The Lathrop Optimist from Lathrop, Missouri • 1

Kansas Gity Journal, Daily Except Sunday, and Optimist, Year, $3.50 Cmm II dated with Mattr-BMM. TiIuh 44. N. at, Aarwt 1. IMS.

LATHROP, CLINTON COUNTY, THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 1922 VOL 13 NO. 18 MISS EVANS TO BE IXSTRl'CT- BURLINGTON PUTTING IN PASSING TRACK. BREGKENRIDGE DIES OF INJURIES RE- How About "Fixing Up" Our City Park? KIMSEY HELPS US TO SEE OURSELVES AS NEIGHBORS SEE US to the advantages to be derived by having a clean, well-kept park with camping ground equipment, a grandstand, etc. A well would have to be put down in the park. It has been voiced that these improvements are impossible with the present income, but a fraction of a mill would take care of that proposition.

A good camping grounds would be the means of bringing an ever increasing stream of tourists this way. We learn that Plattsburg is planning to spend $7,000 for park grounds, with the intention of making camping grounds for tourists, and with the ultimate object of building a "community house" as a memorial to ex-service men. brings to mind the fact that Lathrop has an excellent park, and the expense of putting the park in shape would be negligible compared DON'T FORGET THE ELECTION TUESDAY The city election to elect two alder man, to be held next Tuesday has created little interest up to the time of going to press. There will be an election of school directors at the 3ame time. The directors retiring are Tom Klepper and Albert Fagin.

The alderman retiring are Dr. Hufft in the south ward and E. O. Little- field in the north ward. The voting places are in th south ward, the old city hall; north waiu, otax lucatic.

1 C- I 10 date mere nasoeen iiiue acuv-iwere itr shown, but as the committee for the Citizens' ticket has called a meet-j enJoyaWy by all and wag eyident ing for tomorrow night (Friday), the guest honor forward prospects are that Lathrop will noteach year t0 hia blrthday with more allow an opportunity to pass to en-1 anticipation than does the average gage in one of the two national 0 times politics, the other, as every body knows, being baseball. VISITORS FROM TURNEY. Messrs. Alpha Wolfe, a merchant of Turney," and H. E.

Brenner Manager of the Turney Elevator, were transacting business in Lathrop yesterday. The former placed an ad. with the Optimist and the latter placed an order for stationery. Turney has no newspaper and the Optimist is endeavoring in the best way possible to furnish them a means of community news, and appreciates these gentlemen's recognition of that fact. MR.

BIRCH SANDERS AN- NOUNCES FOR CLERK. In our announcement column this week, Mr. Birch Sanders of Plattsburg announces as a candidate for the nomination for clerk of the coun- POINTS OUT POSSIBILITIES FOR CITY IP MERCHANTS WORK TOGETHER, AND CONSEQUENCES OP FAILURE TO DO SO. The third meeting of Lathrop cit izens at the school building last Friday night was largely given over to a talk by Warren Kimsey, a repre sentative of the International Kiwan- ls Clubs. It had been planned to put the final touches on the organiza tion of a commercial club, but after Mr.

Kimsey had outlined his Idea of methods to be followed In arousing interest and building up a membership, the majority of the citizen present concluded that the time was not ripe for such an organization, Following the reading of minutes of the previous meeting Mr. Kimsey took the floor and expressed his views of Lathrop from a standpoint about twenty years residence and outlined the difficulties which he thought would have to be over come before a representative club could be brought about. First, he spoke of the basic prin ciples upon which a commercial club (should be founded. In this connec- tion he brought out that Lathrop is dependent upon her surrounding agricultural community for her existence. Every business, profession or trade of Lathrop is indirectly, if not directly, dependent upon the patron age of the farmers for success.

As long as we have no manufacturing Interests this will continue to be the case. As loig as the present con dition exists Lathrop will never be any larger than her agricultural Interests. In order to grow we must -create other interests. Mr. Kimsey said that the mer chant owes It to the farmer to fix prices so that he can trade as cheaply at home as elsewhere.

