The Bottineau courant. (Bottineau, Bottineau County, N.D.) 1895-1929, 1919-12-25
"A COMMUNICATION
To Editor Michael Of the Willow City
Eagle

10 Ed1tOr MIcnael OF h Willow City
Eagle
In an editorial in the Eagle Of De-
cember 10Th the editor is somewhat
peeved because several Of his read
ers came to the conclusion they did
not care to read his paper any longer
and sent him notice to discontinue it.
He says we have fallen so low in the
scale of manhood that he is ashamed
to admit that we have our being in
his midst.
Because we taxpayers and farmers
RI in politics a little broader minded
than we used to be, he assails US a
being narrow and selfish.
You say, Mr.. Editor, it was politics
that has separated the farmers and
other people such as yourself.
I am right here going to show you it
was not politics alone. Do you remem-
Der when our "hero" Geo. S. Lofthus
(who died to better our condition)
lectured in our city and what insinu-
atoms you passed before his appear
ance and then wasn't man enough to
face the music and stand up for your
rights, when he challenged you?
Did you coincide with we farmers
then, for that was before we started
in politics. No, you did not. You are
always slandering the toiler, who
raises wheat that we may eat.
/ suppose you think we should fol-
low your narrow path, even tho it is
not straight and leads US to the evils
ways of "Big Biz" You condemned
our sheriff because he beat up an I.
v. A. editor, like yourself. But tell
me Michael, how many people by read
ing your columns, ever read of the
atrocious murder Of a league man in
Golden Valley county because he did
not believe the same as the I. v. A.
bunch who slaughtered him in cold
blood while his young wife and six
small children looked on.
Haven't you a heart? If so, why did
you not mention this in your paper for
which our hard earned money was
paying for so as you may live.
Do you ever speak anything but
good Of LANCER and Kositzky, while
down in your heart (if you have one)
you know they are not handling the
funds of the state to the best advan-
tage.
I presume you are so anxious to
have u administration go funk that
you glory in all their wrong doings.
You have been continually bowling
high taxes, and a few months ago,
you yer posing as a patriot.
Now, do you not think our boys who
fought for US should have a little ex-
ira pay?
Ii so, how shall we raise it if not
by taxation?
You forget to tell your readers that
they must be taxed extra for the grass
hopper poison, which was used to help
save a little wheat, that you and I
may eat.
You also never mention the fact that
labor and everything else we buy is
higher in price and the state does not
get any reduction in costs any more
than we do. Do you " mention the
grain dockage and how much it has
saved US. Well, I do not wonder at
that for you do not sell grain so of
course haven't had the experience on
gain and loss.
Also the state hail insurance. What
it has saved those who suffered a loss,
where they received full value for
their money, while the old line com
panies charged double rates and in
ase Of a heavy loss you hardly real
lied your policy back.
Now when a man appears with his
land taxes and thinks they are high,
show him the reason for same and
be a helping hand instead of a pre-
JUDGED one.
I tell you Michael we farmers have
not been eating sand all these years
in North Dakota for nothing. It sure
does pay to have a little grit and not
eat soft soap like we used to when the
old gang came around so nice just
before election.
You are inclined to think we farm
ers haven't any thinking capacity, but
when you think that you have another
think coming.
I will close my discussion by thank
ing you for wishing US, the fallen few,
a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous
New Year, as I myself hope it shall
prove prosperous enough SO that / can
pay my $1,000 sucker dues.
Wishing the League success, I re-
main,
"A Satisfied Taxpayer Of Ostby
Township.