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About Oregon City courier. (Oregon City, Or.) 1902-1919 | View Entire Issue (Feb. 18, 1915)
Eugene Ore Eugene, Ore jt 5t kjt jjt (3 t? iJ If he buys his home paper J He's a bully good fellow; J v But if he borrows his neigh- & bor's .J t We know he is yellow. ijt t)8 dt (,8 t?t (,?t i$ J THE CITY MAN IS AL- Jt J WAYS READY TO TELL J THE FARMER HOW TO J J BUILD GOOD ROADS J J 32d Year OREGON CITY, OREGON, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1915 Number 48 OREGON CITY E HOLD OF LINES COURIER WILL BE STRICTLY DEMOCRATIC ORGAN SAYS NEW OWNER CLEARING HOUSE FOR IDEAS SOME PERTINENT REMARKS ON THE DEFINED POLICIES,, AND AIMS OF PAPER The Courier this week makes its appearance under new management and new ownership. As announced in the last issue of this paper, Messrs. Brown & Frost have sold their en tire plant, including the handsome new home of the Courier elected last summer, to Mr. E. R. Brown, who assumed control this week. In jumping into the harness and assuming the duties and respons ibilities of catering to the wants of the big family of Courier readers, we wish to state at the outset that this paper will be democratic in its pol icies democratic to the core. We believe in democracy, we are born and raised on a democratic diet, vot ed for Bryan every time we had the chance, gave "three cheers and a tiger" when Woodrow Wilson landed his job, predicted he would make good, and now rejoice in the fact that in spite of the troublesome trend of the times, in spite of the fact that one half the world is today en gaged in a death-struggle that re quires the most delicate diplomacy . on this side of the water in spite of the wail of the calamity howler our faith in democracy is still as solid as the rock of Gibraltar. We regard President Wilson as one of the great men of the age and as one of the few great statesmen and diplomats who could steer us safely through the treacherous shoals of a world-wide war and the far spreading effects of its accompanying turmoil. Had our faith in democracy ever waned for a moment we would never have pur chased the Courier. And so the Courier will be ,a dem ocratic paper in every sense iof the word. By this we do not mean that we will have any leanings toward the G. 0. P., the Bull Moosers, nor the Socialists. However, we do favor a state "dry" in name as well as fact, for the will of the people hasv spoken. And the Courier goes on record right here as willing to do all within its power to keep Oregon "dry" in fact. Our work, we hope, will be con structive rather than destructive. We are vitally interested in the develop ment of Oregon City, we are equally interested in . the development of Clackamas county. We want both to grow but not the one at the expense of the other. It will be our effort to promote a better relationship be tween town and county and to give our best efforts to the upbuilding of each. As to the Courier: This paper has forged to the front rank among Ore gon weeklies during the past three years, due largely to. Hie able efforts of our predecessor, M. J. Brown. From a straggling weekly, with a scattered circulation of perhaps 1,000 in 1912, the paper has grown in favdr until it's subscription list now numbers close on to 3,000, or the largest circulation of any weekly paper in Oregon among the country weeklies. It has been a natural growth, not actuated or inspired by contests or other advertising schemes. Merit has turned the trick, and merit alone. One of the big factors in the marvelous growth of the Courier has been the fact that its columns have always been open to public discus sion. We believe in public discussion, and regard free speech, free assembl age and free press as the rights preservative of all rights. Public discussion in the columns of the Courier will be welcome. We want to make this paper the clearing house of ideas for this community, and invite such contributions from our big family of readers. But pub lic discussion and personal abuse are different, in the main, and we ask our contributors to keep this fact in mind when writing to this paper, and thus save the editor from a very unpleas ant job of dissecting letters to this paper. We do not wish to be misconstrued on this point, however. It will be the Courier's policy editorially, to call a spade a spade as long as the present editor is at the helm at least. We will try to make our