Entered at the Post Office at Athena. Oregon, as Second-Claaa Mail Matter VOLUME 49. ATHENA, UMATILLA COUNTY, OREGON, FRIDAY MORNING, FEBRUARY 2. 1928 NUMBER 8 LEGION POSTS IN DIST. CONFERENCE Spirited Address Made By State Commander Love At Banquet. Delegates from thirteen American Legion Posts participated in the con ference of the 6th district,- hJ in Athena Monday. The business ses sions were held during the day in the K. P.-I. 0. O. F. Hall, the banquet, served by the ladies of thje Baptist church, took place in Masonic dining room, and the big Legion dance was given at Legion Hall. B. B. Richards presided as toast master at the banquet and after a few prelimenary remarks, introduced George Love, State Commander, who delivered a' spirited address. Com mander Love gave in detail his ob servations of existing conditions in European countries visited by him last fall after attending the National Le gion convention at Paris. Contrary to the general impression prevailing in America, the condition of France as a result of the World War is deplorable as compared with conditions in Germany. War-torn France is yet deeply in the throes of reconstruction, and is greatly retard ed in reclaiming her land back to cultivation in the war zones, said Commander Love, because of financial depression. In marked contrast, Commander Love observed on his visit to Germ any well organized production in agri culture and industry, and on October 2, Hindenberg Day in Berlin, he wit nessed the greatest military pageant he ever saw in time of peace any where. The 'speaker said that all statues in Germany face toward France, and he gave it as his opinion that another war was inevitable, de claring that at the end of the World War, Germany merely went into a 15 year armistice to prepare for another attack on France. Other speakers were Carl Moser, State Adjutant; Earl McSherry, vice State Commander; Harold Warner, past vice-Commander; Edward Ivers, past State Commander and past National Commander of the "40 and 8," and Judge Fee of Pendleton. After the banquet, a mass meet ing was held in the lodge hall where a number of Legion men and Athena citizens made short addresses. The conference was held primarily to inform ex-service men of the bene fits and privileges that the State and Federal government has made avail able for them. One of the greatest privileges extended is hospitalization of all veterans regardless of the nature of disease or wherever he may be. There are 51 government hospit als in the United States at this time and they are free to any and all vet erans when sickness or disability overtakes them at any time. The matter of state loans to vet erans was discussed and explained in detail, as also was adjusted compen sation. The dance at Legion Hall was the most successful one given here for a long time. Music for the occasion was furnished by the Pirate orchestra band of seven pieces and the hall was literally jammed with dancers. Legion Hall was beautifully decorated for the occasion, and dancing continued un til one o'clock, a. m. General comment is heard in ex pression of the splendid spirit engend ered by the conference and the cap able manner in which arrangements had been made for the event by C. L. McFadden, commander of the locul Post and the general committeeman, Glenn Dudley, Penn Harris and Allen Bell. The Pendleton drum corps was present early in the evening and its inspiring music greatly enlivened the occasion. In relation to the membership drive which is now being made, it develop ed that the 6th district leads in the state by a margin of 1 l-10th points. Entertained Bridge Club Mrs. Frank Ames entertained the Bridge Club Friday afternoon at her home on Fifth street. Three tables were in play and the hostess served lunch. Mrs. Ralph McEwen, Mrs. Glenn Dudley and Mrs. E. C. Prestbye were guests. Mrs. McEwen won the guest prize. Funeral Services Here Funeral services for the late A. M. Roche, who died February 13 at Port land, were held in the Baptist church Sunday afternoon. The deceased, who was the father of Mrs. Harry Allen, Mrs. Jeanette Taylor and Mrs. John Peebler, former residents of Athena, died at the age 77 years. Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Logsdon were week-end visitors at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Clark Mace at Richland, Washington. MRS. EVERETT SANDERS A new and especially posed portrait of Mrs. Everett Sanders, wife of the secretary to President Coolldge, who Is a frequent hostess In the official circles pf the National capital. Splendid Boy Scout Program Rendered for Their Parent's Night Athena Boy Scouts rendered a splendid program for their Parent's Night entertainment at the Standard Theatre Wednesday evening, the pro ceeds from which totaled $55.45. B. B. Richards introduced Dr. Her man S. Reichard, pastor of the Presbyterain church at Walla Walla, honary president and Scout commis sioner of the Blue Mountain Boy Scout Council, who delivered the principal address of the evening. Dr. Reichard explained the Boy Scout movement from its inception down to the present time, and in detail enumerated Scout qualifications and the splendid achievements accrued by the organization as a whole and the advantages every boy has when he is master of the tests required to be come a first-class Scout. The speaker paid high tribute to the personnel of the Athena troop, saying he had never met a finer look ing lot of boys, and he also compli mented Scout Master LeRoy for his capabilities in scout leadership and for the splendid spirit he has in stilled in the members of his troop. An outstanding feature of the pro gram was the presentation of the flags to the Athena Boy Scout troop by Athena-Weston American Legion Post. Post color bearers, supported by a color guard, marched down the aisles of the theatre to the stage where the flags were presented. The audience was intensely interest ed in the fire-building test, signaling, first aid appliances which were en acted on the stage by Scout members. "Be Prepared," an exceptionally fine motion picture, which graphical ly depicted the stages of boy scout work from the time the member joins the troop until he becomes a full fledged scout, was greatly enjoyed by the audience. The feature picture was supplemented by a merry "Our Gang" comedy. The Pendleton Music House had one of its Orthophonic Victrolas at the theatre, which furn ished the music for the occasion. Hosts to Party Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Walker were host and hostess to a party of friends at their home Friday night when four tables of 500 were at play.' The prize for high score was won by Mrs. Ross Catron, Mrs. Sterling Parris re ceived the consolation gift. A dainty three course luncheon was served at a late hour by the hostess. Guests were: Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Potts, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Saulsberry, Mr. and Mrs. Archie Mclntyre, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Gordon, Mr. and Mrs. Ross Catron, Mr. and Mrs. A. L. McEwen and Mr. and Mrs. Sterling Parris. Pendleton Here Monday Night Athena High School will play its deferred game with Pendleton High School on the local floor, Monday night. This game was orginally scheduled for Wednesday of last week, but through a misunderstand ing by the Pendleton management, it is stated. The matter has been adjusted satisfactorily to all concern ed, and the game, will be played Mon day night . Boy Cuts Knee Percy Hoggard, a boy employed as helper at Jensen's blacksmith shop had the misfortune to cut his knee with a drawing-knife. The blade made a deep gash in the kneecap, and had it struck lower. Dr. Sharp says the ligaments would have been sev ered and the boy a cripple for life. While the cut is a seerious one as it is, only a scar will be the result WILL TAX DISTRICT FOR ROAD BUILDING Arrangements Made At a Meeting Held Here" Monday. About thirty land owners and tenants residing north and northwest of Athena held a meeting at the office of Watts & Prestbye Monday evening, and discussed the proposal to com plete road construction by organizing the district affected and levying a special road tax. The proposed road improvement in cludes the new road leading north from Athena and partly graded last year, to the Tom DeFreece place, thence west to Wayland Station on the Northern Pacific, thence down Gerking Flat south to the Sheldon Taylor farm, intersecting the sur faced road leading west from Athena. Saturday last the County Court viewed a part of the proposed roads and suggested the loop combination as being the practical construction program to follow out. Everyone in attendance at the Athena meeting favored the loop road, which would serve a district comprising approxi mately thirty-eight sections of land with a tax valuation of $2,000,000. The loop road going up the flat north from Athena, and down Gerking Flat, would give convenient outlet for a large number of farmers. Com pleted, the road would be about fif teen miles in length, and its cost is estimated at $70,000. With the forma tion of a road district, a tax levy for road purposes of ten mills would be levied and matched by the county. It is figured that two levies would