LEXINGTON WHEATFIELD
S. A. THOMAS, Publisher
LEXINGTON OREGON
NEWS 0FTHE WEEK
!d a Condensed Form for Our
Busy Readers.
A Resume of the Less Important but
Not Loss Interesting Events
of the Past Week.
Bryan has tacitly admitted his candi
dacy for president. ,
Yaqui Indians have killed eight
Mexicans in Sonora.
Spokane favors the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific
exposition at Seattle.
Harriman's criticism of Roosevelt is
said to have caused the merger inquiry.
Heavy snow storms throughout Austria-Hungary
have resulted in several
deaths.
The bishop of Madrid has offered an
asylum to all sick or aged .trench
priests.
Firemen on the Big Four railroaud
will receive an increase in pay after
January 1 .
A blizzard in Great Britain has
blockaded trains in many places and
rural villages are temporarily cut off
from communication.
A grand nephew of the Pullman car
magnate has been found in the New
York tenement district poor and nun
gry. He is heir to a fortune.
At the 57th annual meeting of the
American Association for the Advance
ment of Science, held at Washington,
it was learned that Rockefeller is too
poor to afford oysters.
Figures on the business transacted at
the Unionn stock yards, Chicago, show
the valuation of the livestock handled
to be the largest on record. The re
ceipts for the year were slightly in ex
cess of 16,000,000 head valued at $314,
300,000.
India will demand home rule of Great
Britain.
China will appeal to the world for
aid to the famine sufferers.
The Southern Pacific declares the
strike of its firemen has been broken.
Japanese in America clarmor for Ad-
mirla Togo to command the squadron
sent to this country.
District Attorney Jerome, of New
York, wants to inquire into the recent
election of insurance officers.
The Interstate Commerce commission
continues to receive many protests from
the Northwest on account of shortage of
coal.
Sidney Sloane, the Spokane boy who
shot his father, has been sent to the
penitentiary for an indefinite time as
incurably insane.
PORTLAND MARKETS.
Butter Fancy creamery, 3235c.
Eggs Oregon ranch, 35c per dozen.
Poultry Average old hens, 10 11c
per pound; mixed chickens, 10llc;
spring, 10llc; old roosters, 9 11c;
dressed chickens, 12 13c; turkeys,
live, 17 18c; turkeys, dressed,
choice, 2022c; geese, live, 1213c;
ducks, 1516c.
Fruits Apples, common to choice,
60 75c per box; choice to fancy, $1
2.50; pears, $1 1.50; cranberries,
fll.5012.50 per barrel; persimmons,
$1.50 per box.
Vegetables Turnips, 90c $1 per
sack; carrots, 90c$l per sack; beets,
$1.251.50 per sack; horseradish, 9
10c per pound; sweet potatoes, 2
2cper pound; cabbage,
per pound; cauliflower. $1.25 per doz
en; celery, $44.25 per crate; lettuce,
head, 30c per dozen; onions, 1012jc
per dozen; pumpkins, lc per pound;
spinach, 45c per pound; squash 1
ljc per pound.
Onions Oregon, 75o$l per hun
dred. Potatoes Oregon Burbanks, fancy,
$11.10; common, 7585c.
Wheat Club, 6566c; bluestem,
6768c; valley, 6667c; red, 63c.
Oats No. 1 white, $2526; gray,
$24. 50 25.
Barley Feed, $2121 .50 per ton ;
brewing, $22.50; rolled, $22 .50 24.
Rye $1.401.45 perewt.
Corn Whole, $26; cracked, $27 per
ton.
Hay Valley timothy, No. 1, $11
12 per ton; Eastern Oregon timothy,
$1416; clover, $78; cheat, $7.50
8.50; grain hay, $7.508.50; alfalfa,
$11.50; vetch hay, $77.50.
Veal Dressed, ba per pound.
Beef Dressed bulls, l2c per
pound; cows, 4 6c; country steers,
65K.
Mutton Dressed, fancy, 89c per
pound; ordinary, 6 7c.
Pork Dressed, 68o per pound.
Hops ll15c per pound, according
to quality.
