davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08
KEEPING ELECTIONS CLOSE TOT
PEOPLE.

Cedar Rapids Republican.-The Du-I
buque Times points out that the states
which have the biennial election laws
are the ones In which there are the
bitterest contests between the factions
OF the majority party, Wisconsin for
instance. The Dubuque paper argues,
and that with very good effect, that in
states where there are annual cleo
tons there is an almost direct rule Of
the people and factions and bosses do
not acquire so much power. Where all
the elections are punched in one year
1t Is possible for the candidates to
form combinations and to perpetuate
their rule, thus resulting in the crea-
ton of boss rule with consequent re-
volts and factional fights.
The oftener the public votes in state
and county and local officials the more
amenable the officials remain to the
people. A four year term, for instance,
would give almost unlimited authority
to a set of officials for they could work
their plans and schemes and systems
out without interference of the voters.
But the fact that they have to go to
the people every year has a salutary
effect upon official life.
The argument pesented Is worth
considering. The friends of the initia-
tive referendum believe in going
to the people with each particular
question Those who believe in bien-
NAL elections instead Of annual cleo
lions are in favor of removing officials
still farther from liability to the
voters.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08

Vote against the biennial election
amendment. The constitution of the
state of Iowa has stood the test of
time and has not been found wanting.
Iowa has a splendid reputation as to
intelligence. progressiveness and sta
bility. The customs now in vogue are
all right. Don't tinker with the con
stitution. We know the election sys-
tenn now in use is all right. Why try ex-
periments? We did this in a national
election in 1892. just twelve years ago
and some of us haven't recovered from
the shock yet. Experiments are out
of style just. now
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08
WADE AND EREE rRAnE

over in the second district Judge
Martln j. Wade has been trying, evi.
IDENTITY, to conduct a different cam.
palgn In every part Of his district. This
might have been a practical plan in
the days when newspapers, postal ia.
cllltles and the other party were un.
heard of but it will not work now. A
man man must choose his plan and follow
II, no matter what locality he may
visit. In the part of the second dis
trlct where Judge Wade wants to get
the votes of the republicans who favor
protection he declares that he is not
free trader, but the Muscatine Jour
nal. which has kept tab on the
Judges actions in congress pretty
closely, does not believe him.
Just to prove it the Journal repro
duces on its front page a Photographic
copy OF the bill introduced in the house
OF representatives of tue fifty-eighth
congress by Judge Wade, which reads
as follows:
"a bill to establish reciprocal free
trade with Canada.
Be 1t enacted by the senate and
mouse OF representatives of the United
states OF America in congress, assem-
bled, that if the Dominion of Canada
shall, at any time within two years
from the date of the passage of this
act, enact such legislation as will adj
NIT free of duty to said Dominion of
Canada, and to all parts thereof, all
articles produced or manufactured in
the United States or the territories
thereof, then, and in that event, the
president of the United States shall
forthwith make proclamation thereof:
and from and after six months from
date of such proclamation all articles
produced or manufactured in the Do
minion of Canada shall be admitted
into the United States and all parts
thereof free of duty
After printing this bill, which starts
with the statement that it's object is
to establish reciprocal free trade with
Canada" the Journal asks it's readers:
Would you say this is free trade
This bill was introduced
in the house of representatives by
Judge Wade on February IS, one of the
comparatively few days when he was
able to answer present" during the
session. But it would have been bet
ter for him, doubtless, had he been
busy on com mittee work. on that day
as on others. And still Judge Wade
says: Il am not free trader and 1
ought to know something about it,"
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08
COST OF ELECTIONS.

