Jasper County, Missouri - Chapter 25: Military and Spectacular, 1912

The Joplin Rifles - Joplin Zouaves - ^Mabdi Qras m Joplin - Joplin Exposition - Fourth op July, 1885 - ^The Procession - Sham Battle - A Story of Spanish Adventure.

During the summer of 1881 the matter of organizing a military company for Joplin was talked of by the patriotic citizens and both the News and Herald spoke editorially of the good of such an organization to a community. Accordingly, in response to a call issued by Col. W. "W. Fairbanks, Capt. W. W. Pate, and Clark Craycroft, a meeting was held August 5th and the preliminaries taken for the organization of a company of the State Guard.

The company was christened the Joplin Rifles and the following o£5cers were chosen : Captain, W. W. Pate, late of the U. S. Volunteers ; first lieutenant, Clark Craycroft; second lieutenant, A. P. Hoyt, and first' sergeant, M. W. Stafford. Thirty-seven members, composed of the best business and society men of the city, signed the muster roll at this meeting, and at the formal muster on September 1, the membership had been swelled to almost fifty.

The uniforms purchased were the regulation dress uniform of the United States army, the swallow-tail dress coat (enp and gloves) trimmed in buff and gold, and were very attractive.

The company became very proficient and during its existence won many laurels. On July 4, 1882, the company was presented with a beautiful silk flag by the ladies of Joplin, Miss Jenette Haughton, later Mrs. L. P. Cunningham, making the presentation speech.

On the organization of Grand Army of the Republic in August, 1882, Captain Pate retired from the Rifles to become the post commander of the O. P. ^lorton Post. Lieutenant Craycroft was elected captain and Galen Spencer flrst lieutenant.

In October, 1882, the Rifles formed from among its members a dramatic company and, with the assistance of Miss Ida Miller, Miss Mildred Livingston and Miss Lillie Wine, presented the ** Union Spy" to a large and enthusiastic audience. So well was the play received that it was twice repeated in Joplin and played also at Lamar and Webb City. The

Joplin Evening News, in commenting on the performance says: ''This great military drama was presented by the Joplin Rifles last night to a good audience, and we doubt not that nearly everybody was surprised at the excellent manner in which all those who took part in it acquitted themselves. Amateur theatricals sometimes drag along in a tedious, listless manner, with loud promptings, awkward mistakes and long waits between acts, which not only prove exceedingly tiresome to the audienee but greatly mar the effects of the play ; but barring one or two trifling errors, last night's entertainment proved a notable exception. The drama is founded upon the late war and is replete with startling situations, scenes of soldier life, snatches of song, fun, pathos and beautiful and suggestive tableaux, and holds the interest of the audience from the first raising of the curtain to the close, Considering the short time that the play has been in rehearsal it was certainly admirably produced, every character being well sustained throughout. Where all did so well it is diflScult to particularize, but we can not refrain from the remark that F. E. Williams rather distinguished himself as 'Harry Allen, the spy,' in which character he could not be excelled. Harry Crittenden as 'Edmund Randolph,' G. West Byron as 'John Allen,' Oren Kimmis as 'Payton Randolph,' and Joel Livingston as 'George Wilson,' displayed dramatic talent of no mean order, while Frank Franklin as 'Sam, a culled pussen,' has a splendid conception of that role and did himself proud. Joe Doniphan as 'Pussey Van Dunderspeck' and A. O. T. Pennington as 'Yacup,' brought do¥m the house. They were good. The character of 'Jimmy, the drummer-boy,' was commendably brought out by Bertie Schnur, as was that of 'Frank Allen' by H. Cline. Misses Lillie Wine, Mildred Livingston and Ida Miller also did themselves great credit in their respective characters, while the young ladies who supplied the excellent tableaux must not be forgotten. Taken all in all, the Union Spy may be set down as one of the best dramatic entertainments ever presented here by a home company. For this success great credit is due Harry Crittenden, of Paola, Kansas, who acted as instructor and general manager. He was ably seconded by many members of the Rifles, who were very earnest in their efforts to make their first entertainment both an artistic and financial success.

