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About Willamette farmer. (Salem, Or.) 1869-1887 | View Entire Issue (April 6, 1872)
nr 2 WILLAMETTE FAEMEB. M II i u IP I i SbMCittiomil. y-ti (II LKTTKIt FKOM 1'ALIFOKXU. Editor Faiimkk: I promised you in iv former lottor to say somthing more about tho schools In tills State. .My tlmu has been ho completely oc cupied Hint It has been Impossible to redeem my promise before this, and even now, 1 shall say but a few des nltory things as they occur to me. It is very pleasant to nolo the deep and universal interest which Is tak en in the rural districts a.s well as in the towns, in ull matters pertaining to education. In nil the towns and villages of tho Stale that I have .-eon, good, substantial, and In many In Htance.s elegant school houses have been erected. In most of the most of the country districts there are good school liou-es. There was expended In 1H7I, nearly us much for educa tional purposes as for ail the other branches of tho .State Government. The figures are as follows: total for tho schools, including tho University and State Xorm.il school, $l,K!ty!!W; total for other purposes, $2,108,2(17. The greater portion of the school money was raised iy county, uis- trlct, and school lax ; but It Is none tho less 11 public tax. Tho average rate of lax on tho assessed wealth of the State was nearly seven mills Itut notwithstanding this groat lib erality, some .sections of tho State are poorly supplied with educational facilities. Tho State is cursed by monopolists. In many instances largo laud owners do not live upon their promises nor lease them to res ident tenants. They live 111 San Francisco, and at tho season for put ting In crops thoy take a band of la borers to their " ranches," seed their laud and then return to the Hay. When the harvest time comes, thoy go upon tho laud again with a troop of workmen, gather their crops and I market It. Thoy have no houses ami no fences upon their farms. K.v cept during tho seeding ami harvest ing time the laud is unoccupied. Of course this State of things results disastrously to the school facilities' of tho small farmers In lb)' neighbor hood. The resident farmers must either go without schools or else (ax thonixeivos onormou-ly to support them. In this ro-pect, Oregon Is very fortunate, as her lands except tho swamp lands, at loa-t are asyel, pretty generally divided mining tho people. It Is to bo hoped that for tho future welfare of the country, our State may bo spared from the rapaO-( Ity of the laud grabbers. The realty Is tho very founatlou of a State, and all history teaches us that nothing Is so essential to the liberty of a pcqplo as a sturly and Intelligent yeoman ry1 Individually Interested In tho soil of their country. Wl-o maxims of legislation demand that we should restrict r.ithorthiin oularue tho focll- tllivs fliriicnnlrtin title inlnriro Inic'ts' of tho domain by Individuals. Hut - n r i I Must return to tho subject of my I loiter. This Is one of tho great qiios-1 lions Of the ilav and to mo It Is an all absorbing one. That Is my apology for permitting my pen to run olV tho track. Tiero has boon no legl-latlon of liujKirtance as yet at this session In regard to tho common, -cliooN. Two questions have been agitated consid erably j one to admit colored chil dren o the public schools w.llh whlfo children, and another to adopt the compulsory principle of education. The first proHVsifloii has been so amended as to' provide for(tho color ed oluldreii Separate schools ex cept where 'the trustee and parents in a district agree to a mixed school. The compulsory education bill was brought forward In tho Senate and received tho entire Republican vote. Tho 'Democrats voihig unitedly against It, It was defeated by four majority. Tt proposed to retpilro'all persons having control of healthy children to send them to school or' teach them tit home for throe months In each year provided they live within one mllo of school houses, It was Intended chiefly to reach the de linquents In tho larger clile.s'whero' children out of school arc exposed 'to all tho vices of tho street without counteracting Influences. It was substantially a copy of the Michigan law. AII TO AOIttCL'I.TUKAIj HOCIKTIKS. Thero has lieen a liberal appropria tion in aid of the State and District Agricultural Societies tho former being allowed $5,000 a year and cacli of tho latter $2,000. In addition to this $2,000 a year Ik allowed the