31 May 1917
Page 1
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Newspaper
Decorah Republican
Location
Decorah, Iowa, United States of America
Date
May 31, 1917
Page
1
A long, mixed column from Decorah Iowa includes ads for subscriptions and local services, wartime editorials on prices and policies, notes on public figures like Uncle Joe Cannon, commentary on sugar and bread costs, rail and tax issues, and national sentiment about democracy and war. It blends civic notices, medical ads, and poems with broad discussion of wartime economy and governance.
A dated note outlines Sunday allowances and prohibitions in Iowa, listing permissible actions such as picnics, sports without admission fees, free concerts, church attendance, reading, and basic services, while banishing theatres, cigars, candy, ice cream, merchandise purchases, paid events, firearms, hunting, and soft drinks. The quip about the old taper hints at enforcement quirks.
The Foster road patrol law mandates boards of supervisors to appoint road patrolmen to care for county roads. It becomes operative July 4, with patrols to drag roads after each rain, fill wash-outs promptly, clear ditches and keep bridges accessible. It is argued the program will offset its cost by reduced repair expenses. Some wish it could start sooner to address spring and early summer rains.
The letter argues that customers treat bankers with timidity yet expect loans at no extra cost while merchants extend credit and often receive harsh judgment on statements. It questions why merchants deserve less consideration than bankers for supplying goods on credit.
A Caledonia farmer who sold hogs last week commented on the price, saying hogs are overpriced. He joked that four or five hogs usually pay his taxes, but at current rates the money from two hogs would cover taxes and still leave $16, implying hogs are not worth the price.
A fragmentary note lists figures on wartime resources and debts of major powers. The text references a total near 87.2 billion and mentions national accounts in the context of global conflict.
The sheriff of Winneshiek County Iowa issues a 1917 proclamation enforcing the U S federal draft law. It sets June 5 for 7 am to 9 pm registration for men ages 21 to 30, with penalties for nonregistration and duties for peace officers to ensure compliance.
The plan imposes a 2 percent income tax in addition to existing rates with exemptions at 1 000 for singles and 2 000 for couples. Supertaxes cap at 45 percent on incomes over 1 million. Retroactive levies apply to 1916 earnings. Tariffs rise 10 percent on dutiable goods. Excise taxes cover coffee tea tobacco jewelry cosmetics and alcohol. Postage, telephone, electric power, advertising, travel, freight, insurance, and club dues face new levies. Stamp taxes and excess profits adjustments revive wartime taxes to fund expenditures.
President Wilson designated June 25 as Red Cross Week and urged generous gifts to aid Red Cross efforts in caring for armed forces and administering relief. The proclamation calls on every man, woman and child to contribute in a spirit of patriotic service while soldiers fight abroad.
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