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Blakemore, William
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The Week A British Columbia Newspaper and Review Vol. XIV, No. 47—15th Year Victoria, B.C., Canada, May 5th, 1917 5c. a copy $2.00 a year J The Unyielding Democrat OSEPH MARTIN, K.C., Member of the House of Commons in the Imperial Parliament, does not hide his light under u bushel. On the contrary, he has the faculty of shedding a little radiance wherever he is. Nor is he greatly troubled when adverse criticisms arise concerning his deeds and words. To him it is only a part of the business. Party ties do not worry him, nor demure conventionalities control. He is not burdened with undue modesty, and does not propose to use language devoid of tang or force. In fact, Joseph Martin, K.O., M.P., erstwhile Premier of British Columbia, is Joseph Martin and nobody else. Just now the astute political practitioner is resolved to keep the peerage out of Canada. Titles are his abhorrence, and coronets have no attraction. Dukes, earls and barons are not on his visiting list, and it is gravely hinted that he would rather smoke a corncob pipe with ono of his costermonger constituents then whiff the daintiest cigarette in the London drawing room of Her Grace the Duchess of St. Pancras. If Joseph had only thought of it in time, he might have written Tennyson's poem and sang: Kind hearts are more than coronets, and simple faith than Norman blood. As ho did not write it he did the next best thing. He proposed to debate the anomaly, tlie absurdity and the folly of introducing tho peerage system into the democracy of Canada, and gave notice of his intention to nn astonished and decorous British House of Commons. Whatever may bo said of a title, bestowed for distinguished service to the state, and wliich should bo bestowed for tho honor and use of the actual recipient and which is not hereditary, nothing can be said with reason for the bestowal of titles that are hereditary, aiid which have no further significance than the acquisition of wealth or real estate. To trace back the ancestry of many a noble house in the peerage of Great Britain, *is to write some chapters that are discreditable to all concerned. The left-handed scions of royalty, or the illegitimate strain of ancient families, fill a large page in the escutcheon of many a noble house. Many of the present generation of Lords Temporal have far more to be proud of in their own deeds of heroic service, of their unblemished reputation mid of unselfish devotion to humanity than of their forefathers from whence they sprang. Tins Week does, not think that Canada will greatly suffer if a shoal of lordlings or belted knights are let loose upon the inhabitants of this vast dominion. Unless the titled nobodies have something more than a big bank account or vast estates to commend them, there will bo few real Canadians that will doff their"hats or curtsey low when my Lord Softy smiles, or Lndy Simper peers through her lorgnette. Thc spirit of democracy is abroad. The man on the street does not merely think he is as good ns anybody else, but he knows he is, nnd secretly he believes that he is n little better. The maiden of high degree with bluest blood in her veins, or the descendant of Saxon, Dane or Norman who mny have crossed the seas to Britain at the very dawn of civilization, possesses no particular or greater claim to reverence than the latest immigrant that plants his foot on .Canadian soil. Aristocracy must be nn aristocracy of worth; nobility, thc badge of servieehood to the nation. So Joseph Martin, K.C., M.P., has hit tho bull's eye in his proposed resolution about nn hereditary peerage. Canada is better far without it. It may be more dignified to salute Mr. Brewster ns His Grace the Duke of Clnyoquot, or Mr, Bowser ns the Marquis of Spanish Banks, yet for political purposes Brewster and Bowser come far more trippingly to the tongue. The minors of the Yukon would prefer still to greet the Minister of Mines as plain "Bill Sloan," than to refer to him as Viscount Nanaimo. When the present speaker relinquishes office in the Legislature Chamber, there is no Provincial House of Lords to wliich he can bo relegated. So Baron Woart in the Barony of Vancouver will have to go down to posterity with his own patronymic, but we are safe in predicting that each of these distinguished gentlemen, if they but play their parts well, and render genuine service to th State, will be cherished in the grateful memories of the people of the Province far more than if they angled for doubtful honors, or fawned to obtain shadowy and useless titles. For Joseph has not yet gone down to Egypt. ehurch Exemption LIKE the proverbial door-nail, the principle of exempting from taxation the sites upon which a church building lins been erected is dead. Dead without any very great probability of resurrection. During the discussion before the Municipal Committee a proposal was made by a member of the deputation that the site of a church should be appraised at its true value as a church site. At present the appraiser or assessor of lands within city limits fixes the unit value of any lot in a block and supposedly assesses all others in the block at the same proportionate value. This may be and may not be a true method. One lot upon an important street may have a deep ravine crossing it, involving great expense either to fill in or to drive piles, so as to erect securely the superstructure, as in tho case of the Empress Hotel. The next lot may havo a very excellent foundation. The third lot may be too near very cheap and unimportant buildings, which would detract from the value of the lot adjacent, and a fourth may have a mountain of rock calling for expensive blasting operations. Now if it can be proven that in some instances the erection of a church building detracts from the worth of a lot, or retards its growth in value, is it not reasonable that the assessor should value it from that standpoint ? Suppose, for instance, that the Government or a private owner of a townsite declared that a certain block should be used only for church purposes—as in tho case of Church Street in Dawson—would not this actually lessen the value for