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About Morning Oregonian. (Portland, Or.) 1861-1937 | View Entire Issue (Dec. 18, 1901)
TBCB MORNING OREGONIAN, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER IS, 1901. SAME WATER RATES Committee Adopts Existing Schedule for 1 902. ACCOUNTS ARE FOUND CORRECT For 1001, Surplus of Operating De partment Will Be ?SG,G3G 17 Contemplated Purchases "Will Use Tliln Up. At the meeting of the -water committee yesterday, the existing water rates -were established as the rates for the year 1902. The report of the expert accountant em ployed to Investigate the accounts of the secretary and treasurer of the committee was presented and approved, and ordered printed. The report of the committee appointed to negotiate for the purchase of the Alblna water supply system was made a special order for an adjourned meeting to be held at 3 P. M.. Tuesday. December 22.. Chairman Corbett presided, and Messrs. Ladd, Raffety, Lewis, Teal, Knapp. Kohn, Hill and Rowe were present. The operating committee submitted Us report of the operation of the works for the month of November, showing receipts and disbursements as follows: Cash receipts for water $23,677 75 Disbursements 2,471 47 Remainder paid to Treasurer. $21,200 2S I Accounts Found Correct. In response to the request of Secretary Frank T. Dodge and Treasurer A. Lewis that an Investigation of their books and accounts be made, the committee em ployed W. T. Branch to make an Investi gation and report. Mr. Ladd stated that Mr. Branch had handed his report to him, and if there were no objections he would read it. He added that he felt very proud of it him self, and only wished that the late chair man of the committee could be present to hear it. The following Is the report in full: To the "Water Committee of the Port of Port land: Gentlemen In accordance villi the ap pointment made by your honorable body, at your regular meeting, held May 21, 1901, I beg re spectfully to report, that I have made a thor ough examination of the books and accounts of the water committee from the time of the organization of said committee, la 1SS5, down to and Including the 30th day of November, 1801. 1 have examined each and every voucher for the disbursement of the funds of the water committee, from the first to the last, which. 80 far as the construction department Is con cerned, embraces the purchase of the Portland J "Water Company s plant. In December, 1SSG: the purchase of lands, rights of way. riparian rights, surveys, additional pumps and main, material and supplies for the gravity system, for the construction of bridges, reservoirs, tele phone line and the purchase of the East Port land Water Company's plant, and the Port land Heights "Water Company's plant, together with all the pay-rolls, etc. I have examined the books and accounts of the operative de partment, which show the source of the earn ings of the water works from 188S to and in cluding November, 1901; also all the vouchers and pay-rolls, showing the operating expenses and repairs. My findings are that every dollar received from the sale of bonds and the premium on eald bonds from the earnings of the water works, from the sale of any old property, or material and other sources Is properly account ed for upon -the books of the water committee. 1 also find a correct and proper accounting for the disbursement of all moneys so received, as Is evidenced by the vouchers, receipts and pay-rolls, all of which are properly verified, approved, audited and authorized for payment by the water committee and the subcommittee having charge of the operating department. The total amount of moneys received from all sources by the water committee from the time of Its organization down to, and including the month of November, 3001, is $0,302,207 30; the total amounts of disbursement for same period Is $0,100,447 11; balance In hands of Treasurer, $195,820 25. I also And that the statement heretofore pub lished, entitled "Statement of all the Earnings, Receipts and Disbursements of the "Water Com mittee of the City of Portland, Or., and the Subcommittee in "Water Works, operating the Works, from November 25. 