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About Morning Oregonian. (Portland, Or.) 1861-1937 | View Entire Issue (June 29, 1906)
10 TIIE MORNING OREGONIAN. FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 190G. MAYORTURNS OUT THE COMMITTEE Summarily Removes Board Handling San Francisco Relief Fund. MAKES DEMAND FOR MONEY Old Members Refuse to Quit, but Un less Coin Is Forthcoming In Twenty-four Hours Lane Will Call Mass Meeting. SPOKANE HAS SMALL BALANCE. SPOKANE. Wash., June 28. (Spe cial.) Spokane has on hand several thousand dollars of San Francisco relief fund. Total amount raised here was more than 126,000. Like Cromwell of old, and as dicta torially. Mayor Lane yesterday disbanded the finance subcommittee for the relief f the San Francisco Are sufferers. "I hereby prorogue this parliament," cried the Mayor, with arm uplifted and flashing eyes. "This committee is dis banded now and henceforth. Its duties are at an end. I demand that this com mittee turn over all moneys In its pos session of the San Francisco relief fund to my duly accredited representative, I. N. Flelschner. who U now and always has been, by virtue of my appointment, chair man of this committee. I want this money turned over to him, and I will see that It gets to San Francisco, where it belongs. ' Swift and Dramatic. The developments yesterday In the !n Francisco relief scandal were swift and dramatic. In the morning Mayor Lane unexpectedly made his appearance at a meeting of the finance committee and declared that he disbanded the body and that he would appoint an entirely new committee in Its place. Late in the after noon the Mayor named I. N. Flelschner, chairman: Father J. H. Black, W. W. Cotton and Rufus Mallory for the new committee, with one more member to be added later. At 5:30 o'clock the old com mittee got together and issued a state ment to the press. They made no men tion whatever as to what steps they would take to resist the Mayor's ukase of uis bandment, but it is evident that R. R. Hoge. W. M. Ladd and Theodore Wilcox will fight to the limit any action looking to their removal. I. N. Flelschner, the other member of the old committee, was rot ready yesterday to declare himself against the old committee and its acts. In which he has participated, but he allowed himself, nevertheless, to be made the Mayor's messenger to demand from the other members an accounting and the money on hand. He. however, declined to sign the committee's statement, which would indicate that he is standing with the Mayor.. Public Mass Meeting. The Mayor himself has a well-mapped policy in view. He declares that If In 24 hours the money has not been turned over to him or Mr. Flelschner, he will call a public mass meeting of the sub scribers and compel a settlement by the old committee. , At the call of R. R. Hoge. the other members of the finance committee Theo dore Wilcox. W. M. Ladd and I. N. Flelschner met in the Chamber of Com merce, at 10:30 yesterday morning. A. L. Mills being absent in the East. E. C. GUtner was at his post as secretary. There was also present Mayor Lane, who had not been Invited by Mr. Hoge. and whose presence, to all outward appear ances, was neither expected nor desired. Nevertheless, the Mayor held his ground, and, as developed afterwards, for a pur pose. Some Sarcastic Dialogue. While waiting for the arrival of Mr. Ladd, the gentlemen present engaged in conversation of the semi-humorous, bit ing, sarcastic kind. "You sort of Jumped on me yesterday. Mayor." said Mr. Wilcox. "My family has never been possessed of great wealth; they have always made their own way. and I naturally resented your remarks concerning the handling of the money." returned the Mayor. "No offense intended at all." smiled Mr. "Wilcox. Vigorous puffing of cigars by all present. "I see by the morning paper that Mr. TACOMA HAS NO BALANCE LEFT TACOMA, Wash.. Juno 2S. (Spe cial.) The Tacoma relief committee has no balance on hand. The total subscriptions from all sources and disbursed by the Chamber of Com merce committee were $100,401. Local subscriptions aggregated $34,014. Flelschner Is- supposed to be chairman of this committee," spoke up Mr. Hogo. First I had heard of it." "I have known of it ever since the day I appointed him as such," rejoined the Mayor. "Queer that none of the commit tee should have known Mr. Flelschner was appointed chairman." Protest of "I never did" from Mr. Wil cox. Mr. Flelschner Explains. Then Mr. Flelschner explained. "I did not care to make any mention of the fact that I had been appointed chairman when the committee effected permanent organ ization for none seemed to know 11 end Mr. Wilcox nominated Mr. Hoge for that position. I did not wish to quibble over such a trifle when there were such graver matters to consider." And so the tide ebbed and flowed. The Mayor savagely chewed his cigar as he paced the floor. Mr. Flelschner was clear ly uncomfortable. Mr. Wilcox was out wardly calm. Mr. Hoge was palpably nervous and could not restrain the rage that was boiling within him. It was a time of expectancy, the lull before the Btorrfl. All the Indications were, however, that the storm would come from the di rection of Mr. Hoge's chair. Nobody would have suspected that from the calm, imperturbable Mayor who smilingly re plied to the thrusts of the committeemen would come the whirlwind which would break up the whole session. As it after developed. Mr. Hoge and the Mayor were both loaded, but the city's executive got into action first. Mayor Lane's Bombshell. W. M. Ladd. for whom the committee had been waiting, arrived and took his Beat Mr. Hoge took the chair, and the fight was on. The Mayor was in a back row, apparently merely present as a lfs tener. Apparently, too. Chairman Hoge considered the Mayor out of the game, for coolly, icily, he began: . "Mr. Ladd, did you ever hear or know before you saw the fact published in this morning's paper that Mr. Flelschner had PHELAN SAYS MONEY IS NEEDED NOW. The Oregonian last night sent the following telegram: "James D. Phelan, Chairman Finance Committee, San Fran cisco: Mayor Lane directs Port land Relief Committee to turn over balance relief fund to San Francisco committee imme diately. Committee declines. Do you want or need this money nowt'-' Chairman Phelan 's answer explains itself: "San Francisco,. June . 