The Sunday Oregonian., April 05, 1908, Page 9, Image 9

THE SUNDAY OREfiOXIAN. PORTLAND, APRIL 1008.
9
1
HENRY fl
RATE REDUCTION
Chairman of Transportation
Committee of Chamber of
Commerce Talks.
NOT MERE JOBBERS' FIGHT
ltallw-ny Commission's Order Is of
Great Importance to Consumers.
Portland Impregnable by Rea
son of Its Waterways.
T)ssal:sf;i-tlon with th reduced dis
tributive rates out of Portland on the
n. It N. Just ordered by the Railroad
O.rmnission Is the reason for a request
In- Baker City business men for a special
e. 'mferenee wl'.h the Commission on the
subject. This conference has been set for
tomorrow morning at 11 o'clock In the
Chamber f Commeroe auditorium.
Baker Cit feels that the lower rates
out of Portland will take away a lartre
sli.e of the jobbing trade of the Eastern
Orison city by permitting Portland Job
bers to reach a district formerly served
from Baker City. It is expected that
business men from Faker City will try to
show to the Commission Just how the rate
reductions will work against the Interests
of their city. What will be done In the
mutter Is, of course, problematical.
That anv opposition to the new rates hy
Baker City will be unwise, since the re
ductions will cause R saving on everything
used by consumers throughout Eastern
Oregon, la the belief of Henry Hahn.
chairman of the transportation committee
of the Chamber of Commerce. It was
under the direction of tills committee that
the light before the Railroad Commission
fur lower distributive rates was made.
Neither does Mr. Hahn agree with V.
W. Cotton that the chanpea in rates are
the result of Jobbers' tights. In discussing
the rate reductions yesterday, Mr. Hahn
said:
SllUrmrnt of Henry Hnhn.
An attempt has been made, and is
helng made. In connection with the pro
ceedings brought by the Chamber of
Commerce neainst the Oregon Railroad
f. - Navigation Company for a reduction
In rates, to have It appear that It ts
merelv a jobbers' flshl. In which the plih-
u inrf.o not Interested, and that
the reduction ordered will revolutionise.
rate making In the west: unci u is n..
Intimated, rather than claimed directly,
that Coast cities have been favored by
the railroads as against Interior cities.
The fact that consumers over a large
portion of the Ptate of Oregon are the
ones directlv Interested In the reduction
in the class'rates recently ordered by the
State Railwav Commission should be kept
clearlv hi mind. l-'or a number of years
past the rail rates In Oregon on all
classes of commodities have been too
high, and repeated attempts have been
made through negotiations to secure re
ductions, all of which resulted In failure.
During this period, however, changes
have been made, which, without benefit
ing the consumers In the slightest, fa
vored certain localities and restricted the
business if other. To the extent of
placing the burden of seeking lower rates
on the commercial Interests. It has been
their fight: the benefit of lower rates,
however. Inures to all.
After the creatlou of the State Rail
way Commission, with the powers
granted under the act. the Chamber of
Commerce of this city Instituted proceed
ings before It to secure a reduction of
distributive rates over the lines of the
Oregon Railroad Navigation Company
within the Ptate of Oregon. As rates on
these lines were from 40 to over 100 per
cent higher than rates from other busi
ness centers, under substantially the
same conditions, and as the -railroad
showed enormous earnings, it was felt
that voluntary reductions, not only In
these rates, but In others, should have
been made.
Saving to ConBumrrs.
After an exhaustive examination, a
reduction of about 14 per cent in the
distributive rates has been ordered, ap
plicable to points east of The Dalles.
This reduction, under all the circum
stances, is small, but it will cause a
saving on ever.vthing used by consumers
throughout Ksstorn Oregon to the ex
tent of the reduction.
It has been slated that a protest
against the reduction as ordered will be
made by Interests In Baker City. This
can hardly be the case. Neither the
Commission nor the law was created or
passed to be used to advance or retard
the interests of individuals or particular
cities. On the contrary, all such things
are expressly forbidden, and It could
hardlv be claimed that a reduction that
benefits- every individual throughout a
l ast section of the state could be pref
erential In Its nature.
The change In rates follows exactly the
relation heretofore existing, and if in
this change the public are adversely af
fected at any point, there Is no reason
why this state of affairs cannot be reine
rth d. as the ' procedll!e is pinln. inexpen
sive and simple. 1 cannot credit the
statement that sny locality could onpose
t eduction in rates. Tile law requires ac
tion on a specific complaint, and thi
ooestion before tbo Commission effected
certain rates, and they had no authority
to pass upon any other question.
ttfTect on Portland's Interest.
