TIIE SUNDAY OREGOXTAN. rOKTLAXD, 3rAP.cn 5, 191 P.
BIODELL SUIT ENDS
RIDGEFIELD COUPLE ARE
GOLDEN WEDDING HOSTS
Property Rights Are Settled
t Out of Court.
Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Morton Celebrate Anniversary Trip to West in Early
Days Is Recalled Of 13 Children, Eight Are Alive.
DECREE AWARDED TO WIFE
All Counter-Charges Against Hus
band Are Withdrawn Except
That of Beating Her Wire
tapping Probe Held TJp,
id the publicity attendant upon the
airing' of the domestic relations in open
court case the Riddels to agree to an
Unexpected settlement of their divorce
case ye3terdayT
This is a question being asked by
Interested parties as a result of the
quiet and unheralded default taken in
the court of Circuit Judge Davis yes
terday by Mrs. Marie Riddell. upon
withdrawing her original answer to
Alex G. Riddell's suit and filing an
amended and cross-complaint.
Property rights were settled outside
of court, both parties agreeing to an
equitable division of Mr. Riddell's es
tate, valued at $12,000. No answer
was made to the allegations in Mrs.
Riddell's cross-complaint; she testified
briefly that on two occasions her hus
band had struck her; and a default was
entered by Judge Davis.
Sting Taken From Complaint.
Compared to the original answer
filed by Mrs. Riddell, and yesterday
withdrawn from the court files, the
amended answer and cross-complaint
was inocuous, the sting having been
removed. No reference was made to
Dr. Anna M. Wheeler, Fan Murray or
Elsie Walters.
Mrs. Riddell alleged in her former
newer that Mr. Riddell had left her
beca"e of his infatuation for Dr.
Wheeler. She named the other two
women as co-respondents.
In the amended answer Mrs. Riddell
did not mention the alleged occurrence
of her husband coming home late one
night after having seen a woman
Iriend, and, answering his wife's query
as to his whereabouts with "It's none
of your business. I do not intend
to report my coming and going to you."
This was alleged in the original an
ewer. Beating la Only Charge Kept.
All alleged as grounds for divorce is
that on August 26. 1915. and on Sep
tember 25, 1916, Mr. Riddell struck and
beat his wife. For this cruel and in
human treatment she prayed for relief
from matrimonial bonds.
The testimony of Mr. Riddell's friends
as to Mrs. Riddell's frequent outbursts
of temper, that went on record the
opening of the trial last week, possibly
was referred to in newspapers filed,
which allege "that during the entire
married life of the plaintiff and the
defendant, the defendant has conducted
herself as an affectionate wife, al
though she has been compelled by rea
son of the misconduct of the plaintiff
from time to time to remonstrate with
3iim as to his conduct and mistreatment
of her."
Courtroom Doors Bolted.
Circuit Judge Davis had adjourned
court for the morning, and the doors
of his courtroom were bolted, when
Attorney Roger Slnnott with his client,
Mrs. Riddell. and Attorneys W. A
"arter and George Cameron for Mr.
Tviddell, sought admittance. They had
given the court no notice of their in
tention to appear. Judge Davis resumed
the bench, and the formalities were
rushed through in a few moments. At
torneys for both sides orally stipu
lated that Mrs. Riddell might withdraw
her answer from the files and file an
amended answer and cross-complaint,
and that property rights had been
agreed upon outside of court.
Mr. Riddell was not present, and Mrs.
Riddell testified briefly to the cruel
treatment of her spouse and won her
decree by default.
Wire-Tapping Probe Hailed.
Further exposure of the alleged
wire-tapping of the telephone In the
office of Dr. Wheeler by agents of Mrs.
Riddell, which Attorney Slnnott Pre
dicted when the trial opened, were
quashed so far as the divorce action
is concerned.
Mr. and Mrs. Riddell were married at
Vancouver March 18, 1903. Mrs. Riddell
brought suit for separate maintenance
from her husband December 1. 1915.
On December 29, 1915. Mr. Riddell filed
a separate action against Mrs. Riddell,
praying for a decree of divorce. The
first suit of Mrs. Riddell Is ended by
the settlement of the second, brought
by her husband, but defaulted by him
when she made a cross-complaint.
Mr. Riddell Is secretary of the Lib
erty Coal & Ice Company.
