anaheim-gazette 1917-01-11

MECHANIC'S LIEN A RECORD OF MISTAKES LONG BEACH MAN SAYS THEY ARE RESULTOF TRYING TO GET SOMETHING FOR NOTHING ADVISES THAT OWNER SHOULD NOT ALWAYS LET CONTRACT TO LOWEST BIDDER F. N. Gibbs has handed us a copy of a trade journal containing the following interesting article on "Mechanics' Leins," written by George La Shell of Long Beach, who is contributing a series of articles to the daily press. It is interesting to all contractors and persons who contemplate building: It would be quite enlightening for many who contemplate construction work of any nature to glance over the weekly records of mechanics' liens filed in Los Angeles county and published weekly in the Los Angeles building journals. A mechanics' lien filed against a building is a record of mistakes. Mistakes that can be largely overcome by a knowledge and an observance of some of the fundamental principles of the building game. There are two reasons for liens, and they both apply in most cases. The first is a lack of financial ability and knowledge on the part of the contractor and the second is the desire of the owner to get "something for nothing," which is ex- that he is financially able to "carry on the job." Competition is not always the life of trade. More often it's the death of trade in the building game, especially when legitimate contractors have to figure against incompetent competitors who are egged on by the owner who wants his work done cheaper than is right, and who pays no attention to the architects estimate of the cost. Which all goes to prove that you can't beat the building game by letting a job too low or to an incompetent "builder."—Southwest Contractor. LIBRARY REPORT Miss J. Elizabeth Calnon, librarian for the Anaheim public library, makes the following report for the month of December, 1916: Circulation: Adult fiction ... 742 Juvenile fiction ... 334 Non fiction ... 62 Magazines, monthly ... 205 Magazines, weekly ... 38 1381 Reading Room Attendance: Adult ... 651 A mechanics' lien filed against a building is a record of mistakes. Mistakes that can be largely overcome by a knowledge and an observance of some of the fundamental principles of the building game. There are two reasons for liens, and they both apply in most cases. The first is a lack of financial ability and knowledge on the part of the contractor and the second is the desire of the owner to get "something for nothing," which is exactly what an owner does try to do when he allows a contractor to take a job at a figure lower than what is known to be a "decent price." I don't know which party to an under priced contract is most to be blamed. Take it all around I believe that the owner is more at fault, for he knows (or certainly ought to know) that he is attempting to take advantage of either a mistake or a lack of knowledge of conditions on the part of the contractor, and thinks that he will get a job at less than a fair price. And let me say right here, that very few owners who start out with this idea ever "get by" with it. The law of compensation works just as surely in the contracting business as it does in any other transaction. Philosophers have long ago proven that you cannot get anything without paying for it—some time. And generally the less you pay for a thing the worse it is. There's a reason for the deplorable lack of knowledge and the financial "disability" on the part of many so-called "contractors." Contracting is the easiest business in the world to get into without money. Also, it's the hardest to get out of with money, or to get money out of, or make money in—any way you wish it—under present conditions. A wholesale grocer would laugh at a store keeper who called him on the phone and, giving his name and address, requested the delivery of a two thousand dollar bill of goods. The wholesaler would want to "look him up"; find out his credit standing, determine his knowledge of the retail grocery business, and learn something of his antecedents. But not so in the building game. A contractor fortunate (or unfortunate) enough to "land" a "job" even though his "Ford" be mortgaged, is in business the moment his name and the owner's are on the dotted lines at the bottom of the building contract. While yesterday, without a contract, his credit rating was spot cash only, today be **FOREST NOTES** Tests at the Forest Products laboratory, at Madison, Wis., indicate that by the use of four additional nails in eac hend an increase of 300 per cent in the strength of canned food boxes is secured. Approximately 10,390 acres of denuded lands within the national forests were reforested in the fiscal year 1916. The total number of trees planted was 6,146,637, while 8,280 pounds of tree seed were sown. There were 133,442 more cattle and horses, and 605,338 more sheep and goats using the National forests in 1916 than in 1915. This increase was in spite of large eliminations of grazing lands from the forests. It is accounted for by improved methods of handling the stock and by more intimate knowledge of the forage on the ranges and their carrying capacity. The number of fires suppressed on National Forest lands during the