Morning Oregonian., February 28, 1917, Image 1

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VOL. L,VII XO. 17,557.
PORTLAND, OREGON, WKDNESDAK, FEBRUARY 28, 1917.
PRICE FIVE CENTS.
AMERICAN SAILORS
CHEERED BYFREIMCH
BERLIN PROTESTS
AMERICAN ATTITUDE
IMEBRASKANS SING
"HOW DRY I AM"
lGRIM WINTER GETS
GERARD REPORTED
NEW GRIP ON BAKER
TO HAVE SAILED
THOUSANDS GREET STEAMER
ORLEANS AT BORDEAUX.
PROHIBITIOX BrLTj UNANIMOUS
LY ENDORSED BT HOUSE.
ZERO WEATHER ACCOMPANIED
BY SNOW STORM.
coireSSu
GOVERNOR
NAMES
HIGHWAY
BOARD
Attack on Laconia Is Held
Clear Overt Act.
Confusion to Be Avoided
Administration Confident It
Will Receive Support in
Defending Rights.
IA FOLLETTE IN DOUBT
Some Fear Felt That Wiscon
sin Senator Will Cause
Delay by Filibuster.
' WASHINGTON, Feb. 27. The Ad
ministration waits on Congress to give
the answer of the United States to
the German campaign of ruthlessness
which has reached a climax in the
sinking of the liner Laconia and the
killing' of two American women.
Official accounts - of the unwarned
night attack on the Cunarder, re
garded as the first clear-cut case of
violation of American rights since the
eeverance of relations with Germany,
were laid before President Wilson and
the Cabinet today by Secretary Lan
sing. It was decided that no step
should be taken until Congress had
time to grant the request for addition
al authority to protect the lives and
rights of Americans.
Congress Makes Little Progress.
In Congress little progress was
made during the day toward enacting
the legislation for which the President
asked in his address yesterday. The
Senate foreign relations committee by
a divided vote reported out a bill simi
lar to the one introduced in the House
to authorize the President to arm mer
chant ships and employ "such other
instrumentalities" as he may deem
necessary.
The formality of referring the
measure back to the committee was
blocked by Senator La Follette and as
the Senate is working under an agree
ment to consider nothing except by
unanimous consent until the revenue
bill has been voted on tomorrow night,
further action is delayed until Thurs
day. Members Debate Phraseology.
On the House side the foreign af
fairs committee talked through the
session over phraseology, those oppos
ing action objecting chiefly to the
words "other instrumentalities." The
committee finally adjourned until to
morrow without taking a vote.
The Administration leaders are not
disturbed over the situation in the
House, however, as it is well under-
stood that action under a special rule
can be forced whenever it is regarded
as necessary. Moreover, while there
is some real opposition in the commit
tee and among the pacifist group in
the House, both Republican and Demo
cratic leaders intimate that it is
deemed wise to delay putting through
a bill until it is clear what the Sen
ate will do, so as to prevent confusion.
Republicans Favor Strong Action.
Even in the Senate the Administra
tion spokesmen profess full confidence
that a measure satisfactory to the
President will be passed later in the
week. Although most of the Republi
cans favor stronger action than has
been proposed, it is believed they will
vote for the committee bill when the
roll call comes.
Some Senators believe that the only
source of doubt lies in the attitude
of Senator La Follette, whose course
today suggested the possibility of a
filibuster. With the adjournment only
a few days off, one Senator might
easily talk the bilr to death and force
an extra session. The Wisconsin Sen
ator has not committed himself fur
ther than to say he did not think any
action should.be taken until the coun
try had a chance to see the proposed
legislation.
president way Move Again.
After the Cabinet meetiner it was
jBaid that the President had no pres-
y ent intention of addressing Congress
y again; that he felt that the situation
rested with Congress. It is rather
generally believed, however, that if
delay continues until adjournment is
at hand, he will make a further move.
An engagement was made for the
.(Concluded on Paso S, Column iO
Crew Is Showered With Flowers
at End of Voyage Made in
Defiance of Germany.
