From the Archives of Western Newspapers

By Samantha Johnson
For Southern Alberta Newspapers

June 14, 1898 – The Cranbrook
Herald

The war department in Washington announced the first military expedition left Key West at daybreak on route to Santiago. Major General Shafter has with him a force of 773 officers and 14,564 enlisted men. Barring storms or accidents, the troops will arrive in Santiago on Thursday morning and landing will likely occur the same afternoon. Admiral Samson is anxious to reinforce the small body of marines ashore at Guantanamo Bay. Cables to Cuba are still cut.

‘Notorious Jack’ was in town on Sunday and told about the battle in Wardner between the Spaniards and Americans, resulting in the latter’s fleet being sunk. Interpreted, this means the ferry boat sprung a leak and narrowly escaped sinking in the mid-stream. The boat was finally landed and hauled out by several teams of horses.

On Saturday night at Egan’s No. 2 camp, Edward Bawlf and John Philips had an altercation over the loan of a horse. Bawlf was under the influence of liquor and, it is alleged, was the aggressor. It is claimed Philips struck or pushed Bawlf, who fell heavily on the ground. He was put to bed as it was supposed he was uninjured. Several hours later, he was found dead. A coroner’s inquest showed a fractured skull, likely sustained when he hit a stone upon falling. Philips, who was previously discharged, was arrested on the charge of murder.

June 11, 1909 – The Wainwright Star

There are no new developments between Grand Trunk Pacific and their operating employees. The matter has been placed in the hands of the department of labour and nothing will be done until Ottawa has been heard from. The men continue to proceed with preparations for their case, which will be presented to the board if such action is found necessary. While some grievances are of a more personal nature, the majority are dissatisfied with the general working conditions.

Not more than 10 days ago, the employment agencies in Winnipeg were almost unapproachable on account of the large number of men that surrounded them eagerly awaiting their turn to sign contracts for the summer. Many thousands are employed each spring for work upon railway construction. It is estimated 7,000 men will be needed for the work in the West.

Calgary citizens are congratulating themselves over the finding of a gas well with a flow of one million cubic feet per day. Press reports from the southern city write that good use could be made of this in lighting up the dark corners of city hall.

June 10, 1910 – Coleman Miner and Carbondale Advocate

Every householder should secure 50 feet of hose for fire protection. Chief Graham states all those interested can purchase hose from the hardware store and orders will be taken until June 30. Cash must accompany each order and the price for the cotton hose, complete with nozzle and coupling is $8.00.

The census for Coleman was just completed and the population is now 2,225.

When the mouthy socialist member for the Rocky Mountain riding attempted to speak disparagingly of the late King in the legislature hall at Edmonton, he should have been seized and soundly cuffed and kicked. In fact, and application of tar and feathers along with cat-o-nine-tails would have been very appropriate.

Judging from reports, the number of members who are willing to resign to give their seat to Premier Sifton indicates there are many budding politicians who are already sick of the game.