THE HOME PAPER
VOL. 25
DALLAS. OREGON. TUESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1914
NO. 90
RESOURCES
OF
DALLAS
COUNTY SEAT OF POLK COUNTY
IN WEALTHY. DISTRICT ,
A Few of the Advantages Presented
by Dallas and Surrounding Coun
try.
The following wns written for the
Oregouinn by ijs stuff correspondent
Addison Bennett:
' Polk is not a large county, geo
' graphically speaking, compared with
(ther Oregon counties. It has an
area, of 750 square miles. If Oregon
was divided into counties of the same
size we would have J 24 of them, in
place of the 33 we have. On the oth
er' hand, if all of our lands were as
thickly populated as is that of Polk
County, we would have a population
of about 1,800,000, in place of the
750,000 we have, or had in 1010
When it comes to prosperity I
think it is spread out over Polk about
as thickly as in any other portion of
the state. The average assessed
wealth, not actual, but assessed wealth
mind you, of Polk ieople is about
$1,0(10, which the best informed say
gives an average wealth for each
lamily ot .f.),()00. It that is not a
good showing then tell me what con
stitutes real prosperity.
Dallas is the county seat of Polk,
the metropolis of Polk so far as fi
nances and population are concerned.
Dallas gained the county seat perma
ncntily after a most beautiful scrap
with Independence, lasting nearly 40
years. There was no bloodshed, no
knocking down and dragging out, but
little animostity jusl a truly won
derful and lovely, but long-drawn-out
scrap.
Independence Fair, Brave.
Tn speaking of the past Cary Hay
ter, who for more tilian 20 years ran
a newspaper here at Dallas, was forc
ed to say that the Independence peo
ple are the best and bravest lot of
citizens, and also the fairest, that any
county ever possessed. "We only
won in the end by our geographical
position," continued Carey. By the
way, Carey says while in the newspa
per business, running the Dallas Ob
server, which was one of the best of
Oregon's country papers, lie usually
kept only about two jumps ahead of
I lie Sheriff, financially speaking.
A couple of years ago he sold his pa
per and went into the book and sta
tionery business here and has one of
t lie" nicest stocks and neatest stores
in all Oregon and is at least 100
jumps ahead of the Sheriff. And
every one of Carey's hosts of friends
is glad that fortune is smiling on him.
If you want to know why the names
Dallas and Polk,, just taks up some
political history and trace up the ca
reer of James K. Polk and his team
mate, Dallas. Then you will know the
why ; also the when.
Polk County extends from the Wil
lamette on the east to the crest of
the Coast Range on the west, from
Yamhill on the north to Benton on the
south. Of the 476,704 acres of land
in the county 281,704 acres are under
cultivation. Of the remaining area
much is timbered. And in this tim
ber belt, along the Coast Range, there
is a wealth which puts most of the
mining sections of the world out of
the running. And when the mine
is worked out there is but a trifling
value left; the forests of Polk along
the mountainsides will be re-produce
themselves Continually until the end
of time if proper methods are pur
sued. Wealth of Polk Increases.
Where is the best mohair district
in the United States? In Polk.
Where are raised the finest Angora
goats to produce this mohair t In
Polk. Where are the greatest hop
fields in the country T In Polk.
Where is the finest prune district
in the Northwest t In Polk. Where
do they raise as fine cherries, apples,
English walnuts, pears, peaches.
strawberries, loganberries, raspber
ries and all other fruits as are pro
duced in the country In Polk.
I might go on and "poke" such
facte at the reader all day and then
not tell all of the truth. The horses,
mules, sheep and thoroughbred lire
stock of all kinds raised in Polk have
taken blue ribbons enough to start
a ribbon factory of vast dimensions.
And every year Polk's livestock is in
rreasing in numbers and in quality,
Ton see the Polk County agricultur
ists and livestock breeders are as pro
gressive as anv in America. They
are universally progressive. I do not J the Southern Pacific Company has
speak in a Rooseveltian vein. I mean
they are ever striving to breed better
stock and more of it. As it is now
people send from all over the world
for Polk's Angoras, from far and
wide for Polk's Jerseys and Holsteins
and Guernseys' from East and West,
north and South, for Polk's Lincoln
and other high-class sheep.
