Muncie Post-Democrat, Muncie, Delaware County, 7 February 1936 — Page 1

“Just as Jackson roused the people to their fundamental duties as citizens, so must the leadership of this era do its utmost to encourage and sustain widespread interest in public

affairs.”

-President Roosevelt.

THE POST-DEMOCRAT

“It is enough to say that the attainment of justice and prosperity for American agriculture remains an"immediate constant objective of my administration/’ —President Roosevelt.*

VOLUME 17—NUMBER 2.

MUNCIE, INDIANA, FL1DAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1936.

PRICE: FIVE CENTS

EDUCATING THE SEMINOLES WAS EXPENSIVE

Contracting Trusf Conies Back to Lite

Blizzard Paralyzes Navigation

Want Cash for LO.U.’s

Law Firm of White and Haymond File Court Action in Attempt to Liquidate Green - Etched Paper Held by Former Paving Outfit That Flourished Under Hampton Administration—“Ma” Parkin-

son Is Willing.

The contracting “trust” that operated so fluently to the tune /of over a million dollars in street paving and public improvements during 1929, came back to life during the past week when court proceedings were filed to collect the $57,316.89 in street intersection certificates issued by the Hampston administration to Curtis and Gubbins, the W. M. Birch Co., and the McGuff Construction Co. The law firm of White and Haymond represented the contracting firms in

filing the court action.

The certificates were issued by the Hampton board of works at the close of 1929 when all the funds budgeted for street intersections to be paid by the city tvere exhausted and no money was tvailable to pay off the huge imount accumulated by the extensive drive for paving contracts. The contractors were forced to take I. O. U.’s which was done in the form of certificates of indebtedness. The cause of action filed jta tfttcin# the past week reveals that E. M. Curtis and John Gubbins hold $31,246.89 worth of the promissory notes, the W. M. Birch Co. has possession of $15,045.55 shown on paper, E. H. Brewington hopes to collect $5,018.|16 on his quota of certificates, and Charles Marks will be satisfied with $5,012.16 plus interest from his handful of green-etched paper.

Still Holding Bag.

It was contemplated that the certificates would be paid off within two years after date of issuance but six years have elapsed and the contractor’s trust is still holding the “bag.” No court action was taken during the Dale administration to collect the certificates since it was assureed that the litigation would mean further public exposure of the “paving trust.” An authority on municipal bonds and credit in the state of Indiana once identified the certificates as not being worth the paper they were printed upon. On the heory that the certificates were not legally an obligation against the city ajnd maintaining that with the high priced contracts let to the paving “trust” no earned money was due the contractors, the Dale adminis-

tration refused payment of the certificates. One attempt was made by “Bob” Parkinson, present city controller and then city councilman, to authorize a tax levy for payment of the certificates in 1931. This attempt was stopped by the then mayor Dale and no further credence was give<n to the proposed obligation. The contractors are now asking payment with six per ^cenr interest which would tdtaT the debt on last December 31st to $77,950.95. It is requested that bonds be sold by the city to pay off the long overdue certificates. Unless judgment is granted on the indebtedness it is not legal to pay the certificates from the sale of a bond issue. Spend Money Fast The present administration may not offer resistance to the payment of these unwarranted debts since the adoption of a “spend money fast” policy and the contractors may see their opportunity to grab their ill-gotten gain. The property owners of Muncie have paid into the paving trust coffers many times over a fair profit for their improvemeoits and still they are called upon as taxpayers to offer another transfusion to the one time thriving monopoly of city of Muncie public improvement contracts. The paving “trusts” friend, “Bob” Parkinson, who committed a civil crime by altering a city budget and levy ordinance in his attempt to pay off the contractors back in 1930, is now city controller and the head of the department of finance for the civil city of Muncie.

National Union Social Justice Organized Here Muncie local of the National Union for Social Justice was organized at a meeting held in the Spilker block, Saturday, February 1. A large number of people attended the meeting which was presided over by the temporary chairman, Charles A. Langdon. After several talks were made, explaining the purpose of the organization, the election of permanent officers took place and the names and addresses of those chosen, are as follows: President, Charles A. Langdon, 1811 South Franklin street; vicepresident, Joseifh Herdering, 416 East Charles street; secretary, Charles Boyd, R. R. 1, Box 67, and treasurer, Byron Turner, 207% North High street. No date for a future meeting has yet been set, pending the receipt ol instructions from the Rev. Charles E. Coughlin. The present membership numbers 102, Membership committees were appointed to canvass the Tenth Congressional district.

