Image provided by: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries, Lincoln, NE
About The Alliance herald. (Alliance, Box Butte County, Neb.) 1902-1922 | View Entire Issue (Dec. 27, 1921)
POTASH SUIT FOR A MILLION ' DOLLARS FILED SHARP BLAMES EASTERN CON TRACTORS FOR LOSS. Philadelphia Corporation Charged With Sharp Dealing and Un professional Conduct. William E. Sharp brought suit last Tuesday in federal court against the Process Engineering company or i nu adelphia, asking for a million dollars damages, according to the State Jour nal. He blames the company for his loss of $660,000 in potential profits in Dotash during 1918 and for other losses ringing the total to a million, because of alleged faulty construction of the reduction Plant of the Western rotasn , -works in Sheridan county. He also charges sharp dealing in connection with the superintending 01 me con struction, and several other instances of unprofessional conduct. The petition for damages is the con clusion of an answer and cross petition to the suit of the Process Engineering company against Mr. Sharp and nine other defendants, stockholders and di rectors in the American Potash com pany, suing for payment on two notes for $2,825 each, and $4,204.83 said to lie. due as commission on finished products of the plant during its term of operation. The company also de mands payment for a report on the re sources of the Sheridan county field, aid to have been prepared at the in stance of George G. More of New "York, one of the defendants, and never paid for. 1 Delay by the Defendants. i In his answer filed Tuesday Mr.' Sharp says that his contract with the Philadelphia corporation was not exe cuted until February 6, 1918, because of inability of the company to draw it to riuit him on the first two or three .attenmts. but that it was dated back to December 27. 1917. He entered into! the contract as managing trustee of, the Western Potash -works, not yet or-1 .anized, he says. In the contract the salary of the construction superintend dent was fixed at $1,000 a month for a period not to exceed six months; before the expiration of the period, Mr. j Sharp says, he discovered that the coni pany had retained the engineer at a figure of $250 a month and promised him a commission on the cost of con- j struction. mis services were never completed, the answer states, and he vas overpaid for what he did ; yet the construction company demanded more money at the same time that it refus-j d to complete its contract. j In answer to the second and third causes of actions, dealing with notes! alleged to be unpaid, Mr. Sharp sets forth that both notes were paid but that the payments were credited to the open account instead . of on the , iNo This Year The First State Bank Distributed $15,000 to Help Pay Holiday Bills ONE of the happiest feelings is to know that when the Christmas bills become due you'll have no occasion to worry over their payment. We'll help you solve that little problem if you join our Christmas Savings ." Club. The plan is quite simple. Put aside a stated sum each week during the year, and a week or two before Christmas you will have saved up quite a tidy sum. In addition you get the interest while the money is with us. Come to our bank and let us explain to you one of the several plans which will make saving easy. 1-CENT CLUB Payments First Week .1 Cent , Second Week 2 Cents Third Week 3 Cents ; Increase 1 Cent Every Week Total in 50 Weeks $12.75 50-CENT CLUB Payments First Week 50 Cents Second Week 50 Cents Third Week 50 Cents Deposit 50 Cents Each Week Total in 50 Weeks $25.00 r The First State Bank f Amance Originators of the Christmas Club in Alliance x notes, until he remonstrated, when the company s president admitted that the notes had been paid and promised they should be returned. As to com missions on finished product, Mr. Sharp says everything owing was paid, and that the company failed to credit at least $322.b5 paid into this account. The Engineer's Report. The charge lor an engineer's report on the potash fields is repudiated en tirely, the answer setting forth that George. C Moore was not an agent of me company wnen ne ordered such a report, and that he entered into the arrangement for his own benefit and that of the engineering company, fur thermore, such a report was never fur nished the company, nor any other except the orte incorporated In the con tract for the plant. In his counter claim Mr. Sharp de poses inai me contract specified a potash reducing