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About Morning Oregonian. (Portland, Or.) 1861-1937 | View Entire Issue (Dec. 25, 1906)
THE MORNING OREGONIAN, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1906. S AT E Youth Who Brutally Murdered His Father at Spokane Is Declared to Be Insane. THREATS OF LYNCHING Trial Judge Is Astounded and When 3Irs. Sloane Offers Her Thanks He Slowly Shakes His Head In Dissent. SPOKANE, Wash.. Dec. 24. Spe cial.) Almost overshadowing the prep arations for Christmas on the morrow 1b the universal wave of Indignation over the verdict declaring Sidney Sloane. who brutally slew his father, not guilty because of insanity. It is the sole topic discussed today and to night. On streetcars and on trains, in the big drygoods stores, on the street cor ners, everywhere where throngs con gregate, the condemnation of the ver dict is almost unanimous. Its effect Vin growing youths of Spokane, many of the critics point out, is banefully far-reaching. Attorney Frank Robertson. who saved the "insane" assassin from the gallows, and his chief expert. Dr. Sem ple, are not congratulated on the suc cess of their labors. There is criticism, also, of the great expense of the trial and the tremendous strain on the jurors. The case has attracted universal at tpntion in city nnd country, because the principals are so well known. Many of the severest critics of the verdict are those who had personel acquaint ance with the assassin. According to his attorney Sidney Sloane will be sent to an asylum, with the consent and approval of his family. He probably will be sent to Walla Walla Penitentiary or Medical Lake Insane Asylum. Talk of lynching grew to such an extent during the afternoon that the Sheriff aud his deputies are mingling with the crowds, ready to take stern action at the first intimation of dan ger. Trial Judge Huneke was astound ed at the verdict. When Mrs. Sloane. mother of Sidney, stretched out her hand to thank him. he ignored the hand and slowly shook his head. Interviews with 25 or 30 of the most prominent citizens of Spokane, includ ing several physicians, will be pub lished in the morning, all condemning the verdict, which they think should have been murder in the first degree. "Not guilty, by reason of insanity." was the verdict returned today by the Jury in the case of Sidney Sloane. the 18-year-old boy charged with the bru tal murder of his father, James F Sloane, a pioneer merchant of Spokane. For the first time during the trial Sid ney Sloane changed color as the verdict was read. The color mounted up his face to his forehead, but a moment later he was calm and impassive as ever. His mother, as the import of the -erdict was brought home to her, gave a sigh of re lief that was audible in every part of the courtroom. Her face changed color, and then "she "bent over and hid her face in her hands. The trial, which has lasted five weeks, was the longest and most sensational ever held In Spokane County. It was clearly proved that on the night of August J, the boy came behind his father, who was eating a midnight lunch, and struck him six terrible blows on the head with an ax then took money from the dead man's pocket, picked up the corpse, carried it down stairs, loaded it into a. wheelbarrow, trundled It about two blocks and dumped it in an alley. Returning, he made clumsy efforts to wash the blood from the rugs and floor of the room. He ate part of an apple and calmly went to bed When the body was discovered "next morning he was quickly arrested and con fessed the crime. He said he became en raged at things his father said about his . mother. The defense claimed the boy had ehown signs of insanity from infancy. LUMBERMEN AHE VERY ACTIVE Hope to Force Railroads Into Com' pliance With Threats of Suit. SEATTLE. Wash.. Dec. 24. (Special.) Just how much of politics is mixed up in the lumbermen's car 'shortage fight against the railroads has not been fully disclosed, but it is apparent the mill - interests Intend to try to realize on the sentiment that has been worked up to push through the next Legislature a se ries of acts directed against the rail road. 