Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1907-03-23
!: LOOKER-ON In IOWA
Observation-Disclosures

Clarion, March 23.-The Indifference
Of the general public on the subject
of good roads comes to the front ev-
cry year during mud time" 1t seems
useless to keep up an agitation in Iowa
on this question. Farmers and town
dwellers alike seem to care little. We
had a King road drag spasm. How
many of them are used this spring !?
We had a law passed making road
| taxes payable in cash. and in this leg
slature strong efforts are made TO re-
peal 1t. Every year we have the OBJ
Ject lesson Every year we talk and
| write about good roads," and then the
following spring, business Is almost at
stand still in many Iowa towns. sim
ply because the farmers cannot get to
town with produce and to do their
trading. And all towns, whether large
or small, seem alike indifferent.
In Sac City the other day the writer
had his attention called to lamenta-
BILE case Of hardship. 1t was that of
rich farmer that had come to town to
live. He had invested $4,000 In a new
house and lot. Had all Of the con-
NStiSHSCo Va lHOlSi IliS GtiIt Hau just
moved in. And from his own lips came
the statement, IF l don't get back on
the farm, ] shall be dead in a week"
There's nothing for me to do can't
play checkers. don't know how to play
cards. no chores to do. no chance for
al garden, lots too small. no COW to
milk, for no place to keep COW. can't
read all of the time, women folks tired
of having me around the house, never
could loaf around the stores, think
you'll find me out on the farm with the
boys next week" And yet there's a
large number Of men in Sac City that
will take that rich farmers income,
move into that house, and edo nothing
for ever and ever" Perhaps even this
to be pitied ex-farmer will yet acquire
the art of enjoying elegant leisure
Some of us were born with a big adj
vantage over him. His present lot we
could have enjoyed all Of our lives.
Speaking of contentment, Hisey. ex-
candidate for governor. present candi-
date for president, was in town last
Wednesday. Much sympathy has been
expressed for Hisey and his condition
mentally. physically and financially,
but he does not need 1t. Hes having
"the time of his life" Like the Cherry
sisters he has an eye for business.
There's small profit on the cards
he sells, and 100 per cent in his coll
lections. And like many others. he is
the happiest when he listens to his own
voice. He is therefore happy most of
the time. He anticipates with much |
pleasure the arrival Of his new automo-
bile some firm is to present him with
for advertising purposes. The wheel
barrow, at present carefully stored at
Eldora, is to be taken along regularly |
in the new auto. Hisey, too, is very |
much in earnest. To a banker, who |
tried to appeal to his good sense, to
quit this tramping business. TO stop
making spectacle of himself for the
college boys and others. he was very
severe. The trusts and combines had
such men employed to give him such
advice. They fear his work and his
future political advancement. Mean
while Hisey is having good time, is
not breaking any of our laws and woe
be to the man or community denying
him the right of free speech.
q % Me41AA