January 13, 1939 (6 pages)

Thinking Out Loud By H. M. L. * vada COVERS RICHEST GOLD AREA IN CALIFORNIA . with good motives and for sast= ifiable ends. — Alexander Hamilton : ' the Liberty of the Press consists ) Sitting through the preliminary hearing in which Irl Black »® ‘wood and wife are accused of ~ ** shooting down Arthur Lavalley and James Roots on New Year’s afternoon, one witness was im# pressive to the point of tears. Mrs. Gladys Roots, a young woman in her early twenties, left with three young children to support alone, telling of the shooting of her husband, said: “I heard Mr. Blackwood, I think it was he, say: ‘Let’s throw down our guns and ve settle this peacefully.’ When my husband threw away his gun and put up his ‘hands saying, ‘alright,’ I was standing near him. He turned as if he were going to* say something to me, and then fell. I cannot swear which one shot him, but I saw the gun jump in Mrs. Blackwood’s hand, as if it was being fired. My attention was centered upon my husband. I was confused.’”’ er: The Blackwoods were held to answer on charge of murder. At this time no one knows what their defense will be. They are represented by Attorney William Cassetari, whose duty it is, to defend as best he can his ‘two clients. . It is as much the duty of an attorney to use every legal means to save and preserve all rights of his clients as it is of a physician to use his ‘best knowledge and training to save life or limb of a patient. . No one could hear that tragic Be story of the New Year dinner to * which three sisters, Mrs Lavalley, Ba Mrs. Roots and Mrs. Don B. Wright had invited. seventeen relatives and family friends, eight of whom were children, without being deeply moved. The lives of two young men (both in their early thirties) were sacrificed for a_ tricial reason. An outdoor toilet, covered with odd pieces of sheet iron and tin cans that had been unfolded, flattened and tacked on the framework, rusted and disreputable to the ’nth degree. No evidence has yet been offered even were this a minuscule reason for down two men, that the Roots, who lived three times nearer’ to the privy than did the Blackwoods, ever dispute the Blackwood right 4 (not title) to this crin'ging, miseri) able structure. Whatever lock wrenching was done, Was by the visitors who naturally supposed that the privy, be. cause of its ladtation, was the one . commonly used by the Roots family. Witnesses testified that the the Roots had always respected the right ofthe Blackiwoods, once it was asserted, and had gone over into the next gully to an outhouse belonging to another neighbor, Ed Martin, who ‘had ‘freely granted them its use. Pathetically moving was Mrs. Roots testimony that only a few days previously, Mrs. Blackwood apparently in a friendly spirit had warned her that the creek water was not fit for domestic use. It was apparent ‘throughout — her testimony that Mrs. Roots was trying to tel] all the truth regarding her relations with her neighbors. When the New Year day trouble i first, began, she said, she rushed out of her tent house to see if her ‘children had caused the commotion. This would not be the action of a quarrelsome or peace disturbing neighbor. She also testified that there had been no excessive drinking on the part of ‘her guests A New Year toddy, that was all. The character of the ‘witnesses themselves apparently precludes any idea of a drunken brawl. 4) (Nothing for the defense is as yet of record. That will be developed at the trial, which, we hope . will take place speedily. But one is filled with amazement that two people, apparently without former record of crime, whose impulses in some instances, it has been shown, were good, should suddenly } become involved in so atrocious a murder, for a reason that seems beyond the borders of reason, and with an effect so devastating -upon so many lives. One wonders where the minds of these two began to diverge from the civilized ae standard and reverence for human * life, until a length they reached the low plane revealed in these — two New Year murders. William. Fenton, who owns mining ground in the Quaker Hill district, was stricken suddenly with a severe cold about ten days ago. Mr. Fenton is at the home of. his sister, Miss Mamie Fenton, on Park avenue. os shooting~ Vol. 13, No. 4. The County Seat Paper NEVADA CIT Y, CALIFORNIA The Gold Center EE FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, be MURCHIE MINE, IT IS EXPECTED, SOON TO CLOSE Gradual transfer of miners employed in ‘the Murchie preliminary to closing the mine is in prospect. Engineer Robert Hendricks, in charge of the mine, is reported as having stated that with depth the paying ore veins have dwindled until the company now regards further exploration as a fruitless quest. For 1300. feet in depth the Murchie yielded goodore. With depth, however, profitable ore diminished. On the 2650 level nothing of promise was found. The mine -will be operated until the present ore reserves are exhausted, and this is not expected to require more than two or three months. In the meantime, the miners whose record of loyalty and industry has been unsurpassed in California, will be transferred to other Newmont properties, such as Zeibright, Empire-Star, and Brown’s Valley, or to exploration psdnsains on Newmont prospects. Among the explorations to be undertaken by the Newmont is that of sinking a shaft on their North Banner holding adjacent to the Lava Cap. The company has quietly acquired all the mineral rights between the original Murchie claims and the Lava Cap property. SKIDDING CAR HITS SIDEWALK PEDESTRIAN Mrs. Mary L. Doolittle and daughter, Miss Edna Doolittle, of Gold Flat miraculously escared . serious injury yesterday morning when their car skidded on frosty pavement at the south end of the Gault Bridge. The car went out of control and after slipping from side to side struck Leanord Armstrong, off the sidewalk knocking him to the pavement. He was removed to Jones Memorial hospital in Grass Valley where Chief of Police Garfield Robson, who investigated the accident, found he had suffered a broken shoulder blade. [LEGAL GOLD DFATER GOES TA JAN FOP § MOS, aad a % Roy Burton. 