BORDEAUX, Feb. 27. "VIvl 1'Amerl
que" and "Vivo Wilson" were shouted
by thousands of persons when Captain
Tucker and the crew of the American
steamer Orleans stepped off tha gang
plank of the vessel. The crowds along
the piers waved handkerchiefs, hats
were thrown In the air and flowers
were dropped from balconies as the
Captain and his men passed through
the streets. At various points groups
of French sang the "Marseillaise."
At the Prefecture a young woman
offered Captain Tucker a great bouquet
tied with red, white and blue ribbons.
The crowd wu thickest in front of the
Grand Theater, and here the enthusiasm
was greatest. More flowers were
handed the American seamen. One
bouquet was handed Captain Tucker
by a child, .who was kissed by the
Captain, evidently to the great delight
of the crowd.
The Americans, accompanied by the
Mayor and municipal officers and - a
guard of honor, continued on their way
to the City Hall amid cheering for the
Captain, for the Orleans and for the
United States. In proposing a toast to
President Wilson, the United States and
the sailors of the Orleans at a lunch
eon. Mayor Gruet said:
"It Is with a feeling of legitimate
pride that I salute the sailors of the
great American Republic. Disregarding
the Insolent provocations of a nation of
prey, they crossed the so-called block
ade zone, despite the perils with which
they were menaced, and thus affirmed
the right of neutrals to unrestricted
navigation.
"This successful -voyage Is something
besides a defiance. It Is an attestation
that a great people, proud and free, are
firmly resolved to defend the laws of
humanity."
GERMAN RUSH FOR PAPERS
Score and More of Teutonic Birth
Ask Citizenship Applications.
Germans lead all other nationalities
In applications for citizenship being
made to the County Clerk this month.
Out of 81 applications since the loom
ing of the Teutonic war cloud the first
of February. 29 have been made by
persons of German birth.
England and Canada are second In
the list with eight application ?rc-Bl
natives of e.ch. France is the only
power of the first rank which is not
represented among the applications,
which have Included 16 countries.
Deputy County Clerk J. B. Easter,
handling the naturalization work, ex
pects the total applications to be close
to 90 by the close of the month today.
LEAK LAID TO REPORTERS
Officials and Congressmen Cleared
by Unanimous Report.
WASHINGTON. Feb. 27. A unani
mous report saying that no one except
two Washington newspapermen, J. Fred
Essary. and W. W. Price, were respon
sible for whatever "leak" there was on
President Wilson's peace note was pre
sented to the House tonight by Chair
man Henry, of the rules committee.
All persons connected with the Gov
ernment, including Secretary McAdoo
and Secretary Tumulty, members of
both houses, and R. W. Boiling, a broth
er-in-law of the President, specifically
are cleared of suspicion.
BURGLARS. VISIT AGAIN
Professor Herd man Finds Evidence
of Robbers Twice in Month.
For the second time this month. Pro
fessor H. H. Herdman. principal of
Washington High School, last night
found that burglars had entered his
horde at 275 Cornell road. The build
ing was ransacked, but nothing of
value was missed last night.
Professor Herdman surprised a bur
glar in his home on the night of Febru
ary 11, but the man escaped by jump
ing through a second-story window,
carrying the sash with him. Patrol
men Crane and Morrls investigated.
LAW TO PROTECT ANTHEM
Colorado Legislature Penalizes Mis
use of "Star Spangled Banner."
DENVER, Feb. 27. Singing or play
ing "The Star-Spangled Banner" in
Colorado in a medley is made a misde
meanor in a bill passed by the House
of Representatives today. It already
has passed the Senate and awaits the
Governor's signature.
Both the musician and theater or
cafe owner are liable to a fine of from
125 to $100.
ZEEBRUGGE IS ATTACKED
Airplanes Are Subjected to Heavy
Defensive Fire.
AMSTERDAM, via London, Feb. 27.
Zeebrugge was bombarded Monday by
airplanes, wnicn were subjected to a
heavy defensive Are, according to fron
tier advices received by the Telegraaf.
Gunfire was heard from the sea, the
advices said.
Hogs $13.05 in Denver.
