Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1906-01-18
home of young Barrett near Council
Bluffs, went by stage through Des

home Of young Barrett, near Council
Bluffs, went by stage through Des
Moines to Eddyville; where boarded
the cars for the east.
"In 1861 there were only twenty
two miles Of railway west Of the Mis-
souri, river, from Sacramento to Fol-
som. The western terminus Of the
Hannibal and st. Joseph was at st.
Joseph, Mo-. the Des Moines Valley at
Eddyville, the Burlington at Ottumwa,
the Rock Island at or near Iowa City.
and the Northwestern at Cedar Rap
ids. Today all Of the western states
are covered with a net work of rail-
roads, seven lines crossing the con-
tinent to the Pacific ocean, and no
less that four others are projected.
while the material progress OF the
country has been phenomenal the
whole world has likewise moved for
ward. Anyone who has lived, seen
ana comprehended the improvements
in the conditions of mankind, the pro-
gress Of government, the adj
vancement in science and the mechan-
ical arts and the discoveries and APP
plications of the forces OF nature for
the use and benefit of mankind, is I'M
deed fortunate In having had his ex-
istence here on earth during such
period.
Our republic has passed safely
through several crises. 1t came into
existence through the war Of the rev.
olution, 1t passed safely through that
most critical period from the close Of
that war to the formation Of the con-
stitution; 1t emerged from the civil
war with a united people, purged from
the crime OF human slavery.
while our progress in agriculture.
manufacture and commerce has been
the wonder of the world, new prob
lens have constantly arisen, demand
Ing solution, but each generation has
been equal to the occasion and / have
little doubt but the present one will
prove as capable as former ones.
To-day we view with dismay the
vast amount of graft permeating ev
cry department of the government and
every line OF business. This corrup-
ton may appear to be sudden but 1t
Is In reality cumulative, and the spirit
that inspires this jugglery with other
peoples money is constantly shown
in little things in everyday life.
"The public conscience has for the
time being been aroused, but little
permanent good will obtain, unless the
private conscience is also aroused.
The root of the matter lies In early
education. Children are not taught
the vital necessity Of respecting the
rights Of others In ali things. Per-
sons who will stand aghast at the
revelations Of United States senator's
receiving fees for the protection of
government swindlers, or insurance
officials using the policy holders
money, and bankers using the money
Of their depositors, as If 1t were their
own, but with far greater degree Of
recklessness, will relate with glee how
they beat street car or railway car
conductor out Of their fare Or SNUG
gled In dutiable articles without pay
ing duty, and will undervalue their
property and fail to report moneys and
credits, when the assessor comes
around; and openly condemn the tax
ferret and threaten the political ex-
tinction Of the officials who are re-
sponsible for his appointment.
Many Of these practices are small
in detail end trivial in character, but
they are he basis for the growth of
those greater evils which we all 80
loudly condemn. When the private
conscience is not keenly alive to the
] principle. rather than the extent OF