THE MOANING OREGONIAX, FRIDAY. FEBRUARY 14, 1908.
10
SEEK CRUSE OF
BREAK N ML
State -Commission and
way Officials Look
Rail
Into Forest Grove Wreck.
FRACTURE IN STEEL FRESH
Borings Will Be Analyzed to Ascer
tain If Rail Was Crystallized.
Persons Injnred In Smash All
on tlic Road to Recovery.
worlngs from the broken rail that
caused the 'derailment of the Sheridan
passenger train near Forest Grove, Tues
day night, will be sent to Omaha, where
a chemical analysis of the steel will be
made to determine whether the steel had
crystallized, thus rendering the rail brit
tle and liable to fracture. The crystal
liiatlon of steel, it is said, can be deter
mined only by a very careful examina
tion, and the chemists of the Harriman
system at Omaha who determine these
matters will be asked in regard to the
condition of the rail.
Crystallization seems the only explana
tion of the break, for there were no flaws
in the steel so far as could be deter
mined, and the fracture, was clean and
new. The break was an absolutely fresh
one, and the broken section is now in the
hands of the Southern Pacific officials
here, where It can be seen by those who
think the break occurred long ago and
was overlooked through the negligence
of the railway officials.
General Superintendent Buckley, Super
intendent Fields, Master Mechanic
Younger and Division Engineer BaJlons,
who form the board of Inquiry to examine
into all wrecks and accidents and deter
mine their causes, went to Forest Grove
yesterday and investigated the derail
ment. It was the decision of these of
ficials that the broken rail caused the
wreck, but Just what caused the broken
rsll is not so clear. This will probably
be determined upon the chemical analy
sis of the steel.
"The break was an absolutely new
one," declared General Superintendent
' hw..'viey, of the Harriman lines in th.s
terrlto, ist night. "My theory is that
the rail wu- not broken by the locomo
tive passing ver it, and other members
of the board of Inquiry concur in the be
lief that the rail was broken after the
engine passed. The baggage and mail
cars undoubtedly passed over the rait
before It broke. There la a difference of
opinion as to when the break actually
occurred, hut I -think the rear trucks of
the first passenger coach caused the
break. Others think it likely that the
first trucks of the second passenger
coach broke the rail.
"In line with recent public sentiment,
we called in several prominent citizens
of Forest Grove, and they were present
during our examination. These men were
J. A. Thornburgh and H. J. Goss, bank
ers, and B. H. Laughlin, a hotel man.
We showed them the evidence and the
facts concerning the wreck as fully as we
knew them ourselves. These men have
not expressed their opinion of the wreck
to us, but it Is likely they will state the
facts as they found them to any one
who cares to ask them for information.
"The railroad commission also inquired
Into the accident, and we have no means
of knowing what the report of that body
on the wreck will be. This body exam
ined onr roadmaster and section foreman
and learned that during the service of
the section foreman on this stretch of
road, which covers about a year and a
half, only one other broken rail has oc
curred. On the adjoining section of road.
It was shown that during the past eight
years there have been three or four
broken rails.
"The rail broken is 66-pound steel. We
nre not certain when the rail -was laid,
but believe It was about 1903. Our division
engineer will look this matter up and as
certain lust when these rails were put
down. The passenger coaches In the
wreck are not eggshell affairs, but are
strong and substantial. After having
been overturned and thrown down an em
bankment, they are about as good as new
and were brought back to the city tonight
on their own wheels. They will need
very little repair. These cars are yestl
huled, and the only thing broken about
them Is the glass In the windows. Those
who were killed were thrown through
the windows."
The full railroad commission conducted
the wreck investigation and will make
its report within a few days. What this
report will be cannot be learned now.
Two members of the commission, Thomas
K. Campbell and Oswald West, went over
the Yamhill division of the Southern Pa
cific about two months ago on a trip of
Investigation, but this trip did not in
clude the West Side division, where the
wreck occurred. Neither did the com
mission make its inspection trip as guests
of the railroad company, as has been
stated. The members of, the commission
always pay their fare and travel as in
dividuals, accepting no favors from the
railroad company whatever.
