The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, December 10, 1896, Page 10

10 THE SAN FRANCISCO CALL, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1896. o e T B e e e e HOPE T0 CURE A VERY BAD LAW The Grand Jury Consider- ing the Unequal Tax System. Double Work Imposed Upon As- sessors and Tax Collec- tors. Ovér lialf a Million Dollars Held Out of Use for Over Ha:f a Year. The absurd and unjust system under which the taxes are collected in this City and County was the subject of a discussion last evening between the members of the Grand Jury and the heads of thosedepart- ments of the City government having to do with taxes. The purpose was to discover, if possible, some means of correciing whet is admit- ted by everybody who understand workings of the law to be a gross di ination against and hardship upon a great number of taxpayers. It was hopea that some plan might be suggested under which rellef might be obtained from the next Legislature, and a | bill will probably be drawn up repealing the present law and substituting some more equitable method. City and County Attorney Creswell, who was present, sald he would lend any assistance that he could in the matter. It was suggested that the San Francisco delegation be asked to meet with the jury and frame a bill such as may work the desired reforms in the system. Deputy Assessor Herzer presented a statement showing the extraordinary workings of the law, and Auditor Brod- erick emphasized the same in a short address. The latter pointed out that the system added from $50,000 to $60,000 annually 1o the expense ot collecting the taxes, and that no less that $612,000 was tied up for X to eight months this year, out of v, through the ridiculous of this law. Herzer’s statement showed. that no less asum than $20,000 was adced to the ex- fses of the Assessor’s office alone every year. The law requires not secured by real estate be col- lected summarily at the time of making the assessment, and oy the essors. Th collection must be mad March, or May, before the tax levy has been fixed. The assessors collect on the rate of the previous year, with the understanding that if the rate when fixed is lower or nigher than that rate the difference will be subsequently straightened up at the time of the iiar coilection of taxes in October. manner atar sequently the rate was fixed at $2 2 the $100. The taxpayers who hsad paid in the year therefore had to come in October and make another \ent covering the difference. ssor collected the per- provision .3982, and the Tax Col- lector is bound to repay the difference to the tax entailing more than double the work upon him. The excess hasbeen withdrawn from his case and has been laying idle in the County treasury since March and April, nine months, and amounts to §172,732 20. “Aside from the fact that the Assessor should not be the coliector of taxes, this being tbe duty of the Fax Collector,” said Herzer, *itis unjust to make one class of taxpavers pay their tax in March or April wilen no tax rate has been fixed, when no Board of Equalization Las met. to whom appeal can be made from an unjust assess- ment, while another class, the wealthier owner of real estate, can pay his lowest tax on personal property nine months later, and, if he wishes to pay a penalty of 15 ver cent, thirteen monthslater. “The repeal of the law throughout the whole State would be opposed by the as- sessors of the interior, they being allowed 6 per cent for the collection of personal property taxes unsecured by real estate. The only remedy for San Francisco would be the passage of an act exempting coun- ties of the first class from the operation of the law as now constituted and a return to the former law of collection. Whether this can be done legally we would leave to the City and County Attorney to advise.” The City and County Attorney said the remedy could not be so easily applied, as such exemption would be directly con- trary to the code. Classification of coun- ties could not be made for the purposes of collecting taxes or for any purpose except regulating salaries. He said that the suit of Rode vs. Siebe, now before the Supreme Court, called in ques- tion the constitutionaiity of the law on the ground that it required the collee- tion of taxes before any Board of Equaliza- tion was assembled as a court of appeals. If the law was decided to be unconstitu- tional that would settle the matter. It was decided to take what measures might be possible to secure an early de- cision in tve case and in the meantime to prevare a bill to be presented by the San Francisco delegation to the next Legisla- ture to cure the present law so far as pos- sible. CHURCH BAZAAR. Ladies of Pierce-Street Congregational Church Pian a Pleasant Entertain- ment and Sale of Work. The ladies of Pierce-street Congrega- tional Church will give an entertainment and bazaar at Steimke Hall, corner of Oc- tavia and Union streets, Wednesday, De- cember 16, for the purpose of increasing the amount already so generously pro- vided for improving the church building. In the afternoon there will Le an interest- ing exhibition of kindergarten exercises. In the evening an exceilent musical and Jiterary programme will be rendered by Pro‘essor Graeber, Mr. and Mrs. Gus Thompson, Miss Balzter, Miss Lottie iraeber, Dr. P. C. Erbardt and Miss Grace Goodrich. The booths will be under the management of the tollowing ladies: Toys and fancy work beoth—Miss ‘Rochat and the Misses Grace and Murella Goodriel. Apron booth—Mrs, Caseboit and Mrs. Blake and daugnters. Paper booth—Mrs. Evans, Mrs. Engle and Miss Ethel Dixon. Flower booth—Miss Nellie Evans. Cushion beoth—Miss Graham and Miss Franger. Plant booth—Miss Lottie Hoffman and Miss May Engle. Refreshment booth — Mrs. Crockett, the Misses Dixon and Adele Eagle. Orange tree an ab-bag—The Misses Anna Hoffman, Ethel : and Winifred Coombe. A fish pond will also be provided. ———— BIAGINI'S VEAL. It Gets Him Into Trouble With Health Inspector River. Inspector Rivar of the Board of Health made a clever capture of a man who had been for some time suspected of bringing immature veal into the City on Monday N It was found that the veal came from Haifmoon Bay and that it changed bands at San_ Maieo, being brought into this City by Josepu Biagini, Rivers was on the lookout for him and that personal taxes | on Monday morning, and soon met him driving toward the City. He was not sure of his identitv until Biagini whipped up his horses, after the inspector bad passed, and flew toward town atbreakneck speed. He was caught after an exciting chase of several miies and taken to the nearest inspection station, where one ot the four calves in his wagon was found to be unfit fer food. It was confiscated. UANNOT BORROW OR LEND. A New Order Issued to All Treasury Department Officers and Employes. Hereafter there is to be no more borrow- ing nor lending of money among the offi- cers of the Treasury Department of the | Federal Government, The edict went forth on December 1,upon the direction of Secretary of the Treasury Carlisle, and a copy thereof was received and posted in the Custom-house yesterday. It is evident from this that the authori- ties at Washinzton do not want any strings upon their subordinates. For ex- ample, if one of the customs officers should borrow money from another of equal or different rank there would naturally be | an cbligation that would be a serious stumbling-block in the way of an investi- | gation hy the powers that be, for no man is likely to testify freely against one to whom he is in debt. Nor, on the other hand, is a man likely to give testimony against a man who is in his debt for fear that the debtor may be digmissed and never be able to pay what Lie owes. This order applies to all of the departments of the treasury, including the local Sub-treasury and the Internal Revenue office. 3 From all appearances it has been issued to all treasury officials in the United States, and the circumstance necessitating the issuance of the same evidently arose | east of the Rocky Mountains. This order accomplishes another fea- tare. It makes all of the Government employes live within their salaries, for six months or more ago an order was issued prohibiting treasury and postoffice em- Vloyes from disposing of the warrants for their salaries to warrant shayers and | brokers. GLASEDN FOR SINGLE TAY { pire Votes to Tax Cnly Rents. { The Scotch Matropolis Elects a Town Councl on the Straight Issue | by a Large Majority. Single-taxers in this City were delighted | to bear yesterday that Glaszow has gone ! for single-tax with & large majority, and that now that great metropolis has no taxes save these on rents. The news came in full jorm in a letter publisked in the National Single-Taxer, and written by John Paul, editor of the Glasgow Single- Tax, to Henry George. The letteris, in part, ollows GLASGOW, Scor. tell you of our | gow. glorio We have won all elong theline atthe Glasgow municipal general election. We have tory here in Glas- | twenty-five wards, which send three members | each o the Town' Council. 2rs only one-third of the members have re- tired ennuaily. This year, owing 1o a redistri- | bution cf the wards, the whole seventy-five | members nad to be returned. Mr. Burt was d in 1889, ie work was slow at first, and for three —1891 to 1894—little was done inside e Council. We went out to the electors and {Second City of the British Em-| ov. 12.—1 write to | For the past fifty | FROM THE PARK 10 THE TRACK An Excellent Scheme to Open Up a Long and Level Driveway. 1t Would Abcund in Good Views. The Only Obstacle Is the Spring Valley Company. The Sunset District Improvement C.ub Is Working Hard to Secure the Desired Obj ct. The members of the Sunset District Im- provement Club are working hard to effect an improvement in their locality which would constitute a grand boon to all driv- ers and cyclists. 1tis poless than the direct connection over alevel and stenic route of Golden Gate Park with the Ingleside Racetrack, the road proposed being practically a belt line between the Mission and the people’s great pleasure ground. The route proposed is along Nineteenth avenue, which commands a beautiful view of the bay toward Marin County, San Ma- teo County, its lakes, surrounding hills and the Ingleside track. The propused Improvement Clubs, the Manufacturers’ and Producers’ Association and the State Develobment Committee. Other bodies of a like character may be admitted at the pleasure of the association. The object of this council is, *'to secure united action in all matters of interest pertaining to the State of California.”” No organization represented in the association is bound by lge action of its delegates ‘‘unless such delegates be given full power in writing to represent the organization.” The meetings of this association will be held at 3 . M. on the second Wednesday of eacb montn. Special meetings may be called by the president at any time. The next meeting will occur on tne first Mon- day in January. Julizn Sonntag wasunanimously elected president of the association and thanked the assembled delegates for the honor con- ferred upon him. David Rich was elected vice-president and J. Richard Freud sec- retary and treasurer. At the next meeting there will be elected an executive com- mittee of three on National legislation, of three on State legislation, and of three on municipalities, ‘all of which are to be elected annually., MR. SHEA WAS BUSY, Why Plans for the Roof of the City Hall Were Not let Ready. The secret of why work has not been begun on the new City Hall roof came out at the meeting of the City Hall Commis- sioners on Tuesday when Architect Frank Shea admitted that the contractor had not begun work on the permanent structure because the plans and specifications were not complete. Mr. Shea draws a comfortable salary as City Hall architect which will cease when the permanent roof is on the hall. Mr. Shea is the successful designer of plans for the new municipal building and most of his time for several months back has been occupied in this work. Even the contractor for the dome had to stop work until that roof was under way. City and County Attorney Creswellis angry about {he matter and will have something sharp to say to the architect at the next meeting of the Commissioners, unless the plans are completed. {EARNING FOR A COUNT, Marie Viola Keller Loves Prus- sians and Is Leoking for Avuother. Thinks She Is Fqua! to Several More Husbands Before She Dies. Mrs. Marie Viola Keller was on hand as required yesterday afternoon to complete ber deposition in the matter of her contest of the will of the late Judge Hastings, which was scheduled to take placein the office of 8. M. Shortridge at 2 o’clock yas- terday afternoon. The putative widow wrs in the same bright and alert temper the men in the streets; wakened them up, and then raised the question again st the Council. Well, we have scored. Mr. Burt's | sub-committee submitted a report on the 6th | of Octoberin favor of presenting a petition to | Pariiament 10 secure the NeECeSsary power: | make land values the basis of the city’s tax: tion. This was carried by 33 to 25 votes, and | had the division been taken in a full house we | would have had nine of a mejority. Then the campalgn commenced. The dis- | cussion simply raged round land values. Every candidate was cither in favor of taxing land values or againstit, In severalof the wards there were from four to seven candidates | standing jor the thres seats, all pledged aud appealing by their postors 10 “‘vote for—and taxation of land velues.” Even Tories who had voted consistenty against it at the Coun- cil were paralyzed at the strength of the single tax in the public mind and efforded immense amusement by their pathetic declaratio that they now understood the question; t the singte tax was a just system of taxation; that land monopoly was a great cause of social cvils; that the land speculators had no right 10 any sympathy: that their good friends the single-taXers might rest assured that they were now informed and would vote straight next time: that they hiad always believed in adjust. ing the i ce of 1axation, ele. Everybody admits it wes a single-tax fight and a single-tax victory, and we, have now at the Town Council a majority of twenty-three pledged supporters. There are seventy-seven members—seventy-five elected and two nomi- nated by the Council. Three years mgo we | had about a dozen reliable men there. Thus we have ted to the single tax “the second city of the empire,” end irom this del we can talk to the rest of the country. We ieel absolutely sure of eur ground, for our question has become the great public question here. The Scottish Libaral party has done well for our side, but it is not too much 10 say that the question of taxing land values is now acquiring a force, and &n organized force, out- side the domain of any party, that will carry it to n speedv and successful issue. These are bold words, but I know you will not misunder- stand me. Then follows a few paragraphs of a gen- eral nature, and the letter ends with pre- dictions of a brieht future for the single- tax movement. SOCIALIST LABOR PARTY, Lecture by John M. Eeynolds on the “* Social Siatus of the Forces at ‘Work for Socialism’’ Liberty Branch of the Socialist Lavor party was addressed at its meeting last night in the Turk-streer Temple by John M. Reynoldson “The social status of the forces at work for socialism.”” Tne meeting opened with a short ad- dress by the chairman, after which Secre- tary Theodore Lynch read the platform of the Socialist Labor party, which was ap- planded. Mr. Revnolds spoke for an hour, and was frequently applauded, after which short addresses were made by the follow- ing: Rev. J. E. Scott, Mme. Gaffe, Mr. Thompson, J. D. Lane, Mr. Throckmor- ton, Leo Gasser, Dr. J. D. O’Brock, J. Lar- Lynch. The chairman, C. D. Sunflower, an- nounced an address in the same hall Wednesday evening, December 16, by Frank J. Muraskey on “The World as T Would Have It.”” o Its Strongth Increasing. The following thirty business firms have sent in theis applicauions for membership in the Merchants’ Associution since the last meeting of the boafd of directors on the 3d inst. At a special meeting of the board of dircetors held yesterday these thirty new up- plications were presented and each of the parties was unanimously elected as a regular member of ihe assoc ation. This makes the firms: J. K. Armsby & Co., 138 Market; Aug H. Aubin, 1 Grant avenue; Baker & Hemilton, 2 | Pine; California Tartar Works, 819 Sansome; Dan P. Certer, 842 Market; Stanisiaus Con- stantini, 111 O'Furrell; Continental Building and Loan As<ociation, 222 Sansome; Henry C. Decker, 1020 Market; Doane & Co., 6 Beale; J. A, Eichorn & Bro., 208 Kearny; W. F. Goad, Mills buiiding; George Greenzweig & Co., % Sutter; Joues Bros. & Co., corner Second and Braunan; Frank & Keily, 102 Eddy; J. &, Kimbuil, 22 Market; Luc.man & Jacobi, cor- ner Second and Bryant; Landsberger & Son, 123 California; L. Lebenbaum & Co.. 236 Sutter Jor: J. Pahl, 3. Morton Special Delivery Co., 408 Tay- Myers & Co 947 Market; Richard 2 irpoint Manufacturing Co., 220 Sutf Patrick & Co., 119 Clay: P. Peterson, 623 Krarny; Gustave Schnee, 215 Vaiencia; Searie & Hou, 41 First; Shreve & Barber (o, 529 Kearny: Edward J. Smith, 21 Powell; Smith Pieture Co., 836 Howard; J. Spaulding & Co., 353 Tehama. sen, Henry Wainecke Jr. and Theodore | total membership at present 724 business | road would be 2} miles long and would be largely level, having ounly a 2-per-cent grade on the average. It is well within the boundary secure from the rolling- sund nuisance. Part of the route is | through a beautiful grove of blue-gum trees. The only obstacle to this magnificent driveway is 1600 feet of land belonging 1o tbe Spring Valley Water Works Com- pany, lying between X street and the { Ocean House. This section 18 almost per- fectly tevel and the compnng seems 10 think thet there will be no objection to | its being opened for the accommodation of the public. The present attitude is that the company wishes to await the ar- | rival of its secretary, who has been visit- ing in the Kast and who is expected to re- turn on the 21st inst. It is understood that the property-own- ers in the district, who are fuily alive to the advantages toaccrue from the opening of the road, will be willing toshoulder the expense of putting this driveway in order. The making ot this road would be a sreat benefit, it is thought, to the entire section which it traverses. Property values would be likely to at once advance, and the attention of home-seekers would be directed toward a suitabie locality for their object. In a general way it would increase the attractiveness of San I'ran- cisco by adding to its picturesque drives— a consideration