THE SUNDAY OKEGOXIAX. PORTLAND, DECE3rBKK srr. iaro.
SEARCH FOR HIM
IN 'MANY LANDS
E. P. Fitch Disappears Abroad
and Three Nations Hunt
in Vain.
LAST SEEN ON OCTOBER 20
Remarkable Mystery Surrounds
Movement of Portland Man's
Brother International Sensa
tion May Develop.
Though more than two months have
elnpspfi sln'-e his mysterious disappear
ance in Kurope, and the governments of
three nation, together with Scotland
Yard, the police of Paris and many other
cities, both on the Continent and In Amer
ica, have Instituted official Investigations,
no trace has been found of Kdward Pay
son Fitch, brother of C. O. Kittli. fH
Holly street, auditor of ti.e Portland
Railway. I-ight & Power Company.
Sir. Fitch, brother of the local street
railway official, was touring Europe when
he suddenly disappeared. October 20.
Whether he is alive or dead, or whether
he is wandering demented through the
world's metropolis, i; absolutely un
known.
But his continued absence, and the fail
ure of the officials and numerous detec
tive agencies has finally caused the rela
tives of the missing man to fear; though
reluctantly, that he has been the victim
of foul play. Should the theory of foul
play be substantiated, there will probably
develop one of the bisgest international
criminal stories in recent years.
Is Traced to London.
The movements of the missing man
from the time he left America have been
traced until October 2ft. when, on board a
train, he was approaching London. De
tectives have traced his Journeys through
Kurope. to Paris, thence to Rouen, across
the channel to Dover, where he hoarded
a train for the metropolis. There the
trail was lost.
A mysterious stranger, the last person
known to have been in the company of
the missing man. Is beginning to figure
prominently in the case. He, also, has
been the object of a search no leas rigid
and far-reaching than that in behalf of
Pitch. But he, too. has disappeared, van
ishing as completely from sight as the
American and leaving absolutely no trace
that may be followed.
Fitch, the mining man, Is a resident of
Council Bluff.", Ia., with business office:
In Omaha. He is secretary of an insur
ance company In that state, and early In
the Fall left America to make a brief
tour of Europe. Arriving In England, he
crossed to the Continent and spent sev
eral weeks In various countries. He con
cluded his tour of the Continent with a
week in Parts, where he engaged passage
irom .ngland to America on the North
German Liner Kronprinz Wilhelm. sched
uled to sail October 31 or November 2.
Became III at Paris.
Leaving Paris at the end of the week.
h reached Rouen, where he suddenly
'became III. With the aid of an Interpre
ter he consulted a physician, who pro
nounced the aliment an acute and serious
case of appendicitis. The physician or
dered an Immediate operation.
To this the patient demurred, insist
ing that he would not undergo an opera
lon until he had reached a country
where he might understand and be un
derstood. So he crossed the Channel to
Kngland and boarded a train for Iondon.
fully determined to undergo t'.ie operation
in that city, where the language was his
own and he could understand and make
bimseif understood.
"While on the train he suffered excru
ciating pain. However, he was able to
write a letter to his relatives In Iowa
nd also to Portland, explaining his con
dition. He told of the advice of the
French physician, of his crossing the
Channel and of his being in a train bound
for London. He also said that he had
placed himself in the care of a stranger,
with whom he shared the compartment
and to whom he intended intrusting the
letters to be mailed.
Letters Were Delayed.
The letter was written October 20 and
the train arrived in London at 7 o'clock
that evening. But. strangely, the letters
SI.KVTIIS OK TI1RF.E NATIONS
SKKK THIS MAN.
Kdward Psjyn Klteh. W ho lv
teriously llaipeared lo Ku
rope. were not mailed until two days later.
The envelopes sliow the postmark, "Lon
don. October 22."
The steamship, -which sailed from
Southampton on the day after the ar
rival of the train In London, reached this
side In due time, but there was no mes
sage from Mr. Fitch, though he had
cabled that he would return on that ves
sel. Days went by and still no message
from him until the fats of his relatives
were aroused. .The matter was presented
to the officials and tlnally reached the
State Departments of the United States.
K.ng'.and and France. Some of the best
officer of Scotland Yard have been de
tailed on the case. In addition to officers
of Paris. Rouen and other cities. But
ut.ter failure has "attended the efforts of
both Federal and municipal authorities.
Left Here In Augnst.
