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About The Sunday Oregonian. (Portland, Ore.) 1881-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 16, 1900)
THE SUNDAY OEEGOlSIAtf, PORTLAND, DECEMBER 16, 1900. Tp FORTY-EIGHT YEARS AGO ISTEK'ESTXJfO R.EMDTISCENCES OF EABLT PIONEER. DAYS. Eacy-GolBC Method et These Timci, Tht HTe Gone Kott, Xerer to ltetura. We reached the dalles of the Columbia on the 8th day of September, 1652, being the 128th day after -we left the Missouri River. In my "mess" we were down to coffee and Beans straight, and had been for three days. But luckily we found there a small store kept In a tent by Allen & McKlnley, of Oregon City, Mr. McKinley himself in charge, where we laid in supplies to do us through the mountains. We paid $V for K pounds of flour, -JS for a peck of potatoes, V- for a quart of common molasses, 33 cents a pound for brown sugar, and 30 cents a pound for iresh 'beef. There were no peo pie but Indians and a -few United States soldiers living in the vicinity of The After remaining there half a day we started south to take the Barlow Road oyer the Cascade Mountains. The first night out we camped in a narrow, deep valley, with high hills and cliffs on either side. That night we were suddenly aroused by the fierce yell of the cougar, which seemed to be so uncomfortably near that all of the men flew to arms on the double-quick, as we did not know what It was. The next day we reached the Bar low Boad and all agreed that it was the roughest and worst road they had ever traveled. It was but little wider than a wagon, and ran through dense woods thickly entangled with brush and old logs. Before we could pass over many of the Btumps we had to pile up rocks or chunks on either side of them, so as to raise the wheels high enough to allow the axle to pass over But we had traveled so many months over the treeless plains, exposed to the scorching sun, trudging through clouds of suffocating dust, and seldom getting a glimpse of anything green, that we were so delighted with the change, we had little time to complain of the road It was so refreshing to breathe the sweet breath of a fir forest and walk beneath its shades and behold the amazing growth of timber and vegetation. I had always thought the forests of Ohio were grand, but here I saw more timber on one acre than I had ever seen on four. When we reached "Summit Prairie,' three or four miles south of Mount Hood, we camped a day to give our oxen rest and a chohcc to pick some grass. The grand, old mountain was in full view and seemed almost near enough to touch; but we were t6o much Jaded to attempt to climb to its crest. Wo were much deceived as well as amused by a mistake we made in cutting a lot of dark green, rather coarse grass which we put into the wagon for feed. At the next encampment we gave some of t to the oxen, but they would not touch it, though they were very hungry, upon examination we found it had a strong Alkali taste, and afterwards learned that It was called "soap grass." I will not attempt to describe our de scent of "Laurel Hill" except to say that our wagon did not contain 150 pounds of freight. We "rough-locked" 'all the wheels with log chains, each wheel so firmly fastened that It could not turn an iota. When the wagon moved It had to slide with those chains digging Into the hard ground. 'We put the strongest yoke of oxen on the tongue and they held back all they could, yet It required our very best efforts to get the wagon down safely Laurel Hill was no "short patch." It was many hundred yards from top to bottom, perfectly straight, and the grade must have been about 45 degrees. At am idst ""cncSmpmenf in the mountains we were again fooled by a patch of very green vegetation on a distant hillside to which, with great difficulty, we drove our half-starved oxen. It was- the common fern, so abundant all over Western Ore gon, but we had never seen It. Most of tho people then called It "Fer-ren." But the oxen would not eat It. We reached Philip Foster's, the first house in Oregon, on the 15th day of Sep tember, and the 134th day from our de parture from the Missouri Blver, near St. Joseph. Though we had been trav eling several weeks in Oregon, we did not realize that we were there until we found the flrst house. Wo halted at Foster's three or four days to rest our teams. Having ordered my letters to be sent to Oregon City, I, with another of our party, .set out on foot for that place 18 miles distant. When we reached the Clacka mas River, finding no ferry or bridge, we had to take off most of our clothes and wade across. The river was alive with great salmon, all swimming up stream with all their might, many of them bump ing against our feet and logs in their haste to get Along. Such a sight I had never before seen, or even dreamed of. After crossing the river we stopped at the farmhouse of an old couple by the name of Arthour, and asked for dinner, which the god lady soon prepared for us. While dinner was being made I sauntered about