tW&JW5(W""''",wtV "rwwp"Srw t?f&TJSf jpyjp,jjr "Ww"--" em Lower Columbia .Salmon Trust Not:Meeting Expectations. SEVERAL CANNERIES TO CLOSE Kinney, Hanthorn and Other Old 'Tixne Packers .Looking for IO- cations on Puget Sound. Astoria apparently is tiring of the sal mon trust- The combine is not showing up the way the people and the cannery men who, put their canneries into it thought it would. As a result, several of the old-time packers are looking for lo cations on Puget sound, and the trust is reported to be figuring on closing down several of Its plants lor the purpose of reducing expenses. The Astoria Herald denounces the trust, and says that no one knows its power nor the banef uf Influence that will be ex ercised by it In the future. The Herald adds: "It is a well-known fact that nearly all of the canneries went Into a combine one year ago. Some of the cannerymen re ceived part cash and part stock. Mr. El more took $250,000 in stock in the combine, and he and Mr. Hammond virtually own the entire salmon business of the Colum bia river. What will be the result? In less than two years, every salmon pack ing company on the Columbia river will be driven out of business, and Hammond and Elmore will do the salmon business of the Columbia river. By the organ ization of the combine, B. A. Seaborg, M. J. Kinney, J. "W. Cook, George & Bar ker, J. O. Hanthorn and the Scandinavian cannery have been driven off the river, their canneries closed, and they are mak ing arrangements to start canneries on the Sound. Over $1,000,000 will be taken out of Astoria this year and Invested on the Sound. B. A. Seaborg was driven out of the city. M. J. Kinney was driven out of the city, J. O. Hanthorn vras driven out of the city and George & Bar ker have been driven out of the city for the reason that they went into the com bine, and are now sorry that they did so." The trust, or combine, as It is called by Astorians, is known as the Columbia River Packers' Association. It was or ganized in January, 1899, with $2,000,003 capital. Shortly after its organization, H absorbed the canneries of the following persons and firms: J. W. and V. Cook, 'B. A. Seaborg, J. O. Hanthorn & Co., Fishermen's Packing Company, Elmore & Co., M. J. Kinney and 'George & Barker.J Some of the canners received money, and' all of them took stock. In the process of absorption about $1,700,000 of the stock was issued, and the remainder is being held in the hope of getting hold of the in dependent canneries on the upper and lower river, particularly the latter. The canneries which did not join the trust are the Cutting Packing Company, A. Booth & Co., Fishermen's Co-operative Packing Company, P. J. McGowan & Sons, F. M. "Warren, Pillar Rock Packing Company, J. G. Megler and Scufert Bros. The principal objects of the trust are to reduce expenses and control the output and prices. "Whether the trust succeeded in cutting down expenses last year Is known only to its officers, but It signally failed in the effort to control the output and prices. It packed 102,000 cases of the spring pack of 27S.800, and 17,500 cases of the fall pack of 41,350 cases. Its total pack was 119,500 cases of a total pack of 320, 150 cases, or 37 per cent. The price of raw fish was forced very high last Tear by the competition of the cold-storage men. This competition reduced the pack by 55,000 or 36,000 cases. The annual meeting of the stockholders of the combine will be held at Astoria next Thursday. Little in addition to the usual routine business will be done, but It Is expected that the directors to be elected will keep four of the combine's seven canneries closed this year. Two -will be run at Astoria and either the Cook cannery, at Clifton, or the George & Barker plant, at Eagle Cliff. Cannery men who understand the situation say this policy will save money to the com "bine, as it will enable it to dispense with a number of superintendents and clerks and reduce the number of employes in the canneries and of fishermen on the river. The combine affects Portland's Inter ests to a large extent. In old times, -when the canneries were Independent, Port land's banks did a business with the can neries about equal to the value of the -sal-man pack. One effect of combination has been to make New York the financial headquarters of the. Columbia river fial mon industry, Instead of Portland and Astoria. A. B. .Hammond, the promoter of the Astoria railroad, is the great mag nate of this trust, and his financial con nections are -with the East and not with Oregon. It is intimated that when the trust gets things arranged io suit It self, it will establish company stores and require its employes to patronize them. If IL should do this, a severe blow would he given to Astoria's trade. However, there is no confirmation of the report, and it Is referred to here only because the plan lias been suggested as one w.thln the power of the trust. The trust may do with Its canneries as It pleases, as it has a lead-pipe cinch on them, hut It cannot keep their former owners out of the packing business. George & Barker, J. O. Hanthorn, B. A. Seaborg and M. J. Kinney are looking for locations on Puget sound. It Is re ported that they have found, good ones not far from Port Townsend. J. W. Cook is looking over the Sound country, but his plans have not been revealed. C. "W. Fulton, of