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About Morning Oregonian. (Portland, Or.) 1861-1937 | View Entire Issue (Dec. 1, 1914)
5 MURDER OR SUICIDE QUERY UP TO JURY Neighbor Testifies Mrs. Ron- ning Had Expressed Fear l of C. P. Kirkland. LETTERS ARE QUESTIONED TTTE MORXTG OREGONIAN, TUESDAY. DECEMBER 1, 1914. Coroner Admits Violation of Law Requiring Document Signed by Ioctor Before Investigators. Inquiry Resumes Today. ' Did Mrs. Hannah Ronning.- who died from carbolic acid poisoning November 19, commit suicide, or was the poison administered to her by a murderer? This is the question a coroner's Jury was asked to decide In an inquest yes terday afternoon. The testimony re quiring more time than expected, the Inquest was continued until this after noon at 4:30 o'clock. The inquest was held at the demand of John Ronning, divorced husband of the woman, who halted the burial Saturday. C. P. Kirkland, proprietor of an apron factory on Bast Twenty-eighth street, who admitted being with the woman when she took the acid, the police say, was present, but did not testify yester day. Evidence yesterday was to the effect that Kirkland had threatened Mrs. Ronning's life several times, but also that she had quarreled with a neighbor the 'week before her death and nan been despondent. Letters pur ported to have been written by her were accepted as showing clearly an Intention by the writer to commit sui cide, but the prosecution questions the authenticity of the letters. Neighbor Attacks Suicide Theory. The testimony of Mrs. Christina Luft, a neighbor of the dead woman, scouted the suicide theory. Mrs. Luft declared that Mrs. Ronning had had a horror of suicide, and that In the week of her death she had complained about threats she had said Klrkland had made. Mrs. Luft testified that Mrs. Ronning had a 1700 note Kirkland owed her. Although Mrs. Ronning had former ly liked Kirkland, Mrs. Lufts said, she repulsed him four days before ber death when she had fled to Mrs. Luffs home and that she had declared she would rather die than marry Kirk, land. Attorney Harold O. Sawyer, who ap peared on behalf of the former hus band of Mrs. Ronning, cited to Coro ner Slocum apparent neglect of duty on the part of the Coroner in not obey ing section 1837 of Lord's Oregon laws, which says that the Coroner should summon a surgeon or physician, "who must, in the presence of the Jury, In spect the body and give a professional opinion as to the cause of the death tr wounding." Omission Is Admitted. Coroner Slocum replied that exami nation by a physician in the presence of the Coroner's Jury is not customary and has never been done in his term of ofTice, or, so far as he knows, during the term of office of any of his predecessors. "1 would consider It a useless ex pense to the county," he said. Inquests are often dispensed with when a death appears to be a clear case of suicide, staid the Coroner, although Attorney Sawyer held this to be illegal. Dr. George H. Buck, who first was Summoned and who conducted the au topsy, testified that he was called by phone by one he thought to be Kirk land, and found the woman breathing ner last, tie said he hunted for and found the bottle of acid where It had been thrown, as If in haste, but the cork was still in. Argument as to whether Mrs. Ron ning would have been able to have corked the bottle after taking the poi aon led to testimony by Dr. Buck that she could have done so. Dr. J. W. Sifton substantiated this testimony. Kirkland s face bore a scratch and his clothes were disarranged when Dr. Buck first saw him on the way to the house of death, the physician testified. Woman Had Called Police. Patrolman Humphrey said he had been called by Mrs. Ronning November 17 to protect her from Kirkland. She had told him that she was afraid to swear out a warrant, for fear that if Jvirkland was not put in Jail after ward, he would come back and kill her. Mrs. H. A. Kenyon, a neighbor of Mrs. Ronning, testified that Kirkland was drunk the night of the death. She also said that Mrs. Ronning had con tided to her a few days before that persons had been talking about her relations with Kirkland and that she had seemed depressed later, but evaded lurther conversation.1 Q. A. Russell, - Ambulance Service Company driver, also testified. The Jurors are James J. Bravot, K. IX Smith, John M. Brauer, John Nygren. K. W. luoorehood and Peter MsJstrom. Coroner Slocum and Deputy District Attorney ueicn conducted the cross examination. Inquiry Called for by Ijstt. Section 1070 of Lord's Oregon laws. cited by Mr. Sawyer, defines the duties of the Coroner as follows: X 1. When he is informed that a person has Deen Killed or dangerously wounded bv an other, or has suddenly died, under such cir cumstances as to afford a reasonable ground to suspect nai nis aeatn Has been occa sioned by criminal means, or has committed suicide, to inquire, by the intervention of a Jury, into the cause of the death or wound, and to perform the other duties incidental thereto, in the manner prescribed by statute. Section. 