CO
hc gattjj J&sioriatt,
ASTOEIA. OEEGOtf :
SUN DAY -.MARCH 21. 1SSC
.1 PRESENT PROBLEM.
Evun to this day, Thomas the
Doubter is mentioned with dis
paragement, although the record
represents him as one of the most
loyal and brave of the disciples.
Tt is certainly not surprising that
a cool-headed man, living in the
midst of li credulous and insincere
people and familiar with the ex
travagance of Oriental speech,
should question the resurrection
of a master he had seen crucified.
He has been regarded as a type
of wicked unbelievers; for it has
not been the interest of the cliurch
to sep irate wickedness from un
belief, to discriminate between
dissent and rebellion. A saint
must be obedient. The noblest
canonized are praised most highby
for submission to authority.
Now that the gibbet and stake
.are out of fashion, invective and
contumely are the instruments
with which dogmatists endeavor
to torture the man of independent
convictions. So much easier is it
to silence an opponent with out
cry than to refute his arguments.
Skepticism, which is considered
synonymous with doubt, is equal
ly in disrepute: although, in the
Greek, it merely meant close ex
amination. Ilcmsterhuis traces it
to a word meaning to shado the
eyes with the hand. The signifi
cance of this derivation is appar
ent to the traveler blinded bjT his
own lantern, or the aslionomer
who excludes intercepting lays
when studying the stars.
It is generally asserted that
skeptics are multiplying. If this
is a fact to be deplored, there
should be greasons and remedies
for it. It is proper, therefore, that
ministers and churches should in
quire seriously why men doubt
aud how to meet their doubts.
The first question is not difficult
to answer. Science withholds her
verdicts until searching investiga
tion has been made; and the culti
vation of the scientific instinct has
made great progress within a half
centurv. Formerly, the religious
teacher said, ''Believe it because I
say it." The presumption which
now reqnires him to give his rea
sons would have been perilous if
not fatal. Even Calvin condemned
Servetus for "luxurious inquisitive
ness." While the ancient intimidations
of the church have thus been dis
armed, and ancient infallibilies are
proved delusive, pulpit argument
nftpn imnwU frwl-it ivliili rnnnn
Olieil appeals tOCiaUl WHICH reason
will nnf-nrppnt -: n nH im. !
win not accepr. .is a result, un-,
belief is confirmed, not removed.
How can thinking men and women
forbear distrusting positive and
definite statements concerning a
heaven no man has visited, a fu
ture outside ol all human experi
ence, a God no finite mind can
comprehend? It is al-o notiwahlt'
that much modern doubt is a le
action against the false teachings
of childhood. The child takes ev
erything on trust, but, arriving at
man's estate, falls into the fashion
of reconsidering the basis of every
truth. How, then, shall religion
escape the crucible of free inquiry?
Nor is such inquiry unwholesome,
if it is calm and persistent. Too
many go no farther than disillu
sion and discouragement. This
"little learning ii a dangerous
tiling," for even superstition is
better than no belief. There are
some so-called skeptics, however,
who do not scrutinize because they
cannot reason. The Australian
savage, with whom all numbers
be3Tond three are infinity, can have
no perceptions which we would
call religious; and there are in
Christendom men not far above
bim, without the capacity to dis
cern or discuss deep spiritual
truths.
Shake the confidence of those
who judge religion solelj' by ex
ternals, and they have nothing
left. "When the inaccuracy of
Genesis is recogriized, they will
renounce the New Testament,
because it is bound in the same
cover. This class may believe the
greatest absurdities, soleby because
they do not understand them, and
will reject truths for the same rea
son. The ranks both of atheism
and superstition are recruited by
such. They examine truth as a
child examines a toT, destructively,
or as a crow examines a watch,
with a semblance of sagacity, but
without adequate intelligence,
another class who pass for skep
tics are actuated by hostility to
the good, beautiful and true.
They delight in invading sancti
ties and unsettling belief by the
"perverse disputings of corrupt
minds." They are the Nihilists of
faith, aiming only to disturb the
established order and revel in con
fusion. They are sufficiently nu
merous; they are not relatively in
creasing, although modern toler
ance renders them more bold. The
spirit they exhibit is not skepti
cism, but downright godlessness.
Argument is powerless to reform
it; nor will it be affected or
reached by an' thing which preach
er or church may do, since ap
peals which are studiously unheard,
arguments which are scoffed at,
and denunciations which are. dis
regarded are equally ineffective.
Finally, there is a class more
numerous than either mentioned,
who, while they cannot be called
skeptics or doubters, are certainly
not believers, for the simple rea
son that they have never experi
enced any deep religious interest.
These are liable to make of Sun
day merely a day of leisuie or
pleasure. Together with these
already described they constitute
a large number, possibly the ma
jority, who are not church gcerc.
