Valdez Daily Prospector
PUBLISHED BY THE
Prospector Publishing Co.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1914.
LOOSE LAWS BREED LAWSUITS
Senator Root’s suggestions for the
improvement of our laws, in his
speech before the American Bar As
sociation, reduce themselves substan
tially to this: ’’Quit making so many
laws. Quit drawing the laws that are
made so carelessly that doubt and lit
igation are certain to result.”
There is nothing novel in these
suggestions. But they embody the
sound sense of the practical man and
the trained lawyer. And if there is
ever to be a substantial improvement
in the quality and, above all, the
certainty of our legislation it must be
by following just this advice.
Do we pass too many laws? Ac
cording to Senator Root, our nation
al and state legislatures passed 62,
014 statutes during the five years from
1909 to 1913 inclusive. During the
same five years 63,379 decisions of
the national and state courts of last
resort—necessitated largely by these
laws—were reported in 630 volumes.
Common experience tends to con
firm the statistics. It is an unfortun
ate fact that there is a widely held
impression that the remedy for almost
everything is to pass a new law'.
Nascent statesmen are always bring
ing forward proposals. There is oft
en quite an impatience with the sug
gestion that the old laws are amply
sufficient.
With such influences for a multi
plication of laws and a consequent
confusion of counsel and often frus
tration of justice at work, it will un
questionably take time for the first
suggestion to take root and bear forth
a greatly needed fruit. However, the
second suggestion, that laws be drawn
with clearness, with a regard for stat
utes already in existence and for
court decisions, involves no such de
lay.
“There is a useless lawsuit in every
useless word of a statute,” Senator
Root trenchantly and*truly remarks;
“and every loose, sloppy phrase plays
the part of the carrier of typhoid in
fection. Many of these statutes are
drawn carelessly, ignorantly. Their
terms are thrust into the body of ex
isting laws without anybody taking
the pains to ascertain what existing
laws are, what decisions the courts
have made in applying them.”
Fortunately there is a remedy for
this which does not impose too heavy
a burden of carefulness upon the leg
islature. It is the establishment of
a drafting bureau or employment of
expert counsel to put measures into
the proper language and with a due
regard to the body of legislation and
judicial decisions. Senator Root also
suggests that there should be a good
reference library for the use of each
legislative body.
Alaska has of late years had many
memorable examples of the results
of legislative carelessness. A strik
ing example is the Wickersham plac
er mining law, passed by congress in
1912. Several costly lawsuits result
ed from the obscure provision of the
law as to locations by power of at
torney, which leaves it open to dis
pute whether a power of attorney has
to be on record before a location is
made under it.
Also there is the lame and halt
ing organic act creating the Alaska
legislature, with its mix-up on tick
ets, canvassing returns, and equivocal
provisions affecting the fisheries.
REVISING WAR’S ACCOUNT.
In discussing “The Cosmic Extrav
agance of War” the New York Medi
cal Journal says that in modern war
fare previous to the present conflict,
the average cost of killing one man
has been $15,000. In the Boer war,
owing to distance, the expenditure
was much greater, it being $40,000
per man, while it went down in the
war between Turkey and the Balkan
states to the comparatively small, but
still considerable, amount of $10,000
for each death.
These figures are presumably ob
tained by dividing the entire cost of
the several wars by the whole num
ber of fatalities, a method which is
obviously fallacious, since killing,
while an Important part of warfare,
is very far from the whole of it,
and can, Indeed, be regarded as an
inevitable incident rather than the
object to be achieved.* At any rate,
it is a means, and not an end, and
by no fair system of accounting would
all the money spent be charged to it.
Still, however viewed, the fiures
are impressive, and when understood
can safely enough be accepted, if not
as “statistics,” at least as plausible
guesses. The Journal is therefore jus
tified in contrasting with them the
fact that in Panama, where health
conditions to start with were as bad
as anywhere in the world, it costs
only $2.43 to save a life. In the lat
ter case the computation is sound, for
there are available data from which
can be deduced what the death rate
among the thousands of unacclimated
canal workers would have been had
not the advancement in preventive
medicine made the American sanitar
ians more efficient than they or any
others would have been in the days
when the French undertook the great
enterprise.