Astoria, who -was in town yesterday, said the closing of sev eral of the canneries -would not seriously affect the salmon Industry on the Lower Columbia. "Three canneries can handle the pack of the Lower Columbia and do the work much cheaper than seven can," said Mr. Fulton. "The pack would be the same, the price paid for raw fish the same and the number of fishermen and boats the came. The only difference would be that the number of superintend ents and clerks -would be reduced. Not more than 20 men would be affected." Senator Fulton took no stock in the re port that the combine is contemplating the establishment of 'company stores. TOO HEAVY ON BREWERS. War Tax All sorbs One-Fourth of the Gross Receipts. Local brewers are very' much dissatisfied with the present tax on their product, -which is 100 per cent higher than formerly on account of the war-revene act A bar rel of beer brings In the local market $8. The tax on it is $2, or 25 per cent, which, the brewers say, is altogether out of pro portion to the war tax on other com modities. It is rumored that one large brewer sold his plant because he could not make any money on his beer after paying the tax. Certain it Is that all brewers consider It a hardship, and feel that the government has dealt with" them un justly. Paul "Wessinger, of the "Welnhard brew ery, in speaking cf the matter yesterday, said: "Of course, we expect to be taxed, and we do not object to a reasonable taxa tion, but when the government demands 25 "per. cent of the gross receipts of the brewers', we think we have a right to complain. Our entire income is from the sale of beer. It costs a great deal to manufacture our product. "We have a large Investment in our plant, we pay heavy taxes to the city, and the cost of operation, labor, fuel and wear and tear is great "Now, when the government gets 25 per cent, not of the profits, but of the gross receipts, out of which all our ex penses must be paid, you can see that there Is not a great deal of money In the business. "The manufacture of beer Is a legitimate industry, like any other manufacturing enterprise. It gives employment to many men, and puts"u great deal of money In circulation. "Why should the government single out this Industry and impose on It such excessive taxation. Increasing the .tax 100 per cent by the war revenue act? There is no justice in such a course." Brewers all over the country are Eaid to object to the war tax, and it is ru mored that a strong effort to secure re lief from the present congress will be made. As a rule, the brewers have paid their tax without protest, and have expressed a willingness to bear their full share of the expenses of the government. But they think lq this instance that they are pay ing more than the government has a right to ask of them, and they are a unit In favor of a lower rate. a i EAST SIDE CHURCH ROBBED Centenary Methodist Church Stripped of Electric Light Globes. The Centenary Methodist church, on East Pine and East Nintn streets, was broken Into after the services Sunday night, and every electric globe that could be reached was stolen. Some of the globes In the chandeliers in the auditorium are out of reach, and these were the only' ones that were left untouched. Entrance into the church was effected through a rear door by what seemed to be a skele ton key. The robbery was discovered yesterday morning, when the church was first opened "by the janitor. A basketful of the globes was secured, as there are many lights all through the church audi torium, the Sunday school room and' the basement rooms, so that the loss is be- tween $5 and $10. Several times the" church has been entered and a few globes taken, but no such clean sweep was made as Sunday night Eight weeks ago the church was entered and a few articles taken. The burglars are supposed to be the same ones who have been periodically robbing churches, and only last week stole the glohes from the Westminster Pres byterian church. At St. David's church which was robbed twice of electric globes, 1 further loss has been prevented by col lecting the globes after night services and storing them. In some safe place where thieves cannot have access. This Is about the only protection churches have, as they are not occupied at night. There are now few churches on the "East Side that have not been visited by bur glars. To Fence School Property. jAmong the improvements discussed at the-school -meeting." In tief .Woodstock 41?-. trlec-Baturday'viilgJIt -Wasiithe matter pi grading and fencing the ground surround ing the schoolhouse. For some time it had been considered aavisable that the school lot should be fenced, but by some It is thought that, as streets are not graded at "Woodstock, and that it will be a long time before they are graded, it would be better to smooth the surface of the ground and build the fence. To grade at present wnl necessitate a cut of about four feet on one side, leaving a perpendicular bank on that side for an indefinite period. It is likely that the fence only will be built, and by the time It has decayed perhaps the city will have extended that far. out and streets will be required. Passed East Morrison Street. The driver planting piles for the sec ondary switch on East Second street for the accommodation of the warehouses south of East Morrison street passed the latter street