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About Morning Oregonian. (Portland, Or.) 1861-1937 | View Entire Issue (May 14, 1910)
THE MORXIXG OEEGOXIAX, SATURDAY, MAY 14, ' 1910. E , t MUG MRS CHILD BACK HOE iruAiUAi; WUKUin S UiiUJS ilULJja AJNJN UAL L-LLUJ.ltJ.IN vt OFFICERS. lii 5CFIIBER CASE The. Addition withCharacter Total of 33 Witnesses Exam ined in La Grande Bank . Cashier's Trial. Kenneth Wood Weathers Ter rible Experience Un - v usually. Well. Winner of Every Glidden Tour ALL SIGNATURES DENIED FARMER FINDS WANDERER lO RECORD RUN MAD "o Witness Produced Who Would Admit Signing' Xote9 for Single Item-of $78,700 Indebtedness, iff Oc on $1 May Be Paid. DEPOSITORS FEAR I5A N K WILL PAY LESS THAN 70 CENTS ON IMJU.AK. Ltopocltors In the defunct Farmer A Traders National Hank of La Grande, many of whom are In at tendance, as witnesses at the trial of J. W. Scrtber, are of the opinion that the assets of the bank will not pay to exceed 70 cents on the dollar of liabilities. In a number of Instances the esti mates run as low as 60 to 60 cents. Stockholders lost double the amount of their holdings. Capital stock amounting to SOO.OOfl was subscribed at the organization of the bank. An assessment of an equal amount has been levied by the receiver. The Jury has been excused until Monday afternoon. They were sent to their homes by Judge Bean. The court will dispose of a number of cases set for trial on Monday morning. Witnesses to the number of 33 were yesterday examined in the trial of J. W. Scrlber in the United States Court, charged with wrecking the Farmers' & Traders' Bank of La Grande. In shattering all records as to expedit ing the trial of a case. District Attorney MeCourt was materially assisted by- At torney Fulton, who refrained from cross examination in most instances. The larger part of the residents of East ern Oregon who went upon the stand were former patrons of the defunct bank, in every Instance their names had been signed to worthless paper by Cashier Scrlber, the notes thus secured forming the basis for loans upon which Scrlber floated the La Grande bank during the last two years of its existence. No Witness Admits Signature. Not a witness was produced who would acknowledge the genuineS9 of his signa ture to a single item of the $78,700 of indebtedness. In almost every instance of the day Mr. Fulton admitted that the notes were counterfeits, but was content with the information that none of the forged notes had been collected by either the defendant or his successor, the re ceiver for the bank. With the Government's case drawing to a close, it is apparent that Jeff W. Scrlber is guilty of forgery, misrepre sentation to the Controller and board of directors of the bank as to its in solvent condition, but that Scriber never profited 'by any of his crooked transac tions. Scriber treated everybody alike in mak ing counterfeit notes. He signed the names of business men, farmers, laborers and professional men with equal facility and aptness. Many of the signatures pro duced in court were so similar to the originals that only an expert could de tect the difference. Scriber himself adopted a key by which to detect them when returned to the bank." It was a dot in the lower corner of each forged note. Witness Knew Not of Xote. N. K. West, the man who caused the exposure of the crooked note deals and tlie closing of the bank, testified that he had not In recent years given a note for any amount to the Farmers' & Traders' Hank, but that in October, 190S, a notice was received from the First National J!ank of Elgin to the effect that his note for 3000 was due and unpaid. "I called upon Mr. Scriber," said the witness, "and he denied all knowledge of the note and assured me that it was a mistake. I then told the Elgin people to hold the note until I could examine it. The next, morning 1 started for Elgin in an automobile. Scriber got a machine and left La Grande after I did. He was accompanied by Dr. Molitor. "My machine brevke down and I was compelled to finish the trip with a horse. Scrlber beat me into Elgin. As I drove into town 1 met him coming out. When 1 reached, the Elgin bank I was told that Scriber had paid the note and de stroyed It." Insanity Plea Attacked. During the morning session District Attorney MeCourt endeavored to lay the foundation for an attack on the Insanity defense announced by attor neys for Scriber. The Government prosecutor worked on the plan of mak ing it plain to the Jury that Scrlber was not altogether deluded with the idea of saving the hank, but was