Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Morning Oregonian. (Portland, Or.) 1861-1937 | View Entire Issue (Aug. 22, 1900)
THE MORNING OBEGONIAN, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 1900. WAS A METEOR Presence of That "Ball of Fire" Explained. PASTY OF STARGAZERS SEE IT By Curfotxs Coincidence It IHua- trate an. Astronomical Tallc at Council Crest. By a rather curious coincidence Mrs. Zi. 'Altman, our local authority on as tronomy, and a little band of star-gazers, were on the summit of Council Crest, di rectly above Portland Heights, night be fore last at the time the "ball of fire" was seen In the heavens by the Portland people below. To the latter. It appeared to come from the direction of Portland Heights. To those on the summit It was first seen about CO degrees above the hori zon, traveling downwards toward the earth, and at the same time bearing slightly toward the east. In "shape It ap peared like an elongated ball of fire, or ellipsoid, but this was possibly due to the lightning-like speed with which it was traveling. When about 30 degrees from the earth It dissipated into a shower of tpasiza. No detonation -whatever traa heard when it first became visible; but as the members of the party were all busily engaged in talking, even if there had been such a sound, It would prob ably have escaped notice. Mrs. Altman Is of opinion that It may be a belated and straggling meteor from the constellation of Perseus, from which the August meteoric showers come. These Ere second only to the November show ers. The earth reached these Perseldes about two weeks ago. Nearly always on August 8, 10 and 11, several hundred shooting stars can be counted. But it Is k. little late to see any now. The skies were cloudy in Portland about the time they wore due, and so they did not put in an appearance this year. Mrs. Alt man's friends are inclined to think that the hoavens kindly delayed their celes tial pyrotechnics until it was convenient tor her to ascend Council Crest to ob serve them. The party had planned an excursion to the summit for the purpose of en Joying an informal astronomical talk from her under the stars. They met on Port land Heights shortly before dark, and made the 20-minute climb while the bril liant sunset glow illuminated the skies. Cpon reaching the summit they found the heaven b overhead absolutely clear and free from clouds. The vapors that wrapped the city below and interfered with vision hung about the rim of the horizon. The line of demarcation could be easily traced in the Dipper, the lower stars of which were dim and scarcely dis cernible, while the upper stars were re iplendcnt in their brightness. In the rnld heavens tho constellation of Hercules was pointed out, toward which our whole solar system is speeding with terrific energy: to determine the rate of prog ress is Just now the chief problem of the tstronomers at the Lick Observatory In California. The Northern Cross, the Corona Bo rcalls (Northern Crown), Cassiopeia (Lady in Her Chair), the Dragon and many oth er constellations, conspicuous for their sparkling beauty, were traced out by the party of observers, who found the study fascinating in the extreme. The calm and steadfast light of the planets Jupiter and Siturn was quickly recognized in the South, among the thousands of twinkling 6tars. The reddish light of Arcturus the largest known sun in the universe, being WO times larger than our own sun was pointed out, shining through iinfath-m-able depths of space, such as are beyond the comprehension of man. The white light of Vega, one of the most brilliant luminaries of northern latitudes, was ob served, a star that in 12 000 years will be come our "north star." Every 23,000 years, Mrs. Altman explained, the north star changes. The present one. 4000 years ago, when the Pyramids were being built, was In the Great Dipper, and the Egyptians pointed the pyramids' openings toward it. The merry party of star-gazers found a giant fir stump blazing away on the tip top of the mountain. It was a splendid sight, and must have been visible for many miles around. Shortly after 10 o'clock they began the descent home wards with a sigh for the sparkling pano rama that they left behind them. Council Crest is very popular as a re sort for picnic parties this Summer, some times several occurring in a day. "With gay Japanese lanterns swung among the trees of the old cherry orchard, a big bonfire, the pleasant strains of a guitar, a view that sweeps tfie horizon in a circle of several hundred miles. It is an Idyllic spot .for a moonlight picnic. A HOT TIME IN PROSPECT. Governor llOKcrs' Supporters Making War on Fawcett. Seattle Times, Fusion. The Indorsement of A. V. Fawcett for Governor by the Pierce County Democrat ic Convention Saturday has greatly alarmed hundreds of conservative Fu elonlsts throughout the state, who fear that the Fusion state conventions, whicn meet in this city one week from today, may nominate him through Ignorance of r hat the- party will have to contend with in case he is placed at the head of the ticket. It is no exaggeration to say that at least 303 of the most prominent Democrats and Populists In Seattle will support J. M. Frink, the Republican nominee for Governor, in case of Fawcett's nomina tion on the anti-Republican ticket. These men are actuated by a sincere belief, based on well-known facts, that Fawcett is not only the very weakest man that could be nominated for the place, but that he Wutterly unfitted In a score of ways to All the position if he were elected. In tho first place, Fawcett is a resident of Tacoma. In view of the bitter fight that Is being waged between Seattle and Tacoma at the present time, that fact in Itself will cost him 1000 votes in King County. No Tacoma candidate for Gov ernor, and especially Mr. Fawcett, can carry this county at the coming election. In the next place, Mr Fawcett's pri