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About The Sunday Oregonian. (Portland, Ore.) 1881-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 23, 1917)
70 Pages Six Sections VOL. XXXVI. NO. 51. PORTLAND, OREGON, SUNDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 23, 1917. PRICE FIVE CENTS. Section One Pages lto20 DELAYED BY ADMIRAL CAPPS Steel ShipConstruction Long Held Up. WOOD WORK IS HANDICAPPED Southern Pine Producers Un able to Deliver Timber. COAST MATERIAL NOW USED Chairman Hurley, of Shipping Board, Charles Piez, of Fleet Corporation, and Others Testi fy at Senate Investigation. WASHINGTON. Dec. 22. Testimony today of Shipping Board officials in the Senate's investigation of delays to the building programme, disclosed that thse start on construction of fabricated steel chips was delayed two months by the refusal of Rear-Admiral Capps, for merly general manager of the Emerg ency Fleet Corporation, to close con tracts negotiated by his predecessor, Ojor-General Goethals, until many erations in them were made. :;he fabricating construction delay and other delays to the programme were brought out In questions asked by the Senate commerce committea con ducting the inquiry of Chairman Hurley and John A. Donald, of the Shipping Board, Charles Piez, naw general man ager of the corporation, and Rear Admiral Bowles, his aide. Soma of the causes for the general delay in both steel and wooden con struction were given by the witnesses as changes in specifications, differences between Admiral Capps and guilders, and slow delivery of materials. The cumulation of delays, Mr. Hurley ad mitted under questioning, ' brought about the recent reorganization of the fleet corporation which ended in Ad miral Capps resignation. Ssntfcern Pine Deliveries.- Slow. - The wooden building programme was j held back largely, Mr. Pies testified, by the inability of southern pine producers to deliver timber. The condition of af fairs was uncovered by an. Investigat ing committee headed' by Mr. Pies, which made a tour of the yards for the Shipping Board. "Whose fault was tha.tr Mr. Piez was asked. "I do not know," he replied. I under stand that the Southern Pine Associa tion promised to deliver the timbers and then fell down on the order." "What are you doing to correct the Bituation?" We are having fir brought from the Pacific Coast." Many contracts already let for wooden ships in the East will have to be .transferred to the West. Mr. Plez added, in order to get the vessels com pleted, as sufficient timber- cannot be had in the East. Senator Kelson directed a long series of questions at ML Plez to learn why a practical shipbuilder would not be a proper man for general manager. "Are you a shlpbiulder?" asked the Senator. Plea Not- Ship Builder. "No," replied Mr. Piez, "but I have had large experience in organization and manufacturing work." "Don't you think it would be better to have a practical builder at the head of the shipping programme." "I have engineering training and have a force of .experts under me." Finally Mr. Piez said somewhat sharply: "I want you to understand. Senator, (Continued on Page 6. Column 8.) BUILDING NEW YORK DOWN TO DAY'S FUEL SUPPLY DRASTlfC COXSERVATIOX MEAS URE ISBER CONSIDERATION. Committee Will Be Appointed to De termine What Industries Will ; Be Allowed Coal. KEV YORK, Dec. 22. With only about ja day's supply of fuel in the city In exctess of Its needs, drastic conserva tion measures were under considera tion Uoday a.t a conference between Al bert I. Wiggin. and Reeve Schley, fuel administrators, rspectlvely, for New York: State and New York County. "Vfe are not going to be drastic to the extend of causing an industrial eruition, however," said Mr. Wiggin in sinnouncing that a conservation com mittee would be appointed, three mem bens of which were to be coal men. This committee, in accordance with instruc tions' from the Federal fuel adminis tration, will determine what Industries axe to be supplied with coal after do mestic needs have been met. . "The cutting off of heat and light to such places as skating rinks and cab arets, the dimming of electric advertis ing signs and the elimination of excess lighting in public places are under stood to be some of the measures which probably will be taken to save fuel. While these precautions were being considered, coal dealers announced that more coal for New York City reached New Jersey tidewater points today than had been received there In any like period this Winter. HOTEL BUS FELLS MAN Unidentified Pedestrian Run Over at Sixth and Davis Streets. An unidentified pedestrian about 60 years old was badly injured at 6:30 