fAG8 TWO ASHLAND TIDINGS , Monday, Jnly 6. 1914 The Oldest National Bank in Jackson County I Member Federal Reserve System FIRST NATIONAL BANK Capital and Surplus $120,000.00 DEPOSITORY OF City of Ashland County of Jackson State of Oregon United States of America s444"l"i4"4"l"4 Ashland Tidings SEMI-WEEKLY. ESTABLISHED 1876. Issued Mondays and Thursdays Bert K. Greer, - Editor and Owner B. W. Talrott, ... City Editor SUBSCRIPTION RATES. One Year $2.00 Six Months 1.00 Three Months 50 Payable in Advance. TELEPHONE 39, 7 Advertising rates on application. First-class job printing facilities. Equipments second to none in the interior. Entered at the Ashland, Oregon, Postofl'ice as second-class mail matter. Ashland, Ore., Monday, July 0, 1014 Judge Watson On The Lake Country As Ashland now is beginning to awaken to the possibilities in develop ing the natural resources, scenic beauties and geologic favors of south ern Oregon, the following letter writ ten by Judge Watson to Professor Diller. of the United States Depart ment of Geology, about a year ago, will be of interest to people gener ally: "Your suggestions about collection of anthropological data in-the Klam ath Lake region I am sure is on the line of interesting observation and would result in value ethnologically and geologically. "I have been quite familiar with the region, beginning back forty years ago, as early as 1S72. I have, from time to time, written much of its history; was publisher and pro prietor of the first newspaper in southern Oregon east of the Cascades at Lakeview in 1878-1880. The natural history aroused my intense interest at that time. While pursu ing my studies of it I secured con tracts for government surveys and have personally surveyed considerable territory there, up to twenty years ago. "I was engaged as attorney for the settlers in their contests over the so called swamp land locations, and be came very familiar with the country and people, extending my acquaint ance even mong the Indians.' Their traditions were very interesting to me and getting them first hand gave me peep-holes into their earlier history. "I was there during the Modoc war and witnessed the execution of Cap- tain Jack and his confreres in Octo ber, 1873. At that time the history of this interesting and warlike tribe might have been studied with profit. These Indians, you remember, made their way into the lava beds south of Tnle Lake and defied Uncle Sam's forces for weary months. Starvation alone dislodged them, so impregnable waa their stronghold of volcanic cav erns. "These lava beds have never been fully explored, though miles of pas sageways and chambers have been traversed and a great many interest ing relics have been recovered. For ethnological data touching the Mo docs and their progenitors it la a vir gin field and in some respects an unique one. The cliff dwellers of Arizona and New Mexico seem to have been fully exploited, but of the ancient dwellers of these volcanic caverns there Is only a dim guess. Besides the ethnological importance, the geological readings are no less important. Hazy tradition peoples these caverns with the most savage and warlike tribes of the northwest. It prevented the amalgamation of the Modocs with the Klamaths, Piutes and other neighboring tribes, and the effort of the government to put them together upon a reservation resulted in the war of 1872-3. The ill-feeling between the Modocs and other tribes still exists, as I have reason to know from experience while I was prose cuting attorney some years ago. "Lost River has its rise In Clear Lake and after a course of 90 miles empties into Tule Lake, and yet the two lakes are but five miles apart. This river, in its lower course, cuts deeply In the alluvial plain through which it flows and ita banks havd given up many interesting fossils. "There is every indication that Tule Lake Is a modern innovation, so to speak, on the plain where It lies, and the reclamation service has been trying to devise methods of draining it, but so far without success. So far as it has gone, exploration has dis closed volcanic tunnels apparently continuous, except where obstructed by "cave-Ins" from the top. The ap pearance suggests that Lost river is older than Tule Lake or the lava beds; that the river's course was obstructed by the flow that built up these beds. An effort has been made by the reclamation service to divert Lost into Klamath River and now most of its flow goes into the Klamath. Last summer and fall I spent considerable time In Shasta Valley, California, and entered two great volcanic caverns that underlie the valley near the northwest base of Mt. Shasta. From what I saw there I am led to believe that such caverns of volcanic origin are of frequent occurrence and of great extent. It would not surprise me if the disappearance of Lost river near the head of Langells Valley and its reappearance in immense springs at Bonanza (if we could trace it) is through volcanic conduits. The great springs about the upper Klamath also suggest relief to the "Big Klamath marsh" and Crater Lake. "I find the study of Shasta Valley particularly interesting and believe a careful study of it will be of great benefit as well as scientific interest. At the risk of tiring you, I'll venture a few facts and suggestions I deduce from them. "A big irrigation scheme is being projected for Shasta Valley and the preliminary work is in progress, j Water is what they need most. The j soil is rich and the climate good for agriculture. Where they have water the results are good, but the region is volcanic ash and sand lying upon a very porous capping of basaltic lava, In and under which are volcanic caverns and tunnels. I was In one for a distance of perhaps three-quarters