THE MGKNINGr OREGONIAN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 1900. VOTING BY NIACHIN This Question Will Come Up at Next Legislature. HON. a M. WATSON FATHERS IT BUI Providing for Such an Innova tion Met "With Scant Courtesy Five Years Ago. Representative D. M. Watson expects to introduce a Mil in the next legisla ture to provide voting machines in all cities of Oregon of any considerable size Action In this direction has been stimu lated by the fraud discovered In pre cinct No. 42, of the Ninth Ward. Front the revelations made in the Circuit Court of how ballots may be tampered -with after leaving the voter's hands there has been a general Inquiry as to -whether there Is not some -way to guar antee an absolutely correct count accord ing to the vote. The safest and surest system to the minds of those who have studied the problem s a voting ma chine, registering and counting automat ically. Already the members of Multno mah delegation have discussed the mat ter. F. A. Heltkemper says he will favor a. voting machine if proven economical and accurate. But Mr. Watson has given the matter tnort- 'thought than, other members and will likely be entrusted -with the management of the bill. When seen yesterday Mr. Watson said "he had not aeached positive convictions for or against anv system or machine. He believed In voting machines, but nls investigations had not proceeded far enough to enable him to speak advisedly of their cost of practicability. These were features to be learned, which he had alredv taken,up and would follow until all known machines had been thor oughly studied. County Recorder S. C. Beach, while a Representative from Multnomah County in 1S95, Introduced a bill to have the state adopt voting machines, but his measure was so badly beaten that he has not recovered from his surprise yet. Out of the entire House he was successful in securing only 13 votes, and about half or those were from Multnomah. At that time Mr. Beach made a very exhaustive study of voting machines and electoral methods throughout the United States. Ha secured Ticdlots from most of the states in the Union, procured circulars and descriptions of the voting machines then pat-need, and actually had brought to Salem, at his own expense, what seemed to be the cheapest and simplest machine In the market. His Interest In the subject produced only a suspicion that he was seeking pecuniary gain, and the harder he worked the stronger grew the Impression, until he was approached by a half dozen or more persons asking to be paid for their support of the meas ure providing voting machines. A Portland man patented one machine, of a rather elaborate design, which was operated by electricity. This fact alone condemned it with Mr. Beach, as the uncertainty of an electric current might produce serious mistakes. The Myers' machine of New York was studied care fully, but it was such a complicated af fair and came so high that it was deemed Impractical If any other could be found to do the work. This Mr. Beach thought and still believes he found in what is known as the Clifford voting machine of California. H. A. Clifford was an enthusiastic Populist, who had made some money In the sheep business and became so wrought up over political tricks at the ballot box that he spent his fortune bringing out the voting machine. This was small, simple, did not depend on springs or extraneous power and was remarkably cheap. Every movement of its simple mechanism was positive and there seemed no possibility of getting it out of order. The test given at Salem demonstrated its durability. Mr. Beach had it placed in the basement of the Capital, printed a fictitious ticket con taining the names of 103 candidates, which was the limit of the machine, as then manufactured, and im'lted every body to come down and vote. Men vis ited It at all hours, banged away at the keyboard and experimented very rudely, but the machine always responded and never tmade mistakes. Mr. Clifford of fered to furnish any number of the ma chines required at $50 each. The ex treme width then made permitted of in serting only 100 candidates on the ballot. By timed tests on the fictitious ballot, the names of which every person voting was unfamiliar with, it was estimated that 1003 persons could vote on the machine in 10 hours. If the names of the candi dates had been familiar so that each man had an Idea for whom he wanted to vote the work would have been faster. The voting Is Impressed on a roll of paper, and the number of votes possible on one machine is only limited by the size of the roll. By using thin paper and enlarging slightly the space where the roll is placed, perhaps the total votes for one roll could be increased to 1500 or 2000. The principle of the work Is very sim ple. Names of all the candidates are printed on paper, those for Mayor or any other office together, and each name is numbered. Inls number, which is at tho end of the name. Is right under the key on which a coiespcndmg number is placed, thus making it just as easy to strike the right number and the man desired as It is to pick him out on the Australian "ballot Pressing the key moves downward a small lever, with a punch attached, which perforates the roll of paper on the exact line of a candi date's name. The same motion of the lever operates a small rachet which counts the vote the same as a cash regis ter. Thus there aie two records of the vote to insure accuracy. If this register is questioned he roll may be taken out and counted more easily than the pres ent ballots are counted. Every candi date's votes appears on his line, being Indicated by perforations of the paper. All the votes cast by a single voter are plainly distinguished, as the perforations