Capital journal. (Salem, Or.) 1919-1980, 1920-01-03

The boys believed kidnapped and
robbed are Ralph Parker, IA, son of
Mr., and Mrs. j, w. Parker, 37l North
High street. and Freddie Ward. 10.
son of Mr.. and Mrs. w, L. Ward, re-
siding at Fourth and Shipping streets,
tion with the disappearance of the
lads is named Browne, and poses as
a cowboy.
Parker Took Checks
Ralph Parker left home late Tues
day night, after taking with him two
suits of clothes, his bicycle and his
fathers wallet containing $l35 and
several checks. Police We're immedi-
ately notified and began search for
him, notifying Portland authorities to
be on the watch for him.
On "Wednesday Ralph's bicycle was
recovered by police at a local bicycle
repair shop where an effort had been
made to sell 1t by man, about 21.
who gave the name OF Guy Finn,
Finn was taken to police headquar-
ters, and under cross examination said
that young Parker had given him the
bicycle Tuesday night, and told him
to do what he wanted to with II. Finn
was released because of lack of evil
dence on which to hold him.
-. -. Other Had Money, Also
Friday Mr.. Ward reported the dis
appearance of his son, Freddie,
Thursday night Freddie had been
working and drew his wages, amount
Hing to SAT. Mr.. Ward said that ne had
been chummy with the man named
Browne, who had fascinated the
youngster with his cowboy garb and
actions. He said that he believed
Freddie hau gone to Hood River with
Browne Browne had said he had rel
atives there, and 1t was believed he
had gone there.
Check Cashed in Albany
No word had been received of the
whereabouts of either Parker or ward
until Saturday morning when Chief
of Police Catlih, at Albany, telephon-
ed police here that he had forged
check in his possession bearing the
name of J. w. Parker. This check, ac-
cording to Chief Catlin. had been pass
ed on the Imperial restaurant there
about midnight Thursday by man
who called himself Browne. A small
boy was witHwhim at the time.
AM effort to locate Finn Saturday
failed. Police now beiisve that he was
a member OF ring or at least an
associate Of Brownies In the scheme
of enticing the boys away aud rob-
bing them.
Foul Play Feared
The fact that the check belonging
TO Parker, and one Of the several
taken by Ralph when he left home,
was In the possession OF Browne
leads police TO believe that this man
has knowledge of the disappearance
of both lads. and that during the time
Intervening between Pnrker's disap-
pearanee and Wards departure,
young Parker probably has been dis
posed Of
| Police now believe that Finn's story
of having been given the bicycle by
Parker is false, and that he. as an
accomplice of Browne. took the BIZ
ed to sell II in a general scheme to
iget money.
Parker Fears for Son
! Authorities In Albany, acting upon
iadyices from police here. were work
| Ing during the day gathering more
information about the pair who had
been in the restaurant. Whether or
not II was young Ward or Parker. or
still another victim OF the cowboys"
who was with him. will not he known
here until more accurate descriptions
Of the pair can be gained, and come
PARSONS made.
Meanwhile Mr. Parker fears that
his son mas been robbed ofrthe mon
ey filled wallet, and probably murder
ed. or IL being held In hiding by
Browne.