125 years ago

february 12, 1886

The growth of the telephone is one of the most remarkable in the history of inventions. In August 1877, the number of instruments in use in this country was only 780. In February 1885 there were 325, 574. There are about 18,000 in Canada and 13,000 in Great Britain. More patents have been issued on the telephone than any other single line of invention in this country. The total number for 10 years is 1,521.

Ellsworth County has paid out $231.25 for rabbit scalps since last October, the number of rabbits slaughtered being 4,435.

There was a general thaw Sunday and Monday, nearly all the snow disappearing, the ice in the streams breaking up and the streams becoming greatly swollen. But, Tuesday and Wednesday considerable snow fell and trains have again been delayed. But, at this writing, Thursday morning, the sun shines gloriously.

A lot of railroad surveyors, splendidly equipped with instruments, put in an appearance in Marion last Friday, and spent a day or two running some lines near town. They were very reticent about their mission, and what little they did say was of conflicting character. But, it seems to be certain that it was the Santa Fe fellows who have been filling Chase County so full of stakes that the Leader says a man can scarcely go out at night without stumbling over one of them.

Elder Foote took occasion in the course of a sermon the other night to ventilate an outrageous case of wife beating said to have been perpetrated in Marion last Saturday night, the victim being a recent addition to the Christian church—this fact it is alleged being largely the cause of her chastisement. That the lady was cruelly beaten by her husband, there seems to be no doubt, and whatever the pretended provocation, the case should be investigated by the authorities, and while the investigation is going on it might be well to inquire where the man got the whisky without which he would hardly have been unmanly enough to strike a woman, and especially the woman he promised to love and protect. Let the light of the law be turned on this transaction.

There is to be a big wolf hunt in the northwestern part of the county next Wednesday. The varmints are said to be quite numerous there. Huntsmen will meet on the northeast corner of Christie’s ranch. Don’t forget to take your dogs along.