one man can make must appear in a straight line transversely to the roll. It can lie seen if a man has voted twice for candidates running for the same office. To prevent repealing the key used to make a perforation locks when pressed down and cannot be released except "by one of the judges who sets the machine for the next man by pulling a string. The judge does not see the keyboard In doing tills. o as to tell by the keys locked who the preceding voter cast nls ballot for. A curtain was provided for thn voter while at the keyboard that his choice might be absolutely secret. As the voters appeal to cast their ballots, thev were registered and received In the sTne manner ot the preliminaries for the present system. All votes are counted when the last man finishes. Of course. If the register is questioned, a count -will have to be made, the same as -now. With the simplicity of its mechanism and the absolute protection from all except the judges having the key to the box. there seems no more possibility of the register making errors than cash registers, which are known to be exact. The Clifford machine Is 10 Inches high, 13 Inches wide and 40 Inches long. If a person desires to vote a party ticket, such as a list of Representatives or Sena tors from Multnomah County, it may be d-ne by pressing a given key. But the time required to vote for such a list in detail is very short, as they would follow each other and one key after another would have te be pressed. These ma chines could be purchased in 1S9S lor 550 cah. Probablv the same number of judges and clerks now required would be necessary. But when the voting was finished, the work would be over, and the duties of the judges and clerks dur ing the voting would be much reduced. At the last election each judge and clerk was paid $3 for the first day of 10 hours, and so much for each ballot count ed as recompense for the remainder of the time. Th6 pay for, perhaps, a major ity, ranged between $12 and $15. The dif ference between these sums and $3 would be the saving on each judge and clerk at one election. There were three Judged and two clerks at each voting precinct, and -49 precincts In the city and SO In the county. This would make 245 men employed as judges and clerks In the city. As many of these received 515 and $16 it Is safe to estimate that an average of 510 would be saved on each If he was paid for only one day's work, or $3. Two hundred and forty-five men, at $10 each, would make a total of $2450 saved at one election. The voting machines cost only $50 each. The $2450 would buy just 49 machines, or enough to place one in each voting precinct of the city. As each ma chine Is estimated to have a capacity or 1000 votes In 10 hours. It Is seen that a still larger saving could be effected by reducing the number of voting precincts. This would muoh more than offset the cost of paper sua other Incidentals to the machine. One set of clerks and Judges could probably handle 100 votes with ease, and the machine would accom modate as many as the clerks and Judges could pass. These are figures that show the econom ical side of the question, and the accur acy "of the machine was tested pretty well. "From the experience of Mr. Beach, however, it seems that other difficulties must be overcome. With all his argu ments and demonstrations he succeeded In convincing the Legislators of but one positive fact that any man who fights for a cause must have a graft in it. So embarrassing did this situation become to the champion of the voting machine that he was ready to throw up his hands in disgust, and wrote to the owner of, the machine for an affidavit that he had absolutely no interest In Its sale or man ufacture. The members voting for the measure to provide voting machines were: Beach, Burke. Cardwell, Cole, Cleeton, Conn, Davis, Long, Patterson, Paxton, RInearson, Thompson and Young. Per haps If the whole Mujtnomah delegation goes to the Leglslatude with" the under standing that they will fight for a simi lar measure, a different fate will befall the cause of voting machines In Oregon. REPAINTING A BRIDGE. County Commissioners Figure on the Most Economical Plan. ' County Commissioners Steele, Mack and Showers -were In consultation with City Engineer Chase yesterday In regard to the painting of the Burnslde-street bridge. It was decided that the bridge must be painted this season, and, after discussing several kinds, of paint, it was about decided to use the same kind that had been used on the Madison and Morrison-street bridges. The question as to whether to let the job by contract or have it done by day's work was dis cussed. Both ways had advantages and disadvantages. It was finally decided to buy the paint and advertise for -the labor to put It on. The Commissioners were well aware that many would not do so much work when working for the county as when working for a contractor, and steps will bo taken to see that the county Is not thus swindled. The Commissioners will reserve the right to reject any or all bids, and no Irresponsible person will be given a contract, and there will be a man to oversee the work, and If It is not done to suit, the whole outfit will be "fired." The places in the iron and woodwork of the bridge where the paint has blis tered or peeled will be gone over first, and then the whole structure will be painted, thus giving two coats in places where they are needed, and one coat elsewhere. Application was made to the board to improve the grade of Woodstock Hill ou Kelly avenue. The scheme proposed is to lower the track of the City & Sub urban Company's Woodstock line three feet at this point. Teams can pull a load two-thirds of the way up this hill, but tho grade is so steep for the rest of the way