The play is to be reproduced tonight and we can assure our people that they will be highly pleased. The 'Union Spy' is a far more interesting and attractive drama than most of those presented by traveling companies."

December 1883, Captain Craycroft became major of the Fifth Regiment, M. N. G; Lieutenant Galen Spencer was promoted to the captaincy and private F. E. Williams, who had won so much praise for the company on account of his superb acting at the time of the presentation of the "Union Spy," was chosen first lieutenant. Shortly after, on account of business engagements interfering. Lieutenant Hoyt resigned and Sergeant Julius Miller became second lieutenant. In September, 1884, Captain Galen Spencer, then in the midst of a political campaign and the Republican candidate for presidential elector from this district, tendered his resignation, and Lieutenant Miller, who had accepted an appointment as deputy sheriflE also withdrew and the company was reorganized as follows : Captain, F. E. Williams ; first lieutenant, Harmon C. Cline; second lieutenant, C. B. Revis; first sergeant, Frank Franklin.

This was a strong official line-up. Captain Williams had twice been mayor and was one of the most popular men in the city. At the monthly competitive drills of the company Lieutenants Cline and Revis and Sergeant Franklin had each, more than once, carried oflE the gold medal for proficiency in drill and the company, which had now been materially reduced in strength on account of removals and business changes, was recruited up to the maximum.

In 1885, on account of the unfriendly action of the state legislature in refusing to make an appropriation for the 8upi)ort of the State Guard, the Rifles voted to disband, but after the earnest request of the city to maintain the organization the company was again reorganized with F. E. Williams as captain, J. L. Biggs, first lieutenant and O. B. Hamlin second lieutenant. The reorganized company held together until after the meeting of the legislature in 1889, when it formally disbanded. During its eight years of existence its membership comprised the very best citizens of the town. It participated in every public celebration in the city and also attended the regimentfd camps of the Fifth regiment at Carthage and Pierce City, and the state encampment at Sweet Springs, all at its own expense.

In the fall of 1886 Lieutenant Revis, of the Joplin Rifles, organized among the members of the company and for exhibition purposes, a Zouave squad and, after the regular drills of the company, put the boys through the attractive manoeuvres of that once i)opular drill. The squad purchased the regulation Turkish uniform and made a very attractive appearance. They made their debut at Carthage, November 24, 1886, on the occasion of the Carthage Light Guards* Thanksgiving ball and the spectators were loud in their applause.

The following were the original members of the Zouave squad : Lieutenant C. B. Revis, Harry Lauderbach, W. W. Pate, A. C. Bam, E. C. Summerfield, Bert Taylor, W. L. Lauderbach, W. T. Conway and Ben. Landauer.

After the Joplin Rifles disbanded, the Zouave squad was increased and formed into a company organization with the following officers: J. B. Glover, captain ; A. C. Barr, lieutenant ; H. 0. Lauderbach, first sergeant. The following new members were received into the company: Luther McGehee, J. W. Henrichs, A. E. Spencer and T. B. Jenkins.

The company maintained its organization until after Company G., of the Second Infantry, was mustered, and during those years attracted much attention on account of the excellence of their drilling. The corn- pany visited Parsons, Kansas, Carthage, Webb City, Neosho and other places, and always won the wildest applause for its splendid appearance. On the occasion of the Johnstown, Pennsylvania, flood, the organization gave a benefit ball and cleared $1,500, which was sent to Grovemor Francis to be transmitted to the sufferers, along with other Missouri contributions.

Joplin had, during the middle 'eighties, a most excellent band, the Joplin Silver Comet Band. Charles Dumars, later the leader of the Carthage Light Guard Band, was the musical director. The open air concerts by this band were features of Joplin 's down-town amusements and were largely attended.

