VOL. LVIII. NO. 18,390
Entered at Portland (Oregon)
pctofflrp as Second -Clas Matter.
PORTLAND, OREGON, TUESDAY, NOYE3IIJER 4, 1919.
PRICE FIVE CENTS
MINERS DECLARED
TO BE WEAKENING
U.S. UNREST DUE TO
DRYS, SAYS GOMPERS
LABOR LEADER DECLARES BIG
BLUSDER IS MADE.
11 STATES ELECT
OFFICIALS TODAY
Governors to Be Chosen
in East and South.
LADY ASTOR MAKES
FIRST PLEA FOR VOTE
JAPANESE CALL FOR
TRIAL OF CABINET
E DANGER IS
STEAMER WAHKIAKUM
IS SINKING AT SEA
CHIEF OF POLICE
SEEM FOR TREATY
POLITICAL CAMPAIGN START
ED IX "ALL HUMILITY."
PRIW COUNCIL SCORES FAIL
URE AT PEACE CONFERENCE.
PACIFIC COAST VESSEL IX
TROUBLE OFF HATTERAS.
JOHNSON
RESIGNS
Capital Believes End of
Strike Is Near.
INSIDE PRESSURE EXERTED
Strikers Realize Public Senti
ment Is Against Them.
MR. GOMPERS TAKES HAND
Lewis and Others Informed Re
garding Government's Attitude.
Mr. Palmer Is Hopeful.
Hl'XTl.VGTO.V, W. Va., Xot. 3 Ac
cording to a rrport issued here to
il f K h t by the Wt Virginia Coal as
sociation, the first definite break in
the ranks of striking coal miners
came today when 15 union niines in
the northern fields of the state re
sumed operations.
W. II. Cunningham, secretary, an
nounced that employers from dis
tricts paralyzed will meet in Charles
ton tomorrow and extend a public in
vitation to strikers to return to work.
Coal production in West Virginia
today "was well over 50 per cent,"
Mr. Cunningham said.
WASHINGTON. Nov. 3. Official
Washington was firm in the belief
tonight that the end of the coal
strike was near.
There was nothing definite or tan
gible in the way of actual develop
ments to justify this hopeful view,
but everywhere the feeling prevailed
that influences were being brought
to bear to have the strikers, number
ing more than 400,000, return to work.
Confidential reports to the depart
ment of justice from its agents in
the coal fields were said to show
many defections from the ranks of
the strikers. Some reports said that
large numbers of idle miners had
declared they wanted to return to
work but were afraid.
Several Breaks Reported.
Officials reiterated that adequate
protection would be given. Scattered
reports from the fields, including 28
states, showed the first breaks in the
ranks of organized labor in West
Virginia and Colorado. Advices to
Washington headquarters of the
operators said that all non-union
mines were working to full capacity
and turning out considerably more
coal than on Saturday. Some of the
operators' reports said that union
men had gone to work in non-u:iion
mines and that there was growing
sentiment that the men themselves I
should have had the right to vote on
the strike.
This information, to a large extent,
was in line with that received by the
government, especially as to defec
tions. Officials said the strikers
realized that public sentiment was
against them and some labor leaders
also were taking this view.
Attorney-General Hopeful.
Attorney-General Palmer, handling
the main end of the government's
case, went to Pennsylvania tonight,
feeling, it was said, that the crisis
might be over before Saturday, the
day on which the temporary injunc
tion restraining officers of the
miners' organization from activity
was made returnable. Asked what
the government would do that day,
an official said:
"We will not cross that bridge until
we get to it."
The fact that no disorder was re
ported anywhere by department of
k justice agents was taken as a good
sign that conditions were hopeful and
that the miners realized it was time
for sober judgment and action.
Direct Steps Are Taken.
While it had been the government's
first reported intention to let the
strike wear itself out, hope of settling
it put all agencies to work, and some
direct steps were taken, but their na
ture was not disclosed.
The sweeping powers of the federal
court injunction in cutting off all
fctrike benefits is being relied upon
by the government to bring the strike
to a speedy end. Local representa
tives of the United Mine Workers of
America were notified today that
checks to cover expenses for the last
half of Octob'er cotrld not be sent at
this time because of the court's
order.
