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About Morning Oregonian. (Portland, Or.) 1861-1937 | View Entire Issue (April 18, 1900)
ygipuwip fw'w wm-'f&9-i yjHyMpstvieif 'wy 8 THE MORNING OREGONIAN, WEDNESDAY, APRm 18, 1900. DUTIES MAY BE CUT War Department Investigating Pfiilippinc Customs. TARIFF CHECKS AMERICAN TRADE Portland Shippers Favor a Redac tion of SO or 75 Per Cent on Taxes on Imports. The "War Department has at last been moved to act on the demand of the mer chants of Portland for reduction ot the duties on American Imports Into the Phil ippines. Word comes from Manila that the Deputy Collector of Customs recently received a letter from Assistant Secretary Melklejohn. asking for a full statement of the duties collected on a number of commodities. The Inquiry covers every article on which the Portland Chamber of Commerce has asked for a reduction. "What action the War Department will take can only be surmised. However, the Portland business men who are interest ed In the Philippine trade feel confident that something will be done that will have a tendency to divert the commerce of the islands from Europe to this country. Pacific Coast Trade. Development in the Philippine Islands is held back by two barriers. First In Importance is the high charge which the Government collects on American goods Imported Into the islands. Next Is the lack of adequate transportation facilities. The last named difficulty is easy to rem edy, as shippers do not apprehend that there will be any trouble about getting steamers. If there 'are cargoes to offer. Trade cannot be established upon a de sirable and profitable basis under the Spanish tariff system which the Govern ment retains In the islands. Ad valorem and specific duties, surtaxes and consump tion taxes and harbor taxes, added to landed cost, put American goods beyond the reach of the Philippine consumer. Portland has done more than any other city in the United States to effect a re duction In duties. When Secretary Wil son, of the Agricultural Department, was here last year, W. H. Chapln, Secretary of the Philippine Trading Association, dis cussed the situation with him. Secretary Wilson was greatly surprised to hear oi the high duties charged. He felt sure that the Administration was not conversant with the facts, and that. If it were, 11 would make changes. The Chamber ot Commerce Immediately appealed to the Treasury Department for adjustment of the duties. The communication was re ferred to the War Department, of which the Chamber of Commerce subsequently demanded a reduction of SO per cent la the specific duty on alimentary preserves, pork, butchers' products, sauces, garden produce, fruits, pork. lard, bacon, news paper, wrapping paper, butter, cheese, soap and pickles. In addition, the Cham ber of Commerce asked that ad valorem duties be based upon certified invoices of value at the point of shipment. In stead of upon arbitrary valuations at Ma nila, as is now the practice. For a long time, the War Department paid no attention to the demand of the Portland merchants for fair dealing In the Philippines. So far as could be seen, the situation was completely In the hands ol General Otis, the Ameilcan commander at Manila, who replied to all protests that the duties were collected as a military necessity, and that there probably would be no icvlsion of the tariffs until gov ernment In the Philippines passed into the control of the civil authorities. Next the American Chamber of Commerce ol Manila added Its weight to the demand for a lowering ot the duties, ani author ized H. B, Lewis, who was returning to Portland, to act in its behalf In directing the attention of Ameilcan commercial or ganizations to the situation. Cost of Landing? Flonr. The Oregonlan has time and again called attention to the Impossibility of Pacific Coast shippers gaining a foothold In the Philippines with the present duties In force. Cost of goeds here, added to freight rates to Hong Kong, wharfage and other charges at Hong Kong, and freight from Hong Kong to Manila, put the cost of Coast commodities so high that the ordi nary Filipino cannot afford to buy them Itls not possible, under existing conditions, to make flour o cheap that the natives will prefer It to rice. The Philippine Trading Association shipped, last year, a barrel and a half of Washington flour to Manila to Introduce It. These are the charges the Government collected on the Hour at Manila: Specific duty. 12) kilos, at 12 10 per 100 Kilos ..... .................J2 71 Consumers tax, 4 cent per klio 6j Ad valoiem duty, & per cent of J7 3.... 8 burtax, 10 per cent of spcc.nc auty.... 21 The total tax collected was U 21 Mexi can, or J2 10 gold. The charges were ma terially Increased by the arbitrary valua tlon of J7 25, whKh the Government cus toms ofllcers put on the flour. Th h,irr and a half cost in Portland, I 50; landed cost In Manila, including first cost in Portland, and duties, was 16 CO gold, or 113 20 Mexican. Sonic of the Duties. The best lllustratloc-of the workings at the customs system at Manila Is found in the charges collected on the goods shipped by the Philippine Trading Association to Manila last May. This shipment was made for the purpose of establishing trado relations between the islands and Port land. Duties were paid as follows In Mexican money: Two cases of cheese. 63 pounds, at HV4 cents a pound J 9 tt Specific duty, 30 kilos, at 20 cents ji gj Ad valorem (valuation, 40 cents a kilo, 113 SO), 8 per cent 1 02 Surtax, 10 per cent of specific duy 4S- CM One case of goods containing 1G bot tles of pickles, all sorts of sizes and kinds; these were purely sam ples and nothing else; total value at time of shipping J 2 si Specinc duty. 30 kilos at 20 cents J6 00 Ad valorem (based on alua tlon of Jl per kl!o, JM), S per cent 2 10 Surtax. 