Iowa State Bystander

THE BYSTANDER State Capitol Blug Hist alo Roo Boost Pay and read the Bystander XXIV No. 15 EDITOR'S OBSERVATIONS Fairfield was our next stop. Here lives about eighty colored citizens They have one church, the A. M. E. pastored by Rev. Hubbard, who lives in Mt. Pleasant and has charge of the A. M. E. church there also. He is a fine preacher, honest Christian man well liked in both towns and his work is having good effect. He is ably assisted by his good wife. Mr. Sam Sakyes and wife were out last Sunday automobile riding with Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Coalson in their car. When turning a corner within three miles of Fairfield the wheel broke and the car turned over on the passengers, painfully and severely hurting the two women and the two men were not hurt hardly at all. The ladies are still in bed, but improving. T. W. Price has moved to the home that he has bought, 306 E. Hempstead. Mr. E Greenup is doing well. He owns a nice property Mr. and Mrs. I. Dabner have got their new beautiful home completed. It is a credit to our race. Dan F. Detwiller is still working at the Leggatt hotel. Mr. P. McGill is running a first class tailor shop and pantatrium and shining parlor. He is doing well. John B. Crawford and Mr. Quinn are doing well. Our next stop was in the city of Mt. Pleasant, the home of one of elemeniary institutions. We find about 300 colored people living here. Nearly every family owns their own home. They are old citizens and in proportion to their population have graduated more colored children from the high school than any other town or city in Iowa. There are two churches the Baptist and the A. M. E. The former is pastored by Rev. Thomas and the latter by Rev. Hubbard, both splendid Christian gentlemen, and each doing as well as could be expected. The Burnaughs, Messrs. M., Ralph and Harry B., are all doing well. The last two named are at present working in Des Moines at their trade, brick and cement. Eugene Patterson is still working at the Y. M. C. A. building. Mrs. Harriett Smith, a pioneer and a veteran church worker, is well and hale at her remarkable old age. She is treasurer of the Iowa-Nebraska State Baptist association. M. C. Pickell is working in the feed mill as a miller. John W Harrison, E. H. Reeser and John Greenup are living on their truck farms and have good crops. Clay Reed is also farming and teaming and has a fine crop this year. Mr. G. F. Foster is working at the same place. J. W. Fidler is in the barber business, also is Mr. S. McCracken and son. Mr. L. Bradford and W. N. Wicks are substantial citizens. We next found rest or rather work in Burlington, a city of about 20,000, located on the bosom of the Father of Waters. Here dwells about 400 colored people, with two churches, the Baptist (no minister), and the A. M. E., with Rev. John H. Bell as pastor. He was away to conference. Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Johnson are living in their valuable property on 714 Spruce street. They are having lots of improvements, cement sidewalks, etc. Mr. Johnson is in his office as a chiropodist, while his wife is busily engaged in her painting and writing music. She has a great talent and ability in both of these arts. John L. Brooks has quit the culinary art and is working at his former trade, that of plastering. John R. Johnson still owns his truck farm on West Barrett street. He has a splendid crop of all kinds of vegetables. They are canning and preserving an immense quantity of fruit gathered from their farm. Mr. Henry Moore has lost his wife recently. Mrs. Josie Bland has taken to her a better half in the person of Mr. Wilson. They are still running the rooming house. Geo. H. Laws, Jr., is also running a rooming house at 508 Washington street. Mrs. Eva Jackson, Emma Early and T. H. Talor are living at the same places. W. M. Ragland is the veteran porter at the Delano hotel. He has been here for the delano twenty-five years. He is a nice man to meet and owns a nice place. Mr. Peter King still lives at the beautiful modern up-to-date home on Leibnick street. Mr. King and one son are out in California spending the summer there. They will return home this week. Mr. C. Weaver, James Ray and Aaron Hughes are good, hard working citizens. Mr. Scott Jones is one of the finest citizens here, yet the least known. He lives at 1100 S. Fourth street and works at one of the notels. He has a fine family. Mrs. Katie Bayard, who is very sick, is im- For Good Meals and First Class Service W. JONES. PROP. proving. Mrs. Louisa Douglass is one of the pioneers of this city. She lost her husband recently. They own property at 1215 Stowe. This town is in need of some first class businesses conducted by colored people—at least a good barber shop, a good restaurant, etc. We next found ourselves bound to cross the longest river in the world, the Father of Waters, and stopped one day in Monmouth, Ill. HAPPENINGS TWENTY YEARS 4G0 October 1, 1897. City local news is rather scarce this week. Miss Della Richardson is on the sick list this week J. L. Thompson took a business trip down home last Saturday. Mr. Tracy Blagburn is bedfast, suffering from the effects of a severe cold. Mrs. Smith of Carrol, Iowa, is the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Heath on B street. Professor George I. Holt is preparing to go to Boston the first of next month. A sociable was given last night at the East Side Baptist church. A goodly number was present. Mrs. C. A. Greenway of Webster City arrived in the city last Saturday to visit with her father and sisters. Quite a number of young people are expected to attend the Jacobs-Roy wedding next week from out of town. Remember that the North Star lodge will give their annual banquet at Webster's hall Tuesday evening, October 26. Mr. P. Holmes is quite sick this week. He was unable to sit as a juror this week. We with his many friends hope for his speedy recovery. The city council has allowed Wm. Coalson $60 damages by reason of recent flood inundating his yard and cellar. The mayor has not signed the warrant yet. Mrs. Tracy Blagburn, after a very pleasant visit with relatives and friends in Kansas City, Mo., the scene of her girlhood, returned home last Tuesday. Miss Lulu Jones, who has been visiting with Mrs. William Coalson for the past five or six weeks, left last Tuesday for Chicago, where she will visit with her sister. D. C. Basfield has received a letter from M. N. Bell, who says that McKinley prosperity has struck Pheonix, and business is booming and it is the greatest health resort in the world. George L. Alexander, a young gentleman of Helena, Mont., is in the city studying electrical engineering at Highland Park college. We wish him success and hope he may do credit to our race. We welcome such young men here. The H. B. S. R. club met with Mrs. J. T. Blagburn. An excellent program was rendered. Program for October 28th: Afternoon in anatomy. Paper on the bones, Mrs. Warricks; paper on the theateries, Mrs. Hamilton; paper on the lungs, Mrs. Bassfield. Lecture by Dr. Johnson. Adjourned to meet with Mrs. H. S. Clay, 819 Eleventh street. Annual Banquet. North Star lodge will give their annual banquet Tuesday evening, October 26th, at Webster's hall. Admission 50 cents per couple. A REPUBLICAN RALLY. Under the Auspices of the McKinley Club—Hon. Geo. H. Woodson of Mahaska County and Others Will Speak. At the meeting of the McKinley club last Thursday evening all the necessary arrangements were completed to close this campaign with a grand rally at the Grant club room Thursday evening, October 28th, and give the republicans of Des Moines and the neighboring towns an opportunity to hear the gifted young orator. Since coming to Mahaska county, Mr. Woodson has demonstrated to the satisfaction of all that have heard him that he is a lawyer of great ability, and by his genial manner he is fast winning the friendship of both the bench and the bar. The committee was instructed to invite two other speakers with ability. Ladies, remember that you have a special invitation to attend the Woodson meeting. GALESBURG ILL Mr. B. E. Richardson returned home Monday from St. Paul, where he attended conference. He reports a grand time. The Second Baptist church will be opened the first Sunday in October, under the auspices of the ladies