The case went to trial before Judge
Davis last Tuesday, and testimony for
the defense was heard. Not relishing
the attention attracted by the case, the
parties agreed to a postponement thel
day. following, and yesterday saw the
settlement.
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MIt. A5D MRS. JT. S. MORTOX AT TTU K OF TBETB WEIIMSG, A1VD TODAY,
R. AND MRS. J. n MORTON cele-
rated their 50th wedding anni
versary recently at their home
near Ridgefield.- Wash. Thirty-eight
guests were present, including mem
bers of the family and friends, A
luncheon was served, followed by a pro
gramme of speechmaklng and singing.
John H. Morton and Matilda J.
Brownlee were married February 15.
1866, at Colburn, Ind. Mr. Morton was
18 and Mrs. Morton 16 years of age at
the time. They moved directly from
there by rail to the end of the Chicago,
Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, and by
ox team 100 miles farther to Dunn
County, Wisconsin, later living in
Pierce County.
In 1878 they moved to Athens. Ala..
returning to Wisconsin the same year.
The lure of the West brought them to
PERSONAL WORK TO START
Christian Endeavor Union Campaign
Begins Monday, March 13.
Monday night, March IS. the Port
land Christian Endeavor Union will
start its personal workers' class. It
will be held four Monday nights, and
will ena April s.
Dr. George B. Pratt has been secured
as the leader. Last year the Tacoma
Y. M. C. A. paid his expenses to come
to that city to lead such a class.
Thl3 effort comes as the result of
repeated requests from Endeavor mem
bers in all parts of the city. Last year
at the close or the Union s expert class.
which never had an attendance of less
than 60, the members asked for a per
Fonal workers' class in the Spring. It
is expected that Endeavor members
generally will respond, and that 100
or more will attend each of the meet
ings.
The Epworth League of the Meth
odist Episcopal Church held a meeting
on ponesaay. iuiss .Dorothy Larsen
and Miss Stella Arnold had charge of
the supper. Election of officefs re
sulted as follows: President,' Hubert
Scott; vice-president. Richard Thomn-
son; second vice-president. Miss Stella
Arnold: third vice-president, Mrs.
Pryan; fourth vice-president, Edith
inompson; secretary, B. T. Snodgress
Treasurer, oooert romeroy. and pii
1st. Rath Workman. Dr. C. O. McCul
loch gave an address. .
ine ceacon idgnts class or the First
Lnitea iireinren Church held Its sec
ond anniversary on February 29. J. R.
Mann was toastmaster. Among those
who responded to toasts were J. E.
jienKie, nay etewart. .Mrs. E. B. Clark,
Jtev. J. u. Jsisewomier. J. L. Zeigle
ana u. -i i. jviana-
Dr. Sowers Will Speak.
UNIVERSITY OF OREGON. Eugene.
March 4. (Special.) Dr. Don C. BnJ.
Vrs of the commerce department, has
accepted an invitation to repeat his
lecture, "In the Heart of China" this
Time oeiore the Portland chanter
the Institute of Bank Clerks, Tuesday
evening, March 14. at the regular
jBoniniy meeting or the organization.
M'
Oregon In 1887. where they lived In
Montavllla.. Portland, and Beaverton
until four years ago, when they moved
to their present home.
Mr. Morton served In- the Civil War
in the l4th Indiana Regiment of the
Army or the Potomac.
Thirteen children were born to them,
of which eight are now living, as fol
lows: Mrs. Flora Morton, Ridgefield;
EtTle Eaton, Ellsworth. Wis.; Ida. Mc
Breen, Beaverton, Or.: John, : Anna
Wood and Fred. Ridgefield; Orpha
Ayers, Portland, and Harry, who is still
at home. They now have 27 grand
children and five great-grandchildren.
One daughter. Birdie, was shot In Mon
tavilla, Portland, by Burdette Wolf in
1893.
Mr. and Mrs. Morton started together
in their teens with an ox team and sled,
but now, past their three-score and ten,
are driving a small auto.
CATHOLIC OPINION UPON
BIRTH CONTROL IS GIVEN
Noted Theologian's View, as Set Forth Authoritatively, Is Published
by Request.
The Orcgonian has received from re
sponsible Catholic sources a request
for publication of the appended article
on birth control, from the pen of Rev.
