Morning Oregonian., April 20, 1905, Image 1

VOL. XIV. 2s0. 13,842.
PORTLAND, OREGON, THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 1905.
PRICE FIVE CENTS.
ER TO RAISE
TIE ASSESSMENT
This Action Will Re
duce Tax Levy.
NEW COUNCIL IS T8 ACT
Assessor Will Place 'Power in
Its Hands.
WOW LOOKS TO THE PEOPLE
Sigler Awaits Election of New Coun
ell and Will Act as Soon as
' Public Places Faith
in the Body.
rODIt TEAKS' ASSESSMENTS.
Assessments of taxable property in
Multnomah County in last four years:
T JOUI . .?0'l,...",DOI J.IU.
A 1903 .. 51,038,30011901
1904 ..S56.230.SS7! 1902 ...S4S.S23.2S0
-IS, 195,662
Multnomah County's assessed valuation
will be increased $100,000,000 if Assessor
SIgler shall carry out the plan he is
now contemplating. This 'would enlarge
the assessment to $150,000,000 or more for
the tax to be collected next year, and
would reduce the levy.
Before Mr. SIgler makes the increase,
he desires to make sure that the higher
assessment would bring a proportionate
decrease in the levy; consequently, lor
protection of taxpayers he will probably
wait until the new City Council shall be
elected.
The Council fixes the city levy, and if
the assessment were trebled the city gov
ernment would be able to raise a very
large a'modnt of money. The chartepnow
limits city levies to 7 mills, excIusiveof
taxes necessary to pay Interest on bondfd
indebtedness and to provide sinking fundfe.
The levy fixed this year by the Counci
was fl?g mills on an assessed valuation
or $31,000,000. Were the assessment trebled
tho fame amount of money could be raised
next year on a levy less than 4 mills.
But the Council to be elected next June
would have a tremendous taxing power
at its disposal. For this reason, Mr. SIg
ler desires that property-owners have
faith in the next Council before he shall
put that power in its hands.
Will Reduce Levy.
The prime reason for raising the assess
ment is to reduce the high levy, which
has been 40 mills in the last two years,
and which many persons consider a deter
rent to Investment of outside capital. Mr.
Sigler Is outspoken in his belief that the
high levy does Injury to Portland by
scaring away investors, too few of whom
take pains to learn the cause or listen
to explanation. When many an Eastern
investor hears of Portland's 40-mill levy,
he throws up his hands and exclaims that
that Is as much as he can lend money for,
says Mr. Sigler.
Of the revenue derived from taxes this
year, nearly 60 per cent came from real
property, about 23 per cent from what are
called improvements, and the remaining
17 per cent from what is called personal
property. Including merchandise, vehicles,
railroads, telegraphs, telephones, machin
ery, boats, livestock, household furniture
and money, notes and accounts. By the
method contemplated by Mr. SIgler, the
tax on improvements would be lessened
and that on unimproved city realty and
many forms of personal property, includ
ing Intangible assets, would be Increased.
To Jncrease Valuation.
Improvements are now assessed at
about 40 per cent of what the Assessor
considers their actual value, and city
realty at about SO per cent. By Mr. Sig
ler's plan the assessed valuation of city
realty would be increased to 60 or 75 per
cent of actual value and that of improve
ments to 50 or 60 per cent. This would
more than double the present assessed
valuations of real property in the city
and would tax realty heavier while im
provements would be taxed' lighter than
now. Mr. Sigler believes that this sys
tem would place the burdens of taxation
more equitably, because persons who
make improvements should not be taxed
severely for doing; so, and persons who
hold realty unimproved should be en
couraged to make improvements that will
yield revenue to ease burdens of taxation.
First of all. Mr. Sigler .will, make an
estimate of the true actual value of all
taxable property in the county. In this
work he and his assistants are now bus
ily engaged. They are almost done with
improvements, and will next take up
realty. Mr. SIgler is not relying on his
own judgment of values nor on that of
his regular corps of assistants, but has
called to his aid several persons expert
in estimating values.
Keep Figures Below Values.
"I have directed them to keep their
figures, safely below those of actual val
ues." said Mr. SIgler last night, "and
then to deduct 10 per cent in order to be
doubly, sure of "keeping within true
values. For example, if certain improve
ments have a probably true value of $3000,
I am having, say, $250 deducted in order
to reach a safe estimate, and then 10
per cent "more taken off, leaving an esti
mate of $2500. In this way we shall reach
about SO per cent of actual values."
