Mm- PRICE FIVE CENTS VOL. IjVIII. NO. 18,334 Entered at Portland (Oregon) Potnffire a. Serand-CIa?s Matter. PORTLAND,' OREGON, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1919. CTCCI CTMkT m 1 SEVEN ARE SHOT IN ITALIANS APPEAL FOR ALLIED HELP SHIP CARRYINGGOLD HUNTERS IS WRECKED 4000 PAY TRIBUTE TO LATE GOVERNOR WORK OF JAMES WITHYCOMBE, SOLDIERS PRAISED AT FAIR. TREATY DEBATE IS MILWAUKEE MAYOR SNUBS BELGIAN KING 8-GENT CARFARE 11M PORTLAND SOUGHT u""lu- lu STEEL STRIKE RIOTS BE LONG, BITTER HALTED BY HISSES CASCO OX ROCKS OFF KING ISLAND, BERING SEA. SOCIALIST REFUSES TO MONARCH TO CITY. ASK Labor and Capital Dig in for Siege. UNIONS SAY 284,000 QUIT Companies, However, Deny Plants Are Crippled. ARMED GUARDS AT MILLS Strikers Iake Headway in Some Quarters, but Plants Manage to Keep Tires Burning. (By the Associated Press.) At the opening: day of the economic War between organized labor and the greater part of the iron and steel in dustry of the country, both sides rested last night, apparently satisfied "With the reports received from the far-flung battle line, reaching into 20 states and affecting directly or indi rectly half a million workers. After the first test of strength in dustrial leaders and commissioners of labor's legions were willing to admit that they faced a struggle which might prove bitter and long. Armed Guards Protect Mills. Grim evidence of preparations made for the industrial conflict were seen in the armed guards surrounding the mills, but the first day of the strike ended with no signs of serious dis order, except in Newcastle, Pa., where seven persons were shot in rioting following an alleged attempt to pre vent workers from entering a plant. Until the first smoke of battle rolls away, an accurate estimate of the number of workers who marched out in obedience to the strike order and the number who remained at their posts is not obtainable. I nlons Say 284,000 Oat. From strike headquarters in Pitts burg came claims that 284,000 men had taken their places in the ranks of the strikers, but, although no statement was forthcoming from the steel corporation's headquarters in New York, company officials in the zone of action hastened to challenge the estimate of labor leaders. The steel corporation, against which the main offensive is directed, was able to operate most of its plants in the Pittsburg district, according to company officials. In the Chica go steel center, some of the largest plants were forced to close down but others operated on a reduced scale. It was in the Mahoning valley that the strikers seemed to make the most headway for with three large mills in the Youngstown district shut down, and others running only part capacity, the steel producing indus try in that section was reported to be fast approaching general pa jalysis. Cleveland Plants Closed. In the Cleveland district, too, the fctrikers apparently made a success ful attack. Only four of the plants were in operation, and according to labor leaders. 19,000 men are affected. Telegraph wires leading into head quarters of both capital and labor were kept warm, as report followed report on conditions at 145 plants affected by the strike order. As became evident that neither the cor poration had been able to keep all its plants in operation nor the strik ers,Jiad been able to produce a com pltlfc tie-up of the industry,, leaders began to settle down to the prospec of a long fight. In this connection it was announced that an importan parley of union labor chiefs would be held tomorrow, when, it is under stood, the question of financing th fctrike would be considered. Carnegie Mills Running. Officers of the Carnegie company, the steel corporation's largest sub sidiary In Pittsburg, asserted that although their forces had been de pleted by desertions, they had bee able to reorganize their workers as to keep all of the important mill operating at almost 100 per cen This brought emphatic denial from the labor camp. Steel officials admitted that in some cases blast furnaces, which the said they always had regarded their most vulnerable spot, had bee Daaiy crippiea. unis situation was met by banking some furnaces an concentrating the remaining workers on others. An important announcement cam during the day from representative of 35,000 workers employed by th Bethlehem Steel company. This wa to the etrect that they would no walk out pending an attempt to ob tain a conference with company of ficials. FlKures in Conflict. An example of the wide difference between