yesterday. "While driving piles through the elevated roadway the street-cars -were, stopped both east and west of East Second, and passen gers were transferred. The trolley wires and the network of telephone and other wires had to be cut and lowered to al low the driver to pass, and It has taken several days to get across the roadway, but It has been accomplished, and there will be no more interference with the street-cars. Special Religious Services. Special services will be continued at the Sunnyside Methodist church, under the charge of the pastor, Dr. Starr. Last night W. R. Insley, president of the Epworth League, conducted the introductory cerv ices. The music is 'under the charge of C. A. "Walker. Dr. Starr is doing the preaching every night, and getting along without help outside of his own church. The meetings are being held every night. So far the attendance lias been excellent, and Interest increasing. At the Second. Baptist church, East Sev enth and East Ankeny streets, special services will be continued through the week. Rev. Ray Palmer, the pastor, is being aided by Rev. Alexander Blackburn, of the White temple. All are Invited to be present. Fruit Is All Right. Fruit and strawberries seem to be all right, according to the observation and judgment of Edward Peterson, of South Mount Tabor, and who is one of the pro prietors of the Oregon cannery, on East Seventh street. He made this state ment yesterday, and his experience as a fruitraiser gives his expression weight. He said that the buds in his fruit trees were not swelling, and he thinks the fruit generally Is all Tight so far. The straw berries had been blooming all winter, but that would cut no figure. Mr. Peterson has an extensive fruit farm, and his father also has much fruit. Captain Nat H. Lane's Funeral. The remains, of Captain Nat H. Lane are expected to arrive .from Spokane this morning. 'Mrs. Lane was prostrated and could not come yesterday. Her mother, Mrs. Lee, of the East Side, went to Spokane to accompany her daughter to Portland. No arrangements for the funeral will be made until today, when the announcements may be made. Cap tain Lane died of an attack of pneumonia. He was In Portland a short time ago, when he contracted a severe cold, which was probably aggravated by his home ward trip, resulting in his being attacked by pneumonia. East Side Xotes. Fidelity lodge, No. 4, A. O. U. "W will pay Anchor lodge, of Sunnyside, a frater nal visit -this evening, a. pleasant time is expected. Mrs. J. E. Mitchell, of Montavllla, went to The Dalles Saturday to attend the funeral of her niece. Miss Gilmore, who died from Injuries, by being burned. The special school meeting of the Mon tavllla district will take place tomorrow evening at the schoolhouse, for the pur pose of levying a tax to pay interest on bonds, and transact such other business as may come up. "While the district is In good condition, there is the usual in terest in the meeting. Some good work has just been com pleted on East Twenty-nrst street from Powell to Bush streets. The sidewalks have been generally repaired. At the In tersection of East Twenty-first and Pow ell streets new crosswalks have been put down, and the Intersection cleared of mud. As a heavy travel comes in on the Pow ell road. It Is hard to keep the Intersec tion cleared. Engine No. 8 was called out to 500 Van couver avenue yesterday by a still alarm. It "was a chimney fire in a house occu pied by Mr. Cunningham. No damage re sulted. A chimney fire also occurred in the house occupied by W. J. McKInney, on the corner of East Sixth and East Pine streets, last evening. A great flame poured from the chimney. There was no alarm. No damage resulted. THE MOENING IN THE SEVERAL COURTS SUIT FOR DAMAGES BT AN UPSET FROM A TRAP DOOR. Physician Seek Compensation, for Injuries Occasioned by a Sidevrallc Cellorrvay Court Notes. Dr. J. C. Taylor has commenced an action agalnest Eugene Hoch, a liquor dealer, in the state circuit court, to re cover $2500 damages for injuries sustained on December 25, 1899, In falling against a trap door at the northeast corner ot Fourth and "Washington streets. Tue plaintiff avers that it -was the duty of the aeienaant carefully to guard the trap door, and that he failed to do so, and that while plaintiff was walking along the street at 7 o'clock in the evenlnff the door was raised from beneath. Taylor IS NOW AN MAJOR THEORORE J. ECKERSON CELEBRATED HIS SOTH BIRTHDAY. Major Theodore J. Eekerson, a retired officer of the "United States army, celebrated the 80th anniversary of hla birth yesterday. Major Eekerson resides with his wife at 575 Couch street, Is hale and hearty and in perfect possession, of all his faculties. Both Major Eek erson and his wife are Oregon pioneers, having come to the state Ma"y 8, 1840, after a voyage of six months from, New York on the United States Steamship Massachusetts, with the first detachment of troops sent to Oregon, consisting of two companies of artillery, under the com mand of Major J. S. Hathaway, First regiment. United States artillery. Major Eekerson made a fine record In th Oregon Indian wars; waB In the Seminole; Indian war in Florida, in the war with Mexico and in the civil war. He enlisted as a private in the army at the age of 18 years, after serving1 an apprenticeship of soven years in the printing business