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6 THEY ASK FOR JUSTICE Representations of Home Telephone Directors ANY UNFAIR DISCRIMINATION MIGHT THROTTLE A NEW AND INVALUABLE ENTERPRISE A Very Large Outlay of Capital, Cal culated to Save Telephone Users $100,000 Annually F. W. Braun, president of the Hom< Telephone company, in an Interview with a Herald reporter yesterday, said "The Home Telephone company Is £ corporation properly organized undei the laws of the state of California; s close corporation made up of well known local business men who have, during tho past eight or ten years, made a recorj for themselves, locally and abroad, to which each and every one of them feel that they can refer with pride. "The enterprise of developing and building a competing telephone system which will knit together closely all tho business communities in Southern Cali fornia. Is one which has been most heart ily welcomed by the business men in every section where the proposition has been placed before the public, thus In dicating that the people at large ar? anxious to assist in bringing into this end of the state improved and cheap ened telephone service. "After a most exhaustive series of investigations we satisfied ourselves that a telephone system uniting all the business communities of Southern Cali fornia can be constructed that will ren der service satisfactory to all parties at rates very much below the rates now charged by the Sunset Telephone com pany, and at the same time produce satisfactory returns for the investors. "The rates named by the Home Tele phone company, and which have proved attractive to the users of telephones, as is evidenced by the fact that our com pany has thus far signed contracts from a/bout 1400 telephone users in this city, which contracts cover telephone service over a period of three years, will make a net saving to the telephone users of Los Angeles of from $80,000 to $100,000 per year. "The preliminary work has been pros ecuted with vigor In all of the towns of Southern California outside of Los An geies. and the number of contracts book ed show that we have as large a ratio of contracts in the outside communi ties as we have secured in the city, and while It is our intention to start the work of construction in Los Angeles, we aim to do construction work throughout all of Southern Cali fornia simultaneously if at all feas ible, thus endeavoring to complete the Southern California system and enable the different communities to converse with each other in the shortest possible time. "Some opposition has been encounter ed from various directions, not wholly unexpected, and the apparently hostile position of the city council in Insisting upon the granting of a franchise with out any pole privileges whatsoever in what is termed the 'conduit area." or if pole privileges are granted to hamper the franchise with a clause that will compel the Home Telephone company to put its wires underground within twelve months, is an obstacle w nidi we had not calculated upon. We certainly expecte l to be granted equal privileges with oth ers doing business in the community, but at the very beginning, recognizing the fact that many property owners-an j business men objected to the continued Increase in the number of unsightly poles on business streets, we arranged our plans and specifications for a con duit system on the leading business streets of the city, and asked privileges only for a very limited number of poles, the least that ii was possible to get alon;; with, viz: Six to Ihe four sides of eacil block so distributed as to place only two poles on each long side of the block and one on each short side of the block. These six poles we deem absolutely necessary for the proper distribution of the wires and to secure the necessary telephone service for the business houses. While it Is our intention In time to have a strictly underground system throughout the business portion of the city, it is at present not feasible ticable, as can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the most critical investi gator. All that we ask is> that the council give u» the, opportunity to do business, on an equal footing with others already In the field, but at th- same time we do not as*k for unlimited p"le privileges: and. further, we are willing to take our chances on putting wires underground simultaneously with the placing un derground of all other overhead wires." A. B. CASS. A. B. Cats, vice president of the Home Telephone company, was also Inter viewed, and s«id: "There seems to be a misapprehen sion in the minds of the public as to what the Home Telephone company wants as to the pole proposition. We expect to use a conduit down either Broadwajf, Main or Spring, ar.d branch down the side streets, as our drawings submitted to the board of pubit works will show, simply using poles to take the wires out of the ground, and distrlb uting them to the various buildings in the block, and not currying a continu ous line of w ire along the streets. "The rounoil, It seems 10 me. has been misled, ar.d while we believe them hon est in their convictions', we hardly see how they c an think it consistent to say the 'Sunset' pc ople cannot afford to cut their rates and make it pay. and in le3« than two weeks refuse a company of responsible home business men a fraiK-hlse, who offer to cut the rales in two and save the two thousand sub scribers to telephones In this city an average of $3 per month, or SVJ.OOO per 3 ear on the total two thousand now 111 use. The new company has fourt. in hundred %utis<ribcrs among the best people of the .