John A. Ryan, D. D-, a noted Catholic
theologian of St. Paul, Minn. It is said
to be a correct and authoritative state
ment of the Catholic view of the birth
control a subject which has recently
stirred up controversy In Portland. It
is printed in lieu of other letters on
birth control received from several
priests and from other persons:
Invitation la Declined.
To Clara Gruening Stillman, secre
tary Birth Control League: My Dear
Madam: A careful, searching memory
and an anxious examination of con
science have not enabled me to discover
anv act or utterance of mine which
would justify you in expecting that I
should consider favorably your invita
tion, which I have received, to become a
member of the Birth Control League. 1
regard the practice which your organ
ization desires to promote as immoral,
degrading and stupid. The so-called
contraceptive devices are intrinsically
immoral because they involve the un
natural use, the perversion of a human
faculty. One of the most lmponani
human faculties Is used in such a way
as to frustrate its natural end. Sucn
conduct is quite as immoral as self
mutilation, or the practice of solitary
vice. Any person who rejects this
fundamental moral principle concern
ing the wrongfulnes of perverting a
faculty, must logically hold that there
is no such thing as intrinsic immorality-,
that moral badness is always iden
tical with individual disutility, and that
anything is right which any individual
thinks is useful tor mm.
Condemnation Is Strong.
The practice in question is degrad
ing because it perverts conjugal inter
course from co-operation (potential if
not actual) with the Creator into mere
means of sensual gratification. It
brings them down to the level of mu
tual instruments or indulgence. xne
disgusting calculation and repulsive
artifice which characterize the various
contraceptive devices, tend inevitably
to diminish conjugal reverence, sen
respect and mutual respect. It is
doubtful whether any normal man or
woman ever began such practices wltn
out suffering a severe moral shock, or
continued them without serious moral
degeneration. It is not surprising that
men and women who thus pervert one
of the highest functions of life and the
most intimate relation of marriage,
should grow obtuse in their perceptions
of the sacredness and exclusiveness of
wedlock, and of the binding character
of conjugal obligation. It is not i
mere coincidence that childless marri
ages and one or two-child marriages
should form such a large proportion of
the cases in which divorce is sought on
statutory grounds.' incidentally.
would observe that, so far as I know,
Dhvslcians are practically unanimous
in declaring that all the contraceptive
practices are in some degree Injurious
to health.
Practices Held Stupid.
"These practices are stupid because
they are so evidently subversive of the
end wnlcn tne .tsirtn v-ontroi oeague
nrofesses to promote, namely human
welfare. And the advocates thereof
are shortsighted and superficial. They
have not learned the obvious lessons
of human history, nor grasped the
fundamental facts of human psychol
ogy. They fail to realize the Inevitable
by-producta of the practice. It is
orobablv true that if the poorest labor
ers could restrict the sise of their fam
ilies, they could raise the standard of
living, and increase to some degree
their material welfare.
"But this is only one of the conse
quences. When we take a comprehen
sive view of the situation we find that
any group, class or nation, that once
becomes addicted to the use of contra
ceptives does not give it up after the
immediate material ends have been at
tained. They are not content to take
advantage of these devices merely un
til they have reached a level of rea
sonable comfort. They continue them
in the interests of ease and luxury.
This Is what has happened and what
is happening in those sections of the
middle and upper classes that have
adopted the abominable vice, and there
is no good reason to hope that the
poorer classes would fail to follow their
example.
Some Kffects Set Forth. -
'Now, the restriction of the number
of children to one, two or three for the
sake of ease and material satisfaction
Inevitably produces a disinclination to
endure hardship, an Inability to put
forth painful effort, and a general
weakening of moral fiber. This means
a- decline in every sort of efficiency;
ror tne capacity to endure and the abil
ity to do without, will forever remain
the essential conditions of achievement.
Talk as we will about 'the joy of work,"
the sober fact is that every kind of
labor Involves painful exertion if it is
carried on continuously, effectively, and
up to the lmit of one a capacity. There
are few, if any, active persons who
would not find it more pleasant to di
minish considerably the amount of time
and effort that they spend at their
tasks. Now, a social practice, like the
use of contraceptives, which aims at a
life of ease and a shirking of unDleas-
ant duties reduces fatally the power of
endurance, and the ability to carry on
sustained and effective labor. It af
fects the lew children that are born
even more than the parents; for it de
prlves them of the necessary training
In endurance, and keeps before them the
bad example of their luxury-loving
elders. They are not only small in
quantity, but poor in quality: that is.
in moral quality, which is the supreme
human quality. The social grouD that
nas tnus weakened its moral fiber, in
evitably declines in social power and
importance. Witness the decadence of
the New England strain in our own
population; the condition of the French
nation, as described and deplored by
such authorities as the great economist.