"My brother left this country early In
August to make a tour of Europe." said
r. O. Fitch last night. "His letter. re-
celvad Uf us. tells of his sudden Ulneea, t
j 1 1
- ' ' '. r--' - A T
: - -. x n it
t but that is the last we have heard of
I htm. A ohyslcian has told me that one
pf the possible results' of appendicitis is
to lose all knowledge of one's Identity,
which might have befallen my brother.
But I hardly think that likely, for he
had very -weak eyes and without his
glasses would have been unable to have
traveled even if he had lost his identity.
He Is known to have had a considerable
sum of money on his person at the time
of his disappearance, and the police of
Iondon and other cities, besides authori
ties of the three governments, have tried
to locate him.
"We are at a Iocs to explain his disap
pearance and everything is being done to
unravel the mystery surrounding It. But
a!l our efforts have been in vain up to
this time."'
CONFER CN MISSIONS
Methodists to Hold Meetings
Discussion This AVeek.
for
The Home Mission and Church Ex
tension Institute of the Oregon Meth
odist Conference will hold meetings in
the Centenary Methodist Church, East
Pine and Ninth streets, beginning
Tuesday morning, and continuing; with
morning, afternoon and night sessions,
until Wednesday night. concluding
with the address of Bishop C. W.
.mitli. Among the speakers will be
T. S. M Daniel. F. S. Akin. William H.
Warren and Fletcher Homan. president
of Willamette University. Various
phases of missionary work will be con
sidered in addresses and In general
discussions. The complete programme
Is as follows:
The Field.
1. The (Virraphy and Topography of the
Oregon t'onfrren'e R. K. Dunlap, district
T. P. A. RE-ELECTS ITS PRESIDENT AND SECRETARY
FOR ANOTHER YEAR
t A
- t l
Aw
Willis Fisher, President.
uperintendent. Klamath district.
L'. lieports from mission charge! By
into on the field.
The Church at Work.
Women's Home Missionary Society In
Place and Mission in Methodism, Mrs. C.
L. Weaver.
Women's Missionary T.eague Its Place
and Mission in. the Oregon Couterence. Mrs.
C. W. Jont-r
The Laymen's Association as a Perma
nent Factor In Oregon Methodism. Hon. R.
A. Booth, president Oregon Laymen's Asso
ciation. 1:30 P. M. Sunday School Work Its Re
lations to Home Mission and t'hurch Exten
sion. J. T. Abbett. Sunday school missionary,
Oregon conference.
How to Interest the Epworth League In
Home Missions. W. H. Warren, president
Portland District League.
The District Superintendent and Pastor
as Leadxrs of the Forces In Missionary
Work. T. Wilson, secretary Home Mis
sions and Church Extension. Portland dis-
tr'p!ihlicntlons The Church Advocate, the
Christian Republic.
Woman's Home Missions and Tracts gen
eral discussion.
The Diftlcultles of Securing Pastors Tor
Home Mission Fields The District Superin
tendents. The Problems of the City.
T:3I P. M. The City Evangelization Union
and Its Relation to the Non-English Speak
ing IWple. T. S. McDanlel.
Hon Mission Work Among Forelgn
Spraklng People as Hoisted to Foreign Mis
sions and the World s Evangelisation CSer
nian work, E. K. Hertxler: Swodish work.
John Ovall: Xorweictan-Danlsh. H. P. Nel
son; Chinese, Chang Sing K.I; Japanese, It.
B. Johnson. ,
Wednesilav. S:30 How to Create the Mis
alonarv Spirit. "America for Christ."
Advantages of Conventions and Con
ference. It. .". Blackwell. secretary Home
Missions and Church Extension, Salem dla-
lrThe Work of the Board of Church Exten
sion In the Onegon Conference, oy r . o.
Akin.
The Relations Between Our Denomina
tional Schools and Our Church Bonvolenr,
Rev. Fletcher Homan. D.D., president Wil
lamette University.
I '30 P M. How to Create the Spirit or
Ren'evnlence. E. H. Todd, financial agent
Puaot Sound University.
How Far Shall We Enter Into Compe
tition with Other Denominations?
How lo Enlist the Co-Operation of the
Indifferent. J. D. Ulllilan. district superin
tendent U Grande district.
The Kvll OI ApoioKii . -
nevolences. S. S. sulllger. ouinn
tendent ancouver uiBiriii.
re -we r;vr jupniifu ii .-i.. . . ...
ri.M Walton Shlpworth. district super
intendent The Dalles district ,,.
