davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-03-24
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
PEOPLES PULPIT.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Des Moines March 1a.

Des Moines, March 10.
Editor Courier: AS an advocate of
the mine run basis, desire to reply
to an article regarding the mine run
question which appeared in the Peo-
pies Pulpit of the issue of March 16.
This question, like all fair ones, has
two sides, and | desire to defend it
from my viewpoint. 1t was asserted in
the article that there was no need of
the mine run basis in Iowa | am I'M
able to comprehend why it is not essen
tlal In this state. 1t is the only just
and equitable method for the miner
to receive pay for all the coal he pro-
duces. If the coal that goes through
the screen, under the screened coal
system, was not salable commodity,
would undoubtedly assume differ
ent position on this question, but con-
sumers of nut coal and slack are too
conyersant with prices charged for
these two grades of coal for me to
dwell on this subject. The fact that
the miners would be paid on the run
of mine basis would not necessitate Its
going on the market as run of mine
coal. Where this system is establish
ed the operators invariably screen their
coal to meet the demands of the mar
ket. The miner thereby receives pay
for all coal he produces and the oper-
ator is at liberty to make any grade
of coal he desires Taking this years
scale as a basis, the minimum price
per ton on mine run is sixty cents. the
maximum is siXty-five cents. This diff
ference of five cents is usually divided,
making the price sixty-two and one
II ;o1 of two
two and one-half cents between the
mine run price and screened coal. BY
virtue of law the gross weight system
predominates in Missouri. 1t predomi-
mates in Illinois by virtue of the efforts
of the mine workers in that state
From experience in mining In the
above mentioned state l can say that
it has proven benefit to the miners,
and venture the assertion that the
operators are still able to get in the
markets. arguments to the contrary
Notwithstanding The fact that this
question was voted down at this con-
vention was not because the miners
did not consider it a Just cause. but
in face of the fact that We are here
for an advance all along the line it
was deemed an inopportune time to
force the issue.
The national convention will not one
year hence demand the mine run basis
for Iowa because we are not recog-
nized as part of the central competi-
tive field and are not a party to the
interstate agreement. Suffice to
say this question was not discussed
at any great length and if Mr.. Will
liams can suggest any plan along the
lines of conservatism and Cancellation
that would expedite the work of this
convention on some of the live issues
we have here, | believe it would be
gratefully received and we would be
relieved of criticism so far as dead
issues are concerned.
VIM. H. Rodgers.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-03-24
A WORTHY OBJECT.

The people of Iowa are contributing
literally toward the relief fund of the
suffering inhabitants in some sections
in Sweden and Norway. Never has a
call for aid made by a foreign people
been more worthy of serious consid-
GRAFTON by American citizens than that
now being made by Sweden and Nor
way, and it is safe to say that no APP
peal has touched the American heart
deeper than thai coming from those
stricken countries.
The people who have come from
those countries to this have not only
contributed their share to American
progress but they fell in quickly with
our civilization and are true to the
land of their adoption and broad in
their patriotisnl. AS citizens. in every
way. we are proud OF them. Now
that their kindred in some sections OF
the mother countries are on the verge
of starvation, there is every reason
why we should hasten to their relief
not only because il is humane to do
so, bur because the representatives in
this country have earned our most
kindly consideration.
1t is a pleasure to state that all oy-
or the United States where people are
appealed to liberal contributions are
being made The demand for immedi-
necessary that starvation may lie
ayerted. Money cannot be given to a
more worthy object and let it betgiv,
en- in sufficient amount to save the
lives of those stricken people
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-03-24

the government stands ready to give
its assistance"
This late movement virtually shuts
American meats out of Germany, and
will do SO entirely if the home product
is sufficient for the demand and at
prices the people can afford to pay
Germany has been studying protection
and has seen wherein it fosters indus
tries and encourages the people to
labor and invest. American producers
will naturally regret to lose the meat
trade of Germany hut the loss can be
largely made up in other ways without
making concessions to the injury of
our own people.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-03-24
SUBSCRIPTION RATES.
Daily Courier, / year. by mail. ..$4.00
Semi-Weekly Courier, year. -. l.50
THE ISSUES CLEARLY DRAWN.