Iowa's constitution has good, prac-
tical. honest and altogether satisfac.
tory plan of conducting elections.
When existing conditions are good,
the most advisable plan is to let them
remain so. In this case the only adj
visable plan is to allow the constitu-
ton of the state to remain as it is
for the simple reason that the election
system provided for in it is the best
sobtainable.
The principal argument advanced in
favor of the passage of the biennial
election amendment by the friends of
that measure is that the annual elec-
ton is expensive and that biennial
elections would be a great saving to
the various counties in the state. Fig
ures have been quoted in some coun-
ties showing the bulk cost of elections,
but these figures in themselves are
misleading. The fact of the matter,
according to dependable figures is
that last falls election in Iowa cost a
man paying taxes on $1,000 worth of
property, twenty-five cents. His share
of the cost of annual elections
scarcely equals his cigar money for a
day; perhaps it equals the street car
fare he pays, but it is not enough to
make any appreciable difference on
his tax sheet and this main argument
of the friends of the biennial election
plan falls pretty flat.
Who would not pay twenty-five
cents to learn as much politics as he
learns during any political campaign?
The man who does not value that
knowledge as worth silver quarter
is certainly derelict in his sense of OBJ
legation to himself and his govern
ment. 1t means something to be an
American citizen and every American
citizen should take enough interest in
his country and his state to want to
know all he can of the manner of
government and to want to take his
part in that government. He need not
be a politician to desire this knowl-
edge. Every citizen should possess it.
And the best way to obtain it is
through political campaigns. He can
not know too much and he should
know enough.
What does the average man know of
the government and the manner in
which it is conducted? Very little.
Some who have to admit this would
say. Let the politicians and the Office
holders attend to the details of the
government" but this is not the right
spirit. However, the best way in the
world to turn the government over to
those very same politicians" is
to make the number of cam
paigns and elections fewer, and
the length Of time elapsing between
them longer. It is clear to anyone
that with fewer Interruptions. a
scheme can work the better. A ring
can organize and carry out its every
plan when it's members know that it
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08
PRESIDENT RoosEvELT,s REPLY.

President Roosevelt has answered
the slanderous charges made by his
opponent. He has answered them in
an open letter in which he brands
them as false and monstrous This
letter is published on the first page Of
this paper and every voter should read
1t carefully. Mr.. Roosevelt answers
the accusations as they should be an
swered, as any falsehood must be an.
swered-by declaring them unfounded
and unqualified lies. He leaves the
matter with the public and he says
that he stands ready to be Judged on
the characters of the two men whom
he and Judge Parker have chosen to
manage their respective campaigns
himself by the character of George B.
Cortelyou, fair minded, honorable, up.
right, and firm, and Judge Parker by
the character OF Thomas Taggart, the
reputed gambler and unblushing trick.
ster.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08
REV ELY,s DIME

A case that is of interest to nearly
everyone and of special interest n
Ottumwans who know Rev. B r. s
Ely, son of former pastor of the First
Presbyterian church here and now mas.
tor at Rockford, ILL.,, is being mon.
toned in a prominent way by several
papers just now.
Dr. Ely, it seems, conducted a mar.
riage ceremony a few days ago and At
the end the groom gave him a dime in
paym ent of his services. Though the
minister refused the coin the youne
man would not accept a refusal and
finally threw the money on table
and left the house. Regarding the
occurrence the Chicago Inter Ocean nj
yesterday under the heading "Watch
This Young Man." said:
ut is too bad that the Rev. r r. g
Ely of Rockford, ILL.,, declines to make
public the name OF young man from
Beloit. whom he yesterday united in
wedlock with young woman from Be.
lott, for the world will want to hear
more of him. because of the great firm.
ness he displayed at time when m ost
young men are weak.
when the ceremony was completed
the happy man offered the minister a
dime for his fee, and the minister
promptly refused to accept it. This
however, did not shake the firmness of
the young man from Beloit. He ex.
planned that a dime was all he could
spare-that, in fact. dime was all he
could afford to pay for the services rem
dered. He even intimated that If was
enough
"The Rev. Mr.. Ely expostulated, but
in vain. The young man from Beloit
was firm. He again proffered the
dime; again it was rejected, but he
therew it on the table, and it was there
when, accompanied by his proud and
happy bride, he took his departure.
The young man from Beloit was evi
IDENTIFY determined not to be under any
obligations to the minister. He might
have replaced the dime in his pocket
The minister would have thought no
less Of him had he done so. But he be-
lieved in sticking to principle, and
was firm to the last.
Some day the young man from Be
lott may return to Rockford and Dor
row the dime he paid for his marriage
fee, but that will be different transac-
ton, and one that will have to stand
so entirely upon it's own merits that
it need not be considered here"
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08

