Z n T "
44 PAGES
PAGES ! TO 5
VOL. XXIV NO. 9.
PORTLAND, OREGON, SUNDAY MORNING, FEBRUARY 26, 1905.
PRICE FIVE CENTS.
ho en fire
North Sea Decision
Against Russia
ON EVERY POINT RAISED
No Hostile Ships Were Near
the Fishing Fleet.
SALVE FOR RUSSIAN PRIDE
Commission SayB That Rojestvensky
Thought There Were Torpedo
Boats There, and Mistook
Fishermen's Signals.
PARIS, Feb. 25. The International
Commission of Inquiry Into the attack of
the Russian second Pacific squadron upon
the Hull fishing fleet on the night of Oc
tober 21, 1904, has -found that there were
no hostile torpedo-boats among the fish
ing boats and that Admiral Rojestvensky
was not justified In firing on the traw
lers. This Is the main point of the find
ings, which sustain the British conten
tion throughout, though the brow to
Russia Is softened by the statement that
Admiral Rojestvensky was justified In
taking all precautions against attack and
arted according to his belief by declaring
that his military valor and humanity are
not questioned.
The decision says that delay of the
Russian transport Kamtchatka. following
the breaking down of her machinery, was
perhaps the cause of the incident. The
commander of the Kamtchatka signaled
to Admiral Rojestvensky during the eve
ning that he had been attacked by torpedo-boats.
The Admiral, therefore, had
reason to believe he was attacked and
gave orders for strict vigilance against
the possible approach of torpedo-boats.
The majority of the commission considers
that Admiral Rojestvensky's orders were
not excessive In time of war, particu
larly under the circumstances, and that
he had every reason to consider the sit
uation very alarming. .
No Torpedo-BoaSs'There.
'The commission," the decision says,
"recognizes unanimously that the fishing
f.eet committed no hostile act and the
majority of the commissioners being of
the opinion that thero were not, either
among the fishing boats or in their vi
cinity, any torpedo-"boats, the opening of
Are by Admiral Rojestvensky was not
Justified."
The decision further says the Russian
Commissioner did not share In the latter
opinion.
' In any event," the decision continues,
'tho commissioners are glad to recognize
unanimously that Admiral Rojestvensky
personality did all ho could, from the com
mencement to the end, to prevent the
trawlers from being the object of fire
by the Russian squadron."
Concerning the squadron's proceeding'
without assisting the damaged trawlers,
the decision says:
Should Have Reported Facts.
"The commissioners are unanimous, un
der the circumstances preceding: and fol
lowing the incident that there was such
uncertainty concerning the danger to the
squadron as to warrant Admiral Rojest
vensky in continuing his route. However,
the majority regrets that the Admiral did
not Inform the neighboring maritime pow
ers of what had occurred."
The decision concludes as follows:
"The commissioners declare that their
views as formulated are not of a nature
to cast any disrespect upon the military
valor nor upon the sentiments of human
ity of Admiral Rojestvensky and theper
eonnel of his squadron."
He Mistook the Signals.
Other Interesting features of the de
c.slon are as follows:
"Admiral Rojestvensky, after leaving
Reval. took the greatest precautions to
prepare the vessels to repulse a torpedo
attack during the night, whether sailing
Or at anchor. The reports of Russian
agents regarding various torpedo-boat at
tacks seemed to Justify these.
"The direction the Russian squadron fol
lowed was calculated to bring the last
two divisions, as events proved, in prox
imity to the customary fishing ground of
the Hull trawlers, numbering about SO,
and spreading over several miles.
The evidence of British witnesses
proved that the trawlers carried regula
tion lights, followed the usual fishing
rlcs and were directed by their com
modore by means of conventional rockets.
The leading divisions of the squadron, ln
c'udlng Admiral "Voelkersam's, passed the
trawlers unsuspectingly.
"Admiral Rojestvensky's division, the
last, noticed green flags, really a fishing
signal, which created alarm, and then
observed a vessel topping the waves.
Admiral Rojestvensky ordored his ships
to open fire, on the result of which rests
his responsibility."
The Admirals signed the document In
the following order: Von Spaun, Four
nier, Doubasoff. Beaumont and Davis.
Admiral Davis' Views.
Admiral Davis was seen tonight by the
correspondent of the Associated Press and
discussed the conclusions of the commis
sion and the general effect of the decis
ion. The Admiral did not desire this to
appear In the form of an Interview, but
the following can be accepted as having
his approval.
