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About Morning Oregonian. (Portland, Or.) 1861-1937 | View Entire Issue (May 28, 1920)
TITE 1HORXTXG OTIEGOXIAJT, FRIDAY, MAY 28, 1920 TESTIMONY EMS IN PinOCK WILL CASE Only Mr. and Mrs. Leadbetter ;. Appear for Contestant FRAUD CHARGES COLLAPSE Sole Claim of Undue Influence Is : Statement by Mr. Piper in 1012 of Offer Elsewhere. - The testimony in the Henry L. I'ittock will contest 'came to an ab rupt end at 2:26 yesterday afternoon. IS minutes after the case for the con testant had opened. But two wit nesses were placed on the stand by the attorneys for Mrs. Caroline P. Leadbetter, the contestant herself and Kied W. Leadbetter, her husband, whose combined testimony was In support of the mass of evidence pro duced by the proponents of the will concerning: the mental alertness and acumen of tlje late publisher at the time he executed his final will. They pffered nothing; more. ' Argument continued for the remain der of the afternoon and will be con cluded today, but all evidence in the case is in. i Complete collapse of charges of fraud and improper Influence was noted in the argument, except for the claim that Edgar B. Piper, managing editor of The Oregonian, by telling Air. Pittock in 1912 what was an ad mitted fact, that he had an attractive offer elsewhere and could not remain with The Oregonian unless his tenure .was made certain, exerted undue in fluence on the publisher, resulting in the 20-year trust provision in the Pittock will. Theory of Attack Veer. .'. The theory of attack on the will -veered from the charge in the pe tition that O. L. Price, executor and jtrustee, and C. A. Morden, trustee, exercised undue persuasion on Mr. Pittock, to the supposed influence of Mr. Piper, based on the discovery jnade through Mr. Piper's testimony the first day of the hearing that The .Oregonian trust was the direct re sult of a desire on the part of the publisher to retain his managing edi tor. Though never mentioned in the contest petition, Mr. Piper was made the main figure in the argument of Attorney J. P. Cotton, for the con testant, yesterday. The most unexpected admission of the contestant. In the face of charges in the petition filed, was that Mr. Pittock was mentally alert "and knew w hat he was doing" when he dictated his will. - That only two witnesses were pro duced by the contestant and that they jcrave no testimony to support allega tions of fraud made in the petition was the comment of Attorney John F. Logan, appearing for the estate, who said this was "particularly surprising in view of the fact that, at the open ling of the case, a Jury had been de manded by the contestant to advise Circuit Judge Tazwell 'because of the 'impending sharp conflict of testi mony.' " Vsilnr Influence Imuc, -Invalidity of certain clauses in the ill was charged by Attorney Cotton of the firm of McAdoo, Cotton & Franklin. New York, and supported by Attorney L. A. Liljeqvist, who ap peared with W. M. Cake for the con testant, to which Charles H. Carey of the firm of Carey & Kerr replied that the only issue before the court was undue influence, that the proceeding was a will contest, and that the only !time to bring up the validity of cer tain clauses in the will was at the time of distribution of assets as al ready had been held by Judge Taz well in former proceedings in the Pittock estate. - "Someone owes an apology as well as an explanation to the lady who is .contestant in this case," observed At torney James B. Kerr in his argu ment. "Was it by wiles that this kindly woman, this good woman, wa persuaded to besmirch the character of three business associates of her father and to charge that men whom her father had trusted were unworthy of trust? Jt must have been the counsel she received, counsel based on the necessities of the situation." , Pit took. Control Asirrtrit. C. A. Morden, manager of The Ore Ionian and president of The Orego Tiiiin Publishing company, was the thicf wimcss for the proponents in 'lhe conclusion of their case yester day. He was called to substantiate thr contention of the estate that Mr. ;I'ittock was not a man who could be led and that his will was the will of none other than Henry L. Pittock. After long years of association with Mr. Pittock Mr. Morden has become entrusted with the property dearest -to the heart of Mr. Pittock The Ore Ionian. That Mr. Pittock always was in complete control of The Oregonian, In all its departments, was the em phatic assertion of Mr. Morden. ".lie took a keen interest In all the work on The Oregonian and the final decision In all matters of importance Iways was his," the witness ex r la hied. ' Lid you evrr suggest to Mr. PH tpk how he could better handle busi aias affairs other than The Orego hiim?" was asked of Mr. Morden. ; '"Never. 