USA > Iowa > Polk County > Des Moines > Des Moines, the pioneer of municipal progress and reform of the middle West, together with the history of Polk County, Iowa, the largest, most populous and most prosperous county in the state of Iowa; Volume I > Part 41
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The city's business was reported as aggregating $32,804,300. The million items in this aggregate are: Agricultural Implements, $1,467,000; Coal and . Wood, $1,200,000; dry-goods and notions, wholesale and retail, $1,785,000; fur- niture and carpets, wholesale and retail, $1,080,000; groceries, wholesale and re- tail, $5,110,000; manufacturing, $1,150,000 ; newspapers, book-binding and print- ing, $1,130,000.
1883-THE YEAR OF PARTY PROTEST AGAINST THE DEFEAT OF PROHIBITION.
J. M. Dixon, often mentioned in Des Moines history, and himself a historian of Polk county, died January 7. 1883, at the age of 58. Mr. Dixon's long asso- ciation with journalism in Des Moines and with historical work in the local field gave him not a little prominence. His failing sight, in 1856, followed by total blindness. drew strongly upon popular sympathies. In '68 Mr. Dixon wrote a little book of personal experience in which he pathetically alluded to the devo- tion of his wife who took up the pen he could no longer use, and thenceforth with it ministered to his thoughts and purposes. In his "Centennial History of Polk County," he also pays tribute to Mrs. Dixon's loving service as his aman- uensis. For fifteen years he worked on in darkness, his vivid imagination light- ing up the gloom. In accordance with his desire, the burial . was conducted by his brother editors and printers. Gathered at his home at the funeral were many who were closely identified with journalism in Des Moines, among whom were: B. F. Gue, W. H. Fleming, Tacitus Hussey, Frank M. Mills, J. S. Clarkson, L. F. Andrews and Will Porter.
Prohibition in Politics.
The prohibition forces were dealt a heavy blow on the 18th of January, when Judge Seevers of the Supreme court read the opinion of the Court in the case of Koehler & Lange vs. John Hall, appellant, appealed from the District court of Scott county, the purport of which was that the prohibitory amendment to the Constitution was invalid because of fatal errors in the transmission of the amendment through the General Assembly. Judge Beck's dissenting opinion was small consolation. Indignation meetings afforded only temporary relief. The alternative of beginning all over again, or appealing to the next General As- sembly for a prohibitory law, was the question under discussion by the pro- hibitionists of the Capital city.
SCHMITT-HENRY MANUFACTURING COMPANY
CARRIAGE SÓC ANY
COMPANY.
KRAT
KRATZER CARRIAGE COMPANY
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Thousands of conventions have been held at the State Capital, the mere mention of which would be a vain repetition. But, the history of Des Moines includes no more intensely exciting assemblage than the State Temperance Con- vention held in the "Academy of Music," on February 7, 1883. Men came from communities still smarting under the blow delivered them by the decision nulli- fying the amendment they had so long worked for and so vigorously fought for, and to their lay minds the objections of the court were flimsy pretexts for un- doing the work of years. They were in' no mood for another siege; they de- manded an assault. The majority report of the committee on resolutions read by Senator Clark, of Page,5 demanded "the earliest practical submission to the people of the question of amending the Constitution of the State,". etc., and favored efforts to bring the question of prohibition before the next General As- sembly.
Hon. John McKean, of Jones, presented a minority report recommending immediate action, putting into effect "the will of the people as expressed by the vote of the 27th day of June last, by providing for an extra session," etc.
A spirited debate followed in which General Weaver made an effective speech for immediate action. Judge Nourse took the same position. Isaac Brandt led those who doubted the wisdom and safety of an extra session.
The discussion was continued in the evening. Judge McHenry, "the first democrat who had spoken," didn't want to be hindered in the way to prohibition ; he therefore favored earliest possible action. C. E. Fuller sustained his towns- man, Brandt. He feared the present Senate could not be relied on to vote for prohibition. Many others from all parts of the State were heard, and finally the amendment calling for an early extra session, was submitted to a vote by counties resulting in a large majority for the amendment. Polk county voted 9 for and 15 against the proposed extra session.
A startling event on the night of February II, was the burning of the old Clapp block, then the best business block in the city. The fire began in the top and burned downward. The Masons, including the Commandery lost everything. Those officing in the second story lost nearly everything. The Citizens' National and other occupants of the first floor saved nearly everything of value. Mr. Clapp's direct loss was estimated at $26,186.82, which was covered by insurance.
