National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1884-03-15
a VOICE FROM IOWA.


vacant JuuSeship-Notcu lowans'
SDtciai Letter.
MOUNT PLEASANT, Iowa, March 12.-With-
out harbingor or greeting, and breathing no
hint Of spring, March has quietly drifted in
with the snow6akes, and taken up her pen
just in time to record tho passage Of the
famous DOnnan bill. For weeks license and
prohibition have been tho absorbing theme
in Iowa. and the great commonwealth has
waited with bated breath, pending the issue
between this bill and high and low license,
But now the agony IL over, and Iowa rqiOices
in a safe and honest temperance measure.
Thanks to the strong and fearless party
whose fidelity to the will of tho people made
this result possible. March 1, 1881, will be 4
red letter day in tho history of Iowa, and
while prOhibitionists mark the event with
white stone, lot them not lose sight of the
element of power through which the victory
came. All honor to the grand old republican
party, the champion of tho people aud safe
guard Of the nation
Among other issues of interest to come
before the legislature is tho vexod question Of
woman suffrage A bill for its submission to
vote OF the people at nonpartisan election
passed the last general assembly, but tho
pros and cons must again DO considered by
the present session, and their sanction gained
prior to an appeal to the people. Since tile
uuOpllOn OF LulS movement Dy the w. v. i.
U. as reform measure it assumes moral as
vol as political bearing, and In this light
enlists many who object to giving woman
the ballot purely for political purposes.
While o majority of temperance workers
indOrse the action Of these earnest Christian
women, there are many loyal advocates Of
prohibition who question tho wisdom of
tho interests they so zealously sesk
to conserve. Apropos to womsn's rights, al
low me TO confess that there is an element Of
dissatisfaction in tho humiliating reflection
that woman was compelled to demand that
which man in his wisdom and justice should
have voluntarily bestowed long ago. j am
not reformer in the radical sense, but
frankly admit that q more chivalrous course
on the part of the lords of creation would be
most grateful even to my conservative ideas.
Though much absorbed in public interests
at home, we have not lost sight of affairs at
the national capital but note with interest
its movements, both wise and otherwise.
Among the former we are pleased to notice
the united and earnest effort to secure the
appointment of Hon. NJ A. McCoid to tho
vacant judgeship. During an extended term
of service this thrice honored representative
has ever been loyal to the interests of tho
first district and q faithful conserv-
ator of the public veal elsewhere.
His constituents would rejoice at
upon the bench judge so well qualified for
the position. The reelection of lowas gifted
son, William b. Allison, was not only q
tribute to his personal worth and statesman
like ability, but reflected credit upon the
wise and sagacious party which made him
his own successor. He needs no eulogy, for
like another senator, tried and true from the
Hawkeye state his public career has made
for him hosts Of admiring friends who rejoice
at his return.
Among many commendable acts of the
present speaker, none have been more ap-
proved by both people and press than his
favorable decision in regard to the official
stenographer of the lower house. Iowa has
many sons of whom she is justly proud, but
none of greater personal popularity, or more
sterling integrity, than he who now fills the
position. His removal would have been greatly
deprecated, not only in republican circles,
but deplored by friends throughout the state,
irrespective Of party. Our little city
has long plumed itself upon being
the home of Hon. James Harlan, than whom
Iowa does mot boast grander intellect or
more magnanimous gentleman. As states
man he has few peers, while AZ q friend and
I fellow citizen his well-known attributes OF
head and heart justly entitle him to the
honor and admiration so gladly accorded
| The court of claims may be congratulated
upon numbering among its members judg,
|
upon having the benefit of his wise counsel
and large experience.
1t was hoped that beneath more genia
skies the rapidly failing health of Mrs. Har
Ian might be restored. But rumor brings
the sad intelligence that, despite the best
medical aid and tender care, she still Ian.
guishes in sick room. Our county is the
victim of a new sensation. For the first time
within the memory of man it is represented
in the general assembly by democrat. He
is gentleman of more than average
ability, highly esteemed in the lega
profession, but sad to relate. a
real unmitigated disciple of Old Hickory
with license thrown in. What record for
High Henry, the banner republican district
in southeastern Iowa! Happily, this Jd,lr pa
has proved blessing in disguise, and rally,
ing from its chloroformed state, the repubii.
can party is thoroughly awake to the situa
ton, and will 90 into tho approaching cam
paign with old-time vigor, resolved never
again to BIO caught mapping until fusior
becomes obsolete and the last politica
| ID al II,