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About The Sunday Oregonian. (Portland, Ore.) 1881-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 17, 1895)
10 THE STHTDAX OBEGOSTIAIN", POKTiAiDi jFEBBTJABY IT, 3S95. THE FREE BKIDGE BILL li'KX'i! of measure which PASSED LEGISLATURE. HAS 'JL Commlmtloit I Empowered, to Ac- HUlre MorrIon. - Street Bridge, . Stark-Street Ferry and Other. The news that the legislature had passed Mr. Long's house bill No. 309, which covers tne entire ground of the bridge que&tion, was received in this city yesterday afternoon, and gave universal satisfaction. Once the Multnomah dele gation had reached an agreement upon ahe details of the bill, there was but little trouble in passing it through both houses, and it is now ready for the signature of the governor. The bill does away with all discrimination against any section of the city, and, so far as can be learned, gives entire satisfaction to all concerned. Fol lowing is the text of the bill, with much legal phraseology and several unimportant gections omitted: A bill for an act to authorize the city or Portland to acquire by purchase or by ap propriation or condemnation, under the eminent domain laws of the state, the Morrison-street bridge, together with all the franchises and property connected therewith, and the Stark-street ferry, to gether with the approaches to such ferry, ferry slips, and all rights and franchises pertaining thereto, including all boats and other property used, owned or operated in connection with the said ferry, or belong ing thereto, and to issue bonds in pay ment therefor, and to authorize the city of Portland to lease the upper deck of the eteel (railroad) bridge, and to provide by taxation for paying the rental of the same, and interest on said bonds, and to appoint a commission to carry into effect the pro visions of this act, and declaring an emer gency; and to authorize, empower and di rect the bridge commission of the city of Portland to turn over, surrender and de liver to the county court, all the bridges, ferries and property under its control and supervision, and requiring said county court to assume the management, control and supervision thereof, and to authorize, Jn certain cases, the Jlxing of tolls on traf fic over the bridges and ferry to be ac quired, and bridges and ferries now and hereafter owned and operated by the city of Portland, and to repeal the acts of 1S9L nnd 1898, creating a bridge commission and defining its duties. The text of the bill Is as follows: Section 1 That Sol Hirsch, N. K. "West and J. V. Beach, all of the city of Port land, are appointed a bridge committee, land they and their successors in office are authorized, empowered and directed, in the name of the city of Portland, to procure by purchase or condemnation proceedings. as provided in this act. the Morrison street bridge and the Stark-street ferry, together with the franchises of said ferry,' all ferry slips, boats, cables, franchises and property, real, personal and mixed, relating to or in anywise connected with the said franchise of said ferry. The bridge committee is also authorized, empowered and directed to lease the upper deck or roadway of the steel bridge, upon such terms as may be agreed upon be tween the bridge committee and the rail vay company, or its successors in interest, and enter into a written lease therefor on behalf of the city of Portland, with such conditions and limitations as may be agreed upon between the owners of the bridge and the bridge committee; and the Morrison-street bridge and the Stark-street ferry, when so purchased or condemned, as provided In this act, and said upper deck or roadway of the steel bridge, when so leased, as provided, or so acquired by said city, acting by the bridge committee, the same are to be free to all pedestrians andallclassesof vehicles and traffic, except railways and street railways, and the said bridge committee for the purpose of carry ing into effect this act. Is authorized and empowered, If deemed necessary, to appro priate and condemn to the use of the pub lic, the Morrison-street bridge, and any and all franchises, easements, lines, ap proaches, structures, superstructures, leases and roadways, and to appropriate and condemn the Stark-street ferry, ferry blips, approaches, boats, cables, franchises, rights, and any and all property, real, personal or mixed, relating to said ferry. or in any wise connected therewith, that fcaid bridge committee may require for the purpose of carrying into effect the pro visions of this act: and when the said bridges and said Stark-street ferry, ferry Flips, boats, franchise, rights, privileges, and property of every kind and nature, re lating to said ferry are so acquired, said bridge committee is authorized to keep up and maintain the same, as may be neces sary. Sec. 2 For the purpose of carrying the provisions of this act into effect, the bridge committee Is authorized to issue and dis pose of bonds of the city of Portland to an amount not exceeding $300,000, of the denomination of from $100 to $1000, as the purchaser may desire, or the committee determine, and in such form as the com mittee may select, with interest coupons attached thereto, signed by its chairman, and countersigned by its clerk, whereby the city of Portland shall be held and con sidered in substance and effect to under take and promise in consideration of the premises, to pay the bearer of each of said bonds at the expiration of 30 years, from the date thereof, the sum named therein. In gold coin, at the rate of S per cent per annum, payable half-yearly as provided in vj-ia coupons. The bonds issued under this iact shall be known as the bridge bonds oC the city of Portland, series of 1895. Sec S The bridse committee shall, with in 30 days after this act goes into effect, ilect a presiding officer and a clerk from, their number, and said chairman and clerk hall hold otiiee until their successors arc elected and qualified. Said board may adopt and have a seal, and affix the same to bonds issued by them. Sec. 4 The bridge committee is author ized t lill any vacancy that may occur in the committee by reason of death, remov al from the cKy, or incapacity to act of any member of the bridge committee, or otherwise, by the appointment in writing of any responsible citisen resident of