56. a Park Avenue resident of Nevada City was sentenced to six months in the Placer county jail, after a hearing in the justice court of Auburn on charges of selling gold to Ward & Ward, Auburn firm, under the name of R. Howe. é John Bongard of the division of mines, brought the charge, stating that the sales totaling $20,000 was made in June of last year. Burton was recently arrested in Nevada City, on a battery charge to which he pleaded guilty. HYDRAULIC ASSN. TO MEET IN MARYSVILLE There will be a meeting of the California Hydraulic Mining Association mempers. Saturday, January 14, at 2 p. m. at the Marysville Hotel, Marysville. Members of the Debris Commission and others.are to be honored guests. It is urged that all members attend.: DEATH SUMMONS CHARLES MUNROE (Charles Munroe, aged about 78 years, who had resided on the Lower Grass Valley-Nevada City highway until going to the pay ward in the county hospital a few days ago passed away Thursday mornie at about 2 o’clock, Mr. Monroe has spent his. entire life in this city and with his parents lived where Major and Mrs. Chapman now reside for many years. His father was a butcher in Nevada City. The deceased leaves a son, who resides in Sacramento. Services will be held in the Holmes Funeral Home Chapel at 10 o’clock Saturday morning with Rev. Charles Washburn of the Eipiscopal church officiating. J. V. Hubbard ‘accompanied his daughter, Miss Juanita Hubbard, to Berkeley Friday and will remain until Sunday. Miss Hubbard is studying chemistry. OLNEY DONELLY, ILL, SHOWS IMPROVEMENT Ollie Donnelly, president of the Mine Workers Protective League, who suffered a relapse and was returned to Jones Memorial Hospital last week end is reported as much improved. He has jbeen ill several weeks with a heart ailment. Mr. Donnelly, who thas handled the affairs of the league so successfully the past term was re-elected recently to the presidency. MRS. TUTTLE WILL BE HONOR GUEST OF UNIV. WOMEN (Mrs. Raglan “Tuttle will be the honor guest of the Nevada County Unit of the American Association of University Women at its January meeting to be held at the home of Miss Margaret Rector this evening at 7:30 o'clock. ; Justice and Mrs. Tuttle plan _ to make their home in Sacramento. The University women extend their sincere congratulations and best wishes to Justice Tuttle and family for the honor extended ‘him by his appointment to the Third District. Court of Appeals, yet it is with deep regret that they see them leave Nevada City, where for thirteen years they have taken so active a part in the social, club and civic life of the community. Mrs, Tuttle is an active member of the Nevada City Woman’ Civie Club, St. Agnes Guild, the Coiserie Book Club, the Country Club and the Nevada County Unit of the American Association of University Women, of which she is a member of the board of directors. At tonight’s meeting there will be a program and reception complimenting Mrs, Tuttle. Wednesday night the International Study section of the club met at the home of Mrs. H. M. Leete for a most interesting session of which Mrs. E. Sowder was chairman. JUNIOR COLLEGE AT AUBURN WILL Second semester registrations at Placer Junior College will be made January 23 to 24 under the direcClass commence January tion of Dean Wyman E. Olson. instruction will 26. Students not now enrolled in college may. interview Dean Olson at his office before those dates, many inquiries have already ‘been received relative to second semester offerings. Dean Olson states there are many attractive offerings for the second semester, both in the college preparatory and terminal fields. Commencement will be held May 34, There will be no formal commencement at the end of the first semester, WOMAN'S CLUB TO HEAR CHIEF. STATE BUREAU Mrs. H.D. Wistca chief of the state bureau of vocational rehabilitation will be the guest speaker before the Woman’s Civic club, Monday evening, January 23, in the Brand Studio. Her subject is so vitally important in these times of changing social and economic conditions that each member wwill have the privilege of bringing a guest. Last Monday evening the regular meeting of the club was held. Mrs. Belle Douglas gave a very interesting talk and review of books which have been written about Nevada City and vicinity. The club will begin planning for its annual get-together dinner in February at the next meeting, January 23. Mr. ‘and Mrs.! Howard Burr received word Wednesday evening that Bill Hughes, who resided with them for about six months, passed away suddenly in Seattle where he was waiting to