The Sunday Oregonian. (Portland, Ore.) 1881-current, December 13, 1908, SECTION THREE, Image 28

The Sunday Oregonian., December 13, 1908, SECTION THREE, Page 4, Image 28

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Newspaper Page TextTITE ST7XDAY OREGON"! I'OKIXAXD, EECEJIBilK Is, iitwcj. SEATTLE'S FEMININE PROSECUTOR SAYS THERE IS PLACE FOR WOMEN LAWYERS MISS RHEA WHITEHEAD ADMITS, HOWEVER , HER SEX IS HANDICAPPED IN PROFESSION. The Question Is Easily 4 rypmasam IllMllttltlllffflfffiifBlir -.T , Si-r , 1 TOffli'iiiiraiiiiiiuii oiimmiii, . j tfISS RHEA WHITEHEAD x Will IIIIIIOIIllllllKfflO SEATTLE. Dec. 12. (Special.) "Am bition? Yes. lots of it. "Would I prosecute a woman? "Yes. but I'd hate to do it." "If every deputy and the head prose cutor were busy and It remained for you to to take up the prosecution of a murder, what would you do?" "I would go in and do the best I knew how, and I believe that I would win. "If I saw there was no chance to win I probably would go out and hire a deputy to take the case. I wouldn't go to that extreme, however, unless I thought that the public good demanded It." King County's new Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, a woman. Miss Rhea White head, who Rives her age as 25 her mother says 24. "because." as she naive ly remarks. "I'd ought to know" today said that she thought there was a place for women as lawyers, but admitted that prosecuting cases didn't come up to the standard of defending; the downtrod den. "I can't tell you whether Til be a success as a prosecutor, and I really hope that I am not coiled upon to take up any great cases In the Superior Court, but I am sure that if I am left to take care of cases which Involve cruelty In Justice Courts I'll make a success. When I'm older In the law maybe I'll not mind going In for murder trials and all the other big things." Miss Whitehead Is winsome. She should make a hit with a Jury any time. And it is recorded that once she did. Not long ago she had a case of cruelty to animals in Justice Court. She won there, and the case was appealed. She won in the Superior Court. That's about as far as her court practice has gone, but she has been the confidential clerk of the prosecut ing attorney's office for a number of years, and it is further recorded that she has made a good one. Miss Whitehead graduated from the law school at the University of Wash ington in 1905 and was admitted to the bar the same year. Formerly she was a stenographer, and. as she says. "I felt that if I had to work in lawyers' offices all my life I might as well know some thing about the business. My mother encouraged me. She has been my guard ian angel all the time. I went to night law school for two yars. and then to day law school for a year. "No. when it comes right down to it, said Miss Whitehead, looking really se rious. "I don't think women are fitted naturally or by education for prosecutors. You see. there are so many distasteful things that even men prosecutors don't like to tackle the business at times. "Men prosecutors have to browbeat witnesses sometimes to force the truth from them. It's awfully hard to say before I start in what I'll do. but ambi tion is strong and romance, which you seem to look for, is scarcely to be thought of. Miss Whitehead, apparently preoecu pied with the thought suggested to her of facing a real desperado on the stand, made a pass at her back comb, read justed it to a normal condition, straight ened out a few locks that had worked themselves out of position, and resumed. "Now, don't get the idea that just be cause I have said that I would prefer to take up cruelty cases In Justice Court that I have no ambition to become some thing greater than a Police Court law yer. "I really would rather take charge of Just the cruelty cases. I admit that that doesn't seem very ambitious, but