Oakland Tribune from Oakland, California • Page 13

25 YEARS IN THE TRIBUNE GHOST GOT IN AND OUT OF MARIN JAIL By EARLE ENNIS If you were a crook, how would you jail sentence and a haunt for the price of one? Marin County installed that system in 1920 and it almost ruined the crime business. For the "county ghost," as it known from end to end of the State, flitted to and fro with the greatest of ease, and the jitters it caused reached far beyond San Rafael. How they did it, is a mystery, The sheriff disclaimed all knowledge of the matter. But the prisoners knew it and all they wanted to do was get out and away. And by reason of their attitude there was a time when spiders spun cobwebs in the jail and the boys stayed good.

To this day the mystery is unexplained. It started one night when a row began in one of the cell blocks. Deputies investigated. The prisoners were in a ferment. A spook Chinese had hanged himself in a corner, they said, "He came right through the wall," they said.

"He looked kinda like fog. He was carrying a rope. He tied the rope to the bars his window and hung of, Half a dozen prisoners said the same thing. They were finally quieted down and went back to sleep. Two nights another prisoner saw the ghost Chinese.

His terrified yells brought the deputies on the run. And then as suddenly as he came, the ghost went away and never came again. The puzzled sheriff chaneshis, to say: "A hung himself in a corner of that cell 12 years ago but none the prisoners ever heard of I don't understand why they see him now." Well, there it is. Nobody knows the answer to the mystery of February 21, 1920, least of all the scared prisoners, gave the jail a wide berth thereafter. GYPSY GYPPED BANKER Anybody that can gyp a banker is a wonder.

But in 1920 a gypsy did. The gypsy gypped half a dozen bankers by short changing them. In fact, he was settling down to banker gypping as a profitable business when the police caught up with him and ended his career of crime. How did he do it? He deposited rolls of money, only the rolls were short a few dollars, which did not immediately show. After the gypper drew out the full amount and flitted while the flitting las good.

Then there was a poor guy whose wife sued. him for divorce. And when they came up in court on this day, he told the judge his troubles. "She raised so much Ned I got fired from my job," he said. "and I don't think I should pay "Nor do said the court, moving the cuspidor closer.

Bert Made 'Em Dizzy Little gals, on this night, went home dizzy-after seeing Bert Lytell's superlative profile at the American. In Hayward a man' got close to a gasoline pump and too, stripped him, even down to his foolish hide. And et Newcastle. Pa, a powder plant blew up and blushing guards hastily brought blankets, for three girl employees. Nick Horthy, general in command of the Army, was inducted into office as Premter of Hungary--and what a busy time he had for the next 25 years! In San Francisco, a lady went for a stroll with $4000 pin money in a grip and a thief grabbed it and ran -and was never caught.

Why was. the lady carrying all that money with her? She didn't thinks banks were safe. MILES OF FLANNEL came known that the United States Tog a makers cheered when it behad purchased 15,000.000 yards of flannel cloth Great Britain. In San Francisco the steamer Omsk, loading water. Buti who owned her? She left Russia, the rroperty of the Kolchak ernn ant.

While she was at sea, the government was overthrown. Said the captain: "I don't know who she belongs to. I may keep her myself and go fishing." A prominent aged resident passed away on this date, Cosmopolite, a parrot, 105 years old. Born in England, lived in India and New Zealand, it spoke nine languages, including profane. Its last famous words were: "Hell-go to (Censored by coroner.) Another parrot in the news this week, also.

Pet of aged woman-102. She died and the parrot screamed until neighbors came land found the dead woman. Smart parrot? Naw! Just wanted to be fed. And tomorrow how Hamlet started a riot. Arnold Rites Held RICHMOND, Feb.

rites were held today for William Arnold, 72, a retired Standard Oil Company employee and resident of Richmond since 1906. Oakland -Tribune EXCLUSIVE ASSOCIATED UNITED PRESS -CXLH OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1945 13 NO. 52 Opening a recruiting drive to increase the strength of the U.S. Coast Guard Volunteer Port Security Force, the Oakland Post No. 5, American Legion honored members at a meeting here last night, S.

C. Houston (left), BM tells Edna Lewis, BM Cpl. Shirl Allen, Guam veteran, and Helen Johnson, coxswain, that post members are already doing Three Injured; Autoist Booked Hit-Run and Drunk Driving Alleged in Oakland Accident R. H. Heyer, 21, Navy aviation machinist's mate stationed at Oakland Airport, was booked for felony drunken driving early today after an accident at East Fourteenth Street and 67th Avenue in which three pedestrians were injured, Oakland police reported.