But Miami Newspaper Thinks Good Will Trip Was Worth the Money

Pythian Lodges to Hold Meet ilia

jlack Ferris of the Star, Florida Expert and Former Citv Editor of Miami News In-

Frigid blasts which whipped across most sections of United States lashed the Atlantic seaboard, maropning islahders, paralyzing ship* ping and creating such waterfront" scenes as the above view of a Boston wharf where one of the fishing boats staggered into port^ sheathed jn ice.

FAME LIVES FOR DARING SCOT j spectacular ieat. He once swam | hrough treacherous Wrangell Juneau, Alaska.—Charley Mc-1 Narrows, on the Inland Passage, Lellan, known as “Alaska Bar gwith one hand in his pocket, to Scotty,” still retains fame for onejv‘ollect a bet.

INFORMER GOES TO PRISON Clarence Green, of Portland, one-time government “informer” who came to Muncie in the early part of 1932 to ferret out a liquor conspiracy against city officials, Avas sentenced Thursday by Federal Judge Slick to serve four months in a federal detention prison in Milan, Mich., on Green’s plea of guilty to a charge of operating a moonshine distillery near Portland. The “evidence” against the former city officials was first obtained by Green, who was sent here by department of justice officials to collaborate with Fred Bolinger and other distinguished local informers to make the preliminary survey. Based on the report made by Green and his savory assistants here other agents were sent in who established headquarters in the Y. M. C. A. and proceeded to fabricate the case that was later throAvn out by the President, the court of appeals and the United States supreme court, the President basing his action on proof of wholesale perjury. Green was a perfect sample of the type of federal agents and stool pigeons who abounded in America during that period. He was a Michigan City convict, released on parole and immediately given a position as “informer” by the Hoover department of justice. After making his celebrated report on the evils of Muncie, he did some time iri prison for double crossing the government in an Akron, Ohio, case, where he was caught working actively on both sides, convicted, discharged from government employ and sent to jail. On one occasion, in 1931, an entrapped bootlegger blazed at Green and two of his agent companions near Fort Wayne. One of the agents was killed but Green and the other associate escaped by active foot work. The Post-Democrat mentions this case at this time, only to give the citizens of Muncie some idea of the type of individuals Avho framed one Muncie federal case that fell flat. When United States Senator Frederick Van Nuys made his sensational statement that the evidence Avas secured by “a bunch of rats” he spoke advisedly. At one time, in the spring of 1932, an Ohio United States district attorney told the Post-Democrat that he Avouldn’t take the Avord of Green on a bet, and was at a loss to understand Avhy the government had ever employed such a character.

Senator Borah Pats It Up To Old Guard And Strong Men Weep

Members of the Knights of ,Pythia Lodges and Pythian Sisters Temples from nine counties Avill gather at Montpelier on Monday, j February 27th for an afternoon and evening family get-together meeting and entertainment. Joe W. Todd of Hammond, Grand Chancellor of the Knights of Pythias, Mrs. Fern Beber of Fort Wayne, Grand Chief of the Pythian Sisters will be honor guests and will deliver short addresses. Montpelier Lodge ,No. 18 8, Knights of Pythias and Zeona Temple No. 342 Pythian Sisters Avill be host and hostess for the meeting at Montpelier which will be held in their Temple. Registration anti a social hour will occupy the time until three o’clock when a short session will be held. A pitchin supper will he served from 5:30 to 7:00 and the evening session will be called to order at 7:30. An interesting program of music and other entertainment

has been provided.

Members of the Lodges and Temples from Blackford, Randolph, Jay, Adams, Delaware, Wells, Huntington, Wabash and Grant J Counties and their invited guests vyill attend. The meeting will be muler the general direction of the District Executive, .Committee' which includes Harvey T. Walker of Montpelier, Grand Prelate; Fred Ratliff of Marion, Grand Outer Guard; Mrs. Nina Mills of M'arion, Grand Protector and the Pythian Sisters; Mrs. Earla Lyons of Andrews, Deputy Grand Chief and Fred Clancy of Roll, Deputy Grand Chancellor of the Knights of Py-

thias.

at Montpelier v ited to Go South and Seek Education

Indians Wouldn’t Eat Regular if Northern Slickers Should Quit Going to Florida to Carry Good Will to the Wild Red Men of

the Glades.

The Miami (Fla.) Herald says Mayor Bunch and his “good will” party got $128 of education out of their trip to Florida. The Herald was inspired to comment, after its exchange editor had read a sharp blast in the Muncie Star criticizing the mayor for making the statement that the city of Muncie bought the gasoline used on the trip and that the junket was “.educational and legitimate.” The Herald wound up by saying: “It is hoped the editor pf the Star can find his way clear next year to imitate the mayor in his desire to educate himself as to Florida and Floridians to the value and progress of the city of Muncie.”

