Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1903-01-13
LOOKER-ON IN IOWA:


Shell Rock, Jan. 12.-The citizens
around here and adjoining towns are
watching the legal proceedings in the
Bussey case with much interest. 1t is
no exaggeration to say that If this self
confessed murderer escapes the gall
lows either by fine points of law or the
action or inaction of the governor, the
people will consider 1t an outrage.
Things have reached such condition
that future wife murderers had better
select some other locality If they wish
to avoid trial by Judge Lynch, who
| knows little of new trial. supersedeas
proceedings, or appeals to supreme
courts, or executive clemency.
80
The hard times chap has come to the
front again. Not all over Iowa, but in
spots. He can look you right in the
face and swear he lost his crop, and
then admit he sold only 800 bushels of
oats at % cents. He will also admit
that off the same number of acres last
year he raised $50 bushels of oats and
sold them for II cents per bushel. And
his corn crop, perfect failure" Has
only 200 bushels in the crib; ought to
have had 1000 bushels. Yes, he is hold
ing it.; has been offered AZ cents; thinks
he will get so cents by first of May.
even IL it is soft. These sufferers ought
to read some letters coming from Nor
way just now. Then they would hear
of real hard times, real bad crops, real
suffering. AS one Norwegian told the
writer in Ogden, IF these men were in
Norway they'd have something to talk
about this year."
AS this is being written, Billy Mason,
of Illinois senatorial fame, is receiving
probably a quietus He made big
roar over the political assessments
made in Illinois, knowing all of the time
it was customary and necessary part
of political organization. But not every
reader of this column knows just how
hard the man holding political Office in
Iowa is regularly assessed and obliged
to contribute. Common practice Is to
assess every Office holder 10 per cent of
his salary. and If this meets the eye of
any lucky individual who gets off for
less don't congratulate yourself till
out of office. The boyle man will get
you yet.
These assessments come every year.
There's no escaping. Yes, there is one
way. Make up your mind that you are
holding office for the last time, and
never expect to ask for political prefer
ment again, and the result will be just
what you expect.
Do you want to be delegate to the
next presidential convention? If so be-
gin to write letters now. Show to all of
your friends that you have contributed
to every campaign fund for the past
twenty years, averaging 5000 a year
The larger the amount the better the
chance of your successful aspirations.
Commence now to call on and shake
hands with every politician you know,
and some you don't. Get your home
delegation to begin work now Take
time by the forelock, for behind she is
bald"
Now, assume you're one of the lucky
(?) men to help nominate Roosevelt for
a second term. AS soon as you are Sc
lected you Will have a chance to con-
tribute few dollars to some political
reception. If Roosevelt comes to Iowa
it will cost you $780, Somebody's got
to dine and wine him. Chip in. Then
the state central committee has to raise
money for the fall campaign. They must
hire halls, hire speakers and brass
bands, pay printers and hack men, Car
fare? Well, it's not heavy item of ex-
pense to politicians "BNt we think you
can afford to contribute 500 to cam
paign funds Yours. John Jones, chair
man state central committee"
Finally. comes the date of the ma
tional convention. Probably July 4th
independence day. And two months
before you will get letter from some
reliable politician who has been select
ed as advance agent, sort of sergeant
Of arms for the Iowa delegation to the
national convention. He has been in
structed by the delegation to go to-
Chicago, where the convention will be
held, and secure rooms for Iowa at the
auditorium. Also to secure hotel ac-
commodations for you If desired; also
to buy flags. flowers for decorations,
and badges. To meet this expense he
has been requested to make an assess
1nent on each member OF $500. He does
not say anything In this letter about II,