vate record even his .family history would have to be explained from the stump from the very moment he was nominated nntll the polls closed. There is no question but the opposition press would seize upon his unsavory divorce case and his subsequent remarriage and use them to the utmost against him. There is a most decided danger that the women of the state will be aroused, and wage against him such a campaign as the women of the Nation did against W. i P. Breckinridge and Brigbam H. Rob erts, and with tho same disastrous re sults. KING'S SHORT TRIAL. Yukon Murderer Convicted ad Sen tenced. In Four Hours. The Dawson News gives a graphic de scription of the trial of Alexander King, convicted of killing Herbert Davenport, a Tukon River guide. In the most cow ardly manner last June. When the wit nesses were on the stand, the old man a typical and picturesque miner would lean forward, eagerly drinking in their testimony, his gray eyes gleaming ner vously and suspiciously, and smiling and shaking his head now and then in dissent-Placed on the stand himself. King gave a somewhat living- picture demonstration of how Davenport acted when shot. anl took occasion to pronounce the other wit nesses perjurers because of what ho claimed were defects In the details of their testimony. King maintained that Davenport displeased him In the way he bandied the scow, and that Davenport endangered his life. The old man is 51 years of age. He testified he had been In the Tukon country as early as '87. and had not heard from hs relatives In 25 years. He thought be had brothers and sisters In Ohio. He had prospected many years. Justice Craig beard the case. All was as still as death when he pronounced sentence. His Lordship was pale, but spoke clearly. "May God have mercy on your soul," he said, and sank back in his chair. The condemned old .man. leaning for ward, calmly said: "It would be Just the same. Judge, If you order them to take me out in the yard tomorrow at 10 o'clock and shoot me between the eyes; for prison life does not suit me." INSPECTEDSALMON HATCHERY Fish Commission nt Upper Ciaclca mns FlshTrheel at Oresron City. OREGON CITY, Aug. a. Governor T. T. Geer. Secretary of State F. I. Dunbar and Fish Commissioner F. C Reed re turned late last night from a trip to the Upper Clackamas hatchery, leaving that place early in the morning and reaching here in time to catch the north-bound train. Dr. A. C. Smith, Senatorelect from Multnomah County, accompanied the -members of the Fish Commission on their visit to the hatchery. Commissioner Reed says that the run of chtnook salmon Is small, but that every nsh Is being caught that makes its way to the vicin ity of the hatchery. Already about 1,500, 000 chlnook eggs have been taken, and it is hoped that the catch will be doubled by the time the season closes, September 1. Forty thousand eggs were taken in one night while the commissioners were at the hatchery. They report a pleasant trip, and the trail in good condition. The members of the commission visited the island at the falls of the Willamette, and inspected the fishwheel, which was operated during the past season. Gover nor Geer said that he was "astounded to find that a wheel had been operated in the flshway, where the salmon would have to travel to get over the fallB." He expressed considerable indignation to learn that a wheel had been placed so that It would catch all the salmon that might attempt to get over the falls, and said the matter would be Investigated. The Governor also stated that it was his Intention to impress on the Legislature next Winter the Importance of providing a way for the salmon to get over the falls without any impediments to their progress. Governor Geer gave expression to the opinion that the ravages of the seals and the work of fishermen who were determined to fish Illegally would prob ably result In ruining the salmon Indus try, and he could not see why the very men who owed their means of a liveli hood to a plentiful run of salmon would not aid In protecting their own interests. On application of C. M. Idleman, who was appointed executor of the last will of Matilda D. Holt, deceased, on July 7, it was ordered by the Probate Court that the time for filing an Inventory be extended until September 1. Southern Oregon peaches are being-shut out of the local market by the un expected large supply produced in Clack amas County. Wagonloads come In dally from various sections of the county, the fruit being of unusually large size. Some lots have sold as low as $1 per bushel where they were not packed in boxes. v TACOMA'S UNSAFE BRIDGES Mayor Campbell's Comments on the Street Railway's President. Tacoma Evening News. "It would be entirely, within the prov ince of the City Council to take steps toward the revocation of this Tacoma Railway & Power Company's franchises, on the ground of wilful failure on the part of the company to provide a reason ably adequate service," says Mayor L. D. Campbell. "It would appear to men of reason that If 43 lives had been lost and SO persons had been Injured or maimed In a wreck which a Coroner's Jury had laid at the doors of the Tacoma Railway & Power Company, this Tacoma Railway & Power Company would be conducting It self Tvlth more of credit by saying some thing like this: " 'Wo want to place every possible safe guard around the lives of our patrons and employes. We will gladly bear our proportion of the expense of repairing those bridges over which the city has granted us right of way; or at any rate, we will do the repairing and then have it decided In the courts how much, If anything, we should pay.' "But what does this company say? Listen to President S. Z. Mitchell: " 'Not in a million years will we repair the understructure of any bridge in Ta coma over which we have right of way, unless compelled to do so by mandate of the courts.' "I will state that If the city authori ties continue