Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The Sunday Oregonian. (Portland, Ore.) 1881-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 28, 1919)
THE SUNDAY OREGON! AN. PORTLAND, DECEMBER 28. 1019. LUCAS LOSES SUIT AGAINST TELEGRAM Newspaper Is Vindicated for Expose of Practices. ALL JURORS SIGN VERDICT Attack on "Healer" to Protect Public Held Justified; Claims Exploded by Scientists. record, for the year 1&20 will be the thirtieth one in which she lias sent her children to the public schools of Oregon. In September, 1890, she sent her oldest boy and girl off with the primers to learn the three Rs in the Rock Creek school, which was later abandoned for a more modern edifice at Sherwood. Now the youngest daughter. Miss Teresa Brady. 18 a pupil at Jefferson high. During the Intervening period there ha not been a single term In which the mother was not represented by one or more children in the public schools. Mrs. Brady has been a witness to the development of the educational system in Oregon from the wooden school at Rook Creek to the' mod ern brick edifice stage. She is the widow of Thomas Brady, with whom she immigrated from Ireland in the early '80s. Mr. Brady died in 1908. There are two daughters, six sons and five grandchildren in the family. Repudiation of the claims of Alza- mon Ira Lucas, who insisted that nis income and reputation as a healer and friend of mankind had been damaged to the extent of J50.000 by a series of articles in expose of his practices published by the Evening Telegram, vindication of the motive for the ch.ifgea made by the news paper and substantiation of the truth underlying them were the results of 20 minutes' deliberation by a Jury in the libel suit in the circuit court yes terday, after a three, weeks' trial. Though customary In a unanimous vcrdii-t for the foreman of the jury only to sign, the eleven other Jurors Insisted on putting their signatures after the verdict that there might be no question as to where they stood on the issues Involved. The jurors were: Andrew Gordon, foreman, ThoniRS Ward, J. V. L.ankin. J. D. Bodley. Earl V. English. John E. KfniiPily, Edwin A. Rayworth, Pat rick Haley, E. U Waldrlp, Isaac Turpln, Albert Wanless and Alexan der Muir. TeleRi-rtrn to Collect ( oat a. With the verdict, the Telegram re ceived 'authority to collect costs for the action from Lucas, provided he la solvent. The costs may total thous ands. Though the trial dragged over three weeks, the taxpayers must stand the jury costs except J12 Which must be paid by Lucas. Wit ness fees, clerk fees, and the cost of numerous depositions taken in Cali fornia and Washington at consider able expense will be assessed against Lucas. Lucpa was absent when the verdict was rendered, leaving the courthouse directly after Judge Tucker concluded his instructions to the Jury, and not returning. "I feel that I am not a negro and they can't make h negro out of me In spite of all their testimony." in sisted Lucas after hearing the result of the trial. Mrs. I-ucas. who was Miss Ruth Jacobs before her marriage and is a white woman, expressed great disappointment at the verdict anda desire to appeal the case. Nel son R. Jacobson. their attorney, said he might file an appeal next week, alleging error by the admission of testimony relating to the conduct and specific acts of Lucas in the, past, having no bearing on the case. Criticism Held JuatiflaMc. Tn his instructions, which lasted 75 minutes. Judge Tucker went thor oughly into the laws governing libel, holding, however, that because of the institutions he had founded, such as the American church and Home Bet terment league, Lucas, was a quasi public character and that fair com ment and criticism by a newspaper of his actions was justifiable if with out malice and truthful. Eight as sertions printed concerning Lucas were held to be libelous per se in themselves requiring tjie defense to prove that they were printed without malice or to prove their absolute yuth. The case went to the jury at 10:45 yesterday morning. I.uena' Activities Recorded. The Telegram attacked Lucas on the ground thai It was a public duty to expose grafting practices, and to protect the unwary from a man the newspaper held to be a fraud, charla tan and cheat, who used religious fervor and incantations bordering on voodoolsm to cloak imiupr.il practices with teminlne disciples. When the 50.000 suit was filed, the newspaper began an exhaustive investigation into the activities of Lucas from birth, with the result that the answer filed to the damage action was far more specific and sweeping In denunciation of Lucas than the article objected to. During the trial the courtroom was crowded daily. The interest centered chiefly about five things Lucas' race, his degrees his theory of limitless life, his doctrines of vltalization and regeneration and hie method of spirit uallzatlon. IiUfSN Proved ecro. Lucas insisted that there was no negro blood in his veins that he was of Cherokee Indian. Hindu. French and Holland