The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, March 2, 1899, Page 6

" and probably gorge on pie was distinctly an impo- ,’@h@ . Why did not the eourt slosh its own palate with the Al THE SA THURSDAY..... ssavecanaseihe o MARGH 5 180D JOHN D. SPRECKELS, Proprietor. e e e A A A A e Address All Communications to W. S. LEAKE, Manager. Ppsbed et iigitelis Sl o e T S T S PUBLICATION OFFICE......Market and Third Sts., S F. Telephone Main 1868. EDITORIAL ROOMS..........217 to 991 Stevenson Street Telephone Maln 18574 DELIVERED BY CARRIERS, 15 CENTS PER WEEK. Single Coples, 5 cents. Terms by Mail, Including Postage: DAILY CALL (including Sunday Call), one yea: #6.00 DAILY CALL (including Sunday Call), é mont 4‘!::: DAILY CALL (including Sunday Call), 3 mon DAILY CALL—By Single Month. SUNDAY CALL One Year... WEEKLY CALL, One Year. All postmasters are authorized to receive su fample coples wiil be forwarded when requested. OAKLAND OFFICE.. .908 Broadway NEW YORK OFFICE....... Room 188, World Bullding DAVID ALLEN, Advertising Representative. ‘WASHINGTON (D. C.) OFFICE.... ....Rigge House C. C. CARLTON, Corrospondent. CHICAGO OFFICE Marquette Ballding C.GEORGE KROGNESS, Advertising Ropresentative. BRANCH OFFICES—527 Montgomery street, corner Clay, open untll 9:30 o'clock. 387 Hayes street, open until 930 o'clock. 621 McAllister street, epen until 9:30 o'clock. 6I5 Larkin street, open untll 9:3G o'clock. 1941 Mission street, open uptll 10 o'clock. 2291 Market street, corner Sixteenth, open until 9 o'clock. 2518 Mission street, open until 9 o'clock. 106 Eleventh street, open until © o'clock. 1505 Polk street, open until 9:30 o'clock. NW. corner Twenty-second ane Kentucky streets, open until 9 o'tlock. AMUSEMENTS Columbia—*The Sign of the Cros: California—*“Magda."" Tivoli—*"Madeline, or the Magic Kiss.” Alcazar—'‘The Girl I Left Behind Me.* Orpheum—Vaudeville. Comedy—*'A Trip Across the Ocean.” Grand Opera House—Ellls Opera Company, Monday even- ing, March 13. Chutes and Zoo—Pianka, the “Lady of Lions."” Olympia—Corner Mason and Ellis streets, Speclalties. Central Park—The Steeplechase. Alhambra—Souea Concerts, Friday evening, March 3. Alhambra—"‘Dewey the Hero of Manila,” Monday evening, March 6. ———————————————————————————————— AUCTION SALES. . W. Louderback—Friday, March 8, at 10:30 a. m. and 2:30 p. m., Turkish Rugs, at 123 Geary street. By Killip & Co.—Saturday, March 4, at 12 m., Thorough- bred Horses, at Oakland Race Track. A By A. THE CEMETERY QUESTION. now pending before the Board of Supervisors | asking for the passage of an ordinance closing the ‘ fidence that nothing can destroy it but cemeteries of this city after January I, 1901, was | unanimously indorsed. The executive committee of | the club was requested to appear before the Commit- | tee on Health and Police of the board and urge early | favorable action in the matter. | s subject has previously been discussed in these | columns, and we refer to it at the present time for the | purpose merely of calling attention to new conditioss. | The petition was originally presented by residents of ‘ the region called Richmond. The late Board of Su- | pervisors did not consider it for two or three rea- | sons, the principal one of which was that it was near | the end of its term and did not feel like precipitating | a discussion which could probably not bz terminated | In | short, the subject was referred to the present Board | of Supervisors as one with which that body would | have plenty of time to deal. Thus the question whether or not it is good policy before its members were again private citizens. to order January 1, 1001, is presented for grave consideration. | Large interests are involved in its proper determina- tion, but, as a matter of public policy, there is not | the slightest doubt that some such action as that pe- | titioned for should be taken. The cemeteries now ex- | isting in the vicinity of Lone Mountain are a per- petual bar to the westward progress of the munici pality. They have already turned the current of resi- dence southward, and as time goes on they will be- come a still greater menace to the region in which they are situated. There never will be a time in the -history of San | Francisco when burials in these cemeteries can be for- bidden with less damage to the material interests of their lot-owners than the present. The land in these cemeteries would be nearly twice as valuable for | residence purposes as it is for the purposes to which it is now devoted, and as a financial proposition we believe the persons interested, could they be made to | see far enough in the future, would realize that the time has arrived when the closing of these cemeteries should be no longer delayed. At all events, this matter is one of prime impor- tance, and it should be fully and freely discussed. Millions of dollars’ worth of property can be created and the most beautiful portion of the city given a strong impetus by the adoption of a rational and en- lightened policy at the present time. 1f there are any reasons why these cemeteries should not be closed they ought to be presented without delay. INQUIRY M@ADE FARCICAL. HERE is no question but the people of this Tcounlry want the whole truth