davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-04-05
The House q Little ..Frs.h..

Cedar Rapids Republican,: There is
some good in the house resolution and
some very indefinite bad. 1t is doubt
full il even the members who had voted
for it in all cases could give an intel
ligent explanation of their conduct, or
of the meaning and scope of the reso-
luton for which they voted. Free
trade would be mentioned in any ex-
PLANTATION. but free trade does not
stand separated from other considera-
tions in the Porto Rican question. If
it were a simple question of free
trade with an island possession, the
question would be simple and involve
only eXpediency., But it is complicat-
ed with other considerations. These
considerations are better understood
in Washington than in Des Moines. 1t
is easy enough to pass resolution of
instructions, but the men charged with
carrying out the instructions have
more things to think of than the men
passing the instructions. The house
was under the circumstances simply a
little fresh. The resolution man got
among the members and there appear
ed no one strong enough to wrestle
with him.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-04-05

ritory as a result of the Spanish-Amer-
lean war; aside from those existing
before that war occurred. This was
the situation when a destructive hur-
ricane devastated the island last sum-
mer, destroying thousands of lives and
millions of dollars Of property. Whole
communities We're rendered helpless
and without aid, starvation would have
been the cruel fate of many hundreds.
Perhaps no such calamity has been
visited upon any people greater than
this. Since then 500 to 1000 tons of
provisions have been distributed weekly
among these people by the military
government. Congress has just passed
a law returning to them all duties coll
lected, or to be collected, under exist
ing law, since the cession of the island
by Spain, either in the ports of the
United States, or those of Porto Rico,
to be expended, under the direction of
the president, for the benefit of those
suffering people. Every vote against
that beneficent measure was demo-
cratic vote. As further measure of
relief, and for the purpose OF raising
revenue in a manner least burdensome
to Porto Rico, the republican major
lily in congress passed a bill not to "es-
tablish tariff duties between the Unit,
ed States and territory acquired as a
result of the Spanish-American war;"
(mark that but providing for re.
duction of IS per cent of the tariff
duties already established on all goods
going into Porto Rico from this coun-
try, and goods coming thence into our
ports. Every dollar thus raised goes
to aid the people of that island. The
| hi Il. ,,,,ro1yt onporrannu Sa1iaf hill.
its operation being limited to two
years. 1t effects sugar and tobacco.
Coffee, which has hitherto constituted
fully 10 per cent OF the exports of the
island already, comes in free. The bill
does not establish precendent, except
the precedent of noble charity. II
does not commit the republican party
to this measure as a permanent gov
ernmental policy but leaves it free and
untrammeled to deal in broad and
practical way with our new posses
sions when civil government is in
stituted for them.
No wiser and more beneficent legis-
lation has ever been passed by con-
gress in the long list of its many bene-
factions. and vet this measure, designs
ed solely for the relief of a suffering
people, is met with a storm OF un-
+scrupulous misrepresentation from
democratic orators in congress, and
the whole democratic, mugwump and
populist press, as well as few mis-
guided republican newspapers; and
now with profound regret we see the
republican majority in the house OF
representatives of Iowa ungraciously
joining in this democratic clamor, to
the embarrassment of the most sue
cessful patriotic, able republican adj
ministration the country has had since
the civil war. 10 is a most humiliat-
ing spectacle, and the weakest kind of
politics.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-04-05
IOWA AND PORTO RICO.


