oc-plain-dealer 1924-01-03

GROWTH OF ANAHEIM SHOWN BY CENSUS Total in 1910 was ... 2,628 For Year 1920 was ... 5,525 Today Estimated at ... 12,000 Mail your Plain Dealer to Eastern friends. It may bring them to Anaheim, fastest growing city in Orange County. WEATHER Fair, cold weather tonight and Friday. 2 BANDITS HOLD Mabel Normand, Film Star, BIG JUMP IN LOCAL BANK RESOURCES Increase Nearly Three-quarters of Million Within Last Year Resources of Anaheim's five banks rose from $7,090,937 at the Kels Prepares For Death on Gallows SACRAMENTO, Jan. 3. — Alex Kels, perpetrator of the Lodi suicide hoax and murderer of Ed Meservey, itinerant laborer, prepared today for death on the gallows tomorrow morning. He was visited early this morning by the Rev. John Hogan, chaplain at Folsom prison, and later today Mrs. Kels, who fought valiantly to save his life, will pay her last visit to her condemned husband. The execution is scheduled for 10 a.m. tomorrow. MANY DIE IN LOCAL FRIEND WILL ENJOY HIGH PRICE Anaheim Untouchable Frost Prevale Elsewhere "No damage to speak word given out by the RESOURCES Increase Nearly Three-quarters of Million Within Last Year Resources of Anaheim's five banks rose from $7,090,927 at the close of 1922 to $7,740,052 on Dec. 31, 1923, figures issued by the institutions today showed. Deposits increased from $6,293,018 to $6,825,557. One of the smaller banks showed a gain of nearly 26 per cent in deposits and of more than 20 percent in resources. The national and state bank calls now come on the same dates. The last call received today was as of Dec. 31 last. In spite of this excellent showing, a still better record would have been made, two banks said, but for the lower prices of branges the past year. FULLERTON JUDGE COLLECTS $30,000 Almost $30,0000 was taken in last year in Fullerton thru the city recorder's office, according to the annual report of William French. The exact figures were $29,583. Adding to this tree collected in the justice court, the total collected by French last year amounted to $31,085. Fines collected during December amounted to $3,740. In this the number of liquor fines were not segregated. Unofficial figures for the month placed the total of liquor fines at $3,000. This was from 22 alleged offenders. Two were dismissed. The monthly report of G B. Brown, Anaheim city recorder, for December has not been completed. Judge Brown said today. Unofficial figures show three alleged bootleggers as having been bret before him during the month. One was fined $400, another $200 and the third released on a cash bail of $250. HIRAM SPEAKS IN CLEVELAND TONITE CLEVELAND, Jan. 3.—Facing an apparently solid phalanx of organization sentiment for the nomination of President Coolidge at the Republican convention next June, Senator Hiram Johnson actively opened his fight for Ohio's 51 delegates today. Outstanding matters to be de-morning by the Rev. John Hoagan, chaplain at Folsom prison, and later today Mrs. Kels, who fought valiantly to save his life, will pay her last visit to her condemned husband. The execution is scheduled for 10 a.m. tomorrow. MANY DIE IN STARCHDUST EXPLOSION PEKIN, Ills., Jan. 3.—The Corn Products Refining Co. announced later this afternoon, that, to the best of its knowledge, 23 bodies were in the smouldering ruins of its starch plant destroyed by a dust explosion before dawn today. The announcement came after seven bodies had been removed and an eighth man had died in a hospital. No more detailed information than this could be obtained since the corporation threw armed guards about its refinery and prevented any but persons engaged in rescue work from entering. Even relatives of the dead were ordered outside the gates. A revised list showed these men to be among the known dead: Carl Griffin, George Liber, William Vogelsang, Lee Harding, Geo. Harms, William Rumler, John Helton. One unidentified body was found. PEKIN, Ills., Jan. 3.—With three bodies identified, with belief held by some rescue workers that between 25 and 50 dead were still in the ruins and with at least 60 injured, many seriously. Pekin worked feverishly today in the ruins of the Corn Products Co.'s plant to check the toll of its greatest disaster, resulting from a dust explosion in the dry starch room early today. About 120 men were believed to be in the building when the explosion came. Fire followed the blast and spread to the wet starch room and a warehouse, destroying them and bringing property loss above the half million mark. The known dead are: Lee Harring, foreman; George Harms, William Rumler. Anaheim Untouchable Frost Prevalence Elsewhere "No damage to speak word given out by the Fruit Growers' Exchange yesterday's weekly when reports were received the various sections in Extensive smudging with proved type of snudge