TIIE MORNING OREGOMAN, AYEDXESDAY, JULY 26. 1911.
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J I THE KATE EXAIWl STMKNT.
: ' It would be Idle for The Oregonian
' or anybody else to Attempt to predict
', Accurately the ultimate effect of the
decision by the Interstate Commerce
t Commission In the Spokane rate case.
I The possibilities are numerous. They
; Include the shifting of manufacturing
- renters, the upbuilding of water
j transportation at the expense of traf
; f!c now largely handled by rail, the
J development of small distributive cen
4 term, an Invasion of the West by mail-
order houses and other results which.
- like these, may or may not add to
J the commercial welfare of Portland
and other Coast cities. The decisions
' In this and related cases call for a
? readjustment of long-haul rates cover
ing practically the entire Nation. Vn-
til these rates are written In and ap
; piled for a period of time the full
' force of the decision will not be
known.
; The complexity of the l.sties In-
. volved Is Illustrated by the length of
i'ttme to which the controversy has
I been drawn out. Spokane has been
, fighting f-r twenty years to be placed
i on an ejual footing with Portland and
Puget Sound In railroad freight rates,
t WhlleHt has lost Its principal conten
J tlon that water competition has a
mythical Influence on railroad rates.
' It has obtained a reduction In rates.
' not to the terminal basis, but to a
! bisls which. If permitted to stand
' without a reduction In "distributive
t rates from the Coast eastward and
, without the upbuilding of water
' transportation, would enable the In
J land city to extend Its trade tone Into
territory now served largely by Coast
titles.
: But the two alternative's are more
than possibilities. One. the water
transportation factor. Is a certainty
that will be realized with the opening
of the Panama Canal and the Im
provement of the Upper Columbia
River. If the contention Is sound that
the existing adjustment of rates has
been fairly based on water competi
tion, it Is obvious that further devel
opment of "water competition will re
store all that the Coast may lose by a
readjustment of through rail rates In
favor of Inland cities. If the conten
tion Is not sound an unnatural condi
tion has existed that could not be
expected to exist Indefinitely and the
correction of which may be met by
new endeavors such as the building
of more and greater manufactories
in the Coast cities.
As near as can be estimated. Spo
kane has gained lower rates than
those tentatively suggested by the
Commission In a former decision.
.These tentative rates applied to com
modities In both carload and less-than-carload
lots. Following the an
nouncement of the earlier decision it
was pointed out that, while the Job
bers In Intermountatn cities had
secured a saving In freight charges,
their territory had also been opened
to the competition of Middle West
Jobbers. It was known, too. that
pending the ordering -In of the new
rates. Eastern mail-order house had
laid plans for Invading with greater
activity the Intermountaln territory
It may be expected that this plan will
again be taken up In anticipation of
a reduction of less-than-carload rates
under the terms of the later decision.
' Railroad rates, also, have been Im
imrtini fnrtora In the development of
manufacturing enterprises in the Mid- I
d! West. At tnis lime, nowever.
only a minor portion of the through
freight to the Coast or intermountaln
territory originates In the Missouri
River terminals, and It Is only from
these points that the intermediate
cities will row secure terminal rates.
' Ti hulk nf th traffic originates In
the Buffalo-Pittsburg territory, whore
the differential between Coast and
Intermediate points will be IS per
vent. It may be expected that In time
the new rates will cause greater man
ufacturing activity In the Middle West
for the purpose of supplying the Inter
mountaln Jobbers and result In a shift
ing of the Coast Jobbers' purchasing
renters farther et. where water
transportation via the Canal will In
sure rapid and cheap service.
In the mase of speculation that may
reasonably arise there seems to stand
out clearly only the fact that tempo
rarily, at least, the railroads will suf
fer a reduction In revenues through a
reduction of rates and that the con-
-rumer In some localities nave a right
to expect a corresponding relief In the
tost of living.
Tint TROIBL1 WITH WOOL.
There Is no denying the fact that
the wool business is in a bad way In
the West, but the tariff agitation Is
only partly responsible for the "diffi
culties. The sheep men would not be
' badly off If they could get what
their wool Is worth In the markets of
' the East, less the freight. But this
tnsy cannot do under the present sys
tem of sales days which makes It such
'an easy matter for the buyers to corn
tin against the sellers.
When a grower goes to one of these
' sale, having already sent his clip, the
'chances are that he must sel to get
funds to pay his debts and expenses.
The buyers know this and the grower
knows that if he does not sell on the
-ales day he will more than likely not
't able to sell until the next year. Is
It any wonder that the buyers take
advantage of the situation and com
bine against the sellers?
It Is estimated by the growers that
-the loss on the Oregon clip for this
ear will amount to S or 4 cents per
pound from this source. In other
"words, there l difference- of that
much between the sale day prices
" and the Boston prices, after deduct
ing all carrying and other charges.
