Morning Oregonian. (Portland, Or.) 1861-1937, October 03, 1900, Image 1

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VOL. XL. 1TO. 12,40.
PORTLAND, OREGON, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1900.
PRICE FIVE CENTS.
Cw v i
ATA.
4ls
2 -4s . . if - .-crdBri m W ssuz-Aim
fSSP 1111
Age
Flavor
Hunter Rye
The Whiskey of Whiskeys
ROTHCHILD BROS.
Aouts Oregon. fTaafetegtea and I&s&a.
20-26 fterth First St., PartJMd, Or.
. Purity .
Mellowness
WARM YOUR HOUSE WITH A
66
ERFECF FURNACE
INDIANA IN DOUBT
Hangs in the Balance in the
Coming National Election.
PURCHASABLE VOTE IS LARGE
AND YOU'LL HAVE NO COMPLAINTS TO MAKE
Heating and Ventilating Engineer
47 First Street
w. o. Mcpherson,
HOTOGRAPHIC
THE MOST COMPLETE STOCK OP
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and Films
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J.G.Mack&Co.
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Democrats Have Large Corruption
Fond Vote of Gold Democrats
Evenly Divided.
il&cidm&a
PARK AND WASHINGTON STREETS
A. P.' Armstrong, EL. B., Principal.
J. A. Weseo. Penman and Secretary.
Known at home and abroad at a first-dass'school, It has educated hundreds of
young people for successful careers. With full faith in its ability to meet the expect
ations of-its patrons, the school invites the .most critical examination into Its merits.
PRIVATE OR CLASS INSTRUCTION
In Spelling, Grammar, Writing, Arithmetic, Correspondence, Commercial Law,
Bookkeeping, Business Forms, Banking, Corporation Accounts, Business -Practice,
Shorthand, Typewriting, Manifolding, Office Work. JpaF" Call or send for catalogue.
VBJL METSCHAN. Pit.
C. W. KNOW Mgr.
SEVENTH AND WASHINGTON STREETS. PORTLAND, OREGON , v
CHANGE OF MANAGEMENT
European Plan: .... $1.00, $1.50, $2.00 per Day
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SICK PEOPLE
Invalids and bedridden made comfort
able -with Woodlark's Adjustable Bedside
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can be quickly folded away. Price
. . to any express office In Oregon, Washlng-
ton, California or Idaho.
WOODARD, CLARKE & CO.
Popular-Price Druggists
Fourth and Washington Sts.
SHOP SCOTTAGADEMY
Founded 1870.
J. W. Hill, M. D., Principal.
Christmas Term Opens Sept. 18, lOOO.
A Boarding and Day School. Under -present
management since 1S78
Primary, Preparatory and Academic Depart--trents;
College Preparation, Military Discip
line, Manual Training. Boys of all ages re
ceived. For catalogues or Information address the
Principal. J. W. HILL. M. D.. P. O. drawer
IT. Portland. Or.
a
THE PORTLAND
POHTLSND, ORBCON
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AMERICAN PLAN
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COST Or& MILLION DOLLARS
fiEADQUARTERS FOR TOURISTS AND COMMERCIAL TRAVUERS
Special rates aa.e t families RB Blagrle centlemca. Tim maaafft
eat trill b pleased at all tine to ihaw ,-nn.. --j , .
- - - saw prices, a at4.
H. C. BOWERS. Xarav
r TorUleh lwth eatablixBKicat is tke hotel.
Library Association of Portland
STAR STKET
fetacB Scvea af FM
24,000 volumes and over 200 periodicals
$5.00 a year or 5150 a quarter '
Two books allowed on all subscriptions
nOURS-From 900 A M. to fcoo P. M. any. excect Sundays and hofldaw.
ere's An Offer!
25&5S vf J101 J, m select any piece of piano music that ever has
wArl the piece at sight-play it well, too. Prove our words for
f?rm wT6,w tL0111? ?nf call for any piece you like. After we play it
for you, vre 11 show you how to play the same piece.
' M. B. WELLS, Northwest Ajcnt for iht-Aeo'tan Company
. 353-355 Washington Street corner Park, Portland, Or.