Idleness of the miners with no
funds available for their support
makes it doubtful if they can hold
out for any extended period, accord
ing to the view of men familiar with
strike conditions. It is largely be
cause of this fact that labor leaders
themselves look for early settlement.
Conciliators in Conference.
Three conciliators of the depart
ment of labor here from the coal
lieius were in conference with the
officials of the department today and
gave first-hand information as to ac
tual conditions.
The question of possible curtail
ment of train service has been left
to regional directors for determina
tion, although railroad men agreed
that unless the strike is brought to a
quictt ena n may oe necessary to re
duce sharply both freight and passen
ger service.
Continued pressure is being brought
on officers of the United Mine Work
ers of America to call off the strike
of hit timin"us rnnl miners. Definite
iConcluded- uii Page 2, Column 1.)
Habits of Working Man Invaded,
and Unrest Is- Said to Be
Result of Movement.
NEW YORK, Nov. 3. Foisting of
prohibition on the United States was
a blunder charged with danger and
loaded with disastrous probabilities,
declared Samuel Gompers. president
of the American Federation of Labor,
in discussing tonight its probable re
lation to unrest among workingmen
in some parts of the country.
"By adopting prohibition," he said,
"we have chanced the wrecking of
the social and economic fabric of the
nation. We have invaded the habits
of the workingman and this is what
happened: We have upset that man;
unsettled him. Uprooting one habit
uproots others."
Gompers asserted the man who
formerly was satisfied to go home at
night to converse and read, has be
come discontented and restive. He
now goes into the streets to meet
other men restless and unsettled like
himself, he declared.
"They rub together their mutual
grievances and there are sparks and
sometimes fire. I believe bolsheviam
in Russia began in prohibition."
AUTO ACCIDENTS MANY
Much Trouble Laid to Fallen
Leaves and Speed at Crossings.
Saturday's list of 67 auto accidents,
which broke the record of 45 set last
February, nine months ago, was aug
mented by yesterday's total, when
more than 30 accidents were recorded
before the afternoon was over. Most
of the participants escaped without
injury, but a large number had nar
row escapes.
Fallen leaves, cluttering the streets,
caused a great deal of skidding. Ex
cessive speed at intersections was also
reported by police officers.
M. Hollingsworth, 21, truck driver,
living at 1275 Belmont, collided with
a streetcar at 3 P. M. yesterday after
noon and came out with bruises. He
was taken to St. Vincent's hospital.
PARIS HAS NO OVERCOATS
Clothing Is Scarce and Cold Causes
City to Shiver.
PARIS, Nov. 3. Another "crisis,"
as the various shortages under which
Paris Is suffering are called, this
time in overcoats, has been added to
the city s troubles. There is a great
lack of either ready-made or tailor-
made overcoats, which the low tem
peratures of the last few days have
made essential.
xne list or tnese shortages, upon
which the newspapers daily offer
comment. Include coal, small change
sugar, lodgings, transportation and
milk, with an intermittent lack of
buttsr, bottles and many less neces
sary articles.
BASHFUL PAIR WIN OUT
Hood River Pastor Unites Couple
Who Hesitate at Altar.
HOOtl RIVER. Or., Nov. 3. (Spe
cial.) Services at the Asbury Metho
dist church were interrupted last
night by Dallas Wilder of Olympia
Wash., and Miss May White of The
Dalles, who sought the ministrations
1
of the pastor. Rev. D. M. Helmick, i
performing a wedding ceremony.
During the service Mr. Helmick no
ucea a. man a ueau in a partly- i a
opened door. A. Canfield, an officer I
of the church, then went to investi
gate. He found the prospective bride
and bridegroom, whom the Rev. Mr. I
Helmick married after the church
service was over.
VANDERBILT BOYS RICHER
Estate Appraisal Shows $7
1,317
More for Each Lad.
NEW YORK. Nov. 3. The
two
young
sons by the second marriage
of Alfred G. Vanderbilt, who lost
his life in the sinking of the Lusi-
tania, were made the richer today
by $721,317 each through the filing in
the deputy state controller's office
of a supplemental report by the ap
praiser of the estate.
Under the will the two boys, Alfred,
9. and George, 4, divide $10,000,000 on
the death of their mother, in addi
tion to the trust fund. .The total
estate was valued at $21,381,400.
