text: Ik ftossiw §<uratf W. H. Scanland, Editor and Proprietor. Benton, Louisiana, THURSDAY.......................MAY 2, 1901. THE OIL CRAZE. The speculative fever, which was of a mild type a few weeks ago, has now reached an acute stage, and may be classed as a "craze," or "mania." People throw judgment to the winds and buy shares in oil companies regardless of its location, prospects, or promoters. As they can know nothing of either, except what the promoter chooses to tell in his alluring prospectus, the speculation partakes of the form of a lottery,—and frequently the enterprise develops into a bunko scheme. In the great majority of instances, where such inducements are held out—on paper, the buyer of shares stands all chances to lose, with few in his favor, and very frequently, none whatever. Up to date, there has been 208 oil companies organized in Texas. A number of these, no doubt, exist only on paper. The promoters have no capital, do not own any land, and merely lease a few acres anywhere within 50 miles of Beaumont. The "location" may be in the oil belt, and it may not. The promoter does not know, and in many cases does not care. His aim is to sell stock. When he has sold enough for the purchase of machinery he will bore for oil. If he strikes it in paying quantity the shareholders who have furnished the money to start him in business will perhaps realize a small profit on their investments. And, perhaps they will not. The great bulk of the profits may go to the promoters, who are adepts at book-keeping and are proof that figures do lie. But, if oil is not found, those who have bought the shares are the only losers. The promoters do not lose anything—they did not organize the company with that possibility in view. No doubt some of these are "wild-cat" companies—existing only on paper. They have neither bought nor leased lands, yet their circular letters promise fortunes to those who invest a few dollars. The distant reader of this picturesque advertisement concludes that he has found a man without guile who wishes to thrust a fortune upon him. The promoter sends his green-goods shares to the verdant purchaser, and after he has sold bales of the worthless stuff, stands from under, and the "company" collapses. This is the method of manipulating mining companies in the West—more especially in Denver, and in Colorado Springs. Of the several hundred companies organized there during the recent mining craze, nine-tenths were fraudulent. The best paying mines were owned by a few individuals, and they would not sell any of the stock. It was not necessary for they could dig the gold out of the ground. Some of the companies parade a list of well-known names as references, and even as officers. Often, blocks of stock are given to these dummies for the use of their names. They have nothing to do with the active management of the company, and learn, too late, that they have been used as dummies to aid in floating a fraudulent scheme. The immense output of oil at Beamont demonstrates the existence of a very rich oil district. How far the belt extends can only be known to geologists. The location of a claim without this special knowledge, is mere guesswork. For months before the discovery of oil had been made public, geologists had explored the field and located the "gushers," which are owned by a few individuals. They have no stock for sale—they sell the oil itself. The man who procrastinates, struggles with ruin.—Hesiod. UNITED DAUGHTERS OF CONFEDERACY. The second annual State Convention of the Louisiana Division of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, convened in the Court House, at Shreveport, on Tuesday, April 23rd. The Convention was called to order by Dr. J. J. Scott, of the Confederate Veterans' Association. Rev. W. T. Bolling invoked the Divine blessing, after which he delivered the address of welcome. Mrs. J. P. Smith responded, after which Mrs. Pugh, of Napoleonville, made a few remarks on the necessity of having correct histories of the war, saying that it devolved upon the women of the South to urge that the fiction in our schools be replaced by history. Fourteen Chapters were represented. The Secretary's report was read and adopted, and the Convention adjourned until Wednesday. At the second day's session, the following Chapters presented reports through their Delegates: New Orleans, Mrs. D. M. Sholars; Kate Cabell Currie of Napoleonville, read by Mrs. Pugh at the request of Miss Mollie. Marks; Joanna Waddell of Baton Rouge, by Mrs. Singleterry; Mildred Lee of Franklin, Miss Mamie