mtttttt;
. VOL. XLF7. NT0. 13,710.
BOBTLAKD. OBEGON, THUBSDAT, NOVEMBEB 17, 1904.
PBICE FIVE CENTS.
BLOWUPTHESHIP
Russians Sink Own
Vessel at Chefoo.
CAPTURE IS FEARED
Japanese Are Seen Off;
the Harbor.
THREE EXPLOSIONS HEARD
One sMan Is Left on Torpedo
Boat to Light Fuses.
SINGLE SPAR MARKS GRAVE
Commander Sends Important Mes
sages From Stoessel to Czar
General Is Determined as
Ever to Die Fighting.
In bo far as the contents of the re
ports sent by General Stoessel to Em
peror Nicholas by the torpedo-boat de
stroyer Rtstoropny, which craft -was
sunk In the harbor of Chefoo after ac
complishing the purpose of her dash
out of Port Arthur, have come to public
lenpwiedge. It serves to Indicate that the
Russian military Commander at Port
Arthur regards the crisis of the siege
as remote.
The report asserts that the Inner line
of defenses Is Intact: that the damage
to "warships In the harbor by Japanese
sheila Ja not great, and that the gar
rison, will be able to hold out against
assault for mm tttn
f- CondlUons'south of Mukden remain un-
amiuugu were srejKuapiD do
inamuxma uu important developments
are at hand.
CHEFOO, Nov. 16. Fearing capture
by the Japanese, -whose boats -were off
the port, the Russians today blew up
the torpedo-boat destroyer Rastoropny,
which escaped from Fort Arthur under
cover of a severe .storm, and entered
this harbor last night
The correspondent of the Associated
Press learns authoritatively that the
Rastoropny carried sealed orders pro
viding that unless there came a highly
favorable opportunity to escape, the
vessel, should be blown up. Sufficient
powder for the purpose was secreted
before the destroyer left Port Arthur.
Small charges of ordinary powder
placed in each of the Ave water-tight
compartments, were exploded.
Customs Officer Koenlg was on board
the destroyer, and the Russians experi
enced considerable difficulty In getting
him off -without arousing his suspicions.
The destroyer's cutter, manned by two
men,, -was lying near, and the official
-was persuaded to take a ride around
the Rastoropny in order that he might
see the Injuries she -was alleged to have
received.
No sooner had the customs officer
stepped into the cutter than a petty
officer drew his -watch and urged the
rowers to make all speed away. "When
the destroyer had gone down the offi
cial was taken on shore.
Only One Man Left on Ship.
The Russians, -with the exception of
one man. left the destroyer during the
afternoon. This last man lit slow loses
and blew up the vessel. There were
three dull explosions -which were
scarcely audible 100 yards from the
place where they occurred. Almost
simultaneously the Rastoropny sank to
thejjottbm. A single spar marks her
grave.
Prior to the destruptlon of the de
stroyer the Taotai had officially notified
the Japanese Consul that her disarma
ment had been completed, the breech
blocks and ammunition being removed
and the machinery aisaDiea.
Commander Pelem, of the Rastorop
ny, in an' interview on his adventurous
voyage, said:
"I left Port Arthur at midnight In a
blinding snow storm. The boat was
navigated through all dangers of float
ing "mines -without a mishap. Once
reaching the open sea -we sa-w a Japan
ese cruiser and some torpedo-boats In
the distance, but we were steaming rap
Idly through the storm -with lights ex
tinguished and passed them unnoticed.
"We reached Chefoo without mishap of
any kind."
The commander was optimistic with
reference to Port Arthur. He declared
all the forts remained in Russian , "hands
and that the garrison was confident
and in good spirits.
He declared the destroyer's object
was simply to carry dispatches. The
other Russian ships remained at Port
Arthur.
The Rastoropny,, being one of the fast
est of the Russian vessels, soon outdls
tanced her pursuers. She entered Che
foo with a music-box playing
sprightly air, and the savory odor of a
breakfast steak apparently testifying
to the fact that Port Arthur still enjoys
fresh eat The destroyer sped in
like an -arrow at 6:50 A M. and an
chored a few hundred yards abaft the
United States cruiser New Orleans,
S&zsfejf et Rwir-Admiral Folder, com
mander of the cruiser squadron of the
Asiatic "fleet.