DENVER, Feb. 27. All local stock
market records were broken today
when $13.05 was paid for hogs, the
highest since the establishment of the
market here.
Partiality Is Charged
by Chancellor.
POLICY IS DECLARED FIRM
Timidity of Neutral Shipping Is
as Germany Expected.
THANKS EXPECTED LATER
Food and Transportation Difficul
ties Increasing and Enemy Must
Grant Reparation, Says i Von
Bethmann - Hollwegj
BERLIN, Feb. 27. (By wireless to
Sayville, N. T.) Chancellor vijm Beth-mann-Hollweg's
address to tha Reichs
tag, postponed from last wfek, was
delivered today. The Chancellor said:
"While our soldiers on the front
stand In the drumfire of the trenches
and our submarines. defyinCT death,
hasten through the seas; while we at
home have no other absolutely no
other task but to produce cannon, am
munition and food and to distribute
victuals with Justice: in the midst of
this struggle for life and for thlo future
of our empire. Intensified to the ex
treme, there is only one necessity of
the day which dominates all questions
of policy both foreign and domestic to
fight and gain victory." j
Willingness to Fight ProTfA
The Chancellor pointed out that the
German nation in the Reichstag's last
vote granting new war credits dem
onstrated to the whole world iti readi
ness to continue the struggle until Its
enemies were ready for peace. I
As to this peace Itself, the Chalncellor
recalled discussions in the newspapers,
in public meetings and also In Parlia
ment. He declared that it woluld be
premature If he participated lri these
debates. He continued: '
"To make promises of formulatjed and
detailed conditions in my position
would be unproductive and prectarious.
Hostile leaders did this repejatedly.
They .gave extravagant assurances to
each other, but they merely brought it
about by this that they themselvjes and
their nations were always more deeply
involved In the war.
Reparation Is Demanded. '
"Their example does not tempt me.
What I could say about the tendency
and aim of our conditions I have said
repeatedly.
"To terminate the war' by a lasting
peace which will grant us reparation
for all wrongs suffered and guarantee
the existence and future of a tUrong
Germany that is our aim nothin g less
and nothing more." 1
After .dealing with the problem of
domestic policy the Chancellor briefly
recalled his last speech in the Reichs
tag in which he announced tSiat a
proposal had been transmitted byj Ger-
(Concludetl on Page 3. Column l.f
I
Measure Will Not Even Permit Pos
session of Liquor, and No Sup
plies Slay Be Laid In.
LINCOLN. Neb.. Teh. 27. Members of
the Nebraska House sang "How Dry I
Am" Just before the recess today., as
the vote was taken which ended debate
on the state prohibition bill and sent
that measure to third reading. Not a
single vote was cast against the
motion, and It is predicted that the bill
will go through unanimously when the
final vote Is taken.
Every amendment proposed by the
special committee on prohibition was
accepted by the House.
The bill, as finally amended, and or
dered engrossed for passage, la abso
lutely "bone dry." It allows no Intoxi
cating liquor to be purchased, sold,
shipped or kept In possession of anyone
except for use In laboratories, drug
stores and church goods houses. No
body will be allowed to lay in a supply
of liquor before May 1. the date the
law is to become effective, and have It
on hand after that date.
EDITOR HEIR TO FORTUNE
H. H. Palmer, of Molalla, Gets Ad
vance of $50 00 to Go East.
MOLALLA. Or., Feb. 27. (Special.)
H. H. Palmer, who purchased the
Molalla Pioneer about four months ago,
received word last week that he had
fallen heir to several hundred thousand
dollars through the death of his mother.
He received an advance draft of $5000
to defray expenses of his Eastern trip.
He left Tuesday, accompanied by his
wife, who will go as far as Washing
ton, D. C. while Mr. Palmer goes to
New York.
Gordon J. Taylor, who was on & lec
turing tour in tha state of Washington,
was compelled to cancel dates, and Is
now in charge of the Pioneer. He was
the former owner.
BALD EAGLE ATTACKS DEER
i
Forest Ranger Sees Animals Escape
by Taking to Brush.
