davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1903-01-07
The Everlasting Catalpa.

The Department of Agriculture
henceforth will urge upon farmers
throughout the United States the
economic value of planting groves of
the hardy Catalpa.
1t is an almost indestructible tim
Der. Representatives of the Govern
ment Bureau of Forestry have been
making detailed study of the uses to
which the wood may be put. In
Southeastern Missouri they secured a
post which for fifteen years served as
a fence post on farm at Charleston.
Missouri, and was then turned over to
the st. Louis, Iron Mountain and
Southern Railway where it played it's
part sturdily in another fence for
twenty-three years more. Today it
shows not the slightest traces of
decay. A tie which had been in
actual use on the lines of the Louis
vile and Nashville for eighteen years
was found to be in perfect condition.
Even where tine spikes had ,ierced
the tie the wood was thoroughly
sound.
For telegraph and telephone poles
the hardy Catalpa is unequaled. The
few groves in the West are s9eedily
making their owners rich, and the
Government experts are Urging
farmers to devote as much land as
possible to the cultivation of this
probable tree.
These groves can be cultivated with
little trouble and expense, and if
ordinary vigilance is taken to protect
growing trees from certain parasites,
the hewn wood becomes practically
indestructible; for nothing. the
scientists say. can successfully attack
the cut timber. 1t is the hope of the
Bureau OF Plant Industry that a
realization of the great market for the
hardy Catalpa timber, which at pre-
sent is very scarce, will result in
vast tracts of artificial forest on the
now treeless plains of the West.-
Saturday Evening Post.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1903-01-07
A Year of Progress.

In the year just closed the greatest
event was the settlement of the Beer
War followed, by the voting of British
millions for the rehabilitation of
South Africa the largest internation-
al incident was the work of The
Hague tribunal in deciding the
"Pious Fund.- dispute between the
United Statess and Mexico; the most
stupendous financial operation was
Mr.. Morgan's steamship combine,
embracing 141 steamers of 1,100, 900
tonnage; the most remarkable condi-
tion was sthe continued increase of
American prosperity in spite of the
unparalleled coal strike. which was
in itself breaker of all previous re-
cords.
More prominent and spectacular
seemed the American invasion OF
European industries and markets, but
in reality the domestic showing of
American progress was the most
dazzling in the whole history OF the
world. We must 60 far back to find
ground for proper contrast. Our
national debt reached in 1866 it's
maximum of $2.3S1, $50, 214 96; at the
end of 1902 it had been reduced to
almost 5000, 600, 900, the figures for
the fiscal year ending July /, 1902.
being $93l, ,070. $40, decrease of more
than $50, O00, 900 over the year preced-
ing. All other nations increased
their debts during the year; our debt
came down more than a million dol
lars week, and that, too, against
the largest expenditures of any
Government. During the year the
imports increased and the exports
decreased, showing trade balance
loss of nearly two hundred millions.
and yet in spite of that there has
during the past two years an an
crease of over $1,000, 900, 600 in de-
posits in the national banks, while
the deposits in savings and state in
stitutions have shown similar growth.
Crops, mining, manufacture and trans
portation interests all reached their |
highest totals. = Saturday Evening
Post.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1903-01-07
FATHER CLEARY AT THE GRAND.
viii Appear January l4th, in His Famous
Lecture The Great Passion Play
at Oberammergau"

The name of Father Cleay is known
throughout the land. 1t is deservedly
so. His is charming personality.
AS a piest he is all that priest
should be. With the grace and power
of great orator he combines the
quality of a great administrator.
Accessible at all times, quiet and
unpretentious, he has made his own
love him for his devotion to even the
humbliest duties of his priesthood.
He has made the non Catholic public
esteem him for his independence of
thought and has devotion to the cause'
of the suffering and toiling masses of
the people.
Twenty-Five years as priest have
furnished the amplest evidence of the
greatness of the achievements of
Father Cleary. He is beloved, not
because he Is able and eloquent, but
because he is earnest and untiring in
the doing of good to those around hin
and because he is ever ready
sacrifice his own ease and interest,".
and to do his duty fully to his church,
to his God, to his fellow men. -
Northwestern Chronicle. st. Paul.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1903-01-07
State Teachers Association.

