lite?
WEEKLY EDITION
vol. xxxin
GRANTS PASS JOSEPHINE CX)LXTY, OREGON. FRIDAY, FEIIHIAUY 14, 1813.
NO. 41.
EXPLORER SCOTT
LEAVES MESSAGE
.DYING MAX WHITES OF DI5AS
TKOIS EXPEDITION.
SHORTAGE FOOD AND FUEL
Intrepid I'dlar Traveler Tells Causew
or Defeat After Having Hem-It.
etl South Pole.
LONDON', Feb. 10. Captain Rob
ert F. Scott, British explorer, and
four of his 63 companions In an ex
pedition to the south pole, are dead.
This, so far as can be learned by
fragmentary dispatches from New
Zealand late tonight. Is the truth
sifted out of a mass of reports re
ceived today, which, at first, were
taken to declare that every man with
Scott had met death in an Antarctic
blizzard at McMurdo Sound.
Earlier dispatches received here
and which were relayed from Wel
lington, New Zealand, after the re
ceipt there of wireless messages from
the Terra Xovn, Scott's supply ship,
said the "entire Scott party" were
dead. This now is believed to re
f'r to the "flying squadron" of four
men who, with Scott, started Janu
ary 4, 1912. for the pole from ;i
point 150 miles south. It is believed
that after reaching the pole, Scott
and his companions Dr. Wilson,
Captain Oates, Lieut. Bowers and
Petty Officer Evans were over
whelmed by a blizzard on their re
turn journey and that other members
of the expedition latef found their
bodies with notes of the trip which at
tained, for Scott his life's ambition
and also cost his life.
LONDON, Feb. 11. With death
staring him iu the face, with no pos
sible succor at hand, Captain Robert
F. Scott, British polar explorer, who
perished after reaching his goal on
January IS, 1912, wrote with his
dying hands the story of his quest
into the White Antarctic that all the
world might know.
Found beside his stiffened corpse
when rescue came too late, Scott's
story was cabled here today from
New Zealand and given to the world
under his laconic title, "Message to
the Public."
Word for word, it reads:
"The causes of this disaster are
not due to faulty organization but
to misfortune in all the risks that
had to be undertaken.
"First, the loss of pony transport
in March. 1911. obliged nie to start
later than I had intended and oblig
ed limits of stuff transported to be
narrowed.
"Second, the weather throughout
the outward journey, especially a
long gale in S3 degrees south, stop
ped up, and the soft snow encount
ered in the lower reaches of Beard-
more Glacier again reduced our pace
Provision Reserve IjOW. .
"We found these untoward events
w'th a will and conquered, but it
ate up our provision reserve. Every
detail of food supplies, clothing and
depots made on the interior Ice sheet
and on the long stretch of 800 miles
to the pole and back worked out to
perfection. The advance party would
have returned to the glacier in fine
form and with a surplus of food but
for rhe astonishing failure of a man
we had least expected to fail. Spa
man Evans was thought to be the
strong man of the party and Beard
more Glacier is not difficult in fine
weather, but on the return trip we
did not set a single completely fine
day, and this, with a sick companion,
enormously increased our difficul
ties. Evans Injured and Die.
"But all the facts above enumer
ated were as nothing to the surprise
awaiting us on the barrier. I main
tain our arrangements for returning
were quite adequate and that no one
would have expected the tempera
tures and surface which we encount
ered at this time of the year. On
the summit, in latitude 85 degrees
to latitude 86 degrees, we had
minus 20 to minus 30.
"On the barrier, in latitude 82.10,
a thousand feet, we had minus 30
during the day and minus 47 at
night pretty regularly, with a con
tinuous heavy wind during the day
marches. These circumstances came
on Tery suddenly and we knew we
were in for sudden and dangerous
adventure.
"Surely misfortune could scarce
ly have exceeded this last blow. We
arrived within 11 miles of our old
One-ton camp, with fuel for one
hot meal and food for two days. For
four days we have been unable to
leave the tent and a terrific gale has
been blowing about us. We afe weak.