W are sole agents for the Pianola. It Is exhibited only at our warerooms.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2. (Staff Corre
spondence.) Or all doubtful states in a
Presidential election, Indiana has been
and will probably continue to be the most
doubtful of all. It has swung from one
party to the other every four years with
surprising regularity. It never gives a
large majority either way. Indiana is one
of the peculiar states of the Union. For
many years it was what was known ns
an October state, holding an election
In the October preceding the Presidential
election. As it often pointed the way to
victory or defeat, effort was made each
October to carry the state, and a large
corruption fund was spent within its bor
ders. Many people in Indiana have not
gotten over the Idea that they must be
corrupted, bought and paid for, before
they will vote for a particular candidate.
It probably was not a very nice thing
for W. W. Dudley to write, "Gather the
floaters in blocks of five;" but since that
time, even, it has been necessary to re
duce the "blocks of five" to four and
even three. "Blocks of five" has been
the campaign slogan among the Demo
crats for a great many years. But in
1892 the same persuasive argument that
holds good with the floating vote in In
diana was UBed by the Iemoorats the
same as it was used by the Republicans
in 1888, and again by the Republicans in
1896. The floater in Indiana is more nu
merous than in any other state, and the
purchaseable vote of that state is proba
bly larger than almost any other in pro
portion to its size.
Indiana is in doubt in the coming Presi
dential election. It hangs in tho balance;
nobody can tell which way tho state will
go. In 1896 it gave McKlnley 18,000 ma
jority over Bryan. Eighteen thousand
majority in a total vote of 629,000 is not
very large, and it is easy to see how it
can be overcome with the change of but
10,000 votes. The usual disaffection and
dissatisfaction with the party in power
would almost cause a reversal of the ma
jority in Indiana.
Here are some reasons why the Demo
crats have hopes of carrying Indiana, and
why the Republicans regard the outcome
with a great deal of gravity:.
Why Democrats Hope for Victory.
The return of Gold Democrats to the
Democratic party is one of the principal
causes. Indiana was the home of the
Gold Democratic movement, and it was
believed by jnhny that there were more
Gold Democrats in Indiana, in proportion
to the vote, than in, any other state-.
Whllejthese..Gcld";Democrats did not vote
for'Taliner "and Buckner, "they did vote
very largely 'rbrtMcKTnIey, and probably
made his success In that state certain.
It is hard to say just what proportion of
the Gold Democratic vote has returned
to the old fold, but the Republicans do
not believe that there have been enough
to overturn the majority which Indiana
gave for their party four years ago.
The old soldiers are- dissatisfied with
this "Administration, because Pension
Commissioner Evans has not granted
every pension which the shark-like- at
torneys in Washington have presented.
Evans has tried to make It impossible
for a fraudulent name to be placed on the
pension roll, and that has interfered very
largely with a great many pension attor
neys here in Washington, whose business
is growing smaller year by year, but who
continue to work the Grand Army of the
Republic to secure increased pensions and
to obtain pensions for men who are not
entitled to them.
There are many thousands of old sol
diers in Indiana, but only a small per
centage of them vote the Democratic
ticket. The more dissatisfaction the Dem
ocrats can raise among these old soldiers,
the more prospects they have for securing
their votes. They won't secure many, but
they will probably secure Some, and the
constant complaint and agitation of tho
old soldiers, even if they vote right, will
have more or less effect.
Dissatisfaction Among Negroes.
There is dissatisfaction among the ne
groes to some extent. The colored men,
who still owe a debt of gratitude to the
Republican party, if they should vota the
Republican ticket for the next 100 years
without getting a single office, insist that
they have not been as well treated by
this Administration as they ought to have
been. During President McKinley's term,
white men in the South have been recog
nized by appointments, and in the Army,
especially, many old Confederates wern
selected for Army positions, and this had
the effect of turning the negroes against
McKlnley. More than that, the negroes
have from time to time made demands
upon the Executive which could not pos
sibly be granted. Many of these agitators
wanted a crusade started, against the
white people of the South, and no Ad
ministration, no matter how long It may
remain in power, would undertake any
such action at the behest of any race.
wnne tnese coiorea men are maKlng a
considerable demonstration, they perhaps
should come under another head, which
will be treated later In this review.
In the gas belt there have been a num
ber of factories closed down. This, of
course, has thrown men out cf employ
ment, and the boasted prosperity of the
Republican party Is not appreciated. The
closing down of a factory anywhere al
ways creates not only dissatisfaction
among the men who have been employed,
but Its ramifications go much further,
reaching the merchants, business men
and the farmers who sell products In tho
L manufacturing towns. In this same con
nection it might be said that the trusts
have had a great deal to do' with caus
ing dissatisfaction among "the people.