L. L. Swenson the well known
Swedish-American farmer who has
been named for recorder of Wapello
county, is sure to make good official.
He is a steadfast republican, an hon
ored and respected citizen, man ex-
tremely well fitted for the Office to
which he aspires. Vote for him and
you will vote for business admin
stration of the affairs of the recorders
office,
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08

democratic member of the board of
supervisors will turn the affairs of the
county over to that party. A. j, Gard
ner. the republican candidate, has held
the office for one term and has given
entire satisfaction. He should be re-
elected. He. deserves reelection and
the people with whom he has dealings
are in favor of him. Don't neglect to
cast your vote for him. Put the cross
in the circle,
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08

Edwin DUNCAN who is the nominee
of the republican party for clerk of the
Wapello county district court, has had
sufficient training in the duties of the
Office to fit him for the particular
work of the clerk and to carry on the
work. of the office without the slight
est break or interruption on account
of the change OF officials. Your vote
for him could not be better placed
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08

Wednesday morning you can read
all about the republican victory in
New York, the republican victory in
Indiana. the republican victory in
West Virginia. the republican victory
in the east. the republican victory in
the west, the republican victory in
the north, the republican victory in
Iowa. the republican victory in Wap-
clio county. 1t will all be in the Cou-
rier's election extra.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08
LABOR UNIONS OPPOSE BIENNIAL
ELECTIONS.

The essence of American govern
ment is the intimacy of the people with
the affairs of administration. The gov.
eminent that is of the people and for
the people is OF necessity by the peo-
pie When the time between elections
is heightened it removes the people.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08

You want to keep the ballot in Iowa
at it's present high standard, you want
to avoid any possibility of graft and
ring politics among office holders, you
want the best election system of
which it is possible to conceive, you
want an opportunity to vote for the
men for county and state offices as
we'll as national ones. who you think
will make the best officials. Then vote
against the biennial elections amend
ment.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08

Roosevelt is going to be elected be-
cause Their never were SO many good
men ready to take off their coats and
work for candidate before. A can
didate like that doesn't need cam
paign fund.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08
The republican Center

The republican Center township
ticket contains the names of seven
men who are well fitted for the posi-
tons for which they are nominated.
No better men could be found any
where or in any party. 1t is good
ticket and one that fits we'll its place
on the official ballot this year. Don't
try to improve upon it by scratching.
Vote 1t straight through.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08

Be sure and vote. You may never
have another chance to vote for Theo-
dore Roosevelt for president. Vote
for him next Tuesday and when you
view the splendid career OF this ma
ton during the next four years under
his administration you will be able to
pat yourself on the back and reflect
upon the fact that it is part of your
doing.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08

Vote the republican ticket straight
when you go to the polls next Tues
day. Put a cross in the circle. You
cannot make better move. Every
candidate on the republican ticket, ma
tional congressional, state, county and
township. is in every way qualified to
fill the Office for which he is nomin-
ated. Every republican should vote
his ticket straight.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08

Port Arthur hasn't fallen, but the
Japanese have the pleasant reflection
to fall back upon, that they spoiled a
Russian holiday by telling. the world
that Stoessel would be made to show
the white flag on Tuesday. This is a
good war for talk, as well as for the
grave digger
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08

The country should take Henry G..
Davis seriously. The election of a
man in his dotage to be vice president
would be calamity, not a laughing
matter
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08

Democrats will get farther with
their tariff planks. when they present
arguments for adults instead of CIV
ing kindergarten talks on the basic
principle of American prosperity.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08

The democrats in New York are
making considerable outcry about not
being allowed to vote dead people. 1t
might be appropriate to use them to
support dead issues. but the precedent
would be bad.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08

At the time of the appearance Of
the Presidents letter of acceptance
there may have been ground for
doubling that the democratic policy
was Misrepresentation and SANDER,
but it seems the President knew the
democrats pretty we'll, after all.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08

Some Americans who have been in
the Philippines know that unscrupu-
lous spectators who were not allowed
to exploit the islands under the Taft
government are now trying to stuff the
democrats with tales of oppression and
corruption.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08

w. W. Epps republican candidate
for county attorney, is in every way
qualified to fill that office in a way
that will prove satisfactory and bene-
fetal to the county and its taxpay-
ers. His election will be wise move
on the part of the voters. Don't fail to
vote for him next Tuesday.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08
WABASH.
Arrive
Depart.