concerning the beef scandal brought out. They would regret to see any official besmirched, and feel a sense of shame at the revelation that contractors had been guilty of a crime involving the murder of soldiers, but yet they would not have one of the rascals spared. Apparently the court of inquiry has determined that the reputations of the accused must be preserved. Another such silly and undignified exhibition as it made of itself Tuesday will absolutely shatter a faith in it which already wavers. Several plates of stew were prepared, some of it composed of fresh beef and some ¢ quality supposed to be the same as the product sent to Cuba. Then enlisted men were or- dered to sample the stews and state which was the variety formerly given them. This proceeding was senseless, degrading and ut- terly irrelevant. There has been no claim that all the beef was bad. Besides, the conditions here are far different from those prevailing under a tropical sun. Meat might be wholesome at Washington and rotten at Santiago. Prepared by a chef it might be less re- pellent than if cooked at a campfire. An expert em- ployed by the packers might readily select for the purpose of a test meat entirely sound and palatable. Indeed, the contractors might be induced to pack a few cans especially adapted to an occasion so august as a feast of stew with enlisted men the unwilling guests. the cemeteries of this gity closed after | compound? Its members draw higher pay than a soldier in the ranks, and to watch the soldiers strug- gling with the mess and then themselves go elsewhere sition. % Rumors that Dewey had fired on the Germans came by way of Wall street, and shrewd. people nat- T a meeting of the Western Addition Improve- | ment Club, held a few nights ago, a petition | | now he is in Chicago, shying as usual. PARTY USAGE. N the second Republican conference of legislators the precedent and authority of party usage were trotted out as stage properties by the supporters of Burns. The caucus has been the way herctofore and must always be the way to settle a Senatorship. It is precedent, usage and custom, they plead. The answer to it is that party usage and custom grow and precedents are established along the line of action for one time or many times expedient for the party’s welfare and as a means of perpetuating its power and making it a useful instrumentality for the public good. The caucus was originally adopted to keep parties out of the hands and leadership of their worst ele- ments. It was adopted for the same reason which has led to the substitution of the secret Australian ballot for the open ticket system to beat the bosses and main- tain as much purity as possible in the administration of party affairs. The caucus served this purpose at first and for a considerable time. But the bosses have now found a way to use it for the very purpose it was de- vised to defeat. In its very secrecy they have found a means to the ends they wish to accomplish. Take the Burns candidacy as an example. It rested entirely on secret bargains made before the election. It was influenced by forces which the Republican party ex- pressly repudiated in the campaign, and by alliances which if known would have defeated the party. When these bargains were made and these alliances formed it was with the understanding and intention of put-! ting them through successiully by pleading party usage, custom and precedent for the secret caucus. | It was expected that this usage would be unhesi- } tatingly assented to because it was usage, and after it had done its work and Burns was elected the actors in the party tragedy would successfully plead prece- dent in avoidance of responsibility. It soon became plain, however, that precedents es- tablished in processes needful at the time to preserve pa}ty harmony and strength and godd repute were to | be used to tarnish the fame and imperil the future of | the party, and those who have its welfare at heart and | who have as much right to establish a new precedent | as had they who established the caucus, and for the same purpose, the party’s preservation, refuse to go into secret convention. They do this with no motive of personal ambition, nor in the spirit of discipleship to the fortunes of any aspirant, but solely in the in- terest of a party now so well entrenched in public con- itself. All | party usages are established, in the first instance, for | the preservation and welfare of the party. When any custom, no matter how venerable as a precedent, is to be used for party damage and destruction, in the | spirit which originated it, it should be abandoned for | any plan thag will accomplish the same purpose that brought it into existence. Therefore it is that there is only one precedent for party men to follow, and that is the rule that all | plans shall be laid to preserve and not destroy the party, to strengthen and not to weaken it, to increase and not decrease public confidence in it. i The party men at Sacramento who look for a sur- vival of California Republicanism and desire its triumph next year comprehend this principle, and if they stand manfully by it will be the saviors of their party. PROFESSOR HERRON’S MARE’S NEST pROFESSOR HERRON of Iowa College is