The Chinese cruiser Hal Tuns: raised
steam within 20 minutes and came
close to the Rastoropny. Captain Chlng,
of the Hal Yim hoarded her and held
a brief conference with Commander Pe
lem. Ensign Walnwrlght, Bear-Ad
miral Folgers aide, boarded the Rasto
ropny immediately, but he and Captain
Chlng- were not invited to enter tne
Rastoropny's cabin, through a blizxard
was cutting their faces.
Captain Chlng notified Commander
Pelem that 24 hours was the limit of
time he could remain armed at Chefoo,
after which the Rastoropny would be
compelled to disarm, while delivering
this ultimatum the sailors, who seemed
to be healthy and carefree, began
greasing the torpedo tubes, which were
loaded.
Dispatches Brought Ashore.
Following the conference with Cap
tain Chlng. the Rastoropny was moved
further Into the old anchorage of the
torpedo-boat destroyer Ryeshltelnl,
where the Russian Consul boarded the
Rastoropny and brought dispatches
ashore.
The Russian officers are all reticent,
but denv the report that the Russian
armored cruiser Eayan has been sunk.
though they admit a shell damaged ber
engines, which are being repaired.
Russian cruisers come out of Port Ar
thur dally, the battleships remaining
in the harbor..
The overdrawn optimism of the offi
cers. It was asserted ashore, made it
obvious that their story was rehearsed
before it was given to the public
"When the correspondents were al
lowed on board the Rastoropny a quar
ter of beef was carefully placed where
It was Impossible to miss seeing it.
This, it was claimed, was meant to
convey the impresison that Port Arthur
was snug and comfortable.
It was 'learned from the officers of
the torpedo-boat destroyer the ex-Russian
Governor of Port Arthur, 24. Saka
baroff, died recently at Port Arthur of
enteric fever.
The explosion was so subdued and the
crew remained so silent that It was some
time before the report of the affair be
came current. Even the officials most
Intimately concerned got the news 'from
the correspondents.
The Japanese Consul says that nine of
the Russian crew came ashore with their
rifles, against which action he ha3 pro
tested to the authorities.
The Japanese Consul declares that the
Russians wasted their vessel, as the Rye
shitelnl Incident would not have been re
peated. SURRENDER NOT CONSIDERED
Stoessel Will Only Give Up When the
Last Shot Is Fired.
ST. PETERSBURG, Nov. 17 (2 A. M.).
General's to assel's report, brought to Che
foo by the Ratstoropny, has not been
-lven out, hut the Associated Press un
derstands It contains no request tor In
structions regarding the surrender of Port
Arthur. This information was secured
from a General who was with the Em
peror yesterday, and who knows the con
tents of General stoessers message, vine
General said he was not at liberty to dis
close the nature of the report, but re-
"Only when the last biscuit Is eaten and
the last cartridge fired will the garrison
(Concluded on Page Five.)
QONTENTS OP TODAY'S PAPES
The "Weather.
YESTERDAY'S "WEATHER Maximum tem
perature, 55 degrees; xninnnuin, 45 cejrreos,
Precipitation, .32 of an inch.
TO DATS WEATHER Rain. Brisk to high
gusty southwesterly winds.
Busso-Japaneso War.
PORT ARTHUR
Russians blow up torpedo-boat destroyer which
escaped from Port Arthur and made Chefoo
to prevent capture by Japanese. Page X.
Commander of ship sends Important reports
from Stoessel at Port Arthur to Czar.
Page 3L
Stoessel is determined as ever to die fighting.
Page X.
OTHER "WAR TOPICS
War party is again In the ascendancy, and Is
trying to have agreement with Britain re
garding North Eta incident repudiated.
Page 3.
Reinforcements are fast arriving on the
Shakhe. and Important developments are
expected. Page 3.
rational.
President removes Marshal Richards, of Alaska,
and requests Judge Brown to resign. Page 1.
Secretary Hitchcock conditionally approves
Palouse irrigation project. Page 4.
Foreign.
State banquet at Windsor Castle in honor of
King and Queen .of Portugal is a brilliant
function. -Page 8.
Afghans and Russians have serious trouble, the
former exploding a mine and causing the
death of many soldiers. Page 5.
Sports.
Thlrty-to-one horse wins at Oakland. Page 7.
