davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1914-02-24
TAXATION.

The unnecessary increase of taxa
ton all over the state is causing no
end of complaint. OF course those
who are opposing high taxes are put
down as kickers by the beneficiaries
of extravaganza, but it is a good
thing for the people that there are
a few men with red blood in their
veins who do not propose to sit idly
by and be robbed by legal process.
There is a time to keep still and
there is a time to kick and the time
to kick is here, in the judgment Of
many taxpayers. According to re-
ports from Boone and Dallas coun-
ties a movement has been set on
foot to see If levying bodies cannot
be forced to reduce the levies to
conform with increased valuations
returned by assessors. Reports have
it that a law firm of Perry has been
employed to investigate and if deem
ed advisable to start proceedings in
court to compel taxing boards to re-
duce or revise levies. The idea is
that If the courts have power to
compel a raise in assessment
which it has been demonstrated they
may also compel re-
duction in levies. 1t is manifestly
the import of the law that levies
Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1914-02-24

The United States government
might establish a precedent in the
case of Maxine Castillo, the brutal
Mexican bandit who deliberately
sent a passenger train into a burn
ing tunnel, resulting in the death
by fire and suffocation of some if
ty people. The scoundrel is now in
the hands of United States authori-
ties and the state department is
sorely perplexed with the problem
of what to do with him. He COM
mitted no crime upon American
soil and Secretary Bryan has had
department clerks at work looking
up precedent, but has been unable
to find any touching the problem. 1t
might be we'll for the United States
to establish a precedent and execute
Castillo. He deserves less consid-
Grafton than a rattlesnake and if he
Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1914-02-24

shall be made in order to bring In
the amount of money needed, and
no more. A Des Moines special, in
dealing with this question, says:
Now it is found that as matter
of fact in practically every county
Of the state the taxing boards ig-
nored the work of the assessing au-
thorities. The steps were about as
follows:
Orders to all assessors to make as
sessment in conformity to law.
Review of assessment by the To-
cal boards, county boards and the
state boards.
Net result, following the mandate
of the court and the plain letter OF
the law, material increase in as
sessment values on all property.
Three separate letters from state
officials to the taxing authorities to
make reductions in levies, accord
ing to law, to correspond with in
crease of assessments as commanded
by law.
In ninety-seven of the ninety-nine
counties of the state the law was
ignored by the taxing boards or but
nominally observed, levies were re-
duced in but two counties, and as q
result treasures will have vast sums
on hand not actually needed in the
funds designated.
Now the plan is to go into court
to see if there is any power any
where for calling to account the
boards and officials who failed to fol-
low the law and the instructions OF
the state officials and to command
that the levies for county, township
road, bridge, school, city and other
taxes be adjusted to the assess
ments, so that there shall not be
needless collection of taxes to be
held over for another year or per-
haps to be misused. 1t is doubtful
LII anything can be done after the
lapse of an entire year since the
situation became apparent to all
who cared to know about it. But il
there is a way found for effecting a
remedy it will be done.
The contemplated action by these
farmers and taxpayers will be one OF
interest all over the state.
Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1914-02-24

The city council of Clarion pub
lish their proceedings in the news
papers of the town over the sigma
ture of the city clerk. This policy
is being pursued by large number
of councils in Iowa. The law ought
to require such publications, same
as it does the proceedings Of the
board of supervisors. Here in Web
ster City the council eXpends per
year, or will this year, $4,000 of
the taxpayers money and not a line
is published to show where dollar
of it goes. Then there are many
thousands of dollars expended in the
electric light and waterworks de-
partments in addition to the amount
of tax money. Probably the total
is above the 100000 mark. Pub
licity is the best known deterrent to
recklessness and extravaganza and
the people ought to insist upon hav-
ing it.
Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1914-02-24
precedent.

Gen. Dodge has started move
ment, or rather suggested one, look
ing to the erection of monument
upon the capital grounds at Des
Moines to the memory of the late
Geo. D. Perkins. 1t is proposed that
it be erected by the newspaper men
of the state. 1t is generally conced-
ed that Mr.. Perkins was the great
est editor Iowa ever had, and that
is conceding a great deal, for Iowa
has had many editors of fine ability
and high character. It would be a
nice thing for the newspaper men of
the state to follow out the sugges-
lions of Gen. Dodge and erect a
suitable memorial to Mr.. Perkins.
He was one Of the biggest men
Iowa ever had as resident and was
qualified to fill any position in the
nation that might have needed his
services.
Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1914-02-24

