davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-09-03
ROOT, TAFT AND WRIGHT.

st. Louis Globe Democrat-The Unit
ed States can generally command thu
services of good men in high places
Root steps down from the post of Sec
rotary of war, and Taft, the governor
of the Philippines, takes his place, the
latters' station being taken by Wright
the vice governor of the islands
All these men were virtually new ia
the country when named for the Places
which they now hold. Root was be-
lieved to be only an experiment when
he was selected for the war Office by
Mr. Mckinley. He rendered such ex-
cellent service, however. that he was
continued in Office by Col. Roosevelt,
Judge Taft, though known in Ohio ia
many persons, was scarcely name to
the great mass of his fellow country
men when he was ent to the Philp--
pines as the civil head of the archipel.
ago. Wright, who has good reputar
ton among his neighbors in Tennes-
see, was seldom heard of outside Of
that state at the time he went to the
islands. Each of these three was Civ
en- task of great difficulty for which
he had no previous preparation, and
each acquitted himself to the satisfac.
ton of the administration at Washing.
ton and of the great bulk of his cour
trymen.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-09-03

rated in the currency system of the
United States. which would make it
more suitable to the changing business
needs, cannot be questioned. But un-
til a plan is devised, which will be-
yond a reasonable doubt attain this
end, it is better to maintain the pres
ent currency plan, under which the
entire business world is enjoying I'M
precedented prosperity. Another con-
sideration that must be recognized is
that no well defined plan has been
proposed on which members of the
republican party (and it is by this
party that beneficial legislation in this
direction must Gomez can all unite.
While the voters are becoming better
informed in regard to the currency
question, it is still subject on which
they are, as yet, insufficiently inform
ed to pass wise verdict. Public opin-
ion on this matter is still in the en-
bryo. Experimental measures should
be avoided with great care.
At this time the proposition to
amend the currency laws of the Uni
ted States seems to be confronted by
two demands. First, the people de-
mand an educational campaign on the
currency question that they may be
better able to discern between wise
and unwise measures. Second, that
remedial measures be conservatively
handled.
1t is recognized that the admins
tration of Secretary Shaw at the head
of the treasury department has been
eminently successful Though he has
in his year and half adopted some
unprecedented measures, he has had
keen insight into the financial ques-
tons and his actions have been the
result of firm conviction as to the
outcome. 1t is gratifying to note that
not once has his judgment been at
fault as to the result of methods in
augurated by him and the people Of
the country have come to have great
confidence in him.
There is a feeling prevalent among
large portion of American voters
that could Secretary Shaw be kept
at the head of the treasury depart
ment, or could they be assured that
the financial affairs of the government
could always have a man of equal ca
pability in charge, it might be well
enough to adopt some of the measures
that are now being proposed.
In order to attain the most bene-
fetal results in financial legislation
and to meet the two demands of the
people in this matter, let Secretary
Shaw be kept at the head of the trea-
sury department for another four
years. Then let the voters of the
country put him in the presidential
chair and keep him there for two
terms. During this time let the finan-
cial educational campaign be carried
on with vigor and the people will then
be ready to decide on the question of
proper remedial financial legislation
and the members of the national con-
gress can judge Of their desires in the
adoption of such legislation.
Iowans who best know Secretary
Shaw should take up this matter and
make such demands that will result
in benefit to all the people.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-09-03
STEAMBOAT ON ANNUAL ELEc-
TiONS.

Fontanelle Observer.-The constitu--
tional amendment to secure elections
once in two years will come before the
people at the general election again
this year. Two years ago Adair coun-
ty gave majority against the amend
ment. 1t is in no wise partisan ques-
ton. The newspapers that oppose the
amendment are freely charged with
selfish purposes, in that there is more
printing to do and more to make news
papers than there would be if they
were held only every other year. This
is, of course, true, and will not be ques.
toned; but there are other considera-
lions that should not be forgotten, and
the subject cannot be dismissed with
a slur at the alleged motives of the
newspapers. The annual election is
in our opinion it is worth all that it
costs. The consideration of public
questions is source of practical edu-
cation. When campaigns are on the
people are considering the sources and
disbursements of public wealth and
the wisdom of public methods. The
citizen who studies these questions
closely is best qualified to exercise in
IelllSSnlly the TlSuI Ol lTduCulS6. 81
ennial elections will no doubt have
tendency to detract interest from pub
lie affairs, and the distance between
the people and their chosen officers
will become greater. There will be
less of responsibility and accounta--
bility. 1t should be remembered. too.
that it is when public opinion is asleep
that things go wrong. Four year terms
would also be the logical sequence of
biennial elections. The Observer be-
lieves sincerely that annual elections
will secure the best results because
more people will have better knowl-
edge of who is running and what his
record has been, and principally be-
cause there is closer relation be-
tween the people and their servants.
There is always an inclination to adopt
a change, but 1t will be well to think
twice before abandoning system that
has served well for many years and
against which there is only the arga'
ment of small expense that is really
inconsiderable when compared with
the education of the individual on pub
lie questions and with faithful and
honest public service.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-09-03
KANSAS TEACHERS REBEL.

