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About Morning Oregonian. (Portland, Or.) 1861-1937 | View Entire Issue (Jan. 6, 1917)
THE MORNING OREGONIAN, SATURDAY, JANUARY 6, 1917. 13 KNIFE WiELDER TO HE SANITY TEST Threats Made by E. L. McCIure at Club Meeting Related at Police Court Hearing. MANY THRILLS PROVIDED Witnesses Say Defendant Asserted Determination to Run Meeting by Wading Through Blood, and Denounced "Plutocrats." E. L. McCIure, silver-haired re former, 6s years .old, who delayed a ) meeting- of the Forty-five Eficiency Club with a penknife and a claim to ' the chairmanship, was remanded to the county authorities yesterday by Municipal Judge Langguth to be ex amined as to his sanity. The defend ant left the courtroo"m with his wife, his arm about her waist, whispering explanations. Judge Langguth's decree came at the close of an hour's trial, during which McCIure acted as his own counsel, Injecting dramatic values Into the proceedings with a fervor that made the courtroom gasp or smile. The testimony of witnesses, mem bers of the Forty-five Efficiency Club, and of Mr. McCIure, rival claimant to the Central Library room engaged for the Thursday evening meeting, made a fairly composite Ftory of the defiance which the de fendant hurled at Fred Spoeri and John D. Mann, officers of the club, and their fellow members, when he drew his knife and bade them leave the hall as "d plutocrats." Knife Play Described. The members had assembled, testi fied C. J. Barnard, when McCIure met the proposal to organize with the declaration that both hall and meeting belonged to him. It was at this juncture that he was approached by Mr. Mann. "I order you to sit down!" came the command. "I saw him pull out a. knife with the blade open," continued Mr. Bar nard. "He said, 'I'll use this knife on any man who lays his hand on me I want you ail to get out of this hall! You're a bunch of plutocrats.' He used perpendicular English; it stood straight up." The defendant approached the wit ness and gazed piercingly at him. "Did you know that the hall had been assigned to me and bulletined to me?" he asked. "No," replied Mr. Barnard. "Do you think that I acted In a reprehensible manner in trying to maintain my rights?" pursued the defendant. "Well, no gentle-ian would have drawn a knife and made the threats you did." McClure's eyes were wrathy as he told the court, the witness and all In hearing that it was his hall, that ' he had paid for It, had advertised a meet ing and that he considered the mem bers and officers of the Forty-five Efficiency Club to be interlopers where he Intended to preside over an organization of his own. Members Called "Criminals." "How would you treat such crim inals as that, who would come in and disturb youjr meeting?" he exclaimed. "They were going to slap my face, to throw me from the hall I had paid for; I was afraid of It! But when they knew they were going to get the knife in their bellies they stood back! O, I put all you plutocratic sympa thizers in the background; you bet I did!" Concerning the misunderstanding about the hall, Mr. Barnard continued his testimony in explanation. Mr. Spoeri, he said, had telephoned to make the reservation of the room used at the previous meeting and had been assured that the matter had been attended to. It being believed that Mr. CcClure was acting for ' the Forty-five Efficiency Club. Another witness, who joR-.ed the club after the turmoil had subsided, was G. w. Hunt, a carpenter. This witness testified that his curiosity afforded him a ringside position. When the trouble started he came forward, marveling at the methods of the club. He, too, saw the knife drawn. McCIure Shouts Defiance. " Tm going to run this meeting If I've got to -wade in blood to do it!'" the witness heard McCIure shout, as he menaced all who approached him. In answer to an inquiry from Judge Lane- Kuth, the witness replied that none of hose present at the meeting had threat ened McCIure before he drew the knife. It was true, he said, thst a "small gen tleman" had presented himself before the self-elected chairman with the pos itive assertion, "I can lick you!" The witness recalled that the defendant had exhibited the