The general results of the findings are
favorable to Great Britain, since they
sustain the statement of facts as present
ed by Great Britain.
Admiral Davis pointed-out that the first
semi-official forecasts were misleading
and gave the British and American public
an entirely erroneous Idea. Therefore he
sent a cipher cable message to Washing
ton, notifying the authorities not to place
credence In the forecast. Today he again
sent a cable dispatch to Washington sum
marizing the decision and advising the
authorities that it was favorable to Great
Britain. As evidence of this, Admiral
Davis said that in the first place the
commission finds that Admiral Rojest
vensky was responsible for the incident
and its consequences, and in the second
place, the commission finds that there
were no hostile vessels among the fish
ing fleet or anywhere in that vicinity.
Points of the Decision.
Taking up the detailed report, the Ad
miral showed that its essential features
are as follows:
The commission justifies Admiral Ro
jestvensky in keeping his squadron in a.
state of preparation to resist a possible
attack. That Is entirely natural. No
naval officer could be criticized for hav
ing his ships ready. Either in time of
war or in time of peace, either in hos
tile waters or in friendly waters, war
ships are supposed to be always ready
for action within five minutes. Conse
quently no naval officer would criticize
another for being rea'dy.
The second point of the decision Is that
the commission holds that Admiral Ro
jestvensky was responsible for the re
sults of the fire upon the fishing fleet, and
it also holds that no torpedo-boat or war
vessel of any kind was among the fish
ing boats or in that vicinity and that
opening fire by Admiral Rojestvineky was
therefore not justified.
The finding also shows that considering
the alarming reports which had reached
him in other words, the surrounding cir
cumstancesAdmiral Rojestvensky was
Justified In not stopping after the inci
dent, but the commission expresses a re
gret that he did not make an opportunity
for notifying the authorities at some port
on the English Channel, so that somo as
sistance might have been sent to the
damaged fishing fleet.
The commission also takes the view that
after opening fire Admiral Rojestvensky
did all he possibly could to prevent the
fishermen being directly fired upon.
Finally, the decision says the commis
sion takes pleasure In stating that 'ts
conclusions were not meant to reflect upon
the military valor of Admiral Rojestven
sky. In other words, said Admiral Davis, all
the conclusions from the British presenta
tion of facts were sustained by the com
mission. This was naturally put in some
what diplomatic language, "but the fact
of the findings being favorable to Great
Britain is unquestionable, according to
Admiral Davis' view.
Commenting upon the raorar effect of
the decision. Admiral Davis expressed the
belief that the results ought to be most ,
salutary, and In the interest of the gen
eral principle of arbitration. The prin
ciple naturally calls for some conces
sions from both sides. In the present
case both governments will accept the re
sult, and Russia will doubtless provide a
money consideration to the victims' rela
tives. Throughout the proceedings the utmost
harmony prevailed, and never did the
slightest unpleasantness occur. The de
bates often were vigorous, but never acri
monious. According to Admiral Davis' view, Rus
sia can take a fair measure of satisfac
tion from the rinding, for, although it
holds that an error was committed, it
was one which was not discreditable to
the Russian navy. The fact must be
considered that the Russian squadron was
making a voyage of thousands of miles
upon a war mission, and reports indicated
that the Japanese might make attempts
against the squadron. This undoubtedly
Inspired an anxious and suspicious state
of mind upon the Russian ships. How
ever, nothing in all the testimony re
flected In tho slightest on the discipline or
efficiency of the Russian navy.
Admiral Davis, on returning to Wash
ington, will take copies of all tho docu
ments and testimony taken before the
Board of Trade at Hull. The examination
will show that nine of ten naval men
would have reached the same conclusion
as that announced today. It was a case
having so many technical naval features
that It could not be judged except by
naval men familiar with seafaring con
ditions. The reference of the contro
versy to a tribunal familiar with such
maritime conditions was, in Admiral
Davis' judgment, the best means of se
curing a just conclusion.
Admiral Davis will go March i to
Dover, where he will embark on the Red
Star Line steamer Finland, and on land
ing In the United States will proceed
directly to Washington.
LAST SESSION OF COMMISSION
Admirals Indulge in Liberal Ex-
change of Compliments.
