davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1903-12-31
lNHUMAN HUMANITY.

Burlington Hawk Eye.-The inhu-
man side of our humanity is now and
then disclosed to the world in most
startling and horrifying circumstan-
ces. The latest. and one of the most
revolving instances of the lower in
stinct of man getting the upper hand,
is illustrated in the accounts of the
wreck of the Duquesne limited on the
Baltimore & Ohio near Connellsville,
Pa. The robbers Were on the scene
early, so the account runs, and had
secured their booty before the res
cuers arrived upon the spot of the
catastrophe. The work of tearing the
rings off the fingers of the dead, the
stripping the corpses of all jewelry
found, was carried on with the rapa-
cious greed of human sharks. The
man who could be guilty of such deeds
should not live in an enlightened
country, but should drag out his days
under the lash of a despot or the
grinding taxation of an oriental tot
tering government like Turkey. The
land of the free is by far too good a
spot on earth for such beings to dwell.
The deed is of the nature that
even some of our lowest criminals
would shrink from doing.
An incident is told of where the bet
ter nature exerted itself in a man who
was believed to be without much con-
science. All day long he rode, pris-
oner beside the sheriff. on the train.
Towards the twilight the train drew
into his own home. He was not to
stop there, simply passing through to
the penitentiary. But the wife and
child We're waiting at the depot to see
him pass through. He leaned over to
the sheriff and asked him something in
a low voice. The latter slipped the
handouts off the prisoner pulled his
big overcoat over him, and then let
him meet his family on the platform
with his hands free. And although
the officers hand rested on his left
elbow, as he greeted his wife and child,
yet the added disgrace of the irons
was not there. A bad man" he had
been. But there was something in him
which revolted at his loved ones seeing
him manacled.
1t would be well nigh impossible to
suppose that men guilty of commit
ting such deeds as those at Laurel Run
have any such shame springing up in
their beings. The very act in itself
wipes out all possibility of shame in
their makeup.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1903-12-31
AMERICA AND WAR IN THE EAST

Kansas City Journal.-Ch Changes of
scene take place in the far east with
wonderful rapidity. One day war
cloud hangs low and ominous over
Russia and Japan. The next the sun
of peace breaks through and the pros
poets for a harmonious adjustment of
differences appear bright. The third
each other with ultimatums and it
looks as IL nothing can prevent them
fl ON clashing. The last was the con-
dition of things at the most recent re-
ports. "The situation is gravar than
since the commencement of negotia-
tions,' declare the Associated Press
dispatches.
1t would be superfuous to say that
the American people hope the impend-
ing conflict will not take place. 1t would
cause terrible losses to the immediate
participants, with both of whom this
nation is on the most friendly terms.
and possibly, although not probably.
would involve other great powers. But
WHILE for moral reasons, Americans
would sincerely regret to see hostili-
ties commence they would have more
reasons from a material point of view,
for regarding. their outbreak with COM
placency than any other nation. Both
the warning powers would have to buy
arms and. munitions, and American
factories would stand at least as good
a chance of getting the orders to sup
ply them as those of any other coun-
try. Probably also both belligerents
would have to buy abroad large guam
titles of provisions, and they could not
get them without drawing heavily up
on the fields and pastures of the
United States.
Besides being in a position to fur
nish the warning powers with these
various commodities we are happily
in situation to defend ourselves
against any aggressions that eigther
might try to commit upon our COM
merce. either while hostilities were on
or after they We're ended. There would
be no repetition during the war of such
outrages as we sustained from Euro
pean nations during the Napoleonic
wars American Ships and American
goods, we may be sure, would go I'M
molested wherever the established and
recognized principles of international
law permit the ships and goods of a
neutral to go. And it is equally GER
tain that when peace was made, the
might of this country would compel
recognition Of its commercial rights
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1903-12-31
SENATOR HoAR AND PANAMA.

