V.
LEXINGTON WHE1TFIELD
S. A. THOMAS, Publisher
LEXINGTON
OREGON
NEWS OFTHE WEEK
In a Condensed Form for Our
Busy Readers.
A Resume of the Less Important but
Not Less Interesting Events
of the Past Week.
Hayti and Germany aie quarreling.
The floods in Nebraska are receding.
A bill for woman surffage has been
introduced in the house of commons.
The house land committee has yield
ed to Roosevelt's plea for the leasing of
coal land.
Discharged negro soldiers declare
there was a plot to kill them at
Brownsville.
The house pension committee has an
nounced that it has completed its work
fort his session.
The president has reached a final
agreement with the Californians on
the school question.
Senator Hopkins of Illinois, threat
ens to talk the river and harbor bill to
death. He would have a three weeks'
task.
The Postal Telegraph company has
announced an increase in pay for its
employes following the action of the
Western Union in advancing wages.
Railroads of the United States need
$500,000,000 for improvements, but
fin'e the Interstate Commerce com
mission inquiries they cannot obtain
the money on watered stock and the
railway magnates don't know where to
look for relief.
Floods in Nebraska have blocked
railway traffic.
Castro has caused the wholesale ar
rest of suspected enemies.
The British cabinet has announced
the first step towards Irish home rule.
Senator Knox, of Pennsylvania, de
fends Smoot's right to a seat in the
senate.
The Massachusetts legislature has
petitioned congress to revise the pres
ent tariff laws.
The Thaw trial has been postponed
on account of the death of the wife of
one of the jorois.
Trouble with employes has caused all
papers in Butte and jAnaconda to sus
pend and in a statement the publishers
declare they will not issue another pa
per until the men give in.
Hermann's original letters have been
admitted as evidence in his letter book
trial. Postponement has also been
granted to give further time for the de
fense to prepare for the admission of
these letters.
Kuropatkin says he met defeat at the
hands of the Japanese because his gen
erals disobeyed orders. He makes a
ghastly contrast between Japanese valor
and etliciency and Russian indifference
and incompetence.
Ex-Governor Higgins, of New York,
is dead.
A new Santo Domingo treaty has
been sent to the senate.
Roosevelt has a way to settle the
Japanese trouble and will call on con
gress for help.
The British parliameut is open. The
king's speech foreshadows war between
the two houses.
Jerome will attempt to send Thaw to
an insane asylum if he escapes convic
tion for killing White,
Fourteen persons were injured by a
freight train on the Northern Pacific
crashing into a passenger train near
Seattle.
The San Francisco unions which
struck against the street car company
will win thoir point through an arbi
tration board.
The Hermann jury is almost com
plete. This is for the trial of the rep
resentative for hurning letter books
while la the general land office.
In twelve states Lincoln's birthday
is a legal holiday and February 12 was
appropriately remembered. The states
are; New York, Colorado, Connecti
cut, Delaware, Illinois, Massachusetts,
Minnesota, New Jersey, North Dakota.
Pennsylvania, Washington and Wyom
ing. Nicaragua is preparing to invade
Honduras.
A revolt against the government is
on in Persia.
Ex-Governor Higgins, of New York,
is again failing in health,
Boers are gradually securing control
of the Transvaal parliament.
A Clinton, N. C, grand jury hag in
dicted a number of county ollicialB for
embezzlement.
MOST LIBERAL IN HISTORY
River and Harbor Bill Gives Almost
All Northwest Asked
Washington, Feb. 15. Never before
in the history of rivers and harbors leg
islation has any congress dealt so liber
ally with the Pacific Northwest as the
present congress will do in the pending
river and harbor bill. Not only is the
aggregate appropriation larger than
ever before, but the appropriations
more nearly appoximate the estimates
of the engineers. This is in a very
large measure due to the remarkably
efficient work of Representative Jones,
of Washington, who is on the river and
harbor committee as repesentative of
his own and neighboring states. Mr.