spoonible, according to Eygabroad, one of the dows. Owing to the much low and costs, a crop of 20,000 $4.90 per box is far preceal one of 60,000 cars at $2.50 heim will get the benefit current year's bumper down, as it has in previous because of the higher price out corresponding reductions crop in the district. Early yesterday most trainload of oil was rushed Sarta Fe thru the San Valley and up to Riverton and San Bernardino; half an hour the railway like the other roads, is in moving a heavy crop train started on its way. A hot air ventilating created by fans and pipes tried out in Tulare-co., so broad. A welcome announce growers will be that of two cents per box or fruit, not included in this refund, on the cost of shook. On 250 carload this would amount to $149 Anaheim district for change houses. Among the official receivers were those of Merter and Welbourn, offices ports of Chicago, and Peterson & Co., auditors. COUNTY ESCAPE SERIOUS DAY SANTA ANA, Jan. 3 — Passing through two cold snap without dry citrus fruits, Orange co-day continued to main reputation of being virtuous mune from serious damming frosts. Indicative of the high points of last night, Tusti ed 28 degrees above zero Habra 20. These two poe be designated as the new south boundaries of the district of Orange county. HIRAM SPEAKS IN CLEVELAND TONITE CLEVELAND, Jan. 3.—Facing an apparently solid phalanx of organization sentiment for the nomination of President Coolidge at the Republican convention next June, Senator Hiram Johnson actively opened his fight for Ohio's 51 delegates today. Outstanding matters to be decided before the Californian left Cleveland were: 1. Whether the campaign should be directed from Cleveland or Chicago. 2. Selection of state campaign managers for the middle-west. It was said the speech tonight is still unwritten. MAY RESIDE HERE A. J. Clark of American Falls, Idaho, arrived yesterday and joined his wife, who beat him here about a week, coming by train while he drove through in a car. They are visiting relatives, Mr. and Mrs. Frank True, Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Clark, Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Parks and Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Clark, and will probably make their home here. YOUTH BROT BACK Paul Musch of Anaheim some time ago captured in the New Anaheim Bakery and released on probation, which he violated, was captured in Bakersfield and brot back yesterday by Ed Marion, constable. He is in Orange county jail. It is up to R. R. Miller, probation officer, whether or not he is prosecuted, which would probably lead to a sentence in the reform school. SLIGHT TEMBLOR LOS ANGELES, Jan. 3.—A slight temblor was felt in Los Angeles and the surrounding vicinity early last evening. Numerous residents reported the swaying of pictures in their homes and the rattling of dishes. No damage was reported. A slight shock was felt in Anaheim shortly after 7 p.m. U. S. Plans More Strenuous Campaign Against Narco By ROBERT S. THORNBURGH (I.N.S. Staff Correspondent) WASHINGTON, Jan. 3.—U. S. customs officials and the federal narcotic control board prepared today to launch a 1924 campaign against drug smuggling and illegal traffic in dope, that would surpass last year's efforts. Among the first moves to plug up the American borders against narcotic runners is a good working agreement with the Mexican government, providing for registration of known international dope smugglers and co-operation in border protection, colonel L. G. Nutt, secretary of the narcotic control board, announced. Col. Nutt declared that the Mexican border now presents the most difficult problem to vicious officials. A great quantity of dope is coming into the United States from Mexico, having been imported to that country from Spain, Germany, Switzerland, and come from China, assisted by labels that have fast government hands. "Conditions thruout the States improved during year and it can be said illegal traffic in narcotics duced." Col. Nutt declared new year will see a much improvement than was in 1923." URGES GUARDS SCHOOL BUILD SACRAMENTO, Janua Alarmed at the destruction school buildings by fire the past week in Oakland media and Woodland, resta total loss of more than million dollars. Will State suit of public insult today called upon school to throw guards around schoolhouses in the state, FULL REPORT OF INTERNATIONAL NEWS SERVICE—FIRST LEASED WIRE IN ANAHEIM THE ORANGE COUNTY Plain Dealer LEADING NEWSPAPER OF NORTHERN ORANGE COUNTY Anaheim, California, Thursday, January 3, 1924 HOLDUP AUTOIST ON PICTURE Star, Undergoes Operation Today LOCAL FRUIT WILL ENJOY HIGH PRICES Anaheim Untouched by Frost Prevalent Elsewhere "No damage to speak of" is the word given out by the California Girls Will Miss Me, Says Wounded Man LOS