mm
r$ptta;tt
FORTY PAGES
PRICE FIVE CENTS.
VOL. XXII. KO. 51.
PORTLAND, OREGON, SUNDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 20, 1903.
PAGES I TO 5
, .
i
L-
W P TO HER
Colombia Must Take
the Initiative.
MOODY CABLES THE ORDER
Secretary of the Navy From
Now On Will Direct.
GREAT SECRECY ENJOINED
Battalion of Marines Will Sal! From
Philadelphia at an Early Date,
and it Is Now Proposed to Send
Elliott to Command.
"WASHINGTON, Dec. IS. "Let Colombia
take the Initiative." Is the restraining key
note of specific Instructions which Secre
tary Moody has cabled to the American
Naval Commanders in Isthmian -waters.
The Secretary has taken active hold in
the shaping of the naval policy on the
Isthmus, and from now on "the instruc
tions, -whether to naval or marine officials,
"Will, as far as possible, be prepared at
his personal direction.
It was announced today that while the
situation oa the isthmus was in no way
alarming to the Washington Government,
It was sufficiently delicate to warrant the
most careful diplomatic handling, and for
this reason secrecy has been enjoined upon
officials of the department regarding the
operations of the ships and marines. The
only official information on the subject
will be given out at the direction of the
Secretary.
Marines to Sail at Once.
At a conference held this afternoon be
tween Secretary Moody and Brigadier
General Elliott, Commander of the Marino
Corps, the latter reported that upon 24
hours (notice he could get under way to
Colon with the new Carribean Sea bat
talion which Is under orders to assemble
at Philadelphia. This battalion, which it
Is intended shall go South on the cruiser
Dixie, now on her way to Philadelphia
from Colon, will probably sail between
December 25 and January 1.
General Elliott has been informed that
unless the isthmian situation enters upon
a decidedly more peaceful phase in the
meantime he will command this battalion,
and upon his arrival will organize the
three battalions of marines on the Isthmus
Into a brigade of which he shall assume
supreme command.
Camp for the Marines.
There were several conferences at the
Navy Department today regarding the lo
cation of the camps for the marines on
the isthmus. Lest the administration may
be put in the light of anticipating the
Senate's ratification of the canal treaty
by assuming obligations provided for In
that convention, it nas been practically
settled that General Elliott shall not mass
his forces along the Panama border un
less the safety of the republic absolutely
demands It. It Is believed a more effec
tive scheme will be to distribute the three
battalions among the towns and villages
of Panama other than the cities of Pan
ama and Colon, leaving the Navy the pro
tection of these terminals. It Is possible
that some marines will be encamped on
the highlands In the vicinity of the border
line, but General Elliott must determine
this after his arrival xm the isthmus.
Health a Potent Factor.
A potent factor in the shaping of the
naval policy on the Isthmus will be the
health of the marines. Care will be taken
In the selection of camps and every pre
caution against tropical Illness possible
will be observed.
In official circles tonight it was stated
that Panama, while disclaiming any obli
gation to Colombia for a payment of a
portion of her debt will voluntarily and,
as an act of comity, assume such share
of it as in her Judgment may be deemed
necessary. It Is expected that the formal
expressions of the government on the sub
ject Is only delayed pending the state
ment of General Reyes, the desire being
to note what demands Colombia wishes
to make.
COLOMBIA HAD FEARS OF WAR
Disregarded Public Clamor to Hand
American Minister His Passports.
"WASHINGTON, Dec 19. President
Roosevelt today transmitted to the House
the third installment of papers relating
to the recent revolution on the Isthmus
of Panama. The papers comprise the
correspondence between the State Depart
ment and Minister Beaupre, at Bogota,
relative to the Hay-Herran treaty, con
sistlng of 120 letters and telegrams sent
between March 18 and November 19, 1903.
April 7, Secretary Hay telegraphed Mr.
Beaupre to notify Colombia that the mat
ter of the requests of Colombia to the
canal and railroad companies for ap
pointment of agents to negotiate cancel
lations of the present concessions was
covered by treaty, "and any change would
be in violation of the Spooner law and
not permissible." April 15, Mr. Beaupro
reviewed at length the feeling In Colom
bia toward the treaty. On Its negotia
tion, he says:
"I am convinced th public had never
expected better terms." ...