Jones was in a position to do things,
and his accomplishments speak for
themselves. Indeed the house has
been so very liberal that the senate has
nothing left to do, unless it be to raise
a few appropriations that fall below
the house figures, and it is doubtful if
many such increases can be secured,
for in eveiy instance where the house
cut the estimates on Oregon and Wash
ington projects it was for some specific
and very good reason.
In his work in committee Mi. Jones
had the active support of Senator Ful
ton, and the Oregon senator did every
thing that a man not a member of the
committee could do to aid in getting
liberal recognition for Oregon and Co
lumbia river projects. There was ab
solute harmony throughout, and the
two men worked together to a common
end.
The effectiveness of Mr. Jones' work
is found in the figures themselves. The
total amount recommended by the en
gineeis for Oregon and Washington
projects was $5,110,244; the total ap
propriation carried by the house bill is
$4,670,244, a difference of $440,000.
The reductions were on the Celilo ca
nal, $150,000 being taken from the
amount recommended and given to the
upper river, for which a new project
was recommended late in December; on
the Willamette and Columbia rivers
below Portland, where $150,000 was
deducted because Portland business
men had assuied the committee that a
new taxation district was to be formed
to raise money to aid in this improve
ment; and the Cascade locks on the
Columbia river, where $105,000 was
recommended for grading and filling in
behind the completed locks. The com
mittee felt that this work was not urg
ent, as the canal lock is itself com
pleted. With these exceptions, the house bill
provides the amounts recommended by
the engineers, and in the case of Co
quille river the committee appropriates
$60,000 when only $40,000 was asked
by the War department. The $60,000
will complete this project, as shown by
the figures of the local engineers, so the
committee decided to clear up the
whole matter at one time.
The following table gives the various
projects and the amounts appropriated
by the house bill:
Mouth of Columbia river, $2,450,
244; Dalles-Celilo canal, $600,000;
rivers, Portland to sea, $300,000; Co
lumbia between Celilo and mouth of
Snake river, $120,000; Tipper Colum
bia, between Wenatchee and Bridge
port, $42,000; Upper Columbia and
Snake, $10,000; Coquille river, $60,
000; Coos river, $3,000; dredge, Ore
gon, and Washington coast harbors,
$100,000; Tillamook bay, $10,000;
improvement of Upper Willamette,
$60,000; Clatskanie, $500; Cowlitz
and Lewis rivers, $50,000; Willapa
harbor, $25,000; Gray's harbor, $600,
000; Gray's inner harbor, $177,000;
Gray's river, $2,500; Puget sound and
tributaries (dredging) $75,000; Lake
Washington canal, $10,000; Swino
mish slough, $75,000; Okanogan and
Pend d'Oreille, $20,000.
Two Dead, 1,000 Homeless.
Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Feb. 15. Not
withstanding the rumors in regard to
the loss of life as a result of a fire
which last night destroyed 90 cottages
and residences, three hotels, the Carr
memorial church and fully 200 barns
and outhouses, entailing a loss of $200,
000, so far as can be learned only two
persons lost their lives. They were
John Springer, a foreman in the Cotton
Belt railroad yard, and a man named
Reed, who is said to have gone into a
burning building while intoxicated.
Nearly 1,000 people are homeless.
Finds Huge Spot on Sun.
Pittsburg, Feb. 15. Professor John
M. Brashear, of the Alleghany observa
tory, announces the discovery of one of
the greatest sunspots ever brought to
the attention of astronomers. He says
as a resut electrical disturbances will
be experienced throughout the country
tomorrow night. The spot can be
seen through smoked glass, but the sci
entist adds that it is one of the most
active of solar spots. Its approximate
length is said to be 150,000 miles and
30,000 miles wide, covering an area of
about 3,500,000 square miles.
Treaty for Prohibition in Africa.
Washington, Feb. 15. The senate
committee on foreign relations today
authorized a favorable report on a gen
eral treaty with the powers looking to
the suppression of the liquor traffic in
Africa by enforcing a prohibitive tariff.
IN THE NATIONAL HALLS OF CONGRESS
Friday, February 15
Washington, Feb. 15. An agree
ment to vote tomorrow on the confer
ence report on the immigration bill,
which includes the provision intended
to settle the California Japanese ques
lion, " was reached in the senate today
as the result of an entire day of discus
sion upon that measure.