Chicago Tribune-The isthmus is an
Independent state. Its government
has been recognized by this country,
by France, Germany, Russia. and
Italy. 1t will continue to be indepen-
dent. The United States is bound and
has the right under the treaty of 1916
to keep traffic open across the 18th
mus and prevent fighting there. The
United States will discharge this duty
and avail itself of this right; therefore
Panama will not be subjugated by Co
lombia. The new republic possesses
the canal strip, and offers to relinquish
it to us on terms highly advantageous
to both contracting parties. What
good will it do us to refuse the offer?
None, but a great deal of harm. What
good will it do the commerce of the
world if the offer were refused? None
and great deal of harm.
All selfish reasons" says Senator
Hoar. What good will it do Colombia
for America. to refuse Panana's offer?
None in the world. The rejection of
the treaty would not affect the politi-
cal relations of Panama with Colombia
or any other country. Panama would
remain free whether the canal treaty
We're rejected or not. AS long as the
United States prevents fighting on the
isthmuS the iSthmian towns of Colon
and Panama will remain in their pre-
sent hands-the hands of the Pana-
manians. AS long as the cities remain
part of the isthmian state that state
will exist. So the rejection of the
canal treaty would have no effect what
ever in restoring things to the politi-
cal shape they were in.
To accomplish that would REQUIRE
the United Etates' full permission for
fighting on the isthmus and probably
also this country's armed Intervention
against the present Panama govern
ment, which is friendly, in favor of
the Colombian government, which is
unfriendly. Even to Senator Hoars
highly emotional and impractical mind
that must seem reductio ad absur-
dunn. Yet it is precisely the ccnclu-
sion of his logic. Senator Hoar has
three courses of action open to him.
IL he desires to see Panama remain
independent, let him be for the canal
treaty. which will benefit that little
country and this big one. If he wants
to see Panama restored to the corrupt
Colombian military dictatorship which
has never cared a deprecated peso for
that province, let him introduce res
olution declaring war against the lit
tie new country. If he wishes to have
Panama and Colombia fight it out and
the stronger win, let him persuade con-
FL ess to direct the President to take
the necessary steps for the abroga-
ton of the treaty of 1916. Senator
Hoar has a choice among three cours-
es. unless he is content merely to talk
himself out and then subside without
doing anything. The first course is
the wisest, fairest. and most satisfac-
tory. Probably, therefore, Senator
Hoar will choose one of the 'other
two.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1903-12-31
REPUBLICAN CONVENTIONS.

The republican national convention
to be held in Chicago next year will
be held at a later date than any OF
the twelve proceeding conventions of
that party The national committee
at the meeting held recently in Wash.
ington fixed the date for June 81. This
fact makes interesting the compila.
ton of the dates and places of hold.
ing the former gatherings of the re-
publican party.
Philadelphia, June IL, 1856.
Chicago, May 16, 1860.
Baltimore, June Z, 1854.
Chicago, May 20, 1868.
Philadelphia June 5, 1872.
Cincinnati, June IA, 1876.
Chicago, June 2, 1880.
Chicago, June 8, 1884.
Chicago, June 10, 1888.
Minneapolis, June Z, 1892.
st. Louis, June 16, 1896.
Philadelphia, June 10, 1900.
From these figures it appears that
no convention of the national republi-
can party has ever been held at so
late a date as that for 1904. The
election next fall will be held on the
latest possible date, namely Novem-
Der s, which will be the first Tuesday
after the first Monday in the month.
This will make the campaign exactly
as long as that of 1900 when the con-
vention was held June 10, and the
election on the sixth of November. 1t
is probable however, that the cam
paign next year will be materially
shorter than that Of any presidential
year since the organization of the re-
publican party in 1856.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1903-12-31
THE RUSSIAN AS A SOLDIER.

