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About The evening news. (Roseburg, Douglas County, Or.) 1909-1920 | View Entire Issue (Nov. 30, 1917)
1 Aroeon Historical Societj -' I'uiiUr Auditorium. , j TO THE WEATHER The only paper in Roseburg carrying The Associated Press dispatches. Unsettled; Probably Rain. Highest temp, yesterday 68 Lowest temp, last night 52 vol. vm. ROSEBURG, DOUGLAS COUNTY, OREGON. FRIDAY, NOVKMBEK SO, 1017. No. 283 EVEN NG NEWS NG OF SHOOTING Eager Crowd of Spectators Fill Court Room Deeply Interested in Case. FUED DAYS RECALLED 1 "rowel lu, KeutMckkuis, Say Docla tory Statements Made by Plaintiff Cause of Trouble. Judge Riddle' court room was crowded to capacity this morning when the Weber-Prowell shooting affray came up before the justice court for a preliminary hearing, the purpose of which was to tlx the blame from testimony introduced. Attorney B. L. Eddy appeared in be half of the defendants A. J. Frowell and his two sons, Smithy and George, who are accusfed by the plaintiffs Rowe Weber and his brother, Claude, of having threatened them with bodily harm last Saturday evening about 6:30 o'clock near the Green pasesnger station. District Attorney George 'Neuner is .presenting the state. i The Prowells, who are southern ers, do not claim to be educated in the ways of the law nn seem to be wholly satisfied that they were act ing well within their rights to pro tect the faintly name from slander. One of the sons. Smithy, so they al lege, had been marked a thief through the statements of Rowe Webor, who is further alleged to have circulated the story about the community in which the two families d-well, that Smithy Prowell had broken into his home during his ab sence. The Prowells claim these declaratory statements were directly attributable to the trouble that oc curred last Saturday evening, and ' which eventually brought the princi pals into court. ... , .. i Eager spectators attracted to the little court room interested in one way or another In the case, laugh ed and grew serious just as the tes timony given by the accused and the accusers carried them along with the drift of evidence. Rowe "Weber, testifying as to his cause in the action, stated that he was attacked by the three Prowells on the night in question near the Green passenger station and that the defendants made some mention as to bodily injury they intended to in flict upon him. In the course of con versation that followed, Weber says he informed the Prowells that he did not want to get into a brawl with people of their class and started his team homeward. The Prowells fol lowed and the team was again stop ped and hot words ensued. At this juncture Claude Weber came up and Inquired as to what the trouble was. Smithy Prowell is then alleged to have remarked: "This includes you too," and struck him. Rowe Weber, according to his testimony then told his brother to come on and remark ed: "I guess we will have to clean them now." A fight followed in which Claude Weber and the two younger Prowell's took part. Rowe , Weber, who had remained atop his wagon up to this time, then started to climb down to lend assistance to his brother who was being roughly handled, and no sooner, bo he alleges, bad his feet touched the ground, when the older Prowell whipped out a .32-calibre revolver, aimed the weapon in his direction and fired point blank. When asked what took place then Rowe Weber stated: "I dodged behind the horses, think ing that the bullet had passed through my coat sleeve. Leaving me for the time being he (meaning Prowell) menaced my brother with the gun and attempted to shoot, i called my brother's attention to be ware of a knife, several times. My brother was knocked down and I was afraid he would not get np." The wltnesB was then asked- to state the condition of his brother Claude after the fight. Mr. Weber described the progress of the en counter and said his brother's face was bloody, his lip cut and smashed. He was also bleeding from a knife wound in the head about 2V4 Inches long. Mis head was smeared wlta blood and on It a lump about the size of a hen's egg. B. L. Eddy, attorney fpr the de fense, then asked that the wounds be exhibited to the court. Attoi ney Neuner objected to this evidence but his objection was overruled and the court examined) the scalp of Claude Weber, which still sbowtd signs of battle. The case was then taken back to where the gun play was made and after answering several questions put to mm by counsel, Mr. Weber. who evidently took every opportunity of a college education went on to say that he