attempting to protect and cover up his disgrace. Witness Walter Pierce was used to show that an ont-of-date issue of bonds made by the Grande Ronde Elec tric Company were placed with the Ore gon Trust & Savings Bank. The Bank of California and the German Savings Bunk as security for loans, while a sub stitute issue of bonds in the same con cern, and which were intended to re place the first issue, were hypothe cated for other loans. During the examination of Witness rierc.e. it was brought out that the wit nss had indulged in a little high finance during the days following the failure of the Farmers & Traders Bank. Mr. Pierce admitted that he bought two genuine notes Issued by himself and a Mr. Thorson for J2000 and $1000 re spectively, paying $1565 for them. Along with the good notes were four forgeries. Later. Mr. Pierce admit ted having turned in the forgeries in redemption of Grande Ronde bonds held by the Scriber bank amounting to $7500. The securities had been hy pothecated by Scriber with the bank at PsUouse City. Witness Tells of Offer. Mr. Pierce was one of the citizens pf La Grande who urged Scriber to sell out his Interest in the tottering bank. Pierce testified that on the night the bank closed he called Scrlber into an office and urged him to accept the offer of Banker Scrogglns and Myer, who said they would take over the in stitution and advance all money neces sary to carry it through, provided Scrlber stepped out of the management and the securities' were in the note pouch. . Scrlber refused the offer and would not allow an examination of the note pouch of the Farmers & Traders. "Scrlber said he must stay with itha bank as cashier," testified the wit ness, "and said lie would fight it out. i ( , 1 v-6 :' - : - X .' ' ' i i ? . : MRS. A. C. NEW1LL, CHOSEN PRESIDENT. There was a large, attendance at the Portland Woman's Club yes terday afternoon for the annual election of officers. Mrs. A. C. Newill was elected president for the coming year. Other club officers were chosen as follows: First vice-president. Mrs. Grace Watt Ross; second vice-president, Mrs. Alice R. Shannon; recording -secretary, Mrs. O. P. Jamison; corre sponding secretary. Mrs. A. C. Jackson; financial secretary, Mrs. Fannie Harrison; treasurer, Mrs. Robert Lutke; auditor, Mrs. J. D. Spencer; directors, Mrs. John M. Scott, Mrs. R. M. Tuttle. , At the business meeting an excellent report was given by Mrs. Grace Watt Ross in regard to arrangements for co-operation with other organizations for "Cleaning-up Day." The resolutions commit tee was instructed to prepare a communication in regard to the report from the Chief of the Bureau of Animal industry concerning the charges tracing tuberculosis, typhoid and other diseases to dairy prod ucts and urging action by Congress looking to an investigation as t,o this menace to the public health. The musical department of the club provided the afternoon pro gramme, rendering Bendall's cantata, "The Lady of the Shallot." un der the direction of Madam D'Aurla. Solos were sung by Mrs. S. Jones. Mrs. Walton provided the artistic pianoforte accompaniment and Mrs. Ella Crim Lynch gave a comment on the story of the cantata. although he had just told me that he could not handle our pay roll unless we made a large deposit." I had seen a forged note that day, and I was worried. I did not know how many people were involved, or how." The following witnesses were on the stand during the day and repudiated signatures to notes. In only one of the two instances was it shown that an attempt had been made to imitate the handwriting of the persons who os tensibly made the loans: S. N. Bolton, partner in the corpo ration of Bolton & Bodmer, three note's, $9000; H. C. Rhinehart, general mer chandise, four notes, $8000 ; F. P. Chil ders, Sheriff, two notes, $2000. Several Deny Signing Xotes. B. K. Webb informed the court that he had never signed a note for $1000 and Farmer McKinnon denied that he had indorsed the paper; L. L. McKinnon re pudiated a personal note for $1000, as did W. L. Ledbetter a note for an identical amount. F. D. McCully, who stated that he had known Scriber for 45 yearsv iwas used on three notes for a total of $6000; J. E. Foley, $S00; Samuel Morris. $1000; J. D. Casey, $6000; L. A. Smith, $1000; W. R. Ledbetter, $1000; Julius Roesch, $2500; George Good, $2000; People's Store, three notes, $000; R. O. Watklns. $1500: A. T. Hill. $1000; Dr. A. L. Richardson, $1000; J. F. Alden, $1000; W. H. Brlggs, $1000; A. C. and W. H. Glenn. $1000; J. C. Henry, County Judge. $2000; Henry & Carr, three