pay for the road. The next step will be definite loca tion of the road at a meeting to be held in the near future and submitted to the legal voters of the proposed district. - It is expected that the road will be designated by the County Court thte year and completed next year. Committees appointed at the meet ing Monday night were Alex Mcln tyre, Frank Sanders, H. I. Watts and Virgil Zerga, from the district north of Athena, and Henry Keen, Louis Keen and Joe Cannon from the Gerk ing Flat district. Voting to tax the district will take place in November. Observing the anniversary of the Pythian Order, the members of Pyth ian Lodge No. 49, Knights of Pythias, their families and invited friends participated in the annual banquet at the lodge hall, Thursday evening of last week. Dinner was served by lodge mem bers at 6:30, covers being laid for over 100 members and guests. After the banquet dinner a fine program was enjoyed by those present. For years past the local lodge has celebrated the Order's anniversary by holding open house to visiting mem bers and friends, and the event of Thursday evening was in keeping with the pleasure and success usually enjoyed on those occasions. After dinner the following program was rendered: Selections by an orchestra the per sonnel of which was Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Pinkerton, J. C. Harwood, Kohler Betts, C. M. Eager, J. F. Ker shaw, Lee Meyer and Lawrence Liau- allen; Dutch monologue, Mrs. Frank Williams; piano solo, Marjone Doug- as; musical readings, Miss Mildred Bateman; piano duet, Marjorie Mon tague and Bernice Wilson; Orchestra selections. . Ye old time Virginia Reel ac companied by Ethel Montague and Lee Johnson. Games followed until a late hour. "Ben Hur" Coming To the Standard "Ben Hur," General Wallace's great story, filmed by Metro-Goldwyn into a screen classic, will be at the Standard Theatre for two nights next week, Wednesday, February 29 and Thursday, March 1. In all the annals of screen pro duction, critics agree there is only one other motion picture that com pares in magnitude and measures in excellence with "Ben Hur," and that one predominant photoplay epic which still stands on the pinnacle of per fection is D. W. Griffith's "Birth of a Nation." Like "The Big Parade," the con tract for presenting "Ben Hur" is on a road show percentage basi3, necessitating a raise in admission prices to 50 cents for adults and 25 cents -for children. Tomorrow night the Standard pre sents Marion Davies in "Quality Street," a beautifully presented photoplay which screens a splendid story played by quality actors and actresses. , Sunday night Paramount presents W. C. Fields and Mary Brian in "Run ning Wild," a sparkling comedy-drama. Mrs. Steen Surprised The home of Mrs. Retta Pott3 was the scene of a delightful surprise to Mrs. Glenn Steen of Milton, Friday afternoon, when the Study club gave her a special reception. A buffet luncheon was served, the table be ing gayly decorated. Mrs. Stella Keen poured tea and Mrs. Boyd pre sided at the coffee urn. Mrs. Steen, who came over from Milton for the occasion, was presented with a hand some present by the club. She re signed as secretary-treasurer, and Miss Myrtle Potts was elected in her place. Are You Registered Voters will not be registered at the polls in the primary election this year, and unless you are registered on or before Tuesday, April 17, you will not be eligible to vote in the pri maries. B. B. Richards informs the Press that he has the registration lists of three precincts at his office, and advises that all voters call there between now and April 17th, the last day on which registration may be made, and satisfy themselves whether they are registered or not KNIGHTS E N HOUSE Members and Families and Friends Observe Anniversary. Thin Alfalfa Stand Is Hard to Handle It is not economical to try thicken ¬ ing a poor stand of alfalfa, finds the experiment station, except when thin patches or strips may be disked and resown. The best method is to plow and crop the land with grain for a year or two before reseeding. A poor stand of new crop may sometimes be improved by the addi tion of seed if the soil is moist enough to insure germination and growth. Seeding with a disk drill is usually the most certain as the seed is cover ed more uniformly resulting in more prompt and even germination. Good results have been obtained by scat tering seed early in the spring, when small cracks appear in the ground and covering with a weighted harrow. The first crop is cut high to avoid killing the young plants. A thin seeding of oats over a field reduced by winter