C. Walsh; Robert E. Lee, of Lake Charles, Miss Ludie Hall; Hubert Treille of Donaldsonville, read by Mrs. Pugh, the Delegate being unable to attend; Kate Beard of Mansfield, read by Mrs. Rule, at the request of the Delegate, Mrs. McClanahan, who was absent; Ruston, Miss Sallie Standifer; Edward Sparrow of Lake Providence, Mrs. W. N. White; Gen. Dick Taylor of Grand Cane, Miss Alice Abington; Richard J. Hancock of Benton, Mrs. W. H. Scanland; Shreveport, Mrs. Peter Youree, read by Mrs. J. S. Young Mrs. W. H. Scanland, of our local Chapter, read the following report, which was adopted: Officers and Members of Louisiana State Division—Greeting: The bell that tolls the steady march of time, announces that the hour has come, and the fruits of the labors of another year are to be garnered into that storehouse which constitutes the history of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Societies mean but little, except when the true spirit, not in word, but in deed, makes the ready response of every member to add her mite to assist in the relief of those entitled to her assistance. The history of our Chapter cannot be written in words or by pen, except in the smallest part, for the happiness we have provided, the want we have relieved, and the bright sunshine of hope which we have scattered, is a part of our history only to be written in the hearts of the loyal followers of the Cause that should ever Be dear to every Southern woman's heart. We are conscious that we might have done more, but the record of our year's work is now presented for your consideration, and our official acts submitted for your approval. Following is a statement of disbursements by the Chapter during the past year: State and national dues....................$ 3.60 Camp Nicholls, for old soldiers...... 6.00 Beauregard monument...................... 1.00 For Winnie Davis' grave................ 2.50 Galveston sufferers........................... 5.00 Jefferson Davis monument............. 10.00 Per capita tax...................................... 2.00 Benton High School building........ 20.00 Box of edibles for old soldiers' Christmas dinner........................ 20.00 Cash to old soldiers at Christmas.. 7.00 Express charges on same................ 3.25 To Camp Nicholls for 1901.............. 6.00 To Shreveport monument................ 10.00 $96.35 Since its organization, January 10, 1899, our Chapter has steadily increased in membership—three new members being added to our roll at last meeting, on 16th inst. Our financial condition is admirable, and not one failure apparent to us, has marred the progress and success of the Chapter, owing to, or on account of, the neglect of duty of a single officer or member. Indeed, it is a pleasure to state that interest in our organization is increasing. At the last meeting of the Chapter a resolution was unanimously passed appropriating $25 for a bed in the new Infirmary at Camp Nicholls. In this connection we cannot and should not forget to mention the munificent kindness in the way of financial aid that has been lavished upon us by our good people who have contributed to the promotion and success of this noble and helpful work. We love to cherish memories of the deeds of valor of the Southern soldiers, and we hold that we can do nothing nobler than to contribute to the amelioration of the condition of the heroic, battle-scarred sons of the South—the illustrious martyrs whose "deeds were not born to die." We hold and teach that to relieve disabled and distressed Confederate veterans is particularly incumbent on the Daughters of the South.— "Relief" should be the central tenement of every Daughter's profession—to give freely aid and comfort to the deserving veterans of our land who so nobly discharged their patriotic duty in the "days that tried men's souls." And in this thought we have a practical exposition of that grand truth "it is more blessed to give than receive." "Love is the fulfilling of the law." Every act of kindness shown, every good deed done, springs from this indwelling principle. This is the source, the foundation head, whence flows all the streams which give life and joy to the needy and deserving ones of our land. Thus we have sought to make our Chapter more than an associa tion to meet, receive new members and indulge in pleasant conversa tion. But with a truer and nobler conception of our duty, we have earnestly and zealously sought to perpetuate principles, brighten lives, strengthen the weak and particularly to add to the comfort and happiness of the maimed and superanuated