12 THE MORNING OKEGflyiAN, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2f'l80& AIMS AT THE MAYOR Rev. Dr. Hill Preaches a Sig nificant Sermon. HINTS AT REFORM CRUSADE He Alone of tiie Clerfiry Alludee to It in. the Pulpit Comparing the Mayor to "Wicked Prophet "Who- Misled the Yonnc. Contrary to general expectation, the city pulpits did not thunder yesterday against the policy of semi-licensed gam bling, so frankly espoused by Mayor "Williams. "It is not time," said the men who are in charge of the leading churches. "The committee which interviewed the Mayor has not made its report yet, and we have, therefore, no official knowledge of what the Mayor said. If our committee was not preparing a report, we might base some action upon the detailed statement which the Mayor made to The Oregonlan regarding the matter, but, under the cir cumstances, we think any action should bo based upon the report which our col leagues were appointed to make." The committee of the Ministerial As sociation will meet this afternoon at 2 o'clock and complete its report. It will then present the document to the asso ciation, which has been called to meet at 3P.E Begarding some published forecasts of this report. Dr. C. L. House, who is chairman of the committee, said yester day: Dr. House Slakes Correction. "Fair play to all concerned demands that I correct some of the statements made in the public press as coming from me. I did not say that 'special articles were to be written,' but that 'they might be written in regard to the fact that rev enue was being levied from vice. In or der to beautify our city and put it in readiness for the coming fair.' "Neither did I say that the 'coming report would be a most scathing docu ment.' I did say that 'the one that was finally adopted last Monday by the preachers was a most scathing one, but before it should be finally adopted by the ministry, the committee should once more see the Mayor of this city.' As to the coming report, it will be n. manly one, such a one as ought to come from such a body of men. Neither did Mayor "Williams say that 'over; member of his official family v. ire guilt j of accepting money frcui tho gambling lntercdts of the city.' "The ministry, as fr as I know any thing about '.t, to a man. believe in the integrity of Mayor "Williams, and no voice will ho raised in saying aught against tho ch. racter of the 'grand old man' of this city. It is his policy that wo are now discussing and opposing." Dr. Hill's Sermon. The only exception to the rule of silence was made by Dr. E. P. Hill, 'of the First Presbyterian Church, and oven Dr. Hill's reference to the municipal association was indirect. He preached from Kings I, 13:2-22. Thus ealth Jehovah, for as much a3 thou hast been disobedient unto the mouth of Je hovah, thy body shall not coma unto tho sep ulcher. After giving the story of the unknown young prophet who rebuked King Jero boam for his apostasy, and who was lured to'hls ruin by the deception of an old man, the speaker said: "This bravo young man, whose name we do not know, who dared rebuke the King to his face, furnished us interesting ma terial for the study of the strength and weakness and bewilderments of con science. This unknown prophet was well on towards tho heights of character, be cause he had a. sensitive conscience. Some philosophers have named as the mark of distinction between man and beast that man walks upright, others that he has a hand, others that he laughs; but while we might question the validity of these dis tinctions, there is one which no one will question. "Man has a conscience which gives him the power to discern right and wrong, and the more sensitive a. man's conscience the farther removed he Is from the brute creation. "We never think of calling tho act of a. dumb beast Immoral. "We would not say that a hawk does wrong when it darts upon a helpless chick and carries it away. "Wo would not attach any moral significance to the tragedy If a cougar were to leap upon a child and destroy Its life. Tho beasts of the field and forest, the fowls of the barnyard and air have no conscience and that is the reason they are only beasts. But as men ascend to wards the sunlit peaks of character their consciences are given a larger place In their lives. They draw back from certain paths as if a dragon were there breathing out fire and smoke, although tho only reason they thus draw back Is that they have heard a whisper. They move on Into another way, though a lino of bayonets glistens across it. And why? 