6
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PORTLAND, MONDAY, MAY 81, 1913.
I GERMANY'S TLKA IN EVASION.
The summary of the German reply
lo President Wilson's note regarding
the Lusitania massacre and the at
tacks on American ships is an evasion
of the issue and is an Implied attempt
to justify crimes which would still be
crimes were all the excuses offered
toy Germany valid. But they are not
Valid; none of them are valid.
The facts on which Mr. Wilson
(based his demand for reparation and
Tor cessation of submarine attacks on
merchant ships can easily be proved.
The proof was In the President's pos
session before he wrote his note. The
only condition on which the President
could, with due regard to the dignity
of the American people, postpone
compliance with his demands until
this proof had been furnished to Ger
many would be that during the nec
essary period of delay, all German at
tacks on American ships and on bel
ligerent ships carrying American pas
tsengers should cease. But while the
German reply was in course of prep
aration another American ship, the
Nebraskan, was torpedoed. This ship
had lowered her flag at sunset, ac
cording to custom, but it was not yet
dark and her name and nationality
could have been read by the subma
rine's commander. Not even this much
care was taken, much less was the
ship visited and searched, as required
toy international law. There was abso
lutely not the slightest excuse for the
attack on the Nebraskan, except that
she had sailed from a belligerent port.
She carried no contraband, for she
was in ballast. She had passed into
the open ocean and was therefore not
in British waters. Germany, instead
of making amends for past offense
and giving earnest of her purpose to
offend no more, has repeated and ag
gravated the offense.
Germany pleads in extenuation that
the Lusitania was armed. She was
not armed, and the charge that she
was includes a charge that the United
States has committed a breach of
neutrality.
Germany alleges that the Lusitania
carried explosives in violation of
American law. She carried only small
arms ammunition, which is not an
explosive, and to carry which- is no
more a violation of law than would
be the carrying of a supply of cart
ridges for a passenger's revolver.
Germany had a right to stop and
seize the ship and its contraband
cargo. She had no right to kill 1500
unarmed people, including hundreds
of neutrals, in order to destroy ship
and cargo. Her lark of facilities to
take the ship to s, German port is no
excuse for wholesale murder.
It is pretended that the Lusitania
was a British auxiliary cruiser. She
was not; she was an unarmed mer
chant ship, in strictly merchant serv
ice. The fact that she was sailing
from an American port in. this serv
ice is proof, which Mr. Wilson should
not permit to be questioned, that this
is the truth, for to do otherwise would
be. to call in question the neutrality
which we have been at pains to main
tain under great provocation to depart
therefrom.
Presence on the Lusitania of some
British subjects on their way to join
the British armed forces is made the
excuse for slaughter, not only of these
British subjects, but of all on board
the ship. Since when has it become
the practice of the German army to
shoot on sight not only an unarmed
man on his way to join the enemy's
forces, but everybody in his vicinity
not only men, but women, and chil
dren, even babies; not only people of
hpstila but those of neutral nations?
That is a parallel on land to what
Germany did at sea.
The attacks on the Cushing and the
Gulflight are termed "mistakes" by
Germany. An aeroplane descended
from a great height to within about
400 feet of the Cushing, yet it is pre
tended that the aviators could not see
the great letters on the ship's side
proclaiming her name and nationality.
The Gulfllght'a .name and flag were
as plainly displayed, but the prox
imity of British patrol ships is made
the excuse for torpedoing her without
investigation. The submarine could
recognize the patrol ships and could
prudently steer clear of them, but it
could not recognize the clearly neu
tral character of an American ship.
It was not willing to risk its own
safety by approaching near enough
to determine the character of the ship,
but It took no chance of permitting a
possible enemy to escape.
The suggestion that the United
States can buy safety for its citizens
by inducing tho enemies of Germany
to relax the severity of their blockade
against Importation of food to Ger
many assumes that we are willing to
purchase our unquestioned rights from
Germany by obtaining for her con
cessions from her enemies. The United
States will never bargain for elemen
tary rights, the loss of which would
lose us our place among nations, for
it wourd render us in effect a subject
nation of any buccaneer power which
ravaged the seas. Our differences with
Germuny must be settled without ref
erence to any negotiations we may
have with Britain. We have impor
tant questions to settle with Britain
regarding the blockade of Germany,
but we tvill settle them without ref
erence to our relations with Germany.
They do not concern the safety of life
and limb, therefore will brook no de
lay within reason. Our differences
with Germany relate to the very life
of our citizens, therefore are matters
of urgent haste.
More than three weeks have now
passed since the Lusitania . was sunk
and the sea was strewn with the dead
and dying. More than two weeks
have passed since Mr. Wilsons un
equivocal demand was made on Ger
many for reparation for past offenses
and for assurance that these barbar
mis TrtinHi of itrflrfarft would be
abandoned. The answer is not a frank
avowal of -.vrong done and a solemn
pledge that it shall not be repeated.