1t begins to look as though the law
prohibiting courtship and marriage
among the teachers of the Kansas pub
lie schools during the school year is
doomed to failure. Teachers in the
Sunflower state are beginning to re-
bel against the enforcement of thia
order that is being generally adopted
by the school boards OF the comm on
wealth. The lovely young women of
the western plains look upon it as all
attempt to rob them OF the freedom
and liberty gained by their forefathers
after long years of hardship, dangers
and bitter fighting in the border war
fare. They hold that,--in the words
of the old biblical saying, sit is not
good for man {this the generic term
embracing women) to live alone" and
judging from the actions of the teach
ers of Harvey county they do not pro-
pose to turn down any opportunities
that Dan Cupid may put in their way
to obtain a sweetheart, husband and
home.
To show the feeling of the teachers
of Harvey county we quote the resolll-
lions adopted at a meeting held recent
ly in Newton:
Whereas, our fathers came to Kan.
sas in pursuance of high and holy de-
sire to establish the institutions OF
freedom and equality on Kansas soil
and did heroic service in the dark and
bloody days of the border war to estaD-
lish constitutional liberty in this state;
therefore, be it
Resolved, that we view with alarm
the tendency OF school boards in GER
tain parts of Kansas to adopt harsh
and oppressive measures in restriction
of our sacred and inalienable rights
that to submit to such tyranny would
prove us to be unworthy children OF
such noble parentage; that larger
percentage OF our teachers being mar.
riageable, we urge upon all the neces
sity of vigorous and unceasing rebel
lion against the attempts to deprive us
of our right to court and be courted
In the face Of this pronounced oppo-
sition it may be expected that the
members of the school boards of Kan
sas will feel some hesitancy about
strictly enforcing the law and it is
probable that there will be as joyous
courtships and happy marriages among
the sweet and winning schoolma'ams
of Kansas this year as formerly.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-09-03

the finest cigar tobacco in the world
right here in our own country.
My men found the exact soil want
ed in Texas, Ohio and Connecticut
and in these states we raise better to-
bacco than is grown in any of the
southern islands.
$50 it is with forestry. The
ground that has produced the big
trees and the hardwood trees must
be analysed and seed must be plant.
ed Immediately. If the necessary ele.
ments are lacking in the soil, it must
be manipulated until it will grow tim.
Der.
Science is learning how to treat
soft woods, which grow rapidly, so
that they can be made to last as long
as hard wood. This will assist in re-
ducing the annual consumption of ties
and fence posts which are no small
factor. We can only hope for
greater development in scientific re-
search.
"The fuel question must also be
considered. Every farmer should grow
his own fuel. Those woods which
are suitable for the purpose are
soft and grow quickly, and ev-
cry farmer should therefore have his
fuel patch as well as his produce gar
den.
Every child should be taught the
seeding time of trees and know when
to go to them to find the seed, and
then they should plant them. The Sc
robustness of the situation must be i'm
pressed upon the coming generation,
for they are the ones who will suffer
in event of famine.
Therefore l say let every agricul-
tural college have forestry depart
ment, and in the department study
the soil. Teach your children from
infancy the value of every tree and
the need of planting trees and you
who are older, enter in with the en-
thusiasts of the association, advocate
state forest reserve, and plant a
tree whenever you have spare mo.
ment."
These words of Secretary Wilson
are exceedingly timely and worthy
the careful consideration by the PEG,
pie of the United States. So thor.
oughly aroused are those interested in
the forestry question that it is not
to be doubted that they will find a
means of replenishing our depleted
supply of cumberland, but this move
ment can greatly be quickened if sup
ported by strong public demand.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-09-03
SECRETARY WILSON DISCUSSES
FORESTRY.