the said city, as a member of the committee. Sec fc The chairman of tht committee shall, if present, preside at all meetings thereof, and in case of his absence, the committee may appoint from their num Iht a chairman for the time beta. Sec C Two members of J he bridge com mittee shall constitute a quorum for the IranettcttoR of business. Sec 7 The chairman of the committee bhail execute all written contracts on be half thereof, and sign all orders for the pay meat of money authorized thereby. Sec. S The clerk of the committee is its tlt-rical olHcer, and he shall make and kt-cp fMil, fair and correct minutes of its doings, countersign alt orders authorised by the bridge committee, and signed by t.ie chairman, for the payment of money, and attest all written contracts signed by the chairman on its behalf, keep its ac counts, and have custody of lu books, pa pers and el. Sec. The city treasurer of the city of Portland shall be treasurer of the bridge committee, and he shall jove bonds and Xlle the same with the clerk, in such sum as the bridge committee may require, for the safe keeping of all money so re ceived by him. and he shall have the care and enstody of all moneys received by the bridge committee from any sale of bonds, or otherwise, and shall pay out the same on the orders of the chairman, counter signed by the clerk of the committee, and not otherwise. Sec The chairman, clerk and treas urer nhall also perform all such other acts and duties as may be required of them, or either of them, by the committee, for the carrying into effect of this act, and no member of the bridge committee or the treasurer shall receive any compensation for the services performed as a member of the bridge committee, or treasurer thereof. fiec. 11 The bridge committee may, from tlrna to time, employ and discharge such agents, attorneys, workmen, laborers and servants, at such compensation or wages as they may deem necessary for the ac complishment of the purposes of this act. Sec 12 The bridge committee shall des ignate a place of meeting in the city of Portland, and so forth. Sec 1Z Each member of the bridge com mittee shall, before entering upon the dis charge of the duties of his office, take and subscribe, and file with the auditor of the city of Portland, an oath of office to faithfully and honestly discharge the du ties of the office. Sec 14 The bridge committee is author ized, in case It can secure the Morrison street bridge, or the upper deck of the said steel bridge, or Stark-street ferry, by agreement, and finds it necessary so to do in order to effect the agreement of pur chase, to enter Into such contract as it may deem just with any line, or lines of street-railway operated, or to be operated, over and across the said bridges or said feiry. Sec 15 Whenever, and as soon as the bridge committee has secured either of the bridges or ferry, and the same are all ready for use, the bridge committee is required to turn the same over to the county court of Multnomah county, which is hereby required to accept and receive the same and operate the same as free bridges, and ferry, and operate the same under similar conditions to those under which the other free bridges and ferries belonging to the city are operated; and whicn free bridges -and ferries now, and heretofore and hereafter belonging to the city are, by this act, placed under the jurisdiction and control of the county court. Sec 1C The bridge committee, so long as it shall continue to exist, shall have the right to appropriate and condemn to the use of the public, the Morrison-street bridge, and all of the franchises, landings, approaches, structures, super-structures, railway lines, railway wires, railway tracks, ways, leases, contracts and prop erty pertaining thereto, and the Stark street ferry and all rights, franchises, easements and property of all kind and nature, relating to or connected with the same, and any property, bridge, approach to bridge, riparian-rights, and the said property may be entered upon, examined, surveyed and selected in the mode pre scribed by the statutes of this state for the appropriation of land for corporate purposes, and thereafter the bridge com mittee seeking to make such appropria tion, may proceed In the manner pre scribed by said statutes, to have such property appropriated and the compensa tion therefor determined and paid, and not otherwise, except that the compen sation may be tendered and paid by the deposit in court of an order duly drawn on the treasurer of said bridge commit tee for the amount of such compensation, and the power and authority is hereby especially conferred and granted to the said city "of Portland, acting by and through its said bridge committee, to con demn to the use of the public under the power of eminent domain,- any and all property, real, personal and mixed, of whatsoever kind or nature, necessary to carry into effect the provisions of this act, and in anywise relating to the said Morrison-street bridge, and Stark-street ferry, and the bridge committee is hereby espe cially authorized, empowered and directed to prosecute and maintain any proper ac tion for such condemnation of said prop erty, and may in said action, unite any and all persons claiming any Interest in or right to any of said property, and any part thereof, to be so condemned and ap propriated, or may elect to bring separate actions, and in such actions separate ver dicts may be returned assessing any dam ages which any separate owner may be entitled to recover or to have assessed. Sec 17 The bridge committee shall cease to exist when It shall have fully carried out the provisions of this act, and shall have rendered an account In writing of its proceedings under this act to the mayor and common council of the city of Port land, and shall have filed a duplicate thereof with the county ccurt of Multno mah county, and shall have accourited for all property coming Into its hands as such bridge committee, and have filed with the clerk of the county court of Multnomah county all of its records, books, contracts and papers. All unexpended money shall become a part of the bridge fund and shall be paid over the the county treasurer, to be held by him as in this act prescribed. Sec. IS At the election for school direc tor of school district No. 1. Multnomah county, next immediately following