Arrive Depart
Nc Is Kansas City & ST.
Louis ia 700 p. m. a9:20 D. m
No. IA Kansas City & st.
Louis ...a6:15 a. m. aS:25 a. m
Freight trains carrying passengers
between Ottumwa and Moulton:
Local freight. .bs:00 p m. b3:0O q. m.
Fast freight ..a11:1e .. m a2:30 i. M
q daily. b except Sunday,
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08

The campaign is nearly over. Only
a few days remain before the votes
will be counted and the II told you
So party will spring up. Everyone
prophesies republican victory. Get
on the winning side.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08
IOWA PRESS COMMENT.

The Burlington Gazette says that
Hon. John E. Craig is an advocate of
tariff REFORM" and the Keokuk Gate
City rejoins: THAT this is another
reason why he should not be elected to
congress. The first district, regardless
of party, doesn't want its prosperity
interferred with"
iowa people will return j. P. Dolli-
yer to the United States senate with
an Endorsement by the legislature that
will mean something" says the Carroll
Herald. He measures up to the high
standard set by William B. Allison in
that honorable place and if retained in
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08

The republican party expects to be
held to accountability for it's acts. The
democratic party's record is a confes.
sion of it's impotence and incapacity.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08

Every democratic declaration of pol
icy is followed by qualifying clause
multiplying it for the benefit of some
faction of the party.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08

The republicans ask the confidence
of the people on account of what the
party has done. The democrats want
power on the strength OF vague prom
isas
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08

Bryan will be vital political force
after Judge Parker retires to the Sc.
clusion of his Office as attorney for the
Belmont trusts.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08

Every employer and employee knows
that threat or promise to tinker
With the tariff invokes business dis
turbance and wage depression.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08

American voters may condone the
mistakes of vigorous man. They
have nothing but contempt for the
shiyerer and the cringer.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08

Nothing can rob the average demo.
c. 1t of the companionship of hope.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08

Democrats will finally learn that the
American voters know the difference
between wisdom and fault finding.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08
John Crlley. republican

John Criley. republican candidate
for county auditor is one of the young
republicans of Wapello county, a man
who is popular with the people be-
cause he has discharged we'll and
faithfully the duties of the Office of
deputy auditor. Cast your vote for
him
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08

Judge Parker has never seen the
west. After he reads the elections he
will hardly want to see it.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08

The desperate democracy seems to
be taking the offensive because there
is nothing else in sight.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08

The country knows the man Roose-
welt 1t understands him, trusts him,
and believes in his honest, rugged
Americanism
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08

American voters admire aggressive
ness as much as they detest apollo
gies.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08

Start in at o'clock Tuesday morn.
ing by voting the republican ticket
vote it straight, remember.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08

These are the days when the leaves
fall, the birds hurry south and the pol
iticians grow friendly and confidential.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08

The Marshalltown Times Republi-
can says that Mr.. Parker has said
enough to definitely settle his status as
a very common man.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08

will not be disturbed by campaign,
and a change of officials for two and
probably four years.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08

The Council Bluffs Nonpareil OBJ
serves that it is impossible this year
to talk politics to an Iowa man loud
enough to wake him up.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08

The real issue, is republican actiol
against democratic retroaction.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08

Wherever two or three democrats
are gathered together, there is a diff.
ference of opinion on the tariff
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08
l;I|!a,BEhaIIIY
CHICAGO,
ROCK ISLAND
6 PACIFIC.

s p"a Going East. Depart.
900 california and southwest. o: As a. M
- tnSoroh 49,. ...3:3Z d. M
2o4. Eldon, Davenport &
Chicago go. 49,. .10:22 o. m.
Going West.
20S, Des Moines, Ruthven,
west Nebraska 1880. 7:45 a. m
Sol, Des Moines & Omaha. .12:10 q. m
zoo. Des Moines & Omaha. 1908 o. M
Unless otherwise specified all trains
are daily except Sunday.
All G. M. G. ST. p. and Wabash train.
Depart from Jefferson Street Union
Depot. w. L. Richards, Agent.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08

the position he has already adorned
and made conspicuous he will keep
Iowa before the eyes of the nation in
such manner as to fill the public
heart with pride"
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08

Republicans of Wapello county
should remember that the election of a
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-08

The Fort Dodge Chronicle says that
the campaign cigar, while less numer-
Gus, is UP to the usual standard for
badness.