Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 25 February 1939 — Page 1
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SLAVER CIVEH LIFE: APPEAL PLAHHED
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WISS LENA HORNE
Am a result of lianl work, nlonsr with her talent, Miss Lena Hame, abote, dancer and ■inger, was the toast of Broadwajr^ foUowhig her star perfarmance in the White Way pre■lere of Lew Leslie’s “Blackbirds of 1939” at the Hudson Theatre,
A former Brooklyn high school girl. Miss Home was discovered by Noble Sissle in 1986. She recently starred at the Cotton Club where she graduated from its chorus. She charmed her audience singing “You’re So Indifferent’’
—The Phenomenal Rise— Of Walter Kelley
BY WILUAM HENRY HUFF Exclusive: In The Recorder • A corps of fearless news writers ripped the veil of serecy that shrouds certain activities in the Calumet region’s vice empire ... • Wormed the truth from frightened witnesses. . . . • Cracked the tight-lipped silence of the underworld. . . . • Stuck like leeches and eeled the truth from surly and threatening sources. . . . • Making enemies while getting the facts, bucking opposition where enemies mean one-way rides, unsolved death. ... • Swift-moving . . . Gripping . . . Packed with drama and punch . a . factual. .. . • You can’t miss it. . . . It will blast you right out of your seat. . . . • The Indianapolis Recorder brings you this smash series. • A hard-hitting factual picture of the rise and fall of Walter J. Kelley. . . . • Kelley, one of Chicago’s all-time geniuses of organization ' and the underworld. . . . •See the underworld as few ever do . . . and live to tell what they know. . . . • See the truth through the clear, fearless eyes of the Press . . . It Begiis Next Week, Order Your Copy Now!
Police Seize
Several in Vice War; Joe Mitchell Raided
Food Shortage Fires Italian Mutiny HOUSE READY TO PASS VITAL HOSPITAL
VOLUME XLIII, NUMBER 13
FIRST SECTION
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1939
Sentence Two Local Men at Terre Haute
SWAIN CASE ‘Cabaret* Lane.Haye« REHEARING mi Plead Guilty on Auto OFFER NEW HOPE [Banditry; Given 10 Yrs.
Suit for a rehearing will he filed March 1 in the James Reed Swain case, it was learned here today. Thus the bitter fight to save the Evansville youth from his death sentence continues. Through the brilliant battle waged by Atty. R. L. Bailey and his associates, Rudolph O’Hara of Evansville and Tenola Graves of Michigan City, the condemned youth has been won several last-minute stays of execution. He was convicted of murder in the perpetration of robbery. A 70-year-old white grocer was slain
with a shotgun. A companion sev- had been traced to the women dureral years younger than the 18- ! ing the time they were held un-
year-old Swain was given life. At- der suspicion.
torney Bailey refused to make a Records of the two men from statement. I the state police and from the Fed-
V
TERRE HAUTE, Ind., Febru- j eral (Bureau of Investigation were ary 24—Following pleas of guilty j shown them and were admitted to
to charge of auto banditry, Norfell M. Hayes, 31, and Preston Lane. 42, were sentenced in circuit court Monday morning to serve ten years at Michigan City prison. iBoth are- Indianapoli*
men.
Two women, arrested shortly after apprehension of the men, were ordered released on motion of the prosecutor. This action was. suggested because nothing
be correct, it is alleged.
Arrested here January 15 when Detective Pearl Conover saw Lane levying Montgomery Ward store,
were heW for Investiga-
tion. The detective testified that he saw the men leave the store and as he approached him a shotgun, valued at thirty-three dollars, fell from beneath his overcoat. Hayes was at the wheel of an automobile which Lane was about to enter when the detective or-
dered him to drive to
NEW ANTI-LYNCHING INTRODUCED
BILL
WASHINGTON, Feb. 24th.— (ANP)—A new anti-lynching bill, similar to the WagnerVan Nuys measure filibustered to death a year ago, was introduced hi the senate Monday by Sen. W. Warren Barbour, New Jersey Republican. Barbour’s bill defines a mob as “two or more persons” intent on lynching and would make penalties of the WagnerVan Nuys measure applicable only in case of willful neglect on the part of peace officers in taking precautions to prevent mob violence.
officer said.
Another shotgun, allegedly taken from the Montgomery store and one allegedly from the Sears-Roe-buck store were in the car. In addition there were two suits from the J. C. Penney store, four from
headquar- J Ward’s and another the owner of
tens. He took knives from each, which had not been located.
which had three-inch blades, the
“Will See Again,”
Miss Marguerite Southern was his wife, Lane told police, but this statement was proved untrue, they disclose. Mrs. Virginia Hayes is the wife of the other man, Norrell. ' _
Stricken But Courageous High School Girl Avers
Apparently determined to keen promises to open a sustained drive against rampant vice in Marion couaty, made during the recent cam pal£n, the administration has rovatnped its law-enforcing units and a firm assault has l>een scheduled and levelled at law-breakers, officiala say. Promising to loose the grip whh'h vice has damped upon this community. officers have struck tiever al swift blows at flagrant violators. Sheriff Al G. Feeney has constantly and pointedly reminded low violo'' tora that-their activities will have' to cease and has conducted a drive In the county against them. Tavern owners have received iharp warning from Sheriff Feenev concerning the sale of intoxicants to minors and tie has called upon them to cease encouraging or accepting their presence without chal-
lenge.
