The Evening Mail from Stockton, California • 4

STOCKTON EVENING MAIL, THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 1900, 4 THE FAIR CLOTHING HOUSE. 'vnrmq CO Publhctl Kvcry Evening (Sundays Ex- copied) by Colnon Nunan. J. NUNAN. E.

L. COLNON. STOCKTON AND THE BONDING QUESTION BY II. J. CORCORAN.

THURSDAY APRIL 19 MR. CORCORAN AND BONDS, the Sultan that the United States was highly displeased. Mr. Strauss apparently labors under the impression that Abdul is now shaking in his turned-up shoes lest Mr. Strauss Bhould decide not to return, though why the withdrawal of such a persistent dun as Mr.

Straubs seems to have been should worry the Sultan is something the citizen unskilled in statescraft will find hard to understand. From an ordinary point of view, it would seem that the Sultan should not care if Mr. Strauss never comes back. We are told that all the diplomats Continental Europe are dismayed" at the energetic language of Secretary of State Hay; but they are probably more interested in the language of a wilter in the London Times, who says today: Ey further resistance to the claims of the United Slates the Sultan will expose himself to grave consequences which he probably had not foreseen. The United States government is not accustomed to indulge in empty threats.

If the Sultan for' a moment supposed that he would find, protection from any European power, let him remember Spain. Now thfe looks very much as if tlie quarrel was being picked with Turkey upon an understanding with Great Britain. The $100,000 Turkey owes the United States is not worth an entry by this country into tho complications taut Turkey is involved in with Russia, France, Great Britain, Germany and Austro-Hungary. The Times' hint that England and America will stand together in case any coercion of Turkey is to be done is one that should make Americans pause before sending a squadron or threatening war for the sake of a sum that Is a mere bagatelle as things go in Washington to-day, and cannot, of itself, account for Mr. Hay's sudden truculence.

Vacation daya are almost around once more It wont be long before you must pack your trunk and grip. By the way, have you thought of how you will carry your apparel? Probably not. It is generally the last thing one thinks of, but, really, it is the most important. Our trunk, and valise department is brimful of everything necessary for the traveler. TRUNKS, Square top, covered with embossed metal; bound with heavy sheet-iron; partitioned tray; suitable for A lady or gent, upwards from Round top, fancy metal covered, hardwood cleats on top; wide iron binding all around; reversible clamps; malleable iron, tinned corners, patent bolts, leather A A handles.

Full Saratoga tray; hat-box; fancy trimmed 1 11 1 throughout; upwards, according to size, from The article of H. J. Corcoran on the subject of Stockton's backwardness ami the pending proposition to issue bonds for certain Improvements, which is published in an adjacent column, will be eagerly read by everybody in the city who takes any interest in municipal affairs. Mr. Corcoran is a clear thinker and vigorous writer, and while to some he may appear to be too sweeping in his criticisms, it must be confessed that what he says is in the main true.

For instance, it Is true that Stockton can show a higher percentage of rotten, swindling public work than any other town on the coast. San Francisco has the reputation of being pretty crooked in things of this sort, but this is one of the particulars in which the metropolis is not in it with Stockton. The street work there is as much better than it is here as the buildings are taller, handsomer and more costly. There is of course a reason for all this. The trouble in Stockton appears to be that we cannot elect as Chief Executive of the municipality a man who has any executive ability.

There are plenty of men in the community who combine intelligence with force, but none of them has ever been Mayor. It is the Mayors business to see that the taxpayers are not swindled by those who draw money from the treasury for services dishonestly performed. A Mayor of the right kind could make it so hot for any ee-ordinate department showing signs of a willingness to wink at fraud that the incumbent of it would be forced to change his ways or get out. But when are we to have such a May- Flat-top Trunk, covered with gray water-proof duck; four hardwood cleats on top; heavy japanned iron bound; patent bolts, brass lock; full Saratoga tray; strongly made. The most sensible of all trunks; upwards, according to size, from 6.50 The Fresno Republican says: Twisting the lions tail is a very cheap device to catch the votes of fools, and the man who resorts to it thereby announces that he estimates as fools- the voters to hom he is appealing.

