davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-21
The situation in South Africa is be-

The situation in South Africa is be-
coming. really serious for the British.
They have yet to win their first vic
tory in this war, and things look black
for the safety Of their principal towns.
Decidedly bad generalship seems to
have been displayed by our British
cousins so far since the beginning of
hostilities, and unless there is much inn
provement the Beers, who understand
the strategy of ambuscade, and who are
good shots, will surely win more bat
Ties. The Beers appear to have way
Of waiting till the British are close to
them before they open fire, and as a
consequence their shooting is tremen-
dously deadly in its effect. One thing
is sure, and that is that these early
Boer victories will have me effect of
making long war out Of what should
have been very short one.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-21
Coming Leader.

Iowa State Register: Congressman
Dolliver bids fair to become the repub-
lican leader on the floor of the
house during thu, present term of con-
gress. His Speech on the new curren-
cy 'bil1,' last Monday, was clear cut
throughout, but his reply to Congress
man Sims: II have had my last whirl
on silver. / have been humbugged for
the last time" is the voice and deter
mination 81 every true republican Of
the United States, and that voice is
strongly /, sustained by, every honest
money democrat in tie nation. The
gold standard will be given all "the
validity and vitality of law" and the
republicans of the United States hope
that law will be the chief issue of next
years presidential campaign. Iowa
leads, and there should be more room
at the top for Iowa's statesmen.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-21
who Gets the Fees.

Cedar Rapids Gazette: We
would Ike to ask question in
regard to the State university. Does
the money paid Tor such work as as
saying rock, making analysis of water.
ETC., go to the professors doing
the work or to the state? A Cedar
Rapids party was DESTROYS Of having
a piece of rock assayed, to ascertain
in regard to its gold and silver bear
ing qualities, and the price demanded
was $40. The best assayers in Denver,
Chicago and other places charge only
So, and in Deadwood and other great
mining localities, as good assayers as
there are in the country, charge only
81, and in some instances only so cents.
But $40 for single assay is an out
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-21

rageous price. In fact it is purely ex-
tortion, and the question is whether
the professors get such fees or the
state of Iowa? 1t the professors get
these fees then the appropriation for
their salary should be reduced, and if
the state OF Iowa makes any such de-
mands for work of that kind those in
charge OF the work need attention
from the proper authorities, because it
is not right, and there is no
sense or reason in demanding such
fees.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-21
The Main Point.

Clinton Herald: The case of Roberts
ought to be stripped of all side issues.
Nobody cares anything about the color
of his wives hair, or how many chill
dren they have, or when he married his
wives or whether they all live in one
house, or whether they are happy and
loveable and loving, or how often each
one is visited by Roberts, or how long
he stays with them, or whether they
are all coming to Washington at once,
or whether, they will come singly or not
at all. The essence of the controversy
is whether Roberts has two or more
wives, and Vie has he ought to be
kept out of congress.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-21

Ex-senator Joseph c. S. Blackburn
of Kentucky, who was quoted not long
since as saying that Nv. s. Taylor was
elected governor of Kentucky, is now
stated to be determined on a contest
for the Office of governor by William
Goebel. A contest under such circum-
stances will not rebound to the advan-
tage of ex-senator Blaclkburn's party
nor to his own. Kentucky, having gain
ed the applause of the country for
holding a gubernatorial Inauguration
without bloodshed, would do well to
rest on her peaceful laurels without
further controversy.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-21
Postal saving. Bank.

Des Moines News: Congressman
Lorimer of Illinois has again introduce
ed bill providing for the establish
ment of postal savings banks. Mr..
Lorimer offered similar bill at the
last session and 1t was supported by q
half million of petitioners.
The arguments in favor of postal
savings banks have been well put and
have not been successfully answered.
Every civilized country has the system
in some form. 1t was established in
Hawaii when we acquired the island
and was abolished because the system
did not prevail in this country.
Especially would such safe deposito-
ries as the government would provide
under this system encourage wage
earners to make savings in the days of
their prosperity. Nor would postal saw.
ings banks hurt the established saw
ings institutions. European banks have
experienced no such effects from the
establishment of the government
banks.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-21
why This Goodness.

Iowa Capital: Why this seeming
GOODNESS toward Hon. William Goebel
on the part of the Hon. w. Jennings
Bryan? What could possibly have
happened since that congratulatory
telegram was sent Gust after the sad
but glorious election day. to cause this
estrangement? Let the chiyalrous and
silver tongued orator of the Platte not
desert his erstwhile friend in the hour
of gloom and defeat. Let him send at
least floral tribute, broken column
would be the appropriate thing, as an
come the peerless" will be loyal still.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-21
First mormon woman po,ysam:.,.