'simply be cause they have heard a whisper. And little things that would not be given a second thought become matters of su preme importance. Old Prophet Led Young- Astray. "The unknown prophet of Judah was not disturbed by the icing's displeasure. That was one evidence of the strength of his character.. And he was not willing to eat .at tho King's table; that -was the sec ond proof of his lofty character. How many of us would have even entertained this scruple which led this young man to decline to satisfy his hunger and his thirst in the royal palace? "How many of us are quite willing to say, even now, that it would have been a trifling thing, after all, if the man from Judah had eaten bread with King Jero boam? Yes, we do sometimes find it diffi cult to take seriously such tests of char ccter as these. It seems almost like comic opera to visit with such dreadful con demnation the eating of a piece of fruit by the father of the race. How preposter ous! Such things seem silly because we are so far below the mountain top of moral achievement. "We fail to see tho lar-reaching significance of the little act, which, while on the surface seems no more than the eating of an apple Instead of a pear, but In reality is treason against God, as the firing of a shot at a flag, al though it kills- no one, proclaims the beginning of a rebellion. "The old prophet of this incident Is in a sense the villain of tho story. He is the cause of tho tragedy. He, though a real prophet, and though ho may have been actuated by good motives, prepared the pit into" -which the youth fell. "Suppose we assume that the old proph et was prompted by right motives. Then he probably argued like this: " 'I must see this young reformer and have an understanding with him concern ing this new movement. He has acted rashly. I must caution him and explain to him that he must not give offense to the King and the leading people of the empire. He must conciliate them and win their co-operation "With some such thoughts in mind, the aged prophet hastens after the young man. Then when the young man refuses to teturn, explaining his refusal by say ing that God had told him not to touch bread until he had recrossed -the border into Judah, the white-haired man, disap pointed at the prospect of being balked ;in his plans, feels almost compelled to re sort to a measure which his heart con demns. Ho tolls the young man a He. He Rga -thatiaodihatoldUhina to brlnSrJtfceL young man back to sit at meat with him a man of age and reputation doing that which he knows is wrong, excusing him self for it with the old Jesuitical -argument that it is sometimes necessary to do wrong in order that good may follow. Influence of Honored Old Age. "There is no man who lias it within his power to do such Injury to the'eause of good morals In a community as- tho man with a life of honor back of him. Other men may commit the blackest crimes and the result to tho community bo compara tively harmless. But when a man who has tho confidence and admiration of the people deviates from tie way of righteous ness ever 60 little, the effect on tho morals of a community is far-reaching and calamitous. Good men become dis couraged; wicked men plunge into sin more recklessly than before. The young are led to doubt goodness altogether and to take that demoralizing position that the best of men are hypocrites at heart This is the reason for peculiar anxiety when a minister of the gospel Is accused of misappropriating funds, or any officer of the church is charged with tricky busi ness methods, or a man who has occu pied positions of honor and responsibility begins to apologize for corruption In civic affairs. That white-haired prophet stand ing before the unknown youth from Judah holds in his keeping tho young man's fu- GERMANS WILL L. CHARLES SPARKS. VANCOUVER, Wash., Sept. 19. (Special.) L. Charles Sparks, of this' city, will leave for Germany in a few days, probably about September 21, where he has accepted engagements during the coming season. He com pleted a five-year course in vocal music last year In Europe, and goes there again at the solicitation of his many friends In Germany, who give him every assurance of a hearty welcome upon his return. Mr. Sparks Is a Vancouver son, and his success is admired by every one. Tonight Mr Sparks gave a farewell recital in the Auditorium in this city. ture, and when he took upon 'his lips a lie he was as guilty of the youth's ruin as if he himself had struck the fatal blow. Each Man's Conscience His Guide. "Wherein, think you, was the young man to blame? He was deceived by an other in whom he had confidence. He thought he was doing God's will, when in reality he was following a misguided man. Was he to blame at all? If a man honestly turns against righteousness arid allies himself to the forces of evil, is he exempt from blame because he is sincere in his attitude? For on answer, look at the lifeless body of the victim of his own blunder. Will the fact that a man takes carbolic acid because he thinks it Is Pond's Extract save him from the effects of the poison? When a man steps over a cliff at night, thinking he Is on a safe road, will his life be spared simply because ho is honestly mistaken? These consciences are given us for our guidance and we al .ways should follow them implicitly, but it Is just as Important that wo make them true as that we should follow them at all. Every engineer on a passenger train finds It necessary to consult his watch In order to regulate the speed of his