that it Is necessary to double-team. The board went out after they had ad journed to examine the place. EXPRESSMEN FORM A- UNION They Seek to Maintain Rates and to Secure Public Standi. An Expressmen's Union has been formed in Portland, 30 out of the. 200 hav ing been enrolled. The 'object, according to one of them, who was speaking of the matter yesterday, is to regulate prices for moving baggage and put a stop to cutting rates. "We will charge 50 cents for moving the first trunk," he said, "and 25 cents for each additional trunk. Valises and handsatchels will not be charged for where they accompany trunks. For a valise alone, 25 cents will be charged, except when the distance Is great, when we will charge 50 cents. "Expressmen are compelled to pay a city license, yet are not furnished with stands. We can only stand now in front of some one's place at the discretion of the occupant of the premises, and, as he Is liable to change his -mind at any time, we may have to move, and thus lose the patronage we have been years in building up. When we become thoroughly organ ized we propose to ask the city to fur nish us stands or we will refuse to pay any more license. "At the steamer docks we have no priv ileges which the police are bound to re spect, and we have to Jostle each other for the best positions. The nature of our business compels us to get out and hustle, and we have to accost travelers in regard to moving their baggage. As long as we do sp In a respectable manner, we don't tnmK anybody has a right to stop us. "I think the city might furnish us stands In or about the -parks, where we could bo found when wanted, and where we would not be In the way of street traffic This subject will come up for debate at our next meeting, when we expect to swell our membership so as to Include nine-tenths of the expressmen in Portland." Front-Street Bridge. PORTLAND Aug. Z To the Editor.) It would seem to me that with the mem ory of the late catastrophe at Tacoma on the De Lin-street bridge, the City & Sub urban Railway should not be permlttea to use the bridge crossing the gulch on Front street, between Caruthers and Ar thur streets. Any one can readily see that this bridge Is far from being safe. ThereXaro danger signs at either end of this bridge, but they will never prevent a car from going through to the ground, "some GO or SO feet below. Now that the election is over, it seems to me it is high time for the city to see that this bridge is either rebuilt, repaired or the cars pre vented from crossing. E. A. B. "E. A. B." is a little behind time In this matter. The Council at its meeting 'Wednesday appropriated $750 for a new deck for the Front-street bridge, and the lumber for it was ordered yesterday. The substructure of the bridge Is stanch and safe, having been put In good repair last year, and the deck would have been re newed long ago had there been money available for this purpose. The matter his been so much discussed by the Coun cil and the Board of Public Works, and The Oregonlan has published so much about it, that every citizen should know ail there Is to be known about it Those unhappy persons who suffer from nervousness and dyspepsia should use Carter's Little Nerve Pills, made express ly for this class. WOMEN WERE IN CHARGE RELIEF CORPS IN EVIDEHCE AT G. A. R, REUHIOH. . General Compson Tells How 1500 Hen Cat Their Way Through, Stone-Trail Jackson's Lines. Yesterday was Woman's Relief Corps day at the G. A. R. reunion at Pleasant Home.-' The members of the corps had full charge of all the exercises during the day and evening. The weather was all that cou'd be desired and tho attend ance was much increased over the pre vious days. Several more campers ar rived and took tents for the remainder of the week. The camp ground pre sented a lively appearance in the morning while the people were arriving from the surroundings. By 10 o'clock a large num ber of vehicles had arrived and were placed among the trees for the day. The farmers and their families are making the reunion a holiday, and usually turn out part of the day, and also In the even- PUDDIN'HEAD WILLIE. ,&. DEMOCRATIC HEAD If it was not be elected President. POPULIST HEAD I see! You are with. Imperialism. ing. At 10:30 o'clock in the forenoon, a programme was rendered. This was in charge' of the 'Relief Corps. There wa? patriotic music, and Arthur Bates, an excellent musician, entertained the audl- ener. with a fine celervtion. and received much applause. General H. B. Compson gave a short talk In the morning on the "Military Career of General Sheridan." He spoke briefly, for his address of the day was to be given in the afternoon. Rev. N. S. Hollcroft, of Montavilla, as sisted In the exercises. Mrs. Pool pre sided. General Comptan's Address. In the afternoon the crowd was largely Increased. At 1:30 the M. A. Ross Wo man's Relief Corps marched, to the plat form with fljing banners, the old sol diers In the rear. Mrs. -.Jiles Stephens was in charge. . There was an opening musical selec tion by Miss Vennie Welsh, of Mount Tabor, who filled the entire camp ground with her clear notes. She was heartily applauded and responded with another selection. Mrs. Robert Pool read a brief sketch of the military life of General H. B. Compson, tho main speaker of the day, and Arthur Bates declaimed a po etical tribute to him. General H. B. Compson took a promi nent part In the battle of Gettysburg, Harper's Ferry and other engagements of the Civil War. He was introduced by Mrs. Stephens and was received with loud applause by the apdience. There was a special interest in his address, as he dwelt on personal reminis censes of scenes and battles in which he took part. In the opening of his ad dress he paid a very