From the Archives of Western Newspapers

By Samantha Johnson
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

November 10, 1910 – The
Blairmore Enterprise

The namby-pamby actions of the Coleman Miner in criticizing our work and the statement that its editor has been asked to start another paper in Frank are indeed amusing to those who know the Miner. Purporting to give Frank a better paper is like Barmecide’s feast, who asked a person to dinner and seated him at a table of empty dishes. It is a mockery, a delusion, and a sham.

Many Orangemen residing in The Pass are most indignant of the reflection cast on their association by the editor of the Coleman Miner, who is himself an Orangeman. Many say there is none more capable of disturbing harmony than the same individual who resides over the uncertain destiny of the Miner.

The burning question in Bellevue is if a tomato is a fruit or a vegetable. We would be very pleased to hear the opinion of the learned professors residing in The Pass on the question.

November 2, 1911 – Bassano News

In Chicago, John R. Walsh, former banker, publisher and railroad owner, has died from heart disease a week after being released from Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary. Five years ago, Walsh was head of one of the national banks in the city and had interests in many ventures requiring large amounts of capital. He owned the Daily Chronicle of Chicago, which lost many millions over the 15 years it ran. His undoing was an effort to bolster a railway scheme by placing $25 million of railway securities in the bank as collateral for required capital. When the bubble burst, he was arrested for violation of the national banking act.

Dr. Federick Cook attempted to vindicate his reputation in Copenhagen by a lecture at the same hall he was in two years ago addressing the Royal Family and other prominent citizens of Denmark. His entrance resulted in riotous scenes and Cook was forced to retire ingloriously by the back door after a picture of the North Pole was displayed on the screen.

Money stolen from the Royal Bank has been recovered from A.R. Runnings room where it was found in a valise. Running was to marry a local girl next week and wanted to take her on a honeymoon tour and needed sufficient funds. He has not confessed to the crime, but friends are saying his mind is unbalanced.

November 5, 1914 – The Gleichen Call

While in a little town near Regina, Sask., where he was selling horses, well-known Nateby rancher Charles Parks was mistaken for a German spy. To add to the illusion, a friend of his referred to him as Herr von Staal from Berlin. However, his Missouri accent gave the game away. (Charles is recognized as the politest man in Alberta. Wonder if Saskatchewan is jealous of our man?).

Halloween night passed off rather quietly in Gleichen, although there were several very enjoyable house parties. The small boys enjoyed a few innocent pranks, such as hiding vehicles and overturning small outbuildings. Some of the older lads went too far by carrying off some larger buildings and overturning some valuable paint at the rear of Rowe, Rowe and Rowe manufacturing plant.

Lord Kitchener visited Dunkirk this past Sunday for a conference. The Daily Mail correspondent in northern France reports the British endured an historic ordeal in checking German advancement upon Calais and the victory at Ypres cost dearly.

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