But this $2.43 per life, aggregating
a fifth of the canal’s cost, probably
bears about the same relation to the
whole expenditure that the direct cost
of killing in war does to the figures
given above. A good accountant
would debit about four-fifths of the
total outgo to the other results than
slaughter that follow military opera
tions.—Ex.
GERMANY AS A CUSTOMER.
The United States of America has
reaped especial profit from Germany’s
flourishing commercial condition.
Germany purchases more from the
United States than any other coun
try of the world. Germany buys an
nually from the United States ap
proximately $170,000,000 worth of cot
ton, $75,000,000 of copper, $60,000,000
of wheat, $40,000,000 of animal fat,
$20,000,000 of mineral ore and the
same amount of vegetable oil.
In 1890 the import and export trade
between Germany and the United
States amounted to only $100,000,000;
in 1913 about $613,000,000. Germany
today imports from the United States
goods to the value of $430,000,000,
while she exports to the United
States nearly $180,000 000 worth.—
Ex.
THE YIELD OF WHEAT.
The average yield of wheat in the
United States is about 13 bushels
per acre. The average yield in Ger
many is 26 bushels, and in England
32.
"Does this argue that the soil and
climate of Europe are better adapted
to wheat growing than those of the
United States? Not at all. It proves
only that careful farming on the oth
er side of the water will produce bet
ter results than careless farming
here. American cultivators who put
their minds to it have no trouble in
breaking the European record.
One farmer in Illinois has averag
ed 48.8 bushels of wheat per acre
each year for three years. He attrib
utes his success to careful seed se
lection, as well as to good handling
of the land.
Two professors in this state have
raised 38 bushels of wheat per acre
on soil so unpromising that their
place used to be called “Poor Land
Farm.”—Chicago Journal.
“Cleopatra” Tonight.
Don’t fail to see Helen Gardner in
“Cleopatra,” one of the greatest six
reel films ever shown in Alaska. This
is the last chance to see this won
derful film, manufactured at great ex
pense. Admission 50 cents. At the
Orpheum. *
Jack McKenna Killed In Seattle.
Jack McKenna, formerly employ
ed as a machine man at the Ellamar
mine, was killed in Seattle a few
days ago by an automobile. He is a
member of the local lodge of Eagles
and they have wired to his relatives
regarding the disposition of the body,
and also to the lodge in Seattle ask
:ng them to care for the remains un
til orders are received regarding the
wishes of his family.
Jail Sentence for Stealing Hams.
Leslie Woolsey, a soldier from Fort
Liscum, pled guilty to stealing three
hams from the Granby mine store
house in Solomon basin. He waived
time to plea and asked for prompt
sentence and was given three months
In jail.
LOCAL BREVITIES.
The launch Brighton arrived at
noon today from, Port Wells.
“Cleopatra,” six reels, at the Orph
eum tonight. Admission 50 cents.
Romain Scott is in town from Port
Wells.
Get a Skate On.
Go to the Valdez Rink; five-piece
orchestra every Sunday, Tuesday and
Friday. tf
Nubone Corset*.
Try Mrs. St. Marie’s for one of
those Nubone corsets. tf
EAGLE DANCE
FORJONIGHT
The complimentary dance given by
'the Eagles to the people of Valdez
will be given this evening at Eagle
jhall. All are welcome. The Reinke
orchestra will furnish the best of mu
sic.
TURKS EIRE ON
UJJfARSHIP
(Continued from page 1.)
troops to pause before the last rush
with the bayonet. The Journal de
Rennes announces that the Russian
government decided to adopt the
breastplate at the outbreak of the
war, and placed immense orders with
a factory at St. Hilaire de Harcouet,
which had the exclusive manufactur
ing rights. The French government
also has now ordered large quantiti s
and has released the reservists em
ployed in the factory, which is busy
night and day.
