Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Willamette farmer. (Salem, Or.) 1869-1887 | View Entire Issue (Jan. 4, 1884)
vi ' VOL. XV. SALEM, OREGON, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 1884. NO. 47" 'K orrcontlcnc Note by the Wayside. Editor Willamette Farmer : After visiting the Linn County Busi ness Council, December 1st, I spent tho night with Brother and Sister S. Fro man, who are- members of the Council, also of Grand Prairie Grange. I have not language at my command to explain the principles and character of a true Gran ger, but in thought and action they seem more enobling than those persons who are opposed to nssociating with their neighbors in tho Grange for tho purpose of promoting the welfare of mankind; and go where I may among the members of our order I find evinced a spirit of kindly regard such as is not universal in tho world. After spending tho greater portion ot tho Sabbath with Brother and Sister F., and consulting in referenco to the best interests of the Grange, and tho various methods of overcoming the numberless obstacles with which we, like all other organiza tions, are forced to contend. I walked over to the residence of Brother and Sis ter Thomas Froman, where the night was pleasantly spent. As Brother J. Froman is a Deputy we planned some work for Linn county. It is my intention to meet with Leba non Grange at its next meeting in Jan uary, and I hope that all the Brothers and Sisters of that and adjoining Granges will be with us. Xet us commence our work for 1864 with a zeal equal to the stupendous task before us. Brother Irvine is as enthusiastic as ever. It is no wonder that Linn County Council has proven a success, with such counselors as Brothers Irvine, Rodgors, Shelton, Froman's and numerous others, with Sisters ever ready to aid and coun sel in their endeavors to elevate the pro ducers of the country, who by their ex ample seem to reach the sentiments of the entire community. From these Brothers and Sisters I learned much which will be of interest to other Granges as I visit them in the future. After returning home and at tending the Multnomah Pomona G ranee, went to Clackamas, where there is a dor mant Grange. Held a public meeting, v but did not succeed in reorganizing tho Grange. There is quite an interest man ifested here, the seed however must be sown before we can reap a harvest. Spent a pleasant night with Brother and Sister Phillips, thence wound my way to the residence of Brother and Sis ter A. Miller, below Milwaukie, with whom I spent a very interesting even ing, and after a night of refreshing sleep took the steamer for Portland at C o'clock Monday morning, bound for Clarke county, W. T., but in consequenco of tho late change of time missed the boat, so took the cars for Sandy and hired some fishermen to take me across the Columbia. Arrived at Washougal fitter six miles walk in time to partake of .ae bounties of Brothci and Sister Bus sell's tea table. Also found Brothers Yeomans and Bussell waiting, ready to take up the line of march in the morning. December 18. Having been furnished by Bro. Russell a good horse and water proof coat, which covered me from my eyes to the soles of my boots, we three started for Bruah'Prairie, Clarke county. Bro. Yeomans thought the road misera bly long. Bro. R. said well he might, as ho crossed the road back and forth like a ship beating against the wind ; his excuse being that we rode so slow that he was obliged to put in bis time some jway. I agreed with Bro. Y. that the road was both long and miserable, and haVnt changed ray mind jet We had a merry ride, and arrived in due time at our destination, where we were welcomed by Brother and Sister Messenger, of nhoae gencroua hospitality we gladly 4P'took. At 0 o'clock r. a. we held a public J meeting, which was well attended, and resulted in the reorganization of the Grange. Found upon inquiry that they had retained their entire outfit, also a library which cost them sixty dollars. Like the majority of dormant Granges, they ceased work in consequence of the admission of unsuitable material. After a general discussion it was decided that Bro. Yeomans should install their offi cers on the 5th of January. After spending tho night with these good people, we proceeded to Maple Grove and accepted the invitation ex tended by Brother and Sister Goodnigh. to stay with them, and although we were by two hours too late for dinner, and in sisted we were not hungry, our kind host and hostess declared that they were awaro of tho failing of Bro. Russell, and judging all Grangers by his