knife and the challenger had withdrawn. A graphic portrayal of the affair was afforded by C. H. Libby's testimony, de scribing the clash between the defend ant and Mr. Mann, when the latter was oommanded. to "sit down, sir!" The witness heard the threats made. " 'I haven't anything but a pocket knife, but I'll wade through blood to run this meeting!' " he declared McCIure shout ed. And again, when the club members shrank back and went into conference, " 'Get out, you d plutocrats! That's right, get out!" " t Right to Hall Argued. Witness and defendant argued for several minutes over the right of pos session respecting the hall, Mr. Libby charging that the defendant, as one who was present at the prior meeting, knew of the club's intent to re-engage the hall; knew that Mr. Spoeri was the duly elected temporary chairman, and yet prohioted trouble by "double-cross ing his former fellow members. At this juncture the defendant de ciared tor a Jury trial, and was re minded by Judge Langguth that he had elected to go to trial without the "good men and true." Very well,' he wanted an attorney. Again he was told that he had chosen to be his own lawyer. s "The trouble is that when a man acts as his own attorney he usually has a fool for a client, jested the Judge. "You bet he has!" was McClure's hearty agreement. Motorcycle Patrolman Ervin, one of the arresting officers, exhibited the knife, which the defendant had handed him after the arrest. It was a pearl handled trifle, with a short blade. "I . failed to see anyone at the meeting who was In sympathy with his claims," testified the officer. "He wanted them all to leave, and they couldn't see it that way." Threats Are Related. ' H. Welfare, florist and charter mem ber of the Forty-five Efficiency Club, had heard the defendant threaten to "cut the hearts" from all who ap proached him. Two other witnesses had borne testimony to McClure's of fer to select other anatomical speci mens. The testimony of W. C. Lynch, a salesman, was interrupted by the de fendant with a snappy "You're a liar!" When remonstrated with. McCIure Voiced his plaint. "Well, he tells so many lies I don't know how to cross examine him." "Can't I have till tomorrow to get HA1 S3 ! " - . 14 L 1 s j ; n M - ' 1 r " . ' 14 , j , - , - ' : r 1 Is ' t - ' ' . - i: I k 4 k 's ' - t - r i - - k II it I I - A- - - - . - " t z. yf ' II M r - s - ''i 'y I J l"f f ' " ' K -v 4 ' I I i h 4 I - - , - . ' . - "f - ' 14 ii "'" I - . - I J J - ,r , V;y - ; . i- ( i -: ' -'z. i? y " y s " i ' . ' i i J Ii -f -z&m . I 1 - tzzZ f T 11 i ' - LM J' - I A - " - o - ; - " i&r f '1 $ ' ;c. ,: ''-4 :'-'3 W'4 P' v' - 4- - ' A x V.-i t 1 ' I - : : ' .j t s , t I' I ' v , 1 ' ' - $" A I , "v t ' - h f ? : I f ' ' ' " f 1 --,t;"' ! 4 ! ' - v - - - " ' - ' I t t-4 ' ' I ' " , - t , s " V-vfDffifxMldanf'1ir""' vriifrtnrrfVinri rvrnfi'- yibW. ,' v.fri--if.-iv-'i ITiia-ftihuifTir' TlrTr iiiiMli in illfir ,jav,'VY finTi V -ffnf 'is !-:' CAPTAIN JOH5 BECKETT, U. OK AKiD 3IISS DOROTHY HYDE. Miss Dorothy Hyde, of Syracuse, N. Y.. a fascinating young guest at the Maryland Hotel, ""in Pasadena, was the first to congratulate Captain John Beckett, of the University bf Oregon football team, upon his return to the hotel following' the New Year's game wherein Oregon downed the University of Pennsylvania warriors. 14 to 0. If spontaneity is not strongly apparent in the pose here depicted the beholder will at least agree that it is an easy picture to look at and that if any press agent had a hand the arrangement he was possessed of both cleverness and good taste. Also it becomes apparent that being a victorious football captain Is a nice thing for a young man like Beckett. my witnesses?" pleaded the defendant. I didn't suppose there was a single bit of testimony that could convict me of a crime. ' Yet the preponderance of testimony Is all against me. Why, look here. Judge, they oould send me to the Penitentiary." "What do you expect to prove by these witnesses?" asked Deputy City Attorney Stadter. "I expect to prove that I did not threaten any individual, that I feared they would slap my face and throw me out. I knew that a coward would not touch me if he knew he would get