Owing to the formation of many trusts,
several manufacturing establishments
have been closed, and the trusts are a
real issue in Indiana more than any other
state, and although the Republicans are
denouncing the trusts, at the same time
there is a disposition on the part of the
people to hold the party In power respon
sible for any Ills that there may be, and
there is a still greater disposition to make
the Republican party responsible for the
trusts..
Porto Rlcan Bill Unsatisfactory.
The Porto Rlcan tariff bill was extreme
ly unsatisfactory In Indiana. Under whip
and spur the Indiana Senators and Rep
resentatives In Congress were compelled
to vote for the Porto Rlcan bill. Not all,
for one Republican at least was Independ
ent enough to vote against it Beverldge
prepared a speech against it, which he
did not deliver, having been coerced be
fore the speech was, to have been deliv
ered. Indiana more than any other state
rose up In violent protest against placing
a tariff upon any goods coming from a
country which had been annexed to the
United States. While this has not influ
enced a great many votes, it has given
the Republicans something to defend, and
has also made their defense hard.
"Wrong in one thing, wrong in another,"
some people are apt to say, and the Porto
Rlcan bill Is a part of the burden which
the Indiana Republicans have to bear.
There is some German disaffection.
"Imperialism" has some influence. Tho
conditions in the Philippines, aided by the
cry of "imperialism" and "militarism,"
which the Democrats are raising, Is shak
ing some Republicans in Indinaa, and is
also assisting the Gold Democrats to re
turn to their party.
The disappointed office-seeker Is going to
cut quite a figure in the Democratic cam
paign. The man who was a candidate for
office (there are usually about four or five
candidates to one appointment made) is
usually disgruntled, and while he does not
usually carry his disappointment to the
extent of voting against his ticket he has
been grumbling for nearly four years, in
stead of working earnestly for the Re
publican partyl John Jones, Jim Smith
and Jake Brown are candidates for a
fourth-class postoffice in( their community.
But Jack Robinson is appointed. Now,
while Jones, Smith and Brown will go to
the polls onefvote the ticket they are not
likely to go out and gather in the strag
glers, whom they have been in the habit
of looking after, and the stragglers that
they might ordinarily hope for may pos
sibly be picked up by the Democrats who
are candidates for this fourth-class office.
It Is said that these disgruntled fourth-
class postoffice seekers will do more harmH
to the members of Congress than they
will to the Presidential ticket While they
may go out and vote for the Presidential
ticket, they are very likely to vote against
the man -who was primarily responsible
for their not being appointed. If that is
the case, there is a possibility of the de
feat of one or two Republican Congress
men in Indiana.
Purchasable Tote Unknown Factor.
The purchasable vote is another feature
and the unknown factor in Indiana poli
tics. This year it is said the Democrats
have a campaign fund large enough to' go
Into Indiana and carry the state. Men
tion was made above regarding the float
ers, and also regarding the negroes, and it
is unfortunate, but this class of vote in
Indiana Is generally known to be "out
for the stuff." If both parties are in the
market for this floating purchasable vote,
it will probably get money from both
sides, and there will be doubt, until tho
ballot Is cast how the vote has gone.
This review so far looks as If there were
enough elements to defeat the Republican
ticket in Indiana. It shows that there ore
a great many forces working for-the Dem
ocratic party which Bryan did not havo
four years ago, when he was defeated In
the state by 18,000.
But it is well enough to look at the
credit side of the Republican ledger and
see what can be said in favor of retaining
at least a small majority in this doubt
ful state. In the first place, all non
polltlcal Gold Democrats are not going
back to the Democratic party. The belief
Is general that 60 per cent of them will
be held by the Republicans. It is believed
that many of the men who voted for Pal
mer and Buckner four years ago will
quietly vote the Republican ticket this
year. In that event the Gold Democratic
vote In Indiana will be about a stand-off,
the Republicans holding a portion of those
who voted for (McKlnley In 1895. and train
ing a large portion of those who votecFfbr-
jrauner ana xiuciaier, maiung it about
even.
