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About Morning Oregonian. (Portland, Or.) 1861-1937 | View Entire Issue (Jan. 10, 1901)
THE MORNING . OREGONIAN, THURS0AY, JANUARY 10, 1901. rvV EADY FOR SESSION Members of Legislature Ar riving in Portland. FIGHT ON OVER SENATORSHIP The Opposition to Mr. Corbett Strives to Prevent a Caucus What the Keiieral Brigade Is Do ins. The several Portland hotel lobbies show that another session of the .Legislature and one more Senatorial fight are ap proaching. The vanguard of members from all parts of the state Is here, and applicants for office, friends of the varl. ous Senatorial candidates and lobbyists of an kinds and descriptions Ho In wait for them and make them feel that there nre some people who are mighty anx ious to know them. The corridors of tho Imperial and Perkins are. frequent ed by throngs that are daily growing in numbers, and will con tinue to Increase until the march to Salem is resumed next Saturday and Sunday. Among members who were here yester day were: Senators Mulkey, of Polk; Brownell, of Clackamas; Porter, of Clackamas and Multnomah; Weh rung, of Washington; Fulton, of Clatsop; and Representatives Ingram, of Linn; Colvlg, of Josephine; Larason, of Yam hill; Eddy, of Yamhill and Tillamook; Hodges, of Clackamas; Dresser, of Clack amas and Multnomah; Merrill, of Colum bia; Reeder, of Umatilla; Geer, of Har ney and Malheur, and Barrett arid Cat tanach, of Gilliam, Grant, Sherman. Was co and Wheeler. Most of the legislators talk freelv as to. proposed legislation, and a few of them are willing to an nounce tholr preferences for Senator, and for speaker of the house and president of the Senate. The striking thing about the campaign Is the good temper with which it is be ing conducted. The era of politeness a novelty in Oregon politics seems to have set in. The friends of Mr. Corbett and Mr. . McBrlde confine themselves to advocacy of the merits of their respective candidates, and speak with some reserve of the demerits of the opposing candidate. The reason for the absence of bitterness and personal animosity may be that it is pretty gen erally agreed that Mr. McBrlde, what ever he himself may believe, has no chance of election, and therefore Is not to be serlouslv looked upon as the real op ponent of Mr. Corbett. The issue actually is believed by the lobbies to be between Mr. Corbett and the opposition as a whole.. Just who Its candidate will be finally remains to be seen. A rumor gained some headway yesterday that Mr. McBrlde- would retire at once, and that Mr. Mitchell would take his place. It was whispered that It had become clear to him that he would not be elected, and Mr. Mitchell could; so he had determined to retire. If there was really anything in it, it had not developed Into any thing tangible. It is not likely that it had any foundaion. The common belief is that the opposition policy Is to create a deadlock in the hope of defeating Mr. Corbett, or rather of making Mr. Corbetfs olection'lmpossible; and then centering on the man who can win. To that end every possible effort Is being made to promote harmony between the opposition candi dates themselves and their various friends. It Is a task of no little diffi culty, in view of the fact that so many of Mr. McBrido's' putative supporters are "placed" there for a purpose: and when the time comes are to go to another. Naturally, this situation cannot be very pleasant to Mr. McBrlde, who doubtless profers his own election to Mr. Mitchell's, whatever the latter or his particular sup porters may think. No matter what others say, the present Senator Is be lieved to regard his own chances as good as any others. In case the great object of a deadlock can be accomplished. Tho first move in that direction Is to prevent a caucus, and along these lines the McBrlde campaign is proceeding. Members who are here report a very active sentiment throughout the stato for Mr. Corbett. It is agreed that his can vass has been conducted with judgment, skill and dignity, and It has been highly effective. It Is realized by the op position that his election Is prob. able, and therefore the most ex treme effort Is Delng made to prevent 45 Republicans going into caucus. The sentiment fox a, caucus, however, is gen eral, because members desire the Sena torial elecUon settled early, and they think that a caucus is the way to settle it. The Federal brigade is very actively supporting Mn McBrlde. on the score of favors received, as well as favors to come. If the Senator Is re-elected, they expect to have at least half a chance to hold their jobs; if he is defeated, they do not expect to survive their present terms. Collector of Customs Patterson is loading the light on behalf of the Federal ring, and he Is closely seconded by Zoeth Houser. United States Marshal, and Al Roberts, his deputy. Postmaster Croas maa is not making any open display of offensive partisanship, but Deputy Post master W. F. Matthews does not consider it necessary to be so careful. Other Fed eral officials those, of course, who owe their appointments to Mr. McBrlde are more or less sen or heard, and they daily and hourly haunt the hotel lobbies and give the glad hand to Incoming mem bers. William Galloway. Democrat, Receiver of the Oregon City Land Office, and Rob ert A. Habersham. Gold Democrat, United States Surveyor-General, are undoubtedly dally surprised to find themselves still In oflicc Their respective four-year terms long since expired, and In the ordinary course of rotation In offlce, their succes sors should have been appointed. The