Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-04-17

| uIdleu ny MI. Lacey. AS q maLIer OIL
fact these matters have largely been
turned over to Mr.. Lacey; he is recog-
nized as authority in this particular
field.
1t seems that peculiar situation
exists in Alaska. When we enacted
the code of Alaska in the last session,
either by accident or oversight the
laws then in existence there, which
We're in fact the laws of the state of
Oregon extended by act of congress
to cover Alaska, were repealed, in
Guiding the game laws. Previously
the game laws of Oregon had been
those of Alaska The new Alaska
code contained absolutely nothing up
on the subject of game restrictions,
consequently the slaughter of the
game, which constitutes the subsist-
ence of the Indians there went on in
an unparalleled manner. Major
Lacey says it is reported to him upon
good authority that one Englishman
| upon an island along the coast killed
$50 walruses in one day, leaving them
to rot upon the sands, not even carry
ing off the tusks. killing them simply
for the delight of slaughter.
'1t appears" continued Major La
cey, that at some points in Alaska
from 5000 to 10000 deer skins haze
been shipped from single port The
Indians have been induced by the Of
fer Of thirty or forty cents per skin,
to kill deer merely for the hides. thus
destroying their own future subsist-
ence. This situation calls upon con-
gress for immediate relief"
This bill framed by Major Lacey
throws such restrictions around the
game that it will increase in the or
binary ratio instead of being killed
eff entirely within a few years as
were the native wild buffalo in the
United States.
Several congressman made inquiries
touching the scope of the bill which
they had not previously read. but no
objection was raised to immediate
consideration and when the vote was
taken not mo" was heard. Immed-
lately following the passage of this
bin the Cuban sugar concession prop
iosition came up and then something
was doing.
loWan Wants Office.
George Van Houten. who has been
in the city several days, pressing his
claims for a consular appointment. is
not receiving encouragement that JUS
titles him in building very large hopes
upon ultimately landing anything very
good. Although Mr.. Van Houten has
good support it appears to be the be-
lief in Washington that Iowa has been
fairly well provided for and there is a
disposition to give scant encourage
ment to requests for official recogni-
ton, at this time.
Rural Mails in Iowa.
Iowa congressman continue to give a
good deal of attention to the rural
mail proposition. Notwithstanding
the fact that Iowa, perhaps, has as
large, if not a larger number of free
rural routes than any other state in
the Union, relatively, new routes con-
tinue to be established and there is
constant pressure to secure more.
Several inspectors are now at work in
Iowa at this time and many new
routes will be announced this spring
Iowa Federal Appointments.
1t may be stated upon authority thai
the President has given no attention
in detail to the question of federal APP
pointments in Iowa. 1t is said he is
in no way familiar with the situation
has given no consideration to the mat
ter and his probable action is moi
| known.
Iowa Delegation Changes Front.
| There has been some slight change
in the attitude of the Iowa delegation
toward the Cuban reciprocity PROPOSE
ton. At least one member, who has
been opposed to the twenty per cen
| reduction, has come over to the posi-
ton taken by the ways and means
committee. Judge Smith has hereto
fore been with the anti-concessior
forces. 1t is announced now that hi
will vote with the administration
forces.
i Iowa Man Promoted.
M. L. Eidsness, of Graettinger, Palt
Alto county who has held a position
in the senate for some months, ha!
been promoted to the position of mes
senger to committee, place carry
ing salary fifty per cent in excess o
the one previously received by Mr.
Eidsness. Mr. Eidsness was formerl,
in the folding room in the house o
representatives but lost his position
last fall in the shuttle.
A Washington Expression.
Uncle George has removed his over
coat. This phrase, common in Wash
} ington, being interpreted, means tina
George Washington has been relieved
} of the little coop or house that during
the winter has hidden him from publ,
view.
Directly east of the main entrance t,
the capitol stands a statue of Georg,
! Washington, representing the Fathe
of his country sitting, robed, with bar,
arms and shoulders and holding al
olive branch in one hand. Upon tn,
base of the statue appears the sent
ment, First in peace, first in war an,
first in the hearts of his countrymen.
/ The action of the elements upon tn,
lstone prompted the authorities t,
have built small house which eacl
fall is rolled out upon the plaza ant
over the statue, and there it stands
throughout the winter. At that tim,
it is said Uncle George has put on hi
overcoat. When spring is ushered il
the movers come: take off one side O
L L III /