of the church. There will be a harvest homecoming second week in October. They will start their revival meetings. Mr. J. L. Thompson was in the city new subscriber zfifflifflzxifflifll Monday and Tuesday collecting. Ten new subscribers were added to the list, making the total amount thirty-three. Miss B. Peak of Missouri spent Sunday in the city en route to Canton, Ill. The Thimble Circle was entertained at the home of Mrs. E. Carter on Fri DES MOINES, IOWA, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1917. V. Brown, R. Brown, F. Fletcher, M. King, Messrs. S. Brown, C. Lewis and A. Green motored to Monmouth on Sunday. Word was received in the city that Rev. Garrison was returned to Galesburg for another year. We hope him a greater success. The history and views of colored officers' training camp at Fort Des Moines for 1917, written by J. L. Thompson, of Des Moines, are for sale at the home of Mrs. T. Green, correspondent for the Ideal. Miss H. Harper of Prophetstown is visiting relatives and friends. About twenty-five motored to Crystal Lake on Sunday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Kipper for a picnic. All report a grand time. Mr. L. Harper is on the sick list. Misses, Mildred and Florence Smalley, who have typhoid fever, were removed to the Cottage hospital. They are slightly improved at this writing. Miss V. Leonard, who has typhoid fever, is not much improved at this writing. Mr. B. Jackson is able to be out again, after suffering with erysipelas. Friends are glad to see him around and about again. Mrs. C. Bolder spent the week-end in Kewanee. Please pay and subscribe for The Bystander. When having dances and entertainments, why not engage the Imperial orchestra. Miss J. Fletcher, directress. SIOUX CITY, IOWA The entertainment given by the Odd Fellows at their hall September 21st was largely attended. A most enjoyable evening was spent by all present. Mr. Howard Hill, brother of Mrs. M. Askew, is in the city, the questor of Mr. M. Askew. The Ladies Aid of the A. M. E. church will give a chicken supper Friday, September 28th, in the dining rooms of the church. Mr. M. Askew spent Sunday, September 23, in Yankton, S. D., on business. Mr. P. Louner, who has been very ill, is able to b eup and about again. Rev. Edwards departed Monday, September 17th, for St. Paul to attend conference. Rev. Edwards carried with him a report that was a credit to him and his church. Dr. R. A. Dobson and family expect to move to Des Moines to make their future home. Colored citizens of Sioux City will miss Dr. Dobson, as he was a very efficient physician. Rev. and Mrs. Marangeopa have arrived in the city and expect to spend the winter here. Rev. Marangeopa is missionary and has a wonderful record. He filled the pulpit of the A. M. E. church Sunday morning, September 16th, and preached an awe-inspiring sermon. He imparted to his Small PPL, Small Dice, Small Price, Best Great in Every Other Way CARTERS LITTLE IVER PILLS Colorless or Pale Faces As Age Adolescents occasional slight LIVER PILLS Generally indicates the condition which NEW BOOK The long looke "The History of Colored Officers Camp at Fort for 1917" This very interesting contains the pictures remarkable group of ever assembled to gate The only Colored O in the world. It contains of nearly 1000 cav soldiers candidates. It Price by mail post pr As Age Advances the Liver Requires occasional slight stimulation. CARTER'S LITTLE LIVER PILLS correct CONSTIPATION. Genuine bear signature usually indicate the absence of iron in the blood. a condition which will be greatly helped by Carter's Iron Pille Small Pills, Small Dose, Small Price, But Great In Every Other Way CARTERS LITTLE LIVER PILLS Colorless or Pale Faces NEW BOOK JUST OUT The long looked for book on "The History and Views of Colored Officers Training Camp at Fort Des Moines for 1917" This very interesting and readable book contains the pictures of some of the most remarkable group of young Colored men ever assembled to gather in America. The only Colored Officers training Camp in the world. It contains the autobiographies of nearly 1000 cadets candidates and soldiers candidates. It has about 125 pages. Price by mail post prepaid in U. S. $2.00 WRITE FOR AGENCY TO John L. Thompson Des Moines, Iowa John L. Thompson Des Moines, Iowa day, September 28th. audience a wondrous story of his hazardous experiences. Mrs. Craig of Kansas City, Kans., has come to our city to make her home with her daughtre, Mrs. Elnora Wilkinson. Rev. Niles will preach at Malone chapel Wednesday evening, September 26th. Mrs. J. D. Anthony has departed for St. Louis to make her home. Mrs. dith Molden of Minneapolis passed through the city Sunday morning en route to Omaha and various other points. Rev. Joseph Norris filled the pulpit at the A. M. E. church Sunday morning. Rev. R. L. Knight preached in the evening. Mr. C B. Watkins has returned, after a visit of several weeks to Minneapolis Mrs. Lulu Roundtree will depart this week for Omaha to make her home. Mrs. Roundtree's winning personality has won her many friends and we regret losing her. All persons having news for the Bystander please call Bell 2140-M MARSHALLTOWN JOWA (Special to the Dystainer.) Mr. Emanuel Jackson died of the leakage of the heart Friday, September 14th. He was indeed and in truth a highly respected citizen. He was a member of the Eureka lodge, a member of Excelsior chapter, R. A. M., and also a member of the Knights of Tabor. He was also a faithful member and deacon of the Second Baptist church. The funeral services were held from the Second Baptist church Sunday at 3 oclock, Dr. B. F. Abner officiating. The Masonic lodge had charge of the interment. Mr. Geo. Suiter officiating. The services were impressive at both the church and cemetery. CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA Mrs. M. F. Lowery continues to remain very low. Mr. and Mrs. Ray Jackson are the proud parents of a bouncing boy. Rev. and Mrs. Ford entertained Rev. Page of Ottumwa and Mrs. Effie Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Saunders and Mr. Sidney Scheers, also Rev. Cato, pastor of Bethel A. M. E. church, at Ottumwa at supper. Mrs. Elnora Gresham is some better at this writing. Mr. W. H. Lavell left Tuesday afternoon for Muscatine. Will visit Rock Island and Davenport before returning. Miss Helen Hudson of Waterloo is visiting friends in the city. Rev J. P. Sims, pastor of Bethel A. M. E. church, was assigned to this charge for another year. Rev. organ of Washington was a guest at the Ford home. Mrs. Watson is ill at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Carrie Perkins. Advances the Liver Requires stimulation. CARTER'S LITTLE S correct CONSTIPATION. ine ature abence of iron in the blood. will be greatly helped by Carter's Iron Pille JUST OUT ed for book on and Views of ocers Training rt Des Moines g and readable book of some of the most young Colored men ther in America. occers training Camp ins the autobiograph- adets candidates and has about 125 pages repaid in U. S. $2.00 Des Moines, Iowa Rev. W. B. Lowery, who was called to the bedside of his mother, Mrs. M. F. Lowery, returned to his home in Glencoe, Ill., Saturday evenng. His wife remaining. KIRKSVILLE MO Mr. Marshall Jackson of this city left last night for Joliet, Ill. to work. Mr. Marshall Jackson of this city left last night for Joliet, Ill., to work. Mrs. E. Wess and little granddaughter, Katherine Thompson, are here visiting friends and relatives in this city. Miss Zophia Jones is here visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. M. Hockaday. Mr. Henry ones, now working in Des Moines, Iowa, spent Sunday with his family. He returned to Des Moines on Sunday and took little Selvey Lee Wilhite, who has been in the care of Mrs. F. Thompson. Mr. Robert Wilhite, Selveys father, is working in Des Moines. Miss Unea Stephens, the dressier, returned Monday to Hannibal, Mo. Mr. Simon Boone made a short visit to Kirksville on Thursday night, returning to Moberly that night. Rev. W. R. Richardson returned from Edina, Mo., where he assisted Rev. V. M. Reed in quarterly meeting. Mrs Mary Jones and daughter, Dorothy, left Monday for Macon, Mo. The latter enters the Western college. Louise Smith, accompanied by Miss Maude Coby, also entered the Western college. Miss Lizzie Adams is visiting