policies plain, and desire our contributors to do likewise, but in so doing the Courier will not resort to a campaign of vilification. Vilification, personal abuse or ridicule get us nowhere. What this paper wants is discussion of vital problems of the day, on a common basis. Without the common basis efforts in such directions be come mere wrangling. Cut the wrangling. We have men of brains in every nook and corner of Clacka mas county, men who know the econ omic needs of the county, state and country. These are the men whose contributions will be welcome in the columns of the Courier. As the weeks roll by it will be the new owner's purpose to improve the paper in every department if pos sible and when the time comes to enlarge the size of the Courier as demands are made upon its limited space. And so, with these few introduc tory remarks as to its campaign, the new editor pulls his coat, throws his hat into the editorial ring, and jumps into the harness. FISH FIGHT BITTER After Hours of Lively Debate Solons Make County Bridge Deadline The deadline for net fishing in the Willamette river was definitely fixed as the county bridge by the legisla ture Monday, following several hours of bitter debate, in which our local representatives took an active part. A minority report of the senate committee was adopted, Dimick advo cating a minority report which was adverse to the original Gill bill. The original bill closed the river entirely to net fishing, and the house amend ed it to make the Clackamas rapids the deadline. The senate's action Monday was a further compromise with the .-fishermen, by bringing the deadline tip the river toward the falls about one mile. Senator Dimick who championed the cause of the local fishermen claimed its passage would deprive local fishermen of from $25,000 to $50,000 a year, and read a petition signed by about 500 Oregon City people against the passage of the bill. He went a step further and questioned the good faith of some of these behind the bill, referring to Walter F. Backus, a Portland busi- ness man, as "the original candy kid" behind the bill, whose motive, accord ing to the senator, was to sell fish ing tackle and boats to the sports men. The fight occupied a large part of the day Monday, and drew out to an alarming extent. Mosier opposed the Dimick fight and charged that the local man was pleading for 34 fisher men, to be exact. To continue the open river would mean the destruct ion of the fishing industry. Local fishermen are not satisfied with the result, and according to John Allbright will invoke the refer endum on the bill. "We have not ac cepted the action of the legislature," said Mr. Albright Monday night. "We will struggle to keep the river open." t$ t$ ti fc? V? i$ . Change in Program . Saturday afternoon when J President Dimick of the W. V. J S. Ry. Co. pulls the golden spike it will be given to the Mayor of Molalla, who in turn J will hand it to the Mayor of J Mt. Angel. J The honors of the day will 3 thus be equally divided. & i& fcJ 4 zi Lady MasAbee Entertainment Beginning this evening, Tualatin Hive No. 43 Ladies of the Macabees of the World will give a series of attractive numbers at the Star Theatre in addition to the regular photo plays. A. Gertrude McDowell, chautauqua reader and dramatic instructor, will render some very popular numbers. The number this evening being "Wild Zingarella," the Gypsy Flower of Spain. Saturday evening a mono logue "Mrs. Newlywed Goes Shop ping." The number for Sunday be ing "Old Glory" with the flag pan tomime "America," closing with pa triotic numbers, on Monday, and pos sibly assisted by the children. The Lady Macabees should remember these evenings. CENTRAL POINT Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Blanchard now have a little girl, born Feb. 6th. Miss Helen Blanchard was visiting her parents over Sunday. Mrs. Shilling had a slight accident Sunday by having her horse cut with wire. A basket social and bazaar will be given at the Central Point church Feb. 20th. Everybody cordially invited. Mrs. F. Chinn was a school visitor Friday. Mr. Will Randall was on the sick list but is now able to be out again. Swedish Service in Methodist Church Swedish services will be held in the Methodist Church in Oregon City, next Sunday, Feb. 21, at 3 P. M. Topic: "True Happiness." All Scan dinavians are most cordially invited to attend. John Ovall, Swedish min ister. A Wonder Gabe Jones is