1 knew very little about them." ; "Did you ever represent to Mr. Pit ock that yourself and Mr. Price were most able to handle his affairs after his death?" j 'No." i ''lHd you bring any pressure, direct tif. Indirect, on Mr. Pittock to have J. ourself named as a trustee of his 4-Htate?" f .o." ' Chief Always Consulted. Though the business management r.f The Oregonian was turned over to Mr. Morden. as assistant manager before Mr. Pittock's death, it was sub. Ject always to the personal control of 'lhe publisher, testified Mr. Morden. ; "I consulted and advised with Mr. JMttock every day." he declared. "I Jiever presumed to act in any im portant matter without his direction." T Mr. Morden became associated with ; The Oregonian in 1S84. and in 1907 'as named assistant manager of the ; liewspaper property. Asked concerning the decision of ;Mr. Pittock in. 1912 to place The Ore , jronian in trust in order to retain the ' bervices of Mr. Piper as managing Uditor at a life tenure, Mr. Morden freplied: ' "Mr. Piper came to ma in the spring irf 1912 on my return from an Asso ciation Press meeting in New York. -&nd asked me- If Mr. Pittock had 'j-pokeii to me about a personal mat ter, concerning him. 1 sai ; he had .not and Mr. Piper then rel; ;ed to r.:e 'the offer he had received, showed me ''rhe letters which had been sent him .im1 talked with m about the rm.':t' "Mr. Pittock later said that -J . Piper had an attractive offer to go elsewhere, that he w-as desirous of ilr. Piper s remaining, but tliat his remaining was contingent on being assured, of his tenure of employment." So SuK-g;estion Offered, "Was anything sa4d about your own tenure, or did you discuss the desir ability of having your own tenure as sured?" inquired Attorney Carey, one of the estate attorneys. "It was not mentioned at any time." "Was anything said srbout the will or the desirability of creating a trust?" "Nothing." "Did you advise Mr. Pittock as to any method for keeping Mr. Piper?" "He did not ask for advice or sug gestions, nor did I offer any." "When, did you find out that Mr. Pittock intended to place The Orego nian In trust?" "I learned of that first from Mr. Price. He brought me a draft or memorandum of the clause to be In serted in the will relating to The Oregonian about three weeks later." "Did you ever speak to Mr. Pittock about that provision of the will?" Provision Voluntary One. "I went to Mr. Pittock after the will was executed and told him how I appreciated the provision he had made for me. He told me at this time that it was not his last will, but that the provision spoken of would be carried over into his final will." "Was the provision regarding your self at your solicitation or suggestion included in the will?" "Not at all." "Did you ask anyone to talk to Mr. Pittock about the advisability of in serting such a provision?" "No." Did you ever talk to anyone about the disposition of Mr. Pittock's prop- j erty, such as the creation of a trust for The Oregonian or other prop erty?" "No." "When did you learn about the 1916 will?" "Mr. Price told me that another will had been made and that Mr. Pit tock desired him to say to me that the provision regarding The Orego nian had been incorporated in the new will." "Were you ever shown the new will?" "No.1' "Did you ever see. it before the death of Mr. Pittock?" "No." No Solicitation Made. "Was the last will made at your so licitation?" "No." "Did you give Mr. Pittock any ad vice regarding the terms of the 1916 will?" "No." "Did you ever talk with Mr. Pittock in advance concerning what you thought he should do with his prop erty?" "No." "Was the provision you mention shown you?" "No." "What was the health of Mr. Pit tock in August, 1916, if you remem ber?" "Good, except for twinges of rheu matism in his foot- His hearing was not so good as it had been." "Did you note any decay of Ms mental faculties or weakness of his will?" "None whatever." "Was there any change in your re lations with Mr. Pittock after the 1916 will had been executed?" "No, unless it was that he more frequently talked with me about af fairs other than The Oregonian after the will was signed." "Did he ever talk with you con cerning such affairs before the will was drawn?" "Very slightly." Character Strong One. Mr. Morden was asked to word picture of Mr. Pittock. give a "Mr. Pittock was a quiet man ra gentle man," he answered. "I think the word 'strength" would indicate Mr. Pittock's character. He had much physical stamfna and a very strong will. "Mr. Pittock was baffling to a stranger or a man seeking to put over some deal, because he would listen until the man had talked himself out, without saying a word. The man would not know how far he had got ten, often leaving without Mr. Pittock replying to his arguments. "He was a patient man. Mr. Pit tock could wait. He never was hur ried and apparently never was wor ried a man of perfect poise." A large part of the staff employed by Mr. Pittock on The Oregonian had been with the newspaper for many years, said Mr. Morden. ."Mr. Pittock rarely discharged man or ordered him discharged," de clared y the present manager of The Oregonian. Crass-Examination Brief. Cross- examination of Mr. Morden was not lengthy. It opened with an inquiry from Attorney J. P. Cotton as to whether Mr. Pittock ever talked over matters outside The Oregonian with Mr. Morden. "Infrequently." was the reply. 