In a later communication on the sub
ject of adverse public opinion toward tho
treaty, Mr. Beaupre said: "It is utterly
Impossible to convince these people that
the Nicaragua route was ever seriously
considered by the United States, that the
negotiations concerning it had any other
motive than the squeezing of an advan-
tageous bargain out of Colombia, nor that
any other than the Panama route would
be selected."
The public discussion, he says, was
largely along the line of the loss ot
National honor by the surrender of. sov-
ereignty, while private discussion was to
the effect that the price was Inadequate, j
On June 9, Mr. Hay sent to Mr. Beaupro
this telegram:
"The Colombian Government apparent
ly does not appreciate the gravity of
the situation. The canal negotiations
were initiated by Colombia, and were
energetically pressed on this Government j
ior severai years. j.oc prupuBiuuiw jjc
sented by Colombia, with slight modifica
tions, were finally accepted by us. In
view of this agreement, our Congress
reversed Its previous Judgment and de
cided upon the Panama route. If Colom
bia should now reject the treaty, or un
duly delay its ratification, the friendly
understanding between the two countries
would be so seriously compromised that
action might be taken by Congress next
Winter which every friend of Colombia
would regret."
On June 10, Mr. Beaupre wrote that a
decided effort was being made to change
public opinion Into a more favorable con
sideration of the treaty.
Hay Note Construed as Threat.
On July 5 Mr. Beaupre sent the follow
ing confidential telegram to Secretary
Hay:
"Have received " Information -privately
that a paraphrase of your cipher' tele
gram on Juno 9 was received In the
Senate secret session; created sensation.
Construed by many as a threat of direct
retaliation against Colombia In case
treaty is not ratified. This, and the
statement of just-arrived members of
Congress from Panama that this depart
ment would revolt if. the treaty is not
ratified, caused' alarm and the effect is
favorable."
Minister Beaupre telegraphed Secretary
Hay July 9that he had been Informed
by a prominent Colombian that the
treaty could "not be ratified without two
amendments, one increasing tho price
to be paid to Colombia by the "United
States to J15.O00.O00, and another requir
ing tho nnvment of S10.000.000 to Colombia
by the Panama Canal Company. A reply j
to this .was sent by Secretary nay mat
neither of the proposed amendments
would stand any chance of acceptance
by the United States Senate.
In a later dispatch, Secretary Hdy In
formed Mr. Beaupre regarding the pro
posed amendments.
"The presidents would not submit to
our Senate any amendment in that sense,
but would treat It as violating the nego
tiations and bringing about a failure to
conclude a satisfactory treaty with
Columbia."
On August 17 Mr. Beaupre cabled that
President Marroquin informed him he
should secure the passage of a lawauthor
izing him to continue and finish negotia
tions for a canal, but under what condi
tions he could not state. Under date of
September 5 Mr. Beaupre gave the condi
tions of this proposed law, as follows:
It authorized the President of Colombia
to conclude treaties for the canal or con
tract for the same with private parties.
The price named was $10,000,000 from the
canal company and ?20,000,000 from the
contracting parties or government; the
concession to run 100 years, and lease not
to include Panama or Colon. An annual
rental of $150,000 was fixed until 1957; lease
renewable every 100 years on payment of
25 per cent increase; Colombian sovereign
ty over the whole territory and inhabi
tants; police and sanitary regulations
wholly Colombian: a time limit to be
fixed for completion of work.
Forerunner of Separation.
Mr. Beaupre remarked that It was high
ly probable that even these terms would
not be acceptable to the Colombian Con
gress.
Under date of September 10, Mr. Beau
pre cabled that the report of the commit
tee had not yet been discussed in the Sen
ate. He added:
"Fierce attack today in the Senate upon
tho appointment of Obaldia as Governor
of Panama. The appointment is regarded
TAMMANY SELECTS HIM
EX-ASSISTANT SECRETABT OF NAVY 1VHXXA3I M'ADOO.