ILLITERACY HELD OFFENSE
Measure Before California Legis
lature Drastic One.
SACRAMENTO. Nov. 3. Persons
between 18 and 21 years of age who
cannot read, write or speak the Eng
lish language and who refuse to at
tend school at least four hours
weekly, may be arrested as violators
of the law under provisions of as
sembly bill 516.
This declaration was made today
by State Attorney-General U. S.
Webb.
GERMANY TO SHIP COAL
Railway Passenger Traffic to Be
Suspended for Six Days.
BERLIN, Nov. 3. (Havas.) The
suspension of railway passenger
traffic determined upon by the gov
ernment in order to make possible
the distribution of urgently needed
coal, potatoes and other supplies,
will take effect November 5.
Tt will last only six days instead of
the leu days originally contemplated.
NATIONAL QUESTIONS ARE UP
Prohibition Is Chief Issue Be
fore Ohio Voters.
HEATED CAMPAIGNS CLOSE
Republican and Democratic Lead
ers Say Results Will Have Bear
ing on Presidential Election.
WHERE ELKCTIOXS WILL BE
HELD TODAY.
New York Assemblymen, su
preme court Justices.
Kentucky Governor, state-wide
prohibition, legislators.
Maryland Governor, state leg
islators. Massachusetts Governor, state
legislators.
Mississippi Governor.
New Jersey Governor, state
legislators.
Virginia State legislators.
Illinois Constitutional ques
tions. Nebraska Constitutional ques
tions. Texas Constitutional questions.
Ohio Two referendum and two
amendments on state-wide
prohibition.
NEW YORK, Nov. 3. Gubernatorial
elections will be held only in five
states tomorrow, Kentucky, Mary land,
Massachusetts, Mississippi and New
Jersey.
Prohibition occupies the center of
the stage in Ohio. In that state
voters on two referendums and two
amendments the former relating to
lP2rinl.it i ve ratification of the fed
eral prohibition amendment and the
prohibition enforcement act passed
by the last legislature and the latter
a definition of 2.75 alcohol as fiiToxi
eating liquor and repeal of constitu
tional state-wide prohibition.
Kentucky also votes on state-wide
prohibition, and with Maryland, Mas
sachusetts, New Jersey and Virginia
elects members to the state legisla
ture. New York will elect assembly
men and supreme ccurt justices.
Constitutional questions confront
Illinois. Nebraska and Texas.
The fact that it is an "off-year" in
New York state politics has not de
tracted from interest in the contests
for the offices appearing on the bal
lots. Candidates brought their cam
paigns to a whirlwind close tonight
(Concluded on Page 3, Column 3.)
T -T17TTT7XT T ATI XT t VH Hf A T"V t T?T T?Ti 1 rT7ri A
I 1
I " r X
J
1 A - 1
T t
Realization That Her Behavior Will
Settle Fate of Others for Her
Sex Keen, She Says.
PLYMOUTH, Nov. 3. (By the Asso
ciated Press.) Lady Astor, in her
speech tonight on her adoption as
unionist candidate for parliament,
said it was because she had "the mirth
of the British Tommy who could
laugh while going over the top," ehe
was able to face the tremendous re
sponsibility of attempting to become
the first woman member of the house
of commons.
"I realize that it depends on how I
behave myself there," ehe added,
"whether other women will get in."
A moment later she said:
"It took the spirit of Drake and
the faith of the Pilgrim fathers to
get me here tonight."
Viscount Astor came forward to
present his wife, saying:
X have been asked to introduce to
you my successor your future repre
sentative." This was greeted with
loud cheers and laughter, and Lord
Astor went on: "I have been asked
presumably because I know more
about her than anyone else. Although
she is light of heart, nevertheless she
is mindful oX the responsibilities."
He expressed regret at the necessi
ty of stepping aside owing to his ele
vation to the peerage.
Unionist Candidate Quits.
The independent ' unionist candi
date, Lionel Jacobs, who had the sup
port of a number of unionists oppos
ing Lady Astor on the ground of sex,
tonight withdrew his candidacy.
Lady Astor has issued an address "To
the electors of the Sutton division of
Plymouth," appealing for their votes
in the coming election to fill the seat
in parliament made vacant by the
elevation of her husband to the house
of lords.
