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About La Grande evening observer. (La Grande, Or.) 1904-1959 | View Entire Issue (Dec. 24, 1931)
jmiA e iw ft oj m v n A a a n ra Ha (0b faMtt CITY EDITION Full Associated Press Leaded Wire Service t ' 8 PAGES TODAY Only Newspaper . ' Panted in La Grande Covering Union and Wallowa Counties it VOLUME 30 - "member assoomted press and a.' b, o. LA GRANDE, OREGON, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1931 eastbbit orbwon's mbadinq nkwhi-ai-kr NUMBER 100 KIDDIES ARE AIL SET FOR SANTA CLAUS Organizations and 1 Indi viduals Making Last Minute Preparations WARM CHRISTMAS DAY IS INDICATED Elks Christmas Party to Begin at 10:45 Tomor row Firemen Distrib ute 600 Gifts. CHURCH PROGRAMS Further details of church programs for Christmas and next Sunday appear In this Issue of the Observer in the weekly church news, which was printed today Instead of Friday, the Visual day for publication of the column. The church news is on page No. 0. $$$ $s $$$'$ s$ As the Observer goes to 'press thi3 afternoon, all of La Grande and Un ion and Wallowa county residents are completing their preparations, for observance of Christmas day. Last minute shopping- is under way, with the stores here to remain open until 8:30 o'clock tonight; Carols will be sung earlier this evening by the Camp Fire girls, the churches of the city which have not held programs already are preparing for the final Christmas observance, und the city firemen arc completing . distribution of more than 800 , toys and dolls to ajTVifuiy needy children in the community. Fire Chief C. T. Lindsay snld this morning that in dications: were that- a . gift would reach every needy child In the La Grande area. In the hundreds of homes in the county cagcr-eyed children were (Continued on Page Threes CLYDE KNOUF, HURT TUESDAY, IS IMPROVING Clyde Knouf, elderly Spokane man who was critically Injured here Tues day evening when he was hit by a truck driven by K. G. Bentley, of Frcewater, was reported to show a definite improvement this morning. He has been unconscious since the accident but his physician ?thih morning stated that Mr. Knouf. was shewing returning consciousness. Because cf the seriousness of his Injuries, It has been Impossible to cither set his broken leg or take X-ray pictures to determine whether his skull was fractured. This may be delayed for several days, depend ing upon Mr. Knout's condition. Deliver No Maily Here On Friday The post office employes will have nearly a complete holiday tomorrow, Christmas day, although mall will be dispatched from La Grande as usual. Incoming mail will not be worked, however, except for special delivery matter. Mall will not be boxed or delivered on Friday, Postmaster R. R. Huron stated today. Christmas day is one of the few holidays postal workers receive dur ing the year. ? ' $ WCATIIKK FORECAST 3 Oregon : Cloudy and light $ rains tonight and Friday in s- the east and occasional rains r In the west portion tonight $ and Friday; snow in the Cas- S $ cade mountains; moderate $ temperatures; strong south 3 and southwest winds and S gales offshore. ! S s, WEATHKit TODAY 3- 7 a. m. 39 above. S $ Minimum: 32 above. S Condition: Partly cloudy. $ ? WEATHER YESTERDAY Maximum 42, minimum 30 S & above. Condition: Cloudy, preclpi- 3 tation .03 of inch. Range ? 12 degrees. 3 ? WEATHER DEC. 24. 1930 3 Maximum 33, minimum 10 t- above. Condition: Partly cloudy, high winds. Range 23 de- $ J- grees. j r $ 1- $ 3 Q Q 3 City Will Buy New Fire Truck Early in Month 500-Gallon Booster Pump er Authorized at Meet ing of Commission Held Last Night ' The city commission at Its weekly executive meeting lost night author ized the city recorder-treasurer to ad vertise for bids to be received on a 500-gallon booster pumper truck, to augment the fire fighting equipment. Bids probably will be received Jan. 6, although the date for consideration has not been decided definitely. Such a truckt it Is said, would cost between $6000 ohd $7000. It would provide the city, with a smaller pump er than the present Stutz, and. In ad dition, the present La France may be kept In commission to be used in emergencies largely as a hose trans port, truck. The commission also authorized the calling in of