The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, August 4, 1896, Page 5

THE SAN FRANCISCO CALL, TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 1896. HOW BRYAN'S FREE TRADE HAS INJURED AMERICAN LUMBER. There has been widespread interest in ) Tre Cary's recent exposure of the free- wrade fallacies ot Democracy, and of William Jennings Bryan in particular. On the Wool Exchange a few days ago dealer but one in & company of hundred representative business d Tue CaLus articles showing every nearly men ind ; that Clevelandism has killed the sheep- growing interests of America. There is equal interest in the present series of articles on lumber, which show what a blight has followed in the path of Bryan- jsm as applied to the lumber industry. Those who have been interested in studying the disaster and general ruin wrought free trade in the wool and lumber industries of the United States, and particularly on the Pacific Coast, will be pleased to read further on the subject | and study the history of the destrnction of the lumnber industry more in detail than | appeared in the first article on the subject, was published in yesterday’s CALL. It was the immortal Lord Bacon, founder of the inductive method of reasoning, who first taught the world to reserve conclu- sions until a thorough examination of facts. The student of the times, the man anxious to know why things are as they are, should keep clear of the dreamy rhet- oric of Bryan and study the facts of every- day life. These facts are not to be found in the mouthings of politicians and the ravings of eccentric pamphleteers, but they are in the reports made in cool blood by men of affairs. One of the strongest points in favor of the position of McKinley and the Repub- lican party as against the sophistries of Democracy and Bryan was made by the Pacific Pine Lumber Company of San Francisco in a recent reply to the Com- mittee on Ways and Means of the United States Senate, then engaged in inquiring into the condition of various indastries as affected by the tariff. Among other things the company said: To the Honorable Ways and Means Committee of the House of Representatives, Washington, D. C.—G The lumber trade of the Pacific Coast engaged in the manufac: Douglas Fir (commonly termed Oregon pine), ruce and cedar lumber, noting per nev publication and otherwise, th your honorable committee to place lumber on the free list in the proposed modification of the tariff, view such possibility with the grav- est apprehension, and this company having taken an active interest in this question in 1888, is requested to submit to your honorable committee the conditions of the lumber trade, and the effect of such action, with especial re- gard to the situation on this coast ana its re- n 1o British Columbia, on the such direction it premises ming that the only justification that can be alleged for removing the duty on lumber is, eithera limited supply within the territory of the United States (and accessible to its people), or a possibility that the present standing timber may, in holdings, be concentrated in the hands of & few, with the effect of unfairly raising the prices to the consumer. In refuta- tion of such allegations, it would respectfully submit that the most casual investigation will determine the non-existence of the first as a fact, or the second as a potentiality. A few years ago the first of the above-named positions had emphasis from the very great in- roads made upon the standing timber of the northern frontier of th the coincident apprehension that the continu- United Siates, with | ‘A Protective Tariff Is Shown to Be the Only Defense { ance in the ratio then existing would very | soon leave the country without a source of | supply within its own borders. So wedded was the main consuming class to the use of the | principal product of said section that for a | time no source of supply was deemed avail- | able except that existing in Canada, contigu- | ous thereto; hence a temporary leaning to- wards the abrogation of duty on white pine in |‘order that such supply might be available. The trend of sentiment in that direction was, however, of short life; the vast areas of yel- low pines in the Southern States attracted marked sttention, and the liberal investment of capital led to a phenomenal development of the lumber industry in that section, supple- | mented by so great an activity in the intro- duction of its products in the territory previ- ously the domain of white pine that to-day the substitution is so fully accepted that any | reliance upon Canadian timber is absolutely unnecessary, with the further certain effect that should the same find entry to displace the Southern product 1t would be & deathblow to this industry that in the past five years has so greatly enlarged the taxable values of that sec- tion. Additionally to the ‘‘entree” of the Southern products of the Middle West of the United States is & growing shipment trade by rail | from the Pacific Coast, increasing yearly and | to continue increasing hereaiter, provided the exclusion of the products of our Northern neighbors is maintained and should the old | Northwest be entirely denuded of her timber | the new Northwest of the Pacific Coast jointly with the