At the Parsons fair, in 1884, this band won the second honor in the band contest, a $150 prize, on a score of 139 points out of a possible 150. The winning band was but one point their better.

During the early 'eighties it was customary to celebrate Mardi Gras day in Joplin. The celebration was called the ** Carnival of Rex Plumbum: Lead is Bang."

The most successful of these celebrations occurred in March, 1881, when all Joplin masked and took part in the day's festivities. Two parades were had, one in the afternoon and one at night. Mose Weiler was marshal of the day. Fully five thousand out-of-town visitors witnessed the two parades.

Tuesday moming beamed out with an almost unclouded aky and a balmy southern breeze that savored of the coy advance of spring. Had a special omdmlttee been empowered to dictate to the weather clerk the article of weather desired by His Majesty, Rex Plumbum, a more satisfactory brand could not possibly have been furnished. The long blockade of snow, storm, slush and mud had kept humanity pent up indoors until a sigh went up for relief and a reasonable pretext for a rollicking day in the open air. The beautiful balmy morning was all that could be desired, and the carnival of Rex Plumbum furnished the pretext ample for the masses to rush forth and mingle with the revelry of His Majesty and his loyal subjects.

The number of visitors who arrived by the evening trains of Monday was sufficient to tax the facilities of our numerous hotels for furnishing quarters. But it remains for the morning trains to prove that this region Is populated. Long before noon the sidewalks on either side of Main street, from Broadway to Fourth, were lined with a mass of spectators anxiously awaiting the arrival of His Majesty and loyal clan and the formal inauguration of the carnival. The occasional appearance of some of the mystic crew arrayed in such extravagant costumes as a romantic imagination could dictate, was a signal for a shoot. The appearance of these phantoms grew more frequent, each rivaling its predecessor in hideousness, untU it seemed as though a mysterious medley of Indians, Arabs, Chinamen, goblins and devils incarnate had taken possession of the city.

At 2 :30 o'clock the bells rang out in startling notes the annonncanent that the Royal cavalcade approached and all was expectation. The Royal chariot, preceded by His Majesty's comet band and followed by his courtiers and re- tainers, advanced from the south. At the gates the mayor and faithful warder awaited the Royal visitors. The approach of the Royal cavalcade was signaled by three blasts from the trumpet of His Majesty's courtier, who advanced mounted, which was immediately responded to by three blasts from the trumpet of the warder of the gate.

The warder then Inquires of the courier what is wanted. Courier to Warder: "His Royal Majesty, Rex Plumbum, approaches the gates of the City of Lead with His Majesty's hosts of galoots and demands the freedom of your city, and that the freedom thereof be formally delivered to him." Warder to Mayor: "The reason for this is that His Royal Majesty, Rex Plumbum, ai^roaches the gates of the City of Lead with his mighty hosts of galoots and demands the freedom of your city and that the I^eys thereof be formally delivered to him."

Mayor to Warder: "Most excrutiating Whangdoodle, announce to Sir Guyasticutus that I, Don Pedro Paxales, most inscrutible Mayor of the City of Lead, most blufiliously invites His Most Arrant Majesty, Rex Plumbum, to approach the gates and listen to the sweet voice of the child."

Warder to Courier: "Sir Guyastlcutus, Chief of His Majesty's galoots, the Most Honorable, the Most Inscrutible Don Pedro Paxales, Mayor of the City of Lead, most blufiliously, most hilariously and most punctiliously commands me, his most lugubrious subject, to invite His Most Arrant Majesty, Rex Plumbum, to approach the gates of the city and listen to the sweet voice of the little child." Rex approaches and the Mayor delivers the following address "Rex Plumbum, by the Grace of the Great Mogul, King of the Carnival: The undersigned, Mayor of the City of Lead, on the borders of Joplin, having heard with unspeakable gratitude of this Royal visit of His Majesty, the Great Guyastlcutus of the rolicltlng raiders of this whole vast country, to the confines of our dens and dugouts, I have caused the Great Tin Horn to be sounded, and have commanded every Individual who claims to hold authority against Your Majesty's wild dominion, to skedaddle to his hole. I have commanded the gates of the city to be thrown open for the reception of His Majesty, His Royal Retinue, all His Majesty's faithful scabs and serfs to whom now I surrender the City of Lead: and I welcome. In behalf of every dtoughton bottle within the limits. His Majesty as the Most High Pakle ; and to His Majesty's Chief of Galoots I now turn over the keys of the City and surrender my goose quill. And may the hair on the head of His Majesty forever wave."

