davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-26

this time. Such a waterway has been
desirable for years past, but it has
been rendered especially urgent by the
recent accessions of territory in the
Pacific.
On the general question of the de-
STABILITY of laying a cable: across the
Pacific and of building a waterway be-
tween the two oceans somewhere in
Central America, there will be no diff
ferences of opinion among intelligent
Americans. The president recommends
ed Doln projects in his message. Demo-
Gratis as well as republicans will favor
both enterprises. The only dispute
will be as to the place where the canal
should be located and the RELATIONSHIP
it which should be maintained by the
government. These are matters, how
ever. which can quickly be settled by
a comparison of views among those
who have given the question intelligent
consideration. In the near future the
Pacific ocean is going to hold the place
of prominence filled 1000 years ago by
the Mediterranean, and may possibly
take precedence in Importance over the
Atlar-lc. By that time the United
States will probably have a far larger
interest in the Pacific than any, other
nation. or than any other two nations.
1t is not too early for us to begin
making preparations for that condi-
ton, and the way to, prepare for it is,
on the start, to provide .or quick COM
munication from bott coasts of the
country, with all points in the Pacific
by steam and telegraph.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-26
THE FEDERAL JUDGEsHIP.

The Davenport Times has the follow
ing TO say of Hon. William McNett's
candidacy for the federal judgeship: ;
"The Ottumwa Courier announces
that the Hon. William McNett, OF that
city, has consented to become candi-
date for the federal judgeship made
vacant by the death of Judge John s.
Woolson. Mr.. McNett has allowed MS
name to be used in this connection
only after the persistent appeals and
The unanimous request of the Wapello
county bar. Many of the leading re-
'publicans of this state, and particularly
of this judicial district, have asked Mr..
McNett to become candidate for the
as the successor OF the
late Judge Woolson.
Z ''Mr. McNett has an enviable record
as lawyer and is now at the prime of
life, being 81 years of age. He Went
to OttumWa in 1869. He Is self-made
man, having commenced at the bottom,
and he has demonstrated that he has
that peculiar ability to do things
which marks the man in which it is
safe to put dependence. If appointed,
Mr.. McNett will make a federal officer
whose decisions will always be in the
interests of truth and JUSTICE"
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-26

The candidacy of Hon. VIM. McNett,
of this city, for appointment to the
federal judgeship, is being received
throughout southern Iowa with grea,
favor and Mr.. McNett is assured Of the
endorsement and active support of a
very considerable number Of the mem
bers of the bar, and large number of
prominent republicans Throughout this
federal district. Mr.. McNett's eminent
qualifications for this position are at
once recognized wherever he is known
It is realized that he is not politician
in that sense. which would render his
appointment to the bench in any way
a political one. Indeed there are rea-
sons along this very line for the APP
pointment of Mr.. McNett which give
great strength to his candidacy, and
which, as we sincerely believe, have
now narrowed the appointment down
practically to two men, of which Mr..
McNett is one. Outside Of personal
and professional considerations, local
pride should cause all citizens of Ot:
tumwa to do everything they can to
bring every possible proper influence
to bear to further Mr.. McNetts candi-
dacv ,sS r
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-26
BoNAPARTE DAM CASE.

The Bonaparte dam case which is
now on trial before Judge Eichelberger
at bloomfield, is one that is of much in
terest to the people who live in the Des
Moines valley between Bonaparte and
the head waters of the river. The dam
is owned by Meek Bros, wooden man
ufacturers, and has no fshway in it,.
It is said to completely obstruct the
river, and thus prevent fish from COM
inr up the stream in the spawning sea-
son. The Des. Moines river is natu-
rally good stream for fish, but at
present 1t has very few Inhabitants of
the tinny tribe. 1t is claimed that the
Bonaparte dam is the cause sof this
dearth, and the suit now in court is
brought to compel Meek Bros. to eth
err remove their dam or put fshway
in it. The history of the case is given
by the Dies Moines Leader, as follows:
Two generations ago the Meeks were
given by the state grant of state
dam in the Des Monies river at Bona
parte. The state expressly conveyed
all its rights to the dam. The Meeks
developed it and used it to provide
power for their big wooden mills there.
In latter years the, dam has been little
used for power, and has become nui-
sance because it prevents the passage
of fish. The Meeks contend that they
are not compelled to put in fishway
because the fishway law was passed
many years after they acquired their
rights from the state. There has been
a strong demand from sportsmen that
the dam be removed in order to allow
fish to pass to the upper waters Of the
ri-er. The Meeks are holding out
to compel the state to pay them a
high price for the dam. The state main
tains it has the right to condemn, and
remove the dam as nuisance. The
case will be concluded, it is hoped,
before the adjournment of the legis-
lature, and if clear case is made
AGAINST the state the effort will be
made to pass an appropriation to buy
the dam.
"The upper Des Moines and tributar-
les are entirely cut off bv the dam from
drawing fish from the Mississippi river,
and the result is that the stream has
fewer fish than any other in the state,
while it is said to be the best adapted
river in Iowa for breeding fish,"
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-26
CANAL AND CABLE.

