davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1912-12-25
wARDEN's REPORT ON ANAMosA
Biennial Report of Warden at Ana
mOsa RefOrmatOry Gives Some
Interesting Facts.

The twentieth biennial report of
the warden of the reformatory came
out last week. A perusal of the pam
phlet reveals many facts concerning
the work of reforming criminals. One
of the first things brought to the at
tention of the reader is aNtable show
ing that forty-four industries or
trades are taught inside the walls.
Some would-be reformer would have
the public believe that the convicts
in the Iowa penal institutions are
kept in idleness but such is not the
case. All men are employed at some
useful trade in order that each may
be better man and a better citizen
when he leaves the Anamosa reform
atory. One contract shop is maintain
ed within the walls of the reforma-
tory where thirty men are employed.
The record shows that from fifty to
one hundred prisoners have their
names on the waiting list in order
that they may secure a job in the
contract shop. The tables in the re-
port show there was paid the state
the sum of $11 ,44291 for the prison
ers' labor aside from $3,996.43 paid
the prisoners for overtime.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1912-12-25

more than the Palzer-McCarty battle
at Los Angeles on New Years day to
establish good title to the white
heavyweight championship. And at
ter the status of the several aspirants
has. finally been settled to the salts
faction of principals and public, the
next move will be to match the sue
cessful candidate with the winner of
Joe Jeanette-Sam Langford bout
for the worlds title. l note where
McCarty's manager, Billy Mccartney,
has declared that the claims of the
blacks will be ignored should Luther
be fortunate enough to clean up the
whites. Would the public stand for
that? / hardly think so in view of
the fact that Johnson was in undis-
puted possession of the title. when
forced to retire as a result of numer-
Gus indiscretions. Therefore il would
seem to me the only fair thing to do
would be to allow the best of the
blacks, either Jeanette or Langford,
an opportunity to compete. One mis-
take was made when a negro was
given a chance to win the champion
ship; we would make a greater err
ror should we try to grab the title
now without fighting for it, The ring
is the only place to decide champion
ships and make champions.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1912-12-25
Governments Inspector Here.

Capt. Merrick, inspector for the
United States government, arrived in
DEBORAH on Monday, for the purpose
of inspecting an invoice of Swenson
valves for the Panama Canal The
officers of this company succeeded
in securing a fine order from the gov
eminent for use on this greatest of
engineering projects, because OF the
fact that the Swenson valve surpas-
SEES anything else manufactured for
this purpose. 1t is expected that this
order will result in many large sales
to the government, and if Uncle Sam
gets to using the Swenson, as every
indication points to now, on all his
big undertakings, there will be fac
tory in DEBORAH before long that will
make everybody sit up and take no
tice. In this connection it might be
stated that this same company is en-
gagged in making the valves also for
the biggest power dam project in the
world, the great Keokuk dam across
the Mississippi.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1912-12-25
Rhubarb i'm NEdwinter.

All that is necessary to have rhu-
barb of the finest quality in midwin-
ter or early spring, is to lift the roots
as cold weather approaches, leave
them exposed until frozen, then place
them in a box in soil and put them in
the cellar.
We usually put them in along in
December and have them ready for
use by February. For later use they
may be put in later but it is recess
sary that they be taken up in the fall
as it would be difficult after they are
frozen in the ground.
They must be allowed to freeze OF
they will not start we'll 1t is neces-
|sary that they have water after being
planted in the boxes, but they 90 not
need light and will grow better in a
dark cellar. A single clump of roots
from a well-developed hill will afford
stalks enough to give quite an amount
of sass or pies.-Farm and Home.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1912-12-25
i CHRISTMAS FOR EVERYBODY
Two Hundred and Sixty-seven Are
Given Christmas Cheer Through
Union Ladies' Aid Society,
''GOOd Fellows" and Help
ing Hand Society.

