anaheim-gazette 1915-08-12

EXCURSION OF EASTERN FARMERS COMING SANTA FE RAILWAY PROPOSES TO BRING HERE PEOPLE DIRECTLY INTERESTED IN FARMING BOARD OF TRADE ENDORSES PROJECT—OTHER MATTERS DISCUSSED AT INTERESTING MEETING At the Board of Trade meeting on Monday evening J. H. Clabaugh, agent of the Santa Fe railway, read a communication received from J. J. Byrne of Los Angeles, assistant passenger traffic manager of that company, saying that after the big harvest in the east is gathered, the Santa Fe proposes to run a special excursion to California, composed of people who are directly interested in farming. A special train will be provided, leaving Chicago October 14th and so scheduled as to reach the desired centers agreed to pay ten cents a head for all tourists brought to this city. The promoters submitted a statement, saying that during May and June a total of 48 people had been brought here for which a bill for $4.80 was submitted. The same was ordered paid, and the secretary was instructed to notify the Long Beach promoters that the contract would be discontinued until further notice. Secretary Duckworth made a verbal report on river protection. A sum approximating $1500 had been signed up by eastside ranchers and within the city limits a sum of $400 had been pledged. The committee who waited upon the supervisors with this report, received encouragement from that body and were informed that if a total of $2500 could be obtained from this/section, work of diking the west bank of the river would proceed in a substantial manner. Mr. Duckworth stated further, however, that one of the parties who had a large river frontage had traded off his property, and had withdrawn from active committee work, but Mr. Duckworth stated that the new list containing the donations, amounting to $1500, had not been turned into the hands of the remaining members of the committee. The secretary was instructed to write him and endeavor to locate the missing subscription list. Monday evening J. H. Clabaugh, agent of the Santa Fe railway, read a communication received from J. J. Byrne of Los Angeles, assistant passenger traffic manager of that company, saying that after the big harvest in the east is gathered, the Santa Fe proposes to run a special excursion to California, composed of people who are directly interested in farming. A special train will be provided, leaving Chicago October 14th and so scheduled as to reach the desired centers during the day time, giving opportunity for spending a few hours driving about to see what is grown in each section, and how. Stops in Southern California are being arranged at places where the Chamber of Commerce or some other such organization is taking an interest in the matter and making arrangements to show the people on this special just what they have that is worth while for a stranger to see and may be to interest him. The train will be under personal charge of Charles Seagraves, the general colonization agent of the Santa Fe, and if it proves popular, other trains will be scheduled at later dates. Of course the Expositions at San Diego and San Francisco will be taken in on the trip. The board of trade endorsed the plan and placed the matter in the hands of the advertising committee, composed of Messrs. Hauck, Ahlborn and Gresswell, and they will arrange for auto excursions in and about Anaheim whereby the eastern farmers may get first hand information concerning this valley. There will probably be a couple of hundred people in the party and the railway company has devised this means of showing the easterners the many advantages of Southern California. The board of trade will see that the excursionists are accorded a hearty welcome. Mr. Clabaugh stated that the Santa Fe aims to bring many of the farmers of the middle west to the Pacific coast. The company is doing much to advertise Southern California and bringing these tillers of the soil within our gates is highly commended. They are the bone and sinew of the country and local citizens will do all in their power to encourage the good work. The advertising committee reported that the road signs are ready to be erected. The signs have been patterned after the mission style and have received favorable comment. Ten will be put up at advantageous points ORANGE GROWERS MEET Orange growers and others of the Villa Park section to the number of 150 attended the interesting meeting Thursday night in Villa Park, which was addressed by experts from the citrus