Mr. Sigler has been in. communication
with Assessors of other counties, and Is
encouraged by their replies to believe
that other counties will follow the lead
of Multnomah. Indeed, several counties
are going ahead Independently of Mult
nomah, such as Douglas, Josephine,
Clackamas, "Washington, Columbia, Clat
sop;. Morrow, Umatilla and Wallowa.
Some Assessors, says Mr. Sigler, are
unwilling to raise their assessments close
to real values until they shall see whether
Multnomah will do so. In the assessment
of last year, on which the tax this year
was levied, city realty -was assessed at
$23,500,000. Mr. SIglers plan would In-
crease those figures to more than $60,000,
000. Town Improvements were assessed
at more than $13,000,000; the proposed sys
tem would raise that figure to $33,000,
000. "I do not think that an increase of the
assessment to $150,000,000 would increase
the burden of taxation," said Mr. SIgler.
I am sure that the County Court would
reduce the county levy in proportion with
the increase In the assessment. I am quite
sure the present City Council would do
the same. But the present Council will
go out of office in July, and. a new Coun
cil will take its place, and will make the
next city levy,"
MILLIONAIRE CANNOT ADD
Harriman Falls to Earn Living as
Railroad Clerk.
OMAHA, Neb., .April 19. (Special.)
After five months of a determined effort
to learn practical railroading from the
ground up, starting as a clerk in the gen
eral auditing offices of the Union Pacific,
young Herbert N. Harriman, cousin of
the wealthy railroad magnate and himself
a more than millionaire, returned today
to his home in Westbury, Iong Island.
Before departing, Mr. Harriman declared
he had accomplished his purpose and
enjoyed the novelty of working for his
bread.
He took his place In the office with no
privileges that were not accorded to any
other clerk in tho office, and has proved
himself a faithful employe of the great
railroad for which he worked. That he
found great difficulty even in such simple
tasks as adding a column of figures.
Union Pacific ofHcials say, was due to the
fact .that he had been too long accus
tomed to the frlvqjltles of life to be able
to' apply himself t6 its more serious as
pects. Mr. Harriman, who admits that he was
unable to carry out his original Intention
of living in Omaha entirely on his salary
of $12 per week, will engage in some busi
ness of his own In New York.
OWNERSHIP DEAL IS BEGUN
Conference Between Chicago Mayor
and Traction Men Is Arranged;
CHICAGO. April .Negotiations for
the purchase of the Chicago street rail
ways were opened today between the trac
tiou representatives and the City of Chi
cago. A proposition is pending under
which the companies will at once, proceed
to modernize their lines arid sell to the
city at a fair profit, thus getting rid of
all legal complications and securing Im
mediate municipal ownership.
The nearest approach to definite results
obtained from the conference was a prac
tical agreement on a joint conference to
be held soon by the Mayor, the traction
Interests and the City Council committee
on transportation.
CONTENTS TODAY'S PAPER
The Weather.
TODAY'S Tartly cloudy and warmer.
Westerly winds.
YESTERDAYS Maximum temperature, 64
deg.; minimum, 49. Precipitation, 0.35
Inch.
War in the far East.
Japan threatens war on France if she continues
to shelter Russian fleet, and will then call
for Britten aid. Page 1.
Vigorous attempt to cut off LInlevitch's army
from Vladlvostock, Page 1.
American squadron guards approaches to Phil
ippines. Page 1.
Foreign.
Germany offers affront to France In Morocco
affair. Page 5.
Deleave defends position of France in Morocco.
Page 5.
National.
Shonts will not consider 'politics in canal ap
pointments. Page 1.
Governor Brady "will be aeked to resign or will
be dismissed. Page 3.
Santa Fe- official explain its rebates. Tage 4.
Secretary Loeb Joins President In camp. Page- 4.
John Barrett resigns as Minister to Panama.
Page 1.
Political.
Invitation to Roosevelt to banquet causes
storm in Iroquois Democratic Club.
Page 3.
Domestic
Equitable agents call on Hyde to resign;
Hyde refuses. Page 1.
Jury completed for Kan Patterson's third
trial. Page 5.
Joseph Jefferson Is. likely to recover. Page 1.
raclflc Coact.
Object of meeting of Pacific Coast hopgrow-
ers to be held In Portland. Page 7.
Dr. Hunt arrives at Seattle with his band
of Exposition Igorrotes. Page 7.