-Sty, and will have twen ty-five hundred before ihe system i completed. This fact we think In Itself the greater of petitions', and an appeal which the council should recognise. We believe the council is not only doing us a great injustice, but a greater wrong to two thousanei' of the best taxpayers by Imposing a burden on them greater in proportion than any other tax they pay, and to say the opposition, we re ceived freim them was a surprise does not express It. 'Consistency, thou art a Jewel.' "If the council will put us on an equal basis with the Sunset people, we will spend at least half a million dollars, and give Southern California the best equip ped and most modern telephone system in the world." LOUIS F. VETTER. I Louis F. Vetter, secretary of the new company, expressed his views to a Her ald reporter as follows: "I must confess that I am totally sur prised at the attitude of the city coun cil regarding the granting of a fran chise to the Home Telephone company. "The men comprising the Home Tele phone company are among our leading and most successful citizens, and l they have launched thl* enterprise after a careful and intelligent Investigation. "I heartily agree that the pole and overhead) wire nuisance has become al most unbearable In this city, but I also contend that when a literal enforcement of an ordlnar.ee compelling ar. absolute riddan.ee of same has the effect of throttling a new- enterprise contem plating the expenditure of some $500,000. and regulating the conduct of a cinch monopoly by competition In rates and services, the agitation is ill-timed. "It seems to me that It would be bet ter to begin in the matter on more mod erate lir.es, as suggested in our applica tion for franchise, wherein we orly ask permission to erect six poles within the curbstone boundaries of any one block. We require these poles' for coming up out of the grourd from our conduit system for distributing to customers, and not for stringing wires along the streets. If the city blocks were provided witji al leys we would r.otmsk for any pole privi leges on the streets. Or If the streets were lined with buildings having base ments, it would be different To illus trate: The eastern side of Broadway, between First and Second l streets, af fords territory for some thirty 'phones, yet there Is not a basement available for the Installation of an Instrument; sup posing the Home Telephor- company ls required, to remain under ground; the difference in facility and cxperse of wir ing for a telephone would be that of burrowing underground and overcom ing objection* of property owners as against the Sunset company's, slmply havtrg to run a w ire from the top of a pole." in my opinion, the pole and wire nuisance will become more aggravated than It is at present before It will be made better, and it is not fair, in the meantime, to discriminate In favor of an existing monopoly. "In our canvass for telephone sub scribers, we have obtained a better idea of the situation than can be claimed by those who are less Interested, and we make bold to state that there Is a cry ing necessity for a cheaper and improved telephone service. "There Is a great movement In the di rection of independent telephone com panies throughout the country, and a careful noting of Information that reaches' us from all sources is convinc ing to the end that competition in this important branch of public service is productive of gotxl results to a commun ity enjoying the same. "Finally. I want to say. as a man who has the Interest of Los Angeles thor oughly at heart, that I do not think that at the present time, when we appear to be on the eve of a gr-at era of prosper ity and the consummation of immense undertakings, any obstacle should be placed in the way of progrese." STUART'S BAG OF GOLD Lost a Valuable Valise Which Was Found by a Hack Driver A story was current yesterday that Dan Stuart, the prize fight promoter, who left the city Tuesday evening after a flying visit, had while here lost a valise containing $7,000 in gold coin which had' been recovered and sent to him at Dallas. Tex. Owing to a misun i demanding Stuart was late in leaving , the Hollenbeck hotel, w here he had been stopping, and went to the depot in a hack driven by William McGehon. Stuart had a number of traps, includ ing a small valise. In which was no less a sum than $7,000 In gold. When he reached the depot Stuart told the hotel runner to take the valise and traps Into the Pullman and went to attend to hav ing his baggage checked. The runner loaded his arms with the heavier bags, and forgot all about the little valise con taining the gold, and went away leaving this lying on theseat in the hack. Stuart, supposing