calendar year 1915 was 6,324, as against 7,018 in 1914, and an average annual number of 4,759 during the past five years, says Henry S. Graves, chief of the forest service, in his annual report just published. While more than the average number of fires occurred the timbered area burned over was but 155,416 acres, or 30 per cent less than the average per year for the period 1911-1915 inclusive. The average loss per fire was $60.41. Forty-four percent of the fires were confined to areas of less than none quarter of an acre. **CHROMITE IN 1916** The industries that use chromic iron ore have grown enormously in 1916, and according to recent reports for the Anaheim public library, makes the following report for the month of December, 1916: **Circulation:** - Adult fiction ...742 - Juvenile fiction ...334 - Non fiction ...62 - Magazines, monthly ...205 - Magazines, weekly ...38 **Reading Room Attendance:** - Adult ...651 - Juvenile ...479 **New card holders ...28** **New books added ...36** All this increasedduction has been largely increasedof foreign anddports that 88,601was importeddmonths of 1916-times as muchanUnited Statesdverage price abmetal was $12.66used on the Atlasinterior pointswin part, bythe coast, where orecent of chromicmonths been quoted$13 to $16 a ton. Chromic iron chemistry andm basis of chromicof sodaand potassively in themand dyes andonning. It is alsofractory materialand for making coalloys,the demelargely increased **RAINS BENEFICIAL** Increased AcreageSouthern This wet weaththing that couldbeets growinginnia. If the growingof the weatherchosen a more orainis to fall. Toughly soaked,a But not so in the building game. A contractor fortunate (or unfortunate) enough to "land" a "job" even though his "Ford" be mortgaged, is in business the moment his name and the owner's are on the dotted lines at the bottom of the building contract. While yesterday, without a contract, his credit rating was spot cash only, today being possessed of a "job" his credit is established and he has but to order and materials are delivered and charged to him. Now, the reason for this is not that the contractor's rating has changed any, but that the material man knows that even though the contractor is personally unable to pay, that the job (that is, the owner) is good for the bills and must pay. The material man is going to get his money. It's coming to him—and he gets it. Here's the point that the owner should learn: nothing for nothing, or nothing worth while too cheap. A contract taken below a decent figure means for the owner either a "skinned" job or a bunch of illens, and often both, for a contractor's first method is to try and "get out" by cheapening material and labor when he comes to realize that his job has been taken too low. A bond is not going to help much either. For a contractor worthy to handle a job properly is in no need of a bond. Several recent cases of abandoned jobs in Long Beach, which were supposed to be fully protected by bonds, serve to illustrate this point very graphically. A bond is a good deal like a bathing suit; you don't need it for swimming, but it's customary to put one on. It's a much better custom, though to be sure of your contractor; to know that he understands his trade; that he is here in Long Beach to stay, and 155,416 acres, or 30 per cent less than the average per year for the period 1911-1915 inclusive. The average loss per fire was $60.41. Forty-four per cent of the fires were confined to areas of less than none quarter of an acre. CHROMITE IN 1916 The industries that use chromic iron ore have grown enormously in 1916, and according to recent reports made to the geological survey, the production in the United States has greatly increased. Two years ago only one small mine in the United States—in IN ANYTHING YOU COOK requiring milk you'll get much better results if you use ours. It is far richer than the ordinary article and the extreme care with which it is handled from cow to bottle will give added satisfaction in the knowledge of its absolute cleanliness. Anaheim Sanitary Dairy 116 South Claudina Street. AT DICKEL'S You can find an immense stock of Groceries, Aluminum Ware Glassware Crockery, Dishes AT DICKEL'S ANAHEIM Cement Pipe Co. How long will Red Cedar last? THERE ARE NUMEROUS INSTANCES UNDER SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS WHERE RED CEDAR SHINGLES HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO LAST TWENTY-FIVE YEARS. RED CEDAR SHINGLES PROBABLY WILL COST A LITTLE MORE IN THE START BUT WHEN THE COST OF REPLACEMENT IS CONSIDERED THEY ARE CHEAPEST IN THE END GIBBS LUMBER Broadway and Vine Sts., Anaheim. Phones: Pac. 201 Home 2664 Dr. H. A. Johnston Dr. J. L. Beebe Dr. G. C. Clark Dr. W. W. Davis Dr. W. H. Wickett Dr. J. A. Jackson Drs. Johnston, Beebe Clark and Davis Offices in Anaheim Sanitarium ANAHEIM, CAL. Office Phones: Home 753-1 Bell Sunset 841-J. Res. 125 E. Broadway, Cor. Claudina Phones: Pac. 341-M; Home 753-$ Bella J. W. TRUXAW, M. D. PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON Hours 11-12; 2-4; 7-8 German American Bank Building Cor. Center and Los Angeles Sta. Anaheim, Cal. Shasta county, Cal.