If a few attend church, they con
fess that the services do not move
them. The problem before the
churches, therefore, is not only
how to increase church attend
ance, but how to make it satisfac
tory and profitable.
NEW TO-DAY.
THE STB AMER-
MOUNTAINEER,
rapt. Ktevc Unliblclsc,
Astoria, Or-. Cathlamct, W. T-,
Westport, Or, and inter
mediate points.
Beginning March 23, 188G,
The Steamer Mountaineer
Will leave Main Street Wharf Dailv at half
past Three o'clock i ai. as follows :
Mondays, Wednesdays and Frld&t, for Cath
lamct aud intermediate pomts on the
Washington Territory side.
Tuesdays, Thursdays and Satnrdats. for West
port and Intermediate pomts "mi the Or
rson side.
Will Ieae Callilamct. "V. T.. for AMor.a,
lv0ndais. WcdncdmB and Frida.s. nt, .evi.i
Vlork a. M., touching at all way landings
03 wash. Ter. side, and return on same idc.
Wdllca-.e Westport for Astoria on Tues
days, Thursday aad Saturday, jit .even
o'clock a. m., touching at till way landings
on Oregon Mile, and return on same side.
For trcislit or Passage apply on
uoard, or to .Mam street w hart.
Dissolution of Partnership.
miiEPARTXEKsiiirirEHnroroKEi:x-
JL isting between F. E. Shute and .'as.
I.i Idson under the firm name of F. E. Shute
& Co..is tills day dissolved by mutuul consent.
!h business will hereafter be conducted
15. F. Stevens, who has purchased the
viuie.aiul who will pay all bids and collect
ail accounts of the old firm.
F. E. SHITTE.
.IAS. DAVIDSON.
Astoria, Or., March 23th, 18SC.
THE PIONEER RESTAURANT !
When j on feel inclined to take
A Square Meal for twenty-five cents
Go To
THE PIONEER RESTAURANT.
Tables Supplied with the Best.
J. G. KOSS - - Prcpiietor.
Cheap Lumber!
S2TTO CASH CUSTOMERS3
For Terms, etc, apply at ollce.
CLATSOP MILL CO
To Rent.
A FIXE SUITE OF P.OOMS IN THE ODD
Fellows' Building. Apply to
A.J.MEGLEll.
Teacher's Examination
mHERE WILL BE A QUARTERLY EX
JL aminatton for those wishing county
teacher's certificates at the court nonse on
Friday and Saturday, the 20th aud 27th Inst.,
beginning at nine o'clock a. h.
T.I. D. WILSON,
Gounty Superiutendent.
MIT! TRY IT!
Snow Flake Flour!
Ttater-doii, "
DMCIKG 1 milWt !
By Rcv.A. J. JOSLYN,
Sunday Evening. March 21st,
IX TI1E METHODIST. CIH'IICH,
The r.istorivill Handle with "Kindly j t I n-
gloved Hand the Question :
'Sliould Christian People. 2Ioral l'cojtif, or
Anr Other Kind of People. I'ntroiilr Thea
ters. Calls ami Card I'ariipsr
The Negative Side will of course he taken,
and something more than mere vtattrinont.
dogma or pious whine he given as a reason
for. and in proof of position taken.
All friends of the question, pro and con.
are cordlaly invited to attend save uch as
are afraid of the light or too cowardly to r.ee
the actual truth of niatter. "such need not
apply."
Come as eariv as 0:30. attend the 4o;;
seruce and secure seats which are free to all.
FMK L PARKER,
W. E. DESCENT & SO.
ASTORIA. - - - DI.i:cn
Carry in .Stock,
DRUGS, CHEMICALS, TGILET
and
FANCY ARTICLES
Prescriptions careful ij' OinpmmiiPi!
. Rfl. C. Am
IS XOW OrEX TO MEMBERS
Each Week Day and Eeninj as Follows :
YouncIen : Ttiesdav, Thursdav and f:it-
urdav evening's.
Boys under 18; Mcndav, Wednedav and
Friday evenings.
liUdicM : Satuiday afternoons.
Membership Tickets and Ke s can be had
from any of the officer.
MANAGING COMMITTEE.
-AGENCY-
flT.ColBMliCO.
or SAX FRANCISCO.
Flavei's Wharf and Warehouse,
Astoria. Oregon.
aimery Supplies at Lowest Prices.
Storage and In.urance at Ciurrul Kates.
Bamkiiig Department
OriicS on the leading Cities of the World
JNO.FMcGOVEEN,
Agent.
eo. H. gtcivart. Accountant, and
Agent Northern Pacific Express Co.
EXCURSION TICKETS!!
FROM ASTORIA
TO PORTLAND AND RETURN
IF'ox S2.SO!
