PORTLAND, OREGON, MONDAY, DECEMBER 25. 1918. PRICE FITE CENTS. WILSON PEACE MOVE INDORSED BY SWISS BOY STEALS AUTO, LEADS WILD CHASE WILSON EXPECTED TO WARN AMERICANS WILSON? JOIN IN SINGING CAROLS REPUBLICANS URGE AGGRESSIVE POLICY TRAINS BRINGING GIFTS ARE DELAYED SHRINE CONVENTION IN 1919 EXPECTED WILLIAM NTNN WRECKS CAR IN TRYING TO ESCAPE. MISS MARGARET WILSON ONE OF LEADERS IN MUSIC. mail held back by heavy snows is wyoming. VOL.. jLVI NO. 17,501. Note is Sent to Each of Belligerents. ASSISTANCE FREELY OFFERED Country Filled With Longing to See End of War. NEUTRALITY IS PRESERVED Federal Council "Would Consider Itself Happy If It Could Act In Any, No Matter How Mod est, Way to Help. WASHINGTON, Dee. 24 Switzerland, In a note to all of the warring powers, has announced Its support of President Wilson's appeal for a discussion of peace terms, saying It "would consider Itself happy If It could act In any, no matter how modest, a way for the rap prochement of the powers now engaged In the struggle and for a lasting peace." The note was sent to the belligerents yesterday by the Swiss Federal Council, and Dr. Paul Ritter, Minister of Swit zerland here, sent a copy of it to the White House. Secretary Lansing made It public tonight. Text of Note Given Ont The translated text follows: "The President of the United States of America, with whom the Swiss Fed eral Council, guided by ita warm desire that the hostilities may soon come to en end, has for a considerable time been in touch, had the kindness to apprise the Federal Council of the peace note sent to the government of the central and entente powers. In this note President Wilson discussed the great desirability of International agreements for the purpose of avoiding more effectively and permanently the occurrence of catastrophes such as the one under which the peoples are suffer ing today. In this connection he lays particular stress on the necessity for bringing about the end of the present war. "Without making peace proposals himself or offering mediation, he con fines himself to sounding as to whether mankind may nope to have approached the haven of peace. Switzerland I. one for Peace, "The most meritorious personal ini tiative of President Wilson will find a mighty echo in Switzerland. True to the obligations arising from observing the strictest neutrality, united by the same friendship with the states of both warring groups of powers, situated like "an island amidst the seething waves of the terrible world war. with its ideal and material interests most sensibly eopardized and violated, our country Is filled with a deep longing for peace and ready to assist by its small means to stop the endless sufferings caused by the war and hrought before its eyes by daily contact with the interned, the severely wounded and those ex pelled and to establish the foundations for a beneficial co-operation of the peoples. "The Swiss Federal Council is. there fore, glad to seize the opportunity to support the efforts of the President of the United States. It would consider itself happy if it could act in any, no matter how modest, a way. for the rapprochement of the peoples now en gaged in the struggle, and for reaching a lasting peace." AMERICANS RETURN FIRE Kentucky Troops Use Machine Gun on Mexican Snipers. EL PASO. Tex., Dec. 24. Annoyed by continual sniping by Mexicans across the Rio Grande, troops of the Third Kentucky Infantry tonight at 10:30 o'clock opened fire with a machine gun, firing about 200 shots. The shooting occurred at Hart's Mill, near the city limits of El Paso. There were no casualties on the American side nor was there any more shooting from the Mexican side after the fusillade from the Kentucklans. KAISER SENDS GREETINGS Christmas Message Addressed to Germans in Field and at Home. LONDON. Dec. 25. A dispatch to the Exchange Telegraph . from Amsterdam says Emperor William has sent the following Christmas greetings to all the German armies and to Germans at home: "Honor to God above, peace on earth and to man, happiness. God blese the third war Christmas of all those away In the field and of those at home In our dear Fatherland. WILLIAM." Cutter Saves Derelict. NEW YORK, Dec. 24. The Brazilian bark Nepthls, a derelict at sea for the last week, has been recovered by the United States Coast Guard cutter Sen eca and Is being towed to New York, according to a wireless message re ceived here from taa Seneca at noon today. Race Down Portland Heights Ends When Iiad