A bill to lay cable from San Fran
cisco to. Manila has been introduced in
the house by Corliss of Michigan, and
there is a strong probability that ii
will be enacted early in the session.
The proposed telegraph will touch sew.
eral points in American territory be.
tween its eastern and western ends.
Honolulu, Wake Island and Guam are
little stopping places on the road be-
tween San Francisco and Manila which
will abe connected with the United
States when the proposed Pacific cable
is laid.
AS "a companion work to the laying
of ~ cable there will be constructed
an interoceanic canal. Probably it will
be built at Nicaragua, but this is a
matter of detail which is not settled
1t will cross Central America at some
point, and this point is likely to be Sc.
lected early in the present session. II
is advisable to make all the speed which
is practicable in this work. IA water
route between the Atlantic and Pacific
coasts of the United States which will
cut Off the necessity of sailing all
around South America is one of the
imperious necessities OF the country at
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-26

His appearance in republican ranks but
short time ago was surprise. 1t
was followed soon after by the an
nouncement that he would like TO rep
resent Mitchell county in the legisla-
ture. He secured the nomination, and
yet his weakness at home. was shown
by the fact thatshe ran over 600 votes
behind his ticket in the county and
200 behindgin the town of Usage.
Strangely enough he carried several
democratic precincts. Mr.. .Eaton's term
of probation has hardly been long
enough toGtest his party fealty.
His record in the twenty-seventh
general assembly has not been SO good
as DIR. Bowen's. He was an opponent
OF the Temple Amendment and voted
for the bill embedying its principles,
only, as he explained on the floor of
the house, because the republican par
ty instructed him to. He worked, talk
ed and oted,against the board of con-
troll bill. DR.. Bowen warmly support
ed both measures.
Mr.. Eaton was chairman of the sift-
ing committee which killed in the
house the Cheshire amendment to tax
fast freight lines, showing here, as in
other matters, his sympathy with a
wealthy, untaNed corporation. Stand
ing as he did on so many great ques-
tons, and as important measures of
similar character are to come before
the twenty-eighth general assembly, it
would seem that the people of Iowa
cannot afford to permit Mr.. Eaton to
become speaker.
In view of all circumstances it would
seem to us that DR.. Bowen, from a
party as well as from state wide
standpoint, ought to be the speaker OF
the twenty-eighth.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-26
For n q .I,ag..

Muscasine Journal: The Ottumwa
Courier warmly espouses the constit-
uency of Hon. Vim. NfcNett, of that
city, for appointment to fill the vacan-
cy in the United States judgeship for
the southern district of Iowa caused
by the death of,Judge Woolson. In all
our acquaintance with the attorneys of
the district, (and it is quite extensive),
we know of no one who would in our
opinion better fill the position than
Mr.. McNett. He has had not only long
experience as practicing attorney to
fit him for the position, but has the
natural mental qualifications in "a high
degree. Above all, Mr.. McNett is a
man of integrity. whose aim under all
circumstances has been to subserve
the interests of justice. He would, in
short, bring to the judgeship ripe eN-
perience with legal lore and trained
judicial mind, together with that recti-
tude of purpose which should be the
chief recommendation for appointment
to life Office.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-26

der the United States statutes for this
dispicable crime, is fine of not more
than $500. The law bearing upon this
point was made years ago, before
there We're any fast mail trains, or in
deed any other trains in the United
States. Mr.. Hunter at once wrote Con-
gresham Lacey, calling his attention
to the lameness of the law on this sub
ject.. In reply Major Lacey writes:
Your letter is at hand and l have
carefully gone through the statutes
and seems to me that there should be
legislation as to mail trains, and also
as interstate trains carrying passen-
gers and goods. ] have introduced a
bill on the subject. I put in ten
year penisentiary maximum and a
$4,000 maximum fine" This is an ex-
ceedingly important matter, and it is
hoped that the bill introduced by Con-
gresham Lacey will become a law.
The wrecking of trains is dastardly
crime, and the penalty can scarcely be
too severe for this nefarious work.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-26
WHEAT.