estimates made by labor leaders and corporation officials con cerning the number of strikers is found in Pittsburg. According to William Z. Foster, secretary of the national committee of steel workers, 71,000 men are out, while in opposing quarters the number was set at 15,000. In the Chicago district company Officials estimated that from 70 to 90 per cent of their workers had re mained loyal, while at strike head quarters in that city, it was said 87,500 had obeyed the strike call. Labor leaders in the Youngstown ICuucluJcd on Page 2, Column 2.) CROWDS AXD MILLi GUARDS 1" BATTLE IX STREETS. Volleys of Bricks, Stones and Clubs Are Answered by Fire of Depu ties; Women Wounded. PITTSBURG, Sept. 22. One man was killed, two state troopers were shot and many other persons less seriously injured tonight in a second utbreak at Farrell. The fight oc- urred near the American Steel & Wire plant, when, it is said, members of a crowd threw bricks and other missiles at the state police and local fficers. Paul Prouse died as the result of a bullet wound received uring the melee. Private Frank Milligan and Sergeant Smith, state troopers, were struck by bullets and the former is in a serious condition. NEWCASTLE, Pa., Sept. 22. Seven ersons were shot, one probably ta lly, in rioting which broke out at the Carnegie Steel company's plant ere late today. The trouble started when a crowd about 400 attempted to prevent millworkers from entering the plant. About 20 workmen were being as saulted when the mill guards, consist ing of a number of deputy sheriffs. came to their rescue. The mill guards were met with a olley of bricks, stones and clubs. They drew their revolvers and at- empted to hold the mob at bay, but he shower of missiles continued, and the crowd refused to disperse. When the situation appeared to be getting beyond control, the guards re alleged to have opened fire on the rowd with their guns. Two women were shot. A man shot through the tomach was reported to be in a hos- ital in a critical condition. A boy was also wounded. Three other persons were struck by ullets, but not seriously hurt. Following 'the shooting the mill uards had little difficulty in clearing he streets about the plant. Another outbreak occurred today at the plant of the Shenango Tin Plate company, in which two local police men were wounded while attempting o protect millworkers. One officer was stabbed and another was shot. Their wounds were not serious. NEW YORK, Sept. 22. "Riot and ivil commotion" insurance policies aggregating more than $100,000,000 ave been taken out by business men n Pittsburg and other cities where plants of the United States Steel cor poration are located, it was estimated by insurance men here today. They added that this amount probably would be doubled within a week. The amount called for by the largest policy is $6,000,000, while that of the smallest is $2500. The policies provide for covering damage result- ng from rioting and other causes not specified in regular fire insurance and apply to buildings as well as to their contents. COAST NEEDS RECOGNIZED Additional Drydock and Navy-Yard Facilities Promised. WASHINGTON, Sept. 22. Secretary Laniels announced today that as a re sult of his trip to the Pacific coast in connection with the arrival of the Pacific fleet he soon would ask con gress to authorize the establishment of additional drydock, navy yard and shipbuilding facilities there. Puget Sound and San Francisco will be the two chief bases of the Pacific fleet, Mr. Daniels said, with the dread noughts and cruisers divided about equally between the two ports. The smaller vessels destroyers, subma rines, supply ships and auxiliary craft will be based on the smaller ports cn the Pacific coast. CHORISTERS NOT ARTISTS Immigration Officials Hold Grand Opera Singers. NEW YORK, Sept. 22. Four chorus members of the Chicago Opera com pany and one of the Metropolitan Opera company, were excluded from the country yesterday by a board of special inquiry at Ellis island, which has undertaken the task of separat ing artists lrom contract laborers insofar as either or both terms may be applied to singers. The board members after compar ing the high salaries paid opera stars with the rate paid chorus singers, decided that the latter could not be classed with artists. TR0LLER RESCUED AT SEA Man Found Semi-Consclous, but Afloat, Near Wreck of Boat. ASTORIA, Or., Sept. 22. (Special. Herman Antio, troller was the op erator of the trolling launch No, G-52-a. which was found in