Globe-Gazette from Mason City, Iowa • Page 30

Globe-Gueltf, Mi son City, It EDITORS SPEAK Loveless Is Gambling in Veto of Legislature's Revenue Act JAMES'CULtEN WAS HANGED HERE A stringer on this girder, bridge was used in the lynching of James Cullen by a mob at Charles City Jan. 9,1907. The bridge was moved down the Cedar River in 1909 to make room for the concrete structure which now crosses the river on Main Street. It has been renamed the "St. Mary's' bridge and is used as a Highway 18 crossing.

The bridge is substantially the same as it was on night of the lynching. RESIDENTS STILL TALKING ABOUT IT 50 Years Since James Cullen Was Lynched in Charles City Brucellosis Control by '60 Expected AMES (UP)--Laws passed by the 1957 Iowa Legislature put Iowa within sight of its goal of brucellosis control by I960, Dr. John Herrick, Iowa State Col- By BILL WEBB Globe-Gazette Staff Writer CHARLES CITY--It's been 50 years since James Cullen was lynched in this usually peaceful North Iowa community, but the residents still arc talking about lege extension veterinarian, revealed. One of the laws forbids the sale of cattle for breeding purposes without.official certification they are brucellosis-free. Another provides for county-wide brucellosis accerditation when cattlemen of a petition for such a program.

8 Counties Herrick -said eight counties already are. under the voluntary brucellosis control, program -on a county-wide basis. new law will speed up the effectiveness of these programs by promoting uni form control, under state super- Vision throughout each county; he 'Herrick said details on the 'operation of the new laws will be announced io 'veterinarians and livestock producers as soon as they are worked but by the State Agriculture Department. Voluntary Program There's hardly a in town that hasn't heard of the hanging on the old girder bridge thai crossed the Cedar on Main Street. A few old-timers recal with vividness that Wednesday night in January 1007 when the mob broke into the Floyd County jail, dragged Cullen out and hoisted him up.

Some even claim to be'able to point out the exact stringer from which the 65-year-old retired carpenter was swung. Down River The bridge, itself, was floated several blocks down river in 1909 to make room for the present concrete structure. It now serves as a river crossing on Highway 18 and is named "St Mary's" bh'dge after a nearby Catholic church. The terrifying story of James Cullen's lynching in a setting of spats, black derby hats and collars began a day before the hanging. It was 3 o'clock on th morning of Jan.

8, to be precise. Cullen had gone station to meet his a banker of culture and means, from On returning rieve and had just had the judgement commuted. It was a very unpopular change of affairs. 'Subversion of justice" was a phrase in common usage in discussions of the case. And so it was on the" chilly night of Jan.

9, 1907, that an indignant mob began to form in the street by the jail. Soon the street was filled, with men in black suits and topcoats which glistened under the arc light a i wasn't long before horses and buggies could hot get by. The demand for justice grew each moment and there were cries of "We'll have no more Busses." There were women in the crowd, also, their necks stiffened by the whalebone stays in their His remarks rambling, disconnected beyond the first. "Shoot him down," someone yelled. "Hanging goes tonight, not murder," another answered.

And with that the crowd hauled away which the newspapers said it did with "a right good will" and after a few spasmodic convulsions in the air, Culien was dead. The body was left hanging for an hour that life "might surely by extinct" before it was 'cut down. On Jan. 11, 1907, he was buried by his brother. Cullen's body remains to this day in a lonely unmarked grave in Riverside Cemetery.

Strange Sidelight One strange sidelight of the 'Governor Loveless appears to be taking a long gamble--and not a very wise one--in his recent history-making veto of the major revenue act," wrote Carl Hamilton in the Iowa Falls-Times, a Democratic newspaper, "Of course, he said repeatedly during his campaign and since election," added Hamilton he was going to do everything in; his power to do away with 2Vz per cent sales tax. Consequently, it can be argued that he duty bound to go through and act just as he did. "But he could have, he had wanted to, merely'stepped aside, let this measure become law without his approval, and justified his action by saying that he had done everything that he could to dis suade the legislature and that he did not wish to jeopardize the capital improvements program at the state colleges by a vetp. Freighted With Politics fit- is- 'perfectly' of course that the legislature tied the capital building program at -the colleges and university to the revenue act in an attempt to make the barrassing as possible. of the Belmond Independent, Gpv.