'Did he ever ask your advice about outside affairs?" continued the inter rogator. "Not that I recall." "Are you very, sure? On business or other matters?" "No." "Did he ever ask you if you thought The Oregonian should not lose the services of Mr. Piper?" , "Well, not exactly. He told me that he believed -that Mr. Piper was a very valuable man and that he didn't know where he could find another to take his place, and I concurred with him." "Did you know that Mr. Piper had spoken to Mr. Pittock, as a reciprocal proposal, that it was desirable to keep you V" "Mr. Piper told me that he had." "That you knew before you talked with Mr. Pittock at all?" "Yes." "Mr. Pittock wanted your advice in the Piper matter, did he not?" "He was conferring with me." Family Matters Noted. "Did you ever discuss family mat ters with Mr. Pittock?" "Never." "Did Mr. Pittock show every evi dence of affection for his children?" "Yes, sir." "Did they ever call at the office to see him?" "Almost daily. He was especially fond of his grandchildren." "You were .in Mr. Pittock's personal confidence?" "I think so." "Did air. Pittock ever discuss with you the policies he desired The Ore gonlan to follow after his death?" "No." "You have no written instructions of any kind from him, intended to di rect how you should carry out your trusteeship?" "None. That is. I have never had any explicit directions or counsel from Mr. Pittock concerning the handling of affairs after he was gone, but I had my training under Mr. Pittock." Mr. Leadbetter Called. Testimony of Mr. Leadbetter, the first w-itness to be called by the con testant, was chiefly a tribute to the sterling character of Mr. Pittock. "During all the period of my ac quaintance with him Mr. Pittock was one of nature's noblemen small of stature but large of brain. 1 never knew a man in my life who loved his family or was more devoted to his family than was Mr. Pittock. My earliest impression of Mr. Pittock was gained when 1 first met his daughter, now my wife.. and I shall never forget the impression on me of his ideal fam ily relations at that time. "He was loved by every member of his family and he loved them all. The first deep Impression Mr. Pittock mads on me was at the time of the ' tica'-h of his little grandchild. I shall never forget his desolation when the little child died. For days he was disconsolate. "In all of his business affairs Mr. Pittock was competent, trustworthy and his word was as good as his bond. I doubt if ever a finer charac ter was ever brought into the world than Henry L. Pittock." Competency Not Doubted. "Was there ever any doubt in your mind as to Mr. Pittock's sanity or competency up to the time of his death?" he was asked. "None- whatever. Mr. Leadbetter declared he had no knowledge of Mr. Pittock's will until after his death. Asked if he knew, he replied: "I was told by Mr. Price that he had not made a will.." "How was that?" "During Mr. Pittock's last illness and a few days before his death I met Mr. Price and was talking over the advisability of sending for Mr. Pit tock's brother George. It involved the sending of funds to him. I re marked. M hope, if anything happens, his brother will be provided for, as he is almost destitute. Do you know if Mr. Pittock has made a will?' "To which Mr. Price replied, 1 do, not know of any will. I don't think Mr. Pittock ever expects to die.' After his death I met Mr. Price in Mr. Pit tock's office and he said to me, 'Mr. Leadbetter, Mr. Pittock did leave a will." I asked him why he had not told me and he said Mr. Pittock wished to have the will kept secret. "I asked him who drew the will and he said he did. 