Royal Proclamation after receiving the keys : "As the adoration of my loyal subjects like sweetest incense arises before me, I, Rex Plumbum, am moved to speak and do, by my High Old Boy, publish this my Royal Proclamation. When I, 'midst sulphurous gases grew, and in nature's realm claimed my own. It was that such as you, loyal subjects good and true, might join In making the conquest complete. Nobly have you served me. It Is well. Fill full the flowing bowl, ye jovial band, and 'damned be he who first cries. Hold enough !* The keys of the city have been delivered to me by my worthy servant the mayor. Long may he live to quaff the glass of foaming beer, nectar of the Gods. Let strong guards be placed at the outer gates, while ye my subjects, serfs and scabs, high carnival hold. Ye my braves the keys, the freedom of the city take, and with reast and joy and dance the hours beguile.

**I, Rex, have spoken, Let the wise rejoice and hi grand procession forward move. Let the fool huut his hole and the scoffer pull his hole in after him for I, the King, have spoken.

"Done at court in the City of I..ead, this first day of the third month of the six thousand, nine hundred and twenty-first year of the reign of Hex Plumbum." The Hue of parade was then taken up and moved on through the principal streets. At night there was another parade, illuminated by Chinese lantern:^ there being no ele<'tric lights in the city at that time. After the last parade there was dancing at two of the largest halls In the town, which were the Opera House and Berz Ilall.

The last celebration of Mardi Gras occurred March 5, 1889, and was noted for the gorgeousness of the parade, quite a number of unique features being in the spectacular pageantry. The parade was fully two miles long.

We republish here the newspaper account of the day, which is interesting as it shows a contrast in the plan of the celebration for the early and later part of the decade: **The weather clerk smiled propitiously on Rex Plumbum's Mardi Gras carnival. After days of gloom that gave grave cause for anxiety, came a morning as bright and clear and crisp as early spring even in this favored latitude ever produced. Coming after such a protracted period of clouds and gloom it was doubly appreciable. After the long suspense a sigh of satisfaction deep and expressive went up from the Mardi Gras managers as they realized that their work of preparation was not in vain.

**As the hour for the procession approached, the sidewalks flanking Main street were lined by eager spectators. Awnings, balconies and front windows commanding a view of the street were in special request. "The street had on its holiday garb and many buildings were profusely decorated with the national colors that gave the scene a gala appearance. The occasional appearance of some of the mystic crew arrayed in such extravagant vesture as a romantic imagination might dictate gave the spectators diversion to while away the time of waiting. Troops of children in fantastic costumes flew around like goblins.

**The appearance of the royal cavalcade was announced by a chorus of steam whistles that made the welkin ring. All was expectation as the procession passed along Main street from the south.

** At Fourth and Main the typical gates of the city had been erected. The canopy was surmounted by hundreds of gas jets for the illumination. The columns were . festooned with everygreens and from either side was extended a banner with * Welcome* in large characters. Here the mayor awaited the approach of His Majesty and his royal train. After a formal address by the mayor, the triumphal march proceeded through the arch in the following manner. A trumpeter in grotesque costume mounted on a donkey and heralding the approach of Rex Plumbum in an artistic manner.

altitude of 17 feet. His Majesty was represented as sitting in a gondola upon the blue sea, two white swans furnishing the propelling power with a garniture of evergreens in festoons on each side. Four horses led by four grooms.