the place and found a young apple orchard Just coming into bearing. Being curious to know how Oregon apples tasted I picked one here and there and, if the taste did not suit, threw It away as recklessly as I would have done at home, where they were worth 'only 75 cents a barrel. "Later on, when I learned that those same apples were worth 25 to 50 cents apiece, 1 felt like an unpunished criminal. I felt douhly guilty in this case, because the good old lady had charged us only 25 cents each for our dingers, when I had to pay 5 cents at every other farmhouse, and' a dollar in the towns wherever I Btopped after that. Apples were gold in Oregon. Small seedling apples sold for 5S a bushel on the trees, the buyer hav ing to pick, box and haul them to the steamboat landings for snlpment to San Francisco. Good, grafted fruit was worth much more. On reaching Oregon City I got my flrst letter from home, and presented my let ter of Introduction to General E. Hamil ton, who came from an adjoining county in Ohio to my own. and was then Secre tary of Oregon Territory. General Hamil ton advised me to go and settle In Port land, which he said had the best future of any point In the territory. I should have taken his advice, but did not until 15 years later. His was the first house I slept in west of the Missouri River. Having no particular destination we drifted on up the "Valley" with the great throng of the Immigration. Then we be gan to see Oregon homes, farms and people and how the people lived and made a llvlnr. When we passed TJncle Sam Allen's" place, on the Atoaqua, the old gentleman was standing at his gate scan ning us closely, and as we drove past Bald: "Well, boys; gwlne up the Valley, I 'spose." which was a bit of sarcasm on his part, as he know that we did not know where we were going, and he be lieved that we could find no better place to stop and take up land than In his vicinty. All of the old settlers were anx ious to have the vacant lands around them settled up. I was surprised to find that all the old settlers seemed to be well acquainted with each other, even to tbe'most remote parts of the territory. I did not consider that until within three or four years the entire population of Oregon was less than half that of an average county In Ohio They seemed to be well contented, happy and enjoying quiet, restful lives. This restful state continued, with many of them, throughout their lives, and not a few bequeathed it to their offspring. I caw but very little work going on, and that was nearly all being performed by newcomers, who were only too glad to work at whrt seemed to them such enormously big wages. At that time, throughout the Ohio and MIssIssIddI Val leys, farm-hands and common laborers only got 55 to 53 per month, with board, while here in Oregon they got ?2 to J2 50 per day with board. It seemed very strange to see so much gold In the hands of the people, and how lavish many of them were Tfith It! The principal coin In circulation was a $50 piece, made in San Francisco, of pure gold, and called "slugs." There were also some of the "Beaver" ?5 gold pieces In circulation. They were made at Ore gon City. Those slugs were octagonal In shape and passed as currently as United States gold coin. In the "States" there was no gold In circulation; It was all paper money, with a small quantity of silver. The people seldom, if ever, saw a gold co'n. I saw but one plow going that Fall In the Willamette Valley, and that was in the hands of Mr. Grubbs, who crossed tho plains 'in the same company that I came with. He-.,i taken up a "claim" near Corvallis, tSfa was breaking new land. I saw but one small field of Fall sown wheat, and that was on Shannon's place, in the northeast corner of Howell prairie. It did not take me long to see why there was so much gold In Oregon. I soon learned that nearly all of the men had been to the mines ln California and each had returned with his pile. Those who did not go were able to sell everything they produced at such enormous prices as to cive them plenty: all felt so rich that work seemed unnecessary. Oregon did not then, nor for many years later, produce breadstuff for her entire population. More or less flour was im ported from Chili, and com meal from the States, as late as I860. I was amazed to eee so little land in cultivation. There was not one acre In 100 in the Willamette Valley cultivated, and but very little of It under fence. Millions of acres of these prairies of unsurpassed fertility were in viting the plow, and the markets were bidding so high for their products that Winter wheat went up to 55 per bushel; flour to 523 per barrel: oats to 52 50 t 53; potatoes to 53 per bushel, and meat pro portionately high. Butter sold at 51 a pound, and in the northern part or tne state it did not get below 75 cents a pound for many years. Now we think It a great hardship to pay 30 cents for better butter than was ever found here In those days: Poultry and eggs were worth three or four times as much as they are