"What is the name of that young
river T " is the gist of a question
strangers ask as they first come
down to Dallas and note the fine
stream near which the great Willam
ette Valley Lumber Co. has its large
sawmill. This company employes 200
men ait the mill and in the logging
camps.
"That", will be the answer, "is
the Lackre-all." Or that is want it
will sound like to you. They mean
the Lackre-all." Or that is what it
Anglicized, same as the cowboys Ang
licized a certain creek in Eastern Col
orado. It was named La Purgatoire.
The cowboys changed it to Picket
wire, which was just as euphonious
and more suggestive of a cow country.
Cherries Also Come From Polk.
Many things hereabouts, are La
Creole. The social club of the town
is thus named and more than likely
a lot of babies. Taking the word,
of course, in its Anglicized form.
This creek flows into the Willamette
near Salem. And the Polk County
people aver that in the territory in
Polk County near where this stream
debouches into the larger stream the
bulk and the best of the "Salem"
cherries are" grown! Well, Polk
swipes a lot ot hops trom Marion,
perhaps more than enough to square
the cherry business.
But about that mill. It has been
irunning for ten years, ever since1 it
was erected, and never a shutdown.
No matter what the lumber market is
this mill runs steadily on and on.
There are many acres of lumber piled
near the mill now, they are running
on a little order of 1,000,000 feet for
the great Pullman Company at pres
ent. This mill is largely owned in
Portland, Messrs. Gerlingcr, Spauld
ing, Leadbetter and Pittock being
the principal owneiu. It cuts about
1,000, 000 feet a week the year round.
The Dallus people say it has been a
great factor in the prosperity of the
(own.
But Dallas is not a town; it is a
fine little city, with about 3,000 peo
ple. It has fine and well-paved
streets and cement walks, and will put
down another mile of paving and two
miles of walks and curbs next Spring.
The buildings, while none of them are
over three stories in height, will com
pare favorably with those of any city
in the Northwest. The courthouse, on
a beautiful lawn 400 feet square,
right in the heartr of town, is one of
the splendid buildings of Oregon. It
is built of dark-colored native stone
and does not show up well in a photo
graph or cut. But I am sure there is
no other courthouse, city hall or other
municipal building in Oregon of great
er beauty.
Papers and Hotels Good.
Dallas has two good newspapers.
There is the semi-weekly Observer,
owned and managed by Gerald Volk
and J. I. Parcel, and the Weekly
Itemize!-, owned and managed by V:
P. Fiske. They are both good, newsy
papers, and each has practically a
metropolitan office.
And here are two good hotels, the
Gail and the New Scott. I happen
ed in at the Gail and the proprietor,
Henry Serr, has almost fallen over
himself to see that I got what I want
ed when I wanted it. But he looked
after all the other guests just as well
as he did after me. The evening I
arrived there were nearly 50 guests
in the dining room for dinner. In
fact, the house is crowded to the limit.
The service speaking now of the table,
is enough to please anybody, and the
prices are reasonable.
The New Scott is run by George E.
Corson. It is a splendid house, well.
even handsomely, furnished, and those
who patronize the tinted say it is a
good place.
Dallas National and the Dallas City,
the latter being a state bank. The
former has capital and surplus of
$33,588 and deposits of $282,562; the
latter has capital and surplus of
$36,000 and deposits of $325,000. F.
J. Craven is cashier of the Dallas
City and Eugene Hayter of the Dallas
National. And who are the presi
dents? Why, Ralph E. AVilliams is
president of both of them if there
were other banks here he would prob
ably be president of them also. You
sill remember Ralph as Uie Republi
can National Committeeman, the bo
som friend (?) of Jonathan Boume!
Rut Ralph is no longer in politics.
He got married and reformed, and is
bringing np a boy to take np the bank
presidencies as Ralph, senior, lays
them down.
High School Costa $50,000.
Dallas has a new $50,000 High
School buuilding, as fine grammar'
school buildings as any city of its
size, a splendid gravity water system.
a large electric light and power plant.
largo repair shops here, employing
about 50 men the year round. There
are seven churches, belonging to the
Catholics, Baptists, Presbyterians,
United Evangelicals, Methodist Epis
copals, Christians, and Adventists..