maybe you never thought that while prosecut ing on cruelty cases you are defending at the same time persons and animals that have no chance otherwise. Just what my duties will be cannot be told at this time. ' That is all up to Mr. Vandeveer, the Prosecuting Attorney who appointed me. What my conceptions of the position are cannot be told, because Mr. Vandeveer has not told me what I am to do. What I might want to do and what he wants me to do might be different. "I think there is a place In this world for lawyers for women, not necessarily women lawyers. I don't expect to be forever In the Prosecuting Attorney's of fice, and when I leave it I want to reach the top rung of the ladder. "Of course I admit that In the law business women are greatly handicapped. Women have no chance to make the laws or to select Judges. Men are Inclined to look with disfavor upon women who take up the professions, but If more stenographers would take up law as I have done there wouldn't be so much excuse for talk of woman's Inferiority to man in the professions. "LoU of girls know law. and know It as well or better than their bosses, but someway they don't seem to go any farther than, keeping It to themselves." "When you get out of the Prosecutlnr Attorney's office what do you expect to do?" Practice law". "Would you take all kinds of cases V "No. I wouldn't. I want to have a practice that will be of my own choos ing." "Supposing a man would come to you and ask you to take a case of divorce. What would you do?" Miss Whitehead whirled in the swivel office chair and looked worried for Just a Oiuue. Something went wrong with I -Ml&S 32HEA WHITEHEAD 99 cases out of 100 when a professional woman weds she loses her identity. And when what was supposed to be an inaudible humming of a once popular tune broke in over the crash of a cable car making a wild dash over cobble stones and strap iron, she whirled In her chair and grabbed for that back comb again. "No wedding bells for me. Ill help you out on the tune," she almost sar castically commented. "When you've written this up send me a paper, will you? I want to see just how straight you reporters can get things." Miss Whitehead has always shown herself to be capable. .She entered law offices as a stenographer when Bhe wore her hair in braids down her back. She held the distinction of being the youngest court reporter in the world at one time. When she was but 14 years old she went to Skagway.' Alaska, and took a position In the District Court at that point. Her youthful appearance mitigated greatly againBt her, but she was given the chance, and made good. It was during this same year that she gave an exhibition of writing shorthand on a blackboard while blindfolded. She de veloped the remarkable speed of 110 words per minute, and when the blind was removed from' her eyes she read accurately the characters upon " the board. "I'm never satisfied with just one day's work. I want to do just a little more each day. Some day maybe I'll get to the top." she Fays. her back comb again. Her natty blue skirt suddenly seemed to be all covered with dust. She brushed all kinds of Imaginary flecks from her shirtwaist, immaculately clean and white. There was a struggle between commercialism and womanhood. 'Td look at the fee first," she ex claimed. "If I didn't have a meal ticket well, I'll tell you one thing. No man could come to me and get me to advise him in a divorce action if he made any serious attacks on the character of his wife. "Yon see, the practice of law Is like any other profession. We all go In to make money. I really don't think I would care for men clients. I think I would prefer women." "Do you suppose that there is any thing that could come between you and your love for the law?" "Not a thing." she said. "Supposing that you should get mar ried ?' "No