all time for commercial purposes ? It is not, therefore, certain that the unit value of all lots in a city square is the same but may reasonably vary according to conditions that may havo been imposed, or may arise, or may have been natural to the site. The Week declares itself upon the side of those who do not favor any privileges to churches as such, but also declares that no injustice through imperfect methods of valuation should be imposed. The Honorable Mr. Justice Eberts THE WEEK congratulates Mr. Eberts upon his/elevation to the Bench, as-it is also one of the highest position in the. gift of the Government, a seat in the Appellate Court. No one can possibly doubt the great ability of the latest appointee. His large and extensive practice at the Bar, his experience as an Attorney- General of the Province, his critical observation of the legislation passed whilst Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, gives him peculiar fitness for the high and honorable position he has now attained unto. It is not usual to appoint a lawyer of Mr, Eberts' age to a judgeship, but as tho period of human life is extending, and the new judge is certainly in the prime of his intellectual powers, there is every reason to believe that he will be able to give mnny useful years of service in the new position he has been selected to fill. Rumor had associated the name of Mr. G. H. Barnard with the coveted plum, but it was "not to be. In the yenr 180G, Mr, Eberts hnd n similnr gift in his pocket, but ho took a trip to England at the time of the general election and then, soinething happened. History repeats itself, nnd perhnps twenty years hence Mr. Barnard may be consoled with the judge's ermine. Meanwhile he will hnve an opportunity to acquire more law as he is sure of added experience. Mr. Barnard had better camp in Canada" when an election is likely to take place. Congratulations, Mr. Justice Eberts; stop up. The Sheriff THIS is not an attack upon the sheriff of Victorin or of any . other city or place. Nor is it a stricture upon the office of a sheriff, which office is essential to the proper administration of justice. Nor is it an exhibition of jealousy because the perquisites or fees of the office seem like the riches of a Rockefeller compared with the humble pittance of an editor of a weekly journal. It is, however, a demand that tho office of a sheriff shall be based upon an annual salary, secured by vote through the Legislative Assembly, and not be dependent upon the fees incidental to the office. Stories are rife as to the amount of the charges made for various services, of the hnrdships suffered by the unfortunate debtors, of the exactions made front impecunious persons or from insolvent estates. Probably every charge or fee imposed can be justified by law or regulation. The lynx-eyed legal authorities that watch thc interests of clients in this Province nre not likely to permit unwarranted fees to be exacted, or improper charges to be made. The principle of payment by fees is hopelessly wrong and out of harmony with modern ideas. The sheriff's position is an important one and should be liberally paid. It is revolting, however, to public sentiment to know that the sheriff is enriched by tho execution of a criminal, that a citizen's pecuniary difficulties furnish a profitable hunting ground, and that the legal entanglements woven by legislative weavers bring additional grist to tlie sheriff's mill. The Week suggests that the Attorney-General make specific enquiries into the fees and emoluments of the sheriffs of the Province for the past five yenrs, and then net upon the information obtained. A Byproduct ONE good result has certainly been achieved through the agitation for Prohibition, and that is a general lessened use of liquor. There has been of late undoubtedly less drunkenness, less convictions for disorderly conduct, nnd a general growing desire to be counted amongst the sober nnd temperate citizens. The children in the public schools hnve nlso felt the influence of tho controversy and young debaters are already sharpening their weapons for the fray, should the controversy extend to Dominion-wide Prohibition. It is also evident that there has been lessened importations nnd manufacture of intoxicating liquor. Thc vessels bring smaller cargoes of whiskies, brandies and other favorite drinks; the wholesale as well as retail liquor dealers appear to have far less business than formerly. Part of this decline can clearly lie traced to tho smaller population of our cities, partly to the scarcity of transportation, but il is indisputable that the discussions raised by the Prohibition Act of last session caused many thinking persons to consider the question from the personal standpoint and to govern tlieir own individual action accordingly. The Government hns not yet made a definite pronouncement upon this question but it may be hoped that the Legislative Assembly will not dissolve until the fnte of the question is settled. Perhaps the Leader of the Opposition may display prying curiosity by asking a scries of questions upon the matter. Lonely So far one active multi-millionaire advocate of conscription of men has definitely declared for conscription of wealth. The distinction belongs to E. W. Scripps of San Diego, who has signed the demand of the American Committee on War Finance for the taking foe war purposes of all incomes of over $100,000 a year. Mr. Scripps makes clear that ho docs not ask that his wealth be treated more tenderly than the lives of other men. But how lonely he must feel among his fellow eonscriptionist millionaires. Requests to take a position similar to that of Mr. Scripps havo been sent by the Committee on War Finance to John D. Rockefeller, Vincent Astor, nnd other wealthy men prominent in urging drafting of men. So far they have given no intimation that they would have their property treated in the same way.