swamped condition south of the Co lumbia river lightship Friday. Late that night Antio was found by other trollers In a semi-conscious condition floating on the seas some distance from his boat. He was help less and all that kept him from going dow:i was a life preserver. Antio was brought ashore, but is still in a criticu.1 condition. HUNS REFUSE TO LEAVE Government Admits It Is Powerless to Order Withdrawal. LONDON, Sept. 22. The German troops in the Baltic region Intend to remain in Letvla all winter, mak- Ing their headquarters at Mitau, according to a Central News dis patch received at Copenhagen from Helsingfors. General von der Golts, the German commander, is at Jditau, It is added. Troops Wanted to Quell Trouble in Fiume. POET EXTENDS HIS LINES D'Annunzio Picks Out Spot on Hillside for Grave. OUTSIDE AID EXPECTED ndications at Paris Are That Agreement for Internationali zation of Port Is Near. LONDON, Sept. 22. (By the Asso- iated Press.) The Italian govern ment has appealed to the allied pow- rs to send an allied force, exclusive f Italians, to drive D'Annunzio out of Fiume, according to a report here to- ight which is considered reliable. It is understood that American aval officers here who control the perations in the Adriatic have de clined any assistance whatsoever. ending final decision from Washi ngton or the peace delegates in Paris. The Italian government, it is re ported, has pointed out in its ap peal that it would be difficult for taly to handle the situation in view of D'Annunzio's popularity with the talian people, and also because of the fact that the Fiume decision has een a thorn in the side of the Italians. Americans Not Available. It is understood the Italian gov- rnment declared that it deplored he situation and did not wish to make the slightest move against the decision of the peace conference, but pointedly inferred that if D'Annun io's hold on Fiume was to be weak ened it must be done by other than Italian troops. The Associated Press learns that even should the appeal be favorably received, no United States troops are available, and, pending instructions from high authority. United States naval vessels would stay outside the three-mile limit. FIUME. Sept. 20. (By the Asso elated Presis.) Gabriele d'Annunzio declared in an. intereview here today that he is making ready an appeal to the president of the United States, the king of England and the French people to support him in his occupa tion of Fiume for Italy, which he In tended to maintain to his dying day, having determined never to leave the city. He was confident, he said, that his appeal would bear fruit. Fight to End Predicted. "I cannot believe that there will be any complication with France or Eng land," said the poet-commander, "as in the past I have done something in the interest of both countries. There fore it is impossible that they would (.Concluded on Page 3, Column 1.) JUST A HOW VVOUl.XOl.1 . LIXE. TO RrtiE. OtAt OF fWJr. r THIS COY IAV TEKT ' t : Vessel, Once Property of Robert Louis Stevenson, In Precarious Position; Crew Landed. NOME, Alaska, Sept. 22. (By the Associated Press.) The San Fran cisco schooner Casco, bound on a mys terious gold-hunting expedition to the Kolyma river section of Siberia, was wrecked on King island, about 40 miles from Nome, September 8, during a southeast gale. Captain C. L. Oliver was badly in jured, but the 27 members of the crew and party aboard were landed safely on the island, according to reports reaching here today. The Casco, famous in marine annals as once the property of Robert Louis Stevenson, was forced by the gale on the rocks of the south end of the island. The vessel was said to be In precarious position. The ship's stores were landed on the island. The Casco left Seattle last sum mer and when last heard from was north of Cape Serdzekamen, on the far northern Siberia coast, where it was expected the vessel would pass the winter. Heavy ice in the Arctic and storms, It was reported, during August, forced the Casco away from the cape. The wrecking of the schooner now on King island is taken here to mean that the Casco came southward from the point where it was originally intended to winter. Exploration of a Siberian section reputed rich in gold and as yet virtu ally untouched by prospectors was said to be the object of the Casco's voyage. 