standard, hastily prepared a delicious repast, to which we did such ample justice that I was reminded of the little boy wh, on his first visit from home, rammed his hands in his little pockets, and declared to his aunt that ho was not hungry, al though he had not eaten anything for twelve hours. Held a public meeting in the evening and audience was large and much inter est was manifested, resulting in the re organization of the grange. Bro.Yoe mans will install the officers on the after noon of January 5th. Bro, Bussel and myself proceeded to Battle Ground post office, where we accepted the hospitality of Brother and Sister J. L. Groat. This entire country is fine grass land former ly covered with ash timbers, but the far mers aro clearing it up. Bros. Groat, Groodnight and Messenger have good farms. The land is sufficiently rolling to admit of blind drains. Timothy grows to an enormous height. There arc large tracts of ash swale land still uncleared that at no distant day will be the homes of wealthy farmers. Dairying is the occu pation of the people and when they have established creamaries and cheese factor ies so that all the butter and cheese can be sold under one brand, thus establish a uniform price as well as a uniform quality for and in the marked This will bo a wealthy section. White and red clover does well and the people have learned that there is no profit in grain. From Battle Ground we went to Fourth Plain, where wo held a meeting in the evening. Found some good grange people, but not a sufficient num ber to organize a grange at present. Received somo incouragement,hoever. Sister Norton said "that she could got women enough to carry on a grango but the men wore too sleepy," and I believe from appearances that she could do it. Bro. 0. Flaraty gave an interesting ac count of the manner in which corpora tions imposed their monopolies upon tho people of California. Here is a nice prairie, gravely and dry, the soil is rich and productive Tho following day we went to Grand Prairie ; here wo found farmers plowing ami sowing. Was told that they pre ferred this time rather than earlier in the season as the wheat is not so likely to be injured by frost. Having no ap pointment here we passed on to Grass valley and took dinner with Mr. and Mrs. H. M. Knapp, of whom we learned that our appointment sent to that place had not been announced. This is also a fine grass country and overlooks Lack- amas lake, a beautiful sheet of water about four miles in length and one-half mile in width, and an altitude of one hundred and fifty feet above the Colum bia river. Here is a fine water power. The company owning it have completed a good saw mill at the lower end of the lake. Large numbers of sa'w-logs are run out of the Washougal river, and caught between Ladies island in the Columbia and the main land. We crossed the Washougal near its mouth, and arrived at Bra RoMeU's in time to assist in the milking of a fine lot of cows, which form bis dairy. On the day following I attended the Washougal Grange, which was organ lzed about one year ago. It is to the true-hearted patron an enjoyablo treat to visit the Grange and note tho harmony of feeling, the true brotherly and sisterly fellowship existing between its members, and feel that hero one can grasp the hand of an aspiring Granger, and know that at the friendly meeting in this hall the home of the patron there exists an interest outside of self. Here one can behold the beauties of our Order and mark the contrast between an organized an unorganized neighborhood. Its members constitute the finest in'ellect of their country and the fact that their number has been nearly doubled (only lacking two) in the brief period of its existence, is sufficient evidence that by its works it is known. There are at pres ent two classes being admitted. This Grange has interesting work laid out for every meeting, even more than the day will permit them to accomplish. After partaking of a sumptuous feast they proceeded to elect officers for tho ensu ing year, and ex tended, "an invitation to Past Worthy Master "of Oregon State Grange, A.'R. Shipley, of Oswego, to in stall their officers on the thiid Saturday in January. Washougal supports two stores, one hotel and saloon, but now that the ladies are entitled to vote in Washington Ter ritory they intend to make music for the whisky dealers, and good husbands of their men, while they educate their sons and daughters to lives of usefulness. Clarke county is a much better, sec tion for farming purposes than I had supposed, and land is held at reasonable rates. By urgent request