davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-02-13
AN IMPROBABLE TALE.

This country has had too thoro an
education in the arts of sensational
journalism to accept without further
proof the announcement in a London
paper of the public execution by the
Beers of John McLachlan, a British
subject, "for refusing to fight against
his own countrymen." Nine times out
of ten reports of this kind, dished up
by the scullions of yellowism have
s been found to have no more substance
I. than a few disjointed facts and live
ly Imagination. Samples OF this kind
1of provender are not wanting even
among the more sedate members of
4 the London press, and tits not impos-
@sible that in the heat of the moment
the London paper in question has lent
itself to mere sensationalism. Whether
the British government gives credence
4 to it or not does not appear and is not
i material, as it would be bound in any
event to make inquiries concerning SO
serious a report. That the United
!. States should have been asked to make
1 such inquiries thru it's consul is not at
all significant. As is customary in case
of war when diplomatic relations are
broken off. the United States was re-
&quested by England to put it's consul
}. in charge of British interests at Pre-
toria. The withdrawal of Mr.. Macrum
4 was in consequence of the refusal of
{ the Transvaal to accept him in such a
| capacity. No such objections have been
raised TO Adelbert Hay, upon whom
will devolye the inquiry into the Nc
.1achlan affair. If it is true that the al
4 fair occurred at all, it is probable that
ut was because McLachlan had been
acting as spy or engaged in other
! practices which in military law are
punishable by death. Few persons will
have SO low an opinion of the Beers as
to believe that they would shoot a man
merely "for refusing to fight against
!! his own countrYmen.''
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-02-13
Gold Digging Is Hard work.

Burlington Hawkeye: Gold digging
may look like an alluring and fasci-
mating occupation away off, but it is
about as hard work as man can en-
gage in. Colonel Abercrombie, who
has been in charge of a surveying par
ty in the region of Copper river and
other parts of Alaska, publishes a re-
port as to the condition of the gold
seekers in the territory, which is pos
itively alarming. He declares that
hundreds of persons are dying of star
walton; that scores are without proper
shelter or clothing and that 70 per
cent of the inhabitants of one village
are mentally deranged as result of
their hardships. These unfortunate
persons are so remote from civilization
that it will be practically impossible
to relieve their distress until the open
ing of the spring season, and when
that time comes it will almost certain
ly bring from the Alaska gold fields a
grim story of suffering and death.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-02-13
sEwALL FOR EXPANSION.

Arthur Sewan, of Bath, Me-, late
Democratic candidate for the vice
presidency, has come out for expansion
He says:
Il have always favored the .acquisi-
ton of the Philippines after the Paris
treaty. The United States should stand
with the president in all that is being
done to hold the Philippines; they are
worth retaining.
"Alr. Mckinley will be renominated
and reelected. Mr.. Bryan, too, will be
renominated, but l fear that he cannot
win the goal.
1.-THE fact is, the country has been
too prosperous to warrant any hope of
a change in the national administra-
ton, and people are slow to take up
reform measures when times are as
good as they are at present.
sNo, am not candidate for the
vice presidency again. / believe it is
poor policy on the part of the demo
crazy to select any candidate from the
east, where no electoral votes may be
expected, and, moreover, 1 am not am
bilious to make the race again. If the
democrats call upon me again. howev-
er, could not refuse to do my duty"
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-02-13
cuLBERTson WILL NOT Accept
ImpossIble for Him to Take Position
on Board of Control,

Carroll, Feb. 9.-The nomination OF
Hon. w. Z. Culbertson of this place as
Mr.. Larrabee's successor on the state
board of control was very joyfully re-
ceived, for Mr.. Culbertson is one of the
leading and most highly respected citi-
zens of Carroll county. However, it will
be impossible for him to accept, owing
to the requirements OF his business af-
fairs. Mr.. Culbertson is one of the
wealthiest men in this county, is presi-
dent of the First National bank of this
city and has recently become interested
in an extensive lumber deal in Arkan-
sas. His private business interests are
too large and require his personal at
tention too much to permit of his ac-
cepting the appointment, all Of which,
altho known to his friends here for
some time, was decided yesterday
morning when Mr.. Culbertson said to
q fellow citizen that it would be i'm
possible for him to accept position
on the board of control.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-02-13
NO BIG BONUSES.

