The Iola register., 1901-05-10

Seldom have returns from an elec-
tion been so interesting for the reason
that the majorities varied and wavered
q hundred men had hundred differ
ent figures and branded all others as
false. The majority given by lola
and township was known early and
the question then was whether the op-
position would be able to overcomeit.
A solid vote in opposition would do
the business, scattering favorable
vote would save the day. Was it
good day for the country votes to get
out and would it vote? A hundred
reasons were given why the vote was
good and a hundred why it was bad,
so the result was in doubt in theminds
of lola people until next morning
when the unofficial returns settled the
matter of majorities. The vote cast
was surprisingly full one. The to-
tai vote on the court house PROPOSE
tion was 1881, while in the presiden-
tial election last year only little over
5000 votes were cast. A study of the
registration books in lola shows that
from go to 100 men in each ward failed
TO vote, some not having registered,
and some having moved just before
election. One merchant within 200 feet
of his voting place did not vote and
one man who is employed by the city
on salary did not vote, although
both are registered. Elm township in
1900 cast 593 votes for president and
yesterday voted SOP on the court house
proposition. 1t is reported that Hum
boldt city favored the proposition and
the township swamped it.
Now that it is over the incongruities
of the arguments used against the
court house are laughable. The fight
ing opposition certainly did not over
look any bets. The tax burden affect
ed some, the little difficulty about sub
mitting the matter at the outset affect
ed others; the sum was too great, 1t
wastoo small; some wanted the county
seat moved to LaHarpe, and believed
the report that that town would do
nate $40, 900 and site, and others
heard this offer and believed it was q
good way to bluff lola into meeting
the offer and build free court house;
one man said lola voted the Mo. Pac.
railroad on the county; another said
he was opposed because Ed Pizel was
refused permit to put his wagon on
West street; and SO on reason after
reason.
The truth is lola was not nearly as
wild to win as she was supposed to be.
No campaign was made particularly,
but at the last, when the methods of
the opposing pushers were learned
there was a big rally to get outthecity
vote, The question then was not how
good it would be to win but how far
reaching might be the evil of losing.
So most of lola managed to vote. But
it was lola township that won the
towns heart and Gas and Carlyle and
Geneva.
Talking over the result at the court
house, men we'll posted and in posi-
tion to make q good estimate, stated
that they believe everybody will be
glad in few years. One youth who
was kicking in town over the increas-
ed tax, was collared. On the tax rolls
it was found that he had q house and
lot, in his wite's name, and the extra
burden on him because of the court
house will be justl7f cents per annum.
Next fall the first money will come
in, and the county will grow in popu-
lation and wealth until the third year
when it is believed the levy can be
lowered to 81 on the $1,000 assessed
valuation.
The old court house, the schemers
plan, ought to be bought by the city
for city hall and library. In the
rear could be placed the fire depart
ment and calaboose, The money
which the old house brings to the
county will come off the $50, 900 to be
raised,
All is we'll that ends well, and lola