THE MORNING OREGONIAN, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1909.
CUSTOMS
FRAUDS
BORN OF POLITICS
Secretary MacVeagh Finds
Campaign DeHts Are Paid
by Service.
COMPLETE CLEANUP URGED
.treasury ieparttnent jicaa Jicducea
llstlmalos by $55,663,391 New
York Sugar Thefts Termed
Symptom of Corruption.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 7. Sever the
Custom Service from politics, release It
from the payment of political debts, re
habilitate the whole service to bar such
frauds aa were effected by the American
Sugar Refining Company in New York,
Js a feature recommendation made, by
Franklin MacVeagh, Secretary of the
Treasury, in his annual report given out
today.
Widespread corruption as exposed in
New York is referred to simply as a
symptom of a "diseased condition"
which, says Mr. MacVeagh, will be
cured by "clear-cut measures."
Customs Service Corrupt. -
Secretary MacVeagh; discussing the
rehabilitation of the Customs Service in
progress as a result of the extensive
frauds discovered at the port of New
York, say s :
It Is clear that the influence of local politic
and politicians upon the Customs Servloe has
been most deleterious and has promoted that
laxity and low tone which prepare and fur
nlh an Invltlnjr oil for dishonesty and fraud.
T"nle the Ourttmi Service can be released
from the payment of political debta and exac
tion, it will be Impossible to have an honest
service for any length of time.
He says that the work of reorganiza
tion Is "not complete, nor nearly com-
'plete." but predicts that the necessary
prosecutions being made "will lead in the
end to the establishment of an adminis
tration of the Customs Service that is
fit for the government of a great
. nation."
Retrenchment is the keynote in the
estimates of expenditures for the ex
ecutive departments of the Government
made by Secretary MacVeagh for the
fiscal year 1911. The total estimates for
1911 are t671.2S8.075, which are. less by
$55,663,391 than the appropriations for 1910
unci i.wmm less man in estimates ior
1910. The total estimated receipts for
the current year aggregate $648,000,000 and
for 1911 about $672.Ou0,00O, leaving an ordi
nary deficit for the current year of $34,
075,620 and for 1911 a surplus of $48,775,449.
Adding the payments on account of the
Panama Canal and the public debt, the
total deficit of the present year becomes
$73,075,620 and for 1911 a surplus of $711,925.
Government's Ways Better.
Reductions in the present estimates,
Mr. MacVeagh declares, result from Im
proved handling of the Government'
work and the postponement of expendi
tures which can be delayed in an effort
to adjust immediate expenses and re
ceipts. He sounds a warning, however,
that the reductions In appropriations
will bo disappointing unless equal atten
tion is given to other important savings.
"Even if our country is rich it cannot
afford to be wholly unscientifia in it3
appropriations," says the report.'
One of the most important recom
mendations made by the Secretary Is that
the tax on bank circulation secured by
United States bonds hereafter deposited
bearing interest higher than 2 per cent
shall be increased In exact proportion to
the Increase in the rate of interest above
2 per cent. He advises continuance of
the rate of one-half of 1 per cent for
circulation based on 2 per cent bonds.
Mr. MacVeagh says that if the Panama
bonds authorized by the law of August 5,
1909. should be issued at 3 ner cent tlipv
would have a much better circulation
privilege than the outstanding 2 per
cents, the tax being only 1 per cent. Mr.
MaoVeagh would make the tax on them
1H per cent; otherwise the already low
market value of the 2 per cents would
unduly decline.
Mr. MacVeagh strongly urges the need
of a retiring pension for aged employes,
stating that the United States is the
only nation that has no general legal
retiring pension for the employes of its
civil service.
His only reference to the new corpora
tion tax is a paragraph designed to elear
up the question as to what form of re
turn would be adopted. He says it must
be assumed by the department that the
single purpose of the law was to tax
at 1 per cent the actual net profits of
a corporation, as net profits are under
stood; and that the term "net income"
was used that there might be no con
fusion. Bank Reform Xeeded.
The improved conditions in bank ex
amination by the office of the Comp
troller of the Currency are noted in the
report, but no recommendations are made
along this line.
Mr. MacVeagh urges the reed of a
contingent fund probably $100,000 for his
department.'
