The Bakersfield Californian from Bakersfield, California • Page 10

Page SSglft" If SATtTltoAY, NOVEMBER 27, TOlf News of Courts and Public Offices S.P.WIBLE EXPL WHY HE DEEMS I Would Cite Grand Juror For Contempt District Attorney Files Petition Directed Against Banker Arthur S. Crites. ILLEGAL Points Out Flaws in Procedure on Which His Action Is Based. (By S. P.

WIBLE.) I 7 Although I'have previously set out reasons that induced me to bring Witt against the city, a suit that calls jiito qestion the legality of the assessment of property for the purpose of inunlcipal taxation, 1 am still daily in receipt of numerous inquiries from property holders seeking further enlightenment, and to answer such inquiries I wish again to specifically designate the points that form the nts of the action, which, if sustained, will make void the city assessment and the city tax levy based upon such iusaessment. Let me recapitulate plainly and briefly so that every property holder may understand upon what base my contention that there has been no legal assessment of the property of Bakersfleld for the year 1915. Ordinance number 9 of the old city ordinances provided for a method of cssessment, designating the procedure laid down by the state law and providing for an independent assessment, 'Ordinance number amended ordinance number 9 to enable the city assessor to copy the county assessment and reauiring an affidavit that it was an exact copy. The charter specifically provides that all of the old ordinances shall remain in effect until repealed. Now under the charter, the new July 19, after the work of making the, assessment for 1915 was well under pttssed an ordinance which is presumed the authority for the preseht assessment.

Among other things, it provided that the ordinance should become effective IN THIRTY in other words, IT BECAME THE LAW ON AUGUST NINETEENTH. But the assessor's affidavit shows that she completed-the assessment on August 16 THREE DAYS BEFORE tlje law that authorized such assess-, rnent became; effective. But in the! meantime the city council met as aj bpard of equalization on August 2 and remained in session until August' 7 to listen to the complaints of taxpayers and to equalize an assessment THAT WAS NOT COMPLETED UNTIE, NINE DAYS AFTER such board of equalization adjourned. How could that board pass upon the tduity of an assessment that had not yet been made? How could it equal- The district attorney has tiled a petition asking for a citation to issue to Colonel Arthur S. Crites, vice president and manager of the Security Trust Company, and a member of the present grand jury, to show cause why lie should not be held to be in contempt of court, the allegation of the petition being that Colonel Crites violated the instructions of secrecy imposed on the grand jury by Judge Farmer by divulging how he voted in the matter of the recent investigation of tire district attorney by the grand jury.

It is alleged that such violation is set forth In those certain parts of the petition of the Bar Association to have the district attorney disbarred wherein intimidation of grand jurors is averred. Also it is alleged that Colonel Crites told C. L. Clafiin. C.

V. Anderson and Judge Farmer how he had voted on the grand jury. No action' has as yet been taken on the petition, which is in the possession of the county clerk. Colonel Crites was today, at the Security Trust Bank, but declined to' make any comment further than to lie hoped for an opportunity to reply to the allegations in open court. Arthur S.

Crites, who is one of Bakersfield's first citizens, is a brother of Angus Crites, the personal friend of Governor and the state cen trnl committeeman of the Progressive party In Kern. Two Alleged Cattle Thieves Bound Over Ralph liarwood and Hoy llcnncFsy, both well knowu in the Tujon district were hound over to the court for trial this morning by Justice Ma- rioti, Hitting in place of Justice Flournoy, on a charge of grand larceny In stealing a steer from the Tejon finch. Thud Cluney, Stun Ellis and J. J. superintendent of the ranch were the witnesses for the prosecution.

Cheney testified that he suiv the men drive the animal to the slaughter pen, and afterwards saw lis carcass. The confession of Harwood, implicating Hennessy was read as evidence. No evidence was introduced by the defense. General Public to Feel the Effects of Withdrawal Order Dokkies Leave For Los Angeles Tocjay Eleven members of Al Maluli Temple No. 82, Dramatic Order of Knights of Kiiorassen, left this noon by auto to attend the initiation of a large class of neophytes at Al Borak Temple No.