veterans of our State. With us this has been a labor of love, and we fully realize that if in this world there ever comes to the human heart a fore taste of the joys and the rewards of the Great Hereafter it comes through thoughts of generous deeds and acts of kindness and helpfulness to our unfortunate, but ever-deserving fellow beings. During the past year one mem ber of our Chapter has been "call ed quietly, called tenderly," from the rolls of the living. Miss Mattie Steele Oneal, our Cor responding Secretary, died Sept. 5,1900. Nearly every member of the Chapter, and a very large number of the people of this town and parish assembled the next day at her childhood's home in Belle at her childhood's home in Belle vue, to 'perform the last duties which we can acknowledge or ful fill to the noble dead—to present to departed excellence an oblation of gratitude and respect and con secrate its example by the tears and sympathy of an affectionate friendship. We mourn the death of a woman of remarkable force and Christian virtues. Prominently will her name ever be mingled in the luminous trace this Chapter—her Chapter—will leave across the future. Fascinated by the pure and lofty character of our deceased friend, we are loth to break the mirror of admiration into the fragments of analysis. But lo, as we attempt it, every fragment becomes a miniature of such beauty and solemnity that the destructive hand can only multiply the forms of immortality. We look with amazement upon the stupendous work she accomplished and instinctively exclaim: "Here was a woman that all could trust and reverence, and one whose example the Chapter, the Church and society might emulate." A wise man once said "My actions make my life." Facts and things, rather than words and signs, were the warp and woof of her existence. Her life was short—being in her twenty-fourth year—more filled with deeds than days. Her character warrants the apprehension that, "Take her for all in all, we ne'er shall look upon her like again." Simple, natural and unaffected, her life lies before us, a fair and well-written epistle. The countless streams of influence she set in motion are imperishable monuments to her worth, which will brighten with the lapse of time, and their consequences will prove too far-reaching to be traced.—She was great in every field—wherever she walked—whether in her home, society, Chapter or Church—her abundant talents, genius, tact, learning, culture, executive ability, Christian graces, all combined to place her unrivaled. despicable at the helm, where the quick, electric atmosphere was readily charged with her noble aspirations. To follow out her beneficent life reads like a psalm. She labored untiringly for the good of all and for Christian culture. Nothing gave her more delight than to worship the Lord by singing His praises in her finest voice, and often were we thrilled with the divinity of her beautiful notes, feeling that they were not unfamiliar to the angels. Her eye and heart ever lingered upon the eternal world. To observe that such a woman was dear to her Chapter, her Church and to society, were superfluous. Holding high above all other things— high as hope's great throbbing star above the darkness of the dead—she held her love of her sainted mother's Church. All honor to the precious memory of our dear, departed friend and sister. May we learn a lesson from her noble life? Let us live for something. Let us do good and leave behind us a monument of virtues that the storms of time can never destroy. Let us, like her, write our names by kindness, love and mercy, on the hearts of those we meet year by year, and we shall never be forgotten. Our names, our deeds, will then be as legible on the hearts we leave behind as the stars on the brow of evening. Trusting that the same fidelity cause so dear to our hearts will ever characterize our actions, and live long after our individual work here shall have ended, I am devotedly yours, A. A. Scanland, President R. J. Hancock Chapter, Benton, La. On the third and last day of the session, several other reports were adopted, including that of the Historian, Mrs. Frenet, which was very interesting. The Jessamine was selected as the Divisional Flower, and "Trust and Go Forward" was decided upon as the Motto. Following officers were elected for the ensuing year: President, Mrs. J. Pinckney Smith, New Orleans; First Vice President, Mrs. N. C. Blanchard, Shreveport; Second Vice President, Mrs. P. Youree, Shreveport; Third Vice President, Miss Belle Gilbert, Napoleonville; Fourth Vice