to hold the positions they are now occupying, it will be more than a million years before the Tacoma Street Railway Company can operate its cars over the city's bridges, unless an equable proportion of the expense of repair Is borne by the company." President Mitchell recently said to an Evening News man that he considered the company had excellent opportunity to bring damage suit against the city for interrupting its traffic by the closing of the bridges. A Very Unusual Accident. Myrtle Point Enterprise. E. N. Harry, who resides In Brewster Valley, in company with other men, was out hunting- last Monday. Ho was stand ing just above a deep canyon, and started to roll a large rock down to frighten out a deer, when he was In some manner caught by the rock and tumbled down the almost perpendicular hill for about 40 feet, when he was precipitated over a cliff 15 feet below. His body was going at great momentum, and as he went over the cliff he lit on a log, his body bounc ing and lodging In the crotch of a tree. His companions scrambled down over the rocks and brush and with some dif ficulty extricated his body from Its lodge ment. Three of the unfortunate man's ribs were torn from the spinal column, and his body from his shoulders to his hips was found to be fearfully bruised, being beat into a mass of bloody pulp. The chances are slim for Mr. Harry's recovery. Honey Guide In the Dnrlc Meehan's Monthly. There Is a hypothesis, though scarcely satisfactory to some thinkers, that cer tain color-spots or lines in flowers are provided as guides to the nectaries of honey-secreting flowers, in favor of in sect visitors. But ths arguments against this are often as weak as those In favor thereof. For Instance. It has been asked how the night-flying Insects make use of honey-lines in the dark! But surely noc turnal Insects are supposed to see as clearly by night as the dlurnals do by day. Xo Courtesies to China. New York Press. It has long been the policy of England and the United States not to detail offi cers to drill the Chinese troops. Especially has this been true of the United States. The danger which would be likely to arise to'clvillzatlon if the vast hordes of Chlni should be turned Into well-drilled and organized Soldiers was only too apparent. Cadets from all other nations have been allowed to take courses at West Point or Annapolis, but not from China. Prompt relief in sick headache, dizzi ness, nausea, constipation, pain in the side, guaranteed to those using Carter's Little Liver Pills. SPOKE FOR HIS COUNTRY GOVERNOR. LORD AT A 'FOURTH" - CELEBRATION. American Residents of Baenei Ayres sad XfOcal Disrnitarieo Observe the Holiday. Letters and papers Just received In Portland bring accounts of an interest ing celebration of the Fourth of July at Buenos Ayres, Argentine Republic. The day was observed by a reception at the nome of United States Minister W. P. Lord in the afternoon and an entertain ment in the evening at the only Ameri can church in Buenos Ayres. The recep tion, which was the first distinctively American, was" largely attended by offi cials of the Argentine Government, mem bers of the- diplomatic corps, and resi dent Americans. The latter, lt:need hard ly be said, were greatly pleased at Its success.! The Buenos Aires Herald of "RED ST tes Among the horses gathered at Burns to enter the races at the coming fair, is one of a world reputation. He Is now 11 years old, but his backers are many. By reference to the record of American races, it will be found that only two horses in the country's history have made three-eighths of a mile In 34 seconds. Bed S. Is one of these horsejj.. He 'made this record at Butte, Mont., on July 23, 189G. Ha Is a native of Oregon, and was foaled In Harney County. His owner, Lytle "Howard, lives at Westfall, Malheur County, but Red S. was foaled on Pine Creek, about 60 miles northeast "of Burns. Red S.'s sire was Sam McCulIom, by Peacock, whose sire was Traveler, a famous Kentucky horse, by Archie. The Harney County racer's dam was a native Oregon mare, raised In Crook County, and from the Rifleman stoclc . Red s. derived his name rrom an -incident growlngout of the swamp land litigation In Harney County several years ago. About the time- he was foaled the suits were pending In the courts, and all of the swamp-land tracts were marked on the records with a red "8.," Inclosed in a circle. In offering the records in' evidence, the lands became known as "Red S. lands," hence the name of the horse. Red'S.' appeared In races at the age of 3 years, and won the first races over noted horses. In his fourth year he was entered In fqur races, and won three of them. "When 6 years old, he won seven races out of 10, and the next year mode his famous run at Butte. His rider was an Oregon boy, Bert Bagly, of The Dalles, In this famous race.' He was there In charge of two Oregon boys, Lee Coldwell and a son of the owner. The above photograph was taken In .Montana on the morning after the race. The old racer still possesses all the flre of hla youth, and when, mounted by a jockey and ridden upon the track he is almost unmanageable. July 5 (published In English) gives It a long report, from which the following ex tract is taken: "Although it -is something new for the United States Minister, the Hon. William P. Lord, to celebrate the Fourth of July In Midwinter, the warmth jof the recep tion extended to those who called- on him yesterday showed that Mr. Lord and his charming wife were equal to the occa slon. f "The reception was held at Mr. Lord's residence, 281 Avenida Republlca, from 2 to 5 in the afternoon, but it was much later when the last of the callers paid their respects to their cordial entertain ers. The reception- and muslq-rooms were artistically decorated with tropical plants and flowers, and at the head of .the reception-room was draped a handsome American flag, and its beauty caused the