likely to weigh to anim- portant degree with the wealthier class | and those owning horses and vehicles. The Sunset District Improvement Club will forthwith work with zeal upon the project, having placed the matter in charge of the following street committee: i Daniel Foiey, Richard Keller, Charles H. Cushman, A. Harrington, L. Lippmann. A BIG ORGANIZATION. The Council of Associated Industrics of California Elects Officers and Adopts a Constitution. The Council of the Associated Industries of California was organized yesterday at the rooms of the Manufacturers’ and Pro- ducers’ Association in the Mills building. This name was reached only after a deal of discussion, as each man present seemed to have a nominal hobby. Those present at the meeting were, with the organizations they represented, as follows: Chamber of Commerce—N. P. Cole, L. P. Lastreto; State Board of Trade, J. A. Filcber; Mechanics' Institute—E. F. Heald, P. J. Healy, E. A. Denicke: San Francisco Fruit Exchange, Isador Jacobs; Manufacturers’ and Producers’ Associa- tion—M. J. Keller, J. W. Kerr, Oscar Lewis; State Development Committee— David Rich, D. M. Cannon. Julian Sonu- tag, presidentof the Manuiacturers’ and Producers’ Association, acted as tempo- rary chairman. The organization as formed consists of three deiegates each from the State Board of Horticulture, the State Board of Trade, the Merchants’ Association, the Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Education, the Board of Health, the Butlders’ Exchange, the Mechanics’ Institute, the San Fran- cisco Fruit Exchange, the Association of that has cheracterized her since she came under public notice in this case. “It is a shame to insist on calling me Mrs. Keller,” she said. *I haven't had that name for many years. I havealways been known of late years as Mrs. Hast- ings. All my legal papers, my insurance policy and other such documents have ail | been made out in that name. Ob, I was much too smari a woman to have it any otber way.” Mre. Keller was entertaining the little gathering in the attorney’s outer office, aweiting the arrival of her own counsel for the beginning of the aiternoon’s proceed- ings. “They say I talk Russian, too,’” she con- tinued, seeing that her anaience was giv- ing her attention. “That’s another mis- take. I know rothing of Russian, but I can talk Prussian, and I tike it. Ilike the Germans, and I like their language.” *That’s because of the Prussian Count you married,” suggested one of the little party. “Exactly; that’s 1t exactly,” said the lively little litigant. ‘It is because of the Prussian Count. He treated me wel!, and I'm now looking for another one; I hope to find him, t00.” *I feel sorry for him,”” said one of her hearers, jokingly. “0b, you think I am good to bury sev- eral husbands yet, doyou? Well, I'think 80, t00. At any rate, I'm looking for an- other Prussian Count. Oh, I know what loye is; yes, indeed, and I believe in it.” Mrs. Keller is not a young woman by any means, but when she was young she was quite pretty. All those who knew her 1n those days agree as to that. She was more than that; she wasbright intellectually and a good conversational- ist. She bears yet evidences of these favors of nature. She talks vivaciou:ly and often cleverly. She insists that she is roing to secure a widow’s share of Judge Hastings' estate, and warns those who are opposed to ber in the litization that it will be wiser to seek her favor. While the notary and others waited in the lawyer’s office word was received from Mr. Sullivan asking that the hearing go i over until to-morrow, as he had beeu un- expectediy overtaken by other affairs. | Accordingly the taking of the deposition went over until to-day at 2 o’cleck. FIRST ART DRAWING. Distribution of Local Pictures This Evening Under Supervision of the Mechanics’ Institute Trusteds. Tke art drawing of the Association of Califormia Art Patrons will be held this evening at 5 o' clock, in the Mechanics' In- stitute Library, on Post street. It will be held under the supervision of the insti- tute trustees and members of the associa- tion. Though the object of this new associa- tion has not been carried out on the scale that was originally intended, yet as a be- ginning those who originated the idea are satisfied that it promises well for the fu- ture. The reason given for commencing cn somewhat contracted lines is that the idea of an association to patronize Califor- nia artisis under the auspices of the board of trustess of the Mechanics’ Institute was developed too late in the fair season to make much of a stir by advertising the plan. By this institution, which is to be a part of the Mechanics’ Fair in future rears, pictures exhibited at the fair