engine. But if sdeh a man should be neglectful In keeping his watch In order, he would be most awfully at fault if an error In time should causo a fatal accident, and he wauld have no sympathy were he to en deavor to excuse himself by saying that he faithfully followed his watch. Our consciences have been given us to guide us through the mazes and the darkness and perplexities of life, but we are to regulate themnot by what any man may say, but by tho sun of righteousness. Until a man has brought his conscience to God for rectification and purification, he need not be surprised whatever the moral calamity that may burst upon him. "The word conscience comes from the Latin words 'con' a"nd 'scire,' which mean 'to know with.' To know with whom? To know with what? To know with God. There is no way In which a man can be sure he is walking in the right path unless he 'knows with God,' unless his thoughts are moving along tho lino of God's thoughts. "My friends, what we need in these days, and especially In this city, are more men who have sensitive consciences, con sciences sensitive all over, so to speak, and not merely in spots. Some men are exceedingly conscientious as regards their business dealings, and yet they have no scruples whatever In breaking their wives' heart by their persistent immorality. T'hera are those who would regard It us a fearful sin to enter a man's house and steal his silver, but they think nothing of defrauding the Government or using" pub lic office for private gain. There are men who would rather suffer the loss of an arm than play the part of an Arnold in time of war, and yet they will be untrue to the laws of liberty and the real pros perity of the land, and never lose an hour's sleep. Hope in Aroused Conscience. "Aroused conscience is a fearful thing. Professor Webster, imprisoned for tho murder of Dr. Parkman, asked his jailer to clve him a new cell because the pris oners in the next cell tapped on the wall in the night and whispered, 'Thou art a murderer.' But there were no prisoners In the next cell. A disturbed conscience is indeed a fearful thing, but a dead con science is even worse. If the people of a city are alarmed when their daughters are going down to death by the hundreds, and multitudes are stalking Irreverently through God's holy day, and the foes of the social order are being protected and encouraged by those sacredly chosen to withstand them tho situation is charged with hope; but ' If the people ignore or apologize for such things, thus proving that the public conscience Is dead, God have mercy upon the people. Never were the familiar words of Holmes mora ap propriate than now God, cive us men. A time like tills demands Great hearts, strone minds, true faith and willing- hands. Men whom the lust of office does not kill. Men whom the spoils of office cannot buy. Men who possess opinions and a will, Men who havo honor; men who will not lie. For while the rabblo with their thumb-worn creeds Their large professions and their little deeds "Wrangle in selfish strife, lot Freedom weeps, ..Wrong rulca the land and- -waiting Justice- MUST BEGIN EARLY Hard Work Needed to Cap ture Irrigation Congress. PORTLAND HAS MANY FRIENDS But Determined Effort Is Needed to IVin at EI Paso Large ' Incrense In Oregon Delegations Shows Enhanced Interest. If Portland wants tho 1S03 convention of the National Irrigation Congress, a de termined effort should be made next year to capture it. A systematic fight will HEAR HIM SING. have to be wageih and early preparations are urged by A. King Wilson, secretary of the Oregon delegation which attended the meeting at Ogden, Utah. The convention of 1004 was. sent to El Paso, Tex., after a spirited coiast, dur ing which Oregon supported BoIs Idaho. The Texas delegation feels kindly toward Portland and is willing to support the claims of this city. Idaho. Montana and Washington were made decidedly friendly through the co-operation of Oregon with the caucus of Northwestern States. A great deal of advertising has already been done for Portland through the dele gation that visited Ogden. The delegation circulated two large consignments of Lewis and Clark literature, and pinned buttons advertising the enterprise to the coats of hundreds of delegates. There is a sentiment among members of the con gress that a convention city should bo chosen away from an exposition town, but this does not apply strongly to Portland since the fact that tho Northwest should have a meeting Is recognized. Moreover the fact that Oregon has paid more money Into the irrigation fund than any other state is generally appreciated. "If we are to get the next convention a systematic fight should be waged," said A. King Wilson last night. "At least two men should go to El Paso in advance of the remainder of the delegation, and should prepare to enlist newspaper sup port and welcome the Incoming delega tions. Then a strong representation from this state must be had. It will take good hard work, but we can win out I think the effort