Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Morning Oregonian. (Portland, Or.) 1861-1937 | View Entire Issue (Dec. 22, 1914)
8 TIIE MORNING- OREGONIAN, TUESDAY, "DECEMBER 22, 1914. (Bwgcmmx rOBTLAXO, OREGON. Entered at Portland. Oregon, Postofflcs aa second-class matter. Subscription Rates Invariably In Advance: (Br UalL) Dally, Sunday Included, one year ....... 8-00 Lally, Sunday Included, six months ..... IJaily, Sunc&y Included, three months ... 2.5 Ially, Sunday included, one month . Jjally, without Sunday, ona year ........ 6.00 liaiiy, without Sunday, six months ...... 8.o XJally, without Sunday, three months iJaily. without Sunday, one month ...... eo Weekly, one year J-gU fiunday. one vur -50 fcunday and Weekly, one year -...-.. -ou (By Carrier.) Tellv. Snnflav Inrliidfld. one vear ...... .$9.0U Dally. Sunday Included, one month ...... ?& How to Kamit Send Postoitlce money or. der, express order or personal check on your local bank, mamps. coin or currency sender's risk. Give postofflce address in lull. Including county and state. Post cite Katea 12 to 16 pages. 1 cent; 18 to pages, 2 cents; a to 43 pages, a ccuib. to to ttu pages, 4 cents; 02 to 76 pages, o cents; Ts to li'Z pages, 6 cents. Foreign post age, double rate KaHtern Business Office Verree Sc. Lonlt Un, .New York, Brunswick building; Chi cago, Stenger building. San Francisco Office R. J. Bidwell Com pany, 74:1 Market street. PORTLAND, TUESDAY. DEC. 2, 1914. WILSON'S POWER FJUUXG. President "Wilson is no longer om nipotent In his party. His influence no longer preserves unity in hia Cabi net, no longer insures party unanim ity in CongTess on measures which figure in his programme, no longer procures confirmation of his appoint ments without protest. The recent Congressional election has shown that his talisman has lost power. The rumblings of discontent at prolonged business depression show that the foundations of his popularity have been sapped. The people, hungry or eating up their savings while doing a diminished business at a loss, revolt against his diet of mellifluous phrases. The Senate has been the first to revolt openly against Presidential domination. Always more independ ent than the House, it materially changed the currency bill, and added a clause to the Canal tolls bill reserv ing the rights of the United States, which was much to Mr. Wilson's dis taste. There was a decided break in the party ranks in the Senate on the latter bill, the most determined op ponent of which was Senator O'Gor man, a Democrat. The severest critic of the anti-trust bills was Senator Reed, also a Democrat. On the Canal tolls his party split in the House also and his former rival, Speaker Clark, delivered a speech which spared him not. So long as the legend of the Presi dent's invincibility and popularity survived, the breach within the ranks was not serious enough to impair his dominance over Congress. He was able to keep that body in practically continuous session for eighteen months and to procure the passage of laws which he selected. But the reduction of the Democratic majority in Congress to dimensions which re quire strict discipline, regular attend ance and complete harmony in order to retain control of legislation dis pelled the illusion. Congress saw no reward for its blind following of him or for its' unwontedly arduous labor. It found that he was not such a win ner after all. The revolt is now open and undis guised Not realizing how greatly his influence was weakened, the Presi dent sent to the Senate the nomina tion of John D. Lynn, of Rochester, for United States attorney for the western district of New York, on recommendation of Secretary of the Treasury McAdoo and Assistant Secretary Franklin D. Roosevelt, of the Navy, disregarding Senator O'Gor man's recommendation of Thomas B. Boyd, of Buffalo, which is backed by Representatives Smith and Driscoll. Mr. O'Gorman induced the Judiciary committee to report adversely on the nomination without a dissenting voice, and the same day the Senate refused unanimously to confirm it. Senator Martine is opposing the nomination of an internal revenue collector in New Jersey, and Senator Reed opposes that of a marshal in Missouri; with good prospects of like results. Sena torial prerogative is at stake and in such a case party is forgotten. The revolt also extends to legisla tion which is on the President's pro gramme. The safety at sea conven tion was not ratified until it had been amended in such a manner as to ren der it nugatory, in the opinion of State Department officials. There is open opposition among Democrats in both Senate and House to the Gov ernment ship-purchase bill, which holds first place on the President's programme, and Representative Goeke promises to offer a subsidy bill. Rep resentative Bulkley threatens to tell tfome plain truths about the influences which are trying to kill the rural credit bill. Both these Democrats fell outside the breastworks last Novem ber and have nothing to lose by break ing with their party leader. They have many sorrowful companions. The rift in the party extends into the Cabinet. The President's friends, recognizing that, his popularity was waning, have sought the cause. Many of them have found It in Secretary of State Bryan, who cheapened his office by his Chautauqua exploits, who has shamed the country by the fatuous Mexican policy, the