The Diagonal railroad project was revived in February. A representative of the road agreed to give a contract within thirty days, if the city would give the road the right of way. At a meeting on the East side on the 12th, it was decided that the right of way could be secured for $20,000, and a committee of five from each ward was appointed to raise the money. From that time until the third of March the coming of the Diagonal was in question; but on March 4, the Register announced that the money had been pledged and the manage- ment would let the contract. But other complications ensued which deferred for years the incoming of the Diagonal,-now known as the Great Western.
It is, difficult to realize that as late as 1883, Walnut street was irreverently referred to by the leading daily of the city as "Rum Row," and "Rat Row," because of the "long strings of tumble-down frame shanties owned by town-lot misers." The boom in Des Moines finally reached Walnut street. But one four-story building had been erected on that street for twenty-five years, until Charles Hewitt, the wholesale grocer, on Second and Walnut, decided to add two stories to his wholesale grocery house and build four stories on the lot adjoin- ing. Messrs. Foster & Liebbe made the plans and work was soon begun, thus starting the building boom which in brief time made Walnut the principal busi- ness street of the city.
5 Author of the Clark Enforcement law of 1886.
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The purchase by Mr. Harding, February 28, of the old residence prop- erty of Colonel Hooker, on the Savery House site, marks the close of one of Des Moines' historic homes.
The disbanding of the old Volunteer Fire Department February 28, and the organization of a paid fire department March I, was one of the surface indica- tions of the evolution going on in Des Moines.
Henry Clay Dean, a resurrection from war-time history, addressed a large audience in Des Moines, March 6, in defense of the Christian faith from the onslaughts of Ingersoll. It was reported that as he rose to speak, his untidiness in dress caused some merriment, which led to a deprecatory remark by him coupled with a thrust at "well-dressed scoffers."
Emma Abbott in opera, grand and otherwise, captured Des Moines in March, leaving the city, "in a glow of gratitude," to Mr. Foster for having given Des Moines "the most brilliant and delightful entertainments in its history."
The great tragedian, Lawrence Barrett, made his first visit to Des Moines in April '83, giving the city a splendid presentation of his "Francesca da Rimini," with Otis Skinner, Louis James and Marie Wainright in the cast. Additional local interest was excited by reason of the appearance in the cast of Homer Cope, of Des Moines, who had made a reputation as a dramatic reader.
The City Council, April II, gave the Street Railway Company a second charter-a charter which afterwards figured prominently in the long-drawn- out litigation over the company's rights. The company as then composed was B. L. Harding, Wesley Redhead, R. K. Miller, John Beckwith, George Sneer and G. B. Hammer.
The saloons closed in Des Moines on the 2d of May. The close was gen- erally regarded as a protest against the high license recently placed upon the business. In a few days, however, the saloon-keepers came to terms, accepting the $1,000 license as fixed by the council.
Resuming the thread of the story of prohibition, Governor Sherman had refused to call the General Assembly together in extra session. The Supreme court had refused to reverse its amendment decision. The democrats in con- vention, in Des Moines on the 6th of June, had gone on record as opposed to constitutional prohibition and in favor of "a well regulated license law." Then came the republican state convention, significantly called on the first anniver- sary of the vote on the amendment. The attendance was unprecedented and the interest was intense. What course should the dominant party take in the emergency? John A. Kasson, temporary chairman, gave the convention its key-note in his declaration that the republican party in this contest would not take the side of the saloon. The convention was in no mood to "trammel up the consequences." By an overwhelming majority it committed the party and the campaign to a demand upon the next General Assembly to enact laws which would "provide for the establishment and enforcement of the principle and pol- icy affirmed by the people at the non-partisan election," and pledged the party's faith to that end.
The greenback state convention, in Des Moines on the IIth of July, sus- tained the republican position.
Thus was the issue joined, and thus was prohibition, till then non-partisan, injected into party politics to the ultimate weakening of prohibition and of the republican party. And yet, so straight was the march of events to that end, and so clear seemed the duty of the hour, that anything less than an ac- ceptance of the issue seemed the extreme of cowardice.
The long threatened telegraphers' strike culminated in a walk-out on July 19. There was much local sympathy with the telegraphers because of the small salaries paid expert operators: but there was also much temporary inconven- ience to the business interests of the city. In the end the strike resulted in the failure of the operators to secure the immediate increase of pay demanded.