descent. By birth records of his sister, death certificates of his parents and other evidence, the defense proved 'beyond reasonable doubt that Lucas was a negro or at least a mulatto. Lucas attached to his name on cards and pamphlets the letters D.D., Psy. D., Ph. D.. and N. D. The defense proved, chiefly through Lucas' own testimony, that he had no right to any. with the possible exception of N. D. (Doctor of Naturopathy) con ferred on Lucas by a college of brief life of which he was a founder and faculty member. "D. D." was self conferred by "divine right," Lucas testified. "Ph. D." was conferred on him by a Hindu priest In 1907. he asserted, but was used by him five years before that time. There is no recognized degree of "Psy. D." or "doctor of psychology." "IlealerN" luira Exploded. The "healer" insisted that by fol lowing his teachings a person might live 500 to 1000 years. His pseudo ecientlfic authority for such claims of re-creating the human body were exploded by expert testimony of spe cialists. Leading physicians held his doctrines of vltalization and regen eration to be Ignorant "rot." Deposi tions concerning his methods of "sptr itualization" averred they were a screen for immorality. Lucas came to Portland in 1916 and built up a large following. His ad vertisements, soon refused by Port land newspapers, made extravagant assertions, bragging that he had pre vented hundreds of suicides and di vorces, saved scores from going in sane and cured persons given up by famous physicians in the course of a year. Attorneys Harrison Allen and Cas sius R. Peck of the firm of Griffith, Letter & Allen, represented the news paper: Nelson R. Jacobson. the "healer." HOMING PIGEONS RETURN Birds Freed at Eugene for Exercise Go Back to Camp Lewis. EUGENE, Or., Dec. 27. (Special.') Two of the homing pigeons, let out of the loft kept here by the forestry department several weeks ago for SOLUTION OF OLCOTT TANGLE SCHEDULED If Mixup Continues, Legisla . ture May Urge Action. COURT DECISION AWAITED Amendment to State Constitution to Clear Successor Situation Ex pected In Any Event. If the supreme court has not de cided whether Ben W. Olcott fills the uncompleted full term of the late PROMINENT PORTL ANDERS CELEBRATE GOLDEN WEDDING ON CHRISTMAS DAY. that the secretary of state succeed to the uncompleted term of Gove Withycombe, instead of orderin people to vote for a governor at the general election in 1921, Mr. Olcott will be governor until January 2. 1921. when his term as secretary ex pires, and then his successor, as sec retary of state, elected next Novem ber, becomes the governor until Jan uary, 1923, a matter of two years. As Mr. Olcott becomes governor be cause he Is secretary of state, he cannot longer be governor when his term as secretary of state expires, be cause when no longer secretary or state he loses the qualification which enables him to succeed to the gover norship. That, roughly, was the way the theory was being outlined by a few members of the legislature. As a sup porting argument, they contended that if there were a vacancy in the governorship and office of secretary of state, the president of the state senate would become governor, but it has to be the current president of the senate and not a former presi dent to be advanced to the executive post. In other words, if the two main offices were to become vacant now Senator W. T. Vinton would become governor, but Mr. Vinton could only act as governor until the legislature of 1921 elected a president of the sen ate and the latter In turn would be the governor. One Issue "Not In Mandamus The particular point raised what happens after January 2, 1921, If the supreme court decides the secretary of state fills the uncompleted term of Governor WRhycombe has not been presented to the spreme court and is not an issue in the mandamus proceedings which the court lias un der consideration. It will be a mat ter to be determined later unless the legislature undertakes some solution to the tangle. Of course, much de pends on the decision of the supreme court, and if the decision is that an election must be held for governor In 1920, then the problematic situation will be simplified. For this and other reasons the leg islature would like to have action by the supreme court before the special session adjourns. m TEACHERS TO OPEN I CONVENTION TODAY: Slogan Is "Put Schools on Business Basis." Mail Orders Given Prompt Attention SALARY TALKS SCHEDULED Mrs. Alexander Thompson to Speak on Legislation County Unit Plan Will Be Debated. ' "Put the schools of Oregon on a business basis" is the slogan for the 1919 convention of the State Teachers' MK. AM) MRS. JOH.V K. WALSH. A notable event of Christmas' day was the celebration of the golden wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. John F. Walsh. The festivity was held at the home of their daughter. Mrs. J. O. Hoyt, on Brazee street. Another daughter. Mrs. Fay Wyekoff, Hlso assisted Mrs. Hoyt in receiving the guests. A third daughter. Mrs. Henry Quintan, resides