1.-THE Russian soldier, as saw him
during the Boxer campaign, Impress
ed me as being a fatalist of very
practical sort" writes o. K. Davis in
the December Everybody's. IF it is
his time to lose his life he will lose it,
and there is little use in trying to save
it. He might as well go to one place
as another. and it makes no difference
whether he goes into a fight or keeps
out of 1t. He travels the line of least
resistance, and from this develops a
blind, but often unintelligent obed-
fence. That sort of man makes a dam
gerous fighting machine.
With all these good qualities, how
ever, there are others not SO attrac-
tive. Big, strong, patient of toll and
hardship, he is also clusmy, stupid, and
very slow-a serious fault in fighting
men. There was a good exhibition of
the Russian lack OF. speed the day the
Pekin relief column marched from
Mahto to Crang-chia wan. For that
morning it had been arranged that
a Russian battery and battalion of in
fantry should form part of the adj
vance guard with the Japanese whom
the regular formation of the column
placed in the lead. The Japanese We're
doing their full share, but the Rus
slams could not or would not keep the
pace. After repeated attempts to get
them to do so Japan was obliged to
ask Russia to withdraw it's men and
give room to the Japanese SO that the
required speed could be made. The
Russians halted and formed beside the
road while the Japanese infantry went
by them on the double. and the bat
terry at trot. From that time until
the days distance had been made, there
was no more trouble about the failure
of the advance guard to maintain con-
tact with the enemy"
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1903-12-31
PROPOSED CHANGES IN LAWS.

recommendations looking to the
making of certain changes in the Grim
inal laws of the state have recently
been made by Judge G. s. Robinson
of the state board of control Mr..
Robinson's suggestions are:
/. State inspection of city and coun-
ty prisons.
2. Juvenile courts with discretion
airy power.
8. State reformatory for males I'M
der thirty and women under twenty
five
4. Power to suspend sentence, when
for less than two years.
5. Indeterminate sentences for all
but life prisoners.
6. Creation of parole and prison
board
Z. Supervision of the paroled GRIM
inal and furnish him employment.
Taken as whole the proposed
changes q Judge Robinson are worthy
of care. u consideration. State inspec-
ton of county and municipal prisons
would undoubtedly be change that
would tend to better the conditions of
the jails and its inmates. AS to the
JuNCAllCa SOul IL d.
pears that such a change, especially
in the larger cities of the; state, would
fill a need that has long been appar-
ent. Reformatories for young men
and women is unquestionably desir-
able feature of Judge Robinson's rec
concentrations. The proposition to
grant power to suspend sentence of
two years or less is one that should
be put into practice only after proper
provision is made for its enforcement.
The acceptance of the recommends
ton for indeterminate sentences
should be only after careful consider
alton. if at all. The question of the
creation of a parole and prison board
has received considerable attention
during the recent months and it is
questionable whether the time is now
ripe for such an innovation. Similar
objections might be raised with re-
gard. to the seventh recommendation.
While the state legislature may not
now be ready to pass upon all these
suggestions it will be wise to take
them under consideration. 1t should
be the object of Iowans to take care
of the states prisoners in the manner
that will be best for them and for
the state at large. Perhaps Judge
Robinson's recommendations will
eventually be adopted.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1903-12-31
BUSINESS REVIEW AND OUTLOOK

Reports Of the trade conditions from
all parts of the country shows that
the season. just closing has been one
of the most prosperous ever expert
enced in this country and that the out
look for the coming year is most en-
couraging for continued activity. Hol-
iday trade almost of the large cen
tiers has equalled if not exceeded that
Of last season and this activity has
penetrated to4eyery town and village
in the country. In fact the conditions
as reported by business interests in
all parts Of the country are at variance
with the "hard times" talk of certain
Calamity walters" 1t is interesting to
note the comments of prominent mer-
chants in all parts of the country rel
alive to the business of the past year
and the outlook for the coming twelve
months.
st. Louis merchants say that an in
creased volume Of traffic will go to
that city next year and that the snow
and rain have given needed relief in
the winter wheat regions.
From Philadelphia comes the report
that the general trade prospect for
1904 is bright despite what presiden-
tial year may bring.
In Baltimore that the outlook is
fair and that agricultural, prospects
at the south are prosperous.
From Pittsburg that industrial coke
users are buying freely again, which
stimulates the feeling of encourage
ment following the reafIirmation of the
steel prices by pools.
Chicago merchants say that interi-
or jobbers are buying cautiously.
st. Paul and Minneapolis jobbers
tell OF steady and general increase
OF wealth throughout the northwest,
with volume of business for the year
fully equal to that of 1902.
On the Pacific coast, notably at San
francisco. wholesale trade has been
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1903-12-31
GROWTH OF POSTAL BUSINESS.

