6
THE MORXXNG OKEGOMAX, MOXBAT, JUNE 22, 1908.
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PORTLAND." MONDAY. JUNE 22, 1908.
MR, BRYAN'S CRITICISMS.
In his Commoner Mr. Bryar joy
ously notes that the Republican plat
form does not fully affirm the rec
ommendations of President Roosevelt
to Congress, but contrariwise ignores
several of them, as Congress did. It
is a fair criticism. But it is known
that Congress refused to consider the
President the law-making power of
the country, and some of the mem
bers went so far as to hint that men
might honestly differ with the Presi
dent and still be loyal to their coun
try. The Oregonian certainly agrees
with Mr. Bryan as to publicity of
campaign funds, the amounts, the
sources whence derived, and the dis
position made of them. But we doubt
whether any party will ever "keep the
books" in this way. Mr. Bryan him
self has not yet told what became of
$20,000 sent by Mr. Ryan, of New York,
to aid the Bryan campaign in Nebras
ka, nor returned the money as he
said he would, after inquiry was made
about it. All that is known is that
$5000 of the money was handed over
to a weekly paper in Nebraska. Both
parties have been accustomed to use
of very large sums of money in Pres
idential campaigns the Republicans
during recent years doubtless gather
ing in more than the Democrats, but
each party using all it could get. It
is known that the silver propaganda
contributed an enormous sum to fur
ther the efforts to elect Bryan, quite as
well as it is known that Hanna gath
ered and used other very large sums
to defeat him. But an end ought to
be made of the abuses of this busi
ness, or limitation of the abuses en
forced by compulsory publicity. Neith
er party, however, has yet shown any
anxiety to renounce or reject cam
paign funds, and each of the parties
will this year, as usual, gather in all
the money it can and make the most
of it. But neither party will really
want publicity.
Of the injunction plank Mr. Bryan
says it is a retreat from the position
taken by the President and by Mr.
Taft in his speeches. But the Presi
dent and Mr. Taft say otherwise. How
ever, it must be said that the injunc
tion plank does not go far enough, is
not radical enough, to please those
who demanded insertion of such a
plank in the platform. It is reason
able, however, and in practice it will
be found that .no party can go fur
ther and keep the process of injunc
tion at all. Preliminary injunction
can decide nothing as to the merits
of a case; It simply restricts the
party from doing the alleged wrong
until the case can be heard and the
rights of the parties definitely settled;
but the Chicago platform proposes
alteration of the old rule or practice
by the declaration that no injunction
or temporary restraining order shall
be issued without notice to the other
party. This will bring the whole mat
ter to issue at once virtually setting
aside the preliminary injunction. Of
course this whole subject will be
threshed out, over and over, during
the campaign.
Mr. Bryan's next criticism is that
the platform is silent on income and
inheritance tax. Many of the states
now tax inheritances, and doubtless
the remainder of them will adopt this
method of policy. Taxation of in
comes likewise is open to the states,
and question is whether these two
methods of taxation and revenue
should not be left to the states alone.
In the customs and excises the gen
eral Government now monopolizes
the best sources of revenue, leaving
to the states only direct taxation,
which some wish to throw entirely
upon land. Inheritance and income
taxes would be excellent and really
ideal sources of revenue for the states,
and each state might adapt or adjust
the taxes to' its own views or needs,
while the Federal tax would be uni
form for all the states, not adjustable
to particular conditions. No state has
a right to complain that Congress
does not levy inheritance and income
taxes. Each state has the power in
its own hands. Each state can mulct
predatory wealth by these taxes if it
will, and moreover may limit the
testamentary or will-making power
over property, so as to compel divis
ion of great estates and to prevent
such estates from being erected into
family trusts and held in perpetuity
for further and endless accretion.
Besides the Supreme Court has de
clared Federal income tax unconsti
tutional. It is a right criticism of the Repub
lican platform that it failed to de
mand a change of the Constitution so
as to provide for direct election of
United States Senators by the popular
vote of the respective states. The
people generally are not yet awak
ened to the necessity of this change,
which is refused by the Senate only
because the people have not insistent
ly demanded it. The Oregon expe
dient is in favor nowhere else, because
it is not regarded as a practicable
method, and besides, the people do
not take kindly to efforts to circum
vent the Constitution by doing a thing
ostensibly In one way, while the Con
stitution plainly says it shall be done
in another. The only way to bring
about this necessary change is to
amend the Constitution of the United
States, and the Republican platform
ought to have demanded it. .
Returning to Mr. Bryan and to Mr.
Roosevelt: How far soever below the
Republican platform may fall short of
Mr. Roosevelt's recommendations, he
will tell the country that it comes
nearer to his views than Mr. Bryan's
platform will, and if Roosevelt is
held up as an oracle and guide some
will at least think it as advisable to
take his word for it and vote for'Taft,
as others will take Governor Cham
berlain's example as a non-partisan,
and vote for Bryan.
