USA > Oregon > The Oregon native son, 1900-1901 > Part 7
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For some years he was interested in the Portland Academy. and from 1892 to 1895 was one of it: Board of Trustees.
He was united in marriage on September 7. 1880, with Miss Helen, daughter of W'm. S. and Caroline A. Ladd. who survives him. The fruits of the union was three sons. Henry Ladd. Elliott Ruggles and Hamilton Forbush. The father of Mrs. Corbett was the well-known banker and philanthropist. He was a pioneer of 1551. He is now deceased. Her mother came to Oregon in 1854. She is
still alive and resides at the family home.
Mr. Corbett was in poor health for several years prior to his death, and thinking that the mountain air of Colorado Springs would be beneficial, removed there. He, however, grew worse and the grim reaper cut him down in the prime of life, at the age of 34 years and four months.
RUSSELL E. SEWALL.
Among the young men of the State of Ore- gon who have, within the past few years, en- tered the ranks of the legal profession, none have brighter indications of continued suc- ce:s than the above-named gentleman. While industry, energy and ambition are character- istic of him, they are so linked with pleasant word and courteous demeanor, that all who meet him at once become his friends. These qualities, combined with the advantages de- rived from an excellent education. unusual natural capacities, and high sense of honor, place him to the fore in the ranks of his profession.
Mr. Sewall was born in Portland, Oregon. September 26, 1870. He is a graduate of the High school of that city and of the Law De- partment of the State University of Oregon. His father. William R. Sewall, came to Cal- ifornia in 1853. and to Oregon in 1862. His mother was a Miss L. L. Elgin. to whom his father was married in 1869 at Salem.
In 1898 the Republican party was looking for a candidate who could fill the office of district attorney of the Fourth Judicial dis- trict with satisfaction to the taxpayers and public at large, and, though there were many candidates for that responsible position. the office sought the man. the nomination going to Mr. Sewall. On the succeeding election he received one of the largest majorities cast for any one on the ticket. During the time of his incumbency of the trust which he holds, he has made an unenviable reputation as a capable and conscientious public ser- vant, and at no time has he shown a dispo- sition to neglect or diverge from bonestv of purpose in the administration of his office. So well satisfied has the public been that he has been chosen a standard-bearer the second time by his party; the result is a foregone conclusion.
Jir. Sewall is an honored member of sev- eral fraternities among them being the Masonic. the Red Men and others. He was also a charter member cf Abernethy's Cabin, No. 1, Native Sons of Oregon.
Mr. Sewall's wife was a Miss Maie E. Will- iams. of The Dalles, daughter of Griffith and Mary Williams, who were among the earlier pioneers to the state. One child. Russell Williamis Sewall, now three and a half years old, has been to them.
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MISS LILY E. WHITE.
The talented artist whose name forms the caption of this brief sketch, is the daughter of Captain Milton and Nancy M. White. Her father was a pioneer of 1845, and her mother came to Oregon in 1852.
Miss White was born at Oregon City and received her education in the public schools of Portland. Her inclinations being towards art, she went first to San Francisco to study the same, and from there to Chicago to finish her education. Her teachers, who were
among the best in the United States, all highly commended her work, and the evi- dences of her art is to be seen in the many tasteful homes of the city and elsewhere. at- test the correctness of their statements in relation to her proficiency. In addition to portrait painting. she acquired a thorough knowledge of photography. The Oregon Camera Club of Portland has had many in- structors during its existence. but was never satisfied with those employed to teach its members more about their chosen hobby. un- til they secured the services of Miss White. All of its members have made great progress under her instructions, and its membership is now rapidly increasing in numbers.
Her father. Captain White, died October 1., 1891. Her mother resides in Portland, Miss White making her home with her.
REUBEN F. ROBINSON.
Pioneer conditions generally deprive youth of the advantages of "much schooling," but thy develope the qualities of sturdiness and sumulate self-activity so well. that the youth. through his own continued exertions may secure by individual effort the training and mental dicipline which is required for success in any chosen vocation.
An education secured in this way fixes up- on youth, habits of industry and self-denial, which are in themselves determining factors in the bringing about of efforts fruition, be it what it may. These facts are well illus- trated in the life of Reuben F. Robinson.
Professor Robinson was born in Lane County, December 9, 1861. his parents be- ing Geo. D. and Sarah C. Robinson. His father crossed the plains to California in '49, but came on to Oregon in 1851. settling in Lane County. His mother was a Miss · Richardson prior to her marriage to his father, and came across the plains with her parents, Wm. and Sarah Richardson, in 1852.