10 per cent ot specific duty CO-J9 00 One cose of Health Koffy, Portland vauatlcn of which was t 4 CO Specific duty, 16ft Kilos, at 10 cems ... ... ............ ,...J3 C5 Ad valorem (valuation of to cents per kilo, $29 20). of wnlch there Is S per cent duty cha ged ... 2 34 Surtax, 10 per cent of specific duty 36-$ 6 35 One r.ll of wrapping paper; Port land valuation at the time of shlp- . ."-".-...-............ $ 0 S3 Sp clficduty. 10 kilos, at 4 cents, p.us 2") per cent surtax JO 48 Ad valo en duty (15 cen.s per kilo, Jl 50). S per cint 12 Surtax, 10 per cent of specific duty C5-J0C5 Two cases of assorted dried fruits; total wolsht. 133 pounds, of which the Tortland valuation was $12 3S Speeinj" duty. 72 kilos, at 20 cents $14 0 Ad vt-lorem (valuation p'aced on this was Jl per ki o, or $2), S per cent 5 T6 Surtax, 10 per cent if tptciflc duty 1 44-J21 CO Three cases of assorted dried fruits; the cas s con isied of three Items 25 rounds cf Miver prunes, worth 2: evaporated plimi, 15 p. unds, at 5 ren s. $1 5; Italian rrunee. 25 pourds. at 6 cents, $1 50; to at P ltland van a ion $ 4 75 Sp.cltlc dut, 16 kites, at 20 cents $7 20 Ad valorem duty (valuation JSG), 8 per cent 2 S3 Surtax. 10 p:r cent of specific duty 72 JUfO Five case of common laundry soap, and five cases of hlghergrade soap; this Is the cheapest kind of toap manufactured; It is after the style of Babbitts, and the like; Portland valuation $29 2$ Specific duty, 230 kilos, at $3 75 per lOOU'os tSC Ad valorem (valuation 11 cents per kilo, or $25 V0), 8 per cent 2 02 Surtax, 10 per cent of specific duty 86 $11 El Valuations made at Manila are not based upon the actual values ot the goods; In fact, bear no relation whatever. All ali mentary preserves, including dried fruits, are valued at $1 per kilo as a basis for figuring ad valorem duties. This rule applies regardless of the article or .Its commercial value. Such enormous duties place the common food products of the Pacific Coast far beyond the reach of the ordinary Filipino. During Spanish rule these food products were Imported from Spain In large quantities. They, were passed through the custom-house at a 10 per cent ad valorem duty, valuations be ing based on the certified invoice accom panying the shipment. It never was Spain's intention to collect the duties now exacted by the United States, but to use them to exclude the products ot other countries. Tariff Should Be Lowered. The Portland merchants who are mem bers of the Philippine Trading Association are unanimously of the opinion that the islands offer a large and productive field for the enlargement of Pacific Coast trade. The reports made by Harry R. Lewis, who went to Manila In their interest, have convinced them of this. An encouraging sign la the receipt by one house of a vol untary order for goods of the same quality as those shipped last May. The merchants are a unit In favor ot immediate reduction in the Import duties. "There should be an Immediate modifi cation of the Import duties at Manila," said W. H. Chapln, secretary of the Phil ippine Trading Association, yesterday. "We cannot hope for a large amount ot trado until the tariffs are adjusted. Port land could do a large business In butter with the Islands, if conditions were favor able; but as it is little can de done. Butter is today worth 20 cents, gold, a pound, wholesale. In Portland, and 25 cents retail! On account of the duties, this butter is worth 90 cents, Mexican, or 45 cents, gold. In Manila, if packed in tins and $1 25 Mex ican, or 624 cents, gold, if put up In glass Jars. Of course, there are some people In the islands who will buy our butter, re gardless of price, but the great mass of the people whom we wish to reach cannot think of using our butter at these prices. Again, take flour. Good quality is worth $2 75 a barrel in Portland. Dulles make it worth $5 a barrel, gold. In Manila, "To get a foothold in the Philippines we must be enabled to undersell Europe. At tho present time Europe has the trade. Its goods are known, while ours have yet to be Introduced. As a consequence, Spanish and English goods- are given the preference. The Filipino Is a cautious buyer. He never spends his money for an article unless the quality of ii has been demonstrated. "My opinion Is that the Philippines are among our most profitable fields ot ex ploitation. Alaska. Is not In it with that country. When the political situation Is settled, and the tariffs adjusted on a new basis, tho Pacific Coast will find in the islands a profitable market for many of Its products, and. In addition, will Import cocoanut oil, fiber cloths, rice, sugar, copra, hemp, tobacco, hardwoods and many other commodities." Good Market for Const Prodncts. Henry Hahn, of Wdhams & Co., said: "We are not making much progress In general lines In our trade with the Philip pines, but are strictly in tho swim with regards commodities produced here. The Philippines ought to afford us a good mar. ket for butter, cheese and all natural Pa cific Coast products, but we cannot hope to do much with products brought here from the East or the Middle West. The through rates which the railroads have granted to the Middle West, by which the Middle West shipper can land his goods In the Orient for the same rate that ob tains to Portland, will not permit the Pa cific Coast to do much business with East ern goods In the Orient. These rates give the Middle West shipper all the advantage he would have If he were located on the Pacific Coast. They rob