"The 'Man in the Moon,* drawn by four horses, with four grooms leading the steeds. The float was a very handsome one, standing fourteen feet high with excellent representations of a spotted leopard on either side of a fiery flying dragon, preceding the chief figure.

"The float called 'Fairie Queen' was remarkably pretty, the center figure being the handsomest lady in the United States, or the world perhaps, whose dignified mien and silver locks gave irresistible charm to her tall commanding appearance, as she stood in her two-wheeled chariot directing the attendants who followed her liege lord, the king. She was attended by five gentlemen of honor in rich costumes and the party enlivened by two huge frogs with golden harps upon which they played. The whole was drawn by four richly caparisoned horses led by four grooms and guided by a coachman with powdered wig, yellow satin knee breeches, blue silk velvet coat, silk stockings and low shoes with silver buckles.

"The 'Gk)od Luck' float, standing sixteen and a half feet high, containing a mammoth horse shoe in the center of which 'Methuselah,' aged nine hundred and sixty-nine years, sat swinging himself. Two horses, two grooms and three attendants, completed the equipage.

"The 'Deer Hunt' had a fine deer with antlers, pursued by two spotted stag hounds, and a sportsman with a rifle at his shoulder. Four horses with grooms leading them completed the picture.

"The 'Shoal Creek Fishing Party' were drawn by four horses, led by grooms and comprised a boat with eight flshermen with rods and lines, who landed fish, turtles and frogs at intervals, and was entitled 'A Fisherman's Luck.' The whole design was ingenious and well executed.

"The fire department noted far and wide for its eflBciency and the devotion of its companies marched in six subdivisions with every one of them having a full complement of men, dressed in their attractive uniforms. Four men on horseback led the brigade. Next the hook and ladder cart, then hose cart and Company No. 1 followed by hose cart and Company No. 2 and hose cart and Company No. 4, a running cart and company bringing up the rear.

''Among the fifty advertising floats those most worthy of mention were the Joplin White Lead Works and Charles Qeltz, the ice man. The latter brought out his old one-horse spring wagon with three wheels and a scraggy mule tied on behind. A stove-pipe protruded through a very delapidated wagon cover, old pants, broom and bucket hoops. The inscriptions were * I'm all the way from Arkansas and am very, very dry.' *Give me a glass of water, so said the Arkansawyer.' 'My bone's dry, and so am I, and so is Arkansas.' 'Arkansas went dry and so did L'

"The Joplin White Lead Works' float required six horses, a driver and four grooms to conduct it safely through the streets. A regular old Scotch-eye furnace and ore smelted in transit, five workmen hAndlmg the spud and poker, and wheelbarrow, etc., were present, just as they may be seen any time at the works which are the only ones of the kind in the United States."

The fair of the Joplin Exposition Company from September 28 to October 1, 1881, was largely attended and one of the most successful ever given in Joplin. Among the attractions was a chariot race which created great excitement, and a military tournament participated in by the Paola Rifles of Paola, Kansas, then the crack organization of the Sunflower state, and the Carthage light Guards.

The visit of the Paola Rifles i^t this time was a drawing card for the exposition, for the reason that at this time it was in the lime-light, on account of an altercation between the company and John P. St John, then governor of Kansas.

On the occasion of General Grant's visit to Kansas City, many of the state companies of militia attended to participate in the grand nulitaiy parade given in honor of the great soldier. The Paola Rifles were there as the guests of the Craig Rifles, of Kansas City. Grovemor St. John became angered at a supposed slight from Mayor Van Horn and ordered the Kansas militia to take no part in the parade. The Paola company felt that as they were there as the guests of the Craig Rifles they should march with them, participated in the parade and were personally complimented by General Grant for their proheiency.