by local painiters will be chosen w:hen the art gallery closes and then distributed among the peorle who become members of the association on payment of 50 cents or more. The main thought is to thus dispose of local paintings of meriton the art drawing plan and so to help artists, while enabling persons of mcderate means to secure valu- able pictures. As a start ten paintings by well-known San Francisco painters will be distributed at the library. The pictures inciude land- scapes, a portrait, flower pieces and genre tubjects. Miss Alice Chittenden sold a painting of pansies to the association, a study in strong colors and up to the high standard of her flower pictures. There are two landscapes from Carl von Per- bandt—*Rondout Creek, New York,” and “Gualala River, California,”” both of them refined little pictures. Oscer Kunath’s E{'cm“ is a finely modeled “Study of a ead,” a portrait of a fair girl in light color. The pictures from John M. Gamb'e are water colors, one “Evening in France,” the other “Arab Yard. El Biar.” L. P. Latimer sold two iandscapes, ‘A Pastoral” and *‘Sunset,” handled in bis well-known characteristic style, and H. R. Bloomer’s pictures in the list are “The Valley of the Coin: England,” and “Out- skirts of Barbazon, STANTON ANXIOUS 10 APPLY THE AY Believes That Southern Pa- cific Rates Should Bs. Reduced. He Proposes a Thorough Investi- gation of the Affairs of the Railroad. La Rue and Clark Put a Brake on His Ardor—Legal Adv.ce to B> Souzht. There is more and deep trouble in store for the Southern Pacific Company. Rail- road Commissioner S.anton is not at all satisfied with the present state of affairs and is impatient to bz doing something that will prove that his position and that of hicolleagues is not a sinecure. But he stands alone in his impatience, though not in his desire to bring relief to the peamefi the State from the exactions of the railf®ad monopoly. When the commission met in regular session yesterday all three members were present, and the recent decision of Judge McKenna was the imporlant theme of discussion. This, it will be remembered, declared the commission to be a consti- tutional body, but held that the 8 per cent reduction on grain rates was unreason- able, While Commissioner Stanton was will- ing to forego the pleasure of further slashing at grain rates until the matter was brought up and decided on its actual merits, he wanted to swing the official ax at rates on all other commodities. With this object he made the following motion: That this commission proceed to the inves- tigation of the finances and standing of the Southern Pacific Company ead iis leased lines for the purpose of fixing & schedule of rates. Explaining the plan of the proposed in- vestigation Stanton said: ‘‘I1f we pursue this line of inquiry we shall secure from the railroad company all its tariff cheets, all changes in the c.assification of freights, all amendments to tariff sheets, all special rates, a!l special | contracts and all commodity tariffs.” Commissioner Clark thought this gait was a little too speedy and put on the brakes with words of caution and pru- Jdence, pitched to the tune of economy. “Before we go into such an expensive investigation,’” he said, ‘‘we ouzht to ask tue Legislature or the Board of Examiners for a financial fund, as we_have no money now on hand to go into it.”” Ignoring this interruption Stanton con- tinued: “If we wait until the case relat- ing to the 8 per cent reduction on grain rates is finaily decided we will have to wait six months or a year.” Chairman La Rue was eyideatly in- . clined to caution, aleo. *‘I think we should be guided largely by the Attorney- General.”” he said, “in following an in- vestigation in this matter. I believe we should go to trial on the merits of th@ case now pending. The only kind of in- vestigation we could have would amount to but little and would result like that of tast fall. We came to the conclusion that 8 per cent was 2 reasonable reduction, but they went to court and the court decided it was not reasonatle. We can now make them prove their case in court. The court’s decision was based on fizures sub- mitied by the railroad’s side alone.” Commissioner Stanton contended that the Board of Railroad Commissioners was just as important & court as the United émles Court. WILL NOW ROLL PILLS | Harlan Hadley, A. B. | gill Jultan, M. D.; Ira Bourland Ladd, Charles “If we go into all the details of the in- vestigation,” he continued, ‘‘we shall have | on record something that can always be | used as a basis for our calculations in rate- | jaking. Ithink we will be able to show ?l::kx‘-zfea are now based more on what the railroad can get out of the traffic than on the