Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Morning Oregonian. (Portland, Or.) 1861-1937 | View Entire Issue (Jan. 30, 1903)
p 10 THE MORNING OREGONIAN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 1903. TAX LEVY 36 MILLS Fire Boat and Free Library Cost Money. INCREASE IS OVER 25 PER CENT Expenses of Multnomah. County nnd City of Portland Will Eat Up More Than One Million and a Half of Dollars. The total tax-levy is 36 mills, and the total amount of the taxes to be collected this year on City of Portland property, which is assessed for 13,953,492, will be 51,582,325 7L ' The various levies are as ionows: Mills. .. 6 State State school Port of Portland ..... Library City School District No. 1. County ... Road 1.5 11 -1.5 C.7 2.1 Total 30 The assessed value of all of the property In Multnomah County is $4S.S23,2S0. A lew of 6.7 mills gives $327,115 97 for the countv fund, and the 2.1 mills road levy amounts to $102,528 SS. A year ago the total tax levy was -S mills. The increase was made necessary for various reasons. One ia that a tax Is to be collected to build a flreboat; an other is that $18,000 is to be raised by taxa tion for the benelit of the free library. The city made a levy to provide funds to meet interest payments, and the county fund and road fund will be sufficiently large so that the amount of outstanding warrants will not be increased as in the past. Speaking of the county and road taxes, Judge "Webster said: "The expenditures in 1902, Including Interest paid on warrants redeemed, totaled $333,3S2 S3; and the ex penditures for roads, Including Interest paid on warrants redeemed, were $98,352 37. "The Idea in a general way is that it is necessary to levy sufficient to cover the expenditures for the present year, based on the figures for 1902. On this plan, the levy has been established. There will be more money in the road fund than was spent last year, to the extent of about $4000. "There are some permanent improve ments In road building contemplated. I can't say just how much. There is con siderable graveling to be done, and we arc thinking of making some macadam roads. We expect to run the county upon as small an expenditure as possible, and whatever we save we will apply on the indebtedness. We expect to reduce the indebtedness this year. It amounts to over $500,000. "Another thing may be mentioned. Three per cent discount Is allowed for the prompt payment of taxes, and the "bulk of the taxpayers took advantage of this law last year and paid their taxes In time to make this saving. In making our esti mates we have considered this." Regarding the bill now before the Legis lature to fund the county indebtedness and run things on a cash basis, Judge Webster said, "I hope they will pass it." HE UNDERSTANDS IT NOW. Fred Fritz Pays Money for Eight Years on Pazzling Contract. Fred Fritz, who is suing the Washington National Building & Loan Association to recover $1900 on building and loan stock, which he bought, testified at the trial of the case yesterday before Judge George that when he went Into the scheme he thought it was a gilt-edge proposition. He said he changed his mind about eight years later, -when he was offered only $700 in settlement. Fritz testified that he bought 20 shares of the stock from F. Breske, the agent of Joseph H. Hawley. The latter was known sir thn Orfrnn imnrawr ff fhi pnnpprn The stock was of the par value of $100 . per share. Fritz said Hawley told him t it was a money-making scheme; that the stock would mature in 72 months and he would get his money In full, $2000. When he made the first payment, he asked Haw ley about the standing of the company, and Hawley told him there wras no possible cnance ior xaiiure. xne assets were se cured in Seattle by State of Washington bonds. Fritz testified further that there was a large sign in front of Hawley's office de scribing him as the manager for the State of Oregon, and stating that the capital stock of the company was $1,000,000. Con tinuing Mr. Fritz said: "I had other dealings with Hawley., He came to my place of business and asked me to buy another certificate. He said It was a good proposition. It belonged to a man named Matson, who was going to Alaska and wanted to sell it He said the certificate was three years old and would mature in six years. He said, 'I think it will mature In six years. I bought It ten shares. He figured out the divi dends. I paid him something, I don't re member Just exactly how much, and gave him my note. He said there was no chance of losing money It paid big Inter est, and the dividends were divided equally among the stockholders. I didn't understand the scheme at first, but I un derstood It afterwards when I couldn't get ray money. I paid 72 months and Hawley told me it would take six months more. I paid for six months and he told me it would take another year. I paid for 98 months, and Hawley told me It would take 112 or 114 months to mature. After con siderably more than seven, years had elapsed, I asked for a statement ana re ceived one from the office at Seattle. They offered me a little over $700. They gave me only three-quarters of the profits, and charged me up fines, expenses and can cellations amounting to several hundred dollars. I showed the letter to Mr. Haw ley and he said he would give me more. He figured out that he would give me about $900. It was after I haa paid about eight years that I asked about the as sociation. 