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About Morning Oregonian. (Portland, Or.) 1861-1937 | View Entire Issue (Jan. 25, 1900)
13 THE MOBNING- OEEGONIAN, THURSDAY, 'JANUARY 25, 1900. ONLY TEN DAYS MORE OF THIS oiir - r j ck. 4 ; ....GRAND BARGAIN CARNIVAL.... 22dAnnual Clearance Time speeds rapidly. Don't'wait un til the last day. You'll stand small chance for satisfactory buying amid the eager throngs. Come at once. You can make no better investment than by buying at a profit of from 10 to 33& per cent on every dollar. Our entire stock is selling that way now. On small or broken lines clearance specials prices are badly wreckqd, , . A profit of full 50 per cent for you here. More in some cases. -A Chance of Importance More than the usual, as advanced prices in all lines make manufac turers' cost higher than our prices are now. e e Sale $$bmanfflfifcfr o 0- - - : fin Auuinunt -r: II-lriL 3 ,' -?''- Ms , - TO THE , -? ". - ? lUATroiAi ocmi tr-rmfcjc ON OLDS & KING OLDS & KB J. B. MONTGOMERY DEAD ENERGETIC RAILROAD BUIZDER AND CONTRACTOR. Sketch of. His Career as a, Tonng 31 an in the East Work on Pacific Coast. James S. Montgomery, one of the best known citizens of Portland, died yester day afternoon at 4:30 P. 3L, at his resi dence, 251 Seventh street, after an illness of .nearly -a year and a half. His sickness really dated back to 1899, but his condition Tvas(;noj: considered serious until about four months ago, -when he was taken down, after which he did not leave his room. No arrangements have yet been made for the funeral. The following sketch of Mr. Montgom ery's life h taken from. "The History of Portland," written several years ago: "This well-known citizen, though not among those -who came to Portland at the earliest day of the city's history to lay here the foundation of municipal and commercial greatness, Js a prominent and representative man of the reinforcement that came when Portland was just be ginning her larger growth; and to this re inforcement much of the city's remarka ble progress is due. "James Boyce Montgomery was born at Montgomery's Perry, on the Susquehanna river, Pennsylvania, 25 miles north of Harrlsburg, December 6, 1832. He went to school until he -was 16 years of age, when he was sent to Philadelphia to leam the typographical art. During several years .he worked In the office of the Even ing Bulletin, of that city, and became an expert printer. By the year 1853 he had shown, to possess good qualities, and was tendered a position as associate editor on the Sandusky (O.) Daily Register, by Governor Henry D. Cook. In this posi tion he displayed So much vigor and abil ity that he was soon asked to take charge as editor of the Pittsburg Morning Post. This offer was accepted, and soon he be came one of the proprietors of the paper. The paper was successful under Mr. Montgomery's management, "but he saw wider opportunities for activity in the railroad development of Pennsylvania, Just then beginning. He sold his interest Sn the paper to Colonel James P. Barr, his partner, who continued its publication with success till his death, many years later. 'With two associates, Mr. Montgomery In 1858 took a contract to build a bridge across the Susquehanna river at Linden, Pa., for the Philadelphia & Erie railroad. The contract was completed with some profit, which opened the way to other un dertakings. In 1859 Mr. Montgomery took a contract to build the Bedford & Hope well railroad, in Pennsylvania, and In 1861, In association with Captain "William Dowthes, he undertook to build the Nes quehonlng Valley railroad, In the same state, but the breaking out of the civil war and the difficulty in obtaining labor caused a suspension of the work. Mr. Montgomery completed the road, how ever. In 1868-69. Meantime, he had con tinued, work at -Intervals as,.contractor far itfe Philadelphia & Erie road, and, In 1866, became one of the directors, In which position he remained until 1S69. Among other works executed by him was the construction of a wire bridge across the Susquehanna river at "Wililamsport, Pa. "Mr. Montgomery was also one of the owners of the charter of the Baltimore & Potomac railroad, and, in connection with Thomas A. Scott, George W. Cass, Joseph D, Potts and J. Donald Cameron, bore an active part in securing the construction and completion at this line between the city of Baltimore and the national cap ital. He was also Interested In the com pletion of 400 miles of the Kansas Pacific extending into Denver. His career as a contractor and builder was very active throughout this whole period, and very successful. His natural energy brushed .aside all obstacles