As to a reduction in rates to the In
terior affecting Portland's Interests ad
erselv. tt might be said that if Portland
commercial lite depends on high rates to
consumers and artificial restrictions and
divisions, and that reasonable distribu
tive rates will afic-t it adversely, the
sooner this fact Is known the better. I
am sure auch will not be the case. High
r:les have prevailed in this state, as wei
as cithers In the Northwest, but through
a system of tariff making which no traf
fic man ventured to defend, other lo
i I'llies have been distinctly favored with
out the slightest benefit to the consumer.
I'ach place has Its natural advantages,
and Coast cities have the advantage of
w..ter competition, and the ocean rates
n i alwavs control the rail rates to
C-as-t cities. Whether in tho future rail
loads ulll consider they arP justified few
meeting ocean competition will have to
lie fur them to settle, and tile question
w ill tie dolcrmlned solely on a revenue
basis. It Is difficult to see. however,
what barm can result to the consumer br
low rates to competitive points. While
It Is stated over and over again that
rates to the Interior are the Coast rates
pills the local back, yet even If tbes.i
were the facts, the lower tho Cuast rates,
the lower would be the total rate to the
interior: but such is not the case, in a
bt oad sense Coast rates phis the local
ba-J is the basis, but in the Spokane case
Mr. Miller, of the O. R. N. Compa-v
testified that
hut Irt per cent moved on this basis. 10
por nt mas carried on class r:tns and
74 per rent undtr commodity rates. l.ss
than the combination of the Coast and
l-ral. A a matter of fact the finall p.-r-(fntRjfo
of girod that moves from the
Vest into the Pnokane zone was Iargt.lv
Coast productions.
Spokane Han Moaopnly In Konr.
In 104 the Spokane Zone was created
by the variotis railroad companies, bv
whit h a practical monopoly was given
Spokane in a territory about L't0 miles
in diameter. This was done through a
tarifT adjustment by which from any di
rer tioti the rates on les- than carloads
m ei e more than the carload nte Into
Spokane, plus the local out This svytfra
of preferential rate making did not rev
olutionise all Eastern rates, and It mipht
be asked why. as slight a reduction as
is ordered tn this case on the local rates
fchould produce auch a profound effect.
Instances might be multiplied tending
to show that ever since the building of
the Panama Canal became a certainty the
rafrroadu have adopted ,'a policy having
f'T its purpose the creation or business
ivt subject to wntt-r competition, and
the rat.s on which would be under their
own control. In the end. just where the
interior will be benefited by this condi
tion Is hard to see. However.lt certain
ly is an Interesting obJect-leson t all
cities havlriR the possibility of water
communication. Assuming that thee
con tests for lowering rate are jobbers'
tights, the consuming public gets the
bt-netit. Certainly a great commercial
city, auch as Portland, Is interested from
every standpoint in the growth of tho
business of the city. Take away from
any commercial city Its jobbers and man
ufacturers and their loss will be serious
ly felt; take away their power of dis
tribution and they cannot remain. If
the theory of the railroads is correct,
that this reduction will lead to other
reductions in rates, and affect the busi
ness of Portland adversely, the jobbers
are then certainly acting unselfishly and
against their own interests.
Importance of Waterwayi.
For years have been heard forebodings
of what would happen should rates he
disturbed, in the meantime, the only
change in rates has been such as have
affected this city adversely. However,
there is one feature which has been
brought out by what has been said, and
that Is the transcendant Importance to
this city and to the interior of our water
ways, and if the result Is to be as Mr.
Cotton HUggests in his interview of April
3. that the ultimate solution of the rati
rates will affect this city adversely, then
we have a sure reliance. So long as we
can get our goods by sea and distribute
them by water, commercially we are In
dependent, and our business will be
sought.
Cheap transportation Is the life blood
of commerce. Fortunately Fortlnnd Is so
situated that unless she voluntarily ac
cepts servitude, she can never be shackled
and the producers and consumers of the
entire Pacific Northwest need never be
subject to unreasonable rates. This is
emphasized In the decision of the Com
mission whereby the rates to The Dalles,
which are fixed by water competition, are
not nf fee ted. If anything more were
needed to arouse the people of this city
to the needs of the situation and their
opportunities it has been furnished, and
I cannot conceive It possible that this
city will permit Itself to be denied the
benefit of its strategic situation. The
time will come when everybody will rec
ognise the tremendous significance of
waterways ns a means of transportation.
BIG COLONIZATION PLAN
James Watson, representing the La
Prosperldad Colony Association, of Ijns
Angeley, Is In Portland, and will lecture
In Alisky Hall, Tuesday night on hlB
colonization plan. The lecture will be
illustrated by stereopticon rlewa of
Southern and Lower California and
Mexico. The association did $15,000 worth
of business last month, and the member
ship Is over 70tl. The land is located In
Ixiwer California, and waa secured by
concession from the Mexican government.