NEW YORK. Dec 19. (Special.) Unless something unusual and unforeseen
transpires between now and January 1 to chance the programme. It Is stated, oa
authority that Is usually unquestioned tnat ex-Assistant Secretary of the Navy
McAdoo will succeed General Francis V. Greene as Police Commissioner. The
question of choosing a suitable head for the police force Is ono that has caused
Mayor-elect McClellan and Charles F. Murphy no little annoyance; but It Is under
stood that both are satisfied that Mr. McAdoo possesses all of the qualifications
necessary for a popular and proper administration of this department.
as being the forerunner of separation. A
resolution passed by almost unanimous
vote, which Is equivalent to vote of cen
sure against the government."
In a letter which followed this cable
message. Mr. Beaupre commented on the
"separatist" tendencies of the newly-appointed
Governor of Panama, which he
said were "well known." "He Is reported
to have said." the letter continues, "that
should the canal treaty not pass, the De
partment of Panama would declare Its In
dependence, and would be right in doing
so. That these are his opinions there Is
no doubt."
Under date of October 2L Mr. Beaupre
communicated a positive feeling of alarm
In Bogota over the possible action of the
United States should the feeling In Pan
ama find expression In overt acts. This
alarm, he said, was voiced in the Senate
on the day previous.
On October 22 Secretary Hay cabled Mr.
Beaupre:
"If you find disposition on the part of
Colombia to ask terms more favorable to
(Concluded ie &
ALL 11 ALIKE
Solons Say Extra Ses
sion Should be Short
BUT FEAR IT MAY BE LONG
Will Repeal New Tax Law
ancf Re-enact Old One.
N0.CHANGE IN PORTAGE ROAD
-Legislation Regarding Recorders'
Fees Will Be Reyampjd, and the
$300- Exemption From Taxa
tion Will Be Restored.
Nearly four 'dozen legislators slumbered
in .Portland last night. This afternoon
most-of .them will move camp to Salem.
The gentlemen look hale and hearty after
their ten months' respite from lawmaking.
The solons desire to end the session
early so as to get home for Christmas
turkey, and stay there. That- desire Is
unanimous. But they fear that the other
fellow will keep them at the capital right
up to the eve of Santa Claus' visit and
then make them go back. And that fear Is
just as unanimous as the desire to go
home.
"We can adjourn In two days," declared
an Eastern Oregon lawmaker. "There's no
need of new legislation."
"And you won't propose any?"
"Well, er, you see, I've got only two or
threo little things a charter for example.
But," he added extcnuatingly, "the Leg
islature can dispose of them in just a
little while only a few minutes," and
the circle of fellow lawmakers grinned.
Republicans undoubtedly will hold a
caucus tomorrow afternoon or evening to
determine upon a programme. Just what
subjects of legislation will go on the pro
gramme Republicans do not yet precisely
know. They hope to agree upon a pro
cedure without discord and to carry it
out. But a manifest apprehension weighs
upon them th,at,akcaucU5. .will not be en
tirely successful in holding the session
strictly to necessary business.
i On five subjects the four dozen mem
bers who thronged the legislative camp
yesterday were practically unanimous:
FIrs.t, the new tax law shall be re
pealed and the old shall be re-enacted,
possibly with amendments for smaller re
bate and lighter penalty.
Second, tho Eddy corporation tax law
shall stand.
AS POLICE COMMISSIONER
t Third, the law as to recording fees shall
v,p rpvnmnprt
Fourth, the $300 exemption from taxation
shall be restored.
Fifth, the portage read law shall stand.
Eastern Oregon delegates will offer a
bill to appropriate 5100,000, or so much
thereof as may be needed to secure right
of way for the Celilo Canal. They will
argue that the National Government has
committed Itself to the policy of refraining
from construction of the canal until
ground for the waterway Is secured free
oi cost to the "United States. They will ln-
slst that the National Government prob
ably will not recede from that stand:
anyhow the State of Oregon can afford
to spend $50,000 or $100,000 for an Improve
ment which will cost $4,000,000. They aver
that the State of Oregon can secure right
of way more readily than the National
Government They point out that Three
Mile Rapids, below the lower terminus of
the road, is not navigable to steamboats
and that the portage road would therefore
not serve Its purpose until the National
Government undertakes the canal project.
They show that removal of those obstruc
tions Is Included in the Government's
plans and would naturally be the first
work done by the Government. Thay ar
gue, therefore, that It devolves upon the
Oregon Legislature to present right of
way to the Government In order that the
canal may be built and the portage may
be of service.