78 NEW SHADES ARE OUT Feminine Fashion Devotees to Have Great Variety in Spring. NEW YORK. Sept. 22. Feminine devotees of fashion may bedeck them selves next spring in gowns of 78 new and staple shades, all "made in Amer ica," according to the Textile Color Card association of the United States, which began today distribution of cards to the textile and allied Indus tries. Last year only 44 colors were sent out. Germany's record Is said to have been eclipsed in the number of new colors which will bid for popularity next spring and which Include rose bud, a brilliant pink; Venice, a tur quoise blue; scarab, a bluish green cinder, a gray; firefly, a striking red and orange; aero, an atmospheric blue; aztec, a yellowish brown: eagle, a deeper shade of brown: middy, scintillating navy blue; musketeei. dark blue-green; sponge, a brownish ochre, and date, an Arabian golden brown. BOGUS $20 BILL APPEARS Warning of New Counterfeit Issned by U. .S. Treasury. WASHINGTON, Sept. 22. Notice o a new counterfeit $20 note on the fed eral reserve bank of New York was given today by the treasury. The border of the note and the background of Cleveland's portrai are solid black, instead of having fine cross lines, and the treasury numbers are black instead of blue. FEW SNAP SHOTS AT THE STATE FAIR. Great Throngs Flock to Salem for Opening or State's Big Show. Exhibits Splendid. SALEM. Or., Sept. 22. (Special.) In the new livestock stadium, spon sored and erected on the state fair grounds through the efforts of the late Governor Wlthycombe, 5000 per sons assembled tonight and paid trib ute to Oregon's war executive and the thousands of bravo and unselfish youths who took up arms against the enemy both at home and abroad. Included among the speakers were Governor Olcott, secretary of state during the Wlthycombe administra tion; Chester Moores, private secre tary to the late executive; P. L. Campbell,, president of the Unversity of Oregon; W. J. Kerr, president of the Oregon Agricultural college; Judge Wallace McCamant and Judge George W. Stapleton. close friends and political supporters of the late executive. A. C. Marsters, Roseburg, president of the state fair board under Gov ernor Wlthycombe. presided, and Mrs. Hallie Parish Gurdall of Salem gave several patriotic vocal selections, which brought prolonged applause. Allied Kmblrmi Blend. Hundreds of flags, great streamers of bunting and other decorations emblematic of the American and allied armies, lent patriotic color to the occasion. Music was furnished dur ing the evening by Tonnasino'a fa mous Italian band of New York. n turn the speakers .reviewed the life of Governor Wlthycombe, his achievements in the role of a private citizen and then told how he went the limit in behalf of the oVegon soldiers called into action during the war. More than once during the ceremonies it was said that no per son, excepting perhaps the president of the United States and a few other men directly in charge of the war machinery, did more to protect the morale of the fighting men and equip them for efficient service than did Governor Wlthycombe. In the death of Governor Wlthy combe," one speaker said, 'Oregon not only lost one of its best citizens, but a man in whom the people of the entire state had explicit faith." Soldiers Are Landed. The speakers also took occasion to laud the Oregon soldiers for the prominent part they played in the great war. Although the exhibits at this year's fair are more numerous and varied than ever before, chief interest today centered on the displays from 14 counties which completely filled the lower floor of the agricultural build ing. : Cranberries, raw and cooked, are featured in the Clatsop county ex hibit, which Is In charge of Ben F. Worsley of Astoria. In this display are also many varieties of fish caught In the lower Columbia river, farm products, fruits and other mortgage lifters which combine to make , the lower Columbia district one of the most prosperous in Oregon. Cheese and dairy products are fea tured by Coos county and this booth promises to be one of the most at tractive at the fair. J. L. Smith is In charge, with Frank Tichenor, deputy United States marshal, acting in the role of assistant. "We have no worms In our apples" (Concluded on Fane 2. Column 3.) Uproar in Galleries Is Be yond Control. ATTACK ON LEAGUE CHEERED Guards Are Powerless to En force Senate Rules. SOLDIERS JOIN IN DIN Members Talk, of Closing Seats to Spectators Because of Noise That Drowns Out Addresses. WASHINGTON. Sept. 22. At the end of a four-hour attack on the league of nations by Senator Reed of Missouri, a democrat, who has refused to stand with his party for unre served ratification