Southern States from their vast areas of virgin timoer (as affirmed by the forestry | reports of the Interior Department) positively guarantees for generations & full supply for the Nation within its trritorial limits. The question of supply for the future being 50 well established trom said sources and as- suming that the same excess-producing | capacity exists in the Southern States in re- | 1ation to consumption that is a condition on the Pacific Coast (where such capacity is | nearly three times the consumption) the com- petition thereby engendered becomes a cer- tain assurance of 10w prices to consumers and | it is indeed difficalt to imagine any grounds | whatsoever for opening the markets of the | United States to foreign lumber. Thus far this presentation may be deemed as applying to the country at large; there are, however, conditions existipg on this coast that further appeal to the consideration of your honorable committee. We refer to methods of transportation and the advantages to the mill- owner in British Columbia growing out of the protective tendencies of its Government. | The shipping ports ot British Columbia are adjacent to those on the American side and no farther distant from points ot consumption, whetlter the shipments are by the way of the Pacific Ocean to domestic coast ports or by rail to the Eastern States. The American mill- owner is by the laws of the Nation com- pelled to use in the coasting trade tonnage of | American register exclusively, while if our | domestic markets are opened to the mills of | British Columbia without restriction the own- | ers on that side would have the choice of al flags in their carriers, thus to all intents and | purposes interjecting foreign bottoms into the | | coasting trade, though technically the voyage is from a foreign port. Analogous conditions exist in the reiation of the lumber manufacturers and shippers of Maine to those of the provinces east of that State, while the markets of the Middle West and Eastern States, that the Pacific Coast man- ufacturers are now cultivating, would be di- vided with British Columbia, and the ship- ments to points closest to destination on the Canadian border be made over & foreign rail- road, built and subsidized by foreign capital (paralleling competing roads on the American side), to the exclusion of traffic desired by and due to the transcontinental roads in the United States. Again, the stimulation of the lumber indus- try on this coast is a great aid to the develop- ment of its merchant marine. During the de- pression in the shipbuilding industry in other parts of the United States such industry has been tairly active on this coast, and its foster- ing is of more than local importance, inas- much as the majority of vessels of recent con- struction are carrying our flag to foreign ports, where it has been hitherto almost unknown. The effect of permitting foreign tonnage, built and run at lower cost, to invade the coasting trade would be the same as upon American deep-water shipping, now practically driven from the seas, as also to effectually end as an industry shipbuilding on this coast. We most respectfully submit to your honor- able committee that the protective tendencies of English governments to the north of us in subsidizing railroads, steamship lines and offering to industrial enterprises concessions in the way of 1and, etc., and especially in the system of rentals to mills at & nominal sum per acre per annum of timber lands, by which investment therein is avoided, is ot marked advantage to the lumber industry on that side as compared with the ruling rates of stump- age on the American side or the otherwise necessity of large investments in timber lands by purchase, the interest on which, with taxes, ete., exceeds said rentals, unless the American industry has maintained to it the present pro- tection, which it is feared your honorable committee is about to disturb, We further submit' to your honorabie com- mittee that the lumber trade of the United States represents a larger 1nvestment and affords 1abor to a greater number of employes than any other single industry, while on the Pacific Coast the ratio of both investment and employes, as applied to volume of business, is far beyond that of other sections. No other industry, not its outgrowth, except coal (which is likewise menaced by the proposed tariff changes), exists in the new Northwest in all thatares west of the Cascade Mountains; it in- creases the taxable wealth, gives employment to hundreds of thousands, in mills, in woods, and on land and sea; its commerce and the trade stimulated to supply the mechanical wants of its plants and the physical require- ments of the myriads depending upon it for & livelihood has made populous magnificent cities on the shores of Puget Sound, and 1t is incredible that its destructiou cen be consid- ered, when such destruction will be the inev- itable result of the abrogation of the tariff as to this industry. 