He expressed the belief that out-of-town advertisers in the Optimist evidently were well repaid for advertising therein or they wouldn't continue the, prac tlce. At this point he complimented the Optimist upon its present appearance and newsy nature, explain ing to his hearers that to maintain such a and keep up the news contents the editor must run a cor responding amount of advertising and as long as Lathrop merchants failed to patronize the home paper, the editor was justified in accepting advertising from competing firmjs in nearby towns. At this point Mr. Kimsey stopped and inquired where each and every man present had bought his suit of clothes. Of the twenty-odd men present, only about three confessed to buying at home.

Clothing stores of Kansas City, Excelsior Springs, St. Joseph, Cameron and Sears and Roebuck were represented in the gathering. Mr. Kimsey used this little tableau as an illustration of how little cooperation there esftsts be tween Lathrop business men. He laid the blame for these diversified purchases upon the fact that Lathrop lias no stock of ready-made clothes ''for men, making it compulsory that men who wear "hand-me-downs to trade out of town.

The speaker then told of a mill -which turned out as good flour as could be bought anywhere, failing "because the home merchant shipped in flour from distant states, even when citizens called for the home product. Mr. Kimsey then took up the farmer's debt to Lathrop, saying that if the population of Lathrop were materially reduced, farm values would be decreased $25 to $75 an acre. This means that there must be'-a close welding of the agricultural and mercantile interests. In speaking of advantages, Lath-Top offered as a city and aB a nucleus upon which to build a bigger and better town, Mr.

Kimsey first spoke xof the natural water supply here. If this water supply could be taken to Oklahoma or some parts of Kansas it could Easily be disposed of for a million dollars. We have the greatest water system underlying our town of any town around here. Another point in Lathrop's favor is that this is the leading agricultural section in Missouri in depth of soil Our unusual train service was the next point touched upon. Very few towns in Missouri with a population of fifteen to twenty thousand have better train service than Lathrop offers.

With 'all these advantages, Mo, Kimsey said that Lathrop could have a population of 3500 in a few years OK IX SCHOOL OP METHODS. Miss Imo Evans has been offered a position of teaching a period of young people's specialization work at the William Woods Young Peo ples Conference to be held at Fulton June 5 to 12. Miss Imo was offered the deanship of this school but de clined that position. There are ten such schools in the United States for training young peo ple in the different phases of Sunday school work. Three or four states are represented in the school at Fulton, i Miss Imo will instruct in the work of the church school.

She will have between seventy and eighty girls and about forty boys in her class. H. L. Pickerell, national superin tendent of the young people's division of the Christian church, was in Lathrop a few weeks ago getting pointers on Miss Imo's methods of teaching, and it was In recognition of her ability along these lines that he tendered her the offer of this work. She has long taken an active part in young people's work and has had unusually good success in her efforts.

Billiard Parlor Changes Hands H. S. Tuttle of Adrian. has purchased the Recreation Billiard parlor of B. F.

Dinwiddie, taking the business over last Friday morning. The new owner has been engaged in the produce business in Adrian, is a married man, is a member of Cres cent Hill Blue Lodge and Eastern Star. Mr. Tuttle informed the Optimist reporter that he intended to run a clean business, endeavoring to follow the letter and spirit of the laws governing the operation of billiard parlors, stating that he would appreciate it as a favor of the people who became possessed of the idea that he was not so conducting his place, would come directly to him and he would be only too glad to iaiK over with them. Mr.

Tuttle is a young man who leaves the impression that he wants to conduct his place so as to bring on the min imum or criticism. Mr. Dinwiddie goes from here to Columbia. He nas -proven himself a good citizen while in LathropP and has never been approached for financial assistance towards any com munity undertaking that he has not borne his full share, and often more. SURPRISE PARTI.

The teacher and some of the school mates of miss Marie Bowers gave her a surprise party last Friday night tne occasion being her fourteenth birthday. Games were played and ail enjoyed a good time. Refreshments were taken by the guests and Mrs. Bowers had prepared two large cakes for the occasion. Those present were: Mr.

and Mrs. Lincoln Walker, Misses Velma, Opal ana Bertha Hubbard, Glessie and Frances Walker, Mary Crumley, and Fred, Herbert and Glenn Hubbard Fred and Oliver Walker, Nelson Myers and Thomas Grady. MARSHALL BURNS CHOSEN. Marshall Burns, son of Mr. and Mrs.