humiliating Co lombian treaty, the ineffective peace treaties and the Santo Domingo scandal. Mr. Bryan's hold on the party has perceptibly weakened, not only in the East, but in the West, where he was formerly strongest. He and his faithful admirer, Secretary Daniels, are held to be the twin mill stones tied around the President's neck. Secretary Garrison has such sanely practical ideas on peace and National defense that rumors are spreading of clashes between him and the two angels of peace, whose cause is taken up by the President. Mr. Garrison's return to private life would be no surprise, though Mr. Wilson has 'been given many hints that he would better throw Mr. Bryan and Mr. Dan iels overboard. The President's control over the shaping of lelgslation is declared by close observers to have been more apparent than real.. He simply insist ed that there must be legislation on a certain subject in a certain general direction, but the bill was given shape by the forces contending around him as a figurehead. When these bills failed to produce the expected effects, the President was the most surprised of men. Many 'things which are being said and done tend to the conclusion that belief in Mr. Wilson's infallibility has given place to a sceptical, critical at titude. He has ceased r to be his party's idol and begins to be used as its goat. The second half of his term bids fair to be as full of discord as was the second half of Cleveland's second term and of Taft's term. If at the end of that time he should b renominated, the reason may be that no other man considers the nomina tion worth having. HIT II A MtKDEKEB'B MONEY. Through the liberal use of money corruptly applied, Harry Thaw, the insane murderer, escaped from the Matteawan asylum, on August 17. 1913. By the aid of swift automobiles he contrived to cross the international boundary into Canada. There he was caught and detained by the authori ties, and was later ordered deported to the United States on the ground hat he was a criminal and a fugitive from Justice. He was landed on the American side, and after another sen' sational effort at escape, he was ar rested and placed in a New Hamp shire jail. Then followed a determined effort by the New York authorities to re claim Thaw. The cheeky and false contention was made that he was not a fugitive from justice and that he had a right to .leave the custody of the asylum authorities, if he could get away. Strange to say, this sur prising pretense of Thaw's well-paid attorneys was sustained by the Fed eral Court of New Hampshire. Now the Supreme Court of the United States reverses the New Hamp shire Judge, and remands Thaw to the New York officials. Thaw is held to be a fugitive, and the organized plan to open outward the Matteawan doors for him is said to be an unlaw ful conspiracy. Harry Thaw murdered Stanford White in 1906 and the effort to defeat justice for the slayer did not end with his consignment to an asylum for the criminal insane, but has been an un ending scandal, involving courts, law yers, detectives and a multitude of seedy parasites eager for the Thaw money. The struggle of Thaw for un deserved freedom is based on money. If he shall ultimately be released he will have proved that any murderer may triumph in the end over Justice, if he is rich enough, and if he is meanwhile not hanged. NOT AN AMERICAN TARIFF. The tariff should be neither a local issue, nor a political issue; but in practice it is both. A Democrat who presided over the meeting of the State Dairymen's Association at Chehall3 the other day vigorously arraigned the Underwood tariff for its disastrous effects upon the dairy industry in the Pacific Northwest. It has all but im poverished the producer, and it has given no commensurate benefit to the consumer. The convention took the unusual course of adopting a resolu tion denouncing the tariff. It was supported by practically the entire body of dairymen, Democrats as well as Republicans. During the late campaign the Dem ocratic press chose to regard the agi tation over the importation of Chinese eggs as a joke, and the complaints of the dairymen that the low tariff on butter was ruinous to them as un worthy of attention. But empty pockets are not a proper subject of humor, nor demoralized markets, nor unemployed labor, nor Idle mills, nor abandoned logging camps. A tariff which discriminates against the agriculturist everywhere, and against all the products of the West besides, is a tremendous reality. The tariff which produces so little revenue that a. deficiency tax falsely called a war tax must be levied is no tariff for any American. HOW WE "AVOIDED" WAR. The Oregonian accuses President Wilson of "instituting a ruinous policy of interna tional meddling by setting out to eliminate Huerta." What, may we ask, did President Wilson do- other than refuse to recognize Uuerta as president? Salem Capital Journal. The Oregonian doubts If the ques tion is asked in good faith. It has no Idea that any clear and Impartial review of the facts about Mexico will affect the indurated partisanship of this petty-minded Salem paper. But it will recall a fact or two that will show that the mere act of refusing to recognize Huerta is not the only definite diplomatic blunder of the President. President Wilson sent John LInd to Mexico as a special envoy to displace Ambassador Henry Lane Wilson. Through John Lind the President made the definite demand that Huerta should not be a candidate for President at the approaching Mex ican elections.