In New York. He served as private, corporal, sergeant, first sergeant and acting sergeant - major in infantry andt artillery for 13 years. He was In the battles of Palo Alto, Besaca de la Palma and Monterey. He was at Vera Cruz, Cerro Gordo, Contreras, Cherubusco, Chapultepec, Garita de Belen, and helped to capture the City of Mexico. A letter of General Grant to President Lincoln, upon which Major Eekerson was appointed captain, is in his possession, and is as follows: "Headquarters Armies of the United States, City Point, Va., Feb. 3, 18e5 To the Presi dent of the United States: I most heartily approve, the application of Theodore J. Eekerson for the appointment of assistant Quartermaster in the regular army. He has served for more than 25 years in the army, and has maintained a high character. He is very efficient, and well acqualntedrwlth the duties of almost every department of the service. I know him per sonally, and can vouch for what I say of him. He will make a most excellent quartermaster to have on the Pacific coast, where he has been long and favorably known. "U. S. GRANT. Lieutenant-General." Two of Major Eckerson'e eons are commissioned officers in the United States army, and his two daughters are the wles of army officers. Major Eekerson hold diplomas and medals for distinction in the Grand Army of the Republic, the Mexican war, the Loyal Legion, Sons of the American Revolution, Society ot Foreign "Wars and Indian "Wars of the Northwest Pa clflo coast. A bill Is now pending In congress providing for the promotion one grade of army officers or the retired list who were in the regular army from 1661 to 1865. Should this bill become a law Major Eekerson would receive the rank and pay of .lieutenant-colonel. says this caused, him to be thrown vio lently forward against the door, and that he received serious bruises on the pelvis, wrist and knees, and Is permanently in jured. He asserts that on account of his condition he has been unable to give his professional practice attention, and has as a consequence sustained serious losses. Divorce Suits. Francis "B. Jones has sued Maria L. Jones for a divorce, because of cruei treatment. The complaint recites that they were married in this state in Sep tember, 1SS8, and "that within the last four years the defendant has Inflicted personal indignities upon the plaintiff, and. has been guilty of cruelty toward him. Mr. Jones avers that his wife has falsely accused him of infidelity, and has called him vile names, and has nagged and. harassed him to such an extent as to render his life burdensome. Minnie A. Miller has filed suit against "William -E. Milter for a dissolution of the matrimonial bonds, on the ground of de sertion. She alleges that they were married in this county In August, 1893, and that he abandoned her on November 18, 1893. There are no children and no property In controversy. Harry H. Merges has begun suit against Maggie May Merges, for a divorce, on ac count of desertion, said to have occurred in November, 1S98, The litigants were married in Portland, November 25, 1897. Anna M, Atkinson desires the bonds of matrimony existing between her and William E. Atkinson dissolved, becauso of cruel treatment. They were wedded in this city In 1891, and there is one child the Issue of the union, of which the plain tiff asks the custody. The plaintiff avers that her husband has consorted with lewd women notwithstanding her remonstrance, and that on July 4, ,1899, being unable longer to put up with insults and indig nities which., he has heaped upon her, she left Tiim. Elizabeth Battice is named as corespondent. Mrs. Atkinson has obtained an order of court restrain ing the defendant from taking the child from her, which, she says, he has threat ened to do. Probate Court. Ella Gately was appointed administratrix of the estate of Ellen Gately, deoeasea, valued at $1500. The heirs are Mary Lepper and Ella Gately, daughters. D. Q. Tomasina was appointed adminis trator of the estate of Elizabeth Fowler, deceased, valued at $1200. The heirs are Mrs. Alice M. Tomasina, a daughter, and George U. Fowler, the husband. The inventory and appraisement of the estate of Thomas Briody, deceased, was filed. The total valuation is $1777. The inventory and appraisement of the estate of Artemus J. Comstock, deceased, was filed. The estate consists of shares of stock in the American District Tele graph Company and United Carriage Com pany, valued at $4-127. The semiannual report of the partner ship estate of the Ellis Printing Company was filed, showing $4345 receipts, and $421ff expenditures. Labbe Bros, were allowed to withdraw a petition in the matter of. the estate of OREGONIAN, TUESDAY, JAJTOARY 23, 1900. Charles J. Gallagher, deceased, asking that Katie E. Glldner, the administratrix, show what has become of about $3000 -which Gallagher deposited In a bank a. short time before his death. There was no mention of the jnoney In, the inventory. Labbe Bros, are creditors of the estate. Three Years lor Larceny. P. Vrlborg, convicted of larceny of $70 from William Pierce, was sentenced to three years in. the penitentiary by Judge George. Vrlborg was at liberty on bonds, and was wanted for sentence a month ago, 'but he could not be found. He was ar rested several days ago, and explained to the court that he had been working at Goble, and was not