1SS5," when the com mittee was appointed by act of the Legislature, until December 31, 1000, 1b correct, save and except where the printer has inadvertently placed the figure "0" In place of "0." On or about July 1, 1001, I examined the ac count of L. A. Lewis, Treasurer, and the ac count of C. H. Lewis, his predecessor, as Treasurer, covering tho entire period heretofore mentioned, and found the same to correspond with tho books of the water committee, and the balance then shown to be on hand was on deposit In the First National Bank, to the credit of the Treasurer of the water commit tee. On the 12th day of December, 1001, the cash book of the water committee called for $19, 24 25, and upon that day I found To the credit of P. T. Dodge, ac countant. In Ladd & Tilton's Bank, subject to cheek, the sum of ? 10,323 30 Bills paid In December..... 1 75 Pay-rolls in December 75 75 Coin in safe .. 123 45 Total $19,524 23 Mr. Frank T. Dodge, the Superintendent of the water works, is also the accountant of the water committee, and has kept the records and books of the water committee for the last 13 years. I find the books, records and vouchers kept in a neat, clear and satisfactory manner, not requiring, on my part, any inquiry as to their intent or meaning. His conscientious, painstaking devotion to the trust committed him not -inly merits the approval of the watr committee, but is likewise deserving the hea.-ty commendation of the citizens of Portland. Re spectfully submitted, W. T. BRANCH. On motion, the report was adopted, and it was requested that it be published in full in The Oregonlan. Mr. Joseph! said he expected the report to be as It was. but at the same time it caused a feeling of satisfaction that nn expert from outside the committee had arrived at such a gratifying conclusion after his Investigations. Taking into con sideration the immense sum of money that had been handled and the length of time covered by the transactions, the re port was very gratifying. On motion, the chairman and secretary were ordered to draw a warrant for $72, 500 In payment of the semi-annual interest on $2,900,000 bonds. Report of Chairman 'Corbett. Chairman Corbett presented the follow ing report showing his reasons for recom mending that the existing water rates be made the rates for the coming year: To the Water Committee: In order that the committee may comply with the provisions of the city charter and make the estimate of the expenses and costs during the year 1902, and establish water rates for said year, such as will insure a sufficient income from the sale of water to pay aid expenses and costs, together with one year's interest on the bonds Issued and outstanding, the following is submitted: The Water Committee, on December 18, 1900, after reducing the wator rates nearly 10 per cent, adopted the following estimate for the year 1001: OPERATING DEPARTMENT. Receipts Cash for water sold, etc $202,000 00 Disbursements Operating expenses and repairs, including $5,- 000 for meters $ 40,000 00 Interest on $2,900,000 bonds at 5 per cent.. 145,000 00 Interest on $250,000 bonds at 0 per cent.. 15.000 00 $200,000 00 Surplus to be turned over to the construction department during 1901. for general construction purposes $ 62,000.00 CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT. Funds In hands of treasurer January 1. 1001 $ 85.206 03 Surplus from operating department as above 02,000 00 Funds available for construction purposes In 1001 $147,206 03 The receipts and disbursements for the year 190L now, on December 17, 1001 (actual for 11 months and estimated for December), appear approximately as follows: OPERATING DEPARTMENT. - Receipts Cash frcm water sold, etc ?2Sl,2uS 23 Disbursements Ordinary expenses and repairs $ 81,990 79 Pipe bridge protection, Sandy River 2.631 29 $ 34,022 OS Interest on bonds J2.900.000 at 5 per cent$145;0OO" 00 $250,000 at C per cent.. 15,000 00 $100,000 00 $104,622 08 Surplus turned over to construction department In 1901 $ 80,636 17 CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT Funda In hands of treas urer Jan. 1, 1901 $85,525 44 Surplus from operating department as above 80,636 17 Cash from King Real Estate Association.... 272 50-$172,434 11 Disbursements during 1901 Reservoirs. drainage tunnels, etc $ 21,397 10 Extending street water mains 5,004 56 Land, rights of way, :tc 509 34 General expense 3,202 77 30,113 80 Estimate of fund in hands of Treasurer Jan. 1, 1902 $142,320 25 The cash receipts of the operating depart ment for water sold, eta, during the year 1900 amounted to $2S5,097 85, and it was estimated that the reduction made in the water rates on January 1. 