The principal speakers were Bacon
and Tillman in opposition to what they
regarded as an effort to prevent the
South from getting a desirable class of
immigrants.
Tillman's remarks on the Japanese
question brought a warning from Lodge
that if they were continued he should
move that the discussion proceed be
hind closed doors. International re
ferences were not made afterward by
lillman.
Washington. Feb. 15. The house,
after a highly interesting debate, today
passed the naval appropriation bill,
which carries in round numbers $96,
000,000. Burton of Ohio made an un
successful effort to strike out the pro
vision for an additional battleship of
the JJreailnaught type.
An amendment by Foss was adopted,
limiting to $800,000 each the cost of
two torpedo boat destroyers authorized
in the bill, exclusive of armament.
Another amendment, also by Foss,
was adopted, providing that, of the
vessels authorized in last year s naval
bill as well as in this year's, not more
than one bi.ttleship and one torpedo
boat destroyer or two torpedo boats
shall be built by one contracting party,
The postoffice appropriation bill was
taken up under an agreement that gen
eral'debate should cease at 12 noon.
Thnrsday, February 14.
Washington, Feb. 14. The naval
appropriation bill occupied the entire
time of the house today, and it was al
most completed. The single remaining
section is that increasing the naval es
tablishment. It was allowed to go
over until tomorrow, when it is expect
ed an effort will be made to reduce the
number of battleships provided for in
the bill. Points of order were made
against many provisions of the bill, and
were generally sustained.
Washington, Feb. 14. The senate
today passed a bill providing , for the
investigation of the water sources of the
United States. The investigation is to
be made by the director of the geologi
cal survey. Both underground and
surface waters are to be investigated.
An amendment was adopted, which
permits co-operation between the states
and the Federal government in. making
hydrographic surveys.
A solution of the Japanese problem
is threatened with complete failure
because of Senator Lodge's irritating
and bulldozing tactics. Republicans
are alarmed at the situation tonight
and apprehensive that tho exclusion
amendment added to the immigration
bill will be opposed by a strong Demo
cratic filibuster that cannot prove other
than successful at this late period of
the session. Democratic senators are
also considering the advisability of
calling a conference on the amendment
and making it a party measure.
Wednesday, February 13.
Washington, Feb. 13. The senate
today passed a bill giving the govern
ment the right to appeal to , the Su
preme court for a construction of the
constitutionailty of any law involved in
a criminal Buit. This measure has
been under consideration for several
days and was passed only after many
amendments had been adopted at the
suggestion of senators who have criti
cized the provisions of the bill.
The District of Columbia appropria
tion bill, carrying nearly $11,000,000,
was passed after an hour's considera
tion. The bill establishing an agricultural
bank in the Philippines was taken up
for consideration, but difficulty was en
countered because the Philippine tariff
bill, which passed the house at the last
session, was interposed as an amend
ment by McCreary, of Kentucky. No
action resulted.
The first night session was held to
night to consider private pension bills.
Washington, Feb. 13. Headway was
made today by the house in its consid
eration of the naval appropriation bill,
and more than half the bill perfected.
A number of points df order were made
and sustained against minor provisions
in the bill.
The appropriation for a steel floating
Co ngress Leaders to Help.
Washington, Feb. 13. That the San
Francisco Bchool question will be set
tled is the general opinion in official
circels. Mayor Schmitz and his asso
ciates received a message from the pres
ident saying he desired to confer with
them today at 2:45 o'.clock. Secretary
Root had a long conference with Speak
er Cannon and while both declined to
talk, it is the general belief that the
Japanese school question was discuss
ed. It is admitted that communica
tions have been exchanged between the
Japanese ambaEsador and Root.
drydock to cost not exceeding $1,400,
000 was struck out of the bill on a
point of order, which was made by
Mr. Maun, of Illinois.
Tuesday, February 12,
Washington, Feb. 12. The senate
occupied the day in argument of the
bill granting the government tho right
to take an appeal on points of law in
criminal cases. No action was taken
on the measure.