They were married in 1855. In 1865 the fam- ily removed to Polk County, remaining there until 1880 when the farm was sold and they removed to Spokane County, Washington. Reuben did not, however, go with them, but entered the La Creole Academy in Dallas, earning his way through school by his own efforts. He had been in school but two years when his teaching abilities were recognized, and from teacher of district school and as- sistant teacher in the academy, he rapidly rose, through merit, to the position of prin- cipal of the academy. He so ably conducted this institution that "an office sought the man,” that of county superintendent of schools. While he was the nominee of the republican party, one which he has always been identified with, the large majority given him was evidence that all parties interested in education voted for him. Through his election, he was obliged to resign as principal of . the academy, much to the regret of its patrons and directors. At the close of his term of office a renomination was tendered him, but this he declined, preferring to ac- cept the principalship of the Central school and East Portland high school.
Consolidation of the cities taking place. the high school on the East Side was merged into the one on the West Side, and the Cen- tral school was utalized as a grammar school. Professor Robinson is now closing his 12th year as principal of this school. He also served as a member of the County Board of Examiners of Multnomah county for five years, and is at present a member of the State Board of Examiners. In 1896-97 he at- tended the Law Department of the State University and received therefrom the degrqe of LL. B. Though admitted to the bar. it has not been his intention to practice, taking the course only to be better able to understand the principals of law so as to enable him to more ably carry out his school-room work.
The professor belongs to several fraternal societies. in which he is recognized as one of their best members. among them is Clinton Kelly's Cabin, No. 23, Native Sons, of which he is president.
He was recently nominated for the office of school superintendent of schools of Mult- nomah county. by the republican party. the election to take place in June next. His qualifications eminently fit him for the posi- tion. and the schools will be the gainer through his being chosen to fill that office.
The wife of the professor was formerly a Mis: Ella E. Hallock, daughter of one of Polk county's early and well-known pioneer families.
THE PRESS.
Thoughts flit and flutter through the mind, As o'er the waves the shifting wind; Trackless and traceless is their flight, As falling stars of yesternight, Or the old tide-marks on the shore Which other tides have rippled o'er.
Yet art, by genius trained and taught, Arrests, records the fleeting thought, Stamps on the minutes or the hour A lasting, an eternal power. And to mind's passing shadows gives An influence that forever lives.
But mightiest of the mighty means, On which the arms of progress leans, Man's noblest mission to advance, His woes assuage, his weal enhance, His rights enforce, his wrongs redress- Mightiest of mighty-is the press.
Oregon Free Press, Oct. 7, 1848.
1
CHESTER.
A STEAMER THAT RUNS ON A MIST.
A TOUR OF THE WORLD.
JOHN J. VALENTINE, PRESIDENT OF WELLS-FARGO & CO., WRITES HIS FRIEND, AARON STEIN, OF SAN FRANCISCO, AN ACCOUNT OF HIS TRAVELS.
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( Published by Special Permission of Mr. Valentine.)
On Board the S. S. Pennsylvania, October, 14, 1899.
DEAR UNCLE AARON:
While we have nothing of special in- terest to narrate at this, the initial stage of the voyage across the Atlantic, I thought a few lines relative to our de- parture would serve as introductory to the next budget.
First, a few words descriptive of the big cargo-steamers: This one-the "Pennsylvania" -- whose register is 14,00? tons, freight capacity 18,000 tons-has a speed of thirteen knots per hour, and burns only ninety tons of coal per day; or, about one-quarter what an ocean greyhound consumes, roughly speaking, ninety tons against three hundred and sixty, making a difference of two hun- dred and seventy tons per day; which, say at two-thirds time steaming service, or for 244 traveling days in a year, would at the rate of 270 tons per day, represent in round figures a reduced con- sumption of sixty-six thousand tons of coal per annum; and this at three dol- lars per ton would make a cash saving of $198,000, or, approximately, twelve per cent of the cost of the steamer-to- wit, $1,700,000. This ship .. like three others of the line in similar service, has all modern improvements in steam and electrical machinery; a feature recently introduced being "bilge keels"-i. e., flanges or fins extending horizontally along the hull of the vessel a distance of 300 feet, just where its sides begin to curve toward the keel proper. The ship's bottom, possibly with a view to saving harbor dues by lessening the draft of the vessel, is unusually flat. These flanges or "bilge keels," are about
12 inches wide and slant downward and outward. They are intended for the purpose of steadying the ship, and cer- tainly in the case of the "Pennslyvania" this object has been attained, for she is the smoothest sailer I ever traveled on.