1901, would cause a reduction of $28,000 in the receipts during the present year, but, owing to the Increase In the num ber of water consumers, the receipts will be, approximately, but $4739 00 less than the re ceipts during last year. It was estimated that the operating expenses during the year 1001. including $5000 for addi tional meters, would amount to $40,000. It was not found necessary to purchase any meters this year, and tho cash disbursements for operation and repairs, including the protection of the pipe bridge across Sandy River from freshets, will be about $34.C22 OS. To this sum, however, there will be added the amount to be charged off for depreciation In the value of meters, tools, etc, when the Inventory Is taken at the close of this year. The surplus turned over by tho operating department to the treasurer during the year. In monthly Installments, will amount to about $SC.OO0. approximately $24,000 more than was estimated. With the water rates remaining as at pres ent, the following estimate may safely be made for the ensuing jear: Cash receipts for water sold. etc... $290,000 00 Operating expenses and repairs, including $5,- 000 for meters $40,000 00 Interest on bonds 100,000 00 200.000 00 Estimated surplus during 1902 $ 90.000 00 As It Is probable that contemplated pur chases, extensions and Improvements of water works during the year 1902 may cost as much as the sum on hand at the close of this year ($142,320). and the Income during the next year ($00,000) will amount to, namely, $232,000. no reduction In water rates can be recommended at oresent. 1 recommend that the above estimate be adopted, and that the existing water rates be established as the water rates for the year 1902. Respectfully, H. W. CORBETT. Chairman. On motion of Mr. Joseph!, the meeting adjourned to Tuesday, December 23, and it was ordered that the report of the committee appointed to negotiate for the purchase of the Alblna water plant and system be made the special order for that time. FINISHING THE CHARTER. Commission "Will Meet Thursday to Consider Final Draft. The Charter Commission will hold a meeting Thursday evening in the Council chambers in the City Hall for the purpose of going over the completed chapters of the new city charter. The committee on revision has finished Its work with refer ence to the final draft for two charters, and as fast as they are finished they will be submitted to the whole board for ap proval. The charter is now completely outlined as far as details go, and the only remaining work is to unify the whole. The first chapter, as completed, Is en titled "Organization and Boundaries." and considers "Corporate Powers, Bights and Liabilities," "Government," "Boundaries" and "Annexation of Territory." The first chapter outlines the procedure in case an outlying district desires annexa tion to the city. A petition must be filed with the City Council, signed by 15 per cent of the voters. It requires a two thirds vote of the City Council and a majority vote of the electors of the dis trict to carry Jt-he annexation to the city. Following are statistics In regard to water matters gathered by Secretary San derson Beed at the request of the Charter Commission, and obtained in--answer to questions as to where the power rested with regard to mater matters, not only in executive .work, but also the power to make rates and to decide ton extension of mains: In same board that attends to streets and other public works Newark, N. J.; Alleghany, Pa,; Columbus; Rochester, N. Y.; Providence; Pittsburg; Milwaukee; Spokane; Grand Rapl&j, Mich. In City Council Worcester, Mass.; Richmond, Va,-. Springfield. 111. By board having control of light, as well as water Duluth. In separate board for water matters, which establishes rates and decides on extension of mains Detroit; Trenton; Springfield, Mass.; Atlanta. Executive work In a board, rates being es tablished and mains extended by Council or upon petition Hartford; Lowell; Cleveland; Fall River, Mass.; SL Paul. In board, ratu and extensions, subject to vote of people Brookl In e, Mass. Water supply from private corporation; rates and extension of mains fixed by Common Coun cil Des Moines. Water supply from private corporation that fixes rates New Haven, Conn. Water supply from private corporation ; rates and extension of mains fixed by Board, of Street and Water Commissioners Jersey City. DENTISTS IN SESSION. State Association Bering Annual Convention. The opening session of the ninth annual meeting of the Oregon State Dental As sociation was held last night In the Hi bernian Hall, at Sixth and Washington streets. In the absence of the president of the association. Dr. G. Wt Gray, of Albany, the meeting was called to order by the vice-president. Dr. B. E. Wright, of Portland. Over 60 members were In attendance, and a number of applications for mem bership In the association were received. The