Thursday, June 13, 1918
The mayor of Alderson has made a formal complaint to the Governor concerning the tanneries at Marlinton and Durbin. We believe that this complaint is made upon insufficient information as to the facts in the case. It is noticeable that the mayor does not give the distance the town of Alderson is situated from the tanneries in question, 70 miles and 110 miles, respectively.
The Greenbrier River is a perfect filter and purifies itself in the course of a very few miles. The Marlinton people never notice any sign of the Durbin tannery. The Marlinton tannery affects the river on one edge for a distance of two or three miles, but the main channel of the river is clear from the place of the tannery down. These tanneries have been under strict supervision and the owners have in addition done cheerfully and willingly all that men could do to settle the water before allowing it to enter the river. Occasionally the ponds have suffered leaks from musk rats, but that only happens at intervals of years.
The conditions at the Marlinton tannery are good, and the Durbin tannery made the best disposition it could with a much smaller stream to contend with. We cross the river on an average of six times a day and, being an old river man, always mark the stage of the water. It is second nature with us to watch the river and read the signs indicating what is taking place up the valley.
The tanneries are far ahead of the towns in the care that they take not to pollute the streams.
Tannery pollution has a good deal of color to it owing to the bark that is used in the process, but it is a healthy ingredient…
The fishing in the immediate vicinity of the Marlinton tannery was improved by it for some reason or other…
When you have investigated the matter as thoroughly as some of the rest of us, you will come to the conclusion that all human life pollutes the streams that it touches, and that nature has a way of purifying the waters that permits life to go on for thousands of years on the banks of the streams.
Live and let live.
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Fairmont – Ephriam Garlow, widely known farmer living near here was arrested on the charge of having made unfavorable remarks about the United States government. It is alleged he is strongly opposed to the war and has criticized President Wilson of being a traitor. He says Secretary McAdoo is a Wall Street manipulator. Garlow was given a hearing and held for the action of the federal court. His bond is set at $1,000, which was furnished by his two sons, and he was released.
OUR SOLDIERS
Mrs. C. E. Dennison has received a letter from her son, George Vaughn, dated May 24, with expeditionary forces in France. He is well and doing well.
Lieut. Ralph Yeager and Sergeant H. L. Byers have landed safely in France.
A card from Ballard Kirk dated May 23 says he is well.
GREENBANK
Well, we are through the eclipse and no frost yet, but pretty cool. So far this is the finest growing weather we have ever seen in May and June…
The Greenbank District High school closed its first session last Friday night with a very fine commencement and a crowded house. Prof. Hallahan, of Charleston, delivered the address to the graduating class of three boys and seven girls. There were 47 in the district who got diplomas; that is a good showing for our schools…
Assessor B. B. Beard was calling on the people here last week to see what they had.
DUNMORE
We are still having fine growing weather. The nights have been very cool; some danger of frost.
Roy Gum has enlisted in the Navy and expects to leave as soon as there is a vacancy.
Born to Mr. and Mrs. Ray Horner, a son.
CASS
The big War Saving and Thrift Stamp drive is now on; our people are becoming enthusiastic and energetic in the work and are planning to go over the “top” with a record breaking report.
Miss Alice Blackhurst, daughter of Rev. and Mrs. Blackhurst, and Rev. Fred Fall, pastor of the Evangelical church at Coleman, Michigan, were married Wednesday evening, June 5th, at the Blackhurst home. Miss Ruth Stitzinger, a warm friend and schoolmate of both contracting parties, and Henry Blackhurst, brother of the bride, were attendants…
The bride was the recipient of many beautiful and useful presents that were tokens of esteem from many of her friends. Miss Blackhurst is one of the charming and popular young ladies of Cass, and was prominent in social, educational and church circles, and was for several years a successful teacher in the schools of the county…
BRUFFEY – KINNISON
A quiet, but pretty wedding took place at the home of the bride near Hillsboro on June 5th, when Miss Mamie Blanche Kinnison and Mr. Frank Edwin Bruffey were united in marriage by the bride’s pastor, Rev. W. D. Eye…
The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Kinnison and is a popular and highly esteemed woman.
The groom is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Bruffey of the Lobelia section, and is a most excellent young man of promise.
Their many friends join in wishing them a happy and prosperous voyage over life’s sea.
ODDS AND ENDS
Captain Kidd, not of pirate lore, but of Hillsboro, representative in the W. Va. University, will be manager of the 1919 baseball teams. The captain is an experienced person in baseball affairs.
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William H. Gibson and Miss Emma E. Hannah were quietly married June 4, 1918 at the home of the groom’s parents near Slaty Fork…
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The bath house at Minnehaha Springs has been opened by Lock Herold, and it is expected to have the hotel open by July 1st.