Nor is the answer a bold defense and
defiance. It is an evasive plea'in ex
tenuation, an apparent play for time,
while the objectionable course is still
pursued. Does Germany imagine that
the American people are so weak that
they will permit themselves thus to
be trifled with? Or has she become
so reckless that she invites addition
to. the number of her enemies? Un
less we greatly mistake the temper of
Mr. Wilson, as revealed in the note
calling Germany to account, his re
joinder will leave no doubt in the
German mind that he means to do
precisely what he said in his first
note not to "omit any word or any
act" that may become necessary to
exact prompt and full compliance with
his demands. Should words not suffice
and should acts become necessary, we
doubt not that the American people
will support him to the last man and
the last dollar in the effort to make
the name of the United States re
spected and to establish the right of
Americans to travel the high seas unharmed.
WHAT IS A WATER HOG?
Commissioner Daly and his triple
alliance of newspapers have had a
great deal to say in this meter cam
paign about the "water hog." It may
be well to define him.
VWater hog" is a collective term.
It applies to a family that realizes
the blessing of Portland's bountiful
supply of the world's finest water.
Any family that believes in the plen
tiful use of this life-giving fluid to
promote cleanliness and good health
falls under Mr. Daly's classification.
Kvery family that takes pride in beau
tifying the home with a green lawn
the year around and beautiful flowers
in season is a "water hog."
Portland has many thousands of
these "water hogs." Some are wealthy,
but the great majority are people of
modest circumstances and, happily,
even those near poverty can afford to
be "water hogs."
By being "water hogs" these peo
ple have done much for Portland and
for themselves. They have kept Port
land one of the most beautiful cities
in the United States, with a death
rate near the recorded minimum.
Their cottages, surrounded by the
choicest blossoms, have made Port
land known far and wide as the "Rose
City." In other cities where meters,
installed because of expensive pump
ing or purifying systems, have done
their work, Portland, Its good health,
its flowers, ever-green lawns and its
"water hogs" are envied.
But Mr. Daly and his cohorts would
"curb the water hog." What matters
all else if by handing several hundred
thousand dollars to Eastern meter
manufacturers they can multiply the
millions of gallons that already flow
over the spillway at Bull Run and Into
Portland sewers?
PUNISHMENT FOR OREGON.
Having robbed Oregon of nearly all
the proceeds of sales of its public
land, amounting to about $10,000,
000, and spent them in other states,
the Reclamation Bureau now intends
to deprive the state of whatever ben
efit it derives from local supervision
over expenditure of whatever small
remainder is given to Oregon irriga
tion. Hereafter, when it is desired to
consult any ofllclal regarding an Ore
gon reclamation project, it will be
necessary to go to Denver. The engi
neer in charge there will naturally
take slight interest in a state 1000
miles distant, and Oregon will receive
still less consideration in the future
than it has had in the past. But, hav
ing no money to spend in Oregon,
why should the Reclamation Service
maintain an office here?
Oregon has always been the prolific
milch cow which has poured money
into other states. It is about milked
dry, for nearly all public land remain
ing outside of reservations is arid.
That land can only be made to yield
returns to the reclamation fund
through the expenditure ef money in
reclaiming it. Spending money in
Oregon is the last thing of which the
bureau thinks. Oregon is a source of
supply, not a Held for expenditure.
Oregon long ago ceased to expect a
square deal in public land affairs.
Blessed is he that expecteth nothing,
for he shall not be disappointed.
ITALY'S ROLE.
Those tremendous events which
were forecasted for the Spring months
In the European war havt been con
spicuous thus far by their absence.
Although bitter, stubborn lighting on
restricted battle fronts has been cort
tinuous since the troops emerged
from Winter quarters, the larger dis
tributions have not been subjected to
vital change, and the one event of real
significance so far in 1915 is the en
trance into the war of Italy.
With the Italian hosts sweeping into
Austrian provinces unchecked by Aus
trian advance elements, speculation is
keen as to how much of a menace
Italy will prove to Germany and Aus
tria. For, while the addition of a
million men from France or Great
Britain or Russia might mean very
little, this attack from a fresh
source and from a nation that has not
suffered any depletion of munitions
and supplies may prove a big factor
in turning the balance of power in
favor of the allies.
It has become more and more ap
parent that this titanic struggle in
Europe is not merely one of first-line
armies and reserves, but rather a test
of strength among the several racial
a id national units designed to try the
endurance of each. In fact, the law of
survival of the fittest is in full opera
tion, and the resources of the several
nations and all the virtues and quali
ties of the people who make up these
nations are being put to the acid test
as they never have been put before.
