Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1904-10-14
STATE PHONE MILEAGE TRIPLES
Enormous Increase Reported During Past Year-Ap-
plication for Decoration Injunction Answered.
Crownie Returns from ST. Lous--Crop
Conditions Favorable
Especial Correspondence

crop is now practically safe. A general
killing frost at any time would unques-
t1onably impair the quality of about ten
per cent. of the corn crop of the state:
but with that percentage entirely de-
stroyed, the output OF sound corn would
Ipe above the average Of the past is years.
A period of drying weather is now need
ed to prepare the crop for cribbing, and
to prevent damage to the portion Of the
crop that is lying on the ground. Re-
ports indicate an unusually good yield
OF timothy seed, but clover seed is very
light. The pastures are extra good for
the time of the year. New seeding OF
grain and grass has done notably well,
AS whole, the crop season Of 1904 has
been favorable.
Prepare for Ames Contest.
Secretary D. L. Pascal, Of the Iowa
Corn Growers association, is beginning
preparations for the annual corn exhi-
bition at Ames, which will be held in
connection with the short course in grain
and live stock judging at Iowa state coll
lege. He has raised more than $4,000 in
premiums to be awarded at the contest.
It is expected the entries this year will be
greater than last year. as 1t will be more
thoroughly advertised. Prof. P. G. Hold
en- is aiding Secretary Pascal in the ar
rangements. One Of heprizes offered is
a $4,000 farm wagon, which will be
awarded for the best 100 ears of corn ex-
hibited. The wagon has been on exhibi-
ton at the st. Louis exposition, and is
said to be the finest thing Of the kind ever
manufactured.
Fruit Crop Satisfactory.
The State Historical society has gath.
cred information about the fruit crop
this year, showing that 1t has been very
satisfactory. Apples were about 60 per
cent. of full crop, which is an unusu-
ally large average; last year 1t was only
about third of crop. The prices are
low, however, and the growers will prob
ably not net over $3.50 barrel. The
crop outside the state was SO large that
the market for the Iowa fruit is not so
good. The grape crop will give about 80
per cent, an exceptionally large yield;
four tons per acre is the yield in central
Iowa, where the crop is at its best. The
price will not be over q cent a pound.
The peach crop, which has been increas-
Ing in Iowa in late years, was very good
In southwestern Iowa. In the eastern
part OF the state sleet storm last Janu-
airy did the peach trees great harm
Pears also make very good showing
and the raising Of this fruit is increasing
in the state. Small fruit has also been
unusually good this year.
sheakley Leaves Public Schools.
8. H. Sheakley, who has for five years
been superintendent of the public
schools Of the city of Des MONIES, has re-
signed, to take effect the first of Janu-
airy. w. o. Riddell, principal Of the
West Side high school, has been appoint-
ed to take his place. Mr.. sheakley is
going into the insurance business. Mr..
Riddell is an educator Of long experience
who has occupied his present position
for eight years, and is very popular, be-
sides having high reputation as an ed
ucator.
New Ruling by State.
The state now requires that all officers
and employees who travel on railways
on state business must use the travellers
credentials. which effect saving of
about cent mile on all travel, and be-
sides keep close account Of the tray-
cling done. and make 1T impossible for
anyone to make charge for transpor-
tation not paid for. This is the system
that has been in force by the board of
control for its employees for several
years.
F.w. BICRNEII,