In almost every school district
where it has been proposed to con-
solidate the schools the proposition
has carried when submitted to a
vote of the people. The main argu-
ment that is put up against consol-
idation is that it costs more, and the
people do not seem to care for that
if they think they are getting some
thing worth the money. The one
thing that the average taxpayer
does not consider the cost of, If he
feels that he is getting honest SER
vice, is the amount of money ex-
pended for schools. This is as it
should be. Schools are for the bene-
fit of future generations and any
thing that will improve citizenship
and make better men and women is
the best investment that can be
made. Men and women, not horses,
hogs, cattle, sheep, ETC., are what
make a great country. 1t is neces-
sary to have other things, of course
as men and women cannot live with.
out them, but the greatest and ov-
ershadowing problem of all time is
the problem of better manhood and
womanhood.
Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1914-02-24

Why is it that so much is said of
the circumstances of Senator Cullom
of Illinois and Senator Bacon Of
Georgia dying poor? These two men
We're members of the United States
senate for many years and both died
recently. They left little of this
worlds goods and this fact is point
ed to as a conspicuous example of
their personal and official integrity.
Is it 50 unusual for public officials
to be honest and to die poor after
serving in official position for thir-
ty or forty years that it should be-
come a subject of wide comment and
speculation when such a thing does
happen? What is the inference,
then, as to such men as former Sen
ator Aldrich, worth millions, and
the late Senator Elkins, multimil-
lionaire, and men of that class? If it
is such an honor to die poor as Ba-
con and Cullom did, is it a dishon-
or to die rich as Elkins did and as
Aldrich will?
Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1914-02-24

When it comes to per capita in
debtedness China stands at the
head of nations. Her total debt is
3663,834,995 and her population is
4OO,O00,OO0, making her per CAPT.
ia indebtedness $1.66. That of the
United States is S10.S1, Japan
$3.50, France $67.65, Germany
$75.57, Great Britain $77.26. In
the total wealth of nations the Unit
ed States stands at the head. Our
wealth is estimated at $130,000,-
100000, that of Great Britain at
$4,000, 100000, Germany 100000
100000. France and her colonies
Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1914-02-24

The democratic senators have de-
cided to have the delicate question
of canal tolls settled in caucus
There are ninety-six senators in
congress and the democrats have fif-
ty of them. In a caucus twenty-siX
senators, or only a few more than
one-fourth of those elected, can de-
termine what to do with this most
important and far-reaching problem.
In other words, a minority Of twen-
ty-six can control body of ninety
six through the caucus. Yet the
democratic party pretends to be a
party of majority rule. Of all the
instruments to defeat popular ma
jorities the legislative caucus is the
most powerful and any party that
resorts to it ought to be retired
from power. And it will be just as
soon as the American people come
to full realization of the vicious
ness of that method of procedure.
Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1914-02-24

A decision rendered a short time
ago by Judge Lee in the Hardin
county district court is Of consider
able interest to automobile owners
and drivers. A man by the name of
l.. L. Babcock was arrested in Iowa
Falls for driving his car without a
number. He proved to the satisfac-
ton Of the court that he had run
the car only a couple of blocks when
he discovered that his number was
missing and he was going to the
garage for a number when arrested.
Judge Lee very properly found for
the defendant, holding that it was a
technical breaking of the law rath-
er than a willful violation. In cases
of this kind city officers charged
with the duty Of enforcing the law
could properly use their Judgment
to determine whether or not the cir
warranted taking the
matter into court. Judge Lees rul-
ing is in line with a recent decision
of the supreme court in a case taken
from Waterloo. Some over-zealous
officials wanted to convict some sa-
of violating the law
against selling liquor to Indians. Ac-
cordingly they induced an Indian
who was dressed in citizens clothes
to make some purchasers at the sa-
looms. The saloonkeeper was then
arrested for selling to the red man,
but the supreme court held thai the
was guiltless, an
the principle that it was
Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1914-02-24

is under the law Of no other nation a
point might be strained by making
him amendable to the laws of the
United States. If we had Teddy on
guard at Washington, Castillo would
get his just deserts, precedent or no
precedent
Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1914-02-24

The Sioux City Journal thinks
there would be little opposition on
the part of the public to paying
five cents street car fares if they
got good service and the companies
would stop trying to run the poll
tics of the cities. Possibly the Trib-
une is right about it.
Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1914-02-24

How many Webster City people
will have to pay the income tax this
year is a question frequently asked.
Possibly the number will not exceed
a dozen. The large majority OF
those who will have to pay the tax
reside in the large cities.
Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1914-02-24

People returning from California
realize more than ever that Iowa is
far and away ahead of the Golden
state in practically everything ex-
cept climate, and this year Iowa is
not far behind in that respect. The
prosperity of California depends not
upon itself, but upon the prosper
ity of Iowa and other states of the
middle west. If the tourist crop
would fail, California would be al
most bankrupt.
Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1914-02-24

The car of Russia has Joined the
temperance forces and is in favor OF
cutting out the vodka. The move
ment against intoxicants is steadily
advancing all over the civilized
world, but 1t is going faster here in
America than in any other country.
Conservative temperance men ven
ture the prediction that twenty-five
years hence there will not be le-
galized saloon in the United States.
Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1914-02-24

Senator Gore may be innocent,
and we hope he is, but he certainly
acted foolishly in some respects.
Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1914-02-24

There is burden of care in get
ting riches, fear in keeping them,
temptation in using them, guilt in
abusing them, sorrow in losing them,
and a burden of account at last to
be given up concerning them
Matthew Henry.
Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1914-02-24
IOWA PRESS COMMENT.