John Burns, who is attending Culver-Stockton college at Canton, has been chosen as one of the debaters for his college. There are only two selected, the other being Dacey Lef tweith. The first debate in which he will represent his col lege will take place April 14, with Heading college at Culver-Stockton, the second being with Westminister college at Fulton, April 24. This is quite an attainment for young Burns, as he is only a Freshman while his team-mate is in his third year at the school. CURTIS POE APPOINTED ADMINISTRATOR.

Curtis Poe, cashier of he Gower Bank, has been appointed adminis trator for the estate of Charles A. Breckenridge, deceased. An admin istrator's sale will be held Friday, April 7th, at the John Breckenridge place, five miles north of Lathrop. V. U.

Ditmars of Turney, will cry the sale and Fred Brawner will clerk. FORD TO TAKE THE KEELEY, John Sims is going to send his Ford away soon to take the Keeley cure. He says he has given it so much alcohol this winter that it has the "razzle-dazzle," the jiggles, the delerium tremens, etc. He is only waiting for the roads to dry up before sending it away, but judging from the rattles in its lungs it's too late. One cannot but feel sorry for this faithful old toper, for it's a victim of its invironment.

MRS. THOMPSON AT DIES PLATTS BUltG. Mrs. J. L.

Thompson, wife of the county collector, died at her home in Plattsburg this morning at 5 o'clock. She had been ill for several weeks, death, we understand, beiug due to complications following an attack of influenza. Mrs. Thompson was a young woman in the early thirties, th0 hereTre too Zny or- lLJXTZl ead the alleged compan- of the county at the general primary The Burlington is putting in a passing track at the, top of Holt hill, near the former location of th Guyton-Harrington switch. This will have the effect of shortening the running time of freight trains, for the grade from Holt to Lathrop eats up about 30 minutes of time, holding freights on the Lathrop siding that length of time, while the new passing track allows trains to pass at that point.

The yards at Lathrop will be less congested by this improvement. LOSES EYE Mrs. Clay Kindred underwent an operation at the Ensworth Hospital, St. Joseph, last Thursday morning for the removal of her left eye. This eye had been giving her trouble for five or six years, and for about fifteen months she has been doing everything for it that could be done but to no avail.

She withstood the operation well and is getting along as well as could be expected. Mrs. Kindred was accompanied to St. Joseph by Mr. Kindred who returned Friday evening.

Excelsior Springs Begins Campaign The Excelsior Springs Merchants' association is beginning an advertising campaign in this issue of the Optimist, with a view of calling attention to the many attractive features of their city. It will be remembered that Mr. Kimsey. in his address last Friday night referred to Excelsior Springs as one of the best known cities in the United States. This is true, speaking in a national sense, but that city has not before taken the trouble to acquaint the people at its doors of its many advantages.

It is to correct this that the campaign is being commenced. The best thing about their advertisement is that the first lines advise you to trade at home when you can get what you want, but invite you to come to Excelsior Springs for the things you cannot get in Lathrop. That's a mighty fine spirit, but noth ing more than could be expected of a home-town loving bunch as is represented in the Excelsior Springs Re tail Dealers association. my, it's a nickel to a Plattsburg flea that Charlie Lewis of the John S. Lewis company is preparing the copy.

He certainly "knows his eggs." BANKER'S LIFE CO. That "Business is good" is evident, as proven by C. E. Sprague, Banker's Life representative in the locality. Carl is with a company that has been in business in this locality for 40 years and he has been with them for two years, and has been increasing their business right along.

He quite a hustler, and in addition he is representing a good company with good policies, and this combination, together with the Optimist advertising, has made "Banker's Life" a by-word in many homes in Lathrop and community, to the betterment of all concerned. POWELL DOWN. Roy Powell, the live editor of the Holt Rustler, a newspaper printed for a live little town, gave us the yesterday and we sent Dana Kel-lam down to get out his paper for him, he being flat of his back with an infected leg. We did this knowing that when we get in the hole Roy will be there with bells on to pull us out. Here's hoping that he soon recovers, for the Holt community could ill afford to be without his activity in giving them a dandy newspaper and helping in all their community undertakings.

