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About Morning Oregonian. (Portland, Or.) 1861-1937 | View Entire Issue (Jan. 29, 1918)
THE MOItXTXG OREGOXIAN, TUESDAY, JA.SVARY 29, 1918. 2Tfe (Dmwmm rORTLA VD. Br.CON. IwrH at Portland Oro Poatofflee as aacoad-ciaaa mall m a t ! -r iMcngxtn rataa larariabty la advance: (Ft Matt.) ra!'y. Snatfaw (neiu'ld. ana raar ....... aa.ae tl-r. cuala lnc.ull. (araa montAa .. X I'viljr. Pindar lnr:ud4. an moata - I-ailr, wimoui un.ir. aaa raar - tl r. whatBl finndAr. tit moitbf ...... a. Iai:y. without f..n,tair. taraa aaontaa 2-7 lai.v. wtnv)t Suadar. ao moata ...... . Wwrklr.SBtyaar ........... t M Sunday, ana yaar ......... 2'l auadajr aAd araaaly S.&0 P Carrier ) rxiftr. Puadar tae.uilad. od yanr ...... .$0 AO l!:?. Bandar loeiartad. ana nr.aath .7$ Iat:y. W!t.1aat Juwlalr. ona yaar T. Iai:y. without Suatiav. t.rwa man tha .... 1al y. without ho.od.ajr. aaa nooib ...... Haw ta Raaalt Sa4 poainfftra ineof ar- r. oxpraaa arrtar ar paraoaal ehaca: ea yotii la-aj baeL llampa. cala ar avfTaara- ara a wf'i rtak. Olva a-Tatoffica eddraaa ta full, lac: ad ! cacDLj aa4 atala. raatac Ralaa 11 la 1 aaa-aa. 1 caat: It a J 3 aaa-aa. 2 raata: 14 ta 4a paaraa. 1 raata O to paaaa. raata : U to Ta p-a. J raata: 71 ta S ra aaa, caata. roraija . daaala ratra. Eaatrra BaaHiai OfTVa Varraa Conk Ita. HmuaMrk atilidtna. aw Tark: Vrrraa Jj faakiln. Staar kotldlna;. Chiraaa; Varraa aV Crnk:ia. Lafaratta bld.. Iwuoit. Mich.; aaa FrancJar rapraaaatavuaa. Ja. J. fildwau. tj Maraat atraat. meybeb or tub associated rat. Ta Aaaaclatad Praaa la aaeloatralr aatlttad a lot aaa for ratab:icatJoa af all aawa dia aatraaa rraditad ta It or wot otharalaa erad tad ta fhta pa par. aad a.ao tko local news BuMiaftad karalo. All nrhu af roattbihratlaa of spatial eie- MRTIAXD, TCESDAT. a"AJ. M. I9IH. LET rs AVOID RATIONING. The appeal of the Food Adminis tration for further curtailment of use f certain essential food la fully Jus - tifiad by tha statistical position of the food supply. of the country and by the supreme necessities of war. It must be kept In mind by all patriotic citi sens that the economies enjoined on them are absolutely essential to vic tory, that if they are not observed vol. nntarlly the day la certain to come when they will be made compulsory. with heavy penalties for violations, and that unless this Is dona promptly w face the alternative of rationing. which' may be below the actual re quirements of bodily health. The people of the Paclflo North- west ought to acquiesce cheerfully In whatever regulations are Imposed upon them, because they nave been exceptionally favored In the past. The Inconvenience thus far resulting from food control regulations has been small by comparison with the expert- ence of the people of other sections. This Is Illustrated anew by the fact that while householders elsewhere are required to utilise substitutes for wheat In equal proportion, those of Oregon tinder the ruling of Food Ad ministrator Ayer are permitted three times as much wheat as substitutes therefor. By comparison with the East, our transportation problem Is easy. We have not felt a real pinch as to supplies of .sugar, or meat, or fuel. CongesUon ' of traffic farther east happens to operate In our favor, because It permits us to consume cer tain quantities of supplies which are now available and which cannot be transported to our less fortunate fel-low-citlxena. This, however, should Increase oar willingness to practice self-denial la whatever degree Is Dec rasa ry. The task of the local Food Admin istration will be somewhat simplified by the cheerful co-operation of large numbers of citlsens. but it is sincerely to be hoped that compliance will be enforcea upon all. by whatever ex. panslon of the terms of the food con trol laws may prove necessary. It has ocen the policy of food administra tors In the pa.it to rely upon volun tary action by the people, but It Is not fair to those who patriotically obey the rules that even a minority should be suffered to Ignore them. Those who are now observing the spirit of the regulations are doing so because they desire to help win the war not In order that there shall be more lux uries for slackers of any kind. It Is Important to remember that wheat flour, under tho new order. In cludes graham and whole wheat flours. Formerly the ne of both had been permitted on "wheatless days." In other words, wheatless davs and wheatless meals are to be actually wneauess. it also should be kept in mind that rye la not a permissible wheat substitute, since It Is available lor transportation abroad and La suit ed to field requirements and to the needs or our allies. The spirit of all the regulations la this: That we must conserve every food substance which can be advantageously shipped abroad, and that we must consume In their stead those products which are most available in each locality. Savin? of transportation no less than food Itself is desirable. Now is the time to increase the use of potatoes, of which, despite an un favorable growing season In 1917. a largo surplus was produced. To the full extent that It can be procured, barley also should have a place In the menu. Buckwheat can be substituted without hardship for at least one meal each day during the remainder of the Winter and the early Spring. The products of oats and corn are both palatable and nourishing. So la rice. There should be, and doubtless will be, sympathetic co-operation with the Food Administration In its efforts to enforce the new rule la letter and spirit, and with loyal bakers and mill ers and dealers in foodstuffs who are