Editorial Page of The Capital Journal
FRIDAY EVENING
CHARLES E. FISHEB
Editor and Publisher
August 31, 1S17
PUBLISHED EVERY EVENING EXCEPT SUNDAY, SALEM, OREGON, BY
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CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS
CONCERNING WHEAT PRICES
Some of the congressmen from the wheat belt of the
middle west yesterday voiced the opinion that the fixing
of the price of wheat at $2.20 a bushel worked a hardship
on their "constituents." They did this simply as a bid
for popularity at home. They claimed the growers of
the southern district had sold their wheat at considerably
more than this, and the price should have been made high
enough to permit the other growers to get as much as
fhpir fellow farmers further south. They overlook the
fact that the price is more than double the average, and
that tne grower win get me money, mstcau ui me ou
lator having a big rake off. They also overlook the plain
fact that the law which permitted the fixing of prices was
held up for weeks by their own body, and that they are
to blame that it did not go into effect before any of the
crop from the south had been sold. They also point out
that the grower near the markets gets a higher price than
those in the Dakotas, for instance, on account of the ad
ditional freight. Yet this is a condition that has always
existed and perhaps always will. On the other hand the
farmer nearer the markets has more money invested in
his land and this even up the prices. These have to get
more for their crops than those using cheaper lands, in
order to get an equal return on their investments. More
than all, they overlook the fact that the price is about all
the consumer can stand. While the latter is uncom
plainingly paying the increased price for his bread, he
also has some rights, and should not be made to bear the
whole burden. With wheat at $2.20 a bushel the reason
able grower will be satisfied, for it is double what he has
ever received.
WOMEN MAY BRING PEACE.
It would be in accord with the eternal fitness of things
if the war should be brought to an end through the ac
tion of the women. They, more than all others, have suf
fered from the war, for they have given up husbands,
brothers, sweethearts, sons, to be sacrificed on the altar
of Moloch. Millions of them have kissed their loved ones
good bye for the last time, and know not even where their
bodies lie. On their shoulders has fallen the heavy burden
of sacrifice that Prussian ambition to lord it over the
world might materialize. It is their hands that must in
some way provide the scant food for their children cry
ing for bread. It is the women who have had to feel the
utter horror of the slaughter, for the men do not hear the
pitiful pleadings of the little ones or see the pinched little
faces and the lean little bodies of babes made old through
privation before they, have began to know the joys of
childhood, lhese things are the daily portion oi the
women, their heritage from the war. This is true not
only of the women of Germany but of those of Belgium,
of Serbia, of Armenia. They have borne, as women al
ways bear in the supreme trial, all that has been placed
upon them with uncomplaining fortitude. Have day after
day carried a burden that would have driven men under
the same conditions to rebellion, to any desperate attempt
that gave hope of relief. It may be psosible that even
their patience and fortitude will wear out at last. When
it does the war will end, for they can end it by concerted
action more quickly than could the men.
The conscientious objector to war takes a position the
average person cannot understand. We all object to war
and none of us dseire to kill our fellow beings. That is
easily understood. How far should this spirit be carried
is the question. Self defense and the defense of one's
family is a law of nature. The most peaceful animal will
fight for its young if necessary, and the birds that ordin
arily will fly at one's approach become reckless of life
and do all they can in case their broods are in danger. It
is the law of all breathing life to fight when self defense
or that of its own, demand it.
We are not finding fault with the conscientious ob
jector, but how far does he think the principle should be
followed. Would he refuse to attack a thug who was kill
ing his family? Would his objections go to the extent of
allowing someone to murder him without trying to de
fend himself? The liberty of the world is at stake in the
present war. Does the conscientious objector believe it
were better to submit to slavery rather than kill the
monster who would enslave him? Conscientious objec
tion should have the saving grace of the belief of a fo
lower of the faith of predestination in the old days when
Indians were still on the war path in the eastern states.
His son wanted to use the old man's gun for a hunt in the
woods. The old man however wanted to take it with him
on a visit to a neighbor. "Why, dad," said one of the
boys, "what do you want to carry a gun for? If your
time has come the gun won t do you any good.
