The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, March 24, 1906, Page 3

4 h THE SAN FRANCISCO CALL, SATURDAY, MARCH 24. 1906. HATL PROPOSITION | WOULD WELCOME RIVAL ROAD. | “The proposition of Claus Spreckels to construet a new conduit raillway system for San Franciseo forces upon the United Railroads the necessity of deciding, and deciding quickly, franchises for about the charter, the field, for b Washington. worn out. enjoy. e investment in the United States. districts is being done. happens the city will be the gainer. what it is best for it to do. 1o nd. stand for our Mayor James D. Phe . an interview. If it, possessing a period as it can acquire under decides to malntaln its cable system as it is, the new rond om account of its superior service and equipment will get the largest share of the business; and if the United Rail- roads accept the alternative of bullding conduit electric railways wherever practicable, I assume that Mr. Spreckels will leave it and the city’s object In getting the best, sightly and most eficlent system is then subserved. “The United Railroads desire, to substitute electric for cable power and it is in an excellent position to do it cheaply and in the only proper way by following the example of the model city of There the cable power-house was destroyed by fire, and as the Commissioners had peremptorily and consistently re- fused the quasi-public corporations the privilege to ercct poles and string wires and wo deflle the streets—the common property of the ecitizens—the company used its cable conduits for electric rires, and Washington now enjoys the best and least offensive underground electric system in the country. “The parallel is almost complete, for the cable system here is If the United Rallroads is wise—taking now its point of view—it will acquiesce in the popular de ple want is a clean, good looking city, served by an system of street rallways such as ‘What the peo- New York and Washington Nothing hard nor impossible is asked. “Some years ago, at the instance of the tion, we adopted an ordinance requiring that all wires be sput un- derground, and divided the city into districts, and the work by There is not a pole on Market street now from the ferries to Valencia street, for instance, and the appear- ance of our main thoroughfare is immensely improved. at least hold what we have, and also munieipal policy and for the dignity and beauty of our streets. “Why make an exception in favor of railways against the equal rights of telephone and electric power companies? “Mr. Spreckely deserves great credit for the stand he has takenm, and whatever | There is room for two system: y conceded by tramsportation experts to be the most prmlnblr’field"(u‘r‘ r;heh-::l’le:: We are therefore in & positio; prise and st the same time to stand up for the city's rlx:(. and ::(el::t:r:l _e“;;:- Merchants’ A most efficient Associa- We must declared the corporations for If the offer that can wonderful to contemplate, MAYOR PRAISES BENEFACTOR. “If Claus Spreckels can see his way clear to carry out hiy great #tand« that he must he known more th: “This offer of Mr. Spreckels is they can &00d of the p o profit. Great ¢ Mr. Spreckels can be carried out—and I see no renson why 1t cannot— the battle ix ended. Not only will San Francisco be the victor, but from the battle she will emerge, her beauty unmarred, and her railways standing as exemplificatibns of the fact that what mclence says Is possible ix capable of mctual and practical ac- complishment — Excerpt from Interview glven by Mayor Eugene E. Schmitz. ever—as he has heen known in the past— as the greatest public benefactor of the West. I say ‘If he can #ee his way clear’ reservedly, for I doubt that any citizen of this city or State can point to any undertaking that he has announced , he would accomplish that he hax falled to accomplish. Not only is his the determination, but within his control is the money to carry out his determination, and Y have yet faflea to find a man y that any object can fall of accomplishment when Adetermination and money walk hand in hand. “If Mr, Spreckels can carry out his announced desire to net- work San Francisco with ralironds operated by the underground ronduit system, I can only say that through his wonderful ambi- tion of purpose San Fraucisco will take a stride forward that is Such action on the part of Mr. Spreck- els would piace San Franclsco not only in advance of any city In America, but would place it in advance of any city in the world in the battle for public contro] of utilities operated for the pub- lic benefit, e that must not only awaken the amazement buf the approbation of every public-spirited citi. zen. While the rest of