THE TIMES
THE TIMES
Published every Saturday by TH E TIM E S COMPANY, Incorporated
u 212 Firsi Street, Portland. Oregon Phone*: Main 5617; A 2686
Application made at Portland. Oregon, for transmission through the mails as second class matter.
TH E TIM E S is not responsible for any opinions expressed by correspondents
appearing in its columns.
A FEARLESS E X PO N E N T OF J N D l'S T R IA L PEACE
S U B S C R I P T I O N R A T E S — $2.50 per year, in ad v an ce.
A D V E R T IS IN G RATES made known upon application.
.SATURDAY. DECEMBER 23, 1911___________ ________ _________
Each man should have the right to earn his way,
And each should have for fair «lay’s work a fair d a y ’s pay,
Each man should governed he by Justice’s right
And gain his ends by peaceful means— not dynamite.
PRISON P O L IC Y OF GOVERNOR WEST.
V E R N O R W E S T has seen fit to establish a unique position for
G O himself
in the administration of his office. His policy as to pris­
Sound ports were more closely together, Portland showing 3,355,364
bushels and Puget Sound 3,582,331 bushels. While Portland’s wheat
exports this year are 100 per cent greater than those o f Puget Sound
fo r the eleven months named last year, she lots also exceeded her
1910 record by 75 per cent. While Puget Sound fell short in wheat
exports, her Hour exports were nearly three times those o f Portland.
The eleven months’ figures show: Puget Sound, flour, 1,867,356
barrels, valued at 87,130,935; Portland, flour. 6*8.077 barrels, valued
at 82.723.184.
A M E R IC A N B A N K & TRU ST CO.
PA E( 'EM HER 18. State Superintendent of Hanks. Will Wright,
ordered that the American Hank \ Trust Company's bank. Port-
hind. should close its doors. There was not a shortage. The funds
on hand amounted to 8179,043.41. which sum is 25' o per cent above
the legal minimum. The occurrence scarce made a ripple in hank­
ing circles, which indicates the soundness of local financial condi­
tions. The difficulty arose over securities which had depreciated,
and in order to fully protect the depositors’ rights, Mr. Wright
thought the wise plan to pursue was to close the doors so that mat­
ters might be adjusted. In his opinion the hank will, within 30 days,
he able to pay depositors 50 per cent of the amounts due them and
in a very short time 25 per cent more, though the necessary delay
may cause some inconvenience.
oners. for example, is not working out very satisfactorily. There
T H E SKIE S A R E CLEAR.
have been altogether too many prisoners paroled “ on honor.” The
The United States is facing a clear and unsullied sky fo r 1912.
Governor’s confidence lias been frequently abused, for his “ honor”
men have broken their paroles and tied far beyond his jurisdiction This is all the more remarkable inasmuch as 1912 is a presidential
in many eases. Then, again, Governor West lias commuted the sen­ election year. It had become a practically established fact that be­
tence to life imprisonment of many men whose hanging had been cause an election was pending, that necessarily all matters financial
ordered by courts, presumably upon sufficient evidence and the ver­ were in ;i shaky state. There never was a good reason for anything
dict of competent juries, and in accordance “ with the statutes in of this kind, but Americans had become accustomed to it, and ac­
such eases made and provided.” Governor West lias stated that so cepted it as a matter of course. Recently large hanking interests
long as in' occupies tin' gubernatorial chair lie will not allow any and leading financiers boldly took hold o f this matter and, to infuse
man to In' hanged, or. at least, lie is so quoted. It is understood that so great a spirit o f optimism that a financial depression will be im­
Governor West’s attitude is taken on the grounds that he is opposed possible. That is a sensible way to do things, and is a remedy worthy
of frequent application. But in this instance, intervening is based
to capital punishment.
Desiring to do Governor West justice from the sentimental side upon the most solid reasons. Dun’s Mercantile Agency, after rr?
of tlie question, at (lie same time his attitude is in conflict with the viewing the present year, is able to confidently predict that 1912 will
oatli of office which every governor must take. The statute lays be a most prosperous year. Judge Gary, President m the United
down tlie .procedure in eases of conviction for a capital crime. When States Steel Corporation, agrees with this view. A ll this is most as­
all the processes of law have been duly carried out, there remains suring.
