Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1906-01-27
BILL AIMS At UNIFORM
FIRE INSURANCE RATES

curities. The bonds, when properly
issued, are as gilt edged securities as
are farm loans. 1t is impossible, Of
course, for the companies to keep
their money out on farm mortgages,
all of the time, within the state, of
Iowa. But millions Of dollars of the
drainage bonds will be issued, per-
fectly sound and drawing interest at
per cent. The best farm mortgage
investments bring not more than s..
Origin Of Agitation.
One of the things which started the
movement for an investigation of in
surance companies doing business in
Iowa, was the persistently circulated
rumor by anonymous circular and
otherwise, that some company had
loaned about 100000 on western irri-
cation lands, and that this was a sam
pie of the sort CT thing which should
be investigated by the assembly. The
land in question is amply secured, but
the investment of funds far away
from Iowa is not looked upon as de-
sirable as their investment here. The
new law to permit them to invest in
drainage PONDS viii materially assist
them in making good investments. 1t
has been proposed that they be per-
mitted, also, to invest in improve.
ment certificates and bonds which
are gilt-edged, which draw per cent
and which are stable investment.
~ A New Road Bill.
Representative Lundt has offered a
new road bill practically repeating the
Anderson road law. 1t provides for
the election of a road superintendent
in the various highway districts at the
general election in November, 1906.
These superintendent are required
to give bonds of $500.
The superintendent shall cause rs
per cent of the road funds to be ex-
pended by July Is each year, and shall
cause the noxious weeds to be cut
twice year. His term of Office shall
commence in the first Monday in Jan.
uary, following his election and he
shall hold office two years; he shall
have the privilege Of employing such
taxpayers as he thinks will do a prop
er days work; he shall issue orders
on the township clerk for labor thus
performed; he shall make a report to
the township trustees on the first
Monday of November, which shall EN-.
brace the number of new culverts or
bridges needed in his district.
The bill was referred to the com.
mittee on roads and highways.
Appropriation for Knoxville.
The committee which visited Knox
vile presented report by Senator
Kline. recommending an appropria-
ton of $4,000, and highly commend
ing the board for what. has been done
at the institution.
Guard Asks 100000.
There was an important joint SEES.
sion of the senate and house commit
tees on appropriations and military
lasting until late yesterday afternoon
Prominent military men representing
each regiment of the Iowa National
Guard appeared before the commit
tees and urged the passage by the
legislature Of bill appropriating
100000 for the maintenance of the
guard.
1t was urged that the amount at
present appropriated is not sufficient
for the needs of the service, such as
providing armories, purchasing uni
forms, etc.
Governors Staff in Danger.
The passage of bill providing fol
reorganization Of the governors staff
is urged. The proposed bill provides
for the abolishing Of the present staff
which was appointed by the governor
and is looked upon only as an orna
mental appendage to his office and the
formation Of detail staff in accord
ance with the Dick bill passed by con
gress.
| Titus DIslIees Primary Bill.
Senator Titus, father of the biennia
amendment. is In the city and is op
posed to certain features of the pro
posed primary election law. He said
that in his opinion the proposed bill
will have the effect In close counties
of causing another election. He also
feared that in counties where there il
| a large floating vote the primar,
election will give increased opportun
| ity for the use Of money.