"That is true," was the reply, "but suppose I should run
against an Indian and his time had come, how could I get
along without a gun "
The People' Council does not seem to be true to name
for the people not only refuse to heed its counsel but even
to let it stop any place long enough to organize a meeting
and elect a chairman. Denied the privilege of airing their
doctrines in three states its members have concluded to
seek a roosting place on the steps of the national capitol,
Added to the suffragettes who are adorning the White
House doorsteps occasionally they might improve the
character of the menagerie. With LaFollette, Gore and
some others the collection at the national capital is a de
cidedly unique one now, but with a peoples council added
it would be one to catch some circus owner as a side-show
attraction.
The coast wheat market is just marking time waiting
to learn if prices are to be fixed on a basis of those made
for Chicago. Until within the last year there was little
wheat sent from the coast to Chicago, the price being
regulated by foreign demand and the crop going by way
of the isthmus. The price on the coast should be fixed on
some other basis than that of Chicago. The matter wil.
be settled in a few days, but until it is there will be no
quotations on wheat sent from Portland for the simple
reason that there will be no sales.
The United States mines yield yearly something more
than 500,000,000 tons of coal, but with this enormous out
put she has coal enough to last her 7,000 years. While
talking only in billions these days the coal experts go the
mere congressmen and department heads considerably
better and talk trillions. They estimate the coal supply
of the United States at 3,500,000,000,000 tons. This at two
dollars a ton at the mine would be worth seven thousand
billions of dollars. The kaiser will please take notice
that we are not broke yet.
Every newspaperman will envy the president as he
reads of the latter ordering a paper company to deliver
paper to the government at two and a half cents a pound,
and having his order obeyed. The savingtof the money
would be some satisfaction, but think of the unadulterat
ed joy of being boss of a big paper company even for time
enough to have one order filled.
Reports from the forest fire zones indicate the fires
are being controlled, and with anything like favorable
conditions following it is believed the crisis is passed.
So far as any practical use is concerned the weather
man might just as well have taken a couple of months oil.
He has utterly neglected to do anything toward furnish
ing the kind of weather needed and is still obstreperous
about it. He should be canned.
Rippling Rhymes I
by Walt Mason
LADD & BUSH, Banker
Established 18G8
CAPITAL
S500.ooo.on
TRANSACT A GENERAL BANKING BUSINESS
SAVINGS DEPARTMENT
THE FAT PATRIOT
I climb a mountain ten miles high, three
times a day I do it; and when I've weighed
myself; I sigh, "I lose no heft, beshrew it !
I hoped to make myself so thin, much ex
ercise assisting, the corporal would let me
in, when I attempt enlisting. I ply the
dumbells and the clubs, and live on frugal
ration, with other patriotic dubs who wish
to save the nation. I see the thin man go
ing by, and envy him his figure; "A shapely
gent like that," I sigh, "can swat the foe
with vigor. He isn't loaded down with fat,
and he can climb a German, and dent his
head or break a slat, and leave him dead or
1 hail the thin man and I ask if he is not de
lighted that he s in shape for goiy task, for chasing Huns
affrighted. "I'm on my way," he makes reply, "to file ex
emption papers; I've no desire to bleed and die, or cut up
martial capers. The hero's wreath I do not court, I wouid
not slay by dozens; besides, I am the sole support of
nineteen bedfast cousins." It seems the irony of fate that
men who yearn for battle, barred out because of surplus
weight, must stay and feed the cattle; while men who
have the proper shape are fixing up a story that may as
sist them to escape the path that leads to glory.
iff 3
onninmin' "
OlUll nun
The paving of the first unit of the Pacific highway in
Marion and Clackamas counties is held up by the inability
ol the southern Paclic to furnish cars for haulnig mater
ial. The people of that section are very indignant-but
the railroad officials are not worrying at all. Oregon is a
slow state, we are always told, but what else could be ex
pected when it is so largely dependent upon the Southern
racilic lor all its progress.
Despite heavy reinforcements brought up by the Aus
tnans, the Italians still continue to advance. Now is the
time for both the French and British to get busy and pre
vent any troops oeing withdrawn Irom their fronts to as
sist the Austrians. Should the Italian drive prove, as suc
cessful as its leader hopes Austria will get a hard blow in
the isolation of Trieste.
Although the British forces have for the third time
"had Lens in their grasp," the Germans still hold it, and
recently nothing has been said about the danger of it
falling. At last accounts the Canadians were fighting
within the city proper. Whether they are still there or
have been driven back is a mystery.