Never has there been such a gen
eral endeavor to see that not single
home in DEBORAH is lacking in the
Christmas spirit as this year. So fal
as is known not person, young OF
old, has been neglected, and in every
home the gladstone Christmas spirit
prevails this Christmas morning. TIC
the Good Fellows" through the I'm
ion Ladies Aid society and to the
Helping Hand society came this
cheerful duty, and it is hoped and
believed that the work of the church
es and these organizations, including
the knights Templar through the
Ladies' Aid Society and the Elks
through the Helping Hand society
along the lines@of true charity, has
resulted in making every home in De-
corah happy this Christmas day.
On Monday night the Helping Hand
society gave its annual public Christ
mas tree, in the Woodman Hail. The
hall and the tree were appropriately
decorated, and eighty-six children
were given Christmas gifts, which in
cluded dresses, aprons, stockings and
articles of wear, while twenty-six
baskets of Christmas dinners were
sent out to homes where the are ap-
preciated. There was a children S
program, and the little folks and old
folks as well, were as happy as they
could be.
The Good Fellows" an organiza-
tion started by this paper last year,
together with the Union Ladies Aid
society, is still greater success this
year. One hundred and forty-five
Good Fellows" in DEBORAH have CIV
en- money and presents, so that one
hundred and forty children and fiji
teen widows and elderly people have
been remembered this morning. The
ladies have been busy for several days
and the gifts that are being sent out
are useful and are sent into homes
where they will be gratefully receiv-
ed.
What a noble work "A happy
Christmas in every home" is a slogan
worthy of the beautiful city of De-
corah, and so far as is known is a
fact today.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1912-12-25
Statesmen WANT TO VOTE.
Will Ask for Privilege When Away
From Home.

Petitions asking that congress pass
law that will make it possible for
travelling men to vote in national ell
ections even when they are away from
home have been circulated over the
state and were signed by almost ev-
cry travelling man who noticed them.
These petitions are issued by the
Commercial Travellers Good Govern
ment association, and when filled with
signatures are to be mailed to ]. Max
we'll Gordon, 3 Park Row, New KOrk
City.
1t is stated that on the petitions
that already 100000 men have signed
and that the association expects to
secure that many additional sigma
lures.
The petitions are addressed to vo-
tiers who are in favor of legislation
that will permit travelling men to
vote, even though they are away from
home during election.
Two of the many arguments on the
petition follow:
Congress can develop sufficient in
genuity to provide relief which will
at the same time insure absolutely
against fraud or it's semblance. The
science of human Identification has
advanced sufficiently to be of decisive
aid in this direction.
so long as thousands of Ameri-
cans must pay large money price
for the right of suffrage or go with
out it altogether, there is something
radically wrong in our application OF
popular government"
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1912-12-25
A Fine improvement.

The improvements in the store OF
Graceman & Co. noted in these col
umns last week are about completed
and make a much larger, better and
more convenient store room than be-
fore. The partition in the rear has
been removed, making much more
room. and the store is being lastly
refinished. Mr.. Graceman will add a
new line of muslin underwear, ETC.,
for ladies and children, and other
items of ladies apparel, SO as to have
a complete assortment to go with his
suits. cloaks, waists, etc. 1t is a
splendid improvement.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1912-12-25
Fire Alarm Nearly Ready.

The installation of the new fire
alarm system is about complete, with
the exception of the connections
with the central telephone office and
the hose houses, after which it will
be given a careful test, so as to be
assured that it is in condition for use
and will give ample alarm. 1t is be-
lieyed that the system will give good
satisfaction.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1912-12-25
A GOOD, "GOOD FELLOW"

Little Jack Horner, known the world
over,
Because of his Christmas plum pie,
Got 1912 move out his far away
corner,
And to be good fellow did try.
Instead of gobbling it all by himself,
He cut it in great big shares,
Then took some more from the pan
try shelf,
And saw that the hungry got theirs
$3.50, like this Jack, you fellows of
note,
Who have gathered up "piums" on
the way,
To you will happiness true be brought
If you "divvie" this Christmas day.
OF course, you mean to, then join this
club,
That side-tracks season of self,
And include in your list with those
whom you love
The needy and poor-give them help.
So that Christmas night you'll feel
just right,
And your joy will have no bound,
For others as you will be happy and
bright,
Because you passed your ''plums"
around.
For he's a jolly good, good fellow, :"
Whose heart is big, whose hand is
free,
Who finds it best helping the rest
And sees there's gifts for the Christ
mas tree.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1912-12-25
Norske selskab Christmas.