high tribute to the valor and patriotism, of the American woman during the war. He specially pointed out the part the wom an nurses took In caring for the wounded and mangled in that ter rible conflict at Gettysburg, where for three days the mighty hosts of the North and South struggled. Then Gen eral Compson gave incidents of personal bravery and sacrifices by the many women who acted as nurses, and paid, an. eloquent, tribute to their efforts to mitigate tho horrors of the Civil War in battle and in hospital. Then passing on. General Compson took up the stirring scenes that took place at Harper's Ferry, where Stonewall Jackson surrounded and captured the place, twith 12 000 men, under command' of General Miles. It was here occurred one of the most thrilling inci dents of the war, and according to the speaker, history has not yet done full jus tice to the escape of the 1500 cavalry tin der Davis. a cousin of - Colonel B. F; Davis, a Union man, and also a cousin of Jefferson Davis, President of tho Southern Confederacy. Stonewall Jack son had the Union Army, under Miles, completely hemmed hi on "all sides. Hamp er's Ferry Is a sort of hollow, surrounded by hills, the latter occupied by Jack son's men. Guns were trained on the Union Army. Finally, after much urging. Davis obtained, permission from General Miles to cut his way out with 1500 cav alry. The speaker was one of Jthe men who went with Davis, and his description of i that terrible midnight ride right through the rebel camp was one most thrilling. He told how the ride was un dertaken. Five men kept their eyes on their leader so that they could not bo separated in the darkness of the night. On they went silently, expecting every minute that the rebel batteries would open on them. They marched right through Stonewall Jackson's camp. Thev were seen, by the camp, but in the dark ness could not be recognized, and when hailed, responded that they were part of Joe Jeff Steward's detachment of cav alry. They finally cleared the "enemy's camp and passed on over the Maryland Mountains. They captured Stonewall Jackson's train of ammunition wagons. General Compson said that this capture of the ammunition wagons of Stonewall Jackson was highly important, fo rthe reason that it Is believed that it really resulted In the defeat of General Lee at the great battle of Antletam by depriv ing him of ammunition. General Comp son detailed the course of the cavalry as the detachment made Its way to Gen eral McClellan's army. He said it was a terrible ride, and that it wore out and ruined the horses. It was a dash up the mountains and narrow defiles. Horses were constantly dropping, but it was on and on. At the close -ot General Comn son's address he was greeted with much applause. He wore, during the delivery of his fine address, a bronze medal given by the Government to the survivors of the battle of Gettysburg for distinguished service. ,Ml33 Lena. Morrow arrived In the af ternoon and gave an address. The au dience then adjourned tlU evening, when the usual campflre programme was ren dered. A large number of Portland peo ple were in attendance during the after noon and evening and remained over for today. , Closing Programmes. All the exercises of the day -will be In tho hands of the fraternal order. Wood men of the World. There will be ad dresses by Professor W. C. Hawley and other prominent members of that order. Tomorrow will be G. A. R. day, which will close the reunion. George C. Brownell, of Oregon City, will speak In the morning and T. C. Devlin In the afternoon. Reception at Refuge Home. The East Side W. C." T. U. gave a re coptlon at the Florence Crittenton Refuge Home yesterday afternoon at 2 o'clock. for your wormy lG-to-1 nut I might trying to force me off the Earth, which was unusually successful in every respect- There was a large turn-out of W. C. T. U. members, besides a great many visitors. It was the intention to give a literary programme, but this was ' not. rinno nn nwnnnt tt tVi hat nnH p I afternoon was spent in a social way. There was a large contribution of eat ables and clothing. Mrs. Nlblin and Mrs. Plympton Kelly contributed 70 pounds of hlackberrtes, which w as a very acceptable lft. A sum, amounting to $12 60, was do nated from different women who attended the reception. At present there are 20 inmates and 12 babies at the Home. The financial condition is not thriving and as the institution is a worthy one. it de serves the charitable-attention of all. . Death of a. Pioneer. Daniel Hatchaway died yesterday morn ing at his home on East Twenty-sixth and Powell streets. He "was a pioneer of 184S and was 84 years of age. The funeral services will take place Saturday morning at 10 o'clock from his late resi dence. The remains will be interred at Multncinah Cemetary. Pleasant Home Kotea. ' William Craswell, while working at Proctor & Bean's sawmllU cut his foot severely, which will Incapacitate him for work -for some time. Craswell Is par ticularly unfortunate In this respect, as h ewas only just outof a Portland hos pital where he had" been confined a long while from a badly Injured knee. Land values at Pleasant Home are ad vancing steadily and many Eastern peo ple are looking toward the purchase of property here. All express themselves ns highly pleased with the country and the climate. Among the land sales re cently recorded was ,the purchase of 160 acres from Joseph Barber by Mr. Hawley. Mr. Hawley expects to make extensive improvements on his ranch. Professor B. C. Altman lately purchased the old Spiller ranch for $.1000. He In tends to convert it Into a large dairy. Dr. Wise, room G14. The Dekum. WASHINGTON CHAUTAUQUA. Some, of the Fen tares-' of This Year's Assembly at Vnshon Island. Rev. Louis