P. Leroy-Beaulieu; and the imminent
degeneration that threatens certain sec
tions of the English speaking peoples
in more man one country, as set rorth
in detail by Mr. Beale in his 'Racial
Decay.
Laboring Class Discussed.
"I have no Intention of denying that
large sections of the laboring class have
only too much opportunity to culti
vate their capacity for endurance. They
would be not only more comfortable
but more efficient if this opportunity
were considerably diminished. But the
only safe way to bring about this re
sult is by bettering their condition
economically. The remedy advocated
by the Birth Control League is futile
and disastrous, inasmuch as, in the long
run, and sometimes in the 'short run.'
it impels its votaries to the other ex
treme, to the pursnit of ease and lux
ury, and to the adoption of ideals and
practices which inevitably produce
moral deterioration and as serious de
cline in efficiency. Wherever the small
family cult is practiced, it is both the
effect and cause of a conception of life
which regards an Indefinite in
crease of material satisfactions and
sensations as the highest good. It in
volves the most far-reaching exempli
fication that the world has known of
what Carlyle called 'plg-pHllosophy.'
Why should we be in haste to fasten
this curse upon the laboring classes?
Until such time as the poorest laborers
are put in possession of living wages,
they have within their power an en-
1 J,
Modtt SS f. o. b. Toitda
No Advance In Price
The rice of the big, powerful Overland Six (Model 86) wiH
not be advanced.
Prices of other Sixes are advancing. Prices of Sizes recently
announced on new models, are higher. In fact, comparatively
nguring'prices of practically all Sixes are now far in excess of
the Overland.
On the basis of present prices of raw materials a Six of th
Overland quality would have to sell at a much higher price.
But due to a little foresight in purchasing we escaped having
to pay premiums for raw materials hence the price of the
Overland Six is not increased.
-
This in spite of the fact that prices of ell steels are up from
100 tq 150; that the price of aluminum has gone from about
20 cents a pound to over 50 cents a pound; that the price of
copper has more than doubled ; that tires and other accessories
have tad a sharp advance.
We cannot guar ant co that this present price of $1145 will
hold indefinitely.
The serious condition of tho material market makes that
impossible.
But the quality Is not lowered; and for the present price
is not advanced.
Just compare the size, power, flexibility and quality of the
Overland Six motor; the length of the whcelbase the seating
capacity, the finish, the equipment, the comforts, the con
veniences and improvements of the Overland Six with all others
and you'll find no valid reason for paying more than $1145 fo
a six cylinder automobile.
Deliveries cow.
J. W. LEAVITT & CO, Distributors
Broadway at Davis St.
Portland, Or. Phone Broadway 3S3S
The Willys-Overland Company; Toledo; Ohio
" Made la U. ft, A."
tirely innocent means of keeping down
the number of thier offspring, namely,
conjugal abstinence. Those parents
who have sufficient moral strength to
adopt this means will be in no danger
of character-degeneration through the
presence of a small Instead of a large
family. Those who do not feel equal
to this sacrifice can not afford to run
the risk ' of the moral deterioration
which follows the use of contracep
tives. They need that natural and com
pulsory form of self-denial which a
large family Involves. I am well aware
that it is easy to find exceptions to the
dire consequences that I have attrib
uted to the practice of the small family
cult: but my statements apply to large
social groups, and assume that the
practice is maintained through two or
three generations. In these conditions
experience has shown, and continues to
show, that the thing is socially disas
trous. Church Will Ever Oppose.
"Were 1 a believer in the doctrine
that "the end Jutlfles the means," I
should, as a Catholic, rejoice In every
extension of the nefarious practices ad
vocated by the Birth Control League.
For 1 should feel assured that every
such extension was hastening the day
when Catholics would become the pre
dominant element in our population.