president's address was read by tfte. secretary. Dr. C. R. Templeton, of Port land, and was listened to by the members with more than usual Interest In it Dr. Gray made an earnest appeal to the mem bers to live up to the higher Ideals In life, and spoke of the great development that the country would witness lh the next few decades and the necessity for the best influences. A resolution was passed by the association regretting Dr. Gray's absence. The reports of the officers of the asso ciation were received, and one paper read by Dr. G. H. Nottage. Today will be de voted to clinical demonstrations, and at 1 P. M. the surgical clinic will be held at the Good Samaritan Hospital. The othei work will take place In the hall. Thi Sessions of the association will continue until Thursday afternoon, when the elec tion of officers will take place. ALL KINDS OF MONEY. B. B. Rich Cigar Stores Give Guess ing: Coupons on All Sales. In buying your Christmas cigars and pipes bear in mind that a' B. B. Rich cigar store gives you guessing coupons onv the Jar of money. The nearest to the amount will get it all. Jar in window. Sixth and Washington. For twenty-five cents, you can get Car ter's Little Liver Pills the best liver regu lator In the world. Don't forget this. One pill a dose. WANT MORE SCHOOL ROOM SELL-WOOD MAKES KNOWN ITS XEEDS AND DEMANDS. - Present Building; la Too Small and Poorly Arranged An Addition ' Is TkOHgrnt Accessary. Sellwood will present claims for an ad dition to the'schoolhouse at that place. At the last meeting of the Sub-Board of Trade a committee was appointed to pre pare the proper showing at the coming annual taxpayers' meeting, in January. That part of the district has a small, six room building, which does not begin to accommodate all the school children, and outside rooms have to be rented. It is also a poorly arranged building, and how to add moro rooms would be a problem, but the people are anxious to have some thing done. At the rate of increase in that part of the district other outside rooms besides those already rented will have to be secured. At "Woodlawn the school building com mittee, with George P. Lent as chairman, is preparing a strong case "for a new schoolhouse. which will be presented to the taxpayers' meeting. The committee wants tie plans prepared for a 14-room building, so as to provldo for an Increase within the next few years. Probably 10 rooms would be sufficient for a year or two, but it is thought that even a build ing of this size would be filled the first year that it is built It is proposed that the new schoolhouse should be placed on the high ground southwest of where the present structure stands. Tho people have wisely avoided discussion of the subject of location, as they would not be able to agrei on that point, and are very willing to leavt the matter to the Board of Edu cation. However, it is desired that the new schoolhouse when built should be plaoed near AInsworth avenue, where It will be accessible from "Woodlawn, Pied mont and Clovcrdalc. Brooklyn and Sunnysido also ask for additions. Both buildings arc now crowd ed to the limit. In Brooklyn no 'outside rooms have yet been rented, but, from the outlook after the close of the present term, more room may have to be se cured.' This will be difficult, as every building in the neighborhood is occupied. At Sunnyslde the main structure is crowded to Its utmost capacity, and two outside rooms are rented. It Is not probable that provision 'can be .made for granting the demands of all these sections. That would require more money than the annual meeting will be able to vote, but the most pressing neces sities will probably be provided for. MANY NEW SIDEWALKS. Many Thousands of Feet of Concrete Have Been Laid This Year. More concrete sidewalks have been laid on the East Side this year than ever be fore. With a large number of those who have put up attractive residences, this material for sidewalks has become a great favorite. Several thousand feet of con crete have been put down. While the cost at the start is much more than wod, It lasts indefinitely, while the wood must constantly be repaired. All through Irvlngtcn and Holladay Additions, much concrete -lias been used. In other places old wooden sidewalks have been replaced with this material. It is provided In the petition for tho .impn. vt ment of East Fourteenth, between Hawthorne avenue and Belmont street, that the sidewalks shall be of concrete. This will be the longest stretch of con crete sidewalk in the city. It is believed that hereafter this material will be more