But to the matter of embarkation: We left the Everett House, New York, shortly after 10:30 A. M., today (Satur- day, October 14th) and drove with our baggage to Hoboken ferry, crossing which we had but a short distance to go on the Jersey side to the pier where our steamer lay. About ten minutes before . ailing hour (1:00 o'clock), the steam- er's brass band, composed of her sec- on cabin stewards (waiters) struck up a lively, though at times slightly dis- cordant air, and promptly, as scheduled, the big ship backed out from the pier into the river. Craft of all kinds, ocean passenger and cargo steamers, govern- ment boats, sailing vessels and many ferry boats and tugs with barges in tow, dotted the river, and as we slowly mov- ed down stream we saw the piers of the large trans-Atlantic liners, alongside one of which was the colossal new steamer "Oceanic," of the White Star Line. To port (the left side of a vessel, looking to- ward the bow) we passed the "sky-scrap- er" buildings of New York City, the highest of which tower nearly thirty stories above the ground. Soon we canie abreast of Sandy Hook, a hook- like projection from the Jersey shore, with its barbed point turned northward towards New York harbor. Inside of this anchorage the "Columbia" and "Shamrock" - "skimming dishes" - were moored just off shore, and plainly distinguishable. But for the landmarks
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that were passed we were scarcely con- scious of any movement, so silently and without perceptible vibration did the huge leviathan glide through the smooth water.
All told, in first and second cabin and steerage, there are probably two hun- dred passengers on board; though of the first cabin there are not enough to occupy one-half the table and stateroom accommodations for such. At 2:00 P. M. the bugler gave the luncheon call, and we were served with a very accept- able meal, some dishes of which were characteristic of the German culinary art. A glance at the wine-card impress- ed. me with the moderate charges for beverages; for example, the bottle of soda which I ordered was listed at 20 pfennigs, or say 5 cents U. S. currency.
After a very excellent dinner, with good music meanwhile, a smoke and a chat with the Captain, a salt of forty years' nautical seasoning, I "turned in," and so ended our first day.
Shortly after retiring last night we ran into a dense fog. As a result of this, the sleep-disturbing fog-horn automatic- ally tooted every few minutes during the hours from 10:00 P .M., to 3:00 A. M. After that there was "rest for the weary."
At 7:00 o'clock this (Sunday) morn- ing, the band played two pieces of sacred music, stationed first on one side, and then on the other side of the vessel. During the day, at different times, other suitable numbers were rendered: and al- though the sky was grey, the soothing strains of music and tranquil sea made the day quite enjoyable. With nightfall came a clear sky and bright moonlight.
We have nothing of note to chronicle but report for the forenoon a bright sky and brisk northerly breeze. Everything connected with the conduct of the steam- er, from the Captain downward, prom- ises auspiciously. Evidently the ship's agents in New York commended us to the officers, who are according us every consideration. The Captain, with whom we sit at table, is a typical jolly skipper. The passengers are sufficient in number to avoid ennui, but yet not numerous
enough to crowd and cause inconven- ience. The Captain tells us that during the summer season-May to September, inclusive-the extensive passenger ac- commodations are "chock-a-block"-a congested condition of humanity which is not conducive to individual comfort.
Another fair day. Temperature cool, but not chilly; sea smooth; lati- tude about 43 deg. N .; longitude near 52 deg. W. We have passed Cape Race and are running over "The Banks." approximately IOOO miles from New York. As I understand it, "The Banks," several hundred miles in extent from west to east and north to south, are so called from the sandy shoal character of the bed of the sea, and this in turn, I suppose, is due to the wash- moraine-of glacial bodies, and furnish- es matter for the fish to feed upon; prac- tically a sandy bottom, as is said to be the case in the North Sea. upon which is based the claim that North Sea fish are of a superior quality. But I have been to few places that such claims are not made. At Honolulu the mullet was alleged to be extra good-but as served at the Hawaiian Hotel, it was not to my notion all that was claimed for it.