At the Kansas State Fair, at Bismark, the Paola company entered in the drill contest and, as they were entering the grounds, the adjutant general, acting on orders from Governor St. John, took their arms from them. The company came to Joplin carrying arms loaned them by another company, and on account of this advertisement, attracted much attention.

Joplin observed July 4, 1885, with a monster celebration, and probably brought together more people in the city than any other gathering of the 'eighties. In the morning a procession marched through Main street and Broadway. The speaking occurred at Castle Rock at the close of day and a sham battle was fought, the night being given over to fire works, a band concert, etc. We give herewith a discription of the day's celebration.

The whole formed a brilliant pageant as they filed out Main street. The sidewalks on either side were lined with thousands of eager spectators. When the procession reached East Joplin the order was broken and each organization took transportation to Castle Rock Park.

The grounds allotted to the celebration were found inadequate to accommodate the immense crowd and the hundreds of vehicles of every conceivable style. An enclosure adjoining was opened to find hitching room for teams and shady nooks for private parties to investigate the contents of picnic baskets. The crowd was simply immense. To quote the piquant expression of a sweet girl picnicker with a fluflfy flowing dress, jaunty Langtry hat and saucy eye, '*the woods are full of them." The crowd was variously estimated at from 10,000 to 15,000 persons, and the latter number was no doubt much nearer the correct figure.

The Declaration of Independence was read by Judge W. L. Bower of Carthage who ably discharged the time-honored duty to the memory of the young republic.

The refreshment stands on the ground were rushed with business until the vast assemblage dispersed to the city in the evening. Even the swings kept up their whirl with a full freight of rural swains and their sweethearts.

The transportation was wholly inadequate to the accommodation of the visitors. The recent heavy rains and hot sun had so warped the temporary wooden rails of the street car line that the cars persisted in jumping the track with a frequency that made that mode of travel tedious. The trips could not be accomplished with the requisite frequency and a constant stream of pedestrians passed along the track from East Joplin to and from the park impatient with waiting. The buses, hacks, carriages and wagons were crowded as fast as a trip was announced. When the final stampede for the city came ** walking was good enough" for hundreds, but they did not accept the alternative without grumbling. During the afternoon many persons visited the scene of young Shellenberger's terrible accident at no great distance from the grand stand. The old mortar and its odd missiles that lay scattered around unused formed quaint objects of interest to the gazers.

About five o'clock Broadway and eminences on either side of Joplin creek were peopled by a dense multitude of anxious spectators. The mimic battlefield had for its strategic point the high ground descending northeast from the old Broadway stables. This was occupied by the several posts of the G. A. R. in command of Major Redbum representing the Continental army under General Warren. Colonel Bender with the Galena minute men occupied a position on the right and Colonel Beach, with the Joplin vets and volunteers formed the left wing.

The attacking forces, who were supposed to be the British red coats, occupied the flat near the banks of Joplin creek. General Clark Craycroft was th6 commanding oflBcer, his staflf consisting of Colonel Weldy and Major Stafford. Colonel Howard with his battalion pf English infantry occupied a position on the right, Colonel Williams commanding a battalion of London swells was in the center and on the extreme left was stationed Captain Livingston's battalion of North-of -Ireland lads.

Hostilities began by the attacking party sending out a line of skirmishers, who were fired upon by the enemy's pickets and after returning the fire retreated to the main line. The Continentals then sent out skirmishers and were met by a similar force from the other side. After sharp firing the former fell back followed by the detachment of red coats who were so brave that an orderly was sent out to order them back. The whole of the attacking force then advanced and after sharp fighting were repulsed with heavy loss. One man fell and lost his gun. The Britishers then ran out of ammunition and hostilities were suspended until the ammunition wagon appeared when the battle was renewed. Charge after charge was made until the red coats were finally routed and so hot, dry and muddy that they were willing to surrender.

The Carthage Light Guard, who had been to Pittsburg and captured a $150 prize, came this way on their return home and arrived in time to witness the battle.