notes, $5000; J. G. Wagner. $1200; E. G. and M. L. Adcook, $1000; J. H. Rinehart, $2500: J. W. and Mrs. W'hlte, $2000; S. A. Haworth and E. R. Haworth, two iotes, $5000. State Treasurer Steel appeared for the Government and identified four cer tificates of deposit which he had ac cepted on the Farmers' & Traders' Bank and which were a part of the forged "17.000 series." W. R. Hamilton was the last witness and recounted his experience on the last day of the career of the defunct bank. Hamilton heard of the West note and be ing a loaner of money became suspicious of notes in his possession. He forced the redemption of notes to the value of $5000 prior to the dosing of the doors. Ham ilton was the last customer to secure money across- the counter. He held the Casey and Grand Ronde Electric Com pany forged notes. Many of he witnesses, who are prom inent business men and were associates of Scriber. are being held In the city to testify next week as to the insanity of Scriber. JUICE POTIONS INCREASED Man Who Has Broken Long Fast Isn't Hungry Yet. A. S. Houghton the photographer, who broke his fast on the twenty-first day by drinking the juice of five oranges, yesterday increased the amount of the fruit nourishment to seven. He says if he feels like it he may drink a little more today. Although orange juice has stimulated him considerably and he looks better, he says his appetite has not returned. Regarding the death of L. E. Rader. of Seattle, who died after fasting 39 days. Houghton said: "There is no reason to assume that the fast had anything to do with Rader's death. In all probability, he was suffering from some organic trouble and would have died anyway. I do not see where any blame should attach to Dr. Linda Hazzard. Other doctors dose patients, as well as she. If a post mortem examination is held I have no doubt that it will be found that the man suffered from some or ganic trouble that would have killed him even if he had not fasted." A touch of rheumatism, or a twinge of neuralgia, whatever the trouble is, Chamberlain's Liniment drives away the pain at once and cures the com plaint Quickly. First application gives relief. Sold by all dealers. GIRL DRINKS, COST $300 MARTI X DEXXEV, BARTENDER, AND TWO YOUNG MEN FIXED. Because Pretty Telephone Operator, Marie Webber, Was Minor, Quar tet Pay for Fun in Cafe. A conviction, which. if sustained upon appeal to the Circuit Court will result in the loss of the license of the Denney Cafe, was found against Martin Denney and others in Municipal Court yesterday on a charge of selling intoxi cating liquor to Marie Webber, a minor. Denney and Ransom Postil. the bar tender who served the drinks, were fined $100 each and L. G. Criteser and William McDonald, the two young men, who caused the drinks to be served, were fined $50 each. Mrs. Josephine Gaffey, who suggested going to the Denney grill and who par ticipated in the drinking, was dismissed for lack of evidence, though Judge Bennett said that she appeared to be equally culpable with the rest in giving the drinks. The case against the bartender is aggravated by the fact brought out in the testimony of several witnesses, that the girl did not wish to drink and when the orders were taken called for a glass of water. Beer was brought her instead and she admitted drinking part of on glass. Another round was ordered but she left hers untasted. The third time port wine was brought for the women, and this also she refused. Officers Brothers and Ennis. who made the arrests, testified to seeing the drinks served from the outside of the grill. Marie Webber, who is under 18 years of age and a telephone operator, supported their statement, as did .Mc Donald, Criteser and Mrs. Gaffey. The only defense was an attempt made to exclude the girl's testimony as to her age, but the court held that she was present at the time of her birth and was a competent witness as to that point. The case undoubtedly will be ap pealed and the court's jurisdiction at tacked. It is probable that writs of habeas corpus will be asked for by counsel for the two young men. BUILDINGS NOT IN ORDER Iurpose of the Inquiry Into a Van couwr Institution. VAN'COITVER, W'avh.. May 13. (To the Editor.) In The Oregronlan Wednesday ap pears an article under the heading "School Probe la Ordered, In which a correspondent haa caused you to do an Injustice to the school of which I am superintendent. R. D. Co wen. of the State Board of Con trol, gave an address at the banquet given to the Conference of Charities and Corrections in Taooma, in which "he used