aware that his pres ence in court was desired. Ke was allowed to go after his convlctI6n, pending the dis posal of a motion for a new trial, which the court finally denied. Judge George questioned Vrlborg closely concerning his employment at Goble, and jthe man answered that he had a position in a sawmill, and earned $7. He was trying to earn money enough to appeal his case to the superior court. The crime of which Vrlborg was convicted was perpe- OCTOGENARIAN trated at the Good Samaritan hospital, where he was working at the time. Will lam Pierce, the victim, was a convales cent patient. A surety company furnished the bail for "Vriborg, and the agent is doubtless relieved to be rid of the re sponsibility. Petitions in Bankruptcy. GeoTge B. Mllroy, of Albany, merchant, yesterday filed a petition in Tmnkruptcy In the United States court. His liabilities amount to ?1945 lo. His assets consist of household goods, valued at $125, and ex empt. Lucella P. Bears has filed a petition In the United States court asking that Rob ert Hamlin, of Latourell Falls, be de clared a bankrupt. Petitioner is a cred itor of said Hamlin, having a private claim amounting to $500 in excess of her securities. It is alleged that Hamlin's debts amount to $1000, and his creditors are less than 12 in number. It is further alleged that Hamlin Is insolvent, and within the past four months committed an act of bankruptcy by transferring all his property by a bill of sale to C. A. Aylsworth, his partner, with intent to prefer him over his creditors. SuHs Filed. May E. Gilbert has begun an action In the state circuit court against C. E. Han son and wife, and Nancy Hanson, to re cover $400 on a note. C. P. Elwert has commenced suit against P. H. Marlay, alleging that she is the owner of lots 2 and 3, block 72, Caruthers' addition to Caruthers addition, and that the defendant claims an Interest in the same adverse to that of the plaintiff. The plaintiff also avers that she is the owner of 40x100 on Eleventh street, and 30x100 In the same locality, In which defendant claims an Interest. He Is asked to state what this interest consists of. Marlay purchases tax titles. J. Manning has sued A. J. Donaldson and wife to recover $45 for goods, ana "has caused lots 2, 3, 4, 7 and 8, in block 1, Carter's addition, East Portland, to be attached. Decisions. Judge Sears will announce decisions this morning at 9:30 o'clock in the following cases: Carl O. Johnson vs. Portland Granite & Stone Co.; motion to make complaint more definite and certain. State of Oregon, ex rel. A. Caswell vs. W. Patterson; quo warranto on merits. Frank Allen vs. Young's Grocery Com pany; motion to restrain clerk from issu ing further execution. "Plagrue Take These Chinamen!" New York Tribune. General Fitzhugh Lee recently told this story about his name: Itwas after he had gone to Cuba, apd the manipulators of tn telephone were not very familiar with his name and reputation: "What name is that?" asked one oper ator? "Lee Fitzhugh Lee," was the response. 'Spell it, please," "F-1-t-z-h-u-g-h L-e-e." "Thank you. Plague tako these Chinamen!" NEWS FROM THE ORIENT MOCSMOUfTHSHIRE BRINGS LATE JAPAN PAPERS. Japanese Provisioning Soldiers The Plague in Osaka "Wreck of the St. "Helens. . On the steamer Monmouthshire, which arrived from the Orient yesterday, were several packages of Hong Kong and Jap anese papers, the latest of which was the Kobe Chronicle of December 30. The only Oriental war news of importance Is the announcement that the Japanese govern ment is laying in a supply of dried plums for provisions for Its troops. Many items are printed about the plague, which was increasing in Osaka, but seemed to bo under fair control in Kobe. The J3oer war is the topic to which the most space is devoted, most of the intel ligence coming from England. None of the news from the Philippines Is late. The Colonists have all subscribed liberally to assist" the English government In carrying on the war. In the columns of the papers were found the following items: Rumors of "War Preparations. Another interesting piece of informa tion reaches us from a trustworthy source, having a bearing on the rumors of mili tary preparations that are being made. According to this report, the Japanese war office has ordered a large quantity of umeboshl of a certain dealer, for the use of the army. Umeboshl are a de scription of pickled and dried plums, which are In great favor with Japanese military authorities, as they occupy little space and can easily be carried by troops on the march. They are given with the object of stimulating the eating of rice, which otherwise is unpalatable unless accom panied by condiments of some sort. The plum being a food in Itself, Is naturally considered superior to condiments, and therefore was largely used in the recent war by troops in the field, at times when it was Impossible to add fish or ilesh to the ration of rice. There is also a rumor that large num bers of horses are being mustered at Hiroshima, Of course, supposing that these reports or rumors are well based, they may have their explanation simply in the fact that Japan is determined to be "prepared for all emergencies. Another Open Port. Kobe Chronicle, December 30. An imperial ordinance has been issued announcing that the port of Itozaki, Bingo, has been added to the list of open ports. The