S. Bowerman, pastor of the First Baptist Church, of Seattle, was In Portland yesterday in the Interests of the Baptist Young People's Union Chautau qua Assembly, which will be held on "Vashon Island, midway" between Seattle and Tacoma, August 9 td 19. ' The programmes are at hand, and pre sent an excellent array of talent. Rev. O. W. Van Osdell, D. D., of Spo kane, has the department of Old Testa ment study. Rev. George R. Varney, of Spokane, gives six studies on "Issues of Today." The State of Oregon is represented by two lecturers Rev. J. H. Beaven, D. D., of Oregon City, who will give six studies on the "Development of Doctrine," while James Edmunds, of this city, will have each day "The Sunday School Normal Class." Dr. F W. Colegrove, of the Washington State University? will give several lectures on "Mind Development," There will be two grand concerts, un der direction of Professor W. F. Parish, stereoptlcon lectures and an address by Hon. C. S. Shank. There willalso be special programmes for .the Union, En deavor, Temperance and Patriotic days. The Cooke Evangelistic Mission, will also be present. The railways of Washington have grant ed a rate of a fare and one-third, certifi cate plan, "provided 50 use the railways. This rate includes the City of Portland. One of the unique features is the "Boys Camp Content," In charge of Rev. L. J. Sawyer, Seattle. This is an encampment for boys of 12 to 16 years of age. About 75 are already enrolled. The expense is only $5 per boy for the 12 days. There is abundant room for camping and at the hotel. For accommodations address Rev. L. J. Sawyer, Chautauqua. Wash, "x- . r REJECTED A COMPROMISE STRTEOWG TEAMSTERS ?2S5 A SAT. REFUSE Some 'Wholeesle Grocery Houses Of fer to Pay Higher Rates for Hauling Than Heretofore. Another day brought no material change in the strike situation of the teamsters for tho transfer companies. At a meeting held late last evening the strikers decided to continue thelc posi tion unaltered by the compromise of $2 25 offered. Upon both sides there was ev idence of a hope for an early settlement. How this is to be effected i not clear, as the transfer management maintained that with present prices It was impossi ble to pay $2 60, and the strikers were equally positive that they were entitled to that wage. r An extended conference between some of the leading grocery firms and the transfer companies originated the move ment that brought forth the offer of a compromise of $2 25. Allen & Lewis and Wadhams & Co. agreed to make a raise of 25 per cent on the "In hauling," which has been done for them at tho rate ot 25 cents a ton heretofore. Their "out hauling" has been at the rate of 40 cents per ton. This offer was made by them in an equitable spirit and with tho un derstanding that other grocery firms would make a similar Increase. Mason, Ehrman & Co.. Long & Co.. and Wad- hams & Kerr Bros, were not favorable to this in every respect, as they claim Wadhams & Co. and Allen & Lewis have been paying less for hauling than the other big firms. Instead of tho different firms making a proportionate increase over their present rates, it is suggested that all come up to a common level, and then, If it Is neessary to make an In crease, let the raise be in due proportion. Recently one of these houses succeeded in. getting the "in hauling" of flour, sugar and salt done at the 25-cent rate paid by the two firms who came forward with the concessions, but still pays 40 cents on all other material constituting tho stock of a wholesale grocery store. As a result of the promises made by the" grocery Jobbing-houses the transfer companies felt justified in offering the strikers $2 25 a day. This is a raise of half the amount asked. A committee from the teamsters' union met the repre sentatives from tho transfer companies, heard the proposals and submitted them to the members of the union, who were then holding a meeting. A reply soon came tut that the strikers would stand for $2 50. The -transfer men felt that they could do no more, and negotiations were declared off. On the streets there was little varia tion from the policy of the day previous. The strikers had their organization bet ter perfected, and in some way or other managed to meet every new man going out with a wagon. Arguments were used to persuade the new employe to leave his position and join issues with the strikers. There is some conflict as to the language used on such occasions. All the strikers, including their officers, as sert positively that none of the union men used abusive or insulting language any time during the day; at least, If such was used, none of them knew or heard of it. At the meetings held all the mem bers of the union were made to prom ise courteous conduct In their work and to - avoid abusive or rough language. Two of the transfer companies state that considerable abusive languago was used yesterday, but, so far as their informa tion went, it came from outsiders not members of the union, who seemed to sympathize with the movement. But two other companies assert that their men were intimidated by some of the union men. The intimidation was not vi olence or the threat of violence, but such insulting language as "scab" and words that would affect a sensitive man. These assertions are emphatically refuted by the union men to a man. There seemed to be more trucks work ing yesterday than, the day before. The Holman Company said that during the afternoon they had their full force out, and had worked off the congestion of freight that stared them In the face for two days previous. Two of their new employes were persuaded 'to quit, but their places were soon filled. This firm says there is no difficulty In getting an abundanpe of men to