In Oswego, N. Y.. and a son, W. E. Walsh, lives in Salem. For the afternoon there was an elaborate dinner and family reunion, and then came the reception for old friends of the couple. The living-room was handsomely decorated tn Christmas green ery, red bells, holly and mistletoe. A gayly lighted tree was a center of attraction. the dining-room golden tones prevailed and great yellow chrysanthemums were employed in decoration. Mrs. Walsh wore a beautiful and becoming gown of gray satin similar to that which aher wore on her wedding day 60 years ago in St. John's church, Oswego, N. Y. The couple received many handsome gifts and at the reception after dinner claimed the admiration and good wishes of their old-time friends. w.ho called to congratulate them. exercise and thought to have been lost, returned to their original loft at "'amp Lewis, according to word re ceived here. Supervisor McDuff turned the birds out tn Eugene so they might stretch their wings. They soon disappeared and nothing was heard from tliem until yesterday. While quite a number of pigeons in the local loft have returned here after having been taken some dis tance into the forest, there is al ways a chance that they may return to their original loft, says Supervisor MeDuff. For that reason special ef forts are being made to raise as many young ones here as possible so that they will always return to, this loft when liberated. FILIPINOS JIONOR RIZAL Memorial Services to Be Held at Library December SO. Services commemorating the. death of Dr. Jose Rlzal. Filipino martyr, will be held in the library hall Decern, ber 30 at 8 P. M. B. M. Castillon Is acting as head of the committee, Vincent Leonor vice-chairman and Roque Rivera secretary. George Ma merto isetreasurer. Speakers for the occasion are Dep uty District Attorney Richard Deich, Sancho Santos, Vincent leonor. Teo poldo L. Theodore, Julian Noveno, Frederico Reynald, Roque Rivera, ajid a member of the Portland library board. Soldiers' Party Announced. Company E. Ifi2d infantry, formerly the old Third Oregon, will enjoy a lively get-together party and banquet Tuesday evening, December .10, at the Imperial hotel. Clever and surprising entertainment s promised to all at tending and each boy will pay $3 for the evening's enjoyment, including an elaborate banquet. For reservations members should see Frank Simmons at the Owl drugstore.' or any of the boys may attend without making reservations. Governor Withycombe or that the governorship must be determined in the general election, the legislature at the coming special session is ex pected to adopt a resolution urging the court to decide this issue before the special session adjourns. In any event, there is a strong probability that the legislature will propose an amendment to the constitution which will prevent future controversies on this subject. There has been talk tn Portland by members of the Multnomah delega tion that an amendment would he' offered for reference to the voters at the May primaries to this effect: Hereafter, when a vacancv occurs in I the office of governor, either by death or resignation, that the secre tary of state shall act as governor only until the next general election, lourt Derision Awaited. If the supreme court decides that the secretary of state shall fill the unexpired term of Governor Withy combe. it has been pointed out by some Multnomah solons .that there Is a bright prospect of the secretary of state who will be elected in Novem ber, 1920. becoming the acting gov ernor until January, 1923. when the four-year period for which Governor Withycombe was elected will expire, if this theory is correct, it wilt lend added Interest to the contest for sec retary of state In the repuollcan primaries an.d in the general election, when, with the prospective prize of acting governorship, the democrats can be expected to put up a hard fight for their own candidate. The theory on which this possibility was based, was 'something like the following: Mr. Olcott was twice elected as secretary of state, which is as long as he can hold the office un der the constitution, bis original ap pointment not counting. The second and last term for watch Mr. Olcott could be continuously elected as sec retary of state expires January 2, 1921. Mr. Olcott, in his capacity as secretary of state, fills the vacancy caused by the death of Governor Withycombe. Ergo, Mr. Olcott la governor by reason of his being sec retary of state. Providing the supreme court holds GOL. STEARNS TO LEAVE SERVICE IN SPRlfK PRODUC TION DIVISION ENDS. Lieutenant Colonel Charles W. Van Way. Well Known in Xli i - sec tion, Named Successor. After more than two years' service with the spruce production division in the northwest. Lieutenant-Colonel C. P. Stearns will relinquish his posi tion as president of the spruce pro duction corporation tomorrow and will leave Wednesday with his wife and daughter for New York for a month's furlough prior to taking up new duties either on the Mexican border or In foreign