the great cities of the world (as well as San Francisco before Mr. Spreckels made his ofter) are puzzling to find means through whic purpose of municipal ownership, Mr. Spreckels ha and has offered, for efliciency of a system that will mean tl beauty of -San Fri accomplish their great be not sacrificed, but that the sire for rapid transit shall be fulfilled. Backed with the millions he controls his offer I8 significant and is one that we cannot con- i template lightly. ) “As chief executive of this city I can only express the hope that something may happen that will permit Mr. Spreckels to / earry out hix high object. A¢ ome stride this would place San Francisco at the head of the world in the Titanic struggle now waging between the people and the corporations for the control of S those utilities in which the people are interestea for comfort and s I8 his offer, it adds not only enthusiasm, but re- kindles hope In my always expressed desire that my administration would mark the first vietory of the municipality in its ight to control those things that to it belong. “The people are on the eve of winning for themselves those things FOR A 'MODERN“CON DUIT SYSTEM rpose the fact come forward le, to demonstrate the t are theirs. over a few m «It is high time that a champion of Mr. Spreckels’ sta It this one greedy corporation could force discomfort and unsightliness upon us against our will it would mean the beginning of the end of a city ruled by soulless monoplies. “The declaration of Mr. Spreckels sets our minds at rest. .L word is good. He has proved it.”—Statement by Frank J. Sullivan. = the people. is the man we needed; chants’ Association. City Beautiful if we all of the people who have the system it sightly. Why should w: we to go backward? ham. voice against this ome. with ‘the other Yellow.” This is an important issue. “How cam we follow the plans of Architect Burnham for a eur streets to be disfigured by ugly irolley poles. We may as well abandon all hope of improviag and adorning our city if we are to allow the United Raliroads to force this antiquated and unsightly system upom us. “We are for a city beautiful first, last and always. The plans of the United Rallronds Company are directly opposed to those terests of the city at heart. The would force upom us is behind the time here? Budapest has had an underground system ever since 1808. Are ‘We ought to have the most modern system in the world to be in keeping with the plans of Architect Burn- “Let it be said from me that I believe that Calhoun is only a promoter and that the United Rallroads is controlled by Rocke- feller and the Standard Oil trust. As I have been opposed to monopolies of this sort all my life, I will never cease raising my “Personally I have the greatest confidemce that Mr. Spreckels will win this fight, and If it comes to a real clash it will go hard I know his to mow has been comfident that San Francisco was helpless in fts grasp. It means a sweeping vietory for the people of this city en who would deform and disfigure It to galn a few extra dollars. SULLIVAN PLEASED AT NEWS. “The declaration of Claus Spreckels comes to us liks a g leam of sunlight through a rift in the clouds. It gives strength and encourngement to us who have fighting the obsolete and nasty overhend system. | now that the eity will not be disfigured by the unsightly trolley poles. We know that Mr. Spreckeis is in the fight to stay. his support makes vietory certain. We are heart and soul ‘With Mr. Spreckels in the project. He ean- not be praised too highly for hiy “My opinions on the overhead system are well known. Al that I could xay against it [ said at the last dinmer of the Mer- chants’ Assoclation in my reply to Patrick J. Calhoun of the Mer- been We are certain ublic spiritedness this matter. rous as well as um- Why, evem monopoly that up took up the cause of We know that his PHELAN GIVES THE MOVEMENT HIS SUPPORT fays That New Road Would Win Out Easily. BEx-Mayor James D. Phelan, who has g for years in the interests of nd who is one of he project to make 1 the world, hafled with enthusiasm the declaration of Claus of the United nstruct its poles did The poles are not lans of Architect n was largely here k and have the the ex-Mayor the fight against t of the streets. He made the tr in- Spreckels to rallway system upon the United deciding—and is best for g franchises d as he can acquire to maintain the new road, © superior service and | B t the largest share of alt rz % t leave them the f ¥'s object in get- tin tly and most effi- ci subserved. - ways desire to sub- | stitute electric for cable power and they are t position to cheaply do it in the only proper way by follow- ing the example of the