hearts of Americans to 'beat a little quicker as they entered the room. "Refreshments were served and Mrs. Lord -was1 assisted by Mrs. McCaskey, Mrs. Lawrence Dixon, Miss Taylor and Miss Jovan. ' "The representatives of. the various le gations were on hand at 2 o'clock sharp and there was a steady stream of call ers for the remainder of the afternoon. As an old resident expressed it, 'it was one of the most successful receptions -of Its kind held by a United States Min ister here for many years.' " The entertainment at Dr. W. R, Mc Laughlin's church, In the evening, was held in the church hall, which was hand somely decorated with flags and flowers. Features. of the evening were the singing of "America" and the Argentine national anthem, the presentation of patriotic tableaux, the rendition of several topical American songs, a short address by Hon. W. P. Lord, and the service of refresh ments by women of the church. Address by Minister Lord. After the exercises at the church, an elegant dinner was given Minister Lord at "Aue's Keller," attended by many Americans. There .were numerous toasts and responses, and the evening's conclu sion Is thus given by the Herald: "Mr. William Graham then proposed the following, which, was greeted with cheers and- a sparkling bumper of cham pagne: " 'Here Is to the Glorious Fourth, and all friends around this board, and, now, at the last, let us all raise our glass to our new Minister, William P. Lord.' "On rising to respond, the Minister- was greeted with great applause. He began by expressing his thanks forthe gener ous reception given to him, .and paying high compliments to the officials of Ar gentina for the uniform kindness ana courtesy which they had extended to him. "Minister Lord said the fourth, day or July was a day consecrated In American history and one commemorated each suc ceeding year with renewed enthusiasm. Why was the day celebrated with so much acclaim? Why were our hearts set aglow at its Inspiring memories? Why was It that If the slightest contumely or Insult was put upon our flag, 1.000,000 free men would spring- to its defense? Tfte reason, he said, was that our flag stood sponsor for the self-evident truths of the great declaration. He declared, that -It was the announcement 'of" these great principles the ..equality of man . before, the law. and the right of a "people to alter or abolish a form of government not constituted for their benefit that had made s the American flag the emblem of liberty, and laid the foundations of the American Government on the immovable rock of constitutional freedom. "Continuing, the Minister said that no political truths had then been promul gated so fraught with great consequences for the happiness and freedom of man kind. It was true, he said, that English freemen had wrested the charter from King John which secured to them the right to trial by Jury and which pro tected their homes from unreasonable search and their persons from "arbitrary arrest; that It was also true that when Charles I disregarded and violated the'se curltles of the great charter, English freemen reasserted and re-enacted its car dinal principles in. the petition of rights, and subsequently confirmed them by the revolution in 16SS. but that the sublime conception of the Immortal principles of the Declaration of American Independence had not then permeated the heads nor touched the hearts of English statesmen. And what seemed to -him so strange and' Inexplicable was, while English freemen had fought manfully and heroically for tho franchises of personal liberty for themselves and for their posterity, the English Government denied these securi ties to their brothers In. the colonies. He said the English Government withheld Jus tice and refused her 6onsent to laws necessary to the safety and happiness of the colonies, taxed them without con sent, deprived them of representation, and at times of trial by Jury, quartered troops, uponl them in limes of peace, made the military independent of the civil power, and that the consequence or her oppression and tyranny was that the people revolted and proceeded to take measures for their peace. and safety. "The speaker than commented on the meeting of Congress arid the announce ment of the dissolution of the political connection "between Great Britain and the United Colonies, with "the reasons for their action. He then referred briefly to the War of the Revolution, how through seven long years, wlth their hardships and privations, with homes decimated and fields devastated, the American Fathers finally bore their flag to" victory and laid the foundations of the government on tho principles of their great declaration. This the Minister considered the Initial point in the history of the United States, for Its government had then become an accomplished fact. "Only a century andT & quarter had elapsed, said the speaker, since these A-FAMOUS OREGON RACEHORSE. memorable events had occurred, and in the meantime the United States has in creased rapidly In population and ad vanced In material wealth and In national greatness to power surpassing all exam ples In ancient and modern times. State after state has been carved out of vast territories and governments have been Instituted to conserve, the local wants and secure the interests" of the communi ties. The states comprise the Union and are represented by the stars In our flag which, being bound together by a com mon bond, form an Indissoluble union. Thus wedded for their common safety and National defense, the United States has grown imperial In greatness and in vincible In National power, and her peo ple 'progressive, intelligent and prosper ous. She has advanced along her path way, of civilization and- National power with a herculean stride that has placed her In the front rank of nations. "The principle that governments are In stituted for the benefit of the people and derive. their Just powers from the con sent of the governed has "received Its full and complete demonstration In the marvelous career of the United States. That principle has taught us that the safety -and perpetuity of 'free institutions depend, on general Intelligence and pub lic virtue, that the development of these conditions in society stlmulato the Intel lectual energies and elevate the moral tone of the people; encourage education, Increase the spread r- of knowledge foster- Industrial activity, Incite commcr, clal enterprise, and promote agricultural expansion; suppress social vices, propa gate political reform, and Inspire a love of liberty and undying hatred of Injustice and wrong. "The speaker declared that It was not possible to recount the victories won for progress and civilization or for ma terial development and National power by the United States. 