Cali fornia Vino Growers and Brandy Manufacturer:)' Association. The to tal appropriation foots up about $2."),00() a year. Besides this the annual report of tho transaction of the State Agricultural So ciety Is published by the State. It is a considerable volume and its publi cation cost $!l,ono or $1,000 a year. These appropriations are generally approved, Including to my surprise the one to aid the brandy manufac turers. It strikes mo that that "In dustry" does not need much legisla tive encouragement in California. At least this Is the Impression made upon my mind when J notice that every town Is overrun with liquor saloon", and that tho demand for spirituous liquors is so great that growers must keep it for sale or quit business, .ludglngfrom the number ()f rt)(, W)WH a)0lt Ult. HMu Vin)U)t , , ,,, y . lhis fllct iust bo say apparent oven to the law makers. I am glad to see that the friends of temperance In Oregon have agreed upon what appears to be a practical plan for effecting a reform in the whisky business in that State. 1 be lieve that the chief dllllculty lies In the fact that so many people neglect their duty at tho primaries. There Is virtue enough In tho people to correct this wrong If It can be called Into exercise. Tho remedy Is sim ple elect the best men to olllce and support them In their efforts to do their duty. v. ftttsttUniicoit 0. O-JP i. CIKIOVK HACK OF 1'KUI'LK. An English olllcor furnishes sonio Interesting Information about a curl ous race of people. lid says that amoiigthoso almost Inaccessible hills that skirt southern lllndo-tan, there dwell the Todas a race once numer ous, but now consisting of Iosh than six hundred souls. They are the rello of some ancient nation long since stranded in India, wlioso appearance, language ami customs separate them from Hindoos mid Mohammedans. The Toda Is tall, athletic, of a light hronsro com plexion, with largo, bluek eyes and features of Itoman east. The hair, whether of men br women, Is never cut. Their villages tnumfnvomM of a few scattered huts of mi oval shape, situated In somo .ecludcd spot in tho woods or ftistneses of tho mountains. lio bulnilo w the solopooss!onor U Todu. Ho cultivates no land, engages In no merchandise, cares for no commerce. lllasulisistoneo Isfroin tho milk and meat of tho buffalo alone. In the care of them ho spends hlsslmplo life. At their great annual religious festival strange rites fake place. In connection with the slaugh ter of buffaloes for sacrifices. A herd is driven into an enclosed space, and at a given signal, the ani mals having been infuriated with shouts and blows, two young men each throw thent-elves upon a butfa lo, and seizing the cartiiago of tho noo with one hand, with the other show or upon him heavy blows with a club, This continues until the animal, become! exhausted and it Is then let. go. The whole herd having under gone tho proces.1, the young men taking turns at tho exorcise, a dunce and feast wind up tho proceedings. The wonjt trait In tho character of thU singular people is that, influ enced by a suversfltious religious custom, thoy destroy In 11 most Iwr barous manner all their female chil dren. gontlinquts of" friendship which flow from the heart, cannot bo frozen in adversity. NEWS BY IKLKBBAPH. Houk, March 27. Tho Popo yester day gave a long audience to the Prince and Princess of Wnlcs. Ho desired their lloyal Highness to convey to the Queen of England her thanks for her constant evidences of sympathy, and he praised the people of Great Britain for their jilcty. Ni:w Yomc, March 27. A special dispatch received hero from an otllclal quarter at Madrid states that tho po litical aflhlrs In Spain are in a very critical condition. Amadous Is deter mined to strengthen his position, and a coup d'etat has been strongly urged by his advisers, who says that lest ho acts quickly there Is danger of his be ing compelled to abdicate the throne and leave Spain. Ni:w Yoitic European mall advices state the town of Hichrmakher, In Caucasus was almost entirely destroy ed by 11 recent earthquake. Tho num ber of persons killed was 137, and tho de-tructlon of property was very great. A considerable portion of the country Is converted Into a dc-ert, and tho In habitants are reduced to want by the destruction of tho crops. Professor S. K. It. Morse, tho Inven tor of the telegraph, Is lying danger ously ill of paralysis of the biulu. lie Is said to bo dying. City of Mexico advices say that ills order