AMPHIMIXIS.
A remonstrance comes from a read
er of The Oregonian against its ex
pression of doubt about the election
of Taft. There may be other readers
who likewise are uneasy to find any
expression of uncertainty on the sub
ject. This particular reader wonders
how it Is that The Oregonian, which
always has been "a good fighter," can
doubt, or why It should express a
doubt, even if it feels it, instead of
trying to "inspire all Republicans
with the belief that they are going
to win."
What would this reader, who clear
ly is an earnest party man, have? A
view of the situation as it is, or ex
pression of a thoughtless desire, which
it is quite possible may fall? The
behavior of the Republicans of Ore
gon these many years certainly is not
such as to give certain assurance
that the vote of the state will go to
Taft. Has It not Just now been given
to a Democratic Senator? It seems
to The Oregonian that there is some
reason to doubt whether Bryan is a
weaker man in Oregon than Cham
berlain. Do any of you think you
will find less earnestness, less en
thusiasm for Bryan as November ap
proaches than you witnessed for
Chamberlain before the June elec
tion? Oregon is but a small part of the
country, but who knows for certain
that there is or will be any better
spirit among Republicans of other
states than among those of Oregon?
From the way Republicans of Oregon
behave we seem to have good right
Pto suppose that this party in politics
has become very much as the Laodice
ans were in religion. The Laodicean
Spirit never will win the election in
November against the fight that will
be made by the supporters of Bryan.
It seems that Republicans no longer
have any belief in their party or
care for what it has stood for, and
one-half of them don't know whether
they are Republicans or Democrats.
A lot of these people, completely be
fogged, are about ripe to vote for
Bryan. But the confusion may not be
so great elsewhere as in Oregon,
where the "amphimixis," resulting
from the "u'renic" system, is ap
parently complete.
GOVERNMENT CONTROL OF FISHERIES.
The Clackamas River fish hatchery
has been turned over to the United
States Commissioner of Fisheries, and
in the future will be operated by the
Federal Government. This move
again suggests the advisability of
turning the entire fishery problem
over to the Government, where it
would be beyond the jurisdiction of
clashing state laws, and rival factions
of fishermen. The great trouble with
Government control of any enterprise
is the presence of too much red tape,
but in handling the fishery business,
especially that branch relating to ar
tificial propagation, very satisfactory
results have been accomplished. Not
the least of the advantages of Gov
ernment control of the Industry would
be the assurance of the retention in
office of men who by years of expe
rience had become qualified for the
positions they held.
In both Oregon and Washington the
office of fish commissioner has always"
been used as a political asset, awarded
without the slightest regard for the
fitness of the applicant with the
strongest pull. Government experts
in charge of the hatcheries would
naturally be expected to accomplish
more than political appointees who
were ignorant of the first principles
of the work, but still more important
results could be secured in the way
of fishing restrictions, which would
apply equally to both sides of a river.
Oregon and Washington fishery laws
have never been in harmony, and
with protection on one side of the
river and unrestricted fishing on the
other, Columbia River fishery laws
are, for most of the year, a farce. The
amount of money that was spent at
the last election by rival fishery fac
tions would indicate' that the privi
lege of catching fish was well worth
paying for, and with the Government
maintaining . strict Jurisdiction over
the industry, sufficient dues could be
collected for licenses to make the
work self supporting. Aside from an
improved system of Interstate regu
lation over the fishery industry. Gov
ernment control would be of great
advantage on Puget Sound, where
American hatcheries turn out millions
of fry which later in life find their
way into British Columbia traps.
The situation in that field . is even
more complicated than it is on the
Columbia, for the reason that four
sets of officials are Involved. The
Canadian government, the provincial
government, the United States Gov
ernment, and the Washington state
authorities all take a hand in the
proceedings, and usually succeed in
demonstrating the truth of that old
adage regarding the cooks and the
broth. The fishery industry seems to
present a more attractive field for
Government control than anything
else in which the Pacific Northwest
is interested.
THE INJUNCTION RESOLUTION.
Ex-Senator Spooner is a very able
man, much addicted to precedents in
law 'and to cSnservative methods in
politics. He resigned from the Sen
ate because the people of his state
were taking courses In politics which
he did not approve, and because he
felt that he must use the remaining
years of his activity to make provis
ion for his family and for his own
old age. From one of the many
syndics of New York he receives
a large salary as counsel. Of course
he js opposed to the Roosevelt pol
icy, and is a severe critic of the
Chicagoplatform.