service. The removal of Colonel Stearns fol lows a request which he sent to the war department more than a month ago. asking for a transfer. Lieutenant-Colonel Charles W. Van Way. who has been named as Colonel Stearns' successor as president of the corporation, arrived at the Vancouver post yesterday from Huachuca. Ariz.. and will asaumo his new duties to morrow. Colonel Van Way is not a stranger to this section, having served with the spruce production division for nearly two years. He arrived here early in the spring of 1918 and was placed in command of Vancouver bar racks and depot, where he remained until about two months ago, when he was ordered to the Arizona post, upon demobilization of the spruce division. Colonel Stearns was one of the first officers to arrive in Portland in con nection with spruce production and Is one of the last to leave. The colonel came to Portland from Hawaii, where he had been captain of the Fourth United States cavalry. He arrived here November 13. 1917, and two days later the organization of the spruce production corporation was effected. From his arrival until July, 1918. he served as division adjutant. The growth of the work by that time necessitated expansion and Colonel Stearns became chief of staff. On ADril 1. 1919. he became president of the corporation upon the departure of General Disque, and has served in that capacity until now. A report prepared by the departing officer shows that of the 9, 000.000 worth of machinery, equipment and sunolies owned by the service when its work was at its height, all but about $400,000 worth has been dis posed of. The price which the gov ernment has received on these goods, the report shows, has averaged 65 per cent of the original cost. Stolen Car In Portland. HOOD RIVER. Or.. Dec. 27. (Spe cial.) Walter Wooipert has just re covered a touring car, which was stolen here two months ago. The machine fell into the hands of the Portland police, who notified local distributors of the machine that it was ready for the owner. P I raaiaaaaK. a msmsmammm - n aaawiii m .at, jmni J, i . nimpiDn, i.n i.r.imr n All Coats Greatly Reduced $19.75 $24.75 $27.50 Among; these three great lots you will find marvelous value in winter coats. Wraps of every color and de scription ; completely or partially lined ; some with plush collars, others with collars of beautiful fur. Such values will not be repeated and the early shopper is the one who will bear away the plum. Materials are velour, silvertone, plush and other seasonable weaves. con. I. a l.rande su perintendent, who Is to pre side at school fonvrntluo. ssoclatlon, which opens at Lincoln high chool tomorrow. Betterment of rural districts through adoption of a county unit plan, equalizing taxation for the support of schools," consolidat ing the districts and their manage ment, eliminating the one-room build ing and bringing about the organiza tion of more high schools are some of the main considerations to be taken up and which will have an important bearing upon the school administra tion in Multnomah county. Superintendent Alderson Is to lead the discussion of the county unit sys tem. He will also take an active part in the doings of the legislative com mittee, of which Superintendent Hug of McMlnnvllle is chairman. Before the legislative committee will come questions pertaining to sal aries, which are to be given consider able attention by speakers, and In re ports now In the course of prepara tion. " Monday will principally be given over to the session o" the representa tive council when special Investigat ing committees, .the county unit plan committee, the one handling the state millage tax, and numerous others are to set forth the results of their work. One of the new departments created this year for the convention Is that applj'ing to class room teachers and headed by Miss Julia Spooner of Woodmere school. The principal ad dress to be made before this branch Is by Mrs. Alexander Thompson on 'School Legislation." In the department of city superin tendents much time will be devoted to a discussion of the shortage of teachers. Speakers on this will be State Superintendent Churchill. Pres ident Ackerman of the Oregon normal school. Dean Bheldon of the Univer sity of Oregon. Dean Ressler of Ore gon Agricultural college, superintend ent of Ashland. John D. Stout of the Yates-Fisher teachers' agency, and Mrs. Mary L. Fulkerson, rural super visor in Marlon county. A report of the committee on salaries of high school teachers will be presented by Superintendent Howard and discus sion will be led by Superintendent Strange of Baker. A meeting of the executive com mittee will be held tonight in the Portland hote'l. Lovely At Reduced Prices $19.75 $27.50 Dresses of serge, messaline. velveteen, satin, crepe and taffeta are included in this assortment. The styles are so distinctive and charming that you will not be able to resist them once you have seen them. Every one is different and the shades are the most attractive that you could wish for. Four Great Dress Goods Specials! Dresses $1.95 28-in. Costume Velveteen, as long as it lasts, specially priced. 