punctured. I told them to get out, all those plutocrats; that I had a lot of business to attend to. I ran that busi ness until the police came, you bet your life I did!" . Defendant Tells of His Dream. Then the defencTant told of his dream, for which he spent his last dollar to engage the hall and pay for advertise ments. It Is to organize an initial club in Portland similar to the Forty-five Efficiency- Club, but purged of "pluto crats" and of loftier ideals. "I expect to organize 50,000 such clubs," he told the court, hie eyes flaming with zeal. "From 100 to 1000 members each. They will be one unit for the demonetization of gold. They are going to elect the President In 1920. No, sir. I'm not going to be President! He will be a young man, clean as a hound's tooth!" That McCIure planned and antici pated the lively happenings at the club meeting was evidenced, by his statement that he saw Chief of Police Clark on Wednesday, told him of the proposed meeting, and asked for po lice protection, saying that he feared the club members would remove him by force when they found him in pos session of the meeting place, and that he intended to use his knife if at tacked. "He says, 'I won't do anything of the kind," " the defendant quoted Chief Clark. " Tf you kill anybody, I'll come up there and hang you; a man that will threaten to kill is a coward, any way. Plutocrats Are Denounced. "Plutocrats have made It Impossible for me to make a living in America!' shouted McCIure as Deputy Stadter questioned him. "They have made It impossible for me to support that dear est woman in the world!" He whirled and pointed toward his wife. "When ever I get-a job it is taken away from me. And you. Judge, will have to obey their orders or go out of office "That's where you're off," Judge Langguth Interrupted dryly. "I'm not going to sentence you." "I was a banker at Dutch Flat from 1869 to 1883," replied McCIure when questioned by Deputy Stadter. In 1904 I was made cashier of the State Bank & Trust Company of Goldfield. Nevada- I made $60,000 in one year. "I went to New York by invitation of the Burroughs Adding Machine Company," said McCIure, "to explain my accounting system. You prss a button and it keeps your Books with out the stroke of a pen." He had at tempted to interest Ladd & Tilton's Bank nd the Meier & Frank Company In this invention, but without success, the defendant said. Judge Langguth, in closing the case, spoke kindly to the defendant, inti mating that his grievances against the world had become obsessions and that his sanity was in the balance. "You misjudge me. Judge," smiled McCIure. "I have not a single care on my mind, not one. Good will la what governs my' actions." Auto Club Files Artlclesl SALEM, Or., Jan. 6. (Special.) Supplementary articles of Incorporation were filed with the Corporation Com missioner today changing the name of the Portland Automobile Club to the Oregon State Motor Association, and Increasing the number of directors from 9 to 15. The largest hens' eggs are produced in Manchuria, those weighing: one-sixth of a pound Deing common. EAST CONGRATULATES WEST ON GRIDIRON HEALTH BILLS READY County Nurses Provided For to Inspect Schools. RAT-PROOF DOCKS WANTED Regulation of Institutions' That Get State Aid and Licenses for All Hospitals Are Some of Fea tures of Measure. SALEM. Or., Jan. 5. (Special.) A number of important amendments de sired by the State Board bf Health were placed before Attorney-General Brown today by Secretary Roberg, of that Board. In discussing the amendments Dr. Roberg declared that sanitation In the schools throughout the state is in a most deplorable condition. To do away with poor sanitation the Board wants a law which will provide for a county nurse whose duty will be to travel throughout her county, in spect all schools and see that all health statutes and ordinances are rigidly enforced. "We have plenty of good statutes and ordinances." Dr. Roberg asserted. "but what we need is enforcement of them." In addition, the Board will have bill prepared to place all hospitals under the supervision of the State Board of Health, to provide that certif- I lcates be issued to such hospitals by the Board and that no hospital