confronted at the outset with diffl eultles of detail. These difficulties are certain to be overcome la the end. because they must be Overcome, and because failure cannot- be permitted. Whatever additional machinery, ad iuuiuubutb ana omerwise, is re quired must be supplied. Heavy as the burden may become. It must be borne. And we ought to be glad of ine cnaaes to bear it. Our situation Is still measurably better than that of our fellow-countrymen In other states. It is vastly easier than that of our soil's and of other neutral na. ttoDs, and Inexpressibly superior to that of tha regions overrun by the tiou rone a long way toward standardising buMns evils, and thereby has stand ardized business remedies a benefit which It Is hoped will continue after the war Is over. THE SCHOOL IS 8TROG. The fact that the city schools begin their new Spring tern, with the larg est enrollment In their history should be encouraglnr to all who have a mind for the future beyond the war. There must be as little disturbance of our educational system as possible If we are to thrive permanently and we have not reached the point where children need to stay out of school because of any war necessity. Indeed, one fact which now stands out Is that untrained men and women have a smaller place than ever In the economic scheme. Constantly arising new problems require greater think ing capacity to meet them, and ma chinery and management are Increas ingly taking the place of brawn. This Is true whether the youngster is des tined to become a mechanic or a farmer, or to enter a profession, and appliea to girls and boys alike. There is no longer much prospect of happiness for the Ignorant and Il literate. It Is good to see the schools not only continuing full time, but crowded to the limit of their capacity. One of the results of food control according to the oHctala of the Food Administration, has been the greatest revival of the organization spirit ever known In the lines of business most directly erected. Co-operation Is be coming widespread, and Is brought about by realization that common problems can beat be solved by united action, and also by desire for leader ship. It Is seen that, however mnrfi men may contend In ordinary times, they are willing to follow a leader who has demonstrated his capacity when exceptional situations arise. The tendency of each Individual to struggle with his own problems in his own way, to deal with fundamental evils and wtes by applying merely local reme dies and to refuse to take others Into his confidence, is being' happily over, come. It is said that food control lis THE FIFTT THOCSANT. The public hears today through The Oregonlan as to the reasons why Professor Hector Macpherson, of the State Agricultural College, took an ac tive part in the organization of the Non-Partisan League for Oregon and why he accepted a place as member of the executive committee to devise plans for future operations. The ex planatlon Is from the professor him self. It has therefore the status of authority and doubtless of sincerity, But it seems to The Oregonlan to leave some things to be desired. The professor lays great emphasis on the high patriotic sentiments and purposes of the organizers which may be freely granted and he Inquires with some show of resentment why he may not meet with the 50.000 producers of Oregon, or their representatives, to discuss the common good, which Is to take the form of progressive lertsla tlon. It may be said without hesitation that Professor Macpherson Is quite within his rights when he responds to any genuine call from- SO.000 pro ducers and considers with them meas ures for their benefit. But we are constrained to inquire In Just what form and at what time the SO.000 pro ducers of Oregon summoned Professor Macpherson to the secret conference In Portland which devised the project for the organization of the Non-Parti' an League In Oregon and in what way and in Just what form "pro gressive legislation is to be obtained for them. It does not make the Non-Pa rtlsan League If the model of organ! cation adopted elsewhere Is to be cop led any the less a political, or class. or even partisan, organization to call It a Non-Partisan League. It smacks of camouflage to say that Its pur poses are merely to secure "progres sive legislation" when it Is known that the method is to go deliberately into politics, with candidates, in order to control elections and have men in of flee who shall be peculiarly its own representatives. There Is nothing dis creditable, indeed, about such an en terprise: not at alL But it Is Ingen uous, to say the least, to leave the Im pression that "progressive legislation" la to be sought, rather than "pro gressive" legislators, elected in quite practical ways. The real question, then, as to Pro fessor Macpherson is as to the right of a member of the faculty of a pub lic institution to Involve it, so far as his presence at the meeting of a cer tain political group may have In volved It, in practical politics. The Oregonlan will be frank in saying that It la a debatable matter, and de ponds o the facts o the particular case. But It Is not debatable that Pro fessor Macpherson, or any other fac ulty member, may not go and come as be pleases, say what he feels like say. lng. and do whatever It may appear to him seemly to do. without regard to his relationship to his Institution, and on his sole accountability as a citizen. He Is more than a citizen. He is less a citizen in such a conference as he attended at Portland, than he is voice and representative of the State Agri cultural College, tin may not assume that he speaks