There is also to be counted for the Re
publicans the return of those Republicans
who left their party because of 16 to 1,
and who have since seen the silver Issue
scotched or die, and yet observed that
prosperity has come to the country, not
withstanding the pledges and prophesies
of the silver men that such could not
be the case. There were not very many
Republicans who left the party on ac
count of silver, still there were a number,
and these are 'as anxious to return as
are the Gold Democrats to return to their
party.
BRYAN'S HOMETOWN
Turned Out in Force to Wel
come Roosevelt
LINCOLN GAVE WARM RECEPTION
Blgsrest Demonstration of the Vice
Presidential Candidate's Toar-la
Other Nebraska Cities.
UNOOIiNv Neb., Oct 3. For some days
preparations have been mado for a mon
ster demonstration In honor of Governor
Roosevelt, the Republican candidate for
Vice-President, at this -place, the home
of Mr. Bryan and the capital of the state
Tho census just taken gives Lincoln a
ing was held. The evening meeting In
Plattsmouth was also a great success in
point of numbers and interest The
meeting closed the day's itinerary.
There was a large crowd at Grand Isl
and awaiting the arrival of the special
train this evening. The Governor left
the train and spoke from a stand a dozen
blocks away in the center of the city.
He prefaced his remarks by calling atten
tion to the present prosperity of all
classes and asked his hearers to com
pare conditions now with the economic
conditions of four years ago, and act ac
cordingly. He appealed also to the young
men, who were casting their votes for the
first or second time, to cast them for the
party which has always been working for
the honor of the flag, and for the great
ness of tho nation.
While delivering- his speech at Aurora,
Governor Roosevelt was interrupted by a
seeker after truth, who cried out: "What
about the trusts?"
Governor Roosevelt asked: "What trust
do you mean?"
"Oh. the Ice trust, beef trust oil trust
and all of them," replied the man.
"Shall I tell you about Chairman Jones'
TO EVEN THINGS UP
Assessor May Consider Li
censes in Fixing Valuations.
THE EFFECT ON REAL ESTATE
How City Rerenne Za Raised an2
Allotted and the Necessity for
Extra License Money.
COLONEL JOHN M'CRAKEN
Bryan "Will Lose Populists.
Bryan is going to lose some Populist
votes this year, Populists who will cast
their votes for Barker, the Mlddle-of-the-Road
Populist candidate. Having prac
tically wiped out the Populist party in a
number of states, Bryan has not com
pletely wiped out the Mlddle-of-the-Road
organization. Indiana being the hotbed of
political organization, is also the head
quarters of the organization of the Mlddle-of-the-Road
Populists, and quite a
number of men who voted for Bryan and
Watson four years ago will vote the Pop
ulist ticket this year. This takes the vote
from Bryan, and adds to the possible
aicKinley plurality.
. While there have been closing down of
manufactories in some sections of Indiana,
in many other sections of the state there
have been a great many new manufacto
ries established, and those which were
idle four years ago have been started
up and give employment to many thou
sands of men. This will more than offset
any disaffection that has occurred be
cause of the closing down of factories in
the gas belt or those factories which
have been shut down by trusts. The
full-dlnner-pall argument and the prom
ise of continued work may have an in
fluence on a great many men who either
voted for Bryan four years ago or who
were not in the state at that time, but
this, of course, is one of the doubtful
conditions existing in Indiana.
General Satisfaction Among Farmers
There Is general satisfaction among the
farmers. Crops have been reasonably
good and good prices have prevailed. The
free-silver argument has proven falla
cious. Farmers have found that with the
gold standard they have received higher
prices than they did four years ago, and
they also realize that the purchasing
power or every dollar has been main
tained, and some of them have begun to
realize that this Is a good thing. In the
rural districts there will not be very
much loss, If any, and possibly a'galn for
the Republicans.
Notwithstanding the claim of the Dem
ocrats of a large campaign fund, the
Republicans are no doubt making ar
rangements to secure their share of the
floating vote, and, although it is much
against the grain of many Republicans to
contribute money to buy Indiana, no
doubt a large share of the campaign
fund is to be spent In that state, and
put where it will do the most good in
the closing days. Both parties intend to
do this, and the more doubtful the posi
tion of Indiana the more money the float
ers expeot
Upon the whole, It would appear that
the prospects are now that the Democrats
will carry Indiana. They have the best
of It as far as the canvass has gone, but
then It Is well to remember that the
Democrats have always been boastful,
claiming Indiana up to the very hour that
the polls close, and that the Republicans
usually got In their fine work a few days
before election, and on the day of elec
tion. The Republicans may win, but the
outlook at present 13 not flattering for
them. a,
Belgium's Heir-Apparent "Weds.