The issues in the present city cam.
paign are clearly drawn, and it is up
to the people TO decide upon what
kind OF an administration they want
during the next two years. 1t is not
question of personality. We are all
citizens together and it is a question
of what is for the best interests of all
the people of the city, that is TO be de-
termined at the election a week from
Monday. The republican city conven-
ton was right in charging the present
democratic administration with gen
eral extravaganza in city expenditures
and marked favoritism in the distri--
button of public patronage" THE
PEOPLE HAVE THE ABSOLUTE
RIGHT TO KNOW FOR WHAT AND
4 TO WHOM EVERY DOLLAR HAS
PENDED BY THE CITY GOVERN
MENT
The republican city convention was
right, in holding that ''the city of OF
tumwa needs at this time, as never be-
fore, a wise, conservative and econom-
ical administration in order that the
expenses may not exceed the reve--
n,ies and that the taxes already bur-
densome may be reduced, instead or
increased"
The present city administration has
shown it's inability to solve the water
works question and to handle other
matters of great Importance in bust
nesslike manner for the best good of
the community. We charge that a
blsinesslike mana cement of city af--
fsf,, II ,SrSfr ost fxrrfN
have enabled the city to save large
sums of money paid out in extra legal
expenses and court costs.
The present city administration is
fully committed to the policy of IL
censing gambling and prostitution by
means of the collection of monthly
fines. On the other hand, the republi-
can candidates are pledged by the res
ollltions adopted at the city conven-
ton TO unalterable opposition to the
city government entering into a part
nership with vice, with system OF
licensing gambling and prostitution by
means OF monthly fines or assess
mems" The voters of this city are
called upon to decide squarely be
tween the issues as above presented
with a full knowledge that the city
Z will be governed iii accordance with
the vote of the majority for the next
two years.
The question of municipal owner
ship OF waterworks does not enter
into this campaign. AT previous
election the citizens have declared in
favor Of such policy and no council
will fail TO provide for municipal own
ershipl Of the waterworks plant in this
! city when the same can be brought
about legally and upon terms that are
advantageous to the people.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-03-24
AN ELASTIC CURRENCY.

our closest students of finances be-
lleve that commercial conditions in
this country demand an elastic curren-
cy which can be created by the nation
al banks with perfect safety without
any loss to the government or any dan
ger to the solidity OF our financial sys-
tenn The plan suggested by most of
them is for banks to secure to the
satisfaction OF the treasury depart
ment the increased circulation they
may issue above what the national
banking law provides they can issue
under their charters and thus increase
the circulating medium quite materi-
ally.
At certain seasons of the year, es-
peclally when crops are being moved
and live stock marketed or when large
wholesale houses receive their imports
a larger volume OF currency is needed
than is at command under present fl
nanclal conditions. AT the present
time the secretary of the treasury is
worrying over the money that must
be drawn out of actual circulation to
meet appropriations for outside pur-
poses. The commercial transactions
in this country are so gigantic that
when actual cash is diverted into other
channels or sent abroad to pay for
imports there is a shortage at home.
1t is claimed by financiers that with
an elastic currency, which can be
used in time OF great commercial &C
tivity and withdrawn when not need
ed, there would be money to meet the
demands of trade. 1t is also claimed
by the same men that within a very
few years the increased output of gold
and silver mines will give this nation
all the money it needs to transact
business. Certificates can be issued
against this security or it can be scat
tered among the people in lieu of pa
per money.
The question OF an elastic currency
is receiving serious consideration by
the government, and when a practical
plan is formulated congress will be
asked to pass law empowering ma.
tional banks to come TO the rescue OF
the commercial interests of the coul
try. OF course were hard times to
come upon us there would be no call
for an increased volume OF currency
but as present prosperity bids fair to
continue for a long time something
will probably be done to meet the de.
mands of increasing trade.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-03-24