only as Macpherson, the Individual, and that he left at Corvallis Macpherson. public instruc tor In a state-endowed institution. The Agricultural College does not belong to any one class, not even the 50.000 producers who appear to have so Important a place In Professor Mac- pherson's assumptions. There are a million people In Oregon, or a few less, and the college is for all of them, consumer as well as producer. It would be a genuine misfortune If, through its responsible heads, it should be involved in class agitation, or group movement, or party activity. We can think of nothing which would do it greater harm. If it shall develop that the real object of the Non-Parti san League is to keep out of politics, and the college out with it, and not go Into politics, we should say that It is quite proper that Professor Macpher son should take a hand in its projects for "progressive legislation," assum ing, of course, that he has the sanc tion of the faculty or board at Cor vallis. In that event, any speculation as to why It was necessary for the so called representatives of "50,000 pro ducers" to meet behind lock and key, and not In full view of the 60,000 and abroad has been for books dealing with French history and things French. The supply of French les sons, grammars and lexicons does not begin to keep pace with the demand. Books on the war, on European his tory, on the technique of aviation and submarine sea warfare, and on math ematics and astronomy are being called for in large numbers. A cu rious Incidental phase has been a call for many copies of Caesar's Commen taries, Indicating quite general desire to study the Roman campaigns in Gaul, where the larger campaigns of the present war are being carried out. The favorite author of the soldiers, as shown by the number of calls for his works, is Rudyard Kipling. Rob ert W. Service Is finding new vogue, and Wells and Stevenson are among the ten prime favorites. Bryant and Longfellow are favorite American poets; Hugo the favorite French au thor; Tennyson the favorite English poet after Kipling. It is not easy to account for a general revival of in terest in "Robinson Crusoe," but li brary officials are content to accept it as a fact and send as many copies as possible. Military taste in fiction runs generally to short stories. There is a fair demand for humorous works. but It Is American humor that Is wanted. We have not yet entered fully enough Into the lives of our al lies to share their humor with them. The Jokes of Punch still remain incom prehensible to the average American mind. There is on the part of the leaders of the library movement no disposi tion to deny the men any kind of wholesome reading matter for which they may Indicate a preference. The effort to ascertain which books are the real favorites has been sincere. It has at the same time revealed dis crimination surprising- even to the li brarians themselves. The passion for education, exhibited even In the choice of lighter reading, is manifested in unmistakable ways. of the war. The best encouragement which Mr. Wilson could give the American people would be to drop the little men for whom he shows a fond ness and do as. Lincoln did. WHERE TBI MONET GOES. When every citizen Is being invited to economize and when National debt Is growing at such a pace that the annual interest will soon exceed the normal expenses of the Government, it is pertinent to consider where some of the money goes. Information on this point occasionally leaks out when members of Congress talk frankly to each other. Representative Madden, of Illinois, has had an attack of frank ness at this session. The House committee on merchant marine asked for an assistant at the rate of $( per diem, and Mr. Madden unkindly protested, saying the com- mittee "never had anything for an extra clerK to do." Referring to a vote of clerks which had Just been made for several Inactive committees, he further said: "They never meet. They have no business. They are or naments, created to give some mem ber of Congress the title of chairman." Being asked what these clerks get per day, he replied: Six dollars par day. thirty days a month, tf It happena to ba a month of thirty daya. and thirty-ona daya a month If It la a month of thirty.ona daya; and If by any cbanca tho commlttea baa a meatlns and tbara fa any bualneaa dona, then thay come in with a bill for extra pay for tha dark because ha had dona aoroethins. O. A. C. PROFESSOR EXPLAINS PART Right Heist Bvalve la Defended ta Political CORVALLIS, Or, Jan. 26 (To tha Editor.) have noticed the letter signed, "An Amarlcan Citizen," In Tho Oregonlan January 24. My conviction Is that that letter was not written by any serious minded citizen -of this state In quest of Information. The writer is, I believe, one who is thoroughly ac quainted with the subject upon which he professes to seek light. The letter Is written solely to create an Impres sion. The writer is tryinar to discredit the Portland Conference on the ground that It Is affiliated with tha National Non-Partisan League, which ho repre sents as fundamentally disloyal. Tha writer is aehamed to come out In the open over his signature, because he knows that the impression he is trying to create la false throughout. He may be rightly classed. I think, alona- with thousands of other anonymous "Ameri can Citizens" who are well nnirf for sowing insidious seeds of discord to weaken their country in its hour of supreme need. Such men are beneath contempt It self, and had it not been that your editorial of this morning accorded this anonymous letter so much consideration I would not