reason for the Indefinite extension of their incumbency doubtless is that Senator Mc Brlde is using these places for traffic wtth memeers of the Legislature. Sena tar Simon desired, it is said, some months ago to confer with his colleague regard ing those appointments, but Senator Mc Brlde was not ready. It is not supposed that he will be ready until he knows who Is going to be his successor. It is said that the Receivership at Oregon City wa promised some time ago by Congressman Tongwe to J. P. Irvine, of McMinnville, with the understanding that Senator Mc Brlde would also support him, but whether this promise still holds good If it was ever made is not generally known. DISPUTE OVER LAXD BOUNDARIES. Bill "Will lie Introduced o Give County Surveyor .Jurisdiction. L B. Reeder, Representative of Uma tilla County, a prominent candidate for speaker of the House, is at the Imperial. He is preparing a btll to render the set tling of disputes over land boundaries less expensive than at present, and hopes to have It become a law. It will give County Surveyors the power to define dis puted boundaries, with much les expense to the contestants, and the Surveyor's decWen &ball be final, unless the parties Icctdv to carry tr-e matter Into the courts, which would be the beginning of expen sive litigation. "BfeiuvSary lines are subjects of fre quent contention." Mr. Reeder said yes terday, "and as the settling of these in volves the expenditure jut $100 to $300. nei ther party desires to co to law. and so the dtapttte remains open, and sometimes criminal acts are resorted to and much bad blood is v engendered. Government corners may be obliterated by accident purposely, and'-one nan may lay claim to a strip of his neighbor's land, feeling sure that he is in the right. The court now will take testimony in the matter and appoint a commission to decide, but attorney's feest witnesses' expenses and the cost of referees are liable to pile up in such a. way that the disputants are Borry they went to law. With tho County Surveyor the sole referee, the only charges will be his fees, and as he is usually the most competent party to de cide such matters, he Is liable to be the mort correct after alL" , In regard to assessment and taxation, Mr. Reeder realizes the necessity of im provement of present methods. He has no especial bill to offer, however, but thinks he can be of material assistance in bringing before the proper committee such facts and figures as will enable the committee to report favorably on a good measure. He thinks taxes should be collected In the Fall; that Sheriffs' deeds should be strengthened so as to be proof against annulment In the courts, and that property-owners should be In duced to pay their taxes promptly, either by deductions within a certain time or by penalties for non-payment He thinks too many property-owners have found out how to make money by not paying their taxes, and he mentioned the case , 1 "Doc" ICeene tells what's going; to happen. of Grant County, where no attempt has been made to collect delinquent taxes since 188512 years. "These delinquents all retain possession of their property." he said, "and it Is no wonder that peo ple who keep their taxes paid up are doing some kicking," Mr. Reeder does not consider himself Involved In the Senatorial struggle, and so manifests no preference or dislike for any candidate. As he hopes to become speaker of the House, he feels that he cannot afford to mix up in the struggle, but he desires to see a Senator elected who will be acceptable to the people of the state. Mr. Reeder has been elected twice to his present position, and was a member of the Legislature during the special session called by Governor Lord. He Is an attorney of 10 years' practice In the City of Pendleton. TO SUBMIT THE AMENDMENT. Prominent Popaliats Working for the Initlntlvc and Referendum. John C. Young, of Baker County, Frank Williams, of Jackson County, and W. S. U'Ren, of Clackamas County, are In Port land for the purpose of urging upon In coming members of the Legislature the merits of the proposed Initiative and ref erendum amendment to the state consti tution. They expect to be joined soon by S. H. Holt. ex-Senator from Jackson County. All these gentlemen have held Important official position In the Populist party; and their Interest in the principles of that moribund organization Is now actively centered on the proposed amend ment. A resolution for its submission to the people was adopted by the last Legis lature; and It must receive similar favor able action at the coming session before It reaches the people. In 1899 the Senate voted for submission 20 ayes, 8 noes; and the House, 43 ayes, 9 noes. Advocates ot the proposed amendment urge $hat, al though It Incorporates a scheme long agi tated by the Populists, It is in its present shape not a Populist measure. What they aek Is that the people be given an oppor- Frank Wllltainn explains the rcfer- . cudnm. tunlty to vote upon It. If they want it, they can adopt it; if not, they can reject it. In any event, they contend, it is only fair that it should be voted up or down, and the question settled one way or tne other. The last Legislature was strongly Republican, they say, and yet It recog nized the demand for submission; and the late jtate Republican convention specific ally approved Its action. This is regarded by the advocates of the amendment as a pledge upon the Republican majority at Salem. The full text of the joint reso lution Is: "Resolved by the House, the Senate con curring. That the following amendment