of the peace treaty of which the league covenant is a part, the senate galleries late today started a demonstration that had to wear Itself out and then hissed vio lent disapproval when the cheering was condemned from the floor. There has been no outburst like It since the treaty fight was put sharply before the senate by the foreign re lations committee'. But there were in dications today soon after Senator need began his speech that the crowds, swarming for admittance at all doors, were in sympathy with bis rgument. Senate Rales Ignored. Mindful of the evidences of feeling In the galleries. Senator Cummins, president protem. gave warning that while applause might be tolerated de spite senate rules, at the end of the address. It would not be permitted at other times. Threats to clear the gal leries if repeated had no effect, and no attempt was made to enforce the longstanding rule. When Senator Reed, with arms lifted high, closed his speech and sat down the applause broke, followed Instantly by lusty c-fteerlng from every irallery. Men in uniform joined in the demonstration and many women stood, waved their arms wildly and shouted with the men.. Galleries Hl grantor. Senator Ashurst, democrat. Arizona, sitting nearest Senator Reed and first to congratulate him. shouted loudly for order a moment later, and the crowds, not knowing what to expect, suddenly became still. But the quiet orderliness of the senate did not pre vail long, for as the spectators real txed that their conduct was being con demned a wave of hissing swept through the chamber, while gallery guarus struggled manfully but un successfully to subdue and eject those responsible for it. Still speaking to the crowds. Sen ator Ashurst declared the fate of na tions was at stake wniie tney "were attempting to make the senate of the United States a police court." and ap pealed by name to Senators Lodge and Hitchcock, the party leaders, to stop it. The Arizona senator declared the galleries would not applaud a decision of the highest court, which had never been called upon to decide a question of such tremendous im portance to the world. Senate Has to Adjourn. The appeal was met with another volley of hissing, to which the Arizona senator replied that only snakes and geese hissed. Meanwhile the chair was pounding for order, and the crowds began piling out pell mell. while members on the floor were swarming around Senator Reed. Sen ator Lodge finally was recognized above, the hubub which so rudely had shattered the dignity and traditions of the senate and leaning on his desk and smiling, addressed the chair: "In order to return to that serene and calm atmosphere described by the senator from Arizona, I move that we adjourn," and there was no dis sent to the laughter or ayes." Cialleriea May Be C'loaed. How to deal with the conduct of the people who attend the senate ses sions to hear the treaty debate was a question of some concern tonight to senators, who discussed it In formally in view of the events of the afternoon. Vice-President Marshall several days ago asked the senate if it de sired enforcement of the rule against applause, saying If that was the wish it would be enforced. Treaties pre viously have been considered in executive session, but that custom was abolished so far as the pending pact is concerned. The suggestion came from many members, however, that It might be necessary to close the galleries If another demonstra tion like that today mas attempted. Senator Reed, whose speech occu pied the whole treaty argument dur- T insr the day's Droceedincs. had l,n I speaking nearly two hours when the! i " . .. , . ,, 1 1 1 B b l,twW A 1110 1U11UM CtJ his reply to a question by Senator Lodge and brought the first stern warning from the presiding officer. Senator Reed, while upholding firmly the ruling, expressed the hope that the senate would not be too severe on the crowds, because it was their only chance, he said, of expressing their opinions. After he had been interrupted re - ' peatedly by Senator Jones, New Mex- 7 lco, an advocate of the league cove- - Concluded on Page 3, Column 3. Executive Classes Invitation as Forfeiture of Self Respect." Epithet Is Applied. MILWAUKEE. Wis.. Sept. 22. "I stand for the man who works. To hell with kings!" This quotation closes a letter to A. T. Van Scoy, president of the Mil waukee Assocition of Commerce, from Mayor Hoan, in which the latter re fuses to invite King Albert and Queen Elizabeth of Belgium to visit Mil waukee. The mayor offers, however, to