danger." said Miss Whitehead. But it was apparent she didn't mean it. Color came to her cheeks and she looked confused. "I don't have to worry over that." she said. "I'm In a fair way to make my own living. I know there are lots of women who are compelled to marry be cause there Is no other way of facing the world's music. But I assure you there will never be a meal ticket wed ding for me." And Miss' Whitehead looked as though she believed her fu ture was assured. "Marriage does make a difference, though." she admitted reflectively. "In PORTLAND SOCIAL NEWS CONTINUED FROM THIRD PAGE tendance was very large and u pleased audience listened to the following pro gramme: "Through the Clouds" (Josef Hoffman), Miss Jean McKercher; "Until You Came" (Metcalf). F- S. Hlckey; "The Boys' Story." Miss Hazel Hoopin garner; the Mysterious Mr.' James L. Bell; solo (selected). Miss Ethel Hughes; "The Old Actor's Story." Daniel Quim by; (a) "The Winds Are Calling" (Ro land, (b) "Because" (D'Hardelot). Miss Florence Foster; (a) "Der Btst Wie Eine Blume" (Chadwlck), (b) "The Rose in the Garden" (Neidllnger). Charles Brace; "Parla" (Arditi), Miss Kathleen Lawler; recitation (selected). Miss Anderson; (a) "Love, I Have Won You" (Ronald), (b) "An Arabian" tCauchols). John Claire Monteith. Mrs. Harry C. Elliott, who was Miss Parsons, gave a reception at her home at 958 East Glisan street, on Thurs day. December S. The rooms were ar tistically decorated with pink and white chrysanthemums. ferns and shaded candles. Mrs. Elliott wore an Empire gown of cream silk, with touches of spangled lace and green velvet. Pink carnations and ferns were used effectively in the dining-room, and the appointments of tiie tea table were es pecially artistic. Mrs. W. F. Amos presided in the dining-room, assisted by Miss Norma Reed. Mrs. Amos was gowned in brown silk, with lace and bands of blue and pink. Mrs. C. C. White, who received with Mrs. Elliott was in black: with touches of turquoise. The MJzpah Social Club met at the home of Mrs. Ward Armstrong, 627 East Ninth street, Thursday, December 3. Mrs. S. C. McCormick received the first prize at cards and Mrs. Bertha Perkins the second prize. The following officers were elected. Mrs. Ward Armstrong, president; Mrs. Greenwood, vice-president; Mrs. Haynes. Jr., secretary and treasurer. The club will meet January 21, 1901, at the home of Mrs. Ella Lom bard, at 1277 East Madison street and will celebrate her birthday at that date. The ladies present were Mesdames Arm strong, Bclding, Greenwood. Haynes, Jr., Kellogg, Lombard, Lincoln. Moore. Mc Cormick, McVicker, Perkins, Parcel!. Roadley, S'oults. Stipes, Thompson, Wil son, Williams, Wise and Greenwood, Jr. The annual memorial service of the IM M what a 1 . FUR. Garment Set, Tie or Muff Will be more appreciated and give more lasting satisfaction than anything else .you can purchase. The gift will be doubly ap preciated if it bears the Liebes label, a guarantee of the best quality and finest workmanship. We have the largest factory on the Coast, and as we emplo y our own hunters and trappers we can under sell dealers or furriers alike. Wc show all of the advanced s t y 1 e s and a Liebes garment is readily distinguishable from other makes by its chic appearance and per fect fit. GOODS SELECTED WILL BE HELD UNTIL CHRISTMAS IF DESIRED. SEND FOR CATALOGUE. MAIL ORDERS PROMPTLY FILLED. J. P. PLAGEMANN, Manager Corbett Building O 288 MORRISON ST. EXCLUSIVE FURRIERS CHILDREN'S FURS FROM $1.00 UPWARD Order of Elks, which occured last Sun day afternoon at the Taylor-street Methodist Church, was ' especially no table from a musical standpoint. The programme was under the direction of J. Claire Monteith. A quartet, consist ing of Mrs. Rose Bloch-Bauer, Miss Ethel Shea. William Boyer and J. Claire Monteith, sang, while John Boone presided at the organ. - Among the numbers which attracted most fa vorable comment were "When Power Divine." 