Italy brings to the allies a source
of strength that cannot be reckoned
in mere strength of armies. She
brings limitless supplies and a virility
which has not been impaired or de
creased by long fighting. At a time
when German and Austrian resources
are sorely taxed by the stupendous
task of facing a world in arms Italy
steps in with unimpaired resources
behind her. Furthermore, the
Italian armies have learned the les
sons of the war without having been
compelled to. pay the. cost that other
armies have met in adjusting them
selves to the newest battle methods,
Further than that, the Italian ex
ample is certain to have more or less
of an influence on the Balkan states.
Roumania has the same grievances
against Austria-Hungary that Italy
has held. Roumania wants back what
has been taken away from her in the
past and what she regards as national
territory. ' Roumania has a first-line
army of 500,000 men, ax majority- of
them having been seasoned under fire.
jTlie same, is true, although, ta a, lesser
degree, of Bulgaria, which may be
said to hold the key for successful ad
vance into European Turkey from the
north.
If it becomes apparent to the Bal
kan states that Austria is doomed,
the possibility of their entrance on
the side of the allies will be
very great, for it will be their one
great opportunity of recovering lost
territory or acquiring additional pos
sessions already inhabited by their
own people. The Balkan states may
be counted upon tq watch Italy's prog
ress with the greatest care, the while
keeping their armies mobilized for
prompt action.
But that Italy will swing the bal
ance of power immediately is not to
be assumed. Her. advance into
Austria, If successful, must be made at
a frightful cost and by slow, aggres
sive advances through heavy moun
tains which are fortified heavily by
the Austrians. Nor is Germany leav
ing the problem to Austria, but rather
is sending In a judicious leavening of
German troops. It has been found by
experience that the Austrians make
reasonably dependable soldiers if sup
ported by the German fighting men.
The trouble is, Germany has such de
mand for troops in every direction
that she can hardly spare a great
many more for Austria.
The Italian movement into Austria
will be watched with the deepest In
terest because of these considerations.
With the French, English and Belgian
forces held firmly back at the western
battle area, with the Russians driven
back from the strategic points in the
Carpathians and kept on the defen
sive in Poland, it has seemed for some
months past that the German armies
have had the situation well in hand
thus far. We shall know before many
weeks whether pressure from the
south will affect the impasse which
appears to have been reached by the
allies up to the time Italy declared
war.
EACH TO BUY HIS OWN METER.
Assertion that each water con
sumer is not to be charged with the
cost of his meter in event the meter
policy is adopted is mere subterfuge,
if the announced plan for providing
the equipment is followed.
It is proposed to pay for the meters
out of water revenues. The water
revenues are contributed by the con
sumers or property, as the case may
be. Each consumer is to be sup
plied with a meter. Water rates
are fixed by ordinance in accord
ance with an estimate as to the re
quirements of the department. If me
ters cost money, and no one has yet
offered to present them to tho city,
they will be charged up to the men
who pay the water bills.
If the meter ordinance were a
straight proposition to attach a meter
to each service and charge each occu
pant or owner of the premises on the
books specifically with the cost of one
meter, it would not be essentially dif
ferent from the present proposal.
Under the Daly plan the meters will
masquerade as water. Each service
will pay for its own meter with this
qualification: The large users of
water will pay for their own meters
and also a fraction of the cost of each
meter used by the small consumers.
But that fraction will be very small.
Every man who pays a water bill
regularly will have the price of a me
ter hidden away in his quarterly pay
ments. A STRANGE MAN.
Judge John E. Humphries, who
died in Seattle Saturday, had long
been a spectacular and sometimes
prominent figure in Washington poli
tics. His was a character that one
would more likely expect to find in
fiction than real life. Studious, learned
in the law, eloquent in speech and
brilliant as a trial lawyer, he was
unusually successful in legal practice.
But he was not content. He possessed
a hobby, an- obsession. It was desire
to hold office.
Before the days of the direct pri
mary Judge Humphries was almost a
constant attendant upon Republican
political conventions, seeking nomina
tion to some office or other. But he
possessed few of the characteristics
necessary to the successful politician.
He ever had but the semblance of
an organization and often was sup
ported principally by those wily fel
lows who always attach themselves to
persons willing to- spend money to
gratify a political ambition. In man
nerism he gave impression of timidity
and in the counsels of the leaders
stood apart, a deprecatory free lance,
never successful.
The adoption of the direct primary
gave him a freer opportunity to seek
office. He was twice a candidate for
Justice of the Supreme Court, once a
candidate for Governor, once a can
didate for United States Senator, and
it is ouf recollection that he ran for
Mayor of Seattle once or twice. In
1912 he was finally elected Judge of
the Superior Court.
As state elections do not occur
oftener than once in two years, it will
be observed from the record herewith
given that his quest for office ex
tended over a long period of time be
fore success attended his efforts. The
odd phases of his career were that he
had the demonstrated ability to rise
high In his profession, yet courted
repeated rebuffs in pollticis, and that
although he was a recognized author
ity on written law, his record on the
bench presentee! a strange lack of Ju
dicial temperament. His passing re
moves a unique figure and some of
the spice from Washington affairs.