Wool Eastern Oregon average best,
1318c, according to shrinkage; val
ley, 2023c, according to fineness; mo
hair, choice, 2628c.
WRECK ON INTER URBAN
Tacoma-Seattle Passenger and Work
Trains Meet on Curve
Tacoma, Wash., Dec. 27. Interur
ban train No. 3, bound from Seattle to
Tacoma, and a work train consisting of
a motor and five flatoars, collided head
on in a cut about a mile east of Milton
Wednesday morning. Two persons
were killed, one probably fatally hurt,
and 14 more or less badly hurt. The
first coach of the interurban passenger
was telescoped, and two of the flatcars
piled on top of it.
There were about 20 passengers in
the telescoped smoker, some of whom
strangely escaped with only slight in
juries. The car was entirely demol
ished, and some of the passengers were
hurled 20 feet in the flying wreckage.
Train No. 3 from Seattle was late
and had orders to sidetrack at Edge-
wood to let No. 6, the passenger for
Seattle, pass. The work train was
given orders at Milton to follow No. 6
to Edgewood. C. R. Fobs, a brakeman
on the work train, was sent to Edge
wood on No. 6 with orders to flag No.
3 and hold it on the sidetrack until the
work train cleared. He either failed
to place the flag or there was a misun
derstanding of orders. Foss disap
peared and cannot be found.
No. 3 pulled out on the main track
as soon as No. 6 passed and being late,
started down the grade at a good speed.
Half a mile this side of Edgewood on a
curve that runs through a deep cut, it
met the work train. The curve is so
short that it was impossible for the
crews of either train to see the other
until too late to stop.
The trains came together with a crash
that was heard half a mile. The two
forward cars of the work train went
over the platform of the first car of the
passenger, striking it at an angle on ac
count of the curve. To this fact alone
is due the escape from death of every
passenger in the car.
THEY ALL "CINCH" UNCLE SAM.
Railroads Gst Three Prices for Car
rying Mails.
Chicago, Dec. 28. Statistics com-
piled by the representatives of the
United Typothetae of America and the
American Weekly Publishers' associa
tion, organizations which are vigor
ously fighting the movement to increase
the postage for second-class mail mat
ter, shew that the government is pay
ing the railways three times as much
on the average for the transportation of
mail matter as the express companies
pay the lailroads for like service.
On the basis of the postmaster gen
eral's statistics, the publishers assert
that the government during the fiscal
year ended June 30, 1907, will pay the
roads almost $23,UOO,0UO more than
the express companies would pay them
for hauling the same tonnage. The
printers and publishers compile the
statistics to show that the government,
for the purpose of reducing the annual
postofflce deficit, rather should reduce
its outlay for the transportation than
increase the rate for second-class mat
ter.
"One of the chief needs of the gov
ernment is an expert traffic manager,"
said W. D. Boyce, a Chicago publisher.
"It then would get as good rates as the
express companies."
IT DENIES JURISDICTION.
Standard Raises New Technical Point
Against Government Suit.
St. Louis, Dec. 28. The Standard
Oil company of New Jersey and CO-odd
other corporations and individuals al
lied with it, as defendants in the gov
ernment's suit to break up the alleged
oil monopolv, today filed a motion in
the United States Circuit court attack
ing the jurisdiction of that court to
bring in nonresident defendants by pro
cess, and petitioning the court to vacate
the order of service issued by Judge
Sanborn November 15.
All of the defendants join in the mo
tion except the Waters-Pierce Oil com
pany, which is a resident of the eastern
division of the Eastern Judicial dis
trict of Missouri. Henry S. Priest filed
the motion as counsel for all the par
ties. Accompanying it was the aflida
vit of Charles T. White, assistant sec
retary of the Standard, who certifies
that all the petitioners are non-resi
dents of this district.
Hanrahan Will Take Charge.
Peoria, Dec. 28. At the offices of
the Brotherhood of Locomotive Fire
men this morning, it was stated that
there was nothing to be given out rela
tive to the strike on the Southern Pa
cific other than Grand Muster John J,
Hanrahan would probably leave before
the latter part of the week to take per
sonal charge of the strike. Mr. Han
rahan has left for Galesburg to be gone
a few days, and it was stated that l e
had left directions to say that he did
not think the situation at this time
called for any public statements.