Writing is difficult.
lias No Regret for Journey.
"But for our own sane 1 do not
regret this journey which has shown
us that Englishmen can endure
hardships, help one another and
meet death with as great a fortitude
as ever in the past. We took risks.
We know we took them. Things
have come out against us, and there
fore we have no cause for complaint.
We bow to the will of Providence,
determined still to do our best until
the last.
"But if we have been willing to
give our lives to this end, it is, we
feel, for the honor of our country,
and we appeal to our countrymen to
see that those who depend upon us
are properly cared for. Had we
lived I would have had a tale to tell
of the hardihood, endurance and
courage of my companions which
would have stirred the hearts of all
Englishmen.
"These rough notes on our dead
bodies must tell the tale, but surely
a rich country like ours will see that
thoBe who depend -upon us are pro
perly provided for.
"(Signed),
"R. SCOTT, March 25, 1912."
The keen edge of grief felt yes
terday by the English race over the
death of Captain Scott and four
members of his exploring expedition
was worn off today by realization
that Scott attained his life's ambi
tion before ho died.
'Antarctic travel," said Vice-Pres
ident Freshfleld, of the Royal Geo
graphical Society," would not be
what it is a training ground for the
highest qualities otlhe British race
if these perils could be avoided."
The heroic deeds of Scott and his
party have caused a glow of pride In
every Englishman that the sting of
death cannot dim and the nation's
patriotic spirit is more aroused over
the affair than by any happening of
recent years. '
Sorrow for the widow, who is
speeding across the Pacific ocean on
the steamer Aorangi. six days out
from San Francisco, to welcome Cap
tain Scott, is universal. .
"I want to be the first to hear the
storv from his own lips," she said
before starting on the last leg of the
IT.,000 mile journey. Relatives who
fear she will be unable to withstand
the shock of the explorer's death
are trying to reach her by wireless
in the hope of breaking the news as .the river atill unless the same con
gently as possible. So far all efforts dittons can be given our fishermen
have failed. jhere as are to be accorded those of
TO OPERATE SK KI'II
CREEK PLACER MINE I
Dr. W. B. rickrell. of Spokane,
who was here last fall at which time
he and associates purchased the
Briggs placer mine on Sucker creek,
has returned and left Tuesday morn
ing for the property, where he will in
itiate some extensive improvements.
A sawmill will be erected on the
property, and lumber made for the
flumes ami sluice boxes, and a giant
will be put in operation as soon as
possible. Water from Grizzly gul :h
and Sucker rteek will be brought to
the mine through the ditches, and it!
is expected that the mine can oper
ate the year round.
WILSON WELL Gl'ARDED.
PRINCETOX. X. J.. Feb. 14 der consideration In Jackson county,
President-elect Wilson's body guard! the work being In the nature of
was doubled today and hereafter crossings, etc.
four secret service men will attend
him day and night. He went to T. J. Mackln returned home Fri
Philadelphia today to see a dentist, day from a trip to Kennet, Cal.
CANNERY PLAN OF
COMMERCIAL CLUB
NEED OF CANNING ESTABLISH
MENT RECOGNIZED."
COMMITTEEMEN ARE ACTIVE
Kofiue Hivcr Fishing Question is
Also Subject of Discussion by
IrfH'ul Organization-
Salmon fishing and canneries were
the subjects that held the attention
of the Commercial club at its month
ly session Monday night, the meeting
being one of the best attended of the
winter.
Will Investigate Cannery.
T. E. Hill, manager of the Leon
ard Orchards Co., introduced the
subject of a cannery in Grants Puss
to care for the surplus fruits and
vegetables of the valley. He had re
cently returned from a visit of some
of the canneries of the Willamette
valley, and told of the success that
had attended the operation of the In
stitutions there. He believed that
the time was now opportune for tly
rejuvenation of the old cannery, and
that upon the Installation of a can-
ning plant would depend tho finan
cial success of the Rogue river farm
er. Valuable argument aloujr' the
same line was offered by Messrs. R.