Meantime Drake University was fast progressing. Its new buildings were
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nearing completion. General Drake had bought the Gillette tract, "the key to University Place," and that portion of the city was fast becoming a beautiful and prosperous suburb.
Already Des Moines had become the meeting place of Iowa miners and mine operators. The second gathering of those bodies occurred August 15, bring- ing together many representatives of labor and capital. A memorial was agreed upon, for presentation to the next General Assembly, asking the creation of a State Board of Labor to settle differences arising between employes and em- ployers.
Foster's "Academy," long closed for redecorating, opened August 23, as Foster's Opera House, with a christening address by F. W. Lehman, followed by Fay Templeton, in "The Mascotte."
The "Grand Opera House" was opened a few days later with a return of Emma Abbott. The great Modjeska followed in "As You Like It."
"Ben" Harrison afterward President, spoke on political issues at Moore's Opera House, September 21. On the stage with the speaker sat James Harlan, J. B. Grinnell, Ex-Governor Merrill and other notables. Judge Nourse, who presided, called out "Father" Clarkson, who had presided over a meeting in Indiana when William Henry Harrison was running for the presidency. The choir sang "Tippecanoe and Tyler too," arousing much enthusiasm. General Harrison surprised the audience by his masterly eloquence.
The Apprentice Club was organized in November, '83, the purpose of which was "to bring together a number of congenial persons who may be willing to serve an apprenticeship at literary labor," etc. Its initial meeting at the Kirk- wood parlors brought Rev. A. L. Frisbie to the front as chairman, Prof. R. D. Jones, secretary, and Mr. Frisbie, J. J. Hamilton, Sarah Collier and Mrs. A. B. Billington as a committee on plan, etc. Among the members besides those already named, are many who afterward gave evidence that theirs was no " 'prentice han.'" Among those are Mr. and Mrs. Berryhill, Leigh Hunt, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Rich, now of Dubuque, Miss Belle M. Gilcrest, James B. Weaver, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Whiting, E. H. Gillette, Mr. and Mrs. Clarey, Mr. and Mrs. S. Clark, Mrs. J. D. Drake, Miss Florence McDonald, etc.
Clara Louise Kellogg flooded Foster's Opera House with song on the even- ing of November 10. Madame Carreno, the brilliant pianiste, almost divided with the singer the honors of the evening.
The campaign of '83 was fought on the new party lines, and as a conse- quence there was a general reallignment, with large gains for the minority party. In Des Moines there was less defection than in the other cities of the State; and yet not a few leaders of thought in the Capitol city refused to follow their party in its new departure.
"A new departure" not featured as a head-liner in the newspapers, but of deep significance to the children of several generations since 1883, was the introduction of the kindergarten into Irving School. Mrs. L. B. Collins, who for several years had been demonstrating the system in a private school to the satisfaction of many, was engaged by the School Board to introduce her meth- ods into a public school. The result is known-the general introduction of the kindergarten in the schools of the city and the employment of kindergarten methods to a considerable extent in the lower grades.
1884-THE YEAR THE NORTHWESTERN ENTERED DES MOINES.
The local movement for municipal reform received some impetus from the municipal convention of mayors and aldermen at the city hall January 8. The Capital city was represented by Mayor Carey and Aldermen Drady, Garver, King, Holmes, Kavanagh, Youngerman, Robertson, Hyland, and Christy. It is significant of the movement of a quarter century. later that the convention put itself on record as fully conscious that the cities of the State having "ar-
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rived at mature years," required different regulations covering new conditions. The News regarded it as a matter of congratulation that the city offices, "were filled with men freer from monopolies and rings," than it had been for years.
The Iowa movement for good roads, much in evidence at present, also had its origin in the Eighties. A State Road convention was held in Des Moines, January 10, with Col. John Scott chairman. Polk county's representatives in the convention were C. F. Clarkson, J. B. Tiffin, R. S. Miller, J. M. Tuttle, William Patrick and D. F. Butin. The seed of the reform was well planted, but many years were required for germination.
The inauguration of Buren R. Sherman, January 18, 1884, was notable for the elaborateness of the exercises. It was an "imposing dedication of the im- posing new state house." Bands and military companies marched through the streets of Des Moines and everybody was out. The procession was decidedly spectacular. Seated on the platform with Governor Sherman were ex-Gov- ernors Carpenter, Kirkwood and Newbold. Bishop Hurst offered prayer, Chief Justice Rothrock administered the oath of office.