ordinance will take effect from the 1st of June next. Reported Action of Russia. A telegram has been received In Tokio, stating that the governor of VJadivostock has distributed 600 soldiers at Important places, and has made an attack on the Chinese. Plafruc Quarantine Regulations. Kobe Chronicle, December 29. In the Kobe infectious diseases hospital, the lymph from France Is reported to have been tried on a patient, a baby from Ono, aged 3, but with no effect The baby subsequently died, but it was already much exhausted before the lymph was administered. Morlta Miyo, the operative in the employ of the Kanekln Spinning & "Weaving Com pany, who was recently affected by plague, died at about 6 P. M. on the 26th Inst. The plague lymph from France was administered to her, but was of no avail. A young girl, aged 13, another op erative in the mill, who lived in the same room with Morlta Miyo, became sick a few days ago, and was Isolated at the mill. She has now been removed to the Monoyama Infectious diseases hospital. No bacilli have been found in her blood, but her case is treated as a suspicious one. Another operative is reported to be ill. A Member of the JDiet Attacked. Kobe Chronicle, December 13. . Mr. Hoshino, a member of the diet for Chtba prefecture, was attacked by a party of five soshi in a teahouse at Karasumori on the 8th inst., while he was In conver sation with his political friends after the diet had been closed. Mr. Hoshino wa3 slightly Injured. The attack was in re venge for his action In leaving the Im perialist party and voting for the three tax restoration bills. An Alleged Nugget of Gold. It is stated that in August last a nug get of gold, about nine ounces in weight. was found by a woman at the outlet of the No. 1 tributary of the Urlnmel fiver, at Tombetsu-mura, Kitami province, Hok kaido. Such a large nugget of gold be ing very rare in Japan, the inhabitants of the village arranged to purchase the specimen and present it to hi3 Imperial highness the Crown Prince, and a mes senger is now on his way to the Crown Prince bearing the present. Stamping: Out the Plagrue. Kobe Chronicle, December 1L The methods of the authorities for stamping out the plague in Kobe are causinr some comment on the ground of want of thoroughness. "While, for In stance, the proprietor of a factory where more than 10 operatives are employed is ordered to engage a doctor at his own expense to examine all the men every morning and report the result to the au thorities, we are told by the Kobe Shim bun that during the past few day3 some houses have not been visited at all by the health officials, who are supposed to be going around the .houses examining the health of the inhabitants. We know of many houses in the poorer quarters which have not been visited by such officials for days. A writer to the Kobe Shimbun states that it is quite right to isolate the places where the plague occurs, but points out that as long as the police are allowed to freely go in and out of the Isolated area the isolation is useless. Baron Miyoji Ito. Japan Times. "We are happy to be able to state .that Baron Ito, who has been seriously ill for the past few days from inflammation of the lungs, Is making fair progress to ward recovery. His condition Is still bad, but ltis believed that the worst is over, and that, unless unexpected complications arise, he is now out of all danger. WreOlc of Steamer St. Helena. Hong Kong Daily Press, December 20. The steamer St. Helens, of 3994 tons register, belonging to the European Pe troleum Company, limited, was on a voy age from Hong Kong to Singapore when on the night of the 14th of November, during heavy weather and with a high sea running, she struck the Bombay rock, on the Paracels, about 420 miles from Cape St. James. When it was seen that the damage was too great to be repaired the crew, consisting of six Europeans and 45 Chinese, decided to abandon the ship. For five days they remained in the neigh borhood, hoping to be picked up by some vessel, but, nothing coming in sight, they returned to the wreck, which was gradually but slowly sinking. They re mained on board eight days, when the captain, seeing that the vessel was about to disappear, put all the water and pro visions he could collect Into the- boats and left. Fifteen days of terrible suffer ing from hunger, thirst and the heat were experienced, and then they arrived at Cape St. James, much exhausted. One boat, with five Chinese, was lost The survivors will be sent to Singapore at the first opportunity. Plagrue Scare Abating:. Japan Gazette, December 26. The Kobe city officials have passed n. resolution In favor of abolishing the sys tem of medical Inspection of travelers and others, which has been enforced since the outbreak of the plague. The Kobe Herald believes the decision of the San- jikai will be approved by most foreign I i residents, because of a conviction that the MARQUAIVi ONE WEEK BEGINNING MONDAY, JANUARY 29 BBEET'333f America s Greatest Light Opera Company. All the favorites an incomparable ensemble. Brilliant chorus and orchestra. REPERTOIRE Monday and Thursday Nights and Saturday Matinee - -The Smugglers Tuesday and Friday Nights The Serenade Wednesday and Saturday Nights Robin Hood Seats on sale Thursday morning at 10 o'clock. No orders received until after the line Is broken. Entire lower .floor ...,...