—Public, New York. Editor, Have Patience A CONSIDERABLE amount of unreasonable impatience is noticeable among certain sections of the community because the election of the Brewster Government has not been promptly followed by the inauguration of the millenium. Complaints reach ns from all sides because in three or four months Mr. Brewster has not been able to purge public life of those corrupt influences whieh have afflicted it for half a century; because' with a wave of a wand he has not been able to completely abolish the evils of patronage and the machinations of the self-seeker; because ready- made measures have not been forthcoming to instantaneously develop our mineral and agricultural resources, reduce the cost of living, increase wages all round, pay off the Provincial debt, nationalize the railways, and give to everyone an old-age pension. To all zealous reformers The Week says have patience. Consider the immense difficulties and the well-nigh insurmountable obstacles faced by the Premier when he assumed office. He took charge of Provincial affairs following an era of extravagance if not of corruption on the part of his predecessors. The bank account was at zero and the Provincial credit 50 below. Government departments were in a state of chaos. Order had to be evolved and system inaugurated. The foundations of an era of economic efficiency had to be well nnd truly laid before a beginning could be mnde with tho superstructure. The strict enforcement of existing statutes had to take precedence of the drafting of new ones. Whilst a serious breach in the ranks of the personel of the Cabinet still,further complicated the situation. With these facts in mind Tun Week is not disposed to he hypercritical at the course of subsequent events, and urges upon all its readers the necessity for reasonable patience. Nevertheless, some serious blunders have already heen made for which no reasonable excuse enn be found. Any tendency towards independent thought and action amongst the rank and file has been severely frowned upon; three constituencies hnve been denied representation in the House for political and partisan reasons; whilst a measure to place taxation on the poor because they are poor has so far failed to excite so much as one Liberal protest. They all, like sheep, have gone astray. Whilst Proportional Representation, a measure whieh more than any other would remove the causes of political corruption, raise the standard of public life, and enable democracy to realize its highest hopes and purest aspirations, has not been so much as mentioned, and that notwithstanding the conspicuous place it occupies in the Liberal platform. Therefore it is that The Week enjoins upon ils readers the Wilsonian policy of watchful waiting. The Break'Down of the Jury System IT is announced that the Manitoba Government has decided, reluctantly or otherwise, to proceed no further with'the serious criminal charges preferred against ex-Premier Roblin and other former Cabinet ministers. The reason publicly announced for this extraordinary decision is not that the accused parties hnve satisfactorily established their inocence. By no means. The accused stood self-condemned long before court proceedings were commenced. The decision hns been reached forsooth because the Government of the day despairs of finding twelve jurymen prepared to execute justice uninfluenced by unworthy political motives. This decision will bring comfort to the hearts of political grafters throughout the empire and beyond. Crimes against the state in violation of solemn onths mny henceforth be committed with impunity. Breach of trust; will still be punishable by law—if committed by small men on a small scale. If the offenders bo belted knights nnd cabinet crooks nnd their offences be on n wholesale scale and their victims ho the common people, then they may conduct tlieir nefarious operations without fear and in complete safety. In therefore discontinuing legal proceedings against these gentlemen, tho Government of Manitoba is doing a serious injustice either to itself nnd the people on the ono hand, or the accused ox-ministers on llie other. If the licensed nre guilty—nnd it seems impossible to doubt it—the lnw shnuld tnke its usual COUl'BO, he the outcome whnl it may. If they nre innocent Ihey have the right to have their names cleared of the imputations cast upon them. If lhe jurymen neglect to do their duty and allow■ political partisanship lo warp their judgment, the world will lie quick In draw its own conclusions. The swnrn lesli- innny of witnesses will he public properly and in the high court nf public opinion n verdict will lie rendered. But the question now In be seriously considered is What shall be the future of onr present jury system? If Ihe jury-system ns we nnw know il stands between lho guilty and the administration of justice, so much the worse for the jury system. // trial hy jury has outlived ils usefulness, trial by jury must come to an end. Or if the fault lies in requiring com- \ || plcto unanimity instead of accepting a majority decision, the sooner wo decide to correct this requirement the better. Nothing must be allowed tn clog the wheels nf justice. There must lie no respect df E persons before the law. Political offenders and national freebooters must nt nil costs be brought within the pale. The Week invites its renders to earnestly consider whnt practical steps should be taken to remedy a condition which as it stands constitutes n national scandal. Assistant Editor. where profiteers flourish A dividend of 100 per cent was declared hy the German- American Sugar Company at a meeting of iu directors at Chicago on April 10. THE LEAVEN WORKING The Rhode Island State Senate passed on April 10 the bill giving women the right to vote for Presidential electors. Page Two THE WEEK Saturday, May 5 THE TWO Y'S. A society of this character is a and we waved our last "good-bye" to ■ great asset to the social life of the the shores of England with sad hearts To be invited to "till a little space" community and deserves the support for we could not but wonder if ever iu the columns of The Week with the "^ a" interested in its welfare. It is we should see those shores again, above caption as a sort of linger-post als0 of value to the members; for But it is surprising how quickly one indicative of the goal of our mental w'leu n number of persons co-operate can adapt oneself to new surroundings and verbal meanderings is a tempta- '" "">' &>°°d wol'k ",ey diseover and and conditions, and this is never so tion too stroll"1 to be resisted. enlarge each others good qualities, apparent as in life oil board ship. With some trepidation lest through ^oll° ma.v ",e Arion Club flourish and Everything is so different to what we the very wideness of this most attrac- exemplify their motto: "Behold, how have been accustomed. Every little five field I should forget my real ob- 8'u0'' "'"' J0^'1'1 a "''"=i( ls, brethren, occurrence is of interest to the ordin- jective whilst lingering admiringly iu to dwe11 toSetlier >" "'"^ parts not of lirst importance, I would desire to indicate my purpose as primarily lo emphasize the presence and work of those great twin organizations, familiarly known the wide world over as the Y. M. C. A. and the V. YV. C. A., abbreviations suggestive -H. J. P. Bv the Hornet That the report of the P. Or. E. ary passenger. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ The health of your cabin com- — panions becomes of great interest to S*jTT»3 VOCE y°u "lid you become anxious to see if your neighbor at tlie dining table is in his place also. Wc experienced the proverbial rough weather in tlie Bay of Biscay, and very mnny of tlie passengers were conspicuous by their absence. During llie night we passed the historic Bock of Gibraltar, and many of us left our berths and went on deck (o see only the light and a great towering gloomy mass rising before and the lights from the city of i, „ i , ., n"°. Tangier, on the opposite coast, themselves when thev reflect „6 ' / , , Very soon we found ourselves in a stiff gale wliich did some damage to the ship, and caused some hour's delay. As we steamed along we dimly saw in the hazy distance the cities of Algiers and Tunis, and passing the island of Crete we sailed in a northerly direction. We got quite interested in the schools of porpoises that play around the ship, coming quite close of two of llie geratest factors in the Committee is very interesting reading. development of full-orbed manhood ' SS and womanhood operative in the world Tliat the Premier will have general today, support in any measure which will Prior to lhe outbreak of this great bring the guilty parties to "face the world wnr, lhe sign of the "Red Tri- music." angle" was to the man on the street $ merely the emblem of a more or less That small local grafters are just "; effeminate branch of the sporting ahnkiiig themselves when thev reflect fraternity, in its broadest sense, dis- upon tile;r owll mediation, tingiiishcd from all other clubs by the $ emphasis whicli it placed upon religi- That the profession regretfully re- ous instruction and Christian practice, em.us the passing of Charlie Gregg, in order to it becoming persona grata $ with the church-going community. That everybody liked him for his This wholly erroneous idea was com- generous, kindly nature, pletely dissipated ere the flrst half $ year of the war had passed, for with That The Week respectfully tenders the clarion call to arms in defence of condolences to his widow and'children. the weak, of honor, and the claims of ^ outraged humanity, there surged out That Editor Lugrin has been missed and sPortinS themselves in the water from the Y. M. C. A. buildings of the from The Colonist pices. "n- evldelltl.V having a fine time for empire, from Britain, Australia and * ° tJ'ey follow the ship for a long dis- Canada, tens of thousands of its train- That the Hornet wishes him a tauce' Whales and sllal'ks also fre- ed members, strong, clean, sinewy, speody restoration to health and ?,"ent t,hese watar\and many sllowed manly young men, fit and ready for strength. " ' "
man make a small loan on doubtful hfantly ?' Tmated and havl,
■S ™re l"Sent to us »s Ca™- for his health. What he is up against diaus, if we would take our place in in many cases is dumping on the part ll'e van of human progress. of his eastern competitors. If the Canada is destined to become one of of expression 1 he exclaimed.—The World. OUR INSTITUTIONAL LIFE issue certificates to the amount of the outstanding revenue, chiefly arrears of wild lands' taxes, totalling nearly a million dollars. The complex life of a modern coin- That munity seeks many nnd varied forms One of these forms A REVOLVING CARPET .... ...„ — r An employee'of a real estate office public fall for tbe bait they will have the greatest pillars in the British Em- might be designated, for want of a ha(1 been sent by the house agents to pay in the long run when the P™ "o one doubts for a moment, In better name, its "Institutional Life." to tnke an inventory of the drawing- foreigner has frozen out the home- 0,'der to fulfil her highest destiny, By this is meant the various organiza- ,.„„„, ful.niture of a mansion in their made goods and has things all his own however, it is imperative that she bus- tion, societies, elubs, other than those han(]Si He was s0 iong about it that way. Besides this trouble, our manu- "and to the fullest extent the lives of 0f the church and the state, in which a at jast the woman of the house went facturing fellow-citizen has the usual her people. number of persons have agreed to to see wilat was siting place. She difficulties of high cost of labor and "« greatest asset of any nation is unite and co-operate for the general found the man slumbering sweetly on material to face. This expenditure, at the health of its citizens, and the peo- g00d. In this form of life Victoria a sofa with an empty bottle beside least as regards the labor end of it, Vie who secure this m the highest de- seems to be unusualy rich. Perhaps him It was evident, however, that comes back to his prospective custom- S™e will dominate the earth. Canada even he who thinks he knows all that he had made a pathetic attempt to ers and it is short-sighted policy to "as no desire to dominate the earth i8 to be known of our fair city will be do his work, for in the inventory withhold support from him. If our »y acquiring other territory or by astonished when he quietly jots down book was wr;tten: "One revolving city is to go ahead broad views must making other people submit to her will the names of all such institutions that (.al.pet." prevail on this subject. Where he but she should, and I believe does, de- contribute to our life. We have our ' gives the