at pres cnt, while fruit was gold itself. That Winter I saw barrels of pork and piles of hams from Cincinnati, O.. via Cape Horn. Yet such demands, such astound ing prices, did not produce any activity among the farmers, or disturb their rest ful repose. A few of tnem seized that golden opportunity and made money, but too many rested until their gold was all gone, until they were too old, or too de bilitated by long Inaction to work. Many of those who returned from California with fortunes died poof. I am of the opin ion that the cold mines of California did Oregonlans more harm than It did per manent good. Most of the houses in Oregon were very poor, generally small log cabins. Tho barns and outbuildings were few and small, yet the people seemed well satisfied, it was bewildering to see them so inactive and so regardless of the splendid chances to Increase their fortunes. That Winter I taught acountry school in Marlon Coun ty, and where I boarded the only meat we ever1 had was venison. We had it three times a day. Deer were 60 plentiful that Winter that one could almost knock them down with a stick. As I mention that school, I may as well say that in order to get the schdol I had to help build the schoolhouse. About eight or ten of the neighbors turned out, and within thre days the log schoolhouse was finished, and the Monday following "school took up." That was my first, last and only experi ence In that line. I have flat-boated on tho Mississippi River, done all kinds of farm work, cut, rafted and floated saw logs to the mill on tho stormy water of Clatsop County, searched for and dug gold In the wildest mountains of Idaho; but all of these were but pleasant passtlmes com pared to teachine a country school in, a log cabin. But I suppose I should be proud that I did not teach in vain. One of my pupils became high Sheriff of Ma rlon County and another furnished Port land with her largest policeman, William Henllne, who could "tip the beam" at 400 pounds. ' The dress of the old Oregonlan was pe- cullar. The men all wore black, broad brimmed, soft hats, and long hair combed back behind their ears, covering the neck. Few of "Ihe young men wore coats, except in very inclement weather or on dress occasions. They dressed in blue or grav oversWrts with necktie, the long ends of which were artistically tucked in the open shirt front between the lower buttons. None of them bad suspenders, but Instead wore a red silk knit or netted sash around the waist, tied in a bow above the right hip, the long fringed ends hanging down to or near the knee. Tho overshlrt was drawn up a little so as to lap or flow over the waistband. The young men all had Indian horses and used the old Mexican saddle with its high, strong horn, broad, heavy mochlllas, (com monly called "mochures") large, wooden stirrups covered with heavy leather tap edoras to protect the feet, heavy Bosdaras to keep the leg from touching the horse's side, and instead of a girth the saddle was fastened on with a strong leather "cinch." The mochllla was made up of two large pieces of harness leather, ornamented around the border, and fastened together with leather thongs, and made to.flt over the horn and tree of the saddle, "and ex tending far enough behind the saddle to protect a roll of blankets or other package from touching the horse. On the horn of the saddle always hung the "larlata," or lasso, and fastened to the rear of the saddletree were long leather straps to lash on such packages as the nder might wish to carry. They always wore spurs oa their heels, seemingly large and fierce enough to dis embowel an ordinary Indian pony by one gouge. In those days an Oregon beau thought nothing of riding 30 to 60 miles to see his girl. He always took his blankets, and in case night overtook him he used his lariat to stake out his horse, removed the mochlla from the saddle, which he spread upon the ground, and rolled himself In his blankets and slejt until morning. Spare rooms tfe Oregon houses were generally scarce, and he of ten had to spread his blankets on the floor or go to the barn to sleep. A mount ed Oregonlan of the "olden times" pre sented a queer spectacle, almost border ing on the romantic. He almost always rode in a sweeping gallop, causing the broad brim of his hat to flap up and down with the motion, of his horse, his long hair to flutter and dance, keeping time to the clank of his ponderous Spanish spurs, while the long-fringed ends of his red silk sash waved coquettish adeus to ob jects so swiftly passed by his fleeing pony. Many of these young fellows when riding at full speed kept their bended arms moving up and down as If they were wings assisting the pony in his rap id flight. I almost envied them the great pleasure they got out of life, and was grudgeful of their sweet contentment. They were so different from any people that I had ever seen that they were almost as Interesting to me as the splendid land scapes, grand mountains, magnificent riv ers and peerless climate of beautiful Ore