Reports from those injured in the wreck
are favorable, and it is expected that all
will recover within a short time.
INVESTIGATION IS A SECRET
Railroad Commissioners Question
Officials in a Private Car.
FOREST GROVE! Or., Feb. 13. (Spe
cial.) State Railroad Commissioners
Campbell, West and Aitchlson came out
last night for" the purpose of investigat
ing the wreck of the previous night on
the -"Southern Pacific. Superintendents
Fields and Buckley met them here and
several employes of the road were called
before them to testify in regard to con
dilion of track. The investigation was
held In the private car of Superintendent
Fields and was strictly private. The in
vestigation was concluded this morning.
but the Commissioners declined to give
out anything In regard to their findings.
INQUEST NOT NECESSARY
Coroner Will Not Investigate John
J. Lee's Death.
Order for an inquest Into the death
of John J. Lee, foreman of a piledriver
crew, who was killed at St. John Wed
neiday night, was Issued by Coroner
Finley yesterday forenoon and later re
voked. The order was made at the in
stance of a doien members of the Strue
tural Ironworkers' Union, who presented
facts tending to show that Lee's death
could have been prevented had the steam
ers Iralda and Henderson heeded signals
to low down in passing the piledriver.
Later, however, the union representa
tives railed to say that they had been
mistaken and. that no inquest would be
needed.
Coroner Finley, after talking to eye-
witnesses of the accident, decided that
the case was not .one calling for Investi
gation. Lee was at work on top of the pile
driver which is used in construction of
the Great Northern's bridge across the
Willamette. The passing steamers
caused a heavy swell and the rocking of
the piledriver drew a rope taut, dragging
Lee oft to death. He fell with great
force, breaking his back. His widow and
a 4-year-old son survive him. They live
at Topeka, Kan., from which place Lee
came less than a month ago.
PROSPERITY IN NEVADA
James W. Abbott Says Mining In
dustry Is Rapidly Reviving.
James W. Abbott, a mining engineerjof
Pioche. Xev.. formerly a resident or tne
slate, and prominently identified with the
good-roads movement, was a visitor at
the Portland Commercial Club yesterday.
"The branch line of the Clark road from
Callente to Pioche was completed on Jan
uary 1," he said. "'Almost immediately
the mines at Pioche began to reopen.
They had been practically closed for a
time, owing to the financial depression
and the fall in copper prices. The activity
is increasing steadily, new companies are
beginning operations and the camp gives
promise of becoming one of the most
productive in the entire state. The largest
properties are the Nevada-Utah, owned
by Thomas W. Lawson ana tne unio-aen-tiicky,
owned by Samuel ' Newhouse, the
Salt Lake City multi-millionaire.
"The Idea is erroneous that the cost of
living In the Nevada camps is excessive.
Prices in Pioche are little higher than
they are in Portland. Everything con
sidered, they are very reasonable.
"The commercial bodies of Portland
should give wider publicity to the
resources of this state. There Is no
reason why Oregon should not attract
some of the great wealth which Is being
taken out of Nevada. It offers greater
Inducements to the investor than any
other Pacific Coast itatw."
COST ROAD'PRETTY PENNY
Seattle's Demands Upon Mr. Harri
man Close to $4,000,000.
SEATTLE, Wash.. Feb. 13. (Special.)
Despite strenuous objection by Council
man William Murphy, the franchise
granting the Union Pacific entrance into
Seattle and also terminal facilities passed
the Council tonight for a second reading.
The session was a special one called by
the Mayor.
On March S, election day, the 1 voters
will have an opportunity to bring into
effect the initiative, and referendum and
the submission of all public franchises
to a vote of the people. It has been
feared all along that the Union Pacific
franchises would be delayed until after
election, but tonight's action guarantees
that it will be given the third reading
and will pass before the feared provision
will be effective.