On Friday evening of this week
the Norske Selskab will hold Christ
mas festival for the members and
their ladies. There will be a must
cal program, under the direction OF
Prof. Sperati, consisting of selections
by the orchestra and Luren, with So
los by Miss Helen Hjerleid, Miss Ma
RE Reque and e. Johansen, and a
welcome address by the president,
Obr Chr. Brandt.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1912-12-25
Our Next Attraction.

Mrs. Wigs of the Cabbage Patch
comes to the Grand on Monday eve
ming, Dec. 3Oth. AS dramatic Of
fering, it is proof, If further evidence
were wanting, that there are as good
fish in the sea of humanity as ever
were caught" The dramatization of
the book that was written concerning
the heroine of the Cabbage Patch has
a distinct and unmistakable touch OF
originality. The play will be present
ed here under the management of the
United Play Co. Matinee and evening
performances.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1912-12-25
Another Christmas Gift.

In our last issue we mentioned sew
eral gifts to societies to make Christ
mas day happy one in the homes of
DEBORAH. Since then DEBORAH Lodge
of Elks, at it's meeting Thursday
night, voted to give the Helping Hand
Society $500 to spend for this pur-
pose. This custom has been followed
by the Elks fora number of years
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1912-12-25
COssON SENDS OUT WARNING.
Christmas Raffles and Lotteries are
Illegal, Says Attorney
General.

At this time when Christmas raf-
files, lotteries and other gambling
schemes are likely to make their APP
pearance, George Cosson, attorney
general, has sent to city and county
officials warning that violations of the
law shall not be permitted.
The attorney general points out
that all forms of gambling, gaming
lottery schemes and raffles are pro-
hibited by the statutes of Iowa. He
says that playing pool or billiards
with the agreement that the loser
shall pay for the game is gambling.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1912-12-25
$4,000 Bill in DEBORAH.

Now don't get excited, we haven't
got it. But it's the truth. Monday
afternoon, NJ. j. Klein, the popular
Ossian banker, and his daughter
came over to DEBORAH to do some
shopping, and just for fun Mike
brought over one, to let the DEBORAH
people see what it looks like. He
has his bank vault stacked full OF
them, we are told, just for his friends
to look at. At any rate, he brought
it to the National Bank of DEBORAH.
where it has been on exhibition since.
We understand thai it is the first time
a single piece of real money of that
size has ever been seen in this coun-
ty, but the way Lew Whitney throws
it around would make one think that
he had them piled up like cord wood.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1912-12-25
Death of Mrs. Knute Nelson.

Mrs. Knute Nelson, a resident of
the fourth ward, passed away at nine
O'Clock yesterday morning, from can
Ger, at the age of rs years. We have
been unable to obtain further partic-
uiars.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1912-12-25
A Christmas Shower.