outstanding, warrants for August, amounting to approximately $4600. City Manager Angus McAllister re ported that a break developed" in the Beaver creek pipe line the night of Dec. 22 and that Supt. Horace Knapp left yesterday morning to locate the break. In the meantime, "the city pumping plant Is providing sufficient, water for local use. Cash on hand at the end of the week follows: La Grande National bank $24,402.53, United States Na tional bank $0818.05 and cash $589.59, making a total of $34,811.07. James Moss Is Called Beyond; Funeral Sunday Tho croser of death struck off an other name from the list of Union county pioneers early this morning when James Moss passed' away.- His death was not unexpected, ; as he had been In poor health fot some time. j ' , Funeral services will-be held Sun-, day afternoon, pc7.,V.;,,"c.fc " '3A o'clock at- the . First., Methodist church in La Grande with Rev. W. H. Hertzog in .charge. Interment will be in the Summerville ceme tery with the Odd Fellows and Re bekahs of the county- conducting tho services of their order. Snodgrass & Zimmerman have charge of the body today. Mr. Moss was born in Wappolo county, Iowa, on Nov. 29, 1854. and as a lad of nine crossed the plains to Oregon with his parents, arriv ing in the Grande Ronde valley in (Continued on Pace Four Tigers Pressed To Beat Imbler; Score27 to 22 The La Grange Tigers, although they defeated Imbler High at Imbler last night 27 to 22, found much more opposition thai they anticipated. This was the last of the regularly scheduled games on the 1P31 sched ule, although. Coach Ira Woodle says that another game or two may be arranged for before school reopens on Jan. 4. Wagoner, Imbler forward, literally went on a scoring spree last night, caging 14 of his team's points. Wood ell and Jackson each contributed four to add to the total. Stoddard led the La Granc'e scorers (Continued on Page FSv Acquit Dr. Andre Of Murder Charge RENO, Nov.. Dec. 24 P Dr. Carl Pierro Andre, young West Virginia dentist, was acquitted of the murder of his former fiancee, Mrs. Mortha Hutchinson, also of West Virginia, early today by a Jury which deliber ated one hour and 13 minutes. The verdict was reached after sev eral ballots which were principally on whether Dr.' Andre was guilty of Involuntary manslaughter. The decision was greeted by cheers from spectators. Saying "this is the best Christ mas present I ever had," Dr. Andre immediately wired news of his ac quittal to his mother who is ill lni bed at Fairmont, W. Va. White House Tots Play Santa Claus WASHINGTON. Dec. 24 Peggy Ann and Peter Hoover, White House grandchildren, took their own turn today at playing Santa. Claus to at taches of the executive mansion. The children distributed tall pot ted potsetta plants through the va- j sentcd three ,to newspapermen. Little Peter 5 face bore a look of obvious satisfaction as the last of tho tall planti was deposited In the j press room. LEADERS HIT -BACK-TODAY. AT CRITICISM Administration Clarifies jts Position on lax Increase Plan. TAXES ON SMALL INCOMES DEFENDED Shrinkage in Individual And Corporate Incomes Bring About Need For More Revenue. WASHINGTON. Dec. 24 (P) Tho administration struck back today at criticisms that its tax increase plan mainly affects individuals with small means. - Tho treasury said perspns with In comes of $5000 and less would con tribute only W7.000.000 of the pro posed increase of $222,000,000 which would como from the added Income tax. It was estimated persons with incomes of $10,000 and more would contribute 0182,000,000 additional. Tho administration believes it is out of the question to obtain from taxation of larger Incomes anything approaching the total amount of additional revenue needed. The number of Incomes of $100,000 and over fell from 16.000 in 1028 to 0200 In 1030. and the tax on such in comes dropped from $700,000,000 to less than $240,000,000. Position Clarified Tho. treasury statement also was Intended to clarify the adminlstra-. (Continued on Page Four) L0NEY?S' EFFORTS; VERY VALUABLE Director Largely Respon sible For High Rank Lo cal Band Has Achieved By Raymond ). Williams (Publicity Director) The success of the La Grande band has in a large sense been due to the untiring efforts of the direc