fruit experiment station at Riverside, the meeting being held by the dent at Yorba state morning, when an train was engulfed entirely destroyed by C. A. Phillips, bas train, who was burnt car, and J. B. Messenger, who died sanitarium Wednesday R. Smith, the fire at the sanitarium Sat Benton, the engineer dead at noon Wed lived and there are covery. The most seriously J. W. Benton, english dino, burned and cut B. L. Willets, Co skull and burns. A. L. Rinn, Los and shoulder sprained K. Endo, Highgrove burned, chin bruised. W. W. Craven, His foreman for Santa F arms burned; right cut with glass. Mrs. J. F. Moore, leg burned, side and Miss Clara Gehre were burned, nervous Miss B. Gehre, h ed, nervous shock. Edward Poorman, both hands burned about head. Inose slightly inju E. B. Collier, Coron Los Angeles; H. D. geles, brakeman; Is Corona; S. F. Grahm Mrs. Roy Thomas, A Truax, Cimmerton, Heilmars, Los Angeles; Frazier, Rochester, N Ellejandro, Corona; Ianueva, Corona; Sco Glosfield, Texas; W. Angles; D. W. Stillwe L. A. Bartlett, Hemer San Bernardino; Vern Elsinore; Mrs. M. L nore; Charles L. Broc Eleven of the injury to the Anaheim sank were taken to Fuller to arrive here with a wreck was Ben Yorba man Smith on board ord run, declaring th roads permitted he miles an hour. Juan The advertising committee reported that the road signs are ready to be erected. The signs have been patterned after the mission style and have received favorable comment. Ten will be put up at advantageous points and the committee was instructed to proceed with their erection. A communication was received from the library board in regard to rent of the room now used by the board of trade. The matter was referred to a committee with power to act. More suitable quarters for an office for the secretary was discussed and the public improvements committee, consisting of Messrs. Beebe, Alhborn and Glbbs, was instructed to investigate the advisability of erecting an office more centrally located than the one now used by that official. A neat and commodious structure of a portable nature may be designed, the same to be erected upon one of the downtown streets. Many strangers passing through town are seekers after information relative to this valley. By having board of trade headquarters conveniently located it would be a convenience to people passing through the city, who are desirous of acquainting themselves concerning this section. It is proposed also to have the splendid exhibit maintained by the board of trade in a more central location than the one now maintained in the library basement. The committee proposes to make the change requested at its earliest opportunity. The auto excursions put on by the Long Beach parties to tour Orange county, which have been maintained for several months past, have not come up to expectations and the board decided to discontinue its contract entered into with the parties. The board Orange growers and others of the Villa Park section to the number of 150 attended the interesting meeting Thursday night in Villa Park, which was addressed by experts from the citrus fruit experiment station at Riverside, the meeting being held by the Villa Park Orchard association. Willard Smith presided at the gathering, presenting R. S. Valle, who gave a practical talk on fertilization. W. M. Mertz, superintendent of cultivation at the experiment station, talked on cover crops, discussing in particular, melilotus, vech and cereal cover crops. D. Eyman Huff, manager of the Orange County Fruit Exchange, told of some of his experiences with soils of this locality. All of the addresses were instructive and so interesting that the question of holding other similar meetings was taken up since speakers may be obtained at the experiment station and elsewhere, the plan being to hear these experts and to have practical questions discussed locally. According to a report filed Friday by J. N. Anderson, state inheritance tax appraiser, the state will collect the sum of $3957.14 inheritance tax from those who were deeded property by C. E. French in contemplation of death and from his widow, who will be left the property not deeded. The report shows that French's property before any of it was deeded was worth $213,751.97. The estate is appraised at $71,589.78. In contemplation of death property valued as follows was deeded: To Mrs. Emma L. Frnch, $64,-467.14; to Gertrude M. Burns, $25,-898.40; to Elizabeth B. Waugh, $1991.05. Eleven of the injuries to