Edward ‘“Kentuck” Rutland, who allegedly operated Illegally near the west side city limit, was seized in a raid recently by sheriffs. An alleged bookie shop was raided Mon-
day and the proprietor. Harry Lib-
ber, and another man were charged with keeping a gaming place and several men were charged
gaming.
ing ten officers, swarmed Joe Mit-
Courage is the light blue flame which lights the hope of a young girl who experienced a most unusual occurrence and her gallantry fires the hopes and reassures the hundreds of persons who
know and admire her
Vivian Freeman, 2312 North Capitol avenue, is the girl, a senior at Crispus Attucks high school and a good student. Miss Freeman had the nerve-wrecking experience of suddenly having things fade into nothingness before her eyes. She will see again, though—she believes it. her friends know it and her specialist. Dr. Carl B.
Sputh, declares she will.
it was last Friday morning, as she was rushing praparations for school, that the unfortunate incident occurred. She had one arm,
Winston Employe Shaken as Autos Crash; Head Hit
Mrs. Irene C. Vass. 810 Blake street, was shaken when the car in which she was riding to work was in collision with another at North and Senate avenue early Thursday morning. Her head was bumped against the windshield during the crash; herein juries, however, were not considered serious. The accidnet occurred at the North street intersection within a few feet of the Winston drug store at whoch place she is employed. Little dam-
age was done either car.
I Mrs. Julian Butts
Seeks Divorce
chell’s place about 2 o’clock Tues-j h er ln her coat sleeve, standday morning, drove persons from 1 ' n E 1° *he living room ready to the upstairs section in an attempt i hurry into the street, to check gambling, informed soure- i ^ er mother rushed to
es disclosed. Police did not molest medical aid was summoned. It, F „ . 12 iq o’clock
is the opinion of Dr. Sputh, attend-! ^hruarj 27 at 12 .lo ouotK.
ing specialist, that lack of vision | resulted from strain imposed by
LUNCHEON CLUB TO HEAP. HOUSING AIDE
David lame, managing auditor of the Federal Housing Administra-
her and I* 011 - will he the guest speaker at
the Monday l uncheon Club, Mon
patrons of the taverns, it was said, but drove a large crowd from upstairs where, it was believed, gambling was in progress. No arrests
were made.
He will discuss the vital question
of adequate housing.
Mrs. Jaiinie Butts. r»12 West Twenty-fifth street, l^as tiled suit for a divorce from tier husband Julian, who is employed as a clerk in the Walker drugstore. In charging cruel and inhuman treatment, Mrs. Butts declared that her husband often falsely accused her. and called her vile names even going to the extent of striking her. She said he failed to support her properly which necessitated her securing a job. Mrs. Butts asks for $50.00 with which to cover the costs of the proceedings, and also filed for a restraining order to he issued temporarily against her husband. The Butts were married in April 1933, and separated in February, 1987. They have two children. Barbara Jean, 5, and Julia. 2. Mrs. Butts seeks custody of the children. She is represented by Attorney Frank R. Beckwith.
BLANCH TUCKER FACES TRIAL HERE THIS WEEK
Indicted on a first degree murder charge. Miss Blanche Tucker, 2S years old. 327 1-2 W. North street, and attractive local waitress, went on trial today (Thursday) in the Marion County Criminal Court before Judge Dewey E. Meyers. She shot Alonzo Banks, 38, years old. 705 North Senate avenue, her lK»y friend of ten-years standing when they argued over another woman Sunday night August 14th, 1938. Miss Tucker said that Banks became infuriated when she remonstrated with him about the other woman and struck her. She fled and when he followed fired one shot from a pistol belonging to Banks striking him in the heart. He died on the canal bank at North street. Deputy Prosecutor Mercer M. Mnnee and defense attorney Russell Dean were paneling a jury late this evening. It is to be completed and trial witness for the defense and state will go on the stand, Friday morning.
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New Suit Against Greyhound Filed
Seymour Memorial Is Well Attended
Suit against the Greyhound Bus Company will be filed by Joseph Jones through his attorney. Henry J. Richardson, Jr., it was disclosed
here this week.
