davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-10

what a singular fact that many intelli-
gent people have been totally/ignorant
OF the geographical position Of the ter
ritory of Iowa. True, they had heard
of some Of our prominent cities and
towns, but it was difficult to persuade
them that these flourishing points were
west of the Mississippi. The limits
of their vision seemed bounded by this
mighty river, and they associated no
ideas of a civilized country beyond. On
the fourth of July, 1888, the act Of con-
gress took effect organizing the terri
tory Of Iowa, when we were discon-
nected from Wisconsin. And then
arose the query-where Is Iowa? So
rapid was its increase, and so sudden
had been it's organization that the
great mass Of the people seemed to
have been unconscious Of it's exist
n And when told that the west
side of the river contained a greater
population than Wisconsin proper, 1t
produced EXPLANATIONS Of astonish'
ment,"
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-10
A DOLLAR LOOKED BIG.

An interesting din into Iowa history
nav be taken by reading an argument
for the admission of Iowa into the
union which appeared in the Iowa Can.
itol Reporter of July 90. 1912 and Is
now %republished by the state historical
society.
1t is of particular interest because
Of the present debates on the subject
Of state expenditures, taxation, indebt-
edness. etc.
1t appears from the Capitol Reporter
that the subject Of taxation was just
as engross'ng in 1912 as In 1917 and
the state then was divided between
those who wanted to do things because
they were worth doing. and those who
didr't want to do ANYTHING because it
might cost something.
Here is n list OF arguments against
the admission OF Iowa into the union.
as taken up by the newspaper mention
ed above:
Congress might refuse to pay the
expenses of a constitutional convention
thus putting an Indebtedness Of $4,000
on to the state.
The territory of Iowa was $4,000 In
debt and congress might fail to assume
this obligation.
The sale of lots in the townsite OF
Iowa City. given by congress to the ter.
ritory, might fail to pay the full cost
of the capitol building -$15.000 beng
then necessary to complete the build.
ing sufficiently to use it.
The federal government might fail
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-10
TRAIN LOADS
OF MOVING

Juarez. Mexico. April Z. Eight Car.
rama troop trains are en- route from
chihuahua City to Juarez today carry
ing approximately 1000 de facto troops
according to an official announcement
made at military headquarters. The
first train with 500 men on board ar
rived in the railroad yards at noon.
General Francisco Murguria, com
mander OF the de facto troops In the
north is on the last Of these trains, &C
cording to unofficial information here
The reason given here for the troops
movement at this time was that an ef
fort would be made to prevent villa
and his forces from approaching the
border west of FL Paso by moving
troops through Juarez to Casas Gran
des, Chihuahua. where they would take
the field against Villa.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-10
v BRYAN is
HIS LATEST ROLE

Tallahassee, Fla. April Former
Secretary of State Bryan sent this mes.
sage to President Wilson:
believing it to be the duty Of each
citizen to bear his part of the burden
of war and his share Of its perils, !
hereby tender my services to the gov
eminent. Please enron me as a pri-
yate whenever I am needed. Assign
me to any work that l a do until
called to the colors. I shall, through
the Red Cross contribute to the com.
fort Of soldiers in the hospitals and,
through the Young Mems Christian
association, aid in guarding the morals
of the men in camp"
Mr.. Bryan with the rank of colonel,
commanded a regiment of Nebraska
volunteers. during the Spanish-Amer.
lean war.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-10
IOWA'S "BIT" TO
BE 10000 ROOPS

Washington. D. c.. April THE six
middle western states Of Illinois, In
diana, Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin. and
Minnesota will be called upon to raise.
in round numbers. 235,000 recruits for
the army of 1900, 900 recruits for the
army of 10000 which is to be call
ed out this year. This is one-ifth the
total number Of troops to be raised
by all the states.
The army bill prepared for sub
mission to congress provides for PRO
p%ortionate quotas to be supplied from
the respective states. determined upon
population" Apportioning these
quotas on the basis of congressional
representation, the plan which the
army has in view will make the fol
lowing demand for recruits from the
six middle western states:
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-10
HAVE CONSUMPTION BILL.