1837 of Lord's Oregon laws reads: The Coroner must subpena and examine as witnesses every person who. In his opinion, has any knowledge of the material facts, and also a surgeon or physician, who must. In the presence of the Jury, inspect the body and srive a professional opinion as to the cause of the death or wounding. NOW, men, is the one genuine opportunity of the season to buy the best clothes in America at genuinely reduced prices. Beginning this morning at 8 o'clock, I offer without reserve my entire lines of Men's and Young Men's Suits and Overcoats at the drastic reductions named below! It has not been necessary for me to close my store in order to mark the prices for this sale neither do I quote "values" The original price ticket remains on every garment This is the ONE store in Portland that never exaggerates in its advertising! Come and buy clothes made by the best clothes makers in America at genuine, absolute reductions. It's the opportunity for which you've waited! Men's House Coats Reduced Buy Now for Xmas! $ 5.00 $ 6.00 $ 7.50 $ 8.50 $10.00 $12.50 $13.50 $25.00 Garments Garments Garments Garments Garments Garments Garments Garments 9 3.95 4.95 5.95 6.95 7.95 9.95 $10.95 $18.65 Men's and Young Men's $20 Suits and Overcoats $14.85 Men's and Young Men's $25 Suits and Overcoats $19.85 Men's and Young Men's $30 Suits and Overcoats $23.50 Men's and Young Men's $35 Suits and Overcoats $28.50 All Blues and Blacks are Included. Men's $5 Ruff neck Sweaters $3.75 Men's $6.50 Ruff neck Sweaters $4.95 Men's $8.50 Ruffneck Sweaters $5.95 All This Season's Make Men, Mam Flooi Young Men, Second Floor Men's Bath Robes Dressing Gowns Reduced $ 4.50 Garments $ 3.35 $ 5.50 Garments 4.35 $ 6.50 Garments $ 4.95 $ 8.50 Garments $ 6.95 $10.00 Garments $ 7.95 $12.50 Garments $ 9.85 $13.50 Garments $10.35 $15.00 Garments $12.85 $25.00 Garments $1S.65 Morrison at Fourth Leading Clothier PLAY IS BEAUTEOUS "The Bird of Paradise" Wel comed Back at Heilig. HAWAIIAN STORY GRIPS Island Scenes Are Magnificent and Portrayal by Irge Company Is Perfect Iienore TTlricIi Is Magnetic as Heroine. BY LEONg CASS BAER- Whether "The Bird of Paradise" re turns often or but this once, always we will remember little Luana through a mist of tears and happy smiles. The play works a mood of tenderness that makes quick conquest of the heart, a tenderness that sweeps upward and finds expression In honest moisture. It is for Luana, the little bird of para dise. who wants only to be happy in her own Hawaiian forests, that we en list our consciousness. We sit as onlookers and witness the development of souls and character in this play by Richard Watson Tully. Whatever of pity, whatever of under standing, whatever of love there is in us goes out to Luana, the weaker side in the unequal battle. Against tradi tion and all the laws of right she wages her little battle and loses. It is the world-old story of racial mar riages. In this instance Hawaiian life in all its sensuous loveliness. Its music and song-filled days Is pitted against the cold, hard realism of workaday American hours. Plot Around Americana. Two American men, one Paul Wilson, an ambitious young graduate, comes to the Islands to take up a career of self-sacrifice and devote his life to searching for a cure for leprosy. With "THE BIRD OF PARADISE." CAST. Lillha Minnie caruthers Makla. Mane Ebllng Kanca W. B. Aeko Kapuls W. -K. Kolamoku Nalh B. Waiwalolo Kuakini H. N. Kalaka Lanipulo ........ .J. A. C. I.anlir. i Mahumahn Laura Adams Kala '. Kay W. Robie Hopoe .Gvendolyne Nesblt Konia Sarah Howe Lemuele James Harrison Hewahewa .......... David Hartford Luana ................ Lenore XTlrlch Paul Wilson William Desmond Captain Hatch Robert Morris Mr. Sysonby John Burton Mrs. Sysonby May McKay Lane Diana Larned Mary Grey Ten-Tnousand-Dollar" Dean ...... David Landau Hoheno Joseph Burton Tomoro George H1U Mrs. Crothers Frances Newhall Miss Kennery Gladys Bangs him comes Diana Larned, fresh from her university and she, too, wants to learn of the island, and its people, to put them in a book. They meet Luana, a Hawaiian, a ' princess of her people, and untutored save by her beloved "mlkkonarles." They meet, too. Dean, a human derelect, a beachcomber, who has followed the line of least resistance and "in whose brain are tangled the flowery fingers of the Hawaiian sun." It Is a story of the survival of the fittest. The beachcomber, "looking to the light." listens' to Diana's offer to help, and shaking off his lethargy, he follows her into regeneration. Paul Wilson, basking in the sunlight of Luana's smiles, listening to the mu sic of her Beductive voice, living the idle happy