lO TITE MORNING OREGONIAN, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, ,1910. STATE AGENCY FOR FOODSTUFFS PLAN Grant Kellogg Proposes Seriei of Warehouses for Direct , Distribution to Public. HIGH COST IS ANALYZED few Women at Meeting of House wives League, in Which Much of Alleged Excessive Prices Are Laid- to Middlemen. Before the Housewives' League at Library Hall yesterday, Grant Kellogg outlined the tentative plan of a state agency, that shall purchase commodi ties direct from the producer and sell to the consumer at minimum cost, thus defeating the nigh cost of living. Mr. Kellogg went into the plan In detail and declared ' it is feasible and can be put into effect. The audience was small yesterday, Indicating that the housewives have despaired of get ting practical relief from the activities of the league or else a lack of Interest In further pursuit of the subject. Mr. -Kellogg opened the discussion with the statement that 65 cents out of every dollar epe'nt by the consumer for fooi and provisions goes into the pockets of the middleman. He said this was disclosed by a study of the subject by the New York food and mar kets officials. State-Wide Move Advocated. Mr. Kellogg said he had made a long study of co-operatlv marketing and that lie believed It entirely practicable to bring it about. The three causes that have brought' failures chiefly In the past he declared to be incompetence In management, lack of harmony and email size of the unit. The city, he declared,- hetelieved to be too small to form a unit that would be most suc cessful in the operation of a co-operative agency, and for - that reason he proposed that the state be uraed'to es tablish warehouses, cold storage plants, stores and all necessary facilities for buying direct from the farmer, the factory, the mine and the mill and re tailing to the people at cost. "There have been many seasons of agitation of this subject," said Mr. Kel logg, "and the time Is now ripe for us to do something. We are going to pro pose that the state undertake the serv ice now performed by the middleman and sell products at cost, plus only the cost of handling." - The speaker cited ' many Instances that he said pointed to the existence of a food trust. He told of apples bought from the grower for 50 cents a box. but which were sold to the consumer for no less than $4. He spoke of potatoes that were sold for 30 cents a Back and which brought $1.25 when disposed of at retail. Instances were mentioned of injustice to California fruit growers, who were compelled to sell their prod uct for little pr nothing. Portland Unit First Is Plan. Mr. Kellogg proposes that a co-operative buying agency be started in Port land as the first of the state-wide sys tem and in advance of the general vote upon the subject by the people. He be lieves that when people see how well it works they will be favorable to a state agency, with branches at every point where needed. He says all who want to use the services of this first agency to buy supplies at low cost may do so by contributing ?10 to the cam paign fund for the work of education that will have to- be carried on throughout Oregon preliminary to the inauguration of the central agency by the state. He said the first agency would be managed by an expert who understands the business. He will be put under bond, so there will be no chance of loss, and a committee composed of the following prominent women has been named to hold the bond: Mrs. A. C. Newill. Mrs. M. L. T. Hidden and Mrs. Epencer Vehr. Good Things In The Market TN THE streets and In the markets A everything focuses toward Christ mas. It seemed as If everything that could be thought of had already , been procured for Portland festivities. But a trip around revealer an entirely newcomer " "possum," direct from Nashville, Tenn. The body of the crea ture resembling a small daschund In shape, averages from three to four pounds, and retails from tl.BQ to 2 each. This Southern dainty is certainly a surprise to those who have enjoyed possum and taters at nrst hand. And among other preparations, a housekeeper of renown offers a short list of "appetizers" for the Christmas dinner: Tuna fish, raw oysters? Iced caviar, lobster and