relatives in Macon, Mo. The social given by the young men was a success financially, clearing $19. Three cheers for our young men. Much credit is due Messrs. Ralph and Hildred Richardson, our enterprising shoemakers. Rev. C. B. Johnson preached at the Second Baptist church Sunday morning and the A. M. E. church Sunday night. Mrs. Ruth Wess is much improved at this writing. Rev. W. R. Richardson preaches his final sermons before going to conference Sunday, September 30th. E. A. Mason of Monmouth, Illinois, gave an illustrated lecture to an interested and appreciative audience at the Second Baptist church Monday night. The Mission Circle of the Second Baptist church served after the lecture. ALBIA NEWS Mr. Edward Butler left Tuesday morning for Oklahoma to visit with his father, who is suite ill. He has been in this state for several years; in Albia for over twenty years. Rev. J. W. Dowden left Albia for his yearly conference in St. Paul on Tuesday morning. A reception was given for him on Monday evening by the members of the church. A very nice program was rendered. Mr. Lou Morris has come to Albia to join his wife and family from Wisconsin. He has secured a job at the C. B. & Q. round house in this town. Mrs. Robinson was in town on Monday and Tuesday of this week. Several automobiles of Buxton people were in Albia on Wednesday to the moving pictures; also quite a number of strangers n town Sunday. Mrs. M. F. Ward received quite a severe burn on her foot on last Thursday, which has caused her great trouble, but with good care the doctor reports will be all right. Mrs. G. A. Davis and Miss May F. Davis were at the home of Mrs. Bessie Grayson on Hocking No. 3 on Sunday afternoon. OMAHA, NEB. Thompson & Belden's department stare is employing colored stock girls. Those employed are Edith Brown, Hazel Stewart and Muriel Brown. Rev. W. T. Osborne preached his farewell sermon Sunday to a crowded house. Mrs. Mamie Wright is slowly improving, after two weeks' illness. An enjoyable time was given to Mrs. Bridgewater at her residence, 2722 Burdette street by her sisters and friends She received many useful presents. Colored messenger boys wanted by the above company from 16 to 18 years of age. Must be of good appearance and willing to work. Boys can make from $50.00 to $75. per month. and will be given every consideration by thier employer. The Best advertising medium to rech colored people in the west Price Five Cents Mr. George Anderson's father, sister and nephew arrived here to make Omaha their future home. They are from Philadelphia. Misses Alean Bently, Rosie Bright, Darlene Duval, Messrs. Harold Bently and Thomas Roulette returned back to Quindaro, Kans.. to school. Mr. Fred Early is still improving and ble to be out. Please pay pay the collector and call her up to give news. Kebster 2362. Address 2724 Burdette. ANNOUNCEMENT Dr. A. J. Booker wishes to announce that Dr. R. A. Dobson, formerly of Sioux City, has taken over his practice. Dr. Dobson at present is temporarily located at the home of Mrs. J. W. Fields, 760 West Eleventh street. Phone Red 4615. After October 1st he will be permanently located on the corner of Twelfth and Center streets. A CORRECTION. In last week's article concerning the officers and candidate officers' dance Saturday evenings at Masonic hall we stated that the medical corps had not received invitations, but instead of the medical corps we should have stated the hospital boys. DAVENPORT, IOWA Mr. George Ashby and family were guests of Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Green a few days last week, en route by automobile from Chicago to their home in Keokuk. Mr. Grant Hart, who has been confined at the Tuberculosis hospital for several months, is enjoying splendid health and is able to work every day. Rev. C. R. Waters has been assigned to Bethel A. M. E. church for another year. Rev. Waters made many friends last year, who are glad to know he has returned. Mrs. Wm. Brooks is visiting in Mendota, Aurora and Chicago, Ill. Revival meetings will begin at the Third Baptist church early in October. Third Baptist church early in October. Mrs. Bettie Baker, an old and highly respected citizen of this city, passed away last week at the home of her daughter in Chicago. Mrs. Baker was a member of the Third Baptist church and a very devout Christian. The Bystander delinquent subscription list has been placed in the hands of the local agent, with instructions to collect at once. The agent will call. Please be prepare to pay. Mrs. Berry Buckner of Chicago is here visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. B. Warrick. Conservation of Worry. "Does your husband worry about the grocery bill?" "No; he says there's no sense in both himself and the grocer worrying over the same bills." She Put the Toe in Ptomalne A seven-year-old Columbus girl came home from school and reported one of her classmates had hurt his toe and was unable to be at school. "It's very serious," she said, "and they are afraid he is going to have pomaine poisoning"—Indianapolis News. Boston Woman Recomending It To Her Friends Boston Woman Recomending It To Her Friends Popular Boston Lady Says Tonoline Has Proven a Godsend to Her. It is always interesting to listen to the statement that the woman who you know they are sincere and honest in what they say. Added interest is created in a statement coming from one who has spent a lifetime in Boston, where she is well known so much. Such a person is Annie Stewart, who resides in Boston, and is possessed of the respect and confidence of her associates, and is willing for anyone to call on her to verify to following signed testimonial: "I have suffered with stomach trouble for the stomach from the form of digestion and dyspepsia. I had dizzy spells and headaches, and after I ate a little food it would ferment and cause gas to form in my stomach and restrain me. I was chronically constipated. My liver was torpedid, and I felt generally miserable. I had遗失ed and had been in the hospital, but received no permanent relief. I was so nervous and restrained that I slept. The gas pressing under my heart caused palpitation, and when I arose in the morning I was just as tired as when I retired. About 10 minutes later I was tonoline. I can truthfully state that it has done wonders in my case. I am feeling like all my friends and can eat any kind of food. I sleep the night and eat tonoline. I can印情; in fact, it has cured me, and I am recommending it to all of my friends, as it has been a Godsend to me." All druggists and guarantee tonoline. Caution: As tonoline is recommended as a fuel buffer, those not wishing to increase their fuel intake or more should not take it continuously. FOR SALE Hair-dressing and Chiropody business. Established 15 years WEALTHY PATRONS Poor health is reason for selling Mrs. M. STEWART 623 W. B. Way Council Bluffs, Iowa 9 THE BYSTANDER BYSTANDER PUBLISHING CO., PUBLISHERS DES MOINES, IOWA JOHN L. THOMPSON, EDITOR PRIDAY, SEPT. 28 1917 Published every Friday by the Bystander Publishing Company, Des Moines, Iowa. Office in Chemical building, corner Seventh and Mulberry streets. Phone, alnut 899. Official name of the M. W. U. Grand Museum of Iowa, A. F. & A. M., and International Grand Congress of Heroines of Jericho of America, and Western Baptist Association. Entered at the postoffice as second class matter. TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION. One year ..... $1.50 Six months ..... .75 Three months ..... .50 We will not return rejected manuscript, unless accompanied by post age stamps. Send money by postoffice order, money order, express or draft, to The Rystander Company. All subscriptions payable in advance. Advertising rates for display add 25 cents per inch, for each insertion Three to six months' contracts, 15 cents per inch. Local advertising 10 cents per line for each insertion counting seven words to a line. For church s and secret societies where admission is charged, one-half of the above-meantioned rates. For professional, legal and announcement cards, yearly contracts, etc., terms are given on application. All advertising is to be paid in advance. We are prepared to do first class job work at reasonable price. All of our work is guaranteed. Communications must be written on one side of the paper only and be of interest to the