&, The Courier is informed that num-
Der of industrial enterprises are look
ing toward Ottumwa and requesting
) Bonuses of greater or less sums in con-
sideration of coming to this city. Only
last week a gentleman from Burling-
ton made the modest request that OF
Y tumwa pay him fifty Thousand dollars
to move his sash, door and blind fac
tory here from Burlington. If the
Courier understands the sentiments of
Ottumwa people, and we believe we do.
parties who are looking for big bonus
es from Ottumwa, are only wasting
their time. Ottumwa has no big
4 bonuses to offer to anyone. Situated
as it is, with it's magnificent railway
facilities, and cheap fuel, it offers nat
ural advantages to, manufacturing en-
s.terprises which can be found in but
few other western cities. These nat
ural advantages alone comprise a
bonus well worth the consideration OF
any one who really desires to develop
3 a great manufacturing enterprise.
* Ottumwa has passed the experiment
al point in its industrial development.
"A good industry, properly managed,
will succeed here if it has within it.
self the elements of success. Every
( manufacturing industry in this city is
4 doing a splendid business and others
can do the same, but it is Ottumwa's
natural advantages per Sc that must in
fact attract industrial enterprises,
rather than any mushroom inducement
in the line of bonuses. OttumWa,
of course, stands ready to give a COR
dial welcome and such slight reason
able inducements as are usual in en-
couraging new enterprises, but Ottum-
!. wa has no big bonuses to offer and will
give none.
The policy of this city in the future
y should be to encourage those young in
L. dustries in our own midst, or in this
immediate vicinity, which possess
within themselves the elements of
4 growth and successful development.
These industries should be encoura ged
with an investment of sufficient CAPT
tai to put them upon their feet and to
enable them to take advantage of the
+ magnificent opportunities presented to
every Industrial enterprise in this city.
We believe in just such work as is now
being undertaken by our citizens IN
giving encouragement to home indus
! tries like that of the Ottumwa Box Car
loader, which has within itself intrin-
ssic merit and gives promise of great
a few years hence.
q The big bonus which Ottumwa has
TO offer to any manufacturing institu-
ton is to be found in the intrinsic nat
ural advantages inherent to location
!, in this city. Other than this, Ottumwa
has 10 bonuses to give. but to home
enterprises and to all worthy new
corners, it stands ready to offer capital
and other facilities for doing business
and the building up of great industrial
enterprises.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-02-13
WEAVER ENDORSES BRYAN.

The inevitable has occurred. Gem
eral James B. Weaver has broken the
death-like silence which has sealed his
lips for 10! these many months. The
pot of national politics is already be-
ginning to show signs of boiling mer-
.rily, and the general could no longer
keep away from the scene of trouble.
General Weaver has long held the IL
fusion that he was the bearer of some
special message to the world. He has
had grear difficulty in discovering ex-
actly what this message is, but his
faith in the fact that he has one has
never wavered. He has cast about,ex-
tensively to see if the message lay in
in different fields. He has tried to
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-02-13
Des N1oines military Pos.

Washington, Feb. 9.-Wheneyer bill
affecting the army in any way reaches
the senate committee on military
department for report. The depart
ment has not yet submitted to the
senate committee its views upon the
subject of the, establishment of a
military post at Des Moines. The re-
port is expected this week, and after
it comes in the committee will
promptly act. Favorable recommends
ton from the war department will be
followed at once by similar action in
the committee.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-02-13
OF course some of the democrat

OF course some of the democrats
will shout .Anglo-American alliance
at the treaty by which England gives
up her right to dual control in the
Nicaragua canal which she gained
from the Clayton-Bulwer treaty OF
fifty years ago. The democrats have
made this cry before, but it has not
impressed anybody. 1t will win no
votes for their candidate this year.
The Mckinley administration has
gained great triumph by inducing
England to surrender a privilege which
many presidents, including Cleveland
tried to get that country to give up.
This triumph troubles the democratic
bosses, but the people like it. Inciden-
tally, it will win many votes for the
republican party in 1900.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-02-13
To Determine tho Right. Involved.