the Anaheim sank were taken to Fuller were taken to Los Angeles to arrive here with a wreck was Ben Yorba man Smith on board. Ord run, declaring that roads permitted he miles an hour. Juan came shortly afterward Mesa in his car. Other intervals until eleven were brought in. Some found to be only slight were discharged after agency treatment. The Anaheim were, H. R. Bernardino, Miss B. Miss Clara Gehrlein, In R. L. Willits, Corona grove, A. L. Rinn, Los Craven, Highgrove, A. rona, Mrs. J. F. Moore, and J. B. Mesa, Rivers. Facts regarding the sifted from the many about shortly afterward to have been one of the able accidents in the roading. Train No. 51 San Bernardino, to passes Yorba at 10:20 switch engine was cars onto a spur at Olinda above in the hills. The grade from Olinda to Yorba. The brakeman is to ride the car and failed of his duty in set the brake as he jumped from the car bed He started back to the some one shouted to him. The car war The brakeman sprinter was unable to catch its engine started in pursuit away had gained such down grade that it was Anaheim, Californiä, Thursday, August 12, 1915 SANTA FE WRECK CLAIMS THREE VICTIMS BAGGAGEMAN PHILLIPS, FIREMAN SMITH AND J. B. MESA, A PASSENGER, ARE DEAD CORONER'S JURY PLACES BLAME FOR ACCIDENT ON RAILROAD, CHARGING NEGLIGENCE Three persons are dead and 30 injured, some of them seriously, others only slightly, as a result of the accident at Yorba station Wednesday morning, when an entire passenger train was engulfed in burning oil and entirely destroyed by fire. The dead are C. A. Phillips, baggage man of the train, who was burned to death in his car, and J. B. Mesa of Riverside, a passenger, who died at the Anaheim sanitarium Wednesday night and Harry R. Smith, the fireman. Smith died at the sanitarium Saturday night. J. W. Benton, the engineer was reported overtake it. Someone called up Agent Chase at Richfield and told him to derail it, but the wild car shot past the station before he could hang up the receiver and rush out. Yorba, two miles further down the line, was called, but before connections could be made the collision had occurred just in front of the Yorba station. A man living on the spur saw the runaway coming down the incline. He rushed out with the intention of derailing it, but remembering that he was directly in front of his own residence and it would probably crash into the house where his wife and children were, he drew back and let it pass. Just as it reached Yorba another young man saw it and rushed for a pile of this near the track intending to wreck it with a tie, but it shot past, like an arrow, before he could act. A moment later it switched onto the main line and crashed into the oncoming locomotive. The car, it is estimated, was travelling at the rate of 60 miles an hour, while the train's speed was supposed to be 40. The impact was terrific. The tank car and the locomotive were dovetailed together. The forward end of the tank was elevated several feet and begin spouting a jet of oil. Why neither the locomotive nor the tank car left the track is a mystery, but the momentum of the heavy train pushed the tanker. FIREMAN SMITH DIES FROM INJURIES THIRD VICTIM OF YORBA DISASTER SUCCUMBS SATURDAY NIGHT DECLARED WHILE CONSCIOUS THAT HE WAS LAST MAN TO LEAP FROM LOCOMOTIVE Harry R. Smith, the locomotive fireman who was so badly injured in the wreck at Yorba last Wednesday morning, died at the hospital in this city Saturday night at midnight. Smith's injuries were so serious that little hope for his recovery was entertained from the first. In addition to the burns on his face and body one car was burned off, one eye gouged out, one leg crushed and an arm broken. He regained consciousness after being treated, but could give little account of the accident. He stated, however, that Engineer Benton jumped from his locomotive a moment before the collision. dent at Yorba station Wednesday morning, when an entire passenger train was engulfed in burning oil and entirely destroyed by fire. The dead are C. A. Phillips, baggage man of the train, who was burned to death in his car, and J. B. Mesa of Riverside, a passenger, who died at the Anaheim sanitarium Wednesday night and Harry R. Smith, the fireman. Smith died at the sanitarium Saturday night. J. W. Benton, the engineer was reported dead at noon Wednesday, but he revived and there are hopes of his recovery. The most seriously injured are: J. W. Benton, engineer, San Bernardino, burned and