One day goes as another. Weather still mild, and sea comparatively calm. We are now in the sweep of the Gulf Stream, which somewhat tempers the atmosphere. Up to this date (the 21st, P. M.) we have traveled some 2,100 miles eastward. As we make the en- try, the musical "talent" amongst the passengers are practicing for a concert tonight, and a young gentleman has just sung. "The Holy City" -- "Geerusalem! Gee-rusalem !! Gee-rusalem !!! "
Last night's entertainment, which was made up of recitations, vocal and instrumental music, interspersed with selections by the ship's orchestra, was quite an enjoyable diversion. The pro- gram terminated with a cake-walk.
We are nearing Plymouth, our first port, and expect to land a number of passengers there tomorrow, Tuesday, morning. On that occasion these notes will be mailed. We expect to pass the
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A TOUR OF THE WORLD.
Scilly Islands, a little group of three, ninety miles west of Plymouth, this evening. With good wishes to all we start this budget to its destination
At Plymouth (England), we passed over to the tender, early this morning, a very considerable mail, including a budget for you. The Englishi newspa- pers received here today tell us of the defeat of the "Shamrock," and report severe fighting in the Transvaal, but be- vond mention of the yacht races they contain nothing of interest particularly relating to the United States. After
done on ship board, where reading and writing were my chief resources for dis- posing of time.
From 9:00 to 10:00 o'clock last night, we ran through successive fog banks, and the presence of many shipping craft was plainly and uncomfortably indicated by the number of variously-pitched ma- rine whistles, above the din of which rose the wailing shrieks of a "Siren." After that hour, it having become clear again, we saw the town lights of Folke- stone, and by midnight were in the Straits of Dover, whence the many lights of the City of Dover and the
S. S. PENNSYLVANIA.
about two hours' stay at Plymouth we again put to sea. Before 6:00 o'clock Eddystone Light was passed; and now we are on our way to Hamburg. The sea, as hitherto, continues smooth. but the approach toward land is marked by a lower temperature. At this writing we have steamed up to the Isle of Wight. the outline of which can be seen through che haze.
For a moment I will digress to say that, after we are once more ashore and there engaged in siglit-seeing. we may not write in so much extenso as we have
flashes of the electric beacon at Calais. France, were clearly visible. Early this morning the new steamer "Kaiser Fred- erick." which sailed three days after we did, hove in sight, and by 9:00 o'clock overtook us. At the present hour (noon) the weather is still fair, sky bright and sea smooth, and D. V., we shall reach Cuxhaven tomorrow morn- ing: thence we take tender up the Elbe, to Hamburg.
Hamburg. Oct. 29, 1899. Our last notes were jotted down on the
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REV. ALVIN F. WALLER. A Pioneer of 1840.
SIR JAMES DOUGLAS, Hudson's Bay Co.
DR. WM. F. TOLMIE, Hudson's Bay Co.
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A TOUR OF THE WORLD.
the 25th, as we ran along the coast of Holland. The approach to the Elbe is over a long reach of shallow sea, similar to that of the China Sea, off Shanghai. For seventy-five miles before entering the channel of the river the navigator's course is marked out by a succession of lightships. We entered the Elbe about 4:00 A. M., and at 8:00 o'clock had drop- ped anchor at Brunshausen, which lies further up the stream than Cuxhaven; at which latter place mnost large vessels have to be lightened. Our steamer, on arriving there was drawing over 31 feet, and required to be lightened to about 24 feet 'ere coming to Hamburg.
At 9:00 A. M. we were transferred to a large tug-tender and reached the dock two hours later. The ride up the river showed the westerly bank to be a. low sandy stretch of meadows the soil of which was evidently impregnat- ed with alkali. These meadows are dotted with clumps of wil- lows, among which are seen, at . frequent intervals, windmills of the old Dutch style, with long fans or arms that move ponderously under the pressure of the wind. How- ever, the most striking feature of the landscape is the multiplicity of fac- tory smoke-stacks, an evidence that within these environs manufactures are very actively carried on. The easterly bank (on which Hamburg is situated) lias a good elevation, covered by a di- versified growth of forest trees now showing autumnal tints. The colorings however, in no wise equal the brilliant hues of an American forest during the same season of the year. This side of the river for twenty miles down is a sucession of villages and villas, the lat- ter being the summer homes of wealthy Hamburgers. The banks of the Elbe frequently showed stretches of rip-rap, or retaining walls, beyond which the re- claimed land is highly cultivated. The river itself was alive with shipping craft vi all kinds, indicating the diversified character of the traffic of Hamburg, the largest commercial center of Ger- many. Here I may state that the Ham- burg-American Packet Co., having a
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fleet of eighty ocean steamers running to all continents, utilizes the largest ship tonnage of any steamship company in the world. The immense trade of Han- burg - commercial expansion - was gained by this "free city" without "for- cible annexation" of tropical islands.