take passage on a ship for Alaska. He was a 44 year old World War veteran and was em;representing the defendants, BLACKWOOD PAIRIC: MUST ANSWER IN SUPERIOR COURT Irl R. Blackwood and his’ wife, Irene Blackwood, on Wednesday following a preliminary examination before Justice of the’ Peace Charles Morehouse in Grass Valley, were held to answer in the Superior Court on a charge of : murdering James Roots and Arthur Lavalley on New Year day. The defendants present took brisk interest in the testimony of witnesses. The following were heard: Dr. Harry Benteen, who performed the autopsy on the two dead men, Don B. Wright, who testified he went to call the authorities after the shooting; Mrs. Ruth Wright, his wife and a sister of Mrs, Lawalley and Mrs. Roots, and. last Mrs. Roots. : District Attorney Stoll questioned the witnesses, bringing out one significant fact from all of them, namely that neither Lavalley nor Roots were armed. when they were shot down. Attorney William Cassettari questioned the witnesses regarding ocrurences prior to shooting that might indicate reasons for the tragedy. It developed that during the afternoon, the three sisters, Mrs. “Roots, Mrs. Lavalley and Mrs. Roots-in: passing the Blackwoods’ outhouse had paused there for a moment and one of them had bent a small piece of tin covering. Another. had put her foot on the structure with some jesting remark about tipping it over. This had resulted in Mrs. Blackwood. calling from her trailer home, 100 yards away: ‘“Get away from there,” or words to that effect. On the whole the testimony of the witnesses varied little from that offered at the coroner’s inquest. JUDGE JONES FINDS FOR DEFENDANT IN CAR SUIT Judge George L. Jones yesterday rendered a decision for the defendants in the case of Edgar Phillips versus George Baldwin et al. This suit was for a total of $1500 damages alleged as resulting from an auto collision in which Phillips was injured last October. The trial was held without jury. SCOUT COUNCIL ELECTS OFFICERS A business meeting of the Tahoe Area Council was held Tuesday evening at area headquarters in the Auburn city hall at which. time, the council’s application to the Boy Scouts of America for charter was approved after reports of the year’s work had been received. New officers as named by a nominating committee composed of the seven council area vice presidents were elected for the year 1939. This report was presented by Dr. P. D. Barnes of Loomis. These officers will be installed at the annual dinner meeting January 24 at the Auburn Hotel. The speaker at this meeting will be Judge J. F. Pullen, presiding justice of the Appellate Court of California. Those elected are Lowell L, Sparks, council president; K. D. Robinson, Judge J. B. Landis, and W. G. Lee, honorary vice presidents; Dr. R. H. Eveleth, Dr. P. D. Barnes, Harry Gordon, H. A. Curnow, O. Marson, W. E Olson, Harry Poole, vice presidents; M. J. Rover, treasurer; Judge G. L. Jones, national council representative; Harris Ricksecker, scout executive; R. C. Clinger, Albert Law, John Wilson, R. E. Shields. C. W. Ramsey, Dr. Harry Stewart, Harris Paxton, George Jergenson, district commissioners; M. S. Beecher, Lone Scout commissioner; and Donald Wilson, field commissioner. The program of the council ar objectives for 1939 were established and plans were made for presentation of veteran scout awards at the annual meeting. President Sparks appointed department heads as follows: E. E. Covey, organization; L. H. Reynolds, camping and activities; A. F. Carveth, training; W. T. Eich, advancement; G. L. Jones, health and safety; ‘and Dr. L, Ww Empey, educational publicity. : The many. friends of Randall Sharpe, mining man of Gethsemene street, will be pleased to learn that he is recovering from his illness. His ployed at the Miners Foundry while he lived in this city. full recovery from a severe sick spell is anticipated. “W. Nobs, In view of more rumors that the Champion mine may re-open (the rumors fail to fix a date) the following article appearing in the San Francisco Argonaut, (California’s oldest and most carefully edited weekly, is of ‘wide interest: This mine, one of the big early day producers was closed in 1920, but it is looked upon as one of the coming large time producers of the west. The group, including the Providence and Mountaineer, has a production record of ‘$33,000,000 in gold from above the 2,750 foot incline level (about 1,500 feet vertical depth). As all of the big ore.bodies and big values in other mines of this district, except the Idaho-Maryland, have come from below the _ 1,500 foot levels, the Champion should be just about ready to enter its larger and more productive areas. The Champion is no mere. gold prospect, It is one of four outstanding proven properties in the Nevada City-Grass Valley district. The length of the vein systems of the Champic group is two miles or more. Only three of its known ore bodies. have so far been worked, although a total of sixteen have been proven. This group -was‘ worked almost continuously from the year 1851 to 1920. Its production record down to a 1,500 foot vertical depth is equal to, or exceeding that of any mine in Grass Valley. Although the Champion was equipped with antiquated machinery and more than nine tenths of the work both in development and in actual stoping, was done by ‘hand drills, the records indicate