Willamette farmer. (Salem, Or.) 1869-1887, March 18, 1887, Image 1

Willamette farmer., March 18, 1887, Image 1

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Newspaper Page Textf r. ' K.' t l M VOL. XIX. OREGON PIONEER HISTORY. BKET0HE8 OF EARLY DAYS MEN AND TIMES IN TUB FORTIES DY 8. A CLABKR. L Cjpjrrlght ippllcd (or. Allljhti retctvoJ. Tne Whitman Massacre John Loo Lowis to Rov. M. Walker : After referring kindly to family mat- tors, and particularly upon tho.eafo birth of a sou to Mrs. Walker in tho midst o( all tho prevailing terrors and excite niont, Mr. Lowis writes : Colvillo, Jan. 11, 1848. I now rofcr to your lottbr relating to tho Iatoly rocoivod Indian intelligonco from tho lower country. My opinion is that tho principal part of it is founded on fiction, and tallies woll with Indian reports, in gonoral. Theso pcoplo aro fond of dealing with tho mnrvolous and aro ndopts at making up fictitious talcs, turning n molo-hill into a mountain. That tho nows of tho melancholy facts of Dr. Whitman and o thorn .with him should crcato excitcmont throughout tho Willamotto and othor parts of tho country, thoro cannot bo a doubt, but that tho Orogon government in tho midst of, them should in retaliation sanction tho murder, in cold blood, of innocont natives, I cannot for a momont considor hkoly ; that a great stir, much talk and preparation is making below, to strike a blow whoro it ought to bo struck, on tho very lands, and only on tho tribe of tho guilty wretched. I think oro long wo shall havo tho truo version of tho lato Indian roport. Ono Littlo Chief of tho Hill has just this momont quitted my room. Ho camo in to talk ovor tho nows spread in his camp last ovoning by your Indian courior. Ho with all his tribo ridicules tho lato re ports. In his own words ho says tho Indians nro such notorious liars that ho doos not beliovo a word of what is re ported, nor will ho, until ho hoars it from myself, put any trust in such flying rumors ; thon, and not till then, will ho talk of rovongo) Ho says : When it is proved that ths innocent nativos of tho uppor country havo bcon sacrificed for tho guilty, thon will thoy bo rovonged ou tho guilty Cayuses, for it was owing to thorn that tlioir relatives havo boon murdered. Not a word, so far, has been breathed by tho Indians of this placo against tho whites, whether Americans or of our company , and in my opinion sotuo weighty chango must como over thorn to mako thorn c'nango their proscnt good feeling towards us. It bohooves us, uovortholess, to keep a watchful oyo oyer all their motions and act with cau tion and prudonco. Thoir vory heavy and recent losses havo dojoctod many of them, tondiug to sour their minds. Whilo brooding ovor tho prematura do parturo of so many thoy hold most dear, n mad phronsy might lead thoin to commit somo acts of violonco, endanger ing thoir own lives and others. To be prepared for any such outbreak I must bo over on tho alert, not only watching tho Indians, but also tho actions of my own pcoplo. You aro not ignorant how thoughtless and silly most of theso are, nnd tho daily intorcourso thoy havo with tho Indians mako mo feol anxious lest their thoughtless and wanton talk among them should create quarrels, by which I shall find myself involved in difficulties with tho surrounding tribes. Everything points out to mo tho impru dence of absenting mysolf, oven for a fow days, from this placo. You will not, thercforo, I trust, feol disappointed at my not paying you a visit at prosont. To loavo now, on tho receipt of what wo havo heard from below, might appear suspicious in tho sight of tho Indians, and mako them boliovo wo know moro than wo choose- to mako public. Aftor repeating offers of shelter and protection, (which they finally accepted and enjoyed for months), Mr. Lewis con tinues: A word about tho dreadful malady that has so long raged in this quarter, and with such dreadful aflbct Upto this dato no less than ninety-four (04) men, womon and children havo fallen victims to it. Tho Kottlo Fall Indians, proper, aro