and anarchy prevail throughout tho Republic Person and property are outraged wherever (loverninent troops are not stationed. Levies con tinue to be made, and despotic acts arc committed by tho authorities In many localities. The Journals arc filled with complaints that the agricultural dis tricts are ruined. Tho propcctn are good for the (loverninent triumphing In the struggle, but tho chances for internal peace are remote. A London dl-patch says the contest for the control of the Krlo ltalhoad at the last election narrowed to two Loudon parties. One Is Heath & Itnpbael, tho other Blseholl'shelm & Ooldschmldt. IntheStock Kxchonge tho opinion Is generally entertained that if Heath & Itaphael succeed a third railroad will be laid, and tho I'rle put In connection with Canadian, Southern and other mads of tho West and Northwest, by way of Chlcano: but If ISIschoirshclm & Ooldsohinldt get control a combination will lie clos ed with the Atlantic and (front Wes tern. Louihvm.i.i:, March 28. (Icucral Humphrey Marshall died of pneumon ia ticdny.tt his residence In this city. Ni:w Yokk, March 28 The bark XI 111 roil was burned at sea near Iter muds, on the 0th Instant. Of seven teen person on board fait ten were saved. Tho vessel was loaded with uapthaaud kerosene and 1111 explosion, tool; plncoln (behold behind the main hatch. It is believed that tho cnptalu and his wife and daughter were in the cabin at the time of tho explosion. When the llro was seen from tho har bor of Bermudas it was two late to render any assistance. Is rumored that the ordering of the steamer Wyoming to Asplnwall has reference to tho easu of tho steamer Vlrglnus, and that her commander hns orders (o lire upon the Spanish man-of-war should she attempt to molest the Vlrglnus. Salt Lakh, March 2t). A memorial of great strength,- protesting against tho admission of Utah, was adopted at a mass meeting Wednesday night, being signed universally by Oentlles and liberal Mormons. At least 0,000 signatures are expected. Two dele gates for the opponents start Imme diately for Washington to counteract tho etlbrts of Tom Fitch and Elder Cannon. Sax Fit.iNrisuo, March LU Kixhlv- llve thousand dollars was paid into the Custom House yesterday for duties oil .uisiruiiuiu wool imported on llio steamer Montana, London, March 2.S. An explosion iH-eured at u coal initio ut Atlieitou, near Helton, by which twenty-eight men weru killed outright ami eleven resell sod. but thev are fearful I v burn ed, Nearly allot them will probably die. There is great excitement in the vicinity ot the mine. Nkw Yokk, March SO. Twelve eases of small pox and three deaths are reported. The Hoard has ro-olved to continue five vaccination. WAsiii.NOiON. March III. Tlioro U an ab-olute dead lock regarding tho Alabama question, Tho American government persists in its determina tion of maintaining tho caso hitherto proposed. England persists in refus Ing to refer tho claims for consequen tial dauiuired to arbitration. ICxcept for England's course our uovorninoni couiu nuve Honorably suggested that the presentation of con sequenilaldainageswas not necessarily important. Our argument of the whole case before tho arbitration must stand, British authority says F.ngland cannot cancel the treaty without the consent of America,- and If England refuses to Join issue with tlie arbitra tors on tho Alabama question, tho Cnlted fitafes can rightfully treat tho agreement as binding on all other points. The harnrd of war Involves extreme peril to England, whoso com merce Is her life. So grave docs the JW consider the situation, It advises the llrltish Government never to nav consequential damages under any cir cumstances ; but to let the American case go before tho tribunal of arbitra tors unamended, but under protest. The bill to pay the California ami Nevada volunteers their expenses home from points where discharged, was favorably reported In the Senate; also the bill conferring citizenship on all persons born in Oregon prior to its acquisition. ,. Brooklyn, March 29. Tho small nox hospital is crowded to overflow ing. TIIK KARTHQVAKK IX NEVADA. Oknoa, March 28.