What is me mrii! :.',,'
rv Monev lo the Home Field? B. t. Row
land, district superintendent saiem omnu.
What Constitutes a Mission Charge and
When Should it Cease to Receive Missionary
Aid? M. C. Wire, aisinci uiituKuucui
Eugene district. 0
7 S0 P. M. Address. Bishop C. W. Smith.
resident bishop. Portland, or.
GIRL-INDICTED FOR ROBBING
Florence Thompson Held to Grand
Jury, Accused of Stealing.
Florence Thompson, accused of hav
ing robbed Andrew Draffln, a seaman,
of a large sum of money at the Kings
ton roomlng--house. Third and Taylor
streets. Christmas Eve. was held in
Municipal Court yesterday to the grand
Jury in the sum of $1000. In default
of bail she1 is a prisoner In the County
Jall.
Officers of the deal with, which Draf
fln was connected, assert that he was
paid only J1T0. and the payment was
made several weeks ago. However, the
arrest of the woman will lead to sev
eral other a.-rests. according to Deputy
District Attorney Hennessey. The land
lady of the Kingston has already been
indicted, and it is said that several ele
vator boys and "bell hops' at the Per
kins Hotel, who are thought to have
steered Draffln, a guest at the Perkins,
to the Kingston will also be Indicted.
It Is charged that the boys were paid
a percentage of all money secured from
victims they lured to the Kingston.
YOU KNOW.
Tf not you should. Le Palais Royal is
the place to buy your hats. 3T3 Wash
ington street.
Matthews-Powers Wedding.
Richard M. Matthews, a business man
of Spokane. Wash., was married to Miss
Hattle B. Powers, of Portland, last Wed
nesday nlghL The ceremony was per
formed by Elder W. F. Martin, and oc
curred at the home of the bride's mother
at Wichita, a suburb of Portland on the
Mount (Scott line. Only the immediate
friends and relatives of the contracting
parties were present. The newly married
pair will, make their home. -at. JSpokana.
KNIGHTS OF GRIP
E
Annual Gathering of T. P. A.
Rare Combination of Fun
and Business."
OFFICERS ARE RE-ELECTED
Speakers at Banquet Made Victims
of All Sorts of Merry Quips by
Crowd Governor and Mayor
Present Indorse Festival.
Tle annual meeting and banquet of the
Travelers' Protective Association, the or
ganization of knights of the grip, took I
place yesterday afternoon and last night
at the Commercial Club. At the business
meeting in the afternoon the annual elec
tion of officers was held. President Willis
Fisher and Secretary Joseph C. Gibson
being unanimously chosen to succeed
themselves, and David M. Dunne, J. W.
Joseph C. Gibson, Secretary.
Curran and A. E. King were selected as
trustees. The board of directors elected
Lfor the ensuing year was as follows:
otto A. Wlnrelder, diaries Dingman. v.
B. Glafke, R. U Adams, H. S. Gaylord
and Stanhope Pier.
At the business meeting a communica
tion was received from the Eugene Com
mercial Club, extending the courtesies
of that club and the use of the reading
room and library to the members of the
Travelers' Protective Association when
In Eugene. The secretary was Instructed
to accept the invitation with thanks.
Rose Festival Indorsed.
A communication was also received
from Ralph W. Hnyt. president of the
Portland Rose Festival Association, ask
ing the assistance and good will of the
traveling men in the promotion of the
event. On motion of Harry C. McAllis
ter, the association passed a resolution
pledging support to the festival in every
way possible.
At the conclusion of the business ses
sion a vote of thanks was extended to
President Fisher and Secretary Oibson
for faithful service for the good of the
order.
The banquet in the evening was the
feature of the ' annual gathering, and
when the guests assembled at the festal
board there were present practically
eveiy knight of the grip in Oregon or
Washington who could possibly attend.
Some one remarked that "the only time a
traveling man Is serious is when he is
explaining things to his wife." and the
manner In which the "bunch" behaved
last night seemed to bear out this state
ment. About the only persons present
last night who were permitted to think
and speak seriously were Governor Cham
berlain, Mayor Lane and Rev. A. A. Mor
rison, the latter being the chaplain of
the T. P. A. Even then these notables
lapsed frequently from the serious and
Indulged in levity.
Glad Hand for Governor.
The Governor and the Mayor were re
ceived with demonstrations of applause as
they were introduced by Toastmastr
Willis Fisher, and each spoke briefly
because of the number and variety of
things on the programme.