now fast on tho re covery, only four to-day on tho sick list among them. Our Upper Lake Indians, being tho lust attacked, are now nearly all laid low with it. What is coppied from this letter shows what a fearful state of excitement exis ted among all tho Indian tribos, and that vaguo and terrifying rumors circu lated to create and continue it. It also shows tho fearful mortality prevailing by pestilence among tho Indians, which was liable- to rouse their superstitious fears and create frenzy that would lead to murder and terror. Under dato of February 18, 1848, Mr. SALEM, OREGON, FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 1887. Lowis writes Mr. Walker at grcat'longth, sovoral months aftor tho mnsscoro, do tailing many facts of historical impor tance and many incidents that boar on tho existing time. I shall, as horcto foro,copy only passages of peculiar in torost. For instance ho says : Yours of tho 12th inst, I am glad to say, was attended with most bonoficcnt affects among our Indians hero, for it contradicted many of tho flying and vaguo reports circulated by Master Nich olas Finloy. Tho purport of that scamp's mission to thosa parts docs not pleaso mo. I am yet in tho dark as to Iiib mo tives. Dumont assured mo that ho camo purposely for ono or two of his brothers to go down to assist him to got his livo stock drivon to a placo of security. If this was all thoro would havo boon no harm in his visit, but tho lios tho follow circulated and his tamporing with tho opokancs say but littlo in his favor. Immediately on tho receipt of your first Iottor I eont for tho Littlo Chief and gavo him tho principal information it convoyod. Tho courior of tho said letter was prcsont and listened to your state- inonts, tallying exactly with what Big Hoad had told him previously. All this ploascd Littlo Chlof and ho was not long convincing-his pcoplo of. tho falso ro- Eorts that had boon spread among tnem y tho ovil disposod. You will bo glad to hear that tranquillity is again restored between us and tho Indians. Tho old rascal who was tho author of our taking to Americans I havo Iatoly seen and takon Bovorely to task for his murdor- ous intentions. I had a conforenco with him boforo our Littlo Chlof and somo others. Ho did not deny having threat ened us but wished to oxouso himsolf under tho plea that somo of tho other Indians had pursuadod him that somo among us woro Amoricans mysolf among tho number and as tho Ameri cans below had killed somo o( thoir country pooplo it wastimo to bo avongod on us." "Aftor much talk we separated to all appcaranco bottor frionds than wo mot, ho promising to behave himsolf as ho ought for tho future." Ho discussos at longth tho quostion of loaving tho station, nnd authorizing him to break tho seal of express packagos coming that way to Colvillo to boo if it contained letters or maltors for thorn selves. Ho also urgontly rcpoats tho in vitation to como to Colvillo for safoty if dangor approaches. Roforring to a pnssago in Mr. Walker's Iottor, ho prom ises to tako euro of tho family in case n violent death shall reach Mr. Walker and sparo tho others. Ho also speaks of their omploy ing Nicholas Finloy to guard their station in coso ot thoir absenco and informs him of tho tortus usual in mak ing suoh contraots when paid in cattlo and horses. All this is dono with groat forethought and business sonso woll as kindness. Thon ho continues: 'I delivered your mossago to tho Littlo Chiof and ho wqp much pleased. I questioned him again on your remov ing here, and asked, in caso you did, would you run any danger Irom tho Indiana hero. Ho answered that ho was not awaro that you had any cause to fear his Indians. What made mo ask this was: Whilo I hold tho conferenco with tho old rascal that threatened to cut our throats it came out that tho samo scamps, whilo planning our dis truotion, had your names brought for ward, saying that you would havo to share tho samo fato intended for us. I do not desiro to create any unnecessary alarm but 1 doom it highly propor in those troubled times that tho slfcrhtcst expression of tho Indians should not pass unnoticed. Light and foolish say- inga uiiiuiiti on j'tujuu uin.