Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-03-18
IOWA, ST. LOUIS AND 80 CENTS.
Des Moines Capital.l-

1t is with a sense of profound relief
that we notice that the senate has
reached the conclusion that SIS, 900
will be an ample amount with which
to enable Iowa to make a showing at
the st. Louis exposition. The recon-
mendation of the senate comes as a
forcible rebuke to that blooming ag-
gregation of prodigal sons who pro-
posed that the state should blow in
the ~stupendous sum of $250,000 mere
.ly to help celebrate a commonplace
event, like the anniversary of the
Louisiana purchase.
But while fully approaching the mo-
tfves which have prompted these gen.
tlemen in their conclusion, we are new
ertneless persuaded that they will en-
terrain a motion to reconsider in case
"a showing can be made to the effect
that there is still ample opportunity
for economy and a chance to make a
saving for this poverty-stricken state.
With an appropriation of $4,000 it
is doubtless expected that the bulk of
that amount will have to be utilized in
the erection of a building. It is a
foregone conclusion that labor and
building material are both going to be
high. Hence, If anything like a suita-
Bile structure is erected, there will be
a comparatively small amount left for
other purposes.
After weary days and %sleepless
nights of incessant thought upon this
problem, we believe We have reached
a solution which the members of the
legislature will be only too glad to act
upon and thus further fortify them
selves In the affectionate regard of
their taX-ridden constituents. Our So
luton is this: Abandon the idea of
erecting a building altogether, and
procure a large tent. Such a canvas
as Forepaw or Ringing Brothers are
wont to spread, or like one of those
which are frequently used for; large
political meetings, would be sufficient
to answer every purpose. Further
more, a large white tent would be sug-
gestive of originality; it would illus
trate the supreme contempt for the
glitter and the tinsel which our plebi-
an natures have never vet made an
effort to conceal; it would exemplify
our affinity with the soil which is the
basis OF all the fame and all the glory
to which as a commonwealth we are
wont to lay a particle of claim.
We trust the state legislature will
pardon a few other suggestions. In
case the tent idea shall be adopted.
why would it not be a good plan in.
stead of using the ordinary center and
ridge poles for supporting the canvas
to use large pillars of baled hay? Why
not cover the top of the canvas with a
layer of cornstalks to insure the rain
against coming through and soiling
the pumpkin displays beneath? Then
the question might arise as to what
material should be used for flooring.
Why not cover the ground beneath the
canvas with bound volumes of agricul.
tural statistics? Certainly no driver
material could be found, and these
books, incapable of gathering damp.
ness, would not be in danger of warn.
ing and getting out of place. AS to
music, it will probably be just as well
to do away with that feature entirely.
In some of the apartments into which
he tent would be divided of course
displays of Iowa live stock would be
made, and what need of other music
would there be if visitors to the Iowa
Pavilion were being entertained by
sqtealing pigs, cackling hens and bel.
lowing kline all vigorously c%ontribut-
ing TO n grand ensemble of bucolic
melody?
We fully appreciate the fact that the
Legislature is up against one of those
trying situations which ever and anon
arise to make the life of the modern
statesman anything but one grand,
sweet song. With the kindliest Of
motives We have been constrained to
come to the rescue, and in this con
nection We have but one concluding
suggestion to make, and that is This:
From time immemorial Iowa has been
featured as "a Farmer State" and in
the name of all that our people hold
dear let the Legislature do nothing to
hazard the perpetuity Of that long
cherished tradition.