2S Oregonian, Portland, Or.: Re plying to your telegram, finance committee . of relief and Red Cross funds is endeavoring to collect outstanding subscriptions made for relief of San Francisco in order to be able to plan for their best immediate use.' Until we have possession we1 cannot plan expenditure. Largest ex pense will be providing Winter shelter for destitute. No assist ance expected from Washington. We must depend upon our own fund for work before us. Consid er it advisable to remit subscrip tions or deposit same in Port land banks to our credit and advise us. "JAMES D. PHELAN, Chairman Finance Committee. been appointed chairman of this commit tee?" Whether Mr. Ladd answered that ques tion or not will probably never be known, for Mayor Lane was on his feet In an in stant, and, striding up the aisle to the chairman's desk, words fairly rolling from his lips. "Before you proceed, gentlemen, I wish to be heard briefly," said he. Slowly, concisely, he told of the affair of Wednesday, how he had opposed the retention of the funds here, how he had appointed Mr. Flelschner chairman of the committee, how he had demanded and never been given reports the whole tale of the trouble. And then like a flash of fire in powder came the blow. "And now I declare this parliament pro rogued. You may consider yourselves dis missed from further duty. I will appoint another committee that will get that money to San Francisco, where it belongs, and I demand of you that you turn it over to me or to my accredited representative, the relief money vouchers and receipts in your possession. Wilcox' Takes the Floor. Surprise, humiliation and anger showed in the eyes of Mr. Hoge as he put the question, but he restrained himself well. "You have heard the remarks of the gentleman, said he, quietly. "Is there any discussion?" Then Mr. Wilcox took the floor, with a peacemaking smile playing about his fea tures. "Mr. Mills is not In the city at present." said he, "and. considering that he is one of the heaviest contributors to the fund, and that he may have been in sympathy with Mayor Lane's stand on this question, I think It would be expedient to postpone action till his return, some two weeks hence." Mayor Is Insistent. Right back without hesitation came the Mayor: I "It mai no difference to me whether Mr. Mills is here or not. This committee is disbanded." "I understand, then, Mr. Mayor," spoke up Mr. Hoge, "that the absence of Mr. Mills makes no difference. You are in sistent in your purpose." "I mean Just what I say. This body is disbanded." At this Mr. Hoge arose half way to his feet and looking with glaring eyes full Into the Mayor's face, said: "Then, as for myself, I shall resist to the last ditch any such demand as you make. I refuse to be removed from this committee. Excitement was at a high tension and only the persuasive tones of Mr. Ladd, who now took the floor for the first time, broke the strain. "I tried not to get ex cited yesterday," said Mr. Ladd. Then turning quickly, to the Oregonian re porter, who was sitting nearby, "Is this a reporter here?" "Yes," almost shouted the Mayor, "that is a reporter, and he is going to stay. If he goes out, I go. too." "There has been no objection whatever made to the reporter's presence," in terrupted Mr. Hoge. Continuing Mr. Ladd said: "I think, Mr. Mayor, you are mistaken in your position. I have thought the matter over at great length. I have always" re spected your Judgment, but in this matter I cannot help but feel that I have taken a more logical stand than you," Hoge Pleads Ignorance. Without even pretending to answer Mr. Ladd, the Mayor at this Juncture calmly picked up his hat and umbrella and turn ing to the committee said: "I have no answer, then, except from Mr. Hoge. I want to say again in regard to Mr. Hoge, that in so far as I am concerned he is not and never has been chairman of this committee." "I speak concerning the matter at hand only as a member of the committee," was Mr. Hoge's reply. Facing Hoge, once more the Mayor con tinued: "I want you to understand my position thoroughly. I made Mr. Flelsch ner chairman of this committee. I created this committee. i I have an equal right to disband It. Once more, I would like all funds turned over to Mr. Flelschner, the regularly appointed chairman." "I should like you to know, sir," re torted Mr. Hoge, "that the treasurer has always kept this money." As the Mayor started for the door Mr. Hoge turned toward the Oregonian repre sentative and said: "Mr. Reporter, I would like it clearly understood that Mr. Flelschner never gave any Intimation that he was appointed chairman of this com mittee, that neither Mr. Ladd, nor Mr. Wilcox, nor Mr. Mills, to my knowledge, ever knew of it, either." , "You might step down stars," said the Mayor who was determined to stay till the finish. "Mr. Reporter, and inspect the minutes of the meetings of the general relief committee kept by J. B. Laber and And therein registered the name of I. N. Flelschner as duly appointed chairman of the finance committee." Bids Committee Good Morning. 