undertake teaming, but many of them have to be broken in before they are efficient. The eager ness of men to take the vacant positions the management regards as good evi dence that the pay of teamsters was good, as compared with that of other laborers. Were It not for the fact that a strike was on. the management asserts that there WQuld be flocks of men applying for the vacant positions. Many laborers, through sympathy, will not take positions vacated by men who left because of low wages. Wakeman & Morse were in some better shape than the previous day, they said. Some of their new men had been per suaded to quit, and one fellow had left after a half day, through sheer fright. When he was questioned he admitted that no violence had been offered or threat ened by any of the strikers. One man left the Northwest Transfer Company, and his place was filled. He was not one of the two men added to the force since the strike, but had been there nearly a year. The management here stands firmly against the union, and says men employed now will not be discharged for union men If the strike ,1s settled. Strelbig & Co. were laboring with a rumor that gained some currency to the effect that an increase In pay had been made by the firm and two union men employed. This Mr. Strelbig emphatically denied. What his wage rates were he did not care to discuss, as he did not regard it public matter, but he said posi tively that he had made no increase since the strike, nor had he been forced into Tecognizing the union or any other or ganization. He had all of his wagons out most of the day. Among the other companies there was nothing to vary the common experience. There was considerable conflict of opin ion as to whether the transfer com panies or the jobbing houses were at the bottom of the difficulty, so far 'as rates were concerned. Some of the strikers maintained that the Jobbers were gener ally sympathizing with them, and would make a reasonable raise If there was any assurance that the Increase would go to the account of wages. This Imputation against the transfer companies that they were not sincere in their expressed desire to pay all they could, was- warmly con tested by every firm. The manager of one firm said: "I heartily sympathize with the men. I know they should have more pay, but I cannot give it. The margin of profit has been reduced so low that twe cannot pay more and stay in business. I can prove that a raise of 50 cents a day In the wages of my teamsters would drive me out of business, unless the raise were covered by a corresponding raise in the rates I receive for work. The fact that a few wholesale grocery firms agree to a 25-per-cent raise does not help me any. I haven't a single grocery jobbing house among my patrons. To benefit mo, all the firms shipping freight must raise their rates for hauling. There is a ques tion whether they can do this at the present stage of competition. If they do raise rates of hauling I am told they will have to recoup In their selling price. This will bring the burden of the whole proposition down to the door of.the con sumer of staples. The teamster doing our hauling Is one of these consumers, and will have to pay Increased prices for his food and other necessaries." After the meeting held last evening In the hall at Twelfth and GUsan streets. President Shannon said the union had voted to hold on. Several committees had been out getting in touch with the busi ness men of the city and endeavoring to ascertain if a raise in the price of haul ing would be consented to. These com mittees had not reported, and it was not known what the? had accomplished. They found many sympathizers among busi ness men, but did not report that this sympathy was taking substantial form. President Shannon and the other officers and members present said they were sura that none of the strikers had been con ducting themselves in a disorderly- or un ruly manner. Another meeting of the union will be held this evening in the same ball, at which it Is possible Im portant business will be transacted. LAST MONTH'S WEATHER. Mean Temperature Was the Same as for SO Years Past. Following is the monthly report of July weather, made up by the United States Weather Bureau: O o" &P po Temp'rturejg'3 Date. . ! o r Cloudy Cloudy Cloudy OJJCloudy Clear Clear Clear Clear Pt. Cldy Pt. Cldy Clear Clear Clear Clear Clear Clear Clear Clear Clear Clear Pt. Cldy Pt. Cldy Cloudy Cloudy Clear Clear Clear Clear Clear Mean 77.156.166.61.... Trace. Mean atmospheric pressure, 29.33; highest pressure. 30.14, date, 12th; low est pressure, 20.76, date, 20th. Mean temperature, 67; highest tempera ture, DO, date 20th; lowest temperature, 4S, date, 1st; greatest dolly range of tem perature, 31, date, 30th; least daily range of temperature, 10, date, 5th. Mean temperature for this month In: 1871, 70; 1S72, CO; 1873, 67; 1574,. 68; 1875, 70; 1876, 66; 1877, 66; 1S78, 64; 1879, 63; I860, 63; 18SL 65; 18S2, 67; 1883, 68; 1SS4, 63; 1SS5. 70; 18S6, 69; 1SS7, 66; 1SS8, 63; 1SS9, 70; 1SS0, 66; 1891, 69; HJ92, 65; 1893, 64; 1S94, 67; 1805, 65; 1896,, 70; 1S97, 65; 198, 66; 1899, 67. Mean temperature for this month for 30 years. 67; average excess of dally mean tem perature during month, 0; accumulated excess of dally mean temperature since January 1333; average dally excess since January 1, 2; prevailing direction of wind, northwest; total movement of wind, 5539 miles; maximum velocity of wind, direc tion and date, SO, southwest, 31st. Total precipitation, 0.34 of an inch. Total precipitation (in Inches) for this month In 1871, 0.53; 1S72, 0.20; 1873, 1.03; 1S74, 0.19; 1875, 200.; 1S7J5, 0.96; 1877, .053; 1878, 1SS2, 18S6, 1.10; 1879, 1.75; 1880, 0.59; 1SSL 1.16; 0.95; 18S3, 0.00; 18S4, LEO; 1SS5, 0.24; 0.32; 1SS7. 