'We have,' he said, 'built cities, villages and hamlets and dotted the land with ,fields and farm houses that are the abode of content ment and thrift; we have "built schools and churches for the education of the people and institutions of charity for theoor and Infirm; we have grldironed the Republic with railroads, and its cities with tramways for the convenience of lo comotion and for the transportation of products: we have dredged rivers and constructed harbors for the convenience of commerce; we have 'built academies and colleges, and all the Internal and external appointments sufficient to equip a great nation, and we have striven to diffuse knowledge among the people to enable them to discharge the responsible, duties .of citizenship apd to jcomprehend the various questions ot public policy so as to vote with sense arid Judgment. The United States seeks no quarrels; she seeks peace, "who hath victories no less renowned than war." She will only draw the sword when compelled to do so for the sake of Injustice and In the defense of free Institutions, but when once en gaged will bear herself .so that her op poser will have cause to beware of her.' "In concluding, the Minister said that 'all this marvelous development of ma terial wealth .and natural greatness In the United Sta'tes could be traced to the salutary effect of the 'principles of the great declaration that governments are Instituted for the benefit of the governed.' "A committee was then chosen, with the United States Minister as chairman, tp form a permanent organization to ob serve the celebration of National holl-. days." Use of Arm Not Restored. W. G. McCormack, who lives on East Twenty-first street, near Powell, whose right arm was shockingly mangled 23 months ago In the fuel masticating ma chine at Inman, Poulsen & Co.'s sawmill, is able to have the bandages removed, but the arm will never be fully restored. Several operations have been performed on the arm. The bones, were so crushed and snattered that It seemed impossible to save the limb, but. every effort was made to save It. Several times It was necessary that he should return to tho hospital after It was supposed the limb was all right. He has had a long and serious siege, and now that the Injuries have healed up it is found that he cannot have the full use of tho arm. CHEAP RATES EAST Via Oregon Short Line R. R. For full Information, call at City Ticket Office, 112. Third street. Portland. OUR MONETARY LAWS SKETCH OF THE VARIOUS ACTS SINCE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS. The Various Gold nnd Silver Coins Authorized by Lavr and the Ef fects of Their Coinage. WASHINGTON, Aug. 16. The clear, brief and concise statement explanatory of tho monetary system of the United States embraced in the recent circular is sued by Assistant Secretary of the Treas ury Vanderllp is a most instructive paper, and worthy of full consideration by every one who desires to have a better understanding of matters coming up in the public prints every day. On this sub ject Mr. Vanderllp says: "In 1786 the Congress of the Confedera tion chose as the monetary unit of the United States the dollar of 375.64 grains of pure silver. This unit had Its origin in the Spanish plaster or milled dollar, which constituted the basis of the metallic cir culation of the English Colonies in Amer ica. It was never coined, there being at that time no mint in the United States. "The act of April 2, 1792, established the first monetary system of the United States. The bases of the system were: The gold dollar or.iinit, containing 24.75 grains of pure gold, andstamped.In pieces or $10, $5 and $2 50, denominated, respect ively, eagles, half-eagles and quarter eagles; the silver dollar or unit, contain ing 371.25 grains of pure silver. A mint ,was established. The coinage was unlim ited, and there was no mint charge. The ratio of gold to silver in coinage was 1 to 15. Both gold and silver were legal tender. The 'Standard was double. "The act of 1792 undervalued gold, which was therefore exported. The act of June 2S, 1S34, was passed to remedy this, by changing the mint ratio between the metals to 1 to 16.002. This latter act fixed the weight of the gold dollar at 25.8 grains, but lowered the fineness from 0.916 2-3 to 0.899225. The fine weight of the gold dollar was thus reduced to 23.2 grains. The act of 1834 undervalued sil ver, as that of 1792 had undervalued gold, and silver was attracted to Europe by the more favorable ratio of 1 to 15b. The act of January v18, 1837, was passed to make the fineness of the gold and sil ver coins uniform. The legal weight of the gold dollar was fixed at 25.8 grains and Its fine weight at 23.22 grains. The fineness was therefore changed by this act to 0.900 and the ratio to 1 to 15.9S8 plus, "Silver continued to be exported. The act of February 21, 1853, reduced the weight of the sliver coins of a denomina tion less than $L which the acts" of 1792 and 1S37 had made exactly proportional to the weight of the silver dollar, and pro vided that they should