'Good morning, gentlemen," this with a smile. There was no reply. "Good morning, gentlemen," repeated the im passive Mayor, and the excitement was over. Mr. Ladd had meanwhile left during the closing exchange of remarks, which left the committee without a quorum. Mr. Hoge broke the silence. "The committee stands' adjourned," said he, and one and all the members hurried to the door. The afternoon furnished some further startlin'g developments. At 5:30 o'clock the old committee, composed of Hoge. Flelschner, Wilcox and Ladd, met again In the Chamber of Commerce, but this time they were not disturbed by the pres ence of the Mayor. He had done his work and was satisfied to remain away. The purpose of the meeting was in fact to repair the damage wrought by tne Mayor in the morning. How to answer the Mayor was the question before the house, and apparently Chairman Hoge had already decided that question in his own mind, for under the first order of business he presented a written statement which he said he thought was a fair com promise with the Mayor, and was a fair statement to the public. Members Wil cox and Ladd concurred with Mr. Hoge, readily, but Mr. Flelschner proved a ver itable thorn in the flesh. Mayor Lane's Requisition. "I have here," said" Mr. Flelschner, "a letter which was Just handed to me by the Mayor at his office, where I have been." ' The letter proved to be a requisition from the Mayor on the members of ths old committee for the money and vouch ers in their possession. "You see, gen tlemen, with such a letter' as this In my possession, and being cognizant that the Mayor has appointed me chairman of the new committee which he intends to cre ate I cannot consistently sign this state ment as you wish," said Mr. Flelschner. For a solid hour the other members of the committee prodded Flelschner with questions and saturated him with argu ments, in an endeavor to get him to sign the statement. Flelschner was alike deaf to persuasion, ridicule and charges of in consistency. When the meeting broke up he still refused to sign, but granted that he would think it over and telephone his decision to The Oregonian should he maae up his mind to add his name to the state ment. No message was received from Mr. Flelschner last night which would seem to indicate, that he had cast in his lot with the Mayor. Statement of Committee.. "The statement prepared by the commit tee Is intended to be at the same time a Justification of our policy and to be a compromise with the Mayor, said Mr. Hoge the framer. "We are -willing to leave' the whole issue to the public. Such subscribers as wish to have their sub scriptions forwarded may do so. In this way we will also be able to determine public opinion on the issue between our committee and Mayor Lane." and he handed the reporter the following: To the Public. Following Is a statement of the Portland Relief Fund, a of June 27: Receipts Funds and provisions contributed by Portland : f 260.833. 92 Received from Pittsburg. Pa 2S.ooo.00 Received from Boston. Mae 10,000.00 Received from various cities in Ore gon and Washington (1,619,27 Total $300,953. 19 Expend itures Supplies and provisions sent San Francisco 182.M3.23 Women's relief committee 6.55t..l2 Local aid committee 2.82S.42 Through Oregonian for Oregon Re lief Bureau 14.450.7B Through J. N. Teal for same 2.208.08 Relief to Santa Rosa 1 .fion.no Individual relief 3.005.12 San Francisco County Medical So ciety 1.OO0.00 Incidentals 141.31 Total expenditures $273,101.27 Balance , $ 77.851.92 Lewis and Clark stock. not yet available 18.408.75 Balance t 59.443.17 Balance of appropriation to sundry commltees not yet expended ... 10.519.13 Available In excess approprlations$ 48,924.04 Aim of Committee. The aim of this committee has been to dis charge Its trust with regard alike to present and future needs. With unetinted hand sup plies and provisions were rushed forward to the Federal authorities in charge of the work of relief at San Francisco until they called a halt. Joseph N. Teal was sent to San Fran cisco as a representative of this committee to ascertain the requirements of the situation, and, after Interviewing the authorities, left with the understanding that further requisi tions would be honored within the limit of our funde. The method adopted by the finance com mittee In order to insure the forwarding o goods most needed and to avoid sending any thing which, though possibly needed, might be sent by other cities, ha been to nil the requi sitions of those In charge of the relief work In San Francisco for such supplies as were desired. Since then we have filled every requisition; sent fundi to Santa Rosa and the San Fran cisco County Medical Society and opened up at San Francisco and Oakland four channels for individual relief In the persons of E. S. Heller. Mls Maud Lissnk. Miss Belle Sell wood and Mrs. H. M. Sherman, while taking care of the situation here through the local aid and women's relief committees. Policy of the Body. It is not the desire, nor has It been the policy of this committee to withhold distri bution of Its funds, but only to place the same to best advantage In accordance with the best obtainable Information