to the constitution of the State of Oregon be and the same Is hereby proposed: "Section 1, of article 4, of the constitu tion of the State of Oregon shall bo and the same hereby Is amended to read as follows: Section 1. The legislative authority of the state shall be vested in a Legislative Assembly, consisting of a Senate and House of Representatives; but the people reserve to themselves power to propose laws and amendments to the constitution, and to enact or reject the same at the polls, independent of the Legislative As. I sembly, and also reserve power at their own option to approve or reject at the polls any act of the Legislative! Assembly. . Tho first power reserved by the people Is j the Initiative, and not more than S per I cent of the legal voters, shall bo required j to propose any measure by such petition, and every such petition shall Include the tun text or tne measure no. proposed. Initiative petitions shall be filed with the Sftcretarv of State nnt lees than tun J&siilf ill mouths before the election at which they are to be voted upoiu. The second power is the referendum, and it may be ordered (exceDt as to laws necessary for the im mediate preservation of the public peace, health or safety), either by petition signed by 5 per cent of the legal voters, or by the Legislative Assembly, as other bills are enacted. Referendum petitions shall be filed with the Secretary of State not more than 90 days after the final adjourn ment of the session of the Legislative Assembly, which passed the bill, on which the referendum Is demanded. The veto power of the Governor shall not extend to measures referred to the people. All elections on measures referred to the peo ple of the state shall be lhad at the bien nial regular general election, except when the Legislative Assembly shall order a special election. Any measure referred to the people shall take effect and become the law when It is approved by a majority of the votes cast thereon, and not other wise. The style of all bills 'shall be: "Be It enacted by the people of the State of Oregon." This section shall not be con strued to deprive any member of the Leg islative Assembly of the right to Intro duce any measure. The whole number of votes cast for Justice of the Supreme Court at the regular election last preced ing the filing of any petition for the Initiative or for the referendum, shall be the basis on which the number of legal voters necessary to sign such petition shall be counted. Petitions and orders for the initiative and for the referendum Shall be filed with the Secretary of State, and in submitting the same to the people he and all other officers shall be guided by the general laws, and tho act submitting this amendment until legislation shall be especially provided therefor. ASKS $5000. Amount Required by Boys' and Girls' Aid Society. The regular monthly meeting of the 'Boys' and Girls' Aid Society trustees was held yesterday afternoon in the chambers of Judge W. B. Gilbert, Fed eral building. The principal business was the consideration of the report of the secretary and superintendent to the Legislature. Secretary Beach's report was "in part as follows: "On January 1, 1899, there remained on hand, at our Receiving Home, 33 children. These, with 80 received during the two years, make a total of .713. Of this num ber, 360 are entirely new cases, received from the several counties of the state; 17 are children who were placed out but recalled by the superintendent for cause; 303 were returned for replacement by the people who took them on trial. Of the total number of 713, 674 have 'been dis posed of in different ways, leaving on hand at our Receiving Home, January 1, 1901, 39. This means -passing through our hands an average of 28 monthly. "During the past two years we have expended a total of $10,900 00. Of this amount, $5000 was appropriated by the state -and the balance made up from different sources. In giving the amount per capita of the expense of maintenance of the children while In our Receiving Home, it is considered proper to take into account only the actual expense of caring for them, which will include food, clothing, medical care, light, fuel, school books and salary of attendants, but to deduct the salary of our superintendent, improvements made, traveling and office expense, as this department is maintained for carrying on tho investigation and Court work. Deducting this, leaves 'our actual maintenance of children at the Receiving Hoire $5728 21, or a per capita of J6 82 per month. "Our building, is not completed, and It is our purpose to add the right wing, if we can raise sufficient money, at a cost of about $3000, also to furnish our east girls' dormitory at a cost of aoout $125. "It Is not our Intention, however, to ask the state for more money than hertofore, but to depend on the generosity of our friends In defraying this extra expense. We therefore beg that an appropriation of $3000 be made to this society (the same amount as appropriated at the last ses of rescuing 'homeless, neglected or abused slon), to enable us to continue the work children' of our state." During the two years ended December 31, 1900, children were received as follows from the various counties: Baker, 8; Benton, 3; Clackamas, 21; Columbia, 3; Clatsop, 12; Coos, 1; Douglas, 6; Gilliam, 1; Jackson, 2; Lane, 21; Lincoln, 6; Linn, 2; Marlon, 16; Morrow, 5; Multnomah, 21S; Sherman, 1; Umatilla, S; Union, 1; Wasco, 17; Washington, 4; Yamhill, 1; new cases received, 360; old cases returned or recalled for cause, 320; total, 6S0. GERMAN AID