---through William Bay ard Hale the President entered into negotiations with the rebels Carranza and Villa. The exportation of arms from the United States to Huerta was sought to be prevented, but ' to the rebels was permitted. - A definite squeezing-out programme against Huerta was inaugurated. Various demands upon him were made. A programme of support for his enemies was formulated and carried out. Fi nally, the Administration went to war with Huerta not with Mexico but with Huerta. It was stopped by the ABC intervention. But Huerta finally fled, a year or more after the first unloaded "ultimatum" from the United States. We have "avoided" war, of course. "Avoided" Is the right word. Any coward may avoid a fight, if he can run. READY TO SIDESTEP. Today the proposed prohibition amendment to the Federal Constitu tion will be taken up for consideration in the House, and it is expected that the resolution will have been either defeated or adopted before adjourn ment for Christmas day. Immediately after the disposition of the prohibition issue the woman suffrage amendment will be considered. Predictions are not favorable to the adoption of either resolution. Secre tary of State Bryan has put a soft pedal on the resolutions that may help some of the wavering to favor prohibition and woman suffrage os tensibly without aiding in the enact ment of either. But Chairman Henry of the judiciary committee has erect ed the cover behind which it is prob able many Democratic members will hover. Mr. Bryan assures us that If a mem ber of the House he would vote for the resolution,- bWing a believer In both prohibition and woman suffrage. But he believes, presentation of both resolutions is now inopportune. A two-thirds vote of the two houses is required for submission of the amend ments and they must thereafter be ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths of the states. Mr. Bryan sees no hope for state ratification and fears that "a National contest for either amendment would simply di vert attention from other Issues upon which the people are ready to act, without advancing the cause of wom an's suffrage or the prohibition move ment." Thus is offered a plausible excuse to vote against the amend ments to those who are uneasy about the desires of their constituents and yet are not so obedient to the dictates of conscience as is Mr. Bryan. Chairman Henry, being a Texas Democrat, discovers the more impos ing obstacle at least more imposing to Democrats of the state rights doctrine. "If there are any two ques tions," says Mr. Henry, "belonging exclusively to the jurisdiction of the states, they pertain to liquor and suffrage." It is not to be doubted that in the eight-hour debate on the prohibition amendment and in the six-hour de bate on woman's suffrage the harp strings of sympathy will be struck for the twelve states which might have unwelcome policies cruelly forced upon them by the other thirty-six states. And trudy indignant protests would be heard from certain states that failed to ratify the proposed amendments if they were overruled. Yet in practically every state that adopts prohibition on Its own initia tive some locality voices a like pro test. Just now Western Washington is angered by the dry vote of Eastern Washington, which has put the liquor traffic out of business in Western Washington, where the liquor traffic was wanted by the majority. There is no difference in principle between the two cases. Talk of inva sion of state sovereignty is a conven ient excuse. We should like to see the members vote their convictions on pro hibition and woman suffrage. " , JOSEPH SMITH. Joseph Smith the second,, who died the other day, was the commonplace son of a remarkable father. The first Joseph Smith founded the Mormon Church, asserting that he had re ceived a revelation from on high. Whether he wrote the. famous Book of Mormon or not and how he came by it if he did not write it himself are questions involved in mystery. But the possession of this obscure and mystical work gave him great power over certain persons and enabled him to establish a new religion in the world. Driven from pillar to post, the Mor mons finally settled at Nauvoo, 111., where they were no more welcome to the old , inhabitants than they had been elsewhere. In some of the en suing troubles Smith was arrested and a number of zealous opponents dem onstrated the excellence of their Chris tianity by shooting him in jail. When the younger Joseph's mother hea,rd of the affair she dedicated her son to the work from which his father had been cut off. But the young man's star was not in the ascendant. The great genius of the Mormon Church at that time was Brigham Young, a man whose consummate executive and eco nomic ability has not been adequately recognized by historians.. Smith differed with Brigham Young on some points of doctrine connected with polygamy and the new church consequently suffered a schism. Those who agreed with Young followed him on his marvelous migration to Utah. Joseph Smith and his much smaller flock took up their abode in Missouri, at Independence, where they . have prospered moderately. ' They number some 50,000 members today, while the Brigham Young branch has Increased to perhaps 400,000 and is