'by Faure-Shelly, Mrs. Bauer's solo, "I Will Give You Rest." Air. Mon teith's solo, "Abide With Mo" and Mr. Boone's organ solo. Mr. Boone is a newcomer to Portland and is at pres ent organist at Centenary Church. On Sunday afternoon a pleasing pro ramme was given for the entertainment of the young women and girls boarding at the Sisters of Mercy Home, on Six teenth street, near Couch, by the Catho lic Woman's League of Portland. A permanent organization of this league will be entered into and officers elected at a meeting called for SnturdRy, Janu ary 23. At present Rev. Father O'Hara Is acting president. A domestic arts de partment will be conducted in connection with other departments. The programme was as follows: Miss Cornelia Barker, violin (Berceuse, Jocelyn); Mrs. MUlin Perkins, song, "The Return (Millard); Miss Rose Pliilp, recitation, with violin obiigato by Miss Barker. The accom panist was Miss M. II. Flinn. On Tuesday evening I. G. Dorr and his daughter, Mrs. Laura Smith, were tendered a surprise party at their home, S33 Borthwlck street. The even Ins? was spent with story-telling and ards. Prizes at 500 were won by Mrs, Morse and Mrs. Chamberlain. The guests included: Mr. and Mrs. Solen- burgo, Mr. and Mrs. Sebring, Mr. and Mrs. Chamberlain, Mr. and Mrs. Jaques, Mr. and Mrs. Morse. Mr. and Mrs. Mills, Mr. and Mrs. Mickley, Mrs. Pferdnes, Mrs. Courter, Mrs. Butikofer and Daisy Smith. A pleasant surprise was given Mrs. Fred Pelton at her home, 541 Sherrett avenue, Scllwood, Thursday afternoon by members of the Mount Hood Circle, Woodmen of the World. Progressive games were played. Mrs. Howe won first prize and Mrs. Shepherd the conso lation prize. Those enjoying Mrs. Pel ton's hospitality were Mesdam?s Kru- ger. Fagg, Howe, Shepherd, Worden, Richardson, Deli, atpon. Brandt Shields, Carls. Frazler. Bransham. Dar- PIAki 2 m the wteE&y . ling, Knapp, Dryden, Routledge, Murbe and Willis. The ladies of Laurelwood Hive, No. 5S, Ladies of the Maccabees of the World, met December 4 at the Woodman Hall, at Arleta, and held their election of of ficers for 1IW9, resulting in Lady Farrell talking, P. S. C; Lady Marshall. L. C; Lady Haynes, Jr. L. L. C. ; Lady Collins, I R. K.; Lady Briggs. L. F. A.: I.ady Grahell, L. Chaplain; Lady Slocomb, L. Sergeant; Lady Brouse, L. M. of A.; Lady Thompson, L. Sent.; Lady Buckley. L. picket. D. S. C. Lady Alice Porges was out of the city. La Gaie Douzaine 500 Club was enter tained at the home of Miss Persis Bill ings. 671 Kearney street, last Monday evening. Miss Delia Woods made tha highest score at cards. Those present were Misses Delia Woods, Edith Bern, Ruby Gilbaugh, Laura VanHorn. Era Strickler, Isabel Gilbaugh. Persia Bil lings. Lllla Winters. Bertha Brehaut. I,enta Stnhley. Mrs. Isolds Allenhoff and Mrs. Silas H. Soule. This will be tho last meeting of the club until after the holidays. The last meeting of the year for the George Wright Relief Corps was held at their hall on Wednesday. The attend ance was large and the afternoon was spent in sewing. Aprons, quilts and fancy-work articles were completed and everything Is now in readiness for the annual bazaar and supper, which will be held in the hall in the Western Acad emy of Music on Friday evening, De cember IS. - The Shakespeare class conducted hy Julia La Barre held its regular meeting on Thursday at the home of Mrs. C. M. Kiggins." The final meeting of the year will be with Mrs. Ija. Barre at llStf Tag gart street. Thursday, December 17, when It is hoped all will be present. Especial business will be transacted. The Maccabee Club of the L. O. T. M. of the World held its last meeting of the year at the homo of Lady Swan, commander of Golden Rule Hive Toes j day. December 8. An Interesting pro gramme Had been