-u itun vj du rious consequences. As you and those with you aro so closely mixed up with tho present excited state of tho country I think it advisable that you should bo in possession of all that is said, good or bad, on this question. I atrroo with you that it would not be advisablo for me to send a great force of peoplo to your place, as it might havo a bad affect with your Indians; They would naturally suppose" that you put no confidence in them and all thoir offers ot protection wore disregarded. Their present kind sentimonts we had better not disturb by a show ol force which, if they turned against you, might prove inadequate for your safety and protection. Bending ono man 1 do not think will cause any jealousy, or that they will put a misconstruction on my so doing. Wc will try it, and to-morrow morning Thomas Itay will loavo this, in company with an Indian for your placo. Ho can remain with you a fow weeks until wo soo what will bo tho re sult of tho prcsont turmoil. You will employ him as you think best. Ho is a Canadian, and has ncrotoioro been ouo diont to all orders. I am sory to learn that tho Dig Head is so ill, I sincerely bono he may recover. Just at this momont it would bo unfor tunate if ho is carried off. His death might tend to chango tho sentiment of many of tho Indians about you and rcn dor your situation still moro trying and vexatious. Wo can only hopo for tho best and leavo tho rost to Qod, to do as ho may bco most fit. John Leo Lowis to Rov. M. Walker, March 3. 1848. An Indian from tho Stony island chief has arrived with letters. After remain ing for a fow days tho chief returned with all his mon, but eont his son below to learn it four of his pcoplo had bcon killod, as reported. Tho messongor states that nil thrco Finloys followed tho Cay uso war party bolow. If thoy trot oach of them a ball in tho hoad it is only what thoy deserve Thoy had no business to poko their noses whoro thoy aro not wanted. Tho Uayusos nnd Amoricans had not mot when tho letters loft. I send you tho letters I recoivod that you may havo, all tho intelligonco thoy contain. Pleaso road and return by Artartio, tho boaror. I request, Xurthor, porioct silenco regarding Thomas MoKay and tho half breeds being with tho Ameri can forces. Tho knowlodgo of this cir dilating at prcsont among tho Indians might create somo excitement, which thoro is no occasion for. It is bottor for tho wholo of us to bo silent on tho subjoct. LINN COUNTY FAIK. Wo tako tho following fram tho Eu gono City Guard of recent dato: A meeting of tho Board of Diroctors of tho Lano County Agricultural As sociation was hold last Monday in this city. Superintendents of divisions woro appointed as follows : A, David Stan ton; B, 0. It. Chrisman; 0, B. V. Powers ; 1), Jas Stevens ; E, John Simp son; F, J. 0. Jonnings; 0, Miss Mary McMurray; II, Mrs. Martha Buoy; I, Mrs. T. J. Vaughan ; J, 1, Mrs. Sam'l Nelson ; J, 2. Mrs. Thot. Craig ; K, Miss Roso Baxter; L, S. Q. Thompson; M, S. F. Korns ; N, F. T. Hayfield ; 0, Miss Frankio Odoll ; P, A. C. Woodcock ; 8, Mrs. T. M. Jackson. Pursos for races during tho fair ag gregate nearly $700, being doublo the amount horotoforo given. For tho ono half milo race, best two in three, $150 for first and $0(5 for second i offered ; for tho milo trotting, best three in fivo, $150 for first and $05 for second. Tho fair will bo hold tho Wednesday in Sont, aftor tho Stato fair, nnd promises to bo tho best yet noiu in unn county. Heart Disease 1 1 Road tho hospital reports, road tho mortuary reports, read tho medical pub lications, read tho daily newspapers, and learn how wide-spread is heart disease, how difficult of detection it is to most peoplo, how many and how suddon aro the doaths it causes. Thon read Dr. Flinn'a troatiso on Heart Disease, and learn what it is, what diseases it gives riso to, what its simptoms aro, and how it may bo attacked. If you find that