quality, back him to the sire to set an example in all that various professional associations and flTi A\.T TT * TD limit and be sure that if his price is makes for the uplift and advancement commercial boards, our trades unions, CjlxA I O AIK. a few cents higher than the imported of mankind. As evidence of tllis de- 0ur social clubs for men and for wo- article, it is usually because it has to ita her men ha-e given ample proof me„, our hospitals and libraries, our "'^"^teaT^arTnteed" °"to7e be. But don't overlook that if. His at Xpres and Vimy Kidge and are musical and dramatic organizations, gray 11Blr t0 lts natUral color or money price is not always higher for the prepared to do even greater things our fraternal orders, our patriotic and refunded. Positively not a dye and non- sarae quality. ' llian these! Her women have made imperial societies, and all our organ- injurious. Price 11.00, post-paid. Write * a noble sacrifice in letting their bus- izationg 0f a distinctively philan- TrM,u,ln ""N"1" 0o" Tor<mt0' 0nt It is a well founded article of be- bands, sons and brothers respond to thropic character. Among these last »££ stori? corner''Yatefa" Broad"!? lief with Lounger that there is not a duty's call and m doing splendid work , plensantcr city in the world wherein for the Bed Cross and Patriotic Soto dwell than Victoria. Which is eieties, etc. But if Canada is to con- lucky for that large majority of its tinue her magnificent work, her boys inhabitants who are not owners of and girls, her men and women, must automobiles, for a harder city to get «ave healthy bodies and clear minds, away from for a few hours other than That they may have these in the by road probably does not exist. Not bigheBt degree necessitates the putting to go far afield for comparisons, the away of all those things which dwarf resident of any of the neighboring the body and mind and lead to de- mainland cities who feels that dis- generacy and weakness, tance would temporarily lend enchant- I" subsequent letters I propose to ment to the view of 'his home, can deal with a number of things which .choose one of a number of trips by are sapping the energy of our people, boat oi' internrban any day of the The flrst of these will be "Alcohol." week at fares from fifteen cents for DR. M. RAYNOB. the round trip, which will land him far in the country, EDUCATIONAL COMMENT White Luech Rooms 643 Yates Street, 1009 Qovernment Street 556 Johnson Street Best of Food and Service Economical, Absolutely Sanitary * What can he do in Victoria when he The war has brought world-wide seeks a change from Mount Tolmie changes in political and economic and Uplands? If he is of an enquir- conditions, and the citizens of most Ing turn of mind he may discover the countries have found it absolutely existence of the Saanich Internrban necessary to adapt themselves to these (the B. C. Electric will not help him constantly changing conditions in to find it) but a study of the fares order to live, while the very process charged will nip in the bud any ideas of such adaptation often imposes great he may have had about treating his hardship on those who And this course family to a day in the country in that necessary. direction. Gold'stream may suggest it- One of the many explanations of self until he reflects that should it our difficulties, aside from the effect be Sunday, as it probably is, the street of the war, is that while we live in a cars will not take him to the station country of great agricultural rein time for the flrst train, while the sources, yet the tendency of our young other scarcely allows more than an men has been to crowd to the cities hour before it is time to return, where competition is keen, with the Neither are popular fares the rule in result that many an acre of produc- that direction or on the V. & S. So tive land suffers and fails to produce until paterfamilias can save the price from lack of attention and labor, of a Ford his children must study the A further explanation of this trend difference between sheep and pigs in towards the city is undoubtedly found their picturebooks. in our whole school system. Is it not As for a day on the water, it can't time for us to recognize the wisdom be done unless you make a night of and the necessity of training our boys it, too, and spend several dollars a and girls to become real partakers in head, the development of our land along It is now up to the Canadian Nor- agricultural lines which is, after all, them to see if they cannot make the only true basis for national pro- .cheap trips pay on their Patricia Bay gress and happiness? Our cultural line. Which we are prepared to be school system barely touches upon told they would love to do if they even the rudimentary principles of were not bound by some hand and agricultural science but rather directs foot agreement with their neighbors, the student to the professions and to * other non-producing occupations. ' "Why should I grow spuds? They Surely, we need a little less of the will be down to 50 cents a sack and I theoretical and more of the practical, can buy them." Or, "Why should I? and the needs of the present may be If there is a real famine my stock will doubly accentuated in the post-war he confiscated and they will be no use days which for a considerable time are to me." Thus run two arguments likely to be strenuous indeed. The •which Lounger has often heard seri- wise student will say, "Give us less Tire Mileage Achievements B. C. FUNERAL CO. (Hiywird's, Ltd.) 734 Broughton Street Victoria, B. C. Established 1867 When necessity requires you to have the services of tn embtlmer or funeral conductor Phone 2235,2236,2237 or 2238 and experienced assistants will respond to your call it any hour. Our moderr Chapel and Private Parlours are at your disposal. CHAS. HAYWARD, President REGINALD HAYWARD, Secretary FREDERICK CASELTON, Manager THE HARBOUR AND CITY OF VICTORIA, The Port of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, By THOS. C. SORBY, Secretary, Inner Harbour Association of Victoria. Price 25c. On Sale by T. N. HIBBEN & CO., Government St, Victoria COME motorists they have tires think lave tires which are making great mileage |] records. Later these motorists meet users