Des Moines Leader: The attorney
general yesterday received a letter
from the state auditors department,
calling his attention to Information
which had been placed on file in his
Office concerning the business methods
OF an Ottumwa building and loan COM
'pany. This is the Equitable Building
and Loan association. The auditors
activity in the matter is said to be
attributable to the senate's passage Of
a resolution looking to investigation
of certain companies of this kind. The
Equitable has not been handling its
affairs for long time in manner ac-
ceptable to the auditor, and it is now
proposed to push matters and deter
mine the rights involved.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-02-13
AE Will NOT CHANGE.
w. @. Brown Will Not Leave the Bur.
.llngton for the Gulf Road.

Chicago, Feb. 9.-It can be stated
on good authority that w. C. Brown
general manager of the Chicago, Bur1
ington and Quincy, will not be the
president OF the recognized Kansas
City, Pittsburg and Gulf road. Mr.
Brown himself declines to make any
statement regarding the report tele.
graphed from st. Joseph, Mo-, thai
he is to be the president of the Gull
road. He said Wednesday evening that
while he could neither affirm nor deny
the rumor at the present time, he. did
not think he would leave the Burling.
ton.
1t is learned that Mr.. Brown some
days ago was asked on what conditions
he would take the presidency Of the
Gulf road, and he named them to the
syndicate which controls the property.
These conditions, it is said, were moi
satisfactory.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-02-13
AS TO MEDIATION.

There has been a great deal of talk
by various people in this country OF
the ACCESSIBILITY of the United States
interfering in the war in South Africa
conservative men have all along main.
tanned that such a thing would be not
only unwise, but that it would also
violate the traditional policy of the
United States in such matters, which
policy is based on the Monroe doc
trine. These arguments have been met
by the advocates of mediation with the
reply that the Monroe doctrine nc
longer holds good, that it was aban.
doned as national policy when the
United States entered into The Hague
peace agreement. These persons will
now be surprised to read the follow.
ing contained in the Washington cor
lrespondence. of William e. Curtis to the
Chicago Record:
Those who have been urging the
ratification of the treaty of The Hague
which commits the United States an6
other nations to arbitration asa meth,
cd of settling disputes, in order tina,
our government may properly inter
vene in South Africa, will now learn te
their surprise that it5containssa clause
in which the United States pledges it.
self mot to interfere in international
affairs outside of the American CONT
nent. In fact, President Mckinley is
prohibited from rendering his, good
offices either to the Beers or to Great
Britain by the terms of The Hague
treaty, now that it is ratified by the
senate. The stipulation to whichzI re-
ferris as follows:
Nothing contained in this conven-
tion shall be so construed as to require
the United States of America to depart
from its national policy of not intrud-
ing upon interfering with or entang-
ling itself in the political questions OF
policy or internal administration of
any foreign state; nor shall anything
contained in the said convention be
construed to imply a relinquishment by
the United States of America of it's ira
ditional attitude toward purely Ameri-
can questions
This paragraph was inserted in the
treaty after careful deliberation upon
the demand of our delegates, expressly
for compelling the nations of Europe
to recognize the Monroe doctrine as a
principle of international policy and
international law. Those who read the
above quotation carefully will notice
how completely this purpose was ac-
complished, for when Great Britain,
Germany, France and the other ma
tons who are parties to the peace con-
ference at The Hague, have signed the
conventions adopted there they adj
NIT and approve the right of the Unit
ed States to maintain it's traditional
attitude toward purely American ques.
tions."
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-02-13

Fifteen hundred Louisville women
have signed petition asking that the
law prohibiting the carrying of fire.
arms be enforced in Kentucky. These
women have struck at the root Of the
lawlessness in that state. Kentuck-
ians have quick tempers and when
firearms are too handy bloodshed is
frequent. If mans "gun" was at
home locked up in a bureau drawer,
instead Of sticking loosely in his hip
pocket, he would very seldom feel
called upon to shoot anyone. The time
consumed in hunting up a firearm
would give many fits of passion time
to cool
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-02-13
WIDOWS OF SOLDIERS.