PENDLETON, Or., Feb. 27. (Spe
cial.) Albert Baker, forest ranger at
the Bingham Springs station, brought
word here today of an attack of a bald
eagle upon a band of seven deer sev
eral days ago near his station. The
eagle would swoop down on -the deer
and strike one of the animals with
such force as to prostrate it. The
ranger was unable to see the finish, as
the deer escaped over the ridge.
It is believed the animals escaped
fatal injury by taking to the brush.
AUTO VOLUNTEERS ASKED
Massachusetts Prepares to List Own
ers for Emergency.
BOSTON, Feb. 27. A call for volun
teers who will give their motors and
trucks for service in an emergency was
issued today by the department of
motors and trucks of the Massachusetts
committee on public safety.
The committee plans to have on file
a complete list of owners of motor ve
hicles which would be available in case
of a "hurry call."
OH, SAY, CAN YOU SEE?" ETC
Great Crowd Sees
Party Depart.
GERMAN WARNS OF DANGER
Friendly Official Gives Tip Not
to Leave Spain.
PLANS KNOWN TO BERLIN
Press Reports That Diplomat Has
Told Otber Americans Not to
Travel . on His Vessel Not
Confirmed at Capital.
LONDON, Feb. 28. (Wednesday) The
Dally Mall's Corunna correspondent, re
ferrlng to the sailing yesterday of
James W. Gerard. ex-American Am
bassador to Germany, and his party
for the voyage to tho United States
says:
"The embarkation was the largest
seen here In many years, as In addi
tion to the Americans, the Infante
Isabel la carrying 1700 Spanish emi
grants to Cuba."
CORUNNA. Spain, via Paris, Feb. 27.
It became known today that on the
day ha left Berlin ex-Ambassador Ger
ard was warned personally by a Ger
man friend In high official position
against sailing from Spain for the
United States. It Is known that Mr.
Gerard regards the warning aa having
been given In all aerlouaness.
WASHINGTON. Feb. 27. Reports
that ex-Ambassador Gerard had been
advised in an Informal way by a high
German official In Berlin not to sail
for the United States In the way he had
planned caused much surprise among
State Department officials, who thought
Mr. Gerard would almost certainly have
forwarded Information of that sort If
received.
Original Plana Advised.
The only Instructions sent him were
In reply to his query as to what to do
in case of war. and advised that he
hold to his original plans unless other
wise ordered.
The full details of the ex-Ambassador's
plans, including the vessel, the
date and the port, were communicated
to Berlin through tha Spanish Ambas
sador. No safe conduct could be re
quested, because the two countries are
not at war; the ship Is a neutral vessel
and the route does not traverse the
prohibited zones.
Travel la Restricted.
Press reports that Mr. Gerard had
advised Americans in Madrid not to
sail on the same vessel have not been
confirmed officially here.
The Spanish trans-Atlantic line now
Is practically the only means of travel
(Concluded on Pace 2. Column lj
Sndden Change From Moderate Tem
peratures Causes Fear Coal
Supply Will Give Out.
BAKER, Or.. Feb. 17. (Special.)
Baker Is back In the grip of Winter.
This morning early risers shivered In
the chill of a thermometer hovering
a few degrees above zero. A' cold,
biting wind swept the city all day. In
the late, afternoon a heavy, steady fall
of snow began, with Indications that It
would continue throughout the night.
This sudden switch back to wlntery
weather is regarded with no little ap
prehension. The fuel supply locally
and In the territory tributary to
Baker Is not expected to suffice should
the cold spell continue Indefinitely.
Before the Winter had developed
much Baker was hit by a severe coal
famine, the people finding relief only
In the use of briquets and soft coaL
ALASKAN GUARDS DOUBLED
Government Employes Required to
Take Oath of Allegiance.
SEWARD. Alaska. Feb. 27. Every
precaution Is being taken by the Fed
eral authorities here and at Anchorage
to guard Government property, con
sisting: principally of the terminals and
buildings of the Government railroad,
in the event of war with a foreign
power. Early this month the force of
armed guards at the railroad shops
at Anchorage were doubled.