FRUIT OF KING EDWARD'S WORK.
Italy's transfer from the triple al-
lance to the triple entente is the slowly
ripened fruit of the diplomacy of the
late King Edward of Britain. The
great combination of nations which
now confronts Germany,. Austria and
Turkey is the work of his brain. But
for him, France and Russia atone
might have been forced to choose be
tween letting Austria work her will
with Serbia and fighting the unshaken
trjple alliance. Though Italy might
have still considered the attack on
Serbia an act of aggression in which
she was not bound to aid under the
terms of her treaty, she might not
have dared to incur the displeasure of
her allies by standing aside. That she
did so is due to the seed sown by King
Edward and to the accession of Brit
ain to the Franco-Russian alliance.
From the moment when Italy declared
herself neutral her ultimate adhesion
to the Anglo-Franco-Russlan alliance
was inevitable as a result of the secret
forces which King Edward set to work
and as a measure of self-preservation.
When King Edward acceded to the
throne, his country was isolated among
the powers of Europe. The antagon
ism between Britain and Germany was
growing more Intense with each year
and had been deepened by the inci
dents of the Boer war, which was still
ia progress, France was Inflamed
against her neighbor by the loss of a
share in control of Egypt, by the
Fashoda incident and by the Boer war,
in which she had backed the loser.
Russia was still regarded as the hered
itary foe of Britain. Italy was grate
ful for British moral support in win
ning emancipation, but was tied to
Germany by alliance and .still nour
ished a grudge against France for the
annexation of Tunis. Germany had
ousted Britain from her position as
the chief friend and ad-iser of Turkey.
King Edward set to work to amend
this state of affairs. He had always
been popular in Paris, and on a visit
to that city he smoothed dawn the
asperities among both people and
politicians growing out of the Boer
war and gave the ministers the im
pression that all causes of friction
might be removed. He went to Italy
and renewed bonds of friendship
there. He met the Czar and made a
beginning at reconciliation with Rus
sia. He made no treaties, for that
was outside of his functions, but he
brought about a state of feeling which
rendered treaties or understandings
possible. He broke the crust of dis
trust against his kingdom and thus
prepared the way for the diplomats to
do their work.
The result was the understanding
with France by which she was given
a free hand in Morocco, forgot
Fashoda and renounced claims on
Egypt. Britain proved her good
faith by threatening to fight beside
France at the time of the Agadir in
cident and thus cemented the bond.
France became the medium through
which an agreement with Russia was
reached, and fear of Russian designs
on India was put to sleep. Italy be
came more lukewarm toward Ger
many and Austria, when the entente
powers gave tacit consent to her an
nexation of" Tripoli, while Austria
growled at Italian attacks on Albania.
Italy became more alienated from
Austria during the Balkan wars, for
their interests clashed in regard to
Albania. Thus Italy has been gradu
ally drawing away from her former
allies and drawing nearer their ene
mies. Her final step across the divid
ing line is but the completion of a
change which began at King Edward's
instigation.
The King's influence set in motion
the forces which delivered his coun
try from isolation and made it a
member of the most powerful coali
tion existing in Europe since the days
of Napoleon. Though no formal al
liance existed prior to the war, this
coalition has proved stronger than the
combination against which it was ar
rayed, for it was bound together by
complete understanding, common in
terest and what was conceived to be a
common danger. It has proved strong
enough not only to hold together un
der the supreme test of war, but to
win over one of its adversaries.
You must uncover the head to some
of these scientists who attempt to
prove the actions of the planets are
responsible for severe climatic condi
tions, earthquakes and other terres
trial diabola. We all understand that
when Mars hits Saturn a wallop under
the belt, war must result, and when
Jupiter disdains Venus of a chilly
morning and leaves her to start the
fires and clean the fish for breakfast
the season of marital discord prevails
an earth; but what we wonder at is
how the learned men able to explain
all these things can get around with
out using crutches to hold up their
heads.
The London tramway men of mili
tary age who struck will now have to
choose between enlisting and hunting
some other Job. Men who strike while
their country is at war get little sym
pathy in England.
The people of Washington are al
ready tiring of the referendum and
may soon relegate it to its proper
place an appeal to the people from
flagrant abuse of power by the Legis
lature. If the allied fleet should reach Con
stantinople, the United States ship
Scorpion might be between two fires,
but the fleet has many obstacles to
overcome before getting there.
i
Albin L. Clark's conviction of elec
tion fraud will serve as a warning to
future election officers to be careful
and to remember that they are per
forming a trust for the people.
A Federal grand jury finds all
things satisfactory at McNeil's Island.
Should the guests concur, the fact will
be so remarkable as to deserve spe
cial mention. "v-
The live town shows its spirit by
celebrating the Fourth. Come to
Portland for the Rose Festival, but
observe the great day at home.