cut. B. L. Willets, Corona, fractured skull and burns. A. L. Rinn, Los Angeles; elbow and shoulder sprained. K. Endo, Highgrove, leg and hand burned, chin bruised. W. W. Craven, Highgrove, section foreman for Santa Fe; left hand and arms burned; right hand and ankle cut with glass. Mrs. J. F. Moore, Temple, Texas, leg burned, side and face bruised. Miss Clara Gehrein, Indianapolis; wrist burned, nervous shock. Miss B. Gehrein, her sister; bruised, nervous shock. Edward Poorman, Perris Valley; both hands burned and severe burns about head. Those slightly injured were: E. B. Collier, Corona; Ed Maxwell, Los Angeles; H. D. Darby, Los Angeles, brakeman; Isaac Alexander, Corona; S. F. Graham, Pasadena; Mrs. Roy Thomas, Arlington; C. R. Truax, Cimmerton, Kans.; Henry Hellmars, Los Angeles; John Wirlln, Los Angeles; Miss Nellie Frazier, Rochester, N.Y.; Eduardo Elliejandro, Corona; Melquides Villanueva, Corona; Scott H. Foster, Glosfield, Texas; W. H. Mehan, Los Angeles; D. W. Stillwell, Los Angeles; L. A. Bartlett, Hemet, Mrs. Andrew, San Bernardino; Verne Harrot, age 7, Elsinore; Mrs. M. L. Bethinum, Elsinore; Charles L. Brocas, Los Angeles. Eleven of the injured were rushed to the Anaheim sanitarium, others were taken to Fullerton, and some were taken to Los Angeles. The first to arrive here with a victim of the wreck was Ben Yorba, who had Fireman Smith on board. He made a record run, declaring that where the roads permitted he traveled sixty miles an hour. Juan de la Guerre the main line and crashed into the oncoming locomotive. The car, it is estimated, was travelling at the rate of 60 miles an hour, while the train's speed was supposed to be 40. The impact was terrific. The tank car and the locomotive were dovetailed together. The forward end of the tank was elevated several feet and begin spouting a jet of oil. Why neither the locomotive nor the tank car left the track is a mystery, but the momentum of the heavy train pushed the tanker back up the track several hundred feet before they came to a stop. The jet of oil poured out over the advancing train like water from a hose and fell in a black deluge on the cars and along both sides of the track. The oil caught fire from the engine, and for six hundred feet the train rushed headlong through a lake of flames. The blaze soon communicated with the oil-saturated roof and sides of the cars. One passenger, who was seated in the rear of the hindmost coach said that immediately after the collision the train was enveloped in flames that appeared to be shooting down its sides and in the cars like lightning streaks. He got out, without his shoes, but considerably scorched. Sam Graham of Pasadena, who was in the forward coach, was thrown onto the seat in front of him and sustained a fractured rib. He looked out and saw the flames boiling up from the ground enveloping the car. He rushed to the rear coach and found the situation even worse. The door was blockaded and men were smashing windows with their fists and scrambling through, leaving bloody trails from glass cuts, and dropping into burning oil. When the door was pried open he got out without serious burns, but was completely bespattered with the black shower of oil. His experience was that of all the others although many did not fare as well. Every person on the train suffered some injury. Engineer Benton and Fireman Smith both jumped, but they were terribly burned in the billow of flames that enveloped the locomotive. It is said that Benton stayed with his engine long enough to cut it from the tender, thus detaching the train. There was a gap of 300 feet between the burning train and the point where the telescoped locomotive and oil tank were pouring forth a huge column of fire and heavy smoke when they came to a stop. A young orange orchard belonging ing, died at the hospital in this city Saturday night at midnight. Smith's injuries were so serious that little hope for his recovery was entertained from the first. In addition to the burns on his face and body one ear was burned off, one eye gouged out, one leg crushed and an arm broken. He regained consciousness after being treated, but could give little account of the accident. He stated, however, that Engineer Benton jumped from his locomotive a moment before the collision occurred, and he followed him, but the crash had taken place before he made leap. He was 31 years of age and leaves a wife and two children, one of them three years old. Mrs. Smith was summoned by wire shortly