of a mile. It declined at a mod erate angle. Its sides were very reg ular and showing beyond doubt that molten masses had used it as a high way to the surface. It was quite reg ular and had an arched roof. Its average width I would estimate at 40 feet and its height at 30 feet. The floor is good and not very un even except where during that volcanic energy was expiring lava masses not having force enough to expel them, were deposited on the floor and broke up in the course of cooling. In such places we had to climb over the masses of great angu lar blocks. At the extreme point reached by us a greater mass had completely blocked the way, but be tween this mass and the roof and sides I could plainly see that the tun nel continued but with a much great er decline in its downward course. I was told that extensive side passages had been found and followed for con siderable distances, but I did not en ter them. The entrance is from an almost level plain. I found the horns and bones of mountain sheep. I en tered and traversed another such cav ern a few miles nearer to Mt. Shasta, also In the level plain, not quite so large, but equally striking. At what is known as the Big Springs, about sixteen miles south east of Montague, the greatest part of "Big" Shasta River comes to tlje surface, forming a small lake. This water is now being pumped with elec tric power and a large area of other wise desert land Is reclaimed and very productive. In this Immediate vicinity eleven large flowing wells have been opened, for Irrigation. About two miles above these springs, and directly toward Mt. Shasta, Mr. Williams last summer started to drill a well In a "draw." At five feet he struck the lavy cap. Two feet more he got through It and a great volume of water flowed out. He went on down for 80 feet, and while he seemed to be passing a medium that yielded easily, he got no residue from his drillings, his sand bucket bring ing up only water. He then cleared off a space 10 feet wide and 30 feet long down to the lava cap and in It bored three more holes and got four monstrous flowing wells In this small space, from which he has, perhaps, 300 inches of water flowing away. There are other interesting phenom ena in this Immediate neighborhood, but I am inflicting you too much, 1 fear, and yet I am not done. You have noticed the great num ber of volcanic cones that dot the floor of Shasta Valley. I think I have read somewhere that you give their number at 140. Now between these cones are valleys of varying sizes, generally drained into Shasta River by means of "salt draws," i. e. depressions continuing in the direc tion of the fall of the valley with more or less of alkaline deposits and attendant "salt grass." I noticed that at the heads of these draws, around the foot of the volcanic cones, where the water table seems to be fractured, the salt grass and alkali Indicated water near the surface. I selected several of these places and with an eight-foot crowbar punctured a thin water able at about two feet from the surface and then easily pushed the bar down Its whole length, when, withdrawing it, the water flowed out at the surface. Remem ber, this is around the feet of the volcanic cones where water seems to gush from a strong source of supply. "Then I heard of a spasmodic stream of 5,000 or 6,000 inches that, during warm weather, flows from the glaciers on the north slope of Shasta, beginning about midnight and run ning until about noon the following day. I went to see it, and while I did not measure the amount of wa ter, I am prepared to believe the statement. I found . that it carried an immense amount of silt, sand, gravel and small rock, building up an inclined plain of that material at the margin of the valley where the water all disappeared within a very small area. The Southern Pacific Railroad from Weed to Klamath Falls crosses this spring and its heavy burden was used to make a large fill there. There is, near the railroad, what I take to be a heavy terminal moraine, and from the foot of it the same kind of a plain ex tends down to the edge of the valley. From the material I take it to have been built up in the same way that the present spasmodic 'stream is con tinuing the work on a smaller scale. "I am told that other volcanic cav erns than those I saw are known in the valley and some of them have been entered, but none explored. Other evidences of the existence of such caverns have been discovered in drilling for wells and currents of air detected coming from the ground. "There are no springs on the north slopes of Mt. Shasta and not a great number near the river, and yet the north slope of that mountain carries its heaviest glaciers and greatest snow banks. "Now here Is my query: In the building up of these volcanic cones that dot the valley, has the matter which composes them, when expelled, left voids under the valley corre sponding with the mass expelled? If such is the case, are the caverns filled with the lost waters from Shasta? Did Williams tap such a reservoir In his cluster of artesian wells? Does the existence of such subterranean supply of water account for my getting water with a crowbar along the fracture line at the foot of these cones? "Would it not pay to determine the facts as they exist? Would it not be interesting to determine what rela tion, if any, exists between the Mc Cloud River and Lost River? Are they one and the same stream, inter rupted and cut in two by a volcanic disturbance that gave birth to the lava beds and created Tule Lake? That whimsical stream does flow un der ground through Langell Valley and comes to the surface at Bonanza. Does it do the same thing between Tule Lake and the McCloud4 "AH through that lake country are Interesting