The table given above is one of aver
ages, and includes all classes of teach
ers, embracing city superintendent,
teachers in high schools and rural
teachers. 1t will be observed, if you
desire to go into the subject deeper
that the pay of the rural teachers must
scarcely furnish them living while
employed. The few who draw good
salaries figure in this average, which
naturally cuts down the actual amounts
rural teachers receive.
1t is a matter of shame that the great
state of Iowa crowds down wages OF
teachers instead of increasing them.
The Des Moines Capital pertinently
asks: rs it possible that the people
of Iowa, boastful of their intelligence
as they have so long been wont to be,
will permit travesty of this charac-
ter to continue for any length of
time?"
Under present wage conditions there
is small inducement for young men es-
pecially to adopt the profession of
teaching as life calling in Iowa. They
can make more in nearly every other
calling with less expense for prepare
ton and more certainty of permanent
cy. Iowa cannot afford to have poor
schools. but with underpaid teachers
nothing else can be expected. 1t is
time to make change for the better
instead of the worse, as has been the
case for some years.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-03-24
WHAT is REPUBLlcANIsM?

Hampton Recorder-That there are
differences OF opinion among the re-
publicans OF Iowa on the tariff ques-
ton, or as to the best method of deal
ing with it. need not be denied. But
the republicans of the state have in
times past differed more widely on
questions OF public policy than they do
now and still they have always come
together, and we shall on this question
that now confronts us. AS is to be eX-
pected. the democratic press magni-
fly these differences, and attempt to ag-
gravate the situation. by saying all
that can be said to widen the breach,
or rather to make breach between
what may be termed the two wings of
the republican party in the state. We
regret to note too, that there are
few republican papers whose utter
ances seem to tend the same way
and whose policy il literally carried
out, would hopelessly divide the party
We take it for granted that these
sheets do not mean all they say. and
that the rabid and extreme positions
that they assume are for the purpose
OF furthering the political ambitions of
friends and favorites. and that after
the next state convention they will be
found in the ranks, doing effective
work and Loyalty supporting the repub-
lican party and it's policies All this
discussion between those of the same
party is proper and needful, but such
discussion should be in a proper spirit
and not conducted in such a manner
as to furnish material for the opposi-
ton in the next campaign, or that Of
1904.
There is an evident disposition, too,
on the part of some newspapers, to
charge those whose views on the ques-
ton now confronting us are different
from those supposed to be held by
men in high places-our national OF
state administrations for instance
with disloyalty to party leaders. The
republicans of Iowa have ofen voted
for men with whom they differed on
minor questions, or in the method OF
dealing with greater questions, and it
stands to reason that many of them
may be called upon to so vote again.
Freedom of thought has always been
characteristic of Iowa republicanism
and no man, however high in his Off
cial position. has had dispensation
to set himself up as inspired to say
what is and what is not true republi.
canism. That must be left TO the com
bined judgment OF the members of the
party, but the Westminster catechism
style of policies does not go with the
republicans Of Iowa, and there are toe
many in the ranks OF the party who
think they know something about the
true gospel OF republicanism them
selves to be told that the only essence
and saving grace of their creed is
wrapped up inside the clothing OF any
one or half dozen men.
Several years ago, when the Iowa
republicans We're trying to get togeth
er on the prohibition question Sen
ator Harlan came out Of his long re
tirement from active politics and was
chosen temporary chairman OF the re
publican state convention. He gave 4
clear and concise definition of true re-
! publicanism. and Went on to say that
While it was To be expected that mem
bers of the party would disagree upon
minor questions. there were essential
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-03-24
Mo Carpenters in Sight.