Salt Lake bids for permanent headquarters
of the Woodmen of the World. Page 7.
Schooner Orient wanders about San Fran
clue Bay with drunken crew aboard.
Page 7.
Sport,
Los Angeles defeats Portland, 3 to 0.
Page C.
Commercial and Marine.
Weekly review of local produce and jobbing
quotations. Page 15.
Another slump In Northern Securities stock.
Page 13.
Bull wheat clique at Chicago reported to be
selling. Page 15. s
Great activity In California wools. Page 15.
Party of Los Angeles business men charter
Roanoke for trip to Portland. Page 5.
Admiral Kempff leaves for Puget Sound.
Page 5.
Portland and Vicinity.
Fire In Beach's paint store endangers lives
and causes loss of $10,000. Page 11.
Blanche Thompklns arraigned for murder
of Nora Stone. Page 11.
Six-year-old" Mabel Bannon falls from
6.1-foot Trldgo over Marquam Gulch to
horrible death. Page 10.
Ladles from School of Domestic Science visit
Council to urge appointment of meat In
spector. Page 10.
Exploitation bureau arranges special excur
sions to Exposition. Page 14.
Lar-d-fraud people get rest for few days.
Page 6.
Special days at Exposition are named.
Page 14.
A K. Devers returns from Europe. Page 12.
Packers face three charges. Pa'ge 14.
Second-street Improvement petition Is tam
pered vrlth. . Pagel0.
Assessor Slglerto raise .assessment and re
duce, tax devy. Page'l.?
Ml ON FRANCE
IK COME NEXT
Japan Protests Against Viola
tion of Her Neutral
ity by Russia.
MAY ATTACK AT KAMRANH
Russian Fleet Must Either Leave
There or Fight Battle in Har
bor War "With Franco Means
British Aid to Japan.
SPECIAL CABLE.
TOKIO, April 20. Japan Is contemplat
ing declaring war on France and calling
on Great Britain for support. This action
follows the sending of a formal protest
to France against the use by the Rus
sian Baltic fleet of Kamranh Bay as a
rendezvous and the coupling therewith
of a statement that if France refrained
from acting Japan will send a fleet of
war 'vessels to attack the Russians in the
shelter of a neutral port.
A conference of elders was held last
night at which the entire situation was
discussed. Immediately afterward the
Mikado was notified that the elders be
lieved that the time had come when
France should be forced to live up to her
declarations of neutrality, and the note
of protest was drafted and forwarded.
It Is felt here that the situation Is ex
tremely grave, and there is no doubt that
if France does not act quickly the conse
quence will be far-reaching;.
A dispatch from Sasebo states that a
Japanese squadron Is getting In readiness
there to sail for Kamranh Bay and at
tack the Russians there, while Admiral
Togo continues to hold the passage toward
the Pacific.
It is reported that an American and a
British squadron is In touch with the
Russians, watching for violations of neu
trality" or the endangering1 of British and
American shipping. The belief is grow
ing here that the stay of the Russian
fleet in Kamranh Bay is prearranged.
BRITONS GROWING WORRIED
Fear for Result if NebogatoiT Should
Join Rojestvensky.
LONDON. April 19. The British iblle
Is now only beginning to realize how
much depends on Togo's skillful .-onduct
of the approaching naval contest. Until
Vice-Admiral Rojestvensky actually -arrived
In the Straits of Malacca there was
a disposition to ridicule the efforts of the
Russian squadron, hut now that there Is
seen to be a growing likelihood of Vice
Admiral Nebogatoff joining Rojestven
sky before the fatal struggle opens, In
terest is deepening into anxiety.
According to the Toklo correspondent of
a news agency, a momentous war confer
ence lasting- five hours was held there
Wednesday, attended by the elder states
men, the Premier and Ministers. It is
not difficult to conjecture the nature of
the deliberations.
Toklo correspondents state that Japan
has addressed a protest to France on the
Russian Pacific squadron's presence In
Kamranh Bay, but France has not yet
replied. The Telegraph's correspondent
at Toklo declares that a Japanese fleet Is
ready to sail for Kamranh Bay.
The Telegraph's Hongkong correspond
ent states that two steamers which
passend close to Kamranh Bay on Sun
day report that no Russian vessels were
then visible. No news, however, has yet
reached London to show that the Rus
sians have left Kamranh Bay, and It Is
assumed that they are still there.
