New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-06-24
SAN FRANCISCO.
LARGE FIRES-IIPORTATlON OF OPIUM
THE GLENN MURDER-THE CROPS OF
OREGON
IBY TELEGRAPH TO THE rRInUNE.l

lBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUHE.l
SAN FRANCISCO. June 23.-Fires have been con-
tagious on the coast during the week. Every day
of the season sees large number, but
this year has been exceptional in heavy
losses to country towns. The business parts
of Fresno and San MateO were burned
out this'week and minor losses were reported IN
half dozen towns while herO tho fire burned
cheep dry structure containing one of the largest
dry-goods stores in the town, owned by man who
recently remodelled the old building instead of
erecting new fireproof one. The result was heavy
insurance rates and losses of nearly half million
to himself and tenants. Such flimsy buildings make
San Francisco peculiarly liable to fire,
and it is almost miracle that great
confagrations which sweep the city in early days
have not been repeated.
Two adventures known as the Smallmans,
who attempted to blackmail Bonanza" Aackey
about five years agp and were sent to
San Quentin By his prompt prosecution, were dis
charged this week. II was a celebrated case. owing
TO the beauty Of the woman, who bore he
name of Amelia HodglOn, and the cavalier
rascality of the man. whose full name
was William Henry Maginus. The Smaliman
pair were the cleyerest stock swindlers ever seen
here Their last exploit was the cheating of man
named Cooper out of $4,000. by pretending they
had points from Mackey. Amelia was vouptuous
and her charms freely used to cnsnire victims
who resisted William Henrg's persuasive eloquence
The woman is said to have hal some relations with
Aiackey and counted on his silence. On the con
trary he furnished the coin for the prosecution aud
efectually put an end to similar operations In this
city.
Every Oriental steamer brings in about quarter
of million in opium. aud as none goes East 1t Is
estimated that the stock on hand by July /,
when the advance IN the duty goes into elect VIII
be four millions All the Chinese dealers carry big
stocks but the bulk this opium in tle banks the
bankers regard it as all good and loan three
quarters of its value on il. Not less than
50 oOo, 900 in opium, IN neat Foreground boxes
is now IN local bank vaults. The Chinese put no
faith in warehouses, as they fear tampenug with
opium.
BY court decision the Spring Valley Water Com
pany paid this week 100000 "a delinquent
taxes. This windfall spreads JOY among once
holders punched by financial stringency. This with
appropriations which can be drawn July rcviYes
local politicians.
The gas company have replaced lanterns on
lamp posts, aud next month the streets that
have been dark for three months VIII once
more be Illuminated. Another source Of
CORPORATION franchises. There has been an advance
of five millions over last year. In many cases tho
arbitrary assessments were levied because OF tie
failure of valuable franchises.
jury was finally obtained in the Glenn
murder trial at Colusa. IL was Work
of much difficulty. owing to the
strong feeling in the community over the
murder of she great wheat grower and ranchman
and the desire to escape jury duty. Officers chased
some farmers for miles in an attempt to serve sub
ponas The case promises sensational develop
ments as a woman was the motive OF the crime.
Reports from mapy quarters of Oregon show that
wheat is seriously injured by the drOuth. Lack OF
| rain has already reduced the crop by one-quarter.
Tlack-laying on the Oregon extension OF the
Central Pacific is now going on at the rate OF
one-ouarter of a mile daily 10 Is proposed TO pat.
| dining cars on the Central and Southern Pacific
trains which will DO much to remove the worst OBJ
| lection TO q transcontinental tip-barbaTlc
meals at stations on the plains. reduction OF
fifteen hours in the time between Omaha and this
city ought 10 increase travel TO the far West big
reduction was made this year on rates to watering
places and other resorts Round trip tickets TO the
Yosemite from San Francisco are now sold at $50
| Three years ago they cost $5S.