tor, who might have been living elsewhere if it had not been for the advice of doctors to seek a residerfee In a higher climate. Andrew Loncy Jr., came to La Grande in the year 1910. Mr. Loney had been living in Portland prior to that time where ho had followed music professionally, playing1 in concert bands and orches tras, theatre orchestras and teaching music. After coming to La Grande he Im mediately took up his profession, Joined the La Grande band, organ ized an orchestra and opened up classes In cornet playing. In the (Continued on Page Five) MAIL CHECKS' TO 31 MEMBERS OF ASSOCIATION A branch of the Grande Ronde Co-operative Creamery association Is the Union County Poultry associa tion, which today had in the malls cash dividend checks amounting to ono cent per dozen for more than 31 members and later will give certifi cates of ownership, bearing four and a half per cent Interest, the amount based on the number of dozens de livered during the- operating period at one cent per dozen or an amount equal to a cash dividend will be given to the membership. Ernest H. Do Long Is president of the Grande Ronde association and Charles A. Ramm is secretary-treasurer. New Snow for Christmas Unlikely; Weather Warm Here; Gale Hits Coast , A "black" Christmas seemed as sured for La Orande tomorrow, with tho weather more like March today than like the latter part of De cember. The maximum yesterday was 42 above and the coldest temperature during last night was 32 above. This morning at 7 the mercury was up to 39 above with the weather partly cloudy, .but shortly after B o'clock the sky had cleared and a bright sun was shining. Little snow remains in the down town district, and many residential areas are nearly clear. In the south end of the Grand Ronde valley no snow Is reported, particularly In and around Union. Prospects today were that the FADE0UT OF! YOUNG PLAN IS EXPECTED Advisory Committee Re port on German Situa? tion is Published.-" BANKERS STUDY i DOCUMENT TODAY Committee Upholds Ger many's Contention She Cannot Pay After Hoover Moratorium.' By the Associated Press Favorable comment on the report of tho Young plan advisory commit tee has come from most of the capi tals of Europe, but official govern ment spokesmen were reluctant to talk until they had 'examined the text o the document.' , Basel bankers regarded- the report as the beginning o$ the end of the Young plan which they believe to havo been rendered Inoperative In seme degree by the economic events. Germany called It satisfactory .and better than, had been expected but Chancellor Brucnlng said it fell short cf being a broad scale solution of the International debt problem. In France commentators described tho report as a .valuable source of information and intimated adjust ments might' be made If a study of tho full text indicated Germany can- (Continued on Page Five ' : 1600 CHILDREN QET GIFTS AT CAPITAL EVEN;! By Bess Fiirninn WASHINGTON, Dec. 24 iP) With, two Mrs. Herbert Hoovers as stors and the whole marine" band in the orchestra pit, today's Christmas party for the poor in a Washington theatre had a spirit and swing that warmed the heart. It sent 1600 little boys and girls homeward with smiles, and 'With large bags of gifts In their arms. Homer Dodeheaver, the man with tho big voice that used to fill Billy Sunday's great tabernacles, set the wholo theatre-full of children to singing. : Mrs. Hoover, a gracious Christmas lady In green suit with velvet lapels and cuffs, green velvet hat with glittery buckle in front, took her place In the first box. With her was pretty Mrs. Herbert Hoover Jr., in a suit of tweed with large brown checks, brown fox fur, and. close-fitting brown hat. Up oame. the long line of children as eager for Mrs. Hoover's smile os for thetr packages and she gave them both. 1 Dr. Lewa Wilkes, , Cecil Ager to Wed Di. Lewa Wtlkes and Cecil V. Ager, both well known In business and professional circles here, obtained a marriage license at the Union coun ty courthouse yesterday afternoon, it was learned this morning. Friend said they would be married at Hills bore, Dr. Wilkes' family home, on Sunday. Plans for tho wedding came as & surprise to their acquain tances here. Dr. Wilkes Is a special ist here and Mr. Ager is a photog