Supt E. j. Hook arrived home frol
Des MONIES on Saturday, where he
had been in attendance at the annual
meeting of the State Teachers Associ-
alton. one of the largest gathering
in the state, the average attendanc
being about twelve hundred. Supt
Hook had the honor to be member
of the committee to nominate officers,
representing the county Superinten-
dents section, and was prominently
mentioned in connection with the
presidency of the association. Thurs
days Register and Leader publish :
his picture in connection with 81
Superintendent Barrett and 9th
He refused to allow his name to &C
before the association on account
personal friendship to ether can
dates. Prof. f. L. Coffeen was chos
chairman of the northern section, !
presenting twenty counties.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1903-01-07

The investigation by the executive
council of the complaints against
Auditor of State Merriam is now a
closed incident. At a meeting of the
executive council Friday morning
the opinion of Attorney General
Mullan was read, and following a
session late yesterday afternoon, the
council issued statement exonerat-
ing the auditor. This statement was
based on the attorney generals opin-
ion, which holds the auditor is not
required to account for charges made
IN the examination of insurance COM
panies. The attorney general holds
that the auditor cannot conduct valid
examinations of companies organized
outside of the state without authority
from the council, but the council
in it's statement holds that inasmuch
as Mr.. Merriam had authority to
make examinations from the preced-
ing council, he cannot Justly be
criticized.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1903-01-07
K. of P. DedicatOry Banquet.

Last Friday evening was a gala
night for the Knights of Pythias of
Decorah, when they dedicated the
new hall over Brunt & Parman's drug
store, which has just been fitted up
for them in modern shape. At half
past six O'Clock the Knights and their
ladies marched in to the music of Hell
wigs orchestra to a sumptuous ban
quet which had been prepared by st.
Agatha's Guild, a spread which was
dainty and served in most pleasing
manner. Upon finishing the banquet,
Atty. Frank Sayre as toastmaster, in
his accustomed inimitable style,
took the assembly under his charge
and announced the program of toasts,
the following responding to the toasts
noted:
"Our Guests H. L. Walter.
"Our Hosts Mrs. H. A. Warner.
"Castle Hall" DR.. W. Conover.
"The Rank of Pythianism''
"The Lodge VS.. The Home''
Mrs. /. W. Brunt.
"A Pythian Expose, "Dr. p M. Jewell
This part of the program was fol-
lowed by an evening of amusement
of various kinds. 1t was altogether a
very pleasant occasion, one that will
long be remembered by those who
participated. The guests departed
at late hour, delighted with the
evenings pleasure.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1903-01-07

Edwin Markham and Admiral
Schley lead the list of contributors
to the January National Magazine.
The Admiral writes of The Sailors
Christmas at Sea. Fine full page
portraits of Congressman Cannon.
the next Speaker. and. of Senata.s
Spooner, Clapp, Hei&eld and Haw1 ),
are among the illustrations of Joe
Mitchell Chapple's Affairs at Wash
ington. 8. Glen Andrus tells how
Americans are putting hundreds of
m llions nto Mexican farming and how
thousands of Americans can acquire
homes there. Robert B. Armstrong,
secretary to the Secretary of the
Treasury, contributes quickening
discussion of The Shriveling of the
Earth through the agencies of COM
merce and invention. Caccie Hunt
Latta, Sophie Hammond, James Ball
Naylor, Leavenworth Macnab and
Lyle o. Harris are the story tellers.
The Nationals stories are always ex-
cellent. The poems are by Frederic
Lawrence Knowles, Sam Walter Foss,
Mary v. Hobart and Edward L. Peter
son. The Nationals poetry is quoted
everywhere.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1903-01-07
School Children to See the Fair.