MUNICH, Oct 2. Prince Albert of Bel
glum, heir-apparent to the throne of that
country, was married today to Duchess
Elizabeth of Bavaria. The civil cere
mony took .place in the throneroom, and
was followed by a religious service in the
Chapel Royal, after which there was a
reception.
NOMINATED BY REPUBLICANS TO THE LEGISLATURE.
Colonel John McCraken, the Bepubllcan nominee for the seat In the Oregon Legislature
made vacant by the death of A. J. Knott, is well trained In legislative work, having been
a member of the House of Representatives in 1S91, and again In 1895. He has always been
a stanch Republican. In tho Legislature of 1891 he voted for John H. Mitchell for United
States Senator, and in 1895 he supported Senator Dolph to the last Colonel McCraken Is pres
ident of the McCraken Warehouse Company, and a member of the Port of Portland Commis
sion. During three years of his business career he had as his partner the late "W. S. Mason,
who was elected Mayor of Portland in 1891 and 1898. As a member of the Port of Portland
Commission, Colonel McCraken has been a persistent advocate of a 25-foot channel from
Portland to Astoria, and a 40-foot channel at the mouth of the Columbia.
population of 40,000. From the appearance
of, the crowd at the station and along
the streets and In the windows, on the
balconies, and in the Capitol House yards,
it would seem that the population was all
at home today; that they had Invited
their neighbors from the surrounding
country, and that they had all turned out
to join in the demonstration. . Nothing
equal to it has yet been seen during the
progress of his journey, which has now
extended, some 9000 miles, and covered a
period of 30 days.
The line of march of the carriages from
the station to Capitol House Square,
something over a mile and a half, was
lined with people everywhere, and the
wide streets were filled almost the en
tire distance to such an extent that in
manv places it stopped the passage of the
carriages and the mounted escort Ar
riving at the Capitol House Square, tho
Governor was. conducted to a reviewing
stand on the street, and a grand, proces
sion passed in review, taking more thou
on hour.
There were unique and amusing features
in this parade. One was the number of
women on foot that took part in it. First
came about 40 young ladles of the city in
uniform blue. At long Intervals came
two other troops of ladles In uniform.
The Ida McKlnley Club, numbering about
50 women, wore an outer garment of stars
and stripes, the stripes forming tho skirt
of the dress, and the blue background
and the stars forming a shirt waist
Some of the A banners displayed were
amusing, and others were significant One
marching column bore this banner:
"Third Nebraska Oh, Billy, why did you
leave us?" The Union Veterans' Repub
lican League, of some 150 members, was
carrying a horseshoe for luck. They had
a banner bearing thi3 Inscription: "We
helped Abraham Lincoln In 1860. Wo are
helping McKlnley now." Another ban
ner read: "Four generations for McKln
ley and Roosevelt father, son, grandson
and great-grandson." Another read:
"For Sale One enlarged front porch.
W. J. B." A German club passed bear
ing aloft a full dinner-pail, with bread
and sausage. Trie Lincoln traveling
men, 300 strong, bore this banner: "Vim,
Vigor and Victory." Another: "Eeight
more years of the full dinner pall four
for McKlnley and then four for Teddy."
Ono of the amusing features was a
double-headed calf, the skin stuffed, with
the tail on the head, with this motto:
"Tho result of fusion It died."
After the procession had passed in re
view, Governor Roosevelt was conducted
to a speaker's stand, where he addressed
as many of the crowd around the stand
as his Btrong voice could reach. Fewer
of those present heard his speech than
of those who did not hear it He needed
a megaphone to address all who were
there. He spoke for three-quarters of an
hour, going over the same ground In his
remarks that he has traveled over before
upon the Issues of expansion, militarism,
imperialism and patriotism. His remarks
were punctuated by frequent cheers.
At the conclusion of his speech, on his
way from the stand to his carriage, he
was fairly mobbed by a wildly eager
crowd, who wished to shake his hands
or to get a word or look of recognition.