Already the tendency in this direction
has been considerably accelerated
through the prevalence of the small
familv cult among non-Catholics. Un
fortunately many Catholics have been,
to some extent, contaminated by the
bad example set in this matter by their
separated, brethren. Nevertheless, the
extent to'which the Catholics will be
come addicted to this vice will always
remain relatively insignificant. For
the church will forever oppose it as
something intrinsically and eternally
immoral, and will deprive those' who
Dersist in it of access to the sacra
ments. In the struggle for existence
which the use of contraceptives has
created, the Catholic element in our
population will survive because It Is
the fittest to survive; that is. because
the Catholic element will retain and
sustain those moral qualities that are
the chief factor in fitness for survival
among human beings. Tho mass of
Catholics will continue to cultivate
those qualities which are the only safe
guard against the development of rot
ten hearts ana riaooy intellects, cath
olics will have not only the quantity
the numbers, but the quality as well;
for in the nurture of human beings
quality cannot be maintained without
quantity. The clearest proof of this
statement is the fact that, as between.
say one hundred large families of the
poor and an equal number of the
middle class families who represent the
second generation of the votaries of the
smaii-iamiiy cuil, a a . i hoi "i. ,
the efficient and achieving persons will
arise out of the former group, than
out of the latter group.
"I am invited to send two dollars for
membership in tho Birth Control
League. 1 must respecnuuy omun,
1 . - . t. A.-a-,r l that T Vl D H TTIlirh
Willi i.il J vmdo. . ab.ui.
rather give the money to an organiza
tion for tne Training w pi
It would aid in the development of at
least some manly and human qualities.
"Yours, 'more in sorrow, than in
anger,' JOHN A. RYAN. D. D."
OREGON DRIVE ADVERTISED
Eastern Magazines Giving Space to
Columbia Klver Highway.
World's Work and the National
Geographio Society's magazine are
giving the Columbia Highway extended
notice in their publications according
to a telegram received at the Chamber
of Commerce yesterday from S. C.
Lancaster, who is In Boston. Mr.
Lancaster's telegran. which outlines
graphically the interest . that Boston
has shown in the great Western high
way, says:
'"The World's Work is preparing an
extensive Illustrated article of the Co
lumbia River Highway. The National
Geography also gives an extended
notice. Houston, president of the Ad
Clubs of the world, favors repeating
Washington stunt at tne national con
vention, Philadelphia, in June. Com
mittee' meets ten days hence. Boston
Chamber of Commerce gave a luncheon
in my honor today. Pilgrim Publicity
Association hears me Saturday noon.
Boston Press Club entertains at lunch
eon at 1 o'clock, kindness of Filene
returning courtesy of Portland Cham
ber, kindness of Julius Meier in drive
over Columbia River Highway. Berger
Jones pctures made splendid irapres
slon here as elsewhere."
Interest in Primaries Keen.
ABERDEEN, Wash., March 4. (Spe
cial. Keen interest Is being manifested
in the city primary election to be held
here Tuesday, at which Republicans
will nominate a Treasurer. Clerk, Po
lice Judge and six Councilmen. The
hardest fight is between T. H. Hill.
Incumbent, and E. B. Crary for City
Treasurer.
Portland to
San Francisco
in 30 Hours
THE NORTH BANK ROAD
and
S. S. NORTHERN PACIFIC
Steamer Express leaves 9 A. M., and S. S. Northern
Pacific Sails SATURDAY, MARCH 11, and thereafter
EVERY SATURDAY, to SAN FRANCISCO.
FARES, including Meals and Berth First Class, outside
room, ?20; inside room, $17.50. Tourist, outside room, $15.00;
inside room, $12.50. Third Class, $8.
THROUGH TICKETS TO LOS ANGELES, SAN DIEGO
AND OTHER ' CALIFORNIA POINTS. COMBINATION
STEAMER AND RAIL -AND ALL-STEAMER ROUTES.
c a i nirrn rvnnciTinM Dedication
March 18.
Tickets and Reservations at
NORTH BANK OFFICE, 5th
and Stark; 3d and Morrison,
100 3d st. and 348 Wash. st.
Bwdy.
920
A 6671
S. S. Great Northern from San Francisco
for Los Angeles and Honolulu, March 6
and 24.
-
Phone Your Want Ads to The Ore? onian
Main 7070 A 6095 ' .