The champion of this appropriation bill
In the Senate will probably be T. H. John
ston, of "Wasco. In the lower chamber
the men who wilt head the fight for the
bill will be: J. N. Burgess, of "Wasco, C.
P. Johnson, of Grant; N. "Whealdon, of
"Wasco, and R. J. GInn, of Sherman. The
whole Eastern Oregon delegation of 12 In
the House and six in the Senate will unite
to pass the bill. The Eastern Oregon men
rely upon the co-operation of Multnomah's
13 In the House and seven in the Senate
and of Columbia and Clatsop's three in
the House and one in the Senate. Thus
they expect to marshal from the above
named counties 29 out of 59 votes In the
House and 14 out of 29 In the Senate, be
sides votes from other counties which con
tain strong sentiment for an open river.
It will be observed that this array of
forces is quite formidable.
Many Legislators In Town.
The woods were full of .solons yester
day. They spent their money to help out
Santa Claus, dodged the raindrops as best
they could and then went inside to dry
their jackets and warm up on politics.
Among the notables were Representa
tives J. A. Burleigh, of Wallowa; "W. M.
Blakley, of "Umatilla; Charles V. Gallo
way, of Yamhill, E. H. Test, of Malheur;
and J. H. Robblns, of Ban.er; a quintet
of Democrats; C. P. Johnson, of Grant;
R. J. Glnn, of Sherman; C. A. Danne
man, of Gilliam; H. C. Adams, of Uma
tilla; G. "W, Phelps, of Morrow; N. Wheal
don, of "Wasco; J. N. Burgess; ot Wasco;
Charles Htnes, of "Washington; B. L.
Eddy, of Tillamook; J. L. Hawkins, of
Polk; Marlon Hay-den, of Benton; J. M.
Hansbrough, of Douglas; S. B. .nermann,
of Coos; I. B. Riddle, of Douglas; T. B.
Kay, of Marlon, and Senators Squire
Farrar, of Marlon; E. V. Carter, of Jack
son; "W. Tyler Smith, of Yamhill; B. F.
Mulkey, of Polk; T. H. Johnston, of
"Wasc.0, and "W. W. Steiwer, of Sherman;
George C. Brownell, of Clackamas, presi
dent of the Senate, and L. T. Harris, of
Lane, Speaker of the House, were also
conspicuous. Members of the Multnomah
delegation visited the camp in the course
of the day.
No fight will be made for retention of
tne new tax law. Members from Mult
nomah unanimously favor the old law.
Of the 2$ visiting members, as above
named, 23 were Interviewed, and all save
one of the 23 said that their constituents
(Concluded, on Page 3.)
CONTENTS OF TODAYS PAPER
rnnama.
United States will allow Colombia to take
thy Initiative for war. Pasa, 1 j. . , ....-- .
Roosevelt sends to Congress correspondence
- between Hay and Beaupre. Page 1.
Rear-Admlral Glass" reports Colombian troops
.moving northward. "Pace 2."
Congress.
Chief Newell clvea irrigation committees to
understand Oregon will not get any money
for a year at least. Page 2.
Quay defeats scheme of Gorman to call upon
Postmaster-General immediately for postal
fraud papers. Page 29.
House reconsiders resolution calling for' postal
documents, and they will now como ta It
direct. Instead of to a committee. Pago 29.
Foreign.
Japan is preparing for war with Russia.
Page 3.
Tslen Tsln reports Japan has sent on an
ultimatum to Russia, but confirmation Is
lacking. Page 3.
Assassin tires at Max Xordeau. the noted Zion
ist and litterateur, in ballroom, but friend
saves him. Page 3.
Domestic.
Vigilance committee named at Chicago to
clear city of 'thugs, who have become bolder
since first declaration of war. Page 1.
Chicago strike compels people to use cars and
wagons for hearses. Page 3.
I. H. Hyde, partner of John R. Benson, at
San Francisco. Is said to be on the list
of those wanted In timber-land frauds.
Page 2. .
Political.
Seattle Republicans arc still In search of a
man to head the municipal ticket. Page 29.