o'clock last night by being struck by the Oregon Hotel bus, driven by Ches ter Elliott, at Sixth and Davis streets. He was taken to St. Vincent's Hospital at 7:30. P. M. The chauffeur reported to Harry P. Coffin, chairman of the public safety commission, that he was driving north on Sixth street about 12 miles an hour when the man stepped out from be hind another machine. The fender of the bus struck the pedestrian, carried him a few feet and then dropped him under the wheels. GERMANS AGAIN TRY RAID One Hostile Airplane Forced to De scend In England. LONDON, Dec. 22. An air raid was attempted on the Kentish, coast shortly after 6 o'clock tonight. On raider was ..forced to descend close- to the coast, the crew of three being cap tured! alive. No other machines have come over land at this time. A tecond attack developed about 9:30, when a few bombs were dropped in Thanet. The raiders did not penetrate further inland. No casual-ties or dam age resulted. GERMAN LOSSES ASSERTED Krupp Plant Reported Quadrupled to Keep Submarines Supplied. GENEVA, Dec. 22. The Krupps have recently quadrupled their naval plant near Kiel, according to a dis patch from Berlin by way of Berne to La Suisse. - This was done at the request of the German government for the purpose of making up losses in submarines, which, the dispatch asserts, have been heavier than the German Admiralty admits. 101 VICTIMS OF SUBMARINE British Armed Steamer Torpedoed ln Irish Channel. LONDON. Dec. 22. The British armed steamer Stephen Furness has been tor pedoed and sunk by a German subma rine in the Irish Channel, it was offi cially announced today. Six officers and 96 men were lost. CARTOONIST REYNOLDS GIVES US THIS FURIOUS ASSAULT REGAINS ASOLONE Italians Drive Back Teutons in Night FIGHTING TERRIFIC ALL DAY Sleeping Garrison on Summit of Mountain Surprised. SERIOUS MENACE REMOVED Italian Sailors and Marines, Land ed From Fleet, Attack Enemy At tempting to Cross Old Plave at Nearest Point to Venice. HEADQUARTERS OF THE ITALIAN ARMY IN NORTHERN ITALY. Dec. 21. (By the Associated. Press.) In & suc cession of brilliant attacks throughout yesterday and today the Italians suc ceeded in dislodging the enemy from a great part of Monte Asolone and. driv ing him back more than two-thirds of a mile along a three-mile front. Asolone Serious Menace. s The enemy's occupation of Asolone was regarded as a serious menace, be cause It gave him partial control of San Lorenzo Valley, leading to the plain and Bassa.no. A determined effort was made, therefore, to " redeem the position. The first attack was in darkness at 2 o'clock yesterday morning. when a email detachment of the Seventh In fantry climbed Monte Asolone and made a furious charge on the sleeping garrison. For a time the little band was beyond the summit. but was finally driven back by superior num bers. Fighting Furious All Day. v The day attack began at 10 o'clock in the morning, when the Alplnl and Seventh Regiments advanced on a three-mile front, having Asolone as its center. The left and center moved straight ahead, while the right exe cuted a turning movement which par tially enveloped the enemy position on Asolone.- The fighting was furious all through the day and into the darkness of last night, when the Italians had again mastered the strategic points of Asolone, and the enemy was pushed back for nearly a mile. Marines Drive Back Enemy. The enemy's effort to cross the old Plave at the nearest point to Venice has been thrown back by Italian sailors and marines. The enemy used armed flatboats carrying a storming party. The Italians landed a party from the fleet and engaged in the enemy, driving him back and sinking one of his armed boats. BOMBS WRECK FARM HOUSE Samuel Blesel, Wife and Five Chil dren Receive Warning. EUGENE, Or.. Dec. 23. (Special.) Bombs were set off on three sides of the house occupied by Samuel Blesel, wife and five small children on Cedar Flat, near Hendricks bridge, Thursday night and Friday morning. Blesel found a warning, with skull and crossbones and the words, "Move out." The explosions occurred at about 11 o'clock at night. One destroyed the woodshed and the others damaged the house and broke the windows. The officers, working under the di rection of Sheriff J. C. Parker, are making an Investigation. Blesel Is said to have had some trouble with rest dents of that neighborhood over the use of the range. INDEX OF TODAY'S NEWS The Weather. YESTERDAY'S Maximum temperature. 57 decrees; minimum. 