Iowa State Register: The first Nor
mon woman to enter polygamy died il,
Salt Lake City on Saturday last. Her
name was Mrs, E. ID p. Young, and
she was the widow of two Mormon
prophets. She married Joseph Smith
the first Mormon prophet, at Nauvoo
ILL.,, with the consent of Smiths first
wife. This was shortly after the reve-
lation concerning and commanding
polygamy was ''handed down from
above.'' After the death of Joseph
Smith She married Brigham Young
She died firm believer in the divine
origin of polygamy.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-21
DON'T Want Much

Des Moines Register: The school
teachers of Matanzas have petitioned
the American authorities asking that
the salaries of teachers in Havana be
made $125 per month, and that those
in the provinces receive 500 per
month. They ask further that all
teachers be Cubans. These Cubans do
not want much, do they? Some people
do not appreciate being well off. Two
years ago they had no schools and
would work for any price, and now
they want more for teaching than is
paid in most of the American cities.
The Cuban is certainly strange Great
ure.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-21
Needs Of Iowa schools.

Chicago Tribune: The Biennial Ne
port of Richard Barrett, Iowa state sr-
perintendent of public instruction, con-;
tains several important Recommended
tons. The arguments in favor Of COM
pulsory education are strong, and as
the women's clubs and the educational
committee of the State Teachers assoc
citation will work for it there is every
probability of its adoption.
Iowa towns have not as good IL
braries as Illinois towns, and hence
there is some excuse for the recon-
mendation that fixed amount be set
aside from the school fund for library
purposes. This is the plan followed in
California and Wisconsin, and there Is
something to be said in its favor when
library facilities are inadequate. Yet
it would be better to allow tho couns
ties and cities themselves to set aside
whatever amount they choose for the
purpose. There is no need to duplicate
the town and school libraries in small.
towns. In many cases there would be
better ways in which to spend the mon
ey, as for instance in those towns
where private benefcence has estab-
lished libraries.
The fact that 20 per cent OF all the
children of Iowa are under unframed
teachers is strong argument for addi-
tional normal school facilities. But the
observation-disclosures digestion that several
additional normal schools be esta blished
is mistake. AS the Tribune has al
ready shown, it is more economical
and better in every way to build mp
one good normal school than to have q
half dozen puny institutions. The sug-
gestion that graduates of the State uni
versity be given normal diplomas is
well enough If care be taken that the
graduate has sufficient knowledge 81
pedagogy. That man or woman has
graduated from college does not neces-
sarily imply that he will make good
teacher. The Cook County Normal
school has refused to recognize four
years course at Vasser as equivalent
to one year at the normal school
which is no reflection upon the famous
college, but serves to emphasize the
fact that it is necessary that people be
trained for the teaching profession as
well as for any other.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-21
Revision Needed

Council Bluffs Nonpareil: So anx-
ious is England to replenish its eN-
hausted gold supply by shipments from
America that it is offering premium.
Coin Harvey will have to revise his
teachings that England has cornered
the gold of the world and that it only
and other nations as it sees fit.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-21

Herbert S. Fairall and ]. W. Schulze,
of Iowa City, have purchased the Daily
Leader, of West Superior, Wis. The
Leader is a good property, with a large
advertising patronage and splendid
promise for the future. Mr.. Fairall
was for many years editor Of the Iowa
City Republican and is a newspaper
man, OF experience and ability. The
Courier extends hearty well wishes in
the new venture.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-21
McKtnley on Trusts.

Muscatine Journal: The sentiments
expressed by President Mckinley in his
message, in regard to trusts, will COM
mend themselves to the good sense of
the people. There is no high sounding
and empty TRADE against what is es-
sentially q modern development, but
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-21
TIL. English Language.

Des Moines News: Looking forward
to the time. which must eventually
come, when the Dutch language will
give way to the English language in
South Africa, the Canadian newspapers
are asking if the same change will not
take place in the French provinces in
Canada. The French-C Canadians use the
language of their mother country ex-
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-21

BY not securing the republican con-
yention.t Chicago missed a chance to
have her name coupled with a grand
platform and thus wipe out the in
fanny of the phrase Chicago platform"
in the sense that it has been used for
the last fourgNears.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-21

Eleven democratic congressman broke
away from party blindness and preju-
dice and voted for the house currency
bill. These eleven men are in advance
of their party.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-21
No wonder.