us of the rights which our geographical location gives us. As long as the Middle West chipper gets these rates, he will not establish branch houses on the Coast, but will do business from Chicago, St. Louis and other points. "We have no complaint to make of the treatment which the Flllptnos have given Coast goods shipped to Manila. They have been well received, and there is promise of large business in them. We have just received a voluntary order from Manila. This shown that the quality of the goods of .our first shipment was satisfactory. "Import diitles charged at Manila should be reduced from 50 to 75 per cent at once. They are outrageous. Our firm shipped a lot of samples to Manila for the pur pose of maintaining a sample-room for the accommodation of the Manila busi ness men. The duties which the govern ment charged us on those samples amount ed to double the cost of the goods. The Government exactions strongly Impressed us with the idem, that we had selected a very costly field for operation." Tonnnfte Guaranteed for Service. H. McGuIre. president of the Pacific Paper Company, said: "An Immediate re duction of 50 or 75 per cent In the Im port duties charged at Manila would be a great benefit to Pacific Coast trade. In addition, the Government should abolish many of the minor charges. Spain did not Insist upon them, but our Government collects every cent the old Spanish law au thorized. There should also be a revision of classifications. Cheap wrapping paper now pays tho same duty as bond paper, which is worth 30 and 40 cents a pound. Give us lower duties and we will do a nice bustners with the Philippines. Port land ought to have permanent steamship service with the Islands. If a line Is es tablished, we will guaranteo so much ton nage per month or pay the equivalent In cash." Sonp Trade Hot Encoarnslns;. C W. Cottel. iecretary of the LuckeL King & Cake Soap Company, said: "Pros pects for soap' trade with the Philippines are not flattering. Cocoanut oil Is abund ant in the Philippines. It !fl cheaper than any grease we have, and the natives can make their own laundry soap for less than we can make It for them. Neither the Pacific Coast nor the East will gain a foothold with laundry soaps. First-class soaps for the white population will be In limited demand, but they are not made on the Pacific Coast. New York and Eng land have a monopoly in this line." Brewers Compete With Barope. Adam Mueller, vice-president of the Star brewery, said: A reduction In duties would help all who are trying to build up trado In the Philippines. Still, we are doing quite a lot of burtnets with the Is lands. We have a standing order for 300 barrels of beer a month and occasionally get a cablegram ordering an extra sup ply. Wc ship in quarts and pints. Du ties come to about $5, gold, per six dozen quarts. Besides the duty on the beer, there is a duty on glass, for which we get no rebate. Six dozen quarts, worth In Portland $8 50. are worth In Manila, duty added, but not Including freight. $11 50. gold. European beers are landed at Ma nila cheaper than American beers, for the reason that they J)ay lower freights and the cost of bottles Is less. American brewers pay as much for second-clara bottles as -German brewers pay for first class bottles. The freight rate on beer from America to Manila is $3 a ton. From Europe It Is about JS or $7. The duty on beer should not exceed $1 50 or $2. gold, per stx dozen quarts on American beers. That would partly offset the advantage which European brewers have In freights and glass." " Strnmer Line Would Pay. Herman Wittenberg, president of the Portland Cracker Company, said: "So long as military rule prevails in the Philippines, there is little prospect of any material change, as. In my opinion, a sol dier pays all his attention to the conduct of war and not to commercial relations. He will not consider any changes In the way of duties or taxes. The moment that we can do away with such rule and Install civil government, from that time we can commence to apply for the reduction ot duties, and It will be given some atten tion. "What is needed In tho Philippines is civil government as soon as possible and a readjustment of duties; then the Nation will begin to do business on a reasonable basis. There Is no excuse for the Islands paying the exhorbltant rates ot duty on Importations from our own country, and the worst feature Is that they apply to the greatest extent on the necessaries ol life, which certainly works a hardship on the .Inhabitants of the Philippines. "I am In hope that tho commission which is being sent over will take the matter ot duties in hand at once, and I believe It will have very beneficial results. An -application has been made to the Secretary ot the Treasury by a great many commer cial bodies to have the duties readjusted, but really this amounted to nothing, as the only person who could do us any good would be the Secretary of War. who. through his generals In the Islands, has had charge of all the affairs, both civil and military. "The City of Portland should arrange to put on a good steamer service extend ing from here to Honolulu, Manila. Hong Kong and Singapore. I am satisfied that such a line will pay and will be ot great benefit to this city." DELEGATES ENTERTAINED. Pleasant Reception nt First Presby terian Church. The visiting delegates to the convention of the North Pacific Presbyterian Board of Missions were tendered a reception last night at the First Presbyterian Church. About 75 delegates from all over Oregon and Washington are In Portland attend ing the convention, which begins Its ses sion today at 9:30 and continues tomor row, and