36-in. Black Messaline and Black Taffeta for Monday only. Table Wear 75c Mercerized table wear in most attrac tive patterns in 58-inch widths is spe cially reduced for Monday only. $1.19 36 and 42-in. French Imperial and Storm Serge in wonderful values. 52-in. Storm Serge in black and col ors at great reductions. Cretonnes $1.25 Reversible cretonnes in a large variety of lovely patterns can be purchased now at remarkable savings and laid away for spring sewing. We have just received a new shipment. Sleeveless Slipons $2.50 to $4.95 Very lovely knitted slipons for house wear in white with borders of lavender, pink and blue. There are only a limited number of these knit garments, so you will be wise in making your selection early. Warm Gowns $1.95 DAIRY PROBLEMS TOPIC I't TlRi: OF INDUSTRY TO BE DISCUSSED AT CORVALLIS. Gowns of splendid quality of outing flannel in all white or in pink and blue stripe effects. They have both square and round neck and elbow or long sleeves. Knit Baby Sets $5.95 Knitted Teddy Bear suits in white only that consist of a warm little sweater, leggings and a tasseled knit cap. T Store 7?a tSa ves 0o Money! CUSTOMS HOUSE COLLECTION OF STILLS INCREASES AS RESULT OF RAIDS ON TIN SHOPS. WOMAN'S RECORD UNIQUE 3Ir.-. Brady Represented 30 Years by Children in School. To V Colonic. r-o-rmna Brady of S39 avenue belongs an unusual KB : ' ' ' ' Ailment. .Methods of Feeding and Keeping of Records to Be Cov ered by Speakers. OREGON AGRICULTURAL. COL- I.KOE. r..rvallis. Dee. 27. (Special.) Prominent dairymen from all dairy districts of the state are planning: to attend the dairy section of farmers' week. December 29-January 3. This Is indicated by correspondence received at the college. The programme will take up vari ous problems now confronting the dairy Industry. "Future of Dairying in Oregon will be discussed by Pro feftwor P f Rrnndl. head of th d- partmentof dairy husbandry. Profes sor E. B. Pitta, specialist in feeding, will give several talks oft the serious feeding problems now before the dairymen. Dr. B. T. Simms will speak several times on the common ailments of cattle. Professor E. I Wejtover, dairy spe cialist for the United States depart ment of agriculture co-operating with the college, will emphasize the im portance of keeping breeding records of every cow. Professor V. D. Chappell will dis cuss the manufacturing end of the dairy business and give demonstra tions on butter, cottage chese and Ice cream making. S. Fine, of the col lege, will handle the subject of "Of ficial Tests." McCall's Patterns and Magazine 7s?d&Wasnngton Srs. Henry J. Ditter, Mgr. Store Hours 9:15 to 5:45 w c)al ) Daniel E. Robinson of Tacoma and Lillian Bufford of Portland. Or., obtained a marriage license here today. Farmers Iel Dividends. HOOD RIVER. Or.. Dec. cial. i Dividends received by -(Spelt ood River ranchers on stock of the Spo kane Federal Lank bank will exceed $500. The heaviest dividend was re ceived by the East Fork Farm Loan association, the secretary of which. R. E. Scott, announces a check for $196. The valley has two other loan associations, one in the Upper Valley and another on the west side. MOTEL PLAZA Portlnnd Girl to Wed. TACOMA. Wash.. Dec. 27. (Spe- GROCP OF "HOMEMADE" WHISKY DISTILLERIES SAID TO HAVE BEEN MADE FOR BOOTLEGGERS BY A LOCAL. TINSMITH. In the past week several stills have been added to the collection at the customs house as the result of raids conducted by internal revenue officers on local tin shops. H. W. Hoeoker and his son. Henry, were the first taken In custody, when their establishment at 228 Ash street was examined. Chester Frazer, a tinsmith at Salem, also was caught In the net. It is charged that the men had been filling orders for stills or repairing them, and at least had knowledge of the use for which the vessels were intended. Three stills, officers said, were traced to the Hoecker shop, but the proprietor denied that he knew tlie purpose for which they were ordered. He was bound over to the crand inn- on 11000 bond. . Coming New Year's Day FZZJ masm Multnomah Hotel ANNOUNCES Annual Watch Party and Supper Dance Dec. 31, 9 P. M. to 1 A. M. Grand Ball Room Assembly Hall and Tea Gardens Reservations Now Being Booked Table d'Hote Supper, $3.00 Per Plate Reservations are also being made now for our Special New Year's Day Dinner, Jan. 1, 1920 Eric V. Hauser, President A. B. Campbell. Manager L'- 1 I Am 1 AT UNION SQUARE The Plaza gives the best n values in the three impor- H tant things in hotel ac- B commodations LOCATION SERVICE RATES lm European, from $1.50 up. With bath $2.00 il CARL SWORD, Manager HOTEL STEWART SAN FRANCISCO Geary Street, juit ofl Union Square Famous (or good service, comfort and exceUcal cuisine at reasonable prices. Rates from $1.75 a Day Breakfast 40c and 78c Lunch 60c: Sunoan 75c Dinner $1.25; Sunda$ $1.60. Municipal Car line direct to door. Motor but meets train and tfeanta,