'Reciprocal demurrage Is the most important of the new bills and a de inand for reciprocal demurrage will be backed up by the Railroad Commission, which doubts' lis authority under the present act to prescribe regulations for car supply. The suit that has been threatened against the railroads before the state and Interstate commissions and the courts has not yet been started, though It was decided upon more than two months ago In any event It cannot be pushed through during the legislative session and the agitation Is only valuable at present to create a sentiment In favor of the lum ber hills. Railroad officials have waked up to this realization and it may be they .have waked, up too late, for the senti ment growing out of the serious car shortage Is widespread. It was stated a day or two ago by a member of the lumbermen's committee handling the litigation that at best they could hope for no advantageous results under two years. In the meantime, though, they may drive the railroads by legislation or by intimidation into meet ing the demands of the mill Interests. If that can be done the result will be as important to the mill men as favor able decisions from the courts. Mill Interests are extremely active with the members-elect of both houses of the Legislature organizing for the ' fight against the railroads. The lumbermen in sist that they will not compromise any longer, but are going to insist upon nut ting through a series of legislative aots that will at least relieve their distress on shipments within the state. BOISE EDITOR IS ARRESTED Charged by Governor Gooding- With Criminal Libel. BOISE, Dec. 24. On complaint of Gov ernor Frank A. Gooding. R. S. Sheridan editor and manager of the Boise Capital News, was arrested today, charged with criminal libel. He was released until Thursday next on his own recognizance. The alleged libel Is contained In an edi torial published by the Capital News, July is. in which "Gooding" and "graft" are spoken of as synonymous terms. The Capital News carried on a very bit ter campaign against the Governor dur ing a period of a year or more before the election, and on numerous occasions pub IFDIGiTl 1 VERDICT lished statements which were alleged to be libelous. These were of the character of the one in connection with which the case has been started, insinuating or charging that the Governor was In some manner concerned in grafting. It 19 the understanding that Gooding will prob ably proceed against some other papers in the same manner. DEAD OP THE NORTHWEST. ' William L. Davis. OREGON CITY,' Or., Dec. 24. (Spe cial.) William L. Davis, for the last 21 years a resident 'or Oswego, died at his home there Saturday night in his 80th year. He was a native of Ohio and Is survived by a wife and three sons, one of whom, Henry, re sides in Ohio; Ed and John L. Davis, living at Oswego. Mrs. William Buckner. OREGON CITY. Or.. Dec. 24. (Spe cial.) Mrs. Orletta Buckner, wife of William Buckner, of Mount Pleasant, died suddenly in this city Saturday evening, and was buried here todaj'. Mrs. Buckner was taken ill while shopping in this city and died before he could be removed to her home. She is survived by a husband and three daughters and was 46 years of age. Her parents are Mr. and Mrs. J. T. North of Highland. Defeated Man Asks Recount. ABERDEEN, Wash., Dec. 24. (Special.) The attorneys of A. S. Brecht, who was HILLSBORO COUPLE CELEBRATE THEIR GOLDEN WEDDING ON CHRISTMAS EVE. , f .SW.'irr. . MR. AND MRS. HENRY WEHRUNG. HILLSBORO, Dec. 24. (Special.) Mr. and Mrs. Henry Wehrung, of this city, celebrated their golden wedding at their "borne on Washington street, this evening, in company with their four children and a large number of their pioneer friends. Henry Wehrung was born in Alsace Lorraine, France, in 1828. and at the age of 20 years left for America because of the political troubles then prevalent in "his native province. He arrived in Pittsburg, Pa., '-in 1S4S, and in 3850 went to 'California. Two years later in 1S52 he arrived In Oregon and worked at his trade, that of carpenter and cabinet maker. He assisted' William Kane In the erection of Washington County's first big Court bouse, and the building was then the finest county capltol In the state, or In the Northwest. The building yet stands, after 54 years, and is in a splendid state of preservation, now being used as a business house. In 1854 he also built the Tualatin Hotel in this city which he conducted for some years. Later he sold that property and embarked in the furniture business. Branch ing out, he became interested in the general merchandise business and built one of the first modern bricks In the business section of the town. The mer cantile business is yet running under the firm name of Wehrung & Sons. Mrs. Mary Catherine Emerlck was born in Springfield, 111., in 1838. and moved to Missourl'when a child. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Christian Emerlck, crossed the plains to Oregon in 1848, and settled near Cornelius. She was married to Mr. Wehrung December 24, 1856. and they have made their home in this county continuously. They have a wide pioneer acquaintance as they have spent their Summers for many years at their Newport cottage, on Nye Creek. They have been Identified with the Congregational Church here for many years, and their names have always been synonymous with charity and pub lie spirit. Their family of four children are grown and all have homes In Hlllsboro, close to the parental roof. Their children are: Charlotte A. Pat terson, wife of ex-Senator George W. Patterson, temporarily residing at Port land, Mary C. Corwln-, wife of David Corwin, a prominent Hlllsboro business man Hon. W. H. Wehrung. ex-Senator from this county, and who acted as superintendent of the Oregon building, and exhibit, at St. Louis, and as di rector of the Agricultural building at the Lewis and Clark Fair, and who Is the present chairman of the Oregon commission of the Alaska and Yukon Exposition, and George Augustus, associated with his father and brother In their Hlllsboro interests. , defeated In the Second Ward for Coun cilman by three votes, have asked for a recount and may attempt to prove the entire recent city election invalid. They allege Irregularities in the call and other matters incident to the balloting. The mistakes have occurred with relation to the laws governing second-class cities, to which Aberdeen was recently ad vanced. Runs Into Open Switch., SPOKANE, Dec. 24. Laden with crowds of Christmas travelers, the North Coast limited train, east-bound on the Northern Pacific, dashed Into an open switch near the Olive street crossing in this city at 1:30 P. M. today. The engine and bag gage car were ditched and three men were hurt, two probably fatally. The fatally Injured are G. B. Smith, fireman on the limited, and Durican Ma thewson. traveling engineer. Albert J. Casey, the mall clerk, was Injured, but will recover. None of the passengers was seriously hurt- ' Window Display Set on Fire. ABERDEEN, Wash., Dec. 24. (SpeclaL) The proprietors of the Red Cross Pharmacy are out of a portion of their Christmas profits by the burning of a Christmas tree in a large plate glass window used for displaying stock. The tree was covered with electric globes and a crossed wire or spark set the tree on Are at 10 o'clock Sunday night. The force In the store saved the stock from de struction. The loss is about $800. Runs Into Sheriff's Arms. TILLAMOOK. Or., Dec. 24. (Special.) With an old Iron caseknife for a saw, L. J. Axtell, held on a charge of passing forged checks, cut his way out of the Tillamook County Jail Saturday. Sheriff CrenBhaw was absent from the prison at the time, and the escaping prisoner al most ran into his arms. He was returned to his place of confinement and locked up in a cell. Meetings of Fruitgrowers. SALEM, Or., Dec. 24. (Special.) County Fruit Inspector E. C. Armstrong has ar ranged for two fruit growers' meetings this week, one at Aurora on Thursday afternoon and the other at Hubbard on Friday afternoon. The meeting at Aurora will also be attended by nearby Clacka mas County growers. Safe Robbed at Salem. SALEM, Or., Dec. 24. (Special.) The safe in the W. C. Tlllson feed store was opened and robbed of $20 some time last night, evidently by an employe, or former employe, who knew the combination. SIG SICHEL & CO., 92 THIRD And Our "New Shop, Corner Third and Washington. Magnificently carved meerschaum pipes. Must be seen. STIRS UP THE COURT Miss Parker Proves Lively Wit ness in Thompson Case. TESTIFIES FOR DEFENSE Seattle High-School Teacher Says the Prisoner Impressed Her as Not . Being Properly Balanced . in His Mind. TACOMA, Wash., Dec. 24. (Special.) The examination of four witnesses comprised the extent of the progress made today in the trial of .Chester Thompson. Judge Snell announced that but one session would be held today in order that the witnesses and attorneys might spend 'Christmas eve at home. The Jury will spend its Christmas locked up, -with no more liberties than are usually accorded on Sundays. Three former teachers and one for mer schoolmate of the defendant tes titled today to Chester Thompson's pe culiar conduct in school, and to what they considered his exceptional bright ness for a boy of the age he then was. The testimony of Miss Adele Parker, who taught Chester civics in the High School, was the sprlghtliest of the day. Miss Parker, is a