A reunion of several hundred native Pennsylvanians-the first of a series- was held in the city on the 12th of February. Judge Given, Colonel Lowrie, W. W. Witmer, M. H. King and Revs. Henry, Barnitz and Stewart were the principal orators of the occasion.
The large and influential Blaine contingent in Des Moines had an enthus- iastic ratification meeting in courthouse square on the evening of June 6. Judge Wright presided, and General Given, Judge Nourse, Dr. Hutchins, Gen- eral Tuttle, Carroll Wright, Marcus Kavanagh and a host of others gave voice to the general jollification.
The "new and magnificent" Masonic Temple, corner of Fifth and Walnut, was dedicated June 24, with an elaborate program.
The leaven of municipal reform was working in '84. A mass meeting was held at the courthouse, June 30, on call of a number of taxpayers, in re- sponse to the discovered duty of inaugurating a movement to establish the truth or falsity of charges against certain city officials. At an adjourned meeting a committee of one from each ward was appointed to investigate. Conrad Youngerman defended himself and Alderman Drady, and invited investigation. Later the committee reported a number of grave irregularities.
The death of Dr. C. H. Rawson late in June removed a man of marked in- fluence and usefulness in the community. The funeral from the Congregational church, was attended by many. The News of the 30th said: "There probably was never a larger funeral and greater grief manifested." Crocker Post, the Medical Societies and the Masons attended the funeral and passed resolutions of sorrow and sympathy.
Not to be outdone by the republicans, the democrats held a big ratification meeting July 12, after learning of the nomination of Grover Cleveland. Bar- low Granger presided, F. W. Lehman, Judge McHenry, W. H. McHenry, Jr., W. W. Witmer, H. J. Philpott and others eloquently ratified.
The return of the Allens to Terrace Hill long after the place became the subject of litigation, finally resulting in the re-possession of the property by the Allens, was a gratification to many. Meantime, a younger generation had come on, and on the 3Ist of July, the halls of the grand old home were thrown open to a merry party of young people, the guests of Miss Bessie Allen.
Rev. Dr. Emory Miller, now passing his last years in Des Moines, preached his first sermon as pastor of the First M. E. Church, October 12, 1884. The News describes the new pastor as "in many respects resembling his brother Judge William E. Miller, formerly of this city." The preacher used neither manuscript nor notes. He was even then referred to as "one of the foremost of Western pulpit orators."
The Chicago & Northwestern which gained access to the State Capital first by lease in '79, acquired full possession of the line in the summer of 1884.
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The Des Moines & Minnesota Railroad Company was organized August I, 1870, under the general law of Iowa.
It purchased the right of way of the Iowa & Minnesota Railway Company, and by amended articles of date July 5, 1877, changed its name to the Des Moines & Minneapolis Railroad Company. On July 25, 1879, the company was leased to the Chicago & Northwestern Railway Company. On the 24th of October, 1884, the C. & N. W. acquired the line by purchase. At the time of the lease the road was running from Des Moines to Callanan, in Hamilton county, Iowa. The gauge of the road between Des Moines and Ames, thirty- seven miles, was widened, and ever since the trains of the C. & N. W. have daily run over this line between Ames and the Capital.
Des Moines was at fever heat on the night after the presidential election of 1884, and the fever continued until the result was finally determined. Rival bulletins and bonfires kept the crowds diverted until gradually, well on in the second week after election, there was a reluctant acceptance of the result by the republicans and great joy in the bosoms of the democrats. On the 20th of November the Iowa democrats had the day of their lives. The pent-up enthusiasm of years burst forth. Large delegations arrived at the State Capital by every train. In the evening an imposing procession in seven divisions pa- raded the streets. Nearly all the leading democrats of the State reviewed the procession.
The year 1884 showed material improvement on previous years. The total improvements were estimated by the Secretary of the Board of Trade, Mr. Bushnell, at $3,348,043. To this total were added the estimate of the manufac- turing business of the city, namely $15,387,920; and the wholesaling during the year, $34,455,900. In these last two items, however, is some duplication.