of Dunlop Tires. Then they get a n c W conception of what is possible in tire mileage. MADRONA NEW-LAID EGGS are famous for their flavour and their freshness PUBLIC MARKET STALL 9 CARLTON CAFE HIS BROAD STREET Breakfasts Afternoon Tea Luncheons Dinners The Best of Cooking j. o. RIVERS Proprietor SPECIAL TIRES ^^_ Phone 2190 ^^^ Dunlop Tire & Rubber Goods Co., Limited 853 Yates St, - Victoria AN UP-TO-DATE OAFE FOB LADIES AND GENTLEMEN TIGHE& WHEELER CAFE Lunch Counter and Bakery The House That QUALITY BUILT 653 YATES ST. VICTORIA, B.C. PHONE 1634 GENTLEMEN Mail your Gillette Blades to be re-sharpened to FOX'S 1239 Broad Street, Victoria We Charge Only 35 Cents Per Dozen BOOT REPAIRING HIBBS 607 Yates Street Ths Best of Workmanship Qnsrantetd DOROTHY TEA ROOMS Specialty Afternoon Teas—Also Light Lunches 1006 Broad St (Pemberton Blk.) Page Four THE WEEK Saturday, Maj * MUNICIPAL COMMENT * *************** w <5b c5b 4p *9> «p up cjp s5p c5& tft i-Tj dp do? dob I have been requested to comment on civic government from week to week, and it is the intention of the writer, over the signature of "The Civic Monocle," to discuss the doings of the City Council, School Board, or that of any other body related to the government of the city. A fair criticism of our administration, and institutions with n view to the better conduct of public business, and to the creating of a more active interest in our own affairs shall be our aim. I do not expect the readers to always agree with my viewpoint, but before rendering judgment I trust they will examine tlie subject under' review from all sides. If the reader does that, then the aim of this column will have been accomplished. « ♦ « The Tax Sale Tbe City Council is not yet decided on the tax sale. Under the conditions now obtaining, is it wise to hold a tax sale even for the delinquencies of the year 1913? What is the object of a tax sale? Is it not to secure funds to carry in the business of the corporation, and to compel property owners to contribute their due proportion to the civic exchequer? Will a sale just now accomplish these ends? I venture a decided "No." What nre the facts? The arrears for 1913 are about $65,- 000, and the annual deficit now runs about $300,000. Hold a tax sale and not more than $15,000 will be realized after a very large expense has been incurred. City property is not saleable, and cash is not available for such investment, consequently the corporation will be saddled with a lot of unproductive land. Then you cannot compel people to pay if the pocket- book is empty. It is urged that if a sale is not held, those who are able will not pay. Is that likely in view of the loss they will sustain? Arrears will not be forgiven; they will lose the very substantial discount for prompt payment; and then interest at eight per cent per annum will increase the indebtedness to the city. It is sheer nonsense to say that the taxpayers who arc able will not pay when the punishment is so severe. Under normal conditions it is a good rule to have a tax sale regularly. But when conditions are abnormal other means then confiscation must be resorted to, to carry on the business of the city. Civic business is not suffering. If necessary the Council can finance some other way. One more year of grace. The security is good. • • • The Tax Delinquency Committee What has happened to our Tax Delinquency Committee? I believe the Mayor is responsible for its creation. Is it dead or has it just been stabbed in the house of its friends and still lingering from its wounds? The writer was of the opinion from the beginning that this committee wns doomed to failure. Thc end it sought'to accomplish was selfish. The ratepayers generally may always be trusted not to transfer obligations to one set of citizens to relieve another set who were responsible for the crcotion of the debt. Because a committee has failed is no reason for inaction by the City Council. Something must be done to encourage property owners to pay their iocnl improvement tax and prevent a lot of property from falling into the hands of tbe city. Pandora and Douglas streets are not tbe only cases of grave injustice and hardship on owners. There are many others. So it is a ease not for a committee, but one for experts. I would suggest that the Council appoint an engineer nnd a financial expert to report on the whole locnl improvement situation, and to make such recommendations as they conclude to be in tho interests of the whole people. From such report the Council could then formulate a policy, and if it were necessary amendments to thc act might be secured at the next session of the Legislature, so that the whole question might be submitted to thc ratepayers for their approval. Relief must surely come to many ratepayers, but that relief must be fair to the citizens as a whole. The writer is of the opinion flint no committee of citizens, personally interested, can come to a conclusion that shall be acceptable to tho citizens generally. That is why we favor exports to deal with the situation. » • « Kcndrick Sharp Award It came as a great surprise to the City Council ancl tn the citizens who knew anything of the merits of the case, thnt Mr. Kendrick Sharp should be awarded two thousand dollars for alleged damages to his lot on Pandora street extension. In opening up this street Inst year, thc grading operations were such that it was necessary to fill in the street- for about two- thirds of the width of this lot. It is true that a portion of this property was on an average, probably, thrown about eighteen inches below the level of the street. But how the arbitrators concluded that the lot was damaged to the extent of two thousand dollars, Tlie public, I am sure, will fail to understand. Would any one of these gentlemen give that amount for the lot ? Would the lot bring that amount in the open market either last year or this year? According to what oilier properties can be purchased for, I am sure it would not. The public, generally will condemn such expenditure. If the law is bad, then it can not he removed from the statute books too soon. These arbitration proceedings have been a heart-burning to the eity for the last number of years. Is it nny wonder that Alderman Walker