after the accident and reached his bedside within two hours, remaining with him until the last. The body was taken to San Bernardino Monday. Mr. Smith's father and mother, who live in Iowa, telegraphed that they were on the way to San Bernardino. Mr. Smith was an old-time friend of Mr. and Mrs. William Lake. They attended school together, grew up together in Fort Madison, Iowa and came to California almost at the same time. He has lived in San Bernardino five years, being connected with the Santa Fe during that time. He was a 32d degree Mason, and that order had charge of the funeral arrangements. J. B. Mesa of San Bernardino, the passenger who died at the same hospital Wednesday night, was not supposed to be fatally injured at first, although his burns and cuts were serious. Mesa it was believed, was making satisfactory progress, when he suddenly collapsed and died without a struggle. Engineer J. W. Benton, who was taken to the Fullerton hospital has been removed to the Santa Fe hospital at Los Angeles. Benton's injuries were considered as severe as those of Smith. He was terribly bruised and burned and little hope of his recovery was expressed, but he has held on to life and there is a possibility that he will recover, although he will carry the scars of the frightful accident to his grave. All the other injured passengers who were brought to Anaheim are considered out of danger, and no other fatalities are expected. Of the eleven brought in four were discharged after their minor hurts had been attended to but seven were so seriously in Eleven of the injured were rushed to the Anaheim sanitarium, others were taken to Fullerton, and some were taken to Los Angeles. The first to arrive here with a victim of the wreck was Ben Yorba, who had Fireman Smith on board. He made a record run, declaring that where the roads permitted he traveled sixty miles an hour. Juan de la Guerre came shortly afterward with J. B. Mesa in his car. Others followed at intervals until eleven injured persons were brought in. Some of them were found to be only slightly injured, and were discharged after receiving emergency treatment. Those brought to Anaheim were H. R. Smith, San Bernardino, Miss B. Gehrlein and Miss Clara Gehrlein, Indianapolis, Ind., R. L. Willits, Corona, K. Endo, Highgrove, A. L. Rinn, Los Angeles, W. W. Craven, Highgrove, A. B. Collier, Corona, Mrs. J. F. Moore, Temple, Texas, and J. B. Mesa, Riverside. Facts regarding the catastrophe, sifted from the many stories floating about shortly afterward, prove this to have been one of the most remarkable accidents in the history of railroading. Train No. 51, running from San Bernardino to Los Angeles, passes Yorba at 10:20. At that time a switch engine was shunting tank cars onto a spur at Olinda, four miles above in the hills. There is a heavy grade from Olinda to Richfield and Yorba. The brakeman whose duty it is to ride the car and set the brake, failed of his duty in this case. He set the brake as he supposed, and jumped from the car before it stopped. He started back to the engine, but some one shouted to him to look behind him. The car was still running. The brakeman sprinted after it but was unable to catch it. The switch engine started in pursuit, but the runaway had gained such headway on the down grade that it was impossible to terribly burned in the billow of flames that enveloped the locomotive. It is said that Benton stayed with his engine long enough to cut it from the tender, thus detaching the train. There was a gap of 300 feet between the burning train and the point where the telescoped locomotive and oil tank were pouring forth a huge column of fire and heavy smoke when they came to a stop. A young orange orchard belonging to Juan de la Guerre on the east side of the track, was badly damaged by the fire. More than fifty trees were scrubbed and shriveled by the heat, and others deluged with oil. A walnut orchard, also belonging to Mr. Lotte, was seriously damaged as the locomotive and oil tank stopped alongside it and for hours belched forth flames and hot smoke which rolled through it. The wrecking train was on the scene shortly after noon, and the fire was extinguished. A temporary switch was laid around the main track for the accommodation of passing trains, and a large gang of men put to work rebuilding the track as rapidly as it was cleared of wreckage. The track was entirely destroyed for hundreds of feet. The charred body of Phillips was recovered from the