75 in Los Angeles. A class of eighty is to be initiated from Al Borak Temple, and a class of forty from the San Uiego temple. Delegates from all the temples in the state will be present. Those who left this noon from kersfleld were Al. M.

Litchenstein, C. Curtzwiler, C. W. Jhonstone, W. H.

Clark, H. J. Martin, R. Kalloch, Leo Krankel, L. Johnston, J.

Cheney, R. S. Young and C. W. Williams.

Laboring Class Has Already Been Injured by Recent Oil Land Litigation. "The withdrawal orders recently made, and their resultant effect on the prices of oil, has nlready had its effect on the common laborer, and will shortly be felt by the general public lu increased prices in oil, electricity and commodities," was the statement made by -Charles Van Smith, connected with'the Oil hulustry Association protective movement. Van Smith and San Francisco Leads American Cities in Number of Suicides Self Murder on Increase In United States Sayo Frederick L. Hoffman in NEW YORK, Nov. is on the increase, says Frederick L.

Hoffman in the current issue of "The He lias made a careful compilation of figures to bear out his statement. The increase is due in part, lie says, to exceptionally convenient facilities for self-murder, especially by poison. During 1914 San Francisco led In JUDGMENT ON NOTES. J. E.

Bailey was given judgment by Judg9 Farmer against Thos. W. Glover for $1450 and costs on two notes. The plaintiff was represented by E. L.

Foster and the defense by Attorney Emmons. ize values between August 2 and August 7 in an assessment which, according to the sworn statement of the assessor, was not made until August 16? Clearly the assessment is illegal and the tax levied thereon is void. And I direct attention to the fact that none of the city officials has yet contended that the assessment is legal, though there have been some statements to the effect that the ordinance is "good." It may be a good ordinance, but it is not applicable to the assessment made this year because it was not in force when that assessment was made. Nor were the old ordinances, still pealed, observed. It follows therefore that no legal assessment was made in 1915 and that taxes cannot be legally collected on that assessment.

Nor is It the law, I am advised, that if taxes are not paid this year there can be a double assessment of property in 1916. The section of the law quoted to that effect does'not cover any such situation as lias now arisen in this city through the failure of our officials to make an assessment according to law. Petty Thefts Are Reported to Police A number of petty thefts were reported to the police department this morning, and several sentences were imposed this morning by Police Judge Bunnell for petit larceny. A. Dudley was arrested by Officer E.

A. Stevenson on suspicion, the man having been found trying to sell an overcoat. Pete Nelson and Harry McNamara pleaded guilty this morning to stealing a typewriter from the office of Charles Bloomer, the local real estate man. They were given six months each. E.

Baker of Taft reported that his overcoat was stolen last night from his auto, Which was standing In front of the Southern hotel. C. W. Newberry reported that a lap robe was stolen from his rig. L.

E. Doan, secretary of the organlza- percentage of suicides per 100,000 of Uon, will leave tomorrow morning for population. In that city there were 234 Taft to attend of the suicides, or 52.4 per 100,000 of popula Methodist church there, where Rev. lion. San Diego was next with 23 sui- Luther A.

Rice will preacli on "Oil cides. In Manhattan and the Bronx Conservation." 1 there were 618 suicide, or 20.2 per cent "I was talking to Lester Wright, re- per 100,000 of population. In Brooklyn ceiver for the Escondido Utilities Com- there were 234 suicides, or 12.6 per pany at Escondido, yesterday," assert- ceut per 100,000. Newton, showed Van Smith, "and lie told me that ed the lowest rate, four residents kill- the increase in' the price of fuel oil ine themselves, giving a nercentage from 95 cents to $1.06 f. o.

b. Escon- of 9.5 per cent per 100,000. The suicide dido, had caused an increase In oper- rate is the highest since 1909. ating expenses of 5 per cent, and that The seven cities showing highest in consequence lie was forced to cut pulr.ide rates are San Francisco, Sun his payroll 331-3 per cent. i Diego, Sacramento, Hoboken, St.

Consumers Affected. Louis, Los Angeles and Oakland. "I talked with on official'of the San; In 100 cities the total number of Diego Consolidated Gas Company of suicides was 4982, or 20.3 per 100,000 San Diego yesterday. This company of population. Business depression supplies both gas and electricity.