The final estimate of the wheat crop
of the United States for this year, as
made public by the statistician of the
agricultural department at Washing
ton, is 547,0O0,000 bushels. This is au
increase of 5O,Ooo,0O0 bushels
over the figures put ont by
the department in September, and
is in substantial agreement with the
commercial estimates of the crop,
which has been considered, for weeks
past, correct one. The crop this year
is 128,000,0OO bushels, below the esti-
mate OF the 1898 crop as reported by
the agricultural department, but the
movement of wheat last year indicated
that the actual amount was about 1885,
100000 bushels. So this years crop is
really about 17S,0OO,0OO bushels less
than last year. There is no such discrep-
ancy between the amounts available, for
about 100,000,0o0 bushels OF last years
crops were carried over into the cur
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-26
A SERIOUS MATTER.

The charges made by Hon. G. T..
Hancock, of, Dubuque, and which are
published elsewhere in this issue, im-
plicating the, supporters of Mr.. Cum
minis in being cognizant of, and per-
uniting, the circulation of circulars
previous to the election among the va
rious labor organizations of the state,
Is very serious matter. These circu-
lars purported to emanate from the la
Dor organizations at Des Moines, and
were sent into Gear counties and urged
laboring men to vote against republic
can candidates for the legislature who
were known to be for Gear for United
States senator. Mr.. Hancock was a
candidate for the senate in Dubuque
county, and attributes his defeat large
ly to these circulars. These same cir
culars were sent into Wapello county
in large numbers, and personal visit
was made to this county by two labor
leaders of 1Des Moines, who endeavored
to work among the miners and other
organized bodies of laboring men, to
encompass the defeat of Hon. A. w.
Buchanan for the legislature, because
he was known to be a Gear man. The
charges made by Hon. c. L. Hancock
are the first, open and specific state
ment that we have seen laying the di-
rect responsibility upon the Cummins
forces. 1t is most serious matter,
and if sustained, should leave no ques-
ton, in any way, as to- the outcome
of the present contest for the speaker
ship at Des Moines, or the reelection
of Senator Gear
In Wapello county the effect of these
circulars wassThe one serious phase of
the campaigns and it became necessary
to- use strenuous personal influence
and effort in ordereto overcome, the
same. The charges made by Mr.. Han
cock should be driven home and the
responsibility sfpr this whole matter,
placed unequiyocally where it belongs.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-26
SMALLPOX ANA Vaccination.

Marshalltown Times-Republican !:
Every once in awhile new point is an
nounced in Iowa or Illinois as develop.
ing a case of smallpox and local alarm
at once calls for vigorous measures OF
quarantine or vaccination. At nun.
Der of points citizens are inclined to re.
bel against vaccination as imposing a
special hardship and as interfering
with school work, while at others a
very general acquiescence is shown by
the people. On account of the wide
extent of travel and the fact that the
railroads penetrate every Iowa county,
with trains moving in every direction,
IT is difficult to see how anw sort OF
quarantine regulation can prevent the
diffusion of this disease, at least to a
considerable extent. 1t enforces the
need of caution and leads to the con.
clusion that where it is neglected or
where a town is invaded in spite of all
precautions the penalty must be that
of vaccination.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-26
should Find No Fault.

Cedar Rapids Republicans: There is
considerable complaint over the fact
that the expatriated American women,
the wives of English noblemen, raised
both the Stars and Stripes and Union
Jack over the hospital ship Maine.
Really relief ship is too good a thing
to make the subject of fault finding;
its objects and its mission are so mer-
ciful that the world is disposed to take
kindly view of it. The relief of the
British wounded is no violation of neu-
trality. OF course, it would be great
deal better if only the Red Cross flag
had been foated over the Maine. The
hosting of the two flags with impress
sive ceremonies" seems in the nature
of continuation of that .'alliance'
idea sprung so fatally by Joe Chamber
lain.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-26
largely to the asininity Of some Of the

largely to the asininity of some of the
cheap fellows which she sent to Wash
ington to argue her case. One of them
in presenting the claims of that city
took pains to cast slurs upon ST. Louis
and referred to that city as suburb
of Chicago" thus naturally making the
Missouri member hot under the collar;
and that gentleman very promptly ex-
erted his influence toward accomplish
ing Chicago's defeat when he discover
ed that ST. Louis could not win. Chi
cago is great in many respects but she
is cursed by lot of small men who
are constantly being crowded into
prominence but who usually succeed
in winning contempt rather than re-
spect.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-26
manderson,. Opinion.