Heyer failed to stop his car after hitting the pedestrians, according to witnesses, and was pursued by Norman Davidson of 1441 71st Avenue, and motorists. The investigators said the sailor stopped at 71st Avenue and Flora Street. The persons injured in the accident were Mrs. Mary Taylor, 65, of 2320 Acton Street, Berkeley, who suffered possible fractures of the left arm and left cuts and bruises, and Mr. and Mrs.

Arus Williams of 5151 Ygnacio Avenue, who were treated at Highland Hospital for minor injuries. Officers said their investigation indicated that Heyer was driving east on East Fourteenth Street on the wrong side of the street at an excessive rate of speed when he lost control of the car and struck the three pedestrians, who were in crosswalk. Night Fire Routs 40 in Richmond RICHMOND. Feb. 40 persons fled to the streets in nightclothes early today when fire broke out in one apartment of an eightunit housing project at 4925 Cutting Boulevard.

Damage was confined top the apartment of William G. Price. Price was arrested and booked en route to the U.S. Marshal, when police said they found wearing the uniform of Pvt. Herbert L.

Grove, a soldier on leave who was visiting at Price's apartment. Police said Price had been dishonorably discharged from the Army. Grove was arrested for violation of the city health and safety code. Police and firemen said he fell asleep with a lighted cigaret in his hand. Three pieces of fire apparatus were sent to the scene to prevent the fire from' spreading to other apartments.

WARM WEATHER AND SKIES PROMISED TODAY Warmer weather along with continued clear skies was forecast by the weathermap today in this official prediction: San Francisco Bay Region--Clear today, tonight and Thursday. warmer this noon, but cool again tonight. Northern California--Clear today, tonight and Thursday, but partly cloudy today in extreme north portion; warmer afternoons. Sierra Nevada -Clear today, tonight and Thursday: slightly warmer afternoons. Sacramento, Livermore, Salinas, Santa Clara and San Joaquin Valleys and MonArea-Clear today, tonight and Thursday; warmer afternoons, OAKLAND PRECIPITATION Last 24 hours, year, 9.44; this year.

15.09; normal, 13.04," PACIFIC COAST TEMPERATURES High Lowl High Low Auburn 53 Reno 20 Boise Bakersfield 60 40 38 23 Roseburg Sacramento 52 Colusa 59 35 Fort Eureka Bragg San Diego 37 San Francisco Hetch Fresno 35 Airport Hetchy 25 Santa Barbara King City Rosa Los Angeles 60 46 Seattle Merced Needles 34 Soda Springs Paso Oakland 58 40 Stockton 47 Spokane Robles Susanville Phoenix 30 Pocatello 81 Williams Portland 48 Red Bluff 63 Yuma PRECIPITATION Portland, Boise, Phoenix, Seattle, .02, Pocatello, Spokane, RATIONING TIMETABLE MEATS, FATS and 31; OILS- T5 Red through stamps X5 Q5 through through April S5, 28; Y5, Book 4, 10 points each, good through 2. March, Z5, A2 through D2, good FATS-Each pound, of waste fat is a good valid for a two meat-ration points, plus 4 cents. GASOLINE- coupon four gallons each, through March 21; B5 and B6 and C5 and C6 coupons, 5 gallons each. PROCESSED FOODS-Blue stamps X5 through Z5, A2, B2, Book 4, 10 points each, good through March C2 through G2, good through April 28; H2 through M2 valid through June 2. stamps 1, 2 and 3, Book 3, valid indefinitely, SUGAR Stamps 34, Book 4, five pounds, valid through February 28; stamps 35, good through June 1.

VOL. Program of 115 Points Is Drawnby C.C. 26 Committee Heads Also Named io Help Carry Out New Plans Ensign P. L. Merrick (left), master of ceremonies at the Veterans Memorial Building last.

night, greets Edwin Meese post No. 5 commander, and an ensign in the Coast Guard Volunteer Force; Comdr. William F. Reichel, Oakland regiment commanding officer, and J. Porter Shaw, who was speaker at the meeting.