Ho "reached his carriage somewhat bat
tered in appearance, but in fine spirits,
on account of the extent and fervldness
of the reception. The train pulled out
for Plattsmouth, where an evening meet-
cotton bale trust or Richard Croker's ice
trust?" asked Roosevelt He continued:
"He puts the question in good faith, and
I will try to answer in good faith. Tho
trusts at present have to be dealt with
each' state by itself. A denunciation of
trusts is of no value when not connected
with action; Democratic denunciation of
truat3 amounts to nothing when Mr.
(Concluded on Second Page.)
SUMMARY OF IMPORTANT NEWS.
Political.
Roosevelt received a great ovation in Lincoln,
Neb. Page 1.
Hanna spoke in Chicago on the Tammany ice
trust Page 2.
Massachusetts Democrats nominated a. full
state ticket headed by Robert Treat Paine,
Jr. Page 2.
Daly Democrats of Montana nominated Thomas
S. Hogan for Governor. Page 2.
Ex - President Harrison will deliver two
speeches in New Tork City. Page 2.
Bryan kept up his record, making 18 speeches
yesterday, winding up in La Crosse. Page 3.
Chins.
Prospects are again good tor settlement of the
Chinese Question. Page 2.
Minister Wu confirms the reported Indictment
of Prince Tuan. Page X
Germans routed s. Boxer fores near Pekln.
Page 2.
The allies captured Shan Hal Kwan. Page 2.
Foreign.
British election returns continue to show large
Conservative gains. Page 8.
Burglars forced a safe in the Vatican and
stole a large Quantity of securities and sil
ver. Page 8.
Domestic.
There is no break in the ranks of the anthra
cite miners. Page 3.
Strikers held a parade and mass meeting in
AVllkesbarre. Page 3.
A negro fiend was burned at the stake In Ala
bama. Page 2.
Sport.
TVllkle Duniway made the highest run and
highest average in the billiard tournament
Page 5.
Fereno won the Kentucky Futurity in straight
heats at Lexington, Page 5.
Beau Gallant won the Matron stakes at Morris
Park. Page 5.
Pacific Coast.
Shanlko business block destroyed by fire.
Page 4.
Seattle's population announced as 80,671. Citi
zens are keenly disappointed. Page 4.
Washington Mlddle-of-the-Road Populists will
oppose fusion ticket. Page 4.
Spokane Industrial Exposition opened yester
day. Page 4.
Salem is determined to collect license fee from
telephone company. Page 4.
Two Important discoveries made in the Sump
tor mining district. Page 4.
Local.
John McCraken nominated by Republicans for
seat in Legislature made vacant by death of
A. J. Knott. Page 12.
Epperson boys indicted Jointly with Kuete
meyer on charge of Lunrut murder. Page 8.
License ordinance will be considered in Asses
sor's valuation of property. Pago 1.
Chamber of Commerce on tho crimp business.
Page 12.
Decision for plaintiff in case of George H.
"Williams vs. Commercial National Bank.
Pago 8.
Tho county assessment of Portland
property is likely to bo modified on ac
count of the blanket ordinance passed by
tho City Council. That Is, in fixing tho
taxable valuations the net Income
property will yield will be considered by
Assessor Greenleaf and the licenses im
posed by the city ordinance" will be a fac
tor, ot course, in determining this fact
As to whether the Assessor will attempt
to equalize the burden, of taxation by re
ducing valuations of merchants and
others who have to pay a special Ucenso
under the new ordinance, or by raising
the valuation of real estate, which goea
unlicensed, no declaratioa Is yet made.
Many infer, however, that real estate will
bo put up.
"There Is nothing in the report that I
have been holding back the assessment
roll to see what the City Council would
do with the blanket ordinance," sold As
sessor Greenleaf. "Wo havo been going
right along with the assessment roll,
though, as a matter of fact. It happens
that the work has not passed the stago
that will permit consideration of the city
licenses In connection- with tho county
assessment We have put In tho valua
tions on real estate Improvements, but
not on real estate Itself or on personal
property. In placing the figures on real
estate tho blanket ordinance may bd
taken Into consideration.
"I don't believe the merchants should
have to bear a disproportionate burden
of taxation for the support of the city
government. They pay their rent and
thereby stand their share of regular tax
ation. Now, to come In with another de
mand for, say, 5250 a year, and let tho
landlords go scot free does not seem to
me to be quite fair. The money thus
paid by the merchants Is to go. among
other things, to repairing streets and
sidewalks. When the street Is put in good
condition and tho sidewalk is newly re
paired and things look pretty nice- In tho
locality of a store, tho landlord puts up
the rent So tho very improvements the
merchant has paid his money for aro
made a cause of still further expense to
him, and the landlord, who paid no part
of It gets the benefit This is a com
mercial town, and our prosperity is due
to our merchants. I don't believe wo
ought to bear down on them too hard.
