Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1901-08-15
Iowa's Republican Nominee for Cover
nor Has Made His Own Way.

Albert B. Cummins, the Republican
nominee for governor of Iowa, by rea.
son of the political events of the last
few years and particularly because of
his selection as standard-bearer by
the republican state convention, be.
comes one of the most. conspicuous
and interesting figures in Iowa poll
tics. In no campaign in Iowa has the
personal character of a candidate been
more potential in determining the is
sue than in the one just closed
1t is the usual thing in politics that
a candidate twice defeated remains
defeated. Not so, however, in the case
of Mr.. Cummins. From the dust of
hard-fought but unsuccessful cam
paigns for the United States senate he
has emerged only to find the number
of his following increased.
Many who have not personal ac-
quaintance with the republican nomi-
nee doubtless are puzzled to know the
secret by which he was able to in
crease his popularity and strength
even while suffering the disappoint-
ment of political defeats. Those who
have come in personal contact with
him would be free to venture an eX-
PLANTATION. At first meeting one is i'm.
pressed by his ability and pleased with
his frankness, and these impressions
grow contantly stronger. 1t was once
said of candidate for governor in
Iowa that he had an affidavit face.
1t was often remarked during the cam.
paign Just closed that the sight of
Cummins' face in a community where
he was unknown was worth hundred
votes on primary day. Naturally of
a gracious disposition, the art of mix
ing which usually is a part of the
successful mans equipment, did not
have to be acquired. In his friend,
ship he is loyal. Strong in mind and
body, he is especially strong in his
convictions of right, a quality which
political friend and foe alike willingly
attribute or concede to him. In his
various campaigns Mr.. Cummins has
met with certain experiences not up.
common in politics, but in such cases
he maintained his faitn in the persons
who professed friendship for him long
after his closest associates had voiced
their suspicious. And the conduct Of
the campaign, SO far as he could con-
troll it, had to be in keeping with his
ideas of decency and justice.
Has Big Law Practice.
AS a leader of the Iowa bar he Ell.
joys legal practice amounting, it is
said. to $40, 900 year, and a large part
of this he dispenses with generous
hand
Although the central figure of fac
ton which demanded an increase in
the assessment of railways, Mr. Cum
minis is not an extremist nor yet re
former. In the capacity of attorney
he has served railway corporations fol
many years, and as member of the
legislature has effectually opposed
legislation which these corporations
desired to have enacted, but which he
believed to be detrimental to the inter
ests of working men and against pub
lie policy.
The story of Mi. Cummins' life is
not vastly different from the story OF
other successful mems lives, but it is
interesting nevertheless. 1t is a story
of advancement from the carpenter
bench. He was born in Green county
Pa, fifty one years ago. Of Scotch-lrist
parents. The family possessed little
means and in the early years of Mr.
Cummins' life his living was self-earn
ed, just as in later years his education
was acquired through his own persist
ent efforts and personal sacrifices.
Works His Way at School.
1 When he had worked his wa,