public. "Brevity is the soul of wit." remember. The Iowa State Bystander is the oldest Afro-American journal published in Iowa. It was established in 1894, and is read by nearly all the colored people of Iowa. We have correspondents in the following towns: Albia.....Miss May Davis Washington.....N. L. Black Monmouth, Ill..Mrs. Bernice Metlock Colfax.....Mrs. Gertrude Brodus Minneapolis.....Mrs. R. L. Buttner Clinton.....A. A. Bush Maeon, Mo.....Lucy Harris Mason City.....Mrs. Maud Brewton St. Paul, Minn.....Mrs. Hattie Hicks Scandia, Iowa.....Mrs. J. M. Montague Rock Island, Ill.....Mr. Earle Reynolds Davenport.....Mrs. D. J. Johnson Oskaloosa.....Mrs. Cora Moore Centerville.....Miss Cora M. Crittenden Monmouth, Ill..Miss Bernice Metlock St. Paul, Minn.....Mrs. Mattie Hicks Omaha, Neb.....Miss Murel Brown Ottumwa.....Mrs. W. H. Thompson Moberly, Mo.....Miss Lee Etta Owens Dalton, Mo.....Prof. R. H. Payne Chillicothe, Mo.....V. E. Williams Sioux City.....Mrs. M. Askew Clarinda.....Mrs. G. N. Nowling Buxton, Iowa.....Miss Gussie Mardis Cedar Rapids, Iowa.....Mrs. C. Harrison Eokuk.....Georgia Caldwell This notice applies to all writers contributors, agents and correspondents. Sign all articles, write only upon one side of paper, write a plain hand and spell accurately. Do not send in names of persons at particular event. Do not give an eulogy or write your personal comment upon the event. Simply tell the news or event in a brief, simple manner and let the readers of the Bystander comment. Write the news of all classes of all societies, all religious denominations, irrespective of your national whims or idents. EDITORIALS RECRUITS LEAVE FOR NEWPORT NEWS, VA. Indeed the Negroes of Des Moines are certainly "doing their bit" for our country in giving up several of her most promising young men to the service of their country. Below we are printing the names of the young men of this city who have gone to Newport News, Va., where they will undergo strenuous training for sixteen weeks, after which they will leave for France. It might be stated that all of the young men are attached to the quartermaster's corps and many will be promoted to non-commissioned officers. Of the first six names given, three have gone as clerks, one as checker, one as auto driver and two as auto mechanics. The young men are Norman Blagburn, F. Kincheloe, Reedell Gibson, Wm Hampton, Willie Woods, Ira Allen, Ralph Frederick, Jesse H. Brunkley, John E. Davis, Logan Galvin, Archie L. Divers, George L. Johnson, Robert J. White and Edward Ewing. NEGRO CLUB WOMEN Work Hard To Life Mortgage of Long Standing From Frederick Douglass Home.—On October 1st Will Pay Another $1,000. The National Association of Colored Women, under the efficient leadership of Mrs. Mary B. Talbert, of Buffalo, N. Y., are making a strenuous effort to pay off mortgage of long standing on Freedrick Douglass home. Rev. Eugene Thompson, former pastor of St. James A. M. E. church, has been transferred to Wilberforce, Ohio, where he will be assistant to Bishop Lee. Rev. A. Vince of La Grange, Ill., will be the pastor of said church the coming year. Rev. Thompson has returned from St. Paul and is packing at once. WASHINGTON, IOWA, NOTES. Mr. Jas. Crowder of Grinnell was a visitor in the city last Sabbath with a friend. Mr. and Mrs. Miles Shelton of Chicago visited at the Lewis H. Wallace home a few days last week. Howard Motts of St. Paul left last Sabbath night for his home, after a visit at the parental Motts home. Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Greenway and children, Mrs. Robt. vans and children and Mr. Wm. Greenway, Sr., were visitors at the Walter Williams home last Sabbath. Miss Helen Motts, who is sojourning at Keota for a short time, came home for a visit with her brother, Howard, while he was here. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Green have purchased a nice home on South Avenue D. They will be neighbors for Mrs. Eva Gwinn. Word from Samuel Hall is to the effect that he has employment and is working at the arsenal in Rock Island. Miss Luba Gwinn, who has been the masseuse at the Mrs. N. L. Black hair dressing parlor, left Tuesday night for Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where she has accepted a like position in the beauty parlor in that city. Miss Luba began her work with Mrs. B. and she is a thoroughly equipped lady in her profession and stands second to none. We are sorry to lose this fine young lady from our midst, but always glad when one of our youngsters are efficient to move forward. All Washington joins with the writer in wishing for Miss Luba the best the world affords in her new location. In a note from Mr. B. Deatherage, who is in North Regina, Canada, he says that he has enjoyed his work the past season and expects to winter in that country to try it out. He has been running a tractor this summer. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Turner and Mose Hall attended the Oskaloosa fair recently. Willis Turner is the new engine man at the Rock Island pumping station. Rev. Morgan was in the city Tuesday and brought the news that the Rev. I. N. Bess is the pastor assigned by the conference for this place for the coming year. The emancipation celebration which was held at Huber's garden was a grand affair. It was a lovely day for the celebration and a large number attended afternoon and evening. A good old fashioned dinner was served at noon and every one that had dinner certainly enjoyed it and said they had all they could eat. A number from Iowa City, Galesburg and Muscatine were here to help celebrate the day. Mrs. E. Pennington, who has been very sick, is very much better at this writing. Mr. and Mrs. Officer and family have moved to South Rock Island. Mr. James Bain is the house guest of Mrs. M. Pearson. Mr. and Mrs. Houston have relatives visiting here from Iowa City. Mrs. F. Grooms and Mr. Robert Patterson of Muscatine were the house guests of Mr. and Mrs. Walkup. Mr. R. Bassett is here visiting his folks. Edgar Bowens, Lee Holly and Clarence Brit, soldiers, were in the city. Miss F. Pearson had company Sunday evening to play cards. Mr. Earl Bassett and James Bain were the winners. Mr. Samuel Hall and his cousin from Washington, Iowa, were visiting in the city. Mr. S. Hall is going to make Moline his home for a while. Mrs. Walkup had a few to play cards Saturday evening. Mrs. A. Moore and her family departed from the city Wednesday evening. They are going to make Estherville their home for the future. The skating rink is going to open some time next month, so better get in practice. Miss B. Edmunds had company on Thursday evening in to play cards. Miss G. Stoner has started to work by the week again. Friday noon a large number of white men that were drafted left the city for training camp. Our colored boys who were drafted were left behind, which I know they were not sorry. Mr and Mrs. Hunter were to call on Mr. and Mrs. Powers. Mr. Bradley had for dinner Sunday afternoon Mrs. F. Grooms. Robert Mrs. S. Joe Brown, chairman of the Douglass memorial committee for the association, states that since August, 1916, $2,000 has been paid on $4,000 mortgage and she is just now in receipt of a communication from Mrs. Talbert, who has been touring the eastern and southern states in the interest of this homestead, in which the states that another $1,000 must be paid by October 1st, and that she send in money collected for this purpose. Mrs. Brown, who has been making a canvas during the past month among the men in training at Fort Des Moines, had on hand $200. The same was forwarded to Mrs. J. C. Napier, Nashville, Tenn., treasurer of special committee. While Mrs. Brown is grateful for assistance given by men in training at Fort Des Moines, she says that the men have agreed with her that a more representative amount from this representative group of men should be raised for this great project; therefore a number of pledges have been made and will be paid before the close of the camp. In next edition Mrs. Brown will publish financial statement; therefore she asks that all persons who are assisting here in collecting funds at Fort Des Moines please report to her on or before October 6th. COMMENTS ON NEW BOOK, "HISTORY AND VIEWS OF OFFICERS' TRAINING CAMP, WRITTEN BY JOHN L. THOMPSON. A suitable Reminder. It was entirely fitting