Governor of Arkansas and Associate Justice
engage In a fight at Joint discussion.
Page 3.
Faciflc Coast.
Railroad officials In. Seattle bring to light enor
mous thefts of goods in transit. Page 1.
Question whether vetoes ot Governor Cham
berlain can be acted upon by special session
of Legislature. Page G.
Judge John J. McGIlvra dies at Seattle, aged
70 years. Page 6.
Portland firm gets contract at Forts Warden
and Casey, underbidding Seattle firms.
Page 0.
Sports.
Claude, the winner- of several Derbies, loses
the $1000 handicap at Ingleslde to Lord
Melbourne by a neck. Page 14.
Thomas Pendergast dies from Injuries re
ceived in a fight with "Kid" Williams.'
Page 14.
Multnomah defeats Chcmawa, 15-5. Page 14.
Portland Baseball Association elects officers
for the coming year. Page 10.
Commercial and Marine.
Continued active speculation In Copper and
Steel preferred. Page 15.
Week in Wall street. Page 15.
Features of the New York weekly bank state
ment. Page 15.
Highest price for wheat reached at Chicago.
Page 15.
San Francisco dried fruit trade prospects.
Page 15.
Indrapura has rough trip across the Pacific.
Page 12.
Career of the wrecked Manauense. Page 12.
Portland and Vicinity.
Great unanimity among legislators as to what
shall be done at special session. Paice 1.
Historical Society elects officers. Page 10.
Newsboys to have Christmas dinner. Page 28.
Programme of entertainment for livestock
delegates. Page 12.
Beauty doctor who took wrinkles out of only
one-half bf patient's face is sued for dam.
ages. Tage 10.
Brothers of John W. Warnlcke win suit for
his Insurance. Page 23.
Features and Departments.
Editorial. Page 4.
Church notices. Page 37.
Classified advertisements. Pages 24-27.
Little Peter's Christmas. Pase 30.
At Bethlehem on Christmas eve. Page 30.
On the overland limited. Pace ,34.
Roosevelt, Congress and the land question.
Page 31. , .
Book review. Pare 37. ' '
Frank Carpenter's letter. Page 32.
Marcus Curtlus in New York. Page 3C
Chlmmle Fadden. Page 3G.
Household and fashions. Pages 34-35.
Youths' department. Pages 33-39.
Social. Pages 20-21.
Dramatic Page 18 ' '
Musical. Page 19.
THUGS FE
NOT
Chicago Crusade Makes
Them' Bolder.
ROBBERIES -ON ALL SIDES
House of. Policeman Pilfered
While He Is Asleep.
CITIZENS -GREATLY AROUSED
Vigilance Committee Is Named "to
Wage Unceasing War on Foot
pads, and May Employ Men to
Shoot Them on Sight.
CHICAGO, Dec .19. (Speclal.)i-Judge.
Luthlll today, completed his vigilance com
mittee of 23 of the representative business
men and women of the-city, and directed
them today to begin active war at once
upon the crime 'which Is rampant.' Mil
lions are represented In, this committee,
and it Is proposed to make "W. J. Chal
mers, the millionaire manufacturer chair
man, which will Insure an active and
tireless campaign not hampered by lack
of funds. Jane Adams, of Hull "House,
is a member of the committee.
Tho burglars seem to have taken the
formation of a vigilance committee as a
defiance, and have become bolder than
ever. Last night there were more than
a dozen hold-ups, nearly all ' of them
marked by cruelty. "Victims of the foot
pads are not only robbed but mercilessly
beaten and kicked Into unconsciousness.
Today there were two bold robberies in
the heart of the city, show windows In
Jewelry stores being broken and diamonds
snatched. In the shadow of a police
station a Chinese laundry was held up
and all the inmates robbed and beaten.
Last night burglars entered the home of
one of the most active policemen and
robbed the lower part of the house while
the officer slept upstairs.
It will be the purpose of the vigilance
.committee to employ, detectives to, pur
sue criminals, force trials, see that par
dons are no.t granted, keep track of des
perate paroled men, and, if necessary,
employ resolute men to patrol the In
fested districts andi slay the footpads and
y
THE SELF-CONFESSED EMBEZZLING SECRETARY OF
CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY BOARD OF REGENTS
mMfMtWm
"U'lLMAM. A. M'KOIVEX.