I think the landlord ought to stand his
share.
"Tho blanket licenses havo bearing on
the value of property, and tho law
reulre3 that all elements affecting thd
true cash value of property bo considered
by the Assessor In placing his valuation
upon It for the purpose of taxation. Tho
best guide for- settling the valuations is
the net Income property will yield. What
If our big buildings did cost $200,000 to
4S0O.O0O each, that has nothing to do with
their true cash value today. They aro
only worth today what their net Income
will pay Interest on. The value of a mer
chant's stock of goods Is reduced when
the extra license Is Imposed upon him. It
Is possible that the county assessment roll
will show that this matter has been con
sidered, and that an effort has been mada
to equalize the burden of taxation. Theso
licenses are taxe3."
View from the City Hall.
"I don't see what the Assessor has to
do with our license ordinance," said City
Auditor Devlin yesterday. "Tho county
assessment has gotten to be an unknown
quantity. We cannot depend upon It at
all in estimating city revenues. The
charter evidently contemplated a taxable
valuation of about $40,000,000 In this city
Here it is down to J2S,000,000, and for
aught we know it will be $18,000,000 this
year.
"Nobody knows how much tho new
license ordinance will bring In. Soma put
tho estimate at one figure, somo at an
other. I guess $45,000. These licenses aro
rendered necessary by last year's horizon
tal reduction of the taxable valuation.
But for that unlooked-for reduction there
would have been plenty of money to run
the city departments. The city levy can
not exceed 8 mills on the dollar. Tho
rate on the $10,000,000 reduction of last
year would produce $80,000, a sum con
siderably In excess of what the new
licenses will probably yield.
"The charter limits the levy and at tho
same time allots the taxes derivable from
property taxation. To pay interest Z
mills on the dollar of the assessed valua
tion Is authorized. This produces on tho
present tax roll $70,000, not allowing any
thing for delinquent taxes or errors. Tho
annual Interest on our bonded indebted
ness, not Including street improvement
bonds, is $123,140. That leaves a deficiency
of $51,000 in that fund, and it mu3t be filled
from some quarter. The quarter of a mill
levy for repairing streets will produce
$7000, which will barely make a beginning
at keeping the streets In condition to
travel. The 1 mills for police department
produces $40,000; tho 1 mills for lighting
streets yields $42,000, and the 2 mills for
Are department gives $56,000. Each of
these will fall far short of maintaining
its" respective branch of the service.
"The regular licenses in force before the
blanket ordinance was passed would yield
about $135,000 a year, at a liberal esti
mate. They actually brought In last year
$128,503 CO, and there was an Income of
$1920 from the municipal court If the
blanket ordinance shall bring the Ucenso
income up to $180,000, see what must be
done with It The street-cleaning depart
ment alone costs $35,000 a year. Then
there are salaries for the Mayor, tho Au
ditor's department, the Treasurer's de
partment, the Attorney'3 department, tho
Engineer department, tho municipal
court, the Plumbing inspector, the Health
Officer, the Harbormaster, tho parks, the
City Hall. the city cemetery, repairs of
bridges, for viewers of streets, for im
provement of street In front of public
property, and for a lot of miscellaneous
supplies, printing, etc. All this beside tho
heavy deficits in the allotted funds must
be made up from licenses.
"Suppose the Assessor assumes that tho
new licenses will bring In $43,000, for which
real estate has no corresponding burden.
How will he equalize the matter? Will ho
add to the valuation of Portland real es
tate sufficiently to yield $45,000 more to
the city? If so, he will have to put a
much greater burden on the property
owner, for the city will get only 8-36 of
the tax levied on the county tax roll,
assuming that C6 mills will bo the county
levy again this year. If he arranges it so
that tho real estate will have only $45,000
added to Its tax burden, the city will
get butt$10,OCO out of It The matter of
equalizing the burden in such a case as
this is pretty complex, and I don't see
what business the County" Assessor ha3
with It Possibly the easiest way to
handle it would be to make a proper as
sessment, so that blanket ordinances
would not bef necessary.
4.