had played foot ball In earlier days and had It not been for the fart that he was a married man be would have attacked Prowell when he raised his arm to Ore. Mr. ' Weber saidi he saw one of the yuuns er Prowells nave a knife, the major portion of which was covered by his (Prowell's) hand. Smithy Prowell then took the stand and after giving his occupa tion as that of a section hand, slated that he went to the depot on the night in question to meet the even ing train as his brother, Joe, was to arrive. On discovery that the train was late and thinking that he would come to Roseburg on the following day he thought he would go to see his employer, Tom Haven, wno lives a short distance from the station, and in going down the road met Weber driving a team. Smithy al leges that he asked Weoer about the remark ne made in regard to the ac cusation of house breaking. Weber is alleged! to have replied "O now, I didn't say you did." Sniltuy speak ing: "O yes you did, I can prove it." In course of the conversation Smithy alleges that Weber said "I don't want to "have anything to do with you d m low down class of people." Weber then noticed his brother coming down the road and said "Come on, Claude, we'll clean up on every d m one of them." Claude is then alleged to have rush ed) in and struck the younger Pro well, knocking hiin down and a fight followed lasting several minutes. Smithy denies that his brother had a billy or a sling shot (after being told what these weapons were) and he further' claims that no knife was used. On being questioned regarding the gun involved In the case, Smithy Prowell told the court that his father was in the habit of carrying the weapon and on this occasion J)ad taken the revolver to keep the boys from using it for the purpose of hunting. He stated that his father warned Mr. Weber to keep away from the fight saying "Standi back, old man, stand back," and when Weber advanced as if to take part in the fracas. Smithy testified, that his father fired in the earth about three feet in front of the plaintiff merely as a protection and to keep Weber out of the fight. After the shot was fired the quarrel and strug gle ended and the parties departed for their respective homes. J. A. Prowell took the stand early (Continued on page 6.) OLDER BOYS CON- F( Local Boys Attend as Rep resentatives From Various Churches of the City. GOOD TIME PLANNED Roseburg Delegates Will Endeavor to Bring Convention Here Next Year Will Remain in University City Until Monday. EUGENE, Or., Nov. 29. Rev. E. H. Price, of Portland: Rev. W. H. Davis, director of religious work at one of the Y. M. C. A. buildings ati Camp Lewis; J. A. Churchill, state superintendent of public instruction; H. C. Seymour, of Oregon Agiicul tural College and John H. Matthews Northwest superintendent of Congre gational Sunday school work, will be among the speakers on the program of the older boys' conference of the Y. M. C. A. for the western district of Oregon, which will convene In this city Friday and continue In session for three days. Governor James Withycombe has offered a flag to the city sending the delegation that shall report the great est aggregate mileage. In order to compete the city must be 125 miles from Eugene. A "Hoover" banquet will be one of the entertainment features provided for the visiting boys. It is estimated that 400 visitors will be in attend ance. Delegates to the conference from this city left this morning for Eu gene and 23 young men from the va rious churches and the Boy Scouts organization will represent RoBeburg. The boys expect to remain in Eugene nnHni, ri all irhf f ill nMiaa nn u n It will ! endeavor to bring the convention to this city next year. Presbyterian church Ray Lenox, Edward Kohlhagen, Colin Macnab. Methodist church John Frye, Lyle, Perrine. Methodist cnurch. South Wesley ABhworth, Richard Ashworth. Christian church George Houck, Harry Wilcox, Clarence Church. Baptist church Leslie Butner, George Hopkins, Wesley Meredith, Episcopal church Cecil JackBon. Boy Scouts Reginald Ashworth, Joe Deets, Max Butner. High school Allan Oden, Edwin Booth, James L. Pearson, Ralph Buckingham, Roy Patrick, Edwin A. Smith. THE COURT HOUSE Sutherlin Editor Cannot Un derstand Roseburg's Attitude. UNSANITARY, UNSAFE A Movement That Should Have The Undivided Support of Every Pro gressive Citizen in County , - -Why Delay the Matter. Will J. Hayner, editor of the Suth erlin Sun, was a business visitor to Roseburg today and while here drop ped into The News office to extend fraternal greetings. Mr. Hayner is one of the aggres sive newspaper