have troubled you with this reply. Let me put a few points very uneny. First As to my right to be at that meeting. I was there at the request of me representatives of 50,000 or ganlzed farmers and laboring men, wno naa gathered to discuss leg Islatlon affecting the social and eco nomic welfare of the state of Oregon I was invited in an advisorv eanaoitv KB. BAKER'S EXPLANATION, Secretary of War Baker explained his war preparations to the Senate Military Committee in a very differ ent tone from that which he adopted on nis first appearance. On the for mer occasion he seemed inflated with pride at bis achievements and resented any suggestion that errors had been made. He now makes a frank state ment. admitting mistakes. If the recent ventilation of the subject accomplishes no more than that, it will be so much to the good and will have Justified the Senate's Inquiry, provided the Secretary continues to act up to his admission. But much more is needed to put the Nation on an effective war footing. That is shown, even by Mr. Baker's defense He brings forward such an array of expert authority in favor of the rechambered Enfield rifle that few will venture to question the wisdom of the decision, but why was there such long delay In order to adopt inter changeable parts, which involved fur mer aeiayr wny was there more delay in making contracts, and more delay again before the manufacturers were ordered to work to capacity? Samples were tested on May 9, but the factories did not get fully to work until September . Why was one of the arsenals working to only 25 per cent of capacity when war was de clared, and why were ail arsenals not immediately put In full operation, double shift, to make Springfield rifles? It was surely more important to ret a large number of good rifles im mediately than to get even an equal number of Ideal rifles several months later. According to Mr. Baker, the Springfield is not merely a good rifle; it is "admittedly the best military rifle developed by any country." Though the British had decided to remodel the Enfield, "the suddenness f the war prevented their making the change." Surely the necessity of speed should have prevented Mr. Ba ker from abandoning manufacture of "the best military rifle" until he was prepared to make the Inferior Enfield In equal numbers, and from extreme remodeling of the latter weapon which wasted several months. If the Chairman Alexander, of the mer chant marine committee, insisted that' as head of the department of economics It did lots of business and needed the ana sociology in the great technical dark nnri p.nr.niafiu. r.run. 1 scnool or our state. If there ever comes senior Republican member of the i "J"8 thf. Vead ?f d,eart- Mm,in. i.i .., v,im t ment cannot participate in the delibera- committee. ably seconded him. Rep- tion8 of the organlled producers ot the resentatlve Sanford calmly informed state, either because of lack of confl- the House that It had no time to con- dence on their part or on account of sider such little matters, and should I opposition arising from the disapproval accent the recommendation of the ot such men as your anonymous "Amer- committee on accounts. Mr. Madden ic.an Citisen," I will Immediately sever said he knew the clerk would be al- Vir. i V? 1 Oregon -agri , , , , , , . I cultural Coliepre. .owea, ana ne was ngnt. ior tne Second As to why I accepted a posl motion was adopted without more tlon on the executive committee of the parley. I conference: As a general proposition. I Then came Representative Lenrootlhave always hitherto declined to serve with this convincing argument for an n an official capacity on any organlza assistant clerk for the committee on tlon- work is educational and ad- rules: T i uwr, uivro were) omy two mings ac j oo not tnina it la any reflection on tna comnlisheri ot that -...., is it chairman of a committee that he aeka for was decided that the time was ripe for an aaaiatant clerk when ha aeea other com- I ... , , mltteea setUns aaaiatant clerka irrespective -r,' "tr " mBrMn ksibmuoh, of the need of auch clerka. But I do think and. a committee was appointed (he committee on accounts ahould so Into I w'th power to act on ways and means. the question ot what work a committee la I Everything is still in a formative stage caiiea on to penorm. ana not merely take i ana suoject to modification by that tha bald statement of tha chairman. committee and at tha next ponfrBn. That got under the hide of Mr. San- The work of that committee will be ford, who said the rules committee did I epochal, as tha anonymous "American not need another clerk, and it did not yen preaicts. in lact, I consider it of supreme importance that the nro- a1- o-rammatnh. .n..,l k, Tl.l I. V V TT . I 1 wv. .Uliui.l- J xiuuoo mica cally safe and anna rrt that nnthln. w -amo, uui nuu- Hnouiu do aitemDtea aurlnar the war dreds or millions of dollars. If a I which will undermine the efficiency member plays the game according to an(l unity of the state. Because of my the rules for distribution of oatronasre. Interest as a citizen of the state in the h wot a what- ha want. Kt t 1 outcome of this movement, I accepted -v. i ... v ,.i'n v to a position on the committee. I hope f,WL !. rnlztloa he Sets that when its programme is finally de- vuu jew uuw ioUuo 0jr i elded upon it will be such as will ap we do not need a budget system. I peal convincingly to the vast majority of the intelligent citizens of Oregon. The season Is at hand for a re-1 . t lna Patrl0tl8ra or th view of the work of boys' pig cluta "JZi all over the country and for making meetings since the United States