0.03; 1SSS, L04; 18S9, 0.00; 0.59; 1S91, 0.24; 1S92, 0.70; 1833, 0.14; 1M30, 1S94, 0.10; 1895, 0.23; 1S93, T; 1897. 0.65; 1898, 0.79; .1899, 0.47; 1900, 0.34; average precipi tation for this month for 30 yeare, 0.56 inches; total deficiency in precipitation during month, 0.22 inches; total precipi tation from September 1. '99, to date, 38.68 inches; average precipitation from Sep tember L to date, 4.76 inches; total de ficiency from September 1. '99. to date, 6.08 Inches; average precipitation for 23 wot seasons', 44.09 Inches; number of clear days, 20; partly cludy days, 4; cloudy days, 7; dates of greatest precipitation In 24 hours, 0.S0 of an Inch, on the 4th; number of days with .01 inch or more of precipitation,' 3. EDWARD A. BEALS, Forecast Official. PROSPECT FOR PRUNES. Oregon Will Come Into Competition With. Large Crops. Following is an extract from a circular sent out by Lang & Co. In regard to the prospects of the market for prunes for thi3 season: "The season of 1900 opens up with light stocks all over the country, and the early demand promises to be up to the average of former years. The Coast crop of 189S (and by that we mean the crop of Cali fornia, Oregon and Washington) wa3 the largest in the history of the trade, the California crop being over 100,000,000 pounds, while the Oregon and Washing ton crop was practically a failure. The Eastern dried fruit crop was short, as was also the European crop. This result ed in a large home and export trade, but at lower prices than those ruling during the previous seasons. The conditions of 1900 are entirely dissimilar. Against a crop of 100,000,000 pounds in 1899, the early estimates for 1900 were 175,000,000 pounds, but later and conservative estimates re duce the quantity to 150,000,000 pounds. The crop of all other fruits in California. Is much heavier than last year. The East ern fruit crop Is very large, and Europe promises to have reasonably fair crops. What conclusions, then, are to be drawn from this situation? Certainly not very high prices for the crop of 1900. We shall not attempt to forecast the closing, situa tion, but it Is our candid opinion that early sellers will not have cause for re gret." They also quote the following Instruc tions from the bulletin of the California Cured Fruit Association, which will gov ern Inspectors In the classification of prunes, and recommend that Oregon growers conform with them, or they will certainly have to take lower prices for their product: "First There will be two classes of graded prunes, designated as first and sec ond quality. "Second No prunes will be received as first quality unless thoroughly cured and free from cracked. Immature or otherwise defective or Imperfect fruit. "Third AH fruit delivered at warehouse containing unripe, cracked or otherwise defective fruit will be designated as sec ond quality." t Where Flows the Long Tom. Corvallls Times. One of the finest sections of Benton County is the Long Tom country. There, handsome country residences and big fine barns are on every farm. The farm improvements are almost Invariably sub stantial. The signs of life are everywhere visible. Permanence and home Improving Is In the very air. Homes are as numerous as they are excellent. From almost any spot from half a dozen to a score of them are within view. The surrounding scenery is beautiful. The rays of the set ting sun never lit up a landscape more perfect, A handsome church, new and commodious, and numerous schoolhouses are Improvements that delight the eye of the traveler who passes among the homes of this -substantial and thrifty community. Beats That Are Permanent. Albany Democrat, A female deadbeat is said to be work ing her way north. Well, why not female deadbeats as well as male deadbeats? There are plenty of the latter who do not travel from place to place. Thin, Run-Down People are helped to regain needed flesh and strength by using MALT-NUTRINE. The Anheuser-Busch Brewing Ass'n pre pares it, which fact guarantees Its su perior merit. Sold by all druggists. WHY SO FEW- SUCCEED SOME PRACTICAL VIEWS OS, CAPE NOME MIXING. Steamship Agents Still Luring Peo ple to Go "Luc3cy' Saldwln'a Unlucky Venture. "Nome was all right last year, but it was worked out," Is the verdicfc of S. C. Sherman, who returned, from there yes terday. Mr. Sherman was formerly a Pullman conductor, but he thought ha would" try his luck on that rich beach, and so he obtained an early start from San Francisco and landed at Nome among the very first of this year's adventurers. He took up a, machine with which to separate the yellow metal from the beach sands, but It would not treat cubic yard3 enough In a day to make It pay, so ho bought a machine of larger capacity from a disgusted adventurer at Nome, and this he and his partners axe now working suc cessfully at Thin Rock, six miles north of Nome. The outfit cost lt3 original owner $1000. and the freight to Noma was $250. but Mr. Sherman obtained It for $100 In gold. "About one In a thousand are making money at Nome," he sold, yesterday, at the Perkins, "and about One in a hun dred Is making expenses. The rest are eating up what they have, and many of them are dead broke, and willing to work for their more fortunate companions for $1 a day and board, when they can get It. I saw crowds of men going out to tho placer mines of Anvil Creek to work at these figures, in the hope of saving enough to pay their faro homa thl3 FalL" Mr. Sherman says he has made a good start up there himself, and expects to go back again next Spring. His dredger will probably net the company $10 or $LJ a day, and besides this he has three ferryboats running on Snaka River which cuts the town of Nome In two. A long headed fellow from