SECOND VISIT HOME IN 14 YEARS F. A. Whaley arrived last week on a visit to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. H.

C. Whaley of Turney. Mr. Whaley is located at Vallejo, being a government clerk in a storehouse on Mare Island. He has been working there for fourteen years, and this is his second visit nome in all that time.

Mr. Whaley remembers many of the older residents of Lathrop, having been a baseball player when Turney and Lathrop played years ago. He is planning on taking his parents home with him when he re turns. HENRY WON. In a contest with one of Henry Ford's substitutes for a Missouri mule one day last week.

Hurley Coop er came out second best. "As a re sult he is carrying a broken arm in a sling." He was standing at the front end of the beast" when the accident happened. Any of you who have had any experience with the "critters" can guess how the accident happened. FOR SALE. S.

C. Buff Orpington eggs. $4.00 per 100. 75c per setting. Cameron phone 1097.

Mrs. Ernest Williams, Turney, Mo. 15-tfc. FOR PAINTING AND PAPERING Figure with P. D.

Henderson. Will call and show you wall paper books and color cards on request. Phone 40X, Turney, Mo. 18-2tc. FOR RENT Five room house with well and cistern and lots of fruit.

For par ticulars inquire of Mrs. Will Shrewsbury or Adelia Seaton, 4008 Balti more Kansas City, Mo. 18-tfc ONLY BECAUSE OF AN UNUSUALLY CLEAN LIFE WAS HE EN-. ABLED TO DELAY THE i FATAL HOUR. Charles A.

Breckenridge of Turney, who fatally injured pear the Forest Hill school March 20, succumbed to his injuries at the Sister's Hospital in St. Joseph last Thursday about 10:00 o'clock. Mr. Breckenridge was removed from the scene of the accident and taken to Plattsburg and given emergency treatment, when he was taken to the hospital in St. Joseph, where everything possible under the circumstances was done to save his life.

The body was taken to Plattsburg Friday morning to the home of C. H. Thompson, where Mrs. Breckenridge had been staying since the accident. Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon in the Plattsburg Christian church at 2:00 o'clock by Rev.

J. P. Jesse, pastor of the Excel sior Springs Christian church, assisted by Rev. C. A.

Burkhardt of the Plattsburg Christian church, and Rev. Alva L. Ragsdale of the Lath rop Christian church, he being a member of the Lathrop church. Services at the grave were in charge of Lathrop Blue Lodge Masons. In terment was in Greenlawn cemetery, Plattsburg.

The pall bearers were: Ward Car- mack, Horace Riley and John Spes- sard of Plattsburg and F. Porter, R. M. Harrington and M. E.

Shinn of Lathrop. The following from Lathrop at tended the services: M. E. Shinn, J. W.

Biggerstaff, F. L. Porter, Joe T. Doherty, C. E.

Sprague, J. O. Par-man, J. L. Taylor, R.

M. Harrington, Rev. Alva L. Ragsdale, Dr. E.

E. Hufft and R. B. Porter. Obituary.

Charles Adam Breckenridge was born September 5, 1893 on a farm near Turney. He was reared in that attended Round, Prairie entering Plattsburg High school, from which he graduated in 1909. He then entered Missouri University, graduating in 1913. He was united in marriage to Miss Aldyth Kirk of Gower October 21, 1914. Shortly afterwards they moved to the home near Turney which he had in readiness for their coming and which continued to be their home until the time of his death on March 23, 1922.

To this union were born three sons, the last son being born four days following the death of his father. Adam Kirk, the eldest, is past six years old, and John Billy, is past three years. These children with the widow, his father, J. C. Brsckenridge, two brothers, Paul C.

and Donald Breckenridge, four uncles, two aunts and an aged grandmother and several cousins survive to mourn the loss of one whose place will never be filled, whose upright life and winning personality will make the blow doubly hard. His own mother died when he was only seven months old. Some nine years ago he united with the Christian church at Turney. After his marriage he and Mrs. Breckenridge changed their membership to Lathrop.