killing or other causes usually produces a good crop of hay. The field is then plowed and reseeded to alfalfa or some other crop the following season. MRS. GLENN DUDLEY HONORS PORTLAND LADIES . Mrs. Glenn Dudley entertained at bridge Saturday afternoon compli menting her house guest, Mrs. Ralph McEwen and Mrs. C. H. Smith, both of Portland, the latter a guest of Mrs. C. L. McFadden. Three tables were in play, the high score going to Mrs. McEwen, second to Mrs. Smith, and the consolation to Mrs. W. S. Fergu son. A delicious luncheon was served at five o'clock, the hostess being as sisted by Mrs. Verne Dudley of Day ton. Guests were: Mrs. H. A. Barrett, Mrs. J. F. Ker shaw, Mrs. W. S. Ferguson, Mrs. C. L. McFadden, Mrs. F. B. Boyd, Mrs. E. C. Prestbye, Mrs. Max Hopper, Mrs. Dean Dudley, Mrs. J. T. Lieuallen and Mrs. Paul Lieuallen of Adams, Mrs. Verne Dudley of Dayton, Mrs. Smith and Mrs. McEwen, the honor guests. Mrs. Dudley's rooms were prettily decorated with pussy willow sprays and many colored spring flowers. Mrs. Hill Surprised A pleasant surprise was given Mrs. H. H. Hill, Thursday evening when her daughter Mrs. B. B. Richards gave a birthday dinner in her moth er's honor. The guests were: Mr. and Mrs. Will Rider of Yakima; Mr. and Mrs. Otis Whiteman and Mr and Mrs. Manrice Hill of Walla Walla; Mr. H. H. Hill, the honoree, and host and hostess and son Roland. Afte' dinner Mrs. Hill was presented with a lovely breakfast table and chairs Hostess to J. T. Club Mrs. Flint Johns was hostess to the J. T. club last Friday afternoon, Mrs. Lawrence Pinkerton and Mrs. Max Hopper serving refreshments, Plans were made for a bridge party on the evening of March 2nd, when the husbands of members will be in vited, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ravella Lieuallen of Adams. Request is made that those being unable to attend will notify the president, Mrs, C. L. McFadden. EL NAHHAS PASHA 1 V f El Nahhas Pasha has been elected president of the Wafd of Egypt. He succeeds the late Zagloul Pasha. Athena Base Ball Team Enters Into "Big Six" League "Pike" Miller and Wilber Harden represented Athena at the meeting of the "Big Six" Baseball League at Weston, Tuesday evening, and put Athena's name on the dotted line as an entrant for pennant honors of the league for the 1928 season. Other towns holding f ranchsises ( ? ) in the "Big Six," Pendleton, Helix, Adams, Weston and Milton-Free-water were strongly represented at the meeting which elected Charles Hendricks of Walla Walla, president, and M. I. Miller of Athena, secretary treasurer. League directors comprise the managers of the respective teams. The season opens Sunday, April 8 with Athena playing the Pendleton Eagles on the Round-Up grounds at Pendleton; Helix at Adams, and Wes ton at Milton-Freeweater. Location of the opening games was chosen by drawing. It is understood that Pilot Rock and the Mission Indians wanted berths in the league, but the decision of the meeting was for a six-team league, and the more compact the circuit the better. Athena will support a strictly amateur team in the league, as will the other towns on the circuit. A sum of money to start the local boys off financially will be raided by sub scription, and as the time is short be fore the playing season opens, solici tation for funds will be made tomorrow. VETERAN EDITOR HEARS SUMMON 5 Frank Parker, Indian Scout Former Walla Walla Publisher PINKERTON SERVICE STATION A NEW BUSINESS VENTURE The Pinkerton Service Station and camping grounds is a new business venture that will be established in Athena. Lawrence Pinkerton will build the station and cottages for the auto camp on his acreage property fronting on Third street, adjoining the City Park on the north. Henry Schroeder of Weston, has the contract for the construction of tho buildings. The sites were surveyed yesterday and material will be on the ground for work to begin Monday morning. The station will be conducted by D. A. Pinkerton, who for a number of years has been a resident of Milton. Mr. and Mrs. Pinkerton and family will remove from Milton to Athenn to reside as soon as a residence can be secured. WALLA WALLA. Colonel Frank J. Parker, 85, former publisher of the Walla Walla Statesman died at hi& home at Kelseyville, California, Sun day evening after an illness of sev eral weeks. He was a veteran of tha Nez Perce Indian war in the late seventies. Mr. Parker was born in Western England April 28, 1845. At 18 years of age he came to the U. S. and crossed the continent to California where he arrived in 1864 and joined the California volunteers Dec. 9 of that year. He served through the