as to the ne cessities of the situation. And that we are accomplishing this result with a proper re gard for the future Is the opinion not only of thin committee, but likewise of the general relief committee as expressed by vote at Its meetings of May 29 and June 27. At each of these meetings a detailed report was pre sented and a similar report was sent the chairman of the general relief committee on June 18 four first written preliminary report being furnished him on May 17), and at a meeting of the general relief committee held June 27. at which were present nearly all the members, a resolution requesting the finance committee to proceed with the dis bursement of the funds In such manner and at such times as the finance committee deemed advisable, was passed unanimously, with the exception of a negative vote by J. B. Laber, secretary. , Think Demand Inadvisable. In view of the very general approval by the general relief committee of the manage ment of this fund by the finance committee we do not feel that the demand of Mayor Lane alone that we remit at once to the Han Francisco relief committee the entire bal ance in our hands, or that we turn over cus tody of the fund to him or his order, is ad visable in the interests of theend desired by the contributors to the fund, but should any contributor to whom the funds belong desire that the unexpended balance of his donation be sent to the San Francisco Relief committee In . cash without further delay, as demand ed by Mayor Lane, the committee will glad, ly comply with all such requests upon receipt of written Instructions so to do. Respectfully, R. R. HOGE. W. M. LADD. . THEO. B. WILCOX. Refuse to Resign. The committee made no mention of re signing or heeding the Mayor's demand to turn over the money at hand. On the contrary, during the flow of speechmak ing turned on Mr. Flelschner, many re marks were dropped by the committee men which clearly indicate that they have not the slightest intention of giving ground to . the Mayor. "Would you back down, would you ad mit by resigning that you have all along acted in the wrong?" was asked of Mr. Flelschner many, many times. There is but little doubt that the committee to a man, with the possible exception of Mr. Flelschner, will combat the Mayor's at tempt to create a new body. Mayor Lane's Purpose. And now what does the Mayor intend to do to enforce his threat? "I have consulted . legal . advice," he said yesterday afternoon, "and am per fectly satisfied that I am Justified In my stand. If the members of that committee do not dig up the money in the next 24 hours I will call a mass, meeting in the Plaza block of the subscribers and then we will see what will be done with that money." Each one of the members of the old committee, with the exception of Mr. Flelschner, received a letter worded in this maner yesterday afternoon: This is to notify you that the finance com mittee of the San Francisco relief committee, which was appointed by me to take charge of such funds as might be subscribed for the benefit of the sufferers from the late San Francisco disaster and of -which you are a member, is hereby dissolved, and you are further notified that your services as a mem ber of that committee will be no longer re quired. You are respectfully requested upon demand to turn over all moneys, accounts and vouch ers of this committee now in .your possession to Mr. I. N. Flelschner, as my representative, and to take a receipt from him for the same. Respectfully yours, HARRY LANSJ. Mayor and Chairman of the San Francisco Relief Committee. GIVE A. L. CRAIG FAREWELL DINNER Commercial Club and the Rail way Men Honor Official. GOOD FELLOWSHIP EXISTS Retiring From the O. R. & N. to Take High Position With Great Northern, He Is Guest at Banquet- What was the most notable railroad din ner given in Portland in some time was the farewell banquet to A. L. Craig, the retiring general passenger agent for the A. L. CRAIG, GENERAL PASSENGER O. R. & N., at the Commercial Club last night. The spread was above the usual order and called forth a good attendance of prominent railroad men, as well as the leading members of the Commercial Club, under whose auspices the affair was held. The board was in the form of a huge horseshoe. At the head of the table sat A. L. Craig, the guest of honor; F. W. Leadbetter. president of the Commercial Club; Governor George B. Chamberlain, W. W. Cotton. H. M. Cake and Thomas B. Wilcox. The decorations were in La. France and American Beauty roses, and the effect was charming. The guests com mented favorably upon the efforts of the Commercial Club In making such elab orate decorations for the event. One Hundred Ten Covers Laid. The original intention was to limit the dinner to 75 guests. Owing to the general popularity of Mr. Craig, this was found to be impossible, and the limit was raised to 100. The demand on the part of Mr. Craig's friends to attend the banquet was so general that about 110 covers were laid. Nothing could better show the high regard in which Mr. Craig was held than the gen eral desire on the part of his friends to be present at the farewell dinner in his honor. The menu was the especial care of Stew ard Clarke, and was a complete success. The music of Stiles' Orchestra, which played throughout the evening, was so warmly received that the musicians were compelled to respond to encore after en core. The diners expressed themselves dur ing the function as greatly pleased with the splendid arrangements that had been carried out by the Commercial Club in honor of Mr. Craig. President Xieadbetter's Address. President F. W. Leadbetter presided, and after the black coffee and cigars had been passed, he said: "It becomes my painful duty at this time to announce the departure of Mr. Craig from this territory to become passenger traffic manager of the Great, Northern, with headquarters at St. Paul. While working with Mr. Craig as one of our board of governors. I have found his time at our disposal always. 