al- ways ready to shy his castor into the arena, and any old arena seems to suit his purpose. Just He says that the war with Spain was brought on by a plot among capitalists, who entered into a compact to do all they could to foment hostilities so that they might reap the incidental benefit. The professor adds that he has a-copy of the compact, and may some day reveal its terms and the names of those party to it. It is impossible to accept the statement of Herron, although it is doubtless made by him in good faith. Somebody must have worked a counterfeit compact upori him for the sake of hearing him roar. If cap- italists were to do so monstrous a thing as hé charges they should be hanged in a row, even if the row were to stretch from sea to sea. Doubtless there are speculators unequipped with conscience, but even these have sense. If they de- liberately chose to take a course so wicked and des- picable as actual treason, and perhaps even involving treason, they would hardly put thémselves on record. Burglars about to loot a bank avoid any written larger stakes, must be given credit for perspicuity at least equal to that of a burglar. self. He cannot in honor avoid exposing the indi- viduals he denounces in general terms. This would failure to clear themselves would afford the country a chance to hate them and to drive them from a land Let Herron give to the public a copy of the compact and a list of signatures. There is not a paper in the space rates for the matter. PHILADELPHIA DEMOCRACY. ( s is a matter of but little interest to any one ex- cept the candidates whose political fortunes contest is only a passing nightmare - that disturbs’ somewhat, but does not awaken. Throughout Penn- old town is having a hot time in her dreams, but be- yond the confines of that commonwealth hardly any The city election just held, however, while quiet enough in itself, disclosed certain conditions in Phila- the political experts of all sections of the Union. It appears that Democracy has almost disappeared from has become of it. When Bryan ran for President Philadelphia gave independents voted for the free silver champion, the vote for him was everywhere regarded as a demonstra- people living in the big village began to count upon it as a factor in their local fights. They reckoned it when the votes were summed up it was found that while the Republican candidate for Mayor had a nent received but little more than 20,000 votes alto- gether. : { which a different and lower rdon Punch would be suppressed.- It would reach urally regarded them from the first with suspicion. agreement, and surely the capitalists, striving for Professor Herron has cut out a clear duty for him- give them an opportunity for defense, and in case of their presence disgraces. United States but would pay far more than regular S a general rule a city election in Philadelphia are involved in it. To the sleepy city itself such a sylvania the rumor runs on these occasions that the notice whatever is taken of the matter. delphia politics that have been found interesting to the city, and there is much wonderment as to what him 63,323 votes. As it is certain no Republicans or tion of the strength of Philadelphia Democracy, and would cut a wide swath in the recent election, but plurality of over 110,000 votes, his Democratic oppo- ‘What has become of Philadelphia Democraey? The conundrum engages the attention of experts all over the East. All concede that Democracy has disap- peared, but none know where it has gone. We can- not, from this distance, undertake to. solve a problem which perplexes students on the spot, but in our judg- ment some light is thrown upon it by a paragraph in the Philadelphia Inquirer to the effect that one of its country exchanges says: “Philadelphia is no longer a sleepy, respectable city, but a dissolute, wicked place, with everything wide open.” The Inquirer denounces the statement as false, but circumstances confirm-it. In what way could Democ- racy have disappeared from Philadelphia had there not been some wicked place in the town wide open to receive it? THE ANTI-CARTOON STATUTE. HE effect of the anti-cartoon law, if its consti- tutionality should be sustained, has been widely and inaccurately discussed. Section 248 of the Penal Code defines a libel to be “a malicious defama- tion, expressed either by writing, printing, or by sigys or pictures, or the like, tending to blacken the memory of one who is dead, or to impeach the hon- esty, integrity, virtue or reputation, or publish the natural or alleged defects of one who is alive, and thereby to expose him to public hatred, contempt or ridicule.” The next section annexes to the offense the punishment of a fine not exceeding $5000 or im- prisonment for not more than one year in a county jail. This punishment is alternative, Both penalties cannot be inflicted. By section 251, following the language of section g of the Declaration of Rights in the State constitution, in every prosecution under these provisions “the jury have the right to determine the law and the fact.” This. is the way the code stands, apart from the adoption of the new section, which does not take effect for some weeks. Every possible kind of libel is included in