and led him directly to the fulfillment of his purpose. "In 1S70 he came to the Pacific coast, and "in 1871 to Oregon. Upon his arrival lie offered to build the first portion of the Pacific -division of the Northern Pacific MlIrioiT nnfl Hi rnntrjirt wns jnrarrtpil him against JS other bidders. He built j over 100 miles of this railroad, and also erected the drawbridge over the Willam ette river at Harrlsburg, for the Oregon & California railroad. "In 1870 Mr. Montgomery went to Scot land for the purpose of organizing a com pany, which subsequently Tjullt or ac quired 163 miles of railroad in the "Willam ette valley. Of this road, Mr. Montgom ery himself built 78 miles. Arriving In Scotland, he brought about the desired organization of the company, contracted for rails at Stockton-on-the-Tees, and then proceeded to Dondon, where he char tered the ships St Ixmls and Childers to J bring the rails to this country. On the way across the Atlantic he had made the acquaintance on the steamer of Captain Gllmore, who Informed him that he was on his way to Cardiff to bring out the ship Edwin Reed with a cargo of rails for the "Willamette valley, to be used by a company organizing in Great Britain for constructing a line in the former place. Mr. Montgomery, by the celerity oJ his movements, not only was the first; itt,g?tting a company organized, but hadf his rails at Portland six weeks before Captain Gllmore arrived with the Edwin Reed. "In Oregon Mr. Montgomery has done much worK or various Kinds. He exe-J cuted for the government large contracts on the channels of the Columbia and Snake rivers, requiring the removal of great masses of rock, particularly at the JohnrDay rapids. He built and operated team sawmtlls at Skamokawa, on the Columbia, which were known as the Co- lumbla River Lumber & Manufacturing' Company's mills. He also constructed for lilmself large docks and warehouses on the water front at Albina. "Although an active man of business. Mr. Montgomery always took constant, Interest In politics. In early years he acted with the democratic party, but, dif fering from it on questions of slavery, he joined the republican party in I860 and voted for Abraham Lincoln. Since then he has steadily worked In the republi can ranks. He was a delegate from Ly coming county, Pennsylvania, to the re publican convention in that state in 1866, 1867 and 1S68, and In the convention of 1S6G was on the committee on resolutions with Thaddeus Stevens, "Wayne MacVeagh and others, reporting a resolution commending the nomination of General Grant for the presidency. This was the first state con vention to present the name of General Grant to the country as a presidential candidate. Although Mr. Montgomery felt a deep Interest in politics, he never until 1890 was a candidate for any office. The Mult nomah county convention that year nomi nated him for the legislature, and he was elected. In the year 1861 he was married to Miss Rachel Anthony, daughter of Hon. Joseph B. Anthony, of Lycoming county, Penn sylvania. This wife died in 1863, leaving one son. Mr. Montgomery was again married In 1866 to Miss MaryjPhelps, only daughter of Governor John S. Phelps, of Missouri. Mr. Montgomery was known as a man of great activity and energy. His mind was fertile in resources. A man of busl- ness and affairs, possessing great force of character, he allowed no obstacle to intimidate him, and was quite successful In his undertakings. Few men through. out the Northwest were so well known for the Intelligent energy that accom plishes whatever it proposes. The surviving children are Henry Moor head, Mary, Antoinette "Wood, Phelps, Eliza, Constance (Mrs. "Walter Burrell), Russell and Margaret In speaking yes terday of his father, Henry said:). "I Jiave several times heard"" my father say that if there was one thing he felt prouder of than another, It was the con- Every Article in Our Establishment IS THE ' CLOSING-OUT-SAIE OF ODD LOTS OF MUSLIN UNDERWEAR CLOSING-OUT SALE OF ODD LOTS OF LACE CURTAINS, PORTIERES, BLANKETS AND COMFORTS GREAT REMNANT SALE OF DRESS GOODS GREAT REMNANT SALE OF SILKS GREAT REMNANT SALE OF TAPESTRIES . GREAT SALE OF LACES AND EMBROIDERIES s9aeieeGec4iece9e99etcecoteoesssseeo MURDERED FOR HIS MONEY FIRST MATE OF AN AMERICAN SHIP BEATEN TO DEATH. William ICJrlc, of the Clarence S. Be. ment, Found in His Cabin The Boats-train Suspected. "William Kirk, first mate of the Amer ican ship Clarence S. Bement, died last evening at 8:30, from wounds received in his cabin some time between 10 o'clock Tuesday evening and 9 o'clock yesterday morning. His supposed murderer, a newly-shipped boatswain, has disappeared, and is