should be made, for the meet ing Is certainly one that the state needs." Mr. Wilson returned from Ogden last night. He was accompanied by A M Drake, of Portland. E. M. Brannlck, of this city, had departed from Ogden before Mr. Wilson left, and A. H. Devers, of this city, decided to spend several days In Salt Lake before coming home. Other mem bers of the Oregon delegation who re turned yesterday to their homes are: J. M. Johns, Arlington; John T. Whistler State Engineer; J. M. Church, La Grande; Thomas G. Halley, Pendleton; William Shaw, Freewater; O. F. Thompson, Echo; H. B. Stanfield, Echo. Oregon's Bljr. Delegation. "The interest taken by Oregon in the irrigation work is Indicated by the fact that, while the delegation of 1902 consisted of but five persons, there were 63 from this state at Ogden last week," said Mr. Wilson, discussing the work of the con gress. "The Ogden meeting showed throughout an Increase In the interest in irrigation. The town was filled by mem bers of Congress, Governors and leading men from the 26 states represented. The attendance reached 1300, while at the pre ceding session but 400 were present. "The debate over the repeal of the tim ber and stone act, the desert act, and tho elimination of vthe commutation clause In tho homestead act was the most interest ing held during the sessions. The debate was conducted by the best Informed men in the country, and the compromise effect ed indicates the close division in sentiment Wjhlch existed. The congress decided to ask that Congress amend the laws so as to benefit the actual settler more. "Oregon showed that more money was turned Into the Irrigation fund from this state than was received from any other section. This was a showing that opened the eyes of the people who attended the Ogden meeting, and our interests were in safe hands after that. There wa3 no arid land legislation proposed at Ogden which affects Oregon any more than any other section of the country, but we hope to be able to secure a decision that irrigation work shall be commenced here soon. ' "Weary of Being Stood Off. "Personally, I would not have been sor ry If the congress had decided in favor of the repeal of the three land laws. We are getting weary here of being told when ever we ask for certain improvements that the officials are hedged in by laws that will not permit the work. If the law will allow nothing to be done, let us havo laws that will allow the Federal officials to act, and perhaps then we may discover whether tho law or the officials are really at fault "The adoption of a resolution indorsing tho Lewis and Clark Centennial, which .was -introduced' -by Judge W. K. Uls4 is a significant recognition of a Portland en terprise. "Ono of the most Interesting addresses delivered during the congress came from Commander Booth-Tucker, of the Salva tion Army, who spoke of the experience of the army upon Irrigated lands. The army had been very successful, and Mr. Booth-Tucker enthusiastically urged prog ress in tho work. He was followed with close attention. "A chorus of 200 voices gave a concert during our stay, which filled the largest hall in Ogden. People of Utah remained away from tho entertainment. In order that the visitors could enjoy the affair, and this courtesy was appreciated by every one In attendance at the congress-' COURSES IN ENGINEERING Important Addition to Studies at Co. lambla University. The introduction of courses In civil en gineering, mechanical engineering and electrical engineering accounts consider ably for this year's Increased attendance at Columbia University. Until theso courses were opened at University Park, Portland was without home facilities for these branches of college work. TluV year only students entitled to fresh man standing are admitted to theso courses. Those who being this term will be advanced regularlyvuntll graduation, four years hence. The young men of Portland who aro unable to leave their homes during the school year are welcom Ingthe opportunity to take up these stand ard courses so convenient to their homes. Freshman work Is also introduced In classics, English, general science, history and economics, finance and commerce in addition to the engineering courses above mentioned. These courses are open to high school graduates and all applicants who havo attained a corresponding grade In reputable preparatory schools. The academic courses at Columbia University are attended by a largo number of stu dents who are doing their preparatory work for these collegiate courses. The ex pansion of the school in tfiis respect Is looked upon as a principal cause for the large Increase in attendance this year. The indications are that this Increase will reach 60 per cent, as It has now passed the 57 per cent mark. MEN OF CAMERA TO MEET Convention of Pacific TforthTrest Photographers "Wednesday. The annual convention of tho Photog raphers' Association of the Pacific North west, comprising the states of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana and the Province of