the definition of the offense, but, as to each, malice is an essential ingredient. The new law extends the range of the old, as to pictures and car- toons, by making that a crime, irrespective of motive which was formerly innocent. The element of malice, without which under the previous legislation no libel, criminally punishable, could be perpetrated, as to two new classes of libels is now eliminated. If a dis- tinguished living citizen of this State, not a public officer, does an heroic act or renders some notable ser- vice to the public his previous consent must be ob- tained or the publication of his portrait will be a crime. The beautiful ornaments of a social function cannot be artistically depicted without an amount of previous correspondence that would be impracticable. A caricature, no matter what the motive or what falsehood it exposes or what truth it enforces; if it affects reputation cannot be printed without the com- neission of a misdemeanor. In the cases included within the new statute the mere fact of publication constitutes the offense, to which the penalty of a fine of not less than a hundred nor more than five hun- dred dollars or imprisonment in a county jail for not less than a month nor more than six months is at- tached. In these instances both penalties may be in- fiicted. In point of construction merely we are unable to see where the new law conflicts with the old. Every libel that is malicious, and none that is not | malicious, is now a crime, for the commission of | which the larger penalty can be imposed. But, under the anti-cartoon bill, new offenses are created, to penalty is attached. While, however, this view seems to be strictly accu- rate, and although the press cannot render judicial decisions, it appears to us that the anti-cartoon legis- lation is glaringly unconstitutional. It prohibits in- nocent publications, and therefore interferes with the right of each citizen to “freely speak, write and pub- lish his sentiments on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that right,” and restrains and | abridges the freedom of the press, in direct violation | of the express terms of section g of article I of the constitution. It has been repeatedly held in Great Britain, and more emphatically in the United States, under our constitutional provisions, that an injunction to prevent the publication of a libel cannot be granted, | but, in respect to a certain class of publications, the i new statute would operate as a legislative injunction. It inhibits in advance praiseworthy acts, within the | very letter of the Declaration of Rights, and, as to them, specially discriminates against the press. It | undertakes to invent new crimes without a single ele- | ment of criminality except that they controvert the | legislative will. It incloses residents of the State in suits of mail, of which visitors and strangers are de- prived. It extends to legislators the most unre- stricted right to abuse their privilege and strips the press of a large share of the privilege with which it is expressly invested by section 47 of the Civil Code. Under its provisions bribes for votes could be pub- licly offered in a legislative chamber, and the scene could not be pictorially illustrated in a newspaper. It is an attempted emasculation not only of the daily and weekly press, but of permanent literature through- out the State. Such an expression of impotent wrath and vindic- tiveness cannot and will not stand. Such a caricature of sensible legislation is in itself almost a crime. If this so-called enactment existed in England the Lon- and destroy every illustrated weekly in New York or San Francisco. In prosecutions under its definitions, to quote additional language of the State constitu- tion, defendants could not be acquitted, even though “the matter charged as libelous” was “true and pub- lished with good motives and for justifiable ends.” This is an instance in which even the secular or religious press can safely express an opinion upon a constitutional question with a reasonable certainty that it will be confirmed by the courts. The Botkin fashion of sending poison through the mails is meeting with grave discouragement in New York, where it was adopted as soon as this lady had demonstrated the ease and simplicity of it. Her first and most pretentious imitator is in jail, with the pros- pect of not getting out until taken for the purpose of interment. —_——— Riders who would enter a six-day race could not be suspected of a high order of intelligence, and yet "RANCISCO CALL, THUKSDAY, MARCH 2, 1899. TRAVELING LIBRARIES ON RAILWAY LINES.