be allowed to operate unless it possesses such certificate. The board also is anxious that all Institutions which receive state aid op erate under regulations required by the Secretary of State as well as under the sanitary rules laid down by the Health Board, and that the Secretary of State audit all accounts .for state-aid funds. Under the present law such Institu tions are allowed $8 to $10 per capita, the Secretary of State pays them quar terly, and the money Is expended as the institutions see fit. The Board of Health would have the bills of such in stitutions audited and expended under such rules and regulations as the Sec retary of State would provide. The board also desires legislation which would require that Ml docks and wharves be rat-proof, as a precaution Against possible encroachment of the bubonic plague, and is also asking the Attorney-General to prepare a bill pro viding for additional legislation on the reporting of communicable diseases. In addition to these a number of minor amendments are suggested by the board, which Dr. Roberg and Attorney-General Brown went over care fully today. 20 HOUSES ARE TRADED E. W. Hendricks Gets Nine Lots Also From W. H. Hyland. One of the most important realty exchange transactions of recent months was concluded yesterday, when E. W. Hendricks, ari architect, took title to 20 residences and nine and one-half lots situated along the main line of the Southern Pacific tracks. Just south of Hawthorne avenue and between East Third and Stephens streets. The valuation is $60,000. the valuation placed on the three properties which Mr. Hendricks gave in exchange. It is understood that Mr, Hendricks VICTORY. is contemplating the Improvement of his newly acquired property with modern warehouse covering an entire block. The proposed building is to be occupied by the Portland branch of a large Eastern firm already established here, and also an Eastern firm dealing In ship chandlery. As payment for the East Side hold ing the former owner, Wilbur H. Hy land. of Eugene, receives title to a commercial orchard at Hubbard, re ported to be worth, $25,000; a four-flat building situated at 296 Tillamook street, near Williams avenue, placed in the trade at a valuation of $10,000, and an unimproved quarter block on the northeast corner of Eighteenth and Upshur streets, which completed the $60,000 valuation. In connection with the transaction, which was handled through the office of, Oscar C. Beck. Mr. Hyland deeded the Hubbard ranch to George Beiloh. TOURIST PLAN IS TOPIC SORTHAVIT ASSOCIATION DIRECT. ORS MEET HERE TODAY. Proposed Joint Advertising; Scheme With Washington and British Co lumbia to Be Explained. Portland will have an opportunity to understand fully the big Joint ad vertislng plan of the Northwest Tourist Association this afternoon, when the board of directors of the organization meets here in the green room of the Chamber of Commerce at 2 P. M. Emery Olmstead. vice-president of the organization for Oregon, will pre side in the absence of President E. R. Todd, of Victoria, B. C, who Is unable to. come owing to a political campaign now on in British Columbia. The meeting will be open to such of the public as are interested in the big plan to interest Eastern tourists in the attractions of the Northwest as In elusive features of a single tour de luxe. The fund contemplated for handling the campaign will be $62,500 a year for, two yearspf which Oregon and vv asiiiiisiun win cacu uo cupwiea lu furnish $25,000 a year, and British Co lumbia the remainder. In both British Columbia and Wash ington fheic shares of the fund are regarded as assured through state aid and Oregon will make the campaign in the coming Legislature to get Ore gon to do as much for the work as the northern neighbor states are doing. The removal of the $17.50 differential between California and the Northwest makes the organization convinced that now is the peculiarly acceptable time in which to launch the great campaign to bring tourists via the big North western scenic route. LICENSE GIVEN JAPANESE White Girl Comes From San Fran cisco to, Vancouver. VANCOUVER, Wash.. Jan. 5 (Spe cial.) While a marriage license was is sued yesterday to Bill