that a permanent memorial of the Negro training camp at Fort Des Moines should be preserved, and John L. Thompson, editor of the local newspaper of the colored people, the Bystander, has gotten out a little book containing a mass of fine half, tones, well printed and splendidly bound. More than a thousand brief biographical notes are given after the manner of "Who's Who,' many individual portraits of the better known military men, group pictures of every company, group pictures of the students of Hampton university and Tuskegee, a group picture of the men from Iowa, and finally a splendid panoramic scene of the White Sparrow parade at the Drake Stadium. This training camp is not only an event in the history of the colored people, but it is an event in Iowa history, and the volume dedicated to it will have a permanent value as part of the record of the state. The colored race will never be exactly where it was before this camp was held. From the moment the colored leaders become commissioned officers in the army they will take a new rank, and gain a place they cannot lose. Mr. Thompson cannot be congratulated too highly on spending the money to make his bock what it ought to be. We do not know of anything that has been omitted unless it be a fine portrait of Colonel Ballou, who has worked so faithfully and so confidently. But Colonel Ballou is not frequently caught by the camera, and his friends will have to content themselves with the scene at Drake Stadium, where he sits his horse so splendidly. Governor Harding contributes an opening word of congratulation and George L. Woodson a foreword, in which he eloquently refers to the men who are to be "commissioned to fight in the Black Phalanx with the armies of America for the glory of our God, the honor of our country, and the liberty and the peace of the world."—The Des Moines Tribune (white). COLORED WOMEN ASSIST WITH MISSIONARY PAGEANT One of the most striking events of the season was a missionary pageant on last Friday evening, given by the missionary workers of the most representative white churches of the city, in that spacious auditorium at West High. More than 2,000 people witnessed the affair. The various scenes were presented by different denominations. Mrs. S. S. Joe Brown was invited to represent "Colored Americans." Those who assisted her in this episode in portraying progress of the race were Mesdames G. G. Nichols, Ione Wilson-Coleman, Lena Johnson, Wilson, Mary E. Bowmer, Estella Hill and Laura Bowmer and Mr. Gus Nichols and the little Misses Huntleys and Gertrude Pinkston. At beginning of colored American episode "Steal Away To Jesus" was sung by Misses Ethel M. Bowmer and Vivian Warricks and Messrs. Wm. Kinney and Edgar Hill. MONMOUTH. ILL. Editor J. L. Thompson was in the city on Saturday in the interest of the Bystander. While here he stopped with Dr. G. W. Jones. Contractor Wm. Hubbard and men are completing another large country home near Monmouth. Mrs. G. T. Brown and Miss Nadine Doolin are on the sick list at this writing. Mrs. Samuel Cox and family have returned from a few weeks visit at Indianapolis, Indiana. Mr. Wm. Hubbard motored to Fort Madison on Sabbath morning, to return with Rev. C. Lindell, who spent a few days there. Rev C. Lindell, Mrs. Frank Ford, Miss Dora Skinner, Mr. C. C. Wallace, Mr. Geo. Wallace and Mr. Geo. Neil are new subscribers to the Bystander. Mr. Schropshire of McBrady Co. of Chicago is here for a few days on THE BYSTANDER Mr. Carl McWilliams, an employee of the parcel post department at the postoffice, is home from his vacation spent in Chicago. Mrs. Ruth Thompson returned, after a few days visit with her sister at St. Louis. Mrs. liza Smith, cateress, and Mr. Louis Baker, chei', are home again, after having charge of the meals at the Mercy county fair, Aledo, Ill. Frank Osborne will leave Saturday for the Wilberforce university at Xenia, Ohio, where he will study theology preparatory for the ministry. Mr. Isaac Marshall passed away Friday at his home, after several weeks illness. The funeral service being held on Monday from Calvary Baptist church, Rev. C. Lindell conducting it. WASHINGTON, IOWA. NOTES. business. ROCK ISLAND, ILL. Patterson of Muscatine and a few other friends. They all said Mr. Bradley was some cook and they certainly enjoyed his lovely dinner. Mrs. Works had company on Sunday in honor of their wedding anniversary. Mrs. A. Critzs was called home on account of her father being seriously sick. Mrs. Godwin, who has been seriously sick, is some better at this writing. Her son and his wife were called to her bedside. Since she is improving they will leave for home soon. CENTERVILLE NEWS Mrs. A. L. Crittenden and Mrs. M. J. Thompkins entertained the Mission Circle on Tuesday night, September 18th, at the home of Mrs. M. J. Thompkins on West Franklin street. A short program was rendered by the program committee. The entertainment given Saturday night, September 22, for the benefit of the pastor proved to be quite a success. Sunday was a beautiful day and all services were well attended. The B. Y. P. U. boughth ten small Bibles for their use in the meeting. The B. Y. P. U. was entertained at the home of Christena Crittenden on Friday night, September 23 A large number were present and all report a nice time. Mrs. Wm. Jackson and daughter, Olive, of Omaha, Neb., arrived in the city to visit her sister, Mrs. A. L. Crittenden. Mrs. Lizzie Price left for Clinton, Iowa, to visit her son James Price. The Art club met at the home of Mrs. L. Baker on West Garfield street Tuesday, September 25th. Rev. F. C. Bolling of Keokau, Iowa, is expected to preach here Wednesday, September 26th, at the church. Mr. and Mrs. E. F. Brown of Mystic spent Saturday night and Sunday at the home of her mother, Mrs. A. L. Crittenden. Miss Cattie Montgomery, eldest daughter of Mrs. Arthur Montgomery, was very quietly married Thursday evening, September 20, 1917, to Mr. Harvey McNeil, eldest son of Mrs. McNeil, at the parsonage by the Rev. W. A. Mitchell, pastor of the Second Baptist church. Only the parents of the bride and groom witnessed the ceremony, after which they returned to the home of the bride, where there were a number of friends to greet them with a shower of rice and old shoes. The bride was the recipient of many beautiful and useful presents. A three-course luncheon was served, after which the guests departed, wishing a long, happy and prosperous life to the newlyweds. Quite a number of strangers in town this week working on street. Mrs. Sarah Baldwin of Creston is visiting her brother and family, Mr. and Mrs. K. D. Black. Rev. W. Mitchell preached a soul-stirring sermon Sunday night to a well filled house. Mr. W. M. Walker has purchased a home on Water street. Indian Raised Cotton and Tobacco. The Indian farmer, especially in the Southwest, carried the cultivation of the American variety of cotton to an advanced state. His culture of tobacco, on which was based a profitable industry for the early colonies, had been developed to a high state of efficiency. DANDRUFF QUICKLY STOPPED There is only one way to cure dandruff and that is to kill the germs. There is only one hair preparation that will kill the germs and that is Mildredina Hair Remedy. All of us know that all kinds of cures will grow hair on any head where there is any life left; it cures dandruff, stops falling hair end itching of the scai in three weeks or your money back. It is the most pleasant and invisivating treatment and is used extensively by ladies of refinement who desire to have and to keep their hair soft, lustrous and luxuriant. Every drugstreet is selling Mildredina Hair Remedy on a positive guarantee to remove dandruff or money refunded at 50e and $1.60 out-of-town customers supplied by mail. Best Treatment for a Burn If for no other reason, Chamberlain's Salve should be kept in every household on account of its great value in the treatment of burns. It allays the pain almost instantly, and unless the injury is a severe one, heals the parts without leaving a scar. This salve is also unequaled for chapped hands, sore nipples and diseases of the skin. Price, 25 cents.. For sale by all dealers. NOTICE TO REDEEM FROM TAX SALE To P. E. Everett, the person in whose name the real estate described below is taxed: You are hereby notified that at a regular tax sale