'Alone?' I inquired, and he said his brother helped him. ne rurtner said that the release of news that the will had been made had een left to Mr. Morden, to which I replied Dy saying that I thought he said the making was to be secret. I do not recall his answer." mere was no cross-examination. Family Life Described. Mrs. Leadbetter was asked by her attorney to describe the family life of Mr. Pittock. "He was very gentle, very quiet. patient a loveable disposition," she replied, quietly. "He w-as devoted to his family. He wanted us at his home and visited us at our home. He was devoted in everv wav. He was particularly fond of his children and granacnuaren. "Did- you ever question that he was in complete possession of his mental faculties?" was asked. "Never, to within a couple of hours of his death." "Did your father ever discuss what would happen to his property after his death?" "No, he was a reserved man and talked but little." There was no cross-examination. Testimony Is Closed. " "I have no desire to produce fur ther testimony but desire to be heard in opposition to the probate of this will," announced Attorney Cotton, when Mrs. Leadbetter had concluded. "The case is rested on that evi dence?" he was asked. "Yes." he answered, then con tinued: "The proof which has been produced here shows what has never been contested not only that Mr. Pittock was sane, but more than that, competent, forceful, and a man hard to Influence. We are prepared to concede these things. We called Mr. and Mrs. Leadbetter to make this clear. "We even concede that under the law it is possible for a man to trustee his estate and newspaper for 20 years. That is not doubted, but we feel strongly here that a trust has been created which is a highly un wise trust, a trust which may have unfortunate results. The law per mits the dead hand to go on direct ing, and in this particular no illegal thing has been done. "In 1912 Mr. Piper went to Mr. Pittock to look out for his own ten ure on The Oregonian. He said he wanted his tenure guaranteed and Mr. Pittock replied that h thought it could be arranged. The way in which they arranged it was to have Mr. Pittock draw a will with certain paragraphs creating a trust of The Oregonian, assuring the tenure of Mr. Piper, Mr. Price and Mr. Morden. We know that Mr. Piper told Mr. Pit tock that Mr. Morden's deserts were greater than his own and that Mr. Morden concurred in the suggestion that Mr. Piper be' treated as was done. Two Wills Considered. "By that proceeding, Mr. Piper and Mr. Morden were greatly benefited by the tenure of office, besides the compensation Mr. Morden would re ceive as a trustee. The 1916 will is but a carrying on of the 1912 -w-jll. "We are satisfied that Mr. Pittock was a sane man and a man of strong mentality, but assert that Mr." Piper end Mr. Pittock could not validly enter into an agreement by which Mr. Piper's tenure of office could be secured and he and Mr. Morden made permanent directors of the publish ing company. The agreement was void and against public policy, even in Mr. Pittock's lifetime, and nat urally continues so in a will bearing that agreement out. "The family has a right to stop the carrying out of that illegal arrange, ment, of which the will is a part. The action of Mr. Piper was the cause of the making of a will with that central provision in it,, which all will agree is the main clause, the trust provision. There lsn t any question but that Mrs Piper had an absolute right to do it. He might have asked Mr. Pittock to leave him The Oregonian and if he had done it the distressed family would have no redress, if such an agreement is legal. He did influence Mr. nttock and used means which would constitute illegal, undue influence. Influence Held Kxrrted. "There is nothing in common with an ordinary undue influence case. There is nothing gross about it. Mr. Piper did not tell Mr. Pittock that he had an offer when he did not. But he did influence him in this illegal way. ."We think there is law enough to forbid any attempt of business asso ciates td exert pressure with selfish purposes, even though they try to persuade a perfectly sane man who knew what he was doing when he did it." A discussion of the alleged in validity of certain clauses of the will followed, in which Attorney Cotton and Attorney Liljeqvist took part. "Has your honor ever seen a. case come to a more lame and impotent conclusion?" demanded Attorney Lo gan, when the lawyers for the con testant had concluded. "The chief contestants vie with the proponents to establish the mental ability of Mr. J Pittock." "Strange, daring, unsupported alle gations fell when the unanimous tes timony of the proponents' witnesses was supported by the witnesses for the contestant." remarked Attorney Kerr, who characterized the entire proceeding as "a research determined by selfishness.'" Pittock; Solves Problem. "The offer -'eceived by Mr. Piper was laid before Mr. Pittock and the plain statementias made that he felt he ought to accept," continued the at torney. "Mr. Pittock replied that he did not want Mr. Piper to leave and would try to arrange so he would stay. He decided the problem for himself and it was his own solution. When the rubbish is cleared away, the entire case and theory of the con testant rests on the belief that Mr. Piper used undue influence on Mr. Pittock when he ir:-'. : r-r.i c'tv.-.