1 can say that we regnet to part with him, and we shall only consent to do so because we have to. As the head of the Portland Commercial Club, let mo say that we wish him God speed always." . , Many Telegrams Sent. President Leadbetter then read the fol lowing telegrams: F. W. Leadbetter. President Portland Com mercial Club, Portland, Or. : I would be glad to Join your club In honoring my friend and associate, Mr. Craig. While he returns to his old home and the fellowship of old friends and business associates, I am sure he cannot take all or the best of which is In him from Portland and his friends at Portland, but he will carry with, him much of that he has acquired on the Coast that will be helpful and . agreeable to .his new associates. Give him. a little of the Pacific breeze, some of its fruits and more of Its flowers to sweeten his eastward Journey and make a welcome for him. v J. C. STUBBS. . Traffic -Director Harriman Lines at. Chicago. . F. W. Leadbetter. President Portland Com mercial' Club, Portland, Or.: With the busi ness men of Portland I Join In rejoicing at Mr. Craig's good fortune, . but deeply regret that It takes him . from our railroad family circle. The Northwest can ill afford to lose htm,, for. like all the world. It needs big men, and he fills the bill In every way.. In his going, wish him all good and leave the latch-string out In the hope that he may some time find his way back to beauftlul, Oregon. JAMBS BORSBURG, JR. General Passenger Agent Southern Pacific, San Francisco.- Cal. . . William McMurray, appointed to suc ceed Mr. Craig as general passenger agent of the O. R. & N., sent the follow ing: . Huntington. Or.r June 28, 1906. F. W. Leadbetter, president Portland Commercial Club, Portland, Or. : Regret exceedlgly not being able to Join you this evening in dolne honor' to A. L. Craig, whose kindness and consideration to me during my short so journ In Portland I shall always remember. May the stars shine on his pathway and guide him back to God's own country Oregon which I know he loves. WM. M'MURRAT. Wall Walla, June 28, 1006. A. L. Craig, j ' Y - X J . j' y'. ". J Portland: On account of matters pending before Washington Railway Commission was unable to get away yesterday as Intended In order to be present at your dinner tonlg'ht. I regret this very much, because I would like to Join with your many other friends on an occasion of this kind. Hope you will have an enjoyable time. R. B. MILLER, General Freight Agent, Harriman. lines In the Northwest. W. W. Cotton's Tribute. Toastmaster Leadbetter called on W. W. Cotton, chief counsel of the Harriman lines in the Northwest, who spoke briefly of the merits of the man in whose honor the dinner was held. He said in part: "Passenger men grow up to be the most congenial class of men In the world. We can say tonight without reserve that A, L, Craig is one of the best of that genial class of passenger men we have ever had with us in Portland. Much of the adver tising that we have had since Mr. Craig came to Portland is due to him. We have here more undeveloped resources than can be found anywkere on earth. I wish him every success and I hope that when the north bank road is constructed he will bring more passengers over it than he has ever done over the O. R. & N." Governor Chamberlain's Eulogy." Governor Chamberlain was called on and he spoke briefly in giving a high tri bute to the guest of honor. He said in part: "I do not believe there Is any man in the local railroad. row who is more be loved than A. L. Craig. He has done much for Oregon. We remember Mr. Mohler. We remember our good friend AGENT OF GREAT NORTHERN. J. P. O'Brien, who have done their best for the great commonwealth which we all love. In bidding farewell to Mr. Craig we bid welcome to a man who will do his best for the state, as Mr. Craig has done." T. B. Wllcov spoke next and said in part: "The man whom we honor tonight and honor ourselves most in honoring him, meets the requirements of our most ambitious manhood. When questions of policy or of state are discussed at St. Paul we will have a friend at courf. With the going forth of such men aa Campbell, Woodworth and Craig, we shall have a representation of such men as know what is needed in the State of Oregon." Response by Mr. Craig. Mr. Craig was called out by those pres ent at the dinner and spoke briefly of the thoughts that were uppermost and made It hard for him to speak at all. He said: "The dinner tonight Is in keeping with the kindly hospitality that I have ex perienced every since I have been in Portland. Since I arrived in Portland you certainly have been good to me. Portland's kindness1 to myself and family has been the hospitality to strangers within your gates. Nature has not endowed me with the Tom Rlchardsonlan gift of making speeches. I would that it were given me to make known to you how I appreciate all this kindness to me. There is always sadness in parting with such good friends. There is always the thought, however, that in the new field I may be able to do more for Portland and Oregon than