generally used on the East Side than ever before, and that next year very little wood will be used. HAS MEMBERSHIP OP 335. East Side Improvement Association la Still Groivins. A well-attended meeting of the East 'Side Improvement Association last even ing discussed the following important matters: Civic pride and the beautifying of the city; overcrowded cars on the East Side lines; delays in traffic due to clos ing of draws; the Lewis and Clark can vass for funds; the establishment of a general system of boulevards for the city; the widening of Hawthorne avenue be tween East Twelfth and East Twenty first streets; the advisability of remov ing certain sandbars south of the Madison-street bridge. Whitney L. Boise presided. The mem bership has now reached the 333 mark. MRS. INGRAM'S CONDITION. She Is Still Unconscious, but In Con sidered Slowly Improving. Mrs. Henry Ingram, injured in a run away Sunday evening, is still unconscious, but Is thought to be slowly improving. Yesterday there were some short ra tional -moments, when she would speak. Her condition seemed generally better. and it is hoped that by tomorrow the crisis in the case will be safely passed. The phjslclans hope, since there has yet been no paralysis or indications of its approach, that she will recover. This evening it will be 48 hours since she was Injured, and in such cases that length of time usually determines the result. Death, of Mrs. Elizabeth Roberts. Mrs. Elizabeth Roberts died yesterday at the home of J. W. Blue. 6S3 East Wash ington street. She was from Linn Coun ty, and was 21 years old. The body will be taken to Brownsville for interment. A husband and one child survive her. Mr. Roberts Is at Columbia City, Wash. East Side Notes. Miss Bessie Donaldson, the 14-year-old daughter of Alex. Donaldson, died yes terday at the home of her father, 501 Dt-kum avenue, Woodlawn. .The funeral will be held from the family residence this afternoon at 2 o'clock. A. E. Hemstock, formerly proprietor of the Sf 11 wood drug store and postal station-master at that place, has gone to Oakland, Cal.. with the hope of benefit ing his health, which has been failing for some time. He was formerly in busi ness at University Park. Mrs. E. J. Tarbox gave a lecture last evening in the Sellwood Episcopal Church on "Alaska." It was a narrative of her four years' experience in Alaska, and was given under the auspices of the Episcopal Church choir. A musical en tertalrment was given in connection with the address. Jiles G. Stephens, a pioneer resident of Pleaf-ant Home, 20 miles from Portland, on tho Powell road, has purchased a new home near Tremont, on the Mount Scott Railway, and moved there. The removal of Mr. anu Mrs. Stephens from the Pleas ant Heme district will be a loss to that place. Mr. Stephens has been active In all worthy enterprises there. When nrty th?ng wan to be undertaken, Mr. Stephens was the one to lead. Wise Bros., dentists. Both phones. The Falling. - . YOUR GIRL FOR AN EVENING Yoa Can Buy Her, and She Will Be Yonr DancInK Partner. Do you want to buy a girl? Not really and truly and for keeps, but for the privilege of being her dancing partner for the evening. On the night of December 27, 50 pretty maids will be auctioned at Arlon Hall, and the highest bidders will get them. There will be a delightful element -of uncertainty in the transaction, for' you will not be supposed to know what sort of a girl you are bid ding on until the deal Is closed. ' The entertainment Is being arranged by -Miss Carry B. Clarke, and the proceeds Hundreds Are Talking ABOUT lit Breakfast Food Because It Has the Qualities of a Perfect Health Food. No other subject concerning home health and economy is receiving such at tention as the subject of breakfast foods. The advent of Malt Breakfast Foods (the perfect health food) has brought health into thousands of homes. It is the most talked-about food in the land. It is spok en of .on the street. In our stores. In the best hotels and restaurants, and on the great railway lines. Malt Breakfast Food, on account of its exquisite dellclousness and healh-producing virtues, stands far above all competing breakfast foods. It Is relished by old and young; even the ba bies love it and thrive on it. One pack age will serve 30 breakfasts. All grocers. HYGIENIC TREATMENT OF THE TEETH. "I have given Sozodont a thorough trial and am using and prescribing it fre quently. It is eminently suitable for the prophy Lactic and hygienic treatment of the teeth, mouth and gums of those suffering irom pyrrohoea alveolans. 