SOCIETY. Hospital Fund Sow Reaches $20,000 Annual Election of Ofilccrn. At the annual meeting of the General German Aid Society, a large number of members being present, President John Reisacher read his yearly report, from which the following facts are gathered: The society was founded 30 years ago for the principal purpose of erecting a hospital In Portland, following the exam ple of its sister society of San Francisco. With this object in view, several trials were made to Intorest the German popu lation in this city and state. The result of the agitation Is shown today In a fund of about $20,000 and a piece of property In one of the healthiest locations In th olty. This piece contains nearly two acres, and is an Ideal site for a hospital. As indicated by Its name and the pro visions of its constitution, the General German Aid Society is a charitable organ ization, aiding and helping the poor. It deserves the support of German citizens. It has a membership of 113, which Is en tirely out of proportion to the large Ger man population of Portland. A little less sefflshness and a little more of the Ger man warm-hearted liberality applied by some of the well-to-do Germans would Increase the membership two and three fold. While In 1900 not one member was lost by death, the loss In 1900 was six, viz: George Rahmer, Henry Vlllard. Charles Logus. F. A. Fischer, Frank Keller and John Wilson. The society has expended since Its organization $18,629 95 in char ity: in. 1900. about 50 cases were taken care of. Including 20 families. The election of officers resulted as fol lows: President, John Reisacher: vice president. Charles J. Schnabel; treasurer, H. Claussenlus; secretary. C. BIcher; trustees, Ludwlg Levy. John Matthlcsen and C. H. Meussdorffer; school direc tors, John Wagner and Joseph Heller; auditors, O. Mangold, Max Fl'elschner apd Kaspar Kohler; physicians. Dr. Otto S. BInswanger and Dr. A, J. Glesy. IN THE "IDOL'S EYE." Boston Lyrics Play to Another Good Honse. The Boston Lyric Opera Company pleased a largo audience at Cordray's last night by their singing of Smith & Herbert's tuneful opera'The Idol's Eye." The English-speaking members of the company are at home best in this clever combination of nonsense and music, and have an opportunity to do their best. As Abal Conn, the American balloonist, who drops into India, John Henderson is given a number of capital songs to sing and sings them well. George Kun kel displays his versatility as Jamie Mc Snuffy the "hoot mon" Scotchman, and Charles Huntington as Don Pablo Ta bascb proves himself to be a comedian as well as a singer. Henry Hallam's .play ing of Ned Winner, the novelist, is all that can be expected of him in such a part. Josephine Stanton, as the Nautch Girl, uses her charming voice to good advan tage, and introduces a catchy song in the second act which Is one of the hits ot the piece. Sara Carr, as the Priestess, ap pears only in the second act, but her song affords her a chance to display her voice. The chorus was equal to the demands made upon it by the music Tonight "Carmen" will be repeated, with Collamarlnl In the name part, and RusSo and Allessandronl. Tomorrow night the three will take leading roles In "Mumon." FOR. CITY'S RELIEF Taxpayers1 League Urges Action by Legislature, ASKS $40,000,000 VALUATION Charter Should Be Amended So as to Provide a Sufficient Levy to Meet Interest Fall Statement of City's Financial Condition. To meet the financial embarrassment which 'confronts the city, the executive committee of the Taxpayers' League rec ommends: First The levy to be on present xnillngre, except for street repairs and bond interest, bat based on a $40,000,000 assessment. Second Increase the levy tor street repairs to & of a mill. Third The levy for Interest to bo sufficient for the purpose. Fourth Provide for a vehicle tax, and that it shall go into the rftreet repair fund. Fifth The power, under restric tions, to transfer from the general fund. To uphold the Multnomah members of the Legislature In any action they may take for the relief of the city, the exec utive committee made public yesterday a statement of the actual condition of the, city's finances. Mr. Mills, whose name heads the list of signers, is chair man of the Board of Public Works. The statement follows: TAXPAYERS' LEAGUE STATEMENT. Feeling that It is Necessary that the people generally of this city should un derstand as nearly as possible the condi tion of its flanclal affairs and the diffi cult problems our members of the Legis lature will have to solve at the coming session, and the necessity for immediate action, we submit the following state ment: For a fair understanding, of tho subject-matter, certain collateral fact3 must be borne In mind. , First The area of land within the cliy limits is 25,600 acres. Second Under the. present charter the expenditures of certain departments are determined by a fixed rate based on the assessed value of the property within the city limits, as follows: Fire Department 2 Police Department ..1 Lighting v 1 Street repairs yt Payment of Interest 2& Total 8" Third We are advised by those instru mental in passing the present charter that these fixed rates were based on an assessed valuation of $40,000,000. Fourth The assessed valuation last year was, in round numbers, $28,000,000, and this" year about $29,000,000. Fifth The consequence was that cer tain departments ran behind, and all were more or less crippled In efficiency. Sixth Unless some relief Is given, the various departments will have to bo still further reduced and property of