davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1937-07-29

come into full play in our govern
ment until the curse of the spoils
system is wiped out.
What is to be done about it if
we desire more of the merit system
in government? It is not enough
that it be included in political party
platforms. That has been demon
strated. 1t will help if legislators
and political party leaders can be
made to see that in the long run the
spoils system is detriment to them,
and when abused, sooner or later
spells their doom. Legislators must
understand the value of civil service
and they must be of the type who
do not grasp at apprehension that
is what the spoils system might well
be termed. 1t may be help in
the next political campaign, maybe
the second one, and maybe the third
election. Eventually, however, it will
react to the benefit of the opposition.
Intelligent and public spirited legis-
latorS backed by crystallized pub
lie opinion will advance the day of
more civil service. A progressive and
forward-looking body of men and
women such as the Saturday Lunch
Club can do much to hasten that day.
Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1937-07-29
PETERSEN AND BENSON
Duluth Herald)

Railroad Commissioner Hjalmar
Petersen has been assailed by the
Farmer-Labor association of the Sixth
congressional district as one guilty
of party-splitting tactics, because of
an article which appeared in Com
missioner Petersen's Askov American
and which was interpreted as a criti-
cism of Governor Benson, whose name,
by the way, does not appear in Mr..
Petersen's article at all.
The article was devoted to demolish-
ing, in an effective way, the claims
of those who would extend the legal
limit of sessions of the legislature.
1t said some things that everyone
knows, or should know, that 80 days
are plenty for regular session of a
legislature, that good leadership, small
Ter memberships in both houses or
even One-chamber plan are improve
ments that should be made before the
state resorts to prolOnging its regular
sessions.
Since the Farmer-Labor party is so
powerful in this state all must take
an interest in it's ideas of party dis
cipline. In this case the party's only
Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1937-07-29
THE MINNESOTA COW

Editor ASkOv American:
Every candidate for Minnesota
governor in 1886 finally came out
for the met income tax based on
ability to pay" instead of "sales
tax on poverty" 1t was the voice
of the people that forced this decision
on some after considerable stalling.
1t was one of the main issues in the
last campaign yet some of our Senate
leaders ignored it, and others, repre-
senting both the liberal and conserv-
alive factions, supported it. 1t is
not political question. It is purely
social and economic.
Net income taxes help to lower
property taxes. This is especially
true if properly apportioned so as to
pay old age pensions and state school
aids in full. Homestead exemptions
are also fair, desirable and possible
when net income taxes are increased.
Instead of putting a ''damper on
enterprise, industry and employment"
it would lift the burden by lowering
the overburdened state, county and
local property levies. I am thinking
Of corporations in the cities as well
as farms, homes and small business.
If an Individual Cor firm) makes
a net income over and above all ex-
penses of $4,000 in one year, he is
not going to run away from Min
neSota just because he is asked to
pay $4,000 net income tax to the
Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1937-07-29
THAT SPECIAL SESSION
The Minnesota Union Advocated

cine Minnesota Union AdVOcate)
Every indication points to an adj
journment of the special session of
the Legislature this week and it is
to be hoped that nothing will occur
to postpone this expected end of a
useless, senseless and wasteful SEES
sion.
If anyone can come out of the spe-
cial session with anything but feel
ing of shame it will be because they
lack an appreciation of their own
sorry rating in public opinion.
The special session of the Legisla-
ture has not accomplished single
thing which might not have been
achieved in the regular session. 1t
has foisted certain tax laws on the
state which will boomerang back into
the faces of each and every solon as
soon as the laws become operative.
The extra session was used almost
entirely as a powder factory for the
next state campaign. During the long
weeks of the session when various
groups milled about and quarreled
over minor details, astute politicians
were writing a record that will be
used with good effect in the state
campaign of 1888. The liberals on the
one hand will go out to assail the
reactionaries. The reactionaries in
turn will use the very record written
by so-called liberals in an effort to
prove to the man in the street that
the real liberals in both the House
and Senate were the so-called reac-
tionarieS.
Labor received little from either
the regular or the special session, and
when the smoke has cleared away
and the air is bit purer in st. Paul
as result of the exodus of the 9O-day
wonders, it will be found that no one
in particular gained anything out of
the special session other than the
politicians. They got a bag of tricks
for their campaigns next year. The
public got nothing.
Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1937-07-29
MARKHAM THEORY WON'T DO