This platform declares that "the
rules of procedure in the Federal
Courts should be more accurately de
fined by statute, and that no injunc
tion or temporary restraining order
should be Issued without notice, ex
cept where Irreparable Injury would
result from delay, in which case a
speedy hearing thereafter should be
granted." In order to realize what
an innovation this is, read Spooner's
commentary on it, viz.: '
A proposition that hereafter no restraining
order should be granted by the courts of
the United States except upon notice would
be monstrous In Its injustice and would op
erate to defeat, in thousands of cases, the
remedy sought hy injunction, for the parties
would preliminarily perpetrate the wrong.
Being free from Injunction, they could not
be punished for contempt, and the plaintiff
would have no recourse except in a suit for
damages, which so often affords no relief.
Of course the injunction as a. rem
edy at law or in equity is older than
our Government. It is an interdict
that reaches back to the Roman law,
whence, indeed, we have derived
nearly everything. It has grown into
the form in which we have been using
it through English and American
practice. How far we are to modify
it in our country will be a question
much under debate. To go Into the
debate intelligently will require a
great deal of special research, guided
by a fair judgment. But in our coun
try now it will be everybody's ques
tion, as that of the debate on silver
was.
"PBOTECTION, AGAINST THE PHILIP
PINES. "Between the United States and the
Philippines," says the Chicago plat
form,, "we believe in a free inter
change of products, with such limita
tions as to sugar and tobacco as will
offer effectual protection to domestic
interests." This mention of protec
tion against the sugar and tobacco
of the Philippines is unjust to them
and unnecessary to us.
The Philippines are held in alle
giance to the United States, under
our sovereignty, controlled by our
power. It is wholly unjust, therefore,
that we should discriminate against
them in Industry and trade. Free
exchange between all peoples under
the flag is but equity and Justice.
Besides, the output of sugar 'and
tobacco in the Philippines is but a
fraction of the production of these
commodities in the United States.
Official statistics show that the total
production of sugar in the United
States for the fiscal years 1906-07
was 1,470,296 tons. This includes the
Hawaiian and Porto Rjcan product.
The total production of sugar in the
Philippine Islands in the same year
was 150,500 tons. The total produc
tion of tobacco in the United States
In 1905 was 639,034,000 pounds. The
total production of tobacco in the
Philippine Islands in 1905 was 38,200,
000 pounds. These figures prove how
little effect free importation from the
Philippines would have on production
in the United States. It would be
imperceptible here, yet favorable to
the Philippines. -
Free trade between the Philippines
and the United States will be abso
lutely necessary, if the sovereignty
of the United States is to be continued
over them.
RESTORATION OF CONFIDENCE.
As but-two trading days, and one
of them a Saturday, have passed since
the nomination of Mr. Taft, the action
of the stock market can hardly with
fairness be regarded as reflecting
Wall street sentiment on the nomina
tion. There were some pronounced
declines, but with liberal gold ex
ports, and tb6 usual Summer apathy
in trading, it would be difficult to
trace them to political causes. It
should be remembered that it Is but
nine months since this country was
enjoying the greatest prosperity it had
ever known. Within' the few months
that have passed since the climax was
reached the country has been sub
jected to the most drastic course of
liquidation and demoralization of
values that it ever experienced. Nat
urally it would be unreasonable to
expect that all of the lost ground
could be recovered at once. It Is
doubtful even if the election of Mr.
Taft were assured beyond the possi
bility of a doubt, that there would
be an immediate return of the flood
tide of prosperity that was sweeping
all before it about a year ago.
That the country is again on the
up-grade toward the eminence from
which it toppled last Fall is a cer
tainty. Our financiers and business
men may continue under easy sail
until After the November political
gales have blown out, but their craft
will be neither becalmed nor beached
in the meantime. There is not much
likelihood of the reappearance at
Denver of the "cross-of-gold" night
mare, and as our currency, is sound
and crops are good all that Is neces
sary is a little time and patience to
enable the "uplift" to gather head
way. There were some eloquent fig
ures in the New York bank statement
printed In yesterday's Oregonian. They
show that the clearing-house banks
of New York alone hold deposits of
more than $1,332,000,000, with sur
plus reserves of 159,000.000 above the
legal requirements. Other banks and
trust companies in New York have
deposits of J 959,000,000, or a total of
J2.291.000, 000 in deposits in New
York City alone.
Of course the money that Is lying
idle In surplus reserves is not imme
diately aiding In the resumption of
.business; but its presence has an ef
fect in the restoration of confidence.
The 1908 crops are coming along in
very good condition. The cereals
promise to produce close up to the
record, and prices are high. As soon
as these crops are on the market the
farmers will begin buying goods, and
manufacturers and dealers will be ex
pected to provide the necessary stocks,
they in turn being in a position to
use money that Is now in idleness
pending the expected revival. Occa
sional pessimistic views on the situa
tion allege that manipulation has
been resorted to In order that the re
cent flotations of railroad securities
could be successfully accomplished.