the city become seriously deteriorated for want of money to keep It in. repair. Seventh Tho regular levy for school purposes 'is fixed at 5 mills, and the spe cial levy limited only "by the vote of the taxpayers. Eighth There Is no limit fixed" by law on the county or state levy. Ninth The result is mat the city is now at a point where some immediate legislative relief is absolutely essential. Tenth The expense of conducting' the city Is now proportionately lower than any other of the branches of the govern ment. Eleventh The following shows the levy for last year, and in order to make the comparison more than fair we have added to the city levy the amount produced by licenses, had thl3 money been raised by a direct tax. Included in this are the moneys paid In fines for gambling, and that received from the occupation tax, both of which are uncertain factors when considering the future needs: Millsv City levy 8.0 City revenue licenses 5.0 School :. 9.8 State 6.3 County 8.4 Road 2.0 Port of Portland 1.5 Total 41.0 Without allowance for licenses the levy was 36 mil's. ' Twelfth While this levy is high. In mills, everyone knows that the assess ment Is low, and far below the value of the property. Thirteenth And finally one of the chief and greatest causes of discontent is the fact that the great weight and burden of this taxation falls on real estate, and a large amount of other classes of prop erty is assessed ridiculously low or es capes altogether. In other words, we do not believe real estate should be raised indiscriminately to any great extent, but that the property which now escapes the Assessor and does not appear on the roll should be placed there and share its part of maintaining our government. Cost of City Government. With these premises we submit the fig ures and ask careful consideration of the same. The estimates pf , the Auditor, of re ceipts, " including the balance on hand, In the general fund for the year 1901, Is $241,608 86. This estimate is made high for the reason that our charter limits expenditures both to the assessed valua tion and on the Auditor's estimate. No allowance whatever Is made for delin quent taxes, which generally average about 5 per cent. 'In this amount is es timated the occupation tax, at $28,000. This tax is very unpopular and will be certainly repealed if the Legislature pro vides other means of raising revenue. However, the receipts from flne3 from gamblers is not included and we think rightly, as It is perfectly manifest that the present arrangement respecting, these fines will not continue much longer, and as business men it is, to put it mildly, a very uncertain source of Income to run a city government on, not considering other questions involved In this method of raising revenue which persistently force themselves on one's mind and con science. Auditor's estimate $241,608 S6 Deduct occupation tax 28,000 00 Total $213,603 86 The estimate for 1901 for. expenses of departments which must be paid out of the general fund, based on the year 1900, is as follows: , Mayor's salary and, of fice expense $ 3,050 00 Auditor's department.. 10,080 00 City Treasurer's de partment 3,900 00 City Attorney's de partment 6,420 00 City Engineer's de partment . 27.027 00 - (Municipal Court. ' 3,000 00 Inspector of plumbing and drainage depart ment 2,100 00 City pound 3,053 00 - Health department. City Physician, con tagious diseases and " " " indigent sick 6,500 00 Harbormaster and har bor wllce . 1,200 00 Street - cleaning and sprjngnng aepartmenc 3i,u w City Hall, janitors, fuel, light, etc......... 5,000 00 ' Garbage crematory.... 4,950 00 Printing- municipal re- . Ports :. 89100 Advertising .. .. 3,615 00 Blanks and blank books, orders, etc.... 2,870 00 Improvement of Main street, Third to Fourth 4,000 00 Street and sewer as sessment, city prop- ' erty LS0OC0 Pay of viewers 250 00 License tags 600 00 Relief of certain per sons 1,475 00 General expense of lit igation 3,200 00 Insurance 600 00 Miscellaneous 3,000 00 Repair, city barn 600 44 $132,706 00 Balance on hand $ 0,902 6 We have gone through the estimates carefully, and while in a few places some small saving can be made, the difference is not enough to affect the total sufficient ly to change the general result. On the other hand, some of the departments are not provided with sufficient funds to be nearly efficient, or what they Bhould be. Taking up the different departments in their order, we find the conditions to be as follows: Fire Department. This department cost last year.. $80,003 90 Estimates, receipts and balance on hand on 2-mill levy, 1901, mak ing no allowance for any delin quencies in taxes . 65,133 55 Deficit $14,965 3S We have gone through this department very carefully, and find as follows: With the exception of a saving in part of one salary we do not see. In justice to the men, where further cuts would be Justi fiable. The department is a "call department" that Is, about three men are on duty at the engine-houses, tho balance being ex tramen. Out of 127 firemen, 75 are on call. Of these seven receive $25 per month and 68 $20 per month. The average wages of foremen, drivers and engineers Is $65 per month. The Chief receives $150 per month and earns it. The department has no reserve hose. The last new hose (1600 feet), was pur chased in 1899. Some of it has been in service for more than 10 years, and from 6000 to 6000 feet, which costs 90 cents a foot, is needed. No new engine, has been purchased for 11 years, nor chemical en gine for about three and a half years. There Is no engine north of Washington