use:
mm.
tMimtm
PRICE FIVE CENTS.
VOL. XXIV ISO. 7.
PORTLAND, OREGON SUNDAY MOttXIXG, FEBRUARY 12, 1905.
PAGES 1 TO 5
44 PAGES
OWNS COLT
A, Manner Confesses
to Perjury.
TELLS ALL IN COURT
False Testimony Given
Before Grand Jury
TO SHIELD J. H. MITCHELL
Senator Had Not Received Il
legal Fees,- He Said.
PLEADS GUILTY TO SAVE SON
Heavy Blow Glven to Mitchell Cause
When False Partnership Agree
ment to Cover Up Deals With
. Krlbs Is Proved.
A SUMMARY OF DEVELOPMENTS.
THE CONFESSION Judge A. H.
Tanner, indicted for perjury In regard
to bis testimony before, the grand Jury,
makes a confession by pleading guilty
to the oharge, and gives testimony in
open court which blasts the .hopes of
Sonator Mitchell, hte partner.
THE MITCHELL, LETTER A letter
tent by Senator Mitchell through his
private secretary". Harry C. Robertson,
to Judge Tanner, is delivered to 'Mr.
Honey and tb grand Jury, and its -con-:cnts
points plainly to the Senator's
suitt.
TnE KKIBS CHECKS Tnref checks,
in the possession of the Government,
show plainly that Senator Mitchell re
celved money for his services In ex
porting claims before the general land
office.
TIiE TANNEfT-'ARDON It Is Mated
by Mr. Henoy that Judge Tanner will
b pardened for his offense by President "
Roosevelt, after he baa testified In the
Government's behalf at tho Mitchell
trial in April, provided there be a trial.
THE MITCHELL CASE HOPELESS
It is considered generally that the con
fession of Judge Tanner has dealt a
death blow to the cause of Senator
Miiohcil and that there is absolutely no
hope fer anything but conviction In bis
eae when it comes to trial. There Is
a growing belief that the Senator will
not etand trial.
The Government Is triumphant in its
Jand-raud investigations and the case
of Senator Mitchell is hopeless. The Sen
ator's law partner, Albert H. Tanner, in
dicted on February 8 for the crime of
perjury, went before the Federal Court
jesterday and entered a plea of guilty.
The scene was a dramatic one, im
pressive and sorrowful. Judge Tanner,
whose Indictment came as a sudden
blow to the public a short time ago, en
tered the courtroom, haggard and -worn
and boved as by the weight of years.
" ith him was his son, to shield whom
the plea was about to be made. Fol
lowing both was Harry C. Robertson,
iiie secretary to Senator Mitchell,
hose testimony had wrought such a
nange in the .hopes of his employer (
and ills employer's partner.
Seamed lines of sleeplessness cut the J
fai-e of the- self-convlcted Judge and
brought out the suddenly noticed gray
of his beard and hair as he took the
stand at the call of United States Dis
trict Attorney Heney to enter his plea
of guilty, to acknowledge himself a
perjurer, and to tell what he knew of
the entanglement of himself and of the
guilt of his aged partner.
Judge Tanner's loyalty to Senator
Mitchell led to his predicament. When
Senator Mitchell returned from "Wash
ington to demand the opening of the
grand Jury-room door to him in Decem
ber it was Judge Tanner alone who
met his associate in business and stood
by him during the days of his suspense
here. Later, when tne Senator had
been once brought before the court by
Indictment and was about to face r.
more damaging charge and one in
which tho evidence was overwhelm Ins:.
it was Judge Tanner who went before
the jury and sought by false oaths to
shield his friend from further humil!a
tlon of crime alleged.