The Post, commenting on the situation,
contends that It is a matter of impor
tance, considering Great Britain's world
wide naval interests, to endeavor to se
cure a more definite agreement on the
question of the use of neutral waters by
belligerents.
AIM TO CUT OFF VLADIVOSTOK
Japanese Attacks Indicate Design of
Present Movements.
HARBIN, April 19. There was a deter
mined attempt on the night of April 17
to cut the railroad botween Harbin and
Vladivostok,- a formidable body of Chinese
bandits making an attack near the sta
tion of Imyanpo, 100 miles east of Har
bin. After a desperate fight which lasted
several hours, the bandits were driven off
and dispersed.
Many smaller companies of Chinese
bandits are roving in the rear of the Rus
sian army, but disappear when pursued.
It is thought probable that they are Man
churians who scatter to their villages
when they find themselves in dangor.
There are various reports of wide turn
ing movements at Tsltsikar or eastward
of that point, but as yet these rumors
are apparently unfounded. The vigor of
the skirmishes taking place on tho east
flank ,of the Russian army, however,
seems to indicate that the Japanese are
planning to thrust northeastward and In
terpose a force between Harbin and Vlad
ivostok. CAN'T GET INTO PHILIPPINES
If Warships Seek Shelter, They Will
Soon Be Expelled.
WASHINGTON, April 19. (Special.)
The announcement by Rear-Admlral
Train, commander of the Asiatic fleet,
that he has established a perfect patrol
in Philippine waters materially diminishes
the fear of higher Government officials
that the Russian fleet might find a lodge
ment In some Of the numerous bays of
that archipelago and bring about an
annoying complication.
The assignment, of the cruiser Wiscon
sin to Olongapo Is significant Tins Is
the only harbor other than Manila where
vessels of either fleet could enter. If un
protected the Russian fleet could enter
and coal In the calm -waters or an ex
cellent harbor. The Wisconsin is the
fastest -mio'n?a ruisejujn the Far Bast.
Shejpjin. fight or race toIarilla for rein
forcements.
PREFER OPEN SEA-FIGHT.
Russians Fear Togo WHi Besort to
Night Torpedo Attacks.
ST. PETERSBURG, April 19.-(7:55 P.
M.) The keenest Interest Is manifested
In the dispatches referring to the Russian
squadron commanded by Admiral Rojest
vensky, but the Admlrality claims to be
as much In the dark as the public re
garding the plans .of the Admiral. The
report that part oL the squadron was
sighted off Hong Kong Is not credited
here, however, as Hong Kong Is far off
his route.
The main question now agitating the
naval officials Is Iwhether Rojestvensky
well elect to proceed northward through
the Straits of Formosa or bear off Into
the Pacific through Baschi Channel, northi
of the Island of Luzon! The conviction
Is growing stronger that the Japanese
heavy division is concentrating closer to
the shores of Japan and It Is also be
lieved that Admiral Togo will decline to
give battle In the open sea. This Is what
the Admlrality officials hope, as it sin
cerely believes Rojestvensky would have
more than an even chance Jf the two
squadrons lined up In an open fight. They
believe that Togo's tactics will be night
torpedo-boat attacks In attempts to scat
ter the Russian ships, putting- some of
them out of action and then picking off
the damaged vessels In the morning, as
It recognizes that. If one of the Russian
ships is Injured, it might be too dan
gerous for the whole squadron to stand
by her and thus offer a big target for
the Japanese torpedoes. Such a run
ning fight, accompanied by nightly torpedo-boat
attacks, therefore, is what Is
most dreaded.
The Admiralty has no confirmation of
the reported cutting f the cable con
necting the Island of Formosa with the
Chinese mainland at Foochow, but It Is
pointed out that, even if true, this would
not sever communication with Formosa,
as there Is a direct cable from Kilimg. In
the northern part of the island, running
by way of the Luchu Islands to Japan.
GROWS ANGRY WITH FRANCE
Japan Protests Against Her Shelter
ing Russian Fleet.
TOKIO, April 19." (5 P. AT.) Although
not reported directly, it Is believed that
the Russian second Pacific squadron con
tinues the occupation of Kamranh Bay
or some other 'port of Annam. where It
is expected to remain Untli joined by the
thrfdx R'ussian JP.aciflcquadron.
ThoFeporf that Admiral ' Rojestvensky
is" maintaining 'a patrol and examining
neutral shipping off KanJranlt Bay In
creases the irritation toward 'France for
permitting the use of that port as a base
of operations. The Japanese government
continues silent regarding the represen
tations on this subject which have been
made to France. The press, however,
continues Its agitation against France,
demanding vigorous action.