the most truthful man I know of. Steve Why do you say that? Gabe He had a black eye last week, and I asked him how he got it, and he told me that a man hit him. The Wise Fool "Politness costs nothing," remark ed the sage. "Maybe that's the reason why most people have no use for it," added the fool. Be hopeful! A wave of prosperity is on the way, and the ground hog couldn't see his shadow. T IS Li L "W. V. S. DAY" WILL BRING ALL CLACKAMAS COUNTY TO MILL TOWN BIG PROGRAM IS COMPLETED THREE BANDS, MONSTER PA RADE, AND RIVER JAUNTS PART OF SPORT PLAN In the olden days, historians tell us that following a great victory, the big triumphal procession in honor of, the big stunt was quite the proper thing, and that the old Romans for many leagues would gather to partic ipate in the great occasion of a gen eral hullabaloo. Perhaps the committee in charge figured that history would repeat it self when they planned the big time next Saturday, "Willamette Valley Southern Day" as it is officially dub bed by the local boosters who are working tooth and toe nail for one of the biggest times that Clackamas county has ever seen. At any rate they figured that such a celebi-ation as the old Romans were wont to have was due in Oregon City, in honor of the great victory the completion of the Willamette Valley Southern. . Every citizen man, woman and child, should take a personal pride in the completion of the new line, which has opened up a new era in the de velopment of the countyj Fathered by local men, carried over tho treach erous shoals of financial tribulations, in the face of an almost herculanean task, the long cherished dream of the Willamette Valley Southern has at last been realized, and the trains are today humming along the line. We should be proud of the line and proud of the energies and tireless efforts of the men who have made it a go, and stood by the project in the face of almost certain disaster. Next Saturday the new line will be fittingly dedicated, and every man, woman and child in Clackamas county will be made welcome in Oregon City, to fittingly celebrate the inauguration of the new project. They will be the guests of Oregon, City, the Commer cial Club, the Live Wires, the Board of Trade ,and every other local man who takes pride in the completion of the new road. It should be and will be a great day for the old mill town. The committee on arrangements has provided a continuous round of entertainment for the visitors, which will begin when the first train whistles at Fifteenth street, bring ing its first big load of human revel lers. From then on until late at night the big time will be in progress. Three bands will be on hand to dis pense popular"airs in liberal quan tities, and innumerable other features have been prepared, including in spection jaunts of the big paper mills, and a general big time. And in the afternoon a monster dance will give the proper finish to a big celebration of a big event. Better make your plans today to be on hand. Saturday, next, don't forget, Saturday. February 20th. There will be something doing every minute. Program 10:00 Arrival trains over W. V. S. Ry. Met by Moose Band and 100 Oregon City business men. Address welcome by Mayor Jones. 10:30 President G. B. Dimcik of W. V. S. Ry. will present the gold spike to the Mayor of Mt. Angel at 15th and Main Streets. 10:45 Headed by Moose Band pa rade will march as follows: 1. Moose Band. 2. Autos with distinguish ed visitors. 3 Oregon City business men. 4. Mt. Angel Band. 5. Mt Angel visitors. 6. Molalla Band. 7. Molalla visitors. 8 Clackamas county citi zens, etc. to 3rd and Main Street 11:00 Lady and children guests with guides will inspect the proper ties of the Oregon City Woolen Mill. Gentlemen guests with proper guides will inspect plant of Hawley Pulp & Paper Co. 11:30 Guests will embark on steam ers of Willamette Navigation Company at O. R. N. Dock and view the Willamette Falls and Clackamas Rapids. 12:00 Steamers will land at O. C. T. Co. Dock at 8th Street 1:00 Reception at Commercial Club to the directors and stockholders of W. V. S. Ry. Co. 1:00 to 4:00 Band concerts, FREE. FREE dance at Busch's Hall. All 3 moving picture shows FREE to visitors all day. Spec ial demonstrations at leading Btores. 