The agreement between the Harriman
line and the city provides that the road
will build several overhead bridges and
will also build a station to cost not less
than 250,000. The entire expenses of the
road reaching the city will cost in the
neighborhood of $4,000,000, including the
expenses of a tunnel.
SUSPENSION BRIDGE IS DEMANDED BY EAST SIDE CITIZENS
'y'J' SjQy l Mlnor,ty Leadcr Accuses Council-
t jttfjiiy IK XvJi? V'UlO 7 " t man Cellars of Falsehood.
I ykrjT ir V- if Tffi C t Councilman Cellars yesterday after-
I jjfjlrS ,0 5 i-Sy I . I noon faced Councilman Vaughn in
i
At Wednesday's meeting of the CitjfCouncll an ordi
nance was passed appropriating $1000 to defray the ex
pense of Investigating and reporting jon the cost of a sus
pension bridge across the Willamette River, In response
to the demands of the East Side. For several months the
various push elufcs on the East Side have been insisting
on the construction of another bridge across the Willam
ette to relieve the congestion of traffic on the other
bridges and provide additional means of transit acros3'the
river, which the increased population xand growing busi
ness Interests require.
DEFEAT FOR VAUGHN
Dekum Avenue Improvement
Will Be Paid For.
PROTEST FILED TOO LATE
Councilman Backed by 100 Constit
uents Resorts to Fervid Oratory
in Vain Even Mayor Sides
With the Majority.
Though using all his fiery oratory, and
though backed by about 100 protesting
residents on Dekum avenue, Councilman
Vaughn yesterday failed In his effort to
hold up the payment to the contractors
for the improvement ot tnac morousu
fare. Mr. Vaughn end those who were
present to corroborate him, declared that
the street was left in worse condition
than before the work was done, and also
asserted that Harry Howard, one of the
contractors, stole gravel from Dekum
avenue and used it on Going street. City
Engineer Taylor, his deputies, and Coui
cilmen Concannon. Drlscoll. Wills and
others, were equally as positive that the
Job was well done, and charged that Mr.
Vaughn and the others simply wished to
delay payment on the work. The ordi
nance carrying levying the assess
ment was therefore passed.
In the first piace, a question arose as
to the Jurisdiction of the Council, and
Assistant District Attorney Grant held
that only siich persons as might wish to
come in and be heard on alleged unfair
apportionments could at this time be com
petently heard by the Council; that the
matter of the character of the work was
the business of the Executive Board!.
Councilman Vaughn, who is a- lawyer,
held that the Council could refuse to
pass the assessment ordinance and force
the contractors to come Into court and
sue for their money. Then, he explained,
he and others interested in the matter
would show gross fraud and absolute
failure to abide by the provisions of the
contract. He contended that Harry How
ard, who had four blocks of the work,
should not be paid until the improvement
Job was made good.
.City Engineer Taylor, who has direct
charge ot all improvement work, took the
floor and declared that, after careful in
vestigation, he had found that the con
tract had been performed in good style
and that the street Is a very good one
for a graded thoroughfare, there being
no pavement. He had been unable to
learn anything to the contrary, he de
clared, and he had accepted the work for
the city. The Executive Board passed on
It In routine fashion, and it seemed that
there was nothing to do but order pay
ment. During the debate, Councilman Bennett
stated his Intention to support the City
Engineer, but added. "I wiU say right
here that, if there is any way whereby
this man, Harry Howard, can be ruled
out hereafter, I want to see it done. We
have had enough of him in the Eighth
PERSPECTIVE
Ward, and from what I have heard on
every hand, he is not deserving of any
more Improvement work in this city."