Attempts to Turn Corner at 3 5 -Mile Rate. In a mile-long chase, leading from Portland Heights to Columbia and West Park streets, at a pace that flout ed the speed laws, Guy W. Talbot and his chauffeur, Howard Scott, overtook a stolen car yesterday afternoon and restored it to its owner, F. H. Strong, of 250 King street. The thief, 15-year-old William Nunn. son of W. H. Nunn. manager of the Paraffine Paint Com pany, broke Into tears when captured, and was taken to the police station. The finale of the dkase came when the fleeing car skidded at Columbia and Park streets, crashing into the curb, where it parted with the left rear wheel. Howard Scott, chauffeur for Mr. Talbot, believes that the boy's speed as he attempted to make the turn was at least 35 miles an hour. The heavy car spun completely around on the wet pavement. The car was taken by young Nunn yesterday morning from before the Flnst Presbyterian Church, while Mr. Strong was attending services. When he discovered its loss he told Mr. Tal bot and his chauffeur, and the latter agreed to watch for It. Early In the afternoon he saw the car In the down town district, but was uncertain of the number. Later, while Mr. and Mrs. Talbot were delivering Christmas gifts, they met the stolen car on Portland Heights, and promptly gave chase. The boy declares that he meant to return the car after he had ridden an hour or so. He was before the Juvenile Court some months ago on a similar charge, he says, and Is penitently per turbed over the prospect. HOLIDAY MAIL IS RIFLED Thieves Steal Parcel Post Packages at Mount Angel. SALEM. Or., Dec. 24. (Special.) The postoffice at Mount Angel was broken into last night and the thieves played havoc with the Christmas mall, stealing many parcel post packages and several letters. Postmaster Ebner, in whose store the postoffice is situated, was unable to estimate the loss. Some of the pack ages were recovered near the Mount Angel section house and some at Baron, a mile away. Besides robbing the Christmas mall the thieves secured between $15 and $20 worth of stamps and about $5 In money. 1000 CHILDREN ARE HAPPY Coos Bay Cities Participate in Big Christmas Tree. MARSHFIELD. Or., Dec. 24. (Spe cial.) The Municipal Christmas Festi val took place at the Orpheum Theater tonight. One thousand children from this city, Englewood, Bunker Hill and Bay Park received presents. There were short exercises, includ ing concert singing and a Santa Claus programme. SNOW COVERS COOS BAY Two Inches at Marshfleld Melts, hut Hills Are All White. MARSHFIELD, Or.. Dec. 24. (Spe cial.) The Coos Bay district experl enced Its first snow storm of the sea son this morning. Two inches of wet snow fell, and al though that in the lower altitudes melted before noon, the hills are still covered LITTLE CHRISTMAS STORIES IN THE NEWS FROM NEAR AND" FAR HE WAS very trim and soldierly In his Army uniform as he entered police headquarters yesterday morning. He strode up to the desk, held his chin high, and asked permission to speak with the Captain. "What do you wish to see him about?" parried Desk Sergeant Thatch er. Captain Inskeep walked In as the reply came: "I want to borrow money enough to get to Salem." quoth the soldier. "I have four days' furlough, I am 'broke,' and I must see my mother on Christmas day. even If I have to ride the rods." "Well, I'll he Jiggered!" vowed Pa trolman Cason. dropping a spattering pen to the record sheet. Urged to "tell ue about It," Private Benjamin F. Lane, of Port Stevens. Wash., related his enlistment of two months ago, the drain upon his pay for military trappings, the decision to see mother, and the lean purse that wouldn't pay further than Portland. "I thought I'd find a friend here, and get more money to go on with," ex plained Private Lane. "I didn't." "Well, old man, I dunno what we can do," sympathized Captain Inskeep "Let's see " When Captain Inskeep's inspiration arrived, he telephone to A, J. David son, general superintendent of the Ore gon Electric Railway, who heard the story, and shouted back: "Send him upl He'll get home for Christmas if 1 have to pay his fare." So Private Lane saw Superintendent Davidson, and the latter saw several lesser dignitaries, and, in due time, the soldier saw his mother. In all Portland there are no doors barred to the spirit of Christmas, and yet there are those where the actual observance of the day will not enter Should you enter a Chinese restaurant today, which isn't likely, when the