4:15 Farewell Reception and band concerts at loth & Main streets. FOR SALE Good set heavy harness and collars. Address Care Courier. GEE SATURDAY COST OF PIPE LINE EXPLAINED BY EXPERT H. A. RANDS The cost of the pipelino project is thoroughly explained in a letter by Engineer H. A. Rands which , was read at the water meeting in the Commercial club rooms Monday night. The letter addressed to Dr. L. A. Morris, president of the Pure Mountain Water league, and answers a letter from Dr. Morris. He declares that $375,000 will absolutely complete ' the construc tion and probably leave a considerable sum to be applied on the warrant in debtedness in the water department. Mr. Rands' letter to Dr. Morris, com plete, follows: I am receipt of your of even date, requesting a statement of the rea sons for anticipating that the cost of the South Fork water system will not greatly exceed the estimate. Though personally favoring the project, I have as a rulo refrained from takirg any public part in the discussion, that, as the engineer and as such employed, and paid by all the people of Oregon City, it is not fit ting for me to appear as too strong a partisan in this matter. Your query, however, is one which affects all parties concerned and for that reason I am glad to comply with your request. The answer is exceedingly simple and the line of reasoning easily un derstood, is as follows: In round numbers the contract of the Oregon Engineering & Construc tion company amounts to $293,000. Of this amount $220,000 is for the $133,000 feet of 16 and 18-inch pipe which is to be supplied to the city complete in place at $1.50 and $1.80 per. foot for the . 16 and 18-inch sizes respectively. The price then includes the first cost of the pipe, the freight and the hauling, as well as the constructing of all roads over which the hauling may have to be done. It includes the cost of the lead for the joints, the making of the joints in the field, the repairing of, the coating after laying, and the test ing. If the contractor has overlooked the item for freight, he will have to stand for that; if he has erred in cal culating the hauling, he will have to stand for that; if he has forgotten the lead, he will have to stand for that. Oregon City gets the pipe in place. That is definite. The quantity is nearly as definite. While we may make small changes here and there which may vary the total length of the line by a few feet one way or the other, you may rest assured that we have not forgotten one, two, three, four or five miles, we must necessarily have done to later run the total cost up to what some people think possible. The fi gure, then, of $220,000 for the pipe line may be said to be definite. The same is true of the lump sum bid of $2,000 for the headworks, which item includes the dam, the 600 feet of sup ply main and the settling basin. The same is true of the lump sum bid of $200.00 for the crossing of the South Fork, and the item of $8,000 for clearing. Nearly as definito is the 2,000 covering valves, air valves, stand pipes, etc. Of the total of $293,000, $233,"999 may be stricken off as definite. The remaining $60,000 includes $57,000 for excavation and tunnels, $1,750 for trestles, and $1,250 for other miscellaneous items. The change from wood to steel will enable us to eliminate the trestles at probab ly some saving in money. The item of $57,000 for excavation and tunnel ing remains and this from the very nature of things is variable, for no man can see even four feet under the surface at the time. We believe, though, that we have figured liberal ly, and that in a general way, the es timate is as liable to vary one way as the other. However, suppose we have erred in thinking that we had earth where we later will find rock, so that we are low on this item by 10, 20, 30 or even 40 per cent. Then this item for excavation would jump from $60,000 to $66,000, $72,000, $78,000 or $84,000 and your total to be paid the contractor would jump from $293,000 to $299,000, $305,000, $311,000 or $317,000. That is a dif ference of 10, 20, 30 or 40 per cent in the variable item would result in a difference of but 2, 4, 6, or 8 per cent in the total cost. It is quite probable that the total amount paid the contractor will not exceed $300,000, or for that matter, if we have erred in estimating rock where later we find arth, the amount may even be less than the $293,000, but in calling a bond elec tion, it is not wise to be too optimis tic. In addition to the construction proper, we have to allow for right of way, engineer and legal expenses, as well as for discount on tho bonds and interest on the