Nothing more amusing has happened recently in politics than the sudden development of tenderness on the part of esteemed Republican contemporaries for the British lions tail. Time was when they vied witty their Democratic brethren in contorting and tying double knots in that caudal appendage; but now it is lese majestie to even reach for it, as with intention to twist. Full and complete line of duck covered Telescopes, Valises, Alligator Satchels, Dress Suit Cases and Shawl Straps. In fact, all the necessaries for the traveler. BLACK AND WHITE GOODS.

1 Waiters Aprons, short, without bibs 20c Cooks Aprons, long, with bibs 25c BAR AND BARBER COATS. White, plain duck, single-breasted, black buttons 75c White, plain duck, single-breasted, neatly trimmed, black or white buttons $1.00 White duck, best quality, elegantly made with frogs, double-breasted 1.25 Short black sateen coats for waiters or barbers 75c Cook duck caps 15c Mail orders receive our best attention. Store closed all day Sundays. FAI M. JONES, Manager, 340342344 E.

Main Street, Stockton, Cal The history of the government of this city is an almost unbroken record of municipal blunders. The city, like the people who dwell within its gates, Is not able to profit by its own experiences, nor by those of its neighbors. We find ourselves, after a half century of municipal life, an awful example of municipal torpor and stupidity. We have trusted to natural advantages, while other cities have put their faith in vigorous and well-directed effort. As a consequence we are so far behind the municipal procession that we cannot hear the music of the band, and the spectator is disposed to question our right to be in it at all.

We live under a Charter than which a more stupid, or less practical, could not be devised: We have a sewer system which selves only a portion of our city, and in that portion is not used by a large percentage of householders. We have varying street grades in accord with the views of different City Engineers, not one of whom seems to have had any respect for the attainments of his predecessor a view in which all seems to have been correct. More than one part of our sewer system was designed so that the sewage matter had to run up grade, in defiance of the laws of gravitation. The rankest kind of fraud was practiced in the laying of sewer pipes. To cap the climax of this chapter of fraud and theft and blundering, the sewage matter is pumped into a pool of stagnant water In the heart of the city, to spread pestilence among the people.

We have wasted hundreds of thousands of dollars on street paving because 'our citizens and city authorities did not know enough or care enough to see that proper material was used in a proper manner. In justification of my statement that we profit neither by our own nor our neighbors mistakes, let me call attention to the fact, that a portion of Main street is to be repaved with a material which has been proven) by long and costly experiment to be absolutely valueless under the climatic and other conditions existing here. We are now called upon to vote more bonds for municipal purposes more or less urgent. For two of these purposes, and for two only, should bonds be Issued. An outfall sewer is a paramount necessity.

Rain water sewers are needed, though not so badly as the other. Be it remembered that we once put iu an outfall sewer and paid for it. The work was so poorly executed, or designed, or both, as to be valueless, and we must pay for doing it again at much greater cost. For the remaining purposes mentioned in the call no bonds should he issued. If the things therein enumerated are needed to be done, let the money come by the regular process of the tax levy.

I am not clear as to the necessity for any of them, but in no case do they belong in the category of matters so essential or so urgent as to demand the imposition of a bonded debt. To those citizens who object to a high tax rate, when the money honestly and wisely expended, I can only say that any growing city is better off without them. They belong to that class of cheap pedple with which Stockton is cursed beyond her proportion, who want something for nothing, It is their influence that has made Stockton the most backward city of her size in the Union, and makes her few progressive citizens ashamed of her, They are the people who crowd the halls at free entertainments, but will not spend a dollar in support of a creditable temple of amusement. They gorge themselves to repletion at a free feast, and will not, for lack of patron- age, allow a restaurant offering a modern bill of fare at honest prices, to continue in business in their city. There has been enough to be sorry for in the history of our municipal legislation without establishing the dangerous and wicked precedent of taking on an incubus of debt each time we need something for which we should pay cash.

There are other reasons. Our ri'ght to issue bonds is limited by the organic law. If we issue up to the limit for purposes not urgent, what will we do when a bond issue is. really necessary? We recently Issued bonds to the extent of $40,000 for harbor purposes. The contractor got the money and a pile of valuable sand on Mormon channel.

The Street Commission then in oflice came out the owner of a huge pile of dredgings on Banner Island. The city paid the bills and got some valuable experience and some bulkhead not worth a ten-dollar note, for practical purposes, because it lies 1000 feet from navigable water. To pay the debt thus Incurred and the attendant interest burden, has taxed the resources of the wharf fund ever since and has prevented the doing of, much work of a really beneficial character. It is not given to my poor intelligence to understand why this city should go in debt for water pipes when it does not own a well, a drop of water or a pump. Such a proceeding would be as wise as to build a rain water cistern in the desert of Sahara.