Some of those congregations havy?
handsome places of worship. The
Townsend Creamery Company has a
branch here, a cannery company is be
ing organized to build a plant in the
Spring, a large flouring mill runs
steadily, one of the largest prime-
packing plants on the Coast runs with
about 150 employees during the prune
season and to be continued in our
next!
To get here and get away when von
feel like it the Southern Pacific has
as good a train service as any town
could desire. There are two trains
a day north and south on the' South
ern Pacific West Side lines and five
trains each day to and from Salem
eight trais a day to and from Sa
lem. Now I am about half through
but my space run out! With a word
to incoming settlers and I will close;
In looking over Oreogn for a location
on the land or in a town, do not miss
a trip to Polk, particularly to Dallas.
If you can't come soon write to the
Commercial Club, M. V. Fuller, pres
ident; Walter. L. Tooze, secretary.
This club has done noble work for the
city and county under the direction of
its officers and the hard work of Wal
ter and will do more. They are not
sending out expensive literature, but
condensed facts.
New Road Supervisors.
The County Court yesterday made
me toiiowing appointments tor roa
supervisors for Polk County for the
coming year. '
Alonzo Thorp.
Hank Darton.
D. L. Keyt.
A. N. Cochran.
Marion Putnam.
F. E. Valliaer.
Chas. Durrell.
Jacob Smith.
Newt Prather.
Stump,
District No. 1.
District No. 2.
District No. 3.
District No. 4.
District No. 5.
District No. (!.
District No. 7.
District No. 8.
District No. 0.
District No. 10.
District No. 11.
"District No. 12.
District No. 13.
District No. 14.
District No. 15.
District No. 18.
District No. 17.
District No. 18.
District. No. 10.
District No. 20.
District No. 21.
District No. 22.
N.F.
C. S. Calkins.
r: r. Biggs.
T. J. Alsip.
J. W. Finn.
Walter Bird.
J. J. Underwood
James Middleton
Frank Wilson.
Ben Womer.
L. I. Bursell.
A. Sampson.
T. J. Merrick.
S. P. Will Make Changes.
Acording to reports from Portland
there will be several changes in re'
gard the trains to Portland, commenc
ing next Sunday, Trains No. 70 and
77 instead or running from Dallas
to Portland will extend south to Mon
mouth and Airlie and still be operated
as a steam train and use the Jeffer
son St. Depot, Portland as the term!
nus. The train from Corvallis that
Dallas pasengers transfer at Gerlin
er will transfer its passengers at
Whiteson to the Electric and in re
turning will do likewise. That is
trains No. 1 and 2. These trains
leave Portland at 7.15 in the morning
and operated on the Fourth street
line and the. retumn train No. 2 left
Gerlinger at 2.27 p. nr.
Trains No. 74 and 75 from Corval
lis lo Portland will still use steam
and land its pasengers at the Jeffer
son St. depot.
These trains are the ones that Dallas
passengers transfer at Gerlinger at
7. 19 a. m. and returning transfer
at the same place at 7.15 p. m.
Presbyterian Special Services.
Dr. A. L. Hutchison, D. D., of Port
land is in charge of a special series
of meetings at the Presbyterian
church. Monday evening he deliver
ed the first sermon to a good audui-
ence on the subject "Power."
The Doctor is an able bible stu
dent and talks with a freedom that
indicates that lie has prepared himself
well for his work. He preaches the
bible and proves his statements by
quotations, giving his listeners some
thing to think about.
The solo given by Rev. Mitchel was
appreciated by the congregation.
These services will be given every
night and an invitation has been
given all to attend.
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ELECTION LAI1
MORE SIMPLE
ALL MUST REGISTER AGAIN
Changes by the Last Legislation
Which Are Important to All.
THE COURT HAS DECLARED HARRY K. THAW SANE
The Federal' Court Commission of New Hampshire has rendered the de
cision that Harry K, Thaw is now sane and that his release on bail
would not endanger public safety.
: 1 -
Unusual Operation at Dallas Hospital
Dr. Bollman, assited by the local
fraternity performed a very serious
operation known as caesarian section,
upon Mrs. Jesse Barham at the Dallas
Hospital last FridayThis lady was
seized with puerperal i convulsions
about noon Friday and it was found
necessary to perform the operation at
once to save her life, so she was rush
ed to the hospital and operated on as
soon as possible. This is the first op
eration of this kind ever performed in
Dallas, and so rare an operation that
it is seldom done outside of the large
maternity hospitals, of the cities. Her
Saturday Night's Fire.