graduate of the Se attle High School and is a woman of strong convictions. Time and again there were tilts between opposing counsel when she persisted in answer ing questions in her own way and to the full extent She desired, instead of simply by yes or no. This led to fre quent clashes between opposing attor neys and one time in attempting to keep Miss Parker from answering, the lawyers for both sides were on their feet and the court itself was admon ishing her, but for all that Miss Parker answered. This occurred when Will H. Thomp son asked the witness if at the time she last saw and conversed with him she had formed an opinion as to sani ty or insanity of mind. Mr. Thomp son wanted her to reply "sanity of mind" or "insanity of mind." In the midst of the talking on both sides, Miss Parker said: "Then I will say insanity of mind." On her cross-examination the wit ness frankly admitted that she did not wish to say that Chester Thompson struck her as being insane at that time, but that she could perceive his mental condition was such that the boy needed attention. Mr. Harvey quite inadvertently brought out the fact in the defense's favor that Chester had no chum and was always alone. ' Mx. Harvey came off second best in an attempt to trip the witness. He pressed the question as to whether she believed Chester sane or Insane. "I am not an alienist," she hesitated, then continued: "If I had to answer the question positively I should say he was not sane." "Did you notify the family?" "I didn't, no. I wish I had." Upon further questioning by" Mr. Harvey, Miss Parker said that the boy's condition was "most disquieting" to her, and she certainly would have discussed the matter with the family if she had known them. She afforded Judge, jury and audience several good laughs, the best of which "was at Mr. Harvey's expense. She kept her head and she gave the state .a bad half hour. . Chester Thompson's attorneys of fered to show that the prisoner's men tal condition was before the faculty of the University of Washington ' for consideration in the Fall of 1902. The testimony was not admitted, though Mr, Thompson's offer was clearly made in the Jury's presence, so some effect may have been made by it. Professor Priest, now dean 'of the College of Liberal Arts, after looking into the case thoroughly, finally placed ' - 5 Vl - - ' 1' ' ' j00 the boy's case before the university faculty. Teachers, as well as students, who knew the boy. called him "nutty." RUMOR STIRS THE DEMOCRATS District Attorney . Allen's Deputies Have Lease on Jobs. OREGON CITY, Or., Dec. 24. (Special.) Clackamas County Democrats are not a little exercised over a rumor that Is cur rent here to the effect that District At torney Allen whose probable resignation Is announced to take place with the be ginglng of the year, has reached an un derstanding with Governor Chamberlain wherein the latter In consideration of the privilege of naming a Democratic Dis trict Attorney, probably John A, "Wall, of Washington County, to succeed Mr. Al len, has agreed to protect the four Re publican deputies who are now serving under Allen. These, deputies are: C. Schuebel, in Clackamas County; E. B. Tongue, Washington; W. H. Powell, Co lumbia and J. A. Eakin, Clatsop. On the theory that only Democratic nominees should serve under a Demo cratic District Attorney, the members of the faithful here do rj,ot look with favor on the reported alliance that is said to- have been made by the retiring District At torney and the state's chief executive. SHARKS ATTACK BOATS WOMEN AND CHILDREN FACE GREAT PERID, . , Survivors of Beacon Grange Threat ened by the Frenzy of Great Man-Eaters. SEATTLE, Wash., Dec 24. (Spe cial.) The German ship H'athor, ar riving today, brings a thrilling story of the rescue of the women passengers of the British steamship Beacon Grange, off Bahia, when the Britisher had taken lire.' The meager cable re port of the rescue did not tell, of the saving of the boatloads of women and children from a school of sharks that had followed the passengers for hours and which threatened at times to dasii the boats to pieces in the frenzy of the man-eaters to reach the occupants. The school of sharks thirsting for blood hovered about the boats for hours. When the Hathor arrived along side, according to Captain Breckvoeld, the sharks became enraged and thrashed about the water, maddened by the interference that cheated them of their prey. Once when one of the women was being, hoisted from a small boat a huge shark, emboldened