New York Sun.-At the close of the
fiscal year of 1908 there were 1895
railway mail routes in use by the post
office department, with an aggregate
length of 1882 miles. The cost of
transportation, or annual rate OF ex-
penditure." was $36,6O7,524. Twenty
six years ago the annual rate of ex-
penditure was sS,463,197, or less than
a quarter of the rate last year and only
about a fifth of the amount which the
department will ask for the fiscal year
ending with next June. Moreover $5,-
279,S23 was expended in 19O2-0S for
railway postoffiee cars, and the aggre-
gate of all transportation costs of
19O2-03 was s65,1S6,715. The estimate
for 1904-05 of $75,12S,0o0 is strik-
ing demonstration of the rapid growth
of the postal business of the United
States.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1903-12-31
the best for years past at like peri

the best for years past at like peri
DDS.
At Cleveland the outlook for next
year is good in all leading lines.
At Louisville dry weather, which in
terferes with marketing the tobacco
crop is the only drag. In other lines
the record exceeds 1902.
+ At Boston interest and dividend dis
bursements Of this week are expected
to run up to about $25,0O0,000.
Texas railroads are taxed to handle
freight offered.
With regard to the condition of the
steel trade, which is the thermometer
OF business activity, Pittsburg, Chica-
go and Birmingham authorities agree
that a stopping place has been reach
ed in the reaction in iron and steel.
Delayed orders, many of which were
held back to see how low prices would
so, will be placed after the holidays.
The year closes with much brighter
outlook and with better prospects for
gain than did 1902. Western rail-
roads bear out the reports of CONNER
cial prosperity with adyices of ton
mage 10 per cent more than year ago.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1903-12-31
IOWA FOR COUSINS.

a few of the "trouble-seeking and
self-styled republican" papers of Iowa
have taken occasion to condemn the
suggestion that Congressman R. G..
Cousins be made temporary chairman
of the national republican convention
to be held in Chicago next June. One
of the mildest utterances is that of
the Orange City Herald, when it de-
clares that "Mr. Cousins as temporary
chairman of the republican national
convention would be misfit" How
ever, the limit is reached when the
Odebolt Chronicle misrepresents the
situation in Iowa with the following
3unsupportable statement:
"Mr. Cousins selection for the tenn
eporary craftsmanship would be a black
eye for Iowa republicanism The con-
gresham from the Fifth district
stands for policies which are repug-
Snant to Iowa republicans. He repre-
sents a defeated and discredited fac
ton in the politics of his state; and
1t is an insult to Iowa to select him
for such a position If this slap is
given, Iowa will know how to resent
t."
The Chronicles statement is made
without any regard whatever for the
truth. Congressman Cousins stands
and always has stood, for sound repub-
1ican principles. Among Iowa's many
sturdy sons not one is to be found who
is more able and consistent expound-
DIT of republican doctrines than the
brilliant representative from the Fifth
iowa district. He stands for the doc
lrines in which the republicans of the
state believe. Advocating these prin-
ciples, he went about the state during
The last campaign, and was a power in
bringing about that $4,000 plurality, by
which the republican state ticket was
elected. That does not look as though
Mr.. Cousins belonged 'to a defeated
and dissatisfied faction in the politics
Of Iowa.
Truth is. that because Mr.. Cousins
has always stood for the call wool"
Jort OF republicanism, he has been sub
,3ected to criticism from a number of
.discontented Iowa papers, but these,
by no means represent the true spirit
of Iowa republicans. The republicans
Sof the Hawkeye state are proud of
Congressman Cousins, and should the
temporary Craftsmanship come to this
state they would be pleased to see it
go to him. It would be worthy COM
pliment to this banner republican state
and a deserved recognition Of the able
pervices of this peer among republi-
cans of the nation. Iowa will be found
Tor Mr.. Cousins for temporary chair
man of the national convention, and
the republication for which he and
the people of Iowa stand will remain
long after the teachings of his critics
have been RELOCATED to political OBJ
livion.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1903-12-31
A SUGGESTION.