growing vig orously even where it is bitterly op posed by other denominations. The great strength of the Mormon church lies in its economic practices It has adopted thoroughgolngly the principle of central aid to the indi vidual and full co-operation. The community stands by its members in their business operations and expects unstinted support from . them in re turn. The suspicion of polygamous practices has prevented the Mormon economic theories from developing their full power to solve social prob lems, but, handicapped as they have been, they have done wonders. E. M. STANTON. Edwin M. "Stanton's centenary should not be allowed to pass without- some honorable mention of that able and upright man. He was born at oieuDenvuie, u.. uecemDer i, lsn.l and educated at Kenyon College, onef of the oldest institutions in the state. His National career began when Bu chanan appointed him Attorney-General of the United States. The two men formally agreed In politics, both being Democrats, at least in name, but there could have been little similarity between their sentiments on public affairs. The weak and amiable Bu chanan sought to end our civil dissen sions by concession and inaction. As Lincoln's Secretary of War, Stan ton was one of the most vigorously active men of his time and few have ever shown more decision of charac ter in emergencies. Buchanan slipped into that condition of paralysis which is so enchanting to men of his tem perament by resolutely clinging to an absurd theory of secession. On the one hand, he claimed, the Southern states had no right under the Constl- tion to secede. On the. other hand. the Federal Government had no au thority to prevent them. Nothing could have been more satisfactory to the seceding oligarchs. Buchanan watched them depart with much se renity of soul, since he had proved that nothing could be done by the loveliest kind of a syllogism. When Lincoln and Stanton took hold of affairs there was less formal logic and more energy in the conduct of the Government. Stanton as Secretary of War gave the President Invaluable support. Johnson retained him in office after Lincoln was assassinated, but it would have been better for both men if Stanton had retired, though perhaps worse for the country. They differed flatly on the great question of reconstruction, Johnson wishing to turn everything over to the old oli garchy, Stanton standing for more prudent methods. Johnson's effort to oust his Secretary of War brought him into conflict with Congress and led to his Impeachment. Grant ap pointed Stanton to a seat on the Su preme bench In 1869, but he died be fore entering upon his duties. TYRANT FATHERS. M. Brleux, the dramatist, who has been visiting the United States this Fall, makes no secret of his rebellion against paternal authority. "Fathers," he says in a sort of farewell address to America, "are the worst of despots. They may think of themselves as honest men, but they are sadly de luded. In reality they are criminals for abusing their power over their unfortunate offspring. They demon strate their tyranny most often by forcing their daughters to marry un suitable husbands and their sons to follow hateful professions. Every father wants to see an image of him self in his son. ' Hence he compels the miserable urchin to study law or the ology when nature meant him to be a blacksmith. Thus the world is kept perpetually awry and human happi ness is blighted." i We have not given Brleux exact words here, but our paraphrase is faithful to his spirit. Bernard Shaw delivers himself to the same purport In the introduction to "Misalliance," one of his late plays. He declares the usual father to be a detestable tyrant and the ordinary home little better than a moral sty as well as a hopeloss dungeon for the wretched children. M. Brieux must have been thinking of French homes when he uttered his protest against despotism. There is no doubt plenty of tyranny at our American firesides, but it Is not the father who exercises it. With us he is an unresisting victim over whom the children, In an unholy alliance with mother, ride rough-shod. The fath er's function is to keep the exchequer replenished. As long as he does thai: he is tolerated at the fireside and the dinner table, but it is distinctly under stood that he has nothing to say about the marriages of his daughters or the careers of his sons. We do not see how- emancipation could' go a great deal farther than it has In the American family. If an archy in that sacred domain is a sign of advanced evolution we must be at the head of the world. The Corvallls students have issued a decorated holiday number of their "Barometer." It contains, among other good matter, an account of the college's extension work, which now reaches 300,000 people in Oregon. At the various institutes and so forth 140,54 3 persons have been present this year. . The notorious Thaw completes the cycle of his circumgyrations by falling into the hands of New York -again. This murderer's evasions of justice are a scandal to the country. If he had been a penniless miscreant he would have suffered the law's extreme pen alty long ago. It was not Jupiter but Orion whose occultatlon inspired Longfellow's muse, but the principle is the same. This is as good a time as any to re new acquaintance with a pretty poem and learn the whys of a beautiful ce lestial phenomenon. The Argentine