the going into effect of this act, there shall be submitted to the legal voters of such district for school director at such elec tion, the question as to whether tolls shall be charged for vehicles crossing and going over the said bridges and ferry now owned by said city, and the bridges and ferry to be acquired hereunder, if the same shall be acquired. Sec. 19 It shall be the duty of the clerk of the county court to provide suitable ballots for such election. Said ballots shall be printed in the following form: Tolls on vehicles crossing city bridges and femes now owned, and hereafter to be acquired, not to exceed 5 cents for vehicles drawn by one animal, and 10 cents for vehicles drawn by more than one animal, per single trip, and horses and cattle 2 cents each "Yes, No." Sec 21 It shall be unlawful for any person to vote upon said proposition who does not possess the qualifications of a legal voter for school director, at such election in said school district. Sec 22 It shall be the duty of the said clerk of the county court, immediately upon lue passage of this act, to prepare the necessary Lallots aforesaid, and to cause the same to be distributed at the various polling places before the opening of the polls for such election; and pro vide a separate ballot-box, wherein the same shall be deposited by the judges of said election upon receiving the same from the voters. All expense incurred in preparing such ballots and ballot-boxes, and in distributing the same, shall be paid out of the general fund of Multnomah county. Sec 23 It shall be the duty of the judges and the clerks appointed to be judges and clerks of su?h school election to also act as judges and clerks of the special elec tion to determine the questions herein appointed, and the said ballot and ballot boxes shall be returned and canvassed to and by the same persons who are by law required to canvass the returns, aiid determine the matter of the election of a school director. Sec 24 Any person who shall falsify the returns, or do any act which may re- feult In the passing of any illegal or unlaw ful ballot, or who shall vote upon said question without possessing the qualifica tions herein prescribed, shall, upon convic tion thereof, be punished by imprisonment in the penitentiary for a period of not less than one year nor mere than two years, or bv a line not less than $500 nor more than $1000. Sec 25 The bonds herein provided for and authorized to be it-sued shall be ad vertised and sold to the highest responsi ble bidder; the bridge committee may re ject any and all bids and proceed to road vertise the same when the bids for said bonds are un.t:sfactory. Sec 2 In the event that the majority of the votes cast by the qualified voters of the district are cast for the charging of tolls on the bridges and ferries now owned by the city, it shall be the duty of the county court, whenever the bridges and ferries owned and acquired heretofore, as well as the bridges and ferries which may be owned and acquired under the pro visions of this act. shall be turned over and transferred to the control and au thority of said county court, as in this act provided, to estimate the amount of money which will be required for the maintenance, repair and operation of all such bridges and ferries, and said county court shall fix a rate or rates of toll thereon for vehicles, iot to exceed 3 cents for a single trip for vehicles drawn by one animal. M cents a single trip upon vehicles drawn by more than one animal, and 2 cents each fcr horses and cattle, and the money derived from said tolls shall be used to defray the expense of maintaining, operating and repairing said bridges and ferries. Whenever in the i Judgment of said county court the amount to be raised from said tolls will not be sufficient to defray the expense of operat ing, maintaining and repairing said bridges and ferries, the said county court shall provide a sum to be raised by taxa tion, in addition to the amount so to be raised from said tolls, sufficient to make up the deficiency. Sec 27 As soon as this act shall take effect, the bridge commission selected un der the provisions of the act of February 18, 1S91, shall relinquish all authority and right in, and over, and shall transfer and deliver to the county court the complete possession and control of all the bridges and ferries now owned and operated by the city, and over which said bridge com mission has any power or authority, and from and after the talcing effect of this act the said county court shall assume and take complete possession and control of all the bridges and ferries now owned and operated by the said city, or which may be acquired under the provisions of this act, and said county court shall main tain and. operate the same and shall have the power and authority 1. To employ, hire and discharge from time to time, all such agents, workmen, laborers and servants as It may deem necessary in the conduct and management of said bridges and ferries, and the bridges and ferries acquired under this act. 2. To make all needful rules and regu lations for the conduct, management and use of the same by the city, the inhabi tants thereof and the public in general. 3. To establish rates for the use thereof by the street-railway companies and other companies and corporations not entitled to the free use of the same, and also to establish rates of toll for the use thereof by vehicles, not to exceed 5 cents on ve hicles drawn by one animal, and 10 cents on all other vehicles, and 2 cents each for horses and cattle, per single trip, if authorized so to do by a vote of the tax payers of the said city, as herein provided. 