davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-02-10
AN lMPRAcTIcARLE SCHEME.

All extraordinary or sensational
schemes proposed for the public bene-
tit are nearly always impracticable.
All legislation must have the basis of
common sense, in order that it may
appeal to the public Judgment and
with such appeal secure enforcement.
There has recently been introduced
in the United States senate proposed
constitutional amendment that is to
prohibit any person from accumulat-
ing a fortune of over ten millions of
dollars. There is an absurdity about
the proposition that rather forbids dig
nified comment, but let that be dis
missed There is a sentiment abroad
that would restrict and constrain indi-
vidual endeavor and the sentiment is
growing because colossal fortunes are
being heaped up before the eyes of
the public and the query is: When will
this thing end?
We shall nearly all agree that indl-
vidually We will not run up against the
law nor the proposed constitutional
amendment and acquire fortunes be-
yond ten millions of dollars, but that
is not the point at issue. If this gov
eminent can restrict capital in the
way proposed by Senator Wellington,
it can do other things equally as fool
ish and still more Objectionable, view
ed from the standpoint of personal
liberty.
Legislation should be general and not
special; it should be made so that eX-
traordinary fortunes cannot be attained
by methods that ruin others and that
great poverty cannot come to any man
who is willing to work; yet despite all
such wholesome provisions there will
occasionally turn up extreme cases
of ill luck and consequent suffering,
as well as extreme cases of great luck
in discovering mineral or other treas
ures and consequent luxury. All this
cannot be entirely avoided, but it can
be moderated and still give men and
women fair chance for individual
effort and for all the prizes that should
be won by successful competition.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-02-10
MINISTER BoWEN's. REPLY 7
% THE ALLIES.

The emphatic rejection made by
Minister Bowen to the demands of the
allies, Germany, Great Britain and
Italy, that they be given preferential
treatment in the settlement of the
claims against Venezuela has met with
general approval throughout the Uni
ted States. An agreement has already
been reached that thirty per cent Of
the customs receipts of the ports of
Porto Cabello and La Guayra shall be
applied to the liquidation of the debts
OF the South American republic. OF
this amount the powers demand that
they be given twenty per cent. This
would leave but ten per cent with
which to discharge the obligations of
Venezuela to the United States.
France, Denmark, Spain, Holland and
a number of other world nations.
To this proposition Minister Bowen
answers that the adoption of such a
principle would establish a precedent
entirely Objectionable to the civilized
world and contrary to all interpreta-
ton of international laws. He holds
that to give preferential treatment to
the allies would be to inaugurate a
principle for international observance,
that to obtain a first lien ON the assets
of any nation another country has only
to make warlike demonstration.
while the nations that have maintained
peaceful relations must wait until the
the accounts with the attacking ma
tons have been squared. Such a course
would plainly tend to put premium
upon war and tend to encourage every
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-02-10

cious elements, this protection of vice.
this connivance at the violation of law
that has become a feature of munich
pal administrations in the state of
Iowa must inevitably in time bring
down upon the fair name and honor
of this state the curse of God. There
will be retribution and the people will
finally rise up and wipe out the whole
nefarious system, but in the mean
time irretrievable harm and wrong
will be done.
Absolutely the most worthless indi-
vidTal to the community is the gambler
He produces nothing, he does nothing
that is of any value to the community
in which he resides or those with whom
he comes in contact. He is a leech on
the public, pure and simple, and the
money which he filches from his delud-
ed victims is money which nine cases
out of ten belongs to the family and
which if it did not go into the hands
of the gambler, would quickly find its.
way into the hands of the local mer-
chants in payment of the necessities
OF life. But because the gambler is
ready and willing to pay monthly
fine, and because city administrations
want this money to spend wisely or
otherwise, he is permitted under the
protection of guarantee of non-inter-
ference to carry on his business" I'M
molested
Where is the responsibility? Some
people say it is with the city officials
who should not do these things. We
do not agree with those who say this.
The city officials are simply carrying
out the wishes of the general public as
expressed at the polls at the general
election. sThe conditions with refer
ence to the monthly revenue derived
from vice in Ottumwa for instance,are
the direct logical and entirely natural
result OF the last city election. To
blame the individual city officials for
this condition of affairs is nonsense.
The responsibility is back and beyond
the individual. The responsibility is
with the majority of the voters who
said at the polls that they wanted this
very condition of affairs to be brought
about in this city. The question is
now up to the people, how long do
they want it to continue?
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-02-10
ADDIcK's WITHDRAWAL.