gon. Though Oregonlans of that day might not have been particularly noted for their industry, enterprise or progres slveness, they were honest, orderly and law-abiding. I liked Oregon from the first, and was satisfied that It was the best j5art of the United States that I had ever seen. But I was troubled to know how the people could get along without corn, as I had come from a part of the country where corn was king. I soon learned that corn was not essential where wheat, oats, bar ley and rye yielded so abundantly. Later on. It was found that corn grew fairly well here. At that time It was believed that the high, rolling lands of the Wil lamette Valley would not .grow wheat, and were only fit for grazing; but ex- perlment proved them to be the best wheat lands, so it was said then and ror years later, that wheat could not be grown east of the Cascade Mountains, and that all that vast empire was useless except--lng for grazing purposes. Tet that-part of the state is annually exporting mil. lions of bushels of wheat. The oak grub lands, as they are called, from which thousands of cords of good oak wood is cut to supply city, town and farm with fuel, were then but low, bushy thickets, scarcely high enough to hide a deer, having always, until within a few years, been killed down by fires set out In the dry prairie grass by the In dians. They have grown into trees, and furnish vast quantities of wood. I visited the Legislative Assembly at Salem in the Winter of 1852 and 1853, which was the first legislative body I ever saw. My high Ideas formed in boyish days of noble Senators, great statesmen, thrilling oratory and capital splendors were not realized. The Legislature met In an old barnlike building near the south end of Commercial street. Fred Waymlre, of Polk County: Ben Stark, of Multnomah, and F. A- Chenowlth, of the Cascades, are the only members whose names I re member. To show how Oregonlans did business, and what confidence they had In each other, I will relate one Incident: When I closed my school and was ready to go out to locate my "donation claim," I called on a person In the neighborhood to whom I had sold my wagon and some oxen to get the money due me. He Bald: "I have not that amount of money on hand, but will give you letters to some of my friends, from whom I hope you will be able to get your money." He gave me a letter to I. N. Gilbert, who lived in a small log cabin two. miles ea3t of Salem; one to Dr. Wilson, a promi nent physician and merchant in Salem, and another to soma business man In Sa lem, whose name I have forgotten, re questing each to give me the amount of my bill and charge same to him. Mr. Gilbert being the nearest one, I called on him first, and presented my letter. Af ter reading it, he Bald: "I do not owe Mr. M. anything, but as I have the money to spare, I will pay your bill, and ac commodate both Mr. M. and yourself." My surprise was as great as my delight, because 1 did not expect to get the money through those letters. The easy-going days of eaily Oregon are gone, never to return. Perhaps no people ever had such opportunities to make fortunes. Improve their farms, homes and their country as had they from 1650 to 1660. During those 10 years a farmer's own labor, If prop erly managed, should have turned his farm Into a. mint. Even product of the land then brought three to eight times as much as it does now. But regrets will not brinK back lost opportunities. P. W. GILLETTE. Portland. Dec 7, 1S00. SUPREME COURT QUESTION. A Case "Where Lair and Common Sense Seem to Unite. FOREST GROVE, Dec 15. To the Edi tor.) Among the many articles appear ing In your columns during the past few weeks concerning the necessity for relief of the Supreme Court and suggesting sundry and various plans for remedy of the question of cases now befpre that body, that of Hon. Tllmon Ford, of Sa lem, appearing In the Oregonlan of this morning, seems to me to be the best presentation- of the case to date. The Legislature would hardly dare, even If It was admitted to be constitutional, to in crease the number of Justices of the Su preme Court in the face of the large ad verse vote cast against the proposed amendment at the election of June list. The Idea of a commission to sit with the court, hear cases and write opinions that HINTS FOR GIFT HUNTERS Silk Handkerchiefs Imported Linen Handkerchiefs Silk Suspenders Silk and Lisle Hoisery- Silk Night Robes Silk or Madras Pajamas Dress Shirts Fancy Shirts Collars and Cuffs Cuff Links Shirt Studs Silk Mufflers Kid Gloves Umbrellas or Canes - Suit Cases Traveling Bags A "Brewer" Hat STORE OPEN EVENINGS UNTIL CHRISTMAS shall be handed down as the opinions of the court, while it seems to meet with pretty general favor, is not unopposed nor altogether probable. The suggestion that some of our present Circuit Judges might be used without any additional expense to the state, is one that will be most apt to commend Itself. As has been set forth by Mr. Ford in his communication, time was when the Circuit