4. To pay the interest on the bonds heretofore issued under the acts herein repealed, and also ot any bonds which may be issued under this act, as fast as the same shall become due and payable. And the said county court is directed to make provision for and to pay such inter est. 5. To do any other acts, or make any other regulations, necessr.ry for the con duct of its business, and the due execution of the powers and authority given by this act and not contrary to law. The county court shall annually levy a tax upon all the taxable property within the county sfficient, after deducting any revenues, received from rentals and tolls upon such vehicles, to pay the interest ac crued and to accrue upon the bonds hereby authorized to be issued, and all bonds heretofore authorized to be issued for the purchase, construction and acquisi tion of bridges and ferries by the city of Portland, and to maintain and keep in good condition and repair during the ensu ing year all the bridges and ferries now owned or acquired by the city of Port land, and the bridges and ferries to be leased, acquired and established as In this act contemplated, and to pay the annual rental for the upper deck of the steel bridge, which tax shall be levied and col lected in manner and form as other taxes are levied and collected by Multnomah county. After the expiration of 10 years from the time of the passage of this act, in addition to the sum in this act provided to be levied and collected annually for payment of Interest, maintainance and operation, repairs and rentals, there shall be levied and collected annually by the county court of Multnomah county a tax equal In amount to one-twentieth part of the bonds then outstanding: such levy and collection to be apportioned, made and collected in like manner as other taxes by law are required to be levied and col lected; which fund so raised shall be used as a sinking fund for the purpose of pay ing off and retiring the bonds issued for the purchase, construction and acquisi tion of bridges and ferries. AH moneys collected for tolls, rentals, from street railways, or otherwise, for the use of said bridge and ferries, as well as other earnings derived therefrom, shall be paid to the county treasurer, who shall have the care end custody of such moneys, and which shall be known as the bridge fund; and the moneys in such fund shall only be paid out under the direction and by authority of the said court of Multno mah county. The county treasurer shall from time to time, as required by the county court, give an additional bond or bonds for the safe keeping and accounting for all the moneys coming into his hands by virtue of this act, to be approved by said court. The bridge bonds heretofore issued to the extent of $o30.000, as well as the bonds to be issued under the provisions of this act, to the extent of $200,000, are hereby validated, and confirmed as existing, valid and binding obligations of the city of Portland, and said city of Portland Is hereby directed and required to pay, as the same matures, the half-yearly inter est on all said bonds, as evidenced by the coupons attached thereto, but only in the event that the county court fails, neglects or does not provide for the prompt pay ment thereof; and at the maturity of the said bonds, the said city is required and directed to pay the sum named therein to the holders thereof, unless the same shall be paid off and retired as provided. The county court shall establish and maintain a ferry across the Willamette river at Sellwood, and shall cause to be used such of the ferry-boats as may be acquired by said county court, under the provisions of this act, provided the cost of maintenance of such ferry shall not exceed the sum of $2400 per annum. The bridge commission and all its of ficers and agents are hereby authorized, empowered and directed to turn over and deliver to the county court of Multnomah county all and singular the bridges, fer ries, and property of every kind under their control and supervision, and also all moneys, books, papers, records, plans, specifications, contracts, rights, privileges and property of every description and na ture belonging to the same or connected therewith, or in the possession or under the control of said bridge commission. All just claims, demands and liabilities against said bridge commission for main taining and operating free bridges and ferries, remaining unpaid and existing at the time this act goes into effect shall be presented to the county court, and shall be audited and allowed, when found correct and just, and paid and discharged by said county court. That inasmuch as there is great public need for free transportation between the central portions of the said city and across the Willamette river, and of mak ing said Morrison-street bridge and said Stark-street ferry and the upper deck of said steel bridge free, and the public in terest and convenience will be promoted by immediately acquiring the same for public use, either by purchase, lease or condemnation, as hereinbefore set out, an emergency exists, and this act shall take effect upon and be In force from and after Its approval by the governor. HOTEL ARRIVALS. THE PORTLAND. E J Sweeney. SeattliDr G L Fox, Salem I E A Wadhams, E B McElroy, Salem Blaine, ash Wm McArdle. Seat W C Jones, Spokane C W Ide. Spokane A W.Frater, Sno homish Aug Larsen, Salem Alfred Larsen. Salm C B Winn. Albany J M Poorman.Wood- burn M C Maple. S F F H Luce and wife. iC L Mead, city Olympia (T McCoy. Chicago J G Megler and wf, G T Gray, Oakland Brookfield IJ D Gilliland. Omaha C W Dorr, WhatcmlG Kennan. Wash.DC Svdney M Heath. R L Griffin. Denver Hoqulam, Wash A W Putnam, X Y A S Bush. Bay Ctr iG A Kates. Chicago B F Shaw. Seattle !A H Otis. Spokane J W Troup and wife;J W Rubey, Kan Cy Nelson. B C IG Van Home, Bostn W E Bates, Chicago S A Loth, Chicago H H Smith, SF i F W Pettygrove, S F W H Kennedy, city A Herman, Spokane J W Maxwell, Tilla W S Whitman. St Pi E A Straut. Seattle J M Stanley. N Y J O Hanthorn, Astm) J A Carson, N Y J Mvers. Salem JB Sutherland, Mlnpls CCC Carr. U S A E A Hu thins. Mlnpls Occidental Hotel. Seattle. Rates reduced from $3 SO to $2 per day. COL. BEEBE'S EEPLY HE WHITES A LETTER TO SEXATOU VAADERBDItG. Refutation, of Statements Concerning' the First Resixncnt Drills and the Society Circus. State Senator "Vanderburg made an. at tack on the National Guard in the sen ate several days since, and his remarks have appeared in the form of a pamph let. Colonel Charles F. Beebe. of the First regiment, takes exceptions to the statements of the senator, so far as they concern his own command, and has ad dressed the following letter to Mr. Van derburg: Headquarters First Regiment, O. N. G., PORTLAND, Or., Feb. 15, 1S95. Hon. W. S. Vanderberg, State Senate, Salem, Or. Sir: I am greatly surprised to note the statements made by you in the senate as these appear in printed form un der the caption, "Statistics of the Oregon National Guard, introduced by Mr. "Van derberg." I am informed