The start of the programme seemed to
pre-sage a most solemn and momentous
occasion, but no sooner had Toastmaster
Fisher proposed a toast "to the absent
ones" than the merriment commenced.
Lincoln Hart gravely announced that a
flashlight photograph of the banqueters
was to be taken. When all was ready
the lights went out and at the crack of
a toy pistol a slide was flashed on a
white curtain at the end of the hall
bearing the legend "Stung." This stunt
was a v"scream."
Democratic Mascot There.
After listening to Governor Chamber
lain and Mayor Lane, both of whom were
cautioned by the lantern slides that they
would have five minutes and that no
politics must be discussed, the guests
were startled by the entrance of a dimin
utive jackass, which ambled unosten
tatiously up to one of the tables and com
menced munching celery and other greens
in sight. Mayor Lane was about to re
mark that he was under the Impressiou
that the gathering was nonpolitlcal but
that he was pleased at the invitation ex
tended the Democratic party. However,
Toastmaster Fisher introduced the animal
as the symbol of the order.
Harry McAllister was then announced
as the next speaker of the evening. Harry
had gone to the extreme trouble of hav
ing a newspaper friend of his write him
up a heat little speach, dealing with the
subject of clean streets, and as he had
rehearsed the theme at his home with
Mrs. McAllister as the audience, and it
had met with her approval, he expected
to make a decided hit. Unfortunately,
for Harry's good Intentions, the guests.
at a preconcerted Bignal, Inaugurated
such a demonstration of applause as he
stood up, and maintained it (with the as
sistance of a brass band, hidden behind
a screen) for the allotted period of five
minutes, that his speech is still unut
tered. Chester A. Whitmore was listed on the
programme for a solo, and when called
upon he announced that the committee
had failed to intimate to him just what
kind of a solo was wanted, and while he
was familiar with "heart solos," (some
times to his sorrow) he had not practiced
anything else for some time. His ex
planation was received satisfactorily and
he was allowed to resume his seat.
fay Quit Quickly.
Eddie Fay. who is "some up in the air,"
a Link Hart put U. as tax as stature Js
OLD
GONV
NTION
1 n
$ v X
V V I
I " I
. . t
V v.''..WW'A-w(fct : $
. , J
- rWSm
--"T-W- - - ' . -r-Kr , ij rlllt
New Spring Wilton Carpets arriving last week
include handsome and stylish patterns in self-toned
browns and greens, Oriental effects and plain wide
Carpets with border. Exclusive designs and color
ings; large stock for immediate deliveiy.
FIFTH AND
STARK STS.
concerned, was next on the bill, but be
fore he had delivered one phrase, he
was presented with a tray of decidedly
ancient cheese, and desisted. C. W.
Hodson, and C. D. Frazer. who were also
down for short talks, were the next vic
tims. W. B. Glafke. Colonel David M. Dunne,
Charles L. Dic k. O. G. Hughson and F.
A. Ford were listened to attentively, and
each spoke on a subject of considerable
interest to the guests.
At the conclusion of the short talk,
a regulation traveling man's trunk was
carried in by the attendants, and placed
on a large round table on which a spot
light was thrown. At a signal the other
lights were turned out and a very charm
ing dancing girl leaped from the trunk
and gave a pretty dance, which was liber
ally, applauded. The big show ended with
a moving-picture film. .
WHITE
TEMPLE PASTOK HAS V
NEW OFFER.
Historic Tremont Temple Baptist
Church Trustees Said to Bo
Anxious to Get Him.
Rev. J. "Whitcomb Brougher. D. D.,
pastor of the White Temple, has been
invited by the Tremont Temple Baptist
Church of Boston to supply the pulpit of
that great church for the first two Sun
days in January. Tremont Temple is
generally recognized as the greatest Bap
tist Church in America. It probably has
no superior in the world, owns property
in the heart of Boston worth J1.000.0U0,
and has an auditorium seating 30"0 peo
ple. It has had some of the most famous
preachers in the world as pastors.
Recently Dr. P. S. Henson resigned
from the pastorate. The church Is now
looking for someone to succeed him, and
it is understood that the trustees are
anxious to secure the services of Dr.
iBijougher. Jt is believed, however, that
the pastor of the White Temple cannot
be moved. He has made a place for him
self In Portland that could hardly be sur
passed In Influence even as pastor of the
great historic church In Boston. While
BOSTON CHt'HCH WANTS PAS
TOR OF WHITE TEMPLE.