Last Saturday about 7.3(1 p. m., the
fire alarm whistle at the mill gave its
shrill notes of warning that fire was
raging, and citizens from all quarters
directed by the glowing light hasten
ed to the scene. It proved to be the
home of Mr. Will Wright, a laborer,
who with his wife,' was down town un
aware that their home was in flames.
The fire had gained such a headway
before it was discovered that the fire
department on its arrival directed
their atenfion towards saving the ad
joining property which they succeed
ed in doing. The fire ladies done
nurse, Miss Thompson, assistant su- good work, and considering the dis
perinlendent of the Salem Hospital, J tance from headquarters, made a good
tells us that she lias never known run. The house and contents were
of but one case of this kind in Salem, a total loss, Mr. Wright fortunately
in which case both mother and child
lost their lives. There has not been
perhaps over fifty of such operations
in the whole state,
Both mother and child are doing
well, the mother out of danger and
the little three pound infant doing
its pai't to make things lively.
Dallas has some of the best surge
ons of the state and people are finding
it out which is the reason of the
need for increased hospital facilities
here.
Polk County Fruit Growers.
The Polk County Fruit Growers'
Association held their third annual
meeting at the court house in Dallas,
Saturday afternoon.
The meeling was one of the best
ever held, the attendance being large
ami the interest good.
The following officers were elected
for the ensuing year: Harry Woods,
President; Harry Blitz, Vice-Presi-
lent; H. G. Campbell, Secretary and
N. L. Guv, Treasurer.' Directors:-
John Parke, Perrydale; M. M. Har-
ev, Monmouth; H.'C'Eakin, N,. M.
Grand and D. D. Peters of Dallas.
A Committee was appointed by the
chair to confer with the Dallas Com
mercial Club and try to devise means
whereby a cannery may be obtained at
Dallas.
A committee was also appointed to
work out a uniform scale of wages to
be paid in the care of and picking
of fruit.
The question raised as U what
kind of apples were best adapted
to the Willamette Valley created a
great deal of spirited disenssion by
those in attendance.
had some insurance carried in a com
pany represented by C. L. Prichard.
The residence was owned by Mrs.
Powell and was insured for 350 dol
lars in a company represented by A.
V. R. Snyder.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Conley
who live adjoining was slightly dam
aged, for awhile it seemed that it
would be in flames and neighbors car
ried out of Uie house all of the house
hold furniture and other belongings,
to be on the safe side, it seemed like
all of Dallas must have been present
at the fire so large was the crowd.
Married.
Miss Edith Harris and Mr. Penal
C. Meyer of Falls City, were united I of Oregon m ill be given at the Hih
in marnage at the home of Rev. Lee1 School auditorium on Thiirvlay even
Lecture at High SchooL
The first in the series of University
xtenlion lectnres to be given by
prominent members of the University
Sadler who officiated in the ceremony
at Falls City, Sunday, January 11th.
Good Work Remembered.
County Superintendent Seymour
last week received a very nic! letter
of thanks from the State Immiin"atin
Commission, expressing tbeir grati
tude for the very efficient help ren
dered by him in collecting exhibits
from this eonnty for the Chicago
Land Show. The letter was signed
by the full Commission.
ing at 8.15.
Professor Sweetser will lecture on
"Our Native Oregon Trees and
Shrubs", ilustrated by lantern slides.
The admission is free and the public
cordially invited.
These lectures are given onder the
auspices of the Women's Club togeth
er with the schools and college.
Mr.
Mountain View School Celebrates.
The Mountain View School patrons
met Friday, January 8th and held an
all dav Rally in- celebration of the
event of their becoming a slan'dard
ized school.
Miss Catherine Stewart and Miss,
Ella Robin win are the teachers and
A. B. Southwick, John Fergenson and
Glen Adams, director with II.' M.
Webb as Clerk.
An excellent program was rendered
by the children, addresses were ninde
on topics of interest in the school
as well as general discussion.
A bountiful basket dinner was
served, which was pronounced the Vst
yet. The last one is always flic best.