In few days General Lawton's wild
ow will be presented with a certificate
of deposit on the Riggs National bant
for $9S,054, and will be asked to give
such directions as she desires concern
ling its disposition. 1t is supposed thai
Mrs. Lawton will desire to pay off the
mortgage upon her home in northern
California first, which amounts tc
about $1,000, and if she asks the advice
of those who have interested them.
selves Y in raising the fund they will
urge the investment of the balance in
6 per cent securities which are not
likely to tiuctuate with speculative
market. From such an investment she
would realize an income of about $4,000
a year, which would be ample for
her support after her home is paid
for.
Altho no one would begrudge Mrs.
Lawton penny of the money that has
been contributed by the admirers OF
her husband, there are other widows
|equally deserving and even more desti-
ample, the widow of Colonel Egbert of
the Twenty-second infantry, who was
killed in action in the Philippines last
March, is entirely without means, and
is supporting herself and five children
by keeping a soldiers boarding house
in Manila. A bill is pending in congress
to give her a pension of SIS month,
which will relieve her immediate neces-
sites, but will be meager income
upon which to support and educate her
family.
A Washington correspondent notes
some other widows of soldiers who are
not in the best of circumstances. Cap
tain uridley of the Olympia left wife
and mother partially dependent.
Captain Wood, who commanded the
Petrol during the engagement. in Ma
Mia bay, has family here in Wash
ington without means. The two Cap
rons, father and son, who were killed
at Santiago, both left widows and chill
dren who are entirely destitute and
dependent upon brother-in-law, who
is himself poor man.
Captain Bogardus Eldridge, who was
killed in action in Luzon. left widow,
who is now the guest of friends at Van
couver barracks, Washington, in desti-
tute circumstances. Captain Wood
bridge Geary, Thirteenth infantry,
who was killed in October, left widow
in San Francisco with no means and no
prospects except a pension. The widow
of Captain Guy Howard, who was kill
ed near Arayat, Luzon, has three chill
dren and is penniless. The widow and
three children of Lieutenant Krayen-
buhl, Inird artillery, who was killed
in Luzon last March, are entirely de-
pendent upon her father, who is ma
jor of infantry and has nothing but his
pay.
Colonel John D. Miley, Second artil-
lery, who was chief of staff to General
Shafter at the battle Of Santiago, left
IA widow and three children nearly des-
titute. Colonel John AZ. Stotzenburg,
OF the, Nebraska regiment, who was
killed in action last April, left large
family, who are now at Lincoln, Neb.,
without means, and several other cases
OF a similar nature are mentioned.
Bills granting pensions to the widows
of all these officers have been intro
duced in both houses of congress and
will no doubt be passed. They will
carry $50 to $40 month.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-02-13
Should Lot EN- Alone.

Fairfield Ledger: General John M.
Palmer has done another undemocratic
act. Three years ago he was so strong
ly gold standard in his views that he
run for president on a gold platform
and helped to defeat Bryan and 16 to
1. Now he objects to his pension be-
ing increased from $50 to 500 per
month. He is on gold basis now. If
Bryan had been elected the probability
is that General Palmer would not OBJ
ject to the proposed increase, as $500
per month in free silver would have
been no better than $50 in gold. Cen
eral Palmer should refrain from cast
ing stones into the silver bone yard.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-02-13

porous and upon a stable basis. Farm
ers are paying off their mortgages in
millions of dollars, and are no longer
anxious to abandon their farms ana
move away. Farm property is gradu-
ally but surely rising in value. There
is no longer glut in the markets for
manufactures, and factories are volun-
tarily raising the wages Of their work
men all over the country. The party OF
calamity and opposition and hard
times finds itself in sore straits for
any reasonable issue to ask voters to
rally behind.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-02-13
1owAPREss COMMENT.
Their Condition Bettered,

Cedar Rapids Gazette: 1t is true
that the Cubans are not yet free, but
they are no longer hampered in their
efforts to make the most of their OPP
portunities, to secure all education and
to acquire property. They are at least
a little more free than they were, and
they may find the Americans so accom-
modating as to be willing to surrender
the work Of government as soon as
the island can produce the men who
are able to perform the duties. By the
time that they have learned to use
such freedom as they now enjoy it
may be supposed that there will be a
fresh supply.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-02-13
Bad Bill.