it was operated at a profit during the World. War period when costs were rising. The mine, which was then owned ‘by the North Star Mines Conmany, was closed down and completely dismantled in 1920, so that it is now without equipment and i filled with water. The Providence shaft, which» is down 2,750 feet on an incline is in good condition, having been renewed with creosoted timbers before the shutdown. Just before suspending operations a new ore body was. encountered at the bottom of the Providence shaft. Tests made by Fred now manager of the Empire-Star mine company, gave a return on the deepest assay taken of $84 per ton. It is surprising to know that this ore body was not even tested by the old ‘management. According to George W. Starr, who as former manager of the Empire mine, and is thoroughly familiar with ore Champion Mine Most . Likely Prospect For Reopening In Calif. formations in the Grass Valley area, similar ore shoots in’ this district have invariably opened into large ore bodies. The average size of the ledges in the Grass Valley district,” with exception of the Idaho-Maryland. mine, is about 16 inches with ore averaging somewhat lower than that of the Empire and North Star. However, a greater volume of ore can be produ¢ed and milled at far less cost, increasing its value accordingly. With a single exception, and that is from the men who closed the property. the entire group of mining officials in the district, speak most favorably of the Champion. This includes such internationally known engineers as George W. Starr, Fred Searls, of the Newmont, William Simpkins, Errol MacBoyle of the Idaho Maryland, F. W. Nobs of the Empire-Star, Edward — C.:Uren and Roy Tremoureux, the latter having ‘been in charge as superintendent at the time the mine was closed. George W. Starr has recently stated that the future of the Champion, . as it now stands, is brighter than was that of the Empire of Grass Valley when he took charge of it-on his return from: Africa thirty years ago. Errol MacBoyle of the IdahoMaryland has stated that at the time he was negotiating for a mining property in this district, he had under consideration both the IdahoMaryland and the Champion. He chose the Idaho. However, he stated his next choice in the entire district would be the Champion. The Champion mine is owned by Dr Carl P. Jones; a man born and raised in Grass Valley and who knows its mines, their history, their possibilities and the men who work, or have worked in them. Few living are in a better position to know a district than is Dr Jones to know this one. The one great obstacle to reopening the Champion is the amount of money required. Engineer’s estimates indicate that the amount necessary to unwater, reopen andre-equip it with mine plant and mill, is around $600,000. That is a tidy sum, but quite insignificant ‘compared with the possibility, if not likelihood, of bringing forth another Idaho-Maryland! There are very few districts in the world like Grass Valley-Nevada City. Fighty eight years hay passed since George McKnight stubbed his toe on a piece of highgrade, chasing a cow on Gold Hill, and the © district is still young. PLACER QUINT PLAY GAMES AT FRESNO AND L. A. Placer Junior. ‘College Spartans left yesterday morning on a basketball trip that will carry them to Los Angeles and Fresno for games tonight and Saturday night. It will be the most extensive trip ever undertaken by a Placer Junior College athletic squad. Tonight the Spartans play the UCLA Frosh preliminary to the contest between the UCLA Varsity and the Golden Bears of California. Saturday night the Placer team plays at Fresno, in a preliminary to the game between Fresno State College and the University of Mexico, which is in the United States on a travel tour. Coach Earl Crabbe announted Monday twelve players and Manager Jack Gordon will make the trip. Players named are: Royce Tamm, Emeryville; Tony Fernandez, Penryn; Cliff Hoff, “Nevada City; Ford Sevton, Bill Reid and Armand Trafton, Dunsmuir; Jack Hauskins, Redding; Jerome Barieu, Ken Dunn, Auburn; Harold (fPilliard,; Loomis; -hobert Keskeys, Dutch Flat; and Calvin: Rambo, ‘Roseville. Miss Rita Agostini in Jones Memorial hospital yesterday underwent surgery for removal of her appendix. Dr. W. W. Reed performed the operation. Miss Agostini. is employed as stenographer at the court house. . pletes his term of ADVANTAGES OF [INITING SCHOOL DISTRICTSURGED Setting forth the advantages of consolidating all adjacent districts with Nevada City Unified School District, H. E. Kjorlie, superintendent of the Nevada City high school, P. G. Scadden, clerk of the Nevada City Board of Education; and R. J. Bennetts, member of the school board, spoke to the voters of North San Juan, Birchville and French Corral in the North San Juan school house last Tuesday evening. The purpose of the consolidation, it was explained, is to bring to rural schools the same supervision as the city schools, but in mo respect would rural schools be abandoned. This consolidation, Mr. Kjorlie stated, would involve no greater expense to the districts.and it would bring the. assessed valuation of those districts into Nevada City Unified School District. eee mete fh. ( NEVADA COUNTY LAD HONORED Shirley Brattin of Grass sophomore at Placer Junior Wednesday was elected pres the associated students of. Brittan won a contested election . Fitch of Exeter,