Touching on banking and currency re
form. Secretary MacVeagh says:
"We must have at least the -beginning of
permanent system. At present we have
neither an adjustable - currency nor trust
worthy surplus reserves, two absolutely es
sentia features of, any banking system upon
which the finances and the conrmerce of this
ftreat Nation can securely rest. To secure
these essentials to speak of no others the
loeked-for reform must deal with funda
mentals. Interesting Features Abound.
Interesting features of Mr. MacVeagh's
report are' found in the abstracts of re
ports submitted by the heads of bureaus
and ' decisions of the Treasury Depart
ment. Striking among these are the fol
lowing: The available balance in the Treasury
at the close of the fiscal year, 1909, was
$126,S75,428il0 or $118,795,919.63 less than
1908.
Old uncurrent silver coin amounting to
$1,407,000 was melted during- the year for
recoinage.
The mint at Philadelphia is now
equipped to manufacture medals for the
Government.
Mines of the United States' in the cal
endar year, 1908, produced gold amount
ing to $94,560,000 and silver valued at
$28,050,600.
In 1909, 1292 distilleries operated, an In
crease of 92 over 1908. The production
of beer in 1909 shows a decrease of
2,449.673 barrels.
No cases of .yellow fever were reported
in the United States in the fiscal year,
1909. Smallpox is on the decrease, 24.
650 cases being reported in 1909, or 75S3
cases less than the year previous.
Immigrants numbering 966,124 were in
spected in 1909, 14.636 being rejected for
physical and mental defects.
Last fiscal year, 1376 vessels, carrying
890V persons suffered disaster, but only
SO persons were lost Totally lost vessels
numbered 72. The sea disasters of the
fiscal year. 1909. exceeded in number the
record of any former year in the history
of the Life-saving Sorvlce, wrecks in
creasing 61 per cent in two years.
The, Revenue Cutter Service saved 66
lives during the year, aided 5050 persons,
oared for 454 persons In disasters and
assisted IBS vessels. Derelicts and ob
structions to navigation destroyed by the
Revenue Cutter Service numbered 26.
Nineteen new Issues of counterfeit notes
were discovered In 1909. Counterfeit
coins and bills confiscated represented
$67,091.42 in value.
RED CROSS TO GIVE MEDALS
Messina Heroes and Turkish-American
Relief to Be Honored.
WASHINGTON, Dee. 7. Immediately
preceding the opening today of the fifth
annual meeting of the American National
Red Cross, the central committee of that
organization agreed to recommend to the
society the awarding of a number of med
als for important voluntary service ten
dered the American Red Cross during the
year.
Those recommended for gold medals for
service in connection with the Messa
earthquake were ex-Minister Lloyd C.
Griscom. W. Bayard Cutting. Jr., and
Lieutenant-Commander R. B. Belknap,
U. S. N.
For services in connection with the
Turkish-American relief, silver medals
were recommended for G. B. Ravndal,
Consul-General to Beirut; Dr. F. D. Shep
perd. Rev. Stephen R. Trowbridge, Dr.
Harry P. Dorman, E. L. Freyer and. Miss
Anna Davis.
HORSE THROWS JOHN DREW
Actor's Shoulder Fractured When
Animal Tramples Him.
NEW YORK. Dec. 7. John Drew; the
actor, wasflhrown from his horse while
riding with his daughter on the bridle
path in Central Park today and seriously'.
IWITED STATES MINISTER
TO NICARAGUA ABSENT
FROM HIS TOST.
SkS"- " . .v ' if i-1
W8ti-?r- 'av'
r
1 -V 3
H. G. Knovlei,
NEW YORK, Dec. 7. (Spe
cial.) H. G. Knowles was for
some years Consul of the -United
States at Bordeaux. In 1907 he was
made Minister to Roumania and
Servia. This year he was trans
ferred to Nicaragua, but before
he could go to his post trouble
broke out in that country and he
remained at home. He is still
Minister to "Nicaragua and may
take his place when order has
been restored in the republic
But it is not unlikely he will be
made the head of a commission to
Inquire into the relations of the
United States with Central
America. '
injured by being trampled by the horse.
Miss Drew was holding her father's
head in her lap when an automobile
party stopped and volunteered to take the
actor to the hospital. There the doctors
announced that Mr. Drew had suffered a
severe fracture of the left shoulder and
It was feared he had been Injured Inter
nally. Mr. Drew was resting easy tonight.