ANGELES, Jan. 3. — "The girls will miss me; they will be lonesome without me. Poor Mabel, she gets so lonesome! I used to take her around to keep her from pinning," murmured Courtland Dines, shot by Mabel Normand's chauffeur, H. A. Greer, as he lay on a bed at the Good Samaritan hospital today worrying that his playmates, Miss Normand and Edna Purviance, would be lonesome without him. "I suppose I'll kick the bucket this time," Dines moaned, "but the fellow who shot me lies when he says I reached for a bottle. If he annoyed me I would crush him with my hands, I did not hold Mabel. We were just arguing. You know how she is—the best INJURED MAN ATTACKED BY PNEUMONIA Greer Says Employer Hasn't Told Truth About Shooting By WILLIAM G. CAYCE "THOTL IRRES" LOS ANGELES, JAN. 3 was the thotless irresponsible boy." Normand in mainta that she is in the da motive which pro chauffeur, Horace A. Joseph Kelly, to shoot ously wound Courtlan her wealthy friend of "The whole affairy without reason and that gun in his pock came over to Mr. D ment, is more than she said. If there had been ASSERT ATTE TO BEWILDE HIGH PRICES Anaheim Untouched by Frost Prevalent Elsewhere "No damage to speak of" is the word given out by the California Fruit Growers' Exchange, following yesterday's weekly meeting, when reports were received from the various sections in So. Calif. Extensive smudging with an improved type of smudge pot is responsible, according to Charles Eygabroad, one of the directors. Owing to the much lower freight and costs, a crop of 20,000 cars at $4.90 per box is far preferable to one of 60,000 cars at $2.00. Anaheim will get the benefit if the current year's bumper crop is cut down, as it has in previous years, because of the higher prices without corresponding reduction of the crop in the district. Early yesterday morning a trainload of oil was rushed by the Santa Fe thru the San Gabriel Valley and up to Riverside, Colton and San Bernardino. Within half an hour the railway which, like the other roads, is interested in moving a heavy crop, had the train started on its way. A hot air ventilating system operated by fans and pipes is being tried out in Tulare-co, said Eyga broad. A welcome announcement to growers will be that of a rebate of two cents per box of packed fruit, not included in the general refund, on the cost of the box shook. On 2500 carloads of fruit this would amount to $20,000 in the Anaheim district for the exchange houses. Among the official reports received were those of Messrs Retter and Welbourn, efficiency experts of Chicago, and Price, Waterhouse & Co., auditors. COUNTY ESCAPES SERIOUS DAMAGE SANTA ANA, Jan. 3 (Special). Passing through two nights of the cold snap without damage to citrus fruits, Orange county today continued to maintain its reputation of being virtually immune from serious damage from killing frosts. Indicative of the high and low points of last night, Tustia reported 28 degrees above zero and La Habra 20. These two points may be designated as the north and south boundaries of the citrus district of Orange county. Dale King, manager of the Oil In Shale At Wagner Test Well Approximately 2,000 feet has been reached by the Standard Oil Co.'s test well near Placentia-ave and Wagner-rd. A slight showing of oil in the shale has been reted. This report, given today by one of the ranchers interested in the Community Lease, while not promising as the rumor of a week or 10 days ago, which said that the company could have brought in a well of 200 barrels, but preferred to drill deeper, is by far the most encouraging so far. It was denied that today, for the second time in ten days, the drill had hit a pocket of gas of sufficient pressure to cause a roaring noise audible some distance away. DEADLOCKED OVER I. C. C. CHAIRMAN WASHINGTON, Jan. 3.—Deadlocked for two more ballots, the Senate again failed this afternoon to elect a chairman for the senate interstate commerce committee. After two ballots had shown the progressive group of the insurgents still maintaining their balance of power. Republican leaders agreed to postpone voting until tomorrow. PNEUMONIA Greer Says Employer Hasn't Told Truth About Shooting By WILLIAM G. CAYCE (L.N.S. Staff Correspondent) LOS ANGELES, Jan. 3.