Pioneer of Alfalfa Growing
Topeka, Kan., Dec. 28. Harrlsion
Parkman, the man who first brought
alfalfa from South America and plant
ed It in the United States, died at
Emporia, Kan., aged 73 years.
FEAR INSURRECTION
New Elections In Cubb May Not
Settle Troubles.
WHAT MAY MEAN ANNEXATION
Further Intervention Would Bring On
Inevitable Annexation Wanted
by Few People.
Washington, Dec. 29. Occasional
rumbling or rumors of little sideshow
insurrections popping up in certain
provinces of Cuba are tending to ' keep
the United States from forgetting the
problem it has to deal with down there.
There are some angles in this problem
that have received little attention as far
as the public is concerned, but which
have occupied and are now occupying
much attention on the part of high gov
ernment , officials and administration
advisers among the members of con
gress .
It is a fact not generally known that
our government entertains grave fears
regarding what may happen following
the Cuban elections in January. A
great many have believed that inter
vention by the United States will have
accomplished its purpose as soon as a
new government has been chosen by the
Cuban people ; that our forces would
withdraw after inaugurating this new
government with tranquility estab
lished. That is the rosy view of the
situation, and everything would be
lovely if our high officials were sure it
would work out just that way.
But they are not sure. President
Roosevelt, it is understood, has grave
doubts about the effect of the coming
election on the defeated party.
If we be forced to do any more inter
vening there will be an effort by a cer
tain element to force annexation, which
some of our ablest statesmen insist is
something that comparatively few peo
ple in this country want. The admin
istration recognizes the embaraseing
situation that may confront it and, after
President Roosevelt's warning to Cu
bans to "be good" in the future or take
the consequences, the question is just
what course shall be pursued if the
Cubans don't stay good.
WILL CONFER ON JAPANESE.
Bonaparte to Consult Devlin on San
Francisco Case.
Washington, Dec. 29. United States
District Attorney Robert F. Devlin, of
San Francisco, who was called to Wash
ington by Attorney General Bonaparte
for a conference regarding the exclusion
of Japanese pupils from the public
schools of San Francisco, arrived last
night and will be at the department of
Justice today. Mr. Devlin refused to
discuss his mission, declaring that the
matter is in the hands of the attorney
general.
"Two weeks ago I had a conference
with the San Francisco board of educa
tion, at the request of Attorney General
Moody," he said, "when a statement of
facts was agreed upon and forwarded to
the attorney general. A few days later
I was called to Washington and I do not
know officially that I am here to discuss
the Japanese question."
STOCK TOO LONG ON JOURNEY
Railroads Will Be Prosecuted Under
fhirty-six-Hour Law.
Washington, Dec. 29. Secretary
Wilson, of the department 'of Agricul
ture, today transmitted to the depart
ment of Justice the nine additional
cases of alleged violation of what is
popularly known as the "36-hour law,"
which provides that railroad companies
shall not detain stock on cars for a
longer period than 28 hours without
food and water, except with the consent
of the owner of the stock, and then no
longer than 36 hours.
The. cases were one each against the
Great Northern, the Oregon Short Line,
the Southern Pacific, the Union Pacific,
the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern,
and the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy
and three against the Santa Fe.
Greatest Year Since 1888.
Chicago, Dec. 29. More miles of
railroad were constructed in the United
States during the last year than have
been built during any year since 1888,
according to the Railway Age. Since
January 1 last, 6,067 miles of track
have been laid on 388 lines in 44 states
and territories, making the country's
total railway mileage 223,319. The
largest amount of railway building dur
ing the year was done in Texas, where
701 milos of track were laid. Louisi
ana and South Dakota are almost tied
for second place.
Eager to See Roosevelt.
Manila, Dec. 29. The Filipino peo
ple are elated over pres reports that
President Roosevelt contemplated visit
ing the islands next summer. The na
tive press received the announcement
with enthusiasm.