for- plan8 for continuing their efforts mally entered this world war for hu- tbrough 1918. The value of the move- manity, but never in one at which ment is shown bv the eiamola of one patriotism was at such a white heat as county In an eastern state, in which wa at the conference of Oregon cit- 550 boys who Joined clubs with a ""3 LYJ ,n Proress' ve "eisia- Pledge to raise at least one pis and 60 K'.Tsons eUherVt the fVon? or on the'ir have Just decided to keep at least way to the trenches. Tou have read th one trooa-sow eacn and enter the I first resolution passed by that assem business on a larger acale in the com ing season. This Is a good sign be cause if it becomes the general prac tice it will not be so difficult to ob tain young stock when the keep a pig!" cry is raised a little later on. The supply of pork suffered consid erably last year because large num bers of persons who could have main tained one or two pigs during the growing season were unable to get them, breeding stock having been sac- bly. The atmosphere was such that had your correspondent been present with any insinuation of disloyalty I fear his supersensitive American citi zenship would have had an entirely different cause for complaint against the meeting. Fourth Regarding the charges Im plied in the questions directed by "An American Citizen" at the Nonpartisan League: Let me state that the execu tive committee of the conference will be in possession of all the facts before it makes a decision as to whether or IS TOUR SOLDIER BOT INSURED T Tklaara About Uncle Saa Plaa That You and He Should Know. PORTLAND, Jan. J7. (To the Edi tor.) In an editorial, under the head ing, "If Tour Soldier Boy Insured?" you explain the Insurance law passed by Congress and which went into ef fect October 15. 1917. You further ex plain that a young man Joining the Army or Navy has 120 days from the date of enlistment In which to apply for the insurance. Tou urge the fami lies of soldiers and sailors to advise their boys to apply for this Insurance before it is too late. My son enlisted In the Army last April. Last November he wrote his mother saying he had taken out this insurance and that the policy would be sent to her. This Is the last we heard from him except a postal card stating that "when you receive this you will know that I have safely landed in France. I wish you would explain where we can apply to find out whether this in surance contract was actually com pleted or not, or whether there is any way that the families can make appli cation for this Insurance on a boy in the Army or Navy and pay the premium. I know of a number of families who have boys in the service of our coun try who are as much in the dark on this subject as I am and I ara sure that a multitude of your readers will appreci ate all the Information you can pub Iish on this subject. A READER. In Other Days. rificed under the temptation of high not the Oregon association of citizens prices during the preceding season. I working for progressive legislation shall be affiliated with the National A t.lllnv r99 In V, a mimVA M . , UliparilSUn liCdUC. AS U. Ill tilll UP T O L . " i owk that ..mmllt.. T .hob- t .V. sunk by submarines is usually fol- material submitted in your editorial. It lowea oy a spurt, maicaung a cnange will be carefully weighed in the con- in German tactics or reinforcement of nection in which it was spoken and I their fleet or adoption of Improved assure you that if there is the slightest essels. But the spurts since last srouna ror the imputation of disloyalty For Information as to whether ap plication for the policy was completed write to Bureau of War Risk Insurance, Washington, D. C. The following are some of the Im portant phases of the soldiers' and sailors' insurance plan. Eligibility; Any man or woman of any age in the military or naval serv ice of the United States can be insured. Cost: Each $1000 of insurance costs from 65 cents a month at the age of 21 to $1.20 a month at the age of 51. Beneficiaries: They are limited to wife, husband, child, grandchild, brother or sister, stepbrother or stepsister. adopted brother or adopted sister of the insured, parent, grandparent or step parent of the Insured or his wife. A fiancee cannot be made a beneficiary. If no beneficiary is named the insur ance will go to such of those persons named herein as would Inherit the in sured person's personal property if he died without leaving a will. Applications by others: Anybody may apply In the name of an eligible for insurance on his or her life. The one for whom application is made will be notified at once and supplied with a paper to be signed by him if he agrees to it. He can say he does not want it or can accept It. Within certain time limits he may reject the application made In his behalf and make out his own application, or he can agree to the application, changing, however, If he so desires, the beneficiary, or cutting down the amount of the insurance or both. Premiums. Payable monthly, by de duction from pay or by any other way. Payment of premiums by others may be made in behalf of the insured. Any number of months' premiums may be paid in advance. Kind: The insurance is yearly ra newable term insurance. Each month s premium Insures Just for that month nd the premiums become a little larger each year as the insured grows older, this change taking effect on the an- lversary of the policy. Notification of renewal Is not required so long as premiums are paid. There is also 31 days' grace for each premium payment. Insurance may be reinstated within six months after lapse. Terra: The insurance may be con