model city of Washington. There the cable power- ko was destroyed by fire and as the C ners of that city had peremp- tor d consistently refused quas! pub- lc rporations the privilege to erect poles and string wires and so defile the ets—the common property of the citi- zens—the company used their cable con- duits for electric wires and Washington now enjoys the best and least offensive for | { MAYOR FAVORS { | underground electric system In the coun- | try “The parallel is almost complete, for the cable system here is worn out. If the United Raflways are wise—taking ir point of view—they will ac- in the popular demand. What the people want is a clean, good-looking city, served by an efficlent system of street railways, such as New York and Washington enjoy. Nothing bard nor im- possible is asked. ‘Some years ago, at the instance of the Merchants’ Association, we adopted &n ordinance requiring that all wires be put underground and divided the city nto districts, and this work by districts is being done. There is not a pole on Market street now from the ferries to Valencia street, for instance, and the ap- pearance of our principal thoroughtare is immensely Improved. We must, at least, h what we have and stand for our ared municipal policy and for the dignity and beauty of our streets. Why make an exception in favor of railways against the equal rights of telephone and electric power companies? “Mr. Spreckels deserves great credit for the stand he has taken, and whatever happens the city will be the galner. Thero is room for two systems, as this 1 conceded by transportation ex- perts to be the most profitable fleld for the smeallest investment in the United States. We are therefore in a position to richly reward enterprise and at the same time stand up for the city’s rights and interests JAMES D. PHELAN.” dec RIOTING STUDENT OAKLAND, March clash between Berkele High School students at Fourteenth street and San Pablo avenue tonight Warren Sherwood and Harry Lawton, Berkeleyans, were arrested by Police- man Gunter for disturbing the peace. A hundred youths returning.from a basketball game at the Reliance Club engaged in a “rough house” They tried to rescue the prisoners and Gunter fought his way with the youths to the City Prison, a block from the scene of the tumult. —_———— Electrie Oar Kills Aged Tourist. 1L.OS ANGELES, March 23.—Eli Nich- ols, 74 years of age, a tourist from Trenton, N. J., was struck and almost instantly killed by a Pacific eléctric car this afternoon at Watts station. According to witnesses Nichols became confused in trying to avoid an inbound car and was struck and hurled nearly fifty feet. —_———————— San Diego Couple Unbappy. SAN DIEGO, March 2.—Something of a sensation was caused today by Mrs. Florence 8. Howard filing a suit against her husband, Roy Howard, for separate maintenance. Mrs. Howard alleges deser- tion and other statutory grounds as the basls of her action. The parties are prominent here. AKRRESTED. —In a riotous and Oakland | |ing at | ment for San Francisco, AN ASSOCIATION OF MUSICIANS —_— Makes Suggestion at Dinner Given to Kubelik. After all the human heart is the great- est instrument, and to that sentiment even Jan Kubellk, wizard of the bow, bowed last night when, as guest of Mayor Eugene E. Schmitz at a dinner, he list- ened to the sound of three notes that must arouse the patriotism of every citi- zen of Ban Francisco. One note called for the construction of a splendid munic- ipal opera-house; the second for the in- auguration of a municipal band; the third for the incorporation of a society of ar- tists under municipal patronage that shall have for its permanent object the wel- coming of the great lights of the musical world that shall in the future honor San Francisco with their presence. The dinner given by Mayor Schmitz to Jan Kubellk marks an epoch in the mu- sical affairs of the metropolis of Califor- nia. Bohemian that Kubelik is, he was greeted as a Bohemian. While he has become best known to the world as the chief executive of San Francisco, Mayor Schmitz has not forgotten in the whirl of formal official functions the fact that informality most pleases a musiclan, no matter what his fame. Though at the banquet given last even- the St. Francis the twenty-two guests were garbed in somber evening dress, and flowers and decorations denot- ed careful preparation, the spirit of Bo- hemianism reigned and it was with happy address and with informal and careless salutation that the distinguished guest was welcomed to his first appearance at the festal board in San Francisco. The menu discussed was delicious. The wines were of just the temperature to please a connoisseur, the cigars were fragrant and the