1t 18 Dot to be expected that the lumber man- Lumbermen Have Against Low Prices and Foreign Pauperism. \ ufacturers of this coast, with the accumula- tions of & lifetime in the balance and strug- gling against the disastrous effects of over- production and consequent competition of late years, can view with complacency the further jeopardy threatened by free trade, but it is not alone in the menaceto indi- ividual interests that this protest has empha- sis; pride of section prompts the inquiry: What possible compensation can be offered for this proposed disturbance? What gain to the section, State or Nation is expected in return for the surrender of American markets to Brit- ish Columbis (that hasno produets to export that this coast bas notin surplus and will have in surplus for years to come) when such sur- render involves the certain obliteration of tax- able wealth created by this industry alone; destroys the labor and trade of thousands, transfers to alien ships and railroads the traffic our own require, and even places the hand- ling of the trade at ports of consumption with & non-resident class, who will not contribute & dime to the revenues of the country, leaving only to the American citizen the p ent of the bill? Such a course would, indeed, be “‘giving to those that have,” since the lumber manufac- turers of British Columbia have “protection” enough, from the paternalism of their own Government, without like aid from that of the United States; and against such aid, in any form, the entire lumber trade of the Pacific Coast, regardless of party affiliation, have now and always to most emphatically protest. The company has the honor, both 1 votcing this protest and submitting same to your hon- orable committee, to subscribe itself on behalf of its confreres, very respectfully yours, PACIFIC PINE LUMBER COMPANY. E. M. HERRICK, President. . The Buckley Lumber Company of Buck- ley, Wash., asks for a tariff as the remedy for depression of business and idleness of workingmen in the great lumber regicns. It is opposed to the free-trade policy of the Wilson bill, so ardently upheld by Wil- liam Jennings Bryan, and gives the fol- low:ng reasons for the McKinley tariff asa remedy for hard times: “During the season of 1892 we ran very little, for the reason that there was no de- mand for our output. Last season was the first that we have not run steadily. “We think the old rate in the tariff act of 1890 would be of greater benefit to us than any other rate, for the reason that a specific duty is preferable on lumber, a3 there would in that event be no object to undervalue cargoes. Our reason for ask- g a duty on lumber is that we are com- pelled to sell our products in competition with lumber manufacturers in British Co- lumbia, who employ Chinese labor at less than one-half what we have to pay white labor. In many places about the mill and logging camps a Chinaman will do as well as a white man, and in the planing-mill department they will do even better. By employing Chinese lumber can be pro- duced from $1to $150 per 1000 cheaper 1 than with white labor for rough Iumber, and_ from $2 to $3 per 1000 cheaper for dressed lumber. : “The cost of manufacturing lumber in Washington is 73 per cent of the entire cost of output. This represents the wages paid. If the productis reduced in value 15 per cent by taking the duty off that will reduce the wages paid laboring men to that extent. Common laborers, who now get $1L 75a day, would then have to work for $1 50.”" It requires little argument to convince the simplest man that the Wilson bill, idolof Bryan and ideal of pure Democ- racy, would soon force American 'laborers out of emplovment or make them wear queues and live like Chinese. Who knows best about these things—practical Amer- 1can lumbermen or ‘‘boy orators’” who in- dulge in the pyrotechrics of metaphor and flowery speech? Here are some more solid facts from the Buckley Lumber Company. They say that foreign pauper labor, under free trade, ruins their indus- try. Their account runs as follows: ‘“We have but one course left open to us to meet free importation of lumber, and that is to reduce our wages until we can meet any and all competition or shut our mill down. 5 **Weemploy about sixty men; no women or children. We pay common laborers $175to $2: skilled labor, from $2 50 to $6 per day. i “They work sixty hours per week. “The character of foreign competing ar- ticles, lumber manufactored in British Columbia; they are continually encroach- ing on our territory on this side of the line, offering lumber for less than we can produce it for at the present schedule of wages.” How do these figures compare with the lurid prophecy of Bryan in his great Con- gressional speech in defense of the Wilson bill? He made & reputation as an orator then by making the false and misleading prophecy that free lumber and free wool would cause general prosperity, result in renewed activity of mills and an increase in the wages of American employes. He put himself on record without reservation as the rankest of frec-traders and madea record by defending the doctrines of the Cobden Club of England. It may not be generally known that the California redwoods, which nature has protected by making them to grow in no other country than here, are affected in a disastrous way by the importation of for- eign pines. Why? Because they feel the fall of prices by sympathy. When prices go away down, when the market 1s ruined by the British Columbia product, dealers in redwood must reduce their prices, as