Apache campaign, was twice wound ed in one day, then discharged and re turned . to California. From there he started for the Big Bend mines at the headwaters of the Columbia river from where he went to Lewiston, Ida ho. For 11 years he followed mining in different camps through the mountains with various success until the Nez Perce outbreak in 1877 when he became a scout, bearer of dis patches for General O. O. Howard and correspondent for the California Associated Press and the Boise Statesman. His letters through the press and exploits during the war brought him prominently before the people of Idaho and his name became as familiar in that country as that of the general who commanded tho campaign. For gallant services in the war he was given the position of lieutenant colonel in the Idaho territorial National guard by Governor M. Bray man, of Idaho. During the 'Bannock outbreak lie served again as scout and carrier for General Howard. . Colonel Farker -came to--Walla Walla the last week of 1878 and took charge of the Walla Walla States man, the first paper published in Eastern Washington and which ha J been published for many years by William H. Newell. The Statesman at that time was a daily, but Col. Parker reverted to tne weekly issue until Feb. 1880 when he revived the daily, and operated it until June 1900 when he retired. He continued the paper in the Democratic column but was much leas bitter than his pred ecessor. He set up the first steam power press in Walla Walla. The Statesman later was merged with the Walla Walla Union. For the last 15 years Col. Parker has been a resident of California. He is survived by his widow, Martha Newen Parker, and four sons Frame N. Gillbert H. Edward II., and Will iam Parker. ATHENA WINS GAMES FROM HELIX AND WESTON TEAMS Athena High School basketball team won from GriRwood High School of Helix, in a well played game on the local floor, Friday evening. The score was 9 to 7, Athena leading, at the end of the first half. Scoring was close all the way. Athena won, 17 to 13. The playing of Miller and Johnston stood out for Athena, al though other members of the team did well. Athena girls lost to Helix, 22 to 14. Wednesday night the teams went to Weston, where the olal boys team defeated Weston High 34 to 19. Myrick, who was out of the Helix game, scored 18 points and Miller 8 points against Weston. Athena girls defeated Weston, 22 to 8. Monday night Athena plays Pend leton on the Athena floor. This will be the last game of the season. The Athena team will enter the district tournment, which this year will be held at Mac-Hi, March 1, 2 and 3. ' Vet Bill Passes WASHINGTON. The Butler bill to enable the mothers and widows of soldiers, sailors and marines buried in European cemeteries to visit their graves at the expense of the govern ment was passed by the house. Mr. and Mrs. William Rider of Yakima, Washington, left for home Saturday afU-r spending the week end in Athena, visiting relatives. MRS. McFADDEN HOSTESS ENTERTAINS AT BRIDGE Mrs. C. , L. McFadden was hostess to a party of friends Thursday eve ning when she entertained with three tables of bridge in honor of Mrs. Chus Smith and Mrs. R. B. McEwen, vis itors from Portland. Spring flowers were used to lend a beautiful effect. Guests included Mrs. Chas Smith, Mrs. R. B. McEwen, Mrs. Glenn Dud ley, Mrs. II. A. Barrett, Mrs. J. F. Kershaw, Mrs. W. P. Littlcjohn, Mrs. F. S. LeGrow, Mrs. Max Hopper, Mrs. E. C. Prestbye, Mrs. C. E. Fisk and Mrs. Vern Smith. Mrs. F. S. Le Grow held high score while Mrs. Hop per received consolation. Mrs. Smith and Mrs. McEwen each received guests prizes. A two course luncheon was served by the hostess assisted by Mrs. Vein Smith. ETUDE CLUB ENTERTAINED BY MRS. GLENN STEEN Mrs. Glenn Steen entertained the Etude club at her mother's (Mrs. Stella Keen) last Thursday after noon. Twelve members were present The following program was rendered with Mrs. Bryce Baker and Mrs. James Cresswell in charge: Paper on Gypsy Music, Mrs. Lewis Stewart; vocal duet, "Belles of Scot land," Mrs. A. A. Mclntyre and Mrs. Arthur Douglas; Irish Monologue,, Mrs. C. M. Eager; Piano Duet, "Doll Dance," Mrs. Lawrence Pinkerton and Mrs. Max Hopper; Vocal Solo, "Hin du Slumbers," Mrs. O. II. Reeder. Salad, wafers and coffee were served by Mrs. Baker and Mrs. Cress well at the close of the afternoon. Mother's Banquet Margarette Moore will entertain the members of the Mystery Club at her home noat Tuesday. A matter of ill treat to come before the club at this meeting will be the selection of the date for holding the Mother's Ban quet, which has been under con templation for eorne time.