Thinking Out Loud By H. M. L. * vada COVERS RICHEST GOLD AREA IN CALIFORNIA . with good motives and for sast= ifiable ends. — Alexander Hamilton : ' the Liberty of the Press consists ) Sitting through the preliminary hearing in which Irl Black »® ‘wood and wife are accused of ~ ** shooting down Arthur Lavalley and James Roots on New Year’s afternoon, one witness was im# pressive to the point of tears. Mrs. Gladys Roots, a young woman in her early twenties, left with three young children to support alone, telling of the shooting of her husband, said: “I heard Mr. Blackwood, I think it was he, say: ‘Let’s throw down our guns and ve settle this peacefully.’ When my husband threw away his gun and put up his ‘hands saying, ‘alright,’ I was standing near him. He turned as if he were going to* say something to me, and then fell. I cannot swear which one shot him, but I saw the gun jump in Mrs. Blackwood’s hand, as if it was being fired. My attention was centered upon my husband. I was confused.’”’ er: The Blackwoods were held to answer on charge of murder. At this time no one knows what their defense will be. They are represented by Attorney William Cassetari, whose duty it is, to defend as best he can his ‘two clients. . It is as much the duty of an attorney to use every legal means to save and preserve all rights of his clients as it is of a physician to use his ‘best knowledge and training to save life or limb of a patient. . No one could hear that tragic Be story of the New Year dinner to * which three sisters, Mrs Lavalley, Ba Mrs. Roots and Mrs. Don B. Wright had invited. seventeen relatives and family friends, eight of whom were children, without being deeply moved. The lives of two young men (both in their early thirties) were sacrificed for a_ tricial reason. An outdoor toilet, covered with odd pieces of sheet iron and tin cans that had been unfolded, flattened and tacked on the framework, rusted and disreputable to the ’nth degree. No evidence has yet been offered even were this a minuscule reason for down two men, that the Roots, who lived three times nearer’ to the privy than did the Blackwoods, ever dispute the Blackwood right 4 (not title) to this crin'ging, miseri) able structure. Whatever lock wrenching was done, Was by the visitors who naturally supposed that the privy, be. cause of its ladtation, was the one . commonly used by the Roots family. Witnesses testified that the the Roots had always respected the right ofthe Blackiwoods, once it was asserted, and had gone over into the next gully to an outhouse belonging to another neighbor, Ed Martin, who ‘had ‘freely granted them its use. Pathetically moving was Mrs. Roots testimony that only a few days previously, Mrs. Blackwood apparently in a friendly spirit had warned her that the creek water was not fit for domestic use. It was apparent ‘throughout — her testimony that Mrs. Roots was trying to tel] all the truth regarding her relations with her neighbors. When the New Year day trouble i first, began, she said, she rushed out of her tent house to see if her ‘children had caused the commotion. This would not be the action of a quarrelsome or peace disturbing neighbor. She also testified that there had been no excessive drinking on the part of ‘her guests A New Year toddy, that was all. The character of the ‘witnesses themselves apparently precludes any idea of a drunken brawl. 4) (Nothing for the defense is as yet of record. That will be developed at the trial, which, we hope . will take place speedily. But one is filled with amazement that two people, apparently without former record of crime, whose impulses in some instances, it has been shown, were good, should suddenly } become involved in so atrocious a murder, for a reason that seems beyond the borders of reason, and with an effect so devastating -upon so many lives. One wonders where the minds of these two began to diverge from the civilized ae standard and reverence for human * life, until a length they reached the low plane revealed in these — two New Year murders. William. Fenton, who owns mining ground in the Quaker Hill district, was stricken suddenly with a severe cold about ten days ago. Mr. Fenton is at the home of. his sister, Miss Mamie Fenton, on Park avenue. os shooting~ Vol. 13, No. 4. The County Seat Paper NEVADA CIT Y, CALIFORNIA The Gold Center EE FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, be MURCHIE MINE, IT IS EXPECTED, SOON TO CLOSE Gradual transfer of miners employed in ‘the Murchie preliminary to closing the mine is in prospect. Engineer Robert Hendricks, in charge of the mine, is reported as having stated that with depth the paying ore veins have dwindled until the company now regards further exploration as a fruitless quest. For 1300. feet in depth the Murchie yielded goodore. With depth, however, profitable ore diminished. On the 2650 level nothing of promise was found. The mine -will be operated until the present ore reserves are exhausted, and this is not expected to require more than two or three months. In the meantime, the miners whose record of loyalty and industry has been unsurpassed in California, will be transferred to other Newmont properties, such as Zeibright, Empire-Star, and Brown’s Valley, or to exploration psdnsains on Newmont prospects. Among the explorations to be undertaken by the Newmont is that of sinking a shaft on their North Banner holding adjacent to the Lava Cap. The company has quietly acquired all the mineral rights between the original Murchie claims and the Lava Cap property. SKIDDING CAR HITS SIDEWALK PEDESTRIAN Mrs. Mary L. Doolittle and daughter, Miss Edna Doolittle, of Gold Flat miraculously escared . serious injury yesterday morning when their car skidded on frosty pavement at the south end of the Gault Bridge. The car went out of control and after slipping from side to side struck Leanord Armstrong, off the sidewalk knocking him to the pavement. He was removed to Jones Memorial hospital in Grass Valley where Chief of Police Garfield Robson, who investigated the accident, found he had suffered a broken shoulder blade. [LEGAL GOLD DFATER GOES TA JAN FOP § MOS, aad a % Roy Burton. 