Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1908-11-11


paper is conducted at the present time.
opinions. But he wanted the truth. He
did not believe in sensations which had
small or no foundations He liked big
news. as we call it, but he wanted 1t to
be news In fact and not something
guessed at which would have to be re-
tracted the next day.
III he were alive in all hds brilliancy,
and were back to his favorite field of
labor. he would not have to change his
theories of journalism held twenty
years ago, when he was less than 30
years of age. AS a writer, he was clear
cut and vigorous. He could tell the
story of any great event and seemingly
give just what you wanted to hlrow
His descriptive powers were analytical
and not eXuberant. He used no UNI
necessary words; was not a space
filler. He attempted nothing smart;
used no alterations. 1t was pleasant to
read his first page political articles
from the state capital when the leSis-
lature was In session. He was the first
great correspondent after the war. But
unlike 'Linkensale" of the old war
aggerate "Linkensale' was of the era
when the Muscatine Journal issued
three times a week. and was circulated
thru southern Iowa generally Linsen-
sales name was Ingersoll He became
a Washington correspondent and in his
day and generation was celebrated.
Mcfarland co,Ild not only write but
he knew politics. He could divine pur-
poses. and predict events. He was not
muck raker, vet he was in a measure
critic. but a critic within due bounds.
During his work about the general
assembly, twenty lone or twenty-tWo
years ago, he formed the acquaintance
of Robert G. Cousins, who for so many
wears represented this district in con-
gress remember being introduced TO
Cousins by the deceased. Mcfarland
picked Cousins for an orator. as
farmer picks "a thoroughbred ON the
farm He said when Cousins was
green awkward member of the legisla-
t,lre that he had in him the fancdful
nature of a poet. He believed In Cous-
ms from that day until the day OF his
death He helped the congressman in
all his BATTLES and Cousins could not
have had a more capable mentor. This
community knew McFarland's constant
effort. ON behalf of Robert G. Cousins.
This is cited to illustrate the nature of
the gallant soul whose departure from
amorg us we mourn today.
while the deceased was essentially
practical. yet he had his ideals. He en-
loved the beautiful. and music of the
highest order thrilled and delighted
him. He loved with burning intensity
the patriotic airs of his country. This
might be expected of one whose father
lost his life leading his regiment in
battle when our dead friend was
Years of age. He had received a liberal
education, and had genuine taste for
literature. He loved poetry, and could
quote many apt verses. He seldom at
tempted public speaking, but when 1t
was necessary, he was found equal to
the occasion.
"He was one Of the few men who
could direct any part Of a newspaper.
He could lay down the editorial work
and take up the business department
and with equal joy perform his labors.
His main conception of newspaper
was that 1t should contain good things
ana CpTEeCl IlcWS ttili iiC AAiN NV ~
lieve the public was much concerned
about the editor or publisher With
him it was an enterprise to stand upon
its merits. and to be Judged as any
other thing is judged by its quality
In my acquaintance with the men of
Iowa / have never known one more
capable in any position where he
might be placed. He could plan and
also execute. He could design and also
build He could not only direct 9TH
ers but he could, with them, engage IN
the work to advantage. His talent was
miscellaneous and comprehensive. His
nature intense and absorbing He was
of tie. type of men who put their
hands to the plow and never look back
'I have always felt that he did wrong
in not applying himself either to the
enterprise of making a great newspaper
somewhere, or in managing some 9TH
err big enterprise He may have felt
these powers within himself, or he may
not have realized to the fullest his ca
liabilities. But he was a leader, fash
toned for leadership; born for leader
ship He attempted nothing in which
he did not succeed. In college he was
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