When. xn January 51, Judge Tanner
was taken Into the jury-room for his
testimony, he told a 3tory which had
been agreed upon In many of Its de
IkIIf when Senator Mitchell was In
Portland In December last. He said
that there had been an agreement made
between himself and the Senator by
which the Senator was not to receive
any fe from firm work before de
partments of the Government,. and that
i this agreement had been made on
March 5, 1901. He introduced this
agreement In evidence before the Jury
and swore that it had been written on
the date specified. He said that to the
best of his knowledge the Senator had
no bank account in the city, and that
no moneys due him for work done by
the firm or by him had ever been turned
into his account. He brought up
the subject of the work done for Fred
erick "A. Krlbs- Jn expediting claims
in the - General Land Oflice. and said
that the Senator had never received any
sum for this work, all of which had
been put to his (Tanner's) account
He exonerated the Senator, in short,
from any and all iflegal actions which
were pointed at by the previous testi
mony introduced before the jury.
Tanner's Story-Proved False.
At this same time the Government
was in possession of evidence which
tended to show that Judge Tanner was
not telling the truth as he knew it. Tho
contract which he introduced was
known to have been written in Port
land In December last instead of on
March 5, 1901. Tho fact that Senator
Mitchell had a bank account was
proved by the books of tho bank with
which he dealt. The payment of the
sums owed by Krlbs to the Arm had
been traced through the firm account
of Mitchell & Tanner in the bank and
through the books of the office to the
accounts of Mitchell and Tanner sep
arately. In every material detail the
Government, through United States At
torney Heney, W. J. Burns and the se
cret service officers, was able to show
that Judge Tanner had perjured himself
in an -effort to shield his partner.
On the strength of his showing, the
ETand Jury voted an indictment against
not only Judge Tanner, but against his
son, Albert 'Tanner, Jr., but neither of
these were made public. The day fol
lowing this action of the jury Judge
"Tanner was sent for and was con
fronted with his situation.
It was made plain to him that he had i
been indicted for perjury, and some of the
evidence against him was told, but still
he held firm and fast to the story as he
hold told It. Then he was informed that
his son was about to be Indicted along
with him for his offense, or would be If
he persisted in his course, and it was then
that the father began to falter where the
man would not He pleaded for time and
j asked that the indictment be not returned
against him until the arrival of Harry
C. Robertson, the private secretary of
Senator Mitchell. He pleaded for mer
cy for his son and asked to be allowed
to bear the burden, as he had been re
sponsible for any wrongdoing on the part
of the young man. But he was not given
encouragement, ond the day previous to
the arrival of Mr. Robertson the indict
ment was made public.
Still Judge Tanner held to the wreck
of his plans and refused to change his
stand, saying with tears In his eyes that
his story was true, but It was the we
latlpn of Mr. Robertson which at last
broke him down and brought him to the
feet of the court for mercy.
Robertson Tells of Original Contract.
Mr. Robertson, it Is said, went before
the grand jury and told what he knew of
the original contract entered Into between
Judge Tanner and Senatpilitcliell, which
contract he (Robertson) had written at
the dictation of the two members of the
Arm. Mr. Robertson also brought with
him a lettei from the Senator to Judge
Tanner which told all too plainly of the
Senator's guilt and left Judge Tanner "t
alone under. the burden of his false effort
to save lug friend. After his testimony.
It Is said, Robertson went to the Judge,
and when he told him where matter
stood, the latter Broke down at last and
came to the Government for forgiveness.
. Indicted Man Pleads Guilty.
And so yesterday the indicted man made
known his wish to plead guilty to the '
charge against him, knowing It useless to
do otherwise In the face of the over
whelming case of the Government, and in
order to save his boy from the reflected
shadow of hie wrongful acts. And in this
Instance be placed himself on record
against his partner, and told of the guilt
of the former in words which, though
veiled, admitted of no doubt in the minds
of those who heard them.
Judge Tanner was sworn, and entered
his plea of guilty before the court Then
he, at the request of Mr. Heney. took the
stand on behalf of the Government The
District Attorney handed the witness a
copy of the spurious contract of partner
ship. "1 hand you," said Mr. Heney. "a con-
(Continued on Page 10.)