pine 1s chosen in prefer- ence to the redwood. A study of every phase of the problem will show that nothing has done more harm to the lumber industry than Cleve- landism, but Cleveland’s tariff for revenue ideas are mild indeed compared with the wild free-trade sentiments of William Jen- nings Bryan of Nebraska. His policy would destroy every factory in the land and make American workingmen worse than the serfs of England in the ages of feudalism. BUGKLEVITES £0 FOR THEIR ENEMIES Broderick, Creswell and Block Are Personally Denounced FOR AIDING THE JUNTA | The General Committee Does Not Want Any Local Fusion With Populists, ARE IN THE FIGHT TO STAY State Chairman Alford Names More Committees and Ben Maddox for Secretary. The General County Committee of the Buckley Democracy held a big and a warm meeting last evening, at which, with unanimous .enthusiasm, they de- nounced, kicked, roasted and otherwise punished City and County Attorney Cres- well, Auditor Broderick and Treasurer Block for their unnecessary action in formally recognizing the Rainey faction of the Democracy—the Junta—as the reg- ular one. As these officials are understood to be candidates for the same offices for anotber two years, the hostility of the big end of the Democracy tends to complicate their chances. This was the first of the regular weekly meetings of the entire general committee, which will occur on Monday evenings, e committee met in the large hall attached to the atiractive and quite ex- | tensive new headquarters of the organiza- tion at 20 and 24 Ellis street. Flags and bunting liberally drape the hall. There were 275 members present at roll- call and many more came in later as Chairman Jeseph Rothschild announced. W. J. Fitzgerald offered a resolution authorizing the chairman to appoint a committee of seven ‘“which shall have full power to act in the matter of fusing with the People’s party of S8an Francisco in the coming campaign.,”’ But the committee did not take kindly to the idea of fusion with the Populists in | tiie local campaign and 1t was headed orf by Thomas Egan, who offered as a substi- tate a resolution denouncing the Election Commissioners and calling for fusion in the matter of getting a share of the elec- tion officers only. Egan’s resolution was as follows: WHEREAS, Unaer the act through which they hold as Election Commissioners. to wit, “An act o regulate the registration of voters and %o secure the purity of elections in_the City and County of San: Franeisco,” the following language is used; *“Section12. * * * Pro- vided, that in selecting eléction officers the Commissioners shall take care to select as nearly as possible an equal number of persons of opposite political faith and opinion 1o serve at each precinct,” which we hereby declare they have not done; for we are not unmindful that in November, 1894, at the last general election, 54,135 voies were cast for members of Congress in the Fourth and Fifth Congres- sional districts in this City with the Demo- cratic, Republican, Prohibition and People’s party, as the regular organization under sec- tion 1186 of the Political Code, and that in said Congressional district in this City the People’s party polled 10, 274, or one-fifth of these Vvotes, yet were recently denied, as was this Democratic general committee, a fair representation in the registration boards to protect the just rights of the rank and file of Democracy and the joint righis of all electors favoring the free coinage of silver, the issue in the approaching campaign, and we here deny the ‘Junta.” | with Messrs. Creswell, Broderick and Block, | are now or ever have been true to the cause of silver; therefore Resolved, That we denounce Messrs, Cres- well, Broderick and Block individually and as Commissioners for their actions and express regret that our work and votes were wasted in placing such political sycophants in the offices they disgrace—false to their oaths of office and false to their friends. . WHEREAS, Harry T. Creswell, William Brod- erick and James N. Block, the majority and Democratic members of the Board of Election Commissioners of the and County or San Francisco, being the ¥ and County Attor- ney, Anditor and Tax Collector respectively of san Francisco, nominated and elected on the Democretic ticket by and through the manage- ment and work of the General Committee o1 the Democratic party, acting under our constitu- tion and by-laws and pursuant to the authority confirmed to this regular General Committee and its predecessors under said_constitution | by the baliot reform law of this State; and wherees, said Creswell, Broderick and Block, forgetful of theirduties to the authority which created them and of the General Committee of which they were members at the several siages of the Democratic General Committee existence under the printed constitution and by-laws to which they respectively sub- scribed, having deserted their former friends which through this regular organization re resents 90 per_cent of the reguler Democratic votes in this City for a rump organization of seceders called the ‘‘Junta” Democratic Com- mittee, and s its name implies “a select coun- cilof a_few” conaplril:‘g and intriguing with its small cirele of outside goldbng manipula- tors to