amount of capital invested. Our action will not interfere in any way wng tue 8 per cent case, nor vg\nh lhnz,propoee action of the Attorney-General. § Chairman La Rue was of the opinion that nothing should be done in the mat- ter of rate reductions until the grain rate question was finally decided, and Clark agreed with him. La Raue, in the course of the discussion, stated that hi nad talked with the Attorney-Genera and that the latter intended to go on with e pending grain rate case. lhs:zfnon cnfied attention to the fact that the 25 per cent reduciion resolution was before the toard, and remarked that in accordance with the affidavit filed with tne Cireuit Court, it would be necessary 1o hold an investigation of the Southern Pacific Company's affairs. After some further discussion it was de- cided to confer with the Atrorney-General and the attorneys who are associated with him in the grain rafe case before any- thing further is done in the matter of rate reductions, The motion to this effect was made by Clark. It was carried by the votes of the chairman and Clark. Stan- ton voted againstit. Secretary Newman was instructed to arrange for the con- ference. After deciding to include the full text of Judge McKenna's decision ip the report of the Commissioners, adjournment was taken until the next regular meeting, De- cember 23. Commenc:ment Exercises of the Class of 'g6 of Corper Medical College. Thirty-Seven Students, Among Whom Are Four Young Ladies, Take the Degree of M.D. The commencement exercises of the class of '96 of Cooper Medical College took place Tuesday evening 1 the college auditorium. The graduating class num- bered thirty-seven. They had so many {friends and acquaintances who desired to see them graduated that the auditorium was crowded. In fact <o many ladies and | gentlemen responded to the invitations sent out that a large number were unable 1o find seats daring the exercises. The graduates were the following named: Lewis Whitaker Allen, B. Warden Taylor Barr, B.S.; Hugo Beaftie, Francis Matthew Carroll, ard Beck Chapman, Waldo Lee | Cheshire; Joseph Fife, B. S.; Oscar Hermann Folkers, Ph. John Henry George Montgomery Gardner, raves, Jonathan Green; Fred | Mabel de Lucy Hughes; John Valentine Hughes, A. B.: Alpheus How- | Herbert Lowell, Hedvig Malstrom, Patrick | Joseph Mangan, Tnomas Crooke McCleave, | Frederick Joseph McNulty, Charles Howard Miller; Mayela Genevieve Murphy, Ph. B.; Stephen Nourse, A. B.; Sidney Ernest Davis Pinniger; Robert Langley Porter, B.S.; | Frances Lillian Raberge, Samuel Leroy Rea; John Belcher Rogers, B. A.; Fred William | irby Barnitz Smitk, Pn. G.; Ferdinand uren Alfred Stafford, Philip Matson Thomus, Isaac Walton Thorne, Edward Arbo Trommald, Grace Rains White. The programme consisted of musical selections by an orchestra led by Fenton P. roster, prayer by Rev. Edwin Hart Jenks, the conferring of degrees by the president, Professor L. C. Lane, ALD., an address to the ygraduatine class by Professor Adoiph Barkan, M.D.. an ad- dress by Rev. George C. Adams, D D,, and the benediction by Rev. Edwin Hart Jenks. The addressss were filled with good advice to the graduates, and both were witty. B T — Bowling Tournament. The bowling tournament opened at the Olympic Clup last night. About thirty mem- bers participated, and as active training hed been indulged in some gocd scores wore looked for. The following, divided into three classes, bowled for honqrs: C.A. Adams. W. | E. Becker, B. W. Bernherd, K. Boyd, J. T. Bill, W. C. Corbett, R. H. Donaldson, J. E. Eiliott, W. J. Ferguson, H. C. Hain, H. D. Hadenf-1dt, | M. & Harloe, W. H. Haley, O. H. Hanson, R. C. | J. King, J. A. Lacy, J. W. Leaviit, W. Mackie, T. F. Meherin, W. Moore, J. B. Me- Guire, F.G. Montealegre, H. C. Ramsay, T. G. Spillane, G. H. Stratton, C. A. White, G. O. | Watkins, J. A. White. FATHER YORKE T0 BE ARRESTED He Is Charged With Com- mitting Criminal Libel, The Comp'aininy Witness Is George Thistleton, R-al Estate Dzaler. The Allegzd Lib:1 Was Contained in an Article in the Monitor of October 17. A warrant was sworn out in Judge Campbell’s court vesterday for the arrest of Rev. Father Peter C. Yorke, editor of the Monitor, on the charge of criminal libel. : The complaining witness is George This- tleton, a reai estate dealer, who was editor and proprietor of thedefunct paper, the Jolly Giant. The complaint was drawn up by Thistle- ton’s attorney. It isa type-written docu- ment of two pages and was not handed to the clerk of the court for some hours after the Judge had signed the warrant for Fatner Yorke's arrest. The libel complained of was published in the Monitor of October 17. It was 1n the shape of an articie that reads as follows: “Bpicy