MAIvE KAMRANH BAIT THE BASE
Russian Cruisers May Sail Thence
to Prey on Commerce,
LONDON. April 19. A dispatch to a
news agency from Tokio says: Informa
tion received here is taken to indicate
that the Ruslan squadron proposes stay
ing at Kamranh Bay until May 7, Ad
miral Rojestvensky meanwhile sending
out cruisers to overhaul merchantmen
proceeding along the trade route to the
Straits of Formosa.
The transports accompanying the Rus
sian squadron are reported to be plying
between Kamranh Bay and Saigon under
the merchant flag of Russia.
SENDS PROTEST TO FRANCE.
Japan Accuses Her of Frequent
Breaches, of Neutrality.
CHICAGO, April 19. A special to the
Dally News from Toklo says: At a. con
ference of the elder statesmen and the
principal Cabinet Ministers today, a
strongly worded protest was sent to
France regarding Its frequent violations
of neutrality in providing shelter for and
rendering assistance' to Russia's Baltic
fleet at Madagascar, and now at Kam
ranh Bay.
AMERICAN SHIPS ON GUARD.
Watching Movements of Fleets From
Philippine Coast.
WASHINGTON. April 19. Rear-Admlral
Train, Commander-in-Chief of the
Asiatic station, has reported to the Navy
Department by cable that the Paragua Is
at Jolo, the Mlndoro at Pollok, Min
danao Island, and the Wisconsin at Olon
gapo, orrSublg Bay, Island of Luzon. He
also reports that the Quiros Is cruising; In
Lingayen Gulf, and that the torpedo-boats
Dale and Decatur are cruising off the
Island of Palawan.
Reference to the map of the archipelago
shows that this disposition affords ex
cellent opportunities for observing the
movements of the hostile fleets should
they approach or enter Philippine waters.
While the vessels, with the exception
of the Wisconsin at Olongapo, are but
email gunboats, which could do "no more
than make observations, they all carry
the flag, which It Is believed would be
sufficient for the purpose of enforcing neu
trality in the waters contiguous to the
American possessions In the Far East
PURPOSE OF JAPANESE IrOAN
Will Raise Money at Home to Pay
War Expenses. ,
WASHINGTON, April 19. It Is learned
here that the Japanese Government Is
about to raise another domestic loan of
$50,000,000, and the fact that this follows
so quickly on the fourth domestic loan
and the issue . of the J150.000.000 - foreign
loan in New York and London has. led to
an official explanation designed to cor
rect any misapprehension. '-This Is to the
(Concluded" on Fourth Page;)
MANAGERS III
TDETD BESIGN
"You're Impertinent and In
sulting," Says Hero of
the Monkey Dinner.
ATTACKS IN COURTS BEGIN
Lively ; Exchange or- Charges and
Counter-Charges in Equitable
Controversy- Move to Oust
Company From Ohio.
COLUMBUS. O.. April 19. D. E. Wil
li ana, ,an attorney, today applied to
the State- Irwrurance Commission to oust
the Equitable Life Assurance Society .of
the United States from doing business In
this state. The Commission refused to
take such steps, on the ground that the
eoctety had done nothing to cause Its
ousting.
NEW ORLEANS, April 10. Edgar M.
Cahn, an attorney, filed suit In the civil
courts here today, on behalf of him
self and other policy-holders of the
Equitable Life Assurance Society of the
United States, asking for a receivership
under the laws of Louisiana and for an
accounting of the company's affairs In
view of the New York situation.
NEW YORK, April 19. After a protract
ed session behind closed doors, the 200 or
more general-agents of the Equitable Life
Assurance Society adopted a resolution
calling on Vice-President J. H. Hyde to
resign his position with the organization,
and appointed a committee of five to call
on Mr. Hyde and present the demands.
Late tonight announcement was made
that the agents' committee had arranged
to meet Mr. Hyde tomorrow morning at
his home, at 9 o'clock. Mr. Hyde attended
the theater tonight, and the agents held
no further conferences.
The agents went into session at 11
o'clock this morning, and It was 3 o'clock
before a recess was taken for lunch. Dur
ing all the time loud talking and occa
sional Interruptions of speakers Indicated
that there was a warm, debate over some
questlors under consideration. Later it
was learned that thja discussion concerned
the Hyde resolutloc. This resolution the
secretaries of the agents would not give
out until notified by the committee of five
that It had been served on Mr. Hyde, who
was notified that the committee would
wait on hlra at 4 o'clock. He awaited the
committee In company with hl3 counsel.