Since Judge Hennessy Murphy be
came a twelve-cylinder emplrlst there
is renewed confidence across the
waters.
Has the war microbe infected the
battleship Virginia, that she rams a
bulkhead and bumps a tug?
More logging camps reopening on
Coos Bay inspire belief in revival of
the lumber industry.
Remember, the firemen have not
the ground on which to grow roses,
and be generous.
Getting out of the Penitentiary is
not so easy since Dr. Withycombe be
came Governor.
Attired in the new skirt, woman
will walk with her legs, and not on
her toes.
Do not peddle the bunk by promis
ing all candidates to vote for them.
Only the boiled "spud" and the
German fry go in Berlin now.
An extra sesion is needed to break
in Congressman McArthur.
Roumania and Bulgaria seem to
fear they will sit on tacks.
The Vanderbilt makes
provision for both series.
excellent
The jitney men are going to develop
into real politicians.
Something has scared off the Sun
day fire.
Treat the candidate gently
firmly.
but
All together now for the Rose Fes
tival! -
The time for picnics is at hand.
The blue line ja thin, today,
European War Primer
Bj National Gcocrapaleal Society.
Ragusa is an instance of splendor
fled and fame forgotten. The city is
the dual monarchy's advanced Mediter
ranean base, a place that must win a
new significance in an Austro-Hun-garian-Italian
struggle for control of
the Adriatic Sea. This little port, situ
ated near the southern tip of Dalmatla,
among the earliest objectives of unsuc
cessful Montenegrin Invasion, was once
one of the richest cities of Europe, al
most the Hamburg or New York of the
world of the middle ages. In the days
of Its prosperity, its ships were found
wherever Europe traded, and its mer
chants held accounts scattered to the
uttermost ends of the earth familiar to
the West.
But the glories of Ragusa have faded
and dimmed, until today mention of it
coming from the war zone stirs no
memory, and awakes no interest in the
minds of the people of this country,
very few of whom have ever had occa
sion even to know its name. Yet Ra
gusa was a brave, a wealthy, a per
sistent little republic through many
generations before the discovery of the
American continents. Like our great
republic, Ragusa was an asylum for ex
iles of whatever nation, faith or poli
tics. It was democratic in it toler-
iance long before the French Revolu-
tion made the word "freedom" a world
wide fetish. Ragusa was a merchant
state, concerned more with Its wealth
and its commerce than with politics or
policies.
Ragusa. or, as it Is often called. Lit
tle Venice, was in many ways a mode
republic, though a miniature. In the
time of its highest splendor it did not
possess more than 500 square miles or
area; but it endured through all man
ner of bitter trials; produced energetic,
prosperous citizens through centuries;
maintained a stable and a wise govern
ment In ages when the country all
around it was in frantic, passionate un
rest, and was as willingly the haven of
the oppressed as is the United States
today. And, like the later republic, the
United States, the foreign policy of Ra
gusa was always a peaceful one; the
enlightened little state, wherever pos
sible, submitting? its differences with
other lands to arbitration. Despite its
peaceful temper, however, Ragusa well
knew how to defend its interests, where
the course of war was a necessary one.
Ragusan armies and Ragusan ships
nobly preserved their country in the
midst of Jealous, powerful enemies. But
Ragusan diplomacy did more; It pre
served the state In the face of over
powerlni? conquerors.
The fortified castle of a Roman noble
was the nucleus of this famous South
European city. Before the avalanche
of barbarian invasion Avar hordes, ac
cording to most authorities refugees
from neighboring Latin communities
fled to the noble s stronghold and took
refuge under the shadow of lt3 walls
These refugees brought and conserved
the technique and civilization of Greece
and Rome, and, in a short time, a town
arose around the castle, well builded
and thoroughly fortified. Ragusa Is
mentioned in the seventh century.
A colony of Slavonian people Joined
the Latins, and greatly added to the
city s power for resisting the encroach
ments of its hostile neighbors. Sara
cen, Bulgarian, Bosnian, Venetian. Hun
garian arid Serbian waged relentless
war with the little state, which. In
some cases, beat off its enemies, and. In
others, was forced to acknowledge a
certain dependency. It never wholly
surrendered its republican self-govern
ment, however, though Constantinople.
Venice, Hungary, Bosnia and Serbia
were, at various times, recognized to a
desrree as overlords.
Ragusa today, the "Gem City of the
Mediterranean, is an inconsequential
seaport in the Austrian crownland of
Dalmatia. Every line of the quaint lit
tle city is a monument to the impor
tance and the power that are flown. It
is a medieval town, still walled In by
heavy masonry, and still towered. Ra
gusa is floored with the flaggings of
the middle ages. Its homes and build
ings are ancient structures, and over all
is reminiscence.