bonds during the first year. Because the money tsj voted is no reason why we will try to spend it. We will be just to the contractor, for that is his due; we will also be just to Oregon City, for its citizens and those of West Linn are paying the bills. In conclusion, you may with con fidence state that the $375,000 will cover all expenses, absolutely com plete the construction, and probably leave a considerable sum to be applied on the warrant indebtedness. Teutons "We win." Allies "We win." The Public "Who lied?" WATER m WARM DISCUSSION OF PROPOS. ED PURE WATER PROJECT AT MASS MEETING OPPONENTS WEAK CONTENTION Figures Advanced to Show That Water Scheme Will Cost $1.68 To Consumer A rather exhilarating meeting, with plenty of thrills, was held at the Commercial Club parlors Monday night, when a mass meeting, called for the purpose of discussing the water project, resulted in some warm debates between the supporters and the opponents of the South Fork scheme. Scientific definitions of colon bacilli and other technical terms were exploded by members of the audience. One assertion however, was made with seeming positive assurance. That was this: OREGON CITY CAN EASILY FINANCE THE SOUTH FORK WATER PROJECT, WITH A WATER RATE NEVER ABOVE $1.65 TO THE CONSUMER AND NO DIRECT TAX OF ANY SORT. The men who made this statement have studied the project for months, have gone over every detail and item of actual or possible costs again and again, and they know what they are saying when they make such an assertion. Pnder the new scheme water pure sparkling icy-cold mountain water can be piped to the consumer at a cost of per month which will not run over $1.65, and this figure makes reasonable allowance for all possible contigencies which may arise. So clearly and concisely were the esti mates shown as to the cost, that the arguments of the pure water boosters could not be successfully refuted. The opposition claimed the water was already pure, that state reports showed it to be, and forthwith flashed the reports to sustain their content ions. Dr. Hugh Mount however, showed otherwise, and in very plain terms which his audience could not fail to understand. The other bone of contention of the opponents was that the utimate cost always exceed ed the proposed plan on any large projects, but a letter from Engineer Rands and a short talk by Jack Mof fatt showed this contention to be in error. Councilman Templeton, who for some reason bears a chip on his shoulder toward local newspapers, and has maintained a peevish de meanor toward this paper since the Fifth street epiisode several months ago, dared the Oregon City papers to print a certain section in the amend ment to the effect that the council had power to levy and collect a tax to meet the water bonds. We ake pleasure in reprinting the same for Mr. Templeton's edification: "Sec. Authority is hereby granted to the city council to assess, levy and collect a tax on all taxable property within the corporate limits of the city for the payment of either the interest or principal of the aforesaid bonds, or both, whenever necessary or desired." Attorney L. Stipp answered the councilman on this point and showed clearly that the sale of the bonds would be dependent upon a provision of such nature; that any school boy would know such a provision wuld be required to market bonds, but that the insertion of such a clause was in no way an admission that the plan would not work out as outlined, with out any tax. Dr. Morris' statement showed the method of financing the project and is published in part: 6 per cent interest on $250,- 000.00 ..$12,500.00 3 per cent sinking fund 7,500.00 V& per cent interest on pres ent water bonds ($40,000) 1,800.00 Operating expense of gravity system 4,324.00 Total j $26,124.00 Detailed Statement of Expense of Op erating Gravity System One Year Superintendent, $125.00 per month $ 1,500.00 One laborer, $2.00 per day.. 624.00 Office rent, expense of collec tion, etc 720.00 Oregon City's share of ex pence of man at intake.... 480.00 Incidentals 1,000.00 Total $ 4,324.00 Income from present plant approximately, 1915 .... 