The chief physical improvements of the year were: Capitol, $194,397; City -paving, parks, sewers, sidewalks and bridges, $153,865; business houses, Christy block, $20,000 ; Street railway, $30,000; Diagonal, $30,000; Edison Light Company, $65,000; Episcopal church, $40,000; Des Moines & Fort Dodge rail- road, $23,000; C. H. Getchell, $15,000; Hogin & Smith, $31,200; L. Harbach, $32,000; Kirkwood House, $75,000; D. Lehane, $18,000; Masonic Temple, $30,000 ; G. W. Marquardt, $20,000; C. W. Pitcairn, $25,000; Standard Fuel Company, $20,000; Summerset Coal Company, $18,000; Shaver & Dows, $25,- 000; U. S. building, $25,000; Walnut Creek Coal Company, $20,000; Water Works Company, $66,000; C. Youngerman, $20,000; Baptist University, $20,- 000; Franklin School, $18,535; Thomas Hatton, $10,000; J. S. Polk, $20,000; Garver Coal Company, $45,000; International Distillery, $55,000; Joseph Wag- ner, $13,000 ; J. K. Gilcrest, $13,000.
The business statistics running into the millions were: Agricultural imple- ments, $1,035,000; coal, $1,775,000; grain, $2,662,000; groceries, $3,450,000; pork, $1,892,000 ; stock, $2,632,000.
The manufacturing statistics passing the million mark were: alcohol, $3,- 400,000 ; contractors' and builders' supplies, $1,750,000 ; pork packing, $1,225,000.
1885-THE YEAR THE NEW CAPITOL WAS DEDICATED.
In the Eighties much was made of New Year's Day. In 1885, for example, among the ladies keeping open house were Mesdames C. C. Cole, A. P. Foster, Egbert S. Page, M. P. Turner, John Beckwith, H. K. Love, L. Trepanier, Lew C. Smith, T. E. Brown, Carroll Wright, J. H. Windsor, B. L. Harding, and Miss Harriet Ankeny ; on the East side, Mesdames S. B. Maxwell and George Garver and Miss Minnie York. In most of these open houses were large groups of assisting hostesses including hundreds of the leading ladies in Des Moines society at the time. The list of gentlemen callers includes several hundred of the leading professional and business men of Des Moines.
Francis Murphy, the great temperance revivalist, began a series of meet-
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ings in the Pavilion rink January 17, and took the city by storm. He was described as of medium height, with a fine physique, and "forunate in having that personal appearance which gains the confidence and respect of his audi- ence before he utters one word." The Murphy meetings continued until Feb- ruary I, closing Sunday evening with an eloquent sermon delivered before nearly 4,000 people.
Leigh Hunt, superintendent of the public schools of East Des Moines, was in January elected president of the State Agricultural College. Brilliant as he was, there was grave question in the minds of many of his friends as to his ability to cope with the problems of the institution at the time. Mr. Hunt's ability ultimately found its sphere in the then fast broadening field of high finance.
The principal local event of the year 1885, was the opening of the new Capitol to the public. On the evening of January 27, Governor Sherman held a reception in the Governor's suite in the new building. All the department offices were thrown open to the public. By 7:30 the front and rear entrances to the state house were thronged with thousands of interested and curious citizens eager to see the interior of the new building lighted up at night. The Gover- nor was assisted in receiving by his predecessors, Ex-Governors Merrill and Stone. The elegantly furnished interior, beautiful at any time, was especially so when the rooms and halls were illuminated. Great satisfaction was evinced by the thousands who tramped through the building from sub-basement to attic. The Governor, perhaps the best "mixer," in the list of governors of Iowa, dis- pensed both-handed hospitality right and left.
Early in 1885 a jobbers and manufacturers' association began to make itself felt in the business life of the city. The association had been organized two years or more and had approached the question of freight rates with a force and comprehension which commanded respect.
Dwight L. Moody, the evangelist, made himself heard by thousands in Des Moines, March 13 and 15. The Pavilion was packed at every meeting. Even the "men's meeting" drew about three thousand. The directness of the pre- sentation, not the preacher's grace of diction, was the impression left on the mind. Short, stout and rugged, the evangelist was a man physically fitted to carry heavy burdens; and his face revealed a man who would fight and die for the faith.
The great Ristori gave Des Moines a powerful interpretation of "Elizabeth" on the evening of April 4.
Miss Mary B. Cope of Des Moines, the Mrs. Cope-Jacobs of the present, gave "Ingomar" as her initial play in her home city, April 16. Her talent as a reader prepared her friends for the success which attended her. Her Parthenia was a beautiful picture of civilization's inevitable mastery over the barbarian world.
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