—Coming as a dramatic corroboration of the story told by her chauffeur, Horace A. Greer, who shot and wounded Courtland S. Dines, Mabel Normand, film star, who was present when Dines was shot, underwent an operation at the Good Samaritan hospital today for chronic appendicitis. While Miss Normand was on the operating table, Dines was in another room of the same hospital fighting for his life, his wound having developed pneumonia. The operation upon Miss Normand was performed by Dr. Guy Cochran, also physician for Dines, and was declared to have been successful. Miss Normand will be in the hospital three weeks, the doctor said. Greer, said to have shot Dines because of a mad infatuation for Miss Normand, received the news that Miss Normand had been operated upon as corroboration of his story. In a statement to the authorities after the shooting, Greer declared that when he reached Dines' apartment, where the shooting occurred, he insisted on taking Miss Normand home as she was to be operated upon today for appendicitis. “Miss Normand hasn't told all the truth about what happened when I shot Dines,” Greer said today with tears in his eyes. “Walt until the poor little kid is herself again and she will bear me out in every word of my story. She will back me up in my story that Dines reached for a bottle to hit me before I shot.” Reports that Dines was shot from behind instead of from in front were denied from all sides today. Dr. Cochran stated positively the bullet entered Dines' breast below the ribs and came out from behind the left shoulder. Dines is said to have missed death by a fraction of an inch. LOS ANGELES, Jan. 3.—Police endeavring today to disclose the real motive in the shooting here Tuesday night of Courthard S. Dines, wealthy oil man of Denver Colo., by Horace A. Greer, chauffeur for Mabel Normand, who shot Dines in his apartment. While Miss Normand and Edna Purvance, filmm actresses, were present reded their efforts on motive which produced chauffeur, Horace A. Joseph Kelly, to shootously wound Courthard her wealthy friend off. “The whole affair likely without reason and that gun in his pocke came over to Mr. Dement, is more than she said. If there had been ASSERT ATTEND TO BEWILDE What was thought to a possible attempt to 10-year-old witness at Tippin, accused of a faintense against her, was day in superior court;iff S. J. Scott ordered known stranger outsourc court railing. When the trial opa m., Scott discovered youth beside Tippin said to be a strong mind Thinking that this move to prevent theness from identify Scott ordered the strang The latter took a seat railing just behind T GIRLS SCARE BEAR ON Anaheim's float in the tournament aroused national even if it prize. Jim, the bear, prov trouble, however, to o kept some of the it was learned today;was anchored at the conveyance made every time he moved side to the other. Captain William Bthe trainer put in chad den Bros. and H.Lan ponies loaned by tThe float designed Alen of Los Angeles ted the State seal.Menno,took the part dhe four ponies were Peggy Ackermann Erickson, Idel Bock,Hartfield. EXTEND TIMEL PAVING PAY Griffith Paving Co., for paying assessment ing recently completed concern was up yester agree to extend th turday provided checks into it Los Angeles SERIOUS DAMAGE SANTA ANA, Jan. 3 (Special). Passing through two nights of the cold snap without damage to citrus fruits, Orange county today continued its reputation of being virtually immune from serious damage from killing frosts. Indicative of the high and low temperatures of last night, Tustin reported 28 degrees above zero and La Habra 30. These two points may be designated as the north and south boundaries of the citrus district of Orange county. Dale King, manager of the Northern Orange County Fruit Exchange, reported 30 at La Habra, 29 at Pullerton, and 34 at Yorba Linda, E. E. Campbell, official weather observer here, said the temperature at 7.0℃ this morning was 30 degrees above King said a wind was prevalent in the north end of the county last night. This wind was not felt in the south end. A. A. Brock, county horticultural commissioner, said he had no reports of any damage to fruit. Strenuous against Narcotics Germany, Switzerland, England and some from China, as indicated by labels that have fallen into government hande. "Conditions thruout the United States improved during the past year and it can be said that the illegal traffic in narcotics was reduced," Col. Nutt declared. "The new year will see a much greater improvement than was noted in 1923." URGES GUARDS FOR SCHOOL BUILDINGS SACRAMENTO, January 3—alarmed at the destruction of school buildings by fire during the past week in Oakland, Alameda and Woodland, resulting in total loss of more than one-half million dollars. Will C. Wood, state sept. of public instruction, today called upon school trustees to throw guards around all large schoolhouses in the state. DEADLOCKED OVER I. C. C. CHAIRMAN WASHINGTON, Jan. 3.—Deadlocked for two more ballots, the Senate failed this afternoon to elect a chairman for the senate interstate commerce committee. After two ballots had shown the progressive group of the insurgents still maintaining their balance of power, Republican leaders agreed to postpone further voting until tomorrow. A brief executive session was then ordered. To date the Senate has taken 27 ballots without an election. BURNHAM RAISED WASHINGTON, Jan. 3.