waxed so indignant, when the report was received ? Away with such a law! Thc funny side to the whole matter was the Mayor's attempt to blame hist year's Council, and each in turn repudiating the charge. So far as settling the claim by arbitration, what difference did it make whether it was this year's or last? None. It is whispered among the "knows" that if it were not for the Mayor the claim would have been settled for $1,000 or less, instead of $2,853.00. It is a fine tiling to have a goat. Blame the other fellow if you Can. THE CIVIC MONOCLE. THE CONTROL OF NATURAL RESOURCES THROUGH THE WOMEN'S WINDOW f There arc some good people who believe that the only way to purify thc political world is for the women to form a party of their own, nominating candidates of their own sex for office: but such a course would only add to the existing parties another great division, which would create dissension and competition between the sexes rather than co-operation for the public welfare. No faction, whether it be masculine or a purely feminine party could have a monopoly of right thoughts or good actions. Wc all carry within us the power that works for righteousness, and women of character could do much to quicken that germ which dwells in the heart of every man, by using their influence within tbe fold of the existing parties, and in this way act as a leaven to. leaven the mass, and could do much to purify the political atmosphere. The entrance of women into the political life of the nation should not mean competition with men for place and power, but co-operation with them for the betterment of human conditions. Men and women have been divided into two distinct parties quite long enough: the time has come for men and women to work unitedly and harmoniously together for the common good. ' Men have made idols of silver and gold, and because of this spirit, materialism has flourished like thc green bay tree. If women hope to purify public life they must learn to think in different terms than dollars and cents. They must lift up a spiritual standard. Humanity must now begin to learn its needs spiritually as well as materially, for the human race cannot take its next step in evolution until materialism has been overcome and thc spiritual life of mankind has been revivified into new life. God has given the key lo the solution hy opening the door to women into the larger life of the community, and much depends upon tllc way thc mass of women take up their new responsibilities, and upon the spirit which animates thc women who enter public life. If women enter their new sphere of action in the right spirit- not thc party spirit—but the spirit of service to humanity, we can hope to see a revival of .national righteousness where thc Fatherland of God and the brotherhood of man will be more fully realized and lived in our community life. Our outlook must be the welfare of thc race—the good of the community, rather than thc success of the party, and in this way we will do a wider work and a better work than if we become partisans of thc party whether right or wrong. What Canada needs today is an electorate which thinks spiritually, clear visioned ahd unafraid. This is the basis for the solution of our problems as citizens, and of any participation which we as a class may hope to have in the affairs of the country. ALICE M. CHRISTIE. When one looks over the list of the great people of this earth it seems to be a privilege to be born in poverty. "And the land shall not he sold forever."—Lev. 25:23. Is it uot a fair question to" ask, why should the twentieth chapter of Exodus be recognized as authoritive, while the twenty-fifth chapter, of Leviticus is read only to forget or to ridicule? Were not the parties to the conversations the same in both cases, and the principles enunciated of equal import? If the Levitical law was based upon the fundamental principles of truth and justice, that is, if it was the expression of natural order nnd sequence, then disaster must necessarily follow the breaking of the Levitical law, as pain, sickness, and death follow the violation of the laws governing our physical system. This truth we have not yet fully grasped. Nature is orderly and logical in all her departments, socially and nationally, as well as physically and mentally. She teaches by killing in the latter spheres, and in the former by destitution, poverty and disaster. These results are apparent around us and from these results may we not trace the causes of national disaster, as from the results of typhoid fever we trace the cause, and not only apply the remedy, but develop preventative measures which have practically obliterated the disease among our troops, so we must precede throughout all departments of human activity, and starting from poverty, destitution and disaster, trace through successive stages from effect to cause, until these social diseases shnll also fall before the application, not of curative measures, but hy the-application of the principles of sanity and economic justice, which will make such conditions ns infrequent as typhoid fever is among our troops today. It is nn old saying that we have ns much poverty, disease, crime and insanity as we desire, as much as our laziness and ignorance and indifference encourages. These social conditions which induce certain wiseacres with befoggled views to interpret falsely "the poor yc have always witli you," forgetting that it is not His will "that any of these my little ones should perish." Social disease, social unrest, poverty nnd suffering are the direct and logical result of abnormal conditions, they are caused largely by special privilege, and human selfishness whieh must be checked nnd eliminated as we would bubonic plague or typhoid fever. The statement that side by side with increasing wealth travels ever increasing poverty does not require nny additional demonstration today. Especially is thc truth of the statement apparent when we see that such increase of wealth is largely on account of tlie privnte control of natural resources, and the deprivation of the rights of many that nature intended they should enjoy. The population of Loudon pays sixteen million pounds per year for thc use of the land to those who