rapher. He is formerly of Bend and Portland. ft KILLED IN SEATTLE SErATTLE, 'Dec. ; 24 Ml Seattle's 1031 traffic deaths reached 02 to day with the deaths of J. H. Tem pleton. prominent attorney, victim of a driver who has not reported to police, and Mrs. Robert Norrls, struck by an automobile while run ning for a street car. maximum- would be In the neigh borhood of 50 above. CiAI.K I.ASUES COAST SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 24 (F) A heavy gale lashed the Pacific coast today rain fell in the lower alti tudes of the far-western states, and snow piled deeper In the mountains, San Francisco felt the crush of the storm with blown down trees, trolley wires and chimneys. Several Ean Mateo county cities were in partial darkness as power lines were torn from their poles. Shipping In (the San Francisco arei was reported safe, but In northern waters, tne tug Roosevelt, (Continued on Page Five) iK spirit ot 1 fi BHE three Kings brought their gifts to Christ One day m Bethlehem. . n i i i i I I I I I 0 Though he whose star had been their guide -Could make no gifts to them. They asked for nothing in return Wise men have always known He is more blest who does no! seek -A favor of his own. So we today must bring our gifts Where empty stockings hang, If we would keep our faith in words An angel chorus sang. '' '. A doll and horn and spinning top, Smaff toys a child-heart sought, ' May be as shining as the gold The ancient Magi brought. ' By HELEM UELSBIMER Expect Changes " In The Chinese Foreign Policy NANKING, China. Dec. 24 (tPh Fundamental changes in the Chi nese, foreign policy, especially as re gards the Manchuria n dispute, are contemplated by party leaders, meet ing here to form a new government group, their spokesman said today. Ho declined to furnish details tf tho contemplated changes, but com menting on the old policy said, "It placed unreserved confidence in the ability of the League of Nations to solvo the problem." This statement inclined observers to believe the new leaders may attempt a stiffcr attitude toward Japan. "The garrison at Chlnchow will resist any Japanese attempt to cap ture the city," the spokesman said. "Wo do not .pretend to hope the Chinese troops can make a success ful stand at Chlnchow but tho mo rale of the Chinese army and tho opinion of the entire nation wilt not tolerate any further suggestion of a policy of non-resistance," , ,. Fee Confirmed By Congress Yesterday PORTLAND, Dec. 24 (P) Federal Judge James Alger Fee has received hl.i Christmas present. It came Wednesday as an announcement that congress has confirmed his ap pointment to the district bench here, but it amounted to something more than an occasion for congratula tions. Tho announcement meant Just about $7,500 to Judgo Fee who, since being sworn in April 6. has served without pay pending confirmation. Judge Fee was on the Umatilla county circuit bench until hla ap pointment as federal Judgo to suc ceed the late Judge Beam Golden Bears Are In Atlanta Today ATLANTA, 6a Dec. 24 WV-Cali-f or nla's Golden Bears came on to Atlanta today for their final prac tice sessions before the tntersectlon al charity football game Saturday with Georgia Tech. Coach Bill Ingram's squad stopped in Ney Orleans yesterday for a workout and resumed the trip here last night, Ingram planned two workouis tod;!' on Grant field, site of Saturday's contest. NAItHOW KHCAPB PORTLAND. Dec. 24 W) A nar row escape from death or serious Injury was experienced Wednesday by Mrs. I. II. Cederwell of Medford when a large rock fell from a cliff above the Columbia River highway and struck the front end of her automobile. Only a few days ago Glenn Mayfleid. The Dalles police man, was killed in a similar accident. hriatnms 1 VOLCANO BURSTS INTOERUPTION Kilauea Comes Into Ac tivity in Hawaiian Is lands Following Tremor HILO, Hawaii, Dec. 24 W) A huge volume of lava flowing Into Hale- maumau crater, Kilauea, in a new eruption started late yesterday, hod completely covered early today the 48 acres of the floor of the gigantic pit. Approximately half a hundred lava fountains sent up a glow vls- (Continued on Page Four) STONE KNOWS NOTHING OF GERMAN PLANS WASHINGTON, Dec, 24 tfP If Germany Intends to buy more wheat from tho farm . board