The town is builded on a rocky ridge
that Juts out into the Adriatic Sea. Its
harbor is small and ill adapted to the
needs of modern commerce, and the
heavier vessels that visit here anchor
at Gravosa, a twin city, situated on a
deep, sheltered bay, across the prom
ontory, north of Ragusa, four miles
distant. Mostar, capital of Herzego
vina, is 50 miles to the north-northwest.
Ragusa is a fortified port, and an
outlying naval base. It still has some
transient trade with the interior, and
its industries include the output ot
liquor, oil, silk and leather products.
For a short time during the Napoleonic
wars it gave promise" of retraining
Bomewhat of its old prosperity. In
1814 its independent career was defi
nitely ended, and it was annexed to
Austria. The city is chiefly of Inter
est as the tiny republic, the "lighthouse
on a rock," that endured throughout
the dark and middle ages, weathering
all storms and teaching by example
democracy, tolerance and peaceful
enterprise, until, at the beginning of
the 19th century, with the beginnings
of two mighty republics, the United
States and France, the tiny beacon was
no longer needed, and it was silently
extinguished.
METER DOUBLES COST OF WATER
Small Homronnrr Relates Experience
and Neighbors Are Alarmed.
PORTLAND. May 30. (To the Edi
tor.) We have read with concern of
the proposed installation of meters in
Portland. A month ago one was put in
our home. With great economy we no
tice our bill will be almost double with
this system.
It certainly is an Imposition on the
people of this city to tax them and also
to raise the water rate, besides the an
noyance of thinking every time you
water a rose it is Increasing expenses.
Few peoplo waste water. With the
great rainfall in Oregon it surely is a
tax which should not be imposed.
Two of my neighbors have ceased
planting a garden on account of the
proposed change. They say times are
too hard 'to increase expenses, as they
have seen how our water cost is double
and our home, like theirs, is a small
one.
We hope the people will not be in
flicted with this change; it is against
the interest of the peopLe and the
growth of the city.
MRS. W. F. BURROWS.
Mo nta villa.
Hyper-Prohlhltlonlsni.
PORTLAND. vMay 30. (To the Edi
tor.) Kindly allow me a little space
to exhaust the pent-up censure I feel
should be utilized regarding the meter
theory:
Portland is located in the midst of
an unlimited water system. The idea
to regulate one's water supply at this
early stage seems the height of injus
tice or monetary chicanery.
Well enough for those dry states to
regulate the water supply, to tax citi
zens, and economize, but here where
nature has favored us with myriads of
inexhustible streams, with water as
clear and pure as the mind of Pericles;
right in proximity of old Mount Hood,
whose output alone would well supply
Portland, looks almost sacrilegious as
well as Idiotic.
Can we not save time and money by
a mental examination of those gentle
men who so strenuously propose to
inflict this inopportune and absurd
policy upon us?
M. C. ARMSTRONG.
Training; aa Candy Sampler.
Boston Transcript.
Mother Your papa, dear, in a tea
sampler. He samples' the different
kinds of tea.
Bobbie When I grow up, mamma,
I'm eoins to be candy sampler.
MALTHUS NOT OF MIDDLE AGES
Mr. rtbofl Calls Mr. Waarnon Ilia
Error of 40O Yean.
PORTLAND. May "So. (To the Ed
itor.) II. D. Wagnon was In error at
the single-tax meeting Saturday even
ing, when he said that the Malthusian
theory was propounded 500 years ago
and at a time when no white man had
tasted a potato.
Rev. Thomas Robert Malthus pub
lished the first edition of his "Essay on
the Principles of Population" In 1798.
The final statement of his idea of the
relation between increasing population
and food supply was contained in his
"Political Economy," published in 1820.
So in fact, instead of 500 years, it is
a little less than JOO years since the
Malthusian law laying down that
population always presses on subsis
tence was given, to the world.
Mr. w agnon may be interested to i
learn that potatoes were introduced
into Europe, according to some au
thorities, as early as the decade be
tween 1600 and 1610.
That the theory urged by Malthus Is
substantially correct, and that the
world is constantly either suffering
from over-population, or 1.3 on the
verge or it. can hardly be doubted
when we consider the effect of social
inertia, which makes adjustment of so
cial Institutions lag far behind the
average Increase of population in any
given century.
This increase, arising out of man's
Instinctive nature, takes place very
easily. Considering how prolific all
life is, this phenomenon Is the most
natural thing in the world.
On the other hand, when it comes to
making the necessary adjustments for
supplying the food for this rapidly in
creasing population. Instinct helps us
not at all. Even supposing that fertil
lzng material were available in unlim
ited quantities which is not the rase
what we need to solve the problem
Is a widely diffused foresight and in
telligence willing to adopt the needed
social changes, together with a high
degree of scientific and technical
knowledge applied to agriculture. Such
adjustment and such knowledge never
advance as rapidly as the blind, in
stinctive fecundity of the mass of man
kind requires.