you havo heart disense, ask your druggist for a bottle of Dr. Flint's Heart Remedy. Tho treatise may bo had on application to J. J. .mack & (jo., Nos. 9 and 11 Front street, S. F. Edward S. Lamport comes to tho front this week with a neat ad. and wo trust that all who may need anything in his lino will call upon him as wo can insuro thorn fair treatment nnd good value for all tho money thoy invest Savs tho Independence west sido : Several hoad of stock died in this part of the country d urine tho recent cold spell. Thero aro a great many that will havo a tough time or it yot, even II tlio winter is over, they being so vory weak and poor. This winter, wo suppose, has taught many f armors ol Uregon dear lessons. This wo think will bo a gentle reminder for years to come, farmers should not burn up their straw, but stack it in a dry place for such winters- as wo have experienced for tho last three years. It will keep nice and mellow for three or four veara : if it is not needed it takes but a minute's time to touch a match to it and it is soon out of the way." Jiorrcu0iuIent TUB NEW STRAWBERRIES. CnosToN, Fob. 2G, 1887. Editor Willamette Farmer i Many friends aro urging mo to write in rogard to tho "now Btrawborrios." I havo not tried all tho nowor kinds, and, consequently, cannot toll all about thorn. If wo may boliovo tho varioin ngrioul tural, horticultural as well as catalogues scattered all ovor our country, tho nowor kinds "beat tho world." That thoio has bcon improvemont may, and no doubt, is truo ; but wo cannot think there linn boon sach vast improvomonts as claimed. How many' now strawborrics aro now heralded forth as "oxtra," "ovory blos som makes makes a berry," "vory firm," "vory largo," "exquisite flavor," "carry a 1000 miles," "yiold 300 bushols por aoro," "out soils all others" ota. etc., how many I don't know. Hero's somo of thorn. Cohanzick "Tho most wondor ful of tho ago." Jcssio "Tho most ro marknblo now fruit of tho ago." Mam moth "Tholargost in oxlstouco," "50 berrios making four quarts." Tho fruit as largo again aa tho Sharplcss." This is big telk. Tho groat Ontario "Entirely froo from all diseases." Bubach, Bolmont, Snow Flnko, Truitt's Surpriso, Ruby, Gnndy's Prizo, Crimson Cluster, Mod moth, nnd somo othors, aro among tho nowcr kinds. Should theso provo equal to their flaming advertisements, thoro will bo a wonderful advancomont in tho Btrawborry line, I, howovor, havo boon so often disappointed by theso now things that I am gotting shy of thorn. Tho Jowoll I havo'irf bearing, so also havo I of tho Parry. Those, though good, aro pot equal to tho Sharplcss. I hold to tho Sharploss, if properly man aged, as a ground plant and fruit. I know of nono bottor. Out of 20 or moro kinds, this Bcason, tho following havo proven worthy in my soil and location. Tho Sharplcss, Jersey Queen, Bidwoll, tho gonuiuo Big Bob, Finch, Golden Dafianco, and old Jucund. Tho old Wilson for canning has no su perior. I grow only a fow of them. Tho May King and Early Onnada I am ox porimontlng with. Wo nocd a vory ear ly Btrawborry. Wo also neod a vory lato Btrawborry. Candy's surpriso may provo a valuablo lato ono. At least I hopo so. The Jersoy Qucon and Jucund aro now our latest. Tho Jumbo is a failure ; too soft, nnd tho hot sun burns up tho plnnt. Tho Lacon is a noblo plant in growth and has a fino, firm, borry. but tho hot sun scorchos tho leaves- Tho Hoffman's Seedling, of South Carolina being vory early would, per haps, do woll horo, as tho climate, is similar to & 0. I havo had tho Comely and hoped it would do well, being largo and lato, but last season was so dry all I had diod. My advico to all is this : Bo shy of now tilings, buy and try thoso you havo eeon do woll with othors, and don't spend your monoy for frauds. It requires brains and a natural taste to grow fruits successfully, and you must have n good market too. Thoro is suoh a thing as failure in fruit-grow ing as well as anything elso. Prudonco, energy and sonso aro nec essary presequisitos to success. If you lmvon't 'oin you'll