His Injuries sre serious, but in all prob
ability he will be. out in a week or two.
CITY ELECTION IS CALLED
(Continued From First Page.)"
ble, lay pipes, the necessaryxpnse to be
borne by the fund.
Sinking Fund treated.
One of the chief features of the pro
posed amendment is that which creates
a sinking fund, which. Mayor Simon be
lieves, will pay oft all of the outstanding
bond lesues of the department . in 50
years. This section is as follows:
The Council shall annually, in pursuance
of Section 23S of the charter, upon the
recommendation of the water board, fix
and establish rates for the use' and con
sumption of the water, sufficient to pro
vide for the expense of maintaining and
conducting the- water works of said city.
and the creaatMm of a sinking fund not 1
exceeding two per cent of the par value
of all outstanding water bonds, including
bonds hereafter Issued pursuant to the
provisions of this section, for the purpose
of retiring and paying off said bonds, such
sinking fund to be used and applied under
the direction of the water board, either to
the purchase of any valid bonds Issued by
or due from the city at a premium not
to exceed 10 per cent, -or to the payment
and redemption of any of the aforesaid
water bonds at a premium not to exceed
10 per cent, such water bonds when so
acquired to be forthwith cancelled and
deposited with the Auditor.
Mayor Simon declares that, in his opin
ion, which is based upon experience, the
present law will not work. No progress
can be made under its provisions, as it
imposes upon abutting property the cost
of all small mains, and contractors will
not bid on the work, fearing they cannot
collect their assessments.
The policy of the administration Is to
lay water mains and to have all other
necessary work done before the laying of
hard-surface pavements, and next Sum
mer there will be laid, if possible, 120
miles of various pavements. The Mayor
and City Engineer Morris, as well as
others who are experienced, declare that,
unless the proposed amendment Is car
ried, this work cannot be done, as the
Water Board will be powerless to lay the
necessary pipes ahead of the improve
ments. Issue Is Serious.
"This is a serious and most important
matter," said Mayor Simon last night,
after having completed arrangements for
the calling of the special election. "If
the people will give the Water Board an
opportunity to make progress In the lay
ing of mains, we can take care of the
situation. I believe the electors will pass
the amendment without doubt."
Nothing but the proposed amendment,
changing the system of handling the wa
ter mains, will be submitted at the spe
cial election, according to the Mayor.
After the Council fixes the date and
passes the necessary ordinances this
morning, the proposed amendment will be
published in the city official newspaper,
under provision of the charter.
Ancient buildings or works cannot be re
stored in Italy without the consent of the
government, ,
Shop Early and Avoid the Confusion, Annoyance and Exasperation of the Last Few Hours
REMEMBER Only a Few Days Left to Buy Xmas Gifts
A-Shawl Special
For Wednesday ws place on
sale an exceptional assortment
of ladies' Hand-Knit Shawls.
They are made either square
or circular; also, Newport
Scarfs, in a varied assortment
of colors. Reg. value i no
is $2.75.. Wednesday. .pl.I70
, Opera Scarfs ,
In the midst of this Winter
weather we offer a very com
plete lino of Fiber Silk Opera
Scarfs, very conservatively
priced, from 1.75
Olds, Wortman '& King
Storm-swept Portland looks like a genuine New England city, while Portland people
are hunting high and low for heavy clothes, warm bedding and comfortable garments.
Wednesday's offering is attractive because of the big cut in Furs. Toyland still appeals
to the children, while enough other wearables, gifts and specialties are listed to satisfy
the demand for mid-Winter staples of every kind. The women of Portland will find sev
eral most interesting cold weather bargains in today's advertisement.
Battenberg
Center Pieces
Either for Christmas gifts or
your own tables, the dainty
little novelty is offered by the
Art Department for Wednes
day. Battenberg Center pieces,
either round or square. 18 in.,
with drawnwork centers.
These are prices very low for
this one day sale. Regular
value considerably higher.
Wednesday s Special
Pricing 44c
ONE-FOURTH CUT ON A SPECIAL LOT OF FURS
The center of attraction for the women Wednesday
will be on the Second Floor. The Quality Store's
entire stock of Furs has been examined and a very
special lot has been selected for a striking reduc
tion. In this lot are Jap Minks, Lynx, Baum Mar
ten and Black Wolf. These include separate muffs
and scarfs. The assortment will please the most
discriminating shopper and fastidious dresser.