There has already been enough
discussion of the Iowa republican plat
FORM" says the Algona Upper Des
Moines Republican, "to settle it that
nobody is clamoring for the job of
carpentering it. The work will logic
ally go to the old contractors and they
will not be overbothered with sugges
tons from people who may incline to
fancy other styles of architecture.
There are certain few settled princi
pies in architecture and in politics, and
the farther one gets away from them
the farther he has to travel back or
he gets left
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-03-24
EVIDENCE OF PROSPERITY.

All fair-minded and unbiased stu
dents of economic questions believe
that home markets for the products
of American farms and factories are
better than foreign markets When &,
people is prosperous enough to con-
sumo what is produced at home, or
the bulk of it. there need be no cry
of hard times. 1t shows that the peo-
pie are employed and investments
bring good returns. 1t is a matter
of history that in countries where for
eiGn markets are depended upon to
keep labor employed wage earners
are generally poorly paid and condi-
tons are against good times and ma
tional progress.
For more than a generation the peo-
pie of the United States have been
good consumers OF home products. AS
result all industrial lines have eX-
banded and the nation has grown rich
and independent. The protective pol
icy of tie republican party since the
close OF the civil war made it possible
for the manufacturing, commercial and
agricultural interests of the country
to plant themselves on firm founda-
tons. With the phenomenal growth
of these has followed of necessity in
creased population, population that
earns at home the money to consume
what it needs.
The country that possesses profit
able home market can afford to sup
ply foreign markets without direct
profit, because in the production of a
surplus labor is employed and the ma
terial wealth of the country is increas-
ed This is a plain business PROPOSE
ton recognized by all economists
We're IL not for our protection policy
conditions would be different. In a
Irecent address Andrew Carnegie put
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-03-24
Out of HARMS WAY.

Fort Dodge Messenger: A rich Chi
cago girl who wished to do some char
liable work has been set TO address,
ing envelopes by one of the philan-.
thropic societies of her city. Doubt,
less the officers OF the society thought
that she could do less harm among the
poor that way than any other.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-03-24
The Willows Case Anain.

Editor Courier: The list of witness
fees and other expenses allowed and
paid by the city council as published in
the Courier of March is, discloses
very interesting state of affairs.
The question naturally arises why
COSTS which may ultimately be taxed
to plaintiff in the case were paid by
the defendant before the case was de
cided against such defendant? The
question as to why the taxpayers OF
Ottumwa were called upon to pay
these costs amounting 10 S4Sl
where the city was not defendant IN
the case is a technical one and not to
be considered at present.
Was the city council knowing It's
days were but few at the public crib,
afraid to trust it's successors in the
matter?
There is another phase of the case
that is equally interesting. We find
among those to whom witness fees
were paid several employees of the
city, among whom the present side
walk commissioner, b. c. Rooms, draw
ing a regular salary from the taxpay-
ers, was paid witness fees amounting
to $3.50.
city in the city engineers office, was
paid witness fees amounting to $3.50.
Street Commissioner P. B. Murphy
was paid $3.50.
S. H. Burton was paid $110 for max.
ing a survey and in addition $2O.25
for witness fees.
Should the celebrated willow case
finally be settled in favor of the city
and costs, taxed to the plaintiff, how
would the city recover these costs
which the council has prem aturely
paid? Surely they see the hand writ
ing on the wall
Another Anxious Taxpayer.
And Still Another Taxpayer Wants to
Know.
Editor Courler--In your issue OF
March Is you published list OF VII
ness fees paid by the city in the Wi
| low Case"
am not very conversant with the
rules and customs in such cases, but
| if | mistake not the witness fees are
not usually paid until the case is de-
cided. In this instance the jury hung
and there was no decision. Suppose
when the case comes to trial again the
city, or rather the gentlemen who are
sued, should win the case, would not
the costs be charged up to the plant.
! ifs
| If am right in this.was it good bust,
ness judgment on the part of the coun.
Gil to be in such hurry to pay these
costs? In fact was it legal for them to
do so? ! for one, believe that it was
misrepresentation of the city funds.
Then again. see there were at least
| three city officials, who drew fees as
witnesses If am not misinformed
this is illegal.
1t might not be amiss to call special
attention to the, fact that we have q
city solicitor. drawing good salary,
an attorney, who is by many believed
to be one OF the best III the city and
4 yet The city paid ont $125 in extra at
1 torney fees for This case alone.
is il any wonder that our taxes are
/ so heavy, that man OF moderate
means. cannot afford to own a home?
X. z.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-03-24
IN DEAD EARNEST.