He bought a round trip ticket here February 2 to Little Rock, Ark.. Mr. Jones states, and was within eight miles of bis distination
when the bus driver awakened him with, He charges that the driver snatcheu him (Mr. Jones) upright de-
Severul squads of police, number- 1 daring that he had not paid for a
The memori&l services of the lat<> Dr. X. A. Seymour was well attend ed despite the heavy rain. Dr. G. L. Gray of Cincinnati preached a wonderful sermon. Hayes Wil-
sleeper. It was explained that Mr. son, Mrs. Charlena Hibbitt and Mrs. Jones had ridden all that night and Addle Snead rendered solos. The the day before, and. that being tired Golden Anniversary chorus sang ^ four beautiful selections. There
were seven persons present who
Ethiopians Harass Fascist Soldiers Facing Desperate Situation
the rear seat, which he occupied a-
lone.
In the argument which ensued, it is alleged by Mr. Jones that the bus driver struck him in the chest with his fist, and following a short altercation retired to the front of
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had been in the church for more than forty years, only two of them, Mrs. Quila Johnson and Mrs. Stitch, were the only charter members. Robert Edwards was master of ceremony. Wallace Woolfolk was the chairman; Rev. Baltimore have the
closing remarks.
NEW YORK City, February 24.— Drastic shortage of food among Italian soldiers was reported to have led to mutiny in several key regions, informed sources disclos-
ed.
Guerrilla bands led by Ethiopian eliiefs who have never been conquered or captured nave harassed Italian forces and kept them confined to towns in practically a state of seige. Their general helplessness to meet the sitiiation and inability to operate far from their bases have i.beeq credited with breaking the
morale of fascist troops. Elusiveness of guerrilla hands and their swift strikes have harried the Italians and being unable to meet opposition in the manner in which they were trained, invader troops have become highly demoralized. Confinement to very restricted areas and shortage of and much illness have contributed to the general breakdown of discipline. Italian occupation is confined to a handful of sections and the rebellious Ethiopians are in such uum-
Committee Report
Unanimously Accepted; Senate Action Uncertain
WILL RESLATE BELL MURDER SUSPECT HERE
On the morning of January 18, this year, police officers Preston Heater and Alexander Posey upon the request of neighbors who feared that she might be dead, unlocked the door of Mrs. Viola Bell’s home, 436 Toledo street. On the front room dresser they found a newspaper unread and five days old. The house was disturbed and indicated that struggle had oceured. Streaks of blood were on the front room walls. In the middle room
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(See Editorial, Page 10) Following a meeting in the House of Representatives Monday afternoon the House unanimously accepted a report of its committee on State Medicine and Public Health recommending the passage of House Bfll No. 489. The bill, drafted by Frank R. Beckwith and introduced by four outstanding Replublican members of the legislature, would require the use of colored physicians, .orderlies, Internee and nurses *n the hospital in pWportAxu Jr the ratio of the population. Spokesm^i for the committee of ministers, 'physicians and laymen who appeared in the House of Representatives- pointed out that colored tax payers are required to send their boys and girls to other
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Jwry Declares
r
Hopkins Guilty After Four-Hour Deliberation
Almost a year from the day on which he fatally wounded a youthful braggart, Courtney Hopkins. 50-y^ar-old World War veteran, was found guilty of second degree murder by a Marion County trial jury which carries life imprisonment in this state. The jury consisting of nine white men and three white women deliberated slightly more than four hours last Thursday evening and returned a sealed verdict which was later torn open and read by Criminal Court Judge Dewey E. Myers. Judge Myers passed sentence on Hopkins this morning (Thursday*
as he stood before nim without emotional outburst or comment. Deputy sheriffs led him back to the jail where he will remain fqr two or three days before l»eing transferred to Michigan City prison. Attorney for the defense announced today that he. on the strength of support from friends Of the condemned man, would file a hearing for a new trial in criminal court. He has thirty days in which to do it. he said. Hopkins allegedly shot McCullough in front of 2104 Boulevard
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Set Elaborate
Plans for National Baptist Meet Here
Elaborate preparations were being made this week. by local church workers, in anticipation of the National Baptist Regional .Incorporated, Conference, which is to convene here early in March at the Second IBaptist church. Rev. John A. Hall, pastor of the host church, announced this week
that weighty matters concerning the general welfare of Regional Baptists will be discussed at the conference. A well-arranged program will be executed, authorities say, and arrangements for the annual sessions of the National Bap-
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Man, 115, in “House by the Side Of the Road," Never Refused Aid
by OPAL L. TANDY
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..v.
A house at 1028 Colton street is empty. Its lone occupant for man> years has been moved out for all time. It will be appropriate now to tack up the “For Rent” sign. Back to mother earth from whence he came went today the earthly remains of John Gibson, a century of years old, who traded horses for a living before automobiles were invented; who labored as 1
a carpenter building houses of wood, and stane when brick and mortar were not widely used here, and who spent the last twenty-five years of his life “living in that house by the side of the road being a friend to man.” A sociable hermit, Gibson might be called, this man whose little
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