Most during 1914 is cited as one of the prin- of the electricity in Southern Califor- cipal causes. nia, by the way, Is manufactured with I the aid of fuel oil. All manufactured nv Pafifisin gas in the state made from'fuel 0 1 ivccdil JTCllllOIl Well, 1 asked him, 'How will the withdrawal order-and the consequent rise in prices, affect "'It will mean only a loss to the he replied. 1 Best Three Bargains Ever Appeared on This Page For Next Monday Only Short of Names After checking over the names on petition for the recall of Council- i W. G.

Sillier, and eliminating But there is a railroad commission lllirty two for varIous bringing In this state which is bound pro- th tect this and all other public u.imies. t0 preaented a petition lateyester- We huge-a right to a fair return on afte rnoon bearing the signatures our investment, and that protection oi 4 the recall petition, will mean an In rates by aKke( thejr direct ruling of the railroad coramis- re ed lt T1 claimed th slon. It will be laying the burden A of the corporation onto the consumer." "There you have' it," commented Van Smith, "the. rise in prices from the withdrawal is bound to be reflected in the prices charged tUje general public." Sims' Refusal to Hang Faltin Brings Action PHOENIX, Nov. Jones, attorney general of instituted here today contempt proceedings in the state supreme court against R.

B. Sims, warden at Florence penitentiary who refused yesterday to execute Wm. Faltin, condemned to be hanged for the murder of Carl Peterson three years ago at Phoenix. Attorney General Jones petitioned the court to direct Warden Sims to show cause why he should not be punished. The petition sots forth that Warden Sims acted in contempt of court in refusing to carry out the order made September 23 when the supreme court signed Faltln's death warrant.

Interesting Hour at Children's Library Mrs. Nielson, librarian at the children's library, entertained sixty-four children this morning at the regular Saturday story hour with some good stories and some exhibits. had been induced to sign through misrepresentation. I As City Attorney Osborn gives as, his opinion that names can be withdrawn up to tlie time the petition has been certificated by the city clerk, this brings down the number to 173 valid signatures, three less than the required number of 176. a Weringer Teamster Seriously Injured Jim Bryan, a Weringer copper mine teamster, lies at the San Joaquin hos- ital seriously injured as the result The exhibits showed tapioca fronf n( nn n.nr the raw state to the finished food, ready to be consumed; cotton from the field to finished goods, and lead pencils from the.

raw materials to the final stage of manufacture. The exhibits will be at the library during the entire week. 12 MEN ENTOMBED. -Twelve POTTSVILLE, Nov. .2 men were entombed in a Colliery of the Lehigh Valley Conlftany today, 01 1 when an explosion of gas the gangway afire.

Nine resetted alive but there is no hope for tfte other three. They are foreigners. of an accident near Poso Creek a couple of days ago. I Bryan wa.s caught between the wagon and the bank and in getting out of the way slipped beneath the I wagon and both legs were run over. No bones were broken but the muscles were tudly lacerated and an operation may be pecessnry.

Dr. N. K. Brown is attending tile injured man and his chances for' complete recovery will be determined in a Col. Peake Visits Woody Copper Mine Owing to the failing health of Mr.

Wickersham, the Wickersham Company will retire from business. BEGINNlNtGr MONDAY Great Auction Sale WICKERSHAM GO'S $75,000 STOCK Continues Daily iiis unusual sale affords you the opportunity of securing just what you need in the jewelry line for Christmas giving-at auction. The Wickersham Company's stock of jewelry is new and embraces all the new offerings of the best-known makers of precious, gold and silver goods. ITS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO BUY The finest Diamonds, rare and precious Stones of all kinds, Watches, Jewelry, Sterling Silver, Sheffield Silver, Hand Painted China, Cut Glass, at the mercy of the bidder. Never has such an opportunity been offered our community to buy at Public Auction from a stock so exclusive and backed up by the oldest and most reliable Jewelry House in the city.

SALES DIALY AT 2:30 P. M. AND 7 P. M. Until entire stock is sold.