1 consider it one of the best den tifrices the market affords." Tee.thsRi9e:a7h Bymall;25and75c HAii&RncKEL,N.Y.Ou will be turned over to the fund for the establishment of free swimming baths. Auctioneer John T. Wilson will describe the galaxy of beauties, but even he isn't supposed to know the identity of the faces behind the masks, so that his descrip tions will be as vague as the expectations of the chaps who do the bidding. The girls will be costumed to represent well known books, and a mask will cover each face, no little carnival domino, but one large enough to conceal dimples or stray curls that would lead to a clew to the Identity of the maid. Previous to the auction there will be a programme of musical numbers, to which a number of well-known local artists will contribute. Following the auction will come the dance. TO CHOOSE A NEW DIRECTOR School Board Is CiistlnK About R. K. Warren and A. L. Mills Suggested. The members of the Board of School Directors are casting about for a suitable successor to the late D. P. Thompson as one of their members, but have not yet decided on any one. It is admitted, how ever, that the new director must be ac ceptable to the entire board, so there will be no strife connected with the selec tion. It is also admitted that the new director shall be of the masculine per suasion, and live on the West Side. There has been some talk of choosing R. K. Warren, who was chairman of the board last year, and was defeated for re-election by Mrs. Charles E. SItton, and A. L. Mills, who Is chairman of the Board of Public Works. It Is not known whether either of these gentlemen would accept the pcsltlon. if tendered. As Is required by law, a meeting of the board was called by School Clerk H. S. Allen rs soon as practicable after the death of Mr. Thompson, .at which the members were formally notified of his demise, and that such action as they saw fit could be taken toward electing a suc cessor to serve for the uncompleted por tion of his term, three years. As It was not required that the selec tion be made at once, and It appeared to the board that action on the matter at the time would be in bad taste, it was, on motion, laid over till the next regular meeting, or. Monday, December 23. A committee, consisting of Chairman Beach and City Superintendent Rlgler, was appointed to draft suitable resolu tions of respect to the memory of Mr. Thompson. It was ordered that the schools of the city cl-ise for the holiday recess on Fri day, December 20, and that they recon vene on Thursday, January 2, 1302. THE BASKET BALL GAME. Story of Captain of High School Team. PORTLAND, Dec. 16 (To the Editor.) On Saturday last the High School girls defeated the Portland Academy girls at basket-ball In the deciding game for the Interscholastlc championship; score. U to 10. The P. A. was not satisfied with the result of tho game, and claim tho ref eree's decision was not fair, and very magnanimously offer to replay the game. The Academy having had its side of the story aired twice in The Oregonlan, we think it time. In justice to the High School girls, that the public heard the otler side. A basket was thrown for the High School Just a second before time was called; the academy girls say a second after. The referee clearly decided that the ball was thrown before time was called, and that the High School won, and absolutely denies the claim of the acad emy that he ever said they were in the right. Tho High School girls are willing and anxious to play the Portland Academy another game, or any number of games, but refuse to replay any past game, as they have always won fairly. The Portland Academy has for the last couple of years tried to dictate to the other schools as to who should play on their teams, and when and where. Now they want to even dictate as to who-shall win the games. Of course, the High School girls refuse to allow this. ALICE TIDCOMBE. Captain Girls' Basket-Bali Team, Port land High School. THE LAST AEOLIAN RECITAL Until after the Holidays will be given tonight. Next Wednesday being Christ mas, and the following Wednesday being Now Year's, the regular Wednesday even ing recital will .be discontinued after to night until after the holidays. Following Is tonight's programme. Scats free. All aro welcome: PROGRAMME. Pipe organ "The Holy Night"... Dudley Buck Mr. XL B. Wells. Piano "The Lorelei" Seeling Mr. L. P. Bruce. Aeolian orchestrelle "Memories of Vcr-. sallies" (waltz) Bond Mr. Wells. Plane "Der Klelno Tambour" ("The Little Drummer'), op. 331, No. 2 Bohm Mr. Bruce. Aeolian orcbcstrclle "Rlgoletto" (potpourri) : Cramer Mr. Bruce. Piano 