that his money and all had been put on the train, boarded the cars for home. McGehon noticed the little satchel w hen he closed the door of his vehicle and picked it up. From Its weight he felt sure Its contents must be valuable, so returned It to the hotel, as the train had already gone. Stuart discovered his loss during the night, for he telegraphed the hotel men. who replied assuring him that his money was all right ar.d would be Immediately forwarded by express. Fisk-Craig At the residence of the bride's parents in Court Circle, at 11 oclock yesterday. Rev. Dr. J. K. Fowler united In mar riage Charles H. Fisk and Mis? Margaret L. Craig, In the presence of a limited company of relatives an.l friends. A generous wedding collation followed the congratulations, after which the bridal couple started for a few days' out ing at Mount Lowe. Mr. Fisk has. be°n a resident of this city several years and has established an enviable reputation for industry and integrity. He has been for some time night clerk at the South ern Pacific depot. He i«i the second young man to find a coveted life partner in this home within a few months. Mr. and Mrs. Fisk are to be at home at P6S Court Circle. Cut by a Broken Flue While at work taking the flue-s from an old boiler at the Llewellyn Iron works yesterday shortly after noun Donald McNeish, a mar-hiniPt, cut his le ft wrist severely on the ragged end of one of the tubes. He came to the receiving hos pital, where a couple "f stitches were taken, the wrist banriuged, and Me- Nc-iPh discharged. He is a youth of 19. arid resides at 104 Geary street, East Los Angeles. PERSONALS S. F. Sears of Boston Is at the West minster. Henry J. Rogers of San Francisco is at the Hollenbeck. R. G. Bor.estell of the California Jew elry company, Is at the Hollenbeck. Sir William ar.d Lady Booker of Lon don have apartment? at the Van Nuys. Cave J. Couts, a well known mining I man of San Diego, Is at the Hollenbeck. Mrs. Leopold Mors- of Bos-ton. wife of Congressman Mors:.- of Massachu j setts arrived on the Sunset limited last night and are at the Westminster. A. J. Moore ai.d Leioy Taylor of New York are at the Hollenbeck. They oh n a grove at Corona, and art looking after their Interests there. R. M. McMillan. W. McCall and W K. Moffatt, thr. c young gentlemen from j Scotland who are touring the western i continent, arrived on the Sunset limited last night and'are at the Westminster. I It. G. L?jnn, publisher of Uunn & Go's commercial agency, is agt.ii: at the Van Nuys'. after a two week*'absence, »h!c,h was spent at Santa Barbara. He is-ac companied by his wife and Mrs-. W. A. fturker of New York. The Hindu theosophist. the Hrahma charin, has returned from a two weeks' retreat in Santa Monica canyon, where he has been in absolute seclusion. He begins another course of lectures at the Masonic temple; on Sunday evening. The following are late arrivals at the Redondo hotel: Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Watson. San Francisco; Mr*. W. Ker- ' shaw. Germantown, Pa.; F. Yon Guy- I smllch, Chicago; Mr. and Mrs. M. Dods- I went, Azusa;; Mrs. C. W. Lefflngwe-11. ! Miss Hortense Leftingwell, Miss Ger trude Lefflngwell, Knoxville, 111. ' LOS ANGELES HERALD: THURSDAY MORNING, MARCH 25, 1897 SPRING STYLES The People's Store At tracts Great Crowds THE EFFECTIVE DECORATIONS GRAND DISPLAY OF ALL LINES OF GOODS Novelties in All Departments—Beau tiful Presents Given Today—Mu sic by 7th Begiment Band The brilliant and quite spectacular opening at the People's store lara night drew an Immense crowd, rendering Spring street almost impassable for a block or more. The brilliantly lighted windows were arranged with an eye to the most pronounced effects, ar.d were in sharp contrast of color and design. The brfath of spring made Itself felt in the window? by lavender and white, with Just a suggestion of a black back ground. This window was. devoted en tirely to footwear, and the "satin shoon" attracted hos>ts of passers by. But the window devoted to millinery displayed a touch of art seldom seen In Street displays.. It was a cerlpe win dow, and .'haded from deep red up to the palest cloudy pink and back again, running through c very tone of the gamut in Its- harmonies. The first color of the season was red, and red it still stays. All the color ef fects of this new ar.d beautiful cerise were shown In pattern hats; hats in chiffon. In mouss.e'ine de sole, hats of picturesque red straws, unusually wide, prodigal with flowers, reminding one of old English engravings and of midsum mer holiday*. But after one passed the window? and •ntered the grand store one quite forgot the beautiful frontispiece in the biaze of electric lights and profuse flow er dec oration. An immense flower bell w as suspended A SCENE IN THE PEOPLES STORF over the main entrance, upon which blossomed thousands of carnations up on a smilax background. The effects of the smilax and carnations were repeated down each able ar.d through each eie paitment in long wreaths and garland.: that outlined the beautiful goods dis played on every side. Thousands of car nations and luvis-h smilax backgrounds were used, with