Editor Askov American:
The MARKHAM theory that capital
istic country can not withstand sue
cessive cycles of depressions and that
the cycles will increase in severity
and eventually destroy the system has
been largely disproved by subsequent
events of the last half century. With
in the past twenty years such capt.
talistic democracies as the United
States, England. France, Norway,
Sweden and Denmark have successful
ly withstood these cycles, also such
major countries as Italy and Japan
have weathered the storm. Not only
have they pulled through but in a way
have taken steps to prevent these
cycles from occurring again. Old age
pension, social security will in way
cushion and prevent the recurrence
of severe cycles of depressions.
Russia, 20 years ago, adopted the
Karl Marx theory, but little by little
they were forced to abandon the main
that all we're not of the same ability
and had to be rewarded differently.
They also had to back down on pri-
waite property ownership, which is
now allowed; finally they had to
guarantee certain rights by constitu-
ton. Religious freedom will be next.
In other words, they had to consider
human nature. One of the principles
amplified by Napoleon was you can
put 20 men on an island and they
will soon form an aristocracy."
Superiority of minds will always ex-
iSt ..- .-
With a complicated industrial sys-
tenn, requiring governmental super
vision, a different type of government
officials is necessary. The double
breasted vest-chained, baby-kissing
wind bags who were so prevalent in
the past will no longer do. Govern
ment officials must understand their
business and be well versed in the
science of government. Again one of
the principles of Napoleon applies:
There are no poor regiments, but
there are a lot of poor cOlonels." The
people are all right, if anything is
wrong it is the officials inaptitude
and not the system either that is al
ways wrong.
S. ]. SIMONSEN.
Pease, Mimi, July "a, 1887.
Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1937-07-29

state to help support our schools and
old age pensions. He will still have
$45, 900 net, with which to worry
along. A tax on net incomes should
not drive away respectable citizens
Raw materials and transportation
facilities sometimes cause companies
to leave. Many highly paid profess
sional men and executives have little
or no direct property taxes. None of
them can honestly object to a net
income tax based on the ability to
pay. 1t is a necessary step in the
right direction.
The proverbial Minnesota Cow"
is being fed by our natural resources,
labor, farmers, small business and all
others who produce or render serv-
ice. Most of the milk" from this
''cow' is taken by well-oiled and
complicated milking machine" to add
huge profits for certain public util-
tiles, industries, monopolies and indi-
viduals that in many cases have east
ern headquarters. In fact this milk
ing machine" has worked so vigorous
ly IN the past that one teat Qumber-
ing resources) is permanently dry.
The agriculture teat (due to unfair
marketing, storage, taxation and
credit systems) is also rapidly going
dry. This is shown by the increases
in mortgage foreclosures and tenant
farming. Every time we have a
bumper grain crop we turn out a
fresh crop of millionaires in the So
called grain markets"
Net income taxes, with proper pro-
visions for payment of state school
aids in full, not only help our schools
and lower our local tax levies, but
also help us to get back little of
the "Skim milk" or whey" (that
we so much NEEDY from our min
neSota Cow"
ARTHUR E. GUSTAFSON,
County Superintendent
Pine City, MINI.
Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1937-07-29

Housing Plan, bill to plug loop
holes in the income taX-collecting
system, final Deficiency Appropria-
ton bill and legislation dealing with
"procedurap' reforms in the lower
courts. 1t will be noted that no mention
is made of the program for reor-
ganization of the executive depart
ment of the government or new farm
legislation. If a serious controversy
should arise some of those mentioned
might be jettiSoned and in that event
certain administration leaders are of
the opinion that the President would
call a special session in October.
The writer doesn't share that opin-
ion.
The House Agriculture committee
will meet Tuesday to resume con-
sideration of the newly planned farm
bill sponsored by Chairman Jones
of Texas. Members of various farm
organizations are expected to attend
and give their views on the proposed
legislation. The outlook for sugar
Legislation at this session is far from
bright and Chairman Jones said this
week that he has no plans at pres
ent for further action on such legis-
lation. The beet and refining inter-
ests are still opposed to the admins
tration plans for solving the prob
lem. The committee this week re-
ported bill making technical amend
ments to the various farm credit acts
and reported two other bills, one
permitting marketing agreements for
hops and another permitting mem
bers of Congress to enter into agree
ments under agricultural programs
on the same basis as other citizens.
Tests recently made with pigeons
from the Naval Air Station, Lake
hurst, N. j., revealed that birds re-
leased near a radio station while
transmitting were confused and re-
quired half an hour longer to reach
their lofts than they do when the
station is not transmitting.
The writer has available farm bull
letins published by the Department
of Agriculture. A descriptive list of
same can be had upon request.
Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1937-07-29

The m e n d Black-Connery
wages-hours bill is ready for con-
sideration and the Senate will prob
ably begin work on it Monday.
Congressional helmsmen seem to
feel that they can pass five bills of
major Importance quickly and bring
about an adjournment by the mid
die of next month. The tentative list
includes the Black-Connery Wages
and Hours bill, the new Wagner
Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1937-07-29
JUNIOR GARDEN CLUB

