Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-01-25
"5-His connection with the bank

"5-His connection with the bank
ing and currency legislation.
"6.-His connection with the recent
railroad legislation.
II had supposed greater things than
this could be pointed out, or at least,
painted on canvass by the distinguish
ed senator when drawing from ca
reer lasting thirty-five years.
Allson's Entry.
"The older republicans of this state
will doubtless recall the circumstances
under which our present senior SEN
ator entered his high office. From 1851
| to 1873 there was in the American
| senate from Iowa, an able, conscien-
| tious and upright man. He has often
| been referred to as the brainiest man
that ever represented Iowa on the
floors of congress. For eighteen years
he was associated with such men as
Edmonds, Bayard, Fessenden and
Sumner. He was regarded by every
William Pitt of the American con-
gress. So conspicuous was his service
to the country; so wise was his coun-
sci; SO safe was his judgment, that
he had been taken into the cabinet Of
Abraham Lincoln just prior to his as
sassination. During the dark period
of the rebellion he was one of the
the nation relied. He had a clear
head and great big warm heart that
ever throbbed for the cause of free
dom and right. During the troubled
times of reconstruction. when the
wisest of counsels prevailed this man
was the leader Of the American SEN
ate. He was the friend and adviser of
President Grant. For eighteen years
he had served his state and nation
during the darkest period Of it's his
tory. This man was James Harlan OF
Mount Pleasant. But he had offended
the then rising force of the railroads
in the state of Iowa. His independ-
ence and fearlessness had displeased
them, and they marked him for
slaughter. Neither sentiment nor graf
itude spared him defeat and Senator
Allison was elected in his stead. And
while I would not for the world say
a harsh or unkind word against Sem
ator Allison. the mildest words that
can be truthfully said are. that SEN
ator Allison was the legatee of their
influence and the beneficiary of their
power.
But, gentlemen, this is not a con-
test between men, 1t is contest be-
tween forces. This is a contest be-
tween the progressive and reactionary
forces of this state and nation. 1t is
contest between the people and the
powers, and this mighty contest must
be continued regardless Of sentiment
or men. The mighty reforms started
by Theodore Roosevelt must not be
stopped and turned back. The great
wrongs that he has uncovered must
not again be covered.
Senator Dolliver spent two hours at
Council Bluffs in showing what Sen
ator Allison had done in thirty five
years. He could have spent three days
in stating what he had left undone.
The mighty evils of this country
against which the President is now
battling. grew up around him with his
full knowledge: and if we accept their
oft-repeated declaration that he was
the leader of the American congress,
we are forced to say, with his consent.
Where Was the Senator?
When the railroads of the country
were combining to extort unreasonable
rates to pay dividends on watered
| stock; when they were using thei:
passes and moner taken from the peo-
pie to stifie legislation in the nation