very urtrongr lan guage in condemning the building in which the two schools' in this city are housed, the School for the Deaf and the School for the Blind. Mr. Co wen la Interested in getting the nift Legislature to make an appropriation of sufficient money to put these buildings in proper ehape. The conference appoinied a committee to viit the cchool and inspect them and the plans for improvement, with a view of aiding the Board of Control In get ting the desired appropriation by working up public sentiment in favor of it. There la not and never has been any desire on the part of any member of the Board of Control or of the conference to 'probe" the affair ax the schools in question. Your corre spondent haa made it appear that an effort to help the present management was an at tack. THOMAS P. CLARKE. Superintendent School for the Ieaf. Teachers Examinations Taken. MOXTESAXO, Wash.. May 13. (Spe cial.) The Chehalis County teachers' ex amination is now in progress in this city. About 50 are taking: the examinations, which are being conducted by P. a. "Williams; ex-County Superintendent. Little Fellow, Thought Kidnaped, Returned to Parents, Who Are Overjoyed Father and Moth er Resent Criticism Made. "Weak end tired, but happy, and ap parently MtUe the vorse for two day without food or care, little Kenneth Wood lay at the home of bis parent on East Thirteenth street last night absorbing nourishment gradually and regaining strength. The little fellow, only two and one-Half years old, weathered the terrible experi ence well, thanks to his sturdy nature. Little Kenneth was lost from his go cart at Kusa, a station on the Oregon Electric line near Tlgardvllle, on Wednesday afternoon. A search, sup posedly thorough, of the vicinity waa made Immediately, but the child was not found. Various theories, all looking to ward kidnaping, were advanced to ac count for his disappearance, and his fran tic parents fully believed that their child had been stolen. Child Had Journeyed Half Mile. At 7 o'clock yesterday morning a child's cries were heard by R. L. Sampson, a farmer, living at Barstow, half a mile from Kusa, and upon Investigation - he found the little wanderer lying on the edge of a stream near his house, com pletely exhausted. Bruised and scratched, the child's face gave evidence of the vicissitudes he had encountered In the 40 hours of wandering. Xressing him In dry garments, Mrs. Sampson took the first ar for Portland and went direct to the home of the Woods. There the happy mother snatched the boy from her arms, and, still stunned by the shock and the trial she had under gone, vainly strove to find words with which to thank her boy's preserver. Meantime the father, on his way to take up again the desperate search, was told at Kusa station that the child was found and returned at once to Ms home to complete the happy reunion. The news of the recovery spread rapidly and per sons who had never seen the child re joiced at his recovery. When Kenneth arrived at his parents" homo Dr. A. B. T. Bucket was called at once and took charge of the child's nourishment, allowing him to be fed but sparingly at short intervals. He found no complicating conditions and expects the boy to recover rapidly. Parents Resent Criticism. Warmest indignation Is expressed by Mr. and Mrs. Wood over the statements of M. El Lee and others which Insinuate that the mother did not show the proper feeling at the recovery of her child, and it is said by them that Lee's attitude is influenced by personal spite. "I was simply stunned by the calamity and worn out by the search," said Mrs. Wood. "I had cried till I could cry no more and when my boy was brought back to me I was holding myself against a collapse, and everything seemed like a dream to me. Idid ask my husband dur ing the search, as Mr. Lee says, why he had not broiwrht out something to eat. COYEY MOTOR CAR CO. Seventh and Couch St. PIERCE CADILLAC but my thought was only that we must keep up our strength for the hunt. "When Mrs. Sampson brought Kenneth in I tried to thank her, and I do thank her from the bottom of my heart, but the words would not come then. They say that I came slowly to meet them when they arrived at the house, but it Is not so. My hair was half-combed and I did. not wait an instant to fix It, but ran to the door and grabbed my boy out of Mrs. Sampson's arms. I never ex perienced any cruelty in my life so great as I have suffered from the unkind things that were said today about me." Qnployes of the Hazelwood Cream Company, where Mr. and Mrs. Wood have been known