men of the county who has his city's welfare and nest interests always uppermost in bib mind' and has been a great factor In the upbuilding of his city. He knows that when the citizens of any com munity lose faith in their own home town and fail to keep pace with the ever increasing demands, either pub lic or private, light then that city begins to sink Into oblivion, and when it once gets on the downward grade the "skidding" Is mighty aBt. Mr. Hayner wants to see Roseburg have a modern and up-to-date court house, though he does not live in this city, and Is of the opinion that the county court has taken the right steps in the matter. The delapidat ed andt unsanitary condition of the county jail, the very obsolete ar rangement of the interior of the court house and its lack of safety for the valuable records kept therein are matters that should have the hrst consideration from the taxpayers of the county and it is his opinl -n if they all fully understood the pro posed improvements they would heartily endorse the step forward In the county's progress. Many peo pie have been entirely misled In the matter and the work that is to be done. ' The county court Joes not pijopose to spend $50,000 In any "patch work" very much to the contrary when the proposed im provements are made the court house will equal and surpass many such build'ings In larger cities than Roseburg. In fact, it will be modern in every particular and a credit to the taxpayers of the county an en terprise that they should take a pride in furthering, rather than us ing their Influence to retard t iu com munity's progress. A whole lot of people are already beglunig to look at this matter ill the same light as Mr. Hayner. Of course, there will be petitions circu lated and presented to thecounty court asking that nothing be done. There seems to be a spirit prevalent In this city and county that everj time a step forward is suggested there are a few who want to "back up" about sixteen to one In the way of advancement. It's a mighty poor municipality that doesn't take a just pride in its proposed achievements for the betterment of Its people. SERGEANT JOE DEI ' AT CAMP MILLS In the ordnance department of the U. S. army at Camp Mills, Mineola, Long Ieland, is stationed a Roseburg boy. Sergeant Joseph E. Denn, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Denn, of this city. Sergeant Denn was attached' to the state ordnance depaitment until his entrance into the University of Oregon, where he took a special course in the branch and recently re ceiving his call to active service, was sent to MinooJa. According to word received from Camp Mills the ord nance department is being worked night and day supplying old men and recruits with needed articles. It Is also thought the trip to France will occur in the near future. COAST ARTILLERY MAY SAN' FRANCISCO, Nov. 29. Or ders to headquarters of the western army department to prepare the Pre sidio for the accommodation of coast artillerymen In numbers today gave rise to the belief In army circles here that the coast defense men have been picked for service In France. training coast artillerymen, It Is pointed out, Uncle Sam has taught them as much about selge guns as roast defense guns and it is the selge guns training which prepares men to lav down barrages on the European battlefields. WILL COAST AR- Roseburg Boys Have No Idea How Long They Will Re main at Columbia Forts. CONSIDERED. EFFICIENT Chance for Advancement In This Branch is Good and Boys From . This City. May Return Alter War With Shoulder Bare. ; "How long do you think you boys will remain at the forts on the Co lumbia river?" seems to be a very popular question that Is put to the soldiers who have been visiting with friends and relatives in this city over Thanksgiving. One fellow stated to a News representative this morning that nearly every boy in training at the Columbia forts Is anxious to be moved nearer the "fighting front" and speculation among the soldiers as to the probability of an early move offers a popular pastime that aids in a great way in driving away the blues, The Oregon coast artillery is rec ognized by authorities as being uniting the best trained troops In this branch of the service and it is very probable that when' national guard units of the coast artillery division are moved that the Oregon boys will be among the first to go. News com ing over the wire today Is indicative of such a move and' within the next two months it is thought that some definite word to this effect will bo re ceived. The 4th company coast artillery from