by hunger, leaped at. her feet. The woman nar rowly escaped injury, from the shark's teeth, which tore her dress. Other sharks tried to leap into one of the boats. Two of the women swooned and were carried unconscious to the Hathor's deck. 1 TO PREVENT FUTURE FLOODS Mass Meeting Is Soon to Be Held In Auburn. SEATTLE, Wash., Dec. 24. (Special.) A big mass meeting is to be held Satur day at Auburn to agree upon legislation that is necessary to protect the valleys lying between Seattle and Tacoma from a repetition of the serious 'damage done by floods tins year. Representatives from every town In the valley, Seattle and Ta coma, will be present and it is likely that a definite agreement will be made upon some form of bonding the district to pro vide funds for dyking and draining the valley. Since the big jam formed on the Muck- leshoot reservation in the White River. the flood waters have been diverted into the Stuck, wfeich empties into the Puy allup River. Future floods will menace Pierce rather than King County- valleys. but the anxiety to avoid more trouble is mutual in both counties. There might be formed a convenient jam, aided by dyna mite, mat would turn me waters back into the White if the Pierce County farm ers lose too much by the freshets. Ore Is Kept Under Guard. SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 24. Pending the settlement of the claim and de livery suit brought by the Goldneld Mohawk Mining Company for posses sioti of high-grade ore, alleged to have been stolen from the Mohawk mine and sent to the Selby smelters. Deputy United States Marshal Tole yesterday evening brought to this city under heavy guard 64 sacks of the ore, val ued at $100,00). The treasure was transmitted through the Wells-Fargo Company by the authorization of the United States Marshal, under whose care it has been since the Institution of the suit on December 13. Herald Company Is Incorporated .ASTORIA, Or., Dec. 24". (Special.) Articles of incorporation of the Herald Publishing Company were filed in the County Clerks office today. The in corporators are A- R Carruthers, C. J. Curtis and J. o: Culver, and the cap! tal stock is $2500, divided into 25 shares of $100 each. The object of the incorporation is to conduct a daily and weekly newspaper and operate a Job printing plant. Devlin Is Called to Washington. SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 24. United States District Attorney Robert G. Devlin has gone to Washington in re sponse to a telegram from Attorney Geueral Bonaparte, who summoned him th6re for consultation, presuma bly in connection with the Japanese question. Legislature Is Dissolved. VICTORIA. B. C, Dec. 24.-Th British Columbia Legislature has been dissolved. Elections will take place February 2 and the new Legislature will meet Marcn . Congress of Alpha Tan Omega. BIRMINGHAM. Ala.. Dec. 24. The twentieth biennial congress of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity will begin here Wednesday morning, and will continue for five days. Dr. Otis W. Glaze Brook and Judge Ersklne Ross, of the Supreme bench of California, founders of the fra ternity, are among the guests expected. Adopt New Pistol for Army. WASHINGTON, Dec. 24. Secretary Taft has appointed a board of officers to meet January 15 at the Springfield Armory, Springfield, Mass., for the pur pose of ascertaining a design of au tomatic pistol or revolver best adapted to fulfill the requirements of the mili tary service. How to Cure a Cold. The question of how to cure a cold with out unnecessary loss oi time is one in hii-h we are all more or less interested for the quicker a cold is gotten rid of the less me aanger oi pneumonia and other serious diseases. Mr. B. W. L. Hall, of Waverly, Va., has used Chamberlain's Cough Remedy for years and says: "I firmly believe Chamberlain's Cough Rem edy to be absolutely the best preparation on the market for colds. 