prepared and the following officers were elected to serve six months: President. Iady Elizabeth Hyde; vice-president, lady Ella Man ning; secretary, Ijidy Minnie Moore; treasurer, Lady Ora Allen. a The Present Day Club held Its regular meeting on Tuesday of this week at the home of Mrs. R. R. Gilmer, of 227 Chap man street. Mrs. W. H. Galvanl gave, a very Interesting talk on "The Russian Women of Today." Mrs. Morgan's plens ing paper took the club from Stockholm to Moscow via St. Petersburg. The club has decided to give a theater party Christmas week at the Hoilig to see "Peer Gynt." The next meeting will bo held at the home of Mrs. Ballon. The Hawthorne 500 Club met with Mrs. Harry Pfaff on Wednesday, December it. As the day was niso the natal day UMBRELLAS FOR HOLIDAY GIFTS Now Is the Time to Select Your Umbrellas for Immediate Use or Holiday Gifts. m Men's and Women's Union Taf feta Umbrellas, steel rod, paragon frame. For women handles of. pearl, gold, silver, plain and fancy wood. For men horn, buckhorn, natural woods, etc.; regular $3 values $3.65 Men's and Women's Union Silk, Tape - edge. Taffeta Umbrellas; steel rods, best Paragon frames; handles of long pearl and silver and goid: horn, gunmetal, ivory, natural and fancy woods, buck horn, etc.; regular to vals..$2.65 Umbrella Engraved Free of Charge. Imbrellan Crated and Packed for Gxprcu Shipment. Men's and Women's Union Taffeta, Tape - Edge Umbrellas, beautiful assortment of handles of horn, buckhorn, pearl, silver, gold, ivoiy, gunmetal, etc.; regular $.t and $6 values $1.78 Men's and Women's Fine Taffeta Silk Umbrellas, values up to fH.u): the handles alone on this lot of umbrellas are worth moro than ' the price asked for the entire um brella; handles for women of ex tra long silver and gold, gun metal, long pearl trimmed in gold and silver, beautiful Dresdens, horr.s, etc.; handles for men of b'jckh'om, cape horn, gunmetal, silver, gold, natural wood, etc.: values up to $8.50 $4.35 I nibrrllnn Repaired and Re-eov-ered Promptly at Moderate , Prices. W omen s Gi oves Women's Perfei-t Fitting French Kid Gloves, absolutely guaranteed. elsewhere $1.50 $ 1 .50 Women's Cape Gloves, latest D. tit shades, regular $1.60 value.. SI. 15 Women's Long French Kids, above the elbow, latest shades and black and white $2.3!) Women's Beautiful French Im ported Kids, regular $.00 values. Special S1.39 Boy's and Girl's Gloves Boys' and Girls' Pure Wool Gloves; regular 50c values 25C Bovs' and Girls' Mocha Gloves; regular $1.25 value. SC Bovs' Midget Kid Gloves; very cute Sl.OO Bovs' and Girls' Cape Gloves; regu lar" price $1.L'5 ,,S9F Bovs' Mocha Gloves, fleece lined: regular $l.ib values 7iC Men's Gloves Men's Strong Sewed Kid Gloves. worth $1.25 Y-! M e n s Imported I ndressed K l d Gloves: reguiar $1.75 value..S1.25 Men's Cape Walking uioves. in? stvlish regular $l..i" l.lo Men's Famous Dent Gloves, per fect fitting, very stylish . . -S.OO Mens Stylish Mocha Gloves, fit perfectly, absolutely gya" teed. 10 Hosiery Specials Women's Thread Silk Hose, lisle heels, toes and soles, in pink, blue, champagne, gray, green, lavender, canary, black, white, tan and car dinal: the regular $1.75 fl"3'''!' special per pair.- OSc Women's Extra Quality Lisle Hose, In fancy colors, dots and embroid ered patterns, large assortment of .ninr to select from: regular 75c and boo values, special, pair.-SO!' Women's Pure Silk Hose in black only; the original Keyser make, lisle soles and extra heavy garter top: regular S2.IS0 values, put In neat boxej; special Sl.i!J Women's Fine Rib Black Cash mere Hose, gray heels and toes; a splendid hose for heavy wear; regular ..,c values. special. 3 pairs for Sl.OO 309 Morrison Street Opposite Postoffice L e n n o n's Inter chnogeable grave ordera redeemable at all times at I.ennon's tores In Sn Fran cisco. Seattle and Portland.