PARIS. Feb. 25. The closing session
of the commission presented a brilliant
scene. Tho spacious salon of the For
eign Office was crowded with promi
nent officials, members of the diplo
matic corps, Including the Russian,
British and American Ambassadors,
members of the Japanese Legation, of
ficers of the army and navy. Judges of
the highest French courts and the
wives and other relatives of members
of the commission. Contrary to ex
pectations the Admirals forming1 the
commission did not wear full uniforms,
but appeared In ordinary civilian dress!
Admiral Fournier, president of tho
commission, read the decision amid an
impressive silence, the spectators fol
lowing it minutely.
The general impression among the
audience was that the decision was
In the nature of a compromise, as the
majority approved the British conten
tion that no torpedoboats attacked Ad
miral Rojestvensky's squadron and
that, therefore, his opening fire was
not Justified, and as the majority also
approved the Russian contention that
Admiral Rojestvensky acted according
to his belief, even though mistaken,
and that, therefore, his action did not
reflect -upon his military valor or sen
timents of humanity.
Admiral Fournier closed the commis
sion with a speech of thanks to its
members. He said that each of them
would return to his country bearing
as recompense for his labors the legit
imate satisfaction of duty well ' ac-
(Concluded oa Paxe Stvea.)
UIIS US LEI
Matthews Takes No Part
in Politics.
SO INFORMS HIS FRIENDS
Carey Refuses to Take Up the
Leadership.
NEW LINES OF THE BATTLE
Williams May Be Asked to Take
Nomination of Conservatives as
Against the Interests of
the Reformers.
To his intimate political friends W. F.
Matthews, recognized leader of the reg
ular Republican organization, has an
nounced that he is soon to retire from the
active political field, and will take no part
in the coming municipal battle. Though
the Simon adherents are skeptical and in
clined to discredit the statement, the
Matthews people declare the word of their
chief is to bo accepted literally, and that
another leader must be found to lead the
Republican hosts to victory. The ques
tion paramount is. Where will the mantle
fall?
Judge Carey has been mentioned; but
Judge Carey declares he has other plans
and does not care to undertake the re
sponsibility of managing the organization.
Carey's refusal to take up the mantle
leads to the mention of others, upon
whom the organization cannot agree.
Owing to the complete disorganization of
the part, which comes as a result of the
retirement of Matthews and the refusal
of Carey to wear Matthews' shoes, there
Is a possibility that there will be no reg
ular Republican ticket for the coming
municipal election.
Activity of Reformers.
The present activity of the reformers is
partly responsible for this state of affairs.
Reformers, headed by SheritE Tom Word
and kindred spirits, appear to be deter
mined to place a ticket in the field with
the avowed platform of extreme reform.
Whether Sheriff Word will head this
ticket or not is a matter of conjecture,
but It is whispered in certain quarters
that he will.
conservative element, business mrr.'who
do not approve of the drastic methods of
Sheriff Word and his followers. It Is pos
sible that George H. Williams may be
asked by the conservative element to run
against the reformers, with a two-fold ob
ject vindication of his administration and
defeat of the extremists.
The present political status leads to the
belief that as a result of the present dis
organization incident to the retirement of
Matthews there will be no regular ticket,
and that If Mayor Williams Is to run for
the Mayorship of the municipality he will
run on a conservative citizens' ticket,
that, in event of his election, the vindica
tion will be greater as coming outside the
regular channels of a perfect party or
ganization. Though the Simon element
scoffs at the idea of Matthews' retirement
and whispers that it is a political move to
blind the multitude, the followers of the
regular organization show by their anxi
ety that the retirement of Matthews Is
believed to bo certain, and that a new
man must be found to head the rank and
file. As nothing may be expected In the
Carey quarter, the question of a suc
cessor remains unanswered, and circum
stances point toward the intimation that
there will be no reorganization until the
municipal election is over and the battle
but a memory. The list of eliglbles is be
ing scanned, and new timber Inspected,
with a view of an organization as strong
as the one which W. F. Matthews has led
through the political wars of many years
with successive victories.
Where the 3attle Will Rage.
With the regular organization out of the
field, the battle rages between the reform
ers and the conservatives. It Is almost an
assured fact that the former will go Into
the fight, and It remains for the latter to
act as a reactionary force to balance the
political lists.
If the conservatives can Induce Mayor
Williams to make the race again for the
sake of vindication, the disorganized ma
chine will have time to take a breath and
gather strength, and to perfect the or
ganization in time for future strife. In
the event of Carey remaining steadfast
In his refusal to take up the mantle, the
spirit of Matthews will survive to urge
newer and greater effort on the part of
the disorganized hosts.