days of the Hawalians, for gets his great mission and sinks to the level of those about him. But Luana. the gay little bird of paradise, is happy. Her hours are spent in waiting on "Paula," her adored white husband. He sleeps in the sun and she sings to him. she mothers and croons to him and gives him often to drink of the native liquor. Then, after two years, back come Diana and the regenerated Dean and awaken the sluggish ambitions of Paul. Heroine Defies Own People. Luana Is the first to read the signs of the awakened ambitions in her Paula," and defying her people, who would crown her Queen, she hurls de fiance at their traditions and loilows where Paul leads. It is into the man ners of white women that he leads. and the poor little Queen is racked with all the agonies of Jealousy ana tne miseries of social ignorance. The story does not end in Joy. It could not. Luana is followed by the curse of her people they have invoked the death prayer and when she is crazed with fear of losing Paul's love, she goes as a martyr and flings her self into the "House of Everlasting Fire," the erupting Mount Kilaula. The story is one of life, handled with consummate art, wrougnt witn delicate i ingenuity and delicious satire." It Is beautifully presented. Oliver Morosco has furnished it with Ave pictures of Hawaiian life, so amazingly real that spectators exclaim in wonder. A large company of players, including Hawaii ana, who play the ukalele, and native dancers. Is headed by lovely Lenore Ulrich, who 1b perfection In the role. Not one actress In 10,000 could play Luana as vividly and as tenderly, as wildly passionate and as wistful as does Lenore Ulrich. David Landau as the beachcomber. William Desmond as Paul, and John Burton, a Coast favorite, as the mis sionary, all , are remarkable for the verity of the types they portray. 'The Bird of Paradise will end its stay Wednesday night. There will be & matinee tomorrow. REED INSTRUCTOR DIES A. Blaine Roberts, Here but Four Weeks, Passes at Hospital. A. Blaine Roberts, temporary in structor in English in Reed College, elected to fill the place of W. H. Boddy, who was compelled to leave' his work on account of illness, died Sun day night at St. Vincents Hospital fol lowing an operation. The funeral ar rangements probably will be made today. Mr. JKoDerts was a former student of President Foster's in Bowdoin College enu neipeu ur. r oster in the prepara tion of a text on "Essentials of Argu- uioiii.tti.iuii aim exposition. i-or several years after cruHnotUi, from Bowdoin College Mr. Roberts was an instructor in English in the Univer sity of Utah, where he served also as secretary of the faculty. He was living In California when he was called to his position in Reed College. He had been in rteea i;ouege oniy a rew weeks. president roster spoke of Mr. .Roberts aeatn at the chapel service yesteraay morning. Mr. Roberts i survived by. a widow In Oakland. CaL ADVERTISING TALK NO. 18. The Oregonian Reaches All Classes The Banker the Lawyer the Business Man the Mechanics the Clerk and their families. It reaches the homes. Its advertising columns carry the very latest business news of the day before just as its news columns give, you the news of the world up to within a few hours of, the time you receive the paper at your home in the morning. The Ore gonian stands alone as a business message-carrying medium. There is no other single sales force in the City of Portland that can compete on a dollars and cents result-producing basis. If your business message to the homes of Portland ap pears in its columns, you know. If your announce ment is not there you are overlooking a business opportunity, AND A BIG ONE. RAID FOR OPIUM MADE POLICE AND CUSTOMS OFFICERS CAPTURE FOUR CHINESE. Pipes aid Materials Collected to Be Used mu Evidence Secret Closet Gives Up' Goods. Two tins of opium were seized and four Chinese were arrested In a raid by police and customs officers on a build ing at 28 Everett street last night. Ah Lee, a wealthy and prominent merchant, of 105 Fourth street, and Moy Ham. one of the Chinese inter preters in the Municipal Court, were said to have been smoking opium and were arrested. Lee Sam and Lew Gin, proprietors of the place, were held un der $500 bail on a Federal charge of having contraband opium in their pos session. The raid was conducted by Customs Inspector McOrath and five deputies. and Police Sergeant Harms and Officer Martin, of the "moral squad." They found a room on the second floor of the building, burst through a door and say they caught two aristocrats of China town in the act of "hitting the pipe." A thorough search of the building, which has long been suspected as an opium den. was then conducted. Wind ing through many mysterious alleys and narrow hallways. Sergeant Harms finally discovered a loose panel inside clothes closet. Prying