ON THE "TELEPHONE."
BOOTS AND SHOES!
Of Best duality, and at
LOWEST PRICES,
AT THE
SIGH OF THE00LDEH SHOE.
Ml am lis,
PRICES OF BOXSS,
For the Season :
At the Mills
Delhcred by Wagon....,
.. 12s i Cents
ta Cents
XaTJaO333ES3E3L.
Street Tlank, Delivered .. ..$ g.oo
IIoue Bill Lumber. Rough, Del'd...... O.00
Flooring and Rustic, 1st Class, . . itfco
" " 2nd " " 12.00
OTHER LUMBER
At proportionate prices a:l dcliered, and
no funny business.
J. C. TRULLINGER,
Proprietor.
Furniture and Upholstering,
ilattresses Made and Repaired.
Paper Hanging, Carpets Sewea
and Laid.
Furniture Sold on Commission.
Snor. corner Main and Jefferson Streets
MARTIN OLSEN.
To Rent.
FIXE BUSINESS OFFICE. CEKTRAL
ly located. Apply at this Office.
The East Half
or the Spacious
CRYSTAL PAL. A OE
Has Been
Cleared Out!
The Goods were "-'old a:
A Terrible Sacrifice
Ami Astorians who purchased got the
most for their money they ever got.
- The sale still goes on at the corner
stere: the fine stock ninst be closed
eut: the prices are set away below
prime cost. If you want a watch, a
ring, a hook, a card case, a musical
instrument, a bracelet, a set of stand
ard works, a gold chain, a cluck, or
anything else in our stock ou can
hae it at almost your own prict.
The goods ranst he sold.
The Crystal Palace,
Miare fflft SMjCtotejiB. B. Franklin,
VAH DUSEH & CO.- i assasaasmsz,.
nKAIiKRS IX
Hardware and Ship Chandlery
Pure Oil. Bright Varnish.
Riiuiclo Oil. Hoi ton Canwis.
Renin Sail Twine. m ,
Cotton Sail Twine,
Lard Oil,
Wrought Iron Spikes,
Galvanized Cut Nails,
Agricultural Implements
Sowing DXncliiiirs,
Paini. mid Oil, 2ror(rics, te.
JF. $5. ROSS,
COl'TY COROXI3R.
LisS-pzi -i.-v
fe2K.gS,
r?? 'ii '-FT-vm wjjygt-T-sifTjrPTTiBii
"J33Lca.oit4,l3Liia.sr.
First Class Kearso and Wlateria!
ox 1IAX1.
Shop and Ofllcc on Main St., above Pioisper
Ketatimnt.
60 Rolls of Carpet of all Grades and in the Newest Shades,
Including
iiiiiett
8, Body Brussels, Tapestries,
JESSES XI3Fe.3E,&,gy.
Also a Large Stock of Linoleum, Oil Olotli,
AftD FANCY WINDOW SHADES.
Sign Painting,
Ci!d!nsrBanners,OIICIothSi8nS.'
show cards. !
Fence Advertising, Price Marks, etc. '
r tr .w-
hop and ofilce on C'ss street : Pil:e Rros.'
M s'and.
tJ!w:-lg-,fcW
EH Pin
Just Received From the East,
A Large Lot of Gents', Ladies', and -Children s
FINE BOOTS AND SHOES!
Gent's Kangaroo
A SPECIALTY.
We also Carry a First Glass Assortment of
Dry Goods, Clothing, Hats, Furnishing Goods, &c
W. T. PARKER,
Manager.
ii
w$rfM
j y2s
sr ai carat fiMer,
SQUEPflOQUA STREET,
XKXT TO 'I UK ASTOUIAX l'.UII.llNfl,
SrAH work done In a skillful manner on
bliort notice at reasonable rates.
AHEAD OF ALL COMPETITORS!
Capitol Elour,
Manafactureil by tfte Full Holler rroces,
by the
Salem (Or.) Capitol Flour Mills Co..
limited J
' T:ie only flour that lias taken First Prize
three years in succession at the
Al
i (in trial i- uf.
Ako at State Fair.
lclent to convince of its supe-
noutj'.
.-.- that thoword CAPITOL is on each saek
GEOKGF. STIIEL. 8 Stark St..
Portland Agent.
WILSON & FISHER. Astoria ARent.
B
JOHN FUSSELL,
Mannfacturerofand Dealer In
Harness, Saddles, Bridles,
Whips Unnhcs Curry Combs, Etc.
ii'.ui'iiicuj. xixiax Diuun. uaiiu
Prices to Suit thoTimes.
Shop on Chenamus street, next door to J.
A. Montgomery's, Astoria. Oregon,
1 ' J '- ' I I - I J-l-- '.... .CT-mgMg.