The Boone News-Republican says
that w. w. Marsh, proposed for gov
ernor on the democratic ticket, has
one advantage: "He does not live in
Des Moines."
Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1914-02-24

"The democrats desire chance to
fight Des Moines and would prefer
killing off the capital city than of
electing democrat for governor"
concludes the Mason City Times.
Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1914-02-24

Carl FRANKIE and other bull
moosers fear that the appointment
of a Mason City bull mooser by At
torney General Cosson to a state Of
fee is an effort to bride the party.
Moosers who take that view certain
ly have little confidence in the
stamina and integrity of the average
third party progressive. Democrats
have been appointed to state Office
by republicans and President Taft
called a democrat to his cabinet. 9th
er republican presidents have done
likewise, but nobody charged that
such appointments were made in the
hope of bribing the democratic par
ty. One man might be influenced by
his own appointment to official posi-
ton, but to say that the party to
which he belongs would be influ-
enced one way or the other is abb
surd.
Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1914-02-24

The state supreme court has up
held the validity Of the Webb-Ken-
yon law in a decision handed down
a day or two ago. The question in
volved was whether or not a COM
mon carrier had right to transport
liquor from wet to dry territory
with the knowledge that it was to
be sold illegally.
Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1914-02-24
Notice of Appointment of Admins
traitor.

traitor.
In the district court of the State
of Iowa, in and for Hamilton Coun-
ty, in probate.
In the matter of the estate Of Tode
Stonson, Deceased.
To whom it may concern: Notice
is hereby given, that the undersign-
ed has been appointed and has quail
ified as administrator of the estate
of Tode Stonson, late of Hamilton
county, Iowa, deceased. All persons
in any manner indebted to said de-
ceased or his estate will make pay
ment to the undersigned; and those
having claims against said deceased
or his estate will present them in
manner and form as by law requir-
ed, for allowance and payment.
Dated this 10th day of Feb. A. D.,
1914.
w. B. Rood,
Administrator of said estate.
42T3 o. J. Henderson, Atty.
Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1914-02-24

The Council Bluffs Nonpareil says
it is strange how persistent the
democrats are in seeking out candi-
dates for governor who are able to
come across with a considerable
expense fund.
Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1914-02-24

It is a safe guess to say that Pres
ident Wilson is personally opposed
to woman suffrage. He is a south
erner and the universal suffrage
movement is not strong in that sec
ton. The southern women, as a
rule, have unbounded confidence in
the men and are willing to leave the
complex questions Of state entirely
to masculine hands.
Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1914-02-24

fo- the republican party never look
ed better" says the Perry Chief,
"yet Rawson would be a mighty poor
chairman if he didn't say that very
same thing"
"Afrer reading his letter declin-
ing to enter the race for governor,
many Iowa people would like to
hear more often from Ed Meredith,
says the Waterloo Times-Tribune.
The Des Moines Capital observes
that occasionally a candidate for Of
flee announces himself who actually
has some other visible means of sup
port.
The Iowa Falls Citizen says that
if capitol extension is to be made
an issue, will hardly escape stating
his position.
1--WE still contend that Clarke is
doomed and that the Keosauquan
will get his scalp" says the Ottum-
wa Review, referring to Mr.. Row
ley's candidacy.
"The democratic party shouldn't
be held responsible for reducing the
high cost of living and making
money plentiful at the same time"
says the Hamburg Republican. The
two things don't go together very
WE'LL"
The Sac City Sun says it is not
question of doing Des Moines a fav-
or, but it is question of doing
something in keeping with the dig
nifty of the state of Iowa when we
talk of charging the capitol grounds
in order to give the capitol and 9th
err state buildings and monuments a
proper setting.
"A number of good democrats who
get little side money occasionally
by selling butter and eggs are sorry
now that they voted the democratic
ticket" says the Charter Oak Times.
"Fifteen-cent butter in the winter
time is good republican argu-
ment."
Zone trouble with Candidate
Rowley is that while he has an issue
he has not an organization" says
the Charles City Press.
The Burlington Hawkeye says the
Second district special election may
we'll discourage democratic aspirants
for the United States senatorship or
state office. There is too much
republican sentiment in this state"
the Hawkeye adds, 'to warrant
democratic hopes.
"The manner in which the repub-
lican party is being reunited in the
editorial columns of the republican
newspapers is most touching" says
the Burlington Gazette.
The Des Moines Capital says an
Iowa winter is ideal because it new
er overdoes the matter.
Eyes, it's the same old story"
says the Waterloo Times-Tribune.
go out and find man who can be
elected and he won't run"
Judge Wade says the Vollmer vote
was low because the rural districts
failed to turn out. Judge Wade
might go farther" suggests the
Marshalltown Times-Republican,
land analyze this peculiar apathy
in time of democratic opportua-
ity. There's reason"
"A decrease of 90 per cent of the
democratic plurality in the Second
district was not bad ten days
work for the republicans" says the
Iowa City Citizen.
There are many good men oppos-
ed to the blue sky law and pater-
nalistic legislation in general" says
the Fort Dodge Chronicle, "but it is
the truth just the same that every
swind1er in Iowa was inspired with
Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1914-02-24