that the various statements embodied In this pamphlet were made by you verbally in the senate a few days since and ordered printed, and I have now before me a copy of the pub lication. In so far as these statements refer to my regiment, I desire to say that they are misleading and calculated to influence an impression with reference to the methods of administration and the standards of efficiency not consistent with a correct understanding and just appreciation of what may have been accomplished in this connection in the interests of the pub lic service. The Armory. In which seven companies, the engineer and hospital corps and the band of my regiment, and light batery A, are quartered in this city, was huilt and is owned by Multnomah county. There has rot been from this source any expense to the state, with the exception of the sum of $36, allowed by the military board a few weeks since for the construction of cedar closets in the quar termaster's store-room for the purpose of properly caring for blankets and cloth ing Issued by the state. The expense ac cruing to the county under this head has been confined to the cost of the land on which the Armory stands, and the build ing Itself, In an entirely unfurnished con dition, with the exception of three shower baths and a stove, to be used for the pur pose of heating water in connection there with. These baths were put in by the county about a year since for use in con nection with the Armory gymnasium, which was furnished and equipped entirely at the expense of the regiment. "With this exception, the quarters for troops (regi mental officers and subdivisions) were fur nished entirely at the individual expense of the officers and members of the regi ment and battery. This furnishing in cludes carpets, curtains, window shades, and all painting and decorating of every description. The heating and lighting facilities throughout the building were put in at the personal expense of the officers and mem bers of the regiment and battery. These include stoves in the drill-rooms and gas pipe throughout the building. Upon the construction about two years since of the annex to the main Armory building, covering the remaining one-half of the block, the original building having been erected upon the other half, the county put in and has since maintained at its expense electric lights for the purpose of furnishing light In said annex, which con stitutes the present main drill-room. The main Armory building. Including all com pany and officers' rooms (with the excep tion of the battery quarters), and the rifle range, are lighted by gas at the ex pense of the regiment. The battery quar ters are lignted by Incandescent electric lights at the expense oT the battery. The rerim'int nasala monthly water rental of $9, and moaffuy'gas bills averag ing throughout they,ear about $55. The battery pays its monthly water rent. I am not inf6rmed as to what the amount of this is. By order of the county court, I am the custodian of this building, known as the Multnomah county Armory. It was erect ed and turned over to my custody for the use of my regiment and the battery, with the understanding on the part of the county officials that the cost of its main tenance be borne by the regiment. This idea has been strictly carried out, with the exception of the cost of electric-lighting in the large drillroom referred to above, which is paid by the county, and the cost of the first year's water rent (the year 1SS8, if I remember rightly), which was paid by the city. No pay ments have been made by either the city or the county, with these exceptions, in connection with the cost of mainten ance of the building. My regiment receives from the state for the purposes of armory maintenance $23 for each company, the regimental band and the engineer corps per month, and the battery receives the same amount. In addition, my regiment receives an al lowance for regimental headquarter ex penses averaging not to exceed $15 per month. This Involves, approximately, a total cost to the state for maintenance per month of $263, or $3180 per year. It is not for me to say whether or not the efficiency of my organization is main tained at a standard which would war rant or justify this expenditure of state funds and loss to the county of the in terest on cost of construction. For an as surance in this regard I unhesitatingly refer you to the county officials here and to the business and professional men and citizens generally in this community, to whom the Armory is at all times open, and who are aware, from frequent opportuni ties for observation, of the methods em ployed in the conduct of military business therein, and thus are enabled to form an intelligent opinion. If the degree of effi ciency necessary to accomplish to the full est extent the primary object in view in the maintenance of National Guard or ganizations is not assured, then this ex pense is unwarranted, and should be dis continued and my regiment disbanded. If, on the contrary, the desired results are accomplished, the expense incurred is not only warranted, but its applica tion in this connection Is eminently wise. The amount involved is considerably less than the expense incurred in the main tenance of similar National Guard subdi visions at many other large centers of population throughout the country. I respectfully submit that the strictures in your publication of statistics upon my methods in 'administering the affairs of this regiment are unkind and unjust, and not supported by fact. The monthly ex penditure for the maintenance of the Armory, including janitor's services, lighting, heating, water rent and music, the latter a necessary adjunct in the maintenance of military organization, cannot, by the closest observance of economy, be brought below $300 to $325, and frequently exceeds this figure, whereas the amount paid by the state for this pur pose, as noted above, uoes not exceeu $265. The difference is made up from the pockets of the officers of the regiment and battery individually, and returns from entertainments given in the Armory, either by the regiment or battery or or ganizations to which it may be rented for this purpose. Several times during the two years next succeeding the inauguration of the pres ent military law, when under the mileage tax originally created thereunder for mili