Council Bluffs Nonpareil: No wonder
that in tie Spanish cortes the item for
expenses for "officers appointed to COM
mand prizes taken at sea from the enc
my" has aroused cry of ''Fraud!" A
detailed statement of this account
would prove interesting to the world
outside as it has not been generally
known that Spain has been taking any
prizes or getting the better of an
enemy.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-21

A new feature in the argument
against expansion is the plea that the
Monroe doctrine is pledge that the
United States shall never project its
power and influence beyond the Amer
lean continent.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-21
A Trustyvor Wan.

Iowa Capitals: Goebel is now said to
have his eyes on the state legislature.
The legislature will be comparatively
safe, however, as long as it is not with
in reach of Goebels hands. The gentle
man is warranted not to steal thing
until he can get close enough to carry
it off.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-21

the possibilities of evil contained in the
concentration of wealth are pointed
out, and calmly and soberly the presi-
dent suggests remedies and restrictions.
The president appeals to the intelli-
gence of the nation; Bryan to its pas
sions and prejudices.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-21

< After naming Populist Allen for APP
pointment to fill a term in the senate,
Bryan says the democrats of Nebraska
may select Thurston's successor. As
the legislature has yet to be elected
the Nebraska democrats are not en-
tirelv charmed with Bryan's liberality.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-21

Secretary Gage estimates the surplus
for the present fiscal year at $4O,0OO,-
600. The prophets who figured out a
deficit of hundreds of millions if the
philippines were retained are not good
at ciphering. -
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-21

The success Of Philadelphia iii secur-
ing the republican national convention
in the faces of such lively competitors
as Chicago and New York, reminds one
of the fable of the tortoise and the.
hare
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-21

1t would be beautiful Christmas
present indeed for Uncle Sam if he
could find in his stocking the assur-,
ance that the Filipinos had decided to
beat their swords into plowsharess
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-21

The state treasury was never in a
more fiourishing condition than now,
and ii is expected that liberal appro-
lpriations will be made by the assembly.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-21
CIRCULATION.

The Ottdmwa Courier has a larger
circulation than any Ottumwa news
paper ever had. Larger in the city
and larger outside.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-21

DR.. c. B. Miller, of Cedar Falls, has
been robbed of gold leaf valued at $40,
Over 100 like cases have been reported
during the past year.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-21
The Country EDITOR. opportu -

Iowa Capital: In assuming editorial
charge of the Goldfield Chronicle, the
editor in his salutatory says:
AS far as heavy editorials are con-
cerned, l think anyone wishing them
will subscribe for some of our nation
al magazines or one of our many good
daily papers. The mission OF the coun-
try newspaper is rot TO comment on at
fairs of national importance, but to
gather all the news that pertains to its
immediate surrounding and any and
all items which will be of interest to
any number of it's readers"
With all due respect for Editor
Keiths opinion we are constrained to
feel that he is taking too narrow a
view of the mission of the country
newspaper. We believe that it is Just
as much the mission and duty of the
country editor to comment upon at
fairs of national Importance as it is
that of one who in like capacity
serves a larger and wider coDstit-
uency. 1t is not to be expected that he
can afford to devote an entire page,
or often even half a page to editorial
discussion, but the editorial column
should be distinctive feature of the
country newspaper. Every country
newspaper has certain constituency
made up of those who are not patrons
of the magazines or even of one good
daily newspaper, and among these
people may be found the legitimate
field for the country editor to sow his
seed and establish an influence which
he will in due time find compensatory
in more ways than one.
These views are in a sense simply the
reiteration of sentiments hitherto ex-
pressed and which we believe are ac-
quiesced in generally by the members
of the newspaper fraternity through
out the state.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-21
and their laws are printed in

The change of speech will undoubt-
edly come in Canada. 1t will be an ev-
olution that will require time, but the
change will come. Communities cannot
live alongside people who employ the
English speech and who progress in the
Anglo-SaNon way without being affect
ed in manners, habits and speech. The
language of Shakespeare and King
James translation never surrenders.
Like the people who employ that
speech it is all-conquering. The thou
sands of young French Canadians who
come across the border will gradually
carry it back with them. 1t is the
language of the future.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-21

SUBSCRIPTION RATES,
Daily Courier, year, by mail. -. 500
Daily Courier, 1 year, by carrier. $500
Semi Weekly Courier, year..... 1.5o
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-21
Insurrecti on Collap.ine.