As the dealers will also collect what
ever tariff Is Imposed by raising the
-revUlon bogy and thereby bearing
jrtcee at tha aalea point, it can b sua
that they are well satisfied with
conditions.
A to the remedy for the evils be
setting them, the growers are not by
any means agreed. The great trouble
seems to He In the remoteness from
market and the lack of scouring
plants, making It obligatory In most
rases to pay freight to New York or
Boston on sixty-six pounds of dirt to
ftiivr thr thlrtv-four pounds of
wool. That difficulty might be easyj
of adjustment If all wool ran tnesame.
but the difference varies fully 80 por
cent.
If the entire Oregon clip could be
sent to one central point, the sales
days eliminated, a general sales agent
placed In charge and buyers Invited to
Inspect the samples and make their
offers, the combinations of the buy
ers would be overcome, and the grow
ers would be assured of the market
price on any day In the year. But
there are difficulties: In the way of
such a central selling point, tne iirsi .
of which Is the high cost of storage
In P.irtlan.r warehouses, for this city ,
seems to" be the only place suited for j
such general market purposes. 11 mc
carrying charges. Including Insurance,
could be cut to an amount equal to
the Interest on the value of the wool,
and the railways could make some
arrangement for the repayment of, a
certain per cent of the charges col
lected for shipping the wool here, such
amounts becoming payable when the
fleeces were shipped to the Eastern
markets, then perhaps the growers
could unite and have the clips sent
here. But no such arrangements
seem now in sight.
What l needed to secure the beat
prices for our fleece I an Oregon
market, which means more manufac
turing plants. We now ship from fifty
to eighty pounds of dirt to Boston to
market from twenty to fifty pounds
of wool, then we buy It back In the
r-hape of the manufactured product
and pay freight again. This Is all
wrong: but these conditions and the
uncertainty of tariff legislation are the
causes of the decline of our flocks and
the financial troubles of our flock
owners. TWO KJXDH OF KEftBENDCM.
Politics brings about strange com
binations but none more strange than
that of the House of Lords and the
referendum. The latter political de
vice Is looked upon In portions of
the United State a radicalism: In
old England it I the last refuge of
conservatism. It Is another Illustra
tion of the truth of that ungrammat
ical old adage, "Circumstance alter
case."
in nnwrui aometlmc the Legisla
ture passes laws which the people ,
... . . . i
don t like and we reierenuum "
adopted as a means of giving the peo
ple an opportunity to repeal them. In
England the House of Commons, un
der Liberal leadership, passes law
which the Lords don't like and the
Lords propose the referendum as a
means of preventing their adoption.
Any measure Important enough to
cause a crisis between the two houses
has always been the Issue at the pre
ceding election and therefore the pop
ular will on the subject has been al
ready expressed In the election of the
House of Commons, which passed the
bill. Experience, also, ha shown that
the Lord only balk at measures
passed by the Liberals, but pass with
out question those which emanate
from a Tory Cabinet. The net result
of the Lords" scheme would be to
defeat or delay every Liberal meaure.
no matter how clearly public opinion
had been expressed in its favor, and
to pass without appeal to the people
every Tory measure, no matter how
certain It might be of defeat by pop
ular vote.
In thu seeking to handicap the
popular house, the Lord are consis
tent with their history. Even after
60 year of struggle had fixed the
principle that the Cabinet must voice
the opinion of the majority In the
House of Commons, the Lords prac
tically maintained double representa
tion by owning a majority of the
seat In the Commons through the
most shameful system of bribery. In
timidation and barter. The men they
put In Parliament represented bor
ough" similar to an abandoned
townsite or a deserted mining camp
in the United States and they bought
and sold these seats openly. They
continued this system for 150 years
and were only rorcea to concern rr
representation by the threat of a rev
olution. The only resemblance between the
Oregon referendum and that proposed
by the Lords Is In the name. The
one carries out. the other thwart the
popular will.
MILLARD O. LOWWALB-
The annduncement of the death of
Millard O. Lownsdale caused a shock
of surprise and regret to a large num
ber of his fellow cltlxens. very many
of whom had known him In his boy
hood and throughout the years of hi
useful manhood. While It was gener
ally known that Mr. Lownsdale was
In falling health, an early fatal re
sult -was not anticipated except per
haps by those who were closest to
him in his domestic relations and In
dustrial and oclal activities.
The name and endeavor of Millard
O. Lownsdale I connected with the
pioneer era, and with a very impor
tant development of the horticultural
Industry of the Willamette Valley.
He was an authority upon apple
grnwlng In this section of the state
and realixed a substantial fortune
from his Industry and achievement In
thto line. In eoclal and musical rlr
cles he wa-i for many of his earlier
years well known in thl city. A son
of Daniel H. Lownsdale. one of the
owner of the original townsite of
Portland, hi name barks back to and
is closely Identified with the pioneer
era. Ill brother, the late J. P. O.