—was producing chromic iron ore. The output in 1914 was less than 1000 long tons. In 1915 it increased to 3,281 tons, and in 1916, with producers in a score of counties, the output in California jumped to many thousand tons. Besides the ore produced in California a considerable quantity is now mined in Oregon, and smaller amounts in Wyoming and Maryland, so that the total output for the United States in 1916, so far as reports received show, will exceed 35,000 tons. All this increase in the home production has been made in spite of largely increased imports. The bureau of foreign and domestic commerce reports that 88,601 long tons of chromic was imported during the first 10 months of 1916—about two and a half times as much as was produced in the United States during the year. The average price abroad of the imported metal was $12.66 a ton. Most of it was used on the Atlantic seaboard for the interior points were supplied, at least in part, by the mines on the Pacific coast, where ore containing 40 per cent of chromic oxide has for some months been quoted f| o. b. railroad at $13 to $16 a ton. Chromic iron ore is used chiefly in chemistry and metallurgy. It is the basis of chromic acid and bichromates of soda and potash and is used extensively in the manufacture of colors and dyes and of compounds for tanning. It is also a most efficient refractory material for lining furnaces and for making chrome brick and steel alloys, the demand for which has largely increased. RAINS BENEFICIAL TO BEET GROWERS Increased Acreage is Being Planted in Southern California This wet weather is the grandest thing that could happen to the sugar beets growing in the state of California. If the growers had had the ordering of the weather they could not have chosen a more opportune time for the rains to fall. The land is now thoroughly soaked, and of course there will establish minimum daily wage of unskilled labor at $3; this in addition to 10% increase made to same class of employees last May and the Bell Telephone company will distribute $6,000,000 among employees. In addition to the foregoing, many other large concerns have made similar and even alrger increase where business justified it. In none of the above mentioned instances have we seen one of the items given more than 6 inches space in the big daily papers. Yet in the same papers when some I. W. W. or rabid labor agitator threatened to tie up an industry or call a big strike, scare headlines and columns of space would be devoted to the incident. In other words, an affirmative constructive act benefiting thousands and bringing joy to many homes is barely noticed, while a negative, destructive act, putting men out of work and disturbing industry is played up as an important event. This policy of magnifying injuries and often imaginary wrongs and minimizing meritorious acts or ignoring them entirely simply stirs up hatred between classes. Condemn where necessary but also give credit when due. WOMAN'S CLUB FAVORS DAIRY INSPECTION Write Letter to Supervisors Endorsing New Proposition The board of supervisors is in receipt of a letter of indorsement of the dairy inspection act, signed by officials of the County Federation of Wo- Increased Acreage is Being Planted in Southern California This wet weather is the grandest thing that could happen to the sugar beets growing in the state of California. If the growers had had the ordering of the weather they could not have chosen a more opportune time for the rains to fall. The land is now thoroughly soaked, and of course there will be the usual January and February rains to help the beet crop on its way toward maturity, in time for the opening of the sugar factories next summer. Sugar beet growing in this region depends very much for its success upon the December rains. The growers like to get their seed planted by the first part of January and they like to have the first part of cEnTdzxW to have the last rains fall early in May. So far the rainfall has been ideal from the barley and beet growers' point of view. Report from Chino says that hundreds of more acres will be planted to beets this season than any other former season. The high price at which the Chino sugar factory is contracting to buy beets next year has had all to do with the growers' plans. Already 2000 acres of sugar beet seed has been planted in the Chino district and there are some 8000 more acres to be planted at once. GIVE CREDIT WHEN DUE The past month the following four very important items appeared in the daily papers: Southern Pacific and Santa Fe each grant 10% of yearly salary as a bonus to employees not in four brotherhoods; Standard Oil Co. grants increase of 5% to employes receiving less than $250 a month and es- Condemn where necessary but also give credit when due. WOMAN'S CLUB FAVORS DAIRY INSPECTION Write Letter to Supervisors Endorsing New Proposition The board of supervisors is in receipt of a letter of endorsement of the dairy inspection act, signed by officials of the County Federation of Women's clubs. Mr. Talbert, when interviewed, stated he was glad the women were taking the interest shown, and that due care will be shown in the