Inc following thoughtful and COM
prehenslve editorial from the Charlton
Pa1rlot on Iowa ana Porto RICO IS
worthy or fhoughtful perusal;
Inc resolution reiatlng TO the man
a.,a - n lats,g lsasmus ~ ileeL lea.
~ pprta D. 80 t, 49, - -, Inc Pa ,a
s ~ i.o ~ iuel - te ~ nsple-
aen eas he ~, - Moiios eoun.y'
ta41,l - NJ NJ No., iuse "
IN ~ De4a,.;a.;as Issst;,'s nas
"a ,,s naaaessI,, " lastly ioiti'-
81 .., alla eaiisssS sApiesseu oplnioh
ny y nen ~ 81 : ani 20
t talt;er a,,4ias lat,.,oa,, 4,a 1919 a5
s4atas ~ ~, tan,.;4a,.4, .oa,,;,a5 ~
800 a af H. y $500 s,a1;aas .. -. a
A. ,o ~ o ae IT. naaa,,taS A. o
an 1872 - az ~. ~,
ns ~ us S,,,4a,;i- 1,.s ma1i ~,
A., 49, ;,,,,;t d a., aa ~ g g;s1.4;a
as , l Jai SUI oien y i'' 4e
a''u ia" 1n.1 ~.
1aasa1.e So. IL. IL ~ ~.
lesip = aoossiS ulamn, allu ei.nei Tue
aet !t.a lau Wy inipeIleol hnoMieuse
oa sne fa .e ,.s;s;. nov psietiu ~ COL
ID - 'esnue ioi .lo psn>
.5lS " fo 4,. nieo, VI eluue anu 1as ue
IDEAS o5 Tue llanngl tnao isianu WAS
asqulsu os t s o ~ 5aes AZ.
Mouiu appea, ID pn .lie De- reue "a MS
Iesoiutlou enaI oilu MO- - e, .eiil-
sory pelonging ,;4 70 me ohieeo States
py its own Soiilion.
There is no way by which foreign
territory can voluntarily pass under
the jurisdiction OF our legislation
and laws" except by an act, or acts, OF
congress. This island was acquired by
conquest in war with foreign pow
er. Its people were subjects of the
Spanish crown. All military forces of
the island were under the control OF
Spain and when those forces surrend-
cred to the military power of the Uni
ted States, organized resistance ceased.
Inc people aplnltd rec was no
o1her altefiialave. ineIe was hoonihg
voluntary apous y, aiu .nele was no
acceplance' put tne aceep.ance oi Inc
lneVl9aple. 70 pc sure, many OF the
people OF 1ne lsiand welcomes V l., ,. me
AeLlca4 arnS a 4aas, uehe,ai Miie ss
as !lpelalois' e ~. tnee was ~ Jaw 81
Jurisuiclion dor !n.m ~ pass uha :sI
any otner , nal, lnin.alS law ny wien
my hase nei JYntii at 5re cue VS. US
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-04-05

One of the truest signs of spring is
the cry of the wild goose that is now
heard from far up toward the blue sky
The husky fellows are going north TO
breed in the cold regions where the
hunters cease from troubling and the
goslings are at rest. Meanwhile, how
ever, the fellow who likes to get out
with gun, and breathe good air, and
see how spring is being born in the
marshes, is polishing up his gun,spend-
ing his change on loaded shells, and
communing with himself as to the
manner and means Of getting day
off 49,.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-04-05
would stop Bootlegglng.

Centerville Iowegian: 1t is to be
hoped that the bill making it a penal
offense upon third conviction for the
illegal selling of intoxicating liquor
will pass the lower house Of our legis-
lature and become law. Our recol-
lection is that it has passed the senate
and it certainly will pass the house if
it gets a hearing. The Iowegian has
always advocated a law of this kind
and believes that it will come nearer
to putting stop to bootlegging than
any other law thab can be enacted. A
Jail sentence or a fine has no terrors
for these law violators but peniten-
tiary sentence has and the sooner such
a law is enacted the sooner good deal
of the illegal liquor selling will cease.
The danger to the law is that it will
be killed indirectly by not being
brought up as members can evade go
ing on record by that course.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-04-05
OPINION. OF; IoWANs.

The Des Moines News has been talk
ing a ballot to see who is the choice of
Iowa republicans for president and
vice president. So far the vote is prac-
tically unanimous for Mckinley for
president, while Roosevelt seems to be
the general choice for second place on
the ticket. Iowans are sensible people
and know when they have good
thing.
In sending their ballots to the News
Office many voters have taken occasion
to express an opinion on the Porto
Ricanrtarif question. The majority Of
these favor tariff and believe that
iowa's delegation in congress is fairly
and squarely right in its views. This
is interesting as bearing on the ques-
ton as to how far the Iowa house re-
fected the views of the people in lis
recent resolution in favor OF free trade
with Porto Rico.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-04-05

lican convention for such action as the
delegates there assembled deem wisest
and best. That this convention will
name the candidate who will be elect
ed to congress by the voters of the
sixth Iowa district, in November next,
goes without saying. Whoever this
nominee may be the republicans of
Wapello county stand pledged to give
the ticket the same loyal and effective
support, which, III more than one in
stance in the past decade, has largely
been the means of keeping
the grand old sixth district in the re-
publican column.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-04-05

