream.

[MR. AND MRS. GUY ECROYD: WILL ROWDOWN THE ARKANSAS RIVER.]

Arkansas City Traveler, Monday, July 10, 1922.

Mr. and Mrs. Guy Ecroyd will leave the citynext Sunday for a new and novel trip, while on a two weeks vacation fromthe Newman store. They have purchased a row boat and will go down the Arkansasriver, until they get tired of rowing and camping, and will then ship theboat back to the city. They have no particular destination in view, butmay go as far downstream as Fort Smith, Arkansas. They are fitting up theboat with a canvass top to keep off the hot sun and also will take alongcamping apparatus, as they intend to camp out along the stream at night,while en route.

Arkansas City Traveler, Thursday, July 20, 1922.

Guy Ecroyd, who with Mrs. Ecroyd, starteddown the Arkansas River in a row boat on Sunday morning, sends word to theNewman store that they had reached Kaw City on Monday afternoon and thatthere was plenty of water for the small row boat. Mr. and Mrs. Ecroyd willgo down the river until they have had enough of that sort of outing, andwill then ship the boat back to the city, and will return home on the train.They chose this novel method of spending a two weeks vacation.

Arkansas City Traveler, Friday, July 21, 1922.

Guy Ecroyd sends a post card message tothe Traveler from Ralston, Oklahoma, under date of Wednesday, July19, stating there is "plenty of water and going fine. Water fell thefirst two days and then came up again, about like it was on Sunday whenwe left the city. Camped the second night below Ponca City and last nighton Turkey Island. Talk about eating, you should see us." Mr. and Mrs.Ecroyd started down the Arkansas in a row boat last Sunday morning, on avacation trip.

Arkansas City Traveler, Monday, July 31, 1922.

"It sure was fine and I will try thesame stunt another year, when I take my annual vacation," said GuyEcroyd, of the Newman store this morning, who with Mrs. Ecroyd enjoyed thetrip of two weeks down the Arkansas river in a boat. Guy returned Saturdayand Mrs. Ecroyd stopped off at Tulsa, for a several days' visit with hersister.

Mr. and Mrs. Ecroyd left the city two weeksago yesterday in a row boat, which they rented from Marvin Wells, of NorthFourth street, and they started back on the train from Fort Smith, Ark.The boat was shipped back from that city. He stopped at Tulsa overnightand she remained there. They did not intend to get as far as Fort Smithin the limited time allotted for the trip, but rather took the advance reportin regard to them going there as a joke. However, as the water was highall the time they were away, they made the trip to Fort Smith and had timeto spare. In other words, they went downstream along with the high water,which was just beginning to recede here at the time they left Arkansas City.When they reached Muskogee, they were overtaken by a rise which was saidthere to be as much as ten feet, as other streams flowing into the Arkansasnear there had caused another big flow in the river. On account of the highwater and the swift current, there wasn't much rowing to do, but Guy showsthe signs of the burning sun. They camped on the banks of the river eachnight and thoroughly enjoyed the outing. They made the trip to Fort Smith,which by the river route covers several hundred miles, in eleven days and3 hours.