Lownsdale, was well known In local
business: circles almost up to the time
of his death, which occurred some
thing like a year ago.
To the remaining few relatively
speaking who were In at Portland's
beginning the name of Lownsdale
stands for enterprise. Integrity and
public spirit. The fortune of the
family were in a measure wrecked
some Tears ago In the shifting of
townsite rights, but were in a great
part recovered by the Industry
and persistence or It representatives.
The name will always hold a place of
honor In the archives of Portland, and
through the efforts of the last sur
vivor of the original family of Daniel
II. Lownsdale. wfto has but now
passed. It will hold an Important place
In the horticultural development of
the Willamette Valley.
Not great men In a political sense;
not masters of finance who were able
to leave great wealth to their poster
ity, the Lowndales were still prom
inent and important factors in the
growth of this city and state. For
these things and for other activities
embodied in the term "good citlxen
shlp" their name firmly stand. The
death of the lut of the trio father
and two sons has caused a sensation
of profound regret . and touched - a
cord of tender memory In many
hearts.
THE BIG HrCKLKBF.KRY CROP.
The news that three Is a big huckle
berry crop this year will bring com
fort to many a weary soul. No fruit
except the tomato admit of uch
varied and altogether delectable prep
aration as the huckleberry. To ome
persons Its lack of decided sapidity is
held against this Juicy berry, but such
betray their lack of the Judicial spirit
by theif faultfinding without cause.
The flavorlessness of the huckleberry
Is It crowning merit. Like the citron
and the tomato It possesses a neutral
quality which fits it for innumerable
epicurean offices. It can be made
into a sweet preserve, a sour pickle,
a sort of celestial hash neither sweet
nor sour and it can be sublimated Into
a shrub which Infinitely surpasses the
much-lauded raspberry's.
In our opinion the raspberry .is but
a orry frulL It has Just flavor enough
to spoil It as a carrier of alien delights
and not enough to enable it to "pose
as a luxury on Its own account. The
loganberry outranks Its progenitor
a a delight to the palate, but not far.
It 1 too horribly sour. Did anybody
evpr succeed in making a loganberry
pie really sweet T Its color Is divine,
but when you bite Into lt, what a
shocking disappointment. A flood of
biting acidity pours over the tongue
arid the world become clouded in a
pall of misery.
No such calamity need ever be
feared when you bite into a huckle
berry pie. It is calm, serene, sooth
ing. If there Is no particular gratifi
cation to the palate at least there 1
no such sudden access .of pain a you
feel when, for example, you bite open
a currant. There la another wolf In
sheep's clothing. Perfectly spherical,
ruby tinted, altogether lovely to the
eye, what Is a currant when you break
the bewitching di.guie In which It
shrouds Its horrors? Nothing but
vinegar, and a singularly poignant
vinegar at that. The mild and benign
huckleberry never deceive you. It
does not promise a great deal and It
keeps its promise to the letter. It la
like a homely girl with a good heart.
We all love her, not for that beauty
which, as In the wretched currant, la
but kln deep, but for qualities of
mind and heart which abide through
Ufa and pass beyond the grave. Our
Joy In the big huckleberry crop could
only be dashed by learning that the
crop of amiable, though plain, young
women had fallen off.
PRESIDENT S HI RM VN AND THK
TRUSTS.
A perusal or Mr. Jacob Schurman's
address to the Seattle Commercial
Club scarcely upholds the doctrine
that college presidents are Infallible.
This one at least mingles truth and
error In his remarks with extremely
human liberality. His theme In Seat
tle wa the recent trust decision of
the Supreme Court. President Schur
man thinks that these decisions will
fortify the business Interests of the
country and enable large concerns to
know exactly under what conditions
they may work. This, In hla opinion.
Is sufficient 'regulation of the great
corporations. He sees no reason why
Secretary Wlckersham's project of
placing them under a commission
should, be carried out. The Indus
trial corporations look very different
to Mr. Schurman from the railroads.
The latter, he says, enjoy the power
of eminent domain, for example,
which the industrial corporations do
not. But there is a more fundamental
objection in his mind to Government
regulation of the corporations through
a commission. Thl Is the fact that
executive regulation really looks to
ward ownership.
We have undertaken to control the
railroads through a commission, the
President of Cornell declares, with
the distinct understanding that we
may sometime have to take posses
sion of Uiom. Executive regulation of
the trusts would necessarily imply the
same consequence, and who wants the
Government to run our industrial con
cerns? That would be socialism, or
something else as bad. An Immediate
rejoinder to Mr. Schurman's conclu
sion -will arise instantly In every read
er's mind. Government regulation of
the railroads, he will say to himself,
was not undertaken with the expecta
tion that ownership would follow. Not
by any manner of means. It wa un
dertaken, on the contrary, expressly
to avoid ownership. Those -who did
not believe that Government owner
ship of the railroads was advisable
turned to strict executive regulation
as the only practical alternative.