cress canape, pine hard-crabs. heavy ' apple cocktail, anchovy and pimento and sardine canape. A consignment of fat geese, aver aging 15 pounds each, at 28 cents a pound; ducks, sold entire, 1.25 and $1.50 each, and choice turkeys, from 32 to 35 cents a pound, are receiving more than a passing glance. Belgian hares, 20 cents a pound, and jackrabbits, 25 cents each. Cheese, Just lately come, includes Eastern sage, 40 cents a pound; Cam embert, imported from France, in round boxgs, 50 cents each. Edam, direct from Holland. , J2.50 each; GJedost goats' milk cheese from Norway, 80 cents; cream brick, SO cents a pound. Best butter, 45 cents; fresh cream ery, 40 to 38 cents, 75 cents a roll; dairy butter, 35 cents a pound. Best fresh eggs. 50 to 45 cents a dozen. Storage egg3, 40 cents good. Eggs at 35 cents, also storage, are guaranteed to fry, poach or boil and have all been candled. In the fish market steelhead salmon and halibut are each 20 cents a pound, or two pounds 35 cents. Sand-dabs, silver smelt, perch and tomcod are 15 cents a pound. Rock and black cod and California white fish, IZhi cents a pound. Ling cod. herring and flounders, 10 cents a pound.' German carp, 5 cents a pound. Columbia River smelt, which have dropped to 35 cents a pound, are still scarce, but expected with a rush. any day now. Olympia oysters. In bottle, 60 cents a pint; sealshlpt. 60 cents; Eastern oysters, 45 cents a pint. Eastern oysters in shell, 30 cents a dozen. Salmon roe, 15 cents a pound. Prawns, 25 cents; small, 15 cents; shrimp meat, 50 cents a pound. Mussels, two pounds 15 cents shell clams, E cents a pound;. 15, 25 and 30 cents each. Spanish Malaga grapes, of clusters. Imported. 35 cents a pound. Emperor grapes, from California, 15 cents a pound. Navel oranges, bright and clean, 85 and 40 cents a dozen. Lemons, 15, 20, 30 and 40 cents a dozen; limes, 20 cents. , Florida grapefruif! 10 cents each; California, 5 cents each and 30 cents a dozen. Sweet oranges, 20 cents a dozen; tangerines, two dozen, 25 cents. Cornice pears, 40 cents; Winter Nellis. 35 cents a dozen, extra large. Bananas, 15 to 30 cents a dozen. Pineapples, 10 cents a pound; ca- sabas, 15 cents each. Japanese Chestnuts, 20 cents a pound: mixed nuts, for Christmas, three pounds, 50 cents. Tigard has some good apples In mar ket, Spitzenberg, $1.10; Northern Spy, 1, and Baldwin, 90 cents a box. Northern Spy of other stock are also offered at 85 cents a box. Lady apples for Christmas decora tions, V) cents a dozen. Boxes . of Hood River Spltzenbergs, elected for gifts, are selling at 60 ents each. The newest vegetable to make Its appearance is endive, 55 cents a pound. Mushrooms, 75 and 85 cents a pound. Green beans 30 cents and green peas 5 cents; other stock of peas, 15 cents a pound. - New potatoes, from Texas, two pounds 15 cents; of local growth, 5 ents a pound, and four pounds 15 cents. Brussels sprouts, 15 cents a pound. Rhubarb, three pounds, 25 cents. Eggplant, 35 cents a pound; arti chokes, two for a quarter. Burbank potatoes. $1.50 to $2 for 100 pounds. Sweet potatoes, two pounds 15 cents. Tomato, 20 cents a pound; cucum bers, 10 cents each. Field lettuce, 15 cents a pound. Cauliflower and milk cabbage, 10 cents each. Celery hearts, 25 cents a bunch Wreaths of holly, Oregon grape and cedar abound, 50, 35 and 20 cents each. Mistletoe, of wjiich everyone seems to be wearing a sprig, can be had from cents to 50 cents, bunches under which a number could be herded. Boxes, for posting, holly, mistletoe. cedar and grape, 50 cents each. A charming novelty Is an automobile barnacled with wreaths and greenery. at prices "within the reach of alL" Charge Made That Farmers Are Asking Prices Greater Than Do Retail Stores. SECRET INQUIRY ORDERED Hi sir a i IJ 1 IB 1 Christina punch! -Crushed frombi luscious Oregon -At your dealers i(r-i up ffeci'p Book fret. f 111 (si oganberC inn nnmrnu ni rurn mr uuivitui ULtvtn MUSIC ASD Fra-MAKING, BOTH GOOD,. FEATIRH NEW BILL. Pretty Girls, Excellent Singers and Trick Animals Are Among Offer ings That Please Audience. Loud pedaling on the comedy, which is the principal ingredient in -good vau deville. Is the new bill which went on at the Hippodrome yesterday. There's plenty of musio, too