-ted by this offer.' " Ai'i-" ;mnis wi'l bf- .-orcluded this ra-jniing. and an irnmertinie decision ma y be expec ted H orn JuCse Tamell ( as to the proof of undue influence in the attack on the will. Legal points raised as to the validity of certain clauses in the will may be taken un der advisement following submission of briefs. "Doctor, I will leave to each, of my children $500 a month income from the Pittock block, and if they can't get along on that they can't gret along on anything," Mr. Pittock told his family physician in the summer of 1915 or 1916, either just befoVe or Just after the execution of his last will, according- to the testimony of Dr. William M. Campbell yesterday. Trust Statement Recalled Further discussion of family affairs led Mr. Pittock to remark, concern ing his daughters, testified Dr. Camp bell, "Well, but you know their hus bands can claim a certain proportion of their estate by law. How are you going to get around it?" The physi cian said he replied that, not being a lawyer or business man, he had no idea, to which he said Mr. Pittock re torted, "Well, I might put it in trust." Dr. Campbell was in attendance on Mr. Pittock during his last illness and had- been the family physician for nearly ten years, he testified. He spoke of the excellent health of his patient during the years preceding his death and of his clear, mentality. "He had a keen mind and was a marvel of intellectuality," he declared. On cross-examination by Attorney Cake, Dr. Campbell said that his fee for his last services to Mr. Pittock was $3300. That Mr. Pittock was not under the control of Mr. Morden was indicated by William Goldman, an insurance man, with offices in The Oregonian building, and a lifelong friend of Mr. Pittock. in testimony yesterday. Mr. Goldman had been refused a two-year lease on his offices in The Oregonian building by Mr. Morden, but on apply ing to Mr. Pittock, secured the lease without delay. The most remarkable thing about Mr. Pittock, to the mind of Mr. Gold man, was that "h-3 carried such a tre mendous burden and talked so little." As with a dozen ether witnesses who had known Mr. Pittock Intimately, Mr. Goldman noted no decline in mental faculties in late years of Mr. Pit tock's life nor signs that he was being influenced by others. CUBANS HOLDING SUGAR PLANTERS EXPECTIXG STILL HIGHER PRICES. Cane Said to Bo Rotting- in Mills and Fields Because of Acute Shortage of Cars. EUGENE, Or., May 27. (Special.) Sugar is bringing 20 cents a pound at the plantation in Cuba, E. L. Knapp, vice-president of the Alsea River Lumber company, told the Eu gene chamber of commerce at its regular weekly luncheon today, but not many growers are selling even at this price because they believe they are going to get . still more. Mr. Knapp owns a sugar plantation in Cuba and recently returned from visit to it. 'Sugar was selling only a little while ago for 10 cents. Then it jumped1 to 17 and now it is bringing the grower 20 cents," said Mr. Knapp, "but even at this price many planters are holding back, because of the ap parent certainty that the price will go still higher. 'The belief in a higher price is not ill-justified, Cuba is simply crowd ed with sugar buyers from all over the world, and they are bidding fe verishly against each other for. the available supply.' The real underlying cause of mounting sugar prices, however, in Mr. Knapp's opinion, is the acute car shortage, from which Cuban railroads are suffering. - Because of this fail ure of transportation, cane is rotting n the mills and the raw sugar as it comes from the mills is "slacking" drawing dampness with the result that it has to be sent back to the mills and run through the centrifugal machines again before it can be shipped. All of this entails heavy expense, which is added to the price of raw sugar. As a concrete example of what the car shortage Is doing to the sugar supply," said Mr. Knapp, "I will cite the case of the man. a Cuban, who owns a plantation adjoining ours. He has $250,000 worth of sugar cane ro ting in his fields because he can not get cars to take it to the mill. He needs about 10 cars a day, and ho is getting about one a week. The railroads of Cuba are owned largely by English capital, and they are woefully short of cars.. Everywhere in the industry this shortage is show ing up. The result is waste and this waste, particularly In view or the keen market, is added, to the price of the raw sugar." STRAWBERRY FETE IS ON Tentli Annual Carnival at Rosc- bur Opened uy Parade. ROSBBURG, Or., May 27. (Special.) The 10th annual strawberry carni val is In full swing tonight, the pa rade staged by the Elks this after noon and the ball games inaugurating the festivities. The berry exhibit is excellent and displays of Oregon man ufactured products in many business places is