This seems hardly probable, if we
pause to consider that the men who
would naturally be interested In this
manipulation were unable to stop the
panic even by the use of vast sums
of money as well as manipulation.
The United States at this time is
in a condition not unlike that of a
convalescent patient who has Just
passed through a severe sickness. A
National convention and a Presiden
tial election may produce slight
shocks not conducive to quick recov
ery, but with a sound currency and
good crops to aid the naturally strong
constitution of the patient their ef
fect is minimized, 'and continued
progress toward complete recovery is
a certainty.
Not long ago in Portland a young
aouple, talking over the wire, refused
the most frantie appeal of a mother,
who wished to get a physician, on
emergency, for one of her children.
But what do people expect? This
sort of thing must go on, or presently
we shall lack soldiers and sailors and
waiter girls. The Lord takes care of
the propagation of the race. They
say a flirtation yesterday between a
motorman and a girl, near Arleta,
caused a collision and shake-up, in
which, however, no one was much
hurt. "Courting" must go on, no mat
ter what the consequence. You see
the Lord knows how to provide for
continuation of the race, and danger
to life and property, or even destruc
tion of both, isn't much when you
consider the really Important and
vital aspect of the whole matter.
It is officially denied that the
Philippine Assembly has adopted
a resolution that demands independ
ence of the Islands. There was a
motion for such resolution, but no
action was taken on it. The people
are said to entertain an Idea of future
independence, but the representatives
do not think the islands ready for it.
Possibly by the time they are "pre
pared" for independence and self
government they will be unwilling to
separate from the United States, see
ing more good for themselves in the
union, with local self-government,
than in absolute independence.
Forest fires in Northern Michigan,
where the snow remains until late in
April, are something unusual, and do
not corroborate the general belief
that scarcity of timber and high
prices for sttimpage result in greater
precaution . against fire loss than is
exercised in the Pacific Northwest.
Later in the season when vegetation
dries out and fires are easily started
and difficult to control, a conflagra
tion of the proportions of the one re
ported in Michigan dispatches might
not occasion surprise, but a Spring
time forest fire when the earth is
green with vegetation, and damp
from the recently departed snow, is
a rarity.
Our "Statement" men who are
pledged to Chamberlain and all call
ing themselves Republicans who
voted to send them to the Legisla
ture, have a right now to claim his
support for Taft. They are entitled
to it. Let us, with the dawn of a bet
ter era, have fair dealing in politics.
If it is non-partisan to vote for Cham
berlain for the Senate, it is non-partisan
to expect and require Chamber
lain to give his support to Taft. Let
us have the square deal!
Portland bank clearings for the
week ending last Saturday were
$2,000,000 smaller than for the cor
responding week last year, but with
the single exception of last year's
were the largest ever recorded at a
corresponding period. Seattle clear
ings for the week ending Saturday
were $4,000,000 smaller than for the
corresponding week last year, and
were exceeded in the corresponding
week in 1907 and 1906.
The earning capacity of Mr. Bryan
is said to have doubled after his sec
ond defeat, the lecture platform and
the Commoner both drawing larger
crowds. Estimating the value of the
prospective third defeat on the same
basis as it3 predecessors we shall find
the peerless leader right up in the
front ranks of the plutocrats about
the time he begins laying plans for
the Presidential campaign of 1912.
It's likely to be close in Oregon
between Taft and Bryan, but if we
can get Governor Chamberlain to
support Taft in a non-partisan way,
which he ought to do since he ex
pects Republicans to elect him to the
Senate, we believe Taft may get the
state.
Crop reports Indicate a record
breaking .yield of hay, which will be
pleasing to the dairyman. Perhaps
Nature figured that since much of
this state has voted "dry" the people
will expect to drink a glass of milk
for every glass of beer they forego.
Since the Democratic party has
done quite as well with Bryan at its
head as with somebody else, there
will be no doubt of his nomination at
Denver.
If Roosevelt had been nominated
for the second elective term, of course
Senator Bourne could not have been
spared for a trip to Europe.
Perhaps the Gould family reasons
that the sooner Anna scatters her
money the sooner she will be rid of
noble French rakes.
After all, Count Boni has. the laugh
on Prince Sagan; he got more money,
than Sagan will find remaining.
The difference between uremic
poison and u'renic poison is not
great. Both kill the patient.
A "POEM" OJT WASHINGTON".
The Like of Which Never Before Waa
Seen Probably Never Will Be Again.