'Sonata Pathetlque," op. 13. .Beethoven (Grave. Allegro con brio.) Mr. Bruce. Pipe organ Overture. "Semiramide"... Rossini Mr. Wells. Nothing Is more desirable than healthy skin, and Greve's Ointment excels In producing It. Parker's Hair Balsam Is life to the hair. Hood's Sarcaparllla cures rheumatism, dyspepsia and catarrh, because they are blood diseases. fcVUI l'& W SssaaSQTVZTiBBsiaBSBM.. SACRIFICE SALE OF SMOKING JACKETS mumafiSHS LEADING -i ATUicn V LUIIIIL,K RIVER PLANS ALL RIGHT CHAMBER QF COMMEB.CE DOES XOT WAST TO IXTERFERE. Government Engineers Are Fully Competent to Direct Work at Month of Columbia. A short time ago the Portland Board of Trade recommended the appointment of a joint committee by the Board of Trade, the Chamber of Commerce and the Manufacturers' Association, for con sideration of the condition of navigation at the mouth of the Columbia River. To this recommendation or suggestion t the trustees of the Chamber of Commerce directed tho secretary to reply as fol lows: It Is tho Judgment of the trustees, and I was directed eo to Inform you, that the system of Improvement: carried on at the mouth of the Columbia Illver by the United States engineers, has In the past produced beneficial results, and there Is no reason to believe that. If car ried on In the future. It will not be equally beneficial. The Chamber of Commerce has lull confidence In the competency or the United States engineer In charge of the Columbia River improvement, and believes that. If his work is called Into question, a situation of affairs may arise that would seriously retard Improvement of the bar. A copy of the letter was sent Captain LangHtt. and he replied, expressing- thanks for the expression of good will and con lldence, and assuring the Chamber that its support at all times had been appreci ated. Captain Langfitt aleo says that the aim of his ottice will always be "to adopt such methods of work as will promise the best and most permanent results." In speaking of the Chamber of Com merce reply yesterday. President Con ncll. of the Board of Trade, said the en tire purpose of the Board In suggesting a conference committee had been misunder stood. The Board had no idea of upset ting or criticising present methods. Its purpose was to have a competent body of men become thoroughly acquainted with the conditions and needs at the mouth of the Columbia, men who woulu take an interest In studying the situation from the standpoint of the public, and who would thus become competent to make suggestions and to know the vir tue of any plan of improvement that might be suggested. Nearly everybody ad mits that there have been Important changes In conditions at the mouth of the river; the Board of Trade had deemed it wise to have a representative body of citizens to advise with and assist the en gineers in any way that might be prac ticable; that was all. LA GRANDE SECONDS THE WORK. Henrtily- Indorsed Portland' Efforts for Upper River Improvement. Secretary W. B. Palmer, of the La Grande ' Commercial Club, has sent the Portland Chamber of Commerce a copy of a reso lution adopted by his organization, touching action toward opening the Up- ' per Columbia to navigation, as follows: DAILY METEOROLOGICAL REPORT. PORTLAND, Dec 17. 8 P. M. Maximum temperature. 36; minimum temperature, 31; river reading at 11 A. M., 4.0 feet; change In the past 24 hour. 0.0 foot; total precipita tion. 5 P. M. to 5 P. M., trace; total precipi tation since Sept. 1, 1001, 13.40 Inches; normal precipitation slnco Sept. 1, 1001, 13.74 Inches; deficiency. 2.28 Inches; total sunshine Dec. 16, O:00; possible sunshine Dec 1C, 8:3tJ. PACIFIC COAST WEATHER. -l i Wind. m P S2 . ia r -2. 3 - '3 2. :r ? STATIONS. a "H 2 o o C C " : ?3 : f : A.'torla naker City Boise Eureka Kamloops, B. C Xeah Bay Pocatello Portland Red Bluff Rosnburg Sacramento .... Salt Lake San Francisco .. 40IO.C 3QJ0.C 00 N'E w Kff Clm N. SE W NE SE N W N SW SE S Cloudy 00 cloudy 4210.00 ft. cloudy 5010.00 300.001 Clear Cloudy 420.011 Rain 0.00 Cloudy ' Cloudy Clear 0.00 0.00 0.00 Cloudy Clear Clear 0.00 .J34J0.00J &NI0.00 Clear Cloudy Spokane .12SI Seattle I3UI0.00 Cloudy Walla Walla 2S0.00 Cloudy Light. Trace. "WEATHER CONDITIONS. Rain Is falling this evening along the North west "Washington coast. Elsewhere in the Pa clflc Northwest the weather la cloudy. The temperature continues below the normal In the Rocky Mountain and Pacific Coast States. The indications are for cloudy and threaten ing weather In this district "Wednesday, with occasional rain In "Western Oregon and "Wash ington. "WEATHER