Michael Santo died vesterdav in Chica trn while -nlnvintr
poker with his brother-in-law. He held five apes wVnVfc
is enough to break down any man's constitution, especial
ly if his opponent is an Italian and is also possessed of a
butcher knife. Michael should have been satisfied with
four of the one spots.
The news from the' Italian front is hi
General Cordona having begun a flanking movement
which, if successful, will cut the northern
Austrian armies in two and isolate Trieste. Italy has al
ways insisted the easiest road to Vienna was from her
front and her successes so far seem to justify her belief.
I Lu Put some snuff
N Fmcj FooB!
It seems quite probable the Germans will capture Riga
aim aiso iana tneir armies in retrograa ao iar as tne j it ty-x
war itself is pnnpernerl this -ixnll Yivva Tin frroot offWf 7ir. AllU 116 1lu
there is a limit in Russia beyond which it is disastrious
for any army to go. It is a vast country and the Russians
have a way ol retiring before an enemy until he gets so
far into their territory that the road back is a difficult
one to negotiate. Napoleon discovered this and the kaiser
will find the same thing if he gets too ambitious. It wil
have an effect on the war however, for it will hearten the
German people and give them further hope of ultimate
victory. Oi course the German press will play this up as
a great victory and a proof that the German armies are
invincible. In that way it is a gain for Germany, and no
doubt that is what the drive is planned to accomplish. It
is for home consumption only.
1
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J S I
.?'. .-KO i rn
WMD!Drr
i K
POOEMAN-BUICK WEDDING.
Hie Daily Novelette
IT CAN'T BE DONE
The Neutral Restaurant Ami "Fn finer
House opened its doors for the first
time at noon of tho day on which our
story begins.
ooulas Jitz. the proprietor, waiter
ml cook, courteously approached his
irst customer.
"Good day, sir," he bowed. "Yes
sir. ' '
"A bill of fare please."
"We don't use them in tho Neutral
Restaurant and Katinsr House. Mr.
Tittlidgc," explained jitz.
rittlulgc; My name is Henri Jae-
ues de Grasse."
I beg your pardon. Monsieur de
Orasse. We have French fried iota-i
toes, Parisian datties an gratin, Joffro
on the cob, and frogs' legs."
"Good, good!" beamed tho other.
"Bring 'em all!"
A quiet wedding took place at noon
on Wednesday, August 24, at the home
of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Poorman, 333
.hast 35th street. Portland, when Mr.
Forest W. Poorman and Miss Veva
Buick were united in marriage in the
presence of the groom 's parents, Colon
el and Mrs. J. M. Poorman of Woodburn
nd Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Poorman.
The officiating minister was Dr. J. A.
Townsend of the Presbyterian church,
who nau Known me onue since she was
baby.
After the ceremany luncheon was scr
ed by Mrs. Kenneth Poorman. On tha
table was a 22-pound wedding cake, a
gift to the bride from her old friends,
Mr. and Mrs. Curry of Roseburk. Independent.
Ho was still eating when the second
customer arrived.
"Bring me a bill of fare," he de
manded. 'Wo don't use them in the Neutral
Restaurant and Eating House, Mr.
Tittlidge," explained Jitz. ,
"Mr. whof My name is Oscar Wil
liam Groomberger. "
"My error, Hcrr Groomberger, I'm
sure. We have German fried potatoes,
Hamburg steak, Dusseldorf yelbow
wurst, and saurkraut and snissage. "
With a yell, the second customer was
on his feet, a revolver in each hand
and a horse pistol in the other.
"I'm a U. S. soldier from Oklahoma,
and I feel real insulted- Now dance!"
he yelled, and the bullets rained.
Tho Neutral Restaurant and Eating
House closed Us doors forever at 2:14
of the same afternoon.
YOUR EYES
At the first sign of trouble with your vision, vou should consult our
graduate optometrist. He is an expert with scientific knowledge and
experience. He can tell you exactly what your troubles arc and what
to do to overcome them.
HARTMAN BROS. CO.
JEWELERS & OPTICIANS
STATE & LIBERTY STREETS
DR. BURDETTE, OPTOMETRIST. We duplicate broken lenses.
fiusbandandl
By Jame .Phelps
TOM TALKS UNTIL DAYLIGHT
CHAPTER CXXXVIII
"What do yon mean, too lute?" T
sked between racking sobs-
- i snail oorrow nioncv and pbv this
man before whom you have humiliated
nic. I shall have to embarrass myself
to do it, but that means nothing now.
will see the tradesmen and exnlain
hat you kept them waitine without
my knowledge. Then I shall start all
over again. This time alone. Perhaps"
"What do you mean 'alono'f" T
looked in his white face and a terrible
fear gripped me.