The Sac City Sun says it is not
question of doing Des Moines a fav-
or, but it is question of doing
something in keeping with the dig
nifty of the state of Iowa when we
talk of charging the capitol grounds
in order to give the capitol and 9TH
er state buildings and monuments a
proper setting.
Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1914-02-24

They do not seem to have much
respect for law violator in Eng
land, no matter whom he may be
or what station he holds According
to press reports Sir Stuart Man
tague, member of parliament, was
recently fined $4,000 because he
had voted in the house of commons
upon a proposition in which the firm
of which he was a member was in
terested. This is quite different
than we do it in this country. Sem
ators and representatives in our ma
tional congress have no hesitancy in
voting upon propositions in which
they are personally interested, and
in the interest of corporations in
which they are stockholders. But
that sort of thing is becoming dan
gerous, and the people at home" are
beginning to frown upon it. Sena-
tor LaFollette refused when the
tariff bill was up for consideration
to vote upon propositions affecting
the lead industry, as he is stock
holder in a lead company.
Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1914-02-24

If the opponents of democracy
will get together down in the Sec
ond district they can defeat Vollmer
for congress next fall. In fact, if
the opponents of democracy in ev-
cry district in the state would get
together there would not be dem
Ocratic congressman elected from
Iowa.
Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1914-02-24

ct looks like walkaway for
Vollmer," says the Cedar Rapids Ga
zette. eff he can't win the demo-
cratic party is in bad way"
Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1914-02-24

$4,000, 100000, Japan $4,000
100000, China $52,0o0,o0O,ooo. Yet
Japan with less than one-fourth OF
the wealth of China and with less
than one-sixth of the population
whipped the big empire not many
years ago. However, if China ever
becomes warlike and teaches her
citizens in the arts of war, she will
be the most powerful nation on the
face of the globe.
Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1914-02-24

There are many good men oppos-
ed to the blue sky law and pater-
nalistic legislation in general" says
the Fort Dodge Chronicle, "but it is
the truth just the same that every
swindler in Iowa was inspired with
renewed hope by the recent act Of
Judge McHenry in granting an in
junction against its enforcement"
Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1914-02-24

fo- the republican party never look
ed better" says the Perry Chief,
"yet Rawson would be mighty poor
chairman if he didn't say that very
same thing"
Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1914-02-24

"a number of good democrats who
get little side money occasionally
by selling butter and eggs are sorry
now that they voted the democratic
ticket" says the Charter Oak Times.
"Fifteen-cent butter in the winter
time is a good republican argu-
ment.''
Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1914-02-24

There are some kinds of advertlS-
ing that do not pay and Des Moines
has been indulging in some. The
glowing reports of lots of work in
that city sent out from time to time
have resulted in a large number of
laborers going there and as a Sc
quence there are more men looking
for jobs than there are jobs looking
for men. That means, Of course,
idleness, and idleness is dangerous.
Recently twenty-five Mexicans out
of employment were picked up in
the city and they were in destitute
circumstances. They were lured to
Des Moines by reports that they
could find plenty of work there.
Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1914-02-24

For the love of Mike, let's have
settlement of that Grande avenue
paving controversy.-Cedar Rapids
Gazette.
We suppose the Mike referred to
is Mike Ford, the big paving con-
tractor of Cedar Rapids. This is not
the first time that it has been sug-
gested to settle paving controversy
for love of the contractors.
Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1914-02-24

"The democratic party shouldn't
be held responsible for reducing the
high cost of living and making
money plentiful at the same time"
says the Hamburg Republican. "The
two things don't go together very
WE'LL"
Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1914-02-24

"After reading his letter declin-
ing to enter the race for governor,
many Iowa people would like to
hear more often from Ed Meredith.
says the Waterloo Times-Tribune.
Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1914-02-24

eve still contend that Clarke is
doomed and that the Keosauquan
will get his scalp says the Ottum-
wa Review, referring to Mr.. Row
ley's candidacy.