! Lengthening days give evidence OF
approaching spring 1ime when am
bilious business men, surrounded by
shrewd competition in the overcrowded
older towns, are looking for new
homes, broader and better business adj
yantages. The Burlington, Cedar Rap
ids and Northern railway is extending
its lines into the best portions Of
northwestern Minnesota. The country
is noted for its rich soil, social, educa-
tional and religious advantages. Four
towns were located last fall and have
made remarkable growth already. Sew
eral new towns will be located during
the spring and early summer. II you
desire to be a pioneer in a good new
town in well settled rich country,
which has long been in need OF a
railroad, address
Thomas II. Brown,
Sioux Falls, s. Oak.
Townsite Agent New Lnes.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-04-05

the system. It would take longer
than that under the methods, adopted
in Iowa, but with the utmost speed
l do not see how they could begin real-
iziDg anything before year and a half
The custom house machinery is already
in existence and the land being an isl
and everything must pass thru one or
two doors in coming or going. The
owner of a sugar plantation instead OF
having his land assessed at SO much per
acre would have taxes levied upon it
during the interval at 10 per cent OF
$3.50 on 100 pounds. or "a cents 100
pounds and this. will be higher tax
on him than the iusular taxes that will
be levied ultimately to take it's place
when the local legislature will have
provided for suitable land assessment.
The real advantage of attempting To
raise the small revenue in this way is
that the machinery is there and the ex-
pense of collecting the same would be
small and the money would begin TO
come in the dav that the bill should
become a law. Taking all things into
consideration the house thought that
this would be the better way than
either of the other two plans pro-
posed. The other two plans were:
First, bond the island of Porto Rico
for eight or ten million of dollars ard
pay the expenses until the taxes would
begin to come in, and second, plan
which was much simpler, appropriate
the money out of the. treasury Of the
United States, collected by taxes on
the people of Iowa and other states,
and with this pay the expenses of the
insular government. AS temporary
eNpedient there are practically only
these three methods and the gentlemen
who are so radically opposed to the
first would not be likely to take kind
| ~ to either of the other two. I hope
this matter will be settled at an early
date in some way. Yours truly,
! "John r. Lacey"
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-04-05
A wise ana Courageous Act.

Osceola Sentinel: President McKin-
ley has done wise and courageous act
in closing the American buildings at
the Paris exposition on Sundays. The
other exhibition buildings will be open.
It will be good lesson to the people
abroad the earth in the sacredness of
this day. They will have practical IL
lustration of the fact that strong
and powerful nation can yet hold to
the attributes of Christianity which
went so far to raise her from the
cradle Of nations. The presidents or
der is fitting reminder that we shall
not forget, we shall not forget.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-04-05
A.IEE
HOW'D TI,is9

We offer One Hundred Dollars Reward for
any case of Catarrh that cannot be curd ~
r. ]. CHENEY 4 co., Props, Toledo, o.
We, the undersigned, have known +. ].
Cheney for the last IS years, and believe him
perfec y honorable n al business transactions,
made by their firm.
WEST & TRAux, Wholesale Druggists, To.
WAIDINe, KrNNAa & MARVIN, wholesais
Druggists, Toledo, o.
Halls Catarrh Cure is taken internally, act-
ing directly upon the blood and mucous surfaces
of the system. Price, 75c. per bottle. Sold by
all druggists. Testimonials free.
Ha1l's Family Pills are the best.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-04-05
THE SALOON LICENSE.
rom Wednesdays Daily.

The action Of the city council of OF
tumwa in reducing the saloon license
from $1,000 TO $1,000 a year, will not be
approved 10y the people, We can see
no reason or excuse for this action.
With twenty-seven saloons, the num-
Der now in existence in this city, the
reduction of $500 each in the license
means an annual loss to city revenues
of $500. In return for this loss there
is absolutely no compensation whatey-
er. The city already has more saloons
than are wanted and If the reduction
in the license operates TO increase the
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-04-05
Building sch DOL Houses.