The Old War Horse From Idaho Throws Bold Challenge and a Valiant Colonel Loses Some of His Warlike Spirit—Knox Fears to Meet Rugged Westerner On the Battle Field of Ohio.

Was He Spoofing?

Whether or not the editor of the Miami Herald was spoofing will probably remain a,profound mye- ' tery, but when it is recalled tht <

Jeek FW?*-, one-Of "the if!.Ain e.diL was born fh Brown OsafirT-

The grim old warrior, Senator Borah of Idaho, has laid down the gage of battle to the reactionary elements of the Republican party and they can either take it /or leave it alone. Senator ( Borah announces that he will enter the Ohio primaries by supporting candidates for delegates to the Republican national convention pledged to support his candidacy and that he will go into the primary direct and,ask for the preferential vote, if any of the other nationally-boomed candidates care to take their chances with him in Ohio.

A Wobbly Colonel.

Col. Frank Knox, of Chicago, an oldguard candidate who comes within the category of those challenged by Senator Borah, came back with a rather feeble statement, considering the fact that the Idaho senator spoke very forcibly his opinion concerning the old army game of a bunch of “favorite sons” ganging up and pooling their delegates in natiotnal conventions to insure the defeat of some candidate popular with the masses. The doughty colonel, who “loves his nation” said, according to an Associated Press dispatch, appearing Thursday on the first page of the Star, “I am in this picture only at the request of my united party organization in Illinois.” But he’s a cautious colonel, regardless of his warlike title. In the pubic statement he said he wanted to confer with his “political friends in Ohio before deciding to enter the Ohio primary in opposition to Senator William E.

Borah.”

A Soldier in Conference. Yes, we rather opine that the colonel will have to do a lot of conferring before he decides to trade socks on the j'aw Avith Bill

Borah.

It will be recalled that in the last Democratic national convention a job lot of favorite sons, indorsed by their various states, proceeded to “stop” Roosevelt. As we recall it Illinois Democrats Avere members of that meritorious alliance designed to stop Roosevelt and place the crown on A. Smith, one of the Smith hoys of New York, regarded then as very

much the favorite son of the 0m

pire state.

Stopping Roosevelt was remindful of the ambitious bull that tried to butt the locomotive off the track. The rank and file of Democracy all over the nation wanted Roosevelt and that was that. The Smith Boy Walked Out. The Smith stopper didn’t work, so the Smith hoy walked out of the convention, took his playthings with him and organized the Lib-

erty leg.

'Colonels Avho seek advice from army privates to get the go sign whether to charge or retreat do not go down in history as great military leaders. Neither do aspirants for the presidency capture the popular fancy by fearing to measure swords with an adversary, Avithout first consulting with his cronies and get their opinion as to whether it is safe or not. Evidently the old guard believes in safety first. The ancient regime of the Republican party do not regard Borah as a “safe man/’ He does quite a bit of thinking himself and the high command of his party know that he will not stay put like some of the other candidates who have been ear-

marked “available.”

If Colonel Knox decides to swap punches with Kid Borah in the Ohio primaries all the colonels, majors and brigadier generals of the old guard cannot save him from

the count.

The rank and file of Republicans are exactly like the rank and file of Democrats. Neither army likes a cowardly leader, and about all

that Republican reactionaries have | shown thus far is not only craven fear of Borah, but fear to meet him in open combat. Favorite Son Intentions. If the favorite son outfit is successful in its plain intention to gang on Borah and keep him out of the running it will he goodnight for the Republican party and hoAVdedo again Mr. Roosevelt. Of course the Post-Democrat sincerely hopes that President Roosevelt will be retained, but if he is beaten by anybody yet suggested, it .will be Senator Borah. None of the others have a Chinaman’s chance. Senator Borah has rains and courage and Democrats and Republicans Avho still believe in these attributes would feel that their country was fairly safe if the Jdaho man should “arrive” next November. with the dismal threat of a Hoover, or a Landon or a Knox hanging over the head of the republic, and the possible but hardly probale defeat of Roosevelt by that school of thought, Borah is an anchor to the windward, that gives great comfort to the people of America. Borah is a Republican and this is a Democrat newspaper, but it would be a positive delight to us to see Borah nominated against Roosevelt and then watch the boots of both candidates dp the tap dance on the tory crowd of both parties. The Wandering Al. It would be worth a whole lot to watch Al Smith looking for some place to stop when he stages his threatened walk out. Now the Republicans cannot say the Post-Democrat has not warned them. It’s either Senator Borah or else and the “else” is President Roosevelt. America has become tired of being educated to think only in terms of prosperity for the few. The people Avant to elect a president of their own choosing. If the great progressive Democrat from Ncav York is again chosen next November, or if the great liberal 'Republican leader from Idaho is the nation’s choice, the people will at least have the satisfaction of knowing that they had their will in the national conventions of both parties. o NEVER FORGET I don’t readily forget old friends, nor easily stop loving anybody I have ever loved. However, I have learned long ago not to expect more than three people to care for me at a time—maybe I’m extravagant in saying three.—Lowell.