L. Coe, S. II. Riggs, A. N. Parsons,
M. O. Evans and others, and the
chairman was authorized to appoint
a committee of five members to act
with a committee from the Pomona
grange to the end that the cannery
proposition be investigated and one
started this summer If possible.
The committee as named by Pres
ident Hobart, Is as follows: A. N.
Parsons, Wllford Allen, II. T. Prltch
ard. C. II. Demaray and T. E. Hill.
Resolve on Fish Question.
Progress of legislation ' for the
opening of the Rogue to commercial
fishing was reported, and discussion
brought out the unanimous senti
ment of the club members against
the opening of the river at all un-
li.tu it - 1 1 T 1 In- nin'iipd at Crnnts I
Puss an equal terms with the lower
river.
Under a compromise measure re
ported by the fish committee of the
house, Giants Pass was to have thir
ty days of commercial fishing, the
season to extend from April liith to
May l.'ith. The cannery at the mouth
of the river was given extended open
seasons both during the spring when
the chinook were running, and in the
fall for the silversides, seines being
permitted during the fall. This mea
sure would bo valueless to Grants
Pass, and the commercial club adopt
ed n resolution to bo sent to nover
nor West opposing the opening of
the lower stream. The business men
were also requested to write the gov-
ernor along the same line, as the en
actment of such a measure would
give the corporation at the mouth of
' r)vpr a practloal monopoly of the
fisheries industry.
SCPT. CAMPBELL OF S. P. II EKE.
Superintendent D. W. Campbell
of the Southern Pacific railway com
pany, accompanied by A. W. Perley,
former Inspector of tracks and
equipment In the state of Wasnlnir
ton, arrived here Wednesday night
In their special car, which was at
tached to No. 19. They remained In
ithls city over night, and the car was
! taken on to Medford by one of the
j local engines Thursday morning. At
the Bear Creek city the gentlemen
will meet with the county court and
discuss certain road work that is un-
RAILROAD BILL PASSES.
A telegram from Represents-
tive Blanchard announce! that
the "railroad" bill, giving to
f municipalities the power to own
and operate railroads, etc.,
within and without the city, had
passed the house at 3:45 this
r afternoon.
CAL.-OHE. ELECTRIC
CO. KRINGS SlIT
The California-Oregon Power Co.
has instituted proceedings .In the
fl'nlted States district court at Port
land to stop the city of Grants Pass,
through Its mayor and council, from
putting Into effect certain reductions
lu rates charged within the city by
th power company for electricity for
light and power.
Nearly a year ago the council
passed an ordinance making maxi
mum charges that public servlco cor
porations could 'charge for electric
service and for water within the city
Tlie California-Oregon company con
tinned to collect at Its old rate, and
rendered bills to the municipality at
the old rates. Tho council audited
the bills at the rate established by
the new ordinance, and the company
accepted these warrants only as par
tial payment, and now brings suit
to recover the difference, the amount
named being $3,2ffi.l0. Injunction
is also asked to prohibit the city
from interfering with the company
aixents nendlne the hearing of the
case, a recent ordinance having been
enacted to put into effect the reduc
Hon of the rates.
The power company maintains
that the law of 1905, under which
the cltv attempted to reduce the
rates Is Illegal and that the ordl
nances enacted under It are void
Should the federal court support
this contention it will mean that
municipalities have no right to fix
rates for electricity for heat, light
and power.
Coiiles of the complaint in the suit
were served upon the various mem
liers of the cltv council Tuesday fore
noon.
"KOGl E RIVER Pl'HLIC
SERVICE CORPORATION
A letter to the' Commercial club
from Geo. Sanders, who Is at present
In Chicago, announces the organiza
tion of the "Rogue River Public Ser
vice Corporation," the purpose of
which company Is announced upon
the printed letter head as the manu
racturlng of hydro-electric power and
current and the providing of water
for Irrigation and for domestic pur
poses. Geo. Sanders Is president of
tho company; Frank M. Fauvre, vie'
president; Ovando C. Beebe, treas
urer; Robert E. Gaut, consulting en
gineer, and Geo. W. Soranson secre
tary. The principal place of business
is Grants Pass. Oregon, but offices
are maintained at both Chicago and
Indianapolis, and the company Is in
corporated under the laws of tho
state of Oregon.