1 have recom mended It to my friends and they all agree witn me. r or saie oy ail drug gists. CANNOT FIND HOI FOLKS OREGON YOUTH DIES SUDDENLY IN LEWISTON HOSPITAL. Intending to Spend Christmas With Father and Sisters, lie Searches Four Days in Vain. LEWISTON, Idaho, Dec. 24. (Special.) For four days George Hallirleld searched this city and Clarkeston In vain for traces of his home folks, with whom lie intended to spend Christinas, and died In a local hospital last night, where he had been removed but a few hours before, suffering from an attack of pneumonia, before his three sisters and father were aware that the youth was searching for them. Hauliield was born at Durkee, Or., 21 years ago. Five years ago the family re sided at Baker City. HAMAII ONLY WAY STATION Japanese Pass on From There to Pacific Coast. WASHINGTON, Dec. 24. Immigration Commissioner Sargent was at his desk to day after a trip of several weeks, during which he visited the immigration stations at Honolulu and San Francisco. While he was at Honolulu, 1379 Portuguese im migrants from Funchal and Madeira ar rived. Commissioner Sargent superintended their landing, and before he left many of them already had secured employment. Mr. Sargent, who went to Honolulu at the special request of President Roose velt to be present at the landing of the Portuguese immigrants; called on the President during the day. "There are probably 60,000 Japanese in the Hawaiian Islands," said Mr. Sargent, "and they are arriving there at the rate of from 600 to 1000 a month. New ar rivals do not remain long on the islands, however, and soon go to the Pacific Coast. They are leaving In large numbers by each steamer. In the last 12 months 12,000 Japanese have gone from the Hawaiian Islands to the mainland of -this country." Mr. Sargent was asked why the Japan ese first go to Hawaii. He explained It by saying that as he understood the case, the Japanese government does not Issue passports to the United States proper, as it is unaware whether its citizens could get work here; but the fact that there is a demand for laborersjn Hawaii induces the issuance of passports to the islands. ' Mr. Sargent admitted there was consid erable feeling against the Japanese tn many portions of the islands, as their labor Is cheaper and their merchants are underselling the American merchants in the islands and taking away their trade previously established with the Japanese. Keep Japs In Hawaii. SAN FRANCISCO. Dec. 24. The ex odus of Japanese laborers from the sugar plantations of Hawaii' to the United States is showing a tendency to decrease, said Mr. Matsubara, the new Japanese Vice Consul at San Francisco, yesterday. "The Japanese - immigration societies send the laborers from Japan Into Hawaii, and these societies, according to Matsubara, are directly interested in sending the la borers to the sugar estates, as soon as they arrive. These societies bring power ful pressure to bear upon the Japanese government to compel the coolies to "stay put" and It is becoming apparent that the immigration societies are 'winning their fight. Suicide of a Heavy Sleeper. LOS ANGELES. Dec. 24.Ujohn King, 19 years old, committed suicide this after noon by taking strychnine because he D esperate ' Coughs Dangerous coughs. Extremely perilous coughs. Coughs that rasp and tear the throat and lungs. Coughs that shake the whole body. You need a regu lar medicine, a doctor's medi cine, for such a cough. Ask your doctor about Ayer's Cherry Pectoral. We publish the formulas of all our preparations. J. O. AyorCo., LowlI,IIiii. Ki THE SEASON mgf ' feared that he would lose his position as janitor In the Pacific Electric building. His expectation was based on the fact that he did not wake up early enough to get to work on time this mqrning. Jing came to Los Angeles several weeks ago from Indianapolis. Santa Fe Must Show Books. LOS ANGELES', Dec. 24. Officials of the Santa Fe Railroad, whose alleged giving of rebates Is being investigated by the federal grand jury, will be compelled to produce all the books and documents the grand jurors require to aid them in getting- at the facts. Judge E. M. Ross, of the United States Circuit Court, is At the Expiration of Lease S A Two Stores Umbrellas, Canes, Riding Whips, Leather Goods, Suit Cases, Trav eling Bags, Pocket Books and Ladies' Hand Bags ... . JocSay for the general public, open from 9 '289 Washington .iiimiMlllllfllW Extend Their Best Wishes to Everybody for a Very MERRY CHRISTMAS sued a temporary Injunction Saturday In favor of the company, but when the argu ments were heard today he dissolved the order of Saturday, which means that the grand jury is to have the use of all -secondary evidence In possession of the rail road. . v Milwaukie Country Club. Eastern and California races. Take Sellwood or Oregon City car, starting from First and Alder streets. 6c Each Original rhotographs 5c. High-art genuine photos. Pacific North west scenery. Fine for Holiday souvenirs Other sizes also. Kiser Photo CO., la dies' Lobby. Imperial Hotel. AT 9, esinas OF convenience of the both stores will be A.M. to 1 P.M. St. 309 Morrison niiitiiiau''