street. There is not one first-class steam er In the derailment. The horses are from 14 to 20 years old, some of them having been in service in the volunteer days. There are no hydrant men, relief drivers, or engineers, as provided for in the charter. The workof hydrant men Is done by district engineers. The houses are practically all In need of repair. These are in brief the conditions: First Unless $15,000 additional Is provid ed, the denartment must be cut down about one-third. Do the people want this done? Second Unless some provision is made for new hose and additional apparatus, we are in constant dantcer of a great confla gration. Do the people want to take this chance? Third Unless some provision Is made for maintenance of houses and apparatus it will deteriorate very rapidly. Do the people want this to occur? Fourth With sufficient new apparatus and a fire boat, a large reduction In rates of Insurance will result. At this time, although we feel that no large commer cial city, such as ours, with our harbor full of shipping ard miles of dock front, should be withou a flreboat, yet we do not urge It. We ao recommend, however, the allowance of $15,000, and promise to immediately raise $15,000 for the purchase of a first-class engine for the North End and maintenance of an additional , com pany, and for new hose. Police Department. Cost. 1900, including bills unpaid.. $62,245 42 Estimated receipts for 1901. mak ing no allowance for delinquent taxes 50,868 33 Deficit .$li,377 09 There are now about 40 patrolmen and detectives. We do not think that, nu merically, the force of patrolmen should be reduced. We believe, however, that savings can be effected in this department so that more patrolmen can be employed without Increasing the cost over last year. As we estimate, an armual saying on pres ent basis could be effected amounting to about $7500. However, we do not think It wise economy in a city such, as ours, the commercial, and we may say, gen eral center, of the Northwest, to which all sorts and conditions of men constantly gravitate, to so reduce a police force as to largely Impair Its efficiency. In other words, with the saving we think could be made, the amount expended during 1900 would be hewing very close to the line, so that in round numbers we recom mend providing for the deficit of $11,500, which, with the saving suggested, we think should carry them through. Interest Fund. This has grown to be the heaviest sin gle Item in the city's budget, the amount now. having to be provided for each year by general taxation, being about... $123,000 Estimated receipts. 1901, making no allowance for delinquent taxes 72,669 Deficit $ 60.331 Here we have a fixed charge, no clerk's fees or other emoluments, simply so much money which has to be paid. There is probably not a man In the city who would suggest the Impairment of the city credit by defaulting In Interest, yet even on a $40,000,000 valuation, the levy ot 2 mills would be insufficient. We think the char ter should be amended so as to provide for a sufficient levy to meet this interest payment. Lighting. The price of lighting the city on present basis Is $53,000 00 Estimated receipts, 1901, making no allowance for delinquencies. 43,001 40 Deficit $ 9.393 60 The contract provides that In the event of no relief being had, a proportionate amount of lights, one-fifth or thereabouts, will have to be cut out Here again we find a fixed charge. Do the people, In the face of the necessarily limited police patrol, want one-fifth of the lights cut out? We are strongly opposed to such a course, and believe if adopted Its shortsightedness would soon be mani fest. We therefore recommend that the additional amount required be provided for. At this point we will take a rest and accounting before going further: Deficit In Fire Depart ment fund 4 $14,965 33 For one engine, com pany and hose 15,000 00 Deficit, Police Depart ment 11.377 09 Deficit, Interest fund.. 50,331 00 Deficit, lighting fund... 9,398 60-$101,072 04 Balance in general fund $ 80,902 S6 Deficit $ 20,169 IS Allow 5 per cent for delinquencies, 11,433 23 Total deficit $31,602 43 Thus we find at this point, at simply maintaining the departments named as now constituted, with the addition of one steamer and fire company and new hose, the deficit would be $31,602 43, and the gen. era! fund exhausted. But this is not alL We will take up other departments. Street Cleaning and Sprinkling-. There has been allowed for this de partment $34,695, and we believe at least $10,000 more should be provided. There Is now employed at night a force of 16 men working from eight to 9 hours, and receiving on an average $2 per day. Tho day force consists of 12 men, for " all classes of work, receiving on an average $2 per day. The city has 266.91 miles of A Strong plied .BBSSSsLlssWt JnjBBnH BssssBt ay J - I SP&pr i know of, and my experience is a large one. I am a temperate man, and never used,md would neverndvlse any man or woman to use, any intoxicant as a beverage. My recommendation of Duffy's Formula and Whiskey was made after a thorough knowledge of their great value aa rnedl clnes. The statement was made deliberately and based upon facts, and I do not hesitate to stand by It. Tho many temperance men who have written me on this subject do not seem to realize that was & temperance man before many of them were bom. Sincerely yours, B. M1LL8. D. D. It Is the only Whiskey taxed by the government as a medicine. This is a guarantee. Be sura you get the genuine. Kef use substitutes. There is nono Just "as good