tinued as term insurance for five years after tho war. Within these five years it may be converted Into any form of policy Issued by the bureau, such a whole-life insurance, 20-payment life insurance, endowment insurance, etc. All or any part In multiples of J500 may be converted. These exchange policies, which will be issued after the war. will be cheaper than the now Half a Century Acs. Prom Tha Oregonlan, January S9, 1S6&. Purser McDonald, Mate Dougherty and Engineer Marshall arrived overland from tha steamer Okanogan last Sat urday for the purpose of laying In a few "sea stores" in which they had run short while encamped in the ice below. They will start back this forenoon to attempt forcing a channel down tho Columbia to the open waters at Rainier. Hon. J. H. Mitchell has been for a week or more engaged In the delivery of lectures on medical Jurisprudence before the medical department of the Salem University. Tha O. S. N. Co.'s steamers Wilson O. Hunt and J. H. Couch returned to their dock yesterday from their late place of refuge below Swan Island. Captain Wolff reports the channel open as far down as St. Johns. The sleighing which felt from the clouds last Friday night has become about played out. The efforts of tha Messra. Knott to force a landing through the ice at East Portland were yesterday successful air everything Is lovely now with ferry transportation. Twenty-five Yeara Ago. From Tha Oreronian. January 29, 189s. Yesterday was a busy day at tha headquarters of the city board of chari ties. An unusually large number of tramps were furnished with board and lodging in return for three hours' work. The British steamer Capilano ar rived at Astoria yesterday from Nelson Island, B. C, with 22.100 cubic feet of granit for the new Portland City HalL Construction of the new racetrack at Albina is progressing as rapidly as wavering weather permits. The downfall of the Hawaltan mon archical government has finally oo- curred. Yesterday the provisional gov ernment was organized, composed en tirely of white residents. At the Blaine mansion In Washing ton telegrams of condolence from every part of the United States and from foreign countries continue to pour In. There Is apparently an endless chain of messenger boys passing between tha telegraph office and the Blaine home. change was advisable in order that April have been slight and have never ,r'' (':f "I'f publlsh,i r4.te' ' i"!" reached the alarming total of .that ,ucn affiliation" Decause mo wteromtm ... all others, may be waived. WHAT TRK ARMY 18 KEADCfO. Efforts to supply libraries to the soldiers in home cantonments and In the field have progressed far enough to warrant a preliminary appraisal of the reading taste of Americans drawn from every walk In life and living under war conditions. The impres. sive fact about this appraisal Is the dominance of serious purpose and the practically universal desire for self- improvement. Our young soldiers seem to be determined to fit themselves not only for their Immediate task, but for the future. This does not mean that no "light reading" Is being indulged In, or that fiction and poetry are not in demand. There Is, however, a more general call for books of edu cational value than is experienced by most home libraries. In proportion to the whole number of books distributed. This appears In reports of observ ers of the work of the Young Men's Christian Association and of the American Library Association ar home and In France. According to Alfred M. Brace, of the University of South Dakota, who has written an article on "Libraries for Americans in France," the largest, number of re quest received iron, pur forces we might have uniform arms with our allies, it might have been made in such a way as not to lose output. So with machine guns. Although General Pershing did not desire Lewis guns for ground work, he would prob ably have been glad to have them If he had been Informed that by ac ceptlnr them, at least for the present. he could get several thousand more machine guns In general than if he waited for the type he preferred. Mr. Baker appears to have made no ob Jection to Colt machine guns, but when an offer of a large number was made to an official of the Ordnance Bureau last February, he replied, "We are not Interested." The Xavy De. partment was interested, and bought them In that month. There was delay until the untried Browning gun had been adopted, and three more month were lost before.lt was ordered. Time was wasted as lavishly as though time were not fighting for Germany. Mr. Baker's explanation of the pur chase of French artillery reacts against both himself and the Shipping Loard. France and Great Britain reA.hed the point where "their pro- auction of ordnance Is now estab. lished on so large a scale that they are able to equip all American troops arriving in 191S with ordnance of the best types" by establishing a muni tions department and a war cabinet and by handling the labor problem with an efficiency which is consplcu ously absent in this country. When it is considered that that means supply. ing artillery for 1,500,000 men, it is a great achievement, worthy of emu lation by Mr. Baker. It Is a sad commentary oh our boasted American efficiency that the need of tonnage was so great last year that the allies took this great task of supplying us with artillery on their bands In order that we might use all available ships in sending them food, and that nevertheless months were wasted in Shipping Board feuds and in discussion of the respective merits of steel and wooden ships, when we need all we can build of both types. . After having