20,000.00 32 per cent increase on above income 6,400.00 Total $26,400.00 A thirty-two per cent increase in the present water rate would make the consumer who now payb $1.25 per month pay $1.65 per month. In the above statement all expens es are met, except those of our pres ent warrant indebtedness amounting to $48,000.00 drawing 6 per cent in terest. This will be taken care of as follows: Such money from the bond issue as is not necessary to pay for the pipe line and head-works, etc., estimated by the engineer at from $15,000.00 to $25,000.00, will be applied to the redemption of outstanding water warrants and the balance will be paid from the 3 per cent sinking fund which will be received during the first four years as no bonds will be re tired during that period. If any water warrants should be outstand ing at the end of that period they will be taken up by surplus in the sinking fund received during the next four years, as only $5,000.00 per year will be used to redeem bonds. BOOZE KILLS 3-YEAR-OLD Death of Son of Beaver Creek Ranch er Leads to Investigation Peculiar circumstances in connec tion with the death of the 3-year-old son of Charles White, a Beaver Creek rancher, led to a coroner's investiga tion Thursday afternoon. The little youngster died Wednesday afternoon, after drinking part of a cup of whis key, which the little tot managed to get hold of in some way, it is alleg ed. The investigation was held at the White home out in the Beaver Creek country, and the findings had not been made public up to Courier press time. Acting Coroner Sievers con ducted the investigation, in the ab sence of Coroner Hempstead. BIG ESTACADA FIRE Cary Bros. Mercantile Co. Suffer Loss Amounting to $50,000 A disastrous fire at Estacada Tuesday night resulted in a $50,000 loss to the Cary Brothers' Mercantile Company, the most pretentious and largest store building in the city. Only valiant efforts of citizens and the volunteer fire denartment ravpH n most disastrous conflagration in wnicn tne entire business district and a laree portion of the residflnr-o Hio. trict would have been burned. The store was owned by McMinnville in terests, and was valued at $15,000.00 with a stock close on to $30,000.00. It is understood the store was insur ed. FUNERAL OF HENRY YOUNG Henry A. Young, one of the prominent Uregcjn pioneers, who died at 445 Larrabee' "oStraBt. Portland Thursday evening, February 11, after an niness or several months, was buried in that city the following Sun day, when manv o the old ninnnnrs of Oregon attended, to pay their last respects to one they had held in the highest esteem. Mr. Young was an Indian War veteran, and many of his old comrades of his post attended, taking part in the burial services. From a mill worker Mr. Yminw arose to owner of a large lumber mm located on the Columbia river. He was held in the hlii-hunt Aotonm by those employed by him and his associates in business. He was well known throuchout the state, havinn- been a resident of Portland for years, where he left large property interests. Mr. Younir has visited in this citv on many occassions, his daughter be ing Mrs. iiugh foster, of this city, who was at his bedside when his death occurred. Osteopaths To Meet The Bemi-annual meeting of the Oregon Osteopathic Association will be held on Friday and Saturday, Feb ruary 10-20 at the Multnomah Hotel, Portland. Important papers will be read and discussed such as "The Human Or ganism as an Adjustive Mechanism" by Dr. Howland, "Asthma" by Dr. Waldo; "The Relation of Vertebral Lesions to Nutrition" by Dr. R. W. Walten. Dr. Wimer-Ford will also contribute a paper. Special interest is centered in this meeting, as plans will be decided upon regarding the entertainment of the National Convention to be held in Portland next August, when over 2,000 osteopathic physicians will visit Oregon. Dr. J. A. van Brakle of Oregon City will read a paper on "Bacter iology and its Relation to Osteop athy." MURDER CLEW IS FOUND Autopsy Strengthens Theory Advanc ed by Deputy Sheriffs and Sus picion Points to Elderly Man That Forest Downs, the 18-year- old boy, whose body was found near Troutdale Monday night, was murder ed by a degenerate is the theory on which Deputy Sheriffs Phillips and Beckman and Deputy Coroner Smith are now pursuing the investigation. The deputies say they believe that the murderer was an elderly inmate of the County Farm. M. L. Russell and J. C. Conkle, who were pruning trees in an orchard near the scene of the murder ,saw Downs enter the wood where the body was found about 7:15 A. M. It is their description that ' the deputies rely rely upon to identify the murderer. ' The murder is the fourth of the kind committed in this vicinity in re cent years. The