cigarettes were good. For an hour feasting was enjoyed, then came the informal speeches. MAYOR STIRS GUESTS. The words of Mayor Schmitz awakened not only great ideas of musical advance- but they pres- aged the organization of patrons of art of San Francisco, under municipal .pa- tronage, in a way to bring joy to those artists that Intend visiting San Francisco in the future. After dwelling for a time upon the genius of the guest of honor, who, the Mavor pointed out, took in- spiration from the fact that he was born on the Fourth of July, the Mayor said: “It is my hope that this little gathering tonight will grow into a soclety that will in the future greet all great artists who may come here to entertain and educate our people. San Francisco should have such 4 soclety. Here people dwell that love music as do no other people in the United States. To those artists that travel from the centers of art in Europe to this distant place we should be will- ing and anxious to pay tribute, and it is my hope that my suggestion will tdke root here tonight and that hereafter no artist shall regret having journeyed to the Farthest West.” The suggestion of Mayor Schmitz was ‘warmly applauded. No one present with- held offer of support to attain this end. Notwithstanding the unique idea ad- vanced by Mayor Schmitz—which idea will undoubtedly be carried out—it was the little address of Kubelik and the ex- pressed appreciation of Georlitz, his manager, that filled not only host but all of the guests with the pleasant knowl- edge that with his other accomplish- ments the great European artist is ap- preciative. KUBELIK IS PLEASED. “I am deeply gratified at the kindness that has been shown me during my visits to this city,” said Kubelik, ““and this banguet tonight, at which I appear as the ‘guest of your distinguished Mayor, will always remain the nicest remem- brance of my life. “I am not used to making speeches in your language, but still I can find words to say that I am hopeful that the idea advanced by your chief executive, who has so highly honored me tonight, will be carried through, and that all artists who may visit here in the future will be as kindly recelved as I have been.” This generous feeling for brother ar- tists expressed by Kubelik won for him the friendship of all, and he was warmly applauded. His manager, Mr. Georlitz, then won the approval of the host and | guests by announcing that to the musi- cal world there were three United States —one, the United States; the second, New York: the third, San Francisco. Of these three, he said, San Francisco held the most generous patrons of art, and he always knew that if he came here with a genius the fact would be recog- nized, Addresses were also made by Henry Heiman, Henry Jacobs, Frederick Myrtle, Allan H. Pollok, Dr. C. G. Levinson, Ludwig Schwab, Kubelik’s accompanist, J. Downey Harvey, Mark Gerstle, W. H. Leahy, Alfred Metzger and Will Greene- baum. The addresses consluded, a final toast to host and guest of honor was drunk and the banguet, the wibute of a musi- cian to a musician, was at an end. CLAUS SPRECKELS’' BATTLES RESULT IN VICTORIES. Achievements in Many Contests Show ‘Him a Leader of{Novel Suggestion Is|Announcement Wins Courage, Resources and Great Determination. Though Claus Spreckels has never claimed that his activities in life are in- spired wholly by philanthropic motives, he has, nevertheless, been thrown into many fights with monopolies, tn all of which he has greatly helped the people. First—Before he began his fight with the great sugar monopoly—the American Sugar Reflnery—he had had experience with the Bay Sugar Refinery, which he and his brother founded in 1867, and with the California BSugar Refinery, estab- lished later. When he began his fight with the Sugar Trust the best sugar was selling at the rate of nine pounds for a dollar. When he had finished his battle the consumer was buying the same qual- ity of sugar at the cut rate of 23 pounds for a dollar. To accomplish his victory he invested in great Hawailan plantations as a base for the supply.of raw material. The trust threatened to invade the West and bankrupt the Western Sugar King by cutting prices. Not in the least dis- comfited by the threat, Mr. Spreckels |'quietly went East in 1889, built a $5,000,000 refinery on the banks of the Delaware River, and- the - Trust became S0 ‘Weary- of the ‘battle that it capitulated. Second—He was the founder of the beet sugar industry.in California. -His two great beet sugar plants have given em- ployment to thousands of men and added greatly to the acreage of cultivated soil. In a signed article in The Call of De- cember 25, 1885, Mr. Spreckels said: ‘‘Beet sugar helps the producer