goose Is browning elsewhere, or ought to be. the chances are nine to one that Travel May Stop If Peace Move Fails POLICY WILL BE REVERSED Effect Will Be to Provoke Re sentment Among Allies. REPRISALS ARE POSSIBLE Stand May Be Taken That Entente Nations Cannot Supply Tonnage This Country Needs to Trans port Its Products. BT JOHN CALLAN O'LAUGHLIN. WASHINGTON. Dec. 24. (Special.) Unless peace shall result from the ef fort made by President Wilson, the State Department will inaugurate a new pol icy designed to lessen tne difficulties of the United States as a result of Ger man submarine operations. This policy contemplates a refusal to grant passports to American citizens taking passage on armed belligerent merchantmen or employment on ves sels chartered or In any way controlled by the nations at war. Country WU1 Be Surprised. The consideration the Administration has given these matters will profound ly surprise the country. President Wil son offered successful opposition last Spring to the enactment of the McLe more resolution and Gore bills pro hibiting American travel on belligerent merchantmen. These measures had the support of ex-Secretary of State Brvan. The Administration argues, however. mat a stale or racts exists at the prea ent time different from that which ob talned when the McLemore resolution and Gore bills were opposed. Llovd George, the Prime Minister of Great Britain, has announced a purpose to na tionalize all British shipping and to put the vessels in a condition to defend themselves from submarine attack. Thus British ships, it is asserted, will lose their status as merchantmen and become in effet government craft. Same Principle Observed. The United States has never raised any question when a belligerent gov ernment ship was torpedoed without warning. In spite of the fact that Amer ican citizens employed as members of the crew were killed or drowned. The same principle must be observed, it Is declared, in the case of other vessels torpedoed having the same status. In order that the country may not become involved in controversy with Germany which might precipitate war, it Is deemed important to Issue a warn ing to Americans not to travel or accept employment on belligerent merchant men with the new status contemplated. This action will not be taken until and unless the peace move should fall. The authorities have been observing the greatest secrecy regarding the mat ter and will not admit that it is being considered, though it is known that a circular of instruction Is in course of preparation. Allies Will Resent Action. If the President should Issue the circular It may be expected that the resentment among the allies, as a re- (Concluded on Page 4. Column 4.) the Celestial will greet you happily: "Melly Chlistmas!" For the followers of Confucius, while they have conformed to the custom of the land to the extent of sending gifts to their Caucasian friends, smile at. and not with, the holiday of holly and mistletoe. OREGON CITY, Or.. Dec. 24. (Spe cial.) Julius Grazier, employed by the Oregon City Woolen Mills for 40 years, was today retired on half-pay pension. The mill sent the announcement to him, the oldest employe, as a Christmas present. He will be 70 years old next month. Mr. Grazier went to work for the woolen mills 12 years after the plant was erected. The only thing worrying Mr. Gra zier Is his inability to sleep. For 34 years he has been working at night, seven nights a week. "I can't sleep at night." he said to day, "and when morning comes I know I should get up." SAN FRANCISCO. Dec. 24. The State Industrial Accident Commission played Santa Claus Saturday and on receiving notice that the claimant was In financial distress rushed through an award of $4,257.69 to Mrs. Auda A. De Coursey, of Tacoma. Wash., as compensation for the death of her husband, Bruce De Coursey, who was killed while on duty as a brakeman in California In the em ploy of the Santa Fe Railroad Company. Letters to the Commission stating that Mrs. De Coursey and her three children were in destitute circum stances Inspired the board to hasten In order that the money would be avail able by Christmas. SALEM. Or.. Dec. 24. (Special.) To day and tomorrow are big days for about 2500 wards and pupils at the state institutions here. At the State Hospital and Penitentiary dinners were served, at the Boys' Training School President Goes to Church In Morn ing and With Mrs. Wilson Visits Relatives in Evening. WASHINGTON. Dec. 24. The