BERKELEY. Cal., Dec. 19. The latest developments In the investigation of the
wholesale embezzlement of State "University funds by Secretary "William A. Mc
Kowen disclosed the fact today that the defaulting secretary not only appropri
ated to his own use scholarship funds, gifts to the university, but that also money
deposited by students has disappeared with the rest. Hundreds of students are un
able to collect the rebates due them.
At the commencement of each term the students in the chemical, physical and
mining laboratories deposit with the secretary of the university sums ranging from
?1 to $25 each, to cover any damage that they may cause to any of the apparatus
used during the various experiments. At the end of the term they have their
vouchers indorsed by the secretary, and usually collect their rebate at the Berke
ley banks.
For the past month the Berkeley Bank of Savings has been cashing these checks
and in turn has sent them over to the bank of I. W. Hellman, the university
treasurer In San Francisco, for redemption. AH of these warrants or checks dated
since December 14 have been returned, marked on their face, "No funds," and the
Berkeley banks are temporarily out many dollars. It Is understood, however, that
tho money will all be made good. Meanwhile the students who are anxious to
leave Berkeley for the Christmas vacation are unable to collect the money due
them, and on which many of them counted to defray the expense of their, trans
portation to their various homes.
U
thugs on eight. In this event there will
be an abundance of money to defend the
man who kills a thug.
FINANCE PLAN TOO RADICAL.
Senator Allison Talks on Asset, Cur
rency and Kindred Subjects.
CHICAGO. Dec 19. Senator William B.
Allison, of 'Iowa; spoke before the Bank
ers' Club of .this city tonight upon "Our
Currency System and our National
Finances." He said:
"Under present banking methods, there
Is a constant tendency to concentration
of money In the great money centers at
certain' periods of the year, it not being
required for .ute-in -more rural portions
of the country. This money cannot well
remain Idle in these centers, interest be
ing paid on deposits, and when it Is need
ed at the more distant points there Is
difficulty in Its withdrawal from these
central marts of trade and business. It
Is possible that this system of concentra
tion might be checked In some degree by
the bankers themselves.
. "I have not discussed what Is known as
the system of asset "currency. I do not
see that this proposed radical change of
our laws, .In respect to our circulation, is
possible as long as our-present system of
direct government issues prevail, as It
would result In a large 'expansion- of the
total -volume of the currency and this
expansion cannot be i checked by means
of rapid redemption because there Is no
motive to press redemption. Nor can
rapid redemption be "secured under an
asset system by requiring redemption In
gold, 'because sc long as these Govern
ment issues continue in so large a volume,
tho Government would be called on to
provide thegold for -the banks through
redemption of Its own Issues and would be
the. storehouse . from 'which the banks
would draw the gold, to redeem their
Issues. Thus would be created a need
less, endless chain, which might result In
embarrassment of the Government."
The Senator In closing declared he did
not consider any changes In the present
monetary system as likely to be made
during the present year.
TRAGIC ATTEMPT AT MURDER
Young Man Plays Bold Trick to Get
' Fiancee to Break Engagement.
'NEW YORK, Dec. 19 Otto Gilbert, of
Irvlngton. an employe of a magazine pub
lished In this city, -was found dying In a
buggy which he hired from a liveryman
this morning. He was bound hand and
foot, while In his mouth a large gag had
been placed. Blood covered his face and
the ropes with which he had been bound
drew his head down almost to his feet.
Gilbert, when he recovered conscious
ness, told the police he had been held a
prisoner since Tuesday by three men, who
by their threats, tried to make him sign
a check for I150O, which he had on deposit
In a New York bank. Failing in this
they finally forced him to hire the buggy
in which he was found, and he thinks he
must have been drugged as he remembers
nothing after getting In the buggy with
one of tho men.
Later" Gilbert gave nut-a..statement de
claring his earjler story to "be untrue. He
said he feared he would be unable to
support the young woman' whom he was
engaged to marry, add for, that reason
had concocted the story to break bff the
match.
m 1
STDLE&YTHEGAR
Seattle Ring of Freight
Thieves Unearthed
AMOUNTS TO THOUSANDS
Northern Pacific Pays High
for "Lost Freight."