—President Coolidge today sent to the Senate the appointment of Colonel Wm. Power Burnham of Scranton, Pa., to be a brigadier-general. Colonel Burnham is commandant of the Presidio at San Francisco. BANDITS GET $5000 LOS ANGELES, Jan. 3.—Two unmasked bandits this afternoon leaped on the running board of an automobile containing two officials of the Challenge Creamery Co. and robbed them of $5000 in cash and $21,000 in checks. BREA YOUTH DIES George W. Shaffer, 19, of Brea son of W. D. Shaffer, died yesterday afternoon. The body is at the McAulay funeral parlor, where funeral services will be at 2 p.m. tomorrow. Interment will be in Loma Vista. NEED MORE REST WASHINGTON, Jan. 3.—Just come back today from two weeks' vacation, both houses of congress decided on a two-day recess this afternoon and adjourned till Monday. LEAVE FOR EAST Passengers leaving from Fullerton over the Santa Fe for points east; Robert Horton, Milton, Okla.; Roy Long and Bernie Morley, Ft. Madison, Ia., and Mrs. Ida Thompson, St. Louis, Mo. LOS ANGELES, Jan. 3.—Police endeavoring today to disclose the real motive in the shooting here Tuesday night of Courtland S. Dines, wealthy oil man of Denver. Colo., by Horace A. Greer, chauteur for Mabel Normand, who shot Dines in his apartment, while Miss Normand and Edna Purvance, film actresses, were present, rendered their efforts on checking the past record of Greer, who is also known as Joseph Kelley. Dines at the Good Samaritan Hospital whence he was removed late yesterday from the central emergency hospital, was fighting a battle with death. His physicians were hopeful that no complications would arise today when the crisis in his case was expected to be reached. Dines was declared at the Good Samaritan hospital this morning to have passed a fairly restful night, getting some good sleep and was said to be resting easily. However, a special nurse has been engaged for him and Dr. Guy Cochran, his physician, said he was resting as well as could be expected under the circumstances. It was understood that Dines has suffered great pain and that his doctors are fighting to prevent two serious developments in his case. The first is blood poisoning, always possible in such cases, and the other is pneumonia. And by r strange coincidence in the same hospital Miss Normand was denied all callers by her personal physician, Dr. Dudley Fulton. She arrived there late last night attended by a maid and no announcement was made as to her condition. At her home it was said she was suffering from nervous exhaustion. However, at the time of his arrest, Greer gave as his reason for insisting that Miss Normand go home from Dines' apartment with him, the statement that the film star was to undergo an operation for appendicitis. Delving into Greer's past, (Continued on Page 2) EXTEND TIMES PAVING PAYMENT Griffith Paving Co., for paying assessment recently completed concern was up yesterday agreed to extend the t urday, provided check ed into it Los Angeles WIRE IN ANAHEIM dealer THE COUNTY PROGRESS OF ANAHEIM, AS TOLD BY BUILDING Year Permits Total 1923 823 $2,269,277 1922 675 1,413,045 1921 564 1,252,870 1920 362 879,950 1919 174 464,500 27TH YEAR—NO. 106 ON PLACENTIA-AVE Today for Chronic Appendicitis "THOTLESS ACT OF IRRESPONSIBLE BOY" LOS ANGELES, Jan. 3. "It was the thotless act of an irresponsible boy," said Mabel Normand in maintaining today that she is in the dark as to the motive which prompted her chauffeur, Horace A. Greer, alias Joseph Kelly, to shoot and seriously wound Courtland S. Dines, her wealthy friend of Denver. "The whole affair is absolutely without reason and why he put that gun in his pocket when he came over to Mr. Dines' apartment, is more than I can tell," she said. If there had been any such absurd notion in his head that he was infatuated with me, he would have shown it one way or another long ago. A man, even if he is a servant, does not carry around such ideas without unconsciously displaying them. His demeanor in the last two months has never varied from what a chauffeur's should be toward his employer. The Normand home was the object of attention from curious crowds today. Long lines of automobiles stopped in front of the actress' house while pedestrians gathered in hope they might obtain a glimpse of her. RELIEVED OF WATCH, $150 AND CHECKS J. C. Stacy, Santa Ana, Robbed When He Slows Up for Crossing J. G. Stacy, salesman for a motive which prompted her chauffeur, Horace A. Greer, alias Joseph Kelly, to shoot and seriously wound Courtland S. Dines, her wealthy friend of Denver. "The whole affair is absolutely without reason and why he put that gun in his pocket when he came over to Mr. Dines' apartment, is more than I can tell," she said. If there had been any such ASSERT ATTEMPT TO