forward such an invitation pre sented by any group of citizens. Mayor Hoan's letter in part reads as follows: "Please do not ask me to invite any king, kaiser or czar. The people of Milwaukee In choosing a mayor do not require of him a forfeiture of self-respect. "Did they not know that socialists refused to hobnob with Prince Henry and royalty before my election? . . . While I mean no disrespect to the Belgian people, whom I love, nor discourtesy to you, yet these are days that try men's souls. We must take our plaoe with kings, their golden plates and satellites, or line up with the rights of common man. "I should go to my grave in ever lasting shame were I to boost one iota the stock of any king. Mr. Van Scoy. remind your associates that I stand for the man who works. To hell with the kings." HUMBERT CASE DROPPED French Dismiss Action in Regard to "American Contracls." PARIS. Sept. 22. The case against Senator Charles Humbert growing out of alleged "American contracts" has been dismissed by the court. Late In July there was an examina tion before the court, of evidence tending to show that Senator ' Hum bert, who was acquitted in May of a charge of having dealings with the enemy, had tried to corrupt officials In the matter of contracts In the United States. At the hearing a let ter was read from Former Deputy At torney-General Becker of New York, who said no trace had been found In banks or factories of any negotia tions with which Senator Humbert could be reproached. CZECHS TO BE SENT HOME Allied Tonnage Will Transport 50,000 Troops From Siberia. PARIS, Sept. 22. The supreme council meeting today decided upon the repatriation of the Czecho-Slovak troops remaining In Siberia, about 50,000 in number. The necessary tennage will be furnished by the United States. Great Britain and France. It was decided that the plebiscite in the Teschen district to settle the question whether the region should go to Poland or Czecho-Slovakia must take place within three months. Other action taken by the council was to fix the scale of salaries of the officers on the Inter-allied mission to Germany. INDEX OF TODAY'S NEWS The Heather. YESTERDAY'S Maximum temperature, 83 degrees; minimum, 54 degree. TODAT'S Fair; gentfe northeast winds. Foreign. Marguerite E. Harrison describes gaiety In Berlin during period of partlcan trouble. Page i. Italians call for allied help In Flume Page 1. Japan will never grve up Shantung, says Harden, i'age 3. National. Senate adjourns in face of hisses In treaty debate, page 1. General McAndrears says army of 300,000 la enough. Page b. lomet Ir. President cheered and welcomed by Nevada throng. Page b. Milwaukee mayor snubs Belgian kin Page 1. Strike closes several big steel plants in Chicago district. Page 4. Long, bitter Industrial war expected ove steel strike. Page 1. Miners decided to break with labor feder atlon. Page 4. Both sides confident after first day of stee! strike. Paga 1. Seven are shot In strike riots. Page 1. James R. Nugent, political foe of Wilson, seeks democratic nomination for gov ernor of New Jersey. Page 3. Defense society objects to Vlereck's attack on Roosevelt. Page -. Pacific Northwest. Thousands pay tribute to work of late Oovernor Wlthycombe and Oregon sol diers at Salem. I'age 1. Ship carrying gold hunters wrecked in Bering sea. Page 1. Commercial and Marine. Alfalfa growers holding for higher prices. Page l'J. Chicago corn closes at top point of day. Page 1. Steel stock advances and other equipments are strong. Page ID. Marine association recommends gradual sale of I.. S. merchant vessels. Page 14. Plans are made to sell marine war sup plies. Page 10. Two flour mills reopen with non-union men. Page 14. Sport. James Burke returns to post as aw-lmmlng Instructor at Shattuck school. Page 13. Sacramento 5enalor open aeries with Port land Beavers. Page VI. Baseball world series opens OctoWr ,1 Cincinnati, t-age i.