Des Moines. April Transcription in
Iowa to fill the ranks of the Iowa ma
tional guard is provided for in a bill
prepared by the military committee OF
the Iowa state senate which will be
introduced in the senate Monday. Sen
ator Rule of Mason City is author OF
the bill. Under the provisions of the
measure a draft of $500 men would be
nut into effect at once. taking men be
tween the ages of l9 and 23. Only
single men would be drafted. The men
it was proposed, would be drawn from
counties and the last census probably
would be the basis for establishing
the company quotas.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-10
JAY STOCK SOLD
IN KANSAS CITY
Four Short Horn Heifers
From Waveland Farm Get
Good Prices at Sale

Wapello county stock played a part
in the Central Short Horn associa'
TONS annual spring show and sale
held in Kansas City this week.
D. A. Jay Of the Waveland stock
farm near Blakesburg returned today
from the show where he had four
Short Horn heifers. They sold FOR
$1,755, an average price OF S43s. One
of them took first prize in the yearlins
class and two others reached the first
mention class.
Mr.. Jay says that n outstanding
feature of the show and sale this year
was that Oklahoma and Arkansas buy
ers, who previous to this time have
not been particular. refused to buy
anything but the very best OF all
grades.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-10
EEwER FOREST FIRES.

The number Of fires suppressed on
national forest lands during the past
year was 1924, as against 7,o1S in 1914.
and an average annual number Of
4,759 during the past five years. says
Henry s. Graves, chief of the forest
service, in his annual report just pub
lished. While more than the average
number Of fires occurred the timbered
area burned over was but 155.416 acres
or thirty per cent less than the aver
e per year for the period 19l1-1915
inclusive. The average loss per fire
was $6O.41. Forty-four per cent of the
fires were confined to areas OF less
than one-quarter of an acre.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-10
DIEs AT BARRACKS.

Bloomfield. April 6. Word was re-
ceived in this city recently Of the death
of Roy Seyler. son Of Mr., and Mrs.
Chas. Seyler of Des Moines, former
residents of Bloomfield where Roy was
born and is we'll known. He enlisted
in the navy about six weeks age and
was stationed at Jefferson Barracks
near st. Louis. From the message re.
ceived 1t seems he did not survive the
effects Of vaccination which was done
after he arrived at the barracks. He
died Sunday and his body was shipped
to Des Moines for burial. Deceased
was a grandson of Mrs. ]. NJ. Childers
Of this city.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-10
BUYING MUNICIPAL BONDS.

n The cities of the. middle west are
Eoming to learn that one OF the S
RTays to build their communities and
build confidence In them, is FOR the
Ecitizens Of a municipality TO buy the
Sends of their own city.
n The man or woman who owns a city
|isond is anxious that that city shall
Lave good and efficient government.
4 fhey want the affairs Of h city ad-
Ssninistered in a business like and econ
komical way so that the city can pay
H,hem the interest as 1t becomes due on
lthe bonds they are holding and finally
lat the maturity pay the principal up
Ion which they have been receiving the
Interest. Unless the city's affairs are
managed in a competent manner the
ecity may have to default on its inter
EST payments and then the bond holder
/. the loser. But there Is absolutely
40 reason for not paying the Interest
( the city's affairs are well managed
,y people of business ability. The
bond holder soon recognizes that fact
I, nd becomes interested in helping
Xalace competent men in charge OF the
Nity's affairs.
II Another factor in favor Of the people
fbf the community owning that com.
kinunity's bonds is that the money paid
out for interest still remains in the
community and is available to the com.
tmunity. If the bond holder lives in
Spoint, that interest money is sent out
Chicago or New York or some distant
81 the community and the community
Ms the loser.
The citizens of a great manv OF the
kritjes in the east have studied this
ymatter over and make it a point tc
&auy their local bonds. In some places
|Ehese bonds are made Of different de
nominations, Some Of them being as
now as $25 and from that on up. This
Involves some work and detail and sc
does everything else that accomplishes
any permanent good. This plan gives
an opportunity for investment to the
party who has only a small amount Of
money or to the individual or trust
company for larger amounts. 1t gets
more people interested in good govern
ment and enriches the community by
N.eeping in 1t money that is ordinaril.
Int away.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-10
NEED GOOD ROADS.