MATTHEWS WILL NOT RESIGN
United States Marshal Denies a Cur
rent Rumor.
There Is nothing in the rumor to the ef
fect that W. F. Matthews. United States
Marshal. Is about to resign. For several
days the story has been floating around
that Mr. Matthews was contemplating
putting aside the cares of his office and
returning to private and business life, but
this is denied by the Marshal himself.
"I don't know where such a rumor could
have started." said Mr. Matthews yester
day, when asked concerning his resigna
tion, "for I know nothing of IU If there
was any resignation going' to be made. I
would know about It. wouldn't I?" and
Mr. Matthews waited for confirmation of
his guess.
Mr. Matthews and his friends are at a
loss to know whence the rumor started,
but brand It as an Idle tale.
ICE WRECKS RAILROAD BRIDGE
Union Pacific Main Line Blocked by
Breaking of Gorge.
LINCOLN, Neb., Feb. 25. A big ice
gorge in the Loup River, west of here,
gave way at 4 o'clock this afternoon, and,
moving with a. rush, carried out 12 spans
of the .JJnion Pacific Railroad bridge at
Columbus. Traffic is blocked on the main
line of the Union Pacific, and trains be
tween Omaha and Columbus are being
run over the Burlington tracks.
Electric Line Across Missouri.
NEW YORK, Feb. 23. Financiers from
St. Louis are in the city engaged (accord
ing to the Herald), in Interesting capital
pjr the .cocitruxUaa .of, .aa. slsclxiz. xail-jj
road between St. Louis and Kansas City.
A company was Incorporated In Missouri
two years ago and another recently In
Delaware with the object of construct
ing and operating the proposed line, which
will be many miles shorter than the pres
ent steam railroads. About two years-
will be required. It Is said, for the work
of construction.
AUTO HACE ACROSS CONTINENT
Great Event Planned for Lewis and
Clark Exposition.
NEW YORK, Feb. 25. (Special.) Invi
tations have been received by automobil
1st clubs and automobile manufacturers in
this city from the Lewis and ClarkEx
position in Portland Xpr suggestions re
garding a 6000-mile autbvrace on an el
durance test from the Ausntic Coast to-
Portland.
It is planned to have the run start In
June from New York. Beyo'nch .getting
across tho continent there will oe few
conditions. The nature of tho prlzts.pr
how they will be awarded has yet to bV
decided. Judging from the preliminary
outline, the run will be a go-as-you-please
affair. Drivers may pick out their own
route.
One automobile made the trip from New
York to San Francisco last Summer In a
little less than 33 days. With Improve
ments made In motor vehicles since that
time It Is confidently expected that the
time consumed by the more successful
contestants in the cross-continent auto
mobile race will be- less than a month.
PASSED AGE OF EXTINCTION
Confederate Veteran Commits Sui
cide With Osier's Speech on Him.
BALTIMORE, Feb. 25. Captain William
S. Winder, a Confederate veteran, aged 71
years, shot and killed himself In his home
here today. Among his papers was found
a copy of the address by Dr. William
Osier, of the Johns Hopkins University,
In which reference was made to the use
lessness of men over 60 years of age.
Captain Winder was a descendant of
General Winder, who commanded a divis
ion of the American troops at the battle
of Bladensburg.
CONTENTS OP TODAY'S PAPER.
The Weather.
TODAY'S Fair, followed by increasing- cloudi
ness and showers during the afternoon or
evonlng; cooler; winds becoming southeast
erly. YESTERDAY'S Maximum temperature. 64
dec,; minimum, 42. Precipitation, none.
The War In the Far East.
Japanere Minister says Japan did not sue for
peace; Russia must. Page o.
Russian position captured after awful battle.
Page S.
Forelcn.
North Sea Commission decides every point la
lavor of England. Page 1.
Railroad strike In Poland settled. Page .7.
Wfcte again gains rtntr4iof,our.clr,df, -MIn-'
tstfcrs. Page ,7. ' '"V ' -
'i'oUUc. '
Closing arguments In Colorado Governorship
contest. Page 3.
Otl men of several states unite to fight the
Standard. Page ,3.
Hitchcock say Osage oil lease win not be
broken. Page 3 .
National.
Senators attack Roosevelt policy regarding
jsavy and Eanto Domingo. Page 2.
Vote on Swayne impeachment to be taken on
Monday. Page 2.
Statehood and Panama f'arm; bills go to con
ference. Page 2.