Something had to be done to abate
the Injustice which was life In the
railway world. Under the practice of
rebate and favoritism of all sorts
groat monopolies had been built up
and private business on a mode fate
scale wa becoming Impossible. Evils
of this magnitude Imperatively de
manded a remedy. European Govern
ments In -similar circumstances had
tried the experiment of ownership.
Thl was not thought best here and
In place of ownership we decided to
try regulation by a commission. Thli
was not done as a preliminary to the
acquisition of the roads by the Nation
but to prevent It.
Thus it seems as if Mr. Schurman's
premises were a little unstable. The
ground on which he bases hi objec
tion to Mr. Wlckersham's plan
crumbles under his feet. If regula
tion of the corporation by a commis
sion really did lead to anything like
Government ownership, by necessary
sequence we cannot suppose that Mr.
Taft'a Attorney-General would favor
it, for there have been no indications
so far of any Inclination toward So
cialism In the Administration circles.
As a matter of fact while the late
Supreme Court decisions have laid
down the lines along which the great
combinations must be regulnted they
do not profess to carry out thl regu
lation In practice. How could they?
It I one thing to lay down the law.
It is a very different thing to enforce
the law. The one is a Judicial func
tion -which' the Supreme Court ha
ably and wisely performed. The other
Is an executive function which, no
doubt, the Supreme Court might per
form If it had the constitutional au
thority and the Inclination. Our beet
thinkers, however, do not believe that
the courts ought to assume executive
duties. They have enough to do, un
less appearance are deceitful, to ful
fill their proper Judicial functions.
So far as regulation fr the corpora
tions Is concerned we are brought
face to face with two alternatives. Un
less Mr. Wickeraham project of.
commission is adopted, or something
very similar, we must regulate them
by lawsuit. Each separate offence
must be treated by the method of ac
cusation, trial, taking testimony, argu
ment and appeals with all the cum
bersome machinery thereto appertain
ing and with the inevitable delays.
For each breach of the law there must
be a new lawsuit and if nobody is
sufficiently injured to take the matter
into court the offence will go unpun
ished. This seems to be the direct
road to anarchy. It is not arj invit
ing highway, though It may be bor
dered by a deceptive appearance of
flowers. It may indeed be a primrose
path, but we know what comes of
traveling roads of that nature.
Contrast with this cumbersome and
inefficient method the project which
Mr. Wlckercham puts forward of reg
ulating the corporations as wo do the
railroads by a competent and impar
tial commission. Mr. Schurman hlm
eolf can think of no objection to it
except the far-fetched one that it is
Socialistic. There must be some un
tried things which are not socialistic
and, moreover, they may be good and
practical. Perhaps when he thinks
the matter over he will find that this
Is one of them. At any rate the coun
try wants the big combinations regu
lated by some more effective method
than the tlresomely indecisive one of
everlasting lawsuits. Pretty nearly
every intelligent person agrees with
Mr. Schurman that the corporations,
even the biggest of them, have come
to stay and It Is commonly bellevefl
that they ought to be controlled by
an authority as prompt as their own
and more Imposing. This can only be
exercised by some such Federal com
mission as Mr. Wlckersham suggests.
This plan would be very far from lead
ing to Government ownership of the
industries. To many competent Judges
it appears to be the only way of es
cape from such ownership.
The prediction that the postal sav
ings banks would draw much money
out of hoarding has been fulfilled. At
Corinth, Miss, a large number of sil
ver dollars coined In 1889, coated with
green mould, which had either been
burled or kept in a moist place, were
deposited In the postal bank. The ab
solute safety offered by Uncle Sam
will dig up many a burled hoard and
empty many an old stocking ard the
banks, which were so afraid of Gov
ernment competition, will find these
old hoards ultimately swelling their
own deposits'.
It Is curious to read that the ' Col
orado farmers thought the end of the
world was coming when they saw.an
unusual appearance In the sky. The
Scriptures distinctly foretell the phe
nomena of the Day of Judgment. The
last trump will sound, the Lord will
appear In the East surrounded by
angels and the dead will rise from
their graves. The ball of fire which
the Colorado farmers saw did not re
semble these events at all. Their
causeless fright ought to teach them
to read their Bibles more diligently.
There is a close resemblance be
tween the procedure of the trusts and
the monarchs of the middle ages.
The monarchs met and signed treaties
parceling out territory among them
selves, the Inhabitants going with the
land as chattels. The trust sign
agreements parceling out among
themselves the trade of the country,
with which the consumers go as chat
tels. Yet the head of the steel trust
talks of running the trade according
to the golden rule.
There never was a legislative body
In the world which would not turn
Into a Bedlam under a little provoca
tion. The current disorders in the
British Parliament are no worse than
performances which have been seen
in Paris, Berlin, Vienna, every capi
tal. Our Congress Is, upon the whole,
the most sedate law-making machine
in the world. If it doe not accomp
lish much It usually preserves a pleas
ing decorum.