place in the hands of said conspirators and their followers, which at most amounts to but 10 per cent of the Democratic party of San Francisco, the election machinery of the City for the purpose of carrying out their sinister designs. Resolved, That a committee of one from each Assembly district be au{»oimed by the chair to confer with ail political parties who favor the free and unlimited coinage of silver in this | year of fusion, and with them devise some | feasible and just plan that will enable all | voters favoring free coinage of silver to protect electors in the matter of precinct registzation of voters and secure the purity of elections where rights are in danger, and that said com- mittee beand hereby is vested with plenary powers in the premises. T. J. Gallagher said the only word of | forbearance with the Election Commis- | sioners that was uttered. “We'll have all we can do to win with- out making any further enemies,”’ he said, and he moved to table the denouncing partsof the resolutions. P. A. Dolan, who alway has a shillalah ready, objected to striking out anything. “I'favor mentioning every old goldbug and barnacle in the Junta. [Much ap- plause.] McNab, Pond and those fellows are traitors to the good old ship. I'm op- posed to fusing with the Populists, too, and I move that a committee be'appointed to see if they are composed of A. P. A.'s or what not.” W. ¥. Humphreys was one of several who denounced the FElection Commis- sioners for turning their backs on those who put them in office. “When they see fit to cast their fortunes with an organization hostile to us itis time we acted on the defensive,”’” he declared. “If they slap us and we don’t resent it we oucht to close'up shop.” C. W. Pope said that they had turned their backs on the men that elected them | and they were no longer Democrats. | *‘Letus help our friends and damn our enemies,” said Popeus “The Democratic See Yups, or hatchet- men of the Juuta,” said Fitzgerald, “are saying that we can’t get on the ticket. Now by fusing with the Populists we can get on the ballot sure and beat them five to one.” i _The motion to strike out any denuncia- tion got 3 ayes and a tremendous roar of noes, which was followed by a cheer. P !"‘ Dundon opposed fusion and then Egan’s resolutions were carrried as read, as a substitute for Fitzgerald's, M. J. Donovan, chairman of the execu- tive committee, reported that there would be additional enrollment for the coming primaries on the 13th, 14th and 15th, Smith of ‘the Forty-tirst thought that those big quarters were incomplete with- out a place to «buy *'soda water,”’ bt his motion to provide ‘‘a little place” to buy drinks was ruled out of order. Mr. Humphreys got some applause by reporting for the absent treasurer, Sam Newman, that Christian Reis, the treas- urer of the o!/d committee, had at last turned over to him that balance of $200, thereby recognizing fthe legality of the present committee. A MADDOX FOR SECRETARY. Chalrman ° Alford Makes More Appoint- ments. W. H. Alford, chairman of the Demo- cratic State Central Commaittee, has made further progress in the completion of the State party machine by appointing one of the secretaries and two more committees. The secretary named is Ben M. Maddox of Visalia, Democratic nominee for Secre- tary of State two years ago. Mr. Alford is authorized to appoint two secretaries. As far as he knows they will have equal rank and co-ordinate powers. The committee on speakersisasfollows: ‘William Craig, San Francisco, chairman; John H. Grady and W. J. Brobeck, San Francisco; John H. Rosseter, Oszkland; J. W. Cochrane, Marin. The following is the literary committee: John Markley, S8acramento, chairman; T. Carl Spelling, M. M. Miller, Franklin K. Lane, William P. Lawlor, Joseph Leggett, San Francisco; John W. Mitchell, Los Angeles. . The State Central Committee will hotd its next regular meeting next Saturday afternoon. The advisory committee wiil hold its first meeting next Thursday after- noon, and the legislative committee will meet Saturday forenoon. Some ATTRACTIVE PLAYHOUSES, Chauncey O:cott in the Beautiful “Mavourneen” at the Cal- ifornia. The Columbia, the Tivoli, the Or- pheum and Other Places Offer Pieasinz Bills. Chauncey Olcott made his initial ap- pearance in this City in “Mavourneen’’ at the California last evening., Many first- nighters were there, and curiosity was on edge concerning Mr. Olcott, about whom 80 much that is laudatory has been said. He did not disappoint expectation. On the contrary he grew constantly in favor from the beginning until he was a prime favorite with those who occupied the seats wien the curtain finally fell on the last scene, Mr. Olcott was visibly nervous when he began. He has met with favor in the East. He has been in California before, singing with the Emerson minstrels. He had never taken a title role or any role here before last night. Something akin N\ \\ il WY WG \\\ N N R - CHAUNCEY OLCOTT. Cock-Fighters in Court. The cases of the eighteen men arrested Sun- day on the barge Yolo on the charge of pre- paring to carry on a cock-fight were called in Judge Low’s court yesterday morning. Al White, B "rt Johnson and Fred Johnson pleaded gu.l.y and were each fined $10. The other fifteen 1 cre represented by Attorney Eddie Sweeney, wi0 asked for & continuance till Saturaay, which was granted. Only a few of them were in court. An attempt was made to supstitute bonds for cash, but the Judge re- fused to accept bonds. —————— Calls Him Incorrigible. Mrs. Mary Winn of 208 Andover street, legal guardian and actusal stepmother of Albert and Jonn Winn, complains that the first named, a boy of 14, is incorrigible, being given to pro- fanity and general bad conduct. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children has the case under consideration, e to stage fright came over him. His recep- tion in the first act ought to have been and was reassuring. A comparatively unim- portant song brought forth warm ap- lause,” His voice was sweet but unsatis- actory, but the applause warmed and stimulated him. Subsequent songs brought out the full volume of his voice, and manifested the fact that his sympa- thetic manner and sweet voice have not been overestimated in advance. “‘Mavourneen’'—the title being gestive of Crouch’s ballad of “Kathleen Mavourneen”—is full of sentiment. - The scenes are all seemingly shaped up to make opportunities for a ballad-singing Irish troubadour. Such Mr. Olcott 15—a ballad singer who is so impressionable and emotional that his mood is catching. At the ena of the second act he was called before the curtain. He was not permitted to o alopg. uninterruptedly ‘with his sugz- lines, for the audience speedily put him in his proper piace. They would rather hear him sing than listen or watch the play at targe. No better ballad singing has been heard in California in years. Mr. Olcott was also very satisfactory as the rollicking, manly, unaffected, affec- tionate and brave Irish lad, whom drama- tists like to portray. There are enough scenes of daring and pathos to awaken the enthusiasm of those who go to a play for the sake of the sudden and unexpected. The sceues are pleasing and well contrived on the whole. The support was good. Daniel Gilfether took the role of John Dwyer, brother of Terrence Dwyer, and by his social position furnished the neces- sary foil to set off the aspiring Terrence, the humble Irish boy. Etta Baker Martin was Lady Caroline Dwyer and Georgia Busley was Lady May Tyrrell The part of the designing yillain was taken by Paul Gilmore as Captain March- mont, who wishes to marry Lady May Tyrrell, but the lady prefers Terrence. W. H. Burton was the Abbe Malone, the tra- ditional stage priest. ‘Two little children furnished a pretty by-play. Inthe play are a plot, an abduction, a rescue and the un- raveling of the piot. Incidentally there is a real old-fashioned Irish jig, a minuet and seyeral quite - striking positions. Above all and leading all are the vocal ebilities of Chauncey Olcott, who is a good enough actor to justify fully his favorite title of “‘the singing comedian.” The play is wholesome in its teaching, has prett{ incidents and seemingly pos- lsu'stes all the elements of lasting popu- arity. The Columbia. Whoever chose “A Gold Mine” as the comedy in which to introduce Wilton Lackaye to the Columbia patrons made an error. Mr. Lackaye is no more fitted for the role of Silas K. Woolcott than he would be for that of “Black Cloud, the Terror of the Plains.” Mr. Lackaye is & sterling actor, whose:ability none will gainsay, and last night he played the leading part in nis usual careful and painstak- ln% manner, but he suffers in comparison with a Westerner like Nat Goodwin. Mr. Lackaye is unfortunaté in having had the role thrust upon him. dwin is the real Westerner, with the -genuine Western flavor. Lackaye is the New York imitation who wouldn’t go an instant in a real mining camp. Forall that Mr. Lackaye did well and fairly earned what npg)lnuqe he got. As the Hon. Mrs. Thorndyke Meredith Mrs. Boucicault was a revelation. She is a past mis- tress in the art of repartee, and her graceful manner of grilling her unfortunate lover was productive of much lrplluse. Of “A Gold Mine’ 1t 'is unnesessary to say anything. The comedy is too well known locally to need description. Of the artists, be- sides the two mentioned, only words of praise may be spoken, except in the case of Frank Worthing, who scarcaly knew his lines, and stuck a dozen times or more. Miss Hope Ross was as charming as usual; Miss Madge Carr Cook was what she should be, while Maclyn Arbuckle. George W. Leslie, Tyrone Power and Wilson Enos played their parts in their usual praiseworthy manner. Taken all in all, the play as presented af the Columbia is well ‘worth seeing. [ At the Baldwin, “The Benefit of the Doubt,” which was given by Charles Frohman’s Empire Company at the Baldwin Theater last evening, is a pretty soci- ety play, very natural and very smoothly played, and was consequently a treat to the large audience. The play hangs on the unreasonable and realistic jealousy of a hand- some woman, who wildly commences a suit for Qdivorce, foolishly naming another young wife who is madly in love with' her own husband as corespondent. Of course the complications of the story are interesting—often comic and frequently touching. s The husbands of the two women are hel lessly tossed here and there by the wives, their relatives and the divorce court. Annie Irish as Mrs. Olive Allingham, the