The District of Columbia appropria
tion bill, carrying $10,724,523, an in
crease of $087,298 over tho amount as
passed by the house, was taken up and
notice has been given that the bill will
be put on its passage tomorrow.
Washington, Feb. 12. After the
passage of a number of bills under
unanimous consont the house today re
solved itself into committee of the
whole to consider the naval appropria
tion bill. A number of recommenda
tions of the naval appropriations com
mittee were eliminated on points of
order. The army appropriation bill,
the fortifications appropriations bill
and the omniubs lighthouse bill were
sent to conference.
The naval appropriation bill was con
sidered by sections under the five
minute rule.
Monday, February II.
Washington, Feb. 11. The senate
today passed the army appropriation
bill, carrying $81,000,000. The amend
ment which permitted the government
to accept reduced rates on army sup
plies and permitted army officers and
enlisted men to accept reduced trans
portation and an amendment increasing
by 20 per cent the pay of officers and
enlisted men were defeated on points
of order.
Washington, Feb. 11. Bills relat
ing to the government of the District
of Columbia were considered in the
house today. The house in committee
of the whole favored a flat 4-cent street
railway fare, together with a provision
for eight tickets for 25 cents in the
District of Columbia, but in the house
the amendment was defeated. There
upon "no quorum" was made and the
house at 5:10 adjourned.
The Indian appropriation bill was
sent to conference.
Saturday, February 9.
Washingotn, Feb. 9. After confer
ring with Speaker Cannon and with
the committee on rules, Chairman Foss
of the naval affairs committee, asked
the house to consider general debate
upon the naval appropriation bill
closed, so that, when the bill is again
taken up, it may be under the five-
minute rule for amendment. Mr.
Foss urged that the house pay heed to
the passing of the days and t he ap
proaching adjournment of congress.
The house then adjourned out of respect
to the memory of Mr. Rixey.
Washington, Feb. 9. The adoption
of an amendment authorizing the secre
tary of war to supply militia for tho
various states with arms and equip
ment used by the regular army created
considerable discussion in the senate
today.
The senate passed the omnibus light
house bill, which carries Senator Ful
ton's amendments for Cape Blanco and
Cape Arago. The bill also carrie $30,
000 for a lighthouse at Eliza island,
Belilngham bay, and $125,000 for a
lighthouse on Cross Point, Alaska.
Seattle Fair Bill Must Wait.
Washington, Feb. 12. Senator Piles
today attempted to call up Senator An-
keny's bill appropriating $700,000 lor
government buildings and exhibits at
the Seattle exposition, but was unsuc
cessful. He has hopes of passing the
bill through the senate later this week,
but it is understood no attempt will be
made to have it acted on by the house
before next winter.
Want Fair Closed Sunday.
Seattle "Closed on Sunday" is the
siirn the Seattle Ministerial federation
desires to see hung over the gates of the
Alaska-Yukon-racinc exposition in
1909. A meeting of the members,
who comnrise Dracticallv all the Pro
testant clergymen of the city, has been
called, when the question will be dis
cussed and a formal protest against
Sunday opening of the fair will be
formulated. At the same meeting a re
ligious revival lor tne city win be
planned and closed Sunday exposition
will, be agitated until a final decision
is announced by the directois.
New Santo Domingo Treaty.
Washington, Feb. 13. The presi
dent today sent to the senate the new
treaty with the repubplic of Santo Do
mingo relative to the revenues of that
country. It sets forth in the preamble
the fact that Santo Domingo has
entered upon an agreement with her
creditos which is made contingent upon
the fact that this county shall collect
the money and it is then ageed that the
president of the United States shall ap
point a representative of the govern
ment as receiver general to take charge
of all the funds collected.
' COLLISION DURING BLlZZAHD
Believed 176 Lives Were Lost Many
ot Them Froze.
Block Island, R. I., Feb. 13. A ma
rine disaster with appalling loss of life
and entailing suffering almost beyond
the limit of human endurance came to
light today, when a life boat of the Joy
line steamer Larchmoul, humid from
Providence to New York, drifted into
Block Island harbor.