I have been able to do while here. I am too full of feeling to say more, but let me say in parting, God bless you all." The guests responded by singing "He's a Jolly Good Fellow," after which speeches by H. M. Cake, Whitney L.. Boise. F. H. Fogarty, W. D. Fenton, W. P. Olds, C. S. Jackson, John 9. Carroll and others followed. As the dinner broke up the guests gathered around Mr. Craig and expressed their regret at his de--parture. List of the Guests. Those present were: F. W. Leadbetter, A. L. Craig. George E. Chamberlain, Harry Lane, Theo. B. Wilcox. H. W. Scott, Edward Ehrman. W. W. Cot ton, A. M. Smith, Hugh McGulre. E. L. Thompson. Julius L. Meier, Adolph Wolfe, W. P. Olds, Tom Richardson, Jefferson My ers, Sol Blumauer, W. McMurray, H. E. Lounsbury. C. W. Stinger, H. W. Fries. A. M. Crocker, A. M. Wright, E. M. Branntck, George ' W. Haxen, W. E. Coman, W. IX Skinner. H. J. Stirling, J. B. Yeon, H. M. Cake. F. B. Holbrook, L. R. Fields, F. A. Nltchy. E. A. Sessions, C. W. D. Scott, W. J. Hofmann." M. F. Brady, C. S. Jackson. G. M. Trowbridge, John F. Carroll, Richard D. Cannon, E. B. Piper, C. H. Williams, J. F. Meyer, G. W. Boschke, M. J. Buckley, A. E. Rockey, W. A. Williams, H. C. Ecken berger. Elwood Wilds, W. A. Cleland, F. R. Johnson. W. D. Fenton, R. Burns, Walla Walla; R. B. Miller, E. E. Lytle, J. W. Mor row, D. P. Wood, W. Crooks, C. A. Mal boeuf, A. MacCorquodaie, E. Lyons, E. G. Jones, J. H. Thatcher. W. H. Harder. R. J. Holmes. John P. Sharkey, W. L. Boise. W. B. Glafke. J. B. Glover. R. A. Marshall. Ar thur P. Tlfft, R. C. Coffey, Byron E. Miller, George Lawrence, Jr., A. H. Blrrell. H. L. Plttock. L. Gerlinger. H. W. Mitchell, J. K. Locke. R. L. Durham, G. M. McDowell, C. K. Spaulding. F. G. Buffum, F. H. Fogarty, R. V. Holder. H. Dickson, F. D. Chamber lain. R. W. Foster. M. J. Roche, M. G. Hall, A. C. Martin, W. H. Jenkins. W. C. Seach rest. C. A. Hunter, J. H. O'Nell, J. P. Jones, G. M. Craig. C. H. Reade, R. M. Hall. J. P. O'Brien. Charles J. Gray, J. C. Moreland. P. B. Potter. H. C. Munson. fpokane; J. R. Nagel, Seattle; A. C. Sheldon, J. W. Casey, A. D. Charlton: a: A. Morse. Seattle. PLAN VACATION NOW. Potter" Goes on June SO Low Upper Co lumbia River Rate. June 30 the T. J. Potter, the popular O. R. & N. Seaside excursion steamer, makes its first trip to North Beach, touching Astoria going and returning. Very low excursion rates now in effect. Delightful outing trips may be made to upper Columbia River points; the new local O. R. & N. train leaving Union Sta tion at 8:15 A. M. daily and returning at 6 P. M. the same day makes it possible to spend a day at any of the points of in terest along the river between Portland and The Dalles. Very low rates in effect. For particulars about the Summer re sorts and trips ask at Third and Wash ington streets. Portland. C. W. Stinger, city ticket agent. UA H. COON IS EX- Has Served a Term in Prison on McNeil's Island for Counterfeiting. STRONGLY DENIES GUILT Others of the Gang Have Been Ar rested and the Government Expects to Have More , In the Tolls. TIGHTENING COILS ABOUT COUNTERFEITERS. The tolls axe tightening closer and closer around the gang of alleged counterfeiters recently unearthed by Captain ' Bell and other secret service agents of the Government, the latest phase of the- situation being the alleged confession at Huntington yesterday of C. K. Mills, one of the trio of sus pects arrested at Welser, Idaho, Wed nesday. Carl Bastlan, of the Baatlan ranch, where Coon la alleged, to have carried on his counterfeiting operations, was also arrested yesterday by Captain Bell and Is now being "sweated" by the Federal authorities. Coon, who la confined In the Mult nomah County' Jail along with Joe Hansen and John H. Williams, also suspected of counterfeiting, denies that he was engaged "- In manufacturing bogus money, and claims that a secret service man named Ledger la anxious to have him convicted. The confession of Mills has started the secret service men on fresh trails, and in all probability an ex-convtct named Duffy, known to be in Port land, will be arrested today for com plicity In the Illicit transactions. Captain Bell and others will arrive here this morning with the Welser suspects. Ezra R. Coon, the alleged leader of the gang of counterfeiters who have been run to earth by Secret Service agents ot the Government, feels that the newspa pers have done him a great Injustice rel ative to some of the statements that have been given publicity concerning him. He claims that at the time of his arrest by Captain Bell and Secret Service Agent Foster, last Monday, he had gone into Huntington, Or., for the purpose of tf.e graphing to John H. Williams, who has since been apprehended on a charge of being an accomplice, and that the officers nabbed him without reason. Williams, who Is a friend of mine, had sent me a telegram," said Coon, in dis cussing the matter at the County Jail yesterday, "apprising me of the fact that he intended to go Bast and wanted to stop off at Huntington and see me about a mine in which we are interested. s soon as I got his dispatch I came into town for the purpose of answering him and letting him know the best time to come. That Is how the Secret Service men got hold of Williams address. He has lived with friends on East Pine street about 18 months. Calls It Put Vp Job. "The whole thing is the put-up Job of a man named Ledger, who boarded on a place near the Bastlan ranch, where I was working. I accused him of being a detective, and he got mad and offered S-tOO