Our unimproved sewers can well be allowed to remain as they are until our streets cease to be quagmires in winter and foul smelling depositories for all kinds of filth in summer. We should reserve our bond issues for better purposes. Let us try municipal ownership of our water-works and lighting plants. The supply of pure, wholesome water is abundant. The San Joaquin river lies upon one side, the Mokelumne upon the other.

The water in each is most excellent, needing only a modern filtering plant to render it clear and pure at all times. The city can make money by supplying water in abundance at prices not over 40 per cent of those now charged by the local water company. Our city lighting system is poor and expensive. I do not blame the local company for getting all It can. The Germans have a saying to the effect that When the fool goes to market the butcher gets the money.

That Is good for the butcher, though a trifle hard on the fool. With an up-to-date electric plant this city could supply light, and power, if it so elected, to the consumers, of this city far below the present cost and clear enough to light the city for nothing, pay interest on its lighting bonds and provide a sinking fund for their redemption. I do not care to discuss the police electric system. It is so utterly absurd, under present conditions, that I cannot understand how it came to receive serious consideration from the Council. It is my earnest hope that the two sets of sewer bonds will be voted.

I also hope that some city official body the Board of Public Works or the City Council will see to it that the work is correctly planned and honestly performed. With my knowledge of our people I cannot expect anything so progressive as municipal ownership of utilities or the use of modern pavement for streets, such as brick. I can only marvel that a people who read newspapers and have the facilities for travel that those of this city enjoy, can be so far behind the rest of the world in private business and in public affairs. The military frost on Angel Island, in San Francisco bay, is to have its name changed to Fort McDowell, in memory of the late General McDowell. General McDowell is best commemorated in San Francisco by McDowell avenue, the noble road he laid out and constructed in the Presidio reservation.

It it a pity to change the old names, anyway. Angel Island is much prettier than Fort McDowell. Next, we suppose, historic Alcatraz will have its name changed to Fort Otis or perhaps even Fort Schwan. DEMANDS APPROVAL Mr. Corcorans objections to the issuance of bonds are also for the most part sound.

It is ridiculous to think of bonding the city for such purposes as buying fire engines, improving public squares or putting in telephones for the police. An additional fire engine may be needed (one, not two), but if it it can be paid for out of the proceeds of regular taxation. The question whether the engine should be a steamer or a chemical may be open to debate, but there cannot be intelligent opposing opinions as to the advisability of issu ing forty-year bonds to pay for it. There is the same objection to improving the public squares by this means. No public square should be improved until the private property around it is improved.

Some of the public squares which it is proposed to beautify by the issuance of bonds would look rather lonesome in their isolation. The way to improve the squares is by degrees, grading one year, fertilizing the next, planting the next, and so on, in the meantime electing a Mayor who will see that the city is not robbed by the contractor who puts down the concrete walks. Everybody in town entitled to the privilege should vote down the proposi tion for a system of police telephones. The community is pretty well provided with telephones now, any of which is available to the police when needed. Of course if it can be shown that a police telephone system would assist in hunting down the Chinese lottery gamblers, those who are now against it might change their minds.

An outfall sewer and rain-water sewers are imperatively demanded. Every thoughtful citizen should vote for them. Any who fail to do so ill be deterred by fear that the city may again be victimized through inferior work. The bridges and the water main are unquestionably needed, and if the proposition formulated for obtaining them should be defeated it will be for the reason last above mentioned. Because deserving it.

Apparel which is stylish, fits perfectly, wears well and is moderately priced is our idea of pleasing customers. Spring Suits to Order. We are showing a very handsome line of new goods. Come in and look them over. Hil The State delegations in Congress from the Pacific Coast called on President McKinley yesterday in behalf of the Nicaraguan canal project.

The President assured them that he was earnestly in favor of the canal, but thought It would now be wise to wait until the Walker Commission should report. He did not add that the Walker Commission had been organized and sent out for the special purpose of delaying the whole business. Had he said so he would have told the cold truth for once. Henry Hoastig of Oakland, who has just returfied from the scene of the Yaqui war, confirms the Mails opinion of the situation and contradicts General Torres by declaring that the war is not over, and that -Mexican reinforcements to the number of 4000 are hastening to the front. The Yaquis are making a brave fight for liberty; but their chances are no better than those of the Filipinos and Boers.