Just what I sav. You will nack
your things immediately. You will take
-oran ana tne cnuaren ana go to your
mother's I will pay her a fair amount
for your keep, and the trouble. Also
will pay .Norah. I will do both of
these things myself then I will know
they are paid. I will give you an al
lowance for yourself and the children.
t or in spite of your being such a bad
te, you have been a good mother.
gain his voice sounded choked-
A bad wife, what do you mean bv
at!"
"Just what I say, and believe."
All at once at came over me what I
Tom. my Tom, thought. He believed
me untrue to him when I never had
one untnithtul thought. It dried my
tears, and stopped my soboing. It was
on awful to contemplate.
Tom Tom you don 't think, you
en't dare to think," I cried, gaining
courage as I went on, "that I have
en faithless. That I ever had even
untrue thought t You can't think
that! You can't! I won't let you!"
Men don't give married women
money for nothing,'- he answered in
the same cutting tones he had used
during tho entire interview save when
ho had mentioned tho children.
"tfut I tell you, Tom, I took his
word that he was lending it to me as
a friend. I liked pretty clothes and
couldu t have the kind I wanted with
wnat you gave me. Perhaps I did wrone
awtully wrong to run in debt and to
borrow, but 1 never did anything else-
luii inusi oeiieve me. '
" What I believe will not be altered
oy anything you say. You have hesi
tated at. nothing to ruin me for your
petty foolish extravagance- If I if
men knew more about the price' of the
togs their wives dress themselve in.
and the price the wives paid someone
to get the money, we wouldn't be so
easily fooled. It's a wonder someone
hadn t told me. A clerk 's wife paving
hundreds of dollars for her clothes."
and once more he laughed that awful
laugn, long arawn out and racous.
' But Tom you won't send me away
I won't go!" I was desperate now
that I at last sensed what he believed.
"I won't go! "
"Oh yes yon will. Prom now on yon
will do what I say, or"
"Or what! "I interrupted.
"Ill divorce you," he said coldly,
pointing to the check he added. "I
have evidence enough you know."
All suddenly I felt that nothing mat
tered, save only one thing and that
was to compel Tom to believe me. Oh.
if only we could look ahead and see
what a wreck deceit and unfairness can
make of our lives how few of us would
stumble as I did But we go on and on
in our stubborn way until we come to
a trench so deep and wide we can not
cross it and all because we will not
live rightly.
Pleading Does Not Avail
' PJ1' Jom dcar'" 1 8Pke calmly
for the first time. It was the calmness
of utter despair. "You must believe
me. I never have done you wrong I
never have thought of such a thing."
'let you say he made love to you"
Tom sneered.
he did. I shall never tell yon
""lulu, ut-ier aeceive you
Yes,
another
again as long as I live. Tom dear. He
did make love to me, but I ran away
from hnn. That was why I had such a
headache. I was so frightened. I could
not tell you dear I thought I couldn't
until we had made money enough to
pay him. Then I Was CrniniT fn toll .
all about it. Honestly I was. To "'
And vou would have me believe
that you did nil theaA l,;nnB 1
. - -" UV1UIICU
me in this way, put yourself under ob-
gauuiis 10 a man for the sake of a
few clothes. Why"
"Yes. Tom dear. Tm, Ar. ' i
what queer hold the desire for clothes
gets on a woman. It is lik. in -i,r
gets drunk I think. He must want the
liquor terribly to take it when it ,.L-o.
a beast of him. Well it's like that with
women and clothes. Some women me.
l was almost crazv over the debts at
times, but I couldn't resist hnrini.
what I wanted to wear if there "was
any way to get it.And I did Rut ht
was all, on my soul, Tom. Please dear
don 't send me away. ' '
"You will go tomorrow no, today"
he looked at his watch. But I noticed
with a little thrill th
torrible hardness had gone from hiM
voice- Perhaps he believed me after all.
He must, he must. "There is no use
in your talking, or objecting. It is a
terrible ending to all
but it is the end." '