From the Archives of Western Newspapers

By Samantha Johnson
For Southern Alberta Newspapers

September 2, 1886 – Qu’Appelle Progress

There was great excitement in Calgary when it was discovered that a murder charge will be added to the crime of stage robbing. Clinker Scott was found murdered in his shack near Shaganappi point and it is believed the murder was committed by those who held up a stagecoach in Edmonton a few days ago. Scott was about 39 and in good circumstances and it is thought he had a considerable sum of money on him at the time of his murder.

In world news, a British tea ship has foundered in the China Sea. The Queen of Italy is seeking a reconciliation between the Pope and the Italian government. Save one, all the Chicago socialist prisoners have been sentenced to death and a motion for a new trial will be made. A French journal is accusing Australian colonies of attempting to establish a Monroe Doctrine.

Some thirsty soul, such as the editor of the Macleod Gazette, has started the rumour that inside of six weeks permission will be given for the sale of light beer and wine in the Northwest Territories. This, like many other reports about the intention of the government, cannot be true. There is no Act of Parliament to grant such permission, and the government would not commit so grave an error in the face of the temperance sentiment in eastern Canada.

September 4, 1906 – The News (Red Deer)

The freight train that left here on Monday afternoon for Strathcona was wrecked near the Blindman River bridge between here and Blackfalds. Several cars were ditched and passengers on the northbound evening train had to remain in Red Deer overnight. On Tuesday morning, the train took the passengers to the site of the wreck where they transferred to another train and the other one returned to Red Deer before proceeding to Calgary. It is thought the accident was due to the rough condition of the roadbed.

John T. Moore, MLA, is still, so far as we are aware, in Ontario. While he is a private citizen, he has a perfect right to reside where he pleases. As a public man and member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, and the representative of this important Red Deer Electoral division, his continued absence from his constituency is open to severe criticism.

From west of the Red River to east of the Rocky Mountains, over 20 newspapers have begun publication during the last 12 months. Additionally, a proportional increase has been going on further west.

September 3, 1914 – The Oyen News

Great Britain and France have presented a protest against the purchase of any German liners by the USA. There has been a considerable buildup of the merchant marine in the States since the start of the war. It is feared the protest will present grave complications due to the strong support for the scheme by members of the administration.

Paris is preparing for a state of siege. Unconfirmed reports received early in the week state a large German force is within 80 miles of the city.

Prime Minister Asquith publicly reprimanded the London Times in the house of commons on Monday for printing dispatches from a correspondent that took a most pessimistic view from the standpoint of the allies.

Mobilization of Canadian troops will continue with Col. Hughes expecting little difficulty in raising forces of up to 500,000.