and the em- ploye as well as the manufacturer, add- ing to the tilled acreage of the State and to the facilities of the farmer for the accumulation of wealth. It also enables him to hire more men and adds to the commercial importance of towns 'and cities. The beet sugar industry not only demands the raw material from this State, but it also comprehends the manu- facture of the article ready for the market and for consumption. I have added my investment to the industry to arouse people to the importance of the industry, as well as for personal profit.” Soon after making that statement Mr. Spreckels gave the Salvation Army $10,000 to enable them to start a beet sugar farm for their people. Third—When the San Joaquin Valley Raflroad project was under way, enemies of the proposition in the form of power- ful competitors did all in their power to discourage the promoter. It was then that Claus Spreckels quietly called a meeting of capitalists in his office, made a short address, and headed a subscrip- tion with $500,000, his sons, John D. and Adolph B. Spreckels, following with a subscription of 000 each. From that. moment the was assured. In Th 25, 1895, Clays Spreckels sald: “It 1s my bellef that a revolution in the matter of rallway comstruction and travel is near at hand. I believe that new and improved methods of construc- tion will immensely increase speed and convenlence.” By substituting “street rallway con- struction” for the expression, “railway CALHOUN WRITES COMMITTEE THAT TROLLEY WILL BE USED Continued From Page 1, Column 5. R. B. Hale, Herbert E. Law, Rufus P. Jennings and others with whom he has conferred in relation to the plans of the United Railroads a communication in which he expressed the opinion that har- mony of action cannot be obtained and setting forth that the United Rallroads will proceed ‘‘to prepare a plan for the improvement of the transportation of San Francisco, the essential feature of which will be a modern, up-to-date, efficient and uniform system of electric propulsion, through the introduction of the overhead trolley system wherever the grades of the streets of the city will permit.”” The text of Mr, Calhoun’s communication is as follows: “My Dear Sirs: You will recall that the only condition on which I consented to even consider the introduction of an underground conduit on Market street from the ferries to Valencia, and on Sutter from Market to Powell, was to secure harmony and unanimity of action in the —_— CASE AGAINST DEVEL COMES UP IN COURT Judge Declines to Admit Record of the Hapgood Trial as Evidence. NEW YORK, March 23.—The applica- tion for the removal from the bench of James M. Deuel, Justice of the Court of Special Sessions, because of his connec- tion with Town Topics, was heard by the appellate division of the Supreme Court today. The court declined to admit the record of the trial of Norman Hapgood as evidence against Justice Deuel and declared that there was doubt whether the court possessed jurisdiction in the case. Decision was reserved on that point until Monday and the court took under advisement the question whether it should appoint a referee to take evi- dence. —————————— Police Capture Busy Thief. SAN DIEGO, March 28.—By the arrest of Arthur L. Paulat, a diminutive Ger- man, while in the act of breaking into a cigar store early this morning, the police believe that the mystery of half a dozen recent burglaries here has. been solved. Paulat confesses that he had a hand in several of them. ——————— Gasoline Stove Explodes. STOCKTON, March 23—This afternoon at Jamestown, Tuolumne County, while the wife of Al Warren, ah engineer on the Slerra Railroad, was away from home for a short time a gasoline stove explod- ed and the fire resulting destroyed the family home and contents, the loss being fully $2500. —————————— Orr Denies Latest Charge. NEW YORK, March 2.—Alexander E. Orr, president of the New York Life In- surance Company, In an interview, de- nied allegations that agencies of that company had been giving rebates on pol- icies and giving away policles in return for proxies, —_——— development of San Francisco. You will further recall that I distinctly stated that ‘if all sides to this controversy are not willing to faithfully and loyally abide by what the people of San Francisco may determine on this subject, the United Railroads prefers to urge, in the interest of the development of San Francisco, a uniform system of overhead trolley operation.’ “The development of the last few days, the threatened litigation against my com- pany, and the action of the Sutter Street Improvement Club, demonstrate that har- mony and unanimity of action, so much to be desired, cannot be obtained, and that the United Railroads cannot expect all parties to the controversy ‘to faith- fully and loyally abide by what the peo- ple of San Francisco may determine on this subject.” On the contrary, if the peo- ple should elect to put an overhead on Sutter street, the address of the Sutter Street Improvement Club distinetly states—‘we pledge ourselves and promise to provide the necessary counsel to main- VICTIM OF NIGHTMARE PUTS END TO HIS LIFE Commits Suicide While in the Throes of a Brain-Racking Dream. NEW ORLEANS, March 23.—Ralph Vaughn, business manager of Point Coupee Parish, during a nightmare took a pistol from under his pillow, placed the muzzle in his mouth and pulled the trigger, killing himself, Vaughn kept a big general store at Batchelor. His family being away, he was sleeping in the back of the store, while his clerk was in the front part. The clerk heard him crying out in his sleep, and was about to go back to him when the shot was fired. —— e BRITISH SHIP DECLARED FORFEIT BY JAPANESE Bark Antiope, Which Sailed From San Francisco, Condemned for Car- rying Contraband. WASHINGTON, March 23.—The Stpte Department has received a cablegram from' Tokio announcing that the prize court there has found that the British bark Antlope, which was seized by the Japanese during the Russo-Japanese war, was -carrying contraband for the use of the Russian army, and has held the ship and cargo forfeit. The ship sailed from San Francisco on June 21, for Nicolaieff, and was seized by the Japanese on Aua- gust 13, near Saghalien. Cousin of Menelik Dead. JIBUTIL, French Somaliland, March 23.—Rag Makonnen, Governor of Harrar, Abyssinia, is dead. He was a cousin of Emperor Menellk and was regarded as likely to be the Emperor's successor. ————— LLEFONTAINE, Oblo, March 23.—The mfgu ‘Court today decided that the State is within its rights in instituting ouster o ings in a collective sult against the iIrteen companies alleged to constitute the ‘“bridge trust.” D construction,” Mr. Spreckels’ views would be well expressed. Fourth—In 1899 Claus Spreckels, see- ing the great cost of gas and electrici- ty in small homes, as well as for the public in general, projected.and car- ried to a finish the building of plants by the Independent Light and Power Company and the Independent Gas Company, both of which he organized. He rushed the work to completion andl made possible cheaper rates than the, city had ever known. To accomplish | his purpose it was necessary to build a pottery to make his own terra cotta | conduits, this to circumvent the de- | signs of a combination that sought charge him extortionate prices f8r them. Fifth—Some years ago, becoming in- terested in the purposes of the Lane Hospital, Mr. Spreckels gave $25,000 to the hospital fund. On May 16, 1897, he gave a check of $5000 to the Children’s Hospital. On December 20, 1898, when the, farmers of Monterey County were al- most starving, he gave Governor Budd | a $25,000 check for ‘their benefit, offer- Ing $25,000 more if it were needed. When the guardians of Golden Gate Park were projecting Improvements | some years ago Mr. Spreckels gave them $60,000 for the present beautiful music stand, and in a speech at the dedication ceremonies he said he was glad to show in this way his apprecia- tion for the people of a State that had “not been niggardly” with him. . present tain our position in the courts.” “In view of these facts, I desire to in- form you that the United Rallroads will proceed to prepare a plan for the im- provement of the transportation of San Francisco. The essential feature of this plan will be a modern, up-to-date, ef- ficlent and uniform system of electric propulsion, through the tntroduction of the overhead trolley system wherever the grades of the streets of the city will per- mit. When this plan is perfected it will be presented to the proper authoritles of the city for their consideration. We will be very glad to go over it with you. Under the circumstances, it will be use- less for me now to furnish the prelimin- ary plan of which we spoke. “In conclusion, permit me to express my appreciation of the motives which lead you to seek a conference with me, and the earnest desire of every gentleman who participated in that conference to reach a basis of harmonious action in order that the development of San Francisco might not be obstructed and delayed.” GENERAL ALLEN TELLS OF THE MORO OUTLAWS the Action of the American Troops in Mount Dajo Fight. LEXINGTON, Ky., March 23.