The Volunteer Port Security Force wants 2000 members. Work Keynote Of S.F. Parley State Department Men Say Little Time for Social Activity Likely The United Nations World Security in San Francisco in April will be characterized by hard work for its more than 1000 delegates, whose task will be to lay groundwork for international co-operation in the years ahead. State Department representatives, in San Francisco for a week of preliminary arrangements, make it clear there will be little time for social activity, that the delegates from 39 Nations will be on the job night and day and probably seven days a week. William D.

Wright, assistant chief of the department's division of central services, and Lyle L. Schmitter, foreign affairs specialist in the International Conference division, conferred, Mayor yesterday Roger for D. the Lapham, first Chief time Administrative Officer Thomas A. Brooks and Controller Harold J. Boyd.

HOUSEKEEPING TASK The two termed their present assignment a "housekeeping task," the arrangements for the physical aspects of the important conference, including a sessions site, housing for the delegates and the working press and radio representatives, who will come from all parts of the world. Wright said the conference will last a minimum of three weeks and, basing his prediction on experiences at other meetings and the scope of. the agenda for this one, estimated it probably will last much longer. Although he has no definite information on this point, Wright said, he believes the sessions will be held behind locked doors. He suggested it would be impossible for the delegates "to work in the glare of a spotlight." NUMBER UNKNOWN No one knows at this time how many.

Nations accept invitation for conference participation, nor How many delegates each will send, according to Wright. He added there is no restriction on the size of -delegations. The State Department official expressed hope of finding under one roof accommodations for the sessions, rooms for delegates and their secretariat, and restaurant facilities. is being conjectured that one large hotel, or two adjoining, such as the Fairmont and Mark Hopkins, would be chosen. The Fairmont already has been offered.

be made in Washington after Wright The final decision on a site will, and Schmitter return with their report. No definite course has been determined yet. Wright said it is unlikely any sessions will be held outside of San Francisco. NO FIESTA PLANNED Mayor Lapham, emphasizing is not a fiesta, but a wartime meeting," expressed the possibility, however, that neighboring cities, including Oakland and Berkeley, who have "generously offered to help," may be called upon for aid. Wright also indicated assistance in housing might be required from nearby communities.

Although the delegates will work in closed sessions, announcements will be made immediately of any decisions reached in view of the In portance of keeping the people of world informed, Wright said. He assured recognition of the press and radio as a part of the conference, and quarters will be established for them. He emphasized the serious mood of the conference in stating that many of the diplomats come from war ravaged countries, and among them will' be who have suffered greatly at the hands of the enemy and will attend with high hopes for creating a better world and not for idle amusement. An office will be set up soon in San Francisco for advance agents, including a press officer and propVerty officer. The Oakland Chamber of Commerce today outlined its program for the future in a 15-point course of action and appointment of ers to serve as chairmen of the organization's 26 working committees.

Gerald Hagar, president of the chamber, named these men to handle the committee work: Richard W. Breuner, agriculture; J. S. Hassler, aviation; William Cavalier, civic development; WilMcGrath, construction dustries; Donald B. Rice, tion and, tourist: Herbert Strachan, domestic.

trade; Weller Noble, finance. Sherwood Swan, franchise; Irving H. Kahn, highways; Homer W. Buckley, laws and legislation; Wil Evans, manufacturers; Otto H. Fischer, maritime and harbor; Clifford D.

Allen, membership; William P. St. Metropolitan Oakland Area Committee. OTHERS. NAMED OAKLAND COLONEL LEADS MEN IN ALPINE ASSAULT IN ITALY Give Lieut.

Col. Henry Hampton, former Oakland fireman, a job to' do and he does it. Colonel Hampton proved it several days ago, according to an Associated Press dispatch, when he led a brilliant mountain-scaling maneuver three miles west of Monte Belvedere, Italy, laboring with his men up a five-mile-long ridge ning from southwest to northeast. They had to use ropes and other Alpine equipment and then stood off small but bitter German counter-attacks for more than 30 hours. There was heavy mortar, artillery and minefield opposition with combinations of all three at most places, but Hampton and his men made it in an operation that was part of the main action of stabbing through some of the most rugged mountains of the Other troops cleared out a number of villages west of Belvedere, including the viciously -defended communities of Corona and Polla.

