TITE 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
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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
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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.