—In an address before the Chamber of Com- merce tonight General Henry T. Allen, chief ot the constabulary in the Philip- pines, discussed the recent battle be- tween American arms and hostile Moros in the island of Jolo. He sald: ot ome and criti- clae our own ‘lood tor wx‘..]':‘"-'; Taney In bra- Tros. - known or we would hesitate Defen to_d © fhess hostile Filipinos glorifled in death and wanted the women to share their fate. ~Allow them to and this am! warfare wou continge indefnitely, thelr h doublln‘] with each hat to us v gy g victory would would be termed a left-han give encouragement to them. ‘Wil Honor Major Logan. MANILA, March 23.—Major General ‘Wood and a party of army officers will Jeave here tomorrow to locate the spot ‘where Major John Alexander Logan was killed and erect a monument thereon. Major Logan was the son of Major Gen- eral John A. Logan of Illinols. —_————— Calitornians in Paris. _ PARIS, March 23.—C. C. Cunuingham, May Mott Smithyand Mr. and Mrs. J. Liebes of San Franciséo registered at The Call-Herald Bureau today. A . —_——— VIENNA, March 23.—It was again an- nounced here today that the grave Nm“ ished in Europe regarding the rflxmm Francis Joseph are unfounded. . — e In Lapland when the door of a warm room is opened during the winter it is immediately followed by a miniature snowstorm in the room, the condensed moisture falling in flakes. HARVEY WANTS A MUNICIPAL R SCHMITZ GIVES PROMISE OF A OPERA-HOUSE| MUNICIPAL BAND Received With Approval. A municipal opera-house for San Fran- cisco; splendid auditorfum in which the genius of the world may be welcomed and in which it may always find a home monopoly. This is the splendid plan advanced last evening by J. Downey Harvey at the din- ner given to Jan Kubellk by Mayor Schmitz at the St. Francis Hotel. The suddenness of Harvey's suggestion took the guests and the host by surprise, but it was instantly seized upon not only as possible, but easy of accomplishment. “San Francisco has long needed such an institution,” said Mr. Harvey. ‘‘Many times we have seen artists turned back from the doors of the city because there { was no olace in which they could play. Furthermore there is not a playhouse in the city suited to the requirements of grand opera and concert. The patrons of art in San Fraucisco are so many and S0 rich that no difficulty would now be confronted in an effort to carry out this great idea. The time is now ripe for us to move, and. to you, Mayor Schmitzs, I intrust the duty " of inaugurating this movement. “Your suggestion is most timely,” said Mayor Schmitz, “and I will doall that I can to carry through your idea. In view of the splendid manner in which local pa- trons of art have guaranteed the receipts of overa, companles playing here I have no doubt that they would gladly respond to a call to ald such a venture as this. I shall not forget your suggestion and I shall ask that we now bend our efforts to assist you in carrying out your pur- pose. “Yes, the time is ripe for the move- ment,” said Attorney Charles Ackerman, who is largely interested in local theatri- cal enterprises. “We should undertake to carry out this project without delay, and when this object is in view I am always at your service.” Every guest agreed that this plan shcuid be executed, and if the enthusiasm that greeted the suggestion is indicative of the ultimate end, it will not be long before San Francisco takes its place among those cities of the world that have dedicated splendid structures to the cause of art, MANY SHIPPERS TRY TO CHEAT RAILROADS Underbilling of Freight a Common Practice of Large Firms. NEW YORK, March 23.—Chairman Knapp and Commissioners Prouty and Clements of the Interstate Commerce Commission today began the hearings in the cases of the underbilling by freight shippers over the railroads running out of this city. Robert G. Stevenson, a general inspect- or of the Trunk Line Association in the territory of New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts, sald that in one month they had a total of 34000 false classifi- cations. He declared that many large and orominent firms had habitually, per- sistently and constantly violated the reg- ulations. While the majority of the ship- pers sought to be honest, many promi- nent ones were notorlously dishonest. He described how some shippers would pre- tend to make honest descriptions of ship- ments and how they would try to de- celve inspectors by packing more valu- able shipments in the bottoms, sides or middles of packages containing lower class freight to aveid seruttny. He said that the inspectors knew of the persist- ent violations pretty well and that a rule few misdescribed shipments got by them. “Why do they do this if your inspect- ors generally detect the false classifica- tion?" asked Chairman Knapp. “They do it to get a lower rate for their customers. They think that if they get one shipment out of ten through it will pay them to misdescribe.” —_——————— | Vielates Gambling Law. Lewis Goldstone, a cigar store owner at Golden Gate avenue and Market street, was arrested last night as he was paying a customer $5 for getting four deuces on a nickel In the slot ma- chine. It has come to the ears of the District Attorney that many of the owners of slot machines In the cigar stores were paying money instead of prizes in trade. He asked the Chief of Police to watch for these offenders, and Goldstone's arrest resulted. He was charged with violating the gambling ordinance. —————— French Miners May Yield. LENS, Department of Pas de Calais, France, March 23.