President, Mrs. Singletary, Baton Rouge; Treasurer, Miss Mamie Walsh, Franklin; Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. D. M. Sholars, New Orleans; Historian, Mrs. T. B. Pugh, Napoleonville; Registrar, Mrs. W. H. Scanland, Baton Rouge; Chairman of Relief Committee of the Soldiers' Home, Mrs. D. A. S. Vaught, New Orleans. Napoleonville was selected as the place for the meeting of the Convention in 1902, and the Convention adjourned. Following named members of our local Chapter were in attendance: Mrs. W. H. Scanland, Mrs. B. A. Kelly, Miss Sue G. Steele, Mrs. H. E. Dibble, Mrs. C. O. Gayle, Mrs. Kate Cabeen, Miss Mamie Neeson, Mrs. Ella Kennon, Miss Camille Kelly, Miss Mabel Scanland. Latest Literature. The "Weird Orient," is a charming volume of Eastern tales, gathered by the author, Henry Howizi, during several years residence in the Orient. The interesting volume contains some new and striking legends that have never found their way into print. Among them is a curious and very ancient version of the legend of the legend of the Wandering Man." From Arabic sources, that will be entirely new to the reader, although some slight allusions to it are found in the Koran. The contents of the book are: The Doom of A1 Zameri, Sheddad's Palace of Irem, the Mystery of the Damavant, the Gods in Exile, King Solomon and Ashmodai, the Fate of Arzemia, the Student of Timbuctu, the Croesus of Yemen, and a Night by the Dead Sea. The book is illustrated by a photograph and half-tones, from drawings by W. Sherman Potts (Paris). Cloth, gilt top. List price, $1.50. Henry T. Coates & Co., Publishers, Philadelphia, Pa. Leslie's Popular Monthly for May contains a number of new and interesting features, including "The Trust Builders;" Chicago, our Newest Seaport! "How the Tobacco Trust was Bled," and a sketch of Edison, the master inventor. The "Trust Builders is of extraordinary interest, being based upon the personnel of the management of the mightiest commercial enterprises of the present day. There are thirty men of business whose salaries aggregate one million dollars a year. Such an article is of especial interest at this time. In addition, this number contains the usual amount of fiction, and Margarita nctes. Subscription, $1 a year; Frank Leslie Publishing House, 141-143 Fifth avenue, New York city. In an article on "The Mississippi Valley in the Civil War," the Philadelphia Press commends it as "this most fascinating review of the struggle for control beyond the Alleghenies," adding: "Fiske's name itself is a sufficient passport for the book, and his opinion always is interesting and authoritative. He has the true genius for historical writing; the insight to detect the essential, the anolysis to lay bare motive and movement, the grasp to follow the line of causation, the poise to hold the scales with unbiased judgment, the industry to overlook no detail and to sift all evidence, the power to deduce broad generalizations." and the art to clothe his research and conclusions in a style of never-failing charm, vigor and freshness. Indeed, he gives sober and authentic history the fascination of romance by virtue of some happy touch of style and presentation. "It would be difficult to name another book where the story of the tremendous struggle for the Mississippi Valley has been wrought out with such scholarly accuracy and brilliancy of style." The Chicago Tribune pronounces it "an enthralling narrative, swift, comprehensive, crisp in comment, and more dramatic than many an historical novel." Published by Houghton, Mifflin & Co., Boston, price, $2. For a good shave, hair cut, shampoo hot or cold shower bath, Fred's new shop is the place. 40P Texas St., Shreveport, opposite the Opera House. The neatest shop in town. Everything new. Fred Buccolo, Proprietor. Here We Are. —Buy your trunks from Freeman's Trunk Factory, Shreveport. Anything a traveler needs, from 50c up. Dentistry At reasonable prices, at Dr. Norwood's, over the New York Dry Goods Company, Shreveport. Painless extracting 50c; plates, crown and bridge work, fillings, etc., at corresponding prices. Dentistry. Dr. T. M. Comegys, office in the new Cooper Brothers' building, second floor, Shreveport. Vital & leb, (LIMITED), —Carry a Full Line of Groceries, Dry Goods, Boots, Shoes, Hats, Caps, —And— FURNITURE. Alden Bridge, La. L. Groner. M. Groner. B. Groner. Specialties: Fancy Groceries, NOTIONS, MILLINERY, -DEALERS IN DRY GOODS. Clothing, Trunk Hats, Caps, Boots, Shoes, Trunks, Valises, etc. A share of the Bossier trade solicited. Call when in the city. Polite and courteous attention promised. 