still at large. Yesterday morning at 9 o'clock the door of Kirk's cabin was opened with some difficulty, by the second officer, J. P. Guthrie, and the watchman, J. J. Byrne, the only personsf on board the ship, who found Kirk lying In his bunk, covered with blood. The door had been locked on the outside-, arid the key taken away, so that it was evident the miscreant Inflict ing the wounds had locked the place after handle, used in scraping masts and decks. He found several sharp indentations in various parts of the skull, each of the blows having crashed through Into the brain. The Inquest will be held this af ternoon at 4:30. IN SONGR OF BURNS. Portland Scots "Will Celebrate Birthday Tonight. His t. , J. B. MONTGOMERY. fidence that a relative had shown in him after reaching manhood. This was espe cially prized because it came of an ac quaintance from birth. The incident oc curred In 1861, when father was about 27 years old. He then had accumulated very little property, but had need of $10,000 to carry on a business project He was then living 300 miles from General James K. Moorhead, who is the relative referred to. Father went to General Moorhead's resi dence, asked him to Indorse his note for $10,000, which was done, and the money secured Irom the Bank of Pittsburg, pay able In four months. At the expiration of the period he again needed $10,000, and he again asked the general to indorse for that amount General Moorhead. replied: " 'James, It is a good deal of trouble for me to indorse your notes every three or four months, and inconvenient for you to come out this distance. I can do some thing better.' He sat down and wrote out the following, which was addressed to an Eastern firm where the general had unlimited credit and money was much handier to father: " 'To Jay Cook & Co., "Washington, D. C Gentlemen: I will be responsible to the- amount of -?1QO,000 for moneys ad vanced to J. B. Mbntgomery. Respect fully;; - ' j. -k. moorhead "At the time father said he only thought of it as an act of "conspicuous" generosity on the general's part but subsequent years of experience convinced him that It was an act of great confidence In his integrity. General Moorhead never in quired Into the matter or spoke of it for nearly two years, and then he merely askeVf father, had- straightened matters up wtthjthe bank. XJpon ibeing 'answered in thevaffirmatlve, the subjeefwas dropped and never referred to by the general again." SMITH'S DANDRUFF POMADE Never-falls to stop itching scalp, cure dan druff or stop falling hair. Try it. Price 30c, at all druggists. Sample free. Ad dress jSmifh Bros., Fresno, CaL a a Your complexion, as well as your tem per. Is rendered miserable by a disordered liver. Improve both by taking Carter's Little Liver Pills. .Pianos Organs. JWIley B. Allen Co. adding robbery to the crime of murder. It was at first thought that Kirk was dead, and the coroner was notified, but on the arrival of the official it was found that the summons was premature, and the Injured man was taken to God& Sa maritan hospital, where the wounds were dressed by Dr. "Wheeler. The skull back of the left ear was found to be frac tured, and an ugly wound appeared just over the left eye. The attending physician had some hope of a temporary restoration to reason, In order that Kirk might make a statement, but, beyond a few wild, in coherent words, such as "Keep away from me," nothing was gained from him. Tho police consider the case a clear one of murder and robbery, as Kirk was known to have $400 of his own money in his cabin, and was also taking care of money for some of the crew. , None of this money was found by those who searched the cabin yesterday. The ves sel lies alongside the dock at the former site of "Weldler's mill, where she Is dls- charging ballast. Captain Fernaud, who Is now in San, Francisco, telegraphed yes terday afternoon to Captain James Watts, of Brown & McCabe, giving him charge of the vessel until Fernaud returns. The ship arrived recently from Shanghai, and Is to load wheat for Europe. Very little is known of the missing boatswain, and his name has not yet been" obtained by the police. He had been around Grant & Sullivan's sailor boarding-house for several days before ship ping on the Bement, and had been in the murdered man's company for several days previous to the murder, and the two were evidently very intimate, sharing the same berth aboard the vessel at times. The police, in working on the case, have locked up four sailors who - had been working on board In the daytime, but who stayed ashore at night. None of these men are suspected, but are held for whatever light they may be able to