-A gentleman Just arrived from Independence, Inyo county, reported tho earthquake at that place on Tuesday morning as very sovcre, destroying the Court House, Harris & Rhino's largo store, and in fact there Is notn brick or adobe build ing or chimney left standing between Bishop Creek and Independence Camp. Independence Is completely In ruins. A Mrs. West, living near the camp, had a child Instantly killed, and was herself sol lously Injurled by tho falling walls of adobe house the only fatal result as far as learned at the time the stage left. Fears nrj felt for the resi dents of Swansea, Corra (lorda and Lono Pino. Tho County Clerk and Deputy Sherlir, who were in the Court House, narrowly escaped, the clerk being badly cut about the head with falling brick. A great many persons weie badly bruised. At Big Pine a large fissure opened, extending north and south, which was seen for miles, from 50 to 200 feet wide In places, and 20 feet deep, running close to the Sierra Nevada. In many places along the road earth to tho height of a) anil ;w leet across was inrown up, and In many places water thrown out of tho ground, springs failed that nev er known to bo dry before. From In dependence to Bishop's creek the earth Is cracked all over. From 2:"0 there must have been not less than fifty dis tinct shocks. The earth seemed to vi brate all the time from this time till .'I p. m. There were about ISO or 200 more shocks. Numbers of persons say they saw Hashes from tho moun tains' sides. At points between Bish op creek and Independence the stage roan is ninny oiockcu oy roca snencn into tho road, and a number of large snow-slides were noticed on tho moun tain sides. Wells, purge's express was covered up 111 tuo rums or Harris it Rhino's store. Tho stage had to leave without It. No damage was done at Aurora. Vihai.ia, March 20. Reports from Lono Pine, via Portersville, state that town to bo In ruins. Twenty-three people were killed, and nbotit.'IU woun ded. There wereoOO hundred heavy shocks in three hours, and about fifty houscM shaken down. Will have full particulars by mall to-morrow. Visama, March SO. From Col Whipple, who Just arrived from Lono Pine, we learn the following partic ulars of a terrible earthquake which visited that section on the 20th lust.: About 2) o'clock a in. the Inhabitants of I.0110 Pino were awakened by nn explosion, followed by a terrriblo up heaving and shnkingof the earth from south to north. In an Instant the whole town was in ruins, not a build ing left standing. Col. Whipple, who was In tbu second story or an adobe house, states that ho had lust time to Jump from Ills bed and get away when 1110 iiousc appeared to ermniiio to pieces beneath him. Ho was burled among ruins, but succeeded in extri cating himself from the debris, suH'er lng from several im Infill but not dan gerous wounds. The scene which then ensued is beyond description. Screams and groans were heard in all directions. Nearly the whole population of the town were burled beneath the ruins. Cries for help and screams of pain from tho wounded tilled the air, while those who c soaped from the ruins were calling for help to rescue fathers, brothers, wives and children, weio agonizing to hear. Tho first shock was followed in quick succession by three others. Over three hundred distinct shocks were felt between 2J o'clock and sunrise ; In fact, thu earth was In a constant shake and tremble. For over three hours a clinsin was opened extending thirty-live miles down the valley, ranging from three Inches to forty leet In width. Rocks were torn from their places and hull ed down Into the valley everywhere. Through the valley are seen evidences of the tenlble convulsion of nature. Cerro Gordo was bndlv ikimnirml. Many buildings were badly cracked, and some few thrown down. No per sons were badly Injured. Swansea works were totally destroyed. Jlullil lugs all down to the ground, and the walls all thrown down. All accounts agree In placing Lone Pino over thoeenteroftho commotion. Before each shock could bo heard, an explosion occurred, which sounded Immediately beneath the feet. Over 000 distinct shocks were felt within fiS hours after tho first. There Is much destitution among the Inhabitants of Ime Pine and vicinity, many having lot all but life. Several dlitlnet shocks were felt In this city lust night, and are still com ing from the southeast. Persons an tlclnate trending of immense chasms in the mountains east of us, as soon as the snow disappears enough to admit of investigation In the vlclnitv of Mount Whltuey. Residents described explosions as of dull, heavy sound of a cannon fired Immediately beneuth their feet, which run along the moun tain range north and south until lost in the distance. Indians In the vicin ity have all left, fearing the reoccur ance of a