for years, speak with Indignation of the color that has been given the Incident. DESIGNERS MAKE REPLY All Contractors Have Equal Chance to Make Bids, They Say. Regarding an interview with George H. Connolly, president; of the Plumbers' ITnion concerning the new $20,000 -residence of C. K. Henry, in The Oregon Ian, Frljay, in which Connolly was quoted as saying that from what he could learn contractors refused to bid on the job because the firm which drew the designs was also bidding, the Spen-cer-McGaln Company, the firm referred to, prepared this -statement: "We are the architects for C. K. Henry's new residence, and we are also bidding on the contract according to plans and specifications the same as any other contractor has the privilege of doing. We want the public to un derstand that each and every fair and square contractor is Invited and at liberty to figure on our buildings on the same basis and with an equal chance that we ourselves figure. "There never has been any difficulty experienced whatsoever, in getting competitive bids on any of our build ings -from the fact that we are in the field ready to compete with any legiti mate contractor, but let it be further understood, that we have no induce ments at all to make to grafting con tractors. Our plans and specifications are complete and binding and offer no loop holes for crooked business, and when any contractor refuses to bid In fair, square competition, there must be something wrong with the contractor." Tom Richardson at La Grande. LA GRANDE. Or., May 13. Special.) Tom Richardson, of Portland, this aft ernoon toured Grand Ronde Valley in an automobile, viewing all the fruit centers. Tonight he Is the guest of local business men at a dinner given In his honor. DIM m w (a a a In every walk in life discrimination between the true and the false wins and enjoys success. In questions of form, of style and of values, whether financial, commercial or medicinal, the judgement of the men and women who select and appreciate and utilize the true and genuine product, proves most profitable and most satisfactory to themselves and to all who follow them. Therefore, in connection with so important a subject as the physical well-being of the people, the most eminent physicians insist on full information as to the wholesome 'nature and truly beneficial character of the component parts of the remedies used and prescribed by them, and the wise manufacturer not only supplies them with the knowledge desired, but also combines for them in proper proportions the very substances most approved by them and omits every objectionable substance. The world-wide acceptance of Syrup of Figs and Elirlr of Senna by phy sicians and the well-informed of the world, as the best of family laxatives, i3 due to the universal satisfaction which it has given for more than a quarter of a century and also to the fact that it is a remedy of known quality and known component parts and to the further fact that the California Fig Syrup Co. presents it to the world simply as the ideal strengthening personal laxative to cleanse and sweeten the system gently, yet effectually, and to dispel colds and headaches and to assist in overcoming constipation. To get its beneficial effects always buy the- original and genuine, for sale by all leading druggists. The full name of the company California Fig Syrup Co. is always plainly printed on the front of every package. A Poor Weak Woman As she is termed, will endure bravely and patiently agonies which a strong man would give way under. The fact is women are more patient than they ought to be under such troubles. Every woman ought to know that she may obtain the most experienced medical advice free of charge and in absolute confidence and privacy by writing to the World's Dispensary Medical Association, R. V Pierce, M. D., President, Buffalo, N. Y. Dr. Pierce has been chief consulting physician of the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute, of Buffalo, N. Y., for many years and has had a wider nractical exnerienea in the treatment of women's diseases than any other physician in this country. Hia medicines are world-famous for their astonishing efficacy. The most perfect remedy ever devised for weak and deli cate women is Dr. Pierce's Favorite Prescription. IT MAKES WEAK WOMEN STRONG. SICK WOMEN WELL. The many and varied symptoms of woman's peculiar ailments are fully set forth in Plain English in the People's Medical Adviser (1008 pages), a newly revised and up-to-date Edition of which, cloth-bound, will be mailed free on