If this be true, then the millions of
human beings who are habitually
undernourished and die prematurely
suffer because the reproductive power
of the race has outstrtped Its pro
ductive power. The hope for perma
nent progress with mankind, therefore,
lies lr the possibility of a lower bfrth
rate all over the world. In this fact
alone is there a likelihood of restoring
humanely a balance between food sup
ply and population.
It is difficult to deny the biological
fact that because of the overpowering
tendency of the sexual Impulse to pro
cure the reproduction of the species at
a rate out of all proportion to its food
getting capacity, we witness an. In
tense struggle for existence. In which
nature uses the cruel but ef
fective methods of a high death rate,
catastrophe, war and famine, to re
store a temporary equilibrium.
If we do not like this spectacle, the
only choice left us is limitation of off
spring. In the biological facts here outlined
lies the one unanswerable argument for
birth control. II. C. UTHOFF.
Hint to Our Astute Junior Senator.
PORTLAND, May 30. (To the Edi
tor.) Our astute United States Sena
tor, Harry Lane, .is quoted In the me
terized paper as follows;
"The second pipe line from Bull Run
would still have been unnecessary if
we had Installed meters."
The Inadvertent Harry forgets that
last Summer, during the hot months,
the opportunity was seized by our Wa
ter Department to shut off the old pipe
line, on the ground that it was full of
holes, and during those months these
holes were stopped. If we had not had
the new pipe line, will someone kindly
tell us how Portland would have fared?
ANTI-METER.
KrrlnR- on the Safe Side,
Puck.
The debutante A young man wants
me to send him my picture. Would that
be proper?
The older one Why not?
The debutante Perhaps, to be on the
safe side. I'd better inclose one of my
chaperon as well.
Our Memorial Day
By James Barton Adams.
Fall In! Fall In! Dress up the line,
Right face and march away;
Step reverently, comrades mine.
On our Memorial day.
Sweet floral gems by Spring dews kissed
Bear to the silent camp
Where dear ones have been laid to rest
From life's long, weary tramp.
In column march with reverent tread
Out to the bivouac of the dead.
Unfurl our banner overhead,
In beauty let It wave;
The flag yon comrades lying dead
Once battled hard to save.
Lift up your eyes, ye veterans old.
As in the days of war.
And bless each gently swaying fold.
Each sacred stripe and star
The flag you bore with zealous care
When death held revel in the air.
Again our thoughts go winging back
To stirring scenes of war.
The musket's sharp and vicious crack.
The cannon's angry roar.
The moans of those In grasp of pain
Struck down in tield and wood.
The upturned faces of the slain.
The flow of patriot blood;
These pictures come as on we tread
To reverence our silent dead.
Bear Spring's moat lovely floral gems
Plucked fresh from nature's breast.
And crown with flowery diadems
The mounds "neath which they rest.
Above them bend while memory's tears
The honored graves bedew.
As through the dimming veil of years
Of time again we view
The battle ranks in which they stood
With us on many a field of blood.
And as we glorify the dead.
Our silent hero braves.
And here in fond remembrance spread
These tributes o'er their graves.
Let each old veteran's heart expand
With prayer to God on high
That In a reunited band
These boys we bade good-by
May join us when we, too, pass o'er
The stream unto the golden shore.
THE PORTLAND OREGON ROSE.
'Neath the balmy skies of June time
Where the bright Willamette flows,
V'here the clinging vines and shrubbery
climb.
Where grows the Portland rose.
From crowning heights of emerald hue
To the whitened peak top froze,
T- the lovely vale for me and you
And the pretty Portland rose.
Where the queen of all the flowers
Lend sweetness to the breeze that
blows.
From the garden, hedge and bowers
, Of the dainty Portland rose.
From June until December, from De
cember until .Tune
The pride of Portland throws
Its fragrance as a hearty boon.
The famous Portland rose.
To describe the sweets of nature
All the world of nature knows.
Includes the nomenclature
Of the pretty Portland rose.
Then come along and Join the throng
And as you come suppose
We rend th: air with gladsome song
To the pretty Portland rose.
HI JdL.N'KX, Eugene, Or.
Twenty-Five Years Ago
From Tha Oreronian, May 31, 180.
Billy McCarthy, the Australian, and
Bob Fitzslmmons. of .New Zealand,
fought at the California Athletic Club
last night for a purse of $1260. Kitz
slmmons knocked McCarthy out in the
ninth round.
Portland observed Decoration day as
becomes its importance. Business was
suspended, flas fluttered from every
flagstaff at lia.lf-mast. and the people
turned out to participate In the me
morial services.
The Union Pacific sent a train-loan
of salmon East yesterday consisting
of 19 cars ot solid salmon, all from the
Columbia.
The Hon. Thomas II. Tongue, of
Waahlnston County, has been mitkln.T
a series of very able and brilliant
speeches. Many who have heard them
say they have been much tho most
effective speeches of the campaign.