' Za QFF
Furs included in this sale are regularly priced at
prices ranging from $9.50 to $250.00. Articles of
every kind have been included, such as Collars,
Stoles, Capes, Coats, Muffs, Scarfs and Neckpieces
of all kinds. The variety selected for this sale is
large and bewildering. For the inclement weath
er, Furs wjll come in very handy and, thus, the op
portuneness of this sale. Goods that are regularly
sold for $9.50 and up to $250 ONE-FOURTH OFF
HALF-PRICE SALE OF SUITS AND OPERA WRAPS CONTINUES WEDNESDAY
'
See Our Special Toy Values For Wednesday
The merry laughter of happy hoys and girls fill the aisles of Toyland on the fourth floor. Hundreds of little folks braved the wind and
snow yesterday to wander through the long aisles of heavily laden tables, complete with toys, dolls, hanks, games, books and gifts of
every kind and description. The genius of toymakers was never so advanced as this season's exhibition displays. Almost everything
in the toy line is brand new. The mechanical toys are more mechanical, the dolls more lifelike than ever, and doll furniture as nearly
perfect as though dolls were human beings and required as much comfort as the fathers and mothers. A LITTLE TIP : Buy unclothed
dolls now, so as to have plenty of time to make dresses for them. The number shown is infinite, with a wide range of prices :
TEDDY LIONS
Lifelike and very real. A very popular and lasting; toy for
the little folks. These come in two sizes :
Small size, regular value 75c, WEDNESDAY !
SPECIAL FOR
Large size, regular value $1, WEDNESDAY
SPECIAL FOB
59 c
78c
BOYS' TOOL CHESTS
Something every boy will demand,' sooner or later. These
are hardwood chests, measuring 5x5x14 inches. JQ
Regular value 85c, WEDNESDAY SPECIAL QjC
DOLL FURNITURE
Toy furniture of the most realistic kind China Closets and
Bureaus, regular value 35c, WEDNESDAY . . O O
SPECIAL FOB sfciOC
Dime Register Banks. These work like a National Cash Reg
ister, keeping tab on the pennies and nickels and dimes de
posited in them. A new and interesting holiday f
gift. Reg. value $1, WEDNESDAY SPECIAL. ... Q7 C
BLACKBOARDS
These are metal boards, with map on one side, pencil and
paper racks and about 7 feet of drawing copy. f "t g f1
Regular val. $2.75, WEDNESDAY SPECIAL P 1 70
Men's Housecoats $11.35
Fifty men's House Coats are offered for Wednes
day. These are splendid $15.00 values and are re
duced as an inducement to make Wednesday abig
day. Regular $15.00 coats, only .' .Jjll'.35
Our Men's Furnishing Goods Department was
never so well prepared as now to supply every pos
sible'Christmas want of the menfolks.
NECKWEAR AND GLOVES OF EVERY KIND
We call special atten
tion to a new line of
most exclusive weaves
in Neckwear, all im
ported silks. Unlimited
opportunity for selec
tion of colors and pat
terns. These neckties
come in a variety of
prices from 50 cents up
In Gloves, our line com
prises Dents, Fownes
and Bacmo. As an in
ducement, we suggest
you take any size you
like and exchanges will
be allowed after Christ
mas. Or, buy a Glove
order. Fancy Suspen
ders, Reefers, Mufflers.
1-3 Reduction
On Heatherbloom
Petticoats
""Any Heatherbloom Petticoat In our
bigetock, black or colors, made with
either tailored, shirred or embroid
ery flounce; all have deep underlay
or dust ruffle, either fitted or tape
tops. These Petticoats have been reg
ularly sold for $1.50 to tG. 00. Wednes
day, ONE -THIRD LESS
IMPORTANT Women's French hand
embroidered Night Robes, chemise or
hubbard style, eyelet embroidery or
designs in spray or floral effect.
Usually $2.60 to $27.50.