56. a Park Avenue resident of Nevada City was sentenced to six months in the Placer county jail, after a hearing in the justice court of Auburn on charges of selling gold to Ward & Ward, Auburn firm, under the name of R. Howe. é John Bongard of the division of mines, brought the charge, stating that the sales totaling $20,000 was made in June of last year. Burton was recently arrested in Nevada City, on a battery charge to which he pleaded guilty. HYDRAULIC ASSN. TO MEET IN MARYSVILLE There will be a meeting of the California Hydraulic Mining Association mempers. Saturday, January 14, at 2 p. m. at the Marysville Hotel, Marysville. Members of the Debris Commission and others..are to be honored guests. It is urged that all members attend.: DEATH SUMMONS CHARLES MUNROE (Charles Munroe, aged about 78 years, who had resided on the Lower Grass Valley-Nevada City highway until going to the pay ward in the county hospital a few days ago passed away Thursday mornie at about 2 o’clock, Mr. Monroe has spent his. entire life in this city and with his parents lived where Major and Mrs. Chapman now reside for many years. His father was a butcher in Nevada City. The deceased leaves a son, who resides in Sacramento. Services will be held in the Holmes Funeral Home Chapel at 10 o’clock Saturday morning with Rev. Charles Washburn of the Eipiscopal church officiating. J. V. Hubbard ‘accompanied his daughter, Miss Juanita Hubbard, to Berkeley Friday and will remain until Sunday. Miss Hubbard is studying chemistry. OLNEY DONELLY, ILL, SHOWS IMPROVEMENT Ollie Donnelly, president of the Mine Workers Protective League, who suffered a relapse and was returned to Jones Memorial Hospital last week end is reported as much improved. He has jbeen ill several weeks with a heart ailment. Mr. Donnelly, who thas handled the affairs of the league so successfully the past term was re-elected recently to the presidency. MRS. TUTTLE WILL BE HONOR GUEST OF UNIV. WOMEN (Mrs. Raglan “Tuttle will be the honor guest of the Nevada County Unit of the American Association of University Women at its January meeting to be held at the home of Miss Margaret Rector this evening at 7:30 o'clock. ; Justice and Mrs. Tuttle plan _ to make their home in Sacramento. The University women extend their sincere congratulations and best wishes to Justice Tuttle and family for the honor extended ‘him by his appointment to the Third District. Court of Appeals, yet it is with deep regret that they see them leave Nevada City, where for thirteen years they have taken so active a part in the social, club and civic life of the community.. Mrs, Tuttle is an active member of the Nevada City Woman’ Civie Club, St. Agnes Guild, the Coiserie Book Club, the Country Club and the Nevada County Unit of the American Association of University Women, of which she is a member of the board of directors. At tonight’s meeting there will be a program and reception complimenting Mrs, Tuttle. Wednesday night the International Study section of the club met at the home of Mrs. H. M. Leete for a most interesting session of which Mrs. E. Sowder was chairman. JUNIOR COLLEGE AT AUBURN WILL Second semester registrations at Placer Junior College will be made January 23 to 24 under the direcClass commence January tion of Dean Wyman E. Olson. instruction will 26. Students not now enrolled in college may. interview Dean Olson at his office before those dates, many inquiries have already ‘been received relative to second semester offerings. Dean Olson states there are many attractive offerings for the second semester, both in the college preparatory and terminal fields. Commencement will be held May 34, There will be no formal commencement at the end of the first semester, WOMAN'S CLUB TO HEAR CHIEF. STATE BUREAU Mrs. H.D. Wistca chief of the state bureau of vocational rehabilitation will be the guest speaker before the Woman’s Civic club, Monday evening, January 23, in the Brand Studio. Her subject is so vitally important in these times of changing social and economic conditions that each member wwill have the privilege of bringing a guest. Last Monday evening the regular meeting of the club was held. Mrs. Belle Douglas gave a very interesting talk and review of books which have been written about Nevada City