Boots and Sho
STORE
e hi
Wholesale and
Cannerj $ Fishermen's Supplies
Choice Teas
Java and C. It. Coffee
Palace Drips
N. E. Maple Syrup
Choice Canned Traits
French Peas and Mushrooms
Pine Apple and Edam Cheese
Shrewsbury Ketchup
Canned Soups
Canned Shrimps
Deviled Oral)
Spanish Queen Olives
Pickled Oysters
Plum Pudding
Cox's Gelatine
Orange Marmalade
Goods Sold at Lowest Cash Prices,
DRAIFK IX
Hay, Oats, aid Straw, Lime, Met, Cement, Sana1 anil Plaster
Wooil Delivered to Order. Hrsyin?. TVanilnir and Express Business.
s&ij&W Xiiji ', v- r-P iri 1
TEli apply to the Captain, or to
DEALEU I
Tin, Sheet Iron, ami Copper Ware. A general assortment of Household Good
AGENT
3IAGEE STOVIS AW1 RAXGES, THE BESTIR THEMAKKET.
Plumbing goods of all kinds on hand. Job work done In a w orkmnmlke macner.
Plumbing, Cas Fitting and Cannery Work attended to promptly
On Reasonable Terms.
ClicnnmuB Street, Next to C L Parker' Store. Antoiin, Oregon.
TH
11 TO 500 MILES THE SHORTEST : 12 TO 48 HOURS THE QUICKEST
TO
CHICAGO, BOSTON, NEW YORK,
And All Points East.
Kales $S.SO lo ?I0.23 Hie Cheapest to
Council Bluffs, Omaha, Kansas Gily,
AND OTHER rOINTS.
I'ullmnn Pnlare ad Emiirruist Sleeping Curs hauled on Kxpress
Trains Exelnsively without Change.
If yon are colnpeast uiito fnrKate.Marslhue Tables. Guides and Full Information.
I'KEE OF CHARGE.
E. A . SO YES. F. E. SHIITK.
Agent. Astoria. Ticket Agt., Astoria.
B. CA3I1"CCMM
General Agent, Xo, l, Wasiilnuton street. I'ortland, Oioon.
agnus G. Crosby
Dealer in
HARDWABE, IRON, STEEL,
Iron Pipe and Fittings,
STOVES, TINWARE
AND
HOUSE FURNISHING GOODS
SHEET LEAD STRIP LEAD
SHEET IRON,
3?iaa. and Copper.
WE WILL SUIT YOU!
Foard & Stokes
Carry a Large Stock of
Groceries Provisions
-And Sell at the-
Lowest Margin of. Living Profit!
Quality ami Trice Satisfactory
In Ever- Instance.
Goods Delivered All Over the City.
GILBERT CHRISTIANSEN,
General Blacksmith ag.
Horseshoeing a Specialty,
Shop in Rear of Aug. Danlehon's Saloon.
iAll Work Guaranteed JL
Notice.
ALL PERSONS KNOWING THEM
selves indebted to the late Edward N.
Murphy will please make immediate settle
ment to the undersigned, administratrix of
tha estate.
Mrs. JOHN ROGERS.
Retail Dealers in
I
India Currie Powder
Boston Baked Beans
Bahama Pine Apple
London Layer Raisins
Breakfast Gems -Crushed
Indian
Germea
Chow Chow
Choice Dried Emits
Choice Fancy Crackei3
Salem Capitol Mills Flour
Cove Mills Flour
Dupee Hams
Breakfast Bacon
Goodwin Butter
Etc. Etc. Etc.
STEAMER
- CLARA PARKER
Eben P. Par ker,M aster.
For TOWING, FREIGHT or CHAR
IS. Ii. PAKKEK.
FOR-
LIN
WIM.
Cut Faster
AND
EASIER
Than any oth
er axe mane.
Hundreds of
woodmen tes
tify to its sime-
: riority. It gOM
ueep auu erer
SUc
pai
:ks.
CARNAHAN
& CO.,
Agents Astoria.
Price. SI. CO.
WM. LOEB & CO.,
Wines, Liquors and Cigars.
A Large Stock of
FERST CLASS GOODS!
The Trade Supplied
AT LOWEST MARKET KATES.
All orders tilled promptly and accurately.
Agents for First Class
Foreign and Domestic Brands
main Street,
Nexrdoor to Wells, Fargo's Express office.
THOS. MAIRS,
e Tailor
A Good Fit Guaranteed.
CHARGES MODERATE.
Pants, from 53 up. Suiti from $20 up.
Shop opposite C. H. Coopet'i.
hmmx
I AKEi
j PATnnTDUCJOOST.'
J.C.Trullinger
N. taaBBassJ
FasMoiB
lis- tx,JtiZM J
liSac iai-"':
...' ,
ife?fitl vV sL