Chairman Stone had not bectt Informed- He said today he has not been a party to any negotiations with that government since last September, when 7,500,000 bushels were Bold on credit. Tho chairman was commenting on a Berlin newspaper story that through a Rusmo - German trado agreement, 14.000,000 bushels ot Russian grain would take the place of cereal Germany planned to buy from tho board. At present. Stone said, the board has no prospective foreign sales be fore it- More Suspicion Is Directed at Two x PORTLAND, Dec. 24 (P) Detec tives revealed today that additional suspicion has been directed at Ver ril H. Raap and R. H. Williamson, held in Jail at Coqullle iti connec tion with several postoffice robber ies. Police here said they will ques tion the two about a number -of safe robberies here. Raap rjid William son will be brought to Portland soon by postofflco officials. Raap. 25, and Williamson, 34, woro arrested in connection with the rob bery of the Lebam. Wash., postoffice last August. Nf HKKI.W INSTALLMENT 3 4- IN OUSTRVLIl TODAY $ S Because of lack of space It 4- was necessary to leave out S today's installment of the 4 serial story. "Sunset Pass." Today's installment will ap- ? 4 pear in Saturday's paper, as & no paper will he Issued to- ? morrow, Christmas day. $ Post Office In Seattle Robbed - . Of Large Sum $28,253 Taken By . Lone Holdup Man Drug Store Proprietor Kills Bandit Last Night. : SEATTLE, Dec. 24 VP Holdups hero last night gave a (28.253 before -Christmas haul to a man who worked calmly in the cashier's office of the main Seattle postofflco, but brought death to another who was shot by a drug store proprietor. In still another, In tho downtown district, five men trussed up em ploye. md customers to the number of 10 in clothing store, tying them, with neckties, and escaping with about $500. Tho postoffice roobery was staged by a man who was apparently famil iar with the building and office pro cedure, his viotlms said. Ho imprison ed three employes In an Iron -barred cage, while dozens of patrons busy with tlielr Chrlstmas mailing were only a few feet away the other side of the partition, Tho shooting occurred at a drug store owned by Elmer J, Knauas, whose wife was ordered away from the cash register shortly before II o'clock by two men who entered, with their hands in their pockets, appar ently with guns ready for use; liobtwr slain In the bock, room, Knauss saw it all and started firing, as the men left with $100 taken from the roglster. Wounded low in tho body,, one of the men staggered Into a car outside but (Contlnucd on Pago Elght Doubt Blankets v Future of War DebtsDue U. S. WASHINGTON. Dec. 24 P)Doubt. blanketed today the whole future of tho war debta due the United States from; her farmer allies,-but prob ability - at stiff dpwnward revision "bUMnmo'-emnhAtlQ. :- '. . : The Basel report of yesterday was eleas enough In declaring resump tion of German reparations pay ments could not bo looked for at tho end of tho present one-year debt holiday In. the eyes of Europe nfe least, the reparations are the key to tho whole structure of tho World war burden. It appeared nearly certain In the case of many nations, that as a con sequence, the obligations due this country will not bo paid at the moratorium's expiration. But the official attitude in Wash ington, reflected despite determined refusal of comment on this report from the Young plan committee, showed clear conviction that con gress has made . It Impossible for President Hoover to take any fur ther step on debts. . Tho congressional declaration, in corporated in the moratorium reso- (Continued on Pairo Eight) Asks Exclusion Of Russian Products , AUGUSTA- Me- Dec. 24 ) The Matno congressional delegation was called upon today by Governor Gar diner and the executive council to support legislation to exclude from the United States all materials and products from soviet Russia and to terminate all trade relations with tho soviet- ; . Tho move was made primarily in an effort to assist the pulp and pa per industry of tho state. Historic Vessel Escapes Disaster PORT ANGELES, Dec. 24 (fl While United States and Canadian patrol boats searched heaving sens off Cape Flattery for her, the tug Roosevelt escaped tho fury of the storm and