All persons employed by the Govern
ment were required to take the oath
of allegiance to the United States.
FLOOD CONTROL IS PASSED
Measure Carrying $50,600,000
Sent to President.
WASHINGTON. Feb. 27. Congress
finally enacted the flood control bill
tonight, when the House agreed to
minor Senate amendments and sent the
measure to the President for his signa
ture. It carries 145,000.000 for the
Mississippi River and $5,600,000 for the
Sacramento, to be spent on a continuing
programme of flood prevention.
Local Interests are required to pro
vide sums equal to those furnished by
the Federal Government.
S0L0NS FAVOR MT. TACOMA
Washington Legislature to Ask for
Abolition of Name Rainier.
OLTMPIA. Wash., Feb. 27. The
House tonight passed the Senate me
morial requesting the National Geo
graphic Board to hold a hearing on the
proposal to change the name of Mount
Rainier.
The proposal to change the moun
tain's name officially to Mount Tacoma
has long been agitated.
INDEX OF TODAY'S NEWS
The Weather.
YESTERDAY'S Maximum temparature. 41
decrees; minimum, degrees.
TODAY'S Probably fair, winds mostly
southerly.
Submarines.
Thousands of FYeneh cheer crew of Ameri
can ateamer which defied Oenun block
ade, page 1.
Germany holds Yarrowdale'a men on report
of Infectious epidemic which Washing
ton recards aa pretext. Pace 4.
Mrs. and Mtes Hoy are victims of exposure
and are burled at sea. Pa( a.
Attack on liner la overt act. Pace 1.
Discipline cood aboard Laconia, Paca 2.
Gerard reported to have sailed. Pace 1.
Bernstorfrs ship resumes voyage. Pace 5.
War.
German Chaneellor proteats American argu
ments. Pas 1.
Americana from Berlin easiest German re
tirement Is feint to obtain "war of mo
tion." Pace .
National.
President urges especial attention to ship
ping bill. Pace 20.
General legislation halted In Congress.
Pas 4.
Penfleld ready to leave Austria. Pace 2.
Liquor Issue may create furore In closlnc
days of Congress. Pace 11.
Food conspiracy la not unearthed. Pace .
Domestic.
Kebraaka House unanimous for bone-dry
bill. Pace i.
Seaman promoted for defending flac. Paca
10.
Sport.
Boxlnc show to be produced Tuesday.
Paca 17.
Beavers lack tried southpaws on pitching
staff. Paca 18.
Jefferson wins basketball title by defeat
ing Columbia, SJ to si. Face 16.
raclflo Northwest.
Seattle police Inspector accused of bribery.
Pace SO.
Sampler Valley railway to spend (150,000
this year on Improvements. Pace 7.
Governor announces personnel of Uif hwaj
Commission. Pace 1.
Olympla House passes bill for new capltoL
Pace 7. .
Baker in crip of Winter once more. Page L
Wasco's vote for road bonds upheld by Su
preme Court. Page 6.
Lost Marlon-Polk County brides bill found.
Pace
Legislature makes few Important changes
In election laws. Paca U.
Commercial and Marine.
Weakening of potato market believed to b
temporary. Pace 21.
Tension In foreign situation restricts Wsfll
street dealings. Pace -1-Cunard
line may acquire Portland-built
boats. Page 20.
Portland . and Vicinity.
Work on Bast Side grade separation to be
started at once. Pace 0.
Milk from dairies of Western states being
tested. Page 8.
Bible prices rise because leather Is needed
in war. Pace 8.
Pacifists are called traitors by Lawyers
Auxiliary. Page 15.
Recruiting for Naval Militia In expectation
of call la active. Pace 15.
Auto coes over bank near St. Helens hurt
ing two passengers. Page 11.
New city charter drafted. Page 10.
Judge Taxwell calls for resignations te make
room for friends. Page 10.
Arguments Sn favor of road bond Issue ex
pected to aid. Paga 10.
Bmelt aid women In fight on food cost.
Page 8.
Weather report. ata and foreeaat. Page 20.
S. Benson Chosen From
Portland District.