ONE -THIRD, LESS
OTJTINO FLANNEL . PETTICOATS,
knee leng-th, pink or blue stripes,
scalloped or flounced; regular 60c
WEiDNESDAT SPECIAL, 39c
MISSES' OUTING FLANNEL GOWNS,
white or blue, trimmed in finishing
braid of pink, blue or white; roll col
lar and fancy cuff. $1.00 st3Ci.
VALUE FOR WEDNESDAY . .OCC
Opera Glasses at 4 Off
As a special inducement for Wednesday, every
pair of Opera Glasses, except the Le Maire make,
will be sold for one-fourth less than regular prices,
which range from $2.75 to 15.00.
JEWELRY AND LEATHER GOODS IN ABUN
DANCE FOR MEN AND WOMEN.
For Women Beautiful
Hand Bags, ' New Ideas
in Opera Bags, Pocket
books, Sterling Silver
Toilet Sets, Jewel Cas
kets, Belt Pins and
Buckles; Hat Pins, di
rect from Paris.
For Men Wallets of
every kind, Cigar Cases,
large variety; Collar
Boxes, Cuff Links and
Sets, together with a
big list of little novel
ties that please the men-folks.
Still More News About
Real Cut Glass
A host of special bargains listed for Wednesday's
special trade. Don't miss them.
For the convenience of shoppers, -we have ar
ranged bargain tables, upon which articles are ar
ranged according to price. All odd lines are
quoted at specially reduced prices, as well a a
large assortment of seasonable articles.
WONDERFULLY SPECIAL VALUES ARE OF
FERED IN QUE, COMPLETE STOCK OF LIB
BEY CUT GLASS. SILVERWARE AND BEATJ
TIFULLY HAND-PAINTED CHINA.
English Decorated China
From Minton, Royal Doulton,
Cauldon and Coalport. V
Miss the bargains offered here, and one of the exceptional Christmas
buying opportunities will be regretted. Genuine and material reduc
tions are made in almost every line we carry. A few extraordinary
instances are quoted :
TEACUPS AND SAUCERS
$ 6.50 values, special.... $ 4.35
$10.50 values, special $ 7.00
$18.00 values, special $12.00
$20.00 values, special S14.00
$33.00 values, special. . . $22.00
$45.00 values, special. . , .$30.00
BOUILLON CUPS and SAUCERS
$13.50 values, special $ 9.00
$16.00 vues, special. .. .$10.65
$18.00 values, special $12.00
$22.50 values, special. .. .$15.00
$24.00 values, special $16.00
$39.25 values, special. .. . 26.00
CHOCOLATE CUPS. SAUCERS
$ 8.50 values, special.... $ 5.65
$ 9.00 values, special. ...$ 6.00
$12.00 values, special. ...$ 8.00
$30.00 values, special $20. OO
These HOLIDAY SPECIALS at reduced prices are sold in -complete dinner sets or separate
Plates, Bouillons, Ramakins, Af ter-Dinner Coffees, Chocolate, Meat, Fish, Salad or Cake Sets.
RAM A KINS AND STANDS
$ 6.50 values, special $ 4.35
$12.50 values, special $ 8.40
$21.00 values, special $14.00
$25.25 values, special $16.85
AFTER-DINNER COFFEES
$ 8.50 values, special $ 5.65
$10.00 values, special $ 6.65
$lo.00 values, special $10.00
$16.20 values, special $10.80
dozens. Place
Ladies9 Neckwear
Phoenix and Waye Mufflers, known
everywhere, in a full and complete as
sortment of sizes and colors. Just ex
actly the thing for windy, stoVmy days.
Not at all amiss as an inexpensive and
practical gift for Christmas. Everybody,
knows the special value at our SPECIAL
WEDNESDAY PRICE OF, O Q
EACH JOC
M
9
en s
Umbrellas
Greatly reduced for Wednesday's show
ing. Splendid assortment. Will go
quickly. Holiday Umbrellas, all silk or
union taffeta, fitted with best of frames
and a varied lotxf attractive handles,
such as stag, ivory, sterling silver trim
mings and novelty handles. Look at
these prices: ' -Reg.
$ 5.00 to $ 6.25 vals., Wed 'dy .$4.00
Reg. $ 7.50 to $10.00 vals., Wed'dy.$6.50
Reg. $12.50 to $16.50 vals., Wed My .$8.50
EXTRA SPECIAL IN RIBBONS
Many are the dainty little gifts that are devised with the proper use of ribbon. We have
a splendid array of ribbons for this particular purpose. All go on sale for Wednesday.