Matsumura, 29, a Japanese, of San Francisco, and Rose Williams, 24. of the. same city, no per son here with proper authority has ac knowledged performing the marriage ceremony. The couple was accompanied by Tom Moyetta, a Japanese; of Port land, who acteiijas witness. The couple came all the way Jrora San Francisco to be married, and it is possible that they may have thought they were married when they got the license. It is also possible that they went to Portland thinking they could be married in that state with & Wash ington license. . - Read :Th. Oregonlan classified ads. L01W IS GUILTY OF. MURDER Slayer of John Lind Is Con victed When His Story of Killing Falls Apart. , LIFE TERM TO BE GIVEN Explanation of Suspicious Circum stances Brings Out Statement That State Picks to Pieces. Defense Waives Argument. "Oh, what a tangled web we weave ' Edward Bartholomew was convicted of the murder of his friend. John Lind. yesterday, by the failure of the fabric of his manufactured story of the slay lng to fit circumstances surrounding the crime. He did not take the stand in his own defense, his attorney waived argument. and the case went to the Jury at noon. The first ballot taken, was unanimous for conviction. The Jury's deliberations covered two hours. Life Imprisonment will be the sentence pronounced by Cir cult Judge Davis Monday morning. A weak grin and a rush of color from his face was Bartholomew's reception of the verdict. His steps were unsteady as he walked from the courtroom in the custody of a Deputy Sheriff. Earlr Statement Not Repudiated. Failure of the defense to call a single witness In rebuttal of the weight of evidence produced by the prosecution, put the stamp of approval on the state; ment, read to the Jury, which Bartholo mew made a month ago to District At torney Evans. By pointing out the contradictions between this story, the facts revealed by investigation and the testimony of witnesses to circumstances surrounding the green trunk murder. John Collier and Charles Robison. Deputy District Attorneys, fortified the ca'se for the state. It was In the fastening to suspicious circumstances of which he knew the authorities had knowledge, a logical explanation which would absolve him of the murder. that.Bartholomew made assertions which the prosecution seized upon as irreconcilable with other un disputed circumstances appearing in evidence. Bartholomew was persuaded, re luctantly, not to take the witness stand. It was the maneuvering of his attorney, John H. White, to leave all proof to the state. Bartholome wanted to tell his story again and to add a few frills, particularly con cerning the character of Robert Gavin. the man who trailed Bartholomew through scores of cities until he could point him out to the police in Seattle. Large Attendance Pleases. "I'd like to get on the stand, but my attornev won t let me, said the pris oner. "All these people crowding In here would like to hear me. I know, and I am sorry I can t oblige them. I am much - pleased with the large attend ance." When the prosecution placed Mrs. Anna DeCorsey. landlady at 407 Stark street', where Lind was killed Novem ber 18. 1915, on the stand yesterday to testify In more detail concerning the finding of the baseball bat the state had contended was the murder weapon. and wtfen further authorities had been cited regarding the admissibility or the bat In evidence. Judge Davis reversed his ruling of the day prior and allowed its Introduction. Statements and Evidence Conflict. Among the Inconsistencies shown In the comparison of Bartholomews as certions with facts testified to, Mr. Rob son laid emphasis on the showing that the acts of Bartholomew on the night of the crime and the morning follow ing, as told bv himself, were incom patible with the sworn testimony oi the state s chief witness, iirs. uetor ev. Bartholomew's story was tnai ne spent the afternoon of the Thursday on which the murder was committed with Lind and a man named Paul Lund, drinking in Blazier's saloon, and that he did riot return to his room until 10 o'clock that night with Lind. Paper Forms Fault In Testimony, Mrs. De Corsey testified that shortly after 9 o'clock Bartholomew knocked on the door