ruins by the wrecking crew after the fire had been extinguished. Conductor Forbes and Brakeman Patterson escaped serious injury, although both were slightly hurt. Coroner Winbigler held an inquest at Fullerton Thursday for the purpose of inquiring into the deaths of C. A. Phillips and J. B. Messa. The Santa Fe railroad was held responsible for the accident. As the train, the runaway car, and the oil field all belonged to the Santa Fe, the railroad must bear all the responsibility. Following is the verdict of the jury: "We do not find than any one person was directly responsible for the accident, but we censure their conduct burned and little hope of his recovery was expressed, but he has held on to life and there is a possibility that he will recover, although he will carry the scars of the frightful accident to his grave. All the other injured passengers who were brought to Anaheim are considered out of danger, and no other fatalities are expected. Of the eleven brought in four were discharged after their minor hurts had been attended to, but seven were so seriously injured that they were retained for further treatment. The Santa Fe officials declare that the runaway car was standing still when the train ran into it, but this statement does not correspond to the stories told by eye witnesses. One man claims that he attempted to head the car off just before it switched onto the main track. It was traveling then at the rate of a mile a minute, and struck the train only 600 feet beyond. While the climax came with such startling suddenness that few realized what had happened until it was over with, some dramatic stories are told. Miss Edna James of Denver, who is staying at Lqs Angeles, was a passenger, and says that when the runaway oil car struck the train, she, with all the rest of the passengers, was hurled to the forward end. A man came hurrying tor and brakeman of the freight train at Olinda for not keeping the derailing switch at that point closed while at work. "We further severely censure the Santa Fe Railroal company for having the derailing switch too close to the Olinda yard, and for not otherwise affording sufficient protection to the main line." The finding was signed by Harry S. Budd foreman; A. Rubins, G. S. Brockman, N. F. Soper, M. H. Howard and C. P. Nethercutt, and was approved by H. E. Inskeep, Justice of the peace." IN SMITH FROM RIES OF YORBA DISASSEMBLED SATURDAY NIGHT MILE CONSCIOUS LAST MAN TO LOCOMOTIVE the locomotive fireheadly injured in the last Wednesday morning hospital in this city midnight. Smith's obvious that little hope was entertained from on to the burns on one ear was burned out, one leg crushed. He regained being treated, but account of the accident however, that Enabled from his loco-freight the collision. through the already burning coach crying: "Women first!" He apparently took Miss James for a man and rudely pushed her aside. She fell in a pile of burning carpet and her clothing ignited in several places. She finally managed to reach a window and jumped through it, alighting in a pile of burning railroad ties. Although her clothing was badly burned, she escaped unscorched and from Yorba station notified her father by telephone of her safety. Mr. James grabbed an auto and made the thirty-three miles from Los Angeles to Yorba in something like thirty minutes. But, in spite of his persuasion and of his orders, Miss James resolutely refused to leave the scene until the last of the injured had been cared for. Then the plucky girl all but collapsed from nervous strain. She will, however, recover. NEW SALARY LAW NOW IN EFFECT Adds $3420 Annually to County and $2000 to Township Officers The new county government act passed by the last Legislature, applying to Orange county only, went into effect Saturday night at midnight. By it there is provided an increased expenditure of $3420 a year for salaries. ANAHEIM FIRE CO. HOLD INTEREST-ING MEETING COMMITTEE APPOINTED TO DRAFT NEW BY LAWS FOR THE ORGANIZATION MEMBERS DISCUSS CODE OF SIG-NALS TO BE GIVEN IN CASE OF FIRE The Anaheim Fire company held their regular monthly meeting at the city hall on Wednesday evening, when about fifteen members were present. E. L. Goodrich, chief of the fire department, presided; and Secretary Frank Tausch read the minutes of the previous meeting, which were approved. The members discussed many questions of interest to the department. They need water and fire-proof coats, but are at a loss to know how to get