|AR0°NP Cotminors. The traveling library, true to its name, is rarely long at rest. Its aim is universal education; its life is in mo- tion. 1In fact, the most apt description that can be quoted is to say that, vir- tually, it is a free public library on wheels. Its function is to bring the best books into the homes of the com- mon people who live remote from libra- ries; to interest them in what has been done in this world of ours; to tell them of ‘the continual discoveries of science; to unfold knowledge of the beautiful in art and poetry; to teach wisdom in the pages of philosophy; to brighten trou- bled, perplexed lives with views of all possible aspects of humanity, and to lead all willing ones out of themselves into close mental contact with the world. Besides this mental stimulus, this quickening-6f all the powers of the mind, the traveling library carries in- struction which is of definite pecuniary benefit. Who that knows rural Cali- fornia is not aware of its great indus- tries, varied in character and of in- creasing importance? Have the ranch- ers, the stockmen, the dairymen, the bee keepers, the poultry breeders, the horticulturists, the lumber men and the miners of our State gleaned all of the practical wisdom that can be acquired in their pursuits without the whole- some aid of books? Can a weekly or a monthly publication, invaluable as a good one is, supply all of the teachings coming from the world’s experience in the past? Among various helps, the traveling library will prove an able ally to the farmers’ institutes as tley are now carried on by the State Univer- sity, for the best books on agriculture and kindred topies will, with the help of the granges, be freely circulated. At this very time, when delegates from more than a score of influential organ- izations deem their time well spent by meeting in convention to discuss the subject of preserving our forests, books and publications treating of this vital topic could be sent throughout the State to eminent advantage. Advanced general intelligence creates public sent- iment; salutary legislation is certain to follow. But our special theme to-day con- cerns those traveling library systems which are connected with some of the great transportation lines of the coun- try. Of all avocations, the operating department of a railroad is the most exacting in its requirements; always demanding highest intelligence, faith~ fulness and vigilance; in emergencies calling for quickened perception and prompt execution, with a willingness to give life itself for its tru The writer will never forget that he owes his life to the fidelity of the man at the throttle and air brake, in a cer- tain washout in Wisconsin. A terrific shock, a sinking, twisting of timbers and grinding of glass, a lighting con- sciousness that the expected, an acci- dent, had come at last; the fall of a portion of the train down a steep ems bankment into the swollen creek; all these occurred in a few seconds. Not a life was lost, not a bone broken, thanks to the cool head and prompt ac- tion of the brave man at his post. Nor that other incident on a heavy srade near the Horseshoe Curve in Pennsyl- vania, when an engineer, with a glance which nearly froze him with horror, saw a detached part of a preceding freight train which had broken loose rolling down upon him. Instantly call- ing His fireman to cut the engine from the train, he pulled the throttle wide open and they jumped for their lives. The huge locomotive, released from its heavy load, bounded upward to its fate. There was a fearful crash, a cloud of splinters, a mass of wood and iron, torn and bent in every conceivable shape, but the scores of passengers half a mile below were saved. The grateful cor- poration (for there are such bodles), | quick to recognize this splendid act of decision and courage, gave the hero an advanced position and permanent standing on its pay roll. Others may come and go, but he will not want whiie the Pennsylvania Company lives. Such instances, and others in differ- ent departments of railway life, are su- preme devotion to duty, coupled with unerring intelligence, are not rare. They are the masterly efforts of sound minds accustomed to instant weighing of chances and boldness of execution. In less striking relief, but of equal need, are seen the almost unnoticed labors of the mechanic in the repair shop, the tester of wheels and springs; the con- ductor, the brakeman, the trackman and the operator. Everywhere, in sea- son and out of season, must the primal conditions of vigilance and loyalty -to duty be expected. More and more are railway managers, who must respond to the incessant demands of the public for swifter trains and to the constant increase of traffic, requiring not only sobriety of conduct but capacity; the ability; which is born of instruction through books as well as of discipline through training, that balance of powers which comes through the most perfect development of a man. They gpeak of such & one as “the best man” for such and such a post;. their mean- ing is, that he i= the finest example of well rounded, effective manhood that they have. Some managers have discovered that it is an excellent investment to pro- mote the diffusion of knowledge among their employes by establishing travel- ing library systems on their roads. Be- lieving that “knowledge is power,” they encourage to the utmost the reading of good books by their men and their fam- {lies. Whatever may be the preference of the individual reader, whether for mechanics or fiction, for science or po- etry, for history or art, the wise execu- tive realizes that useful information, culture, broadens a man’s undegstand- ing, increases his ability to meet com- mon duties or contingencies, exalts his cheracter and moral power, and thus the making of a better, a stronger man insures the