jeplous wife, is excellent in that diffcult part and is a perfect running mate to William Fuvershem, who plays John Allingham. One ‘of the jolliest little scenes is where Viola Allen as Theophila Fraser, the innocent corespondent, & moment before cast down, drinks a glass of champagne and throws off her ‘woe with her bonnet and becomes quite frisky with her atleged partner in guilt. He knowing that his almost reconciied wife is listening behind the curtain is in misery. Finally the play closes with the reconciliation complete. The piece will be given the rest of the week. » » At the Grand. “The Danites” was splendidly staged and well given at the Grand Opera-house last even- ing with James M. Brophy as Saudy McKee. The old play is changed somewhat from the ustal version, and the change is an improvement. Fred J. Butler as Charles Gosaey. called the ‘“Parson,” beca: e Tic Grefpocisurt Leaders in Fashion—— ) Lowest in Prices—— SAN FRANCISCO, August 4, 1806. No Dullness Here--- This is CHILDREN’S WEEK at the Big Department Store. We are fitting BOYS and GIRLS out for SCHOOL—thousands of them—with everything that Under Clothing, Hats, Shoes. Books, School Supplies. BOOKS WE are selling at Eastern prices. cent less than you have paid for of previous School Terms. the San Francisco Booksellers’ combine to keep up the prices to the old standard, which is much higher than the regular The other things that are necessary WE are selling at a fair profit—Enough profit to satisfy us—But 15 per cent to 25 per they neod—Outer Clothing, COST. WE refused to sign similar goods at the beginning FIRST SHOWING OF FALL DRESS FABRICS. The fall goods already begin- ning toarrive. The EMPORIUM leads the procession. WE make the first showing of nov- elties for fall that is made in this city—a month earlier than you are accustomed to being served. The EMPORIUM— leaders in style, price—leaders in every way. This vanguard of the wonder- ful Dress Goods stock that will be shown here during the com- ing season includes among the many novel weaves: Persian Broche. Broche Velours. Jacquard a Louis XIV. Broche Monotone. Matelasse @ Orient. Nouveaute a Jour. Tete a Negre. Drap de Moutonet. Satin Princess. In the following shades: Marie Louise. Aubergine. Mordore. . Souterelle. Hirondelle. gloire de Paris. ance. awve. e Elese. These are high-art novelties, the patterns exclusive with the EMPO- RIUM. Prices range from soc a yard up. il 9g The Glove section of g:'(;':l’;se" S the EMPORIUM ac- commodates as much stock as is generally carried in two ordinary stores. Every item of that great stock selected with especial care. So far no dissatisfaction on the part of customers at the qualities and prices of our Gloves, and if we can prevent it there never shall be. Here are some good things for chil- dren : At 24c a pair—Children’s Silk Taf- feta Gloves. Black, Browns, Tans and White. At 38c a pair—Children’s All-Silk Giloves, choice assortment of color- ings, including several shades of Brown, Tans, Reds, Modes, Creams, White and Black. At a pair—Children’s 4-Button Rgglc KidpGloves—Perfcction of fit uaranteed—Brown, Tans, Reds, %Vhite and Pearl. Extra care ex- ercised in the making of these Children’s Gloves—worth $1.25, for ¢8- WerER 2 NEW GLOVES. ; LADIES® SUITS. The Suit Bar- gain of the year. All-wool, tan or ray mixed heviot. Lined skirt,extra wide. Velveteen bind- ing. The jacket all silk lined and trimmed with small pearl but- tons. Stylish, ““chic,”” up-to- date. The for- mer price $12.50. Offered this week to close at $6.98. Second Floor, Front. A CORRECTION. Did you read in the Sunday papers the items of that very complete Table Service for a family ? An ordinary $50.00 worth which we offered for $37.65? A mistake crept into that announcement which we want to correct at once. The DINNER SET adver- tised as ‘‘Real White China, fancy shapes,” is in reality Decorated English Porcelain, and you would consider the price reosonable if we charged $20 for it instead of $15.65. Ladies’ ;l;lhe EIMI?ORIUM has e exclusive agency for G!OVQS. the Genuine Jouvin & Cie French Kid Gloves, the best wearing and most perfectly fitting Gloves that are made. There are many imitations ‘of this celebrated brand. You will be offered Jouvin & Cie Gloves (so called) in several stores in this city, but OURS are the only Genuine ones made at the re- nowned French factory. Here are two Glove items that should interest every woman in the city: At 85c a pair—A superior quality of Ladies’” English Walkingq Glot\y"e-— four large pearl buttons—Ilatest stitched backs. Ordinarily sold at $1.25. At 98¢ a pair—Ladies’ 4-Button Kid Gloves—heavy black embroidered backs— large pearl buttons—a beautiful Glove for dress wear. We guarantee perfect fit. Real value $1.25. The colors are : Reds. Ox Bldods. Pearl. Tan. Modes. Green. White. Butter. “Black. Brown. Nazy. Gray: could outswear any man in the mining camp, played this strong character well. The other principal parts were filled by Jlay Nanoary, as Billy Piper and Nancy illiams, and Leslie Morosco, as Washee Washee, the China- man, At the Tivoli, To call “1 Pagliacei” a success would seem faint praise. The enthusiam shown at the Tivoli 1ast night at the opening presentation transcended anything of the