An astonishing poem on George Wash
ington, by Mr. Charles R. Alloway. of
Milwaukee, Wis., has appeared. "I have
endeavored," the poet says, "to give a
correct history of Washington." We
think he has succeeded. The poem is
too long for very extended quotation.: so
we must begin far on in the history,
when Washington was called to the Pres
idency. Thus:
On the fourteenth of April, seventeen eighty
nine, A messenger rode up to his door with a
look sublime:
"Hall to the Noble George of Mount Ver
non," said he,
"Dear sir. I address you a the Father of
our Country,
And as Messenger from. Congress I am
sent
With these- glad tidings to bring yon I'm
sure I am content
That hy a unanimous vote with all true
dexterity
You've been elected First President of the
United States of America. .
And with the assumption of your office im
mediately The Congressmen beg to be Yours Most
Obediently."
So two days later Washington departed for
New York
To be inaugurated and take up his new
work. t
Here Is a portrait of the domestic
hero: .
He now relinquished the sports of his
earlier Ufa
And saw Jess company, but waa very at
tentive to his wife.
In his tastes and habits he always had
simple ways;-
It was his custom to rise very early and
shave.
Wholly absorbed In his extensive agricul
tural operations.
Ever progressive was ha In hl dally occu
pations. Following Is the, account of his last
illness:
At two In the morning when all was still,
George said to Martha, "I'm quite ill."
But would not let her rise, for 'twas not
warm.
He said. "Martha, dear, a cold might do you
harm."
In the morning they "sent oft to Port
Tobacco for physicians," and the story
of the last hours of the Father of His
Country proceeds:
But that day congestion became so com
plete That this dying hero had great difficulty to
speak.
Towards night he said, "I feel myself agoing
on.
I thank you for your attention, friends, I
cannot tarry long;
So pray you, do not take more trouble
about me.
But let me pass to the Great Beyond most
quietly."
He said to Mr. Lear Just as the clock struck
ten,
"I am going fast, I see my Journey's end.
See that I am decently interred," he said.
"Don't put me in the vault till three days
after I am dead."
When all were fixed in silent grief, 'tis said,
Mrs. Washington, who sat at the foot of her
hero's bed.
In a cool and collected voice did ask, "Is
he gone?"
Not a word was spoken, but Lear waved his
hand along.
The story concludes with this couplet.
We think the most exacting reader would
not ask for more:
He whipped the British in the great Revolu
tion. Twas him that signed the Constitution.
All the writers of history and of poetry
have been at work on the life of Wash
ington; but nothing like this ever was
done before, or ever will be done again.
We trust, however, this is not the last
word on Washington.
QUIET HINT FOR THE IDLE RICH
No More Need They Yawn From Club
House Windows, Minus Work.
Denver Republican.
While well meaning individuals are
worrying themselves into a fever over
the question of providing suitable em
ployment for the Idle rich, and while
most of our ten-cent magazine fiction
seems to be centered about wealthy
young men who are led into desperate
adventures In order that they may
shake off tne weight of ennui that
hangs upon them, J. Anthony Drexel
Biddle. of Philadelphia, has solved the
question in a single evening.
Mr. Drexel-Biddle belongs to one of
Philadelphia's most aristocratic fam
ilies. He is a social leader, and the
beau Ideal of the "younger set." Be
ing young and strong and active, he
has won considerable fame as a boxer.
That is, among society people he Is a
veritable demon with the padded mitts,
while among professional prizefighters
he is a social lion. Having all the
money he wants it would be ridiculous
for him to fight for nothing so the
other night Mr. Drexel-Biddle arrived
at the happy medium by acting as sec
ond for "Philadelphia Jack" O'Brien,
who had a match on with another pro
fessional. To the glory of Philadelphia society
let it be said that Mr. Drexel-Biddle
performed his work well. Never has
a towel been more gracefully shaken
in the face of a gasping prizefighter
between rounds, and never has a pugi
list been more effectively sprayed with
water which process consists of tak
ing a large gulp from a bottle and then
blowing the aqueous mouthful over the
chest and shoulders of the fighter, with
the identical technique employed by a
Chinese laundryman in moistening a
shirt.
Mr. Drexel has pointed the way for
other young men of wealth who are
yawning their heads off In club win
dows. The world has plenty of states
men, chauffeurs. prizefighters and
professional baseball players. But It
is painfully short of good seconds at
the prize ring. May J. Anthony
Drexel-Biddle's tribe Increase until
every pugilist is sure of the inspiring
ringside encouragement that only a
Vere-de-Vere can give.
T. "Renal Hocm-Pocui.
Moro Observer.
Oregon county officers elected to
take up their duties the first of July,
owing to the so-called amendment to
the Constitution changing the time of
election from June till November, will
have a term of two years and six
months to serve, Instead of two years
as formerly. They will get the. extra
six months by TJ'Renal hocus-pocus,
commonly called the Initiative and ref
erendum. Nickname for Taft.