They had start ed their children in the Sunday school. Mr. Breckenridge was a man of high ideals, home-loving, a true friend and neighbor, a man of whom one could place confidence in any kind of a deal, to all which attribu tes friends and acquaintances for miles around gathered to nav their respects at the last sad rites on Sat-urady afternoon, when all that wis earthly of one of whom they had loved and honored was laid to rest "to await the Ressurrection morn." BORN To Mrs. C. A.

Breckenridge, Mon day, March 27, a son. Mother and babe doing SHADY BROOK HOME, REDS. Fourteen years breeding better R. C. R.

I. Reds. Eggs for hatching. Extra large, good layers. Phone 308-1.

Mrs. R. K. Tillett. 15-tfc.

LATHROP GIRL IN RECITAL. Miss Fredda Longfield will appear fh a violin recital at the Kansas City Conservatory of Music Friday night, April 7. She will be assisted by Pearl Rolmer, pianist, and Louise Mason, soprano. Miss Fredda, daughter of Dr. and Mrs.

F. J. Longfield, has unusual musical talent for a child so young, which talent has been encouraged by her mother, who is herself an excellent musician, and in addition she has been given instruction under the best teachers in Kansas City. Her talent has long been known and this is not the first time she has appeared in public recital The parents have every reason to be proud of their daughter, and Lathrop, too, is honored by being her home. SEED OATS FOR SALE.

2000 bushels seed oats tor sale. Inquire of H. C. Crowley, on the Hugh Rogers place. P.

O. Lathrop, Route 1. 15-4tc. PASSES HIS EIGHTY-EIGHTH MILESTONE Twenty-eight descendants of J. H.

Gall gathered at his home last Friday in honor of his 88th birthday anniversary. It has become a custom with the children and grandchildren in the last five or six years to assemble at this home on this accas-ion and it is needless to say that no one enjoys these gatherings mov than does "Uncle Henry" as he is known to many. On this particular occasion nine iCfiKKM 1 1 1 1 i I'M rrpum in nmnnrnnn serTed all doing justice t0 the u. j. Among the twenty-eight present were all his children, part of the grandchildren and one great grand child.

They were: Mr. and Mrs. A. G. Gall, Mr.

and Mrs. Fred Gall, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Gall, Mr. and Mrs.

Ray Gall and baby, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Gall, Frank Gall, Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Riddle, all living northeast of Lathrop, S.

L. Gall of King City; Mrs. Doretta Walker of Lathrop; Mrs. R. V.

Nicholas, Robert and Miss Vivian of St. Joseph: Miss Vida, who makes her home with her father; and Misses Cuma, Strausaie, and Marie, and Messrs. Clifton, Lor-en, Mervin, Donald and Enoch Gall. I LESS RECEIVING STATION. Fred Hall now has his wireless receiving station in order.

He found that when he wished to go into the an4 hi.v nnn V- 1 .1 ies at Plattsburg and Cameron can not do more than "book his order," that seeming to be the limit for their services. So Fred got himself together a few oatmeal boxes, copper wire, a bulb and an appliance or so and went after it. As a result he is now getting the Kansas City daily market report and the writer was invited in to hear a concert by the Riley-Elkhart orchestra according to the announcer heard plainly Tuesday. These mid-day concerts are being put on by the Kansas City Star and Fred's instrument registered so well that the excellence of the music could be judged. At this, he is not satisfied and will attach amplifiers, increasing its efficiency.

Mr. Hall is somewhat of a mechan ical genius. In his home is a music machine of his own construction that reproduces perfectly and the panel ing is of hand-carved designs that make it a fine ornament. He calls this the "Halls Improved Re-Crea tion Machine. He doesn't yet know just what he will call his wireless but whatever the name it certainly does the work.

OATS FOR SALE. About 5 or 6 hundred bushels of Early Champion seed oats for sale. Inquire of Ben or Ross Chenoweth. 17-tfc. HOLDING HER OWX.