47 degree. TODAY'S Unsettled, probably rain; mod erate winds,, mostly westerly. War. Russian quit peace conference with Ger mans, is report. Section 1, pare 8. American "women working to restore devas tated districts of France. Section 1. pace 8. Italians In furious assault regain Mount Asolone. Section 1. page 1 , Foreign. Canada bars liquors to save grain. Section 1. page 2. Main Krupp plant at Essen reported dam aged cerlously by fire. Section 1 page 6. Japan declares reports of army mobilization groundless. Section 1, page S. War shaking passivism of German public Section 1, page 5. Ex-Premier Calllaux, of France, will be tried for treason. Section 1, page 1. National. Steel ship construction delayed by action of Admiral Capps. Section 1, page 1. Crozler berated in Senate Army inquiry. Section 1, page 2. Iomestlc. New York Is down to single day's fuel sup ply. Section 1, page 1. 30 suspected dynamiters arrested in Sacra mento. Section 1, page 3. 2000 men train at San Diego school. Sec tion 1, page 4. 1S2 enlisted men will attend, third officers training camp. Section 1, page 17. Court declares George W. P. Hunt Governor of Arizona. Section 1, page 9. Confession reported In notorious Keet kid naping case. Section 1, page 6. Packers' side lines widely ramify In Con gressional Inquiry. Section JU page 6. Sports. , Seattle's fighting fireman is star. Section 2, page 1. National Collegiate Association meet Friday. Section 2, page 1. State swimming and diving meet Is January 1. Section 2, page 2. Mount Angel basketball team's prospects bright. Section 2, page 2. Judge McCredle asks fans to help pick man ager for Colts. Section 2. page 2. Basketball prospects at Eugene gloomy. Sec tion 2, page 2. Philadelphia angry over sale of Alexander and Killifer. Section 2, page 8. Athletics benefit soldiers. Section 2, page S. "Big Ten fix track and baseball schedules. Section 2. page 4. Gotch's work on mat unsurpassed. Section 2, page 4. California boxers gain good reputations In Portland by victories. Section 2, page 4. Hockey season opens here. Section 2, page 8. Pacific Northwest. Many would be Seattle's Mayor to succeed HI Gill. Section 1. page 7. Astoria people send telegrams to Washing ton protesting against proposed removal of troops from Fort Stevens. Section 1, page 10. Two members of Public Service Commission express opposition to proposed sone-fare plan. Section 1. page 10. Commercial and Marine. Expected advance In potato pricee doea not materialise. Section 2. page 11. Government scores present wool values as Inflated. Section 2, page 11. Coarse grains close higher In Chicago mar ket. Section 2. page 11. Foreign war bonds atroncer In Wall street. Section 2, page lL Mock court fines aboard steamer Rose City aids Red Cross fuads. Section 2, page 12. Henry Jacobs en. of Tenth Engineers, writes from France. Section 2. page 12. Five hundred thousand -men are wanted to man big emergency fleet. Section 2 page 12. Portland 'builders, respond to Nation's plea for more ships. Section 2, page 12. Portland and Vicinity. Sixteen-year-old ' Flossie Coffman found when Italian confesses. Section 1, page 4. K. D. Cuslck wants Republican nomination for State Treasurer. Section 1, page 8. Portland's gift of 22- ambulances busy on French battlefields. Section, 1, page 11. Shziners spread Christmas cheer. Section 1. page 7. Two sons of Dr. Benjamin H. Fisher enlist. Section 1, page 11. : - Dr. Luther R. Dyott dies. Section 1, page 12. Japan fetes Hardy, Perry expedition sur vivor. Section 1. page 13. Mayor Baker lays down rules for vice sup-, presslon. Section 1, page 1. F. W. Volger discusses functions of big distributor. Section 4, page S. Fathers of Oregon men In service to form permanent organization. Section 1, page 14. ' Classification of questionnaires keep boards busy. Section 1. page 15. Lucy Carter's companion held for her mur der. Section 1. page 16. Cornelius Lane spared tragi o fate by trans fer from ill-fated destroyer. Section 1, page 16. Fifty-dollar prize attraction of coming State Teachers' convention. Section L page 16. Portland completes plans for entertainment of thousands of soldiers and sailors. Sec tion L page 16. Colonel Dlsque glad to have spruee out here if mills can handle work satisfactorily. Section L page 17. Promotion Is fast for successful students In radio classes. Section L page 17. Life In Swiss war colony portrayed by Mrs. June Richardson. Section L page 18. Many rumors current as to railroad changes. Section 1. page 20. German Is seised on answer in question naire. Section 1. page 1. Red Cross race rapid in Oregon', but Port land lags. Section 1, page 12. Portland will be host to loyal sons In serv ice for Christmas. Section 1, page 1. Weather report, data and forecast. Section 2, page 5. PICTORIAL INTERPRETATION OF SOME RECENT GAILLAUX WILL BE TRIED