Northwest Senators ask Increase In river and
harbor appropriations. Page 1.
Washington delegation agrees on Whltson or
Judge. Page 1.
Domestic
Automobiles to race from Atlantic coast to
Portland for Lewis and Clark Fair. Pago i.
Secretary Tart will peak at Lewis and Clark
i-air. page 12.
Fire destroys a square mile of building at.
Hot Springs. Ark. Page 7.
Snake River to be turned from Ita channel for
great Irrigation work. Page 2.
Commercial axul Marine.
Improvement noted in hop market. Page 14.
Violent speculation In trunk line and Pacific
stocks. Page 15.
Weekly bank statement shows large decrease
In loans. Page 15.
Chicago wheat market weak from start. Pago
IE.
Improvement noted in prune market. Page 14.
Numantla arrives from Orient after stormy
trip. Page 13.
Pacific Coast.
Washington House parses Railway Commission
1)111. Page 1.
Starvation threatens Fairbanks. Alaska. Page 6.
New Oregon game laws go into effect May IS.
Page B.
Appropriation bill for $3,250,000 prepared by
committee of Washington House. Page 6.
Portland and Vicinity.
Work done by League to bring settlers to
Oregon. Page 10.
Members of Cuban Cabinet will visit the Ex
position. Page 12.
Citizens discuss Dr. Osier's theory as to man's
usefulness ending at 40. Page 9.
School Board discusses the time of application
of the merit sybtcm to Portland teachers.
Page 10.
Residents show civic pride In putting clt7 and
county in cleanly and attractive condition.
Page 10.
Sequel to City Jail break is recapture of two
prisoners and order by Chief Hunt holding
police captains responsible for safe-keeping
of inmates. Page 16.
No collapte In Portland's Industries Is to be
feared as an aftermath of the Fair. Page 11.
Waner will recommend acceptance of Morri
son-street bridge. Pag 30.
Matthews Is determined to retire from leader
ship of Republican party in Portland.
Page 1.
Chief of Police Hunt discharges rockplle
guards. Page 16.
Sports.
Baring's local champion meets an unexpected
Waterloo. Page P.
Features and Departments.
Editorial. Pago 4. '
Church, announcements. Page 25.
Classified advertisements. Pages 25-29.
What to do with rose bushes this week. Page
35.
Father Gopou, priest and revolutionist, the
most interesting man in Russia. Page 37.
Sidelights on the late Jay Cooke. Page 34.
Rough Riders at the inauguration. Page 32.
A victim of the merit system. Page S3.
Inaugurations of the past. Page 53.
Jean: an incident in the life of a reprobate.
Page SC.
Major Huntley's Inconsistency. Page 43.
Return of Sherlock Holmes. Page 42.
Tales from Dickens. Page 40.
Social. Pages 20-21.
Dramatic Pagw 18-10.
Musical. Page 10.
Household and fashions. Pages
Youths: dAsr.rjras.-ii., .faes-H. '
11 HALF MY
Railway Commission Is
Up to Senate.
PASSES HOUSE 73 TO 1 1
Ohlx One Amendment Has
, Been Allowed,
StAfflPEDE FOR BAND WAGON
Washington Representatives Find
That Supporters of Measure Hold
the Whip Hand, and Attempt
to Table Bill Falls Flat. ,
SUMMARY OF COMMISSION BILL.
Creates appointive commission of
three members.
Absolute appointive and removal power
Is vested In the Governor.
Commission may. upon complaint, or
upon Its own motion. Institute Inquiries,
the authority extending over freight and
passenger rates and tariffs. Joint rates,
demurrage, train service and depot ac
commodations. Gives either party the right to appeal.
Burden of proof Is placed upon tne
railroad when such company appeals.
Gives appeals the right of way la the
courts.
Gives commission the power to Inspect
books of railway companies.
Gives commission authority to sub
pena witnesses.
Defines broadly what shall be consid
ered discriminations. '
Fixes penalties at from $150 1652000.
Includes express companies and ex
cludes Interurban lines.
OLYMPIA, Wash., Feb. 23. (Special.
The members of the House who desired to
delay the passage of the railway commis
sion bill, and members who wanted a
railway commission but who objected to
:ome of the -features" of. the. House . bill,
kept up the fight until the final vote on
the bill was reached, just at noon. They
then fell over themselves to get Into the
"aye" column, and the recorded vote gave
but 11 against the bill.