as" Dufiy'i. Alldraggista and grocers, or direct. .... . If you are sick and run down, write us; It will cost yon nothing to learn how to regtln good health, energy and vitality. Medical booklet sent free. ..... ri spa To nnv rpiulprof thfs naner who will write us we will send free two of our t tent f" tru EL EL Game Counters fur whist, postage. They are unique and useful. Improved streets and roadways, not con sidering cross-walks. This force for tho work to be done Is grossly inadequate; and while if the laws were enforced against throwing dirt and rubbish In the streets it would be a great help, yet man ifestly It is a physical Impossibility for this force to do more than clean and care for but a small percentage of the im proved streets. Since 1895 the length of improved streets has been increased by about 200 blocks, and of macadamized streets by about 30 to 35 miles. There have been practically no renewals or ad ditions to the equipment for seven or eight years. Many of the horses are very old, the carts, harness, etc, are all In need of repair, and one two-horse power broom is needed. Under all the circumstances we feel It is wise economy to make this provision now rather than twice or three times aa much two years later. Taking up claims against the city, and whijli must be made, we find the fol lowing: Marsh 10, 1900, warrant Issued to satisfy Judgment of firemen. ...$12,102 90 One year's interest at 6 per cent. 726 72 Police claims unpaid 14,968 23 Total $27,797 84 The owner of this Judgment claims it should draw 8 oer cent. In addition to this, there are light claims unpaid of $10 830 06, for which the city is not technically liable, but which many believe in good conscience should be paid. But as there is a difference of opinion as to this, we do not Include it in our esti mates. There are also certain causes pending against the city, known as the firemen's cases, involving between eo.OOO and $70,000, which we have not taken Into considera tion. Neither have we thus far provided for emergencies of any kind, such as re pairs to roadways, bridges, etc.. sewers breaking, and the thousand and one inci dents and accidents that necessarily oc cur and happen during a year of the clty3 life. Street Repairs. Under the charter the street repair fund for the year 1901 will be $8020 53. Thla amount is so absurdly small for the pur pose if becomes almost useless. Without going Into a detailed argument to show the necessity for a fund to repair streets, and that It cannot be successfully ac complished now, or to point out the ead condition of our streets, we believe the levy for this purpose should be three quarters of 1 mill, instead of one-fourth of 1 mill. And Wo further recommend the amendment of the charter in respect to the vehicle license tax, so that it can be collected and turned Into the street re pair fund. Bonds. Fifty-six thousand five hundred dollars of 6 per cent city bonds mature on May 1, 190L A provision should be made for their refunding Into 4 per cent bonds. Bring ing down our figures again, we arrive at this point: Deficit over all income, shown above $31,602 43 Allowance for Street Department 10,000 00 Allowance for warrant and In terest 12,829 62 Police claims unpaid 14,968 22 Gross deficit $68,400 27 This is making no allowance for road ways, bridges, breaks In sewers, or other accidents. We will now place our figures together, so .that the cause and effect may be seen at a glance. Total possible Cost, 1900 receipts. 1901 Fire Department $80,098 90 $65,133 55 Police Department.... 62.245 2 60,868 33 Interest 123,000 00 72,669 00 Lighting 53,000 00 43,601 40 , Deficit. Fire Department $14,965 35 Police Department 11,377 09 Interest .. 60,331 00 Lighting t 9,398 CO Allowance, 5 per cent for delin quent taxes 11,433 25 One engine, company and hose.... 15,000 CO Allowance Street-Cleaning de- Departmet ; 10,000 00 Judgment favor firemen and In terest . 12,829 62 Police claims unpaid 14,968 22 Total $160,303 13 Balance in general fund $ 80,902 86 Deficit .$ 69,400 27 As stated above, this makes ho al lowance whatever for any emergencies, or unusual or unforeseen accidents or oc currence which could and do happen usu ally at tho most unfortunate time. ?40,000,000 Valuation Recommended. It would but palliate the trouble, with out curing It, to make a special appro priation, as the same conditions might confront us in 1902, when there would be no Legislature to appeal to. The Tax payers' League recommended a levy based on a $40,000,000 assessed valuation, and Which If the full amount was levied and every dollar collected would work out as follows: Mills. Fire Department 2 $ 80,000 Police Department J. 70000 Lighting ..., 1 60.M0 Street repair 30.000 Interest 3 120,000 Total 9 $360,000 From these amounts, 5 per cent would have to be deducted for delinquent taxes. Balance In the general fund, after paying charges against It $S0,902 E6 Less 5 per cent estimated delin quencies 6,498 30 Total $2,902 86 Add balance January 1 in Fire Department fund 6,498 30 Balance on hand $69,401 16 Out of-thls could then be paid One engine and com pany and hose $15,000 00 Sermoi "Sleep dwell upon thine eyes, peace in ! thy neart." Thi rmntatinn rrn hf annronriatelv at - when speaking of DuSy's Pure Malt wnisKey. it Dimgs reicesning sicep iu u weary and peace to the diseased, tired Drain. The follnunntr letter from the Rev. B. Mills ?.. ? i . . Aa a 4Vi0OT i4s1 was written in answww . wumoti uu nnrv fmm nn of his church members. J .... - -- .,,,. , He says DuHy's nire wait .wnisKey is a blessing to mankind. Meade Center, Sans. Mr Dear Bn?.: Tour favor vrtd the tn oinwrt Hn 1 at hand. ThefMtauethCw: Wile WMaawnuiGici- wtnu jo and on our physlci&a's xecosy mesdaUoo ued a certain preparation with very great benefit. Iwn a Presbyterian clergy man, a Doctor of DlTinity.not of Medicine, out I am not afraid to say that Duffy's Formula and Dufiy'i Pure Malt Whiskey are the purest and most effective nrenaratlons as medicines I euchre, etc. Send four cents in stamps to cover DUFFY MALT WHISKEY CO., KochesUr. Allowance for Street De partment 10.000 00 Warrant and Interest.... 