Presi dent and Mrs. Wilson attended a com munity Christmas eve celebration here today, and for more than an hour stood on the steps of the Treasury De partment, singing Christmas carols vlth several thousand men, women and children. With them were Francis B. Sayre and Mrs. Sayre. Miss Margaret Wilson wnm one of the leaders of the singing, and Secretary and Mrs. Mc Adoo stood with her. The celebration was participated In by boy and girl scouts. Afterward groups of the boys and girls went to their own neighborhoods and sang Christmas carols. The President had not planned to at tend, but. Just before the singing be gan, he walked over from the White House with members of his amlly. A sheet of music was handed him and he Joined In singing. In Intervals he and Mrs. Wilson talked with the chil dren and wished them a merry Christ mas. The President and his wife went to church this morning, and In the even ing they visited relatives. A large Christmas tree has been put on the second floor of the White House for tomorrow's celebration, in which Jose phine Cothran. the President's grand niece, and Ellen McAdoo. his grand daughter, will be the principal figures. INDEX OF TODAY'S NEWS The Weather. YESTERDAY'S Maximum temperature. as decrees; minimum. 33 degrees. TODAY'S Unsettled, probably light rain or anow flurries; westerly winds. Feace. dlscusse German official Face 4. peace nota National. Move for Republican conference to formu late policies taking form. Page I. Switzerland Indorses American peace move Page 1. Cojntry facln deficit as result of Congress' extravagance Page 2. Wilson to reverse policy If peace move falls. Page J. , Domestic. Insurance adjusters Implicated In "Auto Thieves' Trust." Page s. Great municipal Christmas tree lighted in New York. Pace 10. President Wilson Joins In stnctng carols at outdoor Christmas celebration. Page 1. MsjBjkM, Troop A celebrates Christmas eve. Page 2. Sport. Darcy says he Is not afraid to fight WII- lard. Page 12. Tennlo makes remarkable advance in year. Page 12. Two titles to be at stake at next Rose City Club show. Pago 12. Golf and other amateur sports arranged for today. rage r. Oregon eleven of today for California; Penn team en route West. Page 7. Pacific Northwest. Washlncton budget Is f7.237.04-. Pago 7. Bomb received by Alhany mac mailed from Seattle BUDuru. ri o. Trains from East delayed. Page Schooner stripped by Alaskan storm. Page 4. Portland and Vicinity. Tommy Swivel plays Santa to 300 poor chil dren today. Page 11. Birth of Christ is topic of pastors at Sun dav services. Page 13. Hotels will have special Christmas attrac tions loaay. x-bs Portland Christmas Is Joyous. Page 10. Oregon men on border send Chriatmaj greeting. Page 11. Messiah Is sung by Portland Oratorio So clety. Page 9. Divorce of interior and coast advocated in flxlnp raliroatl raies. riiga xi n, j H. Boyd preacbes on Chrlstmai theme. Page 13. Boy wrecks stolen auto after wild chase to elude pursuers. rise l. Europe seeking Northwest spruce for build lng aeroplane frames. Page 6. Many become Christmas brides. Page 16. Portland expects to get 1919 Shrlners' con ventlon. Page 1. Christmas trade breaks all records In Port land, page ix. Weather report, data and forecast. Page 12 a dinner was served today and tomor row night presents will be given from a Christmas tree. Twelve boys were allowed to go home to spend the Christ mas nollclays, to return tuesaay, mier leaves of absence being granted for exemplary conduct. At the State Industrial School three girls will receive Christmas gift pa ples. Presents at that school were received tonight and a particularly good programme given. Many of the children at the School for the Deaf went home for the holi days, but those remaining were served with a dinner, while at the School for the Blind a programme was given Fri day evening, most of the pupils going home Saturday for the holidays. Tomorrow night Christmas will be celebrated at the Tuberculosis Sana torium, when gifts- will be distributed and a musical programme given. Just by way of contrast. In one of the august chambers at the Courthouse Saturday a divorce was granted. It was one like so many cruelty and aggravated forms of In compatibility and in the rush of Christmas spirit and routine the court reporter passed it up in few words'. By all the rules It wasn't a very Lappy Christmas thought to write, and as there were six or seven homes legally broken up Just before Christmas, to eacb one he gave as