sort thus far seen since the grand opera season commenced. The applause was constant. Owing to the shortness of the opera an or- chestral concert was given from 8 to 9 o’clock under Mr. Hinrich’s direction. The pro- gramme opened with Nicolai’s overture to “I'ne Merry Wives of Windsor.” The rendering seemed to be perfect. The ballet music from Gounod’s “Faust,” so sel- dom attempted in this part of the world, was given with much airy grace and rythmic teeling. ARTor the opera, Michelena was the star, and no one attempted to share the honor with him. His wild agony of despair, set to music which sounds 1ike one long cry of pain wrung from & broken heart, was last night's triumph. Nini Bertini-Humphreys makes a charming Columbine and fills the exacting role very ac- ceptably. affacl, as Silvio, the lover of a day and the partner of his lady-love in death, earned the applause which rewarded his every effort. The scenic effects, not very elaborate in “I Pag- liacei,” are harmonious and appropriate. The opera will be repeated this evening. , At vhe Orpheum. This week's bill is an unusually fine one, being noticeable in particular for the widest variety combined with & uniform standard of excellence. The marimbs piayers from An- tigua, Guatemala, who have delighted the Orpheum’s audiences in days past were seen | and heard by the patrons of the favorite place of amusement las¢ night again. Mrs. Lydia Yeamans-Titus is & marvel. Another woman who can sing, and sing like an angel, is the rightly so-called “Black Patti,” Sissierstta Jones. Her trilling is & wouder of sweet, soft naturalness. % The Vaidi sisters on their revolving electric wheels perform a number of singularly grace- fuland intricate evolutions, while Biondi in his “one-man opera” is as popular as ever. The four Nelson sisters go through an acro- batic performance requiring the finest poise, while Herr Techow’s cats and several other fine specialties contribute to make up a rarely interesting programme. The Chutes. Business at the Chutes is on the rush add the new bill in the Csasino has made a pro- nounced hit. There are a couple of very clever girls, who do a skirt dance and play the banjo at the same time, a conjurer, vocalists and “Young Sandow,” who performs feats of strength that may make his namesake look to his laurels. “Joe,” the educated orang-outang, is learn- something new every day. His latest accom- g:m:mentls picking out coins of any denom- ation simply at the word of command. e Kuhlman Again Conquers. The Sonderup case was before Coroner Haw- kins again yesterday, with the usual result. Dr. Kuhlman refused to answer certain ques- ons asked “by the Coromer. The witnessre fused to testify, and was accordingly com- mitted to jail for thirty days. Kuhlman was released on proving the uncoustitutionality of the special act under which he was committed. To-day the case will again come before Judge Daingerfield, Dr. Kuhlman having been sub- penaed to attend a third inquest, when he will doubtless be committed under the general law. He is confident of ultimate triumph. —_————— A HOUSE DIVIDED. Peculiar Domestic Menage of the Lahue Family, Late of Mendocino County. On the 13th of February last, according to a report presented to the late Secretary McComb of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, Mrs. Fannie Lahue, a handsome woman of 27 years, leit her husband’s ranch near Ukiah, in company with a man, taking two of her four chii- dren. Three weeks ago she left the two little ones in charge of Mrs. Clara Jackson, at 17)4 Rausch street, since which time she has not returned for them, nor con- tributed anything to their support. Mr. Lahue, who is at presentin town, states that bis wife’'s mode of life is far from commendable. Upon learning the facts in the case, Secretary Welch of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children wrote to Lahue, asking him to make some provision for his children. e —— - Women Republica: The Woman’s Republican State Central Club will meet in Justice of the Peace Groezinger’s courtroom to-morrow even- ing at 8 o'clock. Preparations will be made for an entertainment at Odd Fel- lows’ Hall on Wednesdey evening of next week, when the club’s mascot. Marjorie McKinley Morse, will be installed. The Forty-Second District. At a meeting of the Forty-second Dis- trict Republican Club last night John M. Chretien and H. W. Grey were elected county committeemen. e ————— In Their New Hall. Carpenters’ Union No. 483 held its first meeting in the new hall at 915}4 Market street last nigkt. Afterroutine work had been disposed of the union resolved itself into a retreshment com- mittee of the whole, when all sat down to table, where an abundance of coffee and sand- wiches awaited them. —————— Three Young Persons Drowned. LA CROSSE, Wis., Aug. 3.—While out boat-riding yesterday afternoon, shortly before 4 o’clock, Henry Hendrickson, Liz- zie Oldstadt and- Hanna Anderson, three La Crosse young persons, were drowned in the Mississippi River just below the city. They were just rounding a bending in the river, where the current was very swift, and tne boat became unmanageable. The craft with its occupauts was pulied under some barges which were moored near by and that was the last seen of them.