of the friends where I have lectured I promised to pay them another visit in tlie spring. More anon. II. E. Hayes. Attend to Your Own Bualnesa. Macleay, Or., Dec. 25, 1883. Editor Willamette Farmer. How do some people have so much time to attend to other people's business? I have a small farm, that is, it would be considered so in this country, and I find it takes all my time to attend to it and my own affairs. But some of my neigh bors have much larger farms as well as many more babies (which seem to be a natural production of the soil in Oregon), and I don't think they aro any earlier birds than I am. For all that, I find that they have an abundance of time to attend to other peoples business. But the question is : Do they attend to their own ? I think J can answer that question for them, for I don't think they do. I am awaro that tho impression prevails that farmers havo a great deal of spare time, but it is a mistake The energetic farmer is one of tho busiest men we havo among us. Theto is al ways something to do on a farm and I think thoso people that have so much spare time had better put it in sweeping their own door yards ; I am sure it will pay them in tho long run. I have not employed any of them to attend to my bubincss, for I consider I am capable of doing that myself. Now, Mr. Editor, don't understand me to say that our neighborhood is mado up of this class of people, for the majority of tho neigh borhood are as Christian-like and law- abiding a clabs of people as there is in the world. Another mystery is how somo know every little incident nrl neighborhood gossip that happens at our dances, spelling schools and gatherings generally. If you want to know any thing about a neighbor, just question one ot tnis class and you can learn all about them. I hope I have not tread on anybodys corns, but just impressed it on the neighborhood gossip's mind. Your batchelor friend, W.A.T. been published in the Farmkk in favor of and some against tho law. The prin cipal reason advanced why tho law should bo repealed is that it is unfair to capital. An unwarranted assertion, as the law has nothing whatover to do with the assessment. A noto secured by mortgago is exempted ; so it makes no difference to the honest taxpayer whether he is assessed on a $1000 noto or a $1000 mortgage. But tho law does prevent the dishonest tax payor from omiting his note altogether or from giving it in at less than its face. Tho fault then, if any exists, must bo either in tho law or with the assessor. The law says that all property shall be assessed at its ' ' cash value." Who could ask for more or would demand less. Tho law then is all right. How about our assessors? They are publicly charged with perjury in making false returns, if so let tho aggrieved party money present them to tho grand jury. But how may we determine tho true value of any property? Some say the true value of anything is what it will bring in the market in an ordinary business ttansac tion. If this is true then tho assessor must assess the business men at their selling prico, (even if they mark at from 50 to 200 per cent, profit) ; our news papers on their subscription lists, etc. I think the farmer, when he puts any thing on the market, has a right to his profit as well as the merchant. Should not the true value of any property bo determined by the actual net return ob tained from a careful and judicious managemert or investment of the same. This then being tho true principle upon which wo base our calculations, wo will take tho average farmer of Oregon and their net returns for a term of years, and our yearly assessments and county re cord of chattel mortgages and they provo conclusively that the farmers do not make legal interest (8 per cent.) upon tho assessed value of their property. Let us consider this subject fully and fairly so that when it comes and como it will before our next Legislature, its mombere may act understandingly and deal justly with all classes. Respectfully, A. O. Jennings. Nino feet is many make is, to havo it w ido enough nono too much, though them eight, and some as narrow as seven feet. There is moio safety in a wido gate. Many a runaway and breaking of buggy, cart or wagon has been caused by narrow gates, in consequence of tho uhcel of the vehicle striking tho post and frightening tho team. Aiior a gato is well mado and swung m place, havo it painted. It will pay in tho end. And mako it a law of tho farm that every one passing through a gate shall close and fasten it securely, even if ho expects to return in fivo min utes. He might not return as early as