They are not as I good, for there is not a ghost of a I chance of intervention. RETAIL DEPARTMENT Stockton Woolen Mills, Cor. S. Liocoia sod W. Sonora Streets.

NEW ADVERTISEMENTS. SOME TELEGRAMS IN BRIEF, YoSemiteTheater Chas. P. Hall Proprietor and Manager Lee, the Hypnotist. The Chinese lotteries are running on full time again in Stockton.

Particularly busy is the lottery on Hunter street, north of Weber avenue. The procession of petty gamblers in and out of the place is so continuous that unless the observer happened to know what was going on he might think that free beer was on tap within. In order that they may not be jostled and trampled upon by the eager speculators the police have to avoid that block. One Solid Week, Beginning Sunday, April 22d, WITH ATURDAT MATINEE. BOSTONS BIG Board of Survey in the case of U.

S. S. Boston has reported that the ship can be repaired at a cost ot $175,000, and the work has been ordered done at the Mare Island navy yard. A BANANA FAMINE. It is announced that in consequence of the failure of the banana crop in the parish of St.

Thomas, Jamaica, widespread suffering exists in that place, and that a number of deaths from starvation have occurred. NEWS OF DREYFUS. The editor of the Paris Siecle, on behalf of the readers of the London Morning Herald, has presented a casket to Mme. Dreyfus. Her husband, who is well, is said to have been much moved by the mark of sympathy.

WANT AN INCREASE. The Power Loom Ingrain Carpet 'Weavers' Protective Association of Philadelphia, after working under an old scale of prices for five years, has asked the manufacturers for a seven per cent average increase in wages. CONFESSION OF MURDERERS. -The Chinese murderers of Chief of Police Alexander Main of Stevenson, B. have confessed.

A vigilance committee was organized both in Vancouver and Stevenson to lynch the murderers, but the police carried them away by night in a buggy. LESLIE IS IN LUCK. Cecil Leslie, the advertising manager for the 520 per cent Franklin syndicate, who was indicted for complicity in the fraud, was released from Raymond-street jail, Brooklyn, yesterday, because District Attorney Clark declared he had not sufficient evidence to convict him. BIG PRICE FOR A HORSE. At the sale of heavy horses in the American Horse Exchange in New York last night, the noted bay gelding.

The Turk, who has shown a mile in 2:174, was sold to C. F. Kimball of Chicago for W. H. Mavie for $8800.

This Is the biggest price ever paid for a carriage horse in this cqtintry. mckinley going west. SAN FRANCISCO NEWS NOTES IT WOULD WORK QUITE WELL The inward rush of the Japanese continues in the north; but a dispatch from Tacoma predicts that it will end as suddenly as it began within the next few days when the demand for men in the canneries and the railroads is satisfied. To manage theimmigration in that way, would be shrewd policy on the part of the Japanese. If they stopped the rush, the agitation against the immigration would die out, just as interest in water-storage dies out when we happen to have a good seasons rain, and the good road problem is laid on the shelf as soon as the mud dries up.

Then, next season, the Japanese could rush in a few thousands more, and as soon as conversation upon the subject again became general along the Pacific Coast, the rush could be stopped again; and so forth. The Japanese would find this plan to work well with Pacific Coasters. WHAT IS BEHIND IT? NEWS AND COMMENT. The greatest organization of its kind on the road to-day. Different performance each night.

Prices Gallery, 10c. Balcony (reserved), 25c. Lower floor (reserved), 35c. Boxes and loges (reserved), 50c. Seats can be secured Saturday.

jack-rabbit, who meanders in millions over the plains of Tulare. Mr. Doty of the Delta, no doubt, will denounce the Enci-nal as pessimistic, but the Mail considers the question fair. It is admitted that even the experienced gourmet cannot detect a cat from a rabbit in a savory stew. How shall the ordinary feeder at the hotel or restaurant trough know hare from either cat or rabbit? oooooooooooooooooo The first Pacific Coast street fair is proving a great success at Riverside.

The influx of visitors has fairly swamped the town. The Supreme Court of New York has decided that the use of the word scab, in referring to a person is libelous. The decision was in connection with trade union troubles. In Salt Lake City yesterday there was a meeting of Governors to discuss arid land problems. The States represented were Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Washington and Idaho.