It Is said that the new company
has its plans well along toward ma
turity for the taking over of tin
ditches, dam, etc., of the old Irriga
tion company, and will soon be In
a position to assure the Rogue valley
an adequate supply of water for Irri
gation purposes. It Is also a part of
the plan of the company to develop
the water power of the Itogue and
sell electrical current. Mr. Sanders
Is expected to return to this city In
tho near future and assume direction.
of the development work.
ETHEL'S JEWELS A HE STOLEN.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 14. Sean h
Is being made today In all parts of
the city for $20,000 worth of Jewel.'
stolen from the hotel apart iihtiIb of
Ethel Barrymore. the actress. Many
of the missing gems were gifts from
her husband, Russell Colt.
Numbered among the Jewels were
Miss Barrymore's engagement ring I tempt lug to board a tinning elevator,
and a gold and diamond pendant 1 Edwin Rulxi, s'ion of a wealthy
containing two poison cells 1 family, was Instantly killed. An in
once the property of the famous I vestlgatlon Into bis death is being
Borgia family.
00.00
BOND
SALE SATURDAY
COUNCIL PITS OYEH ACTION
TILL FEKRA'AKY 1STII.
BUYERS ASKED MORE TIME
Ordinances Are.. Passed Refunding
I ncpcnde Street Grade Am
M'SMUCIlts.
The sale of the $200,000 munici
pal bond le for which bids were
ailed has been postponed by the
council till Saturday evening, Feb
ruary 15th, this action having been
taken because of requests of various
bond buyers who maintained that
they had not had sufficient time In
which to examine Into tho conditions
and legality of the Issue, and thus
were not prepared to make Intelli
gent bids nt this fine. The one bid
upon the table was not opened, but
was laid over till Saturday evening.
Other houses notified the council
that If the matter was not disposed
of Monday evening to notify them
and they would send their personal
representatives here to enter Into
negotiations.
Mayor Smith said that thin proced
ure was not unusual, anil he antici
pated that with the arrival of tho
representatives of the bond-buylir;
houses they would be able to closo
up the sale In a short time. To givq
these men time to got here tho meet'
lug was set for next Saturday night.
Refund Ordinance Passed,
Ordinances refunding to the prop
erty ownors along recently Improved
streets were passed, the contracts In
most cases having been under the
estimates of the engineer 'upon
which the assessments were made.
The refunds on tho various streets
were ordered as follows: Washing
ton Boulevard, $ I , M S . 1 ; Evelyn
avenue, JSIS.52; Manzanlta avenue,
$279. 49; alley In block 32, $239.03.
The cost of tho work on-Lawnrldgo
avenue had exceeded the estlmatei
by $309. Si, and the property hold
ers along that thoroughfare will be
assessed that amount to make up tin
deficit. Ordinances were passed
proving for the bonding of the abov-;
streets In the amount of the assess
ments. Tho ordinance for the bond.)
for the Improvement of H and
Fourth streets was also passed.
'it y Attorney's Compensation.
The mooted question of the com
pensation of the city attorney dining
tlie progress of the building of lb"
Grants Pass-Crescent City railroad
was again up for consideration, and
an ordinance introduced by Mr. Cul-
bertson on the subject was passed.
This ordinance provides that tin
council may pay the attorney an ad
ditional salary of $.0 per month, in
excess of his present salary of $7 '
per month, during such time as it
thinks the extra work demands the
increase. At o previous meeting an
ordinance had been passed making
the salary of the attorney $125 per
month, but this was not approved by
the mavor, and he has filed a mes
sage vetoing the same with the city
auditor.