Hampton, a University of California graduate and former football player, went into the Army as a first lieutenant 1940. He had formerly served in the Army for three years before becoming a fireman with the Oakland department in 1937. As a captain in February, 1942, he was assigned to the Command and General Staff School at Ft. Leavenworth, and upon graduation in 1943, was stationed in Colorado with the ski troops. His wife, Ruth, and child, Jacqueline, 6, live at 3097- Arkansas Street.

Seaman Arrested For Battery, Mischief A merchant seaman, who, police said, struck two women in a day, taurant then at 523 broke 11th the Street glass early in the tofront doors and the plate glass window, was arrested for battery and malicious mischief. He was identified as Priscian Kazimier, 27. He and four companions were ordered to leave the place guage, when police they said. used As abusive they leaving. Kazimter is alleged to have kicked Mrs.

Lucy Cancilla, 37, wife of the proprietor, in the stomach and to have struck her daughter, Rosale, on the head. Funeral Rites Held RICHMOND, Feb. 21. Funeral services were held here this morning for Arthur Milton Lumsden, 37, owner of the Yellow Taxi Company. Lumsden died Monday after a brief illness.

Burial will be in Sunset View Cemetery, MAYOR INQUIRES INTO FREE MEALS AT S.F. PRISON San Francisco's budget-mindful Mayor Roger Lapham, having noticed that county employees, cipally jailers, have peen taking free meals at the prison, today demanded to know how come. He wrote a letter to Sheriff Daniel J. Murphy, in fact, quested an answer or an- accounting. It seems that the County of San Francisco has an ordinance providing that employees who eat the city's food shall pay a rate of $10 a month for one meal a day, $16.50 for two meals and $22.50 for three.

Now, the Mayor said he has learned, jailers are eating one and two meals day without having the money deducted from their paychecks. He said it didn't look good on his balance sheet. Sheriff Murphy, a by the communication, promised to look into the matter. He said it has been an established practice for years for employees to eat at least one meal served during their shift of duty--and without paying for it. Frank N.

Belgrano military and naval affairs: Charles P. ard, new industries; Ken Morrish, program; Reginald H. Biggs, publicity; Harold T. Avery, research; James residential deWilliam A. Davis, tax.

Irving F. Lyons, traffic; Orton Lucas, transportation; S. E. Reinhard, veterans service: Phil A. Hoyt, world trade, and Atfred J.

Lundberg, special bond election. 1945 program of the Oakland Chamber calls for: 1-Fullest co-operation to recognized agencies and organizations which will help to bring the war to a rapid and successful conclusion. 2-An intensified, aggressive program to obtain new industries and expansion and support of existing industries for the Metropolitan Oak- land area. ADVERTISING PROGRAM Signing up as one of the 1000 new recruits needed by the Oakland Volunteer Port Security Force is Elmer Clendenin, post sergeant-at-arms (right), with Warrant Officer C. M.

Putnam taking his application at last night's Legion photos. Passerby's First Aid Saves Baby, Near Death From Fall Into Pool RICHMOND. Feb. 21 In the! household of Mr. and Mrs.

Orbie Summers, 422 Fourth Street, Raymond Alburtus, 41, a shipyard electrician today is the greatest hero of a time fraught with heroic deeds. For, shortly after noon yesterday, I Alburtus, who lives at 530 Fourth Street. saved the life of their son Dale Franklin, 22 months old after! the infant fell into an fish pond near his home. Rescued from the pond by his mother, after a four -old boy had reported "Dale's swimmin' in the fish pond." Alburtus snatched the child from the mother's arms and applied artificial respiration. The child responded and before a fire department resuscitator squad could arrive it was breathing normally again.

Firemen credited Alburtus. who has had 17-years training in first aid and artificial respiration, with saving Dale's life. The near tragedy was discovered when Billy Yarkey, 4, who was playing with Dale, ran in to tell his mother, Mrs. Violet, Harkey, 417 Barrett Avenue, rushed across the alley to inform Mrs. Alburtus, employed at shipyard Raymond Alburtus, Rich-.

mond shipyard worker credited with saving the life of the child. 3-Continuation and expansion of the Metropolitan Oakland, area national advertising program to -supplement the campaign for the new industries. 4-A determined campaign to assure harbor for and Oakland adequate facilities; post war port coupled with this, an aggressive leadership in developing an outstanding position for Oakland in post-war world trade. 5-Aggressive promotion and support of a well-rounded aviation dustrial development program; courage all phases aviation development; adoption of an educational program through community participation; promote Oakland Airport to work continue: ously to insure that the airport, remain of the most in the West. 6-Continued co-operation with the Oakland city government, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, Oakland Post- War Planning Committee and other agents for early completion of a simplified and Lieut.