Walla Walla Union.
Buckeye Bill.
"The Tray."
Ella 'Wheeler Wilcox In the Nautilus.
However certain of the way thou art.
Take not'the self-appointed leader's part.
Follow no man, and by no man be led, .
And no man lead. Awake, and go ahead.
Thy path, though leading straight unto the
goal.
Might prove confusing to another soul.
The goal is central; but from east, and
west.
And north, and south, we set out on the
quest;
From lofty mountains, and from valleys
low :
How could all find one common way to go?
Lord Buddha to the wilderness was brought,
Ijord Jesus to the Cross. And yet. think not
By Bolitude, or cross, thou canst achieve.
Lest in thine own true Self thou dost be
lieve. Know thou art One, with life's Almighty
Source,
Then are thy feet set on the certain Course.
Nor does It matter if thou feast, or fast.
Or what thy creed or where thy lot Is
cast :
In halls of pleasure, or In crowded mart.
In city streets, or from all men apart
Thy path leads to the Light; and peace and
power
Shall be thy portion, growing liour by hour.
Follow no man, and by no man be led.
And no man lead. But know and go ahead.
PRICES OP MEAT STILL SOARING
Victims of Hog Combine's Extortion
Lured Toward Vegetarianism.
Philadelphia Inquirer.
The quotations on steel billets and
piglron have been reduced, which Is
very Important, but leaves the average
citizen unmoved; but the commodities
of daily consumption, the so-called
necessities of life, cost about as much
as ever, and in some cases actually
cost more.
Meat is an Instance. During the past
few weeks the price of meat has ad
vanced by leaps and bounds. Beef
has led the procession, and it has now
reached an altitude which places it
beyond the reach of the great majority
of the people, or at least confines their
purchases to the cheaper and coarser,
though not less nutritious cuts. JVhen
sirloin steak Is selling at from 30 to 36
cents a pound, a great many consum
ers feel constrained to buy the humbler
rump or to dispense with this particu
lar viand altogether. Yet if they turn
to veal or lamb or mutton, they find
the same conditions confronting them.
Meats of all kinds are inordinately
dear. Legs of lamb, which not so long
ago could be had at from 15 to 18
cents a pound, now cost from 20 to 25,
and everything else is in proportion.
This unpleasant state of things is
variously explained. It Is said that the
"Hog Combine," which most of us
thought had been put out of business,
Is responsible for It, and that the con
sumer is being compelled to pay trib
ute to the confederated meat packers
of Chicago and Omaha. Perhaps that
is true. It Is not unlikely, and the
thought that he is being robbed will
not assist the victim of the extortion
to endure the situation with a philo
sophic patience. But after all. It does
not help much to account in this way
or in that for the evil of which the
public Is complaining. How can It be
remedied? That Is the all-Important
question, and it is, unfortunately, a
question much more easily asked than
answered.
There is just one thing the citizen
can do, and that is to cut his consump
tion of meat down to a minimum or
even do without it. altogether. The
doctors who differ in so many things
agree in this, that we all eat too much
meat anyhow, and there Is no doubt
that we should be happier and healthi
er and a good deal better off in pocket
If we ate less. With the markets full
of fruits and vegetables this Is an es
pecially good time to reduce the meat
hill by dispensing with steaks and
chops for breakfast and by lessening
the meat allowance all round. It is
quite possible to keep well and strong
on a vegetarian diet.
Far-Avtay Error.
Taroma Ledger.
The Springfield Republican calls
Senator Fulton of Oregon the original
third-term boomer for President Roose
velt. This usually well-informed jour
nal may have been confused by the re
cent complex turn of affairs In Oregon
United States Senatorial politics. In a
recent issue it observed: "Senator
Fulton of Oregon, the original and
final third-term boomer of President
Roosevelt, has evidently- come to ac
cept the nomination of Taft as In
evitable, and now seeks a part in
shaping the rest of the Republican
ticket." In Justice to Senator Bourne,
the Republican ought to set this mat
ter straight. Senator Fulton has been
a distinguished figure in the National
Convention, but it was Bourne and not
he that Insisted upon the third term,
or, as he called it, the "second elective
term." Senator Bourne Is entitled to
all the credit there is in the Insistence
upon another nomination for Roose
velt when Roosevelt specifically and
repeatedly expressed opposition'. It
was Bourne, as the Springfield paper
should know, that offered the prize
for the best essay on the reasons
Roosevelt should have a "second elec
tive term." When a man expends
money in the promotion of an idea, as
did Senator Bourne, he ought to re
ceive whatever credit there may be in
using his name In connection there
with. The error in the Massachusetts
newspaper should be attributed to
misinformation rather than to malice.