Brltlsr Columbia will bo held at Salem beginning next Wednesday. The meeting-will occupy three days, and prom ises to bo one of unusual Interest The association, although young, stands third In importance among similar organizations in the United States. An especially fine exhibit of art pho tography Is promised from all parts of the country, In competition for tho gold and silver medals offered by the association to prize-winning foreign exhibitors. This competition is open to photographers all over the country except In the territory covered by the association. The convention will elect officers for tho ensuing year and transact other business of importance. It will conclude Friday night with an elaborate banquet Charles Butterworth, of this city, is president, and Milton Loryea, of Seattle, secretary. All tho local studios will be closed Wednesday and Thursday in consequence of the meeting. Oregon Sugar Company Interested. OLYMPIA, Wash., Sept 20. (Special.) A case In which was involved the Impor tation of 100 Japanese laborers Into Oregon by the Oregon Sugar Company, of La Grande, has just been decided by the Su preme Court although the sugar company is not a party to the action. The point in controversy was the commission claimed by W. J. Corbln, of Seattle, from the Ori ental Trading Company for his services in securing the labor contract trom tne 'AHIMV . jmr ..-This Store Will Be Closed All Meier Sh Frank Sole Portland Agents for the famous "Peninsular" Stoves and Ranges Our "Willamette" Sewing Machine at $25 is the equal of any $50 machine on the market Trunks and Traveling'Bags Every size and kind the largest trunk store in the city Today's Store News - A condensed list of what's going on at Portland's "Big Store.'' The establishment is filled to overflowing with new desirable merchandise at special low prices. For full details of the special offering for this week, see your yesterday's Oregonian. The Greatest Cloak and Silk Display in the West. Sale Extraordinary of Guaranteed Black Taffeta Silks. Great offering of Venise Applique Laces, 50c value 14c yard. Continuation of the Great School Sale. All lines of Apparel for Boys and Girls at special prices. Also School Supplies. Great September Sale of Blankets and Comforters. Haviland China, Semi-Vitreous and Decorated China Dinner Sets Greatly Reduced Also Lamps. "Fasso" Corsets, Entire Stock at Half Price. New Popular Priced Millinery. Children's School Hats. Meier & Frank Company sugar company. By the terms of the agreement the sugar company was to take any number of laborers up to 200, who were to be paid $1.25 per day and railroad faro from Seattle, the men. to be furnished by tho Oriental Trading Com pany. For his services in bringing about this contract Corbin was to receive from the trading company 10 cents per day for each laborer for each day employed. About 100 laborers were furnished, and Corbln sued the trading company for $2150 as his commission. The lower court gave him Judgment for $966, which is now af firmed by the Supreme Court Capitol Commission Rescind Order. OLYMPIA Wash., Sept 20. (Special.) The State Capitol Commission, at a meet ing held yesterday, rescinded, uppn advice of the Attorney-General, tho award re cently made to the Kllbourne-Clarke Com pany of tho contract tor installing mo . the Top ; ' in Qu&Kty : 5c Cigar - Aimed to reach the . Mtlm ' BBP ffff bacco Company Meier Meier & Frank Company electric light and power plant In the Cap itol building. The commission was so ad--vlsed by the Attorney-General because all bidders were not given an opportunity to bid on the system adopted. The board will open news bids for the work on October 10. The cancelled award named a consid eration of $10,500. HAVE YOUR READ The particulars of the dress goods sale at McAllen & McDonnell's. Back of the solid block of masonry on Marrlson street the shelving contains the finest stock of black and colored dress goods in the city. The wall will fall with a crash on Friday at high noon. The entire stock of dress goods will be placed on sale this morning. Fit Up Branch. Y. 31. C. A. The building on East Yamhill and East rn Day Tomorrow... t Frank Company Meier & Frank Company Thirty-fifth streets, which has been occu pied by the Sunnyside Boys' Brigade, now a branch of the Portland Y.'M. C. A., will bo fitted up with. baths, lockers, class rooms and gymnasium for physical train ing. J. P. Newell, who Is chairman of tho board which Is looking after tho Sunny side branch, said yesterday that these changes will be made within the next sbc weeks. ' More extensive Improvement will be made next Spring. However, classes will bo organized this Fall, which will bo under teachers from the head Y. M. C. A. Membership in the Sunnyside branch will carry with it many of the advantages of the main organization. BORQUIST & REFFLING Importation of exclusive Winter woolena all received, 231 Washington street Save the Bands Two bands from Re cruit Cigars are equal to one tag from Star To securing presents..