On Friday evening the Methodist
ladies gave a Christmas shower for
Miss Martha Simpson, in which a
number of the church people partic-
ipated. 1t was a very happy occa-
sion.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1912-12-25
Inther Wins from Sacred Heart

The Luther College basket ball
team went to Prairie du Chen last
Thursday and played a game with
Sacret Heart College, winning by the
score of So to 80. The score shows
that it was a close and exciting game.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1912-12-25
r .s226,31S.02
$226,31S.02

The buildings erected and paid for
and included in the ST. 900 item in
clude the horse barn, balance of $685.
900 being paid, $4,000 for street car
entrance, $4,000 for bleachers, $4,-
600 for cement floor machinery hall,
and $4,000 for additional land. 9th
er items are small bills for sidewalks,
curbing, grading, sanitation, etc.
The total number of exhibitors in
the swine classes this year was 2,3S4,
a loss of 400 over two years ago.
In the cattle classes the total ami
mails exhibited were $50, compared
with 1,055 last year.
There were 972 horses entered this
year, as compared with 1,016 last
year.
The total exhibits in all depart
ments this year was 1875 compar-
ed to 1924 in 1911.
The official attendance this year
was 272,023, as compared to 270,682
in 1911.
The state gave aid in the sum of
twenty thousand dollars to county
and district fairs in 1912. These
fairs showed receipts of SILL
8S5, an increase of $50, 200 over 1911
or $5,445 on an average to each fair.
The speed premiums were $108,000,
an average of Slips to the fair.
Sixty-two fairs in the state show
total balance on hand of $24,777 and
thirty report total overdraft of $10,-
531. The ninety-one county fair
properties in the state are valued at
about one million dollars. The at
tendance last year was about 900, 900
or an average of $3.50 to each fair
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1912-12-25

IL you are troubled with chronic
constipation, the mild and gentle eff
feet Of Chamberlain's Tablets makes
them especially suited to your case.
For sale by Engbertson's Pharmacy.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1912-12-25

People in this old world seem
bound to be unhappy. The man who
fails to win a girl is not satisfied
no more than the man who gets her.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1912-12-25
Graceman a. Co.

and clerks wish a Merry Christmas
and Happy New Year to all.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1912-12-25

The bachelor who enjoys being free
often wishes that he didn't enjoy it
quite so much.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1912-12-25
STATE FAIR REPORT.
Reports Show Increased Attendance
at All Country and District
Fairs in Iowa i'm 1912.

Secretary A. r. Corey of the State
Agricultural society read his annual
report covering receipts and expendi-
lures of the department, including
the state fair moneys last Wednes-
day. While there was a balance of
$4,000 in the treasury year ago
and only little over 900 now, the
society has spent $1,000 in perman-
ent improvements at the fair ground.
1nis has taken up all the left over
profits of last year and the profits of
this year. The fair was successful
this season in that it provided money
to pay off all the bills for permanent
improvement and take up loans, ETC.,
and puts the management in good
shape to proceed next year. Here are
the accurate figures on the finances of
the state society:
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1912-12-25

When speaking of sound political
timber most candidates seem to think
the noisy kind is referred to.
New-York tribune., 1912-07-14
Sleeping Quarters IN Iornbs.

you take into account how many such
searches have to be made every day. You
can't tell what some of them might bring
in with them"
Such strict regulations are aimed not only
at the persons who might smuggle in files
or weapons or ropes, but at these
visitors who seek to smuggle in CO.
caine or morphine. The extent to which
they will go TO sneak in some of the drugs
is beyond description. The warden had a
late instance of it in mind, one which.
however. could bear repeating.
I'VE caught one fellow bringing In CO.
caine between his toes he said. 1--WE ar
rested him Immediately. Nowadays any
person caught smuggling in drugs is arrest
ed at once, for IT is a felony to carry CO.
caine around on the person. Sometimes We
have such visitors come back here as pris-
oners We have about eleven drug or
dope" fiends in here now. Most OF them
get here because OF crimes they committed
In their efforts to secure drugs"
Warden Falon cited other instances Of
smuggling in drugs. A woman had con-
ceaed IL in her hair, another one had
placed II down in the tip of her shoe. These
individuals are spotted because OF their
suspicious tactics. The searcher "overlooks
New-York tribune., 1912-07-14
Bundle Room, .Tombs.
Where All Packages
Are E~emined for Prisoners.

