davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-05-25
FINDS DYNAMITE
BURIED IN GARDEN

Washington, May ZS.-Hecently
Richard Johnson. living on West Mon
rue street. was digging angle worms
in his garden preparatory TO fishing
trip. He had uncovered about a foot
of earth when his spade struck hard
substance. A little exploration re-
vealed box about foot long and
eight inches in depth.
He heaved the box to the surface
after removing the dirt and not very
gently pulled the cover from it. He
was startled to discover that it con-
tanned about forty half-pound sticks
of dynamite. and wondered just how
much of his garden would have been
left had he handled the box trifie
more roughly than he did.
Mr.. Johnson had visions of German
plots and anarchists and such things
and Immediately called Sheriff Nc.
Carly and Officer Ned Long. who took
possession of the dynamite and stored
it in the vault of the city hall.
However, it is believed the eA. ,}osive
was planted" by former tenant OF
the property who contracted to dig
wells.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-05-25
HOW TO SELL.

AS a plain business proposition, the
success of the effort to market the big
issue OF liberty bonds without the as
sistance Of well-organized and sys-
tematized advertising campaign IS
worthy of observation.
Here is an enterprise that admitted
ly is deserving Of every atom OF sup
port that can be given it. Bankers
and big business men are subscribing;
newspapers are urging their readers
to buy the bonds: the secretary OF the
treasury has left his office in wash
ington at a critical time and is touring
the country pleading with the people
to invest in securities which are at
tractive purely as an investment with
out regard to the patriotic appear
which they make.
But those haphazard methods are
slow in brineing the results that
should be achieved because they are
hanhazard. II a fraction of the en-
ersy that has been exerted to draw
money out of hiding and bring about
it's investment had been directed by
expert advertising men who KNOW
how to reach the American public
with a straight business proposition,
the loan would have been oversub.
scribed now and the country "oulu
have been ready TO absorb another.
The situation throws an interesting
light on the extent to which the read
ing public in America has come to De
an misunderstanding public. 1t IS
a remarkable proof of the power OF
systematized advertising campaigns
because systematic ADVERTISING is the
only argument which has not been
used in the bend campaign thus far.
News comes from Washington now
that advertis ne is about to be IN
aueurated TO make sure OF quick re.
suits. It should have been started
weeks ago
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-05-25
AS WAS EXPECTED.

AS was expected. Iowa's blue law
and the efforts at its enforcement are
gaining for the state great deal OF
undesirable publicity and developing
into rather a wry joke without achiev.
ing a great deal of success.
The situation rapidly is developing
into or out of quarrel between Gov
ernor Harding and Attorney General
Havner on one side and majority OF
the legislature on the other. Between
these two antagonists, as between two
mill stones, the people OF Iowa are
caught as victims
If the purpose of the attorney gen.
eral is to punish the voters for hav-
ing elected the legislature which adj
journed recently, he is succeeding adj
mirably If it is his purpose to punish
the Legislature for refusing to repeal
the blue law he is making deal of in
cidental discomfort for several hun
dreds of thousands of non-office-hold-
ing individuals.
IT, as he asserts in long letter
which The Courier received yesterday
his aim is to enforce all the states
laws strictly he has selected one from
among a number and apparently is
centering his efforts on that while
emitting to recognize numerous other
statutes which really should receive
attention.
Mr.. Havner has chosen bad time
for frenzy Of mis-directed reform en-
ergy. There are many really impor-
tant subjects before the people OF Iowa
today and they have little patience
with Mr. Havners system OF revenge.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-05-25
ACCORDING TO PLAN.

Whenever the British or French
armies ON the western front are max
ing the German fur fly in their appar-
emily irresistible plunge against the
crumbling lines of the crown prince
and Marshal Hindenburg. the fact is
easily discernible from perusal Of
the German official report.
Yesterday the arologist for the
Prussian armies achieved rare bit of
humor though he used few words. in
telling of the victory of the British
forces on the Arras front, where the
report by General Haig gave details
of notable advance. The Berlin re-
port said the Germans maintained
their positions except in one demol-
ished trench which was evacuated ac-
cording to plan during the British at
tack
1t was according to plan.' if mem
DRY serves Alright, that Hindenburs re-
treated with his harassed forces
across some miles Of terrain several
months ago. "A tactical withdrawal
it was called then. On several occa-
sions since the allies started their big
drive on Easter Monday. the Germans
have reported Withdrawals to more
advantageous positions" And now
comes heltsr.skelter evacuation of
trench which the ENGLISH guns had
ruined. and we are told that was "ac.
cording to plan.
While the Berlin reports continue
there is always an assurance of humor-
Gus literature.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-05-25
LIBERTY LOAN
WEEK IN low
HARDING DESiGNATEs PERIOD
FROM MAY 81 TO
JUNE 2.

Liberty Loan Week in Iowa, May q
to June 2. was designated today in a
proclamation issued by Governor
Harding. During that week particular
ly. the governor urges Iowans to buy
liberty bonds and to make the week
Ia time of generous participation and
statewide manifestation of patriotic
loyalty.
In his proclamation the governor
says:
Our country is at war with a for
eign nation, not as matter of choice.
not for conquest, not for greed of gold
and not because of malice or hatred;
but rather TO maintain our self respect.
but rather to maintain our self re-
spect, to preserve to our people their
guaranteed rights and to perpetuate
and extend the principles of demo-
cratic government so we'll established
in our own country and so essential to
the liberty of mankind everywhere.
This war is contest between
democracy on one side and autocracy
on the other for control of the world.
III We lose now by our inaction or I'M
preparedness all the fighting and suf-
fering of the revolutionary and civil
wars will have been for naught.
"Our patriotism is on trial and the
test is whether or not our people will
help with their accumulated wealth by
loaning it to the government in this
trying hour. A kindly Providence and a
government in which the individual is
supreme have made all our people hap
py and prosperous Now in order to pre-
serve this liberty, it is our patriotic
duty as people to assist the govern
ment by helping with this wealth that
is ours.
"This is the hour when you can rem.
der real service to your country and to
the world. 1t we do not respond with
our accumulated wealth now. in the
days to come it will mean the sacrifice
of untold thousands of lives of the
young manhood Of our state and
country
When Secretary McAdoo was in Des
Moines few days ago he endorsed the
plan for liberty loan Week and said
he would urge the adoption of the plan
nationally.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-05-25

cause she has kept her commerce and
manufacturing as near their normal
stride as has been possible. France has
followed suit. Some Of their vessels
he been torpedoed and sunk, but
their commerce still continues and the
prosperity Of the nations is compar-
able to the extent of their trade.
America, with every resource at
hand in a land far greater as to terri
tory than either of these allies, has a
greater reason for continuing trade in
its ante.bellum channels.
This Is true Of every line with the
possible and obvious exception of traf-
fic in liquors. AS to the financial side,
even this exception is not necessary.
cheney and true economy, it is a sens
ible theory that America would gain
in the end by wiping out the manufac-
ture and sale Of liquors for the period
of the war.
But as to other lines Of business the
reverse is true. Business must pro-
coed il money is to be available for
war expenses. Everyone helps to bear
these costs = from the poorest individ
ual to the richest corporation. Bust
ness must continue if the individual is
to hold his job, just as business must
continue if the corporation is to pay its
taxes and dividends.
America is nation bound by ma
gic chain of interdepcndence A tight
ening of purse strings against proper
expenditures at this time by one seq
ment OF the national circle around
which money circulates means cor
responding stringency in other seq
ments.
This is not an argument for extrava-
gance There is no argument for that
It is merely somewhat lengthy state
ment of truths that might be summed
up bluntly in this fashion:
If you do not spend money normally
not foolishly but prudently-you
cannot expect your own income to re-
main unimpaired.
As long as Americas money is kept
in circulation there is no danger of a
financial stringency or scarcity OF
endowment
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-05-25
COUNTY READY
FOR REGISTER
SHERIFF CAMPBELL At FAIR.
FIELD HAS PLANS COMPLETE
FOR JUNE S.

Fairfield, May 22-Sheriff Shan
Campbell yesterday afternoon wired
Governor W. l.. Harding that Jefferson
county was all ready for the taking Of
the selective CONSUMPTION registration.
All of the clerks have been appointed
and every arrangement made for the
registration.
The men who were appointed clerks
have willingly donated their services
for the day and so far as Jefferson
county is concerned there will not be
cents worth of cost in the taking
of this registration. 1t is thought by
the local officers that Jefferson county
was one of the first counties of the
state to send word to the governor Of
its readiness for this work.
The men who have been appointed
for this work are as follows:
Abingdon, R. F. Collins: Batavia. T.
G. Watterson; Blackhawk, NJ. L. Nc
Crackin; Brookville, Dan Johnston;
Buchanan. Adrain Frame: Cedar. H.
c. Pattison: Center, f. G. Carlson;
Des Moines, E. o. Gonterman: Fair
field City. first ward. Lon Israel: sec
ond ward. Jerry Deaduff and H. A.
Oliver: third ward, Louis Chapius and
Harley Carter: fourth ward, Frank S.
Cummings and Verne L. Hague: Lib
erty. DR.. r. B. Stephenson; Lockridge.
o. II. Sherman: Lockridge City. A. I.
Anderson: Packwood, F. E. Stewart:
Penn. John ]. Kyle; RoupG Prairie.
Clifford Taylor: Walnut. Melvin H.
Corey.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-05-25
JOIN TODAY.

those who WORK with you in store
or shop or Office become members OF
the organization which is engaged in
lessening the suffering that must re-
suit from the greatest war the world
ever knew.
Already, since the struggle began in
August. 1914, 100000 lives have
been poured out, and it Is estimated
that the total number of killed and
wounded exceeds the population of the
United Kingdom. figured at some 45.
100000.
Yesterday the campaign for new
members in the Wapello county
branch of the Red Cross was inaugur-
ated with meetings in Ottumwa and in
many other communities throughout
the county Tomorrow the committees
TO canvass Ottumwa will be busy,
md in every town in the county sim
liar committees are ready to enlist
members.
James B. Weaver of Des Moines.
state organizer for the Red Cross,
brought an inspiring message to his
Ottumwa audience yesterday. His ad-
dress. which dealt with wars realities
and the necessity that exists and will
exist for the services of the Red
Cross. is typical of the wartime
speeches that will be heard with in
creasing frequency in Ottumwa and
throughout the United States.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-05-25
In Melnoriam
Wilton Rodney Adams.

Wilton Rodney Adams.
Wilton Rodney Adams, died May 10.
the age Of 46 years and 90 days. His
death was the direct result OF a blow on
the back Of the head by heavy piece
of bridge timber received while in
discharge Of his duties as superintend-
ent Of the bridges at the Charlton and
st. Joseph divisiOno of the Burlington
railroad. He had been disabled for the
last four years and was confined to
his bed for the past eighteen months.
Death came as last relief to his SUI
ferings He was born near Bethany,
Harrison county, Mo. April II. 1871. He
came with his parents when seven
years of age to Davis county, where he
grew to manhood. He entered the seN-
ice of the Burlington railroad bridge
department in August, 1897 and was
continuously employed in the same
company until the time of his injury.
He received several promotions while
in their employ. and for the past ten
years had charge of the bridge de-
partment from ST. Joseph, Mo. to Char
iton. He was a trusted employe OF the
company and favorite with all. He
was married to Miss Vernil Trowbridge
of Ottumwa, who together with five
children survive him. He also leaves
widowed mother. two brothers. M. H
and Is, IL. ADAMS OF Davis Slty, MO,
and one sister Mrs. L. II. Trowbridge.
Epsie, Mont. He <becane member OF
the Methodist church in 1898, believing
in all its doctrines and was member
in good standing at the time Of his
death. He became member OF the Odd
Fellows lodge in 1883. and ever remain
ed true to its precepts and teachings.
He was buried under the auspices of
the Odd Fellows fraternity. He led an
honorable life and was honest in all his
dealings. He was a devoted husband
and father and kind friend OF all-Con-
tributed
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-05-25
FOOD CONTROL.

America will have a food controller.
Mr.. Hoover whom President Viii.
son has chosen for the important post
and who. by the way. is former
Iowan. is qualified for the work prob
ably better than any ether. But
neither he nor any man can hope for
success without the cheerful and in.
telligent cooperation Of the American
people.
For so long extravagance has been
a habit in America that it has become
a part of the national nature. Extrsva.
sance in food and dress are equalled
by extravaganza in expenditures and
extravaganza in the use of productive
lands.
Now curb must be put on all ex-
travagance. Although it will be long
before America feels the need for food
economy for her own sake. the need is
a very present one now for the sake
of ous allies.
In England and France the danger
of famine is pressing. An indication
of The seriousness with which the stu.
alton is viewed there is obtained from
the following paragraphs which APP
pear in unwonted black face type on
a prominent page of the London OBJ
server of recent date. under the cap
ton. 1.-THE Vital Question"
We must eat less.-Lord Devon
port.
Be careful not to waste. Keep
to the very lowest figure you can
and help your country.-Mr.
Lloyd-George.
The danger is real and urgent.
but we can mitigate 1t by eating
little less than usual for the
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-05-25

their unsuccessful chase after Villa.
The Mexican expedition ranks as the
only job Pershing ever undertook dur
ing his long military career which did
not end in success. And it is worth re
cording here that the fault cannot be
laid to him. He did not catch Villa, il
is true. but it is equally true that he
was so restricted in his operations by
orders from Secretary Baker that he
would have had to dsobey those in.
structions to overtuke his quarry.
But Pershing gave his soldiers in
Mexico the very training which will
stand them in good stead when they
reach France He lost no time while
he was encamped on the Mexican
desert for he drilled his men in the
sort of warfare that was at that mo-
ment and still is being waged in
France.
When Pershing goes to France and
his hardened veterans take their
places in the first line trenches, mem.
cries of their practice in Mexico will
fit them for effective fighting and an ir-
resistible advance when the word
comes from their commander to "go
over the top"
The regiment OF marines which will
serve with Pershing's regulars will do
their full share to uphold the fame and
traditions of the American army. Like
Pershing's own force, these marines
are veterans. Most of them have seen
service recently in San Domingo and
other tropical lands. Their force has
traditions of its own to uphold, some
of which have been written by these
very men. They may be depended on
for their full share of the fighting.
In Pershing. President Wilson has
chosen leader who probably cannot
be exce11ed in the entire United States
army today. From his days at West
Point he has been singled out for
special honors. He has fought Indians
on the western plains and Spaniards
in the Cuban hills He had big share
in the quelling of two Filipino insurrec-
tons. He represented the United
States as military observer in Man
churia during the Russo-Japanese war.
He is known as one of the army
ablest tacticians and strategists and he
is beloved by all his men.
Truly. Americas first fighting force
to be sent against the iron line of Hin
denburg may be expected to battle
gloriously and add materially to the
nations fame and credit.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-05-25
lowA.s cRoP wEAIHER.

Thus far, Iowa's weather has been
ideal for farming and despite the iate
start and the cold early sprihs
news comes from all over the state
that the soil and the early condition
of the fields could not be improved.
Last nights showers and few more
Of the same sort will put the oats crop
and the meadows well on the way "
a highly satisfactory harvest time
showing. Corn is peeping through the
ground in many fields while in others
the planting is progressing with en-
coalraging speed. !.
Every sign points to another OF
those crop years for which Iowa was
famous not so long ago. 1t is doubiy
gratifying this year to anticipate pig
Yields, for the urge Of patriotism and
the necessity for immense crops with
which to feed world OF lighters are
behind the desire in Iowa to record the
present season as the most notable
one in the states agricultural history.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-05-25
FATHER OF OT'TUMWAN
DIES AT CHARLTON

Charlton. May 22-Ames A. Lane,
veteran of the civil war, passed
away at the home Of his son. Albert
Lane, May 20. 1917. at the age Of 81
years, months and s days. A few
weeks ago he fell and broke his hip,
and Later pneumonia developed which
resulted In his death. Funeral ser
vices were held at the home Of his
son yesterday morning at n:30
O'Clock. conducted by Rev. H J.
Bryce of the Baptist church. sfter
which the remains we're inferred in
the Sharon cemetery IN Wayne county.
James A. Lane was born in Columbus,
Ohio. on September IL. 1882. He was
married there when he was about -
years Old to Sarah Ann Frizzell, who
passed away several years ago. To
them twelve children were born, ten
OF whom are living. They are: Hese-
kiah and Albert Lane of Charlton. S.
W. of Delphos. Adam M. Of Ottunlwa,
Benjamin l.. Of Harrison county. No.:
Mrs. Mary E. Ryun of Lucas, Mrs.
Charlotte Surber of Edyville. Mrs. Al
ferrtta Colt of Centervilke, Mrs. Nellie
May Rym Of Hiteman. All were
present at the funeral services.
About year after his marriage Mr..
Lane with his family moved to Iowa,
locating on farm in Union township.
this county, where he lived for many
years. About twenty-five years ago
he moved to Cleveland No. 4, where
he was employed as mail carrier and
where he lived until after the death Of
his wife, when he came to Charlton to
make his home with his son. During
the civil war he enlisted in the service
Of his country as a member of Co. l.
Fourth Iowa cavalry. and served over
year and half, when he was dis
charged on account of disability.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-05-25
A DROP in A BUCKET.

II is encoura ging. and at the same
time almost laughable, to read the an
nouncement that the federal govern.
ment has designated two steamers Snd
twelve barges now on the MISSISSIPPI
river for hauling merchandise frelght.
The purpose, of course, is TO relleve
! the freight congestion on the railways.
But the remedy is far from adequate:
To be sure. these fourteen vessels VIII
help some. particularly IL they are
handled rightly, but an attempt 10
solve the problem of river transports
ton and loosen the tension OF rail- con
gestion with such craft is ike trying
tn fill a water bucket from medlclne
dropper
Government and state aid and en-
couragement for river transportation
few years ago would have resulted IN
the existence today of a Respectable
and efficient packet and barge equip
ment on the Mississippi. 1t is not TOO
kite now for proper start
One of the numerous inconsistencies
which can be charged to congresses as
far back into the past as one wishes to
20 is shown graphically by the lists OF
pork barrel appropriations for the
dredging of "navigable' streams ana
the absence OF arrangements for pro-
yidirg boats to do the navigating.
Had the money which has been
thrown away in sand bars and mud
creeks been expended sanely. honestly
and unselfishly to encourage river
cities to build boat terminals and help
in the operation of boat lines. the prob
lam presented by the shortage of
freight cars at this critical time would
have been much less problem than 1t
is today perhaps it would not nave
existed.
This car shortage. experts say, Is re-
sponsible in large measure for the
high prices of wheat and several other
market staples. 1t follows naturally
that a preventive Of the shortage
would have saved money to the con-
sumers of foodstuffs in America.
CAPITAL is ready for investment in
barge and packet lines when suitable
terminals can be provided by the vari.
ous river cities. The cities. or most
of them. are either unwilling or unable
IN assume the expense Of building
docks because of bond limitations,
financial worries or the lack OF fore
sight on the part VI many VI N'' W"
Gals and citizens.
The Iowa legislature could remedy
much of the difficulty and lead to its
entire prevention by adopting meas
ure either for providing state APPROX
riations to pay part of the cost OF river
terminals or by empowering the cities
along the Mississippi to issue bonds in
excess of the normal limits to pay for
docks.
The first method should be followed.
for this is matter in which every
city and every shipper in Iowa is in
terested BY the same course OF reas-
oning. every consumer = every citizen
is affected. and should be interested.
This should be one of the first ques-
tons to be considered at the next ses-
sion of the Iowa legislature. Although
that is postponing the solution long
time. it seems the only suggestion now
which is practicable, and 1t offers re-
lief in the future though not for the
DreSent