hundreds of Japanese lanterns that hur.g at every available point, and added immensely to the decorative effects. FASHIONABLE DRESS GOODS. The new dve?s> goods displayed last night found hosts of admirers. Tiiere were many odd devices' ar.d patterns, suggesting broad wave marks and sub marine vegetation. The black ge>ods at tracted first attention: beautiful bead ed fish net. figured wool grenadines, silk ar.d wool mohair, hop sacking, and also beautiful chargeable moire and taffeta silks, not only in black, but in the new heliotrope, cerise and other fashionable colors, were displayed. Silks are this s tson characterized by softness; the moire antiques, hitherto able to "stand alone." are now very flexible. All the wool filling in the moire velours, poplins, bengallnes and the new taffetas are soft, and fjme of them i xceedlngly lustrous, while many of the changeable watered silk" bear invisible stripes and plaids. Bengalinec were shown both plain and brocaded. Many of the brocades dis played beautiful irregular designs, ara besques, zigzag lines and watered ef fects. Grenadine canvas figures w ere among •he woolen novelties. In some of the black grenadines; red. blue or other col orrd threads were twisted and knotted in ard out of the canvas meshes. The two-toned etamlne was l shown in many stylish weaves. One beautiful novelty displayed l was the sangller cloth, an e>ptn. fluffy canvas weave, with an under surface of contrasting color. Vi olet, or red, or blue, breaking through a black surface, the two-toned effects be ing especially new and harmonious. in the foulards, scrolls', satin bars and plaid effects were t'hown in high colors. MILLINERY All the spring creations in millinery displayed high colors. Lace, tulle and all sorts of diaphanous textiles t\rc used this season, very fancy and very bright lun d. Many of the hats shown had high contrasts between crown and brim. One pattern hat was of black fancy straw with shaded pink roses filling in the crown, black tulle draped full over the brim ar.d at the side- a blai k paradise ai grette was sustained by a chou of tulle. Another striking pattern bonnet was of cerise chiffon entirely covered with ripe cherries. Uncommonly smart was one with a spangled and Jeweled crown, with erect loops of cardinal taffeta ribbon caught with Rhine stones. Two full black and white aigrettes were on the left side. Against the right side were masses of pink roses. There w ere Leghorn hats and fancy corn straws ,and Nile green tulle and many very beautiful combinations, most profusely trimmed and with a fine display of color effects. NOTIONS Bolero, bodices and other accessories fashioned from renaissance lace were displayed. Net top, point Venice, point applique, Valenciennes and Mechlin laces were among the novelties much admired. There were silk and linen batiste em broideries, fine mull embroideries and fancy stock collars, in sheer linen, or In chiffon, with ribbon In folds or loops, or made with gauffered frills, all new and chic, and very attractive. Large and small dotted veils In cerise or the new heliotrope dots were among the spring novelties. There were all sorts of fancy ruche collars, made of rows and rows of mous sellne de soire or chiffon or taffeta silk. The round or square capes In these fleecy fabrics are very becoming to all styles. PARASOLS The parasols w ere simply dreams. One in rich yellow silk had deep black chiffon pleated ruffles, with beaded fans of black chiffon ornamenting the brim. Another was a deep heliotrope, and still another In pale blue with white chiffon ruffles looked like an inverted morning glory. CLOAKS AND SUITS Charming English Melton Jackets were in this department—single breasted, roll ing collars, box fronts. One In green Kersey, double breasted, with carved buttons, w as much admired. Green Eng lish Meltons were also displayed. Some pretty suits In cloth with slashed col lars, handsomely embroidered and braid ed, were among the new styles. Many of the skirts were trimmed in fancy braids, cuffs and collars of velvet, sllk-llnod Jackets and the new sleeves gave many new Ideas to the uninitiated In the con stant changes made by fashion. While the crowd admired the goods the Seventh regiment band discoursed sweet music, both Inspiring and delightful. Many beautiful presents were given away, as Is the custom at the openings In this establishment. j PIGEON THIEVES CONVICTED ' Two Boys Who Stole a Lot of Valu able Fancy Birds For the theft of nine homing pigeons. of the value of $25. from the loft of John Zens, of 526 Banning street. John Cun ningham, a colored boy about 16 years old, and Mike Miller, a white lad a year or two-younger, were yesterday af ternoon on trial in the police court. Cun ningham was captured on Tuesday af ternoon and confessed that he had stolen the birds, being aided by the Miller boy. The latter was accordingly arrested yesterday morning at his home on First street by Officer Long. When arraigned In court Cunningham entered a plea of guilty, but Miller de nied his guilt and stood trial, ll was. however, shown by the testimony that he had located the pigeons and told Cunningham where