things that ought to be looked into. In the Great Basin scarcity of water alone holds settle ment back. There is an abundance of precipitation and no surface out let. Where does the water go? Evaporation alone hardly accounts for its disappearance. The whole country has been broken up by vol canic action. Are there great vol canic caverns underlying It? If so, may they not be accessible sources of water supply? The use of electricity for pumping is now available and I believe the chance is worth an effort for that, if not for other scientific purposes. In many places is found sandstone rich in fossils. At the fos sil beds north of Summer Lake Val ley Is a wonderful deposit, brought to light occasionally by the shifting of the volcanic sands that drift about on the plain. Occasionally masses of granite that might have been Islands in that prehistoric sea have been saved from the cataclysms that have wrought so many changes. "One of the most interesting things to me is the 'old river bed that cross es the 'Oregon desert' between Sum mer Lake and Bear Creek Buttes. Some years ago, in a lecture at the University of Oregon, I suggested some possibility of connection be tween the 'old river bed' and the boulder cliffs that support the sand stone on the Cascade side of Rogue River Valley. If such relation ever existed, then it means that long be fore the submergence that preceded the rise of the Cascade range the country known as the Great Basin was above water; that this great riv er crossed it and that the Rogue Riv. er boulder beds marked a delta at its mouth; that afterwards the country east, perhaps to the Rocky Moun tains, was submerged and subsequent ly when the Cascades were raised the old river bed was cut In two and came to the surface again, but only a fragment was left to mark Its course across what we now call the 'Oregon Desert.' It produced some comment at the time, but I'm not aware that any further thought has been given to it. "The 'Black Desert' of northwest Nevada is another interesting bit that I examined a little many years ago. In a sage plain there I found fine specimens of silllclous sinter that looked like the product of the gey sers in the Yellowstone National Park. I found there also what I have often thought might prove to be a valuable nitrate deposit. C. B. WATSON. - The Commercial Club is desirous of obtaining good specimens of grains and grasses for exhibit purposes. Will those who have such kindly leave at the Commercial Club rooms? tf OREGON'S GOING DRY. (Tune: "Bringing in the Sheaves.") Come, ye loyal workers. Join the tem perance army, Shout for prohibition, now our battle cry. Forward be our watchword, in the mighty conflict; See the hosts advancing, Oregon's going dry. CHORUS. - Oregon's going dry, Oregon's going dry. See the hosts advancing, Oregon's going dry. Oregon's going dry (by faith we bring it nigh), See the hosts advancing, Oregon's going dry. Saloons will soon be banished from our state forever; Hear the children singing, banner lifted high; Joyous are their voices, happy are their faces, " See the hosts advancing, Oregon's going dry. CHORUS. And the youths and tnaldens, with their zeal and courage, United for the battle, the enemy defy From hillside and from valley, from city and from village, - See the hosts advancing, Oregon's going dry. CHORUS. Rally, all ye faithful, rally to the con quest; Shout the glorious message, victory is nigh. Prayers will soon be answered, God Is leading onward, See the hosts advancing, Oregon's going dry. Pumps with wide toes- and low heels, value $3, extra special at ?2. Brlggs & Shinn. The Tidings is on sale at Poley's drug store, 17 East Main street. Ashland Tidings wants ads bring results. tf Save Grains and Grasses for County Fair. The farmers and ranchers are re quested to save displays of their grains and grasses for the Jackson county fair in Medford, September 9 to 12. Liberal premiums will be offered and the catalogue will be Issued about July 15. Some of these displays will have to bo saved at this time and everybody should be interested in making a good showing for the county at the fair. Staple and Fancy DryGoods Fancy Waists ' VAUPEL'S Ufie QUALITY STORE Butterick Patterns SHOES GENTS' FURNISHINGS We Give 5 Cash Coupons With Every Cash Purchase THE WORLD-FAMOUS Soirosis SSnoes Fashion brings the feminine foot into even greater prominence this year. It is important that the shoe be correct. From the sturdiest walking boot to the most delicately tinted evening pump each -SOROSIS model is of exclusive design, each perfect in fit, indi vidual in style, combined with comfort and wear. You will find a Sorosis shoe here that will fit your foot, no matter what the requirements or the occasion may demand. Special One lot of Oxfords and Pumps, val- OAk ucs to $4.00, now special, per pair, tft&io WtP a Mi a bbm -""Hi1 iiTrifflnrrnrffH" 1 1 THE STAPLES REALTY AND AUTO AGENCY PI heap Land and (Good iaii. 200 a. stock ranch, water and alfalfa 110 a. 17 a. high grade alfalfa home $9,000 large wheat ranch $ 30 a. 16 a. 6-yr-old gilt-edge orchard 6,400 800 a. partly improved 25 a. 80 a. alfalfa home ranch 12,500 120 a. Improved, close to town .......... 100 a. 20 a bottom land cpi Bear creek 200 a. lots ol other properties at fair prices and easy terras Automobile Insurance On all makes of cars against loss by fire from any cause in the old Boston Insurance Co., the first company to write insurance on automobiles. Stanley Steamer Agency The car that pleases. The car that excels in all points. Get a demonstration and tell us your opinion. Hotel for Rent Furnished House for Rent n ti d CdJ cL-3 iS2v,rLT r t-nj linft-, ' I. mlWZS Hotel Ashland Bldg. Ashland. Opp CsssiibbbBssSsbbSBBSBSSSsiBBBS