The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1901-05-07

to young Grant that there must be
some hundreds in the pack. Judging
from the noise they made. But ne
wanted to appear brave so he answered
the question Of his companion, How
nanv wolves do you suppose there are
in that pack?' by saying. ooh, about
twenty But 10 his surprise he found
there were Just two. which by putting
their mouths together had made all
that howl. leave you to draw the
analogy. | will simply say that so far
as this church Is concerned we shall
try and keep our doors open and shall
continue 70 do business at the same old
stand for few weeks yet. And not
withst3nding this great howl as 10 the
financial loss to this church by this
multitude who do hereby withdraw
their support, this pulpit remains un-
trammeled and will continue to de-
nounce sin, crime and inlquity when
ever the occasion seems to demand t.
''As long as the pastorite Of this
church remains unchanged we shall an
sist that there Is one spot in Astoria
where there shall be unfettErei freedom
Of speech. Let me call your attention to
another statement, Whereas the liquor
dealers contribute over $4,000 a year
in licenses TO the city government" Now
il that statement stopped there
should not say what I am about to
say, and that is this: 1T is not enough
that these men are sels-c11sess..i law
breakers. but they glory In the fact
and boast of 1t as though II were a
commendable thing in the eyes Of the
publ!c-for they say and over sStGe is
annually received from Zines ard for
feitures.' Now what do those fines and
forfeitures mean. II not that there Is
a law forbidding these things. and
these men have violated that law and
this city is imposing and accepting
these fines and forfeitures?
"As long as that record stands against
them these men-whatever may be
their private characters-must stand
before this community as self-confessed
law-breakers. Now. don't you for one
moment think that these men are so
patriotic and concerned for the finan-
cial welfare OF this city as to periodical
ly appear before our police judge and
pay a fine il they have not violated
law. See how they have hustled in the
last few days TO keep from paying a
fine. Dr. Parkhurst was right when
he said The wicked fieeth when none
pursueth, but they make better time
when a man gets after them.'
But these fines and forfeitures are
necessary for the running expenses
of the city. I ask why? And every,
taxpayer in the city has a right TO ask
why? Notwithstanding our high tax
and the $4,000 received annually for
licenses and fines we have been running
behind until we have reached the limit
of our Indebtedness.
Now want you to notice that this
condition of affairs is not due to any
prodigal expenditure Of the public mon
ey for public buildings or public inn
provements. We have no parks. We
have not a city building save the post
office worthy the name. Our city hall
is an eye-sore to the loyal citizen. Our
court house is altogether out of har-
mony with tn dignity we try to main
tain before the world. Why then this
indebtedness? One man tells me that
ii is because nearly all the present
and a large per cent of public money
Is spent for that which brings no re-
turns. Think of it! Our entire NUM-
ciDal government. together with all the
law breawkers. gloating over the fact
that criminal acts to the value Of $4,000.
have been committed. If that Is not
corruption and infamy, where will
you find It?
'But that is only one side of the led
ger. want you to look at the other
side. What an uninviting picture for
homeseekers and settlers"