'he bill has been passed by the House
with but one small, solitary amendment.
and It Is safe to say that If Representa
tive Dickson had given the "high sign"
to his combine of Eastern Washington
members, this amendment would also
have been lost. The amendment put In
the bill was adopted yesterday, and gives
the railroad companies 20 days, Instead of
20 days notice of the time and place of
hearings of complaints.
When the hour of 11 arrived today, the
samo old fight to amend the bill that
lasted, throughout yesterday was resumed.
Houston of King, leading the amenders,
at once moved that the bill be returned
to second reading, as he had. a slight
amendment- He explained that he want
ed to cut out the exemption of interurban
companies, but Crane announced that he
wouldn't stand for It, and the motion was
lost, 23 to 56.
Only Ten Members Absent.
A caII of the House was then secured
by Scott of Spokane, and It resulted In
bringing in all the members with the ex
ception of ten who were excused. Glea
son raised the point that inasmuch as the
House had by vote on rollcall yesterday
refused to advance the bill to third read
ing. It was still on second reading and
subject to amendment. The ruling was
against this contention, however. Speaker
3Icgler holding that the setting down of
the bill as a special order was prima facie
evidence of suspension of the rules and
that the bill was on its third reading.
Houston in speaking against the passage
of tne bill declared that he had intended
to vote for a railway commission, but
that he could not bring himself to vote
for this bill. Ho thought that It would
require many years for a commission of
three members to decide what would bo
just and reasonable regulations, and that
they should not be given such broad pow
ers offhand. He analyzed the bill, ob-jecting-to
many of tho features, and said
that a less drastic measure would do for
four years.
Amendments Demanded.
Gleason asserted himself as honestly and
conscientiously in favor of a railway com
mission measure, but he still believed that
the House was acting unwisely In not
adopting certain amendments. Twltchell
concurred In this view, and predicted that
the bill could not become law without
some of the amendments asked. Both de
clared they. would vote for It. however.
"In reply to statements that have been
made." said N. E. Llnslcy. "that the
members In favor of this bill are domi
nated by a few, I desire to say that so
far as I am concerned I am not under
obligations to any man or set of men for
my election. It Is perhaps true that this
bill could be Improved upon by amend
ments, but I would voto for even a worse
bill. If It were necessary. Inasmuch as it
must go up to the Senate."
Replying to the statement of Bishop that
hecould not vote for an unfair bill, Rel
ter demanded to know "what In God's
name the gentleman from Jefferson con
sldero a fair bill?"
No Arbitrary Powers.
Relter Insisted that there was not a
drastic feature In the bllL He said there
was an Impression among a few that the
bill clothed the commission with arbi
trary ratemaklng powers in the first in
stance. "The bill." he Insisted, "gives the
commission the power to initiate an In
vestigation, and It cannot fix ratC3 with
out giving a hearing."
Dickson arose to correct the impression
that thl3 was a minority committee bill.
He declared It was the report of the ma
jority of tho House railroad committee.
The rollcall was then taken, and the vote
stood, ayes, 73; noes, 11: absent, 10.
Last Remonstrance Weak.
Houston voted "no" on the first call,
but changed to "aye" before the vote was
announced, evidently with the intention
of moving a reconsideration. Immediately
following the announcement of the result
he Jumped to hls-fetto give notice of his
motion, but the Spiker recognized Jahects
of Pierce, who movetT-.that, the Hous im
mediately reconsider the vote. . -.Hare
moved to lay the motion on the table, and
the proceeding was so swift for Houston
that the motion went through without a
protesting vote and was immediately fol
lowed by a motion, which carried, to
transmit the bill to the Senate imme
diately. This did not end -the squabble, however,
for during the noon recess which then
intervened, Houston studied up Reed's
parliamentary rules, and raised the point
thaw to lay on the table a motion to re
consider carried the bill with It, and he
attempted to back up his assertion by
quoting the rule.
"What's the use in discussing it?" asked
Bishop. "They've two-thirds of the mem
bers, and can take it off the table."
The Speaker ruled against Houston's
point of order, declaring that after me
final passage of a bill, the laying on the
table of a motion to reconsider did not
carry tho bill.
The members who voted against the bill
were: Bartlett, Bishop. . Blackmore,
Blocker. Dawes. Miller.. Hamilton, Levin,
McNIoolas, McVay. Griffin.
ACT ON REMOVAL OF CAPITAL
Governor Mead Promises Decision in
Olympia-Tacoma Controversy.
OLYMPIA, Wash., Feb. 25. (Special.)