The ordinance- making effective
the recent resolution of the council
regarding wages paid city laborers
was passed. T'nder this ordinance
the minimum wage to be paid for
municipal labor shall be $2.r0 p-r
day, and eight hours Khali constitute
a day's labor. The provision for fifty
cents per hour overtime was strick
en out.
PHAGES lt STORIES
DOWN TO DEATH.
CHICAGO, Feb. 14.- liunuing 19
stories down an elevator shaft in
i the M'Cortnl k building afcr at
'held today.
MEXICAN REVOLUTION
MAY BRING IN U. S.
MEXICO CITY, Feb. 13. The bat
tie between the Madero and Dial
forces for control of Mexico City was
resumed at 8:10 a. m. today. Ex
cept tor the fact that the belliger
ents had drawn somewhat closer, the
position of the two forces were prac
tically the same as yesterday.
Madero's forces assumed the ag
gressive today and supplied with ad
ditional ammunition pressed heavier
guns Into service. Diaz replied with
cannon and machine guns.
Bursting shells are still falling In
territory outside the flghtlug zone,
thereby jeopardizing the lives and
property of American, English, Ger
man and other foreign residents.
Americans and other foreign resi
dents of the capital spent a night of
terror. Marauders, liberated con
victs of Belem prison, rontned the
residence district, pillaging, sacking
and burning deserted houses. TbU
continued until daylight.
Thousands of foreigners, repre
senting all nationalities, flocking to
the American quarter last night. Am
bassador Wilson pressed 20 automo
biles into servlco and before daylight
theso had carried 700 Americans out
of the clanger zone. Despite the
white flags the machines were fired
on several times but no casualties re
sulted. After all American wemen
had heen conveyed to points of safe
ty, the automobiles were turned over
to the representatives of other coun
tries. Thousands of natives are flee
ing from the city amid great con
fusion. Demi Choke Hie Streets.
Practically no effort has . been
made to move tho dead and wound
ed nnd tho capital's blood bespatter
ed streets are literally choked with
torn nnd dismembered bodies. Many
of the wounded have died from a lack
of medical attention and the city i
threatened with pestilence as u re
sult of tho presence every where in
tho business district of decomposing
bodies.
Mexico City's public buildings to
day present n dismantled front.
Nicked, dented and damaged by hall
storms of bullets, tho loss to public
buildings alone will run Into millions.
The loss of life has been fearful, but
the exact figures will never be known.'
Conservative estimates cannot be
made until either Madero or Diaz
emerges from tho conflict victorious
and the work of removing tho bod
ies from tho streets starts. Many-non-combatants,
including women
and children have been killed by
stray bullets nnd bursting shrapnel.
Three Americans, Including two wo
men, are known to have been killed
and a score of others Injured. Tin
loss of both tho federal nnd rebel
forces already Is believed to exceed
1,000 nnd today's battle Is nlmosi
certain to swell tho death list hv a
thousand more.
Appeal Are Fnlici'dod.
Frantic appeals by American Am
bnssador Henry Lane Wilson and tho
German and Spanish ambassadors
have gone unheeded h.v both Madero
and Diaz. Madero has expressed a
willingness to move the sent of gov
ernment If tho situation does not Im
prove within u day or two but this I
as far as he will go.
Diaz flatly refused to listen to any
sort of a peace proposal, unless It
Involves complete surrender by Ma
dero. SIX MEN ARE LOST
ON FISHING Tin.
MILWACKEE. Feb. 14,-Hopo Is
abandoned hero today for the sit
men aboard the fishing tug Sun
beam, which Is two days overdue af
ter starting out on a fishing cruise
to a point forty miles distant from
here.
MONTANA STATESMEN
ENGAGE IN FIST FIGHT.
HELENA, Mont , Feb. 14 With
both showing they know how to
"slug," Senator Fred Whiteside of
tin Flathead district and Represen
tative Lovelace of Park county, en
gaged In a fist fight on the floor of
the house of representatives, follow
ing a dispute over the appointment
of a committee. , 4