$1.50 Balcony, first 3 rows .............. 1.50 Balcony, second 3 rows 1.00 Boxes and lodges ... system is at once mischievous and futile; mischievous by reason of Its effect Upon the mind of the public, and futile because it has yet to be shown that plague germs are disseminated and conveyed by travel ers. It is absurd to proceed, on the as sumption that every Individual may be Infected, yet this, our contemporary says, 13 what has been done In Kobe. Are the authorities able to say that the sys tem of Inspection at railway stations, landing places and so forth has led to the discovery of a single plague patient? They have seriously Inconvenienced and ham pered the movements of thousands of people, excited the unnecessary alarm of numbers living in towns and places near by, and it would bo some comfort to know that as an offset to this 'they have actually minimized the danger of Infec tion. Colonists Contribute to "War Fund. Japan Gazette, December 29 The council of the Straits Settlements have voted 550,000 to the war fund, dis tributable at Mr. Chamberlain's discre tion. Public subscriptions in the Straits will reach $50,000. In Hong Kong they al ready amount to 566,000. Coppers Are Scarce. To the Editor of the Dally Press-Sir: Notwithstanding the fact that the prices of all necessaries of life have been tre mendously enhanced of late, there is an other murderous ltom of expenditure and one .which with a little foresight could be avoided. I refer to the present scarcity of coppers, which affords an opportunity for the Chinese shopkeepers and money changers to levy a tax of 4 per cent when silver is exchanged for copper. To prevent a recurrence of this, the powers that be should keep on hand an Inexhaustible Bupply of coins of all values to meet pub lic requirements. Now that subscriptions are running for two most meritorious ob jects, would It not be well to help a little by reducing prices for air staple food? Even to keep them stationary and stop this continual rising would be something. Coolies get paid In silver, and it is a pity they lose on converting it into copper, thus adding to the killing cost of living. It is no wonder they live on less and poorer food and court disease. Tour3 truly. EXCHANGE. Hong Kong. Dec. 21, 1S99. P. S. The above refers more partic ularly to the Chinese population, who would rather suffer In silence than pros ecute their fellow-countrymen, with lots of police trouble to boot. Railway Accidents in Japan. Kobe Chronicle. Railway accidents have been rather common of late in Japan, and- the ques tions put to the government by Mr. Su geno and 35 other members of the lower house in the diet on Tuesday were very pertinent. Mr. Sageno Inquired what measures were adopted by the authori ties for the prevention of railway acci dents, collisions, derailment, etc., and sug gested that the number of railway acci dents recently may be due to want of skill on the part of the staff responsible for the running of the trains. The Interrog ators contended that the extension of the railway lines required a corresponding Increase in the staff, and to meet the re auirements the establishment of a "rail way school" to train the men was neces sary. Referring to the accident on "the Japan railway on the 7th of October last, in which a train was precipitated into the river Hokl. with serious loss of life, they point out that this was the most disastrous railway accident in the records of Japan, and ask for details of the inves tigations made by the authorities Into the causes of the disaster. Piracy in Canton "Waters. Hong Kong Press. A Canton correspondent sends us the following Instance of recent piracies: On the 13th inst., a Suntak boat laden with a cargo of rattan and carrying pas sengers was about to start for Kongmun. Pirates had ascertained that there were several hundred dollars on the boat, and four of them went on board as passen gers. The captain having got wind of the character of these passengers, asked them to leave. They, however, refused to go, and, producing revolvers and pointing them at the crew, compelled them to get ready to start. The alarm was raised, some people on shore sounded gongs, and a big crowd having collected, the pirates were about to be seized. They, however, slipped the ropes by which the boat was moored to the Jetty and shoved off. They were pursued by several small boats, and Just at this time a steam launch, named the Hung "Wing, having a Kongmun boat in tow, arrived, and the people on shore shouted out to her to pursue the pirates. The crew, be ing afraid of the vengeance of the pirates, at first hesitated, but upon the shore peo ple threatening them and commencing to fire upon them, they took up the chase. Another steam launch, the Lee Tlk, also arrived at this time, and she, too, joined In the pursuit- One pirate was killed, an other Jumped into the water and the rest escaped. On the 12th inst, a boat named the Kut Ghan, from Salchew to Canton, was at tacked about Wongkwakek by p'rates who had boarded her as passengers, and a large amount of booty was carried away. About the same time another boat, from Suntak to Canton, was attacked in mid voyage and between 52000 and 53000 worth of property was stolen. Ifotea From the Orient. The observance of Christmas-tide in Yo kohama was of the quietest character this