Mayor Lane, after all the others had
spoken, said he wished to say that two
points were made clear to him by this
discussion, namely, that Harry Howard's
men went below the grade and removed
gravel, which never should have been
done, and that they should have been
forced to put it back and tamp it down;
also, that the residents of the avenue
should have appeared before the Execu
tive Board with their complaints, so that
action could have been taken, forcing
the contractors to live up to the terms
of their contract. As this was not done,
he said, he thought the city is in no wise
at fault. ,
Divorced Wife to Wed
His Best Friend
Friend Dors Not Know of Former
Krlationxhlp, und Prominent Port
lander, Mean Tliiue, Will Not Tell
Hiin.
ft
PROMINENT Portland man who lias
a sister and a friend was told by
the sister of the friend's approaching
marriage to a very dear woman, who was
deFcrlbed as a perfect paragon, to the
prominent citizen.
A little later said friend wrote the
Portlander, from California, telling him
of his approaching happiness and bid-
dlhg him to the wedding. He raved in
his letter, as such men will, about the
many splendid qualities of his fiancee and
urged the Portland man to attend the
wedding by all means, for he would be
amply rewarded by meeting such a perfect
peach as the prospective benedict was to
marry.
The prominent Portland man wrote to
his sister, showing some Interest in the
approaching marriage of her friend,
whom he gave no sign ever of having
met.
To his sister's friend he wrote a warm
letter of congratulation, at the same time
accepting the Invitation to the wedding.
"Am I going?" he said, "well I should
say so. Although neither my sister nor
the love-blinded victim of a lover knows
it that woman was my first wife and
this is her third venture in the matri
monial lottery. A see where I am going
to enjoy this wedding a whole lot' more
than I did the one when I was the Idiot
that led the bride slowly up the aisle
toward the preacher."
Isn't he the mean old thing?
Blodgett Xot Superstitious.
George Blodgett, charged with killing
Alice Allnthorn, a variety actress, in the
Hotel Van Noy, March 23, 1906, will be
tried a second time for his crime April
13. Blodgett made the request that this
date be chosen, and as District Attorney
Manning and Judge Cleland found It con
venient for them the trial win De Degun
then. At his first trial Blodgett was
convicted and sentenced to be hanged.
The Supreme Court reversed the Judg
ment. Maggie Brooks Asks Divorce.
iMaeKie Brooks has brought eult in the
State Circuit Court to secure a divorce
from William Brooks, whom she married
in Sah Francisco, April 22, 1905. She
charges him with infidelity. They have
no children.
SHOYVIAG LOCA TION OF THE PROPOSED
Advocates of an additional bridge have decided on a
suspension bridge, contending that the cost of such a
structure would not exceed that of either a draw or a
cantilever bridge because of the height of the river bank
on the East Side and the depth of the river where the
structure is proposed. Another argument In favor of a
suspension bridge, point out its friends, is a saving of
operating expenses. It is represented by the East Side
people that a suspension bridge 130 feet htgh, which would
be necessary to give an approach of 2600 feet from the
West Side on a 5 per cent grade, would not cost over
MONEY NOT VOTED
Council Refuses to Appropri
ate for Unemployed.
THINKS CHARTER A BAR
Mayor Lane Casts His
Measure on Tie, but
of . the Necessary
Ballot for
It Fails
Two-
Thirds Majority.
The City Council last night did not pass
the proposed ordinance appropriating
$10,000 for the relief of the unemployed
of Portland, as the majority of the mem
bers feared it 'could not be done in con
formity with the charter. There was a
tie, 6 to 6, and Mayor Lane voted In
favor of the measure, but It was neces
sary to have a two-thirds majority to
pass it.
While City Attorney Kavanaugh had
held that the Council could declare an
emergency and legally appropriate me
money, some of the members could not
understand how the civil service provi
sions of the charter could be overcome.
These provide for the employment of ell
glbles, who must be certified for the
various departments by the Civil Service
Commission, and no one can be em
ployed when there are eligibles on the
list.
Mayor Lane said there are about 100
Uglbles, who would first have to be em
ployed, as he saw it. He declined to
accept the responsibility of appointing a
committee to expend the appropriation
should it have been voted, and In view
of all the circumstances, the motion to
pass the relief measure was lost.