EDUCATION IN PHILIPPINES.
Director Says Schools and Pupils
Constantly Increase.
Washington, Dec. 20. The sixth, an-,
nual report of the director of education
In the Philippines concerning the activ
ities of the educational work in the
islands for the year ending June 80,
1906, shows that there are now 3,106
primary schools in the islands, with an
average of 375,554 pupils. Soven hun
dred American and 6,224 Filipino
teachers are employed. All of the
school divisions, the report says, con
ducted teachers' institutes, varying
from four to six weeks in the different
provinces. The instruction given was
divided between the common branches
of the intermediate course and special
topics of instruction, such as school
gardening, domestic science, primary
industrial work and methods of teach
ing. There are 2,454 primary school build
ings in the islands owned by the mu
nicipalities and, in addition, a number
of buildings belonging to the provinces
but not constructed originally for school
purposes are used. Private instruction,
the report says, plays a large part in
the intellectual condition of the islands.
Many of these schools are supported by
the Catholic church, with a history
reaching back several decades. Some
of these institutions teach English, al
though in practically all of them Span
ish is the basis of instruction. The
Filipino teachers, Dr. Barrows says,
continue to gain in reliability, strength
of character and moral purpose.
SENT TO DUNGEON.
Many Russian Officers Receive Pen
alty of Surrender.
St. Petersburg, Dec. 26. The court
martial which has been trying Rear
Admiral Nebogatoff and 78 officers of
his squadron for surrendering to the
Japanese in the battle of the Sea of
Japan handed in its decisions tonight.
Vice Admiral Nebogatoff, Commander
Lichino, of the coast squadron ; General
Aprin, Rear Admiral Gregorieff, of
the coast defense ship Admiral Seni
vien, and Lieutenant Smirnoff, who
succeded to the command of the battle
ship Nicolai, were sentenced to death,
but in view of extenuating circumstan
ces and the long and otherwise- blame
less careers of these officers, the court
will petition the emperor to commute
the sentences to 10 years' imprison
ment in a fortress. Four other officer
are sentenced to short terms of im
prisonment in a fortress, while the
remainder are acquitted.
The trial of Rear Admiral Nebogatoff
and the officers of his squadron began
in St. Petersburg December 5. The ac
cused were divided into three catogar
ies First, Rear Admiral Nebogatoff
and the commanders of the battleships;
second, the officers who advocated the
surrender, and third, the officers who
did not endeavor to prevent the surren
der. MAY TIE UP HARRIMAN LINES.
Firemen on S.unset Route Threaten
Extreme Measure.
Houston, Tex., Dec. 26. The new
feature of the strike of the Southern
Pacific firemen was the assertion made
by Second Grand Master Shea, of the
brotherhood, that unless an adjustment
of the differences with the men now out
on this division is made, the order is to
be given that the entire Harriman sys
tem of railroads shall lose the services
of the Brotherhood of Firemen, includ
ing those engineers who are members,
he asserting that 86 per cent of the
switch engineers and a goodly number
of the road engineers will end their
services on the road.
Mr. Shea insists that 625 men on the
Texas and Louisiana lines of the sys
tem obeyed the strike order Sunday,
but General Manager Fay, of the road,
declares that not more than 400 men
quit work, and that practically all of
the places have been filled. There is
no interference with operation of
trains, according to the statement of
Mr. Fay, but a number of switch en
gines at division points are reported
idle in the yards. No disorder of any
kind has been reported.
Great Increase In Immigration.
New York, Dec. 26. Figures just
compiled at Ellis island indicate that
at the present rate of increase 1,283,415
more aliens may be expeced to enter
this country through the immigration
station on Ellis island next year. "The
number of aliens who will land at New
York this year," said Immigration
Commissioner Wathorn, "will approxi
mate 1,050,000 persons, aa against a
total of 859,010 who landed here in
1905. Using these figures as Jthe basis
for an estimate in 1907, we may expect
1,283,415 aliens to arrive in 1907."
Adopt New Pistol for Army.