Mr. E. T. Williams, the well-known
steamer dock manager, was formally
installed yesterday as acting nsrent for
the 'Jnion Pacific Railway Company,
with offices In the large terminal
builcilng.
Mr. Robert Lowrie, the popular bil
liard expert, has been corresponding
nn rtnaeier. me nriiiiahl IiMlard
champion, looking for an engagement.
The old wharf at the foot of Marll
son street was Mown up with dyna
mite yesterday to make room for a
new one, which Is to support the ap
proach to the Madison street bridge.
A very enthusiastic meeting
held last evening at Moore's hall. . 1 -blna,
by the Albltia Republican Club.
Mr. H. C. Coley, the president, intro- '
duced Mr. .James B. Montgomery, who ,
addressed the club at some length on i
the tariff issues.
A prominent dentist, of Portland. 1
recently bought a block of property
and Just six days after he had made
the purchase, received double his
money for the property.
Half a Century A 50
From The Oregonlan of May HI. 185.
We publish this morning President
Johnson's proclamation appointing to
morrow as a day of prayer, humilia
tion and mourning throughout the
country on account of our recent Na
tional bereavement. We hope to sen
the day properly obMcrved In Portland.
It is fitting that business should be
closed as fur aa possible on this occa
sion and appropriate exercises held as
recommended by our President.
The New York Herald's account of
the. capture of Booth slates that Lieu
tenant Dougherty and his cavalry on
reaching Oarrett s place were -told by
a son of Oarrett that there were two
men in the barn. Proceeding to the
barn. Lieutenant Baker was sent for
ward and called upon Ilt-oth to come
out and nlve up his arms, end that
yotinK Oarrett would receive the arms.
After an extended colloquy. Booth's
companion, llarrold, gave himself up.
The barn was then fired, and Booth
was shot as he attempted to cross to
the other side of the barn.
Some time since we alluded to the
fact that First street was an odd-horso
in the car of progress now moving In
our midst, no signs of improvement
upon It beinsr visible from one end of
the thoroughfare to the other, end It
is about as impassable in the Winter
as any part of the city.
The fruitn of a foul deed were
brotiKht to light yenterrlay by Ball, a
police officer, our special reporter, and
Mr, Wetmore, by the discovery of a pile ,
of human bones which had evidently
been conveyed to the property, wlii.fh
he recently purchased, by the riminlal
in a barrel and left In a seclu'ied pla-e.
A loim Is to be started in Fra)n
cIhco in favor of the Liberal party in
Mexico. Maximilian crown does not
sit firmly on hia head. The TKreeh
have spent some years in the -nrtevcr
to crush Juarez, but he now seem.
utronger than ever. J
Number 4 Engine Company's bell was'
taken to the house yesterday and rune
several times. It sounds well, and is
the best bell In the city.
MR- DALY CIIARC'KIJ WITH THICK
Law lloldlna- Proprrtr Liable for Water
Hrnta Tut Over."
PORTLAND, May 30. (To the Ed
itor. In reference to Mr. Daly's water
meter scheme that the neotjle are anked
to vote upon June 7. It behooves the
taxpayers to know exactly what they
are voting for. In view of the trick that
Mr. Daly put over them nt a former
election.
All that time the big majority of the
voters were under the Impression that
they were voting for a flat-water rate
of CO cents, whereas they were voting
for the rate to remain at 7i cents. Just
as It wan then in force. And, al
though we got a So-rent water rate, it
was not owing to the way that the
election went.
After last election a befuddled water
user who was under the impression
that he had voted hlmelf a r0-cent
rate. Inquired ut the water office to'
find out why It did not go Into effect,
and was politely Informed that Mr.
Daly was Just playing politics in the
way that the measure was placed upon
the ballot. If that la the case, will the
new measure be a political play, and
liable to be Interpreted to suit as occa
sion may arise? Or Is it a measure
that will really benefit the comrf
munlty ?
Landlords have not forgotten Mr.
Daly's former scheme that saddled
them with the collection of the water
rate that most certainly should be at
tended to by the water office.
A TAXPAYER.
Uritlsh War 1 -ossein.
PORTLAND. May SO. (To the Kdi
tor.) Please give us an estimate of
the British losses in killed, wounded
and missing so far during the war.
JOHN SALVATOKE.
English newspapers before the sec
ond battle of Ypres estimated the Brit
ish casualties on land at 14O.000. The
Canadian contingent" lost 6000 In the
battle mentioned. It la probable the
British losses on land are now about
160.000.
Manufacturers, Read
Th
is
A New York bank has just com
pleted a country - wide survey of
business conditions.
One of the facts that Is particu
larly Impressive is that the auto
mobile industry la the most pros
perous Industry In the country.
An advertising s C f v e y would
show this to be th leading indus
try in newspaper advertising.
Newspaper advertising has sent
the message of the automobile into
every home.
It has made the motor -drawn
vehicle a necessity.
What newspaper advertising has
done for this industry it "ill do for
others.
7
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