there aro about 200 moro from this city who will sit with them. The principal subject that will come before the Board Is that of foreign, missions, espe cially those of Alaska, In which district this section of the country Is most Inter ested. The work in other parts of the world is not to be slighted, however, and that among the freedmen of the South and also that In China, Corea and India will receive its proper" attention. Miss Helen Clark, a worker among the Neah Bay Indians. Is attending the convention, and will tell ot her experiences among the Washington redmen. The reception last night was to get the delegates better acquainted among them selves, and also with the other Presby terians In the city. An Interesting pro gramme was rendered, which was opened by an organ offertory by Professor Edgar E. Coursen. which was much appreciated. Mrs. Fletcher Linn then sang "Wood man's Spring Song." which called for an encore. Professor Coursen followed with two short selections on the organ, enti tled "Bluette." by Gilbert, and "A Negro Love Song Without Words." by Coverly. Rev. Dr. Edgar P. Hill, tho minister ot the church, delivered a few remarks. In which he gave the visitors a hearty wel come. Ho told them of the Importance of their work, and how much there was yet to be done. The doctor spoke at length on the coming congress in New Tork ot tho missionaries ot the world, and what he thought could be done at such a gath ering. The programme closed with Silas' "An dante," by Professor Coursen, after which the guests and the audience adjourned to the Sunday School room, where they were mutually Introduced. Refreshments were served by the young women of the church. 1 "MR. SMOOTH." Last Performances of Willie Collier's Farce Comedy. Another large house greeted the second performance of Willie Collier's great farce comedy. "Mr. Smooth." at the Marquam last night- As many be expected. It went with a snap and roars of laughter kept tramping on each others' heels throughout the evening. "Mr. Smooth" will be given for tho last time this afternoon and this evening. "What Happened to Jones V The sale of seats for Harry Corson Clarke's amutlng farce comedy. "What Happened to Jones?" which will be at the Marquam Grand Theater "Friday and Sat urday nights and Saturday afternoon ot this week, will open today. Mr. Clarke is said to be supported by a very strong company, and the indications point to crowded houses. in LESS THAN THREE DAYS. O. R. tt 3. Will Shorten Time, to ChlcaKo IS Hours. Beginning next Sunday, the O. R. & N. will put on an additional train between Portland and Chicago. This train will bo known as the "Portland-Chicago Special" and will leave Portland at 9:15 A. M. carrying through equipment to the East Second train, the "Overland Mall," will leave at 6:20 P. M., and In addition to through elcepers to Chicago and Kansas City, will carry first and ordinary sleepers to and via Spokane and the Great North ern. The equipment of both trains Is new throughout, making them equal to any of the Eastern limited trains. Ticket of fice, 254 Washington street. SI BUSINESS ITEMS. If Baby Is Cnttlna- Teeth. n sore sod is that CM sad well-tried remedy. Mrs. WlnsloWs Soothing Syrup, tar chudrrs trethlnf. It soothes the child, softens thi gums, allays ail sain, cures wind colic and diarrhoea. s Cathartic or purgative pills do more harm than good. Carter's Little Liver Pills do only good, but a large amount ot that. Only one, pill a dose. s I Hardman Pianos. Wiley B. Allen Co. BISUOP R. DUBIIS, UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH. TO OPEN THE CONFERENCE niSUOP DUDBS, UMTKU EVANGELI CAL CHVRCH. One of Ablest Men In That Denomi nation Will Speak at Varloas Places In Oresron. Bishop R. Duljbs, D. D.. LI. D.. senior bishop of the United Evangelical cnurcn of the United States, will be In the city today on his way to' HUlsboro. where he will' open the annual Oregon conference of the United Evangelical church tomor row. He Is regarded as the strongest man in that denomination, and one of tho ablest pulpit orators In America. Before the organization of the United Evangeli lcal church he had been bishop in the evangelical Association oi America, uui on the separation ot the former branch of the Evangelical family he cast his fortunes with the latter, and was mainly Instrumental In its formation. Ever rinco this branch was launched forth as a sep arate and Independent branch he has j Impressed upon it his robust Individuality. He came to America from uermany wnen a boy of 15, and entered the conference of the Evangelical Association at the age of 19. He was an elder and editor of the German paper Botschafter when 30 years of age. and when 37 years old was elected and ordained as bishop, in recognition of his qualities of heart and mind. As bishop he nas now served 27 years. and Is now about 63 years old, but has a vigorous constitution, bidding fair to live and work for many years longer. In addi tion to his arduous duties of b'shop, which call him all over the continent, he fills the place of editor-ln-chlet of the German paper Zcltschrlft. His son. who had ben editor, resigned to enter the mis sionary field of China. Sf. In the midst of his multiplicity of duties he finds time for much literary work. He visited Ore gon four years ago, but since then Bishop Stanford has presided at the Oregon con ferences. At the conference which meets tomorrow morning an Important educa tional question will come up for settle ment, the question of consolidation of the La Fayette and La Creole schools, which la now being agitated, and the adjustment of the matter will no doubt rest largely with Bishop Dubbs. The Bishop's Oresjon Appointments. Tho conference will begin April 22 and continue till the 23d. when Bishop Dubbs will begin the tour ot tho United Evangeli cal churches of the state, in the follow ing order: Gaston. April 23. 