1 heard people had trouble with It, and that it had lots of lawsuits." The letter and statements- were offered In evidence. Joseph H. Hawley, for the defense, de nied that he told Fritz or anybody else that the stock matured in two years, or that be misrepresented matters to him in any way whatever. Mr. Hawley said the second ten shares of stock referred to he sold to Fritz himself. He stated that ne. bought the stock on his own account from Matson, and it was not sold to Fritz y PlQ company. Mr. Hawley testified that he acted for the company hero on a contract and was also in the broker busi ness. He did not sell the 20 shares of stock to Fritz, and the first payment he personally received from Fritz was In 1S95 Considerable more testimony was given' The company claims to hold notes against Frits amounting to $1145. William Reld appeared as attorney for Frite, and Peters & Powell of Seattle as counsel for the defense. The plaintiff asked for a Jury trial, and the court, after listening to arguments of counsel on both sides, held the case to be one In equity in which a Jury can not dt. J J LEGISLATURE WILL FIX IT. Delinquent Tax List Will Not be Re Hdvertiaed Act Will Be Paired. Property listed for the delinquent taxes of 1901, and recently sold by the Sheriff, will" not be readvertised. Instead the Legislature will be asked to pass a cura tive act The notice of sale failed to state that the sale would occur at the Sheriffs office, which ihr "fpfiito cnM. lies must be done. Brokers who bid ia property asked that the sale be readver tised and held over again. They say the courts are very strict about tax titles, and unless everything is perfectly regu lar they lose. Judge Webster says a cura tive act will fix things up. He said: "The statute specifies that the sales shall be held at the Sheriff's office, and it also provides that the notice published must give the time and place of the sale and the latter was not done, but the sale, as a matter of fact, was of course held at the Sheriff's office." How to Procure a Loan. In the complaint in an attachment suit filed In the State Circuit Court by Henry "VVitt against W. E. Poacher, E. J. Russell and others, to recover $1000 on a, note, the charge Is made that Peacher was guilty of fraud in obtaining the loan. It is alleged that he falsely stated that he was the owner of 40 acres of land in Columbia slough; a mortgage for $1600 on land In Powell's Valley, and a 4000 mortgage on land in the State of Washington. The plaintiff asks for judgment against Peacher for $1000, and also asks the court to adjudge him guilty of fraud. He Got No Damages. In the $15,000 damage suit of H. E. Fer guson, a longshoreman, against Brown & McCabc for a broken leg, the jury in Judge Frazcr's department yesterday af ternoon returned a verdict in favor of the defendant. Brown was struck by a piece of timber while engaged with others in loading the steamship Oceana. He says he is permanently lame. The defense was that Ferguson was careless and that he assumed the ordinary risk incident to his employment. Court Notes. County Judge Webster will not hold court this morning. R. Ehlingcr has filed suit against the John Poole estate to foreclose a mortgage for $4237 and has also sued T. W. Vine to foreclose a mortgage for $648. Incorporation articles of the Portland Laundry Company were filed yesterday by F. E. Harris, H. A. Chapman and Emma Chapman. Capital stock. $10,000. The inventory In the matter of the es tate of Robert Shortell. deceased, was filed in the County Court yesterday. It shows $1400 cash and land worth $1200. The Oregon Water Power & Railway Company has filed a suit against Tyler Woodward and wife to have a small piece of land condemned for the use of the Gresham railroad line. They are unable to agree on the price. Articles of Incorporation of the Colum bia Valley Trust Company were filed in the County Clerk's office yesterday by C. K. Harbaugh, Dan Nary and B. E. You mans; capital stock $10,000. The objects are to do a general banking and trust busi ness, etc Seymour, Sherman and Burnslde Jones, of Gilliam County, doing business as Jones Bros., have filed a petition in bank ruptcy in the United States District Court. The partners have no assets In common whatever, while their liabilities amount to $1811. Personal property amounting to a few hundred dollars is held by each. SUMMER NORMAL SCHOOL j People of Newport Anxious tt Get $5000 Appropriation. The people of Newport, as well as local educational circles, are much interested In the success of a bill appropriating $5000 to establish a State Summer Normal School at Newport. Many of the "Portland teachers and principals have spent pleas ant Summers at the Newport School, and they would be glad if the Summer school could be established on a permanent basis through state aid. The bill follows: Be It enacted by the Legislative