New York Tribune.-W should not
our democratic friends hold their ma
tional convention in New Orleans next
year, or in some other city below Ma
son and Dixon's line? They do not ex-
pect many electoral votes for their
standard bearers from any of the
northern states. They might enjoy
more hilarity and be harassed by few
err dismal approximations in the balmy
and soothing atmosphere of Dixie land
while they are selecting their candi-
dates for president and vice president
than in the less congenial and encour-
aging environment of the northern re-
gions of the republic.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1903-12-31

in the territory which is the cause of
the present dispute. President Roose-
Welt said in a speech sometime since
that the best policy for us to pursue
In international affairs is that of
speaking softly and carrying big
stick" The existing situation in the
east, and the possibilities with which
1t is pregnant. show how far he was
right. If Japan and Russie do finally
fall foul of each other. we shall be glad
not only that we have goods to sell
them but that we have an efficient
navy with which to protect goods in
transit, and that we have all the re-
sources of every sort that may be nee
essary to back up our diplomatists in
their efforts to secure and protect our
rights While the peace negotiations are
pending
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1903-12-31
NO ASSET CURRENCY.

Omaha Bee.-Senator Allison is of
the opinion that no change in the
present monetary system is likely to
be made by the fty-eighth congress.
In regard to the proposed asset cur
rency, he said he did not see that SO
radical Il change of the laws in respect
to circulation is possible, as long as
our present system of direct govern
ment issues prevail, "as it would re-
suit in a large expansion of the total
volume of currency and this expansion
cannot be checked by means of rapid
redemption, because there is no mo-
tive to press redemption" What was
further said by Mr.. Allison in refer
ence to this proposition made it en-
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1903-12-31

tirely clear that he is opposed to it,
under existing conditions. 1t is per-
haps needless to say that he has un-
doubtedly given the matter most care
full consideration and his high stand
ing as an authority on financial ques-
tions gives great weight to his opinion
regarding the asset currency PROPOSE
ton.
While it is extremely probable that
no change viii be made in the none
tary system by the present congress,
yet there will be an effort to make
some notifications in existing laws.
Several bills have been introduced in
the house. one by Representative Hill,
which proposes to make certain
changes in the present system that
are thought to be desirable. 1t is be-
lieved that If there is any currency
legislation this bill will be the basis
of it. 1t is stated that. perhaps the
measure might ~ass the house. but
there is hardly possibility of its be-
ing passed by the senate. The chief
provisions of the measure are those
permitting the deposit of customs re-
ceipts in depository banks and remov-
ing the limitation of $3,000,000 per
month on the retirement of national
bank note circulation. There is little
or no opposition to the first of these
provision, but there is strong objec-
ton to the latter, Secretary Shaw TAX
ing the view that the removal of the
limitation on the withdrawal of bank
note circulation might result in the
banks retiring circulation at times
when it would be most needed.
The present congress will do well to
let the currency question rest. The
business interests of the country are
not asking for any change, the none
tary situation is sound and satisfac-
tory and the only effect of legislation
at this time would be to disturb it.
1t is reassuring to hear from Senator
Allison that there is not likely to be
any currency legislation.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1903-12-31

were exceedingly timely, and will
doubtless be productive Of the promo
tion of most cordial relations between
the two countries
Minister Buchanan's reception by
the officials of the Panama republic is
indicative of the good feeling existing
among the people of Panama toward
the United States, and it is doubtless
that his presence in the isthmus will
greatly will greatly increase the
friepdliness between the two coun-
tries.