Reporters: Betty Dietz and Dolores
SimOnSen
The last meeting of the Junior
Garden club was held in the village
park. Mrs. Chris. Frederiksen gave
talk on irises and gave each mem
Der dwarf iris. The Senior Garden
club gave each member a large iris.
Every member is welcome to have
one
At the next meeting, which will be
held Thursday (today) at two o'clock,
movies will be shown. Everyone
please meet at the village park All
are welcome
Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1937-07-29
New Business Center
In The Quarry City

The Falk building in Sandstone,
which was recently purchased by
A. S. Larson, is being completely re-
decorated and remodeled and will
be ready for occupancy soon. The
several departments have been leased
and will make a decided improve
ment in the business establishments
in town.
Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1937-07-29

living former governor is rebuked for
pointing out some things that every
thinking MinnesOtan, regardless of
party, knows are true.
What can be the future of a party
which upbraids a leader brave enough
to point out past errors and to offer
better way?
Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1937-07-29
Opinions of Others

(Short timely letters on topics of
public interest are welcome whether
form with those of the American.
All letters must be signed with the
writer's name for our information.
Signed articles always are more eff
fective. but if the writer does not
wish to have his name used. it will
be withheld)
Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1937-07-29

81 haven't a monograph or radio
in my home" said a citizen to a neigh
Dor. But 1 thought you loved
music?" the neighbor said. Il do,''
he replied.
Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1937-07-29
From Exchanges

Editorial Comment From Other News
papers, Which May or May Not
Conform With the Opinions of the
ASkov American.
Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1937-07-29
For Better Public
Service

Hjalmar Petersen, chairman of
the Railroad & Warehouse Com
mission, speaking before the Sat-
urday Lunch Club in Minneapolis
recently, rendered an address on
Civil Service or the merit system
in government. Mr.. PeterSen'S
remarks are so pertinent to good
government that the address is
published herewith in its entirety:
Civil Service, or the merit system
in government, will not bring about
a Utopia but certainly it can and
will produce better public service
and better government in general
than prevails under the spoils system.
If the Republicans are in power,
under the spoils system it is the Re-
publican party workers who get the
appointive positions. If the Democrats
are in power, the Democrats get the
appointments, and likewise if the
Farmer-Laborites hold the reins, they
get the appointments.
Tenure of office is not certain,
there is lack of security under the
spoils system. Though there be a
change of administration it is never
theless cruel to let out of appointive
positions men or women who may
have worked for the federal, state, or
municipal government for Is, 20, OF
25 years and served well. 1t is not
right or just to do that. Having
worked that many years at one job
what are those persons to do at the
age of As, so, So or older? They
are not wanted in industry. 1t is
late in life to be learning a new trade
Therefore, if they have filled their
positions we'll and continue to render
good services, it would seem thai
such persons should remain.
In the case of department heads
or division heads who may have
much to do with the forming of poll
cies, it is different. A president
governor, or mayor should have as
his closest advisors persons who car
work and cooperate with him. Not
but that there may be differences
of opinions and lively discussions
concerning the policies, but in the
main their program and their goal
should be along the same line They
should be working for the same
principles of government.
Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1937-07-29

The spoils system puts mercenary
selfshness as the motive power for
political action in place of public
spirit and organizes that selfshness
into a dominant political force
The spoils system in many cases
attracts to party politics the worst
elements of the population and crowds
out the best.
The spoils system transforms po-
itical parties from associations of
patriotic citizens formed to serve a
public cause into bands of merce-
naries using cause to serve their own
selfish ends.
The spoils system perverts political
party contests, especially party con-
ventions, from contentious of opinion
into scrambles for plumber.
Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1937-07-29
The snoils system nromotes cor

The spoils system promotes cor
rupt use of money in political party
contests and elections; it creates the
boss and the machine, putting boss
in place of statesman and deSpotism
of machine in place of an informed
and organized public opinion.
The spoils system converts office
holders into servants of party or
faction and undermines the discipline
and morals in public service.
The spoils system keeps in high
political places persons whose chief
ability consists in holding a personal
following by manipulation of patron
age.
The spoils system promotes doubts
as to the practicability of democratic
institutions.
Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1937-07-29

Carl Schurz, great liberal leader,
active in the campaign of Abraham
Lincoln, supporter of Horace Greeley
for the presidency, United States SEN
ator from Missouri, and an influential
advocate of civil service reform, said
after the election of President Cleve-
land that there should be mo more
spoils and plumber! No more re-
movals not required by public in
terest! No more appointments for
partisan reasons! Continuance in Of
flee, regardless of any four-year rule,
of meritorious public servants! Super
ior merit the only title to prefer
ment! No longer can this be airly
waved aside as demand of a mere
sect of political philosophers, for now
it is recognized as the peoples demand.
No longer can Civil Service reform
be cried down by the so-called prac-
teal politicians and the nebulous
dream of impractical Missionaries, for
it has been grasped by the popular
understanding as a practical neces-
sity-not to enervate our political life,
but to lift it to higher moral plane;
not to destroy political parties, but
to restore them to their legitimate
functions; not to make party govern
ment impossible, but to guard it
against debasement, and to inspire it
with higher ambitions; not pretend
ing to be in itself the consumma-
ton of all reforms, but being the re-
form without which other reforma-
tory efforts in government cannot
be nernnanently successful -
Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1937-07-29