Thomas N., Strong, president of the
City Board of Charities, spoke, saying
there Is no need of such an appropriation
and declaring it would be unwise to vote
the sum proposed, as It would draw
hundreds of unemployed to Portland and
would make matters worse. Councilman
Baker, however, as well as some other
members, spoke in favor of the measure,
asserting that money would go only to
the responsible, deserving men of Port
land. It was 11 P. M. when the ballot
was taken.
That the proposed ordinance to prohibit
women from entering saloons Is to be at
tacked and perhaps defeated, became ap
parent last night, when Councilman
Cottel, chairman of the liquor-license
committee, moved to have the measure
referred to the committee for further
consideration. He said he had been in
formed that certain saloons, with restau
rant accommodations, would be virtually
ruined by its provisions. Councilman
Baker, who has been away for several
weeks, knew nothing of the terms of the
measure, and also wished It referred
which was done. It Is said great pres
sure Is being brought to bear upon all
members of tne Council to defeat the
ordinance, or to amend it.
Councilman Belding s ordinance, pro
hibiting minors under 19 years of age
from entering poolrooms, was passed by
the Council. Councilman Baker attacked
the policy of the Y. M. C. A. in setting
up pool and billiard tables, declaring the
habit of playing as bad in the associa
tion rooms as in any other place, even
saloons.
The Council voted to refer the proposed
streetcar-fender ordinance to the com
mute on health and police. The Lam
bert device i the one named by a spe
cial committee recently.
TEMPER
THE PRETEXT
VAUGHN LOSES HIS
$1,500,000. The accompanying cut shows such a bridge as
is being urged by the East Side.
The East Side approach to' the proposed bridge -would
be on Hancock street, with approaches extending to Lower
Albina on the north, and southerly probably as far as Mc
Millln street. Crossing the river, the bridge would ex
tend over the North Pacific Terminal grounds, landing
probably at Fifteenth street. One approach would extend
to Overton street,, while another would follow Park
street projected, terminating In the vicinity of Giisan
street.
Council meeting and flatly charged
that Mr. Vaughn had fought to secure
revocation of the saloon license of
J. J. Conboy solely because the Council
would not grant a transfer to C. F.
Lauderholm, desired by Mr. Vaughn.
The latter turned, facing Mr. Cellars,
and fairly hissed, "What you said is
an absolute falsehood."' When the vote
was taken, Cellars voted with Vaughn,
in order that he might not be consid
ered a champion of Conboy's cause, but
the vote continued the license and
adopted the report of the committee,
dismissing the charges against Con
boy. The fight was, one of the most
bitter ever witnessed in the assembly,
Mr. Vaughn standing alone against his
14 colleagues.
Conboy was charged by E. F. Noland
with contributing to the delinquency
of the latter's daughter, aged 15 years.
Conboy conducts a saloon at 'Iwenty-
first and Sherlock streets. tie was
cited to appear before the liquor
license committee of the Council and
Mr. Vaughn took a very active part in
the nrosecution. Vaughn was accusea
by Councilman Drlscoll at the time of
working in the interests of a certain
brewery and being actuated ty spite
because of the refusal ot the Lauder
holm license, all of which Mr. Vaughn
denied.
'As I understand this matter, said
Councilman Cellars, "Mr. Vaughn
fought to secure the revocation of Con
boy's license because he could not get
the Lauderholm transfer through. He
fought for that transfer until he saw
it was not popular In the Council or
with the nubile, and then he turned a
complete somersault and has since waged
a war on Conboy.
'What you say Is an absolute . false
hood do you understand that?
shrieked Mr. Vaughn, glaring at Mr.
Cellars.
"What I said was true, replied
Cellars.
"I brand It as an absolute false
hood," retorted Mr. Vaughn.
Mr. Vaughn then continued. '
The Council adopted the report of
the liquor license committee on all sa
loon cases, excepting the charges
against T. Johnson, of the West Coast
Oyster Parlors, Seventh and Alder
streets, which was recommended for
revocation. It was ordered referred
back and will therefore be up again
before the committee.