held in and for Polk county, Iowa, on December 5, A. D. 1911, the following described real estate, towit: Lots No. 26 and 27 of Richmond's sub-division of a part of lot 6 of the O. P. of lots 4 and 7 or the Thompson estate in section 27, township 79, range 24, now included in and forming a part of the city of Des Moines, Polk county, Iowa, was sold to L. E. Gray for the payment of the taxes for the year 1910, thereon, and a certificate of purchase was duly issued to him by the treasurer of said Polk county, Iowa, therefor, which certificate is now lawfully held and owned by W. M. Meredith. CLARINDA, IOWA. That the time for redemption from said sale will expire and a deed for said lot will be issued to him by the treasurer of said Polk county, Iowa, unless redemption from said sale be made within ninety days from the completed service of this notice. Dated September 20, 1917. His Agent and Directed by Him. Has a High Opinion of Chamberlain's Tablets. "I have a high opinion of Chamberlain's Tablets for biliousness and as a laxative," writes Mrs. C. A. Barnes, Charleston, Ill. "I have never found anything so mild and pleasant to use. My brother has also used these tablets with satisfactory results." CALENDAR Of the second quarterly conference of Des Moines district A. M. E. Zion church: First church, Des Moines, Iowa, Rev. E. S. Hardge, P. C., Sept. 21 and 22. St. Matthews, Enterprise, Iowa, Rev. R. W. Rowe, P. C., Sept. 29 and 30. Birks Mission, cement plant, Iowa, Rev. J. W. Hill, P. C., Oct. 6 and 7. Buxton Mission, Oct. 23 and 24. Melix Temple, Perry, Iowa, Rev John Hillard, P. C., Oct. 27 and 28. Brethren, our motto is to save souls and build churches. Each of us is expected to raise one-half of our general claims by the setting of the district conference and sent to the departments. Keep the law and the law will keep us. I am praying for a success. I am your brother in the gospel bands. O. G. Moss, Presiding Elder. Don't Stay Gray Darken your hair to the shade desired with Mildredra Hair Remedy. This new preparation is far superior to any dye, gives a glossy finish, and there is no danger of an itching or poisoned scalp when you use "Mildredra" for this simple preparation positively contains no merger of their derivatives, aniline, conatil product of their derivatives, and a product that it into the hair and presto! your gray hairs instantly disappear—Your hair is a beautiful and uniform color throughout—the ends are darker than the rest. Mildredra desired from a light brown to a black. Just a moment's "touching up" once a week and no one can ever detect it. No one can "touching off"—No failing. Mildredra Hair Remedy is not a dye. We will send free sample if you will enclose 10c to cover postage and packing to convince you, much superior it is to all so-clever jobs, etc. The Mildred Louse Co., Boston, Mass. Bradford's Barber Shop 226 W. 3rd Street FIRST CLASS WORK BATHS Bradford's Pool Hall M. J. BRADFORD. PROP. A LINE OF TOBACCO, CIGARS & SOFT DRINKS Phone Wal 1916 757 W 9th St. DES MOINES, IOWA. REMEMBER Lud Strothers' Cafe 417 W. Third Street Meals and Short Orders at all hours. Quick Service. We serve on the European style. L. G. Strothers, Proprietor Des Moines "Sudden pa over-stra Every Housewife or Mother is ever under that Nervous Strain which so often results in Headaches, Dizzy Sensations, Faintness, Depression and other Nervous Disorders. Dr. Miles' NERVINE is Highly Recommended in Such Cases. IF FIRST BOTTLE FAILS TO BENEFIT, YOUR MONEY WILL BE REFUNDED. "I took two of Chamberlain's Tablets last night, and I feel fifty per cent better than I have for weeks, says J. J. Firestone of Allegan, Mich. "They are certainly a fine article for biliousness." For sale by all dealers. When in Davenport Stop At Mr. & Mrs. Ensy Green 110-114 East 5th Street First Class Restaurant and Rooming House Davenport, Iowa To Satisfy You SAM. BURNS THE TAILOR & CLEANER 772 West 9th St. Popular, Priced Gents Furnishing 1012 Center Street 1012 Center Street Phone Red 1367 New Monarch Cafe DONALD C. MORTON M nager Best qualaty quick service good treatment. Special attention given to private parties. DES MOINES, IOWA Phones: Walnut 1145 Res. Drake 5058J Dr. W. H. Lowry DENTIST Office 757 W. 9th. Des Moines Thompson Hotel Iowa SPECIAL SALE On Diamonds, Watches Wrist Watches For Soldier Boys & Their Sweet hearts $3.00 and up Diamond Rings, Laveliers, And Broaches, $5.00 and up Suit Cases, All Kind $1.00 and up. Trunks, All Makes, $3.00. to $15. Regulation Army Trunk $7 to $10.00 Every Article Guaranteed. O. COHEN 308 Walnut St. ain from ain" BADLY RUN DOWN. I had become greatly run down and my nerves were in terrible condition. I had frequent headaches and became very weak and was unable to do anything. I bought a bottle of Dr. Miller Newme, I soon began to feel better, my nerves were eased. I recovered my strength, and have since recommended Dr. Miles' Nervine to many of my friends who have used it with satisfactory results. MRS. FRANCES WHITLOCK. 179 Broadway, Schenectady, N. Y. An Open Letter To the City Council and the People of Des Moines FROM --- NOTICE TO REDEEM FROM TAX SALE. To Brown, Williams Auto Co., the person in whose name the real estate described below is taxed: You are hereby notified that at a ular tax sale held in and for Polk county, Iowa, on December 5, A D. 1911, the following described real estate, towit, Lots 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25 of Richmond's sub-division of a part of lot 6 of the official plat of lots 4 and 7 of the Thompson estate in section 27, township 79, range 24, west of the 5th p. m. Iowa, now included in and forming a part of the city of Des Moines, Iowa, was sold to L. E. Gray for the payment of the taxes for the year 1910 thereon, and a certificate of purchase was duly issued to him by the treasurer of said Polk county, Iowa, thereof, which certificate is now lawfully held and owned by W. H. Meredith. That the time for redemption from said sale will expire and a deed for said lot will be issued to him by the treasurer of said Polk county, Iowa, unless redemption from said sale be made within ninety days from said sale be made within ninety days from the completed service of this notice. Dated September 25, 1917. W. H. Meredith. By W. L. Baugh, His Duly Authorized Agent and Directed by Him. NOTICE TO REDEEM FROM TAX SALE. To Alfred S. Renshaw, the person in whose name the real estate described below is taxed: You are hereby notified that at a regular tax sale held in and for Polk county, Iowa, on December 4, A. D. 1911, the following described real estate, toowit: Lot 6 Douglas addition, now included in and forming a part of the city of Des Moines, Iowa, was sold to Des Moines Trust Co. for the payment of the taxes for the year 1910, thereon, and a certificate of purchase was duly issued to him by the treasurer of said.Polk county, Iowa, therefor, which certificate is now lawfully held and owned by them. That the time mor redemption from said sale will expire and a deed for said lot will be issued to him by the treasurer of said Polk county, Iowa, unless redemption from said sale be made within ninety days from the completed service of this notice. Des Moines Trust Co. By W. L. Baugh, Agent For and Directed by Them. NOTICE TO REDEEM FROM TAX SALE. To Alfred S. Renshaw, the person in whose name the real estate described below is taxed: You are hereby notified that at a regular tax sale held in and for Polk county, Iowa, on December 4, A. D. 1911, the following described real estate, towit: Lot 5 Douglas addition, now included in and forming a part of the city of Des Monies, Iowa, was sold to Des Moines Trust Co. for the payment of the taxes for the year '910, thereon, and a certificate of purchase was duly issued to him by the treasurer of said Polk county, Iowa, therefor, which certificate is now lawfully held and owned by them. That the time mor redemption from said sale will expire and a deed for said sale will expire and a deed for said lot will be issued to him by the treasurer of said Polk county, Iowa, unless redemption from said sale be made within ninety days from the completed service of this notice. Dated September 27, 1917. Des Moines Trust Co. By W. L. Baugh, Agent For and Directed by Them. NOTICE TO REDEEM FROM TAX SALE. To W. K. Wallace, the person in whose