and, altogether. it's one of those rare combination bills that win praise on all sides. The top-line attraction is "A Night In Dixie Land," In which seven of the famous 20 blackbirds are set before the King the King being the audience. These are white blackbirds, however. ana tne DiacK rubs orr. The seven are all dance fiends, and comedy predominates in their chatter and song. The act is pretentiously staged and Is a big. bright hit. Another happy spot on the bill Is ihe smart animal act presented by a Joyous personage called Happy Harrison. Happy has a comedy circus, featur ing a cunning and shrewd little fox terrier, who runs through a series of clever tricka"quite as If he enjoyed It as rnucn as nis auaience. xnere s a huge ape also In the act, a ferocious-looking creature, who evidences almost human intelligence in his capers. As for the riot hit In Happy's act. It's a trick mule. Dynamite, who Is of the abso lutely unridable and unconquerable va riety. The efforts of various volun teers to ride him occasion gales of hilarity. An artistio touch is given tHe bill by the muslclanly quality In the work of Madeline Stack, violinist. Miss Stack plays with temperament ana un derstanding of her art. and the audi ence senses the fact Immediately that her playing is from the heart, and not merely a display of bowing and violin pyrotechnics. Basil and North bffer a pert and pertinent little skit entiled "Recruit ing." A trio of beauties, who dazzle with their pulchritude quite as they amaze with tnelr dexterity as glob equilib rists. are the Latona Sisters. Ingalls and Duffield are a clever pair, who have a corner in the laugh-getting with their bright patter. They sing. too. ana orrer new dance steps. The picture Is another, and one of the few remaining, of the "Shielding Shadow" ' aerjes. . Besides all these there Is a comedy picture and a travel with the Paths News. GIFTS TO POOR RETURNED Report of Battery Family in Need Seems to Be Fictitious. The Oregonlan has received a num ber of cash contributions from person whose addresses were not obtained, for the assistance of a reported needy fam ily of a member of Battery A. Sine the item was published telling of th needy family it has become apparen that the communication was sent to the paper possibly with a view to arous ing sentiment for the return of th Batterv and that the case was an en tlrely flctltiotrs one. At least the ad dress given was Incorrect. Contributors may get their money back by applying at The Oregonlan. GRANGE WILL PROBE AT PUBLIC MARKET Session Goes on Record Condemning Shipbuilders' Strike and Further Urges Speedy Trial in Alleged Cement Combine Cases. An investigation bearing closely on an Important phase of the cost of liv ing question will be conducted within Short time by a special committee representing the Multnomah district. Pomona Grange. Members of the Orange, meeting at Pleasant Home Wednesday, In adopting a set of reso lutions on subjects of interest to farm ers In Multnomah County, were con fronted with the statement that many farmers are asking prices In the pub lic market above those of retail sales men, and to the detriment of the mar ket. - The resolution adopted by the Grange authorizes the appointment of a com mittee which will make an examination f market conditions. The duty of the ommlttee shall be to report its flnd- ngs to City Commissioner Blgelow and Market Master East men. It was lso decided, in view of the beneficial esults which the committee is el ected to bring about, that the com mittee should be permanent. The mem- ers whom J. J. Johnson, master of the Grange, will appoint this week, ara to old orrice for two years. It Is said that. In case the results are found satis factory, the committee will be retained I as an adjunct of the Grange. Identity of Investigators Secret. The membership of the committee Is not to be Immediately announced, ac cording to a statement made . by Mr. Johnson yesterday. It is thought that the best results, would be obtained by rivate investigation, and for this rea son the Identity of the Investigators Is ot to be known. Other resolutions adopted bv the Grange expressed sympathy with the heads .of the shipbuilding industry In Portland, who