Portland loses snappy game to San Francisco,
Page 7.
Domestic
Letson Balliet, the mining promoter, enters
plra of guilty to charge of using malls to
defraud. Page 5.
O. R. Holllday. mail -carrier wanted in Port'
land for stealing lettem, Is captured at- St.
Joseph, Mo. Page 6.
Pacific Coast.
Marv Potter fatally shot at Sheridan, Or., by
John Blcklns, hotelkeeper. Page -i. -
Band of Indiana in California Indian reserva
tion are e tarring to death. Page 4.
Salem citizen takes officer's gun and billy be
fore submitting to arrest. Page 4.
Portland and Vicinity.
Month will be given to tests In dairying at
IawIs and Clark Fair. Page 10.
Grand Jury considering charges brought by
Councilman Zimmerman relative to fan tan
graft. Page 12.
Council has tame session. Page 11.
Handwriting experts testify la Meldram
forgery trial. Page 10.
Council committee on Tanner-creek sewer as
serts that no attempt will be made to.
whitewash defects. Page 16.
Portland Rowing Club looking for an Eastern
coach. Page 7.
Grangers -welcomed by bursts of eloquence at
the Armory. Page 1-
Judge McGinn makes strong appeal for con
viction of gamblers. Page 14.
Commercial aad Maria e.
Weekly review of local produce and jobbing
.markets. Page Id.
San Francisco potato market In bad -way,
Page 15.
General buying lifts prices at Chicago. Page
15.
Stock market sensitive to foreign compiles
tlons. Page 15.
Regular service to be established between
Pcrtlaad a4 Jtogte River. Fa 14
LOSES HIS
w
Marshal Richards of
Alaska Removed. .
JUDGE ASKED TO RESIGN
Melville G. Brown Has Been
Guilty of Indiscretions.
CASE OF MOORE IN' ABEYANCE
Roosevelt Is Convinced the Judiciary
of the Territory Is More or Less
Corrupt, and Will Hereafter
Name' Only Tried Men.
OREGOXIAN JCEWS BUREAU, Wash
ington, Nov. 16. Convinced that the
Alaska judiciary Is more or less un
dermined with rottenness, and that all
the courts are resting- under a cloud of
suspicion because of Innumerable charges
preferred against the various Judges and
their subordinates. President Roosevelt
today took the Initial step toward purg
ing the service of undesirable elements
by summarily removing Frank H. Rich
ards, of Alaska. Marshal of Nome Dis
trict, and requesting the resignation of
Melville C Brown, of Wyoming, Judge of
the Juneau District. It was erroneously
announced that the President had also
called for the resignation of Judge Moore,
of the Nome District. His case Is still
In abeyance. This announcement was
subsequently retracted. At the same
lime the President announced the reap
pointment of James WIckersham, of Ta-
coma, as Judge of the Third or Eagle
District.
The President's action Is based entirely
upon a report made to him by William
A. Day, Assistant Attorney-General, who
spent the Summer In Alaska investigat
ing the charges against the judiciary
Great secrecy is maintained both at the
White House and the Department of Jus
tice as to the nature of Judge Day's re
port, and nothing Is officially stated as
to the reasons for dismissing Richards
and. forcing Brown, to resign.
Charges Against Richards.
.It is generally believed Richards has
been found guilty of contempt of court
and of attempting to pack a jury. Judge
WIckersham, two years ago, held Rich
ards in contempt and a great amount of
evidence has been submitted from time
to time to show that Richards attempted
to tamper with a Nome jury. There has
been a denial of these charges, and Rich
ards made a technical defense, but It Is
believed Day's report shows heoxceeded
; . ARTIST MURPfiY 'ATTENDS A SESSION OF THE NATIONAL GRANGE .
his authority as Marshal, otherwise such
drastic measures would not have been
taken In his case. Beyond this it has
been known for many months that Mar
shal Richards and Judge Moore have
been at swords' points; and that the ser
vice has suffered In consequence. Presi
dent Roosevelt was "on the point of dls-
Wllaslnir HfpTlorila nrt tVita flfW-mTlt turn
y5JB ago, but changed his mind and de-
ojPU to watt until be couia nave tne
charges investigated by a responsible
man.