The London Index Expurgratorlua.
London Bookman.
The Index Expurgatorius of the
London County Council Is a fearful
and wonderful thing. That care must
be taken in selecting books for young
readers Is obvious, but it is difficult
to see what principles have governed
the compilers of the Index. If ever
there was a boys' book we should have
thought it to be "Don Quixote," but
that Is banned, in company with the
rollicking "Charles O'Malley," of Lever
and Scott's "Kenilworth," and Lytton's
"Last Days of Pompeii." The County
Council scholar is not to have, to se
lect but a few names, "Vanity Fair,"
"The Woman in White," "The Cloister
and the Hearth, "Adam Bede," "Bar
chester Towers," "The Heart of Mid
lothian," "The Caxtons," or "Conlngs
by." It only remains for the authori
ties who drew up this list to compile
another of books they think suitable.
Next Ism, Please.
Tillamook Headlight.
What is the matter with a large
number of Republicans In Oregon?
That Is as easy as falling off a log.
A lot of them became politically buggy
when A. P. A.-ism swept over Oregon;
then they went crazy on the Populist
ism, after that they became Iuny on
16 to 1-ism, and by way of diversion,
a whole lot of Republicans became so
full of Statement No. 1 bugs at the
recent election that they did not real
ize what a lot of Idiots they were. Next
Ism, please, to catch Republican suck
ers. Minus Bell and Rope.
Aberdeen World.
Wanted Address of Jonathan
Bourne. Last seen in corridors of
Freaks Club. Usually carries dilapi
dated megaphone labeled, "second elec
tive term." If discovered, send word
to W. S., U'Ren, Oregon.
Time's SoftenlnK Influence.
Puck.
Somehow or other, after a girl gets
pretty well along In the thirties. It
doesn't seem to make her so mad to
be called a coquette.
A FEW SQUIBS.
Conley (reading paper In Feeney's saloon)
"What's a dead reckonln. Dinny?" Fee
ney "The bar bill iv S7.RO I have agin yer
late brother Mike." Puck, i
"The editor of a humorous publication has
to be familiar with all the old iokes." "To
keep people from palming off new Jokes
upon him, I s'pose?" Louisville Courier
Journal. "Do you know that your chickens come
over into my garden?" "I thought they
must be doing that." "Why did you think
so?" "Because they never come back."
Cleveland Leader.
"You can't buy happiness." exclaimed the
sentimentalist. "No." answered the man
who is sternly practical. "You can't buy
happiness. And at the same time that fact
doesn't implv that your comfort is enhanced
by being broke." Washington Star.
"De man who accidentally goes to sleep
In church." said Ur.cle Eben. "somehow
seeins to get a heap mo' blam- than de
man who puts In de other six days showln'
deliberate dlsresrect to de sermon."
Washington Star.
"The climate here Is salubrious, isn't it?"
remarked the tourist. "Say, friend." re
piled the native. "Jes- write that there word
down fur me will yer? I git tired o' swearin'
at this climate In the same old way. That's
a new one." Philadelphia Press.
"Does youah leisure clawss in this coun
try follow the hounds at all. Miss Pep
pry?" asked the visiting British nobleman.
"No." replied Miss Peppry, "the hounds
usually follow the leisure class here. We
always try to keep the hoboes on the move."
Philadelphia, Press.
SOWS THE TIME TO BULD.
Lowered Cost of Labor and Materials
May Not Long; Continue.
American Lumberman.
Labor is cheaper now than it was a
year ago, although nominally wages
are the same. It is cheaper because
it is better.
Materials are cheaper than they were
a year ago, not for the same reason
that labor is cheaper, but in the actual
prices that must be paid. ,
Last year the majority of the deal
ers in building material had all tiie
trade they could handle. This year
business has been fair, as shown by
the building records, but there is
room for a very considerable improve
ment. The one great reason why building
operations should be undertaken nw
or why contracts for supplies should
be entered Into is that they tan be
made on more advantageous terms.
Materials can be secured for lower
prices, will be delivered more promptly
and In a more satisfactory manner
than during either 1906 or 1907.
As a general proposition, lumber now
Is being sold for 10 to 15 per cent Imss
than during last year. In some cases,
where the trade Is supplied with spe
cial woods, a reduction to that extent
has not been made. However, 10 per
cent probably represents about the
general decline In the retail price of
building material.
A Cleveland operator has supplied
some specific information showing the
relative cost of building in 1907 and
190S, which is reproduced herewith:
rt.
1!WT. 1008. dec.
Masonry and grading $l,;t-0 $W4- 2:Q
Plastering .".k5 813 4ll S
Plumbing . 640 500 i'l .!