TWO MEN WHO
A. H. TANNKKJ
!
STILL DENIES IT
Mitchell is Unmoved by
Tanner's Action.
HE WILL NOT RESIGN
Says He Never Received a Cent
of Illegal Fees.
IS COMING HOME IN MARCH
Representative Williamson Makes No
Comment, but Will Return Soon
as Possible Confidence in
Mitchell Shaken.
OREGONLAN NEWS BUREAU. Wash
ington. Fob. 1L In spite of Judge Tan
ner's confession and corroborative testi
mony by other important, witnesses. Sen
ator Mitchell persists In his profession of
Innocence of any wrongdoing in connec
tion with the Oregon land frauds.
While still showing the terrible strain
under which he has labored for the past
six weeks, the Senator Is not depressed
by the sensational news from Portland
tonight. On the contrary, he appears in
bettor spirits than usual. At a late hour
this evening he had received no direct
word from Portland relative ' to Judge
Tannor's confession. When shown a press
dispatch telling of this confession he
seemed rather amused than worried. He
appears to regard today's developments
as merely a new chapter la what he des
ignates a "conspiracy to dofamc him."
Senator Mitchell has no intention what
ever of resigning his seat In the Senate.
He will make no change in his original
plans, but will remain In Washington un
til March, probably until after the In
auguration. He Will then go home and
prepare to face Ihe jury and the charges
which have" bten brought against hint.
This he, Intended to do regardless of Tan
ner's confession.
He Still Denies His Guilt.
Senator Mitchell this evening gave out
the following statement:
'1I Judge Tanner ever received any
money for any business he transacted for
any one in connection with land matters,
and placed It tcr my credit or any part
or IL he did' it without my knowledge or
cow-tent; directly or indirectly. It was out
distinct understanding soon after ray elec
tion to the Senate last time, that I was to
have no Interest whatever In any business
he might do In connection with depart
mental matters. 1 have never received,
with my knowledge or consent, a single
penny or any amount whatever for any
services rendered by me or Judge Tan
ner, or by the firm of Mitchell & Tanner,
for services rendered by me. Tanner or
the firm in connection .with any land mat
ters or any business before a Govern
ment department, and this I believe I can
establish In a fair trial to the entire sat
isfaction not only of the Jury but of the
people of Oregon and the entire country.
Tn talking about his partner's confes
sion. Senator Mitchell showed no bad
spirit, gave no evidence, of ill temper or
excitement: but, when he was asked if, in
the light of this confession and corrobo-
FIGURED IN YESTERDAY'S
Kl GUILTY TO JPJbRJUKV.
rativo testimony, he would resign his seat
in the Senate, he displayed considerable
spirit
"Resign! No, I Won't."
"Judge Tanner and all the rest of them
can confess as much as they please," he
exclaimed; "their confessions cannot hurt
me.
"Resign! So. I won't resign. I have
not the slightest intention of resigning. I
am going back to Portland before the
court meets and to face all charges. I ;
don't know what Tanner's confession L,
but if he has told the truth it won't do me I
the slightest Injury. Tbcro seems to be
great interest In my future course Just
now, especially with regard to my seat
In the Senate; but I am going to hang
on. I am not going to resign. That's
what they want me to do; but I'll fool
them." .
When the news of Tanner's confession
was first received In "Washington at S
o'clock tonight efforts were made to see
Senator Mitchell, but he could not be
found. He had not gone to his rooms tor
'dinner, nor could he be located at the
Capitol. Some apprehension was felt that
he had had early word from Portland and
had left town, but he turned up about 10
o'clock. He had dined with friends.
When he reached his rooms he had had no )
advices of today's developments and was .
surprised to learn what had transpired. '
He 'appeared more Interested, however, in
the.news of Williamson's Indictment than
In the news concerning himself.
Other Senators Suspend Judgment..