Though modern artillery ranges are
great, the precision of fire control has
been so developed that the heavy how
tiers make short work of permanent
Notifications. Any system of defensive
strategy, based on heavy guns perman'
emily mounted, has been proved made
uuate. The Engineering Record states
that with good roads the defensive
army can adapt itself to the fluid condi.
ton. of modern wal and, by rapid
shifting Of artillery avoid the mistakes
of the defenders of Liege.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-10
I'D 70 rHE

| To the parents of America these
are put today:
IN Do O want your boy to die q per
Mectly useless and unnecessary death
AIM the feld or in the hospital, or 40
lEstou want him to go forth with a rea-
Shtonable chance OF coming home to
|lHou?
~ The choice rests with you.
4 Under the constitution of the United
States and under the national DEFENSE
Act Of June 8, 1916, the president IS
\ authorized in case of war to call INTO
service all citizens OF a nght-
E8ing &C.. or
. As your boy will have to go to war
"A ANYWAY If his services are neeoeu' ~
is up to you to decide:
whether, If he goes-and go ne mus.
he shall go trained, naroeheu anu
alive to the dangers he Is 10 meet, ~
unframed, soft and ignorant OF mn.
ta-y matters and dangers, nall awake
and fearful Of the unknown;
1 whether he shall go as a marksman'
4 knowing how to attack n defena'
I how to take care Of himself IN the
: held. how to keep himself IN vigorous
health, how to look after his feet; MS
akin. his teeth, or whether he shall go
!. ignorant as a child Of all the Things
he needs to give him a chance 10
gtsurvive and win out alive;
" Whether he shall go to war Win d
Reasonable chance Of returning there
from. or to deadly, certain disaster
whether he shall 90 with all the pos
kibilities that lie in his receptive young
mind and active young body fully de-
Welcomed for his own safety. or undevel-
4 Grad, blindly ignorant of these things
h that may save him. ~
a In a campaign the chance OF trained
h mon for ultimate safety are vastly su'
u nerior to those OF raw recruits. 10
bsend unframed, troops to meet troops
htrained in modern warfare Is sheer
IXnurder. They would die like sheep.
n It'll MP to the parents: T, -
r.HHff w. Sncos the wiser course
|gh.nd have their boy, when ne IS caieo
ITO the front. go there alert, hardened
Edr;lIed. disciplined, awake to all pos
.ihIe dangers and prepared to meet
hens typical soldier of the repub-
liz. or are they going to deny their boy
Wat training and knowledge to which
Bhe has as much right as he has to the
n NSe which they gave him, that training
sand knowledge which they can not, but
which the government can and will
A rladly give him if they but say the
X II is the fathers vote. the mothers
condemnation Of a measure h misun-
STiarstands, that congress is fearing
fsyon your boy may be called. II you
liant to give him a chance, urge your
tsneressman and senators to pass the
Universal training bill.
rAct now before it is too late. The
aalKture safety Of your son rests in your
avn hands.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-10

Total $3O,SUO
The amazing part of all this is that
when the constitution of 1916 was
drafted, it fixed the salaries lower than
thew appeared in either Of these esti-
mates.
This curious illustration Of the way
in which pioneer Iowa counted Its pen
MES and half pennies is of more than
antiquarian interest. 1t shows that
there has always been a strong pull
backward. that progressive n reac-
tionary forces have always been at
work - and that Iowa would still be
a territory if the decision were left to
the element which objects to useful
state appropriations.
But the greatest revelation is upon
the subject OF the constitutional limita-
ton of state Indebtedness, fixed by the
constitution OF 1857 at $250.00
In 1910, Iowa had a population OF
$4,000 and by 1857 it had increased to
400, 900. AS the debt limit was fixed in
the latter year, any comparison should
be on the basis Of the states population
In 1857.
If the debt limit today were proper
tionate to the increase in population
since 1857, it would be $l,5OO,OOO. II
it were proportionate to the increase IN
wealth what would it be? To put 1t at
S. 900. 900 would be a very modest esti-
mate, while making allowance for the
decreased value of money. $4,000, 900
Is undoubtedly smaller in the eyes OF
the people of the present day than
$3.50, 900 was in 1857.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-10
mExIcANs

According to the latest reports the
Mexicans are protesting to like the
United States.
If Brazil declares war o. Germany
1t will have the effect Of putting an
element Of the Mexican population
against Germany. Thus 1t will be nat
ural for them to take the side OF the
United States because we r at wal
with Germany.
However, half the population OF Mex
leo does not know that there is any
such country in the world as Germany
or the United States either.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-10

Once in the course of its long career
the London Gazette appeared for a
while as a daily newspaper of stupen-
dous size. The cause was not a wal
but the railway boom Of 1S45. 1t was
required by parliamentary rules that
details of all new schemes to be pro-
NOTED in the forthcoming session
should be published before December
1 and so were these schemes
that throughout November Of that year
the Gazette had to be issued in huge
daily editions, one of which ran to $50
ma seS.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-10

thinking about the banking bill. The
governor had appointed a member OF
the kitchen cabinet to the place. That
cabineteer had declared openly that
he had the appointment sewed up. He
continued to remain a member of tho
cabinet and lobbied for bills. His
hand was disclosed in several In
stances and-well, the senator's simply
decided that the whole business Wa
wrong. Hence, the cunning.
The Pitt,J Johnston or administration
forces lost thirteen votes on the Judge
bill ballot. T%hirty-one senator's voted
to bring back the four year term bill.
That is not all.
Moore Breaks Openly.
Lieutenant Governor Moore has
broken openly with Governor Harding.
the administration and the kitchen
cabinet. He has taken a stand against
the activity Of the Salingers. He has
not hesitated to declare himself on the
eighth Judge or four year term bill.
Senator Cady Chase of Hamilton.
considered all the session as the old
war horse of the administration. has
broken with his former friends and is
now fighting the four year term bill.
Senator Ball is also out of the admin.
~istration camp.
The kitchen cabinet got too strong
with its work. Legislators resented
the interference of the Salinser broth
ers. They resented the activity of
George Messenger.
And the administration bears tho
brunt of the warfare because the kitch-
en- cabinet has been tied onto it and is
considered accepted by senator's.
The assembly did other things be-
side kill the eighth Judge bill. It
authorized a million dollar var fund
and two college armories at Iowa City
aud Ames to cost s125.0o0 each. It
abolished the offices OF state printer
and binder and killed the Kimberly
home rule bill. A five year closed $
| son was declared on quail and prairie
chickens. The Chase bill to prevent
courts from enjoining strikes was kill
I ed once but may be saved in the sem
! ate on reconsideration. The long and
shor, haul" bills and teachers pen
sions were killed in the house. az was
! the Chase neoptism bill. The senate
passed a modified form of blue law re-
peal but the measure doesn't stand
much chance in the house. A fund OF
$3.50, 900 for law enforcement was
authorized. The capitol extension tax
was ordered repealed by the senate but
1t is not expected to pass the house.
The repeal applies to that part OF the
tax to be collected In the next Ave
wears.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-10
DODGE GIRL
RECEIVES HONORS

Fl. Dodge, April 6. An unusual
honor has been given to Miss Violet
Blakely, a Fort Dodge girl attending
the state university, in the appoint
ment as a reader Of English themes.
Usually the appointment only goes to
senior girls. Miss Blakely is a soph-
omore
Another honor that has been accord
ed Miss Blakely is that she has been
elected treasurer of the Y. w. c. A. at
the university and named a member OF
the Y, W. c. A. cabinet.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-10
Glasses will be formed in Toledo uni.

Glasses will be formed in Toledo uni
versity next fall to study social prob
lens. The aim will be to prepare WON
en- to vote intelligently. Toledo suffra'
gists are planning to introduce the
study Of civics into every woman's or
ganization in that city. Cleveland
women also are organizing groups for
the study of their opportunities in the
exercise of presidential suffrage. Suf
frage work has been begun among
Cleveland women Of Italian descent.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-10
AGENCY
Of j. s. ACTIVE
IN WORK Of WAR
Wheels of Government Arc
Set in Motion All Along
Predetermined Lines
GERMANS RI
X IN