little as the neds semed to demand. But yesterday a voice over the tele phone complained that fitting promi nence had not been given the divorce. "I want my friends to know what I got for Christmas," the voice added. It was the voice of a man. Into the programme at the children's Christmas dinner by the Rotary Club at the Benson yesterday came an unex pected development when it was an Agitation for Party Conference Gains GARDNER OUT FOR LENROOT Roosevelt Takes Interest in Organizing House. MANN WILL BE OPPOSED Effort to Obtain Conference, How ever, Declared by Mr. Gardner to Be Wholly Disassociated From Personal Idea. WASHINGTON, Dec. 24. Agitation for a conference of House Republicans to outline a definite plan of construc tlvft action during Congress to replace the present policy of merely opposing Democratic proposals began today to take definite form. On his return from Cincinnati, where he announced his opposition to Repub lican Leader Mann for Speaker of the next House and his support of Repre setnatlve Lenroot. of Wisconsin, for the place. Representative Gardner, of Mas sachusetts, said he would Immediately seek to have a conference called for the purpose of "formulating policies' for the future. Opposition to Mann Defined. He made it clear that his effort to obtain a conference had been entirely disassociated from his opposition to Mr. Mann, which, he says,' Is based aolely on his conviction that Mr. Mann stands for "Prussia and Prusslanlsm" In international affairs. Until Mann Indorsed President Wilson's recent peace message, Gardner said, he fa vored him "I shall endeavor to have a confer ence rsj'led to formulate policies and discus.! them rather than personalities. said the Massachusetts Representative. "I am tired to death of waiting for a lot of big-wigs In the Republican party to prepare a platform for us that means nothing. The Republican party more nearly represents the people than any other, and It Is high time that we were planning for urging the adoption of many progressive ideas which already have been incorporated into laws In other countries." Lenroot Favors Plan. Representative Lenroot evinced keen Interest in the conference proposal, and said he favored a similar plan. He declined to discuss the Speakership situation. Coincident with the return of Mr Gardner It became known that he re cently conferred with Colonel Roose velt on the House situation. Other than saying that a conference had been held, however, Mr. Gardner declined to discuss the meeting. Representative Schall. of Minnesota, one of the two Progressives elected to the next House also Is In receipt of an Invitation to call on Colonel Roosevelt. In political circles the Colonel's activity Is Inter preted as indicating that he Intends to take more than a passing interest in the organization of the House. Representative Gardner's announce ment of his Intention to agitata for a (Concluded on Page 2, Column 3.) nounced that one of the members had discovered a needy family In which the man was unable to go to work because the poverty was so great that he had actually not enough suitable clothes to wear to work. President Nelson G. Pike Interjected this announcement into the meeting while everybody was enjoying the chil dren's delight over their Christmas presents. Within a few minutes do nations and promises of supplies enough were made by members of the club to take care of the family, the man was assured of work and will go onto the Job in the morning. EUGENE, Or.. Dec 24. (Special.) James Casey, aged 90 years, who came to Oregon In 1S51. will celebrate his first Christmas as a full-fledged Ameri can citizen tomorrow. Mr. Casey was born In Dundalk. County Louth. Ireland, and came to America when a young man. Soon after his arrival in Oregon Mr. Casey took out his first papers as a citizen of the United States, and from that time participated in all elections until the Oregon Legislature two years ago passed a law requiring proof of completed citizenship. He has always voted the Democratic ticket. Mr. Casey is the center of one of the largest Christmas celebrations in Eu gene, at which more than 30 of his rela tives are present The big war in Europe has brought tears from many little folks In this city. Just now. The cause of the trouble is the fact that a good deal of the supply of clus ter lights used In Christmas trees comes from war-stricken Europe, and the supply of such goods in this and other American cities is limited. Peo ple are too busily engaged in fighting over in Europe to bother about such Rotary Plows Keep Tracks Clear In Eastern Oregon -4 Feet Depth Reached at Dixie Summit. BAKER, Or., Dec. 34. (Special.) Snow continues to delay transconti nental mall trains from the East. O.