FORECASTS. Forecast made at Portland for the 28 hours ending at midnight Wednesday, December 18: Portland and vicinity Cloudy and threaten ing, with probably occasional rain; winds mostly southerly. Western Oregon Cloudy and threatening, with probably showers in north portion; winds mostly southerly. Western Washington Cloudy and threaten ing, with probably occasional rain; southerly winds. Eastern "Washington and Northern Idaho Light snow or rain; probably warmer; souther ly winds. Eastern Oregon and Southern Idaho Gener ally fair; variable winds. A. B. WOLLABER, Acting Forecast Official. We have THREE HUNDRED SMOKING and HOUSE JACKETS In stock all of this season's purchase, which we have determined to close out at a sacrifice. We have made such ENORMOUS PRICE REDUCTIONS that we expect to sell them all by Saturday night. This is an opportunity to obtain a handsome holiday present at a price never approached in Portland. Note the prices All our $5.00 Jackets reduced to ....$3.65 Ail our $8.00 Jackets reduced to ....$5.85 All our $10.00 Jackets reduced to $7.15 All ur $15.00 Jackets reduced to $10.00 NO JACKETS RESERVED NONE SENT ON APPROVAL WJ&MMmgAmMMBM 555SMWMMJ3iPCTTC303MKB5HBl3MB3lMlMIE More Fancy pgd Chickens Received at our market, 124 Fifth street, every day than any other two markets down town. Easy to select good, fresh chickens and turkeys from a choice, fancy lot; you do not have to select from "culls." All poultry sorted each day. Fancy, live and dressed Poultry and Game a specialty. STRICTLY FRESH EGGS, Butter, Cream, all kinds of Dairy Products, Fresh Vegetables, and Foreign and Domestic Fruits and Berries. Lard, Hams and Bacon. Poultry Foods, Remedies anc4 Supplies. Oregon Poultry and Supply Cos Commission and Retail Market . S. G. ROBINSON, Manager. Phone Main 916. 124 Fifth Street, Portland, Or. We pay highest prices for fancy fresh eggs and poultry. Christmas Toys Come and see our fine line of Children's Toys. Our wholesale trade is nearly over and we have marked our goods to retail at wholesale prices. Also we have imported a very fine line of Chinese and Japanese Curios, consisting of ivory carvings, silver cloisonne, bronzes, new brassware, silk em broideries, ladies' wrappers and gents' smoking jackets, robes, etc. ANDREW KAN & CO. Cor. Fourth and Morrison Sts. JAPANESE GOODS Including Bamboo Furniture, Art Goods and Chlnaware. Our stock Is the most complete on the Pacific Coast and Is replete with ele- gant novelties suitable for Christmas Presents. Call and see our new store, 267 Washington, near Third. THE K. N. .KIRIYAMA CO., ggEZStSn st. : eee COAL FULL WEIGHT. HOLMES COAL AIND ICE COIVIP'Y 247 STARK STREET. the same to-day. Resolved, That tho La Grande Commercial Club heartily seconds the efforts now boliw made by the Portland Chamber of Commerco In Its efforts to secure the removal of all ob structions In the Columbia River above The Dalles to Lcwlston. thus giving tho Inland Empire an open river to the Pacific Ocean, and that we will use all honorable mcanB to assist our delegation In Congress to bring this about. WILL CONSIDER FRANCHISES Power Plant Ordinances "Will Come Before Common Council. The franchise to construct and main tain poles, wires, etc., necessary for the operation of an electric lighting and pow er system, asked for by R. Green, will probably be considered by the Common Council this afternoon. Tho lately-Incorporated Oregon General Electric Company will ateo probably ap ply to the Council this afternoon for a similar franchise, and an ordinance has been prepared to that end, which Is In tended to protect the Interests of the city .aUtfc li N-N S. E- r.nr. Fourth lA anA Ulnrn.nn . ..... vi l ijuii JV3, RENTON, NEWCASTLE ROSLYN ROCK SPRINGS PROMPT DELIVERY. the same to-morrow I so effectually that It Is hoped that It will j meet with favorable consideration. It is quite generally understood that I another corporation is preparing to aali for a similar franchise, and ateo that there is a fourth corporation which want3 a franchise of the same kind, but noth ing definite has been made known In re gard to it. XEW TODAY. FOR SALE QUARTER BLOCK ON EAST 17th St.; half block south of Belmont at.: $l!00. J. L. Wells Co., 100 Grand ave. FOR SALE ON EASY TERMS NEW 0-ROOM modern house with large grounds, on south east corner 19th and Marshall streets. B. M. Lombard, 514 Chamber of Commerce. , MORTGAGE LOANS On improved city and farm property, at lowest current rates. Building loans. Installment lrns. MicMarter & Blrrell. 311 Worcester hlk. H. R. ALDEIS, (VI. D. DENTIST 311 The Detain. - e