fail. I am requested to state my motnod of growing Btrawborrios. It sooms pooplo havo poor momorles ; for I havo often dono so. Hero : You want rich, dry soil, deeply plowed four or fivo times and harrowed tho moro it is worked tho hotter thon plant in rows thrco or four feet apart, two foot in tho row, cul tivate woll, keep all runnors off, and koep all weeds down. Thoro it is. IMant tho Sharplcss and you'll have lots of whoppers, If you aro too lazy to do this, don't plant anything, muoh lost strawberries. Growing fruit is a business. If you NO. 6. don't know how to do business you'll fail. To bo successful you must loam to succeed. Thoro is nothing so suc cessful as success. Thoro it is. Scot A. F. Davidson. Favors TuttaK Don. Sn.vKKTON, Or., March 7, 1887. Kditor Willamette Farmort Iii your isauo ot February 25 thoro .tpponrs an articlo by F. S. Mattoson criticising tho action of our Stato Legis lature on tho dog tax law. Really I think friond Mattcson and mysolf aro jogging along in tho snmo direction with tho samo intent and purposo, only viowlng tho objectivo point from differ ent directions, to ono it appears black, to tho othor white. I will compare notes. I havo a good dog, to mo a val uablo ono, a dog that cost moro trials of pationco and timo in raising nnd break ing than a good horso, ono that stays at homo nnd troubles no ono. Woll, through vory meanness somo worthless scamp feeds him poison right in tho yard, or puts a ropo around his nook and londs him off, what can I do about it? Nothing I its only a dog. A dog may bo of as muoh valuo as a horso, but if I commonco suit to recovor damages, say ot $30 or $100 I would porhaps got judgomont for $5 or$10, or moro likoly the caso would be thrown out ot court. Whon our State creates a law placing dogs on tho list of taxablo proporty, it makos thorn property to all interests and purposes, docs it pot? And any ono destroying or stealing tho samo is amenable to tho law, tho samo as in other proporty. Wo pay taxes on our horsos and cows, and wo expect tho law to protect i n kooping thorn. If tho State and county lovios a tax, say of fifteen mills on tho dollar, and imposon a tax of $2.50 or $5 on a dog, it at tho samo virtually sots tho prico on a dog, provid ed tho dog is properly, docs it not? If this law is a (special imposition), I will klok loo, friond M , but rcaly I look upon it au a protection to our dogs, ovon tho "worthless hound." So havo a caro, dog potters. E. S. BnooKS. drawing German MUlet Seed. PniNEViu, Or., March 10, 1887. Kditor Wilametto Farmer t Will somo ono of tho many roadore of tho Wilumbttb Fahmek, give us thoir oxporienco in tho growing of German Millet Grass. Tho timo to sow. Amount of sood por acre, soil host adapted otc. and obligo nn old Btibscribor. W. S. MoMkan. Notk Will Bomo of our reader toll Mr. McMcan how to grow millet Wo know of no ono who grows millet horo. Editok. Letter From Multnomah County. Fujabant Homk March 12, 87. Kditor Willamette Parmeri Tho past four days tolls us that spring has como ; tho fioldti of wintor wheat is looking woll. Fears woro entertained that winter whoat was consldorablo damaged by tho cold winds and tho freezo, hut tho sunny days proved diff erent and tho beautiful green tint took placo of tho yollnw that nomo thought was injured. In a fow days tho plows will bo running to got tho spring crops In. For tho first timo in this part of Oregon ninny of tho farmers woro out of hay, which causod a great inconvon ionco. L tit fall farmers had hay to sell at a nominal prico of $7 top per ton and this month tho samo parties paid $15 per ten. Whon Orogon farmors learn to cconomizo in w ays with Eas tern Farmers and to savo thoir straw and many other usoftil articles thoy will never know what want is. Tho concert given for tho bondfit of tho church bell on Wodnosday night proved a success. Tho amount raised at that timo was $17.50. A $50 bell is proposed, tho full amount is now on hand, and tho many donors can vory soon hear tho chimes ot tho beautiful bell. PfcAIS JUANA.