the loft was sit uated. While the negro boy was inside stealing the birds Mike stayed on the fence outside and watched. They got eleven birds altogether, which were di vided between them. Two of them had been sold to unknown parties, but the remainder were produced in court in the cage in which they were brought to a commission store and offered for sale. Zens positively identified his birdls and even offered to release them from the courtroom windows, guaranteeing that within an hour they would a* be found at home in his loft. At the conclusion of the testimony both boys were re manded and will come up this afternoon at 1:30 for passing of sentence. AT THE THEATERS The sale of seats at the Los Angeles theater opens this morning for "The Foundling." in which Cissy Fitzgerald will appear next Tuesday and Wednes day evenings. Harry Corson Clarke Is drawing big houses at the Burbank In "All the Com forts cf Home." The piece is now going quite smoothly, and Is well worth a visit from those who want a good laugh. The swimming tank performance at the Orpheum divides the honors with the vaudeville numbers that go before it. Free Methodists The Los Angeles district of the Free Methodist church will hold a Sabbath school convention at their church on East Sixth street near Crocker, com mencing today at 10 a. m. There w ill also be an afternoon session and even ing sessions commencing at 2 and 7:30 p. m. The Ministerial association con venes at 9a. m. tomorrow. An interest ing program is arranged for both. Min isters and delegates will be in atten dance from ail the churches in the dis trict. Caught in the Sprocket Benjamin G. Buck, a contractor who Uvea on Railroad avenue, while clean ing a bievcle yesterday afternoon.caught one of his- fingers between the chain and sprocket wheel, badly mangling it. Hi came to the receiving hospital, w here a couple of stitches were taken and the finger was dressed. I "HAHOOANY KID <J0 SO. SPRING ST. W j CHOCOLATE KID Sign Brass Feet 1 Our new Shoes for sprin? are in and as usual you > virion" In the Sidewalk V will find the latest styles here. We pride ourselves y J^_^L See Our Show Windows for Price on the selection and fit we can give you. See Our Show Windows for Price LOCAL TRAFFIC Extensive Improvements at Catalina Island CONTRACTORS ARE FIGURING ON FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS OF SAN PEDRO HARBOR Southern Pacific's Last Annexation. Railroad Men From All Parts in tho City The Banning company are anticipat ing a larger passenger business to Cata lina Island the coming season than ever before. Mr. Hancock Banning. In speak ing to a Herald reporter last evening, said: "Yes, we are making arrange ments for a big business at our summer resort this summer because this early In the season there are Indications' that there Will be a larger number of people there than any time previous and If you would see the number of applications for stores, cottages, etc., that come in daily, you would think that there are others who expect many visitors there. Every available business room on the island has been rented to responsible business men of Los Angeles and many of the cottages and lod'glng houses have been engaged If the demand continues we will be compelled to build more. The first of next month over one hundred men will go over to the island to com mence work on the annex to the Hotel Metropoh?. There will be thirty-six rooms added, and the ball room, when completed, will be larger than that of the Hotel Del Monte. In one end of this large room we will have a stage. Yes terday we let the contract for the build ing of a wagon roar? to Eagle camp In the middle ranch. This place has here tofore been reached only on saddle horses. This roael Improvement alone will cost us almost $20,000. Our trans portation facilities will be improved so we can carry fifteen hundred people dai ly to the Island if the occasion demands it. The Catalina band will be better this year than heretofore and first class mu sic is assured. We propose to inaugu rate some new features in the way of entertainment at our resort and I am confident that a more desirable plac ■ for rest, pleasure and recreation will not be found in the world." * • • *■ W. B. Niskern. general passenger agent for the Chicago and Northwestern railroad, who has been In the city since Monday, left last night for Chicago. Mr. Niskern was here on a vacation trip and was delighted with his stay In Southern California. "I have been surprised at the progres slver.ess of your city, and in fact all the western cities." he said yesterday, while talking to a reporter. "I do not know t>f a single city In the east of the same size where there is an equal amount of business activity apparent." Then Mr. Niskern fell to discussing business conditions in the east. "We all feel hopeful of seeing better times In the near future," he said. "For my own part I am very sanguine. On leaving Chicago three weeks ago It was plain that all the Indications pointed to an early revival of business. The railroads were doing more than at any time in months, and this may be taken as a pretty good index to general busi ness