Upon landing in the city we were met by our agent here and driven to the Cus- toms, where our baggage was promptly passed without the slightest technicali- ties or unnecessary scrutiny. Thence we came to the Hotel de l'Europe (where we are now sojourning), over- looking Alster Lake, the beautiful water park of the city. Hamburg may very properly be called one of the Venices of northern Europe, for it has hundreds of acres of lakes, that in turn are con- nected by miles and miles of canals, which are spanned by countless bridges -some of them particularly handsome structures. The combination of fine res- idences and groves of trees which border the lakes, the swans and other water fowls which skim upon their sur- face, and the vast traffic moving to and fro upon these convenient waterways, is at once striking and pleasing. Count- less boats-little passenger steamers and freight barges-are incessantly com- ing and going. Any visitor to our Co- lumbian Exposition, by recalling the lagoons and canals of "The White City' can form some idea of the lakes and connecting canals with their many bridges in the midst of this city of nearly 650,000 inhabitants. As to Hamburg in general-its people, its buildings, its streets, its industrial potencies, etc .- it may be compared with such modern commer- cial centers as Dublin, Glasgow, Man- chester, St. Louis, etc., though, of course, here and there are to be seen the old landmarks that remind one of its earlier marked importance in the world of trade and finance. The modern ap- pearance of its commercial buildings is doubtless due largely to the great fire of 1842.
Before speaking of it politically I shall refer briefly to its early history: In the 11th and 12th centuries the growing
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commercial activity of the cities of north- ern Europe was greatly hampered by the disorder and insecurity which prevailed throughout the continent. To protect themselves against robbery and piracy these cities formed leagues for mutual defense, which in 1360 culminated in the establishment of the Hanseatic League, from which year the political power of that celebrated organization dates. Originally it comprised eighty-five towns, all of which assumed to exercise sovereign power. This awakened the jealousy of other cities and of reigning monarchs, and with what followed by withdrawals and revocations of charters by kings the league weakened, and about the middle of the 17th century. it was formally dissolved. As the off- spring of the Hanseatic League and once prominent members of it, there re- main at this day the three city-republics ("free cities") of Hamburg. Bremen and Lubeck. They each continue to exer- cise sovereign power in all that relates to their local affairs. Each city has an up- per and a lower house: at the head of the former stands the Burgomaster, or mayor, and as head of the latter there is a representative whose position corres- ponds to that of our "Speaker" in the lower House of Congress. These cities are represented in the Reichstag, and have equal voice with any other mem- ber of the imperial federation at Berlin. In their local government the members of the Upper House (or senate) hold office for life; while those of the Lower House (the "Burgerschait") are elected by the people for six years.
LUBECK
As that old city is only an hour's dis- tance by fast train from Hamburg, we spent a day there. It is situated on the River Trave, a few miles from the Ost (East) Sea, as the Germans call the Bal- tic. It has a history of a thousand years, but is of little concern to us, and its medieval status is sufficiently indicated by the sketch of Hamburg. Its present population is said to consist of 70,000 clean, tidy, comely people-terms which fitly describe the city itself. One of its chief antique features is St. Mary's
church-Catholic before the Reforma- tion, Protestant since-a grotesque de- tail of which is part of the mural decora- tion to one of the inner vestibules-a sort of all-hands-round procession of Popes, Cardinals, Bishops, Priests, Em- perors, Kings, Princes, Dukes, etc., and people of every walk of life, with a grin- ning skeleton clinging to the arm of each. 'Tis a gruesome subject, grue- somely treated. And this is Holbein's famous "Dance of Death." In point of antiquity the Rathshouse comes next, and is well worth a visit. Then Ship- masters' Guild Hall, 1535. Friedenha- gen's study, elaborately decorated in carved oak. with many panels of chisel- led alabaster, etc., is in a building a few doors beyond. A modern structure is the Museum. The contents are similar to all good collections. An amusing feat- ure of the collection are the paintings representing Napoleon's taking of the city, in 1806-evidently done by a spe- cial artist on the spot. The drawing, col- ors, and execution of these paintings are not greatly dissimilar to those of a Sioux Indian's delineations on the tanned side of a buffalo robe.
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