name the real estate described below is taxed: You are hereby notified that at a regular tax sale held in and for Polk county, Iowa, on December 4, A. D. 1911, the following described real estate, towit: Lot 1, Douglass addition, now included in and forming a part of the city of Des Moines, Iowa, was sold to Des Moines Trust Co. for the payment of the taxes of 1910, thereon, and a certificate of purchase was duly issued to him by the treasurer of said Polk county, Iowa, therefor, which certificate is now lawfully held and owned by them. That the time mor redemption from said lot will be issued to him by the treasurer of said Polk county, Iowa, unless redemption from said sale be made within ninety days from the completed service of this notice. Dated September 22, 1974. Des Moines Trust Co. By W. L. Baugh, Agent For and Directed by Them. AUTUMN IS WARTIME. I turn and see each fallow field, Now rich with golden grain; The bare lot, lawn and meadows yield A wealth of summer's gain. —C. Bertram Johnson People Speak Well of Chamberlain's Tablets. "I have been selling Chamberlain's Tablets for about two years and heard such good reports from my customers that I concluded to give them a trial myself, and can say that I do not believe there is another preparation of the kind equal to them," writes G. A. McBride, Headford, Ont. If you are troubled with indigestion or constipation give them a trial. They will do you good. TO THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUN CIL OF THE CITY OF DES MOINES: Our attention has been called to a communication of the Corporation Counsel with respect to the conditions surrounding the furnishing of water to the city of Des Moines, and filed with your Honorable Body on the 11th inst. The statements contained in the communication are so inaccurate and misleading that it has seemed to us advisable to candidly and fully state the facts. Before discussing the question of rates and service, it is perhaps well to refer to some specific statements contained in the communication, which in our opinion tend to mislead. It is unfortunately true that more or less litigation has been carried on between the city and the water company during the existence of the latter, but your attention is called to the fact that in, we think, every instance the controversy has been determined by the courts in favor of the water company, which to our mind is a demonstration that the litigation was not brought about by the action of the water company, and that much, if not all, of it was ill-advised on the part of the city. Referring to the litigation resulting from the adoption by the city council of the rate ordinance of 1908. The statement of counsel that the result of that litigation would have been different if the court had not, in fixing the value of the water property, allowed what is known as "going concern value," and the cost of paving over mains, is a mere assumption on his part and is not, we think, sustained by the record. The court in that case fixed the value of the property at approximately one million, eight hundred fifty thousand dollars ($1,850,000.00). If we deduct from this the amount claimed by counsel to represent the two items above referred to ($282,000.00), we have left a valuation of one million, five hundred sixty-eight thousand dollars ($1,568,000.00). If we found that the annual net revenue under the 1908 ordinance would have been sixty-three thousand, four hundred ninety-five dollars ($63,195.00), which would have produced an income of four per cent upon the valuation of one million, five hundred sixty-eight thousand dollars ($1,568,000.00). Inasmuch as the court found that eight per cent per annum was a reasonable rate upon the value of the property, it cannot be assumed that it would have sustained an ordinance which would only return an income of four per cent—the usual rate paid by savings bank upon deposits, and the rate which the government is proposing to pay upon its bonds, and a rate less than the city is paying its present bonded indebtedness. It is not true that the water company is in any manner responsible for the condition of the paving on West Grand avenue—first, because the water company has not for years torn up the pavement for the purpose of extending its mains; and, second, an ordinance which has been in force for years provides that wherever the pavement is torn up by a public utility or others, the back-filling and repaving shall be done by the city at the expense of the public utility or person tearing up the pavement. If this back-filling and repaving is not properly done and the result is a bad condition of paving, the responsibility does not lie with this company or any other public service corporation. It is not true that this company has been receiving from the water consumers of the city eight per cent per annum on a fictitious valuation of two hundred eighty-two thousand dollars ($282,000.00) or upon any other valuation. It is not true that in addition to receiving a return of six per cent or less per annum upon the value of the water property, we are receiving a "meter rental that amounts to further thousands of dollars every year," as charged by Corporation Counsel. The fact is that the meter rental received by this company has gone in to make up a part of the return on the value of the property, which has never approached the rate to which the court held us entitled. Those of you who are familiar with the history of rate ordinances will remember that this item of meter rental was placed in the ordinance on your own motion, rather than to fix a rate which would by itself be sufficient to constitute adequate compensation for the service performed. With reference to the attempt on the part of the city to purchase the water plant. As a result of the condemnation proceedings brought by the city, this company and the city agreed upon the price which the city should pay for the property, and as a result of that agreement a decree was entered in the federal court fixing the amount and providing that the city should pay for the property at any time within one year from the date of the decree. It certainly is not the fault of this company that the city did not pay the price agreed upon and as provided by the decree. With reference to the "high cost of living" referred to by counsel, we think you will agree with us that this is due to the increase in cost of nearly every commodity which enters into the expense of THE BYSTANDER living. It will be noted, however, that the cost of water to the city of Des Moines and the consumers therein is one of the very few commodities the price of which has not been raised for many years, although the elements entering into the cost of the production and distribution of the water by this company have very greatly increased. In this connection it is suggested that the money of the city could be better spent in constructing and maintaining "rest rooms, comfort stations, etc." than in carrying on ill-advised litigation. It is not true that this company occupies, or has ever occupied a "public be damned" attitude. It is a fact that though this company has no franchise in the city of Des Moines, and therefore is investing its money at its peril, it has since April 1, 1912, and prior to January 1, 1917, expended more than four hundred forty-five thousand dollars ($445,000.00) in extensions and additions to its plant, and if it is permitted, and is not harassed by useless and vexatious restrictions and litigations, it expects to so maintain its plant in the future than its present high standard of service will be continued. The Corporation Counsel attaches to his communication a list of the orders which have been enacted by your Honorable Body since October 1, 1916, requiring the laying of mains, and complains that these orders have not all been complied with. With respect to this matter several things are to be said. The present market price of cast iron pipe and all other items entering into the construction and laying of mains, is abnormally high and the material is very hard to get even at these prices. As shown by the testimony in the case of City of Des Moines vs. Des Moines Water Company (the condemnation proceedings), the average cost of cast iron pipe such as is used for water mains, f. o. b. Des Moines, for the period of