The climate is the finest In the world,
and all crops can be raised. Purchasers
need not live on the land unless they
desire but can have it olanted In oranges
and lemons by the company and taken
care of by them. Thus making- It an
Ideal place for a man of moderate means
to erect a bunpalow, and spend tbo
Winter, which many propose to do.
SBB
EASTER SUIT SALE.
One hundred and fifty high-grade sam
ple suits for women and misses on sale
tomorrow at actual cost of making. Re
member, these beitig samples, there's but
one of a kind. No other store in town
can duplicate them because we are sole
Portland agents. All leading styles and
colors and prices range from $12.50 to $35.
McAMen & McDonnell, Third and Mot
risen.
Portland is a city of 225.000 population.
and yet a beautiful, full-size !ot may be
had within 14 minutes of the center of
the city for $400. Reason says It is worth
twice as much. See Kvaiiston today (Sun
da y. and you will appreciate this state
ment. Take "W W" car. The Spanton
CrnTt-qiy ara the sole atrents.
in
iTiraniui irtral i
''-i wn w4m ml
I -oi evert tongue I
I.W.
(Harper
I Old, mellow and nf
runt J for three ga
ration th choice of .
discriminating Judges
ii inn a
SALE OF SSde PARLOR, LIVING-ROOM AND
LIBRARY FURNITURE REMARKABLE
REDUCTIONS FOR ONE WEEK
COMMENCING
TOMORROW
son of the regular and
Not in many months has a sale of high-grade furniture offered such opportunities for selecting pieces of this
character, and at such remarkable price-reductions, as in this one week's sale event, commencing with to
morrow. From our showing of parlor, library and living-room furniture we have selected many pieces, re
productions of the splendid period designs, such as are knownto the furniture trade as strictly high grade
pieces of the very best workmanship and finish the finest materials. This varied selection includes mary
upholstered pieces, in plain and hand-carved frames. Those who have in mind the choosing of an appropriate
piece for the parlor, living-room or library should take advantage of these exceptional bargains. A compari-
special prices of the following will prove convincing. See our Morrison-street window display. Mail orders and
out-of-town inquiries will receive our careful and prompt attention.
$25.00 Mahogany Pedestal; reduced to
$28.00 Mahogany Reception Chair; reduced to .
$30.00 Mahogany Reception Chair; reduced to .
$49.00 Mahogany Divan; reduced to
$45.00 Mahogany Reception Chair; reduced to.
$46.00 Mahogany Reception Chair; reduced to.
$45.00 Mahogany Parlor Table ; reduced to
$45.00 Mahogany Arm Rocker; reduced to . . . ...
$47.50 Mahogany Reception Chair; reduced to .
$50.00 Mahogany Reception Chair; reduced to .
$58.00 Mahogany Arm Chair; reduced to
$52.00 Mahogany Arm Chair; reduced to .....
$63.00 Mahogany Ann Chair; reduced to
..10.00
..$13.50
..$13.50
..$17.50
.. .$18.75
... .$19.25
..$10.50
..$20.00
..$22.25
. .$22.25
. .$22.50
. .$24.25
..$28.00
$65.00 Mahogany Parlor Table; reduced to ........... .$2S.50
$70.00 Mahogany Arm Chair; reduced to . . . .$28.75
$6400 Mahogany Parlor Table; reduced to ... . .$20.00
$73.00 Mahogany Arm Chair; reduced to ....... ..$29.50
$78.00 Mahogany Arm Chair; reduced to ... ..$29.50
$77.00 Mahogany Aim Chair; reduced to .: .- $.?5.0
$95.00 Mahogany Divan; reduced to .. ..$39.50
$106.00 Mahogany Arm Chair; reduced to . ...,.,.,...... $45.00
$135.00 Mahogany Divan; reduced to .... $49.50
$125.00 Mahogany Arm Chair; reduced to . $49.75
$150.00 Mahoganv Divan; reduced to .. . . . .$65.00
$165.00 Walnut Chair; reduced to $75.00
$175.00 Three-piece Mahogany Parlor Suite; reduced to. .$83.00
$198.00 Mahogany Arm Chair; reduced to $89.25
COMMENCING TOMORROWFIRST COOKING EXHIBIT OF
We "NEW PROCESS GAS RANGES AN Y STYLE
OR SIZE ON THE SPECAL TERMS
$1.00 DOWN
$1.00 WEEK
Such an event as this is always looked forward to and appreciated by enthusiastic house
wives those who never lose an opportunity of acquainting themselves with the many im
provements and conveniences of the modern cooking apparatus. For many months we have
been planning for this important event, and coming as it does at the season when the ap
proaching Summer months suggest a change in the cooking equipment of the home should
prove both interesting and instructive to those who contemplate installing one of these mod
ern kitchen conveniences. During this exhibit, which will continue for 10 days, we extend
a cordial invitation to witness the "New Process" Gas Range in operation, to behold its
manv surterior cooking Qualities, and the ea3e with which it is operated. Plan to attend
during this demonstration and we will delight in serving you with HOT BISCUITS and DELICIOUS COFFEE at any time.