Red Oak Republican: 1t has been
interesting to US to watch the decision
of the voters in the different Iowa
towns in the recent school elections on
the proposition for new school houses.
In a large number of towns such a
proDosition, ranging from $4,000 to
$4,000, was before the people, and in
nearly every one the proposition re-
ceiyed 4 large majority OF votes. Thus
it appears that Iowa towns are grow
ing rapidly, and it also demonstrates
again that our people are always free
with their money when it comes TO
providing any increase in school facili-
ties. 1t means that new school
houses will be numerous in Iowa this
year.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-04-05

Wisconsin's wave of prosperity was
represented in 1897 by an increase of
$685., 1927 invested in dozen of the
principal industries of the state, with
an increase of upwards of $13,0OO,O0O
in the value of goods made, and a gain
of 1892, sS9 in wages. This was s.72
per cent more than was paid to wage
earners in 1896, and the average year
ly earnings of each worker were in
creased by 1857.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-04-05
Trust Troubles.

Fairfield Ledger: The -four trust is
broken and in the hands of receiver,
the sugar trust is suffering from a war
by the independent refiners which is
knocking out all the profits of its in
fated capital, and the whisky trust is
having troubles which are peculiarly
its own. Time will take care of the
trusts. They may force prices up for
a time and bleed the people Of the
country, but prices will go down in the
end and the combinations suffer ami
hilation. There is too much capital
seeking investment in the United
States and too many men ready for
any active business life which prom
Uses fair remuneration for any man or
combination of men TO gather and hold
all the good things of the land.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-04-05

The Hon. William Joel Stone, of Mis-
souri,, fears that the gold democrats
may capture the Kansas City conven-
ton. If such thing should happen
the Bryanites in the democratic party
would simply fall into line with the
Sioux Falls crowd. 1t will be sure to
make Mr.. Bryan its nominee, see the
Chicago platform, and go it a few
points farther on political skyrocket-
ing,
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-04-05

( I'll i. Ill
Who said Iowa farmers were not all
right? Enough of them have gone 20
the Dakotas this spring, says the Shell
Rock News, to swing those states into
the republican column and still leave
a safe majority for Iowa. Then the
farmers at nome are not in bad shape
as may be seen from the following:
Zone hundred and forty car loads OF
cattle and hogs, representing an APP
proximate value of $4,000, all from the
farms of Iowa, were turned over by the
Burlington, Cedar Rapids and North
ern railway on Sunday night to the
Chicago and Northwestern and Chica-
go, Burlington and Quincy, for delivery
in Chicago Monday morning. This sur
passed all previous records Of the year,
and it is believed that it was the larg-
est amount of stock ever handled by
the Cedar Rapids route in one day.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-04-05
Roasted the Antics.

/ Montezuma Republican: A highly
educated Filipino is now in this coun-
try and is lecturing in New England.
He recently interviewed Edward At
kinson and other members Of the anti
imperialist league in Boston and gave
them some pretty good advice. In
speaking of his efforts with the antis
he said:
Gentlemen i said. finally, 81 hold
you responsible for the thousands Of
deaths in the Philippines. You have
made my people think a large number
of people in this country are in SYM
patfhy with the insurrection. You are
not well informed enough to know
that from Aguinaldo's rule the Filipi-
nos can expect absolutely nothing. He
showed his insincerity by selling him
self to Spain. believe the Americans,
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-04-05
HomEsEEkERs. EXCURSION.

Jan. 16, Feb. 8. 20, March 9. 90, April
s,l7, 1900, Via z, 9. 2. q y. hy.
On above dates round trip tickets.
good 81 days, will be sold at rate of a
single fare plus So e all points on this
line in Iowa, Minnesota s ; and South Da :;
Rock, Abbott Crossing and Waverly.
Tickets will also be sold at this rate
to q large number of cities and towns
in Northern, Western and Southern
states.
FOR further information call on b..
G. r. g. N. agents or address Jno. G,
Farmer. A. G. P. 6 T. A.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-04-05
The country Editor's Duty.

Mt. Vernon Remarker: It is hopes
less task as well as a somewhat con-
ceited one for any newspaper to at
tempt to elevate the morals of COM
munity. The community is composed
of individuals as capable of elevated
thought as the average country editor
The best the country editor can do is
to elevate the morals of his own paper
and see that it is entirely clean, and
when he does this. he has reached
very near the limit of his duties.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-04-05
IOWA PRESS COMMENT.
The Worlds Progress.