Douglas county has been receiv ing some excellent training in guard duty and this company may be in the first battulion to be moved from the state. . - , It Is possible that a large number, of companies may be transferred to heavy field artillery, owing to their previous 'training on the large coast defense guns. According to word re ceived in this city a number of tho officers there have already received Instructions in heavy field artillery work and the enlisted men may soon be trained along that line.' There Is a great need in France for companies of heavy field' artillery and other troops who have not received as much training as the Oregon boys will undoubtedly be placed In charge STEAL CHEWING GUM Special Officer James Mo- loney, of the Southern Pacific Company today two Ashland youths giving their names as Guy Walcott and Albert Foster, charged! with having entered the Rose Brothers confectlon- ery store a few night ago ab- scondlng with a quantity of gum. The officer encountered the lads who are still In their teens in the local railroad yards about noon and . after' much questioning was fully convlnc- ed that the boys were respon- slble for the Ashland crime. When searched, five boxes of gum wore found In their bolong- ings and when asked what they Intended doing with this supply of chewing material, the youths quickly displayed a patriotic spirit by replying that they were taking the packages to the soldier boys at Fort Stev- ens. The older of the lads, Guy Walcott, stated that his father was mess sergeant of the Ashland company and had been stationed at Fort Stevens since the artillery was mobilized at that point some time ago. Both boys strongly maintain that they entered the wareroom of the Rose Brothers confec- tionery store through a Bide door that had been carelessly left open and that not force ot entry was necessary. Neither deny taking the gum found on their persons, but both are plainly effected In the outcome of the case and pleadingly re- quested that their names be withheld) from publication, ow- Ing to highly respected parents, who would be deeply "grieved to learn of their sons' predlca- ment. However, these things miould have been thought of before gaining the interior of the building. ' Officer Mahoncy turned the youths over to Sheriff Qulne, who In turn telephoned the Ashland authorities and an of- flclal will arrive here tonight to take the wanderers back to face the charge. Tl OBSERVED IN CITY King Turkey Reigned With Pomp Assisted by Queen Chicken. MANY ARE THANKFUL ItyjljBNus Cii-oles Oolcbruted With Union Services at Methodist Church Theatres Jam " -med Last Night. ' Thanksgiving daiyl .was bbseiwed throughout the city yesterday lu true American spirit of appreciation and hundreds cf festal boards were adorned with Bteamlng viands of un questioned excellency. King Turkey reignedi In his usual lordly manner with pomp, and sharing equally the glory vas Queen Chicken, who though lowly sat upon the royal throne and participated with tre mendous importance in the festivi ties. .(- ' The H. C. of L. and food conserva tion tendencies played a serious part In the day's observance and this year's festivities were kept within bounds of reason as to quantity at least, however, nearly all fared well and expressions of satisfaction at the multitude o blessings were heard on every side. The thoughts of many were drifting toward the forts and cantonments where our soldier boys are preparing for the mighty struggle for the preservance iot democracy and though n inner feeling of sor row somehow oppressed the spirit a mighty sense of pride and respect filled our souls for the gallant sol dier lads and because of tnelr great sacrifice' we marveled and prayed that their day be filled with bless ings. Wilthall, the day was replete with apreclatlon of the bountiful gifts that nature:- bestowed upon the people, of our freedom loving nation, and al though we are engaged In - war a stupendous our fields have been fruit ful, our coffers are overflowing, our DralBa is always open to the suffer Inir and oppressed of other lands and our hearts are beating universally for humanity and peace everlasting, liratitude is a virtue often inade quately expressed but on the lips of every Roseburg citizen yesterday was thankfuiaess acknowledged tor our abundance of blessings for our splen did share of sunshine along with tho shadows. DespiteUhe downpour of the angry elements despite old Jupe Pluvius'B wrath when every weather Imp con spired against Mother Earth and tho rain poured' in a continual sneei, many Informal dinner