Loveless appears be wooing "Big Labor." 'His veto of the sales tax bill and his persistent yammering of pity for the 'little man' makes it wholly evident that he is trying his chances of future success to his kowtowing to labor," said Gallagher. 'Des Moirtes have provided an excellent example of what can be expected of government that is dominated by organized labor-and if that's what Iowa wants, the voters can get it by' returning Loveless'to office in 1958. 'The veto-happy Ottumwan has the veto message the hard are apt to continue at logger- very obviously chosen to chart his course along the line that 'What appears good for labor is good for Loveless, and what's good; for Loveless is good for On Future'Generation is that the state will be in serious financial trouble, if not in the next two years, then immediately afterwards. "Uppermost in the Governor's mind is the desire 'to be re-elected. What happens because of that he wiU undoubtedly blame onto the legislature.

It's pattern that has developed in Minnesota and Michigan particularly, both of whose governors are dominated by big labor. "The attitude is: for Loveless is good for "The Advance has had no enthusiasm for the 2 per cent sales heads," said Bumbarger. "What is worse the two forces will be contending desperately for political advantage. It has beep a long time since Iowa has known such a long political season. "The main product of this battle is likely to be a mess rather than, the sound government that lowans, want and feel that they are entitled to.

"The special session of the legislature will be asked to finance new buildings and governor's position as em- collars. were assembled there in coats with the sleeves puffed at 'the top, and others, with shawls pulled around their a pushed children out Jirough the mob and toward aome. 400 Persons "The legislature's actions were freighted with party politics and the veto is of the same cargo. "What, will happen when the legislature marches back into Des Moines -at the Governor's beckon is not clear. But it can be taken for the ensuing scene will be confusion compounded.

Obviously the Republican dominated legislature is not going to trail. meekly the state house, enact the kind of revenue measure which the Governor suggests and wander back home like beaten pups. 'By- now, there must certainly be a rapidly increasing number of lowans who are dubious about the logic of this line of thinking. to the legislature'158 lawmakers in whose 'judgment they have expressed confidence; and it's a dubious testimony to Loveless's estimate of the voters' wisdom that he regards his intelligence a definite cut above the collective intelligence of those That the governor by his vetoes tax as long as Minnesota does not have such a tax. However, it must be pointed out here that Minnesota legislature outdid anything.the Iowa legislature has ever done--appropriated better than half billion- dollars.

Taxpayers in Minnesota are goaning under a property tax burden much heavier than Iowa's. Is It Better Judgment? "And it does seem odd that the former mayor of Ottumwa has better judgment (in his own mind) than the collective judgment of 158 legislators, many of whom for many years have been astute students of Iowa govern merit and its'problems. he took, office Loveless by transferring 10 per cent of the sales tax collections from the road use fund to the'state general fund. This will hamper the state road improvement program if the legislature agrees to approach. Success Doubtful ''The 10 per cent of the sales ax funds going to the road fund ust about equalled the amount of sales tax collected from motorists on items purchased for their automobiles.

In this instance Governor Loveless will 'try his luck at die- He estimated that under the voluntary program already in effect Iowa cattlemen have cut their brucellosis losses in half, slept, reducing them-from an estimated 2 miliion dollars a year to less than 1 million dollars. Herrick also said swine owners have been conducting an anti-bru- cellosis drive and have about 200 herd's brucellosis-accredited. He encouraged other hog producers to join the program. Brucellosis cannot be controlled in humans until it is controlled in as well as cattle, he said More than 360 lowans contratet the disease, known as undulan fever in humans, last year. home, he showed his brother to his bed and then stole into his wife's, bedroom where-he stabbed er through the heart as she Throat Slitting He then entered his 17-year-olc tepson's chambers where he at- empted to cut his throat.