Marshalltown Times-Republican !:
General Charles F. Henderson, of Ne
brasSa, was asked his opinion as to
whether William V. Allen may lawful-
ly take his seat in the senate from
that state. General Henderson having
had the benefit of experience as acting
president of the senate, is credited with
being an authority on the usages of
that body. The possibility was point
ed out to him that vacancy within
the filling of the governor might have
not occurred inasmuch as Hayward
had not taken the oath of office. In re-
ply he said: "My opinion is that the
governor was authorized to fill the va
cancy caused by Hayward's death and
that Allen is entitled to take his seat.
would not wish to be quoted as to
reasons for that opinion without writ
ing them out and 1 have no time to
do that"
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-26
A special to the Courier from Des

A special to the Courier from Des
Moines states that the interview of
Hon. G. = Hancock, of Dubuque, one
OF the leading business men of that
city, and ex-chairman of the republi-
can state central committee, is causing
as much comment as anything that has
appeared SO far in the senatorial cam
paign. The interview is published else
where in this issue. In it Mr.. Han
cock says, he has the evidence which
traces these circulars to the Cummins
management. This being the case, the
speakership and the senatorial ques-
ton is settled. Mr.. Cummins' supper
tiers can not do such things and, win in
Iowa. The rank and file of Iowa re-
publicans will not stand this kind Of
work for minute.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-26

Dooley represents the presidents
cabinet all sitting around the table
smoking "seegars," and each contrib
uting his mite to make up McKinley's
annual message. "An' while ye're at
IT. says "a modest voice firm tn corner
~ TIL room, don't f'rget to dhrop in a
bean firth sicrety iy agriculture
Tamaa Jim, til farmers frind. Gr-reat
captains he says, with their guns an
drums he says, soon pass away, but
whin they's gone wan figure will stand
out like TIL cupola on r-red barn he
says. To whom dye refer?' angirly
demands TIL sicrety iv war. TO me
silf,' says TIL sicrety iy agriculture .
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-26
had Commanders.

Cedar Rapids Gazette: There can be
no discount on the patriotism and brav-
cry OF the English soldiers! In the
late war the northern army was Off
cered in no small part by men fresh
from their professions, trades and oc-
equations, men OF horse sense but not
OF military training, and none of them
walked into specially prepared traps.
And as trappers the men from the
south would have been as successful
as the Beers of they had had the same
sort of game to deal with.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-26
How,s Thi.a

We offer One Hundred Dollars Reward for
any case Of catarrh that cannot be curd by
r. J. CHENEY & CO, Props, Toledo, o.
We, the undersigned, have known H. J.,
cheney Tor the last Is years, and believe him
and financially able to carry out any obiigation
made by their firm.
WEST 4 TRAux, Wholesale Druggists, To
WALDIse, KrNNAN & MARVIN. Wholesale
Druggists, Toledo, o. - f>'S--
Halls Catarrh Cure is taken internally, act
ing directly upon the blood and mucous surfaces
OF the system. Price, f5c. per bottle. Sold by
all druggists. Testimonials free. =
Halls Family Pills are the best
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-26
COMPANY FOR Carter.

burlington Hawkeye: Steps are now
being taken to bring to justice the men
who shared with Captain Carter the
spells of the frauds committed on the
government in the construction of the
fortification works of Savannah harbor.
Five men, including several of the con-
tractors, have been indicted for the
embezzlement of large sums of money,
aggregating $575,749, and it is expected
that after the trial almost all of them
will keep the captain of the engineers
company at the Leayenworth peniten-
tiary. Il s3
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-26
IOWA PRESS COMMENT.
NOT ll,e yYhoIe Thing,

Cedar Rapids Gazette: Des Moines
would like to have the people of the
state believe that the senatorship and
the speakership are the only matters
worthy of interest at this time. But
there are more people paying attention
to the care of the vegetables in their
cellars than are wasting time over
these political side shows.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-26
A useles. Experiment.

Burlington Hawkeye: Roberts, of
Utah, says he shall certainly appeal to
the courts if the house fails to seat him.
What a nice time he will have in maxi
ing that experiment. He will find that
the courts have no jurisdiction over
congress. The house is the absolute
Judge of the qualifica tons of members
and of the time for determining those
qualifications.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-26
The Courier publishiess.. .els;,,

The Courier publishes. elsewhere an
Interesting interview with Hon. "A. NV,
Buchanan, in regard to the speaker
ship contest. Mr.. Buchanan was one
of the first of the republican members
of the legislature, to pick. upon Mr..
Bowen as the right man for election to
the speakership. Mr.. Buchanan's
Judgment in this matter has proven, as
usnal, to be excellent. His entire con-
stitpency in Wapello county will hear
thy endorse and commend the same.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-26

The recent attempt to wreck the fast
mail on the C., B. 6 @. railway by
placing an obstruction of ties on the
track. brought to the attention of Uni
ted States Commissioner Hunter, of
this city, that the extreme penalty un-
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-26
All Eyes on iowa.

Iowa State Register: The whole ma
ton is watching Iowa for all know
that she leads. In recent issue OF
the West Florida. Echo, published at
Grand Ridge, Florida, we notice half
column news letter with the following
heading: "Our Iowa Letter. From our
regular correspondent, Isaiah Reid,
Des Moines."