Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1904-08-02
DEs MONIES LETTER

1 IL
Des Moines, Ia, July 25-Iowa cattle
breeders will be glad to know that
special class has been created for them
at the next state fair, beginning in Des
Moines August 10. The cattle show has
grown so that it is one of the two or
three great shows of the country. Ex-
hibitors come from all over the middle
west. Now class has been created that
is for Iowa owned animals exclusively.
Animals entered in other classes may
compete in this also, but no animal that
wins better than third prize in any other
class is eligible to receive prize in this
class. 1t is for the beef breeds, and six
prizes will be awarded in each class.
This is great inducement to breeders
who have few fine individual animals
to offer. Under the old arrangement,
where there were only three monies in
each class, the professional exhibitors
carried off nearly all the prizes. When
ex-Gov. S. B. Packard took charge Of the
live stock department of the fair, he
changed this so as to divide the same
money into five prizes, and later it was
increased to six. This year the number
Of entries promises to be greater than
ever before. With the fine brick pavil-
ion for the exhibition of stock, it is pos
sible for everyone to see the animals
to the best advantage, no matter what
the weather.
Conventions Are Over.
Both the political parties have nom.
mated their candidates for state offices.
The conventions both Endorsed the plat
forms of the national conventions Of
their respective parties. The republican
convention praised the state admins
tration of Gov Cummins and other state
officers. The democratic convention
was controlled by the conservative ele-
ment, and there was no discord. The
same was true of the republican conven-
ton. There was no factional strife and
the contention that has waged over the
tariff was harmonized to the satisfac-
ton of both sides. Gov. Cummins was
given splendid ovation in the con-
vention, when he made a short speech
saying that he agreed fully with the
speech of Col. Hepburn, the temporary
chairman. The latter had said that now
that the party had spoken, there should
be no further agitation of the tariff dis
cussion within the party. R. H. Spence
was elected chairman of the republican
state committee, and has announced
that the speaking campaign will not
begin until the middle of September.
New Building for Fair.
Now that another large permanent
brick and steel exposition building is
being erected on the state fair grounds
the people who come to the fair will be
better assured of having successful
visit, and will be protected against the
possibility of discomfort from rain
New cement walks have been built all
over the grounds, and with the big build
ings there is plenty of shelter for all,
Hereafter the fair will not fail on ac-
count Of rain. Another comfort, very
important to the women and children
who come to the fair, is the conversion
of the horticultural building into avon
ems rest pavilion. A good floor has been
put in and new and attractive toilet ar
rangements provided for women and
children. A very helpful feature for
those who come to the fair with small
children is the nursery, where these lit
tie folks may be left during the day,
or part Of the day, in charge Of capable
| persons, while the mothers go about en-
joying themselves, free from the care
Of the children. This will more than
double the pleasure of the parents, be-
sides being much betterfor the children.
Improvement in Corn.
The past two weeks have made "a great
Improvement in the condition Of the
corn crop in the state, as shown by re-
ports received here by the state weather
and crop service. The prospect is ex-
cellent in most parts of the state for near
| ly an average crop. A wide difference
Of opinion exists, however, as to the eff
| feet of bad seed on the stand. John
| Cownie, Of the state board of control, one
| of the best practical farmers in the state,
says that about third of the crop has
been lost in this way. Other observers
| are inclined to place the loss much lower.
! In normal localities, where the land is
| not hopelessly wet and where the early
cold rains were not extremely excess
sive, the best evidence is that the crop
will not be far from IS to 80 per cent
of an average. The average is not far
from "a bushels to the acre, so the pros
pect is for an average of about 80 bushels
| to the acre.
Important Decision Given.
A decision Of the greatest Importance
| to cities and towns that have saloons
was given by Judge Hugh Brennan, in
the district court of Polk county, a few
days ago. A saloon was opened in 8
basement next door to the post Office
"A strong effort was made to revoke the
consent to the operation of this saloon
on the grodnd that 1t was unlawful 70,
1t to be conducted in a basement. The
case was argued at considerable length
and the court decided that there was
nothing in the law to prevent the saloon
from occupying basement. This 1.
the first case that has arisen in which
this question was involved. 1t has beer
generally understood that basement
would not be considered proper place
for a saloon. The case will be apepaled
to the supreme court for final adjudica.