them, unless the city comes to their aid. NEW SALARY LAW NOW IN EFFECT Adds $3420 Annually to County and $2000 to Township Officers The new county government act passed by the last Legislature, applying to Orange county only, went into effect Saturday night at midnight. By it there is provided an increased expenditure of $3420 a year for salaries of county offices and probably $2000 for salaries of township officers. The amount for county offices includes $720 for a new deputy in the office of the county recorder. The most radical change is that made in the payment of justices of the peace and constables. The re-adjustment of the salaries of justices was considered necessary by reason of the fact that a recent law took away from them all fees, which formerly they were allowed. Justice Cox's salary is to be raised from $75 a month to $100. Nearly all of the justices, except Justice Armor of Orange, will get raises of at least $15 a month. Justice Armor will be cut from $75 to $50. The Santa Ana constables will remain at $75. The salaries of Deputy County Clerk J. M. Backs, Deputy Clerk A. L. Hitchcock, Deputy Assessor R. H. Skiles, Deputy Assessor Mary Hillyard, and Miss Corinne Clement, clerk in the district attorney's office, are raised $15 a month each. The salaries of Deputy District Attorney A. E. Koepsel and Deputy District Attorney Walter Eden are raised $25 a month each. The auditor's office is to have $400 a year more for office held, making $1600 a year altogether, and the tax collector's office gets $500 a year additional help, making $2200. In the years when a great register is to be compiled the clerk is to have $600 for office help. ANOTHER SHORT WEIGHTER HEARS FROM McPHEE Manager of Pacific Coast Biscuit Co. Pleads a Mistake, But Pays The Fine George McPhee, county sealer of weights and measures, has locked horns with the Pacific Coast Biscuit company and has sworn to a complaint charging the company with selling short-weight boxes of crackers. He gave the firm ten days in which city hall on Wednesday evening, when about fifteen members were present. E. L. Goodrich, chief of the fire department, presided; and Secretary Frank Tausch read the minutes of the previous meeting, which were approved. The members discussed many questions of interest to the department. They need water and fire-proof coats, but are at a loss to know how to get them, unless the city comes to their aid. Volunteer fire companies in other neighboring cities are furnished caps and coats. A small fee is also given them when called out for practice, and besides they receive renumeration when attending false alarms, in addition to their regular stipend allowed for regular fire calls. It was decided that when using the Pacific telephone in announcing a fire that central call Engineer Mauerhan at the fire hall, and he in turn will notify the attendant at the powerhouse When the Home phone is used the telephone operator is to notify the power house direct, because no Home phone is installed at the fire hall, at present. Some thought satisfactory signals would not be available until new fire house headquarters are established, when should the city council approve of the plan, fire alarm boxes with other necessary appurtenances would be installed. The adoption of by-laws was discussed, and a committee consisting of F. Tausch, R. Fischel and C. Clark were appointed to draft them and submit the same at a special meeting of the fire company held last night for approval. The by laws are to be submitted to the city trustees this evening for final acceptance. All the members take a keen interest in the new fire company and as now constituted is rated as one of the best in the county. It is the intention to gradually reduce the membership to fifteen. The roster now contains twenty men, and as individuals withdraw, for one cause or another, their places will not be filled until the fifteen limit is reached. Should any member then resign the vacancy will be filled by appointment. The members complained that they have been handicapped in the past, when engaged in extinguishing fires, by the interference of outsiders. The members claim that they can work to better advantage if they are not bothered. Parties not belonging to the George McPhee, county sealer of weights and measures, has locked horns with the Pacific Coast Biscuit company and has sworn to a complaint charging the company with selling short-weight boxes of crackers. He gave the firm ten days