The withdrawal of j. Edward Ad-,
dicks from the senatorial race in
Delaware has caused considerable
surprise throughout the United
States. Addicks and his faction have
long been in control of the political
situation in the eastern state They
have used their supremacy with high
hand and there seems to be good
ground for belief that it has at times
been used for selfish purposes. Dur
ing late years strong anti-Addicks
faction has grown up jim the republi-
can party of Delaware and the fight
has become so bitter that it has serv-
ed to deprive the state of representa-
ton in the senate of the United
States.
Since the last state legislature was
installed the fight has been renewed
but the situation up to the present
has been such that an election has
been impossible A short time ago
there were many rumors of union
between the anti-Addicks faction of
the republican party and the demo-
Gratis OF the state assembly with a
view to the election of one republi-
can and one democratic senator The
democrats, however, became impa--
tient and limited the time in which
the ants should signify their accept
ance of the offer. The deal was not
made. Now Mr.. Addicks, cognizant
OF the fact that his election to the
senatorship was impossible has for
mally withdrawn in the interest of a
union of the party. Whether Mr.. AID.
dicks has card up his sleeve with
which he still has hopes to control the
policy of the states representatives
remains to be seen. Meanwhile his
announcement of withdrawal for the
purpose of preserving party harmony
should be received with due regard
and Judgment withheld as to his sin
cerity to await the light of further de-
velopments.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-02-10
Some of the politicians of eastern

Some of the politicians of eastern
Montana and western North Dakota
have concocted a plan for the
formation of a new state that
shall be comprised of the parts
of these two states which they repre-
sent. The reason they give for this
action is that they desire to be separ-
ated On account of the corruption that
exists in the other parts of these
states. The desire to be rid of cor
ruption is well enough, but should their
scheme be carried out what would be-
come Of the remnants of the two COM
monwealths?
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-02-10
Time to Sober UP.

The Cedar Rapids Republican con-
siders the Iowa mulct law as a fair
ly good law-about as satisfactory a
liquor law, on the whole as has yet
been devised. in cities like Cedar
Rapids" the Republican continues, 1T
is comparatively inoffensive, because
the saloon keepers here strive to live
up to it to an extent that meets the
requirements Of the spirit OF the law.
The saloons here are out of politics.
They close at 10 o'clock at night and do
not open on Sunday. Still, there is
no one in Cedar Rapids suffering. The
notion that men must guzZle all night
and Sundays is an erroneous one. Give
men few hours in which to sober
off.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-02-10
Is a Doubt.

The Council Bluffs Nonpareil doubts
whether j. B. Sullivan, in expressing
the opinion that southwestern Iowa
democrats will prefer Gen. Weaver
for the gubernatorial nomination
above all others. speaks authoritat
1Vely. The Nonpareil thinks Gen
Weayer's friends might have consid-
cradle trouble, for instance, in lin.
ing up the ninth district democrats,
who are on record against the Kansas
City platform. AS Gen. Weaver stands
for the principles of that platform and
all else that is radical, the Nonpareil
concludes that if his candidacy de-
ponds upon the ninth district for sup
port it will fail most certainly
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-02-10
The Combination.

Messrs. Cleveland, Olney, Whitney
and Shepard CHANGED to meet in New
York the other day, and the meeting
is responsible for an outburst Of en-
thusiasm in the Burlington Gazette
With these men leading the demo-
cratic party, the Gazette asserts, on
a platform denouncing trusts and de-
manding tariff revision, with ticket
headed by Olney, there would be a
political revolution that would sweep
the country like massive tidal wave"
Concluding, the Gazette says: THE
democratic signs of the times are GER
tainly becoming bright and luminous"
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-02-10
WHAT PROMINENT MEN SAY.

Chas. Emory Smith: Our moral in
fuence is equal to our material
strength. The great powers of Europe
are engaged in rivalry of contention
as to which is the best friend of the
United States. England and Germany
combined against Venezuela, but both
declared before they began that they
would enter upon no violation of the
Monroe doctrine. The United States
speaks out for arbitration and they
both respect its voice and accept its
will. Our state department protests
to tie signatories of the Berlin treaty
against oppression in Romania and
our remonstrance is needed and the
amelioration of its representative laws
already begins. We demonstrate
against too severe an indemnity from
China and the allied powers, eXacting
as they may be, are constrained to
moderate their terms. We stand for
moral right, we stand for magnanim-
ity, we stand for justice among ma
lions and the righteous influence of
our position makes itself felt through
out the world. We have mission in
commerce and civilization, we embody
the spirit of liberty and humanity and
We have no right to let our light be
hid.
A. G. Stillwell of Kansas City: If
the population of Holland should an
nounce that it was coming over in a
body to the United States to live. the
country would instantly be in hustle
to provide homes. build railroads and
1,,,c 70 -
the increased population. And yet
at the rate the population is increasing
the country is gaining every three
years a population equivalent to the
entire number of people now living in
Holland. We don't prepare for their
coming because we don't realize how
fast the country is growing.
j. w. Huston of Salt Lake City:
When left Salt Lake City few days
ago | was a democrat and Gentle,
but if stay east a little while longer
| might become republican and a
Mormon. This feeling has been
brough about by the unfair and ungen-
erous remarks | have read in certain
eastern papers concerning our newly
elected senator, Reed Smoot. | have
lived IN Utah since 1889, and have
always been opposed to Mr.. Smoot po-
litically. AT the same time know him
well and know he is a gentleman, a
man of excellent ability, of the highest
morality, and the husband of one wife
How could a man be rejected solely
for his religious belief, or because of
the fact that he holds a high office in
a certain church? Such attacks as
have been made on Mr.. Smoot only
make his people stick to him the clos
er, and by that mean the whole
people of the state of Utah, irrespec-
tive of religious creed or sectarian af-
filiation.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-02-10
Annual Cleaning.

The Waterloo Reporter, discussing
the proposed annual cleaning day,says
such an institution would result in
some surprises even in Waterloo
Think, for instance" the Reporter
goes on to say, what it would mean
if the gallery in the opera house was
scrubbed out once a year And even
in Waterloo there are some people
who might be benefited by an annual
bath, even though it has to be applied
compulsorily.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-02-10

The veterans of the Civil war who
attend the national encampment in San
FRANCISCO next August should be
well entertained. The state assembly
has just appropriated $4,000 as a
starter to meet the expense of caring
for the visitors.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-02-10
Will Vote Riaht ANYWAY.

The democratic party cares very
little for discussions in the ranks of
the republican party" asserts the
Clinton Age, dem. Republicans may
get apart on the tariff, but both wings
VIII vote the republican ticket all the
same. What the democratic party
must do to elect a democratic presi-
dent next year is to get together"
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-02-10
Finds state Issue.

The Iowa City Republican is trying
to direct the thought of the state to
state matters and away from the tar
iff. 1t calls attention to the great i'm
provements made by the state in the
two decades following 1872, all on a
tax levy of not more than 21a mills
and with practically no income from
Incorporation fees, and, continuing,
says: "The last ten years has not more
than kept up the average of state
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-02-10
Teacher,

Speaking of the rural schools, the
DEBORAH Republican says that gener-
ally it is not the teacher who is re-
sponsible for their inferiority, but Of
tener the shape and size of the dis
trict that gives the teacher little or
nothing to work on. We do not see,"
continues the Republican, how any
teacher can enthuse over half dozen
pupils, mostly irregular in attend
ance"
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-02-10
Is Good Thina.

Referring to the reform proceedings
at Davenport. the Harlan Republican
says: We believe that a little moral
housekeeping of this sort done with
neatness and dispatch is all right. We
are not believers in the spasmodic cru
SADIE in general; but we do believe that
once IN awhile the money changers
must not be so coaxed out of the tenn
pie as scourged."
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-02-10
ADVISES Drastic Measures.

The Dubuque Telegraph with charac-
teristic zeal asserts that the South Da-
kota divorce laws are a disgrace to
Christian civilization and an everlast-
ing shame to the state" and it believes
that if the legislature lacks the moral
sense and courage to repeal them,
every state in the union should follow
the lead of Massachusetts and declare
that South Dakota divorce decree is
without standing in the eyes of the
law
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-02-10
The Weak Point.

The weakest point of our republi-
can form OF government is lack of
law enforcement" says the Marshall
town Ilmes-Republican. Every indi-
vldual is amenable to law; laws we
nave in abundance, covering nearly
every questionable act of human con-
duct; but they will not enforce them
selves"
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-02-10
RANkRUPT,s GOODS TAXABLE
Judge Caldwell Renders Opinion ON
Property in Trustees Hands.

Judge Caldwell of the United States
court OF appeals, who is well known in
this city has handed down an opinion
at st. Louis in which he holds that the
property of a bankrupt in the hands Of
a trustee is not exempt from taxation.
In giving his opinion Judge Caldwell
said that congress in passing the bank
ruptcy act had not attempted to ex-
empt from state taxation any property
of bankrupt in the possession Of a
trustee. The power of taxation was
purely legislative, not a judicial func.
ton. and no bankrupt court had any
more right than any other court to ex-
empt from state taxation property Of
bankrupt in the hands of an officer
OF the court which was liable to tax
alton.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-02-10

The destruction of the forty fish
ermen of Bay City, Mich, who had their
huts built upon the ice in the bay is
but reminder of the biblical injunc-
ton" against building house upon a
foundation of sand.''
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-02-10

The Ames Times advises Dave
Brant to leave that legislative nomina-
ton alone down in the Iowa City dis
trlct This advice it says, lis
based on what has happened in the
past. Dave eBrant's running for Of
nee has been his undoing. His con.
stltuents are continually endeavoring
to spoil good newspaper man by
making OF him an ordinary states
man." FtaS
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-02-10

The representative of the kaiser
protests that his majesty does not
desire to secure permanent territor-
ial acquisitions in South America.
But then, in the words of the old adj
age, actions sometimes speak louder
than words"
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-02-10
IOWA PRESS COMMENT.
No, Thank You.

The Creston Gazette notes the
movement for state primary election
law which is taking shape in Polk
county and says: THE benevolent
effort to impose a system which has
proved to be rotten in Polk on the
rest OF the state will doubtless be re-.
ceiVed with great satisfaction"
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-02-10
Place for coinaue.

George E. Roberts reappointment as
director of the mint indicates to the
"Marshalltown Times-Republican that
"as a place of coinage Uncle Sans
mint is more desirable than an Iowa
newspaper Office"
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-02-10
Iowa and Tourists.

The Rockford Register notes the
statement that Iowa furnishes more
winter tourists for California than any
other state" and explains that"they go
from this state because they are able
to go, and they are able to go because
they live in this state"
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-02-10
May GET Stepped on.

The Maquoketa Excelsior says it is
not lingo and is not stuck on Cas-
tros kind of government, but" it de-
clares, IF the kaiser wants to have
his mailed hand stepped on good and
hard he would better keep right on in
the course which he now appears to
be taking"
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-02-10
Not Too Fast.

Certain newspapers in the fourth
district are already talking about Con
gresham Haugen's successor, to be
nominated in 1904. but the West Union
Argo advises them not to be premature
in counting out Mr.. Haugen. The Ar
go says that gentleman will be "a
pretty lively corpse" in 1904. "He is
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-02-10
Favors Increase.

The Boone Republican favors in
creasine not only the salary of the
Presto but also of members of con-
gress. met officers and foreign min
listers. The laborer is worthy of his
hire it says, land the United States
is rich enough to pay living salaries
to its servants"
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-02-10

1t is not improbable that the in
creased activity in the navy yards of
the United States has influenced the
kaiser to continue to protest his de.
sire for the preservation of friendly
relations with this country.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-02-10

notwithstanding the estimate plac-
ed upon war by General Sherman
and the professed endorsement of
that doctrine by the people of the
United States, it is evident that the
general public still delights to read of
rumOrs of war.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-02-10
Worst Feature of catarrh,

Positively the worst thing about
catarrh, says the Rockford Register,
is the raft of homely people who get
their pictures in the papers because
some quack claims to have cured their
suffering. It's enough to make well
man sneeze."
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-02-10

Many of the people of San Francisco
have had new experience during the
past few days. They have experienced
a snow fall and have seen exactly what
the frozen vapor looks like. Could
they have been in Iowa recently they
might have seen the real thing in big
drifts
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-02-10

Colorado legislators are considering
the matter of enacting a law prohibit
ing the practice of the tipping system
Wonder if the bill makes any provision
for a member of the legislature to be
on every train that runs in the state
to see that the law is enforced.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-02-10

Iowa may well be proud of it's sons
in the naval academy at Annapolis.
The prestige Iowa has gained in ma
tional affairs was creditably main
tanned by it's Representatives in the
naval academy when three of it's
sons graduated recently with honors
from that institution and We're com
missioned in the United States navy.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-02-10

Seventeen cruisers Of the type that
won the battle of Manila may be count
ed on for service. In the event of
war the United States could depend
on thirteen armored vessels for often
sive work-the Texas, Oregon, Indi-
ana, Massachusetts, Iowa Kentucky,
Kearsarge, Alabama, Illinois, Wiscon-
sin, Maine, New York and Brooklyn.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-02-10
is Amazed.

'S-u-s-a5n!" exclaims the Keokuk
Gate City, in amazement, noting Miss
Anthony's defense of Senator-elect
Smoot, of Utah, in which she says he
is nice fellow and his religion is not
half bad
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-02-10

building, yet the state expenses have
nearly dou --~~. Here is an issue for
the repuD..cans to meet in the next
state convention. 1t will have to be
met, and it is of vastly more impor-
lance than talking about the tariff"
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-02-10
Should Be Proud

The Cedar Rapids Republican thinks
Senator Teller of Colorado has reason.
to be proud of his election. Few men,"
it says, could have lasted SO long aft
er deserving their party"
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-02-10
Cast First Stone.

Very likely says the Keokuk Gate
City, IF only cities free from sin were
to cast stones at Davenport that city
would not have occasion to complain
of uncomfortable bombardment."
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-02-10
Rather an Extra Session.

The Spirit Lake Beacon says the
senate ought to let Senator Quay force
an extra session rather than permit
him to bluff the statehood bill through
in its present form.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-02-10
Eetter Think of Future.

1t is the Knoxville Journals guess
that those boxer senators who are
blockading legislation will spend a
mighty uncomfortable summer in
Washington if they don't get down to
biz