—The coal com- panies of this district have refused to hold another conference with the strik- ing miners, declaring that their final of- fer had been made. Many of the —————————— Canada has forests which. at the| are inclined to resume work. The Miners' present rate of consumption of timber Congress will meet again Sunday to de- for paper, will supply’ the world with | cide upon the acceptance or rejection of ‘Daper pulp for 840 years. the companies’ terms. . Approbation at Banquet. “While it is true that past efforts te organize a municipal band for the enter- tainment and instruction of the people of San Franeisco have failed I can assure | without fear of trusts or local theatrical | you that before this year is at am end the people of this city will see this ob- ject successtully carried out,” sald Mayor Schmitz last evening at the dinner given by him to Jan Kubellk, the great Bo- hemian violinist. “This is a great idea. It was first suggested here tonight, as you know, by W. H. Leahy, whose interest in art has gjiven San Francisco the years of opera it has enjoyed at the Tivoli. In the Tivoli we are proud, and suggested by Mr. Leahy as it has been, we must all redouble our efforts to see that the municipal band will soon break forth in harmony In the parks and squares throughout the city. “The question of a municipal band Is one that must meet with the support of every art-loving citizen. What greater educational movement could be inaugu- rated at so reasonable an expenge? America, like Europe, has now eeme to look upon a musical education as indis- pensible. A band capable of handiing with merit the works of the great mas- ters would lay the foundation for a mu- sical education in the minds of aill the rising generation. “There are few if any bands in the United States supported by a people as a whole. Let San Francisco Re the most enthusiastic in the carrying but of this purpose and this will become even more widely known than it now is as the greatest music-loving center on the American continent. “1 want to tell you again, however, that before 1907 is ushered in San Fran- cisco will have its municipal band. This has been deflnitely determined and with public sentiment, which cannot fail, in favor of this band the passing of 1906 will mark another epoch in the musical his- tory of San Francisco.” The announcement of Mayor Schmits that this year would see the organization of a municipal band was greeted with the applause of all of the guests. All agreed to lend their support, and it is with interest that San Francisco will awalt the announcement of the first con= cert. —_———————— Aged Visitor Killed by Engine. SAN JOSE, March 23.—Albert Schilling, aged 70, was tonight run over and in- stantly killed by a switch engine in the narrow gauge yards at Los Gatos. Schill- ing was standing on the tracks and did not notice the approach of the engine. He was a native of Cleveland, Ohio, and was visiting his nephew, L. J. Martin. ———————— New British Minister to Mexico. LONDON, March 23.—The appointment of Reginald T. Tower as British Minis- ter to Mexico, in suceession to Sir George Greville, was announced today. THE PERFECT WAY Scores ‘of San Francisco Citisens Have Learned It _If you suffer from backache, There is only one way to cure it. The perfect way is to cure the kide neys. A bad back means sick ki Neglect it, urinary troubles " Doan’s Kidney Pills are made for kidneys only. - Are indorsed by San Francisco people. F. T. Collins, hatter by trade, living at 1010%% street, San Francisco, Cal., says: cannot give Doan’s Kidney Pills more ;;:u than the remedy deserves. several reus!hvgbeenuonblgdmd e those organs and caused - ache severely. I wasted much time and endured much medicine of various kinds, did not cure me. Doan’s Kidney Pills. box for me. I took t almost immediate relief. I had used the second cured. My back does health is much better soundly every night. mended Doan’s 'i great many others, who goodrmltysfromtheuen(thct-i- edy. B For sale by all dealers. Price, 50 cents. Foster-Milburn Co., N. Y., sole agents for Ih‘