30 Aug 1923
Page 1
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Newspaper
Pella Chronicle
Location
Pella, Iowa, United States of America
Date
Aug 30, 1923
Page
1
A short biblical line contrasts reliance on chariots and horses with faith in the name of the Lord our God, reflecting a theme of spiritual trust over earthly power. The wording emphasizes devotion and steadfastness in worship.
The quote references the words of David in the twentieth Psalm, suggesting a contrast between biblical attribution and a misread national identity. The remark playfully notes how someone unfamiliar with the source could mistake the party of the first part for Iowa’s populace.
The Iowa Magazine notes roughly 500000 automobiles in the state valued at about 1000 dollars each, totaling roughly 500 million dollars in investment in modern transportation.
Carl K. Stuart notes a vivid quip on car pooling, imagining every Iowa car owner filling a capacity load of neighbors and driving across the state line. The remark underscores a call for widespread shared travel to address a transportation theme.
The writer cites auto license figures through mid year and state population data to argue that the proposed exodus would require under five persons per car on average. He notes more than thirty thousand trucks would be needed to transport baggage and camping gear for the population.
The Chronicle editor recalls childhood on an Iowa farm forty five miles north of the Missouri line. A neighbor once drove the distance in a day, beating the sheriff by a comfortable margin due to lack of telephone.
The text notes a shift in travel from horse drawn to motorized transport, with one hour thirty minutes now sufficient for conservative driving to cover a distance once arduous. From the state’s geographic center, crossing the border in a half day is easy, and three hours suffice for rapid travel to the nearest point. It reflects a youth’s memory of the first horseless carriage and the backlash it faced from team drivers.
Mr Stuart estimates each old car at about 1000 dollars while Iowa's annual motor car replacement bill ranges from eighty to ninety million. Marion County may bear about 750000, not counting sale value of traded in cars. Demand for used cars is low relative to supply as farmers ship surplus to Kansas City and Chicago. It questions whether Iowa residents can sustain this heavy drain or simply endure a costly debauch.
A historical reflection notes that Iowa’s old pattern of farmers aging on and retiring in town is fading. Younger generations have shifted farming success to towns and automobiles may accelerate the change, with Pella cited as an example of dwindling rural retirement streams and rural-to-urban migration.
The article argues that many Iowa families cling to farms not from nostalgia but necessity as auto expenses surge. It cites a Marion county bill of 750000 annually for new cars and estimates state totals of eighty to ninety million dollars per year for autos and related costs. Gas, licenses, road fees, and maintenance push families toward staying home rather than commuting.
In early years farmers were seen as automobilists foes for feared reactions when a motorist tried to pass. Ten years ago drivers faced refusals to pull aside. Pella townsfolk recall removed hitching racks and ill will. Some farmers vowed never to return to towns with scant rights for motorists. Sheds behind churches once sheltered rural driving teams on cold Sundays.
Stuart notes that rural counties in Iowa have higher per capita car ownership than counties containing larger cities. Polk County Des Moines has about one car per six people while Sac County with 15 percent urban population has one car for under four people. Statewide, rural counties trend toward more cars per capita than urban counties as farm life shifts away from hitching racks to motor travel.
The article notes that cars owned in Town are not all inexpensive, with examples indicating a range of prices and value. It emphasizes that some vehicles are higher end or costly, contrasting with cheaper offerings.
An editorial argues against overindulgence in car ownership and urges restraint. It warns that luxury and installments lead to disaster, while postponing purchases builds future security. It stresses prioritizing earnings for essential needs over cars, gas, and tires, and champions self restraint in youth for later enjoyment.
The Iowa Forum weighs in on Magnus Johnson and Colonel Brookhart, arguing Johnson, a farmer who earned his wealth from the soil, would act for farmers if confronted with facts, while contending the Texas land speculator lawyer cares only for political fame and sustains a factless outcry.
Politicians who accuse their peers of causing today’s conditions warned three years ago that corn would stay above a dollar and land would rise to $1000 an acre. The author notes such blue sky forecasts harmed Iowa farmers who overbought and now suffer as markets crashed, and argues blame should not rest solely on public officials during the downturn.
The Northwood Anchor notes Governor Kendall’s firm stance approving court acts on capital punishment. It argues executions deter crime and criticizes parole risks, expressing belief the death penalty in Iowa may deter future offenses while prisoners should not be released.
The Chariton Leader notes a local debate on whether some crime is necessary for societal order. It mentions a county prisoner serving nights in Lucas County Jail for tidying the courthouse yard, arguing such fines contribute to order and appearance.
An editor notes public eagerness for a figure who could introduce a congressional plan allowing all citizens to gain wealth. The remark captures optimism and skepticism about sweeping reforms and their practicality amid political debate.
The Hampton Chronicle notes Brookhart does not urge self help but cooperation with labor to counter profiteers. It argues farmers struggle while radicals demand 12 dollars a day for various work, highlighting tension over wages and loyalty.
The Chronicle urges automatic school fire drills triggered by alarms to teach orderly egress. It doubts Rock Island will relinquish control of the K D line, noting Rock Island ownership and liens. It discusses local weather, water works, political hints, and calls for telephone company help to reduce fire hazards.
Two freight trains collided in the Pella yards injuring Fireman Frank Smith. Miss Carolyn Edmand left for Milwaukee to teach at Stevens Point. A Vanderzee of Denmark registered at the American House. Simon Douwstra from Kalamazoo visited old friends. A baby girl and a boy were born to local families. Henry Kimmell died at eight. Tomato canning began at the factory. pacer Silent King won $500 in a state fair race. George Gezel sprained his ankle. Minnie Edmand and Frederic P. Noble wed in early August.
Notice is filed in the Clerk of the District Court of Marion County Iowa as the last will and testament of Harmon Wheeler deceased. The hearing is set for October 2 1923 at the district court during the October term. Interested persons may appear to be heard.
Ed Meredith directs his lawyers to sue Senator W. Brookhart for 30 cents alleged libel damages. The Marshalltown Times-Republican notes Meredith aims for a fair price, not elevating the damage amount.
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