tary purposes, there were not sufficient funds available, considerably less than the stipulated sum of $23 per month per company for Armory maintenance was re ceived from the state for this purpose. The deficiency in the regimental fund thus incurred, and which was consider ably increased about four years since, in consequence of the disastrous outcome of an effort at entertainment on the part of the regiment to replenish its depleted treasury, assumed- proportions -which caused serious embarrassment in the ad ministration of the regimental finances, and led to the undertnfrins o the perform ance of the "circus" to which you refer In your publication, in the hope of thereby liquidating this indebtedness. The out come of this undertaking was satisfac tory to the members of the regiment, for the reason that there was a sufficient sum of money made over and above all ex penses to pay in full, and with interest, its long-standing debts, and leave it in the position which. I am happy to say, it occupies today, free from debt and with a small amount in the regimental treas ury. Permit me to say, in this connection, that the work Involved in the production of this entertainment was undertaken most reluctantly, and only because of the realization on the part of the officers of the necessity of making a most determined effort to pay off the regimental debt. It was not undertaken as a pastime, but from a sense of duty, -which the regiment felt that it owed to its patient and consid erate creditors. You state that the "show" and its prep aration did not occupy the Armory less than one month at a cost to the taxpayers of $1000. This is not true. The preparation for the "show" and its continuance did not interfere with the usual performance of military work in the building for a greater Interval than 10 days or two weeks, drills and other military exercises being con ducted, as usual, up to within 10 days of the first performance, and recommenced on the day following its close. You ques tion the dignity of "some of our principal military officers" in assuming in this con nection the position of clowns, ring-masters, etc., at the expense of the state. Ad mitting that this entertainment cost the state nothing, for such is the fact, and I am sure I can readily demonstrate it to your entire satisfaction, if you will honor me with a visit itt the Armory and personally inspect my official records, permit me to assure you of my belief that the military officers who acted in this connection could assume no higher dignity than that in volved in an earnest and courteous effort to aid the members of this regiment in the accomplishment of what every honest man is expected to do pay his debts. My report to the adjutant-general for the years 1893 and 1S94, to which you refer, stated that "company instruction drills" only were suspended during 11 of the 24 months in these years. It further states. but of this you make no mention, that reg imental and battalion drills and parades were held as follows: In 1802, 24; and in 1S94, IS. In addition to these drills this regiment was in camp under continuous discipline night and day for a period of 10 days during August, 1S93. It therefore ap pears that each subdivision in my regi ment during the 104 weeks in the two years, 1893 and 1894, engaged in 111 drills, somewhat more than an average of one drill per week. Besides these stated drills, much other duty has been performed. Systematic, compulsory rifle practice is re quired during eight months of each year. These facts are established by official rec ords at these headquarters, which are open at any time to your inspection and exam ination. You do not refer in your statement to the voluntary guard duty performed at the Armory night and day for a period of 10 days to two weeks on two occa sions during the year 1S94. when disturb ances of the public peace were general throughout the country, and there was reason to apprehend that these mignt occur in Portland. A sufficient guard was maintained at those times and ample preparation made to protect the building and its contents, and the officers and members of the regiment were ready at an hour's notice to respond to any call for active service, which it was appre hended might be made. In my report to the adjutant-general mention is made that on the evening of April SO, 1894, the en tire regiment was assembled at the Armory and remained there, expecting a call for duty, until nearly midnight. Or ders for this assembly were issued ai. 4:30 o'clock in the afternoon of that day, and by 7 o'clock that evening something over SO per cent of the enrolled strength of the regiment had reported for duty. I also make mention in my report that meals were furnished to the guard at the Armory at those times at the expense of the regiment, the cost of these amount ing to something over $100. The actual cost of this subsistence amounted to $134 45, paid by the regiment out of its treasury, and for which it has not been reimbursed. You stato that you are creditably in formed that companies in my regiment do not average more than 20 present in attendance at drill. I do not know from what source you receive this information. It cannot be from a creditable source, icr it is at variance with the facts. The of ficial returns of attendance at drill on file at these headquarters show an aver age number present per company as fol lows: During January, 1S93, 29, and during' 1S94, 31. These and all other records in connection with the administration of military affairs in this regiment are tab ulated systematically to the latest dates, and I greatly regret that you did not afford me an opportunity to furnish you with figures and statistics therefrom be fore giving publicity to unauthenticated statements, which doubtless must have been made to you by some person or per sons interested in an effort to throw odium upon this regiment, in detraction from the high standards of organization, drill and discipline, which it has been the object of its officers and members to establish and maintain during eight years of continuous and unremitting effort. I wish to state in closing that it is my desire, and, as well, that of every officer and member of this regiment to so make use of the public funds which are appro priated for its maintenance as to assure only the highest standards of