are now being confront- d with a strike. The attitude of the Grange is expressed in part of the reso lution, which reads: "Be it Resolved, That we should feel deep regret that any movement for strike should be encouraged at this time when a new Industry of so much value to a state is beginning In its truggle for existence, especially in view of the fact that these Industries have been payirfg, good wages and have made voluntary Increase of wages paid." The attitude of Grange members on the indictments of the alleged cement omblne is also expressed in a resolu tion adopted by the meeting. In con sidering a rumor that the cases against these men would never comer to trial, the Grange advocated a continuation of the investigations, with the object of bringing the cases to a speedy and thorough trial. A copy of the resolu tion to this effect is to be forwarded to the President and to the Attorney- General of the United States. ' , Right to Use Forests Maintained. The question of allowing stock to graze In the Cascade National Forest Is brought to an Issue In a resolution protesting the recent abolition of graz ers from this tract. The reason for this attitude Is explained in the statement: Whereas, We feel that every move to decrease the production of meat is a blow to the people of this country In general, and a loss of this range will be Injurious In a marked degree to the citizens .of this Northwest, therefore be It resolved that Pomona Grange, of Multnomah County, Oregon, at Its regu lar session, after serious consideration, hereby registers Its protest against any move which will change the character of the Cascade Forest Reserve in Ore gon as It is constituted at the pres ent time, whether such a change would be to a National park or to some other form, as any such change would be merely for the purpose of pleasure and would mean the complete abolition of the Important grazing Industry with hardship resulting to all the resi dents of this Northwest, through the loss of its source of the production of an important Item In the food supply.' Another resolution adopted by the Grange favors the abolition of the law requiring the publication of delinquent tax lists In the newspapers. In place of this system of notification, it Is ad vocated tax delinquencies be called to the taxpayers through the malls. .The legislative committee of the Oregon State Grange is asked to resume con sideratlon of the matter, and take steps toward legislative enactment. New Officers Elected. A new set of officers was elected at the session of the Grange, J. J. John son being re-elected master. Others placed in office are as follows: Over seer, John Welbes; steward, Jacob Nel son; treasurer, K. Lj. Thorp; chaplain, Mrs. Jennie Miller; lecturer, Mrs. Mary Palmer; assistant steward. Sayler Smith; lady assistant steward, Mrs. Duke; Ceres, Miss Julia Mickleson; Po mona, Mi's. J. Frost; Flora, Miss Smith. A number of Important transactions were disposed of in the miscellaneous business of the meeting. Condolences occasioned by the death of L. H. Walls, recently East Side correspondent of The Oregonlan, were read before the organization. All members having per sonal acquaintance with Mr. Wells re garded his death as a considerable loss. SPATS SPE CIAL PRICES Ladles 1 Spats in blacks, browns, tans, grays and white, all sizes, M ( 49c LADIES' 92.50 SPATS 1A Finest made, 8 buttons, colors light tans, browns, white, grays, chamois, all sizes, special S1.4S Great Annual Holiday Sale Shoes and Slippers - Over 35,000 Pairs cf Standard Makes Now on Sale This is an unusual opportunity for you to save money, as we are now facing the leather market ever known. Our fortunate foresight and cash bujdng gives us this great power of selling you GOOD SHOES now at LESS THAN FACTORY PRICES,, which means a saving, from a THIRD to a HALF. Satisfaction Guar anteed or Money Refunded. . Open Evenings Until Christmas I 5000 PAIRS HOLIDAY SLIPPERS NOW ON SALE AT SPECIAL PRICES Ladies' $1.50 Slippers Pair 98c Ladles- fur or high-cut trimmed felt Juliets. These come In purple. Silppen blacks, brown. All sizes. m, pair plush- wine, gray and .. 