E. J. ADAMS, EUGENE, SELECTED
W. L. Thompson, Lawyer of
Pendleton, Is Other.
BOND ISSUE IS FAVORED
ExecntlT Declares That With Ap
pointees of His Selection and
Safeguards Provided Construc
tive Programme Is Assured.
SALEM. Or., Feb. !7. (Special) In
announcing: the appointment of the
members of the new State Highway
Commission Governor Wlthycombe de
clared today that with the personnel of
the committee and the safeguards that
have been thrown about the proposed
$6,000,000 bond issue to SO before the
people, he la strongly in favor of the
plan.
He expressed the Intention of mak
ing; every effort possible to assist In
bringing about a favorable vote on the
question.
Members of the State Highway Com
mission named today are:
8. Benson, a capitalist, road expert
and philanthropist, of Portland. His
appointment Is for' the dlatrlct which
Is comprised of Multnomah County and
his tenure of office is for three years.
W. L. Thompson, banker, of Pendle
ton, and leading: business man of East
ern Oregon. His appointment is for
the Eastern Oregon district and his
term of office ls for two years.
E. J. Adams, lawyer and contractor,
of Eugene. His appointment is for the
Western Oregon district outside of
Multnomah County and his term of of
fice Is for one year.
Choice Given Deep Consideration.
"For two weeks I have been going
over the situation, analysing - candi
dates, their fitness for the office and
their ability and connections," said tha
Governor today.
"It occurred to me right after the
passage of the act that one necessity
In selecting, a satisfactory commission
would be not only to procure first-class
and capable men. but to have them
so geographically located that they
logically would bring out the best pos
sible Ideas In developing a construc
tive highway problem.
"Mr. Benron I consider pre-eminently
fitted for the work on the commission.
Broad in his views, teeming with en
thusiasm, with integrity above re
proach, and fair above all things. I -deem
him an ideal man to assist In
inaugurating and promoting a great,
constructive highway scheme. Know
ing him as I do. and being so well ac
quainted with his work, I decided to
select him for the three-year term."
Mr. Thompsnil Lauded.
"Mr. Thompson is a man In whom
I have the utmost confidence. He Is
one of the strongest business men In
Eastern Oregon, has a broad vision as
to the needs of that section of the
state. As a representative of that
section he will bring to the comrols-
slon a record for business acumen. In
tegrity and legislative work, which Z
believe will assist materially In carry- '
lng on the work hicfc. tha people
much desire.
"Mr. Adams Z have not known for
so long, but he appeared a number
of times before the old State Highway
Commission, of which I was a member.
I have been particularly struck with
his ability to analyze road situations
and was strongly impressed with his
thoroughness and enthusiasm, as well
as earnestness in his desire to advance
good roads measures for the general
welfare of the public He received
strong indorsements not only from the
valley counties, but from the coast
counties as well.
"Geographically, also, these men are
located iieally. in my mind. Eugene
and Pendleton are centers of the great
east and west sections of the state. The
men, I am ratisfied. will be repre
sentatives of the interests of their
districts, but impartial to all sections.
In carrying out the mighty work that
is before them.
Great Responsibility Felt.
"In selecting this commission I have
keenly felt that It has been the most
responsible duty that has been placed
upon me since I entered the office of
Governor. The road question is prob
ably the greatest of all problem be
fore the people of the state today. The
Legislature has enacted what I con
sider the most constructive road leg
islation in its history and it will com
pare favorably with road legislation In
any state in the Union.
"With the commlelson so framed.
and with the safeguards that are
thrown about the J6.000.000 bond Issue,
which will go before the people for
their ratification. I feel gratified In
declaring that I can give my unquali
fied Indorsement to the project. With,
the bonds issued under a limitation of
11.000.000 for the first year and 2.-
000.000 for the second year, the people
will be well protected and the commls- "
slon given ample time and means to
get the great road programme under
way.
Favorable ote vrged.
"I shall do all In my power to assist
In bringing about a favorable vote on
the bond issue in June under the con-
XCcocludsd on Page 6, Column 1.)
V