There are fancy ribbons for fancy work, plain ribbons, striped ribbons, Dresden ribbons,
plaid ribbonsj moire, and taffeta ribbons, all running from 3V2 to 6 inches ""Jf
wide. Regular values up to 35c, WEDNESDAY SPECIAL, PER YARD 1 C
EXTRA HEAVY PURE SILK RIBBON, Dresden and Persian and long range of plaids
and stripes, 4 to 7 inches wide. Regular up to 35c, WEDNESDAY SPECIAL O O
ONLY, PER YARD OiC
LADIES' SWISS RIBBED UNDERWEAR
As good as you can get and particularly desirable at this season of the year. Vests, Pants
and Union Suits. This Underwear comes in medium and heavy weights. Everything in
the line at WEDNESDAY'S SPECIAL PRICE OF ONt-FOURTH OFF REG. PRICES.
We have a limited number of ladies' one
and two-clasp kid Gloves; also 12-button
kid Gloves. These are odd lines. There is
a very good assortment of sizes. The
regular prices of the short Gloves run from
$1.25 to $1.50, 12-button Gloves up to $3.50.
Yon; see the value in our offering all at
WEDNESDAY'S SPC'L PRICE
OF, PER PAIR DiC
Ladies' black silk Hosiery, allover lace, also
black silk with clock embroidery. These
regularly sell for $2.50 and $3.00, on sale
WEDNESDAY AT THE SPECIAL PRICE
OF, THE Q
PAIR OJ7C
$3.50 BLACK SILK HOSE, with embroid
ered instep; good long range of embroidery;
all sizes. Special Wednesday, pair..$2.29'
Silk Elastic Belting
A special lot of silk elastic Belting on
sale for Wednesday. This Belting comes
in plain colors and fancy weaves. There
is a very large variety from which to
make a selection. Choice is unlimited.
Regularly sold for 10c an inch and up,
SPEO'L WEDNESDAY PRICE A
OF, AN INCH iC
Children's Hosiery
We have an extra quality ribbed lisle
Hose for boys and girls. They are fast
black, with reinforced knee, toe and heel.
Absolutely the best quality offered in
the city. Sizes from 5 to 9x. Regular
35o values, SPECIAL FOR WEDNES
DAY, PER PAIR, ONLY 25S PER
DOZEN, WEDNESDAY. 2 "S OO
ONLY VP 1 .O
BIG STOCK OF SHOES, RUBBERS AND GAITERS
SHIPPERS FOR CHRISTMAS Nothing more pleasing;, more comfortable or more practical.
The most sug-gestlve of cheer you can mention.-
Lot No. 1 Velvet Slippers for men, women
and children, carpet or leather soles, priced
regular way from 60c to $1.00. WEDNES
DAY OXK-HALK PRICE
Lot No. 2 Felt Slippers for misses and1 chil
dren; red, navy or blue; leather tips; band
turned soles. All sizes. Regular Jl-00..5Ot
lot No. 3 Pelt Slippers for women; belting
leather, hand turned, black fur trimmed;
brown, gray or black; res. $1.25. Wed... 99
Lot No. 4 Felt Juliets for women, unusual
value, fine quality; trimmed - in black or
brown fur. Regular $1.75. Reduced Wednes
day 81.39
COLD WEATHER BLANKET SALE
BLANKET WEATHER Cold nights make one
Is especially apropos now.
White, soft, wool Blankets; coxy, comfortable
and made with- pretty borders. Regular val-ue-5.S0
and 16.00. FOR WEDNESDAY SPE-
CIA-fcONLY 84.35 and 84.95
Vicuna:. brown Blankets, very heavy and close
woven; easily sold at regular retail price of
$5.00. FOR WEDNESDAY SPE. ONLY $3.95
think of warm bedding. This sale of Blankets
Sanitary gray Blankets, with very pretty
borders; warm, durable and usually sold for
$4.60. FOR WEDNESDAY SPE. ONLY S3. 95
Scarlet wool Blankets; very fine material atid
weave. For those who prefer a warm color
this is a bargain. Regular $6.50. WEDNES
DAY SPECIAL. ONLY S5.O0