'r. 98c Ladies' $2.00 Slippers Pair The finest Ladles' Felt Slipper madn. Extra high cut. Extra long hsiacKs ana an tne fur 'trimmed, pretty colors. Slippers now Beat S2.0O $1.48 Ladies' $2.25 Slippers Pair $1.48 The best soft sole made. They come extra high cut, fancy ribbon trim d, blaok and colors. Best 93.29 arade. .$1.48 Felt Slippers 49c Children's stses, 4 to 10., ,4a Made with felt and leather sole. Boys' slses, 2 to ( So LaJKn" slses, I to t now nt Men's slses. to 12, now 7Io Ladies' '$1.75 Soft Soles iig 98c These are made of fin wool, rib bon trimmed, thick padded soft soles. These come In all colors and blacks. All sizes. I1.7S QQ. grades bow priced at iOC Children's Slippers Misses and children's Red Fett Hlsrh Cut Slippers. Sizes 5 to 8, pair 79 Sizes SVz to 2, pair 79d Men's $1.50 Romeos 98c MADE OP BLACK INDIA KID. LEATHER BOLES, a ALL SIZES. Now 98c Pair Hea'B) S2.M Grades- aew. Men's $2.25 Slippers $1.48 Made of extra soft kid. fancy trimmed, turned soles. These came In blacks, tans and browns. Kern's 92.23 Slipper, S1.48 $1.50 Boudoir Slippers Ladles soft kid boudoirs In blocks. brown, blue, pink, red. These have low heels. All slses. S1.SO sow ..................... $1.50 grades now 98c 98 Men's $1.50 Slippers 1 Men's soft kid slippers, flexible soles. These come in blacks and browns. les to 11. Men's Slippers, pair: . 98c Men's $3.00 Slippers $1.98 These are fine enough for anyone. n-ia tinea ana extra wen miaa. Blacks, tans and browns. 3UM Men's Silppen. $1.98 Men's $2.00 Slippers $1.29 Made of Terr soft kid. hand-turned soles. iacK. tans ana Drowns. Slses B to 7 only. S2.oo Grades mow ......... Boys' High-Tops $1.98. Boys' 8-inch Tan High Tops with Buckles to 12 ses 8 to. 12 Si a 13 to Z Sizes Ztt to 6 .S2.43 .S2.9S Boy's Black or Brown 12 inch High Tops ei.es S to 11H . PlEes IS to 2. S2.S8 Slses 24 to6 Vs S3.-4S Wholesale and Retail 01UTER TH ui ALDER STREETS Portlaad. Or. S1.29 MEN'S 2.50 FELT SLIPPERS Now $1.48 These come In browns, wine, grays, blacks and blues. All have padded soles. All Bites. ReRul'r $2.50( CC M O FOR J1EV5 S-f.OO FAUST SLIPPERS, Si -IM-rS made of finest brown vicl. all kid lined, best $4.00 grade. Now. 50-f AO trades now.. I -tQ -S2.48 BUDGET MEETING SET COUNTY COMMISSIONERS TO MEET TAXPAYERS TOMORROW. Executive -Sessloa Will Follow and Tax Levr Will Then Be Fixed. 4.9 MlUs Seems Likely. Adoption of the 1917 budget of gen eral county and road expenditures will follow a taypayer's meeting to morrow morning at the Courthouse. Arguments for and against Items on the tentative budget will be given by tax payers, at the conclusion ' of which County Commissioners Llghtner, Hoi man and Holbrook will go Into execu tive session and emerge with an an nouncement of the budget decided upon and the tax levy. Indications point to a tax levy of 4.9 mills for general county and road purposes, instead of 4.4 mills, recom mended by the advisory budget com mittee. This is because of an extra 2100,000 said to be necessary to pre vent a repetition of a warrant basis for the county after the early part of 1917. A levy of 4.9 mills would Include $100,000 for the erection of the first unit of a new county hospital and would still be about $65,000 under the limit imposed by the new tax limitation amendment. As the road department bas been heavily curtailed In the recommenda tions of the advisory committee, heavy taxpayers have visited the Commission ers and urged that the limit levy be made this year, so not to embarrass road building operations under Koad- ; master Yeon. . . , , . .v. - .1. f ins nn&i w u. icait wnu ui mlssloners. The taxpayers' meeting Is called for 10 o'clock tomorrow morning In room 201 of the Courthouse. Should the quar ters not be large enough to accommo date the taxpayers appearing on the scene, there will be an adjournment to room 320 of the Courthouse. their parents who have been unable to secure tickets In advance may procure them at the door. The tickets are ' IS cents. The High School of Commerce Is at Fifth and Harrison streets. Pa rents of the youthful "keypounders" are especially urged to be present. ARTISANS WILL HAVE TREE Colombia Assembly Xo. 4 to Give Christmas Entertainment. Columbia Artisans, is Assembly. No 4. United making arrangements for a Christmas tree and entertainment to be