and vicinity. The club will begin planning for its annual get-together dinner in February at the next meeting, January 23. Mr. ‘and Mrs.! Howard Burr received word Wednesday evening that Bill Hughes, who resided with them for about six months, passed away suddenly in Seattle where he was waiting to take passage on a ship for Alaska. He was a 44 year old World War veteran and was em;representing the defendants, BLACKWOOD PAIRIC: MUST ANSWER IN SUPERIOR COURT Irl R. Blackwood and his’ wife, Irene Blackwood, on Wednesday following a preliminary examination before Justice of the’ Peace Charles Morehouse in Grass Valley, were held to answer in the Superior Court on a charge of : murdering James Roots and Arthur Lavalley on New Year day. The defendants present took brisk interest in the testimony of witnesses. The following were heard: Dr. Harry Benteen, who performed the autopsy on the two dead men, Don B. Wright, who testified he went to call the authorities after the shooting; Mrs. Ruth Wright, his wife and a sister of Mrs, Lawalley and Mrs. Roots, and. last Mrs. Roots. : District Attorney Stoll questioned the witnesses, bringing out one significant fact from all of them, namely that neither Lavalley nor Roots were armed. when they were shot down. Attorney William Cassettari questioned the witnesses regarding ocrurences prior to shooting that might indicate reasons for the tragedy. It developed that during the afternoon, the three sisters, Mrs. “Roots, Mrs. Lavalley and Mrs. Roots-in: passing the Blackwoods’ outhouse had paused there for a moment and one of them had bent a small piece of tin covering. Another. had put her foot on the structure with some jesting remark about tipping it over. This had resulted in Mrs. Blackwood. calling from her trailer home, 100 yards away: ‘“Get away from there,” or words to that effect. On the whole the testimony of the witnesses varied little from that offered at the coroner’s inquest. JUDGE JONES FINDS FOR DEFENDANT IN CAR SUIT Judge George L. Jones yesterday rendered a decision for the defendants in the case of Edgar Phillips versus George Baldwin et al. This suit was for a total of $1500 damages alleged as resulting from an auto collision in which Phillips was injured last October. The trial was held without jury. SCOUT COUNCIL ELECTS OFFICERS A business meeting of the Tahoe Area Council was held Tuesday evening at area headquarters in the Auburn city hall at which. time, the council’s application to the Boy Scouts of America for charter was approved after reports of the year’s work had been received. New officers as named by a nominating committee composed of the seven council area vice presidents were elected for the year 1939. This report was presented by Dr. P. D. Barnes of Loomis. These officers will be installed at the annual dinner meeting January 24 at the Auburn Hotel. The speaker at this meeting will be Judge J. F. Pullen, presiding justice of the Appellate Court of California. Those elected are Lowell L, Sparks, council president; K. D. Robinson, Judge J. B. Landis, and W. G. Lee, honorary vice presidents; Dr. R. H. Eveleth, Dr. P. D. Barnes, Harry Gordon, H. A. Curnow, O. Marson, W. E Olson, Harry Poole, vice presidents; M. J. Rover, treasurer; Judge G. L. Jones, national council representative; Harris Ricksecker, scout executive; R. C. Clinger, Albert Law, John Wilson, R. E. Shields. C. W. Ramsey, Dr. Harry Stewart, Harris Paxton, George Jergenson, district commissioners; M. S. Beecher, Lone Scout commissioner; and Donald Wilson, field commissioner. The program of the council ar objectives for 1939 were established and plans were made for presentation of veteran scout awards at the annual meeting. President Sparks appointed department heads as follows: E. E. Covey, organization; L. H. Reynolds, camping and activities; A. F. Carveth, training; W. T. Eich, advancement; G. L. Jones, health and safety; ‘and Dr. L, Ww Empey, educational publicity. : The many. friends of Randall Sharpe, mining man of Gethsemene street, will be pleased to learn that he is recovering from his illness. His ployed at the Miners Foundry while he lived in this city. full recovery from a severe sick spell is anticipated. “W. Nobs, In view of more rumors that the Champion mine may re-open (the rumors fail to fix a date) the following article appearing in the San Francisco Argonaut, (California’s oldest and most carefully edited weekly, is of ‘wide interest: This mine, one of the big early day producers was closed in 1920, but it is looked upon as one of the coming large time producers of the west. The group, including the Providence and Mountaineer, has a production record of ‘$33,000,000 in gold from above the 2,750 foot incline level (about 1,500 feet vertical depth). As all of the big ore.bodies and big values in other mines of this district, except the Idaho-Maryland, have come from below the _ 1,500 foot levels, the Champion should be just about ready to enter its larger and more productive areas. The Champion is no mere. gold prospect, It is one of four outstanding proven properties in the Nevada City-Grass Valley district. The length of the vein systems of the Champic group is two miles or more. Only three of its known ore bodies. have so far been worked, although a total of sixteen have been proven. This group -was‘ worked almost continuously from the year 1851 to 1920. Its production record down to a 1,500 foot vertical depth is equal to, or exceeding that of any mine in Grass Valley. Although the Champion was equipped with antiquated machinery and more than nine tenths of the work both in development and in actual stoping, was done by ‘hand drills, the records indicate it was operated