conditions." • • • The contemplated purchase of the Gal veston, Laporte ar.d Houston railway by the Southern Pacific company has been an interesting topic for discussion among railroad officials both In Los An geles and San Francisco for two weeks past and since the arrival of President Huntington in this city yesterday more concerning the proposed deal has been learned. A representative of The Her ald was informed last evening by one who knows that Mr. Huntington offered one million for the roadway. The offer was recently considered at a Joint meet ing of the creditors and stockholcers Of the road In Houston, and It was agreed to accept. Two absent creditors whose claims amount to 1160,000 do not approve of the sale. It is thought, however, that they w ill be placated and that the G. L. & H. road will be absorbed by the South ern Pacific at an early date. The La Porte road which is now in the hands of receivers, is fifty miles long, extends from Galveston to Houston and has excellent terminal facilities at both cit ies. This road purchased would give the Southern Pacific system the outlet at Galveston which has long been sought by President Huntington. In that event a large amount of the trans-continental business of the latter road would iio d - verted to the "Island City." It is said the two objecting creditors hold bonds and receivers' certificates of the road and they want dollar for dollar. Tncy say they could not get this if the propo sition was accepted. They claim that the million dollars' worth of 4 per cent bonds which Mr. Huntington off SI'S would not be sufficient to pay the Ind ?bt eelness. The Herald's Informant, how ever, Is of the opinion that the deal will be consummated before the president returns to New York, as he Is himself particularly Interested In this new pro ject, as he says there Is a bright pros pect for Galveston to soon become the leading entry port on the southern coast. Mr. Huntington is so deeply in terested In the purchase of this small road that he Is In daily telegraphic com munication with his representatives at Houston. * « * R. C. T'd'ell. who is connected with the pass r ill iiartment of the Milwaukee Railroad company, arrived' In the city yesterday from Milwaukee. Wis.: •'Tralflc over our lines in South Dakota the week before last was entirely aban doned on account of the worst snow storm in twenty years. The mails were blocked for nearly one week and post masters in several towns were Instruct ed by Superintendent Barclay, of St. Paul, to secure bids to haul the malls by stage until the warm weather sets in and regular train service can be in augurated. The officials of our system have used every effort to keep the road open this winter and have been success ful until a short time since. When I left home the blockade was still on and the Lord only knows how long it will last Why, at Chamberlain, 8. D., no mall was received for ten days, when the postmaster-general was appealed to and stages were put In use to carry the malls." Mr. Udell Is on his way to Central California on a visit to a brother whom he has not seen for seventeen years. • • • The remains of Joel West, who died at the Sisters' hospital on Tuesday night, will be forwarded to Burlington, la., via the Santa Fe today, accompanied by Mrs. West. A stop of one day will be made In the latter city so as to give the large number of the Burlington rail road employes there an opportunity to view the remains. This is In accordance with a telegram received yesterday. On the following day the Interment will' take place at Qulncy, 111. The deceased has been In the employ of the Burling ton system since 1866, and at the time of his death was master mechanic, with headquarters at Galesburg, 111. He car ried quite a large life Insurance in favor of his wife. J. P. Maxwell, a railroad and bridge contractor of many years' experience, of St. Louis, is a recent arrival In Los An geles. Mr. Maxwell assisted In the con struction of the famous K.u.s bridge over me Mississippi river and a,so hau a sub contract on the Erie canal. It Is re ported that his visit to Southern Cali fornia Is for the purpose of making a bid on the work of the San P-nlio har bor. It Is definitely known, however, that there are representatives of four large eastern construction companies now in this city win are pr-paring to submit bids for the work on the harbor when the proper time arrlv.»s Ties Charles E. Menefee. purchasing agent for the Texas Midland railway, is en route to Los Angeles and Coronado, ac companied by his bride. B. D. Curl, the operator for the South ern Pacific at Volcano Springs, arrived here yesterday on a visit to his relatives, he having been granted a thlrtv days' leave of absence C. F. Donnatinn is filling the position. E. L. Mayberry., Jr., local agent for Phillips' tourist excursions, states that quite a large eastern party is booked to arrive in time for La Fiesta, a parly of forty Phillips' excursionists haying arrived yesterday. W. H. Snedaker, general Pacific const agent for the Rio Grande Western rail way, with headquarters ot San Fraii c'.s- o, will arrive bere today. Geiieial Superintendent