Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1914-05-19
Looker-On In Iona

oSoAS lily, way IL. Lag ASSSA's
bank failure at Radcliffe brings out
many statements that the next legis-
lature should end the private banking
system In Iowa. Or II corpot atoms or
individuals calling themselves banks
are to be continued. rigid system OF
examination. similar to that enforced
on state and national banks, must be
made. This town has had an expert
ence similar to that Of Radcliffe which
1t will not soon forget whether the
fierce" competition that existed in
Radcliffe had anything TO ito with this
failure can only be surmised. but a
small town like Radcliffe did not need
three banks. At one time SO keen was
the competition that per cent was
paid on time deposits, and creamery
concern received bids for its busi-
ness. l. e., it's account. and the writeh
was told. while in Radcliffe, that the
creamery company finally received
$500 for opening bank account. This
may be an exaggeration, zut 1t Is
an open secret the banks bid high for
the account. No stronger banks ac-
cording to their capital stock are in
Hardin county than those IN Radcliffe,
and compared with the defunct bank
they were much more conservative in
their business transactions.
In small Iowa town, say 500 in
habitants, a groceryman was bewailing
the fact that he had to ship in pars
nips rhutabagas. turnips, sweet po-
tatoes, onions, celery, lettuce, radishes.
Irish potatoes and creamery butter.
There was nothing in it after express
and freight charges were paid. to say
nothing of spoiled stock. This In a
town Of big residence lots and farms
not half mile from the postoffice.
The reason given was these towns
people and farmers We're all too well
off to bother raising garden truck. Yet
they asked for it at his store, and he
had TO ship 1t in or customers found
fault. Then they would kick on the
price. and many times he threw away
spoiled stuff that cost him many dol
lars.
There is growing feeling especially
In the smaller towns for a thorough
revision Of our automobile laws It's
not all on fast driving. They can con-
troll that by local city ordinance, and
If not enforced It's their own fault. But
there's general complaint. the law
concerning lights is almost a dead let
ter. Many farmers dread going home
after dark, so many reckless unlighted
machines are on the road The same
Is true In the surburbs Of all towns. and
at this time Of the year, hundreds Of
children are out playing late in the
evening, and exposed to great danger.
Another thing many claim, II an In
toxicated person ty known to run an
automobile. his license should at once
be taken from him. and forever be bar
RED from running a machine in the
state OF Iowa. A depot agent said the
railroads compel an engineer ITO have
years Of experience before he can run
an engine on iron rails. but any l6-
year-old girl or boy, with little or no
experience gets into 50 horse power
car and runs 1t 40 to 50 miles an hour
thru the streets of town filled with
men. women and children" And there
is no question but majority favors
an age limit Of n years for both sexes
before license can be secured from
the state This will work hardship in
some cases. but will be the greatest
good to the greatest number
Very few realize the large number Of
tired" farmers in town that are not
tired. Men who work by the day,
some by the month. not because they
need the money, but beca use they need
the work. They realize to stop work
when they come to town to live, means
they sign their own death warrant
So one runs a lawn mower. another
trims trees. another plows gardens
The writer knows OF one tired farmer
with 100000 who works on the railroad
for s1.65 cay. And in several cases
such men work roads at 80 much a
day. It's curious, but such men do no,
| take kindly to chicken raising OF
garden stuff. yet they live as a rule
on the outside edges-the suburbs OF
the town-and have big lots as we'll as
| big houses The section man" referred
! to could raise thousand dollars
worth Of fruits and vegetables on his
big lot. but no. he would rather work
| for wages.
TO M-1~L