the board back, he reached in between the two walls and pulled out two boxes of re- GERMANS BREAK WAY OUT Desperate Attacks Against Russian Lines Surrounding Succeed. LONDON, 3:17 A. M Dec L The Petrograd correspondent of the Daily Mail in a dispatch to his paper, testi fies to the extreme skill and courage with which the Germans are conduct' lng their retreat. He says: "Refusing to consider surrender as a possibility and closing their eyes to inevitable enormous losses, the German officers ordered their forces to break their way out. "The Russians were not in sufficient strength to close up immediately any break in the surrounding forces, and at the point where the Germans con centrated their attack In order to Join up with the other forces in the neighborhood of Strykow, the Russians were unable to pile up sufficient troops to hurl back the desperate onset which the Germans made with the equally desperate knowledge that their food and ammunition could not last long.' GERMANY TO GET PARCELS Prohibition of Post Packages Lifted by Washing-ton. WASHINGTON, Nov. 30. Resumption of the parcels post service between the United States and Germany and Aus tria-Hungary was announced by Post master-General Burleson today. The lifting at this time of the prohibition against acceptance of parcels for these countries, caused by the lack of means of transportation resulting from the war, will make possible the sending of thousands of Christmas remembrances to Europe, which otherwise would have been Impossible. . Parcels post packages are now mail able to all countries with which the United States has parcels post conven tions except Belgium. Turkey and tbe northern and northeastern parts of France, where military operations pre vent a resumption oi the service. volver cartridges, a delicate pair of scales, such as is used for weighing opium, and two tins of opium and part of another one hidden In a far corner. The opium is the largest amount seized in Portland for some time. The retail price of the contraband drug is quoted now by Chinese as about $60 a tin. A dozen Chinese besides the. four ar rested were in the room at the time of the raid, but they were not held. Ah Lee and Moy Ham were released on $25 bail each. The two proprietors of the place, who are held for viola tion of the Federal drug law, soon fur nished their bail of $500 each. W. H. Warren, private secretary to Mayor Albee. accompanied the raiding party as a spectator. PERUVIAN NOTABLE TARGET Train of ex-President Dynamited and Political Suspect Held. LONDON. Nov. 30 A Lima, Peru, dispatch to the Central News says that a special train from Callao, on which Dr. Jose Pardo, ex-President of Peru, was a passenger, was dynamited Sun day. The ex-President escaped, but six other were Injured. As a result of the outrage many political suspects were arrested. Motorcycle Hurts li. G. Hungerford. R. G. Hungerford, of 1328 Taylor street, was bruised badly last night, when he was struck by a motorcycle ridden by Chester Buchtel at Forty fifth and Belmont streets.. Mr. Hunger ford was taken to his home and attend ed by Dr. E. W. Roclsey,. who found that no bones had been , broken. SON DONATES HIS DLOOD PIJfT TAKEN FROM D. M. BOTSFORD TO SAVE FATHER'S LIFE. . Veteran. Attorney. However, Reported Sinking; Rapidly Volnnteera Are Tamed Away. A pint of blood was transfused yes terday afternoon from the body of David M. Botsford to that of his father, Charles L. Botsford. who is in St. Vin cent's Hospital suffering from per nicious anemia. The transfusion was made as a last recourse to save the life of the sufferer, but late last night Mr. Botsford was reported sinking rapidly. More than 30 men called yesterday at the office of Dr. Leo Ricen, in the Broadway building, in response to a call for a healthy man to give some of his blood to save the life of Mr. Botsford. It was decided, however, that the vol unteers were not needed, and the sons readily offered themselves. The opera tion was performed late yesterday aft ernoon. Dr. Ricen would make no statement concerning the operation, but said later last night that the patient was in a serious condition. Mr. Botsford became unconscious about 9 o'clock, and it was said at the hospital that he was not expected to live through the night. A week ago Mr. Botsford underwent an operation for the removal of his spleen. His condition was weakened as a result, and the transfusion of blood was resorted to as & last expedient to save his life. "If only I had that old-time endurance" AND as the years slip by, there comes to every man a longing for. that old-time endurance of youth when no task, no effort seemed too much. You, too, have known that longing; and perhaps you, too, have come to realize that stimulants can not supply the reserve forces on which endurance rests. 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