Senator Mitchell's standing in the Sen
ate is not affected by Judge Tanner's
confession. He Is In the same position !
now that he occupied after first being In- I
dieted. The Senate Is not ready to hold j In view of the growing evidence against
him guilty or Innocent, but will wait for Senator Mitchell, the Oregon Legislature
the courts to determine whether or not" raay not adjourn sine die next Friday,
the Indictments were properly reudered. i and Republicans of the two houses will
If Mitchell la cdnvlctcd It will be iu- probably caucus at Salem this week to
cumbent upon him to promptly resign, decide what to do. . Such a conference
but until he has been declared guilty by a la suggested by Speaker Mills, who re
jury the Senate will give him the benelit gards Judge Tanner's testimony as hav-
of the doubt as It does every Senator In
similar circumstances. It has done this
In the case of Senator Burton, who wa3
not only" Indicted but convicted. Burton's
case is still pending in the court, and un
til :t Is finally passed upon the Senate
will not deny him hte membership of that
body.
It is very apparent that Judge Tanner's
confession has shaken the confidence of
many men In Washington who up to to
day believed Mitchell Innocent and who
accepted his own statement as true. But
no one will publicly comment on the case
In Its newest phase. There Is little known
tonight to permit Mitchell's friends to ex
press an intelligent opinion. The meager
facts at hand convey but' a slight Idea of
the nature of Judge Tanner's confession
and of the corroboratlvo testimony.
Senator Fulton was seen tonight, but
would make no comment whatever. lie
said that in his position and under the
circumstances he could say nothing.
IT .HAY BE
BALFOUR'S XiAST
j
i King Edward Will Open Parliament
With Imposing Ceremsny. "
LOKDON. Feb.lir-Pariutnint wus
open next Tuesday, when King Edward,
with picturesque pomp, wlU .go from
uucKingnmii .ruutcc iu tYesuuiuaier.
where he will deliver the speech from the
throne amid the Imposing ceremonial that
Is customary when the sovereign Is pres
ent on this occasion.
This spectacular feature will be the curtain-raiser
to a grim struggle of long or
shbrt duration between Prime Minister
Balfour's administration and the LlDeral
opposition. It Is confidently stated that
dissolution, of the government will come,
even within the limit of debate on the re
ply to the address from the throne
Japanese Buy Dakota Oats.
MINNEAPOLIS," Feb. 11. According to
Minneapolis elevator men who operate
throughout the Dakotas, over 2,000.000
bushels of oats have just been bought up
by the agents of the Japanese govern
ment. Cold Water and One-Cent Car Fare.
CHICAGO. Feb. 11. Oliver W. Stew-;
art was today nominated for Mayor by
the Prohibition convention. In addition
to prohibition, the paltform declares
for 1-cent street-car fares.
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE LAND-FRAUD CASES
g. ". tFJJLLIAMgOX. XEFXKSBNTA TIVK. INDICTED 'ON CHARGE OJT
U0NJlTXON ofbejuuxy.
ADJOURN OR NOT
New Enigma Faced
State Legislators
by
CONFERENCE MAY OCCUR
Judge Tanner's Confession Af
fects the Solons.
NEW -PROBLEM TO; SOLVE
Present Aspect of Affairs Points to
an Adjournment and Calling of
Extra Session Views of
Prominent Legislators.
ing put a new aspect on the case and
who leans to the belief that the Legis
lature may be constrained to set a date
for an adjourned session. President Kuy
kendall looks at the matter the same way:
also Senator Hodson, Senator Malarkey,
Representative Vawtcr. Representative
Sonnemann. Representative Gray and oth
ers. ,
Following so closely the resolution of
confidence which the Oregon Legislature
adopted, against scarcely a negative voice,
the confession of Judge Tanner amazes
the members of that body. Several in-,
fftiential Legislators, who advocated adop
tion of the resolution, said yesterday they
would not have done so had they been
aware of what was impending. A sore
perplexity how confronts them, and
though It seemed bad enough before the
resolution was adopted, now It Is worse,
because reconsideration or rscindment
' would amount virtually to a declaration
inac- Lno iSMia.ture oeueveu in senator
i iitcueti a guilt and wisni
I so that a Repuhlican i
lh Mature for
might br ' chosen
the unexpired
term, and not a Democrat, by Governor
ihamherlaln.