others were: Bar bara Holzman, murdered at Williams avenue and Russell street; the Hill family of four persons, murdered at Ardenwald Station, and Daisy Wehr man and her child, killed in Columbia County. STRICKLAND TELLS OFTWIUGHT SLEEP OREGON CITY PHYSICIAN SAYS THAT FAMOUS REMEDY IS NOT NEW TO PROFESSION MANY MEDICS FROWN ON USE TWILIGHT SLEEP ADVISABLE IN SOME CASESHAS BEEN USED HERE BEFORE Editor Courier: Since the advertisement of the Twilight Sleep appeared in the Enter prise about a week ago, I have had many enquiries regarding the same. I wish to state to the Public through your columns that the twilight sleep remedy in obstetrics and minor sur gical work is not new to the medical profession in this country. About six or seven years ago it was thoroughly discussed in the med ical journals published on this coast and elsewhere in the U. S, The ma jority of physicians have not taken to it kindly and most of them have dis continued its use. In rapid, painful labors it acts very nicely, but in slow cases its use ' is contradicted as blue babies result, and are very hard to resuscitate and some have been still-born from its 5. This has been the verdict of those who have reported its use thru the medical journals, and coincides with my personal experience, which extends over a period of eight years here in and around Oregon City. The last case I used the Twilight remedy in was Mrs. Wm. G. Hett man 226 Monroe St, Jan. 12, 1915, an nouncing to her at the time the treat ment used. Her labor was rapid and painfull, therefore I considered) it Bafe and it acted very nicely. The treatment is very simple and any physician or nurse ean use it, as -it requires no skill. It consists of a hypodermic injection of Morphine and Scopolamine, repeating the scopola mine portion as required. In conclusion will say that in booming this remedy we must be cautious and not forget the Fried mann Turtle Serum, which over shadowed the Twilight Sleep remedy at one time. Often an enthusiast only needs more experience to make him more conservative and safe. Respectfully, M. C. Strickland, M. D. HIGHLAND Say, did you hear about the time we had at the Grange hall on the 13th ? Let me tell you about it. We had the finest time and nicest crowd you ever got mixed up with. The entertainment was rendered without a hitch, the Canemah boys being there with their music and brought the house down. Then the baskets were were sold by Mr. Dix, Mr. Clyde Ringo making the highest bid, getting half his money back as a premium. Then, while the folks ate their lunches in the dining room down stairs the seats were cleared away and the dance be gan, li there was anyone there that night that didn't have a good time we failed to find them. At 5:30 o'clock the party broke up and all went home in the finest humor. It is reported the Carver rail road now building from Portland to the Baker Bridge, will cross the Clacka mas river and be extended up Clear Creek to Viola and on to Colton. It comes from good authority and we hope it is true as a railroad would open up one of the finest parts of Clackamas county. We have as good sou as lies out of doors and as for water it is needless to speak of it as all know the pure water from the Cascades is a good as there is in the world. We notice that many of our neigh bors are making some improvements, such as building fences, clearing land, making new .buildings of one kind and another. Though times are hard with us on account of the scarcety of money in circulation, we still move on slowly and hope for better times when the war in Eourope ends as it seems the war is the only excuse the money deal ers have for hard times and the high cost of living. We understand Mr. Martin, the road supervisor of the Viola district, is soon to build some more road between Viola and Mr. Creason's saw mill, or in fact is to finish up the space not planked between the two places, then we will have a good road all the way to Viola. Arvid Hanson is making some mis sion style furniture for Mr. Palmer but on account of the fir lumber which he is using shrinking bo badly, he can not do first classwork. . No one kicking about the Oregon weather is there? If there is, they must be chronical kickers. . The following letters are uncalled for at the Parkplace Postoffice: Mr. Wm. Walker, Mrs. A. A, Gabriel (card); Mrs. Mary Stevans, (card); Mr. Ed Snow, (card); Miss Louise Osburn (card); Mrs. Inez Voriez, (card). . -