The bill creating a separate judicial dis
trict out of Kitsap County, which is now
In a district with Snohomish County, was
taken up out of the regular order and
passed by the House thia afternoon. The
bill has already passed tho Senate.
The House concurred In the memorial
concerning Senator Sharp's death, which
provides for memorial services in the Sen
ate chamber next Sunday afternoon.
The Davi3 factory Inspection bill was.
advanced to third reading this- afternoon,
after an ineffectual attempt had been
made by Huxtable to secure an amend
ment striking out the death liability
clause. The maximum liability of a. fac
tory employer !s fixed by the bill at $7300.
The House adjourned to Monday at 10
A. M.
Governor Mead Informed a committee
from the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce
today that he had decided that It was his
duty to act on the capital-removal bill.
He promised a decision by Monday.
The members of the committee based
their remarks almost wholly on the Idea
that the question of the advisability of
the removal of the capital should not. be..
considered by the Governor, Jnaaniuch asU
this was only a- bill to submit -the ques
tionto a vote of the people. It wae as
serted that there had never been an in
stance where a Governor had vetoed a
resolution to submit a constitutional
amendment or bill or submit any ques
tion to the electors.
NO CHINESE AT WEST POINT
Southerners Object to Their Admis
sion Extravagance Objected To.
WASHINGTON. Feb. 25. The House to
day divided its time between legislation
and patriotic exercises. An hour and a
half was spent In passing minor bills. The
same period was devoted to consideration
of the sundry appropriation bill, without
reaching a conclusion. Legislation then
gave way to speeches by several mem
bers honoring the memory of Houston
and Austin, when the marble statues of
each, which have been placed In Statuary
Hall by the State of Texas, wero formally
accepted. The House will meet tomorrow
to honor the late Representative Croft, of
South Carolina.
The House passed a bill amending the
statute providing a penalty for false state
ments regarding "the character or pub
lications sought to be entered as second
class mail matter. The amendment strikes
out the words "the character of" and
thereby applies the penalty to all false
statements in that connection. The House
also passed a Senate bill revising tho
pending requirement of postal authorities.
Also a Senate bill revising the bonding re
quirement of postal authorities. Also the
Mann bill, regulating the construction of
bridges across navlgablo streams.
The application by Hull (Rep., la.) to
permit two Chinese youths to be admitted
as cadets to the West Point Military
Academy caused a simultaneous demand
by many members for an explanation! and
when order was restored Maddox (Dem.,
Ga.) remarked that It would be useless to
take up the time, as he objected to con
sideration of the resolution.
Slayden (Dcm.. Tex.) said there never
had been a Chinaman admitted to West
Point, and Landls (Rep.. Ind.) secured the
information that the United States was
granted this courtesy only by Great
Britain and France.
Tho names mentioned in the resolution
were Rln Hslgn Wen and Ting Chia
Chen.
Bills were passed to quiet title to cer
tain lands of the Klamath Indians In Ore
gon and to reinstate Kenneth McAlplne
as a Lieutenant in the Navy.
The sundry civil bill was then taken up.
The Item for surveying public lands was
increased from 5300.000 to 5100.000. on mo
tion of Mondell (Rep.. Wyo.). In his ar
gument for the amendment he stated
that there still remained for settlement
210.000.000 acres of public lands.
An attempt by Mr. Adamson. of Geor
gia, to add 550,000 to the amount for topo-
grapnicai surveys resulted In a severe
arraignment by Hemenway of Indiana.
Democrats, he said, never ceased criti
cism of Republican rule on the ground of
extravagance, and yet. when it came to
vote appropriations, they were found
supporting Increases.
He was Interrupted at 3 o'clock bv the
special order accepting and thanking the
btate or uexas tor tne Houston and Aus
tin "statues. Garner of Texas was Invited
by Speaker Cannon to preside and reso
lutions accepting the statues were read.
These resolutions were made the text of
remarks by Cooper. He was followed by
Richardson of Tennessee. Clark of Mis
souri. Stephens of Texas. Fields ot Texas
Plnckney of Texas. Wallace of Arkansas'.
Gillespie of Texas. Slayden of Texas and
Gibson of Tennessee. The addresses were
heard by crowded galleries. At 6:25 P. M.
the resolutions were agreed to and the
House adjourned until tomorrow noon.
Chairman Baker in Washington.