Assembly of the State of Orecon: Section 1. That there be constructed, es tablished, maintained and operated a State Summer Normal School at the City of New port, County of Lincoln and State of Oregon. Sec 2. That the control of said State Nor mal School shall be vested In a Board of Trus tees, to consist of seven members, three of whom shall be appointed by the Governor for the period of one, two and three yeaA each the remaining four to be composed of the Su perintendent of Schools of the State of Oregon, the president of the Monmouth Normal School, the president of the State Agricultural Col lege of the State of Oregon and the president of the University of the State of Oregon. Sec. 3. That Immediately after this act shall take effect, and the Governor shall have ap pointed said trustees provided for In section 2, the said trustees shall meet and organize and immediately thereafter secure, by purchase or by building, for the accommodation of said State Summer Normal School, a suitable build ing, and to have the same ready by the 1st day of July, 1903, or as soon thereafter as pos sible. Sec 4. That It shall be the duty of said board of trustees to employ suitable Instructors In normal school work, and to prepare a course of study and Instruction for said State Sum mer Normal School, and to continue said school In operation at least two months during each year. They shall prepare rules and regula tions for the discipline and government of the school and of the faculty. Sec 5. That any and all teachers, and those preparing to become teachers in the nubile schools of the State of Oregon, shall be eligi ble to enter said State Normal School and to receive Instruction therein, and that no tui tion fee be required of them. Sec 6. , That the object, -elm and purpose of this school Is the training of school teachers who are engaged In the actual duties of teach ing and those preparing to teach In the public schools of the State of Oregon, and for tho purpose of bettering the public schools of th stale. Sec 7. For the purpose of carrying Into force this act, that there be, and hereby Is, ap- uui ol iao general runds of the State of Oregon the sum of $5000. Sec S. As there Is great need and urgent necessity for the betterment of the public schools of the State of Oregon, this act to be la full force and effect from and after Its a.D proval by tho Governor. SOCIALISTS AND THE FAIR KQt Pregrress, but the Tax System, Which. Is Opposed. PORTLAND. Jan. 2R.- rT v-. rmi- Please allow this explanation to "the socialists or Oregon of what might be er roneously conceived from reading the headlines of the conferenrj nmmiHv report on the co-operative home for the j-.owi5 ana JiarK .Exposition in your recent issue. The committee dlstlnrstiv TcH QVl flsl to go on record as not opposing the plan ui auuimium: anv nrriTwisJMnn tn Vi pie for decision. And they also wished it to as empnaucauy understood that they are not opposed to progress. The laboring people, of which the Social ist party Is made up, stand committed to the most advanced and seienHfln mm.o. ments of the age and would throw wide open tne tnrotue for the world's prog ress in every pnase of civilization, of wnica we believe the co-operative move ment In our land to bo. th Himnr t Is not the penny wise plan of opposing an insignificant though iwrhnm ini. ly approximated property tax that we re sent, but the pound foolish plan of allow ing tne private individual ownership of universal pumio utilities, which are oper ative only by the aid and co-operation of public collective effort. In other words. It Is not the direct tax that lmnnmHehJ us, but the indirect tribute we pay for mo privilege ol laoonng, manliest In -the minions taKcn in dividends. Let the socialists and laborers In gen eral center their fire on the initiative of public collective ownership under a Na uonai co-operative system and then we may assemble to measure and prepare ior our auvtuiutjmeui. every iu years in- voke the referendum on all grafts, but will co-operate in progression and de mand a representation the rein. g C. W. BARZEE BUSINESS ITEMS. If Baby Is Cat tin sr TWti. Mrs. "WlnsloWs Soothing Syrup, for children 1 Allays all pain, cures wind collo aaA diarrhoea. Meg - fca CHINESE CELEBRATE 4025TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE EMPIRE. MORE PURE-BRED CATTLE DAMS AS WELL AS SIRES BROUGHT IN FROM THE EAST. Hereford, Shortiiorns ami the Black anil Hornless Galloways One Cow From Herefordshire. Seventeen head of pure-bred cattle were objects of much interest r.t the Union Stockyards yesterday, having just come in from Kansas City, where they were purchased by Oregon stockmen at the sales held during the recent meeting of the National Livestock Association. Eight of them were Herefords, six Shorthorns and three Galloways. Gilbert & Patter son, of Salem, and A. J. Johnson, of Sclo, are owners of the Herefords; Jasper Wll- klns, of Coburg, has the Galloways and a Shorthorn heifer, and Richard Scott, of Milwaukle, has five Shorthorns. Mr. Scott- also brought back from Kansas City a fine Cotswold ram, which arrived. two or three days ago. Gilbert & Patterson's