attracting attention The weather conditions - are ideal and. throngs have been in town all day. The feature for tomorrow is the school parade. In the afternoon an auto pageant will be held and it is expected this will be the finest dem onstration of its kind ever held in the southern part of the state. FRUIT RANCH IS SOLD 267 Acres at Melrose to Be De veloped Scientifically. ROSE BURG, Or., May 27 (Special.) :Kenneth McKay, manager of the National .Fruit company, foma.ua, . and associates, have bought a 267-1 acre fruit ranch near Melrose, this county. The company has been in corporated and will be known as the Roseneath orchards. The property has 160 acres in orchard, which will be developed along scientific lines. A. W. Hardman has assumed the lo cal management of the property. Sev eral Hood River orchardista have lately visited this section and all ex pressed themselves optimistically re garding the future of the district. SENATE COMMITTEES GO Forty-Two Boards Abolished, Oth ers Cut In ileinbersliip. WASHINGTON. May 27. The sen ate voted today to abolish 42 standing committees and reduce membership of all others, effective in the next congress. The reform has been urged for years and the new committee slate was adopted virtually without discussion- - The senate's committee are reduced from 74 to 32. Senator Knox said the plan "would cut out all of the committees which rarely if ever meet." 6. H reen r ui Co. 4Umpa for casV Mala 63. 660-JL Ho.-in.in Announcement Is Made in House Amid Loud Applause. QUCK ACTION WANTED Advocates Say All legislation to Be Blocked Until Measure Is Brought Up for Passage. WASHINGTON, May 27 Advocates of the soldier relief bill served notice in the house today that beginning to morrow they would seek to block all legislation until the measure is brought up for passage. Representative Aiason, republican, Illinois, made such, an an nouncement amid loud applause and later Kepresentative Murphy, repub lican of Ohio, repeated it. "We are tired of this confidence game, declared Mr. Mason, reiernne to delay in bringing the bill before the house. Representative Fordney, republican. Michigan, in charge of the measure. said its passage might be attempted Saturday, but some other leaders thought that it might go over until next week. Favorable Report Ordered. The rules committee today ordered favorable report of a resolution sus pending house rules for six days be ginning Saturday, the plan being to bring up the relief bill during tnat time. Prolonged debate on the bill, though bitter at times, disclosed no open op position to it. Mr. Mason, in answering affirmatively a question by Repre sentative Henry T. Rainey, democrat, Illinois, as to whether the former fa vored an 80 per cent war profits tax to finance the proposal, charged that B. M. Barucn "had stolen ia.uuu.uuu of war profits on copper." "I'm willing to support such a pro posal." Mr. Mason said, "but I am afraid what you offer is not to help hut to defeat the legislation that me soldiers want. I'm willing to vote to have your attorney-general bring suit against Barney Baruch, the chief man, the closest man to the president of the United States, who stole xa.uuu. 000 in copper alone. Charge Not Denied. Representative Mason did not elab orate on his charge and his remarks nassed without comment from the democratic side. His assertion that the war profits tax was one of the dem ocratic proposals' to defeat the bill, however, brought denials from demo crats, some of whom announced their support of the measure. During the debate senators and newspapers opposed to the bill were criticised. Representative reary, re publican. Wisconsin, called on the house "to protest" against senators inserting into the Congressional Kec ord anti-bonus articles, which charac terized the legislation as "a raid on the treasury." BONUS IS BELIEVED KILLED Tactless Campaigners Blamed for Arousing Protest. OREGONIAN NEWS BUREAU, Washington. May 27. Soldier bonus legislation has not one chance in 50 of being brought to life, according to indications here. The country is against it and con gress is turning against it so rapidly that its friends in the house almost have despaired of being able even to get it considered. Today it was to have come up but the house rul cojnmittee found its plan to bring in a special rule blocked by two repub llcans joining with the democrats. It is not impossible that the house leaders favorable to the bonus may find a way to force the measure through but that, likely, will be the end of it. The senate is eet against it and only waiting the opportunity to use its ax. Senator Myers, of Montana, is preparing to speak against the bill either tomorrow or Saturday. A strong element In the American Legion has asserted itself against the bonus In the last few days, and the