throw on the case. The murdered man was a native of New' England, and 61 years of a"ge. He te supposed to have a family at 42 prchard Place, New York city. Kirk was well liked by the sallow who worked under him, and they Tiave naught but kindly words for the murdered man. Dr. Wheeler held an autopsy on the body last night and thinks the wounds were made with a scraper used aboard ship a three-cornered tool, with a wooden Robert Burns will be remembered in Portland on this, the anniversary of his birthday. The Caledonian Club Is making elaborate preparations for a celebration this evening in honor of the man who sang to the people as no other Scotchman did. Hon. Gebrge H. Williams will deliver a characteristic address; that of itself would draw any admirer of Burns to list en. But, true to Scotch customs and affec tions, there will be othes. features of a more picturesque kind. National dances, songs and recitations will constitute a most attractive part of the programme. This is the 141st anniversary of Burns' birth. For-several years the day has been marked in most cities of the United Stales having a considerable Scotch population, by festivities and song. Portland has al ways been prominent In this respect. But, despite this record, the Caledonian Club propose to make a record tonight. There has been much in the air during the past few months to draw all Britishers togeth er, and former subjects of the isles regard their national events with especial fervor. So the love of Scotch for Burns will have greater heat this year. The programme outlined Is as follows: Selection on pipes Professor Moon Address by chief D. Henderson Song "There Was a Lad" James Ruddiman Oration Hon. George H. Williams Sctoch reel Misses Sharp, Forbes, Sharp and Black Song "The Aula Scotch Sangs" .....Miss Elizabeth Hoben Song "Burns and Scotland Yet" J. Sharp Sword dance . Professor Robertson, R Forbes, M. Sharp. Song "Bonnie Sweet Bessie" Miss Corach Song "Ye Banks and Braes" Mr. Macglll Highland fling Misses- Sharp, Forbes, Sharp and Black Recitation Selected Mrs. Katie Ham Duet "Blue Bells of Scotland" Hoben Brothers Sallprs' hornpipe Professor Robertson Club swinging Professor Voelker Shann Trews (by special request) Professor Robertson, R. Forbes, M. Sharp, Piccolo solo ..James Ruddiman "Willie Brewed a Peck 'o Maut" Clansmen Ruddiman, Macglll and Macklnley. "Auld Lang Syne" Care has been exercised In preparing this programme to secure what was impres sively Scotch or learned on Scotch sub jects. Professor Moon has a wide repu tation as a piper, and the pibroch tonight will be heard as it is where Scotchmen face the enemy. Professor Robertson ha3 danced the hornpipe before royalty, which is only an evidence of the skill he dis plays In this Interesting dance. Praise is due the officers and members of the club for their reverence and esteem. In refreshing the memory of Burns, they spread the influence of his works. The officers this year are: David Henderson, chief; John P. Fraser, first chieftain; A. B. Woods, second chief tain; John Macklnley, third chieftain; James Bold, four chieftain; D. W. Forbes, sergeant-at-arms; James Ruddiman, cus todian; A. R. McKenzle, standard-bearer; Professor Moon and D. McKlnnon, club" pipers; J. Duncan, P. M. Cubbln, G. J. Cameron, trustees. i MUST REGISTER WITH CLERK Electors in County Seats Cannot Do So Before Justices. "They are registering voters down town," remarked a man to H. H. Holmes, clerk of tho county court, yesterday. "I suppose it's all right?" "Well, I guess not," answered the clerk. "Who is registering them?" "I don't care to give the person's name," replied the informant. Further interro gation by the clerk was of no avail, so the conversation was ended. Mr. Holmes revolved the matter over In his mind, and concluded that some no tary public may have opened a registra tion office. The registration law empow ers notaries and justices of the peace to register electors, and allows them a fee of 10 cents for each person registered, but this provision of the law applies only to places outside of the county seats, as the following section of the.law shows: "All electors residing In the town or Incorporated city in which is the county seat and where the county clerk or clerk of the county court has an office, shall personally appear In the clerk's office and comply with the provisions of this act, In order to register." Mr. Holmes states that if any notary or justice in this city registers any elec tors he cannot under the law receive their certificates, and will refuse the same. Mr. Holmes' caller may have been mistaken, but he appeared to speak advisedly. Registration