lot consisted of four Hereford cows and one male calf two months old. One of the cows, a 4year-old named Gift, which weighs 1400 pounds, was imported from Herefordshire, England, by Armour, from whom the Oregonians pur chased her. A 3-year-old cow, Deeming II, is American-bred, but a materially larger animal than the imported cow, and it Is she that has the calf, for which Gilbert & Patterson refused $300 before It was loaded on the train at Kansas City. The youngster is not of extraordlnary slze, but he has fine points nnd his breed ing is of the very best. The finest ani mal of the Gilbert & Patterson lot, how ever, is a heifer not yet 2 years old. Her breeding is not superior to that of the others, but lu physical points she far surpasses any of them. A still younger heifer completes the lot. A. J. Johnson's three heifers are of the same kind. The shaggy black Galloways of Mr. Wllklns are of a breed seldom seen in Oregon. They "are handsome cattle, and their hornlessness commends them. Their hides form very good substitutes for buf falo robes. Of this lot the bull Is 14 months old and the two heifers less than a year old, and in size they are not in ferior to Herefords of the same age. Mr. Wilkins also has a Shorthorn cow In his lot. Mr. Scott has two bulls and three heifers In his lot of Shorthorns, and they are all fine animals. The cattle came through from Kansas City without injury. They were unloaded from the cars and fed, watered and. rested four times between Kansas City and Port land, so the wear and tear of travel was not great. Yesterday afternoon Mr. Scott drove his animate out to their new home at Milwaukle. The others will go out today, Wilkins' and Johnson's by rail and Gilbert & Patterson's by steamer. The reduced rates which the railroads have just granted for pure-bred stock for breed ing purposes materially lessen the cost of transporting these cattle. Introduction of pure-bred sires means grade stock of a greater or less degree of merit, but when pure-bred dams are also brought it means an Increase of the -purebred herds of the state, as well as more rapid improvement in the grade herds. For this reason as well as for the Indi vidual excellence of these cattle this ship ment Is regarded as of uncommon Impor tance for Oregon. Mr. Scott tells of a narrow escape from wreck on his way across the country with these cattle, for he stayed with his anl mals and saw to it that they received proper care. The train, a fast freight, was making express time down' the grade from Montpeller to Pocatello, Idaho, where there Is a long stretch of first-class road and trains usually make up time, when a brakeman discovered smoke rising from one of the axles. He gave the signal and "tho train was halted in due time near a switch. When the trainmen went to attend to tho hot box they found one of the car wheels broken five-sixths of the way across and nearly ready to fall apart. As gently as possible they set the car in PRESSED IN THEIR HOLIDAY CLOTHES sk SiJN ' HAW on the switch and left It there, deeming themselves lucky to get It clear of the main track without accident. Had that wheel come apart when the train was bowling down the grade there would have been a frightful wreck, for there were 56 cars In the train, and men, livestock and merchandise would have been sadly mixed. Y. M. C. A. NOTES. Specialist on Boys Will Lectnre In Portland Next Weelt. E. M. Robinson, the boys' specialist of the Young Men's Christian Association, will hold a boys work Institute In the auditorium of the association here on Monday and Tuesday of next week. Mr. Robinson Is th International boys work secretary of the association, and left his home in New York to make a tour of the citl-s of the Pacific Coast where Insti tutes of this kind have been held. It Is considered that he knows more of the average young American than any other man in the country, for that subject has been his specialty for many years, and; he has devoted his entire attention to that phase of the work of the association. Mr. Robinson commences his labors here with a meeting at the Y. M. C. A. on Sunday afternoon. His subject will be, "Boys," and this address will take the place of the regular Sunday after noon service. After this meeting, a con ference for older boys will be led by him in the auditorium, and he will speak again on "The Religion of the Boy" In the First Baptish Church In the evening. The institute will begin In the associa tion auditorium on Monday morning, and will continue until Tuesday afternoon. That business men of the city may the better meet Mr. Robinson, a luncheon In Watson's Restautant will be held on Monday evening. Mr. Robinson will end his work here with two conferences on Tuesday even ing, one for boys and young men, and another immediately following," to which all interested parents are lnvitqd. R. L. Ewlng, better known as "Buck" Ewlng, the football player of tho Uni versity of Washington, who was elected the secretary of college work for the Young Men's Christian Association con vention in Oregon and Idaho some time ago, leaves this morning for his first trip among the colleges of the state. The University