BEWILDER GIRL What was thought to have been a possible attempt to bewilder the 10-year-old witness against T.W. Tippin, accused of a statutory offense against her, was balked today in superior court, when Bailiff S.J. Scott ordered an unknown stranger outside of the court railing. When the trial opened at 10 a.m., Scott discovered a strange youth beside Tippin. There was said to be a strong resemblance. Thinking that this might be a move to prevent the child witness from identifying Tippin, Scott ordered the stranger away. The latter took a seat outside the railing just behind Tippin. GIRLS SCARED BY BEAR ON FLOAT Anaheim's float in the Pasadena tournament aroused much admiration, even if it didn't win a prize. Jim, the bear, provided much trouble, however, to his keeper and kept some of the girls scared, it was learned today. Jim, who was anchored at the front of the conveyance, made the float teeter every time he moved from one side to the other. Captain William Bernard was the trainer put in charge by Golden Bros. and H. Lambert drove the ponies loaned by the circus. The float, designed by P.G. Alen, of Los Angeles, represented the State seal. Miss Lucille Nenno, took the part of the goddess, and the four little girls were Peggy Ackerman, Marjorie Erickson, Idel Bock, and Evelyn Hartfield. EXTEND TIME FOR PAVING PAYMENTS Griffith Paving Co., altho time for paying assessments on paving recently completed by this concern was up yesterday, today agreed to extend the time to Saturday, provided checks were mailed into it Los Angeles office. KIRKER HOME DESTROYED BY FIRE The two-story residence of Frank Kirker on Orangethorpe avenue, just east of the Santa Fe tracks, was destroyed about 2 a.m. today by a fire which broke out in the laundry room and had gained great headway before it was discovered. Fullerton fire department responded in record time, but could get no water. Mr. Kirker has a pump on his ranch, but could not get it to work. Had the firemen been able to get water, it is that they could have checked the flames before the house was a total loss. With chemicals they were able to save the garage, although the chicken house burned. Most of the household goods were destroyed. The exact origin is not known. The residence was valued at $5000. The loss was partially covered by insurance. ANAHEIM BATTLES EL MONTE SUNDAY El Monte Merchants will furnish the opposition for the Anaheim Merchants at the local high school field Sunday, Manager Vic Reudy announced today. The ElMonte, managed by Harry Nelson, is a fast aggregation. Last Sunday ElMonte defeated Azusa, leaders of the double A league. Irvine has also tasted defeat from the aggregation which has won 24 out of the last 28 games played. AND CHECKS J.C. Stacy, Santa Ana, Robbed When he Slows Up for Crossing J. G. Stacy, salesman for a Santa Ana grocery concern, was held up at 7 o'clock last night by two unmasked bandits at the Santa Fe crossing on Piacentia ave., south of Anaheim and relieved of $150 cash, $50 in two checks and a gold watch. When Stacy slowed up for the crossing, the bandits leased on the running board of his auto. Quickly forcing him to deliver, they disappeared down the tracks in the direction of Orange. Stacy was able to give but meager descriptions of the men whom he says were middle-aged. MILDER IN SOUTH CAL. LAST NIGHT LOS ANGELES, Jan. 3 — So Calif. in general did not suffer so much from the cold during the night and early today as it did yesterday; it was revealed in the official report by Colonel H.B. Hersey, of the U.S. weather bureau. As a result of the slightly higher temperature and the extensive use of smudge pots, there was little or no damage done to the orange and lemon crops in the southland in the last 24 hours, it was believed. A check of the conditions of fruit wilt show but small losses, it was predicted by officials of the California Fruit Growers Asan, and other experts on the situation. Danger of a freeze should be lessened tonight, Col. Hersey said but growers are warned to be on their guard for a sudden drop in temperature might occur at any time. SUE FOR Y.