7:30 P. M.; Dallas, April 24, 7:30 P. M.; Bridgeport. April 23. 11 A. M.; Louisville. April 25. 7:30 P. M.; Inde pendence, April 26, 7:30 P. M.; Buena Vista, April 27, 7:30 P. M.; Corvallls. April 2S and 29; Albany. April 30, 7:30 P. M.; Sodavllle. May L 7:30 P. M.; Salem, May 2. 7:30 P. M.; Clear Lake. May 3, 11 A. M.; Pleasant Dale, May 3, 7:30 P. M.; Dayton. May 4, 10:50 A. M.; La Fayette, May 4, 7:3) P. M.; Portland, Sunday, May 6. First Church (East Side), 11 A. M.; German Church (West Side). 3 P. M.; Second Church (Alblna), 7:30 P. M.; St- Johns. May 7, 7:30 P. M.; Troutdale, May 8, 7:30 P. M. .After filling these dates the bishop will return East. PROMINENT VISITORS. Representatives of Vanderhllt Inter ests Touring; the Northwest. W. B. Gerome, general Western agent of the New Tork Central & Hudson River Railroad, with hcadauarters at Chicago, and Carlton C. Crane, general agent of the Vanderbllt lines for the Pacific Coast, with offices In San Francisco, passed through Portland yesterday on their way to Puget Sound. Mr. Jerome is making a tour of all the Western country, and whllo on the Coast he has made an effort to visit all of tho oromlncnt points at which tho Vanderbllt' lines claim repre sentation. . Mr. Crane was located at Portland for a number of years, and he has many friends in Oregon and Washington, with whom he Is renewing old acquaintance ship. Theso gentlemen left for Seattle yesterday by the 11 o'clock train over tho Northern Pacific They will return to Portland on Thursday of this week, and will remain here for several days. The visit of Mr. Jerome and Mr. Crane at this time is of more than usual interest, as' it will be followed by the arrival today of George H. Daniels, general passenger ngent of the New Tork Central & Hudson River Railroad Company. Mr. Daniels ft onq of the best-known railroad men in America, and on his visit to Portland ho will be assured a moil cordial welcome In railroad circles. DEMANDS THE DIFFERENTIAL. Canadian Pnclflo Still a Demoralising Factor. It appears that the Canadian Pacific, according to news from the East, will still continue to be a thorn In the side of the American lines. It was supposed that that line would yield its old contention of demanding differentials. Instead of doing so. It demands a continuance of differentials. Two years ago the Canadian Pacific and the Northern lines agreed to submit the question to the Interstate Commerce Commission for arbitration. That body decided that the differential was not proper, and that the Canadian Pa cific was not entitled thereto. A St. Paul railroad official. In speaking of the mat ter, said: "For a time the Canadian Pacific made a pretense of abiding by the decision, announcing that Its rates would not be less than any made over the lines of the United States. Soon It began to quote openly rates based on Impracticable rail-and-lake routes. Whsnever it secured a ticket from a scalper for less than the tariff rate of lines In this country, the Canadian Pacific Immediately offered openly the rate It secured through the broker, or professed to secure." GREAT NORTHERN EXTENSIONS. Will Construct ioo Miles of Track This Season. On the return of President Hill, of the Great Northern, and party, to St. Paul from their recent trip to Portland, an announcement was made by Chief Engi neer Stevens. He stated that the com pany has about ICO miles of road under construction, to be finished this season. In Montana, between Havre and Great Falls, crews are at work on a 24-mlIa stretch, and between Havre and the Rocky Mountains, there are 40 miles now under construction. Between the Columbia and Qulncy, west of Spokane. 14 miles of track are being laid. It is authoritatively stated that the Great Northern will be operating over Its own tracks through Spokane by about August 15. Southern Pacific's Paris OtHc. A notice has b;en issued by the Southern Pacific to the effect that It has opened an office at No. 23 Boulevard des Itallens, Part, to continue during the Exposition. Res dents of states and territories served by the company's lines are Invited to make the office their headquarters while la Paris. They will receive all desired lnformaatlon concerning steamship ot railroad travel, or accommodations while In Par-s. Railroad Notes. W. H. Suedaker, general agent of the Illinois Central, arrives here this morn ing from San Francisco. R. C Stevens, of Seattle, general West ern passenger agent of the Great North em. was in the city yesterday. It is the opinion ot President Mohler, of the O. R. & N.. that fully 5000 people will be booked out ot Portland this Spring for passage to Cape Nome and other Alas kan points. It Is of Interest to note that tracklaylng on the Palmer cut-off from Palmer to Auburn. Wash., on the Northern Pacific, Is rapidly progressing. It will be ready fcr operation by July L R. C Judscn. Industrial agent of the O. R. & N., announced yesterday that SKdlng at the company's several experi mental stat ors Is sitltfactorlly progress. irg. He left for Walla Walla yesterday. Advlc?s s?nt out by General Freight Agent Mocrc. of the Northern Pacific at St. Paul, ann.unce that lake lines operat ing bstween Lake Erie ports and Duluth, issued tariffs effective April 16. This elg nalli03 the opening of lake and rail rates for the season a fact shippers will be pleased to learn. i PASSION PLAY PICTURES. . Witnessed by a Larre Audience at' Y. 31. C A. The portrayal of "The Passion Play," by means of a series of moving pictures, held the rapt attention of a large audience last evening at T.' M. C. A. HalL The scenes presented aro fac similes of the play as it Is rendered every ten years at Ober Ammcrgau. Bavaria. They repre sent the most noteworthy events in the life of Christ, from his birth to the as cension. The story of the play was given by Mrs. Laura Holmes as the pictures were thrown on the canvas. The first view represented the shep herds startled by the blazing glory of the star of Bethlehem. Then Mary, present ing the babe in the temple, the attempted assassination by an emissary of Herod, and the flight Into Egypt, followed. Christ was next shown in the midst of his disci ples, preceded by a shouting throng, en tering Jerusalem In triumph. The rais ing ot Lazarus, from 'the dead, the last supper, and the betrayal by Judas, with a kiss, were most vividly depicted. The scenes In which Christ Is condemned to death before Pilate, the bearing of the heavy cross to Calvary, and the crucifix Ion itself affected the audience visibly. Women wept as the nails were driven into the Savior's hands, and the cross was roughly dropped Into the hole prepared for It by the Roman soldiers.. After the crucifixion, the resurrection and ascension were lepresentcd. As a preliminary to the Passion Play a number of views were shown, which had been taken during tho recent war with Spain. Pictures of the first American sailors landing on Cubin soil, the bom bardment of the fortifications by the dynamite-boat Vesuvius, and the sinking of the Vlzcaya, and torpedo-boats at the bat tle of Santiago, were loudly applauded. The Passion Play will be presented again this evening. it Is Hawthorne. ASTORIA. Or.. April 11. To the Ed itor.) In the.slxth stanza of James Rus sell Lowell's "ode read at the 100th anni versary of the fight at Concord Bridge, may be read these verses: She lovei yon pine bemurmurvd ridge. Where now our broad-browed poet sleeps. Dear to both England. I beg Information, In the columns ot your paper, as to who the poet referred to was. . CHARLES JONES. There can be little doubt but that Haw thorne Is referred to In these lines. On what Is known as "tho ridge," in the Sleepy Hollow cemetery, at Concord, Mass.; are the graves of -Emerson, Haw thorne and Thoreau, the latter two belns very close together. As Emerson died in 1SS2, seven years after this poem was writ tea (1S75), the reference cannot be to him. Thoreau. who died In 1SS2, Is evidently Indicated by the line that follows: near htm he Who won the ring of Canace. The magic properties ot this ring as de scribed by Chaucer, in the "Squire's Tale." enabled the possessor to understand the language of birds and converse with them: also to have perfect knowledge of the medicinal properties of all roots. This applies exactly to Thoreau, the main part of whose life was devoted to loving study of the wild things of forest and field. The one well-known grave that remains beside these on the ridge is Hawthorne's. It will seem strange to many that he should be spoken of as a poet, but, on second thought, this Is not so odd, for his nature was essentially that of the poet. He saw the world through a poet's eyes. And his prose. In the rich sonorous music and beauty of Its cadences, Is as near akin to poetic utterances as perhaps one could find In the whole range ot English prose literature. For this reason Lowell fre. qucntly spoke of him as a poet. Here is one such passage: First, he from sympathy still held apart By shrinking over-eacerness ot heart. New Ensland's poet, soul-reserved and deep, November nature with a name of May. In other respects Hawthorne perfectly answers tho description In the ode. for ha had a notably broad and massive brow; moreover, his writings, ever before he died in 1SG4. had been received with marked favor in Old England, as well as New England. All of these facts point con. cluslvely toward Hawthorne as the person referred to in the lines quoted. Melba Will Remarry. NEW TORK. April 17. A dispatch to the Journal and Advertiser from Paris says: Madame Melba Is here, and admitted to the Journal correspondent that she will marry Haddon Chambers, the Austra lian playwright, within the next two weeks. Replying to questions she sold: "My divorce from Mr. Armstrong de lights me. I am Immensely relieved. It Is what I have longed tor. I hae never had any time to live In those awful Dakota Your child is dear to you. It depends upon your loving care. Teach the boy, the girl, to want something good rv4 -s. rTwXvss k for the teeth and gums Sozodont, morning and night, Liquid and' Powder together. Easily done with Sozodont: it is so delight fully fragrant and refreshing. . t NEW SIZE pf the Liquid, without the Powder, age Large Liquid and Powder together, 75c. At the stores or by mail for the price. Sozodont . O. Box 247, N.Y. City. AnrYstfc HALL tt RUCKBL London and Texas places. Now all Is done. As for me. I will soon marry Haddon Cham bers. I never thought of marrying Herr Joachim. "Why, he is SO." SSI JOE JEFFERSON'S SPEECH. Given an Extraordinary Reception In New York. NEW YORK. April 17. Joseph Jefferson had an extraordinary reception at the Fifth-Avenue Theater last night when he began his New York season with "Rip Van Winkle." At the conclusion of the per formance Mr. Jefferson was repeatedly called before the curtain and in response to the demands for a speech, said: "I thank you cordially for the recep tion and applause which you have given me tonight, and If I did not address you when I appeared before the curtain at the end of the first act It was because I did not wish to break the thread