taken at Its face value all that Mr. Baker says, it is impossi ble to escape the conclusion that his Job is too big for him. .It is a Job for a big man who forms a broad and far-seeing conception of what he has to do, who quickly conceives how it must be done and who has driving force to put It through without loss of a day or of any motion. Mr. Baker Is not that type of man; he was a law yer and politician of only local repu tation in Cleveland until President Wilson discovered him. The Presi dent's selection of him and defense of him against all criticism contrast with the action of Lincoln. When Simon Cameron had failed as Secre tary of War, Lincoln put Stanton, the biggest man and his bitterest oppo nent of tha opposite narty( in charge HECTOR MACPHERSON. month. The allies have only to keep everlastingly after the U-boat in order to exterminate it. The mutiny at iviel I DOING OUR BIT. suggests tnat tne siaugnter nas al- Does anyone think he's earning his rent reaay Deen so great mat men in tne In the conflict across the pond for running or overhead expenses. Con version may be made whether the in sured is then In good health or not. Payments: The insurance will be paid If the Insured is totally and per manently disabled or dies from any cause or at any time, so long as the policy is kept up. It makes no dif- German navy regard assignment to aBy investing money at four per cent submarine as a sentence of death. When he buys a liberty bond? When the fatA of crew after craw r. . .. . ... ... I 1 In winst f,r ii a t hi n If to a hnva rinna A11P mains a mystery, tne terruying eiteci whether tha insured is then in a.1 I . aa . a I SllaS.I S I ---- -' on meir comrao.es morale must De . ....'...i. worse than that of seeing men fall on 0 r.r- thfc on P hm of me uauieiieiu. me aiiies seem to xnd can rest in a nice, warm bed? nave decided wisely in concealing the number and names of U-boats cap-1 Does anyone feel way down In his heart tured and sunk. I He is having a dreadful time Making his living and doing his part the service or out of It. Form of payments: The insurance Is payable only in monthly installments I of $5.75 for each $1000 of insurance. This lasts for 20 years and for as much longer as the insured lives and is Closing an Omaha hotel of 800 in the struggle that's yours and mine? I totally and permanently disabled. I ii .i . mi. .... -1 ; - u i ... rooms for viol.itinn nf tha nrnhihltinn . " -w law is drastic and show; to' what ex! r" reY ' " Jn the,r own behalf Can bta'n ap" tent a law can be enforced. Yet that FVom a aolrtlar-s danearoua work? plication blanks and full instructions is one of the thlnirs that will hannen Would his conscience auDrove the man from their commanding officer. Ap A SCIENTIST AT JIMTOWH. BY JAMES BARTON ADAMS. There was lots of speculation dona In whispers on the sly s Why ol" Jimtown had been honored by a visit from the guy. An' the general impression was theaaj stranger in .our gates Was a sheriff or detective out on busi ness from the states. But we shook him down to cases an' was gratified to find He was what you'd call an expert of tha scientific kind An' was rammin' 'round the mountains after bugologic game. An' he lectured on the corner to eluci date the same. He asserted that our systems, seemln' perfect in our eyes. Was a rendyvoo fur critters of the microscopic size That was feedin' on our organs in the shape of harmful germs. Some of lnseck toot ensemble, some as tiny little worms. There was microbes in the water an' backsilly in the air. There was germs of sure destruction floatin' 'round us everywhere: Anymalcules was a-workin' in insijus sort o' way In the food that was sustalnin' of our lives from day to day. His convincin' style of language drove Us into sober thought An' to tellin' of each other of the symptoms we had got: Poker Johnson had a bitin' in his stomach. Parson Bill Had observed his brain was dlshin' up a weaker brand of vrill. Colonel Duzenbury's liver wasn't actin" as it should. Justice Jenkins thought his pimples was from microbes in the blood, An' there wan't man or woman in tha camp that didn't git What you'd call a germy feelin', ekeer- in' of em up a bit. under National prohibition. Federal foolishness is something that does not exist. Dr. Maurice Egan's prediction of starvation for the world is too gloomy. When the worst comes, we can still go fishing and eat grass. Who would have thought the time could come when the American peo- who dared To remain at home as a shirk? If we must complain when we do our share. While living for comfort and gain, O, what would we do with a soldier's fare And a cot made up in the rain? Let's help the lads who may never come back To the place where you and I stayed. plications by others in behalf of an eligible should be made to the Bureau of War Risk Insurance, Washington, D. C. Questions of Conscience, PORTLAND, Jan. 28. (To the Edi tor.) Under the old law a portion of the income of Secretary of State Olcott would have been subject to income tax had he not been a state officer, 1) Did he insist on paying income pie could not eat what they wanted They're made of the stuff that you and tax last year or was his conscience to eat and plenty of it? I lack And have proved that they're not afraid. But some will come back when the fight is won To the place where we've earned and Baker tells what the United States To finish the tasks they have left un- A scientist who professes to know predicts quakes for this coast next week. Nervous people need take something and wait. will have on foreign soil and the al lies, with their backs close to the