of the room adjoining his. She knew the occupant of that room was not In and came to her door at the rear of the hallway. Bartholomew had a newspaper in his hand. He explained he had found it in the hall and had been reading it. He wanted to return it to her. The prosecutor pointed out that the newspaper was delivered about 3:30 that afternoon and that Bartholomew must have received it at the house be tween that hour and 9 o clock, during which period his testimony was that he had been In a saloon drinking. Mr. Robison went on to asc why Bartholomew had knocked art tne doo of the room adjoining his. He wanted to know if hfs nearest neighbor In the house was "In." declared the prosecu tor, so that the work of murder might not be disturbed. Bartholomew Met Before 10 A. M. Bartholomew's assertion was that h had fled after the murder, which took place between 10 and 11 o clock, an that he had walked the streets all "night with Lund, returning to the room for the first time at 10 o ciock tn next morning. At 7:15 that morning Mrs. De Cor sey, who was in the basement build inar a furnace fire. heard someone walkiner in the room occupied by Bar tholomew and Lind. She heard a heavy object drop on the floor. She thought it was a shoe. At 8 o'clock" that morning she met Bartholomew in the hall. He gave he a sweater and hand-bag that had bee the property of Lind. Before 9 o'clock said the landlady, Bartholomew had made several trips Into the basement to burn something In the furnace. He destroyed much of the evidence of the crime in this manner. Police Not Told of Friend's Death. Bartholomew asserted that he left the room for several minutes after seeing his friend struck down In cold blood, and that when he returned Lund bad stuffed the body into a trunk. "What did Bartholomew do when he saw his friend the man who had given him money and promised him a chance in life by giving him a half-Interest in a chicken farm he intended to pur chase being slain?" asked Mr. Robi son. "Did he cry for help? Did he flee to notify the police? Did he rouse other lodgers in the house? No. He went to the bath-room, was gone three min utes and returned to wash the blood from the floor and hide some of the evidence of the crime. A likely story." It was pointed out aa sinister that Bartholomew said that he did not go back to the' house, merely at the bid ding of the man Lund, to clean up things. "It would be assisting me to clean up as well as 'him." the accused asserted. going further to say. "We didn't have any idea we was join- to kill him." Why the "we'; If BAHTHQ Bartholomew did- not do the killing himself or at least assist in it? asked Mr. Robison. John Lind, a man 45 years old. ar rived in Portland on Monday, Novem ber 15, 1915. with Edward Barthol omew. The two men were close com panions, traveling and sleeping to gether. Lind paid all the bills. On the night of Friday, November 19. a green trunk was found in the Willamette at the"foot of Flanders street. It contained the body of Lind, whose skull had been crushed by a blow- from a heavy instrument. Satur day, November 20, it was found that the murder had been committed in the lodging-house of Mrs. Anna De Corsey, 407 Stark street, probably on Thursday night. . Friend Trails Bartholomew. Bartholomew was not to be found. A reward of $500 was offered. Investigation was virtually aban doned, except by City Detectives Frank Snow and John Goltz. With the sub stantial support of District Attorney tvans, they continued to work on the case. Little progress was made until they uncovered Robert Gavin, a friend of Bartholomew. His services were en listed. From town to city, city to town. Gavin searched for a sign of Bartholo mew, often beating his way on the "rods." At last he met Bartholomew face to face In Seattle last November. Gavin persuaded Bartholomew to walk into a building where two police detectives were stationed. He sur rendered the man to their custody. Caught. Bartholomew told a story in which a mysterious third person, a Paul Lund, whom no one had ever seen with the two men, figured as the slayer. PLAY IS LATE SUCCESS WOMAN'S QCEIVr SHOWS HOW MANY ARE , IX INFORMED. Tickets Purchased for "Rolling; Stones," However. When