national university at Buenos Aires has 5000 Students. In ternational law Is the foremost study at this great institution. - Some of its graduates, like Dr. Luis M. Drago, have a world-wide renown as inter national lawyers. It is not enough that you should drop a coin "absent-mindedly into the coffers of charity. Rather you should take a personal and active in terest in making the world a little brighter for someone who is in dis tress. According to a British official, the recent raid on the English coast shows that German hatred has passed the bounds of reason. Not to mention that German daring has passed bounds of British safety. Returns from Oregon apples shipped to South America are encouraging. The prices were higher than any other market has yet yielded and fresh or ders have come in for 5000 more boxes. It is ascertained that the British finished breakfast under fire before sinking the German squadron. The Anglo-Saxon is a deliberate animal. After reading that the British sea fighters finished a good warm break fast before taking up the battle, we are not surprised that they won. Italy has made a demand on Tur key for certain explanations. And it is reasonable to believe that Turkey will not treat Italy as" she did us. But if General Scott fails to talk the factions out of their differences it is a safe bet that drastic action will not follow. The Kaiser has again gone to the front. Frontwards would probably describe his position more accurately. Hitchcock threatens to put a crimp in Bryan if he interferes in Nebraska appointments and he is able to do it. Now, Mr. Beals, be kind. Give us enough snow to make good sledding, for vacation begins very soon. This is not the shortest day, how ever, to the person who is just start ing his. Christmas shopping. A Russian General says the situa tion is entirely satisfactory. To the Germans, he must mean. Some of the old Sour Doughs who have spent a Winter above 40 think this is balmy weather. Back in Colorado, where the sun shines 365 days in the year. It is only 14 below. This being the shortest day of the year, start your shopping at an early hour. We have it. Jupiter and the moon are concentrating for defensive action. Do not overlook the shiny silver and crisp, new bills for Christmas giving. The Kaiser has gone to the front with hi3 kttbag full of iron crosses. Three days to Christmas, and if the money is not gone, shop early. If there is any good in you this is the week it should come out If you cannot do better, give your photograph with apology. Pity the milkman and the postman, but never the iceman. Let the Christmas feast be of goods made In Oregon. Go home for Christmas and delight the old folk. Winter is with us today. Note the difference? This latest decision makes Thaw crazy. Will Walter Johnson be- interned ? These are bad days for Turkey. Something doing at Sochaczew. Twenty-Five Years Ago . From The Oregonian, December 29. 1889. San Francisco. James J. Corbett, the boxer, is not yet a professional. His contract for his appearance in Portland calls only for a "contest," and Corbett announces it will not be a fight to a finish. Seattle. Senator Henry Landes. of Port Townsend. and Miss Christina Story, of Victoria, were married Wednesday, December 18, at the Rain ier Hotel. Judge John P. Hoyt. of the Supreme Bench, officiated, in the pres ence of distinguished guests, who in cluded Governor Ferry, Lieutenant Governor Laughton and members of both houses of the Washington Legis lature. Bismarck, N. D. An iron-clad prohi bition amendment passed both houses of the North Dakota Legislature De cember IS. George B. Tracy has been appointed postmaster at Baker City, Or. Bids for a story-and-a-half dwelling to be built on the east side of Ella street, near B street, for Mrs. Meda Matz were opened yesterday at the of fice of Otto Kleemann. Frank V. Drake has removed his law office to the 'new "Washington block" at Washington and Fourth streets. The King- of Slam has Just married 20 new wives. Captain John O'Brien presided at the assembly of the Federated Trades Tues day night. C. Bomberger presided as secretary. The enforcement of the eight-hour law was taken up. The Oregon delegation, in its recom mendations to the President, have sug gested Louis T. Barin. of Oregon City, as United States Marshal in Oregon; R. P. Earhart, of Portland, aa Collector of Customs; Milton Weidler, of Port land, as Collector of Internal Revenue; W. H. Byars, of Salem, for Surveyor General; Franklin Pierce Mays, of The Dalles, for District Attorney; George Steel for postmaster of Portland; A. M. Crawford, of Marshfield, for Receiver of the Land Office at Roseburg. The delegation has made numerous other recommendations for the "plums" in Oregon. C. H. Freeman, formerly a resident of Portland, but now living at London, is in the city at the Gllman. ABUSES IN PARCEL POST SYSTEM Similar Relations With Railroads by Individuals Criminal, Says Writer. PORTLAND, Dec. 21. (To the Edi tor.) In The Oregonian December 15. under heading "Post Is Cheaper Than Freight," Mr. George Summers, of Prinoville. presented a very Interesting comparison of freight and parcel post rates between Prineville and Fort Klamath. i The airline distance between the two points is approximately 126 miles and it is upon this distance that the parcel post rate of $1.0S per hundred pounds is based. The shortest distance by