Mrs. I. D. Fagin, whose life has been dispaired of is surprising every one by being improved from one per iod of her illness and is now said to be holding her own. She is 79 years old.

Mr. Fagin, her companion of more than 50 years is also ill and is reported as not so well today. SEQUEL! The sequel to the Graht-Stanton fracas that occured on main street last Tuesday was in their going and depositing the regulation fine into the city treasury. It is understood there is some agitation for all-night street lighting. If these fines should be put into that budget it will likely meet the approval of each of the par ties.

Mr. Grant getting to sell the juice and Mr. Stanton the benefit of the lights. "All things work togeth- er for good to those who serve," etc, M. E.

SHINN SELLING SPUDS. Probably one of the most effective means to popularize Lathrop among the farmers, made recently, is that of M. E. Shinn, who is advertising genuine Red River Ohio seed potatoes at $1.55 per bushel, f. o.

track, Lathrop. WESLEYAN GLEE CLUB HERE, The Missouri Wesleyan Glee Club of Cameron was In town last Thurs day morning between trains. They were enroute to Carrollton, as their first stop on the annual spring tour of ten days. I election to be held next August. Of Mr.

Sanders the Plattsburg Leader will have the following to say in this week's issue: "Mr. Sanders has been the efficient deputy county clerk the past seven years and is now thorougly familiar with all the work of the office, is efficient and careful in the discharge of his duties, and courteous and accommodating to all who have business to transact of who wish information of the many sorts that is secured from the county clerk's office. Birch Sanders was reared at Gow-1 er and lived there until appointed deputy county clerk by County Clerk J. C. Hopkins seven years ago.

Since coming to Plattsburg he married a Plattsburg young lady, and this community is now his permanent home. He is a popular young man of industry and worth, and his many friends who wilr be glad to see him honored with the nomination for which he announces. He submits his canbi-dacy to his fellow Democrats and will appreciate any support given him." HOME TALENT PLAY APRIL 3. A home talent play entitled "The Return of Hi Jinks" 'will be given at the Star theatre Monday night, April 3. The cast, fourteen in number, is taken from classes No.

12 and 13 of the Christian church school, taught by Miss Ejva Jane Rogers and Oliver Johnston. The play is a four-act farce. It will be given for the benefit of the missionary budget of the church. CARD OF THANKS We take this means of expressing our appreciation for the acts of kindness and words of sympathy during the sickness and death in our family. Mr.

and Mrs. W. H. Demaree and family, Mr. and Mrs.

Lee Demaree and family. Brown Leghorn Eggs for Sale For hatching purposes $4.00 per 100. Mrs. Chas. Hartman, phone 326-6.

17-3tp. MEETING AT K. P. HALL TOMORROW NIGHT. There will be a mass meeting in K.

P. hall tomorrow night to nominate a citizens ticket. The committee on arrangements has had dodgers print-1 ed announcing the meeting with a special invitation to ladies to be out. MORE LIGHT FROM OIL LAMP Twice the light from your oil lamp. Tom W.

Klepper. 16-tfc. SAVE THE BABY CHICKS. Conkey's Buttermilk Starting feed Raves thpm. I nlso hova RlnrlrfnrH's Finish Buttermilk Starter.

Also Chick Feed, $1.75 per 100 pound sack; small lots, 2c per pound; Scratch feed, $1.75 per sack. See me about the International Brooder. H. W. Leighninger.

15-tfc. if the right kind of a campaign were adopted. We have room, to expand in our present city limits. There are many desirable lots and building spots in the outskirts for new homes. We are on the Cannon Ball a national highway, and this in itself is an item of no little importance.

Many towns in more progressive districts would give thousands of dol- lars to be on this trail or some trail that would bring tourists through their community. In discussing organization, Mr. Kimsey suggested that a small group of men get together and work and pledge themselves to perfect an 'organization. The first thing for this 5 body to do in securing members (continued on last page) She was Miss Stella West before b.erjMilk Mash and Southard's Start to marriage. FOR SALE.

Nine head Poland China gilts, that will farrow in a few days. Chas. Wolf. 18-ltc..