-W. R & N. train No. 5, due In Portland at 7 o'clock this morning, went through here at 10:30, nearly 15 hours late. That due In Portlana Christmas morn ing is now reported eight hours late, and will not reach Portland until late tomorrow, probably too late for the delivery of Christmas gifts from the East until Tuesday. Westbound passenger trains are from one to two hours late, but those east bound are practically on time. The trouble la still due to snows In Wyom ing and congestion of business. Heavy snow in this vicinity has little effect, because rotary plows are keeping the tracks clear between here and La Grande. Snow haa fallen almost continuously here since Friday night, and was so heavy today that the highways are drifted In many places. Four feet has fallen at Dixie summit, west of here, but the Sumpter Valley trains have been able to fight their way through almost on schedule. CHICAGO. Dec. 24. (Special.) Bat tllng with snow drifts and Intensely cold weather both East and West, trains running Into Chicago continued far be hind their schedules today. Railroad officials expect the situation to Improve within two or three days, as the Christ mas business comes to a fag end. The Oregon and Washington limited east-bound, was nine hours late. Yes terday's North Coast Limited, east- bound, arrived today, 20 hours late, and today's train is 10 hours behind. One of the sights of the day was the ob servation cars, still redolent of the Cal ifornia orange groves, but plied hlgb with snow and Ice. after encounters with fierce storms on Western plains. SNOW IS PROVABLE TODAY Precipitation May Be Rain, How ever, Says Forecaster. Light rain, or possibly snow; west erly winds. Now make your plana accordingly for that Is the prediction for today after the forecaster had bartered and bargained with all the elements. Only Santa's cold breath from the far North can make It snow today to any appre clable extent. More likely a drizzling rain is in store, although on the heights a light snow Is expected. Yesterday a suggestion of snow appeared on the heights on the East and West sides but It paid only a brief call. The mail mum temperature was 38 and the mini mum was 33. ARMED CAR GIFT TO GUARD Colorado Citizens Rulse Funds bv Popular Subscription. DENVER, Dec. 24. An armored mo tor car, funds to buy which were raised by popular subscription, was presented yesterday to the National Guard of Colorado. Adjutant-General Harry P. Gamble accepted the car. The presentation took place in the Capitol grounds here. Man Thought Villa Victim Is Safe. PRESIDIO. Tex.. Dec. 24. Gulllermo Snyman. son of the late General W. D. Snyman, of Boer war fame, arrived here Saturday from Mexico, where his long period of hiding from Villa ban dits caused his friends to announce their belief that he had been killed. small matters as making cluster lights for Christmas trees. Suppose there are eight tiny lamps forming the cluster. If one of these lamps won't light, the other seven are also dark. One bad lamp affects the whole. Late Saturday night and oarly yes terday, fathers and mothers tigged up their Christmas trees, while their chil dren looked on with delighted approval. The lamps burned for say half-an-hour. flickered, and then went out. Supply is limited, and In too many cases non existent. There was a scurry to the stores Saturday night to no -avail. Hence the walls from children who are not allowed to have lighted can. dies on their trees by orders of safety-first parents. For the first time in four years the unattached men along the waterfront will not partake of a Christmas dinner on board the steamer Hassalo this year. The reason: there are no unattached. Why? There are two answers pros perity and prohibition. The idle men of former years now are employed in the shipyards, lumber mills and other Industries that have resumed activity tins year. rTonmitlon has enabled the shiftless man who formerly squandered his money for liquor to supply himself with Christmas cheer. After a survey of the situation the O.