At 5:30 the committee had not arrived, and
Mr. Hyde left the office. Mr. Hyde said:
"I have not seen the committee and I
have not seen the resolutions, but I con
sider them Impertinent, extraordinary, in
sulting and most preposterous. I have no
intention of resigning."
It was almost 4:20 when the agents again
went into session, and the latter part of
tho day's meeting was more peaceful than
that earlier in the day. It was Bald that
In the earlier assemblage all but 17 of the
agents had voted for Mr. Hydes' resigna
tion. The number voting for the resolu
tion is said to be 193. None of the agents
would affirm or deny this, but there were
several wordy squabbles over accusations
made that some one had given out -the
Information.
Agents Do Not Seek Control.
One of the most Interesting develop
ments of the late session today was the
adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas, It hWj been persistently suggested
In the public press that the azents are for
mutuallzatlon because they seek to acquire
full or partial control of the society by ac
quiring proxies; therefore be It
Resolved.' That we. the general agents of the
society. In convention assembled, do hereby
declare that we do not ask nor will we seek
for ourselves for any part of the control of
the Equitable, but demand that through the
policy-holders this shall be so vested as best
to conserve their Interests, without the con-
oaence 01 wnom wo cannot exist in this busi
ness. At the later session a. -.permanent or
ganization was formed and a committee
named to go to Albany Friday to Detltion
the Insurance Commissioner and Governor
Higglns to urge the mutuallzatlon of the
society. Among those on the committee
are: George Rathbun, Denver: A. M
Shields, San Francisco; F. B. Wilcox,
Boise, Idaho; Wyman Ellis, Helena-
Mont.; W. S. Bowen, Albuquerque, N. M.;
L. Samuel, Portland; C. F. Kutenewskv.
Salt Lake: H. L. Allenberg, Spokane; and
ii. W. Fleming, Spokane.
After the appointment of this commit
tee it was decided that it would be ad
visable to form a permanent organization,
and the committee on permanent organi
zation of the "National Association of
Managers" was named. C. M. Edwards
Is chairman.
A committee was named to bring Presi
dent Alexander and Second Vice-President
Tarbell before the congress to thank
them for the hospitality received at their
hands. Mr. Alexander said he could not
express his great pleasure and love for
the agents who had so magnificently up
held his action and had expressed their
confidence in hinu Mr. Tarbell spoke of
his 25 years' connection with the society
and of his 12 years' pleasant relations
with the agents.
Untermyer's Blast at Alexander.,
Samuel Untermyer." counsel for 3Ir.
Hyde, made a. statement today concern
ing the "James A. Hyde and Associates"
syndicate transactions. Mr. Untermyer
said in part:
"These transactions tell their own storv
of the equal Interest and participation of
Mr. Alexander. The transactions were
entirely legitimate, and there- is no just
grounds for criticising Mr. Alexander or
anybody else for being lnterestedtln-them.
There were other, like operations at tfr's
same syndicate, such as the International
Marine, In which the syndicate members
lost their money, and in which the society
took, no part." ,
After calling attention to the dates of
the checks sent "Sir. Alexander by Mr.
Hyde from July, 1S02, up to this year, Mr.
Untermyer said:
"Mr. Alexander does not claim to have
returned any of the moneys received from
these transactions, except as to those re
ceived in January, 1203, although' they
were alt of the same general character
and were paid to him by checks signed
'James H. Hyde (syndicate account).
Even the check of January 11, 1905, for
J28.2S6.S1. was deposited by Mr. Alexander
to the credit of his own account at the
Bank of Commerce. No notice has ever
been given to anybody that this check or
its .proceeds was ever turned over to the
Equitable Society, or that Mr. Alexander
has any doubt of his right to keep the
money which he had taken and put Into
his own account.
"If the assertion of Mr. Alexander that
he did not during- all these years that he
has been president know the sources from
which his private bank account was being
replenished by these large checks Is to be
taken seriously, his absence of curiosity
on the subject Is at least remarkable.