John r. Waller of Rockford has de-
vised plan for sending 200, 900 school
children of Iowa to the st. Louis ex-
position. provided tie children enter
into their part with the proper zeal.
His plan is as follows:
The plan is to organize central
bureau with competent man in
charge, the headquarters of which
shall be in Des Moines. The teachers
throughout the state shall use their
utmost endeavors to induce the
scholars to set themselves to work to
earning $50 each, and this shall be
deposited as reserve fund to be used
in defrayipg each individuals ex-
penses TO the exposition. The SCHOOL,
shall be in charge of competent
teachers during the whole time they
ments for transportation, boara and
admission to the exposition will be
contracted by the bureau. Arrange.
ments will be made for boarding ,00(
persons in a place. Each excursion
will be allowed to remain at the ex.
position twelve days. A competent
physician shall accompany each ex.
cursion. Each individual will be
charged 30 cents, which shall be used
as a physician and hospital fund, the
bureau paying the same. Each pupil
shall supply himself with blank
book and shall keep dairy of what
ever is interesting, and shall reserve
the same.
Mr.. Waller estimates that the en-
tire expenses of each child will bt
only $17. so, leaving 81. so wherewitl
to purchase souvenirs.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1903-01-07

The United States treasury started
the new year with more gold in its
Vaults than this or any other govern.
ment has ever held at any time be-
fore. There is now in the treasury
building and in the various sub
treasures throughout the country
t615, $40. .867 in gold. These holdings
are four times as much as the present
holdings of the Bank of England, one
and one-half times as much as is held
by the Bank of France, four times
as much as the Imperial Bank of Ger
many holds, and nearly twice as much
as the Imperial Bank of Russia
possesses.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1903-01-07

If the Standard Oil Trust wants to
incur the real enmity of the people in
this period of coal famine-an enmity
which will not be readily forgotten
or forgiven-it will continue to raise
its prices every week or two. When
corporations, in order to acquire great
wealth, take advantage Of the needs
and distress Of the people of the
country they plant seeds of trouble
which they will be fortunate not to
reap in whirlwind.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1903-01-07

Archbishop Keane, of Dubuue. has
been defeated in q suit brought by
O. j. Sherman and John Hanfeldt,
OF Williams, to recover %. .4SC which
the plaintiffs subscribed to build q
church at Williams. Judge Geo. Dyer
held that they were entitled to re-
cover this amount with interest. The
plaintiffs made their subscriptions
conditional upon the assignment to
Williams of priest who should speak
two languages. They claimed the
church did not keep it's part of the
contract.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1903-01-07

Secretary of War Root has been re-
ported as contemplating retiring from
the Cabinet, and this report has also
been denied. Mr.. Root is but wait
ing, 1t is believed, to accomplish some
OF the reforms in army matters for
which he has been working during the
past two years. He is very able
lawyer and before his entry on his
present duties had one of the largest
and most lucrative practices in the
city of New York. His accession to
the Mckinley administration was
most fortunate, for the War Depart
ment was badly disorganized and the
annexation of new territories had in
volved many perplexing legal ques-
tions. Possessed of remarkable exocu-
tive ability, with wide experience
in business and legal matters, broad
minded, with wonderful capacity
for work, he brought order out of
chaos, and piloted our colonial policy
through the dangerous shoals which
threatened shipwreck at the outset of
our world-power career. Should he
leave the cabinet his passing will be
a distinct loss.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1903-01-07

Henry Neal, Speaker Henderson e
colored messenger. has occupied his
present position ever since his ap-
pointment by Mr.. Randall. Then
he said he hailed from Pennsylvania,
and as succeeding speakers were
chosen he promptly changed his birth
place to the various states from which
they came. It rather stunned him
when he was informed that Mr.. Hen
derson was native of Scotland, but
he compromised by declaring himself
q resident Of iowa On March 4,
next, he will doubtless transfer his
allegiance to Danville, Ill. He has
hardly ever been out of Washington
in his nfe."
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1903-01-07