The Spokane street dances to cele
brate the decision in the' citya suit
before the Interstate Commerce Com
mission must have been an agreeable
spectacle. Dancing on the asphalt
nicely waxed strikes one as an Inno
cent and Inexpensive popular pastime
much preferable to tripping the fan
tastic toe In a hot room full of beer,
tobacco and vice. Our climate Is suit
able for a great deal more outdoor life
than we have enjoyed heretofore.
A peculiarity of an unusually hot
day la that It Is the "hottest ever."
This statement Is verified by the
memory of the "oldest pioneer," and
by the sweltering discomfort of any
and everyone whose opinion in tne
matter Is consulted. Hence, of course
It must be true.
Another wonder Is added to the
collection. In Western Washington
lives an editor of an agricultural pub
lication who is an actual farmer, and
with the aid of five sturdy sons cul
tivates one whole acre.
Young Mr. Rosewater, son of his
father, seem to have a strangle hold
for Taft on the Nebraska Republican
convention. . The lamented editor of
the Bee did not name his son Victor
for nothing.
With temperature near the 100
mark, meteors' shooting through the
sky and wind ripping things up at
Medford, the elements were surely on
the rampage.
. Next Winter, when the mercury is
dropptng, and wood is six or seven
dollars a- cord and no coal on hand,
the memory of this hot spell will have
faded and the grievance be greater.
The passengers of that passenger
less Italian steamer stayed where they
ought to be. The immigration of the
comma bacillus Is rorpiaaen.
The Lorlmer Democrats were so
anxious to sell that the Lorlmer men
had to frighten them out of selling to
Hopkins before buying them.
Castro is looking for a friendly
snot on which to iRnd and his op
ponents are seeking1 the same thing
to land on him.
The four comets romping near the
sun can ask each other the usual hot
weather question.
The Iceman who would get rich
quickly must hereafter carry scales.
Alfonso sailed for England yester
day tor a vt"It with his wife's folks.
Harmon people bearded Bryan in
JMs 4ea yesterday.
Gleanings of the Day
The women have taken up the cud-a-els
for "Pure Food" Wiley against
the poison-sellers, and President Taft
hnj htnin to hear from them, ine As
sociated Clubs of , Domestic Science of
America have sent .resolutions to the
President describing Wiley as "a really
sincere friend of the people" and say
ing that "the food adulterators have
openly threatened to cause the dis
missal of Dr. H. W. Wiley, and have
caused the Government' to take his
power from him by appointing the
referee board to Illegally usurp the
functions belonging to Dr. Wiley's of
fice, and by assigning the legal duties
of Dr. Wiley's office to Solicitor Mc
Cabe." They say that since Wiley "has
been shorn of his power the food adul
terators have flooded the country with
their vile products spreading disease
and death among us," but'he'has nev
ertheless continued to expose food pois
ons and to warn the public against
them." They therefore ask the Pres
ident "not to deprive us of a true
friend that we, the people, have in the
food law enforcement in Washington,
and to not harken to the cries of the
food adulterators who very naturally
hate Dr. Wiley because of his service
to the people." They also ask the Pres
ident to "look into the cause of the ap
pointment of the referee board and
other action that ha been taken, pre
sumably in the interest of the food
adulterators, to rob Dr. Wiley of the
power which rightfully belongs to hla
office." They ask, if the facts war
rant, that full authority be restored to
Wiley. The resolutions were ordered
sent to other women's clubs for adop
tion, so the President may expect to
hear from the women quite extensively.
The Playground and Recreation As
sociation of America has opened a
branch office at 1058 Phelan building,
San Francisco, which Is ready to fur
nish speakers to communities desiring
to conduct campaigns of education, or
first-hand practical advice regarding
playground organization, management
and equipment; furnish slides for ster
eopticon lectures or entertainments, il
lustrating playground activities, boy
scout activities and recreation center
work In public school buildings and In
municipal buildings; furnish literature
dealing with every phase of the play
ground and recreation movement; con
duct correspondence regarding the
playground and recreation movement;
hold practical playground institutes In
different parts of the Coast; secure
workers and speakers of National rep
utation to visit Institutes and leading
centers of work on the CoaBt; assist In
organizing Boy Scout work. Dr. J. R
Wetherbee, of Portland, Is one of the
vice-presidents.
An Idea of the extent to which the
good roads movement has taken hold
of every part of the United States may
be obtained from a chart Just prepared
by the Office of Public Roads, which
shows that nearly 15,000 miles of
transcontinental, interstate and trunk
line roads are contemplated In various
sections of the country. The Improved
roads, some merely planned, others ac
tually under construction, literally
snake a network covering the whole
country: and. If all the plans contem
plated are carried out by the men and
communities back of them, it will be
possible to drive automobiles and wag
ons from the Atlantic to the Pacific
Coast, from Vancouver. British Colum
bia, to Tia Juana. Mexico, and from
Montreal. Canada, to Miami, Florida.