It Is understood that nothing of "a dam
aging character was proved against
Judge Brown, but that he has been guilty
of Indiscretions which have impaired bis
usefulness in Alaska. For one thing, it
is said, he sat In a case' In which a min
ing 'company In which heheld a large
Interest was a party to the suit. Judge
Brown before permitting the case to be
heard admitted his 'Interest In the case,
but opposing counsel expressed a willing
ness to have him hear It. In another
instance he appointed a clerk of his court
as receiver of a company Involved In liti
gation pending before that court. While
this was not. an actual violation of the
law. It Is condemned as an extremely In
discreet thing' to have done. Just such
things as this have created the Impres
sion In the Juneau District that Judge
Brown has not been altogether a fair
Judge. ...
Moore Had Trouble. With Marshal.
So far as can be learned the charges
made against Judge Moore, of. the Nome
District, are not substantiated unless he
Is partly censurable for trouble with his
Marshal. ' Dismissal of Richards, how
ever, removes this - obstacle, and Judge
Day did. not recommend Moore's removal,
nor did he recommend that he be allowed"
to resign.
President Roosevelt has come to the
conclusion that Alaska can and must
have a Judiciary - that Is above reproach.
Realizing- the temptations that are thrust
before Judges, Marshals and others In
that territory, he has determined to pick
out not only honest" men, but men of
great force of character, strong enough
to "stay put" even when In distant Alas
ka, where they are likely at any minute
to be brought under corrupt influences.
In filling these vacancies the President
will pay no heed whatever to the politi
cal Indorsements of applicants, but will
assure himself he has the kind of men
he wants and will then appoint them. The
Judgeships in Alaska pay $3000 per year.
The Marshal receives $4000.
Charges have been made from time to
time against nearly all the Federal offi
cials of Alaska, Governor Brady not
being exempt, but It Is said that the
action of the President today finally
closed the matter of the charges, offl
cials of the Administration being sat
isfied that Governor Brady. James
WIckersham, of the Yukon district, and
other officials. Involved in them have
acted In the Ijest -Interests of the ter
ritory.
TROU&Ltf. .Of -RICHARDS.
He Feir Ou TiVlth WIckersham Over
Expense Account as-Early as 1901
SEATTLE; Wash., Nov. 16. (Special.)
Marshak. Pilchards' troubles began In
the Fall df 190i over an expense ac
count that Judge WIckersham failed
to approve. The two had gone to Una-
laska together after WIckersham sue
cceded Noyes, and Richards' expense
(Concluded on. Page Four.)
TEL IN ASHE!
Olympics Noted Tavern
Totally Destroyed;
GUESTS ESCAPE FLAMES
Flying Brands Threaten Busi
ness Section of City.
SMOKE OVERCOMES FIREMEN
Washington State Capital Is Now
Without Proper Facilities for En
tertaining Visitors During
the Legislature.
THE BURNED BUTLDrXG.
Built by syndicate of Olympians in
1888. f
Capacity, 250 'guests.
Comprised four stories and a base
ment, with 115 rooms.
Cost, $125,000.
Furniture and other property -worth
$36,000.
Hotel insured for $16,000.
OLMPHIA, Wash, Nov. 16. (Spe
cial.) The Olympla Hotel, the home of
the majority of the members during
eight sessions of the Legislature, and
famous throughout the state, burned
to the ground tonight. With the loss
of the hotel Olympla is deprived of one
of the essentials of a session of the
Legislature and tonight the people are.
genuinely perturbed a3 to how they
will provide for the hundreds of pcoplo
who will flock to tho city shortly after
the first of the year.
So far as known no lives were lost
In the conflagration, . as there was am
ple time for the escape of all the In
mates after the discovery of the fire.
The first alarm was given about 10:30.
when amoke wan detected In th ronr
of the basement in an unused ptirt'et
the hotel.- The earlv HtmttKyvaur
ently of a smoldering; natgre'&hd .creat
ed aense volumes or. smoKs. mat .per
meated the entire building;
Engineer Driven From Post.
About 20 minutes aftor the discovery
the engineer in charge of the electric
light plant was driven from hl3 post.
and darkness throughout the hotel
added to the difficulty of saving the
effects of the inmates. A still alarm
was turned, into the Fire Department
immediately upon discovery of , the. are.
but the firemen found it impossible to
get near the flames on account of tho
dense smoke. One by one, the men were
overcome, some being brought out of
the building in a prostrated condition.