non-soldier class has risen up in its might. The tenor of letters and tele grams coming in from all parts of the country is that the promoters of the bonus virtually have charged that all those who remained at home during the war were slackers and that the bonus Is a form of penalty to be levied for neglect of duty. This aspersion which, it w true, has been cast by some of the less tactful bonus campaigners, has aroused those who stayed at home until they are in fighting mood, it appears.. BEST PLAYS ARE CHOSEN Portland 'Writers Win Honors In Drama League Contest. Honors came to play writers Portland and vicinity yesterday when announcement was ' made by the Judges of winners In the drama league play-writing contest. The three mavs adjudged the best of those sub mitted in the contest, which closed April 9, will be produced at the Little theater June 28. under direction of Mrs. Dent Mowrey. The following are- the winning plays and their authors: "Back ground," Susie Smith: "The Man Who Always Smiled." Mrs. Folger Johnson and Mrs. Harold Sawyer; "Back-door Neighbors," Mrs. Edwin Seeley Parsons. . ' Honorable mention was accorded the following: "St. Anthony, Wh Finds Things," Edith T. Backemore PRESSURE SAVE TIME, FUEL AND MONEY Will brown and roast the toughest meatjs in 35 minutes; 3-year-old hen, 45 minutes; ham. 45 minutes; cans fruit in S minutes; meats, salmon, string beans, etc, 45 minutes. ALL SIZES FOR HOMES. REST! RASTS AND INSTITUTIONS. Sea fr Catalogue aad Prices. PRESSURE COOKER SALES CO. With Luks Mfs. C, 11 Fvarth. C . c MOTOAT, MEMORIAL DAY. PERFUME DEPT. Cuticura Soap... 23; S for 654 Woodbury's So'p 23st: S for 65 Mavis Tale 254 and Sl.OO OUR OWN MIOLENA TOILET ARTICLES Miolena Freckle Cream. . .Sl.OO Liquid Face Powder. . .504-754 Miolena Rouge 254 Liquid Face Lotion 254 Miolena Cucumber Cream... 504 NIKK MARR DEM ONSTRATION tfikkMarr Velvet Cream..504-SX Nikk Marr Face Powder-504-Sl N'ikk Marr Wonder Freckle Cream S1.25 CANDY DEPT. JUMBO Jelly Beans. 1 lb....2S4 Milk Chocolate Marsbmal lows 494 "Vermont" Maple Sugar 494 R?. $1.25. Jordan Almonds. 1 lb 694 Candled Figrs 494 DRUG DEPARTMENT Cla-Wood Moth Powder, pks. ..254 Campho Cedar Chips. PKK......154 Two for .x. . .254 Fever Thermometers S1.50-S1.75 Thermosol (to remove obstruc tions from drain and sewer pipes), can 604 Bed Bug- Poison, pt. 454. 7t. 754. hi sal. S1.25. eal...S2.25 Dandy Roach Powder, 12 ox. ...S04 Pure Olive Oil. 1 pt Sl.lO. quart S2.00 Bird Seed, 1 pound 354 Gasoline Containers SI. 25 and S3 PATENT MEDICINE DEPARTMENT Ovoferrin 954 Jad Salts 754 Brorno Quinine 254 Doan's Kidney Pills 604 Garfield Tea 234 Lysol 254 Candle-light." George S. O'Neal: "For Old Time's Sake." . E. Chambers; The Free Lovers." and "Lacquer Bat," both written In collaboration by Mrs. Folger Johnson and Mrs. Harold Sawyer. The judges In the contest were Hugh Hume, Mrs. H. B. Torrey and Colin V. Dyment. STATE OSTEOPATHS ELECT Or. Mary K. Giles, Portland, Is Chosen President of Association. The Oregon State 'Osteopathic as sociation held its annual election of officers last Wednesday afternoon in the assembly room of the Morgan building. Mary E. Giles of Portland was elected president of the organi zation while Dr. Harry Payne of Ore gon City was chosen vice-president. Dr. Catherine Myers of Portland is the new secretary-treasurer and Dr. Tracy Parker and Dr. D. D. Young were elected trustees. Highway Workman Injured. ROSE BURG, Or., May 27. (Special.) Nels Olson, employed in hlghway construction work near Peel, was seriously hurt late yesterday by the delayed explosion ot a shot placed in rock lenere. Relievinir the fuse had Hurry! Hurry! If You Want Ladies' Suits Made to Measure $25.00 to $45.00 This means the suit complete, cloth, lining and all "Some Price, Eh?" This means half price or less on lots of them so hurry, I say. All orders should be completed by June 26th our lease is out the 30th. I may have to move or quit I don't know but just as soon as my "gracious" landlord tells me what her mind is, I know what I can do. Although I have made repeated at tempts to find out, not a word has been told me as to what I can expect so that's the way some landlords try to "fos ter" manufacturing in Portland. Anyone knows that I have to make plans ahead in manufacturing, especially these times; but, no; it seems that means nothing to this land lord. But more anon. Ill say more about this transaction and condition, past and present, later on. Now I want 380 Suit Orders with 14 days by June 10th to keep my expert help jam up busy, as I don't want ta make more garments for stock, as I may have to quit entirely. To get me these orders I'll accept orders for suits at from $25.00 to $45.00 splendid goods, guaranteed materials just the stuff for this year, next' winter and next year. Coats and