The work of the loan sharks among
New York City employes has been been
under Inquiry and It would appear
that before they let a man have money
they require a mortgage on his life.
Raymond B. Fosdick, the commissioner
of accounts, says:
A city employ. In nogotiatlng a loan
with a loan agent, is genially called upon
to sign a number ot papers. These Include
undated note.. Indorked by other employes,
two or three blank aaslgnment Jf- ?
power of attorney to fill In the blank
spaces In the aaslgnmenta. A confewlon of
Judgment for the amount of the loan, and
iom.Ume. a general power of attorney to
Ian for and collect all wagea. In moet
ca.". that we have examined.
that the borrower do not appreciate the
nature of the paper, which it 1. necessary
for them to sign.
He says that, including fees for so
called legal services, the rate of In
terest ranged from B0 to 400 per cent,
but some loan agents refuse to accept
part payment, but Insist upon a re
newal of the loan each month, with the
usual charges for legal services, etc
In many such cases confessions of
Judgment are filed, according to Com
missioner Fosdick, against men who
have paid four-fifths of the original
loan in renewals. Thus the salary of
a fireman who had obtained 147.50, and
had returned $10 in renewals, was gar
nisheed for $77, which, with fees, in
terest, etc.. amounted to $96.49; o that
in the end he paid $136.49 for a loan of
$47.50.
"A $1200 clerk," continues Commis
sioner Fosdick," borrowed $30 three
years ago, incurring an obligation for
$38. He has since paid $96 in renewals,
and Is Informed by the loan agent that
his debt amounts to $51. Another clerk
borrowed $150 two years ago. At the
present time he has paid over $200 and
still owes $90."
Ultimatum to the Thermometer.
0 rouse me not from bed upon this
morn, '
'Til you have to the shutter glued an
eye
And doped It out if Sol or Jupiter
Is booked to be "at home" within the
sky;
1 am dead sore upon the weather hot.
So If the sun Is up then wake me not.
I am clean weary of the mercury
That spends Its time upon the hun
dredth floor.
Rather than face another yesterday.
Better In calm oblivion to snore;
Why should I wander where the hot
sun beats
And let my heels dent up the asphalt
streets?
Why should I rise and brave the busy
crowds.
Wasting my vocal strength in giving
gruff, V
Rude answers to the omnipresent mutts
Who pause to ask me If it's "hot
enough"? ,
Kay, I would rather slumber, out of
sight..
'Til Beals has set the temperature
right.
Peek through the shutters, scan the
sky and see
If cloud or sun Is, for the moment. It;
And if the sun, then bid all callers
thus:
"He sleeps all day, and ye can enter
nit."
Too long I'Ve squirmed upon the weath
er's rack.
So let me sleep until cool clouds come
bacK. Dean Collins.
July, .25.. J.S11..
TIME was when any criticism of
General George Washington would
have been considered akin to
what the Germans call lese majeste.
Now Comes General Francis Vinton
Greene, an American soldier of experi
ence and renown and a military critic
of high reputation, with his new book,
"The Revolutionary War and the Mili
tary Policy of the United States," in
which th statement is made that
Washington was "audacious, brilliant
ATid reckless."
The current habit 'of apologizing for
Washington's generalship, says Gen
eral Greene, Is due to the overshadow
ing importance of his political services,
and "if he had died before he .began
to render these, he would have taken
'unquestioned rank in history asone
of the great generals of all time." A
protest Is maae against that placid
benignity which Stuart placed In the
portraits he painted a few years be
fore Washington's death, and our
author Insists that the austere charac
ter which Sparks has embodied In his
dozen volumes, must not make us lor
get that during the Revolution, at the
age of 44 to 61, Washington had very
warm blood In his veins. Robert G.
Ingersoll once said that Washington
was simply "a steel engraving." and it
Is suspected that of the real Washing
ton whooved, suffered, sinned and re
pented, we know next to nothing.
Why? Because Washington hero wor
ship has been so Intense.
General Greene thinks that Wash
ington was only Fabian where even
Stonewall Jackson could not have been
anything else, and that his recklessness
and audacity, whenever he had a
chance to display them, were such as
Custer might' have shown. General
Greene compares Washington with
Napoleon, and enumerates the nine Im
portant events In Washington's mili
tary career: five were failures, and In
only one was the fault possibly Wash
ington's four were successes. "The
four defensive events were Napole
onic. Each of them was characterized
by an evtraordinary exhibition of dar
ing, celerity and skill, the three qual
ities to which both Caesar and Napo
leon owed their classic triumphs.