be legal tender to the amount of only $5. Under the acts of 1792 and 1837 they had been full legal tender. By the act of 1853 the legal weight of the half-dollar was reduced to 192 grains and that of the other frastlons of a dollar In proportion. The coinage of the fractional parts of the dollar was reserved to the Government. "The act of February 12, 1873, provided that the unit of value of the United States should be the gold dollar of the standard weight of 25.8 grains, and that- there should be coined besides the following gold coins: A quarter-eagle, or 52 gold piece; a $3 piece; a half-eagle, or $5 piece; an eagle, or $10 piece, and a double eagle, or $20 piece, all of a standard weight pro portional to that of the dollar piece. These coins were made legal tender in all payments at their nominal value when not below the standard weight and limit of tolerance provided in the act for the slngfe piece, and when reduced In weight they, should be legal tender at a valua tion in proportion to their actual weight. The sliver coins provided for by the act were a trade dollar, a half-dollar, or 50 cent piece, a quarter-dollar and a 10-cent piece; the weight of the " trade dollar to be 420 grains troy; the half-dollar 12& grams; the quarter-dollar and the dime, respectively, one-half and one-fifth of the weight of the half-dollar. These silver coins were made legal tender at their nominal value for any amount not exceed ing $5 In any one payment. The charge for converting standard gold bullion into coin was fixed at one-fifth of 1 per cent. Owners of silver bullion were allowed to deposit It at any mint of the United States, to be formed Into bars or Into trade dollars, and nodeposlt of silver for other coinage was to be received. "Section 2 of the Joint resolution of July 22, 1876, recited that the trade dollar should not thereafter be legal tender, and that the Secretary of the Treasury should be authorized to limit the coinage of the same to an amount sufficient to meet the export demand for It. The act of February 19, 18S7, retired the trade dol lar and prohibited its coinage. That of September 26, 1890. discontinued the coin age of the $1 and $3 cold pieces. "The act of February 28. 1878, directed the coinage of silver dollars of the weight of 412 grains troy, of standard silver, as provided in the act of January 18, 1837. and that such coins, with all standard silver dollars theretofore coined, should be legal tender at their nominal value for all debts and dues, public and private, except where otherwise expressly stipu lated in the contract. "The Secretary of the Treasury was authorized and directed by the first sec tion of the act to purchase from time to time silver bullion at the market price thereof, not less than 52,000,000 worth nor more than $4,000,000 worth per month, and to cause the same to be coined monthly, as fast as purchased, into ouch dollars. A subsequent act, that of July 14. 1S00, enacted that the Secretary of the Treas ury should purchase sliver bullion to the aggregate amount of 4,600,000 ounces, or so much thereof as might be' offered, each month, at the market price thereof, not exceeding $1 for 371.25 grains of pure silver, and to Issue in payment thereof treasury notes of the United States, srich notes to be redeemable by the Govern ment, on demand, In coin, and to be legal tender In payment of all debts, public and private, except where otherwise ex pressly stipulated in the contract. The! act directed the Secretary of the Treas ury to coin each month 2,000,000 ounces of the silver bullion purchased under the provisions of the act Into standard silver dollars, until the 1st day of July. 1S91. and thereafter as much as might be necessary to provide for the redemption of the treasury notes issued under the act. The purchasing clause of the act of July 14. 1S90, was repealed by the act of November 1. 1S94. "The act of June?, 1S79, made the sub sidiary silver coins 'of the United States legal tender to the amount of $10. The minor coins are legal tender to the amount of 25 cents." INSURANCE CLERKS. When They Solicit Insurance, Must They Not Pay! SALEM, Aug. 21. The Salem Board of Firo Underwriters has raised an Impor tant question regarding the authority of office clerks of Insurance agents to solicit renewals of Insurance. The question arlses'upon a construction of section 6 ot the act of February 18, 1S99, which reads as follows: Tha word "agent" In this act. wherever used, shall be construed to include and apply to a person, firm or corporation, and any certificate Issued by the Insurance Commissioner to any firm or corporation shall bear upon Its face the name of each Individual member compris ing such firm, and tho names of tho principal officers ot such corporation; and any person who solicits Insurance, receives an application or order to write, renew, or procure any policy, collect any premium, or who attempts, as mid dleman, to place any firo Insurance la this state, shall be deemed an Insurance, agent, and shall comply "with tho provisions herein; and if such agent shall refuse or neglect to pro cure a certificate as provided herein, he shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be fined not less than $500 for each such offense, and in default Of payment of the fine shall be Imprisoned In the county Jail not less than 50 days. Provided, however, that this section shall not apply to the regularly employed office clerks of agents. Tho question Is whether an office clerk ceases to be a "regularly employed office clerk" when he goes out to solicit the renewal of Insurance; or, if an office clerk may go out and solicit Insurance, what proportion of his attention may be given to soliciting before he loses his right to be classed as a "regularly em ployed office clerk." If It should be held that an office clerk may go out to solicit Insurance or a renewal of Insurance, It would probably