j President Kuykendall Talks,
j President Kuykendall. when interviewed
at his home at Eugene, by lOng-distanca
telephone, was very much surprised by
Judge Tanner's recital of facts and said
that if the situation was as detailed In
that evidence, Oregon Is confronted with
a great emergency.
"And," said President Kuykendall. "the
Interests of the state are certainly para
mouut to those of any Individual." and
laid stress on the necessity of an efficient
delegation in Congress.
President Kuykendall went on to ' say
that Oregon has been without effective
representation at Washington, so far as
Senator Mitchell is concerned, for several
months. The dilemma he thought would
be plain to Senator Mitchell, and he be
lieved the Senator would take suitable and
considerate action.
"It Is possible," he continued, "that the
Legislature may have opportunity to elect
Ssnator Mitchell'? successor before ad
journment, though I want It understood
that I do not speak advisedly on this
point. If the Legislature shall not have
that opportunity, my opinion, without
having had time to consider the matter
fully. Is that the Legislature ought to
adjourn to a later date."
"Do you think an effort will be made
to Induce Senator Mitchell to resign?"
"I cannot say definitely, but that is pos
sible." Speaker Mills' Opinion.
Speaker Mills, at his home lost night. I
expressed himself in much the amc sen- j
timent The advanced years and the frail
health of Senator Mitchell, aside from
the astounding testimony of Judge Tan
ner, he regarded a a serious perplexity
in themselves; the addition of the sensa
tional evidence ho considered as present
ing a difficult dilemma. Mr. Mills was
forceful In declaring that if the charges
arc true. Senator Mitchell's duty was to
resign and to enable the Legislature to
elect a Republican successor. But what
length the Legislature should go to make
sure an election by the Legislature Mr.
Mills would not discuss, though It was
plain from hia talk that he regarded mat
ters. as much changed slnco the adoption
of the resolution last week.
"Should It be necessary for the Legis
lature to take any action." said he, "a
proper procedure would seem to be for
Republican members to caucus on future
plans, before the date set for final ad
journment next Friday.
"A serious problem confronts Repub
lican members If Senator Mitchell cannot
explain the circumstances of Judge Tan
ner's testimony and the letter brought by
Harry Robertson. Senator Mitchell's long
service has entitled him to full opportu
nity fcr explanation, and the public should
meanwhile withhold censure. I sympa
thize w'th him deeply, not alone on ac
count of the testimony against him but
also on account of his advanced years and
frail health. I have not beon a political
follower of Mr. Mitchell in the past, but
I believe hi his long career In the Senate
he has rendered Oregon valuable service."
"Do you think the Legislature will ad
journ for good next Friday?'
Mr. Mills responded: "I hope a- satis
factory explanation can be given us be
fore Friday, ao that the Legislature will
not feel constrained to hold an adjourned
session."
Other Soions Give Views.
Representative Vawter, of Jackson
County, one of the leaders on the floor of-
the House, knitted his brows when asked
what the Legislature ought to do.
"The situation Is very serious," he re-
(Concluded on Page Seven.)
CONTENTS OF TODAY'S PAPEB
TI '.Veather.
TODAY'S Fair anil continued culd; northerly
wind a.
YESTERDAY'S Maximum temperature. 2B
deg.; minimum. 17. Precipitation, none.
Developments lu Land Frauds.
A. IL Tanner confesses to perjury committed
In order to shield John II. Mitchell. Paso 1.