Every article sold at auction bears our Personal Guarantee. Chairs reserved for ladies. Wickersham Company No. 120 Parfecticn This solves the problem of heating that room for the Christmas tree so the children will have a nice warm room in which to enjoy the happiest moment of their still a more practical use for this famous little article we are placing on sale is for the bath room. It will warm the room in a few seconds and makes the room very pleasant, lt is very light and can easily be carried from one room to another, there is no smoke or fumes, nothing to get out of order, as simple to operate as any ordinary kerosene lamp.

This stove is known as the No. 120 Perfection Oil Heater, manufactured by the Standard Oil Company, and sells regularly for TK price for Monday only I Five Gallons Best Grade Kerosene on Sale Monday Come Early This Special Will Last But One Day This special sale on kerosene is one that you rarely see advertised and is one that is well worth taking advantage of. It is not necessary that you bring your own can in order to get the benefit of this exceptional offer. For Monday only we will sell five gallons of the best grade of coal oil, including a can that is worth at least 30c, full of kerosene, for only No. Heater There are four sizes in this particular brand of heater and the next one is known which is just a little larger than No.

120 and is more elabor- a 1 decorated. None genuine unless they bear the trademark "Perfection." Known all over the world by that price for Monday only as No. 160 Perfection Oil Heater, Col. Amasa P. Peake of Butte, with Mrs.

Peake, and their son, George T. Peake and wife, arrived in the city last evening and registered at the Southern. 1 Colonel Peake represents capitalists Butte and Duluth, who are interested in the Weringer copper mine at Woody and this morning the party drove out to Woody -to make an inspection of the property. This is the first visit of Colonel Peake since the installation of the new machinery at the mine. No Phone Orders Deliveries to all Parts of the City Astor Is Robbed of $230 By Pickpocket NEW YORK, Nov.

Aslor's pocket was picked in front of the Belasco theater. Valuable papers and $230 were taken. Bernard Weinstein was taken to police headquarters after Mr. Astor thought the picture of Weinstein resembled a man who had jostled him. When he saw Weinstein, Mr.

Astor could not identify him. Weinstein was released. Incendiaries Try to Burn 40,000 Bbls. Oil SPOKANE, Nov. last night attempted to burn 40,000 barrels of gasoline in the Standard Oil Company's storage tanks here.

A wad of oil waste was used as a torch and pushed into a gasoline storage room. A watchman extinguished the blaze before the fire had spread. It might have fired the entire factory district, firemen say. The fire alarm system was cut earlier in the evening by unknown persons, causing the firu department to respond. Jumps From Plane 10,000 Feet in Air LONDON, Nov.

27, 4:48 p. Colonel Maitland of the royal naval air service, jumped with a parachut today from an aeroplane which was 10,000 feet in the air. He landed safely. Colonel Maitland has been experimenting with projected developments of the aerial service and arrived at the point where it was necessary to determine whether an airman could land safely by parachute from such a-lieight. 'Some one has to do it," he said.

"There is only one person I care to ask. I will make the attempt myself." the colonel fifteen minutes to make the descent, but lie solved his problem satisfactorily. L. A. Man Robbed of $17,000 in Diamonds NEW YORK, Nov.

Fores, a diamond dealer of Los Angeles, reported to the police today that lie had been robbed of a hag containing $17,000 worth of diamonds on Broadway near Wall street. HAT man would build a house for his own use and not put in a bathroom? Then the house equipped with modern fixtures will surely attract the best class of tenants or find the readiest sale. For the finest plumbing equipment at reasonable cost we recommend plumbing fixtures and will be pleased to show you the many artistic designs in which they ate made. Ask for illustrated booklet. UtamliU'iT "Liiidcll" lavatory BALDWIN PLUMBING CO.

2606 Chester Ave Phone 229 VITAL STATISTICS of Kern County MARRIAGE LICENSES. Klasson of Rosedale, and Sarah Kroker IS, of Wasco. John Klasson 21, of itoscdale, and Marie Kroker 21, of Wasco. CLEAR AND FROSTY. San PraneiHCo and vicinity.

South- nr -n' OaHfornla, Saf ramen'o. Clara and San Joaquin tonight and Sunday, heavy frost Sunday morning; light northerly wind. Tliat Roonng $1.50 Per Roll Why Pay More? (N. 13. All roofing is lo advance in price very is the latesl report from the factories.) Gel what von need now, at HERRINGTON'S.