held Tuesday. December 26. Pres ents will be given to all the children. The entertainment will be open for members and their families. The lodge held Its semi-annual -eleo-tlon of officers on Tuesday night of last week, resulting In the following selections: Mrs. Fred Behrens, master artisan: C. E. Stansbery, superintend ent: Mrs. M. Albright, inspector; H. J. Fleckensteln. secretary: E. V. Gott frledtz. treasurer; William Holmes, senior conductor: Mrs. E.'Klausen. mas ter of ceremonies; Effle Stansbery, Junior conductor; Miss Mary Albright, musician; E. A. Meyers, past master artisan; Mrs. McKee. Instructor; Frank Green, warder BRYAN IS ASKED TO SFEAK Nebraskan May Give Address at An nual Jackson Club Banquet. William J. Bryan bas been invited to deliver the principal address at the annual banquet of the Jackson Club, a Democratic political organization, in the Portland Hotel on Monday evening, January 8. Other Democrats of National promi nence, including President Wilson, have been invited . to attend. The banquet this year will serve the double purpose of commemorating Andrew Jackson's birthday and celebrating the re-election of Woodrow Wilson. Dr. Elof T. Hedlund, the newly elected president of the club, and ap pointed a committee to arrange a suit able programme. Music as well as oratory and feasting will be an attrac tion. The committee In charge follows: W. T. Vaughn, Mrs. E. R. Roberta. A. H. Harms, Miss Leona Larrabee and Dr. Catherine Myers. One Parole Is Granted. SALEM. Or.. Dec. 21. (Special.) The State Parole Board, In session here today, granted one parole and Indorsed a number of trusties for the prison recommended by Warden Murphy. ' Read The Oregonlan classified ads. CHRISTMAS SPIRIT OUT Progressive Business Blen's Club Hears of Work Done for Many. The Christmas spirit In Its true sense was discussed at yesterday's meeting of the Progressive Business Men s Club Sheriff Hurlburt spoke of the kind of Christmas the man In Jail spends; A. R. Gephart, of the Publlo Welfare Bureau, told of the methods used by nis agency in dispensing Christmas cheer, and Dean McColllster. of the Pro-Cathedral, spoke on "What Kind of a Christmas Will the Other Fellow Haver Mr. Euwar. of Hood River, recited number of the humorous poems which hava brought him fame. A committee under Chairman F. T. Richards was appointed to investigate the threatened strike in the shlpbuild lng industries. IX. C. Jones told of the huge holly wreaths which the clvio clubs of the city are placing on' the trans-continental trains and which are carrying Port land's greetings to Eastern friends. STUDENTS TO ENTERTAIN High School of Commerce Will Ob serve Christmas Season. The student body of the High School of Commerce plans to Initiate the Christmas vacation with an entertain ment to be given In the school audi torium tonight at 8" o'clock. Those who attend are assured of a Jolly time. The evening is to be divided' between "stunts." of which there are six on the programme, and dancing. Refresh. ments will be served. Students of other high schools and LIVING PRESENTS "We have over 200 Hart Mountain Canaries in full song." They are the sweetest singers on earth. Hear them at oar store. Young Panama PARROTS Just received, 10 extra fine birds just starting to talk. Bird Cages of All Kinds GOLD FISH. ANGORA KITTENS, PIT. BULL, COLLIE PUPS FLOWERING PLANTS, FERNS PALMS, ETC. Early shoppers tell us we have the largest display In the city at most reasonable prices. Store open nights and Sunday. ROUTLEDGE Second Street, Between Morrison and Alder Phones Main 5956, A 3811 Last Call Don't forget those Sun kist uniformly good Oranges for that Christmas Dinner. Order a box today. Phono your dealer. 11 . Uniformly Good Oranges California Fruit PiwF- LA 63 CHRISTMAS Mince Pie Let Butter Your Bread SOLD BT LEADING GROCERS SATURDAY SPECIAL Our Regular 40c OET Bulk Coffee Lb. Limit 4 pounds to one person. Phone early. We deliver. Martin Marks Coffee Co. 252 Third St, Near Madison- Phones Main or A-1893 12c to 15c t&&y At Grocers Nonesuch Mincemeat "Twice as goocl at half the coat of bullc mince meat tdERRELL-SOULE COMPANY. SnwH, B.T. LiGREtM. ;tCMli.f J- SUok as a whistle! Green Chile Cheese spreads like butter i