is progressing favorably. Yesterday about 100 persons were reg's tered. Monday was the largest day, when 196 electors registered. The total numbel of names on the books, in round numbers, Is 2600. o Delicious and fragrant smoke Zarina Cigarettes,' Russianblend.. - Offers more and better opportunities to purchasers who appreciate good values than can be found in any other house on the Pacific Coast OUR CLEARANCE SALE PR1CE5 Are so low and our immense stock includes so many lines of comfort, usefulness and necessity that all who investigate buy. AH our lines of Shoes, Slippers, Over- shoes and Leggings. AH our lines of Men's and Boys' Clothing and Furnishings. All our lines of Ready-to-Wear Gar ments for women and children. All our lines of Woven Fabrics silks, dress goods, linens, domestics, etc. AH our lines of Carpets, Rugs, Mat tings, etc. AH our lines of Blankets, Comforters and Pillows. AH our lines of Portieres, Curtains and Upholstery Materials. AH our lines of Books, Stationery, Jewelry and Toilet Articles. AH our lines of Laces, Embroideries and Underwear. In fact, all the lines that go to make up our magnificent stock are in cluded in this great sale. MEIER FRHNK O IT BURNED ANOTHER DAY FIREMEN DID NOT QUIT STANDARD OIL WAREHOUSE. Structure Will Be Rebuilt Much. Praise for the Fine Worlc o the Department. The warehouse of the Standard Oil Com pan on East First and East Main streets, where the fire occurred Tuesday, bore a wrecked apperance yesterday. The fire men were still at work yesterday morn ing, and had kept a stream on the mass inside the basement all through the night. Chief Campbell remained most of the night. District Engineer Holden drove home at about 9 o'clock. It was not con sidered safe to leave the building for a moment, as there was still packed away down underneath the ruins in the basement more cases of oil. The fire burned all day yesterday among the runs, where there remained much lubricating oil, and It bids fair to continue burnlnp, for some time, possibly several days. Tue firemen under took to dig down In the debris and bring out the unconsumed cases and break them up. The men remaining tnrougn tne nigm were about exhausted by morning, and were glad to be permitted to go to their homes. The walls are still standing, but It can be seen that but for the supporting timbers on the sides they would have col lapsed. For about 16 ysars the main brick ware house has stood alongside the Southern Pacific railway embankment. On the west side an addition was built a few years ago. Last year large brick barns were erected. From year to year Iron tanks have been put up until the plant at tained Its present size. The ruins were an object of great curiosity, and hundreds of people visited them during the day. Manager Flanders says that the ware house will be rebuilt at once. and spring from limb to limb and back to branch again, and chirp and chatter and comment on the latest war news. During other autumns In the mountains Mr. Johnson found the squirrels quite full of business. They were so busy that they could not stop to joke with him, or even respond when he bade them the time of day. "When the head squirrel advertised the fact that the frost was on the pine cones and the wind would give them a shock sufficient to throw them. down, every squirrel worked from daylight to dark, extracting the nuts and storing them away for winter use. The past autumn they must have had an intuition that there was to be.no win ter, and that they could safely leave their food where it dropped from the trees ana gather it at their leisure. The next few weeks will tell the tale, and If they fall to develop any winter weather, Mr. John son will conclude that the squirrels know all about It, and that it will be safe to plan coming campaigns upon the autumn actions of the squirrels. FUNERAL OF N. H. LANE. FIREMEN'S WORK APPRECIATED. Wolff & Zwlclcer Acknowledge Ser vice of tlie Depuriiuent. ' PORTLAND, Jan. 24. (To the Editor.) Permit us to express, through your col umns, our appreciation of the manner In which the Are department handled the fire In our works on Tuesday, the 23d Inst. By their prompt response and action they prevented what might otherwise have been a serious conflagration. The effective work of the firemen at both our establishment and that of the Standard Oil Company can not be too highly commended. The direc tion of operation by Chief Campbell and his able assistants was met with a hearty response by the men, whose only aim ap peared to be that of doing their duty. The extreme danger to which the firemen were at times exposed was doubtless re alized by them, but their willingness