Dr. Brougher considers it an honor to
be invited to occupy the pulpit of Tre
mont Temple he nevertheless has no de
sire to leave Portland and sees no
reason why he should.
In accepting the Invitation to preach for
Tremont Temple. Dr. Brougher proposes
to take advantage of his trip East to
give several addresses upon ' Baptists
and the Northwest." with the view of
interesting the Baptists of the East and
Central West in comins to Portland next
June to the Northern Baptist convention.
With this idea in mind he will address
the preachers conferences of Boston,
New York, Cleveland and Chicago. He
will organize committee at these centers
to handle the literature to he issued by
the local committee, advertising Portland
and the Northwest. He will interview
Presidents Harry Pratt Judson, of Chi
cago University, in regard to the arrange
ments for the convention, Mr. Judson
being president of the northern Baptist
convention.
Dr. Brougher will also preach for the
JiucJid-Aveima aptiat. Church, of CI eve-
J.G
1
i s' ' - ' '"y i
S a ' 4
t je - 4
i x
I I - - 5 1 I
t : ' A g it
Dr. J. W liltcomb Brouicher.
MACK & CO.
land, O. This is the church that John
D. Rockefeller attends, and is under
stood that this congregation is also look
ing for a pastor. Dr. Brougher will be
gone from his own pulpit about three
Sundays. He will visit friends in New
York City and Paterson, N. J., where he
had his first pastorate. During his absence
Rev. Arthur S. Phelps, of Los Angeles,
will occupy the White Temple pulpit.
Dance every Tues. eve.. Ringler's Hall.
Greatest A
$33.50
In filling a rooming-house contract we re
cently contracted for several hundred fine
rugs more than was required for our im
mediate needs thereby obtaining unusual
and extraordinary price concessions. That
is "the Gevurtz way" save as much cost as
possible in the buying, then save in the freight
rates by shipping in
vantage of carload
are therefore able,
public an unusually snappy rug bargain.
They arrived too late for Christmas selling,
but there'll be an eager throng of purchasers
here tomorrow morning nevertheless. It is
not often you'll be able to obtain
Smith's High-Grade
$33.50 Axminster .Rugs
Rugs in many color combinations, for parlor, den, dining-room,
bed chamber, etc. These extraordinary prices
are for cash only. No phone or C. O. D. orders taken.
Mail orders accompanied by draft or Money Order will
be honored. Such orders should state purpose for
which rug is desired, whether parlor, dining-room or
bed chamber.
Visit Our Ladies' Suit 2222 Cloak Department
First and Yamhill
BEDROOM
FURNISHINGS
Our showing of bedroom fm-niture includes Suites
and Single Pieces, in mahogany, in golden and Austrian
oak, in maple and white enamel. All grades are repre
sented, from the least to the most expensive. Designs
throughout are notable for
and beauty.
Large stocks of Carpets, Rugs, Draperies and Lace
Curtains enable us to suggest and carry out original
bedroom treatments, complete from floor to "ceiling.
and reliable. Prices down to $25.00
. Longshoremen Arrested for Assault
Constable Wagner and Deputy Kier
nan arrested sLv longshoremen yester
day afternoon on warrants sworn to by
John Anderson, of the firm of Ander
Bon & Crowe, shipliners, alleging as
sault upon men In his employ. The trou
ble occurred Thursday night, when a
discharged crew of longshoremen are
accused of having assaulted the crew
xminster
9x12 Rugs
quantities taking ad
rates at all times. We
at this time, to offer the
russels Rugs Only
their individuality, style
BRASS
BEDS
We sell good Brass
Beds. Large stock
of all grades, both
polished and satin
finish, but every
piece is well made
FIFTH AND
STARK STS.
that took their rlares. Union wrangles
are said to have been the cause of the
trouble.
Deckhand Is Drowned.
ABERDEEN'. W;ish Dec. 2. (Spe
cial.) Barney Dougherty, a deckhand on
the steamer Raynumti. fell overboard
while attempting to ciohs the gangplank
early this morning and was drowned be
fore assistance could be given him.
Rug Sale
$18.75
7 s is Mi w& vmm
Tl iinpimiiiiiininii iiilifmiiii - Miri.
Included in this great special
purchase were 200 fine Brus
sels rugs in many patterns and
colors. You can surely find a
color combination to suit your
fancy in this grand assortment.
Room-size. The owest prices
ever offered.
Second and Yamhill