MANY EMPLOYES IMPLICATED
Goods Sent to Various Points in Alas
ka, California, Oregon and Inte
rior States and Sold for What
They Would Bring.
SEATTLE, "Wash., Dec. 19. (Special.)
In the arrest of Herman Rhelnhart, -manager
of the Arlington dock; James C.
Graves, yardmaster for the Great North
ern Railway, and P. J. Flynn, foreman
of the Great Northern frelghthouse, the
officials of the two transcontinental Hne3
believe they have unearthed one of the
greatest conspiracies to defraud that haa
ever been brought to light In the "West.
The investigation has been but started,
and while none of the high officials will
talk regarding the matter, it Is well
known that the operations of a thieving
ring, with headquarters In Seattle, extend
over a period of at least four years, and
It may be five.
During that time freight cars have been
robbed of their contents, and the good3
consigned to one merchant sold to an
other In the same line of business lu the
same city. Again, whole freight-car
loads of goods have been taken and re
shlpped to other points where the ring is
alleged to have had fences for the dis
posal of the stuff.
Shipped to 'Many Points.
Tons upon tons of merchandise. It Is
charged, have been sent to Alaska, to
California, to Oregon and Interior "West
ern States, sold for what It would bring
an4 the money divided between those Im
plicated. The work of the detectives shows that
trainmen, station agents, foremen, yard
men, engineers, and," in fact, almost every
class of employes on the lines of the rail
roads, have been implicated. All have
not been concerned in the same ship
ments, but at some time or another have
reaped a harvest from a part of the
stolen property.
"Separate the honest men from tho
thieves." This is the word that has been
given out from the headquarters and the
work is to be prosecuted if it takes a
corps of detectives a year to accomplish
It.
Northern Pacific Bumped Hard.
The Northern Pacific Railroad, It is said,
is the heaviest loser In freight shipments,
and the sums paid by the company for
"lost goods" runs far Into the thousands.
The Great Northern, while It has been a
sufferer from the same depredations, has
not suffered to the same extent as the
Northern Pacific in lost freight. However.
In lost railway property the Great North
ern has been the greater sufferer, for tho
reason that It has more of such property
here.
There has been no particular method in
tho operations. Information is In tho
possession of the Great Northern officials
tending to show that empty freight cars
have been hauled from the yards, backed
up to the warehouse at Smith Cove and
there loaded with cement or other prop
erty of the company.
Contractors Buy Cheap Cement.
Then the car had been pulled out by a
switch engine, run back through the yards
and in the dead of night unloaded at some
convenient point within the city limits,
from where, the following day, the cement
had been carted away to the warehouses
of local contractors who have purchased
It for a song.
Other cars taken from the same place
have been run onto the dock switches
and the contents taken out and loaded on
boats, sometimes destined for Alaska, at
other times for Portland, and more often
for San Francisco.
Stuff has been stolen from one or the
other company's freight cars, reloaded
and sent to the .Middle "Western States.
For these shipments there has alwajs
been a shipper and a consignee, and the
record of the freight offices has in this
manner been kept straight without those
handling the way bills suspecting any
thing wrongl
PINKERT0N SPOKE FOR HTM.
He Will Take Care of Noted Bank
Robber Just Pardoned.
SPRINGFIELD. 111., Dec. 19. Answering
criticisms, the State Board of Pardons
today gave out a remarkable statement
in defense of their action In quietly par
doning James R. Dunlap, the celebrated
bank robber from Jollet penitentiary. They
say it was upon the representation of
William A. Pinkerton, head of the detec
tive agencv of that name, who declared
Dunlap nad formerly been in his employ,
and that he was satisfied Dunlap would
lead an honest life hereafter, and he would
sign Dunlap's parole papers and take care
of him.
Warships Desired in Santo Domingo.
SANTO DOMINGO, Dec 19. General
Pimentel has raised a force against the
provisional government at Haina, near
this city. The situation is becoming com
plicated and the presence of warships is
desirable.
Celebrated Sioux Chief Dying.
PINE RIDGE, S. D., Dec. 19. Red
Cloud, the celebrated Sioux Chief, almost
blind and very feeble, is dying here, aged
S3 years