efficiency, so that these may be such as to warrant and justify the belief that whenever an emergency hall arise necessitating the use of the military force of the state to compel obedience to law it can be con fidently relied upon to vigprously and ef fectively perform its duties. No result short of this warrants any expenditure of public funds for the purpose of maintain ing the National Guard. An earnest ap boots MmSfimtfmk $12,000 STOCi STIIill EpfllfiST We -will, as a special offer, reduce the prices once again, over the former prices, -which, as every one knows, -was just one-half the price that others ask for the same goods. Everything must be sold, and no reserve; plenty of good size3 left to select from. Take heed from this last notice. Everybody should read this announcement. We are in receipt of a telegram from our Eastern buyer, stating that our spring goods, ordered before the fire, are nearly completed, and a handsomer line he has never seen. They will arrive about March lO, 1895. We shall sell these goods at just what they cost East, freight added a chance to obtain new, stylish goods, fresh from the factory, at Vnarvelously low prices. Come and look at them and be convinced that this offer is bona fide. We will consider offers from dealers on job lots April 1, 1895. N. B.Ealc Close AprH 1, 18S5, when wtth a new stock. preciation of the responsibilities thus in volved alone has incited the co-operative effort among the officers and members of my regiment to this important end during the Intervals elapsing since the regiment al organization 'was first established, and I deem it my duty In their behalf to re spectfully, but emphatically, protest against the slurs and innuendoes cast upon the integrity of their motives contained in the statement of statistics made public by you before the senate of the state, re ferred to above. The portion of your statement referring to irregularity in the transaction of mili tary business at the, hands of the military board of the state, if based upon infor mation received from the same sources as furnished the details suggesting your criticism of my regiment, is doubtless equally inconsistent witft truth and facts. I am not able to determine just -what idea the statistical table of fractions in connection with the several states, as spec ified at the head of your statement, is intended to convey. I presume, however, your object is to show that the cost of maintenance of the National Guard in Oregon, and, perhaps, as well the strength of its organization in relation to the population of the state, is greater here than in the other states named. The comparison between Oregon and New York state I know to be as follows: The expenditure for military purposes In Ore gon, from 1SS7 to the present time, shows a cost of maintenance per capita amount ing to $15 per annum; whereas, in the year 1SS3 the appropriation In New York state for the support of the National Guard and Naval Reserve amounted to some what upwards of $$30,000, involving- a cost or maintenance during that year of $60 90 per man. If it is true that efficient organization exists in Oregon, this comparison cer tainly indicates that such has been as sured at much less cost to the taxpayers here than in New York. Economy in the administration of National Guard affairs is not only desirable but should be strictly enforced. For every farthing of the pub lic money devoted to this purpose, an absolute equivalent in value received should be exacted. To this end I earn estly advocate a searching investigation at the hands of the legislature on each occasion of its biennial term in order that a correct understanding may be had as to the exact fact and condition in this connection. I respectfully submit, however, that it is unjust and unwise to scatter broadcast insinuations indicating demerit based upon information gleaned from other than offi cial sources, properly verified, for the rea son that aspersion is thus cast upon hon est motive and endeavor, and the public service is endangered because of the dis couragement and disheartenment of those who, so animated, are laboring faithfully in its interest. I have the honor to re main, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES F. BEEBE. Colonel First regiment, irfantry. O. N. G. RECEIVER OFPRAGER BROS. K. Iv. Arnold Appointed liy Petition, of the If. It. Claflin Company. As a result of a suit brought by the H. B. Claflin Company, of New York, against Prager Bros., F. K. Arnold was by Judge Stearns yesterday appointed receiver of the Farmers' and Mechanics' store. The receiver's bond was fixed at $40,000. The suit of the H. B. Claflin Company is nom inally to recover $S2SS 27, but, as it is stated in the complaint that their firm has had large transactions with Prager Bros., there may be more at stake. The Claflin company charges Prager Bros, with con spiracy in representing they owe claims to different relations to the extent of $4S,772 81. They hold that these relatives' claims are fraudulent and fictitious, and consequently void. It is also contended by the H. B. Claflin Company that the judg ments confessed by Prager Bros, are of no effect," and do not comply with the provisions of the statute of the state of Oregon. They therefore allege that their claim is superior to those of the other creditors (with several exceptions of firms who have not had judgments confessed In their favor), and ask the court to decree a priority in their favor, and to entirely deny the claims of the relatives. Tomorrow an effort to secure the re moval of the receiver may be made by Dolph, Mallory, Simon & Strahan, repre senting creditors of Prager Bros., with claims amounting to $103,000, and Emmons & Emmons, representing claims of $30,000. It is reported that these attorneys state that they were not informed yesterday that a receiver was to be appointed. Dolph, Mallory, Simon & Strahan rep resent the claims of the relatives. Sheriff Sears is yet in charge of the property, as Receiver Arnold did not file his bond last night, Henry Ach, representing San Fran cisco creditors, has been in the city sev eral days, but has not as yet entered any legal proceedings. He is doubtless just obtaining some general information. Must Render an Accounting. NEW YORK, Feb. 16. By a decision rendered today by Referee Choate, John Y. McKane. the