OREGONIAN NEWS BUREAU. Wash
ington. Feb. 25. Frank C. Baker, chair
man of the Oregon Republican State Com-
mlttoe, will arrive tomorrow t remain
until after the inauguration.
Senators Act Part of
Oliver Twist.
FOR COIWBiA RIVER
Propose Increase in River and
Harbor Funds,
FULTON AND FOSTER UNITE
They Ask for More for Columbia.
Mouth and CelUo Canal, Also
$600,000 for Purchase of
Willamette Locks.
OREGONIAN NEWS BUREAU. Wash
ington. Feb. 2S.-Senator Fulton had a
conference today with Senator Foster rel
ative to Increasing the Oregon Items in
the river and harbor bill, now" being con
sidered by the commerce committee. Both
Fulton and Foster are anxious to secure
an Increased appropriation for the mouth
of the Columbia, and agreed to ask that
the cash appropriation for this be in
creased from 5200.0C0 to 5450.000. making a
total of $750,000.
Senator Fulton also urged the adoption
of an amendment appropriating- 560O.0OO.for
the purchase of the canal and locks at
Oregon City, and asked that the provis
ions of the bill stipulating that there
shall be no further appropriation for Siu
slaw River be stricken out. though h'o
seeks no appropriation at this time.
It was agreed that, if possible, Foster
should ask an Increase of the appropri
ation for The Dalles-Celilo canal, but It
seems improbable that any such increase
will be made.
Today Foster secured the adoption or his
amendment carrying $135,000 for.dredglns
the middle waterway In Tacoma harbor
and an increase In the appropriation for
Puget Sound by 510.000 to provide foe re
moving wreck obstructions in Belllngham
Bay and Roche Harbor. ;He b'.sefureji
- authority for a surxeyoC?&&nij$Wir
bor.
HE DID NOT SUMMON BAKER
Fulton Denies Chairman Will Share
in Distributing Patronage.
OREGONIAX NEWS BUREAU, Wash
ington. Feb. 25. Senator Fulton has re
ceived many letters la the last two days
advising him that Chairman Frank Baker,
of the Oregon Republican State Commit
tee. Is coming to Washington to consult
with him on the distribution of Federal
patronage in Oregon, some letters indi
cating that he had summoned Baker.
"As a matter of fact." said the Senator
today, "these statements and these 'as
sumptions are not true. I do not propose
to make any recommendation for any of
fices at the present time, unless some
emergency shall arise. While Mr. Baker
is entitled to be considered In making
appointments to office, as every prom
inent Republican is entitled to be consid
ered, the Idea that he will participate in
the distribution of patronage Is simply
absurd."
WILL RECOMMEND WHJTSON
Washington Delegation Unites in the
Choice of New Judge.
OREGONIAN NEWS BUREAU, Wash
ington. Feb. 25. The Washington delega
tion ha3 signed an endorsement of E. D.
Whitson. of North Yakima, .for Judge of
the new Eastern Judicial District of that
state. Senator Foster being one of the
signers. It is expected that before tho
paper goes to the White House on Mon
day. Senator-elect Piles will also sign.
This is the only recommendation which
the delegation is yet ready to make.
HOPE FOR OKANOGAN SCHEME
Reclamation Service Will Reconsider
Project for Irrigation.
OREGONIAN NEWS BUREAU. Wash
ington. Feb. 25. At the request of Sen
ator Foster and Representative Jones, the
reclamation service has decided to recon
sider its action on the Okanogan irriga
tion project and will present the whole
matter to the board of consulting engin
eers in the early Spring. It is hoped that
when the project is reviewed, it may
eventually be adopted. There are new
and Important questions yet to be con
sidered. BUY OUT WAGON-ROAD LANDS
Hermann's Bill Relating to Klamaih
Reservation Passes House.
OREGONIAN NEWS BUREAU, Wash
ington. Feb. 25. The House today
passed Representative Hermann's bill
directing the Secretary of the Interior
to ascertain the value of lands hereto
fore conveyed by the United States to
Oregon as part of a grant to aid the
Eugene City military road and em
braced In the Klamath Indian reserva
tion. These lands were awarded to the
California &. Oregon Land Company, by
the Supreme Court.
The Secretary Is also directed to as
certain what part of these lands hay
been allotted to Indians, the value of
Improvements, and the price at which
the California &. Oregon Land Company
-will sell to the United States or on
what terms it will exchange for other
lands In the K'amath reservation.
Mr. Hermann was not present in the
House whdn-his bill was called up and
passed. '