Recently President Taft announced that the Panama Canal will
hut the scaffold. On the grounds of newly discovered evidence and
the probability an execution would be hut a judicial blunder, or mur­ he thrown open to traffic July 1, 1913. This is one and one-half years
der, the governor has the unquestioned right to exercise his preroga­ in advance of the previously announced date of opening— 1915. The
tive. Hut he has no legal right, no matter how tender, how sympa­ lumber industry o f the Pacific Coast for a long time has been in a
thetic his heart may he, or liow firm his belief in the wrung or in- most unsatisfactory state, but this canal opening has put heart into
efficacy of capital punishment, to make his prerogative a rule of coast lumber manufacturers, and will serve to stimulate output and
general application. Even the great Lincoln, whom Governor West establish the market upon a more satisfactory basis. This will mean
says he seeks to emulate, tender of heart and humane, did not al­ that lumber shipments through the canal will he accelerated to the
ways save the lives of men convicted of murder, investigation of Atlantic coast at lower freight rates. Our lumber interests are im­
the instances where he exercised clemency will he found to be fully portant. What helps them, helps all of us.
The local bank clearings are more than satisfactory. The build-
justified, when all the facts arc reviewed. It takes a man o f strong
character to know when to temper justice with mercy, and when nig outlook is good. Exports surpass all previous records. Real
not to do so. TH E TIM ES does not condemn Governor West. It estate values hold firm. There is no slump, because values are real
believes the Governor is actuated by lofty motives, hut lofty motives and not inflated.
In the outlook, the Pacific Northwest stands most prominent
are not the rule to guide one’s conduct by, if they conflict with one’s
sworn duty. If Governor West really thinks that no man, however over all other sections in the limelight o f prosperity.
guilty, should he hanged, and is to carry out. that rule throughout his
So Russia does not like the attitude of Congress in the matter of
administration, it is his duty to resign. No man is above the law.
not even the Governor. Under a Republican form of government, the abrogation o f the Treaty o f 1832. In the United States o f Amer­
there are three divisions o f political power, the legislative, execu­ ica we believe that every American citizen has certain inalienable
tive and judicial. The legislatures make the laws, ............
inter­ lights, guaranteed by the Constitution. This appertains to the na­
pret them, and the executives carry them out
Neither branch is tive-born and the naturalized American as well. Russia, in seeking
permitted to infringe upon the jurisdiction of the other. The legis­ to discriminate against Americans of Jewish birth. Roman Catholics,
lature cannot try a uian accused o f a crime; that is the special I m i s i - and others, forbidding them the same rights she is willing other
ness of courts and juries, acting under court direction. The judges elasses of Americans should have, has already been permitted too
l anniit abrogate or make the law.
They must take it just as it comes long to have her autocratic will regarding the subjects of other coun­
to them. Tlie Governor cannot make a law or suspend the operation tries. The Sulzer resolution is not a whit too strong. Every Ameri­
o f one, or interpret one in any ease passed upon by the courts. IIis can citizen is under the protection o f his flag, wherever he goes, and
the sooner all nations o f the world learn that this is a fact, and not
sworn duty is to carry out that law. This is all there is to it.
a mere statement, the better. And we can hack any statement we
make.
JUDGE P I P E S ' A R R A I G N M E N T OF PA RK ISON .
OK T H E TIM ES will remember its recent expose o f the
R EADERS
methods of II. J. I ’arkisun, ex labor leader, in relation to the cir­
culation of petitions touching upon the squelching of the State Uni­
versity appropriations tit Eugene. It was simply and very clearly a
piece of quest inhabit' work, to judge from the recent investigation
nitide showing forged signatures. Arguing to a logical conclusion,
appearances would indiente that the aforesaid Mr. I’arkison, miffed
I... ause he could not unionize Eugene, making threats at the time
against the city, went forth to Cottage Grove, lie there tried to stir
up prejudice against Eugene, because certain people o f Eugene had
shown opposition to the pet scheme of certain people ¡it Cottage
Grove, who desired to form the new county of Nesmith. Hy invok­
ing the referendum, he could thus help Cottage Grove to revenge
itself to the injury of Eugene and also make a piece of money. It is
refreshing to read this extract from the argument made hy Judge
Martin h. Pipes in the reterendum ease, before Judge Galloway.