In his address before the National
Forestry association in Minneapolis,
Secretary James Wilson points to the
fact that the entire progress of our
American civilization since the time
of the thirteen colonies has been
closely associated with the cutting
down of the vast forests of our coun-
try" 1t cannot be many years until
the monarchs of the forests that have
stood for 200 and 300 years will be
transformed into dressed lumber
Realizing this men interested in the
public welfare and with the assist
ance of the department of agriculture,
have launched project for reforest-
ing this country sufficiently to meet
the demands for building lumber and
timber for other uses. To assist in
this work congress has increased the
appropriation of the agricultural de-
partment for the past decade until
now 100000 year is allowed for for
estry alone. Five hundred young
men are now studying this question
with a view to finding a practical So
luton.
In discussing the present scarcity
and the methods of discovering a
plan for reforestation, Secretary Will
son says:
I'VE have reached the point where
we may well be alarmed at the for
estry conditions. Few know where to
begin or what to do.
In twenty years the scarcity will
be felt strongly, and in forty years. at
most, unless immediate and extensive
action is taken. the entire country will
be pinched. Our timber supply will
be exhausted, and we shall suffer a
famine which England is now con.
fronting.
What we must do is to study the
soil. A few years age all our fine
cigars were coming from Cuba and
other West Indian points. | sent men
to these various places, and had
them collect samples of the soil
on which the finer grades of tobacco
were raised.
This was brought to Washington
and fanalyzed Having found the prop
critics of the soil, sent out over the
Unified States to find the same kind
andt as result we are now growing
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-09-03
TlLLMAN REPUDl.
ATED

Ii the thousands OF northerners, who
listened to "Pitchfork" Tillman dur
ing his recent tour of Chautauquas
could know to just what extent his
views are held by the intelligent peo-
pie of the south, their opinions of the
race question would doubtless be
greatly modified. There has been
much comment in northern papers
concerning this trip of Senator Till
man. Like the coming of sensation
al play Tillman was advertised as a
spectacular performer, and in this he
did not fail those who assembled to
hear him. His views on the race ques-
ton as expressed in his speeches were
such as would kindle the fires of ha-
tired and prejudice in the minds of
those unacquainted with the condi-
lions as they exist in the south. AS
the 500 or 5000 attraction Tillman
played the leading role and though he
was found to be paying invest.
ment, he did not portray to his hear
ers a true picture of the conditions
nor represent the views of the best
and most intelligent citizens of the
south.
In Carolina, Tillman's own common
wealth, the State. one of the leading
journals takes it upon itself as duty
to correct the erroneous impression
that has been given out as to Senator
Tillman being a representative citi.
zen" of that state. 1t says:
when southern man, pretending
to speak for the south, goes through
the west and north making speeches
for $500 or 5000 a night and says there
will be war unless the fifteenth amend.
ment is repealed, we hope the people
of the west and north will fully real
ize that he is disgraclng the intelli.
gence of the south and is not speaking
for the people" 1t then adds: ''If
the fourteenth and fifteenth amend.
ments are repealed, it will be done by
winning the north and west to the
views of the south by course the op
posite to that pursued by the selfish
blatherskite who would ruin all crea.
ton for the sake OF personal notoriety
and success"
1t is gratifying to know that many
of the people, who have heard Sena.
tor Tiliman during the last season, re.
ceived his statements with little Gre
dence as to there being representative
of the southern opinion. 1t is also
pleasing to learn from such a reliable
source as the State that this belief is
endorsed and it is probable that
should Tillman again make tour OF
the northern Chautauquas he would be
greeted by greatly diminished audi
enceS.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-09-03
A NoN-PoLITlcAL QUESTION.

Ii there be a member of the demo.
cratic party who is familiar with con-
ditioDs in the Philippine Islands, that
man is Luke e. Wright. Since the ap-
pointment of w. H. Taft as civil gov
ernor of the archipelago, General
Wright has held the Office of vice gov
ernor ana has been closely in touch
with the work of directing the affairs
of the islands. Notwithstanding the
non-political administration of the in
sular affairs there has been q persist
ent attempt made by large portion of
the democratic party in the United
States to make the Philippine question
a political one. These mugwumps led
by Edward Atkinson and others of his
stripe criticised and abused the late
President Mckinley and have heaped
their criticisms on President Roose--
welt and those men chosen to manage
affairs in the islands,
Now comes the intelligence that Mr.
Wright has received and accepted
from the President the appointment of
governor OF the islands to succeed Gov.
TAFT in January and the query that ma
turally arises in the minds of Ameri-
cans is chow will ii be received by the
cult of the disgruntled pessimists in
the democratic ranks that have hereto
fore criticised every move that has
been made in the administration of the
affairs of the islands?
General Wright is one of the south's
most rock ribbed democrats BY his
close connection with the affairs of the
Philippines and his careful study of
the situation he is one of the most en-
thusiastic supporters of the govern
ment's Philippine policy. He believes
in the future of the islands He be-
lieves that it is right that the United
States should govern them and he will
use his best efforts to make that ad.
ministration success, believing with
the majority of the American people
that the future of the islands under
American rule is settled.
To give to General Wright the sup
port he deserves many leading demo
Gratis, including Bryan and Cleveland,
viii have to recant their former Phil
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-09-03
JoHNsoNIsM PREVAILS IN OHIO
DEMOCRACY


