THIRTEENTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK— PART IV 127 



we should resist in every honorable way and with all our power 'the 

 passage of any measure that would place live cattle and dressed meats 

 on the free list. 



THE CO^CMERCE COURT, 



Year after year, since the Commerce Court was created, I h?ive been 

 calling attention to this needless expenditure of money for the main- 

 tenance of this court, for no other purpose, apparent'y, than to nullify 

 the work of the Interstate Commerce Commission and thwart the will 

 of the people. It seems to me that the recent developments and the 

 scandal that has been heralded over this country through the impeach- 

 ment and conviction of Judge Archbold, a prominent member of this 

 court, should be sufficient evidence to convince one and all that the 

 Commerce Court is not maintained for the best interests and the pro- 

 tection of the people, and should lead congress to repeal without delay 

 the act creating this court. I hope this organization will again take a 

 decisive stand against this court and demand its dissolution in words 

 of no uncertain sound. 



Death has again entered the official family of your association, and 

 during the last summer removed from our midst our esteemed brother 

 and fellow-laborer in the good work, T. A. Thornburg, of Linden, Iowa, 

 director fro^m the seventh district. Tom Thornburg, as he was familiar- 

 ly known by his friends, was a very exceptional m^an. Calm, deliberate, 

 self-possessed, always taking time to analyze the situation before act- 

 ing, he became one of the most valued counsellors of this association. 

 He was also a man of congenial character and sterling integrity, whom 

 to know w£s to love and admire. He was one of those men who could 

 impart inspiration to a movement merely by his presence, though uncon- 

 sciously to himself. He attended the first meeting of this association, 

 and took an active part in its formation. He was at once chosen director 

 from the seventh district, which place he filled with credit and distinc- 

 tion continuovs'y until his death. He was also during the entire time 

 an honored m.ember of the executive committee, and one of our most 

 trusted counsellors. But he is gone, and I feel, as I believe you do, that 

 your association has suffered an irreparable loss in his death. 



I would recommend that this convention pass a suitable memorial 

 in recognition of his valued services and sterling worth, and that it be 

 published in the coming annual report and a copy be sent to the be- 

 reaved wife and family. 



Before closing this address, I wish, as president of your association, 

 to publicly thank the board of directors and your worthy secretary for 

 their loyal support and splendid service during the past year. Then I 

 wish to commend that enthusiastic and untiring bunch of men scat- 

 tered over the state, always ready to push the good work along, and to 

 extend to them our most hearty appreciation of their efforts. 



Neither am I forgetful of the splendid recognition that has been 

 given the work of your association by both the daily and weekly press 

 of our state. 