Armies Fighting In Mud.
LONDON, Nov. 18.—The opposing
armies fighting in Flanders are hamp
ered by the existing conditions. The
country is covered with mud. The
constant movement of troops have
made the roads liquid mud, and when
the troops leave the roads it becomes
even worse. The movement of heavy
ordnance is impossible. The fighting
is at a standstill and will not be re
newed in Flanders until the cold
weather freezes up (he roads ane
fields.
Germans Win In Poland.
BERLIN, Nov. 18.—The general
‘staff has issued a bulletin claiming a
big victory for the kaiser’s troops on
the Russian-Poland border. It is
claimed that the Russians have been
driven back to the Vistula in confu
sion and that at Soldau, at Plock, and
in East Prussia, the enemy has been
decisively beaten and are fleeing in
terror from the avenging Germans.
Russian Casualties In East Prussia
40,000.
The Russian casualties in East
Prussia have been estimated at fully
40,000. General Hindenberg has de
feated the Russians iff the marshes
of East Prussia and driven them from
the Empire.
Russians Retreat To Kutno.
The Russian army, which a few
days ago was on the German border,
has been forced to fall back to Kutno
and a large part of Poland is again
occupied by the Germans.
Kaiser Rebuked General.
PARIS, Nov. 18.—Rumors from var
ious sources keep coming to affirm
that the kaiser is in a very serious
condition of health. It is also affirm
ed that the imperial relations with
most of the leading generals of the
headquarters staff are distinctly
strained, and that had the kaiser’s
orders been obeyed the retreat from
the Marne would have ended in total
disaster for the Germans. The kai
ser does not think so, and severely
upbraids the leaders for not carry
ing out his views. On meeting one
of his best men who had been oblig
ed to fall back, the Emperor greeted
him with:
“You fell back, and yet you're still
alive.”
All of the staff resent this as a
personal reflection upon their cour
age, and, notwithstanding all their
loyalty and the extreme deference al
ways shown to the kaiser, more than
one bitter word has escaped their
lips. The kaiser’s great fear now is
said to be assassination. Wherever
quarters are taken qulckflrers are
placed in and around the premises
and big guns are trained on all ap
proaches. If- possible nobody is al
lowed to come within 200 yards.
Searchlights are mounted on roofs,
and hundreds of guards keep watch
night and day. Even in war time the
Emperor cannot forego his love of
parade. His staff still numbers some
Slid or 400 cffieers.
British Officials Go On a Secret Mis
sion.
LONDON, Nov. 18.—The . British
government has sent three of its high
est officials to the Continent on a
most mysterious and important mis
sion. The delegation consists of Da
vid Lloyd-George, the Chancellor of
the Exchequer; Lord Haldane, the
Lord Chancellor, and Lord Reading,
the Lord Chief Justice.
The destination of this mission is
being kept a profound secret, as well
as its object. Its Importance is evi
dent from its membership, and ap
parently the business to be transact
ed concerns both financial and legal
mattero. Lord Haldane and the Chief
Get Busy!
There Is a Lot to Do Before the Deep Snow Comes
YOU NEED WINTER CLOTHES
We Have Them for Men, Women and Children.
Fur Caps,
Felt Shoes,
Overcoats,
Malone Pants
Fur Coats,
Wool Gloves,
Buckskin Lined
Corduroy Vests,
Roughneck Sweaters
Don’t Wait Any Longer.
Fur Band Caps,
Felt Slippers,
Mackinaw Coats,
Mackinaw Pants,
Parkas,
Wool Mittens,
Ladies’ and
Children’s Furs.
Come In and Buy Now.
Valdes Lodge
No 168
I
Free and Accepted Masons
Regular Communications first Wednesday id
each month In MoKtnley Hall Visitors always
welcome.