Chicagos insult to Minister Arcos is likely to result in a rule that communications to members of the diplomatic body in Washington from promoters of celebrations and similar enterprises must pass through the State Department. The Call says that if plans now being perfected for the formation of a local lumber pool are successful there will soon be an advance of at least $2 per thousand feet in the price of lumber. Advices from New York are that the Countess Festetics, formerly reported to have been drowned by the sinking of the Tolna, is In that city. She was not on the vessel at the time of the disaster. The largest single Importation of opium to arrive in this port was that brought on the Nippon, which arrived on Tuesday from Oriental ports.

The opium is worth $600,000 and the duty amounts to $200,982. The War Department has changed the name of the military reservation at Point Dobose to Fort Miley in honor of the late Lieutenant-Colonel Miley. The post at Angel Island is to be known as Fort McDowell in honor of the late Major-General Irwin McDowell. The man whose body was taken from the lodging house at 317 Third street has been finally identified as that of a cook named Merwin, who was about to go to Alaska. Detective Wren found a friend of the deceased in a laundry.

He says Merwin was out of his mind. At the session of the Grand Lodge of Mrs. Stanford has made a magnificent present to Sacramento. Nobody ever gives Stockton anything but the go-by. Why is this thus? In another column is a letter that ex-President Cleveland sent to the Brooklyn Democratic Club last night.

It is chiefiy significant in what it does not say. It bears internal evidence of the fact that Mr. Cleveland sat down to It with the intention of saying something, but changed his mind, like a wise man. Special Offerings in Clocks. Decorated Hardwood Clocks, 22 Inches high, different designs, oak and walnut, elegantly finished, first-class American movement, eight-day, half-hour strike, each, $2.50.

Same as above, with alarm, each, ma.Ts. Stockton Racket Store, 711-713 E. Main St. Received Over the Malls Leased Wire. WASHINGTON, April 19.

The Presidential party, consisting of President and Mrs. McKinley, Mrs. Hobart and her Garret Dr. Rixey, Secretary Cortel-you and Secretary Barnes and a couple of servants, left this morning over the Pennsylvania road for New Jersey. President McKinley will leave New York shortly after midnight Sunday for Canton, Ohio.

He will stop over for several hours in Washington on Monday to sign bills and transact whatever other important business may await him. McCullagh for fine photos. Hair dressed free. Studio 21 North El Dorado street. The Fresno Republican hopes Jack Cook will not come to Fresno.

It says: The methods of blatant sensationalism are the nights and Ladies of Honoryester- day officers were chosen. All the journalism, but when applied in Jack It appears that Mr. Strauss, who draws a salary of $7500 a year-as Minister to Turkey, is not in Constantinople bearding the Sultan in his kiosk, but in New York, granting interviews to reporters. He has been there some time. It is among the mysteries of diplomacy that the retirement of Mr.

Stiauss from Constantinople to New York is to be accepted by the public as a rebuke to the Sultan. When Mr. Strauss packed his grip and left Constantinople and the bubonic plague behind him and hied him to New York the joyous trip Was meant to convey to If it be true that a German scientist has discovered a way of coloring the plumage of birds to suit by the use of aniline dyes in their food, the vexed problem of adorning the hats of the ladies with gay feathers without exterminating the beautiful birds of the world will be solved. Barnyard fowls, turkeys, ducks, geese and pigeons will be bred for food as usual, and yet, by the judicious use of aniline dyes, they will be made to meet the most exacting and brilliant demands of the ornamental feather market. It strikes the Mall that we are on the verge of a fad that will make the Belgian hare craze look like sanity Itself, also thirty cents.

incumbents were re-elected, excepting Mrs. E. R. ODonnell, who is succeeded by A. Gompertz as treasurer.

The per capita tax was reduced from $1.50 to $1. Cooks fashion to religion they are blasphemous. Visalia Is talking of establishing a Belgian hare cannery, but the Alameda En-cinal wants to know what quarantine Vi- salla intends to give the world that the cans will contain the flesh of the aristo- cratic hare, and not that of the plebeian Ride with Cabby; new rubber-tired coupe: per hour, $1. Telephone, main 2. ap2tf ColTarin, the fruit and grain food drink; delicious, satisfying.

apl3tf OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOS.