Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1896-01-21

would be In the interest OF humanity
and reform, could an intermediate pro-
vision be made between the industrial
and reform schools ard the peniteatiar-
les, for young men and women and such
others. not entitled TO become occupants
OF the former, and who ought not b.
>nt to the latter. VIII not enlarge on
this question, but leave the matter to
your serious consideration.
The National Guard.
At the out break of the civil war in
1861, the government found itself de-
pendent for equipped and drilled SOL
diers upon the small and scattered
forces OF the regular army, and the pa
triotic volunteers. fresh from the fields,
stores, shops and offices, Enlearne dand
undiscipllned in the art of war. The
nation learned from this the necessity
fer better provision in the future, and
the system of state national guards was
established. These organizations have
proven to he not only a valuable. acQui-
s.tfon as a reserve force. to the regulars.
but as coE<ervators Of the peace and
good order of the several states. u
Iowa we have one Of the most efficient
Of these organizations. 1t is composed
Of forty-eight companies. divided into
twelve kattalions, four regiments, and
two brigades, E.adc up, rank. file. line.
field and brigade commands. Of the best
and most select men OF the state. They
have been educated and trained thor
oughly IN the --LATEST approved army
t-S, ard IN accordance with tho
army regulations. These gVaIds Sss
gentlemanly and orderly in their bear.
ing. precise in their movements and
drill. and asohedient. loyal. faithful and
fficient-although enlisted and sworn
TO service ard mustered with no pay
except the reward Of patriot.sm-as il
belonging to the regular army, and reg
ularly paid for their services. Iowa is
justly proud OF her national guards.
They deserve we'll Of the state, and by a
reasonable increase Of allowance to pro-
vide them with knapsacks and some ad
dftionel equipment and protection for
travel and camp life, they can be made
and will become equally efficient. and as
ready for active service in the flold, as
the regulars. Neither the nation nor
the states have, In my opinion, taken
Sufficient interest to inform themselves
as to the true value and Importance of
these national guards. For that reason
they have failed to appreciate properly
and fairly consider and recognize the
unselfish and patriotic services so grac-
iously given at considerable sacrifice.
Highways.
The question of good roads is one now
being much aGitated and discussed in
all the states Good and substantial
public highways are not alone a great
convenience, but necessity, and in the
end a matter Of economy. May we not
nope that measures will be soon taken
whereby greatly improved system will
be in augurated in this direction.
Railroads.
1t Is impossible fully to estimate the
great advantages Iowa has received
through her vast system of railroads.
There is not a county in the state with
out railroad facilities. Iowa has within
her borders about 5000 miles of rail-
roads, so located and operated that
farmers in every part have easy access
70 the markets. These railroads have
developed the resources of the state in
every conceivable way, and have been
the most important factors in promot-
ing. building up and advancing its
growth, wealth and general prosperity.
There is community of interests be-
tween the owners and operators Of the
railway lines and the people Of the
state. Each should study and respect
the rights and interests Of the other
Much of the prejudice at one time exist
ing between these two interests has
been removed and we believe that the
nearer the railroads and the people get
together. and learn to understand and
respect the rights of each ether, the bet
ter II will be for both; and may we not
now rejoice In the belief that the day for
this IS approaching, IL not already here
1t shall be the aim Of the executive to
advance, as far as he may be able such
happy state Of affairs.
The railroad commissioners, now
wisely selected by the vote Of the people,
and OF recognized ability and fairness,
have had much to do to bring this about
and have not the least doubt will con-
t:nue to do so.
Waterways.
The people are now looking to water
ways as the great mea rs Of cheap trans
portation. and to the utilizing Of our
lakes and rivers by. bringing them in
connection with each other, go that
communication by water many be had
from all parts OF the Mississippi valley
and east CT 1t to the Atlantic seaboard
1t would be next to impossible to cor
rectly estimate the immense advantages
to be obtained by securing this desira-
bic result. The American people are be-
coming thoroughly awakened to the
Importance OF these matters. The state
of New York has Appropriated S. 0OO. 900
for the deepening and otherwise i'm
proving of her canal system. The Pitts
burg canal to connect the Ohio river
with Lake Erie lis being rapidly con-
structed. The Chicago drainage canal
now approaching completion, will be
sufficient for the passage OF large steam
ers from Lake Michigan to the Illinois
river; and the Hennepin canal. when
completed. will connect the Illinois river
from La Sale with the Mississippi riv-
er at the mouth OF Rock river near Mi
Ian, in the vicinity of Davenport, Iowa
The length of this canal will be less
than 100 miles, and IL will be the most
direct and best connection to be made
between the Mississippi and Illinois riv-
crs. The people of Iowa are deeply in
terssted in the early completion OF this
canal. No other means can 30 readily
afford our entire state cheap transporta-
Ion to the Atlantic seaboard. 1t isron-
~ question of time until 1T will be
completed but time is a question of
great moment. when this matter of
cheap transportation so materially az
'ects our commercial interests, and that
Of the producers and shippers. To this
end, 1 recommend that our desires be
psnators and representatives. that a
sufficient appropriation may be made
Tor the early completion of this great
waterway.
The I.iqrOr Question.
One Of the great promoters OF crime is
found In tho Indulgence i'm the use of ar
dent spirits Its serious consequences are
seen and felt most IN the homes of the
Door and the unfortunate. Too frequently
"atners, husbands and sons. whose daily
earnings, necessary for family support
IRE squandered in the saloons, and instead
of bringing love and sunshine carry dark
ness and cruelty to mothers and chill
dren. The home, the NEST sacred place
.N.l. ~