"I come before you in all humility,"
Lady Astor says, "fully conscious of
all my limitations. If you decide that
Plymouth is to be the first English
constituency with a woman member
in parliament, I shall do all in my
power to maintain the high tradi
tions of the borough, the ideals of
my sex and the credit of Plymouth.
Lady Astor States Her Case.
"I hesitated long before consenting
to stand for the coming election, as
I am overwhelmed by the special re
sponsibility which, under the circura
stances, would rest upon me as re
gards Plymouth, womankind and my
husband's work. I have no personal
ambition to go to parliament, but
when a representative body of Ply
mouth men and so many of my wom
en friends in Sutton, through most
touching personal appeals, asked me
to stand, and when, despite my own
misgivings, my husband told me
could assist the causes we have at
heart by coming forward, I felt there
was only one course open for me.
I Intend to work for peace, progress
and the prosperity of the country.
shall at the same time have due re
gard for national efficiency and
economy which women, above all
understand. During the war I worked
for the soldiers and sailors, their
wives and children, as well as for all
others who were serving at home and
abroad. I now ask them to work for
me in order that I may work for them
In parliament.
"I believe I know the real Plymouth
(Concluded on Page 4, Column 4.
V J 11 A. 1 All ill.-VlV M. UUX J .. UUL. I I
Raising of Racial Questions and
Loss of South Sea Islands Arc
Causes of Trouble.
HONOLULU, T. H., Nov. 3. (By the
Associated Press.) The Japanese
privy council on Thursday favored
the impeachment of the ministry of
Premier Hara and the Versailles
peace delegation for the unsatisfac
tory peace terms, according to a cable
received from Toklo by the Hawaii
Hochi, a Japanese daily newspaper
here.
TOKIO, Oct. 28. (By the Associated
Press.) Japan made a mistake in
raisingthe racial question at the peace
conference. It was declared at yester
day's meeting of the privy council by
Viscount Kiyoura. head of the special
committee of the council which ex
amined the German peace treaty.
He was criticizing the government
for what he called Japan's failures
at the peace conference. He added
that the government apparently had
negotiated on the racial question be
forehand with the American delega
tion, but had omitted to consult the
representatives of Great Britain.
Japan's ally.
The withdrawal of the racial clause
had produced an awkward situation,
the viscount added, even apparently
having resulted In the distinction be
tween Japanese and negroes being
ignored. He also regretted that the
Japanese delegates had failed to in
sist upon Japanese occupation of the
bouth Sea Islands.
The league of nations had recog
nized the American Monroe Doctrine,
he pointed out, and it was a matter
of regret that the delegates had made
no effort to secure the recognition of
Japan's special position in the far
east. Furthermore, he said, the dele
gates ought to have protested against
the proposal to try the former Ger
man emperor.
The correspondent is able to state
that a declaration that th
proposition was untimely, constituted
a feature of the special committee's
report.
PLAYING LAWYER COSTLY
Admitted Claim of $2 700 Agaiust
Estate Is Ruled Out. .
FKUSSER, Wash., Nov. 3. (Spe
cial.) Because he tried to be his
own lawyer. Matt Baumgartner,
mining man of Spokane, is out exactly
2700 and interest that it is admitted
was justly due to him from Dr. C." W.
Moffatt, who died during the in
fluenza epidemic last winter. Baum
gartner filed his claim with Mrs.
Moffatt, executrix of the estate, but
neglected to file a copy with the
clerk of the district court.
Judge Truax ruled yesterday th
failure to conform to the letter of the
law renders Che claim invalid.
MINING TOWN DESTROYED
Jarbidjje, Nev., Practically Wiped
Out by Fire.
TWIN FALLS. Idaho, Nov. 3. (Spe
cial.) The mining town of Jarbidge
Nev., was laid in ruins by a fire last
ntuht.
The blaze started in the Commercial
club building and got beyond con
trol before It was discovered.
s a . .
Continuing Deadlock
Looms in Senate Fight.
EARLY VOTE PLAN BLOCKED
Committee's Reservations
Cause Widening Breach.
SENATE LEADERS PUZZLED
Parliamentarians Confer to Deter-
mine Whether Dereat of Resolu
tion Will Reject Treaty.
