Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-01-21

the Inauguration, wanted first
to see the big building where laws are
made and whence emanates that in
tangible something which is the con-
crete will of the whole commonwealth.
1t was something of study to watch
these visitors from the upper rotunda.
Some came in aimlessly and gaped
about in open-mouthed wonder, pear
ed into rooms and drew back timidly,
looked in upon the House and Senate
and again wandered away, perhaps by
some occult process of after memory
to take all these snapshot pictures
and arrange them in proper sequence
Others more ess-like-usually
family parties these - took in the
whole building methodically. Pater
families is usually interrogative, the
mother mildly amazed and beamingly
appreciative, while the younger ones
indulge in superlatives of admiration
Will Expedite Business.
The action of the house this morn
ing in passing resolution that nc ap-
bills should be considered
If not presented before Feb 90 and
the foregone conclusion, that the sen
ate will concur indicates the desire of
the twenty-ninth general assembly to
know the worst as soon as possible,
and to have it over with. The warn
ing of State Treasurer Gilbertson that
the finances of the state will not stand
an unusual drain without drawing up
on the future, is likely &c make the
members more conservative. "Hhis
makes difference" l heard one sena-
tor say today. I'VE mustn't go be-
You'd our means no matter what is cur
tailed" And this seems to be the
prevailing sentiment. 1t is therefore
hardly safe to expect anything much
beyond the usual appropriation bills.
Talk of MuIct Law.
One hears but little talk of either
mulct or prohibition. There are of
course some arguments made for
amendment in the direction of greater
liberality, but this is hardly probable.
A representative from one of the riv-
er counties said to me today: Cover
nor Shaw's message declaring the de-
crease of crime IN Iowa, coming after
a period of greater liberality to the
liqour dealers, should be sufficient to
refute til a old argument that crime is
increased as the saloons are less re-
stricted The people of the river
counties" he continued, ARE not law
breakers of choice, but of necessity.
Rival communities operating in other
states would soon rob them of prestige
and prosperity should they set out to
obey the strict letter of the prohibit
tory law. AS best they can they
guard against possible evils and wait
the time when more liberal law will
again admit them within the pale.
Home for Inebriates.
am informed by prominent SEN
ator that he has received number of
suggestions that the institution at
Knoxville, built for an asylum for the
blind but not used should be convert
ed into a state home for inebriates.
OF course if the good people of Knox
vile had to choose between the ad.
vent of a lot of embyro school ma ans
and lot of old soaks there would be
no doubt as to the selection. But the
fact is advanced that the buildings are
in no way fitted for normal school
and its use for that purpose would en-
tail large expense, while it is admir-
ably adapted as a reformatory for re-
pentent drunkards.
An Insurance Proposition.
Considerable talk is heard of insur-
ance legislation, but nothing authentic
or definite. 1t is not believed that the
valued policy bill will pass, though its
introduction is expected. A represen-
tatlve who is interested in this sub.
ject advances the idea that each com
pany should be required to deposit at
least 100000 in cash or securities
with the state, as guaranty fund. The
result of this, he explains, would be
to drive out the wildcat and virtually
bankrupt companies now doing bust
ness in the state with merely nomi
nal capital Then, he reasons, if these
solid companies are prosperous others
will be formed and competition will
bring down the rates to the lowest
point compatible with safety and good
management.
The reception at the state house
this evening was brilliant affair and
for hours the big building was throng
ed with those who wished to greet and
congratulate the new governor.
Governors Pardon Board.
An attempt is being made in certain
quarters to find fault with Gov
Shaw's pardon record, recently pub
lished. The fault finders make claim
that some of these pardons and pa
roles were granted without general
desire on the part of the communities
interested, and that many of them
were kept from the public until the
report had to be made to the legisla
ture. Not finding any adverse senti
ment, or next to none, these parties
are endeavoring to manufacture some
How about the sentiment in Cedar
| Rapids in regard to the pardons grant
ed convicted men from that locality;
was asked last night of one who is
prominent in his home community
las no complaints have been made,
was the reply, Il would imagine that
the people are satisfied Many of oul
best citizens have signed petitions fol
the release of these men, that they
might return home and support tkeil
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