When w r. Hearst, the noted pub
Usher of yellow newspapers announced
himself as presidential can
didate on the democratic
ticket. The matter was treated
as joke. Very few people thought the
young man meant II: but Il appears
he was in dead earnest and he is now
busily engaged in pcrfcctipg plans to
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-03-24
cLEvELANp,s TRIP WEST.

Since it was announced that former
president, Grover Cleveland intended
to make short tour of the west, the
democratic politicians have been try
ing to guess his object and are Won
dering why he chooses this particular
time when the party is out Of tune
with itself and with the country They
do not take kindly to the proposed visit
as they think it means more than
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-03-24
Better Hurry UP Things.

Cedar Rapids Republican: When the
new library has finally been decided
on, there will be a great sense of relief
throughout the city-especially among
the men who will earn wages building
the library. The city is entitled to the
expenditure of that $4,000 and en-
titled to it now, before Mr. Carnegie
withdraws the offer
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-03-24
Art the Whole Thina.

Senator Cullom of Illinois expresses
the opinion that there is no general
demand for tariff revision and there is
not likely to be any in the next con-
gress. This opinion, the Council
Bluffs Nonpareil thinks, should have a
tendency to disabuse Iowa republicans
of whatever notion they may have had
that they are the whole thing.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-03-24
The Need of Houses.

Boone News: One of the assessors
on the south side has enumerated elev-
Story and Cedar streets, and twenty
six born from Cedar street east, with
about one-fourth of the population of
the first named district No wonder
they are building houses in the fair
grounds.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-03-24
A Flat Headaear.

Muscatine Journal: The new hats
for women are SO fiat that bird
perched upon them would look as big
as an owl or a Plymouth Rock rooster.
Ii the society for the prevention of
slaughtering birds can maintain the
fiat hat as the standard of fashion it
will have won bloodless struggle.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-03-24
Can't Be Kicked out.

The talk in some of the eastern
newspapers ;" says the Manchester
Democrat. "about reorganizing the
democratic party so as to exclude Mr.
Bryan from it's counsels is the silliest
of prattle The next democratic nomi-
nee for the presidency might as well
try to run to get to the moon as to run
for the Office of president without Mr..
Bryans support"
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-03-24
Worse Than Missouri,

Creston Advertiser: South Caro-
lima should pray to be divorced from
the curse of Tillmanism. The blight
is more serious TO the reputation of
that state than was the James boys
reputation which pursued Missouri for
so many years.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-03-24
An Embryo Statesman.

The Cedar Rapids Republican says
Mr.. Hearst's apparent reluctance to
accept the invitation to the Jefferson
banquet may be due to the desire to
be urged little more. "Coyness, as a
means of drawing out greater enthu-
siasm," the Republican points out, sis
not an unknown thing even to an en-
bryo statesman"
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-03-24
Blind Persistence.

Was there ever before in the world S
history such an example Of blind and
logged persistence in following dead
Issue asks the Tama Herald. com
mentlng on the persistence with which
the Kansas City platform democrats
stick TO their idols. "Thc Kansas City
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-03-24
IOWA PRESS COMMENT.
The Cause Located.

Des Moines Capital: After seeing
the portraits of some of the Iowa edi-
tors in the Sioux City Journals pic
ture gallery it is easier to understand
how some of them can write such
alfred mean articles as occasionally
they are wont to do
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-03-24
Had to Hit Him.

Sioux City Journal: The Missouri
legislature finally defeated the JIM
crow car bill, but to show that it was
not altogether friendly to the colored
brother it passed a bill making chick
en- stealing felony.