Evening Republican, Volume 20, Number 289, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 December 1916 — ANNOUNCEMENT. [ARTICLE]

ANNOUNCEMENT.

As announced by Mr. Clark, I have purchased a half Interest in The Rensselaer Republican and my services with the same-do here and now begin. This paper lias occupied a splendid place and has had the co-operation and support, of the people of Jasper county. The high standing it has reached and kept was due in a very great measure to the personnel ot the editors. Mr. George E. Marshall had a peculiar ability that made his articles very readable. He gave a touch to the record of the ordinary happenings of the community that was more than the recital of the dry facts. He had a sense of humor that was very rare. Following Mr. Marshall was our immediate predecessor, Major George H. Healey. His writings were aggressive and progressive. He was enthusiastic. He was loyal to the interests of the community and to his party affiliation. He had pronounced convictions and he defended these with diligence. Whether we agreed with him or not we had to admire his earnestness and lack of fear. The business management of the •paper will remain in the charge of Mr. Leslie Clark, a man who has spent his life with newspapers. He is thoroughly competent, diligent and ■courteous. To take up this work I am leaving one of the very best businesses in Rensselaer. Almost ten years have been spent in that business. In these ten years I have learned from experience that you will receive full value for every service rendered. I leave it and its pleasant associations with much regret. Until I began my business career I had spent all my life in the cradle and the school room. In serving the people of this county as teacher and superintendent of schools I acquired ideals and aspirations that I have not been able to dismiss.

The present position in connection with The Republican will give me the opportunity to work along this- line. I owe a debt of gratitude .to tha good people of Jasper county and I want in as large a measure as possible to repay it. My career has not been brilliant nor does fame attach to my name, but, whatever little of good I may have or ever will accomplish, will be done wholly through the kind opportunity extended to me by my kind friends. I have but one Way to reward them and that is by doing my very best the task I undertake. I am a member of the Christiah churqji, but every effort possible will be made to assist all movements that have for their purpose the uplifting of the banner of Jesus Christ. I am a progressive republican. I hope, however, to be broad enough to put the political interest of the people above any party prejudice. When the interests of party and people conflict it is duty of a public organ to take the side of the people. I am interested in the farms and farmers. The columns of this paper will be open to the discussion of their needs.

No city or town can rise above the ability of its businessmen. Every thoroughly equipped and well managed business is a valuable asset to the local community. The businessman is the backbone of the progress and prosperity of his city and the sur-’ rounding country. I believe that the interests of the farmer and the merchant are identical. Co-operation will insure to each that highest degree of prosperity. My boys and girls, the students in the public schools of the county ten years ago, are now the men and women who are doing things. In their places we have the new boys and girls living in better homes, going to school in improved houses and being instructed by better teachers. We are enthusiastically in favor of making conditions the best possible for the youths of the county. I shall prefer to praise rather than blame. To boost rather than knock, to build up rather than tear down. I shall try to be kind but I will not pussy-foot. I ask your co-operation and assure you that we will serve you to the very best of our ability. LOUIS H. HAMILTON.