Marshalltown Times-Republican
General Otis latest summary of ope-
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-21

Published q semi-weekly on Tuesdays and
Thursdays.
Office: sl12 South Market Street.
Telephone editorial or business Office No. a.
Address the Courier Printing Co., Ottuniwa, la
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-04-21
The Santa Fe Proposes to Adopt
Civil Service.
Auditors of Disbursements, Pas
senger and Freight Receipts
FIRST TO ADOPT IT.
Examination Like Given by the
Government to Be Req uired.
Merit and Not FaVoritism Will
Thus Advance Employees.

Something absolutely new in railroad
work is proposed for introduction in the
accounting department of the Santa Fe.
1t is nothing more or less than a sys-
TEN of civil service examination, and if
introduced will mean that all prospec-
tive employees of that department and
all employees who hope for promotion
must successfully pass an examination
not unlike that required by the gov
eminent.
The idea Is original with General
Auditor H. c. Whitehead Its adop-
ton will depend on the opinion of Pres
ident Ripley. Mr.. Whitehead will take
the matter up with him when he re-
turns from Europe
In such a system General Auditor
Whitehead sees an improvement of the
accounting department. In the course
of time only men of general knowledge
would be employed there. a man look
ing for work would realize the usless-
ness of filing an application for posi-
ton in the Santa Fee accounting depart
ment unless he felt himself to be suffi-
GENTLY scholarly to answer the various
questions in the various branches
touched upon in the examination Many
of the old accountants would have 10
give up all hope of promotion or spend
their nights in constant study Even the
office boys employed in the different Of
fees would be exceptionally bright Tor
their ages.
1t as a brilliant idea from an educa-
tiOnaI standpoint, but its practical sue
cess is a question. Many men who
know accounting by heart would fail
when confronted by questions in other
branches of the proposed examination.
The employees here who would be at
fected by the system, in the event of its
introduction, are those an the offices of
the auditor of disbursements, the audi
tor of freight receipts and the auditor
of passenger receipts. They probably
number more than all the other depart
ments at the Santa Fe general offices
mt together
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-04-21
IMPROVE Reform SCHOOL.
What the State Board of Charities
Expects to Do.

A member of the state board of chari-
ties makes the following statement with
reference to the state reform school at
Topeka:
1.-The boys reform school at Topeka
is one of the smaller of the charitable
institutions of the state. Number of
pupils April Is, 1899, 1877. The pupils
are paroled and furnished a new suit
of clothes and sent home upon having
earned a certain number of credits
800" The board found "a boys eligible
to parole, who were accordingly ordered
sent out There are many things need
ed al this institution. The sanitary
condition is very bad owing to made
quate sewerage. This will be remedied.
There is no library or reading room.
The walls are in bad condition. Floors
and woodwork have not had the atten-
ton of a carpenter for, nobody seems to
know how long.
The late legislature made an appro-
priation to be used to remedy these sew
eral matters, but not sufficient to more
than perfect the sewerage and improve
the sanitary condition. The repair and
maintenance fund is not sufficient to
make all repairs and keep up the run
ming expenses.
1T will be the effort of the board to
judiciOusly eXpend the same. The site
of the institution consists of $50 acres
of good bottom land, lying on both sides
Of Soldier creek The location is good.
The natural groves along the stream
scape, and the park in front and on
either side of the buildings is one of the
very finest of any of the institutions.
An office most needed by all the in
situations is landscape gardener One
man could do the work for all the in
situations. Only four of the eight have
SO far had work Of this kind done, and
their improved appearance emphasizes
the necessity of keeping a landscape
gardener constantly employed
What the boys at the reform school
most need is Steadier and more constant
employment Habits of systematic in
dustry is the best possible foundation
citizenship The farm and some land
rented does not furnish work enough
for the large mum Der of boys constant
ly at the school. More and steader en-
p!oyment is 4 problem confronting the
board. The late board of charities
passed an order forbidding the super
1ntendent taking the boys away from
the institution for any purpose The
present board reScinded this order and
directed the superintendent to send the
boys out at his discretion in charge of
proper officers. They will work on the
grounds OF the state capitol as needed
and be taken out to participate in pa
radeS on public occasions. 1t is the
purpose of the board to remove as far
as possible from the minds of the bovs
the idea that the institution is a prison.
and to keep them in touch with the b11S-
mess and events of the times. and teach
them the duties and privileges of in
telligent citizenship.
The accounts for the month of March
snow the following expenditures:
Care and maintenance 81 GIL 81
Salaries and wages 903 en-
. o. Id