WASHINGTON, Nov
3. Further
Indications that the peace treaty
fight may lead to a continuing dead
lock developed today while the sen
ate leaders were trying in vain to
nx a definite date for a roll call on
ratification.
Administration senators, suarsresting
that the final vote be taken this
week, indicated a purpose to defeat
ratification by combining with the
treaty's irreconcilable opponents.
should the reservations adopted by
the foreign relations committee be
written into the ratification resolu
tion. Whether the Hmlni.rr,iun
forces then could present an alter
nate resolution under senatA miIm
was brought Into question by the re-
puoucan leaders who predicted that
even if such a resnlminn
sideration, it too would be voted
down.
An hour of debate on the sublect
got nowhere and the senate went back
to Its consideration or h
amendments. It may reach a vote to
morrow on that by Senator LaFol
lette to strike out the labor provi
sions, and then, unless some new rlan
is devised to hasten action, other
amendments and a long list of pro
posed reservations will be taken up
under the tedious rule of unlimited
debate. v
Lodge Plan Blocked.
The administration proposal for a
vote this week was presented by Sen
ator Hitchcock arter he had blocked
one by Republican Leader Lodge call
ing for a final vote on Nevember 12.
A final vote on that date, declared
Mr. Hitchcock, would mean that the
only opportunity for a showdown on
ratification must come on a resolution
drawn up by the treaty's enemies
and containing reservations unaccept
able to the administration senators.
Mr. Lodge, in turn, blocked the ad
ministration programme, which would
have provided for a vote Thursday
on the committee resolution with its
reservations and would have left Fri
day and Saturday for consideration
of any compromise resolutions agreed
on Dy the democrats and the "mild
reservation" republicans. To open the
way for such a move after a ratifica
tion vote had been taken would mean
upsetting senate rules entirely. Mr.
Lodge declared, adding that if the
treaty's friends voted against ratifica
tion with the committee reservations
they would place the treaty "in grave
danger."
Opposition Is Explained.
Senator Hitchcock, in presenting
the proposal to the senate, said it
seemed the only fair way to reach
a final vote, as reservations of vary
ing degrees of qualification would
come up when the committee pro
posals failed to receive a two-thirds
vote. The plan offered by Senator
Lodge, he said, was not acceptable,
as under it the final vote on ratifi
cation would be taken on a resolution
containing reservations, "made up
largely by enemies of the treaty."
"We want an opportunity," said
Senator Hitchcock, "to vote on a dif
ferent resolution, which ultimately
may command the support of two
thirds of the senate, with a compro
mise between those who want it rat
ified without reservations and those
who want it ratified with reserva
tions. "I am not sure that ratification will
be reached in any form, but if sen
ators desire to decide In a broad, fair
way, rather than by the methods of a
political convention, then let us offer
a resolution without reservations, and
; li mat, ioo, ians. let otners present
resolutions of various characters, un
: til. perhaps, a compromise can be
; reached."
Senator Hitchcock said Ms pro
posal would permit the Senate to dis
pose of the treaty by next Saturday
or decide to take up other legislation.
"We must face the situation," he
said, "that unless there Is a compro
mise between those favoring ratifica
tion In some form, the treaty cannot
be ratified."
rillman Charge Denied.
Senator Lodge said he would not
enter "such an elaborate piece-meal
scheme," but would insist upon a defi
nite date for a vote, which would
give ample opportunity for any move
the minority desired to make. The
republican leader denied a charge by
Senator Pittman, democrat, Nevada,
that he was seking to defeat ratifi
cation in a roundabout way.
"1 have tried," Senator Lodge said,
'to bring about such reservations as
would insure ratification of the
treaty. If the committee resolution
is voted down by those who professed
to be friends of the treaty, then your
treaty will be in grave danger."
Senator Cuiniuins, republican. Iowa,
.uucludtd oa I'a.o Column i.X
Boston Navy-Yard Officials Order
Assistance Sent to Ship Strug
gling in Rough Water.
BOSTON. Nov. 3. The steamer
Wahkiakum, In a radio message re
ceived by the naval communication
office late tonight, reported: that she
was sinking 4o0 miles southeast of
Cape Hatteras and requested immedi
ate assistance.