"It 13 fortunate for Mr. Hyde that this
huge conspiracy against his reputation
and his property is to be dragged Into
the searchlight of publicity. It started
by masquerading in the sham for mu
tuallzatlon, but Its real purpose Is at last
apparent and Its hldeousness may be seen
of all men. Stripped of all cant, it is
nothing more than a sordid attempt to
destroy the property of the young man
whose Interests haVe been confided to his
trustees.
"But these gentlemen have reckoned
without their host. Mr. Hyde has done
no wrong. Nobody can point out a single
transaction that Is subject to just criti
cism. And so he proposes to stand his
ground like a man In the defense of the
honored name bequeathed to him by his
father."
Says 3Iceting Is a Scheme.
Henry H. Knowles, until a few days
ago superintendent of the agencies of the
Equitable, stated today that the society's
trqubles had been caused by Mr. Alexan
der and Vice-President Tarbell In an ef
fort to oust Mr. Hyde from the first vice
presidency and to have Mr. Tarbell suc
ceed Mr. Alexander when the latter
should retire from the presidency.
Mr. Knowles, who was suspended from
his position on Monday last on the charge
of Insubordination, after 40 years' em
ployment with the society, also declared
that the present meeting of general agents
was a snap affair, arranged In the Inter
est of Alexander and Tarbell.
Mr. Knowles charged that Tarbell had
shifted men about, discharging some and
appointing others, so that. he could con
trol the agents and managers In the Al
exander Interest. When this statement
was shown to Mr. Tarbell he denied it
flatly. "It la false In toto: featd he. '
A friend of "Mr. Alexander made the fol
lowing statement today In reply to the'
charges of Mr. Knowles:
"So far as Mr. Knowles statement Is
concerned, It calls for no reply from Mr.
Alexander, whose position In the matter
is very simple. Mr. Knowle3, who Is one of
the society's many supervisors, disobeyed
point-blank orders of the president, which
were that he go South and take charge of
an agency made vacant by death. Mr.
Knowles was suspended pending, an inves
tigation of his action. It was not for
Mr. Knowles to raise any question as to
whether or not he should go; it was sim
ply his duty to obey orders.
"As for 'James H. Hyde and associates,'
It would be seen from Mr. Alexander's
latest letter to Mr. Hyde that he (Alex
ander) knows very little about the syndi
cate and Its members, while Mr. Hyda
knows all about It and has the data re
lating thereto in his possession."
CHOATE IS HYDE'S COUNSEL.
Big Job for Retiring Ambassador on
His Return.
NEW YORK. April 19. The Times to
morrow will say:
"James H. Hyde, It was learned yester
day, has retained Joseph Choate, the re
turning American Ambassador, as one of
his legal advisers in the Equitable con
troversy. The negotiations were closed
by cable on Monday, and Mr. Choate, on
his return to the country, will. It is under
stood, take an active part in the Hyde
campaign.
"Mr. Choate. however, will not appear
In court proceedings that may then be
in progress, and those aware of his plans
say that he will not resume practice here
as an advocate. The direction of the
Hyde forces will remain in the hands of
Samuel Untermyer."
Letter of Agents to Hyde.
The letter prepared by the agents for
presentation to Mr. Hyde says:
We, the agents of the Equitable Life Assur
ance Society, representing many thousands of
the policy-holders of the society, respectfully
request that you. because of the hurtful notor
iety "you have achieved and for the good of
the society, which you ought to love, and for
the memory of your father, which you must
revere, discontinue your relations as an officer
of the 6ociety.
When It was seen by the radicals that
they were alienating more votes than
they cared to have counted against them
on a show of hands, they gave over, and
the letter as adopted was the result. The
vote was said to be 157 for the letter and
17 'against.
BARRETT HAS RESIGNED.
Minister Avoids Recall, Having Dls
pleased the Government.
WASHINGTON. April 19. (Special.)
John Barrett, of Portland, Or., United
States Minister to Panama, has saved the
State Department the embarrassment of
ordering his recall. He has asked that he
be relieved of his post, so that he may
retire from the diplomatic corps.
The Government has been dissatisfied
with some of Mr. Barrett's acts, and It
was decided months ago that he should
be succeeded at Panama by Judge Charles
Magoon, of the Insular Bureau, but It
was the Intention to assign him to an
other poet.
Russians -Leave Lingayen Bay.
MANILA, April 20. The Russian cruis
ers have-left Lingayen Bay. No Japanese
cruisers have been sighted In these
waters.
HONTS INT5
NO POLITICIAN
His Methods in Making Canal
Appointments Will Be
Strictly Business.