es tablished mail routes is via Lakeview and is 378 ft miles. The established parcel post rate for a straight-away distance of 300 to 600 miles is $4.15 per hundred pounds. The freight charge of about $1.65 per hundred is, in this case, for a haul by rail of 769 miles. The parcel post rate for a straight away shipment for a distance of be tween 600 and 1000 miles is $6.10 per hundred. If the Postal Department has con tracts with the maiicarriers based on weight handled, it is highly probable that the sum of the rates payable to the several carriers between Prineville and Fort Klamath would reach much more than the parcel post rate of $1.08, so that by handling overland, the de partment would be in the position of paying out more than it gets; in other words, doing the business at a loss. Even if the distance were only 180 miles, as stated by Mr. Summers, the return would scarcely pay wages for man and team certainly not at this time of the year, so that the mailcar rier, also, would lose on such a move ment. Undoubtedly, from the Postal De partment standpoint the most feasible method of handling -the shipments in this case was to have them hauled the "longest way round." Why? Because the Postal Department told the rail roads a few years ago that for a period of four years their pay for handling the mails would be a certain lump sum based on the weight of mail handled during a certain month at that time. Sending this particular shipment by rail won't cost the Postal Department anything. In other words, the railroads interested will handle the shipment for nothing; or, stated otherwise, the rail roads are forced to favor this shipper over every shipper located at points between Redmond and Chiloquin, but outside the $1.08 rate zone. Mr. Summers asks "Who makes the profits, the Postal Department or the railroads?" The expense to the depart ment hauling the shipment to and from the railroad at Redmond and Chiloquin will probably wipe out most of the profit to the department. There cer tainly will be no profit to the railroads. But the shipper can figure that "a dol lar saved is a dollar made," and com pliment himself accordingly. But this shipper is hardly in the same class with- the contractor mentioned in one of the leading mazagines recently. This contractor has the mail star route between Holbrook and Snowf lake, Ariz. Recently this representative of the Government bought 10,000 pounds of barley at Mesa. Ariz., a point 340 miles distant by rail from Holbrook, and shipped it by parcel post via Holbrook to Snowflake. The barley cost him 95 cents per hundred at Mesa. The post age from Mesa to Snowflake was $1.08 per hundred, bringing the total cost laid down at Snowflake to $2.03 per hundred pounds. For transporting the barley from Holbrook the contractor received from Uncle Sam $2.25 per hun dred pounds, or 22 cents per hundred pounds more than the cost of the bar ley, plus the postage on it to Snow flake. In effect, the Postal Department made this enterprising contractor a present of the barley, of the transpor tation and of $22 for the privilege. Such abuses of the parcel post are not new and are not local. They are glaring examples of inefficient and un scientific bureaucratic methods and are further evidence of the biased manner In which the Postal Department handles matters in connection with railroad transportation of mails. The in stances cited may be legal, but if sim ilar relations existed, between the rail road and any shipper other than the Government the railroads would be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. E.E.C. Hott About Auditorium t PORTLAND, Dec. 21. (To the Edi tor.) What has become of Portland's Auditorium? Now that bonds are bringing a fair premium would this not be an opportune time to get down to business and get a court decision and market the bonds? A fair -premium will partially offset some of the ex penditure up to date for which the people have not received very much. H. nie Output of Coal. . Pittsburg Gazette. The coal produced by Pennsylvania last year exceeded by more than 20 per cent the entire output of the United States 15 years before, and was nearly one-fifth of the world's production. NEWSPAPERS DON HOLIDAY DRESS Christmas Numbers Arriving Show Season Is Duly Recogralsed. Sutherlln is not a very large Ore gon city and the annual number of the Sun 14 pages, in n illuminated cover is all the more creditable to the publisher. A noticeable feature is the large amount of advertising by men who do not appear in the regular issue. The Salem Journal Saturday stepped outside of its path of moribund pes simism long enough to get out an issue showing enterprise on the part of Its owners and appreciation by advertisers. The Christmas number of the Gresham Outlook is up to the standard established last year by Editor St. Clair. The Christmas edition of the Rain ier Review is devoted to showing the wonderful resources and opportunities of the section of Columbia County in which it receives its support. There is a saying down the river that "Char ley Nutt gets out a great paper," and it Is true. Men seeking location for investment need a copy of the current Issue. The "Special Christmas Edition" of the Silverton Appeal exploits that sec tion of Marion County in a convincing way. There are 16 pages inside heavy cover and the mechanical work is artistic The literary features