Plot Is Explained by Genial Stage Director. "Rolling Stone's' what Is that play about?" asiced a woman at the Baker box office yesterday as she contem plated the seating plan, and meditated as to whether she would purchase tickets for next week or not. But the ticket cellar was stumped also, as he had neglected to read up about it and together they discussed what that title could mean. It was Will Wallace's business to sell tickets, not to do press agent work, so his meager knowledge didn't help much. But he spied Walter Gilbert passing through the lobby and called on the amiable stage director to explain- plot and detail about the next week's ofier ing of the Alcazar Players, and "Wally" must be a good talker for the woman bought her tickets and went her way, satisfied that, she is going to see a fine show. That is one of the troubles of giving people new plays, that Is, plays that have never been seen in the est. Unless the title pretty nearly tyis the story, only those who read thAtrlcal magazines or other mediums that review the New York successes are not In blind ignorance as to whether the play was written by the office boy. whether it is about crime, religion, love or politics, or whether it hasbeen played only in Oregon City and way points or whether it has passed the crucible of the great New York critics, and run a whole season on Broadway. Being regular patrons of the Baker. however, they take It on faith alone and the reason for the uninterrupted success of the popular stock company Is that there have been no disappoint ments so far. When this woman and the thousands of others see "Rolling Stones' next week, they are going to be most agree ably surprised, or its New York suc cess Is no criterion. It is a new kind of a crook play, full of thrills, sur prises and comedy, and it should register a big hit here. T. G. RYAN IS ATTACKED 6S-YEA R-OLD MAN FOUND UNCON SCIOUS ON STREET. Watch Mission and Pockets Turned In. side Out Serious Wound Is Inflicted on Head. T. G. Ryan, 65 years old, who was discovered at East Twelfth and Bel mont streets early yesterday bleeding and unconscious from a deep gash on the head, was removed from the Emer gency Hospital to Good Samaritan Hos pital yesterday noon. Ryan was for merly employed as an orderly at the latter hospital. It is thought, from the evidence avail able, that Ryan was assaulted and robbed. City Physician Ziegler, who made an examination, said, that the gash above Mr. Ryan's left' ear pene trated the bone and Is of such char acter that it could not ha.vp been made by other than a hatchet or heavy edged instrument. The victim has been un conscious since his removal to the hos pital. He was found at the lonely street corner by two porters of the Astoria train, returning to their homes, and an investigation was first made byv Mo torcycle Patrolmen Morris and Tully. As the officers stooped over him, Ryan mumbled "Where are those two fellows who were with me?" and lapsed Into complete unconsciousness. His watch was gone, having been torn from its chain, while his pockets were turned inside out. City Detectives Hellyer, Tackaberry, Leonard and LaSalle are working on the case. RANGE SURVEY TO START Engineer Detachment From Vancou ver Goes to Liinnton Site. VANCOUVER. Wash.. Jan. 5. (Spe cial.) The target range at Proebstel, in this county, where the troops have practiced shooting for several years, and which is -'P for sale to the Gov ernment, has been surveyed by the Government Engineer. Today a detachment of 20 engineers of Company F. in command of Captain A. R. Ehrnbeck, went to survey the proposed target range near Linnton, two miles north of'Holbrook. on the United Railways. i J. W. SHEARER EXONERATED Coroner Blames Bridge Lighting for Fatal Auto 'Accident. The Coroner's jury last night cleared J. W. Shearer of all blame In the acci dent which" Thursday night resulted in the death of Thomas Doherty. Doherty was run over by an automobile driven by Mr. Shearer, and In which Mrs. Shearer and E. J. Cash In were riding. The jury placed the blame on the poor lighting at the scene of the acci dent, which Is the west end of the Broadway bridge. Doherty was a street cleaner. . The longest r,lver