FOR TREASON Immunity Is Revoked at ex-Premier's Demand. ACCUSATIONS MEET DENIAL French Deputies Suspend Par liamentary Right, '41 7 to 2. CROWDS ATTEND SESSION In Impassioned Speech Before Body of Chamber, Man Charged With Dealing Treasonably With Enemy Demands Inquiry. PARIS, Dec. 22. A resolution was adopted In the Chamber of Deputies late today depriving ex-Premier Joseph Calllaux of Parliamentary Immunity In the accusations against him for alleged treasonable dealings with the enemy. The vote on the resolution was 417 to 2. , A similar resolution In regard to Deputy Louis Loustalot was adopted with a show of hands by the chamber. The chamber adopted the resolution In regard to the ex-Premier after the latter had made a long address In de fense of his position and alleged ac tions, and had asked that his Parlra mentary Immunity be suspended so that he might be tried and receive "Justice concerning all the calumnies" to which he had been subjected. Public's Interest Intense. "I demand a trial," exclaimed the ex-Premier concluding his address, "so that my voice may not be stifled by the rolling tumbril of a new santerre." The proceedings In the Chamber of Deputies when the report of the Cham ber's committee on the 'question of the suspension of immunity of M. Calllaux and Deputy Loustalot came up for dis cussion interested the publio Intensely, as was indicated by the fur-clad groups of men and women" waiting In the freezing atmosphere outside early to day for the Chamber to open. ... K Calllaux Slakes Reply. Almost all the seats were occupied when President Deschanel's bell rang and M;- Pals ant, for 'the investigating committee, rose to explain Its findings. M. Calllaux entered at this juncture carrying a bundle' of letters and docu ments. Deputy Loustalot was next heard, reading a brief declaration In a tremulous voice, expressing his Indig nation at being accused of complicity in treasonable transactions. M. Calllaux then rose. "I will reply to the accusatlone of which I am the object." he said, "with as much reserve and as much self-control as possible. Country Served, Is Asserted. "I am not accused of betraying my country for money, no! But for ambi tion." the former Premier continued, and then declared with emphasis: 'Never have I tried directly or indirect ly to come into contact with our en emies. Never have I used subterranean paths to succeed in a foreign policy. "I have always to the full measure of my powers served my country. "The only reproach anyone could make to me is that I have been too re served." . The Chamber listened in absolute si lence while M. Calllaux reviewed his various relationships, which have been regarded by his accusers as suspicious. He denied having . sent Bolo Pasha abroad or that he had anything to do with Bolo's seeking of funds in the United States to buy the Journal. As for the Bonnet Rouge, that was a political affair, he asserted, and then entered into further explanations. In regard to the Foreign Office docu- Concluded on Page. 2, Column 8.) : ,, " GERMAN IS SEIZED ON DRAFT ANSWER FRANK MEYER SATS HE WOULD EIGHT FOR KAISER. Restaurant Worker, 2 6, Checks Himself in Questionnaire as Alien Enemy. Frank Meyer. German resident of Portland, is believed to be the first Ore gon registrant to have put himself In jail by means of questionnaire answers. Meyer listed himself an alien enemy. Now he is in Multnomah County jail and Is to be interned for the duration of the "war. "There is no 60-50 In me," Deputy United States Attorney Robert R. Ran kin reports Meyer as having exclaimed as he was being questioned regarding his sworn allegiance to Germany. "Then you mean to say that you would, if you had the chance, return to Germany and take up arms against the United State?" Mr. Rankin Interro gated. Meyer balked, and had to be shown the right of the examiner to ask this question. . Convinced on this point he blurted out: "Of course. I would." "Marshal, take the man and hold him for internment," rejoined the Govern ment Inquisitor. Meyer was arrested yesterday morn ing by Deputy United States Marshal E. T. Mass. at 251 Burnside street. In a restaurant, where he was employed. The arrest was due to the nature of the answers the young German had re corded In filling out his questionnaire. In the questional Meyer, who gave his age as 26, checked himself as an alien enemy and answered "yes" to the query as to whether or not he was willing to return to his native country and "enter its military service." PATROLS KILL TEUTON SPY Had Drawings of Troop Camps, Fort Bliss and Other Fortifications. EL PASO. Tex., Dec 22. Charles H. Felge was shot and killed by United States