of Oregon at Eugene, the nor mal schools at Drain and Ashland will be visited by him on this tour, which will occupy several weeks. Mr. Ewings .rec ord as a college man and in particular his standing as a football player, makes him peculiarly well Qualified to undertake this important -branch of association en deavor. Until he came to Portland a few days ago, he had been stationed at Seattle as general secretary of the asso ciation among the students of the Uni versity of Washington. General O. O. Howard, well known as a Civil War veteran and an author and lecturer, will speak before the Young Men's Christian Assoclaton on Sunday, February 15. General Howard is one of tho few surviving Generals of the war, and has a National reputation as the writer of several eeml-rellgibus books, as well as many reminiscences of the war. He was at one time In charge of Van couver barracks, and was among the first presidents of the Portland association. The executive committee of the Oregon and Idaho convention of the Y. M. C. A. will meet in the association rooms here on Saturday morning to elect officers for tho new year. This committee has charge of the city, railroad and college branches of the association, and the work In these different departments will be outlined at thia meeting. BRINGS CHICAGO NEARER. Seventy Honrs Is the Time East Via "Chicaco-Portland Special." The time between Portland and Chicago via the "Chicago-Portland Special" now Is 70 hours, or two hours Idas than tbrea davs. Train leaves every morning at 9:20 o'clock. Inquire O. R. & N. ticket office, Third and Washington. Many persons keep Carter's Little Liver Pills on hand to prevent bilious attacks, sick headache, dizziness, and find them just what they need. . J m HUNG THE CHINESE CELEBRATE MONGOLIAN NEW YEAR OCCASION FOR MANY FESTIVITIES. Feast on Which the Celestials Ex ehnnse All the Good Wishes Ex pressed ly Americans. Chinatown swarmed, with people last night. Tall, stately Chinamen from the Tartar country, dressed in the richest of garments; little, old drled-up lellows from the coast towns, priests In gorgeous ar ray of padded jackets and tasseled caps; white people. Inquisitive in the highest degree; bands of street urchins prowling through dark doorways and alleyB, and last J of all, officers of the law, on hand to see that there was no molesting of Oriental . property. These, and many more, made J up the throng that celebrated Chinese I New Year. I Wednesday was the first day of the new ' year, but the Chinese, like their white I brothers, celebrated that day In a quiet J manner and with beseeming dignity, shut fating up all the stores and merchandise I shops, and 'spendmg the day by making calls. Yesterday, however, things were dlffer I ent. The places of business were opened j as usual, and no end of brilliant red fire I crackers were popped off, and the racket j these made, together with the walling of the Chinese fiddles and the shrill whls- tie of their flutes, made a din that could be heard blocks away, j Last evening hundreds of white people, j eager to get a glimpse of the decorated 1 josshouses and restaurants, with their quaint teakwood stools and tables, crowd ed and jostled along Second street, climbed steep stairways that ended in locked doors, threaded blind nassatres. dark and ! sooty, and saw what they could of China town. On Lee, on Alder street, fat and happy, is a most Interesting character, and a visit to his little store Is as Interesting as he Is. He sits behind his counter, counting on a strange board with strings of large wooden beads on little rods; that serve the Chinese as a calendar. "Happy New Year, On," says the vis itor, as he opens the door and steps into the cozy little shop. "Same ,to you," says On, In excellent English. "Have a cigar," and a box of Perfectos Is set before the sightseer,- "Thanks. Tell me about the new year, On. What are thoso little red papers, with the black writing. Tell me about everything." Then On begins his hard and difficult task, to the great satisfaction of the visitor. The papers are calling cards of his friends and cousins, of which every Chinaman seems to have a thousand. They are distributed around the houses in the same manner as valentines or Christ mas cards, and have the same signifi cance. The sweet little bulbs that lie on the counter, which after being peeled arc so good to eat, are called Mah Tal, and the? are considered a gretft delicacy in China. The sweetmeats on the little altar rin the back of the store are conserved cocoanuts, melon seeds, spices and pre served orange and ginger. No details arc neglected, and finally On finishes narrat ing just as a cousin steps in with a little red card. . "Kung haw sun hee," says pn. "Kung haw sun hee," exclaims the cousin, and each grasps his own hand, which is the popular form of greeting among the Celestials. On explains that the four words mean happy and pros perous new year, and he then launches himself forth in a clatter of Chinese to his cousin, and the visitor bows himself out. The Chinese candiemaker,. in the back room on Second street, Is a patient work er, who sits before his little kettle