wall, wonder when, done. And it's then that we'll want to trade. The old world may be on the verge of starvation, but the Americas al ways will, have a bone and a crust to We.u Vnow that our bit wasn't much When the old flag passes along our way And things past to our thoughts re call. share. Secretary Baker says there is a big diver drive coming, but does he think our destroyers will be do. rig nothing? to pay When compared with giving their all. E. B. BIRKENBEUEL. is becoming Castor Bean Growlnjc. NEWPORT, Or., Jan. 26 (To the Ed- "some I Itor.) I inquire for information con- Next thing it will want a team cerninS the 100.000 acres of castor oil ot conscience, but con C I Learn beans" to be planted by the Federal diseoverv that . I. i. league. Government in connection with the your discovery tnai awakening coincident with his candi dacy for Governor? (2) Has the Collector of Internal Revenue authority to accept income tax from an exempt person? If so, does it go into the conscience fund, or what becomes of it? (3) Under the new income tax law a niivried man gets an additional ex emption of $1000. Since I married I find I spend less than when I was single. Do you think it is my con scientious duty to claim only $1000 exemption? I am not a candidate for office. STILL SMALL VOICE. (1) We do not remember reading any newspaper accounts of such a payment. (2) The Internal Revenue Collector has no ruling on the question.' He will accept the money and forward it, but its final acceptance or return will be up to the Treasury Department. (3) We cannot advise you in matters gratulate you on two can live as Then he called another meetln an' we gathered 'round the cuss Fur some further information as to what was eatln' us, An' he opened up a satchel- an' per- duced some pinky pills That was dead sure panaceas fur our life-destroyin' Ills. Here's the key to life!" he hollered. "Here's the open gate to healthl Here's the pizen fur the demons that's devounn' you by stealth! Here's the magic germ destroyer, the diskivery that knocks Anymalcules from the system, an' it costs a buck a box! Then we tumbled to his racket an' our breasts got hot with rage. An' we yanked the man of science from his temporary stage, An' the rope we kep' fur bracln' up the morals of the camp In a jiffy was encirciln' of the thorax of the scamp. An' in less than seven minutes by the regulator he Was a-samplin' of the vengeance of our mortuary tree. With a vacancy between ol" terry Army an' his feet. An' the bugs at that same moment at our systems ceased to eat. Vancouver town in the P. aeronlane industry. In which state cheaply as one and also on your not be- xneres nocninjf in a name anv wnuld this "bean" nrolect be estah- ing a canamoiE more, for the steamship Cork was tor-I lished? And who would be the proper pedoed and sunk. I man to write to to inquire atout get ting wora on mis project r Humanity begins at home. Bat that victory bread and profess a liking for it. A CONSTANT READER. The Government is seeking to in- Call of Clasa II. PORTLAND, Jan. 28. (To the Ed itor.) Please advise me when the men in class II, division B, will be called nw nhuoloal .ramlnattnn anri whAi-a crease the supply of castor beans by HnM tha Government intend to nlace appeals to private srowera, cnieny m ik A READER. wnai s me aiiierence in Dreads If I the Soutn, and Is said to have obtained man be hungry? It's all in the Its best response in Texas, where capl- Men in class II will not be called ppetite. I tal for the establishment of crushing until class I is exhausted by the draft. mills has been promised on condition If ever called they go into the National To the straphanger all days are! that sufficient acreage is pledged. It I Army for service wherever needed, seatless. I is not an organized "project" and there There will likely be no physical exam Is no administrative head to whom an- I lnation set until there is prospect of War DrealOast foods next, I plications for work would be addressed, 4 their need, Real Myatlca Not Drpamrm. SOUTH BEND, Wash., Jan. 26. (To the Editor.) 1'atrick O'Halloran's let ter in regard to mysticism proves noth ing but his entire ignorance of the subject. I would advise him to take up the study. Mysticism is a study of nature and natural laws, which are the same yes terday, today and forever and have been understood and used by some in every generation. Real mystics devote tnelr time to study, not to dreaming, and are practi cal people, well qualitied to carry on the purely material affairs of life. They do not differ from others except that they are better men and women. We of the present day have no causa to look down upon the civilization or Intelligence of the ancients. The pyra mids are still one of the wonders of the world and some of the ancient philosophers and scientists are still authorities. Do not forget the old adage, "There is nothing new under the sun." JULIA HOFLER. Down With Sugar Glutton. PORTLAND, Jan. 28. .(To the EdN tor.) I notice with pleasure your arti cle on the useless waste of sugar by some of our negligent countrymen, and I wish to add that I have on almost numberless occasions noticed the sense less and, to my mind, the foolish habit a great many people have of placing three, four and even six spoonfuls of sugar in a single cup of tea or coffee. In my ten years of restaurant and hotel experience in nearly all parts of the United States I can truthfully say that I have never witness'ed this act of waste without feeling rather disgusted and I have also noticed that this is al most always practiced by those who can least afford it. GEO. E. VAUGHAN.