The steamer, which registers 1510
tons, is bound from Bermuda for New
port News. The position given was
latitude 33:33 north, longitude 71:13
west.
Navy-yard officials said that ves
sels had been ordered to put out to
the Wahkiakum's assistance from
New York and Washington.
NEW YORK Nov. 3. A wireless
message from the American steam
shipWahkiakum, reported sinking off
Cape Hatteras, was picked up here
late tonight. It read:
"Radio power is getting low. 'We
are drifting out to sea and the sea
is getting very rough. Please let us
know if you can send any assistance."
SEATTLE, Wash.. Nov. 3. The
steamer Wahkiakum was built at Ta
coma. Wash., and put into commission
last spring. She loaded a cargo of
railroad ties at Bellingham, Wash.,
for Philadelphia.
HOME RULE PROPOSED
Government Reported to Have New
Scheme for Ireland.
LONDON. Nov. 3. The British gov
ernment will announce soon a new
scheme of Irish government, accord
ing to a strongly supported report in
parliamentary circles today.
Under the plan there would be a
grant of home rule with power for
counties to vote themselves out and
from a governing body for the areas
which might be thus excluded from
the general scheme. A supreme body,
however, presided over by the lord
lieutenant would have authority over
all the .other bodies.
SOLDIER DIGS OWN GRAVE
Civil
War Veteran Is Buried
in
Grave Dug Before Death.
TACOMA. Wash., Nov. 3. (Spe
cial.) Thomas Prescott. a Civil war
veteran, was buried Friday in the
sravt he dug the morning before at
the Old Soldiers' home at Ortlng. It
is the custom at the home to keep
one grave dug in advance because
the work Is hard for the elderly men.
Prescott spent the day in digging
the grave. After returning indoors
he became suddenly ill and died.
"TIGER" G0EST0 ALSACE
Clcmenccau Expected to Deliver
Great Speech Today.
PARIS, Nov. 3. Premier Clemen
ceau tomorrow in Strasbourg, Alsace,
will deliver what probably will be the
last great political speech of his
career. In It he Is expected to out
line the government's programme in
the approaching parliamentary elec
tions. M. Clemenceau left Paris tonight.
INDEX OF TODAY'S NEWS
The Weather.
YESTERDAY'S Maximum temperature
GO: minimum, 4b.
TODAY'S Rain; fresh southerly winds.
Foreign
Lady Astor opens campaign for seat in
house of commons. Pago 1.
Japanese call for Impeachment of ministry
tor failures at peace conference. Page 1.
National.
Off'.clal Washington believes end of strike
is near, l'age 1.
Grave danicer for treaty is seen in benate
fight. Page 1.
U. S. merchant fleet expected to rival that
of Britain. Page O.
Japanese labor wins scat at conference.
Page 3.
Striking miners see pinch coming. Page 8.
laomewtir.
Six negro Hotera convicted in short order
on murder charge. Page 16.
Fiv states will elect governors today.
Page 1.
Samuel Oompers attributes unrest to
prohibition. Page 1.
Lovett to divert export business to Port
land. Page 4.
Construction of Pan car defended at trial
of officials. Page J.
Strikers are holding their own in Chicago
district. Page 2.
Soldiers freeze as steamf ittera Idle,
l'age 15.
Pacific Northwest.
Seattle slayer of wife's lover is wreck.
Page 6.
Portland salesman killed in collision near
Oregon City. Page 7.
Mr. Koser not to list governor's office on
ballot. Page 7.
t ports.
Eugene high school boys want game with
Portland football team. Page 14.
U. of O. students relebrate victory over
Washington. Page 14.
Separate triumvirate of bag minor leagues
proposed. Page 14.
Meehan makes lot of Dcmpitr noises.
Page 14.
Commercial and Marine.
All feed grains advance in local market.
Page -1.
Corn climbs at Chicago with broader de
mand. Page -1.
Extensive gains made In Wall street stock
market. Page 21.
Nelson company to resume Portland-San
Francisco freight service. Page 20.
Port Uand and Vicinity.
Writ and damages against Apostolic Faith
Mission asked by husband of member.
Page 8.
J10O.0U0 drive for stock show Is rushed.
Page tt.
Italian colony celebrates victory on Piave.
Page 4.
General Liggett urged to remain here for
Armistice day. Page 8.