J,. W. Stom.r of the Postal Telegrip.'i company. Is ex reettd to arrive here In a fi w Jays from San Francisco. Traffic and Excursion Agent Warner states that about four hundred people took advantage of the excursion to Mt. Lowe yesterday. The Southern Pacific company has just placed a large fog whistle at the end of their wharf at Santa Monica. It is sa!d to be one of the largest in use on the Pacific coaßt. A. D. Shephard, assistant general pas senger and freight agent of the South ern Pacific, returned yesterday from a trip to Ventura and Santa Barbara. The Southern California Railway com pany is engaged in haulm-; a large amount of gravel from their pus near Lamanda Park, which is being used in Improving their roadbed betweei this city and San Diego. It Is said that the Southern California Railway company Is faking a keen In terest In the development of oil in the Whittier district and that they are fig uring on securing a large portloi of the output. They are the largest consumers of oil In the state. P. J. Hartt, formerly assistant stent at Pomona for the Southern California Railway company, and well known In this city. Is In the employ of the same company at Randsburg. Circular No. 842 received at Southern California headquarters yesterday, an nounces the appointment of A. Landry as special agent of the Oulf. Colorado and Santa Fe Railway company, with headquarters at New Orleans, vice M. W. Joyce, deceased. Assistant General Passenger Agent H. K. Gregory of the Southern California made a flying business trip to San Ber nardino and Redlands yesterday. L. H. Fletcher, passenger and freight agent for the Missouri Pacific railway, with headquarters in San Francisco, came down yeßterday and is stopping at the Nadeau. Road Master C. E. Stephens of the Southern Pacific, spent yesterday at Tustin superintending some new im- provements. There Is renewed talk that the Los Angeles Terminal Railway company Is about to commence the construction of a long pleasure wharf at East San Pe dro and that work will commence Imme diately upon the return of President Gibbon from Washington. Division Superintendent Mulr will ac company President Huntington and par ty to San Diego. -> It is said that the Southern Paelflc will shortly commence making improve ments' in their roadbed along Alameda street. Already several carloads of de composed granite have been hauled there. , R. R. Ritchie of San Francisco, general western agent for the Chicago and Northwestern railroad, left last night for the north after a brief stay in this city. E. L. Mayberry. agent for A. Phillips & Co., the Rock Island excursion men. has Just completed a report showing the relative amount of business transacted in February of this year as compared with the same month of 1896, which gives an increase for this year of nearly 15 per cent. The Rock Island, Mt. Lowe and Ray mond & Whitcomb offices will be re moved the first of next week to 214 South Broadway. The change is made to af ford more room for the offices. Phillips' Rock Island excursion brought over thirty people into the state Tues day. They also sent out thirty-five <by way of Ogden. Ralph Lockwood came up from San Diego yesterday en route to Pomona on a brief business trip. Mr. Lockwood Is connected with the Citizens' Traction company of San Diego. Akey-Skinner In her own charming home, 769 Cen tral avenue, at 4 oclock yesterday after noon, Mrs. Lois Skinner and Mr. W. B. Akey were married, the Rev. Dr. War ren F. Day officiating. The simple but very artistic decorations were of carna tions, roses, smilax and calla Miles, with their own leaves. There was a large number of beautiful and expensive pres ents. The bride was very lovely In a hello trope poplin gown, with effective gar niture of white lace. A ver quiet and unostentatious wed ding it was, but none the less impres sive and beautiful. Those preasent were Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Kendall, Mr. and Mrs. J. V. Akey, Mmes. Marcus White, Robert Nelson, J. H. Forbes and C. M. Hanna, Misses Alice Judson, Grace Kendall, Helen Nelson, Messrs. Richard Nelson, Roy Nelson and Frank Skinner. IN SOCIETY Brilliant andl succesful from every point of view was the charity ball given last evening at Turn Verein hall by the Deutsche Frauen Unterstuetzung Vere in, which means In Englls the German Ladles' Benevolent society. The so ciety Is now entering upon Its sixteenth year, and Its officers are: President, Mrs. Charles Brodes-vice-presldient, Mrs. J. JohannEen.; secretary, Mrs. W. F. Grosser; treasurer, Mrs. H. Merz. These ladles, with assistants,-quite transform* ed Turn Verein haul yesterday with potted plants, calla lilies and acacia, and the effect lest evening with the lights, the dlalnty and In many cases elaborate gowjisand the music, was most attract ive. From chandielier to chandelier, and thence In diverging lines to gallery railing. w«re long festoons of acacia branches and blossoms; from' the wall spaces and side gas brackets' branched great boughs of the same fragrant plant. Banked along the edge of Ihe stagie were clusters of calla Miles' and pottedi palms, partially concealing the