general convulsion of nature, which, according to tradition, occurred thero somo hundreds of years ago, and created what is now known ns Owens river voney, nut wimi was ucioro a chain of mountains. Wo learn the following particulars of the great eartliquako in Owens Illy, cr Valley from private letters received this evening : At Independence, one man was killed, and many persons wero more or loss injured. Many buildings wero badly strained and cracked, and chlmiieysand walls were thrown down. Among the bulldlngo thrown down wero thoExehaiigciCourt House,Harrison's store, John Rhoiler's residence. It Is estimated that over two hundred buildings wero thrown down in all. Not an adobo or brick building Is supposed to have escaped destruction. Tlioiighout the county of Inyo up to Wednesday morning, fully uuo thousand distinct shocks were felt. Tlbblts' ranch, 15 miles from Independence, about forty acres of ground have sunk seven feet below the surface of the country. Owens Lake has risen four feet since the llrstshock, and Owens river ran over Its banks, depositing shoals of fish on the shore. Tb rough Lone pine the earth crack ed, one side remaining stationary while others sank soVeii or eight feet, leaving a wall of earth extending over miles In length, where formerly was a level plain. Innumerable cracks were made throughout the valley. Klzer and Owens river turned and run up stream for several minutes, leaving their beds dry. SICK ItOOM 1I1MS. A sick room should have u pleasant aspect. Light Is essential. Blinds and curtains may bo provided to screen tho eyes too weak to bear full day, but what substitute makes up for the absence of that blessed sunshine without which life languishes ? Tho walls should bo of a cheerful tint ; if possible, some sort of out door glimpse should bo visible from tho bod or cliulr where tho In valid lies, if it Is hut tho top of n tree and 11 hit of sky. Eyes which have been traveling for long, dull days ov er thu pattern of the paper-hanging?, till each bud and leaf and quirl is fa millaraud hateful, brighten with pleasure as the blind is raised. The mind, wearied of tho grinding battle with pain and self, finds unconscious refreshments in tho new Interest. Ah, there is a bird's shadow flitting across the pane. The tree-top sways and trembles with soft rustlings a white cloud floats dreamily over tho blue, and now, oh delight and won der, the bird himself comes in sight and perches visibly on the bough, dressing his feathers and quivering forth a fow notes of song. All the world, then, is not lying in bed lo calise we are, Is not tired of its sur roundings has not tho back-acho I what a refreshing thought! And though this glimpse ot another life, thu fresh natural life from which we are shut out that life which has nothing to do witii pills and potions, tip-toe movements, whispers, and doctor's Isiots creaking in tho entry may causo the hot tears to rush suddenly Into our eyes, it docs us good, and wo begin to say with a certain tremulous thrill of hopo: ' Y hen I go out iignln,! slinll do" sound so. Ah, If nurses, if friends know how irksome, how positively harmful, is tho umaw of a sick room, surely love and skill would dovlto remedies. If It were only bringing In a blue flower to-day and n pink 0110 to-morrow ; hanging a fresh picture to vary tho monotony of tho wall, or nvon an old 0110 in a now place some thing, anything It Is such infinite relief. Small things and single tilings sufllce. To see many of his surroundings changed at onco con fuses nn invalid ; to hnvo one little novelty at a time to vary the point ofobservntlon.stlmulatesund cheer. Glvo him that, and you do more nud bettor than If you lllled the apart ment with fresh objects. It Is supposed by many that flow ers should bo carefully kept uwav from sick people, that they oxhnust the ulr or couimunicato to it somo harmful quality. This may, in a de gree, bo truo of such strong, fragrant blossoms as lilacs or garden lilies, hut of the more delicately scented ones no such effect need bo apprehended. A well-aired room will never be made closo or unwholesome by a nosegay of roses, mignonette, or vio lots, and tho subtile cheer which they' bring with them is Infinitely reviving to weary eyes and de pressed spirits. A-om "Home and Aoaety," Xcribncr'sfar April. Tho Canada Ihrtner mention T00 as having been realized by u person near t'hnihnm nithinn,Lri,lv and cjover seed, raised from four- ivvii uiiva ui iiiiui. M