Chief of Police Johnson resigns. Page 1.
Seven counties unite in request for road
work. .Page 12.
Democrats dijpleased m-lth manner In
which appointments are made. Page 0.
Koosevelt fund to Ik; put i,v:r top. Piiue 9.
Captain !lnrdy is buried .with honors.
1'aiSu 13.
Mayor Accepts and Offers
Post to Dow V.Walker.
LATTER IN EAST FOR LEGION
Mr. Baker Commends Serv
ices of Retiring Official.
RECORD HELD PROUD ONE
Captain Moore Now Commands
Uniformed Force and Chier In
spector Clark Detective Bureau.
Nels F. Johnson, chief of police, yes
terday resigned his position. He said
the reason was that he desired to as
sociate himself with the Multnomah
I Lumber & Box company as employ
ment manager, and to free himself
from the burden of his official cares.
Dow V. Walker, superintendent of
the Multnomah club, has been offered
the position of chief of police by
Mayor Baker. The offer was tele
graphed to Mr. Walker at Minneapolis
where he is attending the national
convention of the American Legion as
a delegate of Portland Tost. No. 1. Mr.
Walker has been mentioned as one of
the favored candidates for national
executive of the American Legion.
Until the position of chief of police
Is filled Senior Police Captain Moore
will be in complete charge of the
uniformed division of the police
oureau and Chief Inspector Clark In
charge of the detective bureau.
Retirement Often Rumored.
Rumors have frequently gone the
rounds that Chief Johnson was con
templating retirement from his posi
tion. Some months ago the report
was current that the resignation had
been handed to the mayor, but a few
changes in the police department wers
the only outcome of these reports.
Chief Johnson will leave tonight or
tomorrow on a trip which will take
him through the middle west and ths
east, where he will survey industrial
conditions and study methods in vogue
wnn large industrial firms in the han
dling of employes and upon his re
turn will take up his new position.
I'osKlon More Lucrative.
The position which Chief Johnson
has accepted is aid to pay far more
than his position with the city, and
it was 'said yesterdav thnt h tA
been considering the offer for mora
than a month.
It is not known whether Mr. Walker
will accept the position of chief of
police, although Mayor Baker said
last night he believed that under ex
isting conditions he would do so. In
choosing Mr. Walker. Mayor Baker
said that he believed him to be a man
fully capable of handling the arduous
duties attached to the office during
troublesome times and that he did not
wish to select anyone who had any
political entanglements.
Mayor Baker lauded the work per
formed by Chief Johnson during his
tenure of office. The mayor said that
although the chief had been subjected
to a large amount of criticism, the
police work had been unusually diffi
cult during the last two years, and
that the average person has had no
conception of such difficulties. In
accepting the resignation. Mayor
Baker eaid the chief retires with a
record of which he might well be
proud.
JohnMon Klve Year In Service.
Chief Johnson has been in the city
service for five years. Before accept
ing the position from which he re
signed yesterday he was in charge
of the municipal employment bureau,
and it was through his efforts that
this department of the city grew and
prospered to such an extent that it
came to the notice of government of
ficials, who not only took over the
Portland office during the war, but
established similar offices in every
city in the United States.
Chief Johnson's letter of resigna
tion, in which he gives fully his rea
sons for retiring from public service,
is as follows:
"In accordance with my plan for
giving up the position as chief of
police of Portland, which has been
outlined to you on several occasions
during the past year. I have now
reached the point where opportunity
makes it imperative that I act in this
matter at the earliest possible time.
"My personal affairs are such that
they will now require all of my time
and attention: therefore I am con
strained to ask to be relieved a-s soon
as possible.
othlna: In Public Work.
"I have been in public work long
enough to realize that there is noth
ing in it, and for some considerable
time have planned to get out. How
ever, I did not feel that I should leave
In the midst of the complication of
affairs incident to the war. but
should remain and help you fight out
said problems. Those conditions are
now so relieved that they do not offer
any good reason why I should not
now drop out of the work and take
up a line which is more to my liking
and much more remunerative.
"For five years I have been con
nected with the city in public work,
where my time and energy and much
of my means previously accumulated
have been devoted exclusively to
hPlning others. lHiring these five
vCuiiUuded uu i'uuu 0, Culuutu