It was fully 11 o'clock before a sheet
of flame was visible to those outside
the tbuilding, but within five minutes
"thereafter .the big- sturcture was an
immense -mass of red fire, sending
brands in showers into the business
part of the city. It was soon seen that
the business portion of the city would
be in actual danger of destruction un-.
less the fire was checked at once.
A fierce wind was driving the flames
aero S3 a small lawn toward the old
home of General T. L McKenny, one of
the landmarks of the city, and immense
brands were lighting on the root of
the Mitchell Hotel, a few feet beyond.
At tbl3 stage of the fire practically all
efforts were turned toward savins the
two structures in danger.
Governor a. Volunteer Fireman.
A general alarm was turned in at
the fire hall and great crowds congre
gated who were called upon to assist.
Upon the first call for volunteers, Gov
ernor McBrlde seized the "nozzle of a
hose and worked valiantly lor half, an
hour- in a heat that was breaking the
window panes of the buildings the
workers were trying to save. At an
opportune time a drenching rain fell,
which greatly aided in confining the
fire to the hotel. At midnight the
flames were under control.
The Olympla Hotel was built in 1SS9
by a syndicate of Olympla people at .a
.not- nt i95nnn Tt- comnrised four
Btories and a basement and had 115
rooms, barroom and laundry. On the
main floor was a lobby larger than any
other single-room hotel lobby in the
state. During the sessions of the Leg
islature this lobby every evening
swarmed with legislators, and men at
tracted to the city by the sessions.
The hotel during session was always
crowded, and cots were provided in the
parlors and ballrooms and the Inmates
were compelled to "double up"
throughout the rooms of the hotel. It
probably housed 250 persons during the
Interesting parts of the sessions.
Boarders Lose Their Effects.
The building contained furniture worth
about $30,000. The building and furniture
had for several years been In the posses
sion of Boston people who had held and
foreclosed a mortgage on them. They
were Insured for $16,000. In addition to
the property owned by the hotel company
the manager, E. N. Tunln, had In stock
and liquors and other property about
$6000, on which there, is no Insurance. The
hotel had about 15 regular boarders,
nearly all of whom lost all their effects.
There were about 25 transients regis
tered, among them being ex-Senator
George Turner, of Spokane, and Edward
Whltson, of North Yakima, chairman of
the Republican, State -Convention at Ta
fnrnn. Several men. including Whltson.
were congregated In Judge TuTrerJ&rocwS
on the first floor when tne runu.'wvss
sounded. Judge Turner carried his grip
out, but left it on the hotel yeranda and
has been unrble to locate it since. Mr.
Whltson cot. J not find his room and lost
his suit case and clothing.
Escaped In Light Attire.
O. C White, ex-State Printer, was the
last to leave the bulldlngr He had a nar
row escape and but for a thorough
knowledge of the stairways could not
(Concluded oa.Page 7.)
ISTflRY RULED
Grangers Are Welcomed
Wifh Eloquence.
GREAT CROWDS AT ARMORY
Two Thousand People Take
Part in Grand Reception.
GOVERNOR AND MAYOR SPEAK
Visitors Are Cheerfully Made Wel
come to Portland, and Express
Themselves Highly Pleased
With the Reception.
Rosy-cheeked apples, Immense pumpkins
beets, potatoes and other table delicacies
belonging to exhibits from Oregon and
Washington counties, divided interest Trith
visitors from the East, South, and Middle
West at the public reception held last
night In the Armory. Over 2000 persons
were present. The dominating note in the
speeches were: The paramount Importance
of the agricultural Industry, and the re
turn visit of many of the delegates with
their friends to visit the Lewis and Clark
Exposition next year.
"Isn't tiiat a gatherlngfor you, of which
any city might well be proud?" remarked
Richard Scott, of Mllwaukle, to an. Ore
gonlan man, during the period when visi
tors were going around the line of mas
ters of State Granges, and their wives,
shaking hands and making everyone feel
at home. "Just think of this one fact,"
went on Mr. Scott "Suppose the farming
interest of this country did not do any
work from December 1 to June 1. just
took a sort of vacation, how would the
other people of the country like It? Some
of them would be pretty nigh to starva
tion. Yet, I don't see any great display
of flags or bunting outside the Armory. I
haven't even seen a card In the window
of any business house, bidding the Grang
ers 'welcome.' Pass the hint Portland
ought to dress herself In her best to show
the Grangers that they are doubly wel
come, as honored guests. The Armory,
with Its Interesting agricultural exhibits,
is open every day except Sunday during
the time the convention is in session, from
12 to 2 o'clock P. M.. and from 5 to 7 P.