Our neighboring state of Wiscon-
sin supplies an interesting example
of the civil service movement. In
a ringing message to the Wisconsin
Legislature of 1905, Robert M. La
Toilette, ST., then governor, advo-
Gated the passage of civil service
law, and the Legislature of that year
enacted it. The administration of
the law was lodged in a commits
sion, with a trained and able secre-
tary elected by the commission.
The Wisconsin civil service law
is pronounced to have worked salts
factorily. For some time after the
adoption of the law, the deputy game
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-08-03

.Y.M.C.A. MERMEN STRONG ENTRY IN DEMOCRAT MEET
Four Local Boys Enter Toe day-A. A. U. Sanctions
 Event Saturday

Dan Boardman, Tip Turley, Speed Jenkins and Flash Marinko this morning entered the first an. nual swimming meet of the Water. bury Democrat which will be held at Lake Quassapaug Saturday af- ternoon ct 2:30 o'clock. The four will represent the local Central Y. M. O. A.
 Karaban to Compete
 Heading the list of borough ner- men will be Alex Sullivan, veteran long distance man, who will be seen in the one-mile swim and medley relay. Leo Karaban will compete in the 40-yard free style while Buddy St. John will show in the same event.
 Joe Sargent will enter the same two events as Alex Sullivan while Johnny Nexon will enter the 40- yard free style and 220-yard free style. James Farrar will complete in the one-mile swim, medley relay and 220-yard free style.
 Norman Gibbs will uphold the Y colors in the diving and John Davey will show in the 40-yard back.stroke. Edward Schrul will be in the 40- yard back stroke, Bob Curran in the medley relay and mile event and Dan Radio in the medley relay and mile.
 official sanction to conduct the meet has been given Director George T. Dillon by the A. A. Up although A. A. U. cards will not have to be shown by the contestants. Trophies, medals, bathing suits, suede jackets and watches are some of the prizes which will be offered.
 Charron Entered
 Babe Charron of the Waterbury Central Y will be seen in the relay and diving events, Matty Mathew son of the same club will show 70. yard free style, medley relay, 40- yard back stroke and relay. Eddie Valechko of the Y will compete in the 40-yard free style, i0o-yard free style, 22o-yard free style and med- ley relay.
 Frank Carbo of New Britain and Stanley J. zabroski Of Meriden will wear the colors of the Meriden Swimming Club. The former will show in the 40-yard ire style and diving events and the latter in the 40-yard back stroke, 40.yard free style and one mile swim.
 Beautiful trophies will be offered by the Waterbury Democrat, Phil Coppeto, manager of Lake ouaSsa- paug, and City Sheriff Angelo Mar. dona. Entry blanks may be secured by communicating with George T. Dillon ct the Waterbury Democrat.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-08-03
BY RICHARD MCCAIN NEA Service Sports Writer

Mr. Jimmy Dykes is in the wrong business. He ought to rent himself c full dress suit and take up the trade of pulling beautiful girls out of hats and saving rabbits in half, or something.
 He would make fine journey man magician. Anybody who can do what he is doing this current emester-namely, to wit, viz, and for instance, keep the Chicago White Sox up above their ankles is a Houdini, Marlin, Thurston, and an Indian fakir combined.
 Just how MT. Dykes does 1t, mo- body seems to know. MT. Dykes, himself, doesn't profess to know. . ''Were up there, ain't we?" says he '"Thats all that matters-just let those Yankees worry why we are up there"
 Which is well spoken, indeed. Nc doubt the White Sox are right up there and, to be sure, the proud Yankees are worrying.
 The Yankees know that 1t didn't do their equilibrium and their league standing any good at all when they went a-callin' on the White Sox the other weekend and were roundly put to rout in three out of four sets.
 It was just about the first time in two years that the Tanks had met a contender in hand-to-hand combat and failed to come oil best. Who Are These Sox
 And so 1t Is reported that the xanks slunk out of their dressing rooms for the homeward train wearing, in addition to their smart ly tailored suits, large, deeply fur rowed frowns. The rebellion of the white sox to their rule worried them.
 Not so much that they had finally met somebody in the American League bold enough to stand up and cay, "okay, champ, let's have 1t out right here and now. Put your dukes up. :"