Confemion is a havy blow to Mitchell cause.
.k Pat 1.
letter of John M. Mttelrell to A. 11. Tinner
give'. Government damaging evidence.
- -Pii&Hh .- V .--"--$-Representative
Wllliamaun 1; indicted on
charge of subornation of perjury. Pas 1.
Legislators dtecuza adjourned Ee?a!on in view
of developments. Page 1.
Senator Mitchell still denies hH guilt, says be
will hot realm, and Kill return In March.
Pago 1.
J. X. Williamson will return to face charge as
soon as Congress adjourns. Page 11.
War in Far East.
Russian 'Vessels ordered to leave German port
In Africa. Page 6.
Japanese capture a bill on Hun River. Page 6.
Peace rumors !nled, though peace sentiment
grows in Russia. Pa:e ti.
Rumor Uiat Grlppenberg may resume his com
mand, and that Kuropatkin la incapacitated.
Page 6.
. Affairs In Russia.
Czar tells Count Tolstoi bo Intends to call
national congress. Page
St. Petersburg strikers keep quiet, but trouble
continues in Poland and the Caucasus.
Page 2.
Strike break? out at locomotive bop at Khar
kov. Page 2.
Foreign.
King Edward to open Parliament on Tuesday.
Page 6.
Sultan of Turkey may send Ambassador to the
pop. Page 15.
National.
The Senate amends arbitration treaties agalna:
President's iotest. to assert its dignity,
then ratine them. Pago 2.
J House pases bills to reform steamboat in
spection service. Page 3.
Bill will pass dividing Oregon into tiro judicial
districts. Page U.
House leadens adopt plan to kill Senate amend
ments to statehood bill. Page 14.
Domestic.
Fire damages historic Casino Theater in Xew
York and causes panic among chorus girls.
Page S.
Great Are in Chicagu business block. Page X
Pacific Coast.
Extreme cold weather in Oregon. Washington,
Idaho and Montana. Pago T.
W. II. Miller denies he poisoned Nelson Else.
Douglas County farmer. Page tf.
Superintendent f Penitentiary James a&nlts
partial truth of charges to legislative in
vestigating committee. Page '.
Railroad Cammihon bill will appear before
Washington Legislature early tu week..
I.Rf 7.
Fire causts J500.000 lam In Seattle. Page 14.
Commercial nsd Marine.
English expert's opinion of hop market. Page
IS.
Steel stocks decline under realizing. Page 10.
Chicago wheat market quiet hut firm. Page
15.
Bank fttateraent shows surplus redueed to
lowest point of year. Page 15.
Cold checks demand for cured fruit. Page 15.
British ship Lonsdale nxt cargo vesjel due.
Pge 1.
Portland and Vicinity.
G. W. Smith, round dead la cell of City Jail,
may have ben murdered by his cell-mate,
for whom police are now looking. Page 12.
School teacher obJcr to new wage scale
formulated by the Board Education.
Pog IS.
Decision is rendered in Wells-Forgo Bank case
against that conrern. Psge 1.
Joe Fior'.bello. murderer of Amelia SIriannl. is
t!U at large. Paga 12.
Fir Department hept busy answering alarms;
East Side residence dstroyd. Page 16.
Mrs. Margaret O'Brien drops d-ad on the
street. Page 14.
Kentarea and Departments.
Editorial. Page -i.
tFlnal adventures of Sherlock Holmes. Page
32.
New find of gold In Nevada. Page 30.
Guarding the President 'rom assassins.
Page S3
Novelties In valentines In Portland shops.
Page SI. ,
Peck's bad boy. Page 37.
Social. Page 20-21.
Musical. Page 21.
Dramatic Pages IS-I?i
Household and. fashions. Pages 3S-33. ,
"TouthV department. Page 42.
i
FACES IS G ig
J. N. Williamson Is
Accused.
INDICTED BY JURY
Subornation of Perjury
Is Alleged.