Judge Pipes said :
“ Fraud vitiates everything. Parallel to every ease there is the
moral issue standing before all parties like the ghost that will not
down.
This referendum against the University was immoral in its
inception, and is immoral up to this minute, it came out of a local
light between two communities. It was not instituted for the pur­
pose of using the referendum power for the Interests of the whole
people. The movement was started hy parties who made up a purse
to tight the University that they might compel Eugene to quit light
ing the county of Nesmith. I think Cottage Grove is now ashamed
ot her part in the had business, and is trying to make her part in it
good. Their lirsl move was to employ Parkison, who held no honest
views of opposition to the University. He went into it to make a
little inoiiev
He then went into the dives in the North End in Port­
land. and employed crooks no more titling piace could he found to
employ men to tight education. I f other interests are hacking them,
all are equally guilty.”
I lie above is a tearless and just illaidì' arraignment ; it rings true,
down to the hist syllable.
TH E GOVERNORS
PIL G R IM A G E
* 11U I'. I ‘ I LG RIM AG I', id the Western governors to the Eastern States
* waa one "i the moat diplomatic moves that haa ever yet been
made It gave the two sections an opportunity to become better ac­
quainted. and this should prove invaluable to all concerned. The
exhibits shown on the governors' train has proven a great educator
In quote the words of ex Governor lirady, of Idaho:
I he Western Governors' special tour has assumed larger pro­
portions than its most sanguine friends ever hoped for.
“ The result o f this tour will cause the people of the East to turn
their luces toward the West ; the ditTerent sections of the eountrv
" ' l l I... "me more harmonious, and we will, in the future, he one great
A
Announcement is made that Councilman Maguire, elected princi­
pally by those who did not know him. intends to resign on April 1.
next. It is said that he will devote himself to intensive farming. It
is to he hoped that he will succeed as a farmer, and make a better
rei ord at that class of work than he has of polities. There are other
members of the Council who would do well to emulate Councilman
Maguire's example. They never would be missed.
If Governor West, hastening from St. Paul to Oregon to greet
his paroled convicts on Christmas, was a timely trip. Had he re­
mained away much longer there wouldn’t have been any of them left
to greet him.
The Rose Festival Association deserves encouragement, and it
should not he a very difficult tusk to raise the $60,000 required to
make next year's festival a success. It is one o f the most valuable
advertisements Portland has. It is very encouraging to the officers
to know that many o f the contributors o f former years are now
doubling their contributions. Property owners, as well as business
men. upon whom the expense Ima largely fallen in the past, should
willingly do their part.
There should he cleaner and more sanitary methods o f collect­
ing garbage in Portland. Open wagons, filled with an ill-smelling
mess. •, ml often spilling fifth upon the pavements, are not an inspir- .
ing sight, and such things do not make for good health. The wagon
boxes should In of galvanized iron, with close-fitting covers to the i
eon.pi.rtments. following the system in vogue itt Eastern cities. These
wagons should he frequently flushed and kept clean. Will not some
City Councilman propose an ordinance covering these ideas.’
The control of the Northern Pacific gained hy the Chicago N
Northwestern is but a cluingt from Hill to Harriinan control.
In j
the hands of either the Hill system or the Harriman system, th"
Northern Pacific is hound to continue a great railroad. All traits- ;
continental lines are great Developers of the territory through which .
they pass, and none^iear a prouder record than does the Northern j
Pin tlie. In the hands of the new owners it will continue along the I
| ath it has so long followed, fulfilling its destiny.