as ho expected, and ,a sudden flow of 'wind might blow tho gato to and break it, or passing stock might get into tho fiold uuperceived, and cause a doal of trouble. Always contrivo to havo tho path or mad curve a httlo before tho gnto is reached, as a sharp turn makos it diffi cult to drivo through a gato without striking a post. If tho fence is parallol with the road, set tho gato back a few paces, and curvo tho fenco up to tho posts so as to give a better turn. Try to havo the gato on level ground if possi ble, as a hill on either sido would mako it bad for stopping tho team. It is worth while to mako a good job of it when started, as nothing gives moro sat isfaction than a safo and easily-managed gate. C. W. The Kate Putnam Company, Coming. Mnnager Stechhan, of Now Market theatre, Portland, was in Salem on Thursday. If sufficient encouragement is offored ho will bring up tho Kate Put nam Company. This little lady camo to Portland unheralded and has won tho hearts of tho peoplo completely. Tho pieces to bo put on tho boards will bo such as "Fanchion tho Cricket," in which sho is unrivulod, alsj other top.:' lir and pleasing plays. Wo have no doubts but what inducements will bo offered to tho company. If you aro in tho city not week, mako it a point to find out and attend. It will be worth anyone's time and monoy to sco Kate Putnam. Its not often that really good actors come to Salom and whon they do wo shall ask our readers to como and soo them. Wo say como aud sco Kate Putnam. U Um Mortgage Tax lav Patau- to Capital. lavi.se, Or., Dec. 31, 188a Editor Wlllaroatto Farmers Please allow me to evpraw a few wandering thoughts in regard to the Mortgage Tax Law. ConridVrable has Farm Oatei. Salem, Or., Doc. 2t, 1883. Editor Willamette Firmer : A farm gato is expensive and too often a constant sourcoof trouble, and thorulo should bo to have as few of them as possible. Where a gate is found to bo necessary it is far best to tako some pains about it and mako it well, for a poor gato is far moro expenBivo in tho end than a flrst-rate one. A most im portant point about a gate is strong dur able and well set posts. If tho posts are not strong enough tho gato will not swing steadily or .remain in its proper position, and will soon sag and giva trouble. Tho posts should bo at least eight inches squaro, ten or twelvo would be better, and should bo solid wood. They should bo set at least threo feet deep in the ground, and the ground well tinned around thorn. A solid oak scant ling should be laid under tho gate at tho surface of the ground, and should bo just long enough to fit iu between tho two posts. This will brace them apart in an upright position, and help keep the gato in place. Then, if at any time the gate should sag a littlo, it can bo ele vated by driving a wedge between tho end of the scantling and tho fastening poht. Tho gate itself should bo made of durablo timber, heart fir, ash, yew, or oak. Take care to select slats that aro as light as they can bo had as weight is objectionable, Let it be well braced both ways, setting slats across from top to bottom in the shape of a letter X. It is impossible for a gate thus braced to sag, so long as the braces are kept in place. A good hinge and strong fasten ings aro indUpenaablo. Tho old fash ioned pine fastenings are good, but aro more trouble than some of the patent fastenings, and are constantly getting lost Another ioint about a farm mt ' A Coming Immigrant. Greei-ky, Col., Dec 18, 188.'). Editor Willamette Farmer: Please do not send mo any moro num bers of tho paper until I writo to you again, for wo will start for tho northwest tho latter part of this week or tho first of next. To-day is tho wannest wo havo had for threo weeks. Wheat is $1.10 to 1.20 per hundred. Irish potatoes 45 to 50 coats a hundred pounds. Butter 15 cents a pound. Eggs 35 cents a dozen. I havo sent oory number of your paper that I havo received to friends East or given to friends here. Yours respectfully, Wm. T. Cakvek. WarU on Horaei. Scio, Or., Jan, 1,1881. Editor Willamette Farmer: I seo one of your subscribers wants a remedy for warts on horses. I havo cured, and known others curing wurts on horses, and men too, by applying common salt for a short timo. It is best to bind a small thin sack with salt in it, to tho wart, then wet it overyday or two. I cured a largo wart on tho breast of a fino horso a few years ago by cutting it oil with hair by tying tight then apply ing suit every day or two till well. The skin iB now smooth. Yours tmly, Wilmah GviCUH. Sausm, Jan, 3, 18,81. Editor Willamette Farmer : Wutta may