In the evening Hose Company No. 1 gave an exhibition of the practical working of our fire department on Main street. The fire pressure was given by the water company and the boys threw water in a way that astonished the visitors. As usual they acquitted themselves creditably.

During the month of November, 1880, two Spaniards of noble birth visited Joplin in search of a buried treasure. The two gentlemen were Don Miguel De Soto Despenie and his son Ferdinand.

During their stay in Joplin they moved with great secrecy and an air of mystery, which excited the curiosity of the people, and on the eve of their departure the elder gentleman communicated to A. W. Carson, editor of the Herald, the object of their visit to Southwestern Missouri, and we reproduce it here on account of its romance and peculiar interest.

**In the year 1745 an ancestor of inine, seized with the visionary dreams peculiar to that day of the wonderful wealth that lay beyond the Mississippi, organized a company composed of hare-brained adventurers like himself, to search for the new El Dorado which they were confident existed in the western fields, and which it only required pluck and perseverance to discover. Before embarking at Seville the adventurers packed all their jewels, which were of immense value, in a small iron box. Their object was never to return home, but to establish a new kingdom independent of Spain, which accounts for their taking the jewels with them.

'*A few years afterwards my ancestor returned, moody and silent, and the least reference to his voyage would cause him to fly into a towering passion. None of the company but him was ever known to return. He occupied a room in one comer of the old family mansion or rather castle, and was a hermit until his death, speaking to none except to make his simplest wants known. Some ten years ago the castle descended to me as rightful heir, and the first thing I did was to tear down and rebuild the edifice. In tearing down the walls of the room that had been occupied by my ancestor, the masons discovered a gold snuff box imbedded in the structure. It was given to me and upon opening the relic I found a piece of parchment on which was written the following: * Enter the mouth of the Mississippi; four hundred miles north the mouth of a large stream entering from the west will be passed ; four hundred miles further another large stream will be found entering from the west. Enter this, and four hundred miles will be found . on the south bank a large promontory. In entering the stream at the foot of the spur will be seen a large rock, on the top of which is imbedded an iron ring and staple. Go one hundred miles further, then leave the stream and travel fifteen days north; then inquire for a cataract. You will be on the edge of a vast plain and near the only falls in that vast plain. The natives can tell you where it is. Midway between the falls and the first stream north in a direct line you will find a flat rock on which is cut an arrow. Forty paces east, ten south and fifty east dig. There you will find the iron box and jewels. The fortune is for the one who tears this wall down and remodels the castle.'

''Not until a year ago was I able to leave my home in search of this treasure. My son and I, as directed, entered the Mississippi and ux>on ascending four hundred miles passed the mouth of Red river. Four hundred miles further we found and entered the mouth of the Arkansaa, and four hundred miles farther we encountered the Promontory now known as Damelles rock. Here we disembarked and sure enough found the iron ring and staple spoken of. We embarked on the next steamer and a hundred miles farther landed at the town of Van Buren. From here we started north on foot and in fifteen days' travel we found ourselves at the town of Neosho. Here we heard of the falls and of course were full of anticipation. From the falls we surveyed a line direct north to Turkey creek, and midway between the two points began the search for the rock. We were employed several days at this, but finally my son discovered the stone nearly a foot beneath the surface. The accumulated soil was taken off and there, as plain as the day, it was engraved with the tell-tale arrow. Accordingly we measured forty paces east, ten south and fifty east again. Judge our horror in finding at the exact spot where the box should have been a shallow hole that had been dug years past by some miner. Again and again we measured the distance and each time we came to that embryo lead mine. Some lucky miner had found the box and had sense enough to keep it to himself. I will place every detective in the United States on the watch, and if the fortunate miner is found will pay him more for the jewels than any other person on earth can afford to. They had been in the family hundreds of years before my ancestor took them away."

Strange as this story may appear, it is true in every particular, unless the Spanish gentlemen have imposed upon the editor, which is hardly probable.