!: that ends his days as visitor to the
prison. He can never come back again,
unless he does something which will land
him in a cell" d
Loud voices could be heard in the anSe
room. Looking through the doorway the
interviewer saw a number of men in line
recoi from two others who were engaged
In wordy war. One OF them had pushed
ahead of the other.
Get back into line: you are no better
than anybody else" shouted the other.
That had brought the answer, quick and
sharp:
Shut up. you fatheaded bum"
There were several remarks to follow, in
which could be distinguished the desire of
one to punch the block off the other
When blows were inevitable, the gateman
walked over and in a mufhed bass voice
said
"Cut II OUT get into line there, and shut
your heads"
The admonition was needed. Even in the
shadow of the Jail. little fear for its
gloomy cells was felt by the two tough
customers. But that Is to be expected from
certain class of visitors. They come to
see the fendish gangsters who are now
locked In the prison cells.
The warden had been looking over his
reports to see how many prisoners he had
on hand, and paid little attention to the
disturbance.
II 1t is hard for the visitor to enter the
Tombs without having a good reason-it Is
still harder for anything in the way OF
| eatables he may bring in with him.
New-York tribune., 1912-07-14

leading to the office until an attendant had
notifed the official They do things sys-
tematically and with unfailng precision in
a prison. 1t is one of the essentials of con-
ducting II successfully.
During the moment that word was
.waIted from Warden Fallon to come in
the reporter had an opportunity to see
domestic tragedy. II was nothing new 10
,he prison officials. A slight sad faced
J,alian woman was walking UP and down
,r the vestibule, trying to pacify young
baby which she had hung over one shoulder
ae II IL were a sack Of meal.
The child could not be pacifed, and finally
the unsympathetic crowd in the anteroom
beean to demonstrate The gateman told
the woman TO take the baby out on the
ieidewalk and he would call her when her
time came--the time for talk with her
husband, who was locked in one Of those
steel barred cells, where she would have
10 stand outside and talk TO him. Tears
would bo shed. but then tears are shed
every DAY n the Tombs by the visitors as
well as by some OF the more promising
"gpests" there.
"Come right in" was the message Of the
warden as conveyed by the attendant The
New-York tribune., 1912-07-14

RFAKING into Jail in New York City
~ is no easy matter-unless. That 'un-
IL less" speaks for itself. Unless you
are an offender against the law the gates
of the prison do not swing wide for you
without some explanation. If you really
are entitled to berth within the conhnes
of the prison they open as If by magic.
According to John J. Fallon, warden OF
Tombs prison, fully five hundred or more
persons try every day to get into the
prison. not counting those who, as has
been said. are entitled to bed and board
therein. A look at the sidewalk in front
of the prison on any day between the hours
of 1880 and 11:45 O'Clock and 1890 to las
will reveal a motley array Of persons wait
ing to get past the man at the front door
of the prison, a person who looms larger
than ever-he is a big man-when you peer
in through the bars and state your mis-
sion. Holidays and Sundays prisoners can
be visited only with special permission.
Every one who enters the prison, except
the accredited authorities or prisoners, must
make known to him the intent of the visit
Every person must get a pass from the
Department of Corrections If you are
there with purpose the guard unlocks the
steel barred door with a large key. 1t is a
key big enough to unlock any door.
When the interviewer accosted the door
man to inquire if the warden was in, that
worthy said he was. and unlocked the door.
1t swung wide in an easy fashion. once in
side-well, as the reporter, strange TO say
had never been in Jail before, either as a
visitor or as a guest, the changing shut or
the steel gate sent queer sensations through
bis makeup.
Suppose the gateman should lose that
key Of his?" was the question which he
asked himself.
In the vestibule, or waiting room. there
were fully seventy-fve persons waiting TO
visit friends or relatives incarcerated in the
Jail. A number were ranged about on
benches. Others were formed in two lines.
as If standing before the Polo Grounds
ticket booths.
The interviewer was told to turn TO the
left and there would be found the warden,
but he could not pass through gateway