The point is made plain that the in
capacity of the British government and
the conflict of authority and slowness
of execution among the British gen
erals, "contributed powerfully to the
victories gained by Washington. It Is
shown that the capture of Cornwallls
was effected, to a degree, a race
against time which Washington won.
The French admiral, De Grasse, said
that the capture would have to be ef
fected In two months from the time
Washington left New York, as he, Lie
Grasse, would return to his real station,
the West Indies, October 15. Of
course, Washington succeeded, leaving
Heath with only ' 2500 men to watch
Clinton in New Yorl$.
Rev. Ford C. Ottman, author of "The
Unfolding of the Ages," Is one of the
speakers at the Stony Brook Confer
ence, to be held August 13 to 27.
Zane Grey, whose fllrst novel "The
Heritage of the Desert," published last
Autumn, was recently followed by his
baseball story, "The Young Pitcher," is
spending his Summer at Cottage Point.
Lackawaxen, Penn. Mr. Grey complains
that his somewhat unusual first name
is the cause of much misunderstanding,
as he receives numerous letters ad
dressed to "Miss" Zane Grey and re
quests for "her" photograph.
Henry Rand Hatfield, author of
"Modern Accounting," etc, Is teaching
at the Columbia Summer School.
A novel by Mrs. Frances Hodgson
Burnett, entitled "The Secret Garden,"
will be published August 26. It has
been running serially In a magazine.
In September the same publishers will
bring out a long novel by Robert
HIchens, called "The Fruitful Vine," a
story of modern Rome. There will
also be "Pandora's Box," a new novel
by John A. Mitchell, author of "Amos
Judd," etc.
Max Pemberton, author of "White
Motley," Just published, lives in quiet
Suffolk away from London's smoke and
stir, yet near enough that metropolis to
participate in its pleasures and to feel
the stimulus from the intellectual and
artistic center of the English-speaking
world. The old country house in which
he dwells Is rich In associations. There
Thackeray was wont to visit; a Words
worth wood Is near; and there hangs
an authentic portrait of Charles II, who
was once its royal guest.
Parvenu (formerly a butchers-All my
books are bound in calf.
Friend Really?
Parvenu Yes, and every calf killed by
my own hand. London Pall Mall.
Mls3 Slimdlet Here's 'in advertise
ment of a "literary man" who wants
board. Does he say he'B a literary man
to show he's a person of refinement and
culture?
Mrs. Slimdlet No: It's to show that he
can't pay much. Pathfinder.
A new edition of "The Life of Pas
teur," the celebrated French surgeon
who discovered and perfected the treat
ment for rabies that bears his name.
Is about to be Issued.
Joseph B. Gilder, after editing the
New York Times Review of Books for
the past year, has resigned his position
and will spend a holiday of several
months abroad. His successor on the
Times is George Fife, former literary
editor of the New York Evening Mail.
Ye Editor Franklin P. Adams, of the
Gotham Weekly Gazette (which, for the
uninitiated is one of the funny features
In the New York Evening Mail) is fum
ing these hot days about the publication
of his collection of verses In the Fall.
The title of the book Is to be "Tobog
ganing on Parnassus," which isn't so far
off because the Jinester at "our prom
inent citizens" is an enthusiastic bi
cyclist. Adams collaborated with O.
Henry In writing a musical comedy
once, making the only time the latter
ever wrote anything In conjunction
with another. The piece was to have
been called "Lo." O. Henry was asked
why such a short and apparently mean
ingless titles had been chosen. "Well,"
said O. Henry, "You see electric signs
In front of theaters are so awfully ex
pensive." ...
Two volumes which New York pub
lishers announce present a translation
of the new and enlarged edition of
Fournler's "Napoleon I." published at
Vienna, in three volumes, in 1605, 190
and 1907. On its original appearance in
lSSfi 18S7 and l&SS, Fournier's book took
its 'place at once in the front rank of
Napoleon studies, and It is still widely
regarded on the Continent as the best of
the shorter lives of Napoleon. It has
now been greatly enlarged, and contains
a Beries of hitherto unpublished letter's
of Napoleon from the Vienna archives.
Emerson er AotT
PORTLAND, July 25. (To the Edi
tor ) On a downtown sign there Is em
blazoned the following quotation:
"If a man can write a better book,
oreach a better sermon or make a better
mousetrap than his neighbor, though
he builds his house in the woods, the
world will make a beaten path to his
door. Emerson."
Where In all Emerson does this state
ment occur? I await light.
JOHN' F. LOGAN'.
Advertising Talks
By William C Freemaa.
The President of the United States
has made It known, in language that
cannot be misunderstood, that he is in
favor of the printed word that records
facts. In other words, he indorses hon
est advertising.
While his recent utterances were di
rected mainly toward labels that come
under the pure food and drugs act,
nevertheless President Taft privately
and publicly wants to be understood
as a man who will fight for truth and
decency in advertising.