CONGRESSMEN WILL GROAN
Indorsements of Their Pets Will Go
in Waste Basket and Best Men
Get Jobs No Red Tape
in Auditing.
WASHINGTON. April 19.-(SpeciaI.)
When Theodore P. Shonts took hold of
the building of .the Panama Canal he
stipulated among other things that he
should not be bound down to let politics
Interfere with his work In any particular.
This will be news to the several hundred
Congressmen whose names appear as In
dorsements on the thousands of applica
tions that have been made by men
throughout the United States for job3
under the Isthmian Canal Commission.
"Business methods" is the announced
policy of the new president of the Canal
Commission, and it promises vast changes
in the working of that body in the near
future.
Mr. Shonfs stand is in line with the
President's views on matters pertaining
to the Federal Government, and it took
them about two minutes to arrive at a
complete understanding on the question
of hiring employes. Mr. Shonts told the
President he wanted a free hand, and the
President told him he should have It and
that settled the matter once for all. As
a result, a big pile of applications for
jobs will be run through by the new chair
man, who will disregard all political in
dorsements. If he strikes a man capable
of filling the vacancy he may have In
mind, that man will get the Job, despite
his political Indorsements.
Another Innovation soon to be under
taken is that of changing the auditing
system of the commission. The cumber
some Government method will be dis
carded for the railroad office method. Mr.
Shonts Is more familiar with It and thinks
the same results can be accomplished
with less red tape. That office In Wash
ington may be transferred to the jurisdic
tion of the Bureau, of Insular Affairs, giv
"elfi separate rooms and a srood working
force and soon made ready for business.
BRITISH ENGINEER NAMED.
Builder of Manchester Canal Will
Advise Panama Board.
WASHINGTON, April 19. Sir Mortimer
Durand, the British Ambassador, today
Informed Secretary Taft that the British
Government had, at the Secretary's in
vitation, selected Chief Engineer Hunter,
the builder of the Manchester ship canal,
to act as one of the consulting engineers
of the Panama Canal Board. Mr. Hunter
has signified his willingness to serve.
NO PET FOR PAYMASTERS.
Future Selections for Navy Will B6
by Competition.
WASHINGTON, April 19. Announce
ment was made at the Navy Department
today that there existed 29 vacancies in
the grade of Assistant Paymaster In the
Navy, the only grade of pay corps to
which appointments are made from civil
life. The examination for candidates for
this grade has been set for June 12, and
for the first time no political influence
is necessary to obtain designations for
tnis examination. By order of the Secre
tary, the examination has been thrown
open to all applicants who are able to
present satisfactory letters from reputable
business concerns and also letters showing
that the applicants are fit met to be of
ficers in the pay corps.
Further information can he obtained by
addressing the Paymaster-General of the
Navy- The examination will be competi
tive, and the 29 best men, provided that
number make the required percentage on
the examination, will be appointed.
The examinations will be held at the
Navy Yard, Washington, and at the Navy
Yard, Mare Island, California, that the
applicants from the Pacific Coast may
also have an opportunity to take it.
THEY RESIGN UNDER FIRE.
Accused Examiners Who Gave Pen
sions to Carpet Soldiers.
WASHINGTON, April 39. Nine of the
ten pension examiners constituting t.ie
board of review were separated from the
Government service today. Commissioner
of Pensions Warner transmitted the nine
resignations to Secretary Hitchcock, with
the recommendation that they be accepted,
and Mr. Hitchcock took the desired action
without delay.
The resigned examiners assert that rep
resentations were made to them, purport
ing to come from the Commissioner, that,
should they hand in their resignations,
matters would be relieved and restorations
would be made at some date in the near
future. Mr. Warner, however, made no
such representation to the Secretary of the
Interior. The difficulty invoking the
board of review was its approval of sev
eral pensions to applicants whose only
claim was enlistment in a Pennsylvania
and a New Jersey regiment of volunteers
for service in the Civil War. but the serv
ices of whom were never availed of by the
Government.
Sands Sent to Panama.
WASHINGTON. April 19. W- S. Sands,
ex-Secretary of Legation at Corea. and
now adviser to the King, has been ap
pointed secretary of the American Lega
tion at Panama, to succeed Mr. Lee, who
becomes Consul-General.
Keeps the Same Secretary.
WASHINGTON. April 19. It has been
decided that Dominlck Murphy, secretary
of the Isthmian Canal Commission, just
retired, shall be continued with the new
commission In a like .capacltyv