In the boat were several bodies of
men who had died from tho effects of
lung hours of exposure to a death-dealing
temperature. In the boat also wore
11 men whose suffering was so intense
that they seemed oblivious to the fact
that death was in their midst and they
u..,l .,,... .,...1 i ,r
ability to withstand the rigor of zero
weather in an open boat at sea.
The boat brought a tale of disaster
that has rarely been equaled in New
England waters, and it is believed that,
when the final outcome is known, it
will be found that not less than 150
lives were lost. Following closely ill
the wake of the solitary lifeboat came
bodies, lifeboats and rafts, cast on the
beach by the angry waves.
Owing to the condition of the sur
vivors it was impossible to get from
them an estimate of the loss of life.
From 150 to 175 persons went to their
death, and at a late hour tonight it was
believed that the latter figures are
nearer correct
The cause of the accident has not.
been satisfactorily explained. It oc
curred just off Watch Hill about 11
o'clock lust night, when the three
masted schooner Harry Knowlton,
bound from South Amboy for Boston
with a cargo of coal, crushed into the
steamer's port amidships. Captain
McVey, of the Larchmont, declares that
the Knowlton suddenly swerved from
her course, luffed up into the wind and
crashed into his vessel. Captain Haley
of the Knowlton asserts that the steam
er did not give his vessel sufficient sea
room.
ORDERS NEW VENIRE.
Jury Panel in Adams Case Exhausted
Second Day.
Wallace, Idaho, Feb. 13. At the
close of the second day of the trial of
Steve Adams for the murder of Fred
Tyler, 34 talesmen had been examined,
exhausting the panel and the court had
ordered the summoning of anew venire
Eleven jurors remained in the jury box
and the defense still retains the right
to four peremptory challenges and the
state one.
When the court ordered a new venire
Attorney E. F. Richardson, counsel for
the defense, made an affidavit that the
sheiiff is biasea, and asked that a spec
ial commission be appointed to summon
the venire. In his affidavit it is alleg
ed that Angus Sutherland, whose term
as sheriff expired last month, was made
sheriff in 1899 during the labor troubles
by the Mine Owners' association, and
that as sheriff he cannot serve two con
secutive terms. The present sheriff,
William Bailey, was nominated with
the understanding that Sutherland
should etill be in complete control un
der the direction of the corporation
hostile to the Western Federation of
Mineis. ' A session was held last night
to decide the point.
BOUND FAST BY RED TAPE.
Down Timber Goes to Waste Because
Law Forbids Sale.
Washington, Feb. 13. There's
money going to waste in Klickitat
county owing to departmental methods
and red tape, as well as to the fact of
there being no law under which action
can be taken. . LnBt spring a Bevere
storm passed through this country,
felling an immense number of trees,
practically all the timber in two town
ships being razed. This timber is on
the ground, is rapidly bluing and un
less something is done by which it can
be utilized it soon will be worthless for
lumber purposes. There is a sale for
this timber, but the lumber companies
are afraid to touch it, as the home
steaders upon whose land it is lying
have not in all cases commuted their
claims and if they should abandon them
after selling the down timber, tho
buyer might be placed in a very em
barrassing position.
Travelers Rebel at Food.
Leavenworth, Wash., Feb. 13. An
other trainload of passengers arrived
here today, making about 600 stranded
at this place. Conditions in the day
coaches are terrible. The rairoad is
giving two meals a day, and the food
is revolting. Passengers will not pat
ronize the dining cars unless allowed
to order their dinner in preference to
the meal handed them. The large ice
house at the depot was wrecked today,
the roof caving in from the weight of
snow. A Japanese was buried in the
debris and sustained a broken arm.'
Demurrage Bill Passed.
Pierre, S. D., Feb. 13. The house
today passed the reciprocal demurraj e
bill. The bill to prohibit corporations
to contribute to campaign funds was
passed. Another bill approved by the
house prohibits "treating" in saloonB.
All these measures have passed the sen
ate and now go to the governor .