-. Portland and Vicinity. Car company asks for 8-cent fare In Tort land. Page I. Standardization of city employes' salaries awaits report on municipal finances. Page 0. Symphony concerts this season promise to be real events. I'age 8. Ner alte for Albertina Kerr nursery al most withdrawn. Page 9. Sleuths ready tor battle with bootleggers. Page 19. Oregon democrats eye Palmer and McAdoo for preferential primary. Page f. Cement rate case hearing Is opened In Portland. Page 10. W eather report, data sad forecast. Page it. Company Declares Lift Is Imperative. CORPORATION IN DISTRESS Petition Filed With Public Service Commission. CONTEST BY CITY LIKELY Tripartite Plan for Control and Operation of Carlincs to Be Con sidered at Hearing Today. An 8-cent street railway fare for Portland Is asked In a petition filed with the public service commission yesterday by the Portland Railway, Light & Power company, when Presi dent Franklin T. Griffith and other officials of the corporation appeared before the commissioners to present their arguments for an increase In passenger rates. In his talk before the public service commission, and by financial tables presented as exhibits. President Grif fith set forth the plea that the street railway company cannot continue to operate on the present 6-cent fare. Increased wages and operating ex penses considered, and that its fail ure is definitely forecast unless relief Is afforded in hia-her fare. Contest by City Kisertrd. The petition Itself asks for the can cellation of the existing fare and the substitution of one that will insure a return of 7 per cent upon the invest ment, as determined by the commis sion, after operating expenses have been defrayed. Such a return, said President Griffith, could only be real ized by an 8-cent fare if the unit- fare system is to be continued. Zon ing of the transportation districts has heretofore been discussed as one way out of the dilemma, but was not touched upon yesterday, save by in ference. The city of Portland will contest any increase in street railway fares, declared Stanley Myers, deputy city attorney, who appeared at the hear ing, and will carefully check up the statements submitted by the company in jusimcatlon or Its demands. Ap pearing with Mr. Myers for the city was J . i .-sewell, author of the re cently-suggested tripartite Dlan. whereby the city, the company and the employes were to be made bene ficiaries In the operation of the lines. Tripartite Plan la Urge. Mr. Myers and Mr. Newell requested the commission to grant a conference on the tripartite plan of control, and such a conference will be held this arternoon, at the rooms of the com mission In the court house. Partici pating will be officials of the street railway company, city commissioners and the public service commissioners. President Griffith, at this sugges tion, said the company officials were willing to appear at the conference, but that their der'-.nd for immediate relief should not be abridged in any way by such discussion. He pointed out that the fruition of such a plan, should It be favorably considered, would require a considerable length of time and the drafting and passage of the requisite ordinances, whereas the affairs of the street railway are in such shape that relief Is required at the earliest possible moment. Situation Held Critical. Testimony of the company was to the effect that the 6-cent fare has barely sufficed to meet increased wage schedules and operating ex penses when passenger traffic was at its height. Now. It was declared, the waning of the Intensified industrial period Is causing a sharp decline In receipts, presenting a "critical situa tion to the company. In August, 1917, It was testified, the net return to the company was 149.312. Wages and operating ex penses soared, and the 6-cent fare was Invoked. The Increase was Just potent enough to restore the net re turn to $49,667 In August. 1919. As Indicative of the falling off In revenues, and in support of the claim that the peak of business is pasted, it was shown that the gross revenues for July, 1919, were 13000 less than for July, 191$, and that the gross revenues for August, 1919. were $16,000 less than for August, 1918. Operating Coata Increase. It was estimated that the cost of operation has Increased to such an extent that the year ending August 31. 1920, would return a net earning of $395,892 or 2.1J per cent on aa $lS.56ti,0o0 valuation, fixed by the public service commission. A nomi nal return, it Is asserted, would be not less than 7 per cent, the amount asked for In the petition. It was also testified that the oper ating expenses for the year ending August 31. 1920, would be $3,430,000 or double the expenses of the year 1916. when it cost $1,697,086 to operate the street railway system. Another point emphasized in th case presented by the company wa the fact that but 16.4 per cent ol passengers avail themselves of the 5i-cent fare, procurable by the pur chase of reduced price ticket books. Adjournment was taken with the understanding that the hearing wlU be resumed n the near future, at iCoucludcdun Pag Coiuuia 1