ex-chieftain of Graves end, who is serving a long term of imprisonment in Sing Sing for juggling with the registration lists of Coney Island, must restore an estate, variously esti mated at from $150,000 to $300,000, to Mrs. Catherine Bauer and her daughter Katie, the widow and daughter of the late Paul Bauer, who died in the Bloomingdale in sane asylum January 2, 1SS9. In addition to relinquishing the property, McKane also within CO days must file an accounting, showing what he has done with the money collected. Wnshlnprton Temperance Convention. WASHINGTON. Feb. 16. The greater portion of the morning session of the con vention of White Ribboners today was consumed in discussing the special needs of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union in the national capital, and how they may be met. The discussion was fol lowed by a devotional service conducted by Mrs. J. Fowler Willing, the national evangelist. :s jiMrs we will reopen io. 109 first STEEYES SENTENGED FIFTEEN YEARS IX PRISON, AXD A! FINE OF ?1000. An Appeal Taken to the Supreme) Court, anil Meanwhile He Is at Liberty on llonds. X, N. Steeves was sentenced by Judge Stephoas yesterday to 15 years in the peni tentiary, and to pay a tine of $1000. A mo tion for a certificate of probable cause and for an appeal to the supreme court was immediately asked for by Steeves counsel. When asked if he had anything to say why sentence should not be pronounced. Steeves said: "I have nothing to say, your honor, except that I am entirely at the mercy of the court." Judge Stephens did not make the usual preliminary remarks before passing sen tence, but merely ordered Steeves to stand up, and, after informing him that he ap peared before the court convicted of man slaughter, said: "The sentence of this court is that you be confined in the peni tentiary of the state of Oregon for a pe riod of 15 years, and pay a fine of $1000." The announcement of a tine of $1000 seemed to take Mr. Mallory's breath away. He faced the court and said: "What! A fine of $100l" "A fine of $1060," repeated Judge Ste phens. Immediately on sentence being pro nounced, the papers In the appeal to the supremecourt, which were all In readiness, were filed, and a motion to admit Steevea to bnil was made by his counsel. District Attorney Hume objected. He said Kell, the co-defendant in the case, had just been sent to the penitentiary for life, and both Kelly and Steeves stood in like attitude before the people, as Kelly was entitled to a pardon at the expiration of 13 years. Ho did not believe it was right to allow Steeves his liberty on bonds, and opposed it. Attorney Mallory said: "The district attorney shows a disposi tion to persecute this defendant. I do not know why he should show this disposition, and, at this time, resent application for bail." Mr. Hume made no further remarks. Judge Stephens decided to accept a bond, and fixed the amount at 510,000. It was filed early in the afternoon, with William O. Allen and Mrs. Mary Mason as sureties. Mr. Allen and Mrs. Mason signed the S10.000 bond on which Steeves was first re leased. This gave Stee-ves his liberty dur ing the pendency of the motion for a new trial. The new bond filed yesterday Is ac cording to the requirements of law, and gives Steeves his freedom, until the su preme court decides the question of grant ing him another trial. The motion for a new trial overruled by Judge Stephens yesterday, was submitted without argument. It recites the follow ing grounds: First, misconduct of the jury in returning a verdict of guilty of manslaughter against the defendant, with out evidence to justify such verdict, and the misconduct of Juror E. Charleson, who swore in his examination, as to his fitness to serve as a juror, that he had not formed or expressed any opinion as to the guilt or innocence of the defendant X. N. Steeves, whereas in truth and in fact he had formed an opinion adverse to the defendant Steeves. Second The defendant was taken by sur prise, which ordinary prudence could not guard against, by being compelled to be tried upon an indictment which did not advise him of the nature or cause of such charge. (The indictment against Steeves read that he did willfully and unlawfully mur der George W. Sayres. It was held at the trial that this was not sufficient informa tion as to what he was charged with. It was claimed that the indictment was all right as far. as it went, but that it should have also recited that the part Steeves performed in the killing of Sayres was to conspire against Sayres, and that as the result of Steeves' conspiracy, the murder was committed. It was contended that Steeves was entitled to be informed wholly of the nature of the part he was accused o having performed in the transaction. A motion during the trial to dismiss the in dictment on the ground that it was thus defective and insufficient, was denied by the court.) Third Insufficiency of the evidence to justify the verdict rendered by the jury, and that the same is against law. Fourth Errors in law occurring In the trial, and excepted to by the counsel for the defense. Steeves stated yesterday that If his bond! was only 10 cents, it would be as sufficient surety for the state as the greater sum. He would guarantee to be on hand when wanted. Conrt "Sates. H. H. Emmons yesterday got judgment by default against A. A. Morse, in Judge Hurley's court, for $300. The American Hosiery Company yester day got judgment by default in Judge Hurley's court against Currier & Co. for $921. Judgment by default was rendered by Judge Hurley yesterday in favor of the Portland Savings bank and against A. M. Baird for $1046 17. Herman Varwig, receiver of the North rop & Sturgis Company, filed his bond of $5000 yesterday, with his father, H. Var wig, sr., as surety. The TSth weekly report of J. L. Hart man, receiver of the Northwest Loan & Trust Company, was filed yesterday in the state circuit court. It shows $49,C03 23 cash on hand. The principal item collected by Receiver Hartman during the past two weeks was the payment of notes by Julius Loewenberg, amounting to $1110 21. Hardluck So you are prospering at la3t, eh? Sufficiently so to be able to keep ser vants? Struckitt (on the lookout for the fourth within a month) Er no; only to hire them. Buffalo Courier. FOR THH UNDERWRITERS. St., Bet. UasI?in$tor ai?d Starl. I