Heating 730 610 2-"l
Painting 6:tl 400 4.5
Lumber, $4 to $6 a thoa?and less.
The foregoing comparative values
represent actual figures secured by a
gentleman who wished to build. Th5
1907 prices were made during the lat
ter part of that year, and the 19nS
prices this month.
It is 'high time the general public
informs itself of this condition of af
fairs and profits by the opportunity
now presented, one which probably
will not long be available.
No uniform reduction In the retail
prices of lumber has been made by tho
dealers of the country. Some have
very materially reduced their price
and claim to have encouraged building
by this policy. In other sections, how
ever, cheap lumber now being offered
has to be transported such great dis
tances that the freight rates put a
high value on the products. This par
ticularly is true throughout the east
ern section of the country, and to a
moro limited extent in the northern
territory where local supplies are in
adequate. Referring again to the comparative
schedule of values submitted, it will
be seen that the total cost in 1907
would have been 3S14 for the items
mentioned. For 190S the bids put in
represented a cost of only $2727, a sav
ing of $1087 on the building for which
prices were secured, representing a de
crease of 28.5 per cent. This reduc
tion possibly may bo out of the ordi
nary. It scarcely Is possible that build
ing could be done for a third less now
than in 1907, but the figures given rep
resent estimates made by contractors
during the two periods.
This showing is sufficiently strong
to warrant every prospective builder
or everyone who is in a position to
build in taking this matter up ami
making a thorough Investigation of
the subject.
Conditions in different rarts of the
country vary. What Is said of one
town may not be applicable to anoth
er, and probably would not be appli
cable to all the country; but in every
city and every village in the United
States it Is a comparatively easy mat
ter to determine the relative cost this
year and last, and beyond question it.
will be found that buildings can be
put up this year at a saving of any
where from 10 to 25 per cent of the
cost in 1907.
Pre-eminently, emphatically and con
clusively, this is the time to build.
Bourne's Extraordinary Proceeding.
Spokane Spokesman-Review.
The distinction of playing the trick
ster's role at the Chicago convention
belongs without contest to Senator
Jonathan Bourne of Oregon. His sly
and deceitful schemes are laid entirely
hare, and he Is thoroughly exposed
and discredited.
The country can respect those "al
lies" who fought President Roosevelt
and Secretary Taft in a manly, open
way. They have been defeated In hon
orable combat, but they had the cour
age of their convictions and went down
as gallant fighters.
But Bourne has been guilty of con
temptible) duplicity. Under pretense of
extraordinary devotion to President
Roosevelt and his reform policies, ha
has industriously striven for months to
undermine the President's earnest plan
of perpetuating his policies through
Secretary Taft. He has been a willing
and conspicuous tool of the reactionary
forces. His purpose throughout was to
draw from, Taft enough Roosevelt ad
mirers to prevent the Secretary's nomi
nation on tha first ballot, and thus
throw the convention Into confusion
and wreck the carefully-matured plans
of the administration.
Bourne persisted in this role of thn
marplot in open but suave defiance of
the repeatedly expressed protests of
the President. No other interpretation
can be placed on his amazing conduct
than a treacherous desire to destroy
the reform policies of President Roose
velt. Local Option Vote Affects a Cat.
Prinevllle Review.
Dick, the old cat that has been in
the Long & Snoderly saloon since birth,
17 years ago, was taken down to the
O'Neil ranch day before yesterday,
there to pass the remainder of his
days. Though toothless, blind and
deaf, old Dick is yet the best mouser
in the county, and he is still able to
earn his keep by following his chosen
profession. When once his smeller
scents a mouse, it's all off with the
mouse, as Dick will camp at Its hole
for a week If he doesn't catch Mr.
Mouse sooner.
State of Matrimony Gels Them.
Grants Pass Pacific Outlook.
One hundred and eleven teachers
will have been graduated from the four
Normal Schools of this state when the
Normals close this month. Recom
mendations for the graduation of 1"2
were made by the executive board of
the Normal School Regents last week.
Nine were graduated from Monmouth
in February. And yet a large propor
tion of our city whool teachers are
imported from the Middle West or Far
East. Is this a reflection upon tLe
Oregon product or a mark of "peeuliar
ness" on the part of Oregon school
boards?
One of Life's Tragedies.
Moro Observer.
Grandpa William Peabody, having
lost his home In Sherman County, has
gone to live with his daughter in Kan
sas, The leaving was sad. As the
old man left the house, and turned to
give it the last look, he broke down
and cried like his heart would break.
When he went uptown friends and
neighbors made up a purse of about
100 and gave him.
Two Times and Out.
Walla Walla Statesman.
That experience in Oregon has evi
dently made the Republicans lose faith
in the election of Senators by the di
rect vote of the people.