reached shelter in Neah bay safely today. Nothing had been heard fronv Iter since she messaged "For God's sake hurry" last night, Neah bay coast guardsmen mes saged that the Roosevelt, Admiral Robert E. Perry's north pole discov ery ship with 11 Seattle men aboard, camo Into tho shelter at 4:20 a, m. Chinese Bandits Capture American FOOCHOW, China, Dec. 24 (P) Harriet Halvcrstadt, of Wellington, Knns.. a missionary stationed SO miles south of here, was captured by band- ith late today enroutc to Foochow, Miss Halvcrstadt and ten Chinese were proceeding aboard a launch In the canal when Guerrillas, fired on the boat- The brigands went aboard and carried off the American woman and her companions Into the neoroy hills. The American consul demanded that Chinese ofllcials here undertake her release and a launch bearing soldiers was dispatched to the scene of the kidnaping tonight. U. Su BRITAIN AND FRANCE "WARN" JAPAN Three Powers Express' Apprehension at Activi ties Near Chkichow. ' JAPANESE REPLY IS DUE SATURDAY Will Stress Claim of Little . Difference Between "Regular" and "Irreg ular" Bandits. ' ,' By James P. Howe TOKYO. Dec. 24 (P) - Tho United States, British and Fronch govern ments were understood today to fcav? expressed to the Japanese govern ment what Tokyo considers a "warn ing" upon the new Japanese mili tary operations in the Chlnchow re gion. ... The apprehension of the United States government was understood to have been conveyed to Premier Inukat this afternoon by W. Camer on Forbes American ambassador. At the same time the Ron go news agency said warning notes were re ceived from Great Britain and Franco and that the text of these is to be . published soon, with the Japanese, 'reply,,. s Expresses Apprehension , . Ambassador Forbes called upon Premier 5nukai In mid-afternoon. Ha was understood., to . have expressed .Washington's . .apprehension anl to have decred a rousing qf. American, public ! opinion might follow a. ncv Stna-Japanese clash.-. , It was the first expression of Wash ingtan's 'attitude -to tho. new govern-' mentV The'ambassadbr's last oonfor-'- encc regarding ' Chinehow was with (Continued on Page Four) WHALE NOT A FISH, JUDGE LUSK RULES PORTLAND, Ore. Doc. 24 OT A whale is not a liBh. This was tho decision handed down In circuit courl; her yesterday and on this Interpret tation of zoology. Edward O. Lessard. and Joe T. Lcssard, his son. vcro freed of all legal responsibility for the slay ing of a whale which recently in hablied a slougH in . the Columbia river near here. , - In district court tho Lessards woro convicted on a charge . of killing a . fish by uso of a harpoon and spear, and were fined $20 each. Thoy ap pealed and Circuit Judge Hall 8. Lusk . directed a verdict of acquittal, hold ing that the Oregon statute prohibit ing the killing of f iaii except by rod and lino Is not applicable to whales. More Hogs; Cheaper Meat Is In Store WASHINGTON, Dec. 24 m ' More hogs cheaper meat,. . That's the prospect for next year. Tho agriculture department has is sued Its fall pig survey -which showed a total Increase of 16.7 per cent over tho 1930 fall pig crop. Cheap feed is responsible. . An increase of 21 per cent took place in tho corn belt, where, moro than S& per cent of the commercial hogs .are produced. .- Wheat Today CHICAGO, Dec. 24 (P) With a brightly lighted Christmas tree glow ing over the grain pits, brokers mode merry today, and watched wheat prices score modest gains, Tho gains were largely a reflection of evenlng-up transaction prepara tory for the triple holiday ahead, Cablca Indicating that negotiations were under way to promote shipments of British stocks of Russian wheat to Germany to be used in payment for German sales of commodities to Rus sia were construed a bullish because indicating British millers' unwilling ness to uso low-grade Russian sup plies. Wheat closed firm VaYsC above yesterday's finish, corn up. oats at a shade to c advance, ana provisions unchanged to ?c higher. PORTLAND, Dee. 24 The price of July wheat was forced dbwn 2c bu. here without the sale of more than j GOO bu. This was the total transac tion for the day. Final price was un changed for December and. May. Cash wheat was unchanged: In fact i to 2c above quotations is being offered.