To better illustrate this method of measurement, I will have to relate an anecdote:
When O. B. Gibson was in the employment of the company at The Dalles, he went down to get the measurement of a small mounted cannon that had to be shipped for the Government. After measuring several ways and figuring up the amount, he seemed so much perplexed that he attracted the attention of two soldiers who were lying in the shade of a pine tree near by. One of them finally called out, "What's the trouble Cap?" "I am trying to take the measurement of this blamed gun, but somehow I can't get it right," said Gibson. 'Oh, I'll show you," said the soldier, leading up a pair of harnessed mules that stood near and hitching them to the gun. "Try it now, Cap." "Thanks, that makes it all right. I see now why I could not get the correct measurement."
In measuring a wagon or any piece of freight the full length, height and thickness were taken and carried out full size, the largest way of the piece. To make this method of measuring tonnage clearer, I will give one more illustration. "Old Captain'? T. W. Lyles, of San Francisco, was a large stockholder in the company, and frequently visited Portland to look after his interests. Once while here he attended a meeting of the board of directors. After the principal part of the business had been transacted, Captain Lyles arose and said: "Mr. Chairman, I move that Eph Day, a purser on one of our boats, be discharged from the service of the company." Now Eph Day was one of the favorite pursers, and everybody sprang up to know what was the matter with Eph Day. After quiet had been restored Captain Lyles said: '1 see, gentlemen, that Eph Day is purser on a boat of only 150 tons register, yet I find that he comes in at the end of every trip with a report of having carried from 250 to 300 tons of freight, and, gentlemen, he substantiates his reports by bringing in the cash for these amounts of freight. Now, while I do not claim to be much of a steamboat man, yet I can see, gentlemen, that if we allow our boats to be overladen in this manner and made to carry twice as much as they were