be found profitable for large Insurance agencies to employ many office clerks. Tho questions involved will be submitted to the Secretary of State, who la ex offlclo Commissioner of Insurance, for his opinion. George D. Goodhue, superintendent of the poultry department of the Oregon State Fair, returned last evening from a visit to the northern counties of the Wil lamette Valley, where ho has been work ing in the Interests of the fair. He re ports that he finds widespread interest in the coming exhibition of Oregon'3 in dustrial products, especially In the de partments devoted to livestock. Within the last few years the farmers have been more careful In the selection of their poultry, because they have learned that It pays to keep pure-bred fowls. The prominence that has been given to the poultry exhibits in the last three years at the fair, and the Interest that has been aroused through the organization of a poultry show, have combined to lead the farmers to regard poultry-raising from a money-making standpoint. Every farmer who stops to think the matter over soon realizes that it cost3 no more to feed a pure"-bred fowl than It does to feed a scrub, and the product of the former Is much more valuable than the product of the latter. Having this fact set plainly before them has led the farm ers to buy pure-bred stock. As a result, it will be found that the greater part of the poultry exhibited thl3 Fall will be entered by farmers Instead of by town breeders, who raise choice poultry for a pastime. Mr. Goodhue says that from what he could learn In the northern counties, the poultry exhibits this year will be more extensive than 'ever before. He left tolay for a visit to the southern counties, and anticipates a continuation of the encouraging reports. The State of Oregon today filed its amended answer to the complaint filed by the Salem Flouring Mills Company in the Marion County Circuit Court in No vember, 1897. This suit was commenced to enjoin the State of Oregon and Its of ficers from using water from Mill Creek for supplying the penitentiary, asylum, fair grounds and Orphans' Home. An an swer was filed In October, 1898. by Attorney-General Idleman and L. R. Web ster, attorneys for the defendants. In December, 1S98, a demurrer to the an swer was filed. The present amended an swer Is Blgned by Attorney-General Black burn and John A. Carson as attorneys for the defendants. The answer denies most of the material allegations of the complaint, and alleges as separate de fenses that an agreement was made be tween the plaintiff and the. state officials by which the state is permitted to use the water from Mill Creek; that the use of said water is necessary to the main tenance of the state institutions, and the state has had adverse uses for 10 years. William LeaBo, a resident of Polk County, near Salem, was arraigned thl3 morning before Recorder Judah on a charge of stealing an overcoat from T. W. Wann, a Polk County farmer. He pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to 60 days in the County Jail. Street Commissioner Frizzell is destroy ing tho Canada thistles that grow along the bank of the Willamette insido the city limits. The City Council tonight passed an or dinance requiring telephone companies op erating In the city to pay a license fee ot 5 cents per month for each Instrument. The committee on bridges was authorized to act in conjunction with Marlon and Polk Counties in repairing the steel bridge across the Willamette at Salem, and in conjunction with Marion County in re pairing the North Commercial-street bridge. City Recorder Judah was ordered to press tho collection of the $50 license fee from steamboat companies. Eliza Ahlhauser today began a suit for divorce from Henry AhlhausiT, to whom she was married at Turner, Or., In 1881. Mrs. L. R. Noblltt and C. F. Slegler, of Hubbard, began an action against Sher iff Durbln today to recovpr seven horses, with harnesses and buggies, attached by the Sheriff In the case of Thomas H. Tongue against W. Noblltt. The prop erty Is alleged to be -worth $1060, which sum Is demanded in case the property cannot be returned. Gold in Chicken's Gizzard. DALLAS, Aug. 2L Yesterday a chicken was killed at the Gale Hotel, In the giz zard of which was found a piece of gold as large as a grain of wheat. The chick en was bought six weeks ago from a faimer. The question here now is whether the gold was picked up by the chicken on the farm or since it came to town. The Lucklamute Mills Company is now shipping regularly from Dallas to Califor nia markets about 100,000 feet of finishing lumber per week, mostly hollow-back flooring of the finest quality. WEEKLY CROP BULLETIN HARVESTING OF FALX. WHEAT ABOUT COMPLETED. Cutting: of Sprlnsr Grata Well Ad vanoed -Melons and Fruit 4n Fine Condition. Following is the United States Depart ment of Agriculture Climate and Crojj Bulletin ot the Weather Bureau, Oregon section, for the week ending Monday,. August 20: General Summary. The weather during the week has been slightly warmer than the previous one. and no rain of consequence ha fallen, except a few small showers Wed nesday evening, over the northern por tion of the state. In Western Oregon the maximum, or day, temperatures ranged between 67 deg. and 84 deg.. and the minimum, or night, temperatures between 48 deg. and 57 deg. In Eastern Oregon these variations wcra for day temperatures between 6S deg. and 90 deg., and for night temperatures between 40 deg. and 66 deg. The 'harvesting of Fall wheat is near ly completed, and the cutting of Spring grain la well advanced. The following threshing yields were reported during the week: Clackamas County,, wheat. S to 13 bushels; oats. S to 27. Marion, wheat very uneven and ranges between 5 and 15 bushels, average about 10; oats from 10 to 35, averages about IS. Benton, wheat. 