highest and most reliable service to his employers. How insig- nificant is the cost of scores of libra- ries compared with the loss from one “accident,” which might have been averted through superior knowledge. Of the various roads which are show. ing their faith in the value of constant education to their employes through in- structive literature, the Boston and Al. bany road stands first fn point of es- tablishment. Full thirty years ago this the fhanagement of the affair must be criticized for trying to deprive them of the promised reward. No man likes to be a fool for nothing. —_— With no desire to interfere with a noble and ele- vating sport, we express the opinion that no prize- fighter who puts oil of mustard on the glove where- with he is basting his opponent in the eye is a gentle- man. Filipinos would dodge the truth quicker than they would a cannon-ball. Once Spain took the cake for lying, but if it has any sense of justice it will turn the cake over to the followers of Aguinaldo. " Senator Bettman's assertions that California elec- tions are the purest on earth must be stamped “O K” by Dennery before they will be accepted. The first brexic in the voting has appeared, and at- tention is called to the fact that it did not o to- | | degree upon | SREeE PR road began the system of dispatchin, books to their, men and families, an finding it successful have maintained the work. ever since. The company supports the library, whose quarters are in Springfield, and the annual cir- culation i& now between 3000 and 4000 volumes. This would be much larger but for the fact that nearly every town in Massachusetts maintains a local li- brary, so trt home borrowing proves most convenient in many instances. Under totally different conditions the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, whose lines extend west to the Mississippl River, began its excellent work of sup- plying employes with bocks in 1885. The library wa$ opened with 4500 vol- umes, which has since been increased to some 15,000; they are sent out from Baltimore and are distributed through hundreds of agencies. The books are returned with regularity from all points on the lines, Increasing interest is man- ifested in their use, and the effect gen- erally has been beneficial to a marked the men and their family ce the' opening of .thh A s SHCOND PAPHER. library system nearly 400,000 volumes hiave been circulated through its opera- tions. Perhaps the most unique in plan and complete in its appointments for the physical and intellectual welfare of rail- way men is to be found in New York city; a building admirably adapted to its purposes having been erected by Cornelius Vanderbilt in 1887 for the New York Central employes, and the Work being conducted as a branch Y. M. C. A. The writer recalls with keen- est interest & visit which afforded views of reading-room and library, chessroom, a hall for lectures, plunge and tub baths, gymnasium and even dormitories for men arriving on belated trains. Of the library of 10,000 volumes technical works comprise about one- tenth. The books are distributed to all stations on the New York Central lines from which requisitions are made for reading matter. Of more thap passing importance to California is the traveling library sys- tem of the Wells-Fargo Library Asso- ciation, composed of the employes of the well-known express company. The library was established in San Fran- cisco during 1890, first for the use of local employes. In 1893 its advantages were opened to the agents throughout the coast States, and in 1894 the em- ployes of the Southern Pacific Railroad were admitted to all its privileges, save to a voice in its management. Cata- logues or supplements are annually furnished to members and boxes which hold two books and a magazine are sent to any point without cost for car- rying in either direction. They are sent as far north as Portland, 800 miles, to Ogden on the east, 800 miles, and south to Socorro, New Mexico, about 1500 miles. Employes on every steam rajjroad within these limits are eligible to membership in the association, pro- viding Wells, Fargo & Co. have offices on the lines, thus allowing free trans- ortation. There is no initiation fee. E‘ne membership dues are 25 cents per month and are wholly devoted to the purchase of books, so that every new membership provides for a proportion- ate increase of the library,now amount- ing to nearly 4000 volumes. The current expenses of the organization are borne by the express company, Which also makes substantial donations for the ghelves from time to time. Membership in this association may be continual. “Once & member, always a member" (if | the dues are kept up) is one of their | moitoes; neither removal nor change of business relations affects the standing of any one after enrollment. Hence it is not surprising that 550 members are taking just pride in their organization, and that the joint circulation of books | and periodicals in 1898 was almost 40,- 000. Whether located in the desolate surroundings of the Mojave Desert, among the mining camps of the Sierras, or in the busy cities of the valleys, each | member of the association knows that, at nominal cost, he may learn the les- sons of