of nut and lard oil, slowly . dipping In his long strings of fiber that are soon to be illuminating material. He sits, squatting on his knees, and just dips, dips all day long, and every nlgntifall he has, hanging on a string across his room, several score of bright scarle't candles, decorated In green and gold. The candles are soft, and soon melt If they are not used, but while they last they are truly objects of beauty. There are larger ones, as big as a broom stick, which are really works of art, and are burned In the many company joss houses in the city, emitting a sweet fragrance as they re consumed. The little wooden and paper figures in the loss 'houses, which alt far hav in tvio shrines and are worshlned -with frvnr and zeal by the Chinese, are not. In the iuu meanuing of the Christian word, fdols. They are more In the line of 'im ages, or statues. They all renresont em perors, wise men. great generals and de parted ancestors, and the reason they are worshiped is that the original hnmo beings were good and great men in their aay ana generation, and worthy of ven eration. It would be practically the same thing if Americans were to go out and worship a statue or portrait of Wash ington or Franklin. It is ancestor wor ship, not Idolatry. Most of the Chinese restaurants In tho city will be closed until Saturday, when there will be a general banquet all around in the many eating and feasting-places. All the green dishes and the black stools, chairs and tables are put aside, and the restaurants are made into temporary shrines, so that the proprietors can of fer up their share of the annual worship to the departed ancestors. The amount of delicacies on hand at -one of these places Is surprising, nnd only one initiat ed can realize what good things the Chi nese have to eat. All sorts of preserved fruits, nuts, lemon and orange rinds, pre served and pickled eggs, sweet sauces, sweet sugar-cane and water-bulbs, go to make up the bill of fare that is set before the citizen of the Flowery Kingdom. CLANCY TELLS MUCH. Gives Inside Information on Gam Ming in Seattle. SEATTLE. Jan. 29. Tho crand lurv rnn- eumed nearly all day in taking the testi mony oi jonn ciancy. xne wnoie history of the gamblers' war was revfewed, and it is said that Clancy told many inside facts which, until this time, had never leaked out. The witness was asked from what authority he gained power to de mand tribute from all eambllnsr-hniisoo in Seattle and to whom the money finally ia uuuciaujuu niaL uiancy Kept nothing back, and with the facts he gave the grand Jury has at last secured evi dence on which to base several Indict ments against persons who have been under lnveetlgatl6n. A few minor matters, such as petty criminal offenses, were taken up by the grand Jury late this afternoon. At nearly 6 o'clock the jury adjourned to meet to morrow at 10 A. M. FREDERICK E. PRAEL DEAD. One of Astorin'M PnT-...nu rui.. - V K 1 4U 11 SnccnmliM r npnw i.i S ASTORIA, Jan. 29. (Special.) Frederick E. Prael, one of Astoria's foremost citi zens, died tt an early hour this morning, the Immediate cause of death being heart failure. Mr. Prael had been in robust health until a few days ago he wasx at tacked with stomach troubles and under the advice of his physician he decided to remain at home until his supposed slight ailment passed away. Last even ing he retired as usual without complain ing of feeling ill. About midnight he awoke, lighted a lamp and began reading. This he continued until about 1:30, when he suddenly gasped, .and becoming un conselous, died in a short time. His death was peaceful and he evidently had no premonition of Its coming. The ar rangements for the funeral have not been jnade. but It will probably be held on Sunday, with the Interment in Green wood cemetery. The deceased was born In Branwschawlig, Germany,' and would have been 63 years of age on ' May 25 next. He- came to New York when 19 years of aire and after remaining there nine years moved to Minnesota, where he resided until he came to Astoria, 21 years ago. During his life here he has been prominent in business and social circles and was honored and respected by all who knew him. Mr. Prael left be sides a widow, six sons H. F., R. G. and O. E., of Astoria: R. F. and O. B., of Portland, and F. W., of Fairhaven, Wash. Schools Indefinitely Closed. At a special meeftng of the school board, held this morning. It was decided to again close the schools on account of the pre valence of scarlet fever and to keep them closed for an Indefinite time until there is no longer any possible danger from that disease as well as from diphtheria, which has also made Its appearance. When the schools were reopened it was found that more scarlet fever existed in the city than had been suspected, much of it not being under a physician's care. Arrnijmed for Assaulting; Lynch. Otto Skibbe was arraigned, in tho Jus tice Court this afternoon on an informa tion sworn to by Deputy District Attor ney Eakln and charging hltn with assault with a dangerous weapon on Paddy Lynch. Hi was held under bonds, fixed at $1000. to appear for preliminary exami nation at 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon. BI1( to Amend Chnrter. The bill to amend the Astoria Cky charter In accordance with the provisions decided upon by the Council was sent to Salem today. Some opposition Is ex pected to the section which provides that no person shall be permitted to register for a city election or vote without first producing a poll tax receipt. WITHOUT FIRE PROTECTION. Pump for Rosebnrg: Reservoir Is Washed Away by High Water. ROSEBURG, Or., Jan. 29. The big 300.