in Japan is the Tone, its main course being about 200 miles long. NEW SYSTEM URGED. Auditor Asks Change in Han dling City Court Fines. BOND .FOR JUDGE FAVORED In Ueport Submitted for Considera tion of Council Mr. Barbur Ex plains Reasons Why ne Has Recommended Revision. After an Investigation of the system of handling money and imposing fines In the Municipal Court. City Auditor Barbur yesterday prepared a report for the City Council in which he recom mended a revision of the system of handling fines and the placing of the Municipal Judge under bond as is done in the case of other city officials. Aulitor Barbur reported that a total of $10,157 had been imposed in the form of Installment fines and only $2940 had been paid to date. "This appears to be a very small percentage and would naturally lead to the belief that either fines were not properly levied or that not enough energy has been displayed ip collecting the same," Is the Auditor's comment. Conditions Declared Fnchansred. The report says that from May 1. 191. to January 31. 1916. under the term of Municipal Judeo Stir.n.r.r. $S9S0 was imposed in installment fines and $2943.15 paid. When Judge Ste venson quit the bench he remitted all the rest of the fines which had not been appealed to the Circuit Court. The same condition. . Mr. Barbur says, has existed since Judge Langguth has been on the bench. "I would recommend," said Auditor Barbr in his report, "that an ordi nance be passed by the Council provid ing that the Municipal Judge shall sub mit to the Auditor each month a list of all installment fines and that these be charged up to the person against whom they are imposed and that the Auditor- mail notice of each installment when due. if it is not paid." In case remission of a fine is sought. Auditor Barbur would require that the person seeking the remission "shall ap ply to the Council with a favorable recommendation of the Judge giving the reasons. The suggestions are mado. not as a criticism of the court. but because fines are in the form of bills payable to the city and the con trol should be vested in the Auditor." Record of Appeals I'rgred. Auditor Barbur also recommended that a report be made of all cases ap pealed to the Circuit Court so that the city nay follow up the cases and get the money if It Is Imposed and collected on appeal. Also he recommended that the Mu nicipal Judge be put under bond. The audit of the Municipal Court records shows, he says, that the court, on De cember 30. had $6655 in fines which are subject to check. La Grande Oddfellows Order Train. LA GRANDE. Or, Jan. 5. (Special.) La Grande Oddfellows chartered a special train to run to Baker on a fra ternal visit January 9. The La Grande lodge will take a prominent part In ritualistic work to be given that night and the function will be one of the big gest of the Winter in thl vicinity. AMUSEMENTS. I-T F" I I T tl Broadway at Taylor - Main 1 and A 1123 .srrriAi. fKict. MAT. TODAY 2:15 LAST Tlilt; TONIGHT, S:15 William Elliott F RT Comstoclc ad Morris Gesl PRKFENT THE WONDERFUL PLAY Br Georse V. Hobart 9 Months in New York 7 Months in Chicago , 5 Months ia Boston IS IG SCENES COMPANY OP 81 A Love Storv of Youth. Hi Trials and Temptations - PLEASURE 1 Eves. $2.00 to 50e. Sat. Mt.. $1.50 to SOc SEATS NOW SELLING. BAKER THEATER Broatlivay and Morrison ALWAYS A SHOW OF QCUTT Matinee Today Lut Time Tonlsh. Tncr Msemiiceat westera Prama THE GREAT DIVIDE Aa played by Hanry Miller. A wondertul American play of ths Arizona Desert Evenlnra iSe. 50c. 13c : Sat. Mat. XSe. SOc Tt Week Starting Tomorrow Mat "KOLLINti STONES. XEXT WEEK DliruClIB A BklCI BUUy aUIIU Winni Henniogs, Irwin and Henry, Fir ins Henrys, Travel Weekly, Orchefttrm. MILT DONAHrE COLLINS 6rVAKX OANTAGES MATINEE DAILY. 2:30 The RaxzUag. DniiUtu Mnsieal Comedy Hit ALL ABOARD With Bob Harmon, Ardeli Cleaves and a Bia Cast, Inrl'j(lne ths Prettiest of Girls. OTHER BIG ACTS Boxes and loges reserved by phone, rurnln 2:SO. 7 antf 9. TOO I.ATE. TO CLASSIFY. GEORGE WALSH IN "THE ISLAND OF DESIRE." TODAY MAJESTIC THEATER, WASH.-AT PARK. MAT.. 10c; EVE., l&a. i c vuite; w 1 1 qtoiiaiiini (uirsoima pro cess tor all kinds of leaky roota. Mala 6Sa r f 'If ills! 0 1