-W. R. & N. Com pany, which has acted as hosts for these dinners in past years, decided to dis pense with the dinner this year. ECHO. Or.. Dec. 24. (Special.) Echo's first municipal Christmas tree was held here last night in the City Hall and was a success In every way. The Commercial Club, school and four churches united their efforts in the undertaking. About S00 persons were present. There was a treat for every .child present. A pleasing programme was rendered. Session Would Bring 50,000 Members OTHER CONTENDERS INACTIVE All Western Temples Pledge Support to Portland. $100,000 FUND REQUIRED Estimate Is That Gathering Would Bring $2,000,000 and Proposal Is to Have Celebration in Con nection With Rose Festival. HOW AL KADEH TEMPLE WILL TRY TO GET i'l:t SKRIX ERS' CO.VVKNTlOX. Entire West to unite In Invita tion to 60,000 wearers of fe to visit Portland for 1919 Imperial session. Al Kader to expend $6000 or $7000 annually on campaign.' Fifteen temples west of Denver will pledge support. Hundred special trains will ba run. Fund of $75,000 or $100,000 to be raised In 1918 in Portland for entertainment of visitors. Seattle raising $10,000 to bring; huge gathering to West. Eastern templea favor -Portland. Elaborate programme planned. Fifty thousand wearers of the fes will gather around an oasis at Joy. bask In the radiance of Portland's hospi tality, and carry a new song In praise of the West to their home temples throughout the Ualted States, if the plans further considered at the annual meeting of the Al Kader Shrine in Portland Saturday night materialize. The entire West, unofficially, haa rallied to the cause of the Al Kadera. and officers of the 17 temples west of the Rocky Mountains have pledged sup port in the entertainment of the three day session here In 19U. Portland will take upon Itself the financing of the entire programme. Portland Apparently Wins. The invitation extended by the Port landers at the Imperial session held at Buffalo last July met with hearty re sponse and the obstacles of that time apparently have been overcome. Jerusalem Temple, at New Orleans, re ported In tho race, has made no move. The Indianapolis Shrlners, mentioned at first, have made no campaign for the gathering that Is generally considered one of the greatest In the country. The Philadelphia ' Lu Lu Temple, which was also tentatively In the field for the honors, has decided not to be a contender, since PUIadelphla Is to hava the 1919 conclave, of the Knights Templar. Ellis Louis Garretson, imperial of ficer, of Tacoma, has Indorsed the plana of the Portland lodge to land the ses sion and the final action In the assur ance of a concerted move was taken at the annual meeting of the Al Kadera. Seattle Italalns I nnd. Seattle Is raising a fund of $10,000 to send a delegation, baud and patrol to the imperial session In Minneapolis In 1917 to strengthen the chances of tho Northwest and those of Portland for the 1919 session. A "stunt" committee, glee club and an orchestra will accompany them and an extensive programme Is being planned to attract attention to tho West as a center worthy of notice for a gathering of this sort. The Seattle Temple Is working with the knowledge of the benefits that accrue from the entertainment of so vast a throng of visitors. Approximately $2,000,000 was left In that city by the gathering that was held there In 1915. Al Kader to Send Delegation. Al Kaders also will send a band and patrol to Minneapolis in the cam paign, and will expend about $6000 to $7000 annually out of their rvn funds until the National gathering has boon landed. No funds will be asked for the preliminary work, but In 191s a whirlwind campaign will be launched to raise the entire fund of $75,000 to $100,000 needed for the entertainment of the visitors. . At present it Is suggested '.hat the event be held in conjunction with the Rose Festival, and that the events be handled by the same workers, but as yet this move haa taken no definite form. One of the most effective arguments In favor of the move to bring the ses sion here Is the matter of hotel ac commodation, which is placed aa above that of Seattle, Buffalo or Min neapolis, each of which has landed similar meetings. One Hundred Specials Would Run. Approximately 100 special trains would be run from the various temples with members and their families, wherever the meeting is held. George W. Stapleton. chairman of the committee In charge of the arrange ments to bring the gathering here, says he has sent out telegrams to East- . ern temples and the Imperial officers announcing the intention of tho Al Ka ders to exert every energy to the cam (Concluded on Fta 2, Column L)