the past and Keep in touch with* the live thought of the present through ;lhe facilities thus liberally afforded im. Is the question asked: “Does this really pay?” Yes, that is the gauge of this practical period, in fact, is the final test of every new plan. Does it pay to assist employes occupying responsible positions, those who had and those who | had not early advantages, to strengthen | memory, develop judgment, cultivate | imagination, quicken conscience, incul- | cate lessons of justice, honesty, honor | and morality, and lift the whole rature | into sympathetic relations with all that | is best and most ennobling? There seems to be but one answer to | the query, for, in the new building of | the company, spacious “and beautiful rooms are soon to be opened to the growing wants of the association. The establishment of four other libraries within the last two years, conducted on the same plan as the San Francisco one, at Mexico City, Kansas City, Chicago and Jersey City, confirms opinion of the entire satisfaction of the company and | its wish to widely extend such benefits, Another organization, the Library | Association of California, a State body| formed to promote the welfare of all libraries, has, for a long time known of and taken a deep interest in the out- growth of this practical work. Gratify- ing reports are also coming in to this State soclety of library extension work at different points in California, which will result in the founding of new libraries and the further development of existing ones. Inquiries will be wel. | comed concerning any features of library progress and may be addressed to F. J. Teggert, librarian of the Me- chanics’ Instityte, and the newly elect- ed president of this assoclation. ‘We have seen by this last-mentioned sketch that the traveling library sys- tem lives in California; that for six years past it has been carrying on its work of improvement efficiently, with- out noise or display; that it is gaining favor with express and railway men as its value bécomes more widely known, and that its prospects for growth were never brighter than to-day. Here is a system in our midst that is no longer an experiment; it is an object lesson that may be studied by any one. Is the question raised: “When shall the rural parts of California receive the visits of traveling libraries?” That de- pends upon the liberal spirit of the men and women of wealth toward this great educational measure, for it is imprac- ticable for the State to take it up as a general enterprise at present. Through the benefactions of individuals and clubg the traveling library is now doing its work in a score of Eastern States: that California wWill soon respond to these examples is a moral certainty. Amidst the costly adornings of the new Library of Congress the stranger who visits the reading-room cannot fa] to notice on its walls those glowing and ever-true words of Lowell; As olnee“lnmp lights another, nor Brows S0 nobleness enkindleth nobleness, GOLDEN GATE. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS, 'LEGISLATOR-B—Z{MHQL Berry Creck, Cal. The several questions presented | your letter of inquiry answ 5/ :: f.?;"fi%“f;‘."cy :he{le“h 119" oCetsion foe. A g @ In this department with an- PAY OF CALIFORNIA VOLU: N- TEERS—Subscriber, City. There is no truth in the ‘‘rumor received by letter from Manila to the effect that the pay of all soldiers who enlisted in the State of Calt: m%n{%l:gla was to be reduced to $7 50 per NO LICENSE—E. H., Alamed: - H., a, Cal. It has been held that an agent who sells g}' sample only from manutacturer in ong tate to customer in another is not re- quired to take out a license in the State In which he sells, To make him take out a license in the selling State wouid e a violation of the interstate commerce be law. MISS FLOOD—Victorla, Marshfield. Miss Cora Jane Flood, who guch a liberal donation to {rf:'?r“fl of California, is the daughter of th James C. Flood, who, X ku" ALl and IPair, were, 1t the mevay o {oA YAy in stock, the bonmumltlrt:‘:{dlg dent of Ban Francisco. e 188 Youl- . F. Burch, a merchant of Concord, I8 Value to California — Incidents of Travel — Books for Railway Men. i the Lick, ‘Various Railroad Traveling Library Systems. Dr. Nat Green of Watsonville is one of the guests at the Grand. “Dr. M. A. Southworth of San Jose is registered at the Occidental. Gharles Allen, a Spokane insurance man, {s staying at the Grand. L. T. Hatfield, an attorney of Sacra- mento, is located at the Lick. H. B. Eastman, a prominent man of Boise City, Idaho, is at the Grand. Charles E. Bowden and wife of Balti- more, Md., are guests at the Palace. Alfred Hess of Cincinnati, Ohio, is reg- istered at the Occldental with his wife. J. E. Poingdestre of San Jose, who has large: mining interests in Nevada City, is at the Grand. James Summers, a steck raiser of Bishop Creek, Inyo County, is one of the arrivals at the Russ. 4$o———————®4 General Agent ‘William H. Sned- A TALE aker of the Den- F ver and Rio ©) Grande and Grain TWO SEATS. | Broker Richard Mulcahy happen- +0—————0+ 4 to meet in the Palace Hotel lobby last night about 7:30 o’clock. After mutual salutations “Sned,” who is something of a joker, said: “Say, ‘Mul,” T've got two seats-at the California for this evening, and you are welcome to one of them. What do vou say if we go?"