Army patrols when he attempted to cross the river to Mexico here late today. Felge was believed to have been a German spy, and when his papers were examined a notebook, drawings and ground plans of troop camps. Fort Bliss and other fortifications near here were found. He also carried a camera with him and was believed to have been obtain ing military Information for transmis sion to Germany through Mexico. PACIFIST GETS YEAR IN JAIL Leader of Conscientious Objectors to Be Drafted After Ho Serves. SALT LAKE CITY, Dec. 22. John W. Rlls, pacifist. Socialist and exponent of the doctrines of conscientious objectors against war. was sentenced to one year's Imprisonment by Judge Johnson;) in the irederal Court today for failure to present himself for physical exam ination In connection with the draft. Rlis will be available for military service when his prison term expires. NATURE STUDENT BURNED Miss Opal Whitely Inhales Flame When Coaloil Ignites. EUGENE, Or., Dec. 22. (Special.) Miss Opal Whitely, well-known nature student, who is attending the Univer sity of Oregon, sustained painful burns of the face here today. The ac cident happened where she haa been rooming while attending school. Miss Whitely was carrying two quarts of coaloil near a stove when it ignited. She inhaled some of the flames, but It Is not believed her In juries are of a permanent nature. Republicans to Confer. WASHINGTON. Dec. 12. It was an nounced at Republican National Com mittee headquarters today that Chair man Wlllcox has called a meeting of the committee In St. Louis February 12. It Is understood Chairmr.n Wlllcox recently has told friends pressure of other business makes It desirable for him to retire. NEWS EVENTS. BOYS Ifl KHAKI WILL PASS HOLIDAY HERE Advance Guard of 1000 in From Camp Lewis. CHRISTMAS SPIRIT APPARENT Great Free Attraction to Be . Staged at Auditorium. BANKS REWARD EMPLOYES Santa Claus Will Bring Gifts to Lit tle Folk Marooned on Trains and Everywhere Plans Are Going Ahead for Merry Day. This will be essentially a soldiers' Christmas. Two special trains of soldiers from Camp Lewis reacned Portland laBt night, bringing about 1000 men In olive drab, who will spend the ' week end here, and a large proportion of them will be able to stay over for the holi days. From Bremerton, Fort Stevens, . Van couver Barracks and other military and naval camps roundabout will come large numbers of men in the service of the Nation, who will turn to Port land for Christmas. BIgr Entertainment Planned." The municipal Auditorium will etage a big entertainment for soldiers Christ mas day, with dancing and theatrical attractions, and refreshments at in tervals, from noon until midnight. Sol diers and sailors, with their families or sweethearts, will be the only ones ad mitted. For them, of course, there will be no charge, and none others can get In at any price. Girls of the Honor Guard and others will attend to make it an especially big holiday for the visiting soldiers. Local vaudeville houses will contribute acts and four bands will supply music for dancing. Twenty-five men of the aviation section stationed at Vancou ver Barracks will serve as the floor committee. Christmas Spirit Noted. The Christmas spirit may be said to be already here. It was evidenced in the stores and on the streets yesterday, in homes and business houses. The shops 'are aglow with the tinsel and greenery of the season and there are more Christmas packages being shut tled about the city for delivery than the town ever saw before. Santa- Claus invaded Portland banks yesterday, when usual Christmas gifts for employes were distributed. The United States National gave each one on the staff half of one month's sal ary as a reminder of the season, and the Northwestern National Bank gave each one $25. The First National re members Its employes at Christmas by paying up for another year the pre mium on the group life Insurance pol icy In effect throughout the Institu tion. The Bank of California has dis tributed as a special Christmas token half of one mont's salary. Bonuses to Be Given. This delightful Christmas custom will be observed widely throughout the city. Many business houses will recognize that their prosperity Is due largely to the loyal work of employes, and will reward It with gifts at this season. Many of the biggest firms will dis tribute special bonus gifts, but the an nouncements will not be 'made until tomorrow or Christmas day. Numerous other establishments make their bonus payments on New Year's. Travel has never been so heavy at this season as now. All rail lines re port full trains .with former records (Concluded on Page 2. Column 1.)