PARTNER IS ALSO NAMED
Dr. Van Gesner and Marion
Biggs to BeTried.
CLAIMS OBTAINED BY FRAUD
Special Agent Discovered Evidence
That Employes Had Teen Induced
to File on Land In Order .to
Protect Sheep Range.
WHAT THE INDICTMENT ALLEGES
Representative John Newton William
son. Dr. Van Gsner. the business part
ner of Mr. -Williamson, and United
States Commissioner Marlon R. Biggs
were indicted for subornation of perjury
committed on June 13. 1902. by the
Federal grand Jury yesterday afternoon.
It is alleged in the Indictment that
the men were guilty of having induced
45 persons to file on timber and atona
land In township 15 south, of range 13
oast in order to preserve the land s
Summer range for the WlUlamson-Gea-ner
Shfep Company. It is also alleged
thet these claims were taken up under
contract to revert in title to William
son and' Gesner at h. future date, and
the money for the" ailng una" other 'jtee
was rui-nlar-cd.. the clainlants by i
Cesser.
In addition to the 45 persons secured.
Mr. and Mrs. Williamson, Dr. Gfner,
two nephews oi Mr. Williamson, Com
missioner Biggs and a number of herd
ers in the employ of the firm of William
son & Gesner also filed ou claims.
The third member of the- Oregon
delegation in Congress was brought
under the shadow yesterday afternoon
when the Federal grand jury returned
an indictment against J. N. Williamson,
his partner In the sheep business. Dr.
Van Gesner, and Marion It. Biggs, for
several years United States Commis
sioner at Prlnoville. The crime alleged
by tho document Is sunornatlon of per
jury In having Induced some 43 fellow
townsmen to take claims in township
15 south, of range 19 east, under the
agreement that the land should in time
revert to the firm of Williamson &. Ges
ner. In order to take these claims, ic
was necessary for the claimants to
make false affidavits, which, It is al
leged, they did before United States
Commissioner Biggs.
The story of the crime upon which
the indictment has been returned is a
simple one and not Involved. It has to
do with t- township mentioned, which
is clc1 .o the City of Prlnevilie, the
homo of Mr. Williamson, Dr. Gersner
and of United States Commissioner
Biggs. Xearly all of tne odd sections in
this township are owned by the Wil
lamette Valley & Cascade Mountain
Wagon Road Company. Tho even sec
tions up to June and July, 1902. were
for the most part unentered and unfiled
upon.
Township Used as Range.
L For years this township has been used
as a Summer range by the sheep firm of
Williamson & Gesner. the firm having
a lease from the Wagon-Road Company
for the use of many of the odd sections
of the township, while the even sections
were used for Summer range free of
charge by the Government.
In the Spring of 1902 thero was a heavy
Influx of timber. claimants in this portion
of the state who overran Southern and
Central Oregon. The greater part of
these seekers after land passed through
the Prlneville country by way of the stage
line running through the City of Prlne
ville, and a number of claims were taken
l:i the vicinity of that place
Mr. Williamson and his partner. Dr.
Gesner. seeing the probability of their
Summer range cither being taken away
from them by settlers' or being so broken
up by these newcomers as to be practical
ly worthless, decided, so It is said,, to
forestall further encroachment by a. de
vice of their own.
In accordance with this plan they se
cured 45 of their neighbors, employcs and
friends, to flic on the even sections in
the township, under the agreement that
the money for filing, in most of the
cases; was to be furnished by.Dr. Gesner,
and the land was to revert in title to ths
Williamson &. Gesner Company at some
future date. All of these entries were
for timber and stone lands and were
made before and with the assistance of
Commissioner Biggs.
One-half of these claims went to flnal
proof, but the other half was relinquished
by order of tho firm, owing to the strin
gent cross-examination made by special
agents sent out by Secretary Hitchcock.
This cross-examination was the direct
- (Conciudsd on Pags 11.)