12,829 62 Police claims unpaid ... 14.96S 22 $52,797 84 Total $16,603 33 This balance, with such savings as may be made on salaries, we respectfully sub mit is not excessive to meet unforeseen emergencies, which are bound to arise during tho year in a city of 100,000 people. These figures are based on the theory that the occupation tax will be done away with. While It is true that the levy. In mills would be higher, this plan would1 work automatically, and the actual taxes paid be no more than would be neces sary or what was figured on and accepted as reasonable two years ago. In the meantime the city has grown, the mile age of Improved streets has increased, and the physical condition of all city property, roadways and bridges deterior ated. Something: SInart Be Done. Wo say that unless something of this character is done It is certain that the departments simply cannot be main tained. On the other hand, the Council Is not compelled to levy the full amount, and If they find they can get along with less will do so. The Council represents the city directly, and is familiar with its requirements, and It certainly Is not a wise course to so limit that body that it is given no latitude, no matter what emergency may arise. Furthermore, it is our hope that tho county levy will be decreased this year sufficiently to offset the increase In the city. While believing in tho most rigid economy consistent with good govern ment, and knowing that at several points savings in salaries can, and. sh.oukt Jbo made, wo feel that this saving would and could not be sufficient to meet existing and approaching deficits. Tho condition we desire to meet is upon us; It is not next year, or the year after, but today. We do not quote a mass of figures to show how cheaply this city la run, com pared with others, as it would serve.' no good purpose. It is a fact however, that even on our low valuation our levy 13 not only among the very lowest for city purposes in the United States, but It is far below that of other cities in com parison with the county and state levy. Remedy Recommended. We recommend as amendments on this particular question: First The levy to be an present mill age, exempt for street repairs and bond Interest, but based on a $40,000,000 assess ment. Second Increase the levy for street re-, pairs to of 1 mill. Third The levy for Interest o be auf- ' flclent for the purpose. Fourth Provide for a vehicle tax and that it shall go into the street repair fund. Fifth The power, -under proper re strictions, to transfer from general fund. And wo respectfully ask air those who are In accord with us to further so far as they feel they can the adoption of these amendments. We have tried to pre sent the facts fairly, as we believe when the people understand the situation they will uphold the members of the Legis lature in their efforts to meet this pe culiar and unfortunate condition. A. L. MILLS. JOS. N. TEAL, B. GOLDSMITH, W. M. LADD. J. C. AINSWORTH. J. THORBURN ROSS, J. W. COOK, In signing the statement, Messrs. Gold smith and Cook made the following res ervation: "Not wishing to dissent from the majority, I sign with reluctance. In so far if the authority be given to raise the levy, the real estate owners will again have to bear the burden of the raise. There need not be any deficiency if we have a competent and honest Assessor, who Would assess personal property in proportion to the assessment of real estate. But so long as the personal prop erty of this city and county Is assessed at only $2,000,000, against $30,000,000 as sessed on real estate there will be de ficiency, and the largest deficiency will be In the assets of those who are unfor tunate enough to own real estate In this city. Hence I sign this reluctantly." The reservation la in the handwriting of Mr. Goldsmith. Mr. Cook assented, to it. THE FIGHT TOMORROW NIGHT r Was the Main Topic of Conversation on the Street Yesterday. Everything Is in readiness for the great boxing event tomorrow night at the Ex position building. Jack Grant, the man ager, promises that both contests will be pulled off promptly at the time advertised, and this means no vexatious delays, so common In athletic events. Tracey and Case are both anxious to have the mooted question of superiority tested, neither one seeming disposed to underestimate tho other's ability In the ring. A well-known sporting man stated to a representative of The Oregonlan that if compelled to he would willingly travel 500 miles to see the contest, as he believed It would be ono of the best fights that has ever takens place in Portland. Prior to the main event, Jost and La Fontlse will box six rounds. Both of these men are well known on the Pacific Coast, and are capable of putting up a lively set to. This event also attracts a great deal of attention, as both men are strong, husky young fellows, possessed of expe rience and science. ' Any one can take Carter's Little Liver Pills, they are so very small. No trouble to swallow. No pain: or griping after taking.