selection of a proper officer for the position. He expressed the opinion that the board of supervisors were highly gratified that such cooperation among the ladies of the county was being shown. The letter as addressed, follows: Hon. Board of Supervisors, Santa Ana, Cal. Dear Sirs:—Having been informed that you have under consideration the matter of making provision for milk inspection in Orange county under the new state law which became effective on October 1, 1916, and being familiar with the intent and purpose of said law, we wish to indorse the movement looking towards making this law effective in Orange county, and offer the support of the Women's clubs which we have the honor to represent. Very truly yours, MRS. A. J. LAWTON, Chairman of Legislation for the Southern District. HELENE N. DEIMLING, Southern Dist. Vice-Pres. A communication was also received from the Placentia Round Table, endorsing the dairy inspection law, and requesting the board to appoint an inspector. Oranges Wanted NAVELS, SEEDLINGS, VALENCIAS CAR LOTS I represent Eastern Fruit houses and want to buy from the Growers direct. Please state how many you have—where same could be packed and Price I expect to leave here March 1st, but will make provision for Seedlings and Valencias. ABOLUTELY A CASH PROPOSITION Answer add through Anaheim Gazette SMOOTH SWINDLERS GULLING THE PEOPLE Curtis Publishing Company Offers $1000 Reward for Arrest of Fakers Officers in Orange county have received notice from the Curtis Publishing company which offers a reward of $1000 for the arrest of alleged magazine swindlers, Frank Clapp and Ernest L. Clapp, who are illegally representing themselves as agents for the Curtis publications, including the Ladies' Home Journal, the Saturday Evening Post and the Country Gentleman, as well as several other popular magazines. The Clapp brothers are said to reside at 395 Grand avenue, Riverside, and are described as smooth operators. Securing Curtis receipts through the use of fictitious names and using Good Housekeeping magazine receipts which they evidently Home & Warmth Perfection Oil Heater Ready and glowing at the touch of a match—giving a cheery, odorless warmth. Burns PEARL OIL, the clean, cheap fuel. In blue or white enamel or plain black—harmonizing with the finest surroundings. Prices: $3.75 to $7.75 For Sale by Anaheim Hardware Co. H. A. Dickel M. W. Martenet A. Nagel Scott & Co., Garden Grove, Cal. C. A. Emerson, ICE WOOD COAL M. W. Martenet A. Nagel Scott & Co., Garden Grove, Cal. C. A. Emerson, ICE WOOD COAL Seeds, Poultry Supplies, Stock Feed, Flour, Grain, Hay. We are handling these and deliver promptly. R. W. McClellan 209 N. Los Angeles Street Home 294 Pacific 317 Forthousandsof years the Orientals have been total abstainers. The Germans have been drinking beer for 2000 years. They challenge the world for deeper thinkers, greater philosophers, better brewers or braver men. "The Quality Beer" Speaks For Itself San Diego Consolidated Brewing Co. San Diego, Calif. The Best Meats of All Kinds always in stock San Diego Consolidated Brewing Co. San Diego, Calif. The Best Meats of All Kinds always in stock City Cash Market Schneider Bros., Props. Sunset 20 and 362 Home 1058 had printed for themselves they have conducted extensive swindling operations at various places. Many ingenious methods have been used. One of these is to claim that they are sending the subscriptions to a third party who in turn turns them to the publishers. They are said to have gone to the extent of actually placing a few subscriptions with wholesale subscription agencies in order to show acknowledgements which would bear out such an explanation. The fact remains that those who entrust money to this sort of practice do not get what they pay for. It is a common "graft" and one that invariably snares a few who are looking for "something for nothing." It is quite unnecessary for Anaheim people to deal with the Clapp brothers for the publishing concerns have their regularly authorized local agents through which subscriptions can be filed. MEXICO'S FRIGHTFUL WAR BILL Great Britain has $5,250,000,000 invested south of the Rio Grande and in the West Indies. Her investment in Mexico alone is over the $2,000,000,000 mark. The United States has investments in Mexico approximating the same figure. Many of the mines and oil wells of American interests have been closed down as a result of the watchful waiting policy. Considerable foreign property has been confiscated. There are literally thousands of smaller bills against the Mexican government for destruction of stores, banks and other property and the unlawful taking of life. The whole bill against Mexico finally is likely to total closer to $1,000,000,000 than $500,-000,000. The foreign claims already listed reach the enormous total of $400,000,000. The claims of Great Britain alone will reach to $100,000,000 while the claims of the United States amount to $125,000,000. Spain probably will be next in line with a bill of $75,000,000, while Germany, France and other countries will divide the balance. Mexico, as a result of the watchful waiting policy, long since went into bankruptcy.