Washington, Dec. 26. Secretary Taft
has appointed a board of officers to meet
January 15 at the Springfield armory,
Springfield, Mass., for the purpose of
ascertaining a design of automatic pistol
or revolver best adapted to fulfill the
requirements of the military service.
TOO MUCH RED TAPE
Present Free Alcohol Law Use
less to Help Farmers.
AMENDMENT WILL BE PROPOSED
Requirement as to Registration Make
It Impractical for Farmers
to Have Stills.
Washington, Dec. 27. For several
years past there bus been a very active
movement in fuvor of the passage of a
free alcohol law, which resulted last
session in the enactment of a law re
moving the internal revenue tax on al
cohol to be UBed for commercial pur
poses. The demand for legislation of
this charvactor came principally from
farming communities, and was based
upon the theory that if the tax were
removed farmers would be able to man
ufacture from their surplus grain, veg
etables and fruit sufficient alcohol to
supply themselves with power, heat
and light.
1 Congress responded readily to the
demand, and when the law known aa
the free alcohol law was approved, the
gonernl impression was that the United
States had entered upon a policy simi
lar to that which is in vogue In lending
European nations, and that the farmers
of the country would reap a great ad
vantage. It has transpired, however,
that these advantages are not so wide
spread as was at first supposed. A
close examination of the law shows
that each distillery must be supplied
with a distillery warehouse, from
which the alcohol may be withdrawn
and deposited in a bonded warehouse,
where by a rather tedious process it is
donaturized and then relieved from tax.
This would, of course, exclude what are
known in Germany as agricultural and.
produce stills, where special apparatus
is very generally in use which enables.
the small producer to manufacture al
cohol for his own use.
In order to carry out the original In
tention of the law as understood
throughout the country, Senator llans
brough, of North Dakota introduced aa
amendment to the free alcohol statute
The amendment is aa followB:
"That for the convenience of persons
engaged in the distillation of alcohol
in quantities that would not justify
the additional expense of a distillery
warehouse or a bonded warehouse for
each establishment, and who employ
approved apparatus with suitable al
cohol tanks attached, designed to bo
locked and sealed by an authorized
government officer, the commissioner of
internal revenue, with the approval of
the secretary of the Treasury, shall,
under rules presccribed by him, ar
range for the proper denaturing of any
alcohol of the required proof so distill
ed, such distillation and denaturing to
be under all the terms and conditions,
of this act applicable to such cases."
FORCED ON CONGRESS.
President Shows That Frauds Are
Traceable to Bad Laws.
Washington, Dec. 27. President
Roosevelt has made it nececsary for
congress materially to modify the pub
lic land laws before the close of the
present session of congress. His spe
cial message sent in last week indicates
the reforms most needed, and in the
main his recommendations are likely
to be carried out. They do not differ
materially from the recommendations
made a year ago by the public land
commission.
The president emphasized the fact
that the obsolete or impractical land
laws are largely responsible for the
frauds that have been unearthed during
the past year or two. The coal land
frauds are due almost entirely to the
impracticability of the existing law
under which public coal land can be
acquired. The extensive timber frauds
are as largely due to the impractical
timoer ana stone act.
Labor Scarce in Mexico Also.
Mexico City, Dec. 27. The scarcity
of labor is bothering the railroads as
well as other enterprises just at pres
ent. It is reported that in the laguna,
district, adjacent to Torreon, labor is
so scarce that as high as $4 a day is
offered to cotton Dickers and that even
at that price it is difficult to secure all
the labor necessary to pick the crops.
The crops in that district! are reported
to be good, and unusually heavy, but
the lack of labor prevents the work of
securing the cotton in the usual time
ior mat product.
Too Slow in Unloading Cars.
TokDeka.' Kan.. TW. 5?7 'Roforrinn.
to the congested condition of the rail
roads at present, Mr. J. E. Hurley,
general manager of the Santa Fe, says:
"The car shortage is not to be charged.
to lack of flrminmnnf. Pfmol.mnoo
I X VWUOIglH.,W
might relieve the congestion if they ,
would unload cars expeditiously. For
instance, there are today 14,000 loaded
cars in Galveston awaiting unloading."