6 to 10. Washington, wheat, 7 to IS, oats, 22 to 27. Linn, wheat, 3 to 12; oats, 8 to 13. Jackson, wheat, very uneven, and ranges between 10 and 30 bushels. Curry, wheat, 3 to 9. Umatilla, wheat. 20 to 3S; barley, 30 to 60. Wasco, wheat. 25 to 00. Not only are the yields very light in the Willamette Valley, but tho quality Is poor, and a great deal of Spring grain has been either plowed up or cut for feed. In tho Columbia River Valley the yields aro not up to expecta tions, but, as a rule, tha quality Is extra good and the ranchers aro all hard at work taking advantage of the present good weather to get their crops well stored before tho Fall rains set In. Hops are doing nicely, and the yardj continue unusually free from lice. Pick ing will be general In about two weeks. Corn is promising, but gardens, pota toes and pastures need rain. Melons of all kinds are plentiful, and tree fruit is ripening satisfactorily. Ap ples are everywhere reported unusually free from worms, and the yield will be above the average. Willamette Valley. Redlands, Clackamas County. Louis FunkACuttlng Is nearly completed, and threshing is in progress. Oats yield 10 to 17 bushels per acre; wheat from 3 to 14 Some of the poorest wheat was not cut at all. Second crop of clover Is poor, as the ground 13 too dry for It to grow. Pasture Is getting dry. -$ "Liberty, Marlon County, T. C. Davld scn. This week has been very favorablfi for farm work. Threshing almost all done. Wheat has yielded from 8 to 13 bushels and oats from 1$ to 35. The oats are of good quality. Soma wheat tests as low as 56 pounds to the bushel, while some tests 0 pounds and over. Gardens doing well, except melon and squash vines, which are badly Infested by bugs. Hope fine. Oakvllle. linn County, A. T. Smith. The corn crop is good, and if warm weather continues will ripen. The potato crop will be light. Apples and pears are a fair crop. Prunes and plums are be. ginning to fall. The prune crop will not be large. Grain harvest is almost done, and tho crop has been very light. Wells. Benton County, Virgil A. Car ter. Weather continues favorable for harvesting. Fall grain all threshed, 9 to 16 bushels per acre. Spring grain be ing cut. Garden bug3 disappearing. Fruit doing wellr good crop of Winter apples. Hops doing flneJ Farmlngton, Washington Coun,ty, Hen ry Jack. Cool weather has been favor able to all farming operations. Late grain is maturing slowly, while early Spring grain and Fall-sown are mostly threshed. Wheat yields are 9 bushels for Spring. 8 for Fall-sown; oats are 27 for Fall-sown and 22 for best Spring oats. The cause of the great check to all wheat Is found to be a minute worm in each stalk of wheat at the Joints. Coast District. Knappa, Clatsop County, W. H. Rad cllffe. The hay crop was good and se cured in excellent condition. The army worm has done great damage to vege tables and potatoes, which will probably make these crops short. Ulohe, Curry County, E. H. Price. Tha week has been some cooler, but dry. No rain for two months, and the ranges are all dry. Stock looks well. Corn and po-. tatoes will not be as good as expected; only a fair crop. Gardens are below ex pectations. The fruit crop is good. Wa will have a small surplus of everything raised. All small grain has been cut, but not threshed yet; will yield about 8 to 3 bushel3 per acre. Colombia River Valley. Hood River, Wasco County, Harbison Bros. Threshing continues and the yield of grain 13 fairly good. Wheat is turn ing out from 16 to 22 bushels per acroy and Is all of excellent quality. Oats aro yielding from 30 to 35 bushels. The ap ple crop Is excellent, and early varieties are being marketed. The prune crop la proving heavier than was "before reported, and those who will operate driers are making active preparations to handle the crop. Pendleton, Umatilla County, A. Ruppe. Three days of windy weather, though not enough to prevent harvest work, which is progressing rapidly, yields 20 to 35 bushels, first quality. Some wheat be ing hauled to warehouses. Early pota toes maturing, and a fair yield. Southern Oregon. Melrose, Douglas County, Henry Scott. Weather continues very warm: every thing dried up. Threshing all completed In this vicinity. Corn Is the better for this kind of weather. Potatoes are do ing well, but late planted would be bene fited by a good rain. Fruit Is a fair crop; not so good as last year's. James Valley, Jackson County, E. Shipley. All wheat reported to be yield ing light In this vicinity. Summer fallow probably yields 20 to 30 bushels per acre. Winter wheat of good quality, but Spring wheat considerably rusted. The freeze of April 8 and 9 seems to have done more damage to fruit on high than on low ground. Ashland, Jackson County, F. C Homes. Tho last week has been cool and dry; nevertheless all crops seem to be doing well. Corn Is filling properly and pota toes are of good size. Some very fine early apples are In market; the crop generally is good. Petite prunes are a heavier crop than usual In this neigh borhood. Pears are only a partial crop. Plateau Replon. Pine. Union County, Henry J. Baker. We have had the dryest season known; the creeks are very low and Snake River is the lowest in 30 years. Oats a fair crop. Wheat rusted very badly, will be a poor crop. The threshers will start next week. The biggest hay crop ever cut In the valley has been secured. Ap ples a good crop. Pear3 good In some places. Peaches plenty. Lostlne, Wallowa County, G. J. Bow man. Weather cool and dry. Threshing Just begun. As far as can be seen, there will be a very good crop of wheat, oats and rye. Heavy frost on morning of tha 17th. Second crop of alfalfa just being cut, and Is very good. All other hay la In stack. Merrill, Klamath County, N. S. Mer rill. This week has been warmer than last week. Heading Is well along, and threshing will commence next week. Some crops of wheat are good, but late sown wheat is badly injured by rust. EDWARD A. BBALS. Section Director. Portland. Or.