Dawson, he sold, had built a bridge over this stream, out of old driftwood, and he charged 25 cents for foot passengers one way, while a two-horse team paid a toll ot $i GO. When Mr. Sherman put on his flatboats he brought tho faro down to 10 cents the round trip, and still each boat Is malting $5 to $10 a day clear of expenses. Tho brldgeman got mad and put the fare down to a nickel, but hl3 bonanza, has de parted. For a while ho cleared over $1000 a day out of his rattletrap, which had neither plank deck nor side rails, and quite often horses would fall over its rickety sides into tho river. Ho thinks there are over $1,000,000 worth of dredgers and gold-saving machines strewn along tho beach which will be left to decay and ruin. Two dredge boats had been put to work on the Snake River, but their buckets struct no golden sands and so they are liable to be aban doned soon unless they have better luck. Twelve miles of the beach on the north side of Nome and eight miles on the south were worked out last year, and considerable gold found, but these same stretches were beirig reworked thl3 year, and,, of course, tho miners were not do ing so well. Each miner i3 allowed a strip 25 feet wide, from low-water mark back to the tundra, and when ha gets tired of this strip ha can take another of tho same size, if ha can find one unoccu pied. There is no gold at all in tho first five or six feet of surface, and the pay dirt is only about six inches thick, right on the bedrock. Here you are obliged to use a tablespoon to dig the sand out of the crevices, in order to obtain the gold This is "the reason dredgers cannot work the beach, as they are not capable of getting down to such a fine point, A lot of waste sand has to be stripped oX and cast aside, and this takes time. Then the gold clings so closely to tho aeams In the bedrock that no large amount of pay, sand can be moved In a given time. i" There are about 35,000 persons, he thinks, In the vicinity of Nome, of whom 4CQ0 are women. Among those who have lost money in the Nome district, ho mentions Lucky Baldwin, of San Francisco, who took up a hotel and saloon "knocked down," all ready to put up and open business. He heard Baldwin say himself that he would be glad If he could get out of the place at a loss of $10,000. Sev eral vaudeville shows, expensive saloons and gambling outfits had stranded there, and "their owners will have to figure pretty close in order to save enough to get away on. It costs only $25 to go to Nome, hut $SS Is the lowest fare charged on the return trip, and this Is for steer age passage. First cabin to Seattle costs $100. He" blames the transportation compa nies for luring men North, while know ing there was nothing to Justify the ex odus. 'T have seen the ticket-sellers in Seattle take the last dollar a man" had In return for a ticket to Nome," he said, "and these agents knew full well that nothing but starvation and disappointment would be the poor derlJ'a lot. I think, morally, tho companies are responsible for all the deaths at Nome. The death rate when I was there was nine a day. Pneumonia was taking most of the men off, smallpox being on the decrease; in fact, stories of smallpox at Nome have been greatly exaggerated in the States." A large number of men and women will have to bo assisted out of there this Fall, in his opinion, and even now hun dreds are applying to the military au thorities in vain hope of free transporta tion. The military receive the applicants coldly, with the reply: "You came here of your own accord, and now you must get out In the same way." Merchandise of all descriptions has be come depreciated property at Nome. Even provisions ore about as cheap as In Port land, as there Is a large supply, and the owners are anxious to sell out and quit the place, even at a big loss. Ham and eggs can be obtained at the restaurants for 35 cents, and many of the restaurant keepers arc losing money. There Is a large supply ot fresh beef, the steers being taken to Nome and slaughtered there. Beef, however. Is high, retailing at 65 cents a pound. Milk was high for a while, but now It Is down to 0 cent3 a quart. 'The weather up there has been de lightful all season," he continued, "and a good deal of prospecting has beeen done along the beach. It has been too dry to do much on the creek3, and so nothing much has been struck except on a few claims on Anvil Creek, which pay well, but the bedrock lies very close to the top of the ground, and these claims will bo worked out In a few months. People think there Is more or less gold in the tundra, but this has never been dug irto, as it consists of a frozen morass, hard to drain at the top and difficult to work as you go down. The bedrock, which Is nothing but hard clay, lies at various depths, and no one has yet felt Justified In attempting the task of exposing Its surface to the light. Many claims were staked out by power of attorney and sold at good prices, last year, where there Is no sign of gold, and a man might as well dig In a potato patch In Portland's suburbs. Thousands of acres were taken up while the snow covered the earth, and the stakes never touched the ground at all. The sticks are now lying scattered about over tho ground and no one pays attention to them. On the steamer Senator, nearly 600 pas sengers returned the last trip to Seattle, and the Garonne had about 400. All wpro disgusted with Nome and glad to str'ke civilized shores once more. Yet some were still being booked for Nome, and each vessel would have a fair complement of passengers on the return north. A PLEASANT OUTING. If you want a short, comfortable Sun day outing take a 40-mlle ride up tho Columbia on the O. R. & N. 9:20 A. M. train. Fare for the trip, SO cents.