Judges sitting to gether constituted the Supreme Court. What Is the objection to adding three or four of the present Circuit Judges, to the Supreme Court instead of a commission? Or perhaps they might be created as a separate body, an intermediate court, be tween the Circuit Courts and the Su preme Court, that might pass Anally upon cases of a certain degree. It is a matter of common fame, that there are more Circuit Judges than are required. The first district has two where one would be plenty. The third district has two- who could eislly carry considerable more work. The fourth district Is not overly crowded; the county of Baker, In Judge Eakln's district, could be added to Judge Clifford's without overworking the lat ter official, and Union and Wallowa could be added to the sixth district, which now consists only of the coJntles of Umatilla and Morrow and then Judge Ellis would not have any jnore than he -could do. By pursuing this policy we should have at least three Circuit Judges who would have four years to serve; one of tho Judges of the pflrst district, one of the third and Judge Eakln, who would be without a -district. These three Judges, then, might be created a commission. Jf you like, to sit with the Supreme Court, hear cases, and write opinions, and by the time their terms would expire the docket of the Supreme Court would be clear and they might be retired, and the state would be out no addllionaT expense for the term or for their services, and from, thence forth save the salaries of three Circuit Judges. Judges Hanna, Prim and Eakln, whether serving in the capacity of Com mlsslo'ners or as an Intermediate court, would, from th'elr learning and judicial training, comnfand the respect of the people. J.'B. EDDY. PACIFIC COAST NAVAL BASES Result of Admiral Bradford's Inspec tionColombia River Station. WASHINGTON, Dec. 10. (Special to New York Tribune.) Rear-Admiral Royal B. Bradford returned to Washington to day, after a month's absence on an offi cial tour of Inspection of the harbors of the Pacific Coast; with special reference to the necessity of establishing first class naval coaling stations, with modern automatic appliances, to -enable warships to remain in port for minimum periods and spend their time to better advantage on the high seas in case of hostilities. Limited by the restriction that a naval base of operations must be defensible by shore works to Insure the mobility of the fleet. Admiral Bradford finds only four ports on the western coast line of the United States adaptable as coaling sta tions. They are Puget Sound, Columbia River, San Francisco and San Diego. He visited these places, studied the avail able sites and brought back information of considerable Importance on the sub ject of naval operations in the Pacific which will depend In large measure on the facility with which fuel can be fur nished to ships on that ocean. To this end he proposes to store at San Francisco 150,000 tons, and at Puget Sound, Colum bia River, and San Diego 25,000 tons each. These storage plants are to be estab lished Immediately, and a little later he hopes to provide similar depots at Dutch Harbor, Unalaska and Fichillnque, Lower California. From Washington a month ago the Ad miral went direct to Seattle, whence a A STOREFUL OF Things of quality and usefulness strewn everywhere. Things that men need and appreciate every day of their lives. Things for your boy that will make him happy as long as they last How easy to find just what will make Qhristmas happy if you come to the new store, and the quality of a gift from here will never be questioned, as every one knows this is the one store that does not stoop to inferior goods. MEN'S SUITS AND OVERCOATS Smoking Jackets.... Whether your husband smokes or not, a Smoking Jacket is as indispensable to him as a house-wrapper is for a woman. Our variety of choice ones invites your inspection. Imported silk velvets, satin bro cades and two-side golf effects richly trimmed and elegantly finished. Every coat bought for the holiday trade of the new store. Selections made now may be reserved for Christmas. Boys' Gifts "We present with each boy's suit, overcoat .or mackintosh, the following articles: Boys Roller Skate Boys Nickel "Watches. Boys' Sleds. Boys' Metal-Bound Drums. Boys' Sawbuck and Saw. S. E. .J. Used by the United States Government- 'AVFJVAR IF INTERESTED WRITE 'FOR CIRCULARS? INFORMATION BWARE ! USED BY THE ik. GermanGovernment- naval tug toolc him to the naval station at Bremerton, where the Government has the only dock on the Pacific Coast where a battle-ship can be taken out of the water. Here there is a coal hulk with 2000 tons aboard from, which ships re plenish their bunkers in order to make the run to San Francisco. The place Is Impregnable to an enemy, and with an increased appropriation over the $40,000 al ready available Admiral Bradford expects to establish a pier and steel coal sheds within the, next fiscal year. At Tacoma he examined the large coal elevators of the