parties were scheduled and gayeties galore were featured. In the evening the Antlers and Majestic theatres were Jammed with pleasure seekers who braved the elements to vlow the ever popular movie. On Wednesday evening the relig ious circles celebrated with true Christian spirit and union services were observed . at the MethodlBt church, representatives from every denomination in the city attending. It could truly be said that Thanks giving day in the year 1917 was a splendid success In every way and from the inner tabernacles or ou soul we sang praises for our Bhower of blessings. PORTLn.D, Nov. 29. Oregon was beaten by Oregon Agricultural College 14 to 7, today. Oregon Agricultural College scor ed twice In the Initial porlod'. Roar don, of the Aggies, took Steers' 40 yard punt and carried it sixty yarilH for a touchdown. Lodell kicked goal Lodell then went 63 yards and Bls sett carried the ball across. Lodell kicked goal, O. A. C. fumbled later on Oregon's five-yard line. The porl- of the Columbia iorts It the mov made. Not only have the coast artillery boya been trained on the big guns hut thev have also been given In fantry work and bayonet drill. The value of the skillful use of the bayo net has been fully demonstrated the present war and In case the Ruse- burg boys are given a chance In tho trenches they will no doubt give the Oermans a good taste of "cold Btc-!1 The chance for advancement In tho coast artillery branch Is very g.-nat and no doubt a number of the beys from this city who at present hold non-com titles will be given an op-l portunlty to obtain snouiaer oars ue lore the war Is ended1. OREGON AGGIES BEAT ORE. VARSITY 14 TO 7 od ended with O. A. C. carrying the ball. Score O. A. C. 14, Oregon 0. In the second period! O. A.- C. fumbled on Oregon's two-yard line. he Aggies continued to tear through the 'Vat-Blty line for frequent gains. Lodell missed an attempted place kick from the 36-yard line.- O. A. C. was twice penalized for holding. Capt. iNewman went Into the game, enlacing Blssett at fullback. Ore gon attempted several forward passes with little success. The period ended with the score unchanged. Blssett went back into the game In the third period. Oregon made yard age for the first time In the game and followed with a thirty-yard forward On an intercepted pass, h.iw- ever. Rose of O. A. C. took the ball 35 yards to Oregon's JO-yard line. The remainder of the period was fea tureless, the score remaining O. A. C. 4; Oregon 0 NIGHT RIDER" HITS BILL BOARD IN FACE Driving west on Douglas street some time last evening a car, endeav oring to make the turn Into Main street took a course directly across the sidewalk andi struck one of the large bill boards of the Uinpqua Ad vertising Agency, splintering the lower- part of the board to quite an extent. That the Impact did consid erable damage to the front end of the automobile Is quite evident by the condition of ' the wrecked bill board.; The party who met with the accident backed out of his predica ment and probably went on rejoicing thankful that Clark Bargar, the lo cal bill poster, wasn't hanging around with a bucket of red- paint. Rev. W. H. Eaton and family de parted this afternoon tor Bremerton, Wash., where Rev. Eaton will be resident pastor in that city. ev, Eaton has been pastor of the uap- tist church in this city for a number ot yeai-B and his departure is greatly egretted. ERMIT RUSSIA TO ASK PEACE TERMS he German Chancellor Says Germany Will Listen to Proper Delegates. OTHERS SHOULD HEED IiitlinatcH Allies, By Continuing the War May Be Compelled to llow In Humility Idins downe Wants Peace, fBv Associated PreBs.) ASSOCIATED PRESS WAR LEAD, Nov. 30. Count von Hertllng, im- nerlal German chancellor, today told the relchstag that Germany was ready to dlBcuss peace with Russia If envoys with full power to act are sent to Berlin. The chancellor do dared that the central powers an not responsible for the prolongation of the war, and held out tho bIoi't lous advunce nto Italy" as a warn ing to the allies of what they may expect If the struggle ib conuniwu practically intimating mat ui.w i tho time for tho enemies of Gorman to secure peace on tho most favor able terms. Throughout England much dis cussion has been provoked by the publication of a letter from tni Marouls of Lansdowno, a veteran po lltlcal leader, pleading for a revision of the allies' war alms, and bespeak ing another attempt to secure peace before the great war leans to mo m ter ruin of the civilized worm. ltnnudiate Lnnsdowno. LONDON. Nov. 30. Chancellor Bonar Law, In an Interview