-000-gallon pumping machine of the Rose burg Electric Light & Water Company, at Its Winchester station, five miles north of this place, was lost In the river during last night. The surging water washed away the foundation of the pump building and the big pump was, by Its weight, wrenched from Its fastenings, and now lies at the bottom of the North Umpqua River. At present, this city Is without fire protection, the large reservoirs being empty. Manager Cockran, of the water and light company, being notified, of the dan ger, yesterday had a large force of men at work trying to save the pump, but their efforts were fruitless. Payette News Notes. PAYETTE, Idaho, Jan. 29. (Special.) A snow stonm. comlnc from the northeast, has been raging through this valley for the past two days, making the worst storm this season. The fall of snow Is Hcht and the weather not cold, so no damage Is done to stock. The few days of W3rm weather and rain of last week caused aulte a flood in the irrigating canals, the Noble Ditch Company canal suffering three wash-outs, which will re quire nearly $1000 to repair. Frank Crelghton, who has been at the First Creek mines, near Malheur City, Or., for the past 10 days, came in yester day and reports that that district will have a boom this coming Spring, as a number of good ledges are being opened. The Porphery company have just started their new 20-stamp mill. The rock on which this mill will be kept runnlnff for the next 20 years is taken from large dyke tunnels several hundred feet in. This mill cost 540,000 and an equal sum has been spent in other improvements. One hundred teams are at work on a ditch Just across Snake River, which Is to carry water to what Is called Dead Ox Flat, one of the finest strips of land In any part of the West, which when this canal Is finished, will be put under cultivation and will add a large sum to Malheur County's assessment roll. Hood's SarsaparIHa Is not a cure-all; but it cures all blood diseases. Take no substitute. BAND.CONCERTSIN PARKS? PROJECT WILL BE PLACED BE FORE PARK,COMMISSION. J. D. Meyer Is an Enthusiastic Ad vocate of Plan Other Members Donbt Legality of Plan. Personally the members of the Park Commission are much in favor of the pro posed mlltary band, but as a body they do not think it possible to pay the larger part of the expenses from the funds al lowed them to maintain the parks. To this opinion there is one exception, for J. D. Meyer is strongly in favor of the pro ject, even to the extent ' of paying a. share of its maintenance from the funds of the commission. The leaders of the movement suggest that the city make an appropriation of 52500 from the money re ceived by the park commission. The use of the parks for such a purpose will be granted without the slightest opposition by the commission, but the 52500 appropria tion Is another question, and the majority of the members seem opposed to It. When the true purpose of the proposed band is explained to them It Is possible that they win cnange their views. It is estimated that $4500 would be necessary to carry on such a band during the, Summer, of which the city is to give $2500, the remainder coming from private subscriptions. faeveral of the commissioners qualify their Indorsement of -the project by say ing that they believe the money should be spent for permanent Improvements. The others raise the question as to wheth er the public concerts would not have a permanent effect, especially In arousing tne people to the need for physical Im provement of the Darks. thiM ohtalnlnir larger appropriations without opposition. it is expected that the funds available for use by the commission will amount to about $22,000. and of this nearly half Is required to pay for the labor of the men employed. In addition to the question of legality arises another of the wVdom or giving $2500 to aid In organizing a military band. All the, commissioners are heartily in favor of the band and promise It their aid, but two or three are doubtful as to the legality of the appropriation. Colonel Hawkins says that the City Park is badly in need of some new sidewalks and that such matters should be attended to first, J. D. Meyer, on the other hand, thinks that public concerts) would do as much good to the people who frequent the park as new walks, and backs his statement by settlng forth, the undoubted fact that many more persons would visit the park if such concerts w'ere given. If the Park Cpmmlssion finds It Impos sible to grant the requested allowance, the Council will no doubt be asked to make an appropriation for that purpose. The leaders in the band movement believe that by agitating the question early In the season