Frank Ross, o f Chester. Mass., is. according to his own story to
a magistrate at Winnipeg. Man., a much persecuted man. He said
We have taught the people of the East that the great co-oper­ that he had been chased out of four stables by members o f the grave :
ating feeling existing in the West I S the secret of our success, and
diggers' union, and that lie had sought an asylum in Canada, lie:
they have learned that the secret is worth euiulating.
had been assaulted, and told the judge that his assailants wi re inedi- |
‘ 'Due exhibit ears have been exhibited to more than 90.000 peo­ a! students whom he sought to prevent robbing graves of their
ple. who have studied and been astonished ¡it our greatness.”
bodies. Ross does not believe that any such form of resurrection
should prevail.
W H E A T EX P O R TS V A L U E D A T $5,351.163
P
F TE R a seven years’ struggle the women teachers o f New York city
have succeeded In placing upon the statute books a law grant­
ing equal pay for equal work to men and women empjoyed In
U the public schools. The leader throughout the fight—the word
Is not too strong to describe some of the aspects of the agitation—was
Miss Grace C. Strachan, for the last few years district superintendent
o f the Brooklyn schools. The increase In pay for women teachers conse­
quent upon the law going into effect on Jan. 1 will be about $200,000 a
month. It has been suggested that a sum representing this increase for
the first month be raised hy the teachers thus benefited in order to estab­
lish a fund for Miss Strachan. This if Invested at 3 per cent would
yield an income o f $6,000 a year, which it is proposed to continue to her
for life in recognition of her service to her fellow teachers.
TH E TIM ES heartily endorses the plan now forming to educate
Portland hoys and girls, as well as those in other towns, into the plan
ol turning vacant lots into gardens, and raising something worth
while. I f the rising generation has an opportunity to work off some
of its surplus energy in so useful a pursuit as gardening, Juvenile
Courts will have much less to consider. Governor Pingree. of Michi­
gan. was the originator, we believe, of this plan, which worked very
successfully. Raising vegetables and flowers is better than raising—
hades.
miitii'd nation.
U R I L A N D s CLAIM to being the greatest wheat export city in
in the 1 tiited States is verified officially by the report of the De­
partment of Commerce and Labor, recently made public. This shows
that for the eleven months ended with November. UHL the total
wheat exports were »1.344.s it bushels, valued at ¡f."*.3dl.lt>J. The total
► hipments from Puget Sound ports were 2 . 170,687 bushels, worth
$ 2 , 247 , 483 .
For the same period in 1910 , Portland and the Puget
MISS STRACHAN, TEACHER WHO WON “ EQUAL PAY” FIGHT
Let the readers of T H E TIMES, to whom we extend our Christ-1
nets greetings, open their hearts and purses to satisfy the longings |
of the children of the unfortunate this season, who might otherwise
he forgotten. Add a little brightness, too. to the hearts o f the aged,
who are sometimes forgotten. The benediction o f God rests upon I
every such gift.
Mr Shuster, the Ameriean retired treasurer o f Persia, is a man
with a backbone.
C o p y rig h t by C lln edln m .
W. M. SHUSTER. PERSIA'S AMERICAN TREASURER GENERAL
HEN the newly established constttntlnnal government of Persia
asked the administration at Washington to name an honest
and capable man to put her fluanoes on a business basis Pres­
ident T aft and Secretary Knox picked out the man who has
for months been the storm center of Knsso-l'erstan politics. William
Morgan Shuster
The president particularly had reason to know his
man He had seen him at w ork -a youngster of less than thirty—as col­
lector of customs st Manila and afterward as secretary of public In
at ruction for the Philippines while Mr. T aft was governor general Re­
turning from the east, he took up the practice of taw In Washington
but relinquished It at the president s request to undertake the task of
straightening out Persia « tangled finances As treasurer general he has
antagonlxed the Russian government, which regards Perils at Its legitt
mate prey and under pressure from this source the Teheran govern
ment. which waa In the midst of a ministerial upheaval at the time
disavowed some of the acts, such as the employment of a British officer
ss commander of the gendarmery. which Irritated Russia
W