A. E. GRIGSBY. W. M.
C. C. Reynolds. Seo
Justice, who as Sir Rufus Isaacs be
fore his elevation to the bench was
the keenest legal light at the English
bar, rank as about the foremost au
thorities upon the law in the United
Kingdom. The most plausible report
has it that the three have gone to
Holland and possibly will extend their
journey to the Scandinavian countries
to deal with the matter of the ship
ment of goods from neutral countries
into Germany.
If the statements of the English
papers are correct Holland and the
three Scandinavian nations are con
ducting a flourishing trade with Ger
many through the transshipment of
supplies from the United States and
even from England. The newspapers
of all those countries assert that
their importations are for their own
needs alone, while English papers in
sist that they are receiving consign
ments of petroleum, grain, and food
stuffs generally which far exceed
their normal requirements.
Subscribe for the Prospector.
TIDE TABLES PORT OF VALDEZ.
Complied from the official tide U •
bles issued by the Coast and Geodet
ic Survey. The time for high and
low water is for the Port of Valdez
and is Valdez time. Immediately fol
lowing the time of high and low wa
ter is given the height of the tide
in feet and tenths:
Wednesday, November 18.
High tide 12:18 a. m., 8.2; 11:57
a. m„ 11.6.
Low tide 5:47 a. m., 2.1; 6:57 p. m„
2.4.
Thursday, November 19.
High tide 1:17 a. m„ 8.0; 12:42 p.
m„ 11.4.
Lovr tide 6:32 a. m., 2.4; 7:45 p.
m„ 1.2.
Friday, November 20.
High tide 2:07 a. m., 7.7; 1:28 p.
m„ 10.9.
Low tide 7:18 a. m., 2.7; 8:34 p.
m., 1.5.
Taxes Due.
Taxes for the Town of Valdez for
the year 1914 are now due and pay
able at my office, In the Valdez Elec
tric Company office, in the Copper
block. Taxes will be delinquent on
Monday, December 7, 1914, at 6 o’clock
p. m. and unless paid prior thereto,
a penalty of 10 per cent, will be add
ed to the amount and interest at the
rate of 12 per cent, per annum.
No interest will be allowed on town
warrants In payment of taxes after
November 1, 1914.
Office hours: 10 a. m. to 12 m.
and 2 p. m. to 4 p. m., except Sun
days. Dated this 4th day of Novem
ber, 1914.
E. G. AMES,
Town Treasurer.
Copper River Lumber Co., Inc.
ALL KINDS OP
Native and | | TR/IDI7D and Building
Puget Sound Lj U lYlDIliIx Material
CONSTANTLY ON HAND
Prices Right W. M. FINICAL, Mgr. Phone 18
Patronize a Home Industry
ALASKA
STEAMSHIP CO.
S. S. Mariposa and S. S. Alameda sail from Seattle
the 1st, 8th, 16th and 24th
EVERY MONTH
From Valdez south-7th, 15th, 23rd and 30th for Cordova,
Juneau, Ketchikan and Seattle.
Regular freight service for Ketchikan, Juneau, Sheep creek Treadwell, Douglas*
Cordova, Kllamar. Valdez and Latouehe. Explosives. S S Seward. S S Seward. 5th*
S S Latouehe, 15th; S S Cordova. 25th of each month—Right reserved to change this
schedule without notice.
F B. Tracy, Gen’] Agt- Valdez Dock Co., Local Agt.
Pacific Alaska
Navigation Company
I_~ I — -'--:
Alaska Pacific S. S. Co. Alaska Coast Co. i
PUGET SOUND-ALASKA ROUTE
Steamers sail from Seattle
Nov. 15th, Dec. 5th and 2Sth
via the Inside Passage for Ketchikan, Juneau, Yakutat, Ka- j
talla, Cordova, Valdez, Seward, Cook Inlet points and Kodiak, i
PUGET SOUND—CALIFORNIA ROUTE
Seattle-San Francisco, connecting with steamers Yale and;
Harvard for southern California ports. j
Bight reserved to change dates and steamers without notiee
VALDEZ DOCK CO.
Local Agent j
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FULL
QUART
Has Had no Peers for Fifty Years
^SOLD BY ALL DEALERS