Gas Ranges are made in many styles and sizes, to meet all demands priced from $14.00 up, which
PROCESS'
and connecting complete where gas stubs are conveniently located.
offer during the exhibit.
"ymzzy?' 'jgg!iiiuM'
$ 5.50 values in Oriental Stripes; per pair. .$2.75
$ 6.00 values in two-tone Damask; per pair. .$3.00
$ 7.50 values in mercerized two-tone effects ;
per pair : . . $3.75
$ 8.00 values in mercerized two-tone effects;
per pair $4.00
$ 8.50 values in mercerized two-tone effects;
per pair $4.25
$10.00 values in mercerized two-tone effects;
per pair $5.00
$12.50 values in mercerized two-tone effects;
per pair .$6.25
per pair $6.75
$17.50 values in silk two-tone effects; per
pair ; i . :. $ 8.75
$18.00 values in duplex mercerized effects;
per pair $ 9.00
$20.00 values in duplex mercerized effects;
per pair $10.00
$25.00 values in duplex silk effects; pair. . .$12.50
$30.00 values in duplex silk effects; pair. . .$15.00
$35.00 values in duplex silk effects; pair. . .$17.50
$37.50 values in silk damasks; per pair. . .$18.75
SPECIALS &fE5iNg CONVENIENCES
Two-days' sale in the Basement Department tomorrow and
Tuesday. Prepare for your Spring house-cleaning.
"Wire Carpet Beaters; sp'l, each 12
Handled Scrub Brushes; special 15 $
Ox-fiber Scrub Brush; special. .20
14-inch "Paragon" Feather Duster;
special, each 40
12-quart Rochester heavy galvanized
Tails; special, each 40
No. 3 size "Willow
special, each . . . . .
No. 4 size "Willow
special, each
6- ft. Step Ladders;
5-f t.- Extension Step
each
7- ft. Extension Step
each
Clothes Baskets;
.' 70tf
Clothes . Baskets ;
..-$1.10
special ..$1.10
Ladders; special,
.v .$1.50
Ladders; special,
$1.65
SALE OF JAPANESE MATTING
On sale tomorrow and Tuesday in the Carpet Section Sixth
Floor 2500 yards of high-grade Japanese Matting artistic floor
coverings in several patterns and colorings. Timely and advan
tageous for renewing your bedroom and other floor-coverings.
We REFRIGER
ATOR SEASON
Is now well at hand and weather
conditions are such as necessitate
the preservation of perishable
foods. We take great pleasure
this season in again presenting
the two foremost Refrigerator
lines the McCray and the Dr. Perkins Sanitary. The manu
facturers of these widely known Refrigerators have spared no
effort or expense in maintaining the high standard of their
products, and it is on account of their many qualities that we
recommend and guarantee them as the best that it is possible to
buy. V. both the McCray and Dr. Perkins Sanitary is embod-.
ied the most perfect and economical principles of refrigeration
the result of scientific experience along these lines. The
many sizes and styles include those with either wood, zinc, opal
or enamel linings. We take orders for specially constructed res
idence Refrigerators.
"NEW
includes "installing
Take advantage of the above special-payment terms which we
ODD PAIRS OF PORTIERES THREE DAYS' SALE
In the Drapery Department, commencing tomorrow About 50 pairs of Portieres, in silk, tapestry and
damask one pair lots, ranging in price from $5.50 to $37.50 the pair, to be closed out at onehalfvalues
$13.50 values in mercerized two-tone effects;
LAWN MOWERS
Priced from $3.25 Up
GARDENnrnni C
AND LAWN L VJfi3
BASEMENT DEPT.
YwmcunHTf
It 9000 )
pis
C0MPLETE;H0U5E-FURni5rIEl?5
sol
i BAnt TUUK I
lCWWTEM4tJ
COMPLETE AND VA
RIED SHOWING OF
ART
WALL. PAPERS
IN THE
DECORATIVE DEPT.
SIXTH FLOOR