Keokuk Gate City: The modern
world settles by peaceful war most OF
the differences that a few generations
ago would have evoked actual war. The
strikes in the building trades at Chica-
go have nearly paralyzed the growth
of that city, and stopped improve
ments. There is conflict between the
union and non-union men, occasionally
accompanied by violence. But short
time ago such condition would have
led to fierce war and general slaughter.
Mankind has always had its troubles
and will have them to the end of the
world. But the present method of con-
Quoting them is great improvement
upon the past.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-04-05
..Dlctated to Rudyard Kipl.n..,,

Iowa State Register: A pretty little
story comes from Africa by way of the
cable. 1t seems that Rudyard Kipling
was on a train, on the way back to
Cairo, when he discovered that a
young man sitting across the aisle
from him was trying to write letter
right having been amputated. as the
poral Harris, of the Essex regiment,
who was, wounded at Paardeberg. The
amanuensis, and in half hour the let
ter was finished. Dictated to Rud-
yard Kipling," the author wrote across
the bottom of the letter, and now Cor
poral Harris would not sell the mis-
sive for a fortune.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-04-05

Coal has been selling in Austria at
$40 ton, and some of the German
schools have been closed for lack of
fuel. Exports of American coal to Eu-
rope are becoming common. An En-
glish syndicate is said to have con-
tracted for 100000 tons of Alabama
coal to be forwarded by way of New
Orleans.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-04-05
signing Petitions.

Hardin County Citizen: A few days
i g a man came to us with petition
to be used for the purpose of influence
| ing the legislature in its decisions
on certain bill to come up for dis
cussion.
We signed it; just why, we don't
know. We had not taken three seconds
to investigate the proposed bill and
consequently knew nothing about it.
Perhaps we wouldn't have known what
was best if we had studied the pro-
posed legislation. There were other
and greater lights whose John Han
cocks graced the roll Of names. Per-
tthaps they each and all knew what
they were asking for and were very de-
sirous that their names should carry
great weight, and then perhaps a few
of them hadn't spent sixty minutes
in studying the proposed measure.
| The man who was circulating the
petition was not able to tell exactly
what he was asking for. But we are
satisfied that, regardless of signers,
circulator and all, the telegraph COM
pany that furnished the motive
power for the petition knew what it
was doing.
We have simply repeated this story
to show the insignificant value OF a
name on petition. The average man
signs. not necessarily because he is
interested OF cares, but to please a
friend or rid himself of hanger on,
and because it costs him nothing
lat least nothing apparent on the sur
4 face.
Legislators usually give little heed to
a petition and it is we'll that they
don't. For,why should legislators be
Influenced by men who sign instru-
ments without knowing what they are
signing?
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-04-05
a Reneflt to Des N oines.

Des Moines News: Mdiculed at the
outset and regarded by many as purely
a vote-catching scheme, Congressman
Hulls bill for establishment Of a mil
itary post at Des Moines has outliyed
the criticisms of its opponents and ac-
tually secured majority Of both hous-
es OF congress. 1t is said that President
Mckinley will sign it and that there
is therefore no doubt that Des Moines
will have a military post, involving "a
large local expenditure OF government
funds, within eighteen months. If it
shall be cavalry post it will doubtless
tend to make Des Moines on of the
principal horse markets in the west.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-04-05

All of the great newspapers of the
country are opposed to the principles
contained in the Chicago platform.
But this fact is explained by Mr..
Bryan with the one word Conspiracy"
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-04-05

1t is confidently expected that the
next notable thing in the South Dako-
ia divorce line will be the legal separa-
ton of the Hon. Richard Franklin
Pettigrew from his official position.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-04-05

The Bank of Peru and and London
announces that all current payments
will be made in sterling or Peruvian
pounds. The advent of the gold stan
dard in the republics to the south Of
us means the retirement of uncertainty
and revolution.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-04-05

The action OF the Indiana gold dem
Gratis in resolving to continue their
fight on Bryanism is rather wet blank
ETY. to those politicians who have been
declaring that the passage of a cur
rency bill would render the candidacy