they may be ready for concerts by Summer. Charles L. Brown, Indorsed by a number of musicians as leader of the proposed band, says that all the 33 places In the organization have been filled and that an appropriation is all that Is needed. His plan is to give three public concerts a week during the Summer, mak ing about 30 performances In all. On one day In the week, probably Sunday, the City Park will be used, while on another day the concert will be given on one of the plaza blocks. Some place in either Alblna or East Portland will be used the other day. Popular music will form the greater part of the programme with enough of the classical to satisfy those whose musical education can appreciate It. J. D Meyer, a new member of the Park Commission, Is outspoken In favor of the proposed band. "It will be of the greatest possible bene fit," declared Mr. Meyer. "It will be something which every one, all members of the family, from grandparents to the children, may attend and ' enjoy, .without' any expense. Portland has long been be hind other cities in this way, and it is time that something of the kind should be organized. I am heartily In Its favor, and If necessary I will start a subscrip tion. Look at Seattle, where they have public concerts on almost every corner and Invite all to attend them. It certain ly makes the city much more attractive during the Summer, especially to strang ers, who expect such things from a city of this size and will appreciate the enter prise which prompts it. If the Washington-street car line would make an exten sion further up the road and land the peo ple directly in the park, they would find it very profitable and more people would visit the park. As It Is now there are many who have lived In Portland for years, but have never visited the City Park at all and know nothing- of its beau ties. It Is the most picturesque park in the world, and with a little expenditure could be made one of the most beautiful. One of the reservoirs will be filled with water, and that ugly feature of the park taken away. The other reservoir will be made a more beautiful object than it is at present, for the great amount of money spent on those, reservoirs should not bo wasted. As to the appropriation, I can not say whether our funds could be used for such a purpose or not, but J think that $2500 could not be used in a better way. We hold the first real meeting on the first Friday in February, and Mr. Brown will appear before the commission and explain his plans. Another project which I have In mind Is the transforma tion of the North Plaza blocks. If they were put In good condition as to the trees and grass and an asphalt drive laid around tham they would add wonderfully to the appearance of that part of town and would make the surrounding property much more valuable. As it Is now no one wants to buy any property In a neigh borhood facing such miserable-looking blocks." "Why, yes, I think that a band of-that kind would be a very good thing," said Colonel L. L. Hawkins. "At the same time I think that music and things of that kind should not be placed ahead of per manent improvements. The City Parte needs some new sidewalks very badly be sides a number of other Improvements, and I cannot see how we can afford to pay for a band while the parks are in actual need of improvements and repairs. There will be none too much money with which to care for the parks this year, and I think that the band could be raised by private subscription. The Idea Is a very good one, though. As to the legality of appropriating money for such a purpose, I can't say." Ion Lewis, another new member of the commission, said that he thought well of the project, but that he did not think the commission could afford to pay for it and that he did not suppose the funds could f be used for such a purpose. "I suppose it will be taken up at our next meeting," he concluded. Dr. T. L. Eliot was also opposed to an appropriation, but like the others thought that the military band was an excellent idea and that it should be encouraged. "We expect to have about $21,000 or $22, 0C0 available for the parks, and as half of that goes for labor, you see that wo must calculate very carefully as to how we spend the remainder of the money," said he. "A military band would be a very good thing, but I do not see how the Park Commission can afford to pay the larger part of its expenses." Mayor Williams said that the report er's query was the first he had heard of such a project, but that he could not favor an expenditure by the city for such a purpose. "However, I do not want to express any positive opinion on the sub ject until I nave learned more about it. As to the legality of the Park Commis sion expending money In that way, I can not say until I have read the new charter with special regard to that point." Don't fool with a cold; no one can tell what the end may be. Pneumonia, ca tarrh, chronic bronchitis and consumption Invariably result from neglected colds. Nothing can be compared with Chamber lain's Cough Remedy as a quick cure for colds and influenza, and by its use these diseases may be avoided. For sale by all druggists.