at all times to follow their chief, has, beyona a doubt, demonstrated what discipline and organization has accomplished. WOLFF & ZWICKER IRON WORKS. PORTLAND'S BRAVE FIREMEN. Suggestion That They Have Two Days' Lay-Off Each Month. PORTLAND, Jan. 24. (To the Editor.) The burning of the Standard Oil Com pany's warehouse, following so closely the fire at Wolff & Zwicker's, should be a warning to the property-owners of Port land. The state of Oregon has paid out hundreds of thousands of dollars to equip and maintain an army of soldiers In the Philippines; yet it will not properly equip the bravest band of soldiers who ever fought for life or property, as hae our firemen of Portland. Money flows like water where it Is not actually required, and where it is needed most it Is frozen solid. Had not the elements favored us yesterday, Portland might now be in the throes of destruction. Why not give them the best Implements to fight our greatest foe? Again, why coop them up like slaves? As I understand it, a Portland fireman has no time he can call his own. He Is always on duty, sleeping or waking. He has no time to visit friends or relatives. If they live over 15 minutes' walk or ride from his station. He must report within 30 minutes or be fined. These men should have at least two days In a month which they can call their own for any purpose they may elect. A few extramen could re lieve the strain put upon our brave fire men, than whose foe there is none greater. W. H. GORDON. WISE WEATHER PROPHETS. Squirrels Lolled. Around Last Fall and Stored No Nuts. A. J. Johnson, timber expert for the United States forestry department, re- milieu y u&teiuci. i..iuiii a. sxiuri viiua.Liuu trip to California, where he roamed In the woods around Mount Tamalpals, and found pretty, scrubby timber as compared with the growth in Oregon. In collecting samples of forest woods and tree seeds last fall, Mr. Johnson was particularly struck with the fact that the squirrels were slmp'y standing around and looking pretty Instead of being busily en gaged in gathering up and putting away stores of nuts and tree seeds. They did not seem to care whether school kept or not; they toiled not, neither did they spin, except to spin around in playful mood Services Over Reninlns Attended by Jinny Prominent Citizens. The funeral of the late Captain Nat H. Lane, a well-known steamboat captain and pioneer of 1854, took place yesterday afternoon from St. David s Episcopal church. East Twelfth and East Morrison streets. Rev. George B. Van Waters, rec tor, conducted the short and Impressive services of the Episcopal church. There was a large gathering of prominent citi zens of Portland in the auditorium, who honored the veteran steamboatman. The pallbearers were: Captain J. A. Brown, CAUSE OF HIGH TAXES MANY BURDENS IMPOSED UPON TUB COUNTY. srJ4' y v Captain Nat H. Lane. Judge W. W. Catlin, Captain S. P. Dodge and Richard W. Montague. As they bore the casket up the aisle to the chancel, it was covered with a mass of pure white flowers. Following the burial service of song and prayer, the remains were taken to Lone Fir for interment. Captain Lane was born at Corvallls in 1S54. He was a brother of Dr- Harry Lane, of Portland, and a grandsoi! of the late General Joseph Lane. Though a young man, he had a long experience as steamboat captain on the Willamette, and was a pilot on the Stlckeen river, Alaska, In early days. He Is also remembered as one of the captains of the famous Stark street ferry. The large attendance of prominent men at tho funeral attested tho high esteem in which he was held. For 30 years ho made his home In East Portland, whore he became widely known. As a river pilot, he was both fearless and trustworthy. It Is related of him that several years ago a Willamette river transportation company desired to send a steamer to Oregon City when the river was especially high and dangerous. No other pilot would accept the responsibil ity, except Captain Lane. He took the boat safely through to Oregon City, where ho loaded her and returned to Portland in safety. o ALL GOT SILVER HEARTS. at Pretty Souvenirs Given Awny "Haman Hearts" Matinee. Manager Cordray made the first distri bution jesterday afternoon of the silver souvenirs to the women who held coupon s received at the matinee performance of "Human Hearts." The souvenirs were pretty little hearts, and were much ad mired and appreciated by the recipients. The distribution will be continued, and all women holding coupons will be given a souvenir. Debt Represented by Outstanding Warrants Reduced by Nearly 100,000 Last Year. PORTLAND, Jan. 24. (To the Editor.) Anent the frequent allusions