The oy, however, managed to wrestle Mullen to the floor where a professor from Charles City College, It wasn't long before the crowd had grown to more than 400'per- sons from all segments society, from ruffians to businessmen. i. About 11 the mob pushed toward the its intention of saving the county the ex- prosecuting Cullen. When the sheriff came to the door, he was told to go over to he courthouse and stay, a request he immediately complied with. At that moment a team was driven hurriedly into the courtyard and from the wagon was pulled a railroad rail.

The rail, which the newspapers the next day said weighed about 750 pounds, was used to batter down the door leading through the Cullen case is that his stepson, Roy Eastman, is listed inihe cemetery's records as having been buried there Jan. 10, 1907, there is no record. of his death at the -county Attempts were -made by the county to prosecute the leaders of the mob, but without success. Wooing Big Labor "Whether the hassle will or detract from the Loveless stature as Governor remains to be seen. About all that can be said so far is a the Governor has proved himself to be ever so much more adroit in the field of politics than had been anticipated --and ever-so much more'so than some of his republican adver- aries--that the step which he is aking now cannot be disposed of is spite out on the future generation is the opinion of Duane Dewel; editor of the Algona Advance.

"Probably Loveless will become known as 'Governor Veto' if keeps on using his executive power to the work the legislature accomplished in its 100-day session," wrote Dewel. "There's a lot more politics" to the situation than meets the eye in the Governor's message, with its 'concern' supposedly for the little, man. 'The veto of the tax bill, not unexpected because of the Loveless connections with- organized labor, was accomplished by several vetoes of appropriation bills. In Serious Trouble "The veto of the bill for educational institutions, and those under the board of control reflect the talked when he should.have been listening when he promised to veto the tax bill. When'the legis lature passed it anyway the Gov ernor took his spite out on th students, people, th future generation, by vetoing bills for the educational institutions, and on those unfortunates in the Cresco Man Fjned for Furnishing Beer to Minors CRESCO--Donald Ahern, Cres- coj was fined $300 and costs by Judge T.

H-" Goheen at Cresco for furnishing beer to minors, according to Sheriff Percy Haven. He was ordered to pay $150 immediately and the balance in monthly installments of $30 each month, beginning July 10. The charge was filed by Haven when three youths, James Bickford, 20, David Chvatal, 18, and Philip McCarville, 19, implicated Ahern as. the one who purchased the beer for them May 30. The three youths had entered the Camp Kiwanis building at New Oregon, south of Cresco, illegally and were found to have beer in their possession.

The youths also were fined $100 each for wilfti trespass. Chvatal is home on furlough from the Air Force. who roomed at the house and had icard the struggle, separated them. The boy, Roy Eastman, quickly put on his clothes and announced to all that he was going for the marshal. He spent too much time however, for Culien got a revolver and shot him through the head as he passed out the door.

Cullen then turned the weapon upon himself and fired, and inflicting a slight wound in his cheek. He was arrested by the sheriff and imprisoned in the county jail. Cullen's Plea Cullen's plea for the double- murder was "self-defense." He brick wall where Cullen's cell was located. Sledge Hammers Liberty Lutheran Church to Celebrate 30th Anniversary RAKE--On Sunday the'Liberty Brethren Church of Rake Will have a day of thanksgiving and praise commemorating its 30th anniversary. Guest -speaker for the.

day will be the Rev. J. H. Levang, Pasadena, Calif. He.

is the synodical secretary for the Church of the Lutheran Brethren. i services will be at 11 a.m., anni-. versary service at 2:30 p.m. and evening service at 7:30 p.m. There will be guest singers for the day as well as special numbers by the church choirs, quartets and duets.

The ladies aid will serve dinner at the church. as a sorry political mistake. But certainly' represents a long To James R. Gallagher, editor labor view only things directly beneficial to the unions can possibly be good. "Despite all the platitudes in institutions under the board of 'It seems now the legislature has Iowa is to be.sub- jected to the Mills-McGpwan-Con- ley type of government as in the city of Des Moines." Sees No Possible Change Paul Bumbarger of the Charles City Press doesn't see how there can be any-change in the attitude aetween the Governor and the legislature by fall to bring: about agreement on revenues and taxation at the special session says he will call.