311 Texas Street, SHREVEPORT. WIMBERK BONE Y,... Dealer in... Groceries, Wines, Liquors and Cigars, Hay, Corn and Oats. Corner of Commerce and Crockett streets, Shreveport, La. YOUR ORDERS SOLICITED. ERWICH'S HOTEL AND RESTAURANT. American and American of Texas and Shreveport, Louisiana. Jan. Corner of Market streets, Cooper Brothers, SHREVEPORT, LA. A general livery stable business conducted; sale stable in connection. Buss meets all trains. Drivers polite. The best of Missouri Mules for sale. SAM WILLER. NATHAN MARKS. WILLARD & MARKS, Successors to FELIX WEILER. Dealers in General Merchandise and Cotton Factors. Advances made on cotton. 518 Levee street, Shreveport. HUNTER BROTHERS, Grocers, COMMISSION MERCHANTS and dealers in Grain, Hay and Feed Stuff. 606 and 608 Levee street, Shreveport, La. Dr. Norwood K. Vance, Office over Bowers' Drug Store, Shreveport, La. Hours: 8:30 to 10 a. m.; 1:30 to 4 p.m. Residence: City Hotel. Dr. C. RATZBURG, DENTIST. Cooper Building, Shreveport, La. Joannes Smith Attorney at Law, Benton, La. Will Practice in the courts of Bossier joining parishes. and Hunters, Take Notice. No hunting will be allowed on place, under penalty of the law. L. M. I Sheridan, Storier 324 Tew St, "•® Co., Shreveport, La., Wholesale and retail Groceries, Glassware, China and Bonn Furnishing Goods. We are agents for the renowned Superior and Chalk Stoves and ranges and The Atlantic Steel Ranges—the best on earth. When in Shreveport, come and see our bargains. "THE FAIR." PEOPLE'S STORE. ONE WEEK. 300 Dozen Ladies' Vest. The 15c. quality, white and colored, this week... 3000 yards Nainsook. The 10c. kind this week for... 50 Rolls China Mattings... 49c 50 Rolls China Mattings... 7.20 50 Rolls China Mattings... 8.50 100 Axminster Rugs, 27x64... 2.19 worth $4 CO. 100 Jute Rugs, 36x72... 98 100 Velvet Rugs, 36x72... 98 100 Velvet Rugs, 36x72... 1.49 W. B. Boggs No. 16. In Third vs. Justice's Court, Bossier Parish, La. By virtue of a writ of fieri facias issued by the Justice of Peace of the Third Ward, Parish of Bossier, La., and to me directed, I have seized, and will proceed to sell at public auction, to the test and highest bidder, at Ploone Dealing, La., front of the office of the Justice of Peace, in and for Ward 3, Bossier Parish, La., within the legal hours for sales, on Saturday, May 18, 1901, the following described property, to-wit: Three acres of land lying and being at the northeast corner of the north half of southwest quarter of section 7, said land running 10 acres east and west and 2 acres north and south, all in township 22, range 12, containing three acres, and situated in Bossier Parish, La., with all improvements thereon. The above described property seized as the property of defendant, Puss Townsend. Terms of Sale—Cash, subject to benefit of appraisement. J. J. ALLUMS, Constable. Constitution. Department of the Interior, Land Office at Natchitoches, La., March 15, 1901. Notice is hereby given that the following named settler has filed notice of his intention to make final commutation proof in support of his claim, and that said proof will be made before the Clerk of the District Court, at Benton, La., on May 3, 1901, viz: Homestead Entry No. 7457—Martin Stevens—for the northeast quarter of southwest quarter and northwest quarter of southeast quarter section 9, township 20 North, 12 West, Louisiana Meridian. My term of section 9, township 20, range He names the following witnesses to prove his continuous residence upon said cultivation of said land, viz: Robert Payne, of Midway P. O., La.; Louis Moore, Robert Stewart and Robert Jennings, all of Alden Bridge P. O., La. J. ERNEST BREDA, Register. March 21, 1901. Real Estate Agent. During my twelve years experience in the real estate business, I have made a great many sales. My facilities for selling property at this time are better than they have ever been. I have correspondents in the North and West who come in contact with parties wishing to make purchases. I prefer to handle large tracts of timbered lands, but can also give attention to good farm lands. Should you need my services, address me W. C. PERRIN, 118 Texas Street, Shreveport, La. SADDLERY AND BUGGIES We have in Shreveport a saddlery and buggy shop. Top Buggies from $45 up. Harness from $60 up. Headquarters for repairing saddles and harness. Special attention given to order work. Your patronage solicited. R. P. MORTON, 203 Texas St. Immigration Agent, wishing to sell land would do well to confer with me. J.E. ADGEK Hughes' Spur, Bossier Parish, La. 