ot the story. But If I had only thought, I needn't have feared that I -would break the thread ot the story, because I have played Rip be fore you so many times. It Is now 40 years since I first played the part you see me In tonight In this city, and It Is a reasonable supposition that I played It before the fathers and mothers and grandfathers and grandmothers of you who are present before me this evening. "It is 60 years since I first appeared as an actor. I was then but a child, and it is pheasant Indeed for me to know that there are so many people here tonight. It Is not pleasant to know, however, that we are so soon forgotten. I do not want to become melancholy at this time, but when I discuss these things It Is difficult to avoid becoming sad, for the actor can only live in the memory of those who have seen him. To them he is a revelation, to others a tradition. "I can only say that if I have tarried here too long, you who come to see me are quite as much to blame as I am. but when I am encouraged by such applause and by an assemblage so brilliant. I must say I have no intention of Ieavlsg the stage, and I must say that I" thoroughly appreciate this welcome tonight. I feel there must be some friends, as well as the 'general public' In this audience, so let me conclude by saying that I appreciate from my heart this more than kindly greeting." DUKE D'ARCOS SATISFIED. Through a Mistake He Was Invited to the Chlcnuo Dewey Celebration. NEW YORK. April 17. A special to the Herald from "Washington says, concerning the unpleasant Incident resulting from an Invitation to attend the Dewey celebration In Chicago, that the Duke D'Arcos. Span ish Minister in Washington, has received from Mayor Harrison a reply to his note of protest. "I am satisfied with the explanation." said the Duke. "In fact. I knew from the first that a mistake had been made, still I could not permit the Incident to close without a protest- Since my arrival in the United States I have received the most courteous treatment. I know the American people are too broad-minded and upright to Insult a defeated enemy; I have forgotten that I was Invited to Chicago." ' APRIL 22D IS THE DAY On which the fastest regular passenger service. Portland to Chicago, ever main tained, will be established. A dally solid vestlbuled through train via the Urrlon Pacific Railroad and con nections, consisting of dining-cars, palace end tourist sleepers, free reclining chair cars and buffet library and smoking cars, will make the trip In the remarkable time of 70 hours. No other line does It, nor gives travelers through cars Portland to Chicago. For rates, tickets and sleeping-car berths, apply to City Ticket OtHce, V$ Third Street. Portland, Or. Through a Mass of Flames. CHICAGO, April tt.-'Panlc reigned in a Metropolitan Elevated train last night as the cars shot through a mass of flames. The fire had been fanned out to the ele vated structure from a burning frame building at 404 Hermitage avenue. Choos ing quickly between blocking the road and risk of a singeing, Motorman Collins flung wide his controller and his two cars dashed through the crackling blaze. In the burning house policemen risked their lives to save the five persons within, who were rescued. The loss on the building and contents Is small. Estey Organs. Wiley B. Allen Co. SCHObL GIRL'S FOOD. A Very Important Question for Crow ing Girls. A little girl In Providence, R. L. High School, was badly run down, owing to the fact that she was not properly fed. When her parents discovered the value of Grape Nuts food sho quickly recovered. Her father's letter is as follows: "Without any desire whatever for pub licity In fact, with every desire to avoid It. I yet would like you to know ot the following in reference to Grape-Nuts: "My daughter is In the Providence High School. English department, and working very hard, her studies telling on her se verely, partly because of a serious Illness she had some- two or three years since. She has been accustomed to take meat luncheons with her, and to obtain a cup of hot drink, often of milk, at the school building. She came home quite hungry, however, on most occasions, and some what exhausted. "Three months ago, she began to carry Grape-Nuts Instead f her meat sand wiches, and now will not forego them. She says she can stand the otter study on them better, and has no sense of exhaus tion on reaching home, although always able to enjoy her meal, as her appetite Is good. "We regard this as strong testimony In favor ot Grape-Nuts, and If you can use It without publishing our names, we shall be pleased to have you do It, and will fur ther say that, we shall be glad to answer questions on the subject through the malls. We have used Grape-Nuts as an article of diet for nearly two years. Yours truly." The name of this gentleman can be had by application to the Postum Cereal Co., Ltd.. Battlo Creek. Mich. DAILT METEOROLOGICAL REPORT. POrtTLAND. April 17.-8 P. M. Maximum temperature. 77: minimum temperature. 49; river reading at 11 A. M., 10.3 feet; Changs la the last 24 hours, 0.0; total precipitation, S P. M. to 8 P. II.. 0.00: total precipitation from Sept. 1. 1S99. 32.32 Irenes: normal precipitation from Sept. 1. 1S90. 40.S3 inches: deficiency. 