Des Moines News: The bill intro.
duced by Representative Sweet, OF
Bremen county, providing for change
in the method of appointing members
of the board of control, making them
elective by majority vote in joint SEES
sions of the legislature, should be
killed.
When the present board of control
law passed it was intended to remove
the manner of appointment from pol
itics. The board was to be non-parti-
san and to be selected by non-parti
san methods. At present the respon,
sibility is placed primarily upon the
governor and thereafter upon a two.
thirds majority of the senate, and
there it should remain.
The people of Iowa will not patient
ly abide the change which would make
the board of control, so fruitful OF
good results, political machine. The
defenders of the bill are so few that it
can hardly become law, but at the
same time there should be energetic
protests against this scheme which
would operate to put the board of con
troll on the plane of spells politics.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-02-13
New ana Expensive Methods.

Fairfield Ledger: A business of
very recent development is the employ
ment by Iowa counties of so-called ex-
perts tax ferrets" they are common
~ called-for the listing and collection
of back taxes, especially the dues OF
tax dodgers. The regular commission
for this work is fifty per cent of the
monies collected, and while the coun-
ties enter into a contract which firmly
binds them, the 'ferret" practically
obligates himself to do nothing unless
he chooses. In many counties protests
loud and long are going up from peo-
pie and press. AS long as the county
already has all the necessary machin-
cry for the collection of back taxes, it
seems most unbusinesslike proceed
ing to take up these new and very ex-
pensive methods.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-02-13
STATE OF ONO, Cry OF TOLEDO, /, !,

LUCAS ]
FRANK ]. CHENEY makes oath that he Is
the senior partner of the firm of F. j. CHENEY
& Co., doing business In the City of Toledo,
County and State aforesaid, and that said firm
will pay the sum of ONE HUNDRED DOL
cannot be cured by the use of HALLS CArARRH
CURE. FRANK j. CHENEY.
Sworn to before me and subscribed in my
presence, this 9th day of December, A: y. 1885,
~ A. w. GLEASON,
SEAL Notary Public.
Halls Catarrh Cure is taken internally and
acts directly on the blood and mucous surface
of the system Send for testimonials, free.
+. J. CHENEY g. CO., Toledo, o.
Sold by Druggists, 15c.
Hall's Family Pills are the best.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-02-13
THE GOVERNORS SALARY.

The raising of the salary of the gov
ernor of Iowa from 100 year to
$1,000 is perfectly proper thing to
do. Iowa is great state and occupies
a position among the best and most
prosperous commemorative of the ma
ton. She should pay her governors
and state officers enough to enable
them to sustain the dignity of their
places as executives of such a state.
Furthermore, she should make the re-
enumeration of her officials sufficiently
large to allow men of ability who have
been successful in their own affairs to
accept high positions in the state.
Attic the honor of being governor Of
Iowa is great, it is yet not sufficient
inducement to cause able business
and professional men to accept it when
there is an absolute certainty of PEE
cuniary loss attending such a move.
Iowa wants no unsuccessful men at
the head of her affairs. She wants
the men who have shown themselves
best able to care for their own BUSH
ness, who have shown the best eXecu.
tive ability in private life. These men
she cannot get unless she is willing to
sufficiently remunerate them. Just as
nobody has ever yet succeeded in hon
estly getting something for nothing,
so nobody has ever, except as matter
of charity, succeeded in securing the
services of a really good man for a
small salary. Governments must rec
rognize this fact, and remember than
tho honor, fame and social position
may count for something on the sala-
ry they must pay for genuine ability
these things cannot entirely take the
place of the more useful commodity,
money. Iowa has taken good step