From the Archives of Western Newspapers

By Samantha Johnson
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

December 6, 1883 – The Brandon Mail

The Korean government needs to raise funds and attempted to negotiate a loan with Japan for $3 million pledging mine securities. Further investigation proved the mines were a myth and now the Koreans are offering the mines to New York capitalists and hope to succeed.

Last Monday’s Globe called Sir Richard Cartwright “one of the ablest financers in Canada.” An issue of the Globe from 12 years ago calls him “a complete mixer and muddler of figures.” What the Globe doesn’t know about truth and consistency is not worth learning.

Recently a bonafide squatter on land near Calgary took a trip eastward and, on his return, found a company owning a grazing tract surrounding him had taken possession of his farm and claimed it under their lease. The case was brought before a magistrate in McLeod who confirmed the man in his right. This is evidence that where squatters are bonafide settlers and not speculators, their interest will be protected by law. We don’t imagine either the Sun or Winnipeg Free Press will publish the particulars of this case.

December 1, 1910 – The Blairmore Enterprise

The hand found last week in Bellevue is not believed to be the result of a foul murder recently enacted but that of Mrs. Connelly who has been missing from Bellevue since the winter of 1908-09. Many will remember from about 2 years ago when Mrs. Connelly went missing from her home and many were alarmed. A search went up without success. The hand has no flesh on it but all the bones are intact and a doctor has confirmed it is the hand of an elderly lady who suffered from rheumatism, strengthening the belief that it is the hand of Mrs. Connelly.

The Toronto Globe recently published a lengthy article about how the police force of Newfoundland have an easy life as the people are well ballasted with common sense and have a natural and spontaneous politeness.

Two sleigh-loads of people became ‘tipsy’ on their way to Coleman last Friday evening. As the snow was only 11.5 inches deep, only a few of the ladies had the opportunity to test out their swimming qualities. No arrests were made and it was discovered the accidents were caused through a slight miscalculation on the part of the drivers, who led their teams too near the ditches.

December 3, 1914 – The Gleichen  Call

According to the lore of Toronto astrologers, 1915 will be a lucky year. Taking astrological data at face value and remembering the numerous forecasts put forth since Europe became engulfed in war, it would be well to stop and consider for whom will the year be lucky. One thing is certain, it can’t be for both the British and the Germans, and yet there is no reason to believe any one people have a monopoly on the stars.

The Ross Rifle Factory in Quebec has started working on Sundays in addition to having both day and night shifts during the work week. They are attempting to get ahead of the contract from the British for one hundred thousand rifles. Currently, the factory employs 800 people but plans to double that number early in 1915.

The man who walked over Niagara Falls on a tightrope will have to take a backseat in favour of our intrepid naval airmen. During an airship patrol, it became necessary to change the propeller blade in one of the engines. Two crewmen volunteered to fix the engine while still airborne and completed the task successfully 2,000 feet above the sea.