7.71 lnchei; total sunshine April 10, 13:38; poutbls sunshine April IS, 13:33. WEATHER CONDITIONS. The barometer Is low over Northern. Montana and hlsh over the Dakotas. No rain ot conse quence has fallen during the laat 24 hours ta the North Pacific States, but tt Is much warm er than usual in this district, and clouds ara gathering- over 'Waihlngtonand Idaho, and rain has Just begun falling over the Straits. Ths Indications are for threatening weather en Wednesday In the North ractfic States, that will probably culminate in occasional showers. WEATHER FORECASTS. Forecasts made at Portland for the 23 boors ending at midnight Wednesday. April 23: Western Oregon Fair, probably followed by showers during the afternoon; cooler; westerly winds. Eastern Oregon. Eastern 'Washington and Northern Idaho Threatening, with probably occasional showers; slightly cooler; southerlr winds. Western Washington Occasional sbowcrst cooler in Sound district; westerly winds. Southern Idaho Threatening, with probably showers, and cooler weather In western rmwl tlon: west to northwest winds. Portland and vleinitv PmhaM n,i.Mi showers: cooler: westerly winds. EDWARD A DEALS. Forecast Official. AMUSEMENTS. MARQUAM GRAND ,. . CALVIN HEILIO. Manager Monday. Tuesday and ednesday, April 16. II and 18. Matinee Wednesday. Messrs. Smith and Rice present the Tomd". WILLIE COLLIER. In Bis Own New Farce. "MR. SMOOTH." "MR. SMOOTH." "MR. SMOOTH," "MR. SMOOTH." The Comedy Hit of the .Season, as presented !n New Tork and Chicago. A great cast and elab orate production. Better than "The Man From Mexico." PRICES Lower floor, except last 3 rows. JJ.30: last 3 rows. Jl; balcony, first 3 rows. Jl; second 3 rows. 73c; last O rows. 50c; gal lery. 23c Matinee 25c. 50c. 75c and Jl. Chil dren to all parts of tho house. 50c Seats now selling. MARQUAM GRAND , . . CALVIN HETLIG. Mgr. Friday and Saturday Nights and Saturday Last times In Portland of the Favorite Come- U14.Q. jiAtlltl uuksu: UUA.KKE. Presenting Broadhurst's Hilarious Sufficiency. "WHAT HAPPENED TO JONES." One Big Laugh From Start to Finish. An lS-Karat Comedy Without a Flaw. TRICES Lower floor, exespt last 3 rows. Jl: Iat 3 TOW. 7. hlmnv ft . A ww- r.. t. 6 rows. 50e: gallery. 25c .aiaunee prices sc, 50c and 75c CORDRATS THEATER EASTER GREETTNQ. . One Week, Commencing April 13 The beautiful Southern comedy-drama of rars excellence. "ON THE SUWANEE RIVER." "ON THE SUWANEE RIVER." "ON THE SUWANEE RIVER." "ON THE SUWANEE RIVER." "ON THB SUWANEE RIVER." Regular prices Orchestra and dress circle. ":: gallery. 25c: loges. 50c and 75c ATJCCTOX SALES TODAY. At salesrooms. 1S2 First St.. cor. TamhllL at 1DA.M. J. T. Wilson, auctioneer. "'", - MEETIXG XOTICES. WASHINGTON LODGE. NO. 40, A. F. & A- M. Regular communica tion this (Wednesday) evening, at 8 o'clock. Brother D. P. Thompson will deliver an address? nuhiAt "Palestine." All Master Masons Invited. By order of tho W. M. J. A. NEWELL. Sec SEVENTH WARD REPUBLICAN CLUB. Regular meeting tonight In the new halL cor. Corbeit st. and Bancroft ave. Hon. D. Soils Cohen has consented to address the club, and other prominent leaders have been invttcd. Good music W. H. SAYLOB, Pres. B. F. JONES. Sec BOTS' AND GIRLS' AID SOCIETY OP OREGON. The fltleentb annual meeting of this society will be held In the offlce ot tho City Board of Charities. 213 Fourth st. oa Tuesday. May 1. 10O0. Memb-ri will please take notice. H. w. CORBETT. Pres. F. E. BEACH. Sec PORTLAND CHAPTER. NO. 3. R. A. M Regular convocation this (Wednesday) at 7:30 P. M. sharp. Work. Visitors welcome. JOHN DEMPSEY. IL P. SAMARITAN LODGE. NO. 2. L O. O. F. Regular meetlncr this (Wednesday) evening at 7:30 o'clock. Election of 'Representatives to tho Grand Lodge. Visitors welcome. M. OSVOLD. Sec ORIENT LODGE. NO. 17. I. O. O. F. Regu lar meeting this (Wedneday) evening, corner Grand d East Pine rt. First degree. visitors welcome. 1. a. uubsirtu, it. 5. - DIED. KNAPP At his home. Lake River. Wash.. April 17, Jabez B. Knapp. aged 73 years. 8 months. Funeral from Vancouver. Wash.. Thursday. Apitl 19, at 10 o'clock. CRAWFORD In this city. April 17. at his residence, 135 East 10th St.. Rev. W. C Crawford, aged 49 years and 11 months. No tice ot funeral later. DEARBORN At Good Samaritan Hospital. Tuesday. 6 A M.. Frank S. Dearborn, aged 37. Funeral Thursday, April 19. Salem. Or. EDWARD nOLMAX. CndertaUer. 4th and Ynmhlll sts. Rena Stlnson. lady; nanlstnnt. Both phones 'o. SOT. J. P. FIXLEY A SOX. Undertakers. Lady Assistant. 273 Third st. TeL Ow Floral plecesl ht flowers. Clarke Bros. 280 Morrison. Both phones. NEW TODAY. TRUNKS & bags, largest vari ety. Harris Trunk Co.. Morrison, near SL NEWCASTLE COAL Has been leading coal on coast for 30 yean. Pacific Coast Co.. 248 Washington st. TeL 2. JUST RECEIVED CARGO OF WALLSEND COAL PAC3FIC COAST CO.. Telephone SS. 3a Waanlngton . Mortgage Loans On Improved dty and farm property, at lowest current rates: Building loans. Installmeat Jams. Macmsster a Blrrell. 311 Worcester bis. THOS. SCOTT BROOKE REAL ESTATE LOANS ROOM 10 CONCORD BUTLDINQ. IRVINGTON. PRICES OF LOTS REDUCED. Tho undersigned la now prepared to bulla houses in Irvlngton. Portland's most desirable suburb, on the Installment plan, whereby ths monthly payments will be ACTUALLY ltsi than rental charged for similar residences. If you cannot call, send for circular. C H. PRESCOTT. 312 and 213 Chamber of Commerce. & Tomorrow, Thursday, April 19 AT CENTRAL AUCTION ROOMS, cor. Alder and Park sts.. the entire furnishings ot C-rocm house, removed from ISth st.. comprising: Ele gant mahogany parlor suit. In silk coverings; mahogany center tables and stands; fine Brus seL carpets: on squares; skin rugs; lace cur tains; pictures; chenille spreads; oak extension table; good dining chairs; dlnnerware; glass ware: lamps; mirrors; good oak bedroom sets: springs; hair and other mattresses: sewing machine: cradle; baby buggy; flrst-class Mich igan cook stove; lot grsniteware: meat safe: tubs: Windsor shades, and everything for housekeeping. Sale at 10 o'clock to the minute. GEO. BAKER & CO.. Auctioneers.