The Department of Agriculture
has, for the past three years, been
making extensive experiments in
specialized tobacco culture in various
states. In Connecticut many acres
have been covered with canvas stretch
ed over frames in an endeavor to dup
licate the famous and expensive Suma-
ira tobacco and these tests have been
wondrously successful. In South
Florida considerable acreages are be-
ing planted to Cuban cigar tobacco,
and now Secretary Wilson receives
word from his experts in Eastern
Texas that conditions of soil and
climate have been found which &C.
tually produce the finest Cuban tobac-
co. Samples grown have been SUBJ
mitted to leaf dealers and brokers in
New York and Philadelphia, and they
have pronounced them the Cuban Leaf
with the peculiar and characteristic
aroma of the Cuban tobacco. The ex.
pert tobacco men who have been study.
ing the matter are enthusiastic over
the possibilities of producing in oul
own Southwest the highest grade
Cuban tobaccos. Further and more
exhaustive experiments, however, will
be made by the Government before
any encouragement is given to the
Texas growers
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1903-01-07

In the current magazine number Of
The Outlook particularly good por.
traits with brief sketches are given OF
Mr.. Cannon, who is to be almost Ger.
tainly the Speaker of the next House
of Representatives, NJ. Jusserand, the
new French ambassador, who is dis
tinguished for his literary as we'll as
his political achievements, and Mr..
John st. Loe Strachey, the editor
and proprietor of the London "Spec-
tator," which has no superior as a
critical weekly paper. Mr.. Strachey
is now visiting this country.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1903-01-07

Today, Wednesday, at the ho
of the brides PARENTS Ill Pleass
township, occurs the narfia
Miss Clara Barth, daughter O
and Mrs Valentine Barth, I
Michael Barth, youngest son
and Mrs. John B9 firth. Both of
young people cobme of highl
spected families and have
acquaintance who join us in W
them all the joys of happy
life. He
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1903-01-07

President Roosevelt has again made
known his disapproval of the oppres-
sion Of the colored people of the South
by their white neighbors. Mrs.
Minnie Cox, who has served efficient
ly as postlnistress at Indianola, Miss. /,
for several years, recently sent in her
resignation to the President, claiming
that she was prosecuted and that her
life was in constant danger because
Of her color. An investigation proved
her claims to be true and the Presi-
dent has ordered the post Office discon-
tinued until the case can be settled.
Both Mrs. Cox and her husband are
respected citizens of Indianola. are
owners Of considerable property and
some of the most prominent white
men Of the town went ON her bonds.
It IL the rougher element of the town
that has been at the bottom of the
trouble which caused her to resign.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1903-01-07
Homeseekers' Excursions.

Homeseekers tickets to nearly all
points on sale at low rates by Chicago
Great Western Railway on first and
thi,d Tuesday of each month, Novem-
Der to April inclusive. Available in
the through tourist sleeping cars
For particulars apply to any Great
Western Agent, or j. P. Elmer, G. p.
A., Chicago, Ill. 45-9
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1903-01-07
More About Fruit Trees.
Burr Oak, Jan. 3, 1908.

DaAA Ooh, Oahs iCOc.
Ed. Public Opinion:
In last weeks paper 1 noticed a
writer giving theory in regard to
fruit trees and different varieties
adapted to our soil. The varieties
for summer use mentioned are all
hardy trees, especially Duchess, and
good bearers, but not desirable apple
for market. I have sent this apple to
the Dakotas for market and it did not
pay for shipping. For fall apples
with my experience the Wealthy is
the best he has mentioned for flavor
raised in this section. l have raised
the varieties mentioned for winter
use, and believe the Tallman Sweet
the best apple for all purposes both
for eating and table use. In conclu-
sion ! find out orchards with the best
Of cultivation soon die. Can Mr..
Bents give any theory for this, except
the severe winters? l have never
seen an apple raised in this part of
Iowa that could equal in flavor the
Northern Spy, Spitzenberg, Rumbo
and Rhode Island Greening. I have
sold apple trees by the thousand for
Is cents piece for a Waukon nursery,
and ! have never met with man that
paid the dollar mark for one tree.
Such should wear the dunced cap, or
the agent like Adam of old, be driven
out of the garden. Such agents are
drove out Of this country.
d. P. RICE.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1903-01-07

Here's q good one: He is member
Of the "Sharks''' who frequent one of
oLr popular amusement places and
who. outside of enjoying little
"snit" and an occasional exciting
game Of cards. has but one failure,
Observation-Disclosures. The other night
when he got home during the wee
sma' hours he knew there was some-
thing he wanted to do, but he
couldn't for the world remember
what it was until he had sat mp for
over two hours trying to think. Did
he finally remembers Well, yes he
discovered that he had wanted to 60
to bed early that night. Then 1t was
time to change clothes and get ready
to 60 to work. Yes. this is absent
mindedness, and no mistake
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1903-01-07