in which to take out of Orange county all of the short weight product now in the hands of retailers. The crackers concerning which complaint is made by the sealer come in tin boxes, and are marked on the outside of the box as containing 6½ pounds net. McPhee weighed the net contents of a number of the boxes, and found that many of them had only 4½ and 5 pounds. Upon McPhee's notification, H. C. Morgan, manager of the company came down Saturday. He said that a mistake in the label had been made, that it should have been 5½ instead of 6½. McPhee told him that he could prosecute some five different dealers for selling the article, but that he preferred to deal with the original seller, and correct the matter in that way. Morgan said that he would prefer having the company prosecuted than to have the retailers taken to court, since the retailers would naturally fall back upon the company for redress in case of prosecution. He said that he would plead guilty to the charge. Further McPhee gave Morgan ten days in which to take out of Orange county whatever short weight Pecific Coast Biscuit company boxes are now in the hands of dealers. Morgan said he would see that the exit is accomplished within the time given. Oliver Hill has been confined to his home with illness for several days past. Manager of Pacific Coast Biscult Co. Pleads a Mistake, But Pays The Fine George McPhee, county sealer of weights and measures, has locked horns with the Pacific Coast Biscuit company and has sworn to a complaint charging the company with selling short-weight boxes of crackers. He gave the firm ten days in which to take out of Orange county all of the short weight product now in the hands of retailers. The crackers concerning which complaint is made by the sealer come in tin boxes, and are marked on the outside of the box as containing 6½ pounds net. McPhee weighed the net contents of a number of the boxes, and found that many of them had only 4½ and 5 pounds. Upon McPhee's notification, H. C. Morgan, manager of the company came down Saturday. He said that a mistake in the label had been made, that it should have been 5½ instead of 6½. McPhee told him that he could prosecute some five different dealers for selling the article, but that he preferred to deal with the original seller, and correct the matter in that way. Morgan said that he would prefer having the company prosecuted than to have the retailers taken to court, since the retailers would naturally fall back upon the company for redress in case of prosecution. He said that he would plead guilty to the charge. Further McPhee gave Morgan ten days in which to take out of Orange county whatever short weight Pecific Coast Biscuit company boxes are now in the hands of dealers. Morgan said he would see that the exit is accomplished within the time given. Oliver Hill has been confined to his home with illness for several days past. The members complained that they have been handicapped in the past, when engaged in extinguishing fires, by the interference of outsiders. The members claim that they can work to better advantage if they are not bothered. Parties not belonging to the company are also respectfully asked to not attempt to ride on the motor truck when the same is responding to a call of fire. The fire company roster contains the following names: E. L. Goodrich, chief; Leslie Swope, F. A. Backs, H. L. Backs, Frank Tausch, Herman Stock, Herman Schindler, Carl Pressel, Walter Clark, Richard Fischle, Fred Schneider, Jos. Gibson, B. F. Goodrich, F. G. Goodrica, Charles Clark, Al Erickson, Bob Quarton, A. Nowotny. Coony Mauerhan, driver, is an honorary member. Another alarm of fire got the boys out at half-past ten Saturday night, but the plaza proved to be of little consequence. Only a haystack in a barn yard belonging to Mrs. Martinez, at Chartres and Topeka streets was on fire. It was soon extinguished with the chemical hose. The fire alarm on this occasion was sounded correctly, as the notice of fire was first communicated to Engineer Mauerhan at the city hall, who gave the proper signals to the power house. Under the new system, adopted last week by the fire department, alarms of fire must be sent to Mauerhan, who then communicates it to the custodian of the siren. This insures the proper signals and also prevents delay on the part of the engineer in getting to the scene of fire. The signals are the same as formerly. Ernest Pierotti was in town the first of the week calling on friends.