Washington, D. c., April Tho sec
ond day Of war with Germany found
every government agency in action
along predetermined lines, with con.
g%ressional committees at work on the
new army bill and finance measures.
The navy and it's newly organized
power boat coast patrol squadron was
being modified, naval militia and nav-
al reserves were complying with OF.
ders to join the colors.
From many cities came word thsS
United States marshals had carried
out orders Of the department Of JUS,
tice for arrest Of sixty Germans whom
the government believes 1t dangerous
to allow at large.
Officials had about determined "a
use the German merchant ships, near
ly 100 of which have been seised for
government service, though no an
nounoement was made whether they
would be con1scated or paid Dor at tho
close Of the war.
Seize Radio Stations.
Government seizure Of all radio sta
tons and the closing of sill except
those needed for naval communication
vas authorized BY President Wilson.
Both the war and navy departments
81 arranging with contractors to
furnish enormous quantities of sup.
plies; steel manufacturers agreed to
furnish the navy their product at last
years prices, efeeting an 81, 900. 900
saving in the navy's 1917 steel bill; tho
treasury department devised means of
raising funds, subject to congressional
authorization, and the department OF
agriculture set forth on a movement to
increase and conserve the nations sup
| ply Of foodstuns and to simplify dir.
tributfon.
Many other similar activities wers
started after the cabinets council Of
war last night. The house military
committee met today to hear Secretary
Bakers explanation Of tho army gen.
eral stan bill to draft and train 1000,
900 young men within . year and the
accompanying three billion dollar
budget, all OF which had President
Wilson's announced approval. The sen
ate military committee also had thu
army bin under consideration today.
Discuss Tax plans.~
It seemed likely today that 4 Iarxl
part Of the wars cost. which for the
first yea alone may run far above the
So $500, 000, 900 already asked OF con.
gress. sven to $4,000, 900. 900 will be
raised by higher taxes on incomes, in.
herftances and excess profits.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-10
IOWA WAS UNKNOWN.

Less than eighty years ago Iowa
was a region comparatively unknown,
although It was even then rapidly be-
coming settled. This fact is empha-
sized in a little book written by John
r. Newhall and published in 1871.
which is in the library OF the State
Historical society at Iowa City. sit
uated as it is, north of Missouri, and
on the western shore Of the Missis-
sippi," he wrote, lit has been some
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-10
oueER AUTO ACCIDENT.

Council Bluffs, April 6. Mrs. Bessie
Copp, wief OF the publisher of the Mon
DAMN Enterprise. is In a local hospital
receiving treatment for a fractured
skull.
Mrs. Copp was a member of a party
driving from Mondamin to Omaha in
an automobile. She alighted to recover
| her hat and in the darkness was run
over by the automobile, which was be-
ing backed up. 1t is said she will re
cover.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-10

One Of the most reckless feats Of
daring reported during the war is re-
corded in a list of military awards just
issued. Private Daniel Hall has won
the English distinguished conduct med
al for putting his hand over the
muzzle OF a trench mortar as it was
fred in order to prevent the she'll from
hitting a mar who had inadvertently
stepped in front Of the gun.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-10
HENS MAKE RECORD.

Centerville, April 6.-Mrs. l. S. Nc
Cam, living southwest of town has los
hens that made a rather remarkable
record during March. They laid In
that month 149 dozen eggs. Since Jan
1. Mrs. Mccain has sold PSI dozen, be,
sides what they have used at home.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-10
A GAUGE.

Chlllicothe, Mo-, April 6. -Dr. J. (.
Campbell has installed a new weather
guage at his home on West Polk
street, from which he will make daily
reports Of weather conditions here to
authorities in both Kansas City and st.
Louis. DR.. Campbell stated that the
rainfall Wednesday night and Thurs
day was three-tenths of an inch.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-10

A party Of fifty %churchmen. includ-
ing every remaining clergyman OF mil.
itary age in the Pretoria diocese. have
left Capetown, South Africa, for the
French front to conduct an Easter war
service.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-10

These figures are arrived at by fix
ing each congressional district quota
at 2,759. emitting fractions. the num-
Der required from each of the 435 dis
tricts to make the army Of 100000.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-10
COMPLETE TEXT OF
MESSAGE IN BERLIN

Berlin. April 6, via London, April T.
The complete text Of President Viii
sons message has arrived by wireless.
taking almost a whole day in transmits.
sion because of static troubles. It is
printed in the morning papers, di1fer-
ing imnlater1ally from the London e
sion. After a careful study the for
eign ONCE declared that there will be
no official reply.