The victory of Tom Johnsonism
and Organism in the recent Ohio dem
ocratic state convention. though ey--
ceedingly spectacular and apparently
overwhelming, will probably be only
temporary in it's effects. The nominal
tlon OF Mr.. johnson for governor and
the adoption of his platform indicates
That there was large element of pop
ullsm in the convention that assembled
under the democratic banner. 1t indi-
Gates the contamination of carefully
laid plans and vigorous political work
mat has been the work of Mr.. johnson
and his assistants during the past
year.
When the Johnson forces came into
control a year ago they were very
careful to leave the make I'D of the
convention in the hands of the state
central committee-appointees of Tom
Johnson. 1t is not any wonder there
lore, that in the contest of various
delegations at the beginning of the con-
Vention the Johnson delegates were
universally successful in being seated.
Though Mr.. Johnsons name. when
mentioned, was cheered to the echo,
and his program was carried out with.
out hitch, the aftermath was not so
pleasing to this element of the party.
1t is not probable that this victory in
Ohio will materially affect the action
OF other state conventions. 1t will
rather tend to invigorate the old line
democrats in their efforts to purge the
party OF the populistic teachings with
which 1t has been troubled during the
past seven years.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-09-03
M. L. TEMPLES CANDIDACY.

Des Moines Capital-Hon M. L.
Temple of Osceola is understood to be
a candidate for speaker of the next
Iowa house. Mr.. Temple has already
been nominated for the house by the
republicans of his district and there
fore is assured Of a seat. Mr.. Temple
has served long time in the house
and is therefore well qualified to dis
charge the duty of a speaker. He is
man of generous impulses and his
sense OF justice would make him an
impartial and just presiding officer
Prejudices would have no weight with
him. He has always been popular IN
the house and will certainly receive
strong support. 1t is stated that he will
send out his letters asking for sup.
port in few days. The members of
the former sessions know him and ap-
preciate his qualifications The new
members will be glad to learn more
about him. Mr.. Temple is one of the
able men of the state and is one Of
the best stump speakers in the repub.
lican party of Iowa. AS a campaigner
he has few equals. He has the fiuency
of the southerner and the argumenta-
tive ways of the northerner. He is a
native of West Virginia, where he re-
ceived his education. He and Doiliver
hailed from the same neighberhood in
West Virginia, and Major Lacey was
born not far away. Temples party ser
vice has been important. II he Is chos-
ZEN speaker the members OF the Iowa
thouse will have no cause to regret this
faction.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-09-03

ippine views They will have to unite
with the republicans in making the adj
ministration of the island affairs a
nonDolitical question. The successful
solution of the questions that arise in
connection with the islands govern
ment is a difficult problem and one
that demands the best efforts of the
man in charge encouraged by the NOR
al support of the American people.
President Roosevelt selected General
Wright for this post, not because he
was a democrat, but because he has
served long and faithfully in the Phil
ippines and because he understands
thoroughly the conditions that there
exist. This is long step in the right
direction to best further the interests
and develop the resources of the archi-
pelago and one that deserves the COM
mendation of every patriotic Am erican
citizen
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-09-03
HAS ENOUGH OF BRYAN AND
BRYANISM.

In a communication to the Chicago
Chronicle, l.. H. O'Conor offers some
pertinent comment upon the career of
W. j. Bryan during the past ten years
and the teachings he has advocated
during that time. By way of preface
to his remarks concerning the Nebras-
kan MI. O'Conor says: at seems to
have been decreed by heaven that no
man should know it all. Some excel
in one thing, some in another, but no
one in all. If one engages i'll or advo-
Gates certain line of business and it
is put to the test and found that it will
not work it would appear like blind
idiocy to continue that which has been
determined a failure.
"Mr. Bryan has been before the pub
lie gaze for some ten or twelve years.
failed to meet public approval" They
were found to be altogether impractic-
al in the United States and because Of
this have been twice refused by the
voters of the country in national cleo
ton.
Mr.. O'Conor points out that Sin at
tributing the failure of the endorse.
ment of his theories to Mr.. Cleveland
Mr. Bryan is wrong He points out as
the real cause that his theories were
lacking in common sense and were
strongly diluted with dishonesty that
few honest democrats who knew the
true situation. could vote for him." In
face of this statement from member
of the democratic party it is not
strange, that during the past few years
there has been steady estrangement
of the members OF that party from the
Bryan camp, which will undoubtedly
result next year in victory for the
reorganizers.
In summing up the situation in the
democratic party, Mr.. O'Conor con-
cludes: AT the present time there is
great need Of patriots not that class
who would live off the country, but for
the country Mr.. Bryan aspired to be
patriot, but his prescription was so
unpalatable and nauseating as to be
imperative. Would it not therefore
be in good taste, even a patriotic act,
for Mr.. Bryan to go away back and sit
down. -