-L. WATER STOCK ASSESSMENTS An attempt by the Yorba Linda Water Co. to collect $690.20 in assessments from the Janss Investment Co. of Los Angeles, on 17 shares of stock, which the water company claims the Janss Co. owns, but which ownership is denied by the latter concern, took the form of a superior court suit today. The water company alleges that permission was granted to the Janss Co. to transfer the 17 shares of stock to Chas. B. Rob- EXTEND TIME FOR PAVING PAYMENTS Griffith Paving Co., altho time for paying assessments on paving recently completed by this concern was up yesterday, today agreed to extend the time to Saturday, provided cheeks were mailed into its Los Angeles office. The ElMontes, managed by Harry Nelson, is a fast aggregation. Last Sunday ElMonte defeated Azusa, leaders of the double A league. Irvine has also tasted defeat from the aggregation which has won 24 out of the last 28 games played. Open Letter to The Public By REV. LEON L. MYERS YESTERDAY before the city council, who thought enough of our petition to call 35 citizens from their labors upon the strength of it, we tried above all things to be fair. We were kind in our statements to all. The council heard all sides with apparent fairness and voted, after a demurrer was heard from Judge Brown's counsellors, to go ahead. But for some reason they then called a secret meeting and came back with a motion overruling their own decision and decided that they would not hear the case unless an amended petition were filed with affidavits making specific charges against Judge Brown. The writer was then specially named to file an amended petition which would become sufficient for making an investigation. THEN adjournment was understood to have been made and about half the audience filed out, when all of a sudden without warning the council again settled into session and Councilman Gates read a most scurrillous attack upon the very one who had been the moment before honored by being named to file affidavits. He was charged with lying, intimidating the council, contempt of court and, in fact, almost everything which Gates could think of that was cantankerous he included in his attack. He named himself and Councilman Gibbs as witnesses in the case and that they would testify against myself. Councilman Gibbs then arose and very firmly objected to this unusual attack. His sense of fairness as well as decency prompted this. This being tabled, then Mayor Stark turned his eyes toward the writer and looking daggers also made an attack upon him. NOW the unwarranted attack upon one whom they had just voted the honor of presenting an affidavit to them as judges not only was untimely and evidently vindictive upon the face of it but as a matter of fact disqualified the council from acting as judges in the matter in which the one attacked is a principal party. Shall the writer be called upon with any justice to appear before a judge who names himself as a witness and also as an avowed opponent? As a matter of fact, about 300 petitioners signed a document presenting to the city council notice that information is available which they desire known to their city fathers. The council is not a court but they by their own acts become a self appointed court. They arrange for a hearing and follow such arrangement by making an attack upon the petitioner which practically serves notice that they are determined to see it that the petitioners are defeated in their efforts to secure justice Is this right? In Los Angeles the chief of police invited citizens to bring to them tips and information which might assist them in a better enforcement of the laws of Los Angeles. Hun- (Continued on Page Two) SUE FOR Y..L. WATER STOCK ASSESSMENTS An attempt by the Yorba Linda Water Co. to collect $690.20 in assessments from the Janss Investment Co. of Los Angeles, on 17 shares of stock, which the water company claims the Janss Co. owns, but which ownership is denied by the latter concern, took the form of a superior court suit today. The water company alleges that permission was granted to the Janss Co. to transfer the 17 shares of stock to Chas. B. Robbins, the transfer purporting to be part of a sale of 17 acres of land in the Yorba Linda district. This sale was never made; the plaintiff alleges, but the Janss Co. has allowed the stock to stand in Robbins' name and refuses to pay assessments. The water company claims the right, under its bylaws of revoking the transfer and charging the assessments to the original owner. BRITISH INQUIRIE ON SHIP SEIZURE LONDON, Jan. 3—The British foreign office, having definitely established the Canadian registry of the ship Tomoka, which was recently seized by the American authorities on suspicion that she was a whiskey smuggler, has addressed an inquiry to Washington requesting an explanation why the seizure was made outside the 3-mile limit, it was learned this afternoon. The Tomoka was seized off the New Jersey coast. The Anglo-American trenty conceding the right to the United States to search whiskey smuggling ships beyond the 3-mile limit and to make seizures where culpability is shown, is not yet effective. WASHINGTON, Jan. 3—Great Britain's formal protest against the seizure of the Tomako was laid before the state department today by Henry G. Chilton, British charge. The British case was presented in a note, which is understood to offer the contention that the Tomako was registered from Nassau, British possession and was seized by a Nova Scotia firm. Try a Plain Dealer