receipt of 31 ooe-cent stamps to pay cost of mailing only. Address as above. See Laurelhurst Sunday. See it and you will realize the tremendous future of this property. See it by walking over the land and making a care ful note of all its natural advantages, of Its car serv ice, of the improvement work which is transforming wJ1,a,wasfornlerly a verv sightly farm into what will be the most magnificent residence section of Portland. " Pee the beautiful Ladd Park, which lies in the heart of Laureihurst. Realize what a demand there will be for property in Laurelhurst when Ladd Park has been improved with scenic driveways and walks and with botanical gardens, and when the natural lake now there has been enlarged and beautified. Then remember that Laurelhurst comprises 444 acres In the very heart of the great East Side resi dence district; that it will have 26 miles of asphalt streets and 62 miles of cement walks, handsome cluster lights, shade trees; that it has 4-inch gas. 8-inch water, and 10 to 24-lnch sewer mains. Then remember that every lot in Laurelhurst Is protected by building restrictions requiring resi dences ranging in value from 2500 to $7600. and that this absolutely guarantees you an environment of culture and refinement. See Laurelhurst now. Don't delay, for we are now offering lots in the new plat, which is the southeast section of Laurelhurst, and which is located adjoining Ladd Park, at the original prices. Lots From $900 Up I Take. Rose City Park or Montavllla cars direct to Laurelhurst. Take Sunnyside or Mount Tabor cars to East 39th street, and walk four blocks north. Or call at our office and we will show you the property la our autos. I BALT3I AGENCY, A. JJ. Moore. l- Bmb-Breymu Block t"K A6ESCT, Masrlsdry & Bhnmite. . BAJil-K CITY AGGNI, Ira D. Starve. AIBAM' AGENCY, A. T. Stark. CONDOX AGENT, J. W- Cochran. WALLA WALLA AGENCY, Ii"liinneUer A Ennia, W. C. Koehne. BAIToy, WASH.. AGENCY. Gerken Gard. 522 Corbett Building Phones Main 1503 A 1515 I linn inn i mi in niiM n,-. .,.i.n,.i. . f-i-ttA-V -ii n;a;. Uf. ifjiia sfii 11 iiii i . J I'--,iTriii'i tur Slaves of the Lamp An up-to-date Acetylene Lighting Plant can now be comnletelv In stalled in the average country home ready to light up in two days" time, without injury to ceilings, floors or walls. And when once Installed it will give you the same amount of light as you now use for one-third less than regular lamps will give with kero sene at 12 cents per gallon. , No more lamp cleaning, filling, chimney wiping, wick trimming, breakages, soot nor smell of kerosene. Instead, brilliant Acetylene light from permanent handsome polish brass brackets on the walls, and neat brass chandeliers from the ceil ings, city-like, elegant, up to date and out of the way. Can't tip over (like Kerosene lamps) where there are children and does not need mantles, wicks or chimneys. Acetylene Light is so pure, so free from soot and color fog that you can distinguish pale blue, pale pink or pale yellow under its rays as clearly at night as you could In broad daylight. Once a month the hired man m nst clean out and ref 11 the generator in the basement. Takes him about SO minutes per month to do this. "The. cost of all this?" you ask. So small, comparattvelv, that the plant soon pays for itself through what you save on labor, clilmneys and the difference between the cost of carbide and the kerosene you are now using. Shall I give you more precise figures about this " Rural Gaslight called Acetylene? Then write me today how many rooms you've got in house, hotel, or how large a store to light so I can answer intelligently and to the point. Address me as follows: P. A. BRYANT Dealer in America's Best MODEL ACETYLEJVE GAS GENERATORS. GAS iriXTURES A XT ACETY LENE SUPPLIES. General Manager of the Partffe Coast for the National Weldlna; and Manufacturing- Company of Buffalo, New York. Office 189 Madison Street. Bet. Frost and Willamette River. Portland. Or . Phones Main 1042. A 7347 and Tabor 2138. EALTH SPRINGS Cascade Mountains Shipliercl's and St. Martin's Mineral Springs at Ash, Collins' Hot Springs at Collins and Stevenson Hot Springs at Stevenson on "The North Bank Road." Patients from the continent wide testify to the curative power of these Cascade Springs, with inspiring en vironment, mountain air an.i clear skies; two hours from - Portland. Medical special Good resort hotels. ists in attendance. Daily, week-end and Sunday excursion rates. Splendid trains. m Passenger Station, 11th and Hoyt Sts. CITY TICKET OFFICES, Third and Morrison Sts. 123 Third St.