,M.. We. want Portland people to come
nretis'rff ai ;ftllb?ttrGragerS.,
' Governor Pays Tribute.
Governor Chamberlain struck a recur
ring chord when he said that the National
Grange deserved thanks for its work in
making possible rural free delivery of mail
matter, which has brought the farmer
into close and intimate touch with urban
life.
Master of the National Grange Jones
speech, was a "chaffing" one at first, but
he soon steadied down and won a round
of hearty applause when he stated that
after viewing the agricultural exhibits at
the St. Louis Exposition, he was sure the
exhibits In the Armory were every bit
equal to those at St. Louis, where the
whole world was taking a hand. Mayor
Williams gave a fine bit of word painting
In describing Portland in Its rainy sea
son, and he took advantage of his oppor
tunity to put In a good word for the
Lewis and Clark Exposition. Governor
Batchelder, of New Hampshire, told a
funny story which set the audience laugh
ing, and was also Interesting when ha
spoke of the dignity and usefulness, of
the agricultural calling.
Augustus High, of "Vancouver,
past master of Washington State Grange,
presided.
Chamberlain Makes Address.
In giving the address of welcome on.
behalf of the State of Washington, Gov
ernor Chamberlain said:
As executive of the state I extend, to you a
most cordial welcome. Oregon la proud to en
tertain as her guests such a distinguished body
of ladles and gentlemen as those who compose
the National and several state Granges and all
of her people hope that your stay here may ba
most pleasant.
A number of congresses and conventions have
been held in this city in the past year, com
prising delegates and representatives from
every state and territory, men of National and
international reputation All of them, have had
Xpr their end and aim organization of their
forces and the cultivation of a. -unity of senti
ment and. action, as the best mean of advanc
ing the several interests which they have been
called upon to represent Alt of these conven
tions, have been important, and have been pro
ductive of good not only to the Individuals who
have, been able to attend, but to the .country
at large, and, it is no disparagement of any. jot
them- to say that none have been of more
Importance to the welfare of our people than
the one which convenes here today.
The National tirange has had. for its flrst
object the betterment of the condition of tha
farming classes in the United States, and it is
. impossible for any one to calculate the good
that has been accomplished by it and its mem.
'bership throughout the country. This is an. age
of organization, and that body of men Is
best able to meet and overcome obstacles in-the
way of successful enterprise who can breast
them with perfect organization and consolida
tion of thel-i- forces.
Although there are a greater number of In-
Idlviduals engaged in agriculture than la any
Rtsther industry in the United States it is
nevertheless true that until the- organization of
this order little in the way of state or Fed
eral legislation was ever had in their behalf.
Certain It is that it has been largely through
their influence and Instrumentality that grants
of land and appropriations of money .have been
made for the establishment of agricultural col
leges In "nearly it not every state In the Union.
But for their-- efforts and those- of its distin
guished bead, who is present with, us today, it
is questionable whether the rural free delivery,
which has brought the farmer into close and
'Intimate touch with urban life, would ever
have been established. And certain it '3 that
the slow recognition of agriculture as the
' foundation of our country's wealth was
brought abcrat through .the- efforts of the
Grange, and raw It has, been. b6 dignified
through their cosaMaed energy that a depart,
ment has "beea created with a repreaeatatlva
at its head who sits in the official family of
the President of tha United States.
No one can. say that the accomplishment of
these. things has beem broB-gbt about by rate
directed effort. The result has been beneficial
both to individuals, state and Nation, and &
united effort and, concentration of energy have
tbrougbt about the achievements which I hav
mentioned, there Is much yet to be doae is
.the interest -of the farmers and their families
in this cobb try. Let me suggest a few:
Greater atteatioa osght to be paid In the
public schools of tfee state-to Instruction along
the lines ot fteld aad farm. The trend of pub
lic tboBgat ia In this direction, but until
iP
ea Pa Six.).