* Muicahy, whose fondness for the the- ater amounts almost to a passion, glee- fully replied: “Tickled to death, old man. I saw Nance O'Neil on her opening night, but T don’t mind seeing her again. Let us wan- a little something first as a bracer.” After ‘doing justice to the “little some- thing,” the two cronies walked along Kearny street, and Mulcahy invited his friend to have another appetizer for the dramatic feast to follow, besides treating to a couple of Henry Clays to smoke be- tween the acts. ‘When they reached the theater building Mulcahy noticed that Snedaker led the way into the hotel entrance, but thought that probably he intended to inquire for his mail at the office. He was soon unde- ceived, however, for when he got insida Snedaker innocently pointed to two leather-covered chairs, saying: ‘“Here are the two seats, ‘Mul.” You take this one and I'll sit in the other.” Mulecahy realized then that he had been jobbed, but accepted the inevitable and the chair, and, after muttering something about the bunko games which were be- coming pretty frequent around the hotels he began to view the somewhat inactive moving panorama of Bush street; but “Sned”” never even cracked a’ smile. “I don’t mind being bunkoed so much,” sald Mulcahy, in telling the story later to some of his friends; “but I could have seen the show with the dollar I spent for the drinks and cigars.” J. W. Morton, 2 mining man of Butte, Montana, is registered at the Russ. John L. Latham and wife of Los An- geles have engaged rooms at the Call- fornia. A. T. Halfhill, a well-known business man of Los Angeles, D." Wilson, a mer- chant of Davenport, Washington, and G. B. McCord, a Hanford attorney, are at the Grand. W. A. Steele, a prominent newspaper- man of Seattle, arrived in the city last evening from the East, where he went on business. He will return to his home in a few days. J. M., F. W. and 8. C. Wilmans, three brothers of Newman, who own extensive mining, ranching and stock interests in various parts of the State, are here on a pleasure trip, and are registered at the Lick. George T. Nicholson of Chicago, passen- ger traffic manager of the Santa Fe, and J. J. Byrne, general passenger agent of the same line for Southern California, are making the Palace fheir headquar- ters while in town. S. 8. Spaulding, a wealthy ' resident of Buffalo, N. Y., is visiting this coast with his wife and two daughters. Mrs. B. R. Spaulding and daughter came up from Santa Barbara to meéet them, and the party has taken apartments at the Cali- fornia. I CAPT. GRAHAM EXONERATED. The Charges Against Him Prove to Be Without Foundation. Captain Robert Graham of the Ameri- can ship Erskine M. Phelps was yester- day examined before United States Com- missioner Heacock on a charge of fur- nishing insufficient rations to his crew cn the voyage from Baltimore to this port. Several sailors testified that the rations were short, and that the cornmeal had weevils; but John RoKer, the West In- dian cook, and other witnesses swore that the rations allowed by the captain ‘were more abundant than the Government rations. The bulk of the crew were land- lubbers, and could not distinguish a be- laying pin from the stovepipe of the cook’s -galley. They appeared to be chronic grumblers. Judge Heacock exonerated Captain Gra~ ham and dismissed the case. - < Cal. glace fruit 50c per 1b at Townsends.® — e Bpecial information supplied dally to business houses and public men by the Press Clipping Bureau (AlliPZl). 510 Mont-. gomery street. Telephone Main 1042 ¢ —_————— Phelan’s New Market-Street Property A deed was recorded yesterday in which Fanny L. Tyler and others transferred a jece of property on Market street to gnme! D. Phelan. The lot is 49x170 feet, on the southeast side of Market street, between Fifth and Sixth. The considera- tion is $160,000. —_—————— California Limited, Santa Fe Roite. Leavés Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays. Elegant service. Vestibuled sleepers, observation ocars,- Harvey's Dining Cars through from Califorala to Chicago with- out change. Get full particulars at company's office, 628 Market st. . —_—————— When your appetite deserts you just try 10 to 20 drops of Dr. Siegert's Angostura Bitters in sherry or port wine before meals. ————— Insulted a Woman. Dennis Halpin, a member of Battery ! of the artillery, was yesterday sentenced by Acu“t' Police Judge Groezinger to par $30, and the fine was paid by friend. Halpin Monday night, while drunk, made an insulting remark to Ma Brown, a domestic In the Stewart Hous at Ellfs and Jones street, and when sho resented it he struck her in the mouth, cutting her lips open. RovYAL Baking Powder Made from pure cream of tartar, EPIC POET! RY—R. A., City. The title of “Father of Epi " Homer (about mp g. l’C’Mr" g duction s n:e?ld 2114 s d s na s well as VI ¥ 'Aenid,” Tasse “‘Jerusalem l.Dellvl:l"e“(!‘!' and Aristoto’s “Orlando_ Furioso" are classed as herofc epics. Milton's “Para- dise Lost” and “Dante's Divina Com. m "' are sacred eples. B P £ i ost of Crabbe’s idyls, and are ranked as epics. et i der up there, and by the way let us have