to anybody who would catch me In The act of making counterfeit money, but there was nothing of the sort made on the place. ' "I went there about two years ago and got a Job as an ordinary farm hand. While in Michigan I had learned the jew elry trade, and in order to earn some thing on the outside at spare moments, had purchased a machinist's lathe, which I used for turning rings on, besides a fur nace, for melting gold with which to make the rings." Coon says he was born in Ottawa Coun ty, Mich., 39 years ago. and has resided on this Coast 15 years, the greater portion of which time, he declares, was spent on Snake River. He admits having been ar rested in Portland In 1891 upon a charge of counterfeiting, and claims that the Se cret Service agents intimidated him into confessing and pleading guilty, for which offense he served a three years' term in the Government prison at McNeil's Island. He also acknowledges an acquaintance ship with C. K. Mills and Elmer and Eu gene Turner, who were arrested at Weis er Idaho, Wednesday, by Captain Bell and Secret Service Agent Foster for com plicity in the counterfeiting operations, although he stoutly maintains that they are not guilty, and that there is nothing in the charges against them. Says Hansen Is Innocent. According to Coon. Joe Hansen, who was arrested with him as an accom plice, is an honest miner from New York, who came out last Saturday to go on a prospecting trip, and fell in the clutches of the law merely because he happened to be with Coon at the time. The alleged leader of . the counterfeit ing gang is slight of build and below the average in height. He does not strike the casual observer as teing endowed with an extra quantity of executive abil ity, although the agents of the Govern ment claim that he Is very clever in his line and as sharp aa steel In many ways. Williams was decidedly noncommurilca tlve when seen yesterday, and declared that The Oregonian was "rank pizen" to him, and refused to be Interviewed. He la past middle age. and. although some what resembling Joe Dena, the man who was accused of robbing Penney's estab lishment in the basement of the Hotel Portland about two years ago, is pro nounced not that person by those well ac quainted with Dena. The preliminary hearing of Coon and Williams is set for 10 o'clock tomorrow morning before United States Commis sioner Sladen. Mills and the two Turner brothers will arrive here this morning in the custody of secret service officers of the Govern ment, according to information received by The Oregonian last night from Hunt ington, Or., which indicates also that Mills; who is a brother-in-law of the" Turners, has confessed. 'Telegram From Huntington. The dispatch reads: HUNTINGTON, Or.. June 28. (Special.) C. K. Mills. A. J. and Elmer Turner, arrested yesterday at Welser, Idaho, as accomplices In the Coon counterfeiting case, were bound over In this city today, in the sum of $1000 and $2500. respectively. Captain Bell left with the prisoners on train No. & tonight for Portland. Mills has mads a complete oon fessios, and more arrests will follow tomor row. Carl Bastlan, of the Bastlan ranch, was arrested today and Is being sweated by the authorities. Bastlan took the press, weigh ing TOO pounds, from the freight office at Welser with a team and delivered It to Coon at the Bastlan ranch some five months ago. Up to the present time the secret service men have been unable to locate the "press," CON T which would complete an absolute chain of evidence against the gang. The whereabouts of this press will be located in the next two or three days If the confession of MlUs la correct. . Secret Service Men at Work. In local police circles tt is said that the confession of Mills yesterday as outlined in the foregoing dispatch has had the ef fect of starting the secret service men on fresh trails, and already the officers are on the lookout for an ex-convlct named Dully, who is known to be in Portland at the present time, and who is accused of being implicated in passing the bogus money manufactured by Coon and his gang. In all probability he will be ar rested today. Duffy has only recently emerged from an Idaho prison, wher be served a term for forgery, and is recog nized as an all-round crook. It Is expected the wife of the owner of the Bastlan ranch will also be taken into custody today, as she is believed to be Involved with the others. CHANGETHE CAR FENDERS Plea That Present Type Does Not Fill the Bill. PORTLAND. June 27. (To the Editor.) I desire to call attention to the too frequent accidents by which the people of Portland suffer from' collision with trolley cars. Hardly a week passes without either a fa tal or serious accident. Some three or four years ago the City Council passed an ordi nance ordering the street-car companies to equip their cars with fenders, for the bet ter protection of people who were In danger of being run over by the cars, C. F. Swlgert wenf East, and It was reported that his mis sion was to look Into the fender matter, ex amine the workings of the various types, and bring back the very best form of fender. What was brought back and placed on the company's cars Is certainly the poorest and most unmechanlcal contrivance ever called fender, or safety guard. Everybody knows how utterly worthless it Is. My close read ing of The Oregonian has never discovered a single Instance where the Portland fender has prevented an accident, or even reduced the seriousness of one. My observation and experience of public comment, as I occasionally