to the high rate of taxation, and in view of the evi dent Ignorance of the public, as well as the would-be refoi iers and Informers a3 to the status of county affairs, I beg a little space to give your readers a fw facts which may be of Interest to them. The question often arises: "Why we aro from year to year pajing an exorbitant rate of taxation without apparent reduc tion in our county indebtedness?" Notwithstanding ou1 very serious and in excusable loss of county funds in 1S93, 'ho fact is our revenue has since been suffi cient to pay us out of debt, and to use a common expression, "place us on velvet,' but for the Increased burdens that hae been lmpdaeTT on the county In the last f jw years, and the imperfect and imprac ticable legislation enacted, for our guid ance. The law required the county to take charge of and maintain the free bridges and ferry across the Willamette river, to bear the whole expense of levying anJ collecting the taxes for the city, port of Portland and school districts, to rel ea the city from, maintaining the boulevards and many thoroughfares strictly with.n city limits. The county government la it self not responsible for the shifting of this constantly Increasing burden from tha city to tho county tax levy. The word "free." as applied to our bridges. Is a misnomer; like many another free thing they are a costly luxury. Many ptoplo do not know that the average cost to tha county for maintaining the free br dgc3 and ferry, over and above all tolls col lected, exceeds 540,030 per annum. They do not know that the pro rata of expense for assessing and collecting city, pert of Portland and school district taxed aggregates- $20,000 yearly; that the boule vards and roads within city limits require an annual expenditure of not less than $15,000. These expenditures alone amount to about 2 mills on the total assessab.a valuation of property In the county. Road building has cost a conMderab.a sum, but we have something to show for it. in the way of good thoroughfares lead ing out to county limits in various direc tions. The weary driver through our city streets Is always happier when he strikes a county road, and If he Is an observing person, he has no need to Inquire when he reaches the line of another county. In the matter of charities and hospkal service for the indigent, the expense has been greatly reduced by the furnishing of a neat and comfortable hospital depart ment at the county farm, wnere the needy are well attended, at far lees expense tain at the local hospitals In the city. Tl-a cost of hospital, poor farm and outsvZa charities for the past year was 519,602 33, as against $25,691 05 for 1S08. The expense of assessment and collec tion of taxes, the legal service, clerical work and other things incidental thereto, has been unusually heavy the past year, but this hns been more than offset by the collection of taxes long delinquent, aid. tho closing and settling up of tax roll3, to the year 1S99. The sundry delinquent taxes collected during the year have ma terially reduced the Volume of outstanding Indebtedness". There can be no material reduction In the cost of maintaining courts, the assess ment and collection of taxes and numerous other expenses of the county machinery until we secure some sensible, practical legislation. The indebtedness of the county Is represented by the oufstandlng war rants, less the funds on hand appllcaj e to their redemption, which, at close of business. December 31, 1889, amounted to $273,968 93 a reduction of $93,794 40 in t'.a preceding 12 months. The county treas urer, at this writing, has funds to can cel all warrants on county fund indorsed prior to April 1, 1S99. and road warrants to June 1. 1S99. With the present hopeful outlook for our state and county. It is possible, w.h the efforts of officials and taxpayers co blned. to lessen the cost of running t j county government, and in a very f vr years to entirely cancel the present on -standing debt. This will not be acccr--pllshed by faultfinding. We must r I together with a common desire to get c Jt of the present rut, and adopt practical, businesslike and economic methods. W. H. POPE. County Auditor. Perfect pleasure A pretty girl and Za zina Cigarettes. OOOOOOOOCGOOOOOOOOSeOeOOOOQQOQOQOOOOOOOOGOOOOOOOOeOOO Willamette Iron k Steel Works JAMES LOTAN, Manager, PORTLAND, OREGON IRONFOUNDERS, MACHINISTS, BOILERMAKERS AND STEAMBOAT BUILDERS Designers and builders of Marine Engines and Boilers, Mining and Dredging Machinery and Genera! Mill and Iron Work, Fire Hydrants, Pulleys, Shafting, etc. Correspondence solicited. 000 0000000 000000000009 0000 00909000000000 9 00 00 0000 903 0