contribute little or nothing towards making that land valuable,—to the parasitic landlord. This amount is wrung largely from the poor wage earner who too often is forced below the life line in order to secure a bare existence. Add to this its logical sequence of disease, and its associate drink with its deadening of iniative nnd debilitating consequences, and you hnve a condition that the "goody" individual in spectacles says is deserving of charitable consideration— away with your charity. Charily is society's morphine and cocaine draught whicli has but one effect,—thnt of deadening more completely nny effort towards improvement and making these people more content with their lot. Charity and charitable institutions nre monuments of social injustice—where justice exists, charity disappears. The teachings of the Hebrew law are very definite upon the question of. concentrated ownership. It- is evident that the frnmer of these laws clearly saw that unlimited privnte ownership would engraft injustice and poverty into the organization of the state, and thnt social justice and economic freedom were incompatible with the seizure of the lnnd by the strong. Those who joined house to house and land to lnnd were denounced because in this act their hands were red with the blood of those they had dispossessed. The denunciation of monopolists, usurers, loan and mortgage sharks by the reformed preacher of Galilee was an. indication of tho recognition of the principles stated by the early Hebrew leaders who saw in the denial of inherent individual right the beginnings of social clevage and the formation of two groups, the ono rich and powerful, thc other poor and dependent, encouraging social strife and hatred and the development of conditions contrary to the ideal of IKlifilffiUffillSK DAVID SPENCER, LTD. %&§mWRm&8 | These Smart Business Suits for Men and Young Men $18.00 Exceed anything we have seen in the Clothing Market at the Price. The Quality of the Fabrics The Superior Workmanship The Smart Styles-Proclaim them Remarkable Values They are tailored from Imported Tweeds and Worsteds in a large variety of light and dark patterns, including the new stripes, neat checks and mixtures. There's the three-button, soft roll collar or the more conservative type, and the pants are finished straight or with cuffs. Faultlessly tailored and fit guaranteed. A Real Business Suit at a Popular Price $18.00 We are now showing all the New Styles and Materials in BOYS' WASH SUITS, PRICED AT $ 1.25, $ 1.50, $ 1.75 TO $3.50 Also Boys' Straw and Beach Hats—All Prices -Clothing, Main Floor. mBSSBB&B&m DAVID SPENCER, LTD. .ffiiHSZRIi I! brotherhood. "History confirms the prophets and justifies Jesus." Extreme concentration of . wealth .has nlways been inimical to any system of government. Rome collapsed where the common rights in land were abolished. In the development of private ownership as against communal rights the results feared by the Hebrew writers and by the early Christian teachers hnve followed, and this struggle for private ownership of natural resources has resulted in corruption, hatred, strife, and P. G. E. scandals. Today the institution of free government is jeopardized because of the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of n few. And those of us who, while wc read the past, stand with our faces towards the future, can read in the rays of the rising sun of the new democracy these prophetic words—"the nationalization of the land." How can we begin? one naturally asks—if out of the garbage can of Ihe P. G. E. scandal can come the punishment of thieves, the degradation of corrupt politicians, nnd the public ownership of a railway, is thero not hope loft? Even if there be but one "honest John" left in B. C, should wo not tnke courage while we keep our hands close upon the Provincial pocket book and turn the searchlight upon those whose stock in trade are "ways that are dark and tricks that are vain." ERNEST A. HALL, M.D. CANADIAN NORTHERN RAILWAY TRANSCONTINENTAL THE LOWEST POSSIBLE PASSENGER FARES TO EASTERN DESTINATIONS Modern Equipment—Courteous Attendance Travel Comfort Consult Our Nearest Agent or Write DISTRICT PASSENGER AGENT, 60S HASTINGS W., VANCOUVER. Telephone Seymour 2482 "Arc you going to the fancy dress ball tomorrow night, Gladys?" "I'd love to, but I haven't a thing to wear." "All the better; that will prevent you from being conspicuous." DEAF PEOPLE DEAFNESS AND NOISES IN THE HEAD can now be most certainly cured by the newly discovered "French Orlene." This new remedy goes right to the actual seat of the trouble, and effects a complete and lasting cure in a few days. One box is ample to cure any ordinary case, and has given almost immediate relief in hundreds of cases which had been considered "hopeless." Mr. D. Borthwlck, of Dalbeattie, N.B., writes: "Your new remedy, which I received from you some time ago, HAS COMPLETELY CURED MY HEARING, AFTER MORE THAN TWENTY YEARS' DEAFNESS. I will be pleased to recommend it to all my friends.' Scores of other equally good reports. Try ono box today, which can be forwarded securely packed and postpaid to any address upon the receipt of postal order for $1, There is nothing better at any price. Address: "ORLENE" CO., H. T. RICHARDS, WATLINQ STREET, DARTFORD, KENT, ENGLAND. Please mention this paper. NOTICE! m- m Having moved to more commodious premises (rendered necessary by the large increase in my business) I have now ample room in which to display cloths, etc. You are invited to inspect a choice selection of new Spring goods, including Donegals, Serges and Tweeds. Come—you will not be importuned to buy. » m H. H. BROWN Late of Jay's Oxford Circus, Society's Tailor Graduate of London Academy 730 FORT STREET TELEPHONE 1817 W. J. WRIOLESWORTH A Splendid Selection of Fresh and Smoked Fish 661 Johnson Street Telephone 661. THE BOOKLOVERS' LIBRARY. Campbell Block, Fort St., has all the latest English Books.
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Victoria (B.C.)
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Victoria : "The Week" Publishing Company, Limited
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BC Historical Newspapers
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