are perfect. People of Hoppner certainly have reason to feel proud of the Harlans and their Herald, and in the "Annual Morrow County Edition." issued De cember 15. the cause for pride is in creased. The paper plays up well the advantages for business investment and home-making. Editorially and typo graphically it is perfect. Considering office resources and pos slblllties, the current number of the Aurora Observer ranks well in the lead of holiday issues. The old town has awakened into new life and Editor Wescott is its prophet. The Kewberg Graphic observes the season by a blaze of color. The Aberdeen (Wash.) Dally World of December 17 uses the color of its native fir to call attention to its holi day endeavor. There, are 48 pases in the Christmas edition of the walla walla Evening Bulletin and if there Is anything in ot about the Inland Empire that is not exploited Its absence is not noticeable. The "Christmas Edition" of the Gold endale (Wash.) Sentinel shows profit able co-operation of business men and newspaper men. The holiday number of the South Bend (Wash.) Journal is like its pre decessors and perhaps a little better. Anybody interested in Livingston, Mont., needs a copy of the Enterprise of December 18, -which has exhaustive review of the possibilities and oppor tunlties of that section of the great state of a thousand resources. TIIE SORROWFUL CHRISTMAS. Ben H. Lampman in Gold Hill News. Nicholas, saint of the children, drum med on the frosted pane; he heard the play of the snow EDrites over the Northern plain, he heard the hoofs of hi3 reindeer crunch on the crusted snow and he answered Mistress Nich olas, "Yea, it is time to go.'" Wild as a drove stampeded the Artie wind rushed by, the lonely wolf of the bar rens lifted a lonely cry. "Wife, will you see to my mittens, and darn me well the thumb? I dread me this one Christmas more than all that shall come. Yea, but I dread this Christ mas: I'll go with my old heart sad, for I carry the strangest playthings that ever a youngster had. The coat that the good bear gave me, brush it and trim it new I must ride with Christinas as ever I used to do." The swirl of the sifted snow sand slashed at the frosted pane, and the saint of little children turned to his toys again. Nicholas, patron of Christmas, has laden his pack with gifts; he hears the play of the enow sprites piling the Northern drifts, he hears the clink of harness where his reindeer paw the snow and he answers Mistress Nich olas, "Yea, it is time to go." Keen as a slashing saber the Arctic wind makes strife; he girds the belt of wal rus lnd bids farewell to his wife. "Bind me this scarf the tighter loosen the hood a mite I ride to the south with Christmas, and I travel overlight. Yea, overlight with trinkets, and dolls and pretty toys, but I carry the broken sword blade that is the Bel gian boy's. I carry the khaki tunic stained with the bayonet thrust; mayhap the lass in England will think that stain but rust. France, and the Rhine, and Russia . . ." He sets his foot to the sleigh, and the saint of little children drives south with Christmas day. Profit System Canse of Wr. PORTLAND. Dec. . 21. (To the Ed itor.) When one views the Belgian war pictures, as displayed at the Heilig through The Oregonian's commendable enterprise, and stops to study the cause the real cause that has precipi tated the world into this vortex of human slaughter, and when one under stands, as all Socialists do understand, that it is brought about because of a world-wide system of legalized com mercial gambling which forces other wise honest, peaceably related peoples to murder one another, it is to force him to mentally condemn every voter. male or female, who continues to sup port, politically, the present infamous profit system. C. W. BARZEE, Reel-Drama Contest. PORTLAND. Dec. 21. (To the Ed itor.) The Oregonian, November 29, told of a contest that the Essanay Mov ing Picture Company were conducting for the best two-reel drama written. 1 have looked through several of the moving-picture magazines and have been unable to see anything on this subject. Y anting more information on the subject I write to ask if you could give the name of the magazine from which the editor of this department ob tained it? INTERESTED. The Information wos obtained from the Moving-Picture World. Exports of Wheat. DRAIN. Or., Dec. 20. (To the Edi tor.) To settle an argument, please tell which city. New York or Portland, Or., exports the more wheat. CONSTANT READER. Portland has led all ports In the United States for a month or two at a time in the exportation of wheat, but usually New York and Galveston ship more of the cereal each season. When a Man Speaks. Atchison Globe. People seldom worry as to when a man is going to begin his speech, but tney worry a great deal as to when he is going to quit speaking. One's Own Wife's KJn. Atchison Globe. Ab Adkiris says his wife's kin are the greatest strain, on his neutrality. Speaking of neutrality, it Is hard to regard the motorcycle in that light. Lot of Time Is Wasted. Exchange. A lot of time is wated in telling peo ple to hurry. Half a Century Ago From The Oregonian. December 21, 1S64. The important war intelligence today is that Hood has been defeated near Nashvillo by the army under Thomas. The news of the Important engagement has been given out by Secretary Stan ton and General Thomas. Sherman