"In the absence of any change in the complexion of the legislature or in Loveless' approach, the tating to the legislature the' type of tax legislation Iowa should, tiave. It is doubtful that he will oe any successful than lie was in championing this same legislature in the regular session. '7 'It is extremely' unfortunate that Loveless in his quandry over the tax-revenue situation felt it. necessary to veto appropriations for buildings at the state's colleges. Iowa already is far behind on this necessary to catch up with the state's increase in population and the steadily climbing enrollment at these institutions.

waited so long for it the callous veto treatment becomes all the more bitter. "Regardless of whether the Democratic Governor or the Re publican legislature triumphs in the end in this succession.of political struggles what is happening does not spell progress for Iowa. The progress of the'state continues to be delayed. We don't lowans will approve of RICEVILLE Mr. and Mrs.

Charles Fouch, Oregon," 111., and Mr. and Mrs. Clinton''MotteYi Leaf River, visited with Mary Goodbrand and Merle Mo Daniels. OOSOSOOOOSOOSOSOGOOQQOO! Qtficers Chosen by Garner Music Mothers GARNER--Mrs. Harvey Mitch ell was elected president of th Garner Music Mothers at a recen meeting of the group held at th high school cafeteria.

Other offi cers elected for the coming yea are Mrs. Dale Newell', vice pres dent; Mrs. Fred Knudtson, secre tary. and Mrs. Walter Edelen treasurer.

The club voted to purchase a new majorette uniform. New band uniforms purchased by the group have arrived. The next meeting will be held an September, aid his wife had been trying to ag him to death and her son had een trying to kill him. Sledge hammers appeared and the hinges of the cell door were knocked off and several members grappled with Cullen. He tore loose several times in a frenzied effort to escape, but finally, was overpowered and dragged into the street.

As the doomed man appeared under the arc light in front of the jail, a tremendous shout arose and there was a rush toward the head of the mob. Men with walking sticks jostled with those in overalls as the procession pushed its way with Cullen toward the bridge a block away. Many of the were screaming, many crying while the children added their wail to The Rev. Norman H. Tungseth is the minister.

He related a tale of having married her a year before and aving her beseek him for a divi- ion of his property on their wed- ing night. (He was reputed to be worth from $20,000 to $25,000.) On the debit side was Cullen's eneral character. It was said hat he was a man of very trou- lesome disposition, bigoted in lis opinions and willing to crucify hose who differed with him. He lad an uncontrollable temper and was despised by his neighbors. And, then too, he had been mar-1 ried four times.

Busse Affair Also, a Mr. Busse had killed his wife in Butler County, had been; sentenced to hang, won a re- the general din. Cullen's pleas and cries of "I'm innocent, I'm innocent," were drowned out by the roar of the mob. The air was filled with shouts. Son of Missionaries Telh of Experiences in Sudan, Africa RAKE--Philip Noss, a teen-ager who recently arrived in this coun- try'from Africa, was a guest at the Zion Church telling of his experiences in the Sudan.

Philip is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Noss, ELC missionaries in Africa, and a nephew of Andy Hove Jr. and Carroll Hove of this community. At the present time he is staying with his grandparents, Mr.

and Mrs. Andrew Hove, in Elmore. Later in the summer he will study at tHe Seattle Lutheran Bible Institute and in the fall will enter Concordia College at Moorhead, Minn. Allowed to Speak His hands were tied and when they reached the bridge, a rope was placed around his neck. The crowd then paused to let Cullen speak.

"I'm innocent," he stammered. 40TH ANNIVERSARY CHARLES CITY--Mr. and Mrs. E. B.

Anderson will observe their 40th wedding anniversary Sunday. Open house for all relatives and friends will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. No invitations are being sent out. GORDON'S HAS PURCHASED RAY SENEY'S JEWELRY STORE 19 East State Mason City, Io.

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