In his annual address before the
State Teachers Association Presi-
dent Shelton made the statement that
"three-fourths of the teachers in the
rural schools Of Iowa are absolutely
worthless and an equal proportion Of
the money spent is absolutely thrown
away" If that be true the "Iowa
idea" should be changed to fight for
better schools.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1903-01-07
Coming January IS:

The production of Holden Bros.
"Denver Epxress" promises a few
genuine surprises in theatrical
achievements, both mechanically and
artistically. One critic who wit
messed the first prodcution in New
York, wrote thus tersely of it;
IA great deal of laughter, a tear or
two, thrill and vision of human
nature that touches the heart and
sends You away in pleasant thoughts. y
Denver Express will he at the Grand
Jan. 10.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1903-01-07
card Of Thanks.

The Undersigned desire to express
their sinoerf thanks to their friends
and neighboSs tor their kindly assist
ance and syfmpathy duringIthe Hines
and burial Of their HUSBAND knd fatb'
Mrs. John Bolger andA.Fa.nily
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1903-01-07

F. B. Hartman, superintendent OF
the Dubuque division of the Illinois
Central, has issued a circular to the
agents in his territory urging them to
secure the names of boys and young
men Of good habits and repute, with
q view to offering them positions in
the service of the company. The idea
is to have a list Of available men
which the company can draw on from
time to time as needed. Only young
men Of good character and good stand.
ing in the community will be con.
sidered by the agents addressed. Ths
idea is an excellent one, and will nc
doubt be Of practical benefit to the
company.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1903-01-07
To Standard Telephone Subs

Subscribers aFe requested
all directories of date pre-
Dec. 10, 1902, $50 as to avoid G
in looking for numbers. 2
directories only should be .,
P. Moran, mallager. 53-3
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1903-01-07
Skating Contest.

There will be fancy and fig
skating contest at the boathouse 5
urday, Jan. 10th, at 800 o'cloc
IN. Free for all to compete for
championship of northern Iowa.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1903-01-07

George B. Lincoln, chief clerk in
the Des Moines pension Office, has
been given an appointment by Secre-
tary Shaw as special agent in the
New York customs house.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1903-01-07

The Upton Advertiser, Congress
man Cousins' home paper, says he
has 80 far improved that he epxecti
to leave for Chicago January 8 fol
Washington to be present at the open
ing OF Congress after the holiday re-
cess. His friends are glad to learn
Of his recovery and hope he has CON.
-quered his illness for all time.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1903-01-07

Last year ls4, ,542 men applied for
enlistment in the United States army,
Of which only S7.46l, or 80 per cent.
were accepted. The army standard
maintained in this country is unques-
tionably the highest in the world.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1903-01-07

The principal event in commercial
circles the past week was the landing
Of the new Pacific cable at San Fran
cisco last Thursday, January l, and
the establishment Of telegraphic COM
muDication with Honolulu. The
cable will be at once extended to
Manila. via Guam, and the promoters
expect to have the entire line finished
by July 4.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1903-01-07

B. F. Gunderson, of Ossian, has
been succeeded by ]. F. Wall, of
Ringgold county, as clerk in the state
auditors Office at Des Moines.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1903-01-07

Justice Shiras of the U. s. Supreme
Court is to retire some time during
the winter, having passed his 10th
year. He will be succeeded by
Judge Taft, now governor of the
Philippines.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1903-01-07
Nothing Else So Sure.

Mothers who give their little
Mothers Worm Syrup give then
incest tasting and most effective ,
medicine made.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1903-01-07

There are seven applicants for the
Kensett post Office. Congressman
Haugen's troubles are getting close to
home in that contest and very likely
some Of his long time friends will
have to be disappointed.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1903-01-07

Beginning with the new year. the
loriot judges Of the state will receive
the benefit Of the raise in salary the
Legislature voted them last winter.
The salary is now $500, raise Of
$1,000.