also has reached Savannah, driven the enemy in after a battle as previously reported, and having carried Fort Mc Allister by storm, is besieging SavanJ nah, with every prospect of success. The closing of the Columbia has pre vented communication with the upper country and cut us off from a lot of Interesting news. The cold weather came earlier than usual this year. Deserters say that John Mitchell, the notorious Irish refugee, is commodore of the rebel fleet in the James River. Earl Russell has replied to the re cent manifesto of the Confederate Con gress, expressing equal friendship for the North and South, and pledging Eng land to a policy of strict neutrality. The London Times thinks Lincoln will make some endeavor to close the war by negotiating. William Naucke and A Bergman have formed a partnership and will engage in the confectionery business at 105 First street. An ordinance defining the duties and jurisdiction of the office of Recorder has Just been prepared by Judge Mc Coy, at the request of City Attorney Dolph. i I o .h sr.i. Ladd & Tilton, bankers, are now thoroughly settled in their new banking quarters at the corner of Stark and Front streets. C. E. Tilton, the junior partner, left yesterday for San Francisco, intending to proceed to New York about December 23. There is a very important message at the telegraph office for Peter A. Bryngelson, a passenger on the Sierra Nevada. The Grey Generals Br Dean Collins. Bugles of Boreas summon them to waken: Boldly they grip at their battle axes' helve; Fierce flap the Northern lights, the) war-banners shaken; Rouse the Grey Generals who won in 1S12. Cold come their cohorts, o'er the snow crust crashing. Riding the wind's wings from the mountain slope; General January, from the Northland dashing; General February Russia's ancient hope. Their's be the battle blades that broke, of old, the strongest Legions Napoleon into Russia hurled. Sneered when the shadow of the con queror lay longest. Till blasted and beaten was the Breaker of the World. Sharper than steel are the swords they are unsheathing. Edged with ice, biting more than bitter heat. Stands there a son of a mortal mother breathing Who can bear the fearful beating of the shrapnel of the sleet? Glare the Grey Generals, from their fastness starting; Wild as a wolf's wail shrills their battle cry; Ice-tipped their arrows through awful air are darting; Black o'er their battle-field the storm clouds fly. Bugles of Boreas blatantly are bray ing; Riding the wind's wings from the mountain slope. Grim the Grey Generals gallop to the slaying; Lords of the long night Russia's ancient hope. Case No 74. PORTLAND, Dec. 21. (To the Ed itor.) In the ebb and flow of human ity as it surged throuprh the great doors of the postoffice corridors and around the tables where I sold Red Cross stamps on Tuesday, December 8, there passed an aged woman leading a little girl. Twice she passed, then she stopped to ask if I knew of anyone who wanted help in housework. She said she had come from Washington to take a position in Lents, but that the lady who was to employ her had not waited until she could get here, but had employed someone else. There was that about the woman and the little girl whose hand was clasped so close in that of her grandmother that called to mind instantly Dickens' Little Nell and her grandfather. There was that in the simple dignity of her statement that spoke of other and bet ter days. I directed her to one of the newspaper offices for- more explicit information as to the Associated Chari ties. And when I afterwards recalled all the experiences of that day. the face of this woman and child stood out most clear of all the throng who passed. In The Oregonian Monday, December 14, was a picture of a row of appli cants sitting in the station of the Associated Charities and in the center I recognized the grandmother holding the little girl in her lap. i'riday The Oregonian told the pitiful tale of the death of the grandmother. By the law of heredity children in nature closely resemble grandparents. It is the hope of the writer that little "74" of the Associated Charities will find a home with the love and care that her grand mother with her last breath tried to give her. MARY ALICE OGDEN. Safe While In United States. HEPPNER, Or., Dec. 20. (To the Editor.) Kindly advise whether or not a foreign nation can compel Its sub jects, who are in the United States, and have not declared their intention to become citizens, to return to serve in the army In time of war? J. M'GOOX. A subject residing in this country of a nation at war cannot be forced to return to his native land for serv ice. But in the event of visiting his own country after having failed to obey a summons to military duty he might be detained and punished. Parable of a Man's Hat. Exchange. The conventions occasionally induce a man to buy a new hat. but he differs from a woman in that he prefers his old one. Advertising A Pacemaker Good advertising is a vigorous pacemaker. It not only seeks increase in busi ness, but sets new ideals. It leads. It constructs. It goes forward. The advertising manager has to grow to keep pace with his printed promises. It is safer to deal with an adver tiser than with a non-advertiser. It' Is safer to buy an advertised article than an "unknown." Take the advertising in this news ier as a safe index to reliable business.