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Newspaper
Seattle Star
Location
Seattle, Washington, United States of America
Date
May 19, 1920
Page
1
Dana Sleet reflects on newspaper delivery as the backbone of the industry. He praises paperboys for waking before dawn to bring news, noting their crucial role alongside editors, advertisers, and printers. He argues boys shoulder the weight of a major business and deserve respect for their daily contribution.
General reductions of prices on merchandise especially clothing were reported today across the country. Merchants in many large cities cut prices 20 to 50 percent due to slow spring buying and tight money markets. Bank loan recalls and freight congestion worsened distribution as a railroad strike hindered shipments. Food prices stayed high amid widespread economic strain with Detroit and Cleveland as notable exceptions.
May 19 Chicago reports high prices easing as department stores cut men s suits from 45 40 to 20 25. Food brokers forecast a drop in food prices amid grain declines 6 7 cents. Veal and lamb wholesale prices fall two cents per pound as imports from Argentina and New Zealand push the trend. Dealers cite market uncertainty and returning normalcy as factors.
Department store managers and merchants in Portland express that prices will likely fall sometime, but not this year. They report stocks for the fall trade are being bought at higher prices than current levels.
Washington May 19 bankers told Interstate Commerce Commission Chairman Clark that immediate movement of pileup freight is needed to reduce price levels and ease strain on the country's credit system. Increased freight rates were proposed as the principal remedy to Clark.
LincolnNeb May 19 Althe department stores here offer cut prices but reductions not permanent, says J B Miller mayor and head of a large store. He warns ongoing agitation may smash small retailers and notes price cuts depend on the primary market. It takes a brave man to predict the outcome.
Walla Walla reports price cuts of 20 to 50 percent on women’s ready to wear by several large dry goods stores. Special sales are being advertised in the local market.
Silk dies prices fell in Spokane shops by about 20 percent today. Dealers cited special wares as the reason for the cut and noted the drop across several local stores.
May reports from San Francisco describe a public reaction to the proposed six bit haircut. Barbers see few customers as residents protest the IVES style while some patrons opt for a four bit revival. The barber association continues to push a sixty percent rate.
Deputies and armed residents searched woods north of the city for a dark skinned unidentified man who seized a 10 year old girl near Ronald station this morning and attacked her. Bloodhounds were brought from the county stockade to follow the suspect’s trail as deputies and volunteers cordon the area with orders to bring him directly to the county jail.
Chicago May 19 A war on coffin nails has been declared by the Rev Robert W Gammon who says ministers are becoming fiends and denounces widespread smoking. He calls for stricter moral leadership and public health measures.
Demand for used cars has fallen this spring leaving Seattle dealers overstocked and slashing prices. Classified pages today show numerous listings with markedly reduced quotes across multiple brands.
Washington May 19 Prices are easing as consumer demand for summer outfits lags. Merchants face large stockpiles after a week of cautious buying, with inventories rising while shoppers postpone purchases.
Prices are dropping 15 to 30 percent on general merchandise as merchants in New York implement drastic cuts amid slackening demand and tight money. Liberty bond sales signal money market strain while garment and cloth trades report quiet activity and grocers anticipate slight price declines.
In San Francisco on May 19 a group of six large retailers announced price reductions from 10 to 60 percent on apparel and footwear. One department store advertised 100 extra clerks to handle an expected surge in customers.
In Des Moines on May 19 price cuts hit men’s collars. Standard soft and starched collars now sell for 21 cents, down from 35 cents. The change reflects a rare drop as only collars have wilted in price during the last 10 days.
Cleveland report notes clothing shoe and general stores across four Ohio cities adopt price cuts, signaling a regional belt tightening. The piece highlights consumer demand and store strategies as discounts spread through urban markets.
Capt W H Searing is sworn in as Seattle police chief aligning with Mayor Caldwell. Born May 18 1877 his career began in 1900 rising to sergeant in 1906 captain in 1911 and serving briefly as acting chief in 1914. He resides at 2412 Dearborn Street.
James P. Watson known as Bluebeard, ninth wife killer, sits in his cell at San Quentin trusting he is unknown to fellow inmates. Newspapers from other states reach him despite California ban and inmates whisper his fame. Tomorrow he faces a physical exam to determine if he can do hard labor, with Dr. Leo L. Stanley overseeing to rule on his physical incapacity.
Ruth Kelso an 18 year old girl in Chicago had no pretty clothes to wear and wore last year's outfits. She chose death yesterday in a public tragedy.
In Paris on May 19 leading dressmakers are offering night wear made from costly materials nearly as expensive as evening gowns. In another matter, the Great Northern Railway company filed a demurrer to charges of violating the safety appliance act in district court on Wednesday, brought by United States District Attorney Saunders.
George N. Mills of Olympia writes on Shinto, the Way of the Gods, presenting a new angle on the Japanese question. The first installment appears on page 7 today, urging readers to learn how Shinto shapes government life and national character.
Mayor Caldwell appoints Police Captain W H Searing as chief, succeeding Joel F Warren. Warren is relieved after a trial period. Searing to take over immediately with access to investigations on vice conditions and guidance from reported findings.
A letter from Mayor Caldwell quotes Joe Warren pledging he will return as chief of police in Seattle. The note asserts confidence Warren will be back in office if he lives long enough, signaling future political ambitions and leadership.
Mayor Caldwell announced the appointment of Captain Searing as city chief noting he did not seek the job. Searing was surprised by the offer and declined to discuss plans for department reforms. After retirement he will return to his former classified civil service position under the charter.
Ex Chief of Police Joel F. Warren was serenaded by the visiting Portland band of the Dramatic Order of the Knights of Khorassan. He welcomed the lodge men to visit the jail and praised the performance as a fine band.
Ninety first division veterans who fought in the Argonne under the slogan Powder River Let ’er Buck meet at Roosevelt hall 1313 Third Ave Wednesday night to form a permanent organization.
County commissioners awarded BE. J. Macquaid of 159 Howe St. the contract to grade and gravel two miles of the Kent Black road for 21,236 dollars. No other bids were submitted.
The attorney general has summoned the accused German war guilty named in the allied note to appear in court in Leipzig between June and June 20, according to the Tageblatt report.
Managers at Bletchley Infants' school refused the offer of a German gun to be placed on the lawn.
New York May 19 passenger traffic climbs as a spring tourist rush to Europe accelerates with thousands eager to sail. The report notes a single day tally of about 6,600 travelers seeking European trips amid rising travel demand.
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