PAY TOO MUCH FOTl HOKSES
Council Asked to Place Limit on
Fire Department.
At the session of the City Council last
night, Councilman Driscoll declared that
the prices paid by the Fire Department
officials for horses Is exorbitant. ,The
prevailing prices, he said, are such that
not more than $275 should be given for a
single animal, whereas the horses have
cost the municipality $350 each. Council
man Cellars suggested that the sum of
$350 be appropriated lor one horse now
needed. This carried, and the Council
wishes to see whether the horse will be
purchased for less than that amount
The Council appropriated $6750 for the
purchase of two lots at Sixteenth and
Montgomery streets and $0000 for the pur
chase of two lots at Twenty-fourth and
Gllsan streets, both sites to be used for
new engine-houses.
Matron's Salary Is Raised.
The City Council iast night granted the
petition of Mrs. Simmons, matron at the
City Jail, for an Increase in pay from $0
to $100 a month. This ia a big victory
for her, as she had previously sent In
many petitions, all of which were de
feated by Councilman Vaughn, who has
bitterly opposed granting her the desired
increase. Mr. Vaughn was absent from
the meeting last night, and Councilman
Belding seized the opportunity to secure
passage of the ordinance. There was no
opposition, i
Drops Dead at Salem.
SALEM, Or., Feb. 13. (Special.)
George Wralt, a well-known resident of
Salem, dropped dead of heart failure in
this city today. He w,as 75 years old and
leaves a wife, four sons and three daugh
ters. His sons. Otis, George and Oliver,
live at Independence. Frank lives in
Seattle. His daughters are Mrs, Ellen
Southwick, of Polk County, and Mary
and Gene Walt, who reside at the fam
ily home.
nannrn nnnmanin
ir
lilHbt
TAXING VEHICLES
Menefee's Stringent Measure
Barely Scrapes Through
City Council.
MAKES FEW EXEMPTIONS
Only Rigs Csed Exclusively fot
Pleasure Escape License Under
New Law Mayor Likely to
Use Veto Power.
After more than a year of wran&llng,
the City Council yesterdiy passed a vehi
cle ordinance which places a tax on
every wheeled vehUle In Portland, not
used for pleasure only. The measure
that was enacted was framed by Coun
cilman Menefee, and was In reality a sutv
stitute for the one recommended for pas
sage by the general -license committee, of
which Councilman Kellaher, a grocer, is
chairman. It parsed by . vote of 9 to
6. If Mayor Lane should veto it It woul.l
have a difficult time getting through over
the veto, as it would require 10 votes lo
accomplish this.
A vehicle ordinance pleasing every one
seemed to be an Impossibility, and that
the present one does not fill the bill by
a large margin. Is shown by the close
vote in the Council. The draymen were
the first to .ask for a reduction In taxa
tion. They were paying $30 a year for
trucks drawn by two horses, and wished
a reduction to $5 a year. The ordinance
voted yesterday fixes the rate for them
at $10 a year1 for two-horse rigs, and
half that sum for single-horse rigs; for
truck drawn by three horses, the rate is
$8 a year. Therefore, the draymen ar,e
fairly well satisfied.
Big Firms Oppose It.
However, the largest mercantile estab
lishments in the city, such us the Meier
& Frank Company, the firm of Olds,
Wormian & King. Ltpman, Wolfe & Co.,
and numerous others, are opposed to tho
taxing of rigs engaged in the free deliv
ery of goods to patrons. They base their
opposition on the principle that the free
delivery is of great benefit to the citizens
in general and to the city as a whole, and
Is of no pecuniary benefit to the firms.
Hundreds of free delivery wagons, under
this ordinance. If it Is not defeated by
veto, will feel the Increased burden of
taxation forced upon free-delivery con
cerns. Supporters of the present ordinance, de
fending their action, declared in Council
that there is no such thing as "free de
livery"; that every firm or corporation
that delivers its goods to the consumer,
gratis, figures Just so much additional
on all products to maintain the delivery
system, and that the patrons in reality
pay the bills. Councilman Wills, who
deals In brick and has several wagons,
voted for the ordinance, although, he
said it would cost him about $25 a year.