minutes of Council -No. 1. The records of the doings of Council No. 1is becomingz awfully spicy. We ask our readers to peruse this week’s installment very carefully, as it tells the tale of the Sacramento convention. Old Thistleton of the defunct Jolly Giant told the mem- vers how he was an A. P. A. before there were any A. P. A’sand how Rome’s rad hand finally landed him in San Quentin.” The complaint continues that Father Yorke, in making this statement about the complaining witness, willfully and maliciouely libeled him, as it is false and defamatory. The Judge fixed Father Yorke’s bonds in the sum of $1000, and the warrant was handed to a policeman to serve upon him. As soon as it was known that there was ja warrant out for the arrestol Father Yorke there was the greatest excitement in the City Hall, and a large number of people calied at Judge Campbell’s cham- bers to learn the particulars. OAKLAND, CAL., Dec. 9.—The Rev. Father Yorke, in his lecture at Qakland last night, referred to the suit as follows: “] bave just escaped frcm San Fran- sco, where, I am told, there isa warrant out for my arrest on a charge of baving spoken disrespectfully of something thay has long been a stench iu the nostrils of respectable people on both sides of the bay. Iam told that I have been sued for having spoken disrespectfully of one Thistleton. If 1 have ever saia anything about him I trust it was disrespectful. I would not recommend this Thistléion to the care of the police, but I think he should be inspected and fumigated by the San Francisco Board of Health.” SRl At e LECTURE BY FATHER YORKE He Will Speak in Aid of the Church at Novato. Rer. P. C. Yorke will deliver a lecture at Metropolitan Temple this evening in aid of the Church of Our Lady of Loretto of Novato. Rev. Father O’Neil, formerly connected with the Catholic churches of this City, is pastor of the church named. The subject of tne lecture will be, “Figs of Thistles, or the Preachers in the Pa- cific.” Tickets will be tor sale at Metro- politan Tempvie, at the headquarters of the Youngz Ladies’ Institute, Tenth and Market streets, and at the Catnolic Ladies’ ‘Aid Society in'the Donohoe building. A A A A A A NEW TO-DAY. WEAK MAN, AROUSE YOURSELF. Look- Upon™the Vision®of Hope Leading’Youon to Health and Happiness---It-Is the Voice of Nature Appealing to qur Sense of Manhood, Urging You to Recover th_e Power You Have Lost. sQz:gs gladly bes Hope, that niost precious element which seems lost /5 1 to them, is-now fore them again. Health, which they had given up as a précio within their reach. Life, which had lost all its attraction for giremyA{ }i_O’W/ that gtreatest of all blessings—Manhood—is within the re : You need not now feel that hateful depression of tal condition, for you can possess as vigorousa body as any edtinig away your vital strength; you can be happy and gtrong: atid the means of saving you from the slough of despond. ! Would you not likeito have your friends point to you ds th 'stiong man?” Do ypu not wish your eye to be s bright, your st; and women will admire you amd ":}“—'E.w‘“ i ot mind of modern man—physical an tal i W‘ho does not like to-be stfonglAt ‘tant be if you will obey the appeal here made to you. Despond ,your body the life-giving powér from this appliatce and you through your veins;- your carriage will then be erect 2 Yopr brain will- become clear and your heart light, pleastire to know, a pleasure to live in. ink of your physical and mens oy).hz«.}anker which is yfic Belt is_your friend sed to do\ and say “There goes a s¢/firm and yokr form so erect that men ughts uppermost in the L 145 made thousands, of lives happy during . the past ‘'six mogths. it.. In'every localit because every tows ects by those ‘who is fact there would rint ¢ the - gladsome It is £ remgdy .born in Nature, méans of 1 aining vital dr sexual force; there. iflyfihng; Pfugs have: been tried at; butDr. 's Electric Belt cannot its weight in'gold to W1 would ell it for al gold in thi WE{ > 1t wall cure all Neygyous, Sexual ai mam L. Back, Kidn d Bladder T Po;;} Indigsstion, Dyspepsihand all ailmentst;followiig.th“ev ffecty of early habits aiad later excesses. «Jt-will prove of great valu whos Kp | who does not feel himself e ngth thood. It is calied {Three Classes of Men,” and will be Sayt = ‘-FHEF from observation, t6 any mar who wishes to knpw ~ weakness and the best means of curing it. Send for it tawdxy, \ Itthag \>w full information and price list, _ Address’ .. S : \ e SANDEN ELECTRIC €O, p”/‘/ 632 Market Street, Opposite Palacs Hotel.o Y San Francisco i evenings, 7 to 8 Sunday, 10 to 1: ok Portland, Or., 253 wWashington Street, * Offics Hours, 8 A. M. Los Angeles Office, 50 204 South Broadway.