year, a considerable number of residents having gone up country for the holiday. The price of rice, which at one time fell below 10 yen per koku, began to rise again lately, and quotations at present are much higher than they were at this time last year. The Straits government has received the following telegram from the government of "Western Australia: "Brlgantlne Ethel left Broome October 19 for Lagrang bay, to the northwest of "Western Australia, has not arrived. "When last seen, October CO, steering northerly direction past Lace pede Islands. Fear that Asiatic crew mutinied, murdered Ridell, master of ship, son and carpenter and stolen vessel. Shall esteem assistance from H. M. government In seizing vessel." Horse Plnyed 'Possum. There la a man who raises fine dogs for the market living a short distance out on the Powell road, east of Waverly, who had a rather amusing experience with one of his horses. He has two hnrsps isrhfch hnvo ecaan Vial- Vin-t-t. s3n.. regards age and service, still they bid A "'HSLTSij jff i GRAND ruKUYiN ntlLIG . rSIiteager. ai-4- Balcony, third 3 rows ........... .75 Balcony, last 3 rows .............. .50 Gallery . -.... .23 $10 00 fair to live for some time to come. One day last week one of the horses; "was found lying apparently dead. There did not seem to be a particle of life in him, as he lay stretched, out In the rear ott the barn, and the owner concluded ho would have the horse's hide taken off and then he would feed the fle3h to his dogs, thereby save money, as It is pretty ex pensive buying beef. He hitched the other horse to his apparently dead mate and hauled the carcass off some distance. The dead horse made no objection and seemed as dead as ever when the dog raiser started down town after a- butcher to come and tako the hide off and cut the animal up for feed for his dogs. Ho was gone some time before he could find th'e man he was after. When the two got back to the place the "dead" horse had been left, there was notnlng to be seen of the animal. They looked up in the treea and hunted around the brush, but with out success. They then went back to the barn, where, to their astonishment, they found the horse they were looking for, but alive and eating hay. o '- Criminal Cases. Judge George yesterday made an. order in the case of Annie Stebblns, a negres3, convicted of larceny of 5S0 from Andy Gross, that unless sho appear today for 'sentence, $250 cash bait deposited for her appearance will be forfeited. She wa3 permitted to leave the courtroom after her conviction, with the understanding that she would present herself to answer to the further proceedings of the court A deputy sheriff, who subsequently searched for her, was unable to find her. and she is supposed to have run away. Mr. Gllt ner, attorney for the state, yesterday asked that the ball be forfeited at once hut on the request of the attorney for Dan Mars the court allowed the matter to go over until today, and If the woman Is not on. hand, the final action will be taken. Marx is no doubt secured from loss. Jphn Allen, Indicted for larceny In a dwelling-house, was arraigned and pleaded not guilty, and B. P. Welch was appointed attorney to defend. The grand jury returned an Indictment against L. H. "Woodress, charging him with larceny of carpenters tools, the prop erty of H. C. Martin. Not a true bill was returned In the casa of Grace "Williams, charged with larceny from the persons of 530 from, C. Johnson. The casa of tho state of Oregon against a German countryman- named Bea? stecher, and a lawyer named! Schutz, came up yesterday before Judge George, on a motion for a now trial. Tho two defendi ants and another German, a neighbor ot Beerstecher, were convicted In the Jus tice court somo months ago of assault oa another neighbor and countryman, in a dispute over the possession of some land; two of them annealed the case to tha circuit court where another jury convict ed them, and Mr. McCoy, representing Beerstecher, argued that they wera wrongfully convicted. o Corn a Profitable Crop. Idaho Statesman. Corn keeps at a high price, and Immense quantities are being rushed to market. Whatever the wheat farmers have to com plain of, it is not shared by those who grow the king of American crops. Corn at 33 cents is far more profitable than wheat at two or three times that figure. The father? Gone for the doctor. The mother? Alone with her suffer- ing child. Willthedoc- tor never come ? Whenthere is croup in the house you can't getthedoc- ' tor quick enough. It's j too dangerous to wait. j Don't make such a mis i take again; it may cost a a life. Always keep on hand a dollar bottle of r It cures the croup at once. I hen when any one in the family comes down with a hard cold or cough a few doses of the Pectoral will cut short the attack at once. A 25 cent bottle will cure a miserable cold; the 50c. size is better for a cold that has been hanging on. Kesp ifcs dollar ohs on hssi. 'About 25 years ago I came near aying wnn consumption, mre was cured with Ayer's Cherry Pectoral, Blnco which tune I have kept Ayei's medicines in the house ana recom mend them to all my mends." Jan.lG,18C9. IristoltTt. Write the Doctor if YSaJiBTO any coinpiaint -jttuitaTQr una "desire tbo best raedicnl aatiW writ bt ificor -n5J . iiauivas i . Dr. Ji Ci .y3iJ,rfowii, jstaas. to illiipl H JrJb XwmaM wSWIx L'l