Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1918-01-14
AN ABLE LEGISLATOR GONE.


The progress of the past twenty years
which gave to Iowa the statewide pri-
mary law, the two-Cent fare law. the
anti-pass law, the consolidated school
law, the drainage district law and eco
nomy in the state government lost its
former director general in the death Of
James A. Smith, of Osa ge, at Pasa-
dena, California, Saturday. Probably
no more useful man ever served in the
Iowa senate than Smi,h OF Mitchell,
who gave to his state for twelve years
the service Of business talents so rare
that his personal fortune stands among
The frs; hals doz largest in Iowa to-
day
Senator Smith contributed the bust
ness brains of the so-Called Cummins
movement which began over twenty
years ago in the spectacular contest
against intrenched privilege in Iowa
politics. For twelve years he was look
I'd upon as the ablest constructive force
in the Iowa senate. Session after seS-
sion elected him president of the sem
ate regardless of the faction. which
held control because he was so fair,
50 just and so fearless. Toward the
close he vas doubly honored by unan-
imcus consent Of his colleagues when
he was made chairman OF the appro-
priations committee and president u
the senate at the same time. The two
highest honors had always been dis
tributed before.
Senator Smith proved 20 the world
that a man could make a million in this
country and make it honestly. His for
ty-tive retail lumber yards We're each
conducted Iegitimately without the
faint OF speca, privilege. His business
sasacity was almost uncanny in the
accuracy Of its prophecy A captain
In big business, he was yet leader in
politics Of the forces which opposed
special privilege and many votes Of his
we're cast for measures which cost him
and his class a large sacrifice.
By those who knew Smith he was
loved and admired for his charm Of
personality. his extraordinary ability
and his irrephoachable integrity. He
was a member OF the Congregational
church and a trustee OF Grnne!l Col
lege. but his courage in facing a tut
IRE life knew no fear, not SO much be-
cause Of his faith as besause he had
so little Of which TO be ashamed in
his past
Johnson Brigham. the historian, says
of him in his history Of Iowa:
AN unassu!ntng business man named
James A. Smith, took his seat In the
senate in 1900. For twelve years there
after Smith OF Mitchell was a potenl
force IN legislation. Whether in the
chair or on the floor ne was equally a
master"
Senator a. 3. Funk, who had served
before him and with him, says Of him:
earnestly supported measures levyIng
nigh tr!2ute upon his class and upon
himself: Neither the party lash nor the
appeals Of comradesh!p could move
hin from his conception Of public duty. |
No generation Of state history has pro-
duced legislator more irreproachaole
in conduct and few indeed 50 effective
IN real achievement"
AI;ao Il millionaire, himself, and more,
WITH large family Of worthy Sons to
enjoy his esta.e Smith, nevertheless
has lauded the present administration
az Washington FOR leTytng toll upon
wealth and big business FOR the eZpens-
es Of var 7. needed. Smith wanted his
government 20 consc-pt al large ac-
foundations :o- s1pport " he nation
in It's crisis Attic ne ATTEST oc money
makers, h.s deals o. citizenship rose
70 tina. degree u pac-ot.g-a which
placed the p1D]:c welCara aoo"e MS pr
va.e interest IT, this -egp@ct ne ~a8
big nan.