Mr. Welles, Assistant Slafc School
Suerinfendent, T. W. Rriink, Presi
dent of the School Officers' Associa
tion of Polk County, (!. W. M.wrs of
Dallas and County Snperiutendciit
Seymour were present and participat
ed in the good time and reisirt a big
crowd as well as an entertaining day.
A Parent Teachers' Association wts
also organized the same day with
the following officers: Miss Taylor,
President; Mrs. Adams, Vice-Presi
dent, and Miss Stewart, Secretary.
Among the acts of the last Legis
lature was a series of bills changing
the election laws of the state of Ore
gon in many important particulars.
Important Changes Made in Election
Laws.
Polls to remain open untill 8 p. m.
one hour longer than heretofore.
rnmary elections to be held on
tjiird Friday in May biennally, in
stead of April in Presidential years
and September in "off" years.
All candidates for Circuit Judge,
District Attorney and Congress in
districts embracing only one country,
to file petitions with Secretary of
State, the same as candidates for dis
trict officers embracing more than one
county.
All candidates for Legislature to
file petitions with Secretary of State,
as Joint. Senators and Representa
tives have heretofore done.
Progressives to' participate in pri
mary elections on equal terms with
Democrats and Republicans.
National Committeemen to be elect
ed by popular party vote in 1914 and
every four years thereafter.
All nominating petitions to be filed
before a uniform date, regardless of
space m state pamphlet.
More time allowed for preparing and
printing official ballots and pamph
lets. 0 Simplified ballot titles for initia
tive aid referendum measures.
Saving in cost of printing and mail
ing initiative and referendum pamph
lets. ,
-There were, in all, 15 measures perr
taining to elections, and the result of
their enactment is that Oregon has a
simple and more efficient sot of laws
on this subject. '
Primary Election Shifted.
Among the important changes made
me the following: The primary nom
inating election heretofore held alter
nately in April and September has
been shifted to the third Friday in
May biennially; the polls are to open
at 8 a. m., and close at 8 p. m. one
hour later than heretofore; all can
didates for district offices in districts
embracing one county only, and a
candidates for the Legislature must
hereafter file their petitions with the
Secretary of State; the Progressive
party is recognized as a regular polit
ical party within the meaning of the
direct primary law; National commit-
teemen are to be elected by popular
vole m theirirespective parties; more
time is allowed the Secretary of Slate
and other election officials for the
preparation of official ballots and the
distribution of campaign pamphlets;
initiative aifil referendum measures
will hereafter have simplified ballot
titles and pamphlets will be printed
in smaller type.
These amendments to the election
laws are fully set forth in the Session
Laws of Oregon for 1013, but the
following is a synopsis of the more
important changes:
Chapter 288 changes the time of the
biennial state election from the first
Monday in June to the first Tuesday
after the first Monday in November,
in accordance with the amendment to
section 14of article 11 of tlie Consti-
State or County Clerks.' The chapter
removes all doubt by providing that
only candidates for county offices such
as Sheriff, Treasurer, Assessor, and
so forth shall file with the County
Clerk, and that all aspirants for state
and district offices, including candi-
dates for the Legislature, shall file
with the Secretary of State.
Important Election Dates for 1911
January 5. Opening of registra
tion books by County Clerks.
April 10. Last day upon which
nominating petitions may be filed with
Secretary of State.
April 15. Last) day upon which
nominating petitions may be filed
with County Clerks.
May 1, Closing of registration
books by County Clerks until after
primary election.
May 15. Primary nominating elec
tion for Democratic, Progressive and
Republican parties.
July 2. Last day upon which ini
tiative petitions may be filed with
Secretary of State.
November 3. General election day.
Voters This Year Must Register
Anew.
In view of the recent decision of
the Supreme Court nullifying the
Gill permanent registration law, en
acted at the last! session of the Legis
lature, it will be necessary for all who
desire to vote in the primary and gen
eral elections of this year to re-regis
ter under the provisions of the law
of 1905, which governed registrations
before the Gill law was enacted, and
which is aggain in full force and ef
fect. All registrations of any char
acter whatever, made prior to Janu
ary 1, 1914 are null and void as far
as this year 's elections are concerned.
Registration books are now open at
the various county court houses
throughout the state and voters who
expect to participate in the primary
election on May 15 must register be
fore May 1.,
There are numerous minor changes
and correcting in the election laws
and many sections of "dead" matter
have been repealed.. Those who have
made a study of these laws and the
amendments by the Legislature are of
the opinion that the laws as they ox- ,
hst. t present,, will be easily nnder-
tood and applied, and that the duties
of County Clerks and election officials
generally have ben materially light
ened.
Births.
Dr. McCallim ieKirted the follow
ing new arrivals in Polk County.
A daughter to Mr. and Mrs. John
Cripcn of liTwisville, January 0th,
1!I14.
A son to Mr. and Mrs. Charles E.
Agee of Penrdale, .lanuarv 8th, 1914.
Tony Larson who
Fair Meeting.
A meeting of the Directors of the
j Polk County Fair Asoriation will be
has been held at the court house next Saturday
tut ion of Oregon, made by the people
on June 1, 1008. This chapter also
enumerates the state, district and
county officers to be elected, among
these being a United States Senator.
Voters to Elect Senators.
The mention of the United States
Scuntorsliip in this chapter contem
plated the adoption of the 17th
amendment to the Constitution of the
United States, providing for direct
election of Senators by the people,
so further legislation on this subject
will not be necessary in the state of
Oregon,
This chapter, among other things,
provides for keeping the polls open
until 8 p. m. instead of 7 p. m. as
heretofore, ill order to give working
men, clerks and others plenty of time
to vote. Heretofore, many laborers
wfio reside in the suburbs have not
liM-ii able to reach their polling places
in time to vote.
Chapter 189 designates those candi
dates for public office who shall file
their declarations and petitions with
the Secretary of State and those who
shall file with the County Clerk.
Heretofore much confusion has exist
ed in judicial. Congressional and Pros
ecuting Attorney districts embracing
visiting his parents in Sweden, re-j afternoon. Business of importance i only one eonnty, and candidates have
turned tn his home in Dallas last i will come before them that needs the J been at a loss to know whether to file
week. attendance of all of its members, ) their petitions with the Secretary ofj
Library Report,
. One more year in the life of the
Dallas Public Library has just ended,
the busiest and most prosperous it has
yet known. A year that marks a
number of changes, the most import
ant of which is the removal from the
small crowded room in the City Hall
into the beautiful new Carnegie build
ig. .
The building was opened to the
publio, January 16th, 1913, with a for
mal opening and reception given by
the Women's Club, January 31st.
Since then, there has been a steady
increase in the attendance and circu
lation, as a comparison of the follow
ing reirts will show.
Total circulation for 19128765.
Number of callers for 191216,712.
Total circulation for 191312098.
Number of callers for 191326156.
A great many reference books aie
used in the rooms of which no records '
can be made. One thousand, two hun
dred and twenty-five borrowers' cards
are lit actual use.
There is now in the library 2278
volumes, making a net increase of 191
volumes for" the wear. Thirty five
newspapers and periodicals are cur
rently received.
The library, already the literary
center of the town, is also rapidly
growing in favor as a social center.
In its well equipped lecture room
in the basement, are held all meetings
of the Women 's Club, chorus practice.
lectures, committee meetings, library
board meetings, and informal suppers,
and parties by the Young Women's
t;iub.
During the summer months one
hour each week was given to the chil-
dren for a story hour. This woik
was in charge of Miss Nellie Collins.
With the continued loyalty anil
hearty support of the people of Dal
las, an even greater increase of the
library is predicted for 1914.
Another Standard SchooL
Tin; Airlie School reached the goal
tnd became one of the standard
schools of P.,ll: County on January
8th.
The teachers of the shoo! are K.
M. Haley, Principal and Miss Mary
Whitman, Miss Mary Ewiu-; and Miss
'earl Snedeker, teachers; Directors:
J. F. Ulrich, J. T. Weinert and Wm.
Shewey, with Percy Hadley, Clerk.
The Airlie schools have ju-t added
iocd supply of laboratory appara
tus for the physics and ineniistry de-
p.n I ments. 1 hey are also doing some
tlktnt work in the menus; train
g departme.n.
Under the management of Mr.
Haley the Airlie schools have made
remarkable advancement during the
past two years.