five years prior to April 1, 1912, was approximately twenty-eight dollars ($28.00) per ton. The last pipe purchased by this company (in August of this year) cost the company seventy-two and 30-100 dollars ($72.30) per ton, f. o. b. Des Moines. The cost of all other materials entering into the construction of water mains has advanced in substantially the same proportion. It has, therefore, seemed to us inadvisable both from the standpoint of this company and the standpoint of the city, to construct water mains during these abnormally high prices, except at such places as they were absolutely necessary. Notwithstanding the advance in the price of material, this company in February of this year contracted for one thousand (1,000) tons of cast iron pipe, with the necessary specials and fixtures (enough to lay about eight miles of pipe), for immediate delivery. Although we have constantly urged delivery of this pipe, up to this time we have only been able to obtain about five hundred tons. This we have been using to fill the orders which your Honorable Body have urged upon us as the most important, and the balance will be used to fill other orders as fast as the pipe can be obtained. Eliminating from the list of orders attached to the communication of counsel such pipe as has already been laid; eliminating also such orders as appear to be duplicates, and such orders as are so indefinite as to be impossible to locate, and such orders as cannot be complied with because the city has no title to the ground upon which they are to be laid, and adding to the list such pipe as will be necessary to lay in order to connect the isolated orders with our present system; we find that to comply with all of these orders would require the laying of 129,673 feet of main pipe and 3,120 feet of hydrant branches. We have made a careful estimate of the cost of laying this pipe, and without taking into consideration the cost of engineering or overhead charges, we estimate the total cost to be three hundred fifty-two thousand, three hundred ninety-nine and 72-100 dollars ($352,399.72), in addition to which the city would have to expend the sum of twenty thousand, nine hundred eighty two dollars ($20,982.00) for fire hydrants. While our supply and pumping system is fully adequate for present purposes, yet the continued and rapid growth of the city of Des Moines to which we are all looking forward, will require not only large expenditures for the extension of our distributing system, but much larger expenditures for the enlargement and development of our source of supply and pumping station. From the foregoing it must be perfectly apparent to you that to keep up with the growth of the city of Des Moines and continue to supply adequate water facilities requires constant investment of new capital, which can only be obtained by going out upon the market. You are also well aware that the franchise of the Des Moines Water Company has expired. You must also know that it is impossible to borrow money for the extension and improvement of a public utility which does not have a franchise. For this reason it has been the intention of the officials of the water company to ask of your Honorable Body and of the citizens of Des Moines, the enactment of a franchise ordi- nance which would permit the extension and improvement of the water plant as the necessities of the case may require. It goes without saying, however, that it is not worth while to open the discussion of the terms of a franchise while there is pending a controversy over rates. We deem it therefore exceedingly unfortunate that the Corporation Counsel should have raised an issue with reference to rates at this particular time, because it seems to us highly important to the city and the water consumers, as well as to the water company, that the rights and obligations of the water company should be fixed and defined by a properly enacted franchise, and that such a franchise should be enacted promptly so that there may be no delay in making the necessary improvements and extensions to the plant. The question of rates is one over which your Honorable Body always has jurisdiction, subject only to the constitutional provision that the same must be reasonable. Referring now to the question of the adequacy of the existing rates. An adequate rate necessarily depends largely upon the value of the property. In the year 1912 the value of the water plant was fixed in a judicial proceeding between the city and the water company by a court consisting of three of the ablest district judges in Iowa, one of whom is now chief justice of the Supreme Court of Iowa. After a long and exhaustive hearing these judges fixed the value of the property as of April 1, 1912, at two million, three hundred two thousand, five hundred twenty-two dollars ($2,302,522.00). The value thus fixed by the court, while not entirely satisfactory either to the officials of the water company or to the officials of the city, was afterward agreed upon by both the city and the water company as being the fair value of the property, and as it was made by three competent and interested judges after a careful and exhaustive investigation, we think it should be taken by everybody as representing the fair value of the property at that time. Since that date and prior to January 1 of this year, the water company has actually expended in extensions and additions to its property the sum of four hundred forty-five thousand, one hundred ninety-seven and 24-100 dollars ($445,197.24), not taking into consideration the cost of engineering and administration. In view of these facts and of the vast increase in the value of property generally, we think it cannot be said that the present value of the water plant is less than the total of the two sums above mentioned, or the sum of two million, seven hundred forty-seven thousand, seven hundred ten and 24-100 dollars ($2,747,710.24), and our view of this valuation is strengthened and fortified by the fact that your honorable body, in April of this year, valued this property for the purposes of taxation at three million dollars ($3,000,000.00). The net revenue of the water company in the year 1916, after paying operating expenses, depreciation and taxes, was the sum of one hundred sixty-four thousand, nine hundred forty-six and 53-100 dollars ($164.946.53), which is six per cent upon a valuation of two million, seven hundred forty-seven thousand, seven hundred ten and 24-100 dollars ($2.747.710.24), or less than five and one-half per cent upon the value as fixed by you for the purposes of taxation. We anticipate that the net revenues of the current year will be considerably less than they were for the year 1916, and we also anticipate a further reduction for the year 1918. We anticipate these reductions, first, because of the very great increase in all items going to make up operating expenses, and, second, by reason of the very large increase in the taxes we will be required to pay, both by reason of the increased value of the property made by your honorable body for the purposes of taxation, and the increase in the tax rate. In conclusion, we desire to suggest to you that if the water company is to keep pace with the growth of the city of Des Moines, two things are essential: First, the water company must have a reasonable franchise so that it may assure the persons from whom it borrows money, of the permanence of the proposition; second, it must have a rate that is adequate to pay not only its operating expenses, but a reasonable return upon the investment, so that it may assure the persons from whom it borrows money that the investment is a safe one. The water plant of this company is recognized by water works engineers as being one of the best in the United States, and the service it performs is recognized as of a very high standard. Des Moines is a rapidly growing city. If this company is to continue its high standard of service, it cannot stand still—it must continually invest large amounts of fresh capital. In order to acquire this capital it must not only have a franchise that will permit it to do business, but it must receive a rate for its service which will permit it to acquire this capital in competition with other public utilities similarly situated. DES MOINES WATER COMPANY. By Charles S. Denman, General Manager.