Northern and Southern Pacific Rail ways, which, while capacious, are not quick enough to fill warships when hos tilities demand their presence almost con tinuously at sea. At Portland, where Congress has been asked to establish a drydock, Admiral Bradford says there should be no waste cf time and money. The only site on the Columbia River for a naval station 1s Astoria, and the Navy needs a baso there with the least pos sible loss of time. Ho will urge this view on Congress. At San Francisco ho visited Mission Rock, or Island, in the harbor, where he proposes to establish tho largest naval coal base owned by the Government, a plant 15 times the size of those at Tortugas, Key West and New London. Such large reserves on the Pa cific Coast, he declares, are indispensable Our Christmas showing of Men's Pothing is an occasion of irresistible attractiveness, an array of gar ments that comprises everything that is right and correct in style. Men's Suits in all the new weaves and the very latest colorings. Overcoats in long or short box styles. The Raglan, or English Paddock, with or with out velvet collars, and plain or silk lined. The new"Cravenette" Rain-Proof Coat with padded shoulders is one of'our latest novelties. Suits and Overcoats guaranteed to fit perfectly at from $io to $30. Should you guess the wrong size of anything bought for a present, or for any other reason, you wish to exchange the purchase after Christmas, . re member we are here to please you. i aaaasa.- vrr t,m rr y .iffi5iM6MKMfflBMBMflBBBK8t333'iJ!BB8B. RELIABLE CLOHIERS Corner Fourth and Morrison Streets Portland, Or. THE GERMAN WOOD PRESERVER-THAT PRESERVES. - SOLD ONLY BY FISHER, TH0RSEN&O IMPORTERSSOLE WESTERN AGEMTS. x PORTLAND, SPURIOUS ''IMITATIONS OF "AVENARIUS CaRBOLINEUM ARE FOISTED ON "THE MARKET g ! f A V MTI B . 9- m M& twt r . wwl - i- - M French Government? on account of the great expense at times of transporting good steaming coal to the Coast. Under the law all merchandise from the Atlantic Coast to San Francisco must be carried in American bot toms, and for the last year or two American ships have been scarce and command high freight rates. In consequence the best Cardiff coal can be delivered at San Francisco for what it costs to carry Atlantic Coast coal to that port. There is no good coal for naval purposes mined on the Pacific Coast, or nearer than New Zealand or the Atlantic Owing to the uncertainties of transportation for such a long distance by water, the fluctuating demand for use on board naval ships and changes in freight Tates, the Navy has had to rely on local dealers, who proved In the late war with Spain to be unable to supply the demand at any rates. In the case of war with a strong power in the Pacific, Atlantic Coast coal would of necessity have to be sent across the continent by rail at enormous expense, and the only remedy la to keep on hand large amounts of the best coal in store. The title of the Navy to Mission Rock Is now being cleared In the courts, and $250,000 has been asked from Congress with which to build the coal sheds and handling appliances. At San Diego Ad miral Bradford found an excellent site on a Government reservation of 1400 acres CHRISTMA Neckwear... Showcase after showcase brilliantly illuminated with this most beautiful showing of holiday Silks, rich American and Pariaisn effects in Imperials,, De Joinvilles, Four-in-Hands, Tecks and Bows. OUR HALF DOLLAR LINE Includes all the latest styles and is very choice. Heavy imported Silks at $i and $1.50, $2, and up to $5. used by-the ENGLI StfGoVERNMENrr.J l" a1 OREGON. USA - fln rv ths controlled by the War Department for de fenses. This will be utilized as soon as Congress furnishes the money. The loca tion of San Diego is regarded as most important for a naval base. It Is near'the extreme southern limit of the United States, on the coast, and with slight dredging large ships can enter at high tide, while there are good sheltered wat ers near by where the heaviest ships can safely anchor until the. harbor improve ments are completed. At the site he se lected for the coal depot ther Is plenty of water for any battle-ship in the Navy. On his way to Washington last week Admiral Bradford looked at the New Or leans naval station, where the large float ing dock Is to be located, and selected a site for a coal depot there. launches lor Philippine Patrol. TACOMA, Dec. 15. Captain A. Raymond has just returned from Manila, where he has been for the past year filling a Government contract for 72 launches de signed for patrolling the Philippine coas Tho launches were made in Hong Kor.g, where Captain Raymond has had his headquarters. They are from 40 to 50 feet in length and average In speed abcut 15 knots. Tho last of the launches w as de livered to the military authorities :at Ma nila about two months ago. 's Hats Just received, for the holiday trade, the latest shape of the "RICHARD SUTTON" English derby. Black and London crown. $4.00 Special sale now one of $2.50 hat values at ?L90.