plant that would pro duce 100 tons of potash and by-products daily, in marketable condition;, that it, .containing not more than 7 per cent water. He says the plant was never completed, its capacity never ex ceeded sixteen tons, it was improperly designed, inferior in construction, not up to specifications, and a total failure in operation. , The company put In steam pumps, it is claimed, which turned out to be worthless, and the substitution of motor driven centrifugal pumps neces sitated the rebuilding of the main structure. The company put in a dryer of its own invention, one unit nf a separation plant whose plans had -vh mviuuuiT nvi uru UUl QIK1 which, though it cost $175,000, wouldn't arv more than Kivtoan tm a riov wnen me water delivered to it con i . . . r ' tained more than forty per cent potash BaltS. It final I V had tn h iKararAnA as junk, after the vice president of the Process Engineering company himself iesia it ana give it up. wnen the camoanv ahnndnnoH th Ink M r Sharp says, the Western Potash works jwtMnlAj i vviiiiucicu ik, iiintaiiiiiK new mucninery ana providing its own superintendent, at a cost of $150,000. Cut Wartime Profits. TVlO r1oftftiv Hrvof urn a tViA laef unit added to the plant, it is set forth, and fixed its capacity. Mr. Sharp had explained to the engineering company, Via finva tViaf rintnoVt wiul1 hrlnn hf. prices only during the war, hence time was a prime consideration. If the terms of the contract had been filled, he declared, the plant would have be gun operating on August 1 and would have turned out 100 tons a day, at a net profit of $G0 a ton. Delay in forth above, until November 21, and restricted capacity occasioned by the defective dryer, cost the potash com pany $GGO,000 net profit, it is alleged. Cost of rebuilding after changing the pumps, and of finishing the plant after it was abandoned by the Philadelphia company, and the overpayment of the engineering company's superintendent, brought the company's total loss and uauiaK vu fM uutuiit uwi iai viic i tion states, and damages are asked in I that amount, plus the costs of the ac-j tion. Worries THE ALLIANCE, HERALD, TUESDAY, DECEMDER 27, 1921. ELLSWORTH A. Moore and B. F. Bollinger bought furs from Bingham trappers the latter port of the week. Nearly a thousand ! dollars worth of furs exchanged hands mere last r ridny. John Schonard and P. E. Law were Alliance visitors Saturday evening, re turning late that night George Cooper who recently under went quite a serious operation at St. Joseph's hospital in Alliance, return ed to Ellsworth Tuesday noon, going on out to his ranch northwest of here. While George is not quite so "spry" as lormeriy, ne is well on the way to re covery and expects to be entirely well in a few weeks. W. H. Been who has been employed on the local section the past few months, owing to a reduction in force is now out of a job and expects to move his family to Mt, Ayr, la., where they have some property. Mr. Been also has a ranch near Dunning, Neb., where they lived before going to Lakeside four years ago, where Mr. Been was night foreman in one of the Potash plants. It is reported that Mrs. Rice McKin nie has been panted an appeal to the case in which she recently lost the custody of three of her young children. Hearing of the case has been slated for March 1 in district court at Rush ville and this of course will be tried under Judge Westover and Mrs. Rice McKinnie has a very good chance for the recovery of the children according to public sympathies here, and the general feeling is that she should win the case. Many people have been en io vine skating on the nearby lakes and the ice has been in excellent condition. The dance at Bingham last Satur day night was well attended and sev eral from here attended, among them were Jim McCullock, Eugene Kennedy, "Red" Fields, Trueman Been, Dillion Donohoe, Misses Ruth Crofutt and Ethel Fields. A srood time was re ported by all and many plan to attend Bingham's next dance. A dance will be given in Ellsworth New Year's Eve. James Burton of Bingham recently sold a bunch of furs to local buyers. George Beckler of Spade plans to leave soon for Kochester, N. Y., where he will attend school, living with an aunt there. The Spade tnail route will be handled by J. W. Plew until July 1 when their contract expires. It is re ported that many are bidding for the contract to carry the north mail. Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Murphy enter tained a number of friends at their home Saturday evening at a six o'clock dinner followed by progressive whist, the occasion being the 31 birthday of the hostess. A most delicious and bountiful dinner was served and in the whist fray following, Mrs. J. B. Kennedy was awarded the ladies' grand prize of W. F. Seebohm receiv ed the grand prize for the gentlemen. After reportini? a most enjoyable evening and wishing the hostess many more and happy birthdays the guests departed at a late hour. Those pres ent being Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Kennedy, Mr. and. Mrs. J. L. Yough, Mr .and Mrs. W. Wightman, Mr. and Mrs. A. For the Year 1 922 How To Have Money Next Christmas 2-CENT CLUB Payments First Week 2 Cents Second Week 2 Cents Third We.k 6 Cents Third Week 6 Cents Total in 50 Weeks $25.50 $1.00 CLUB Payments First Week . $1.00 Second Week $1.00 Third Week $1.00 Deposit $1.00 Every Week Total in 50 Weeks $50.00 JOIN AT ONCE-GET A Moore, W. F. Seebolim, Misses Sarah I Lraig, Margaret and Mabel Kennedy. Miss Margaret Kennedy recently received as a Christmas present a most beautiful and valuable cape made of genuine Mink. The gift is certainly one to be proud of and is finished in beautiful brown sateen with a score of mink tails forming a fringe. Mrs. J. L. Young left Tuesday for Ardmore, S. D where she will spend Christmas at the home of her mother. Eugene Kennedy visited recently at the Ellsbury home in Alliance. Lewis Larsen of near Bingham has been visiting at Ellsworth the past few uays. Keshingling of the hotel has been completed and other repair work is still In order and will be completed in the spring. W number of nearby ranchers ship ped turkeys to eastern markets. A fair price is being received for them ranging from 25 to 85 cents per pound. about the same as Thanksgiving prices. Mrs. T. B. Shrewsbury was called to Grand Island, Tuesday by the death of her sister, Mrs. lhorp, I he sympa thies of the entire community are ex tended. Harley Lancaster Is now on the sick list suffering from slight injuries re ceived while handling rails. J. L. Young left Thursday for Ard more, S. D., to spend Christmas, stopping off at Alliance on business. B. F. Bollinger left Wednesday for Whitman, where he was engaged in buying furs. W. Wightman was a Lakeside visit or Wednesday' returning on No. 44, which was several hours late due to heavy storms on the Sheridan division. LAKESIDE Ed House returned Thursday fromjof the relationshipimpersonates her a business trip to Valentine. and makes a spectacular hit in her Maggie Cody was shopping at Alii-: mother's guise. Then back to New ance Thursday and Friday. s j York comes the wretched woman who, Miss Belle Weibling arrived from j Lincoln Thursday to spend her vac tion with her relatives here. Rev. Charles Burleigh and Harvey Whaley were shopping in Alliance the latter part of the week. Miss Mae Livings, high school teach er, gave her pupils a nice treat at a Christmas tree Thursday afternoon. A nice merry time was enjoyed by all. Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Thompson and children arrived the latter part of the week from Mitchell to spend Christ mas at the Hunaaker home. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Blumer spent Christmas at Lexington. Miss Mae Livings left for Davenport Neb., Friday to spend her vacation with home folks. She was joined by her sister, Jessie, at Ashby. who also will spend the holidays with homefolks. Miss Wilma Mote, intermediate teacher, held a short program Thurs day afternoon, and gave her pupils a nice treat. Miss Alice Schill remembered each of her pupils with a Christmas treat She teaches the primary room. Mrs. J. L. Roe and doughters, Mae, Dorothy and Helen Marie are in Mis souri visiting Mr. Roe's father and other relatives during the holidays., O ver 5-CENT CLUB Payments First Week 10 Cents Second Week 10 Cents Third Week . 