suits both you'll need. COME QUICK, BUY QUICK, for the material is limited my capacity to make is limited. I hope all my old customers will see this it is surely a snap for them, for THEY KNOW a hint is enough. However, new cus tomers are welcome. But we urge you to act and buy quick ly, for action action is what counts if you want to get a good suit worth double or more what you pay for it. $25.00 to $45.00 ' Store will be open Friday and Saturday evenings this week until 9 or 10 o'clock or until you get through. Hurry . these are old-time prices and old-time values. J. M. ACHESON , . Cloaks and Suits 362 ALDER STREET Woodard, Clarke & Co, Woodlark Building Alder at West Park OUR STORE WILL BE OPEN ONLY Present this COUPON Friday or Saturday, May 28th or 29th, and secure Qf Extra S. & H. Green Trading Stamps Cf a3 with the first $1 of your purchase and SAl DOUBLE STAMPS with the remainder of purchase. FT 24.!Ufe I,IKI.Y Ric 8-inch brown or black special SHERWIN-WILLIAMS FAMILY PAINT SPECIAL For outside and inside Painting and Decorating. It does not take an expert or experienced person to apply. . Unusual covering? ca pacity and durability characterize this all-around paint. It dries with good, wear-resistant jrloss, and answers perrectly satisfac torily the multitudinous needs of the handv man of the familv. Get family paint in White. Brown, Black. Ash Gray, Straw. Cream, Medium Brown, Inside Gloss White, Lifrht Brown and Buff. Ivory, Flat White, Olive Brown, Light Gray. Regular colors, gal. S3.SO; white. gaL S3.58. . TWTNPLEX STROPPER for GILLETTE BLADES Sharpens both sides of the blade. SO days FREE trial 10 year Guarantee. price $5.00 ; VACUUM We will gladly demonstrate for you at your convenience the "HOTPOINT." "TORRINGTON," "PHIO" or "WESTERN ELEC TRIC" Vacuum Cleaners. faired to burn. Olson was investigat ing when the blast occurred. A sec ond charge exploding a few moments after the first also slightly injured another workman who rushed in to assist Olson. Gasoline Shortage Relieved. ALBAXT, Or, May 17. (Special.) Albany dealers were entirely out of gasoline yesterday forenoon. The Standard Oil company's tanks here were empty and all of the dealers had exhausted their supplies. A freight train arriving Just before noon brought a car for this city and the drought was relieved temporari ly, but the supply is very short yet. Painter Marries Actress. NEW YORK, May ST. Frances Starr, actress, and William Haskell Coffin, painter and illustrator, were married here today. FROM 10 A. M. TO 3 P. M. 1T.75 STERNO CANNED HEAT ; No liquid to spill, no odor, no smoke; & quick, clean neat. Stove Omtflrt..... 754 S2.25 Strrao Heat, per cam.. 104 ! i CLEANERS GREAT SPECIAL SALE FISK C0RLV& FABRIC TIRES "SECONDS" Sold to you at from 35 to 50 per cent reduction. Also other standard makes in Firsts. All fully guaranteed . Fisk Fabrics Guaranteed SSOO Mllea. Mse. 30x3 NON'-SKID 30x314 PLAIN 30x3 li NON-SKID 82x4 PLAIN 33x4 PLAIN 34x4 NUN-SKID Sale Price. ...S12.75 ... 13.95 ... lti.oO ... UO.85 ... il.JtS ... 27.20 ... 29.50 ... US.oO ... UZ.oO ... S7.SO ... 32.50 ... 2.SO ... 32.75 ... 33.50 ... S2.50 ... 33.60 ... 32.75 32x4 NON-SKID 33x4 V PLAIN 33x4 Vz NON-SKID 34x44 PLAIN .... 34x4 H NON-SKID JaJ4ft flAlIN .... 35x4V? NON-SKID 36x41 NON-SKID ajia r-.uri-&s.jij 35x5 NON-SKID 37x5 NON-SKID Fisk Cords SILVERTOWN Guaranteed SOOO Milea. Sim-. Sale Prli. 1.2 ft ... 41.4(1 ... 43.KO ... 42.45 ... 4 3.45 ... 45.50 ... 4!.50 ... 52.25 ... 52.50 ... 55.75 33x4V, NON-SKID 34x4V, R1BBBD ... 34x4 S NON-SKID 35x4Hi RIBBED ... )x4Vz R1BBKD . .. 36x4 Vi NON-SKID BOXO KIBBMI ., 35x5 NON-SKID 37x5 RIBBED .. 37x5 NON-SKID Batavia Firsts mniM Gaarantee 4OO0 Mltea. Stme. Sale Price. 30x3 PLAIN S12.95 30x3 NON-SKID 13.45 30x3V4 PLAIN 13,93 30x3V NON-SKID 17.75 32x3 V, PLAIN 18.85 31x4 NON-SKID 2B.85 32x4 PLAIN 23.25 33x4 PLAIN 25.50 33X4 KIBBKO 2.K.3 33x4 NON-SKID 29.SO 34X4 r LA 1 .N 25.85 34x4 NON-SKID 30.55 35x4 NON-SKID 42.35 36x4 RIBBED 40.75 36x4 NON-SKID 43.05 35x5 RIBBED 46.75 35x5 NON-SKID 49.75 36x5 NON-SKID 50.75 37x5 NON-SKID 52. 60 Dreadnaught Firsts Firsts Guaranteed 6000 Milea. 30xS - RIBBED 14.5 30x3 NON-SKID ....i.. 15.50 30x3 RIBBED 1B.40 30x3 NON-SKID 18.90 32x3 RIBBED . 21.65 31x4 RIBBED 28. 30 29.05 29.53 31x4 NON-SKID 32x4 NON-SKID 33x4 NON-SKID 34x4 RIBBED ., 34x4 NON-SKID 33x4 RIBBED .. 34x4 RIBBED ., 34x4 NON-SKID BO.75 l.OO 31.80 39.4 5 40.10 41.15 3.-X4 KltSU.fc.i.1 41.UU 85x4 NON-SKID 42. lO MAIL ORDERS! Read yoor or ders by matL Satisfaction la jruaranteed, and tlrea are re turnable In ten dnya, nnnaed. If taey do not meet with your ap proval. KxarcH caarares pre paid on all ordern when eherlc neeompaniea order, otherwise shipped C O. D. subject to jrour approval. NORTHWESTERN TIRE CORPORATION Cor. Broadway and Gltsam Sts., Portland. Or.