He favored it, he said, as the fund went
to repair the streets and to thus beau
tify the city. -v
Councilman Cellars said he believed
that every one who helped to wear out
the streets should likewise help to keep
them In repair, and favored the ordi
nance. Councilman Kellaher, a grocer,
was strongly opposed to the ordinance,
but Mr. Concannon, also a grocer, voted
for it, saying that in 16 years of busi
ness, profits derived from the store had
enabled him to purchase much valuable
property, and he felt he could well afford
to pay the additional tax.
Vaughn Baits Drlscoll. '
Councilman Vaughn, who comes as rear
standing alone on every issue as Is pos
sible, again attempted to make his polit
ical enemy. Councilman Driscoll, some
trouble. Mr. Vaughn moved to amend
the ordinance to fix the old rates for
draymen. Mr. Drlscoll, said Vaughn, be
ing a member of the Draymen's Associa
tion, is charging exorbitant rates and
could afford to pay the $20-a-year rate on
trucks. Mr. Driscoll admitted being a
member of the assoclatioi, but denied
that he could well afford to pay a tax so
high on his trucks.
During the parley, Councllmen Driscoll
and Vaughn became engaged In a hot
debate, forgetting ' all parliamentary
rules. At tho previous session of the
Council, Mr. Driscoll served public notice
on Mr. Vaughn that he would stop Mr.
Vaughn's slurring remarks, if the latter '
kept on attacking him. After the amend
ment offered by Vaughn was voted down,
Mr. Vaughn addressed Mr. Driscoll:
'Well, Mr. Driscoll, your rates are cut
in half, what are you kicking about?"
I d like to come over there and kick
your head," hotly replied Mr. Drlscoll,
his eyes flashing, but he kept his seat,
while Mr. Vaughn shook with laughter.
Mr. Vaughn Is a very large man, while ,
his opponent is. considerably smaller ia '
stature.
Terms of Ordinance.
By the terms of the ordinance, ordinary
rigs drawn by two horses are taxed $5 a j
year; rigs drawn by one. horse, $2.50 a
year: wagons drawn by two horses and '
used for hauling dirt, brick or such ma- .
terlal, $5 a year; one-horse rigs. $2.50:
hacks, $10 a year with two horses; with
one horse, $2.50; automobiles, $10 a year.
At the last moment. Councilman Kella
her attempted to amend by Inserting the
words, "for hire, but the motion was
defeated. As the ordinance stands, it is
doubtful if it will ever become a law, it
being unsatisfactory to so many large
firms. It Is believed that, should Mayor
Lane veto it, his veto would be sustained,
in view of the sentiment that is known to
prevail against some of its provisions,
chiefly the taxing of free-delivery rigs.
RECITAL TONIGHT.
Miss Ethel Lytle, Soloist.
The twelfth of this season's recitals
will be given by Eilcrs Piano House, in
their recital hall, corner of Park and
Washington streets, at 8:30 this evening.
Miss Ethel Lytle's beautiful soprano
voice will be. heard in a group of charm
ing songs. The piano numbers and ac
companiments will be played with a new
Themodist-Metrostyle Pianola. A most
Interesting programme has been prepared.
These recitals are given every Friday
night, and all are cordially invited. Ad
mission by ticket only, which may bo se
cured, entirely complimentary, by calling
at Eilers Piano House before 6 o'clock
this evening. -
Leap Year.
PORTLAND. Or.. Feb. 14. (To th Edi
tor.) will you please state in the columns
of your paper whether or not 1004 waa a
leap year, and give the formula for de
termining a leap year from a common year?
M. L. K.
Any year divisible by four without a re
mainder is a leap year; therefore. 104 traa
a leap year. There Is one exception: the
centenary year. For further information
see any Rood dictionary. t Free libraries
have that valuable book.
Metzger fits glasses for $1.00.
A