New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-03-17
ON THE PACIFIC SLOPE.
The Case of abraham Ruef Finally
Forced to Trial.

san Francisco, March l6.-Ihe 1OrHnaI DeSlH-
ming Of the trial of Abraham Ruef for alleged
extortion was only reached this week after days
of fighting over techncalities Ruef's lawyers
exhausted every trick and device to secure de-
lay, even obtaining writ of error to the United
States Supreme Court from Judge Hebbard, who
is said not to have been in condition to near
evidence in any case. Through the firmness OF
Judge Dunno, of the Superior Court. the case
was forced to trial. with the defendant con-
testing every step The state Supreme Court ana
the United States Circuit and District courts
were called upon to pass various phases OF
the case, and finally, when Ruef saw that further
delay could not be obtained. he went into hid
ing counting on the friendly Sheriff to escape
arrest. Both the Sheriff and the coroner were
appealed to by Prosecutor Heney to arrest
Ruef. but when they failed special officer was
appointed. and he, with Detective Burns, sue
ceeded in arresting Ruef three hours after the
warrant was delivered TO him
The annual report of the Oceanic Steamship
Company this week will not prove pleasant read
ing for holders of it's bonds or stock. The loss
of the New Zealand mail contract and the fall-
of the subsidy bill in Congress forced the
abandonment of the service to Australia. 1t Is
probable that the Oceanic steamers viii be
bought by japanese company. The Oceanic
Honolulu service may also he abandoned. The
draft with j. D. Spreckels & Co. is said 10
he S1S77119. The company probably will de-
fault in the interest of S2,4O0O00 in bonds held
throughout the country. 1t is regretted that the
Australian service should be discontinued, as
most travellers from the AntpOdes preferred II
the longer and more tedious PenlnSuIar ana
Oriental route. and it brought much trade 10
San Francisco.
The directors of the Northwestern Pacific
Railroad have authorized bond issue Of $780,
100000. This is the new railroad corporation
formed by the consolidation of four small rail-
roads running from Tiburon and Sausalito
across the bay from San Francisco. into the
Redwood country above Duncan's Mills. IN
Sonomana County The new corporation is
building lines which will give it through rail
connection from Eureka. Humboldt County. 70
San Francisco The total capital of these snall
railroads is only $4,000 and the estimated cost
OF completion Of the unfinished road Is SI""V'-
600 vet the total capitalization at the merger
will be $7OOOOOOO The Southern Pacific ana
Santa Fe are in control. and finance the road.
The First National Bank will erect a twelve
story Glass A building on the northwest corner
Of Montgomery and Post streets, to cost 100000
permit has been applied for but the height
-1S2 feet xceeds the present ordinance which
limits height TO one and half times the width
Of the street, the application may be denied
There is general demand for modification of
this ordinance which was adopted just after the
fire II is impossible 10 get revenue out Of
Class A buildings constructed under the present
ordinance any street except Market street.
Work has been begun on excavation for the
foundation OF the Phelan block AT Market
and O'Farrel streets. The building will be an
eleven story Glass structure. with ground
floor devoted 10 stores and upper floors To Of
fees
The decision this week that the Belt railroad
he extended across Market street TO the south
means much to the merchants.in the rapidly de-
velopiug district south of Market street. The
cars will be moved across Market street at
night for the present, but with the growth Of
the city the tracks probably VIII he depressed
below the street level.
Jesse Sheldon Potter is young man who has
had a vivid illustration of the way legal pro-
ceedIngs dvvour big estates. He was one %
the heirs 81 Mrs. Miranda Lux. widow Of the
wealthy cattle grower and head of the firm Of
Lux & Miller. He sued ten years ago for $197.-
667 due him under Mrs Luxs will The trus-
tees fees absorbed half of this and court ex-
penses the remainder, that only 1881 Is left
10 him.
The San Joaquin Valley Western Railroad. in
corporated this week IS to furnish an outlet for
oil fruit and rasins 10 the ocean and thus
establish closer connection with san Francisco
Independent OF the Southern Pacific and Santa
Re. The incorporators include many Of the
leading capitalists Of Fresno Hanford and Santa
Barbara. The road will run from Fresno TO
Mendoza thence through Tres Pinos Houster
10 Chittendcn. in Santa cruz County. and then
70 jacksonville. There IL will meet the ocean
shore railway and thus have connection with
San Francisco.