musicians, air.d above their heads wero the letters, D. F. U. V. In red, white and blue Incandescent lights. In the ban quet hall were set three tables extend ing the entire length of the room ard spread' luxuriously with tempting con fections and' salads, which had' teen donated by members of the society, as was the labor of preparation. But It was all for sweet charity's sake, as'w as the sale of Punch between dances by Mrs. Brunlr.g, assisted by Miss 1 Helen Roth, and the ladles plied a lively trade In that as well as In dlsposlVg of bou tonnleres. Grosser's orchestra pro vided fine and very enticing mur'.c. and the dUncers' enthusiasm showed r.o signs of waning except for a short rest for supper. The reception committee were: Messrs. Char Urode, L. Roe d>?r, S. Maier, C. Entenmann. 1,. Gi ttk chalk and F. O. Cornelius. Committee of arrangements were: Messrs. Joseph Maier. H. Merz. A. Frese, J. Johanneen, L. Winter and' W. F. Grose-r. William Blelsner "was In command of the flcur, and his assistants were Messrs. A. C. Brode, Otto Mt-ssor. L. Bretr and Fred Maier. Just before supper was reived a very handsome slumber robe, donated by Mrs. Charles Urode. and a dainty, embroidered tea cloth, the gift of Mrs. Slmor. Maier. the rattle tickets tor In th of which had been mild previous to the ball, were awartled by lot. Number 73 was the lucky r.umbtr for the slumber robe, ard' Mrs. S.ld.'.n Borden the holder of the ticket. Number 10 drtw the tea cloth. Among the large number present were- Dr. and Mrs. Roth. Dr. and Mrs. Kurtz, Dr. and Mrs. Solomon, Mr. ar.d Mrs. Conrad' Jacoby, August Schmidt. Keg sog Slegel. Robert Green. D. Gotthelf Marshutz, Mendelssohn, Owens. Winter, Herman Hellman, Guc-nther. Krempi 1, Roeder, Bloc-eer. Vlgr.es, Hahnemann, Boeckllne, Judge ard Mrs L vis (iotts chalk, Mesdames Wangerman. Der.ke, Lang. Kramer. Meyer. Grosser; Mtitl s Denke. Me.-mer. Bella Ncwbauer, Chev alier, Tessle Brownrteln, Pauline Roth, Vuila. Hilda Brode, Hrayer. Aggie Kra mer, Freda Hellman. the Misses'Schmidt, Messrs. J._B. Lankershim, O. GotUvhalk, Louis Nordllnger. Schmidt, Robert Gor don. Collins, Llchtenbcrger. Barney Ben jamin. Jacobs, Valla, Alfred Bayer, Bllnseman, Hrayer, P. Schumacher, and Dr. Wm. LeM Will* Schwong-Franco At 6 oclock yesterday afternoon, at the residence of th< bride's mother. Mrs. I.ma Franco, SSOO West Seventh street, Miss Louise Franco and Mr. John E. Schweng were married. Rev. G. fUm kel officiating. Miss Ella Robblns was the maid of honor, and the other maids were Misses Eva Lnehman and Claia. French. Mr. Fred C. Franco, brother of the bride, was the groom's chief aid, the aatlstar.'ts being his own brother, G. Schweng, and A. .Vlaas. The house decorations, which were very lavish and beautiful, were of white and green. In the- bay-window of the front drawing room was a large mar riage bell, made of white hyacinths ar.d double white violets. In the- double doors leading Into the next room hung a double heart, one made of white, the other of pale pink blossoms. Bands of white ribbon, wound with Btrands of smilax, were festooned In both rooms from center chandeliers to celling cor ners, and calla Miles were bound {o tne* chandeliers with the same delicate green. The lace curtains in all the rooms were also decorated with a feathery tracery of smilax. and fronds of maiden hair ferns and wild brakes were outlined against the walls in a wide frieze. The bride was gowned In rich white silk, and her maids were in cream and yellow. The presents were numerous and handsome. ,At the conclusion of the ceremony the bridal party sat down to an elab orate dinner, when the bride's health was drunk with appropriate toasts made by Rev. Mr. Runkel, Judge Gottschalk and Fred C. Franco. A reception fol lowed the dinner at 8 oclock, when over 100 friends and acquaintances offered their congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Schweng. Arend's orchestra furnished music during the ceremony, dinner and reception. Those present at the dinner were Mrs. Llna Franco. Mr. and Mrs. Schweng, Mr. and Mrs. John E. Schweng, Judge and Mrs. Louis Gotts chalk, Mr. and Mrs. Otto Sweet, Mr. and Mrs. Brandt, Mr. and Mrs. Ha man* Mmes. Llebert, Lachman, D. U. Shane, Knecht, Cohn, H. J. Whitley. Misses May Schweng, Ella Robblns, Eva Lach man, Clara French, Dorn and Grace Whitley, Messrs. Albert Schweng, God frey Schweng, Fred C. Franco, Rosa Whitley, Maas, Dr. French and Master Cohn. Here and There Mrs. Hambrook will entertain fifteen of her young friends Saturday with a tallyho drive to her Cahuenga ranch, where the company will enjoy an al fresco luncheon. Mrs. J. A. Osgood will netertain In. formally with a dinner in her horns, 1861 Twelfth street. In honor of Mrs. Lewis P. Monroe and Miss Monroe of Boston Mass., thlp evening. The Woman's l Twentieth Century cluh in regular Tuesday afternoon session at Its hall, 220% South Main street, dls cussed the feasibility cf a farm for the unemployed, without arriving at any definite decision. Engraved and fires stationery. The Webb-Peckham Co., 233 South Spring street. Wall paper, late styles, low prices, at A. A. Eckstrom's, 324 South Spring street.