Col. Henry Hampton Funeral Set for S.F. Muralist Funeral services for Arthur F. Mathews, noted muralist and architect who helped redesign San Francisco buildings after the earthquake of 1906, will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at the N.

Gray Co. chapel, San Francisco. Mathews, 84, died in his home, 670 Fell Street, San Francisco, Monday night. He had lived in the Bay area since he was 6 years old. except for student years in Paris.

Mathews is the only American to win the gold medal for drawing, painting and composition while a student at the Julian Academy in Paris. He had also received the gold medal from the American Institute of Architects in 1922. His murals are in the Capitol r0- tunda at Sacramento, the Palace of Fine Arts and the Mechanics' Institude in San Francisco as well as in countless libraries and public buildings throughout California. Organizer of the Art Students League in San Francisco, he was for many years director of the California School of Design. He is survived by his widow, Mrs, Lucia K.

Mathews, also an artist of note, as well as his brothers, Edgar A. and Walter J. Mathews, both Oakland and San Francisco architects. Boy, 9, Wounded in Revolver Accident RICHMOND. Feb.

Rothmann, 9, son. of Mrs. Eleanor Rothmann, 540 San Pablo Avenue. is in Richmond Hospital with flesh, wound in his thigh, received last night he attempted to take a .38 caliber revolver from a holster. police, reported.

The boy alone in his home when the thought he heard an intruder, he told police, so he attempted to get the gun from the holster. It caught, police said, and discharged. Alameda Girl, 4, Dies of Candle Burns Marion Munn, year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Munn.

of 3203 San Antonio Street, Alameda, died at Providence Hospital today as a result of burns suffered yesterday when lighted can dies she was playing with ignited her clothing. Her mother was given' first aid treatment for burns on her hands and arms, incurred when she tore the burning clothing from the child. co-ordinated post -war program. NEW ALAMEDA TUBE No. 3, was passing when he saw the frantic mother.

with the apparently lifeless child in her arms, seeking aid. The baby was taken to Richmond Hospital, where he was pronounced none the worse for his experience. I Dale's parents have resided in Richmond four years. where his father is employed as a taxi driver. S.F.

Man Near Death. After 'Slashing, Leap Bernard Snow, 49. a San Francisco clerk. is near death today after slashing himself with a razor and leaping from a window of his fifth floor apartment at 55 Herman Street. Snow had cut his throat, both wrists and his left ankle before diving from the window, landing in the rear yard of the apartment house.

Dale Franklin Summers, whose life was saved yesterday by a shipyard worker. 7-Active support for local, State and inter-county transportation improvements in and adjacent to the Metropolitan Oakland area, include ing completion of a second Alameda tube at the earliest possible date. 8-Provide information on sun plus war materials and agencies; ins form interested members of the time and place of Federal sales scheduled throughout the San cisco Bay area; aid and support program for the orderly dispost tion of surplus war materials. 9-Maintenance of ute: service to members in connec tion with contracts, reconversion, termination of contracts, War Production Board priorities, materials, manpower and other problems with Government agencies. The chamber should be the clearing house for all manufacturers and business firms in the Oakland industrial area, 10-Continued vigilance in the traffic field to maintain fair and equitable transportation rates for local interests and to improve Oakland's many tation advantages.

NEW HOMES URGED 11-Active leadership in facilitating local housing development and assuring correct balance tween public and private construction. 12-Increased membership active ity through public membership standing speakers on of luncheon meetings, bringing, outcurrent issue to business, industrial and professional leaders. 13-Maintenance of a strong representation in Washington and at Sacramento to guard and support Oakland's national and State legislative interests; continued constant efforts to keep at a minimum nonessential expenditures of Federal, State and local governments, 14-Co operative action with other communities and exchange of ideas to solve common problems; continue and expand friendly relations with chambers of commerce and similar organizations throughout this area. 15-Active leadership In come munity affairs; formulation of co-ordinated plan of civic development and continue to make the Oakland Chamber of Commerce the focal point for civic activity. $649.50 in Fines SAN PABLO, Feb.

Note to speeders: Traffic fines collected yesterday morning in San Pablo Justice Court totaled $649.50, Judge J. E. Christensen announced todays.