at a profit during the World. War period when costs were rising. The mine, which was then owned ‘by the North Star Mines Conmany, was closed down and completely dismantled in 1920, so that it is now without equipment and i filled with water. The Providence shaft, which» is down 2,750 feet on an incline is in good condition, having been renewed with creosoted timbers before the shutdown. Just before suspending operations a new ore body was. encountered at the bottom of the Providence shaft. Tests made by Fred now manager of the Empire-Star mine company, gave a return on the deepest assay taken of $84 per ton. It is surprising to know that this ore body was not even tested by the old ‘management. According to George W. Starr, who as former manager of the Empire mine, and is thoroughly familiar with ore Champion Mine Most . Likely Prospect For Reopening In Calif. formations in the Grass Valley area, similar ore shoots in’ this district have invariably opened into large ore bodies. The average size of the ledges in the Grass Valley district,” with exception of the Idaho-Maryland. mine, is about 16 inches with ore averaging somewhat lower than that of the Empire and North Star. However, a greater volume of ore can be produ¢ed and milled at far less cost, increasing its value accordingly. With a single exception, and that is from the men who closed the property. the entire group of mining officials in the district, speak most favorably of the Champion. This includes such internationally known engineers as George W. Starr, Fred Searls, of the Newmont, William Simpkins, Errol MacBoyle of the Idaho Maryland, F. W. Nobs of the Empire-Star, Edward — C.:Uren and Roy Tremoureux, the latter having ‘been in charge as superintendent at the time the mine was closed. George W. Starr has recently stated that the future of the Champion, . as it now stands, is brighter than was that of the Empire of Grass Valley when he took charge of it-on his return from: Africa thirty years ago. Errol MacBoyle of the IdahoMaryland has stated that at the time he was negotiating for a mining property in this district, he had under consideration both the IdahoMaryland and the Champion. He chose the Idaho. However, he stated his next choice in the entire district would be the Champion. The Champion mine is owned by Dr Carl P. Jones; a man born and raised in Grass Valley and who knows its mines, their history, their possibilities and the men who work, or have worked in them. Few living are in a better position to know a district than is Dr Jones to know this one. The one great obstacle to reopening the Champion is the amount of money required. Engineer’s estimates indicate that the amount necessary to unwater, reopen andre-equip it with mine plant and mill, is around $600,000. That is a tidy sum, but quite insignificant ‘compared with the possibility, if not likelihood, of bringing forth another Idaho-Maryland! There are very few districts in the world like Grass Valley-Nevada City. Fighty eight years hay passed since George McKnight stubbed his toe on a piece of highgrade, chasing a cow on Gold Hill, and the © district is still young. PLACER QUINT PLAY GAMES AT FRESNO AND L. A. Placer Junior. ‘College Spartans left yesterday morning on a basketball trip that will carry them to Los Angeles and Fresno for games tonight and Saturday night. It will be the most extensive trip ever undertaken by a Placer Junior College athletic squad. Tonight the Spartans play the UCLA Frosh preliminary to the contest between the UCLA Varsity and the Golden Bears of California. Saturday night the Placer team plays at Fresno, in a preliminary to the game between Fresno State College and the University of Mexico, which is in the United States on a travel tour. Coach Earl Crabbe announted Monday twelve players and Manager Jack Gordon will make the trip. Players named are: Royce Tamm, Emeryville; Tony Fernandez, Penryn; Cliff Hoff, “Nevada City; Ford Sevton, Bill Reid and Armand Trafton, Dunsmuir; Jack Hauskins, Redding; Jerome Barieu, Ken Dunn, Auburn; Harold (fPilliard,; Loomis; -hobert Keskeys, Dutch Flat; and Calvin: Rambo, ‘Roseville. Miss Rita Agostini in Jones Memorial hospital yesterday underwent surgery for removal of her appendix. Dr. W. W. Reed performed the operation. Miss Agostini. is employed as stenographer at the court house. . pletes his term of ADVANTAGES OF [INITING SCHOOL DISTRICTSURGED Setting forth the advantages of consolidating all adjacent districts with Nevada City Unified School District, H. E. Kjorlie, superintendent of the Nevada City high school, P. G. Scadden, clerk of the Nevada City Board of Education; and R. J. Bennetts, member of the school board, spoke to the voters of North San Juan, Birchville and French Corral in the North San Juan school house last Tuesday evening. The purpose of the consolidation, it was explained, is to bring to rural schools the same supervision as the city schools, but in mo respect would rural schools be abandoned. This consolidation, Mr. Kjorlie stated, would involve no greater expense to the districts.and it would bring the. assessed valuation of those districts into Nevada City Unified School District. eee mete fh. ( NEVADA COUNTY LAD HONORED Shirley Brattin of Grass sophomore at Placer Junior Wednesday was elected pres the associated students of. Brittan won a contested election . Fitch of Exeter,