today, positively repudiated Marquis Lansdowne's letter, in wmcn nloada for ueace. Premier Bonar Law, referring to the letter, said was "a dlaBter", . a COUNTY JUDGE MARSTERS TO SPEAI County Judge R. W. Marsters h been asked to deliver an address on "Juvenile Court Work" at Portland during the iudges' and commission ers' convention, which will convene there from December 11 to IB. Judgi Marsters today acecptod the honor and will participate In tho program at that time. Becauso of his famil iarity In this branch of court work Judge Marstors Is In a position to glvo some valuable Information to those who attend tho convention which will bo largely attended by representa tlveg from all parts of the state, Tl raining Within Sound of the Big Guns at the , French Front. OMFORTABLY HOUSED French People Admire Athletically lNilwxl Young Men in Uncle Sam's Army Boys Take To "Work Aptly. , (By Associated Press.) ' WITH THE AMERICAN ARMY IN FRANCE, Nov. 30 National gunrdB men from every state in the Union have arrived in France. This much has been permitted to be made public. The troops so far have all been safely transported across the water, but the Identity ot the units Is withheld for military reasons. Some have but just lately reachod the French camps, while others are In active training - within sound Of the guus on tho Frenoh front, In the camps the -Lib-- erty boys are quartered in low wood en houses specially constructed for their use, or are domiciled In houses In towns near the camps. Every unit arriving on French soil has "been given a most enthusiastic welcome by the people of that country, who show er every possible courtesy upon the BOldlers from the United StateB. The many thousands ot clear-eyed athlet ically Bet up young men from the far away shores of America, every one ot whom Is clothed and equipped' to the last word In military . necessities, have captivated the French by their aptness In acquiring knowledge of European warfare. The men of the various contingents are in the best of health and spirits, sickness among the troops being reduced to the mint- mum.- . ,. Will Hasten Movement, WASHINGTON, Nov." 30,-i.Arrlval of United. States guardsmen In France In tile past few-layBcovers a - ? large movement of troops, that has been progressing for several woeks. Those guard units to be sent later will be more sectional in character, and Secretary Baker anounced this morning that additional forces will be sent across just as fast as the men and Bhlps are ready. Those guard divisions first to show themselves fitted for service Will be the first to go. It was also stated that possibly . a regrouping ot the national army divisions made necessary by the use of drafted men to fill guard divis ions, will determine the order of the first national army units to be sent to . France. , . Hasten to Accept. AMSTERDAM. Nov. 30. The Aus- tro-Hungarian government, according to Vienna dispatches received here today, has sent an official reply, ac cepting the Bolshevlkl's proposals for peace and signifies willingness to enter into negotiations for an armis tice and general peace treaty separ ately with Russia. Tjonine Deposed, Is Alletcoo. JjONDON, Nov. .10. According to Petrograd dispatches received here this morning, the government under taken by Nikolai Lenine, radical leader of the socialist party, has fall en, and waB succeeded by a coalition cabinet composed of advanced social ists, In which the BolBhevlki is rep resented. , : i The suear saving campaign will be taken up by the teachers throughout Douglas county with the hearty co- oporatlon of Superintendent O. C. Brown and the supervisors wun a view of curtailing as much as pos sible the waste of this much needed commodity. Well organized schools Buch as wo have In this community can accom plish the desired results as the pu pils come in contact with nearly ev ery home In the county. This fact was fully demonstrated in tne arive for food conservation, which reflects . much credit on our educational In stitutions. The teachers are urged to take the augar campaign seriously, as tne na tional leaders have Informed us that this work is of utmost Importance and should be at once advocated and carried out with unrelenting vigor, thus Insuring success. Undivided we come out of this war of frlghtf ill ness, victorious. Divided, we staid to see the Germans perched upon tho high pinocle, they so relentlessly and barbarously choose. . During these war times we, as a people, should cultivate a ready re sponse to all appeals of our national leaders, simply because Germany Is yet undefeated. ,