ride on the cars. Is that the fender is of no use whatever. I believe that a committee of three or four prac tical mechanics and railroad men could be nominated In Portland who could and would devise and apply a useful and practical form of fender. If that Is impracticable, could not such a committee of known mechanics and practical men be called to pass Judgment on the merits of the type of fender now In use? I am sure It would Immediately be condemned as utterly worthless. Can the street-car people tell of any other city using such type of fender, and that It la serviceable elsewhere ? The present fender should be condemned at once, and no new one applied that does not pass the Inspection and gain the approval of a committee as suggested. I wonder If It sounds extravagant to say that the files of The Oregonian for the years since the pres ent fender went into service will show 60 either very serious or else fatal accidents, and not one solitary Instance of rescue, either total or partial by the fenderT I believe such Is the fact, and am willing to be corrected if wrong. I note that the grand Jury is probing Into the fender matter. It would be a pleasure to help demonstrate to such Jury the utter worth lessness of the thing that the Portland Rail way Company Inflicts on the publlo for a fender. Another matter that occurs to me at th moment Is the frequency of accidents to the electric linemen in Portland. I suppose the element of contributory negligence applies al ways In such cases, for I fall to remember a suggestion or ruling by the Coroner's Jury that points out relief from such accidents. G. PERSONALMENTION. Mrs. E. Neuhausen and Miss Marie Neu hausen, the mother and sister of Special Inspector Thomas B. Neuhausen, of the Interior Department, arrived here Wednes day from St. Paul. Minn., and will here after make Portland their permanent' home. Mr. Neuhausen has recently pur chased a comfortable home on the East Side, and even In the event that his duties might call him to other sections of the country, will always consider this place his future headquarters. CHICAGO, June 28. (Special.) The fol lowing Oregonians registered at Chicago hotels today: From Portland F. S. Chapman, at tha Auditorium; S. W. Robinson, at the Mor rison; S. F. Boothe, at the Palmer. From Salem J. H. Bell, at the Kaiser hof; F. V. Cann, at the Palmer. NEW YORK. June 28. (Special.) The following people from the Pacific North west registered at New York hotels to day: From Portland R. Dague, at the St. Denis. From Seattle J. Beckman, at the Cum berland; C. M. De trick, at the Union Square; G. L. Splcer and wife, at tha Grand. Giant Cabbages In Other Days. PORTLAND, June 27. (To the Editor.) With reference to the statement appearing in last Monday's Oregonlaii under cut of a cabbage plant. In the interest of old time gardening permit me to relate an Instance. During the "GOs. In a rich alluvial draw near Kenllworth. over which runs tha Woodstock branch of the Portland Railway Company, cabbage was cultivated year after year. The variety was known as the "Mam moth Drumhead." The plants were set out the first week in July in hills two feet and rows three feet apart. By the middle of the following September the ground would be completely concealed by overlapping leaves. But entire fairness demands that the prod uct should be Judged by fruitage. It chanced one year to fall to the lot of the undersigned to market a portion of the year's crop for shipment on special order to San Francisco. One load, drawn by a yoke of oxen, and that In the days when the Stark-street ferry hill had to be reckoned with by East Slders, weighed 4200 pounds net. Prompted by curiosity, the largest head was placed alone on the scales by the shipping clerk and found to tip the beam at OO poundB. It was pf ".ed on exhibition and was tagged. At that " cabbage tor shipment was sold by weight, andi was a profitable crop. In the home market, however, It was sold by the dozen and hence unprofitable in competition with smaller varieties. Cultiva tion of the large. variety was therefore aban doned. Those were the days of the ''Oregon mists," and before the appearance of the aphides. B. K- Walt for the End of the Play. PORTLAND, June 27. (To the Editor.) I wish to call attention to the average con duct of Portland audiences during the closing act of a play. In all the plays I have wit nessed In this city since I arrived here, my pleasure has been marred, by the efforts of some of my neighbors to get on hats and wraps before the curtain fell, and conse quently I have been unable to see and hear portions of the act. Since the Baker The ater Company has been playing here I have been even more annoyed than usual, and my seat has been close to the stage. The other night was worse than usual, and I am sure Mr. Bauroe was Justified in waiting to go on with his lines until the bouse became quiet. It seems to me that at least common respect should keep an audience seated and quiet until the final fall of the curtain, especially when the company, from the least to tha greatest, try so hard to give us an evening's pleasure. A LOVER OF FAIR PLAY. SPECIAL SLEEPER FOR ELKS. On Saturday morning, July 14. the O. R. & N. Co. will run a special standard sleeper Portland to Denver by the way ot Huntington and Union Pacific, for the Elks, account the annual convention Grand Lodge Elks at Denver, July 17, li and 19. Mllvraukie Country Club. Eastern and Seattle races. Take Eell wood or Oregon City car, starting from First and Alder streets.