15 Cents Increase 5 Cents Every Week Total in 50 Weeks $63.75 $5.00 CLUB ' Payments First Week $5.00 Second Week $5.00 Third Week $5.00 Deposit $5.00 Every Week Total in 50 Weeks $250.00 CHECK NEXT CHRISTMAS VI. S. Fullerton wns ud from the rancn snopping Saturday. J. L. Roe drove to Alliance Satur day evpninc. Presley Ritter was In town Satur day from near Ellsworth. franit uer ranee and wife were shopping here Saturday afternoon. Kay Toline came in from the Star! ranch to spend Christmas with his family. Harry Hudson, Jesse Underhill and Will Brown came in from the Carey ranch Friday, where they were help ing thresh clover seed. Georce White of Casper. Wyo., pas sed through here Friday on his way to Bingham to spend Christmas with his parents. George was once a resident of Iiakesidc. I lis wife is spending the holidays with her mother at Lincoln. There was a nice program and Christmas tree at the church Satur - day evening. Santa Claus was pres - ent. A very nice treat was distributed to all present Clarence Leishman returned from Alliance Sunday. JnVHe Tonight's attraction at the Imperial Is the second showing of "Reputation," which Priscilla Dean is a most com petent star. Revolving around a dual role, the theme of "Reputation" con cerns a famous actress who dissipates until success falls away from her. She is in London, and a New York theatri cal magnate is waiting for her to ar rive to star on Broadway. When she a year before, was the brightest jewel in the diadem of the dramrt. A tre- mendous climax follows. "My Lady's Latch Key," a First National photoplay, will be shown Wednesday. Katherine McDonald is the leading lady, and a pippin, at that, In a world full of gentle bmiths, weal thy Smiths, Smith brothers and kind Smiths, poor inncent carefully guarded Annesley Grayle found herself bound at the matrimonial altar to the naughtiest, crookedest smoothest, "daringest" and "darlinge?t" Smith that ever wrote his name on a police blotter. Just what Annesley does when she finds out that her husband has a standing invitation at the peni tentiary makes one of the most ab sorbing stories ever written by the Williamsons. Tom Mix In "Prairie Trails" is scheduled for Thursday. The story is a sequel to "The Texan," a' popular Hendryx novel, in which Tom Mix scored a big hit a few months ago, as Tex Benton. In every picture Tom Mix makes he Introduces some original stunt in riding, roping, or Just straight acrobatics. "Prairie Trails" is said Tr, V, 10-CENT CLUB I? " Payments First Week - 10 Cents Second Week 20 Cents Third Week 30 Cent! : Increase 0 Cents Every Week Total in 50 Weeks $127.50 y V .., XCLUB for '"j ' $2.00, $3.00, $4.00, $10.00 J or any amount. tj? T1MEU to be crammed with such thrills. Those who have read the book and) have been enthralled by Benton's hair raising exploits will realise the terrifi punch they will carry when acttally presented on the screen. PLEASANT VALLEY Ferg. Timblin returned home Son day after spending a few days witlfc his sisters at Pine Ridge. Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Fenster war shopping In Hemingford Saturday. Miss Naomi Smiibbs has been la very poor health for several days. Edgar Brown made a business trifl to Broken Bow Friday. Gust Peterson was in IIemingfer4 on business Tuesday. Lew Roberts started overland FrU day for Iowa, where he will visit hi . mother, who is in poor health. v Miss Fern Eaton spent Thursday right with Miss Ruth Cox. I O. W. Cox and family spent Sun- day at the Thomas Squibbs home. xnr. ana Airs. John Roberta war Saturday and Sunday , visitors at th I.cw Roberts home. POINT OF ROCK CREEK Mrs. A. L. Lore is on the sick UsV Miss Eva Simpson had to postpone her program and dance on account ei the storm. Miss Jessie Burns Is spending a few days with Mrs. Nellie Peters. Lester Hashman returned Wedat day evening from the hospital. Mr. and Mrs. Howard EiMi rer Alliance callers one day last week. Mr. Crawford motored Miss v Simpson to her home Saturday. Mike and Joe Sherlock are pieting some corn they bought up at Nicholas Ira Lore is on the sick list a4 i staying in town. Mrs. Bowlan is going to Grand. ! land for an operation. Earl Essex was a caller ' at End Essex's Friday afternoon. Ernie Wienell and George Nan were Alliance callers one day laa week. i Mr. and Mrs. Camel spent Christ mas day with the Roy Nichols faa y. T. I A. MEETS TO .. PROBE RAIL RATES OMAriA A special convention t -the Travelers Protective association will be held in Omaha, beginning to day, to find out why railroad rate aad hotel rates have not come down ano to take action toward bringing than down toward a prewar baals. Wholesale houses and manufactur ers whose men will come in to attend the Sunrise of 1922 Business dinner Thursday night, have been instructed to get certificates when they buy their tickets. If 350 or more certificate are turned in, return tickets can In obtained at half fare. Questionnaires were sent out recent ly to hotels asking whether rates had been reduced Forty-two out of eighty hotels that replied said they had re duced their rates and fifteen said they, had not raised rates during the war. i