President Taft holds, as does every
honest man, that a food product labeled
pure must be pure that a label defin
ing the qualities of a medicine must be
accurate. If not, punish the manufac
turer by fine or imprisonment or both
"both" being the preferable way of
handling the man who seeks money
through selling an unreliable or an in
jurious article.
The sentiment of the "square deal,"
not alone In advertising but In every
thing else, is In the air and the manu
facturers . and merchants who still
think that "white lies" in advertising
will be accepted by the public had bet
ter wake up and change their policy
or their business will suffer.
It takes a long time for some peo
ple to see or to heed the handwriting
on the wall, but they are wise who
have determined to heed the call of the
times In spite of custom that has pre
vailed for so many years a custom
that has permitted exaggeration and
misrepresentation on the theory that
the people look upon it as "Oh, that's
only advertising."
It will not pay to continue in the old
way the new way, which is the right
way, must be adopted. If success Is to
follow.
What 13 the use of butting one's
head against a stone wall?
The people want accuracy In the
printed word and they propose to have
it; they want merchandise that gives
them a fair re torn for their money and
they will not buy any other kind.
(To be continued.)
Half a Century Ago
From The Oregonlan, July 26, 1861.
The mails in a few days will come in
daily from the East. We are told that
the stations of the Overland Company
are only 15 and 20 miles apart. It is
the expectation that the "Texas
Troops" will be sent to protect the
route from injury by Indians.
Mr. Hugh Gordon better known in
our city as "Hughle, the Gunner," who
was wont to officiate as a gunner when
a salute was to be fired died yester
day morning at the "Franklin House"
from the effects of an overdose of
laudanum, which was taken the night
previous. He was a native of Eng
land London and about 60 years of
age.
The first overland mall from the
States reached here last evening. It
was 17 days and 4 hours coming from
St. Joseph to Sacramento. The stage
was received with great rejoicings at
settled .points on the route. The route
and stopping places were not In perfect
order, but would be In another fort
night, so as to furnish all the neces
sary comforts and convenience for
travelers. May this enterprise be suc
ceeded by a railroad; but this of Itself
is a great achievement. Mr. J. Miller,
of Oregon was the only through pas
senger. We understand that Captain Staples
has made Inquiry as to the probability
of procuring a couple of fire engines of
this city to aid In freeing the Pacific
of water. Many firemen express a
willingness to assist.
Congress House, July 4. Mr. Mc
Clernant objected to Mr. Thayer being
sworn in as a member from Oregon, as
Mr. Shlel was elected, and offered a
resolution to that effect Tabled. Mr.
Thayer was then sworn In.
Country Town Sayings by Ed Howe
(Copyright, 1911. by George Matthew Adams)
You have all remarked the difference
between the' circus bill and the perfor
mance. Possibly you have abused the
circus man for exaggeration, but the
circus men are not muqh worse than
other men in making their bills greater
than their performance.
I never knew but one girl who wa
not good-looking at 17.
Some women Just naturally know
how to use dry goods, and I imagine
they do not work any harder than those
who think and think, and try on, and
then don'tjlook very well.
When I become one of the Fats, I do
not intend to amuse the loafers by en
gaging in a ball game with the Leans.
Advise a man to-submit to a dan
gerous and unnecessary surgical opera
tion, and he will probably do it. But
advise him to exercise in the open air
and look to his diet, and he won't do it.
Will a lodge man really do more for
his members than for other people?
About the ugliest creature in the
world Is a tall, elim boy wearing spec
tacles. How often the people applaud when
you do not approve!
A mortgage will do more to induce
a man to pay a debt promptly than
friendship, or honor.
Brad's Bit o' Verse
(Copyrisht. 1911, by W. T. Meng.)
My neighbor has that wild desire to
make his pile and then retire; he works
like "Heck" both day and night, he
squeezes every, dollar tight, he madly
ioils with rant and push to lay aside
the sordid cush; and when he's ruined
life and health no doubt he'll have
a wad of wealth. But I would rather
plug along and do my work and sing
my song; I'd rather have more time to
play as I go toiling on my way. I
can't agree with my fat friend; I think
that work and rest should blend. When
e'er my neighbor quits the Job he'll be
a most unhappy slob; he'll tinker round
a little while and greet his friends with
sickly smile; he'll hang up at the cor
ner store till he becomes the village
bore; his nights will pass in sleepless
woe; his days will seem like Indigo.
The man who tries to quit the race is
very sadly off his base; he get's a
grouch that swells his head and fills
the family with dread; he sloshes
round like one forlorn and wishes he
had ne'er been born; he gets high no
tions in his mind that keep divorce
mills on the grind. Old Satan grins
with fiendish bliss he's looking for
such chapis as this. I want to do some
honest work; to live my life and never
shirk; I do not want to quit the game,
though I get old and blind and lame.
Retirement has no charms for me; for
loafing' not man's destiny.