bo removed by excisions or torsion ; twisting or pulling by tho hand being very often sufficient. If they aro on tho sheath of tho penis, or on tho propuco surrounding tho aufaco of tho urrethra, tho animal has to bo cast and tho wholo mass removed by cantery or knife, und their seat cantuiscL If this is not dono they aro apt to grow again. External or epidermic warts may bo effectually removed by the following : Acirto arsen, 3 drachms, unir. nctrnlin S drachms, M. ot wig. Apply to tho wart every iour Hours until they droji uii'u grease iuo part Willi lard. C. W. Jimmy, V. S. off, Toadi in Oregon. OheoonCity, Or., Doc. 20, 1881). Editor Willamette Farmer: I noticed in a late issue of the Fahmkk tho statement that there wero no toads in Oregon. That is a niistako for there are toads in our garden and on tho farm every year. Our place is flvo miles south of Oregon City., Yours truly, Sam'. Waujuo.v. Gov. Irwin, of Idaho, cava lm hua not earned hii aalary for tho pat aix month and return it to the treasury. A Ghostly Voyago. . Captain Baker, of the Wm. H.'Besee, recently arrived in Boston, says his bark was directly in tho vicinity of Anjiers at tho timo of tho terrible disaster, which killed thousands, and changed tho face of tho land around Sunda Straits. He left Batavia August ICth, and the follow ing morning at daylight thoso on deck noticed a heavy bank of clouds rising from tho west and obscuring tho sun. and at tho samo timo tho barometer dropped down to 29:10, and again suddenly rose to 30 :70. All hands woro called and sail taken off fast as possible. heavy showers of rain and ashes com menced fallinar, completely covonnar decks and spars to a dopth of several inches. By noon it had grown darker than tho darkest night and commenced to blow a hurricane, but, strange to say, tho sea remained perfectly smooth. Heavy rambllngs, liko distant thunder, wero constantly heard at intervals. Tho sky was lighted up by lightning flashos, and a strong smell of Bulgher permeated the atmosphere and mado it difficult to breathe. All hand were affected by this awful scene, and many of tho sailors thought tho world was coming to an end. Throughout tho galo tho tido set strongly to tho westward, aud tho bark drove through tho water at tho rato of fomtccn knots an hour. At 3 r. m. "tho sky commonccd to grow brighter, but ashes continuod to fall liko snow. On tho following day tho bark enteral the straits of Suuda, and tho extent of the damage dono was plainly to bo seen. Wholo islands had sunk, and those that remained had changed in form. Tho northwestern part of Krakatia Island had disappeared, and Verelatin and Long Island, heretofore covered with trees, wero completely bare Thoy saw a very largo number of bodies, and tho water for miles was covered with trees and dead bodies. Tho Beafor 000 miloa was a field of lava. They ex perienced a hurricane from tho north and northeast with a tremendious sea, which lastod for threo days. During this timo tho decks and cabin were flooded with water, and a portion of the bulworks and everything movcnblo on the deck was washed away. Tho most fearful thing of all was tho sea of corp ses: "for nearly threo days wo camo acioss body after Ixxly of persons who had lost their lives in tho earthquake.1; Ono man alone counted sixty in plain sight, and thousands must have perished. Running Away Bati. A writer in tho Scientific American, in treating of tho question, gives a sim ple plan by which any ono can rid his promises of rats mid keep tho vermin away iormanoiitly. Ho sajs: "Wo clear our premises of theso detestable vermin by making whitewash yellow with copperas, and covering the rafters and stones in tho cellar with it. In oory crevice in which a nit may tread wo put tho crystals of connerim. and scatter tho samo in tho coiners of tho floor. Tho result was a perfect stam podo of rats and mice. Since that time not a footfall of either rat or monso has been hoard about tho houw?. Every Miring a coat of yellow wash U givon tlie cellar as a purifier, as an oxteruii nator, and no typhoid, dysontory or fover attacks tho family." Sorinum. Mr. If. C. Perkius left, says tho Kugono Guard, ono day this week, soverol stalks of sorghum, mcasuringover ten feet high, which ho raised on his farm near this city. We hope to hear ot many acres of sorghum being planted, and also of a manufactory being establirbcd in this city to warrant our farmers iu rasing tho same. Hero is a chance for iiome of our local capitalists engaging in a buaineas that wilf pay a handsomo profit, beajdea benefitting the people of the country. II J i :