Governor’s Secretary |

ors of the Star was city editor of the Miami Herald a number of years ago, and is thoroughly acquainted with Florida’s trick climate, and the trend of thought of all trained Florida newspaper writers, there are some who persist in the belief that there’s a joker in the deck somewhere. The Star reproduced the Miami Herald editorial, which Avas followed closely by another short editorial, referring to the undeniable fact that few notable events occur anywhere without the name of one or more Hoosiers appearing, mentioning Governor Noe of Louisiana as being a former Indiana oil woi'ker and Mrs. Huey P. Long, now in the United States senate, folloiving Huey’s death, as a native of

Greenshurg, Ind.

Indiana To The Fore.

The Star might have mentioned that Col. Frank Shutts, owner and native Hoosier, having conducted a newspaper in the northern part of

Indiana.

As a matter of fact Indiana and Ohio have things pretty well sewed up in Florida. Jim Cox of Ohio, runs the Miami News and Col. Shutts from Indiana the Herald. Indiana, though, has the stronger foothold in the land of flowers.

There are some ivho claim that Osceola, the Seminols chieftan was a member of Chief Godfrey’s tribe from near Marion and that Ponce

Even the fish which formed the background of the picture of the mayor’s party at Fort Lauderdale are said by some to be carp, caught in White river between sewers in Muncie and exported to Florida for exhibition purposes. Sardines From a Can. 'Some cruel person here intimated that the smaller fry photographed were dug out of a can of sardines, bought in Muncie. A representative of the PostDemocrat once slat talking to the editor of a newspaper in one of the larger toivns of Florida. “I want to put you onto something,” said he. “I am about the only native of Florida left, and confidentially f came from New Jersey. Everything in- this state is Indiana. When we welcome some important, guest speaker at a civic function, editor of the Miami Herald, is a we never ask him anv more whether he came from Indiana. We merely ask him what part of Indiana he comes from.” , Last winter the same Post-Dem-ocrat reporter had frequent visits fiom a laundry wagon driver, ivhc neA*er failed to let loose a flood of “you alls” and “yes suh, (Continued On Page Six;

EARL CRAWFORD A congenial individual with a keen sense of humor and great loyalty to the Democratic party is Earl Craivford, of Milton, recently appointed executive secretary to Governor Paul Y. McNutt. Mr. Crawford Avas Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives in 1933 and before ascending to that position was a valued member of the banking committee in the lOAver house of the General Assembly. He was a member of the Study Commission Avhich drafted Indiana’s model law foi the regulation, examination and supervision of financial institutions, the legislative act of 1933 Avhich took the state banking department out of politics. In past political experience, Mr. Crawford has been a member of the state highway commission and his opinions on banking, taxing and farming subjects frequently have been sought. Mr. Crawford is president of the Fayette Bank and Trust Company of Connersville and he is the owner of a 176 acre farm near Milton. Upon assuming his duties in the Governor’s office, Mr. CraAvford said: “My best efforts will be devoted to promoting a better understanding of the Governor’s policies and purposes and to' bring a united party support of both state and national administrations.” o— • Americanism; Rejoicing because we won freedom from England: sending children to England to escape our criminals.

THE PRES AND THE GRAND JURY The Press has offered advice to the grand jury. It proposes, noAv that the grand jury has gone to work in earnest that it proceed “not Avith vengeance or vengefully, but thoroughly,” to continue its probe. It might be contended that if any grand jury Avere to be thorough, and indict everybody who ought to be indicted for various infractions of the law, there would be very few of us left to tell the story, for feAv are perfect. Several lawyers, including Lon Bracken, city attorney, have been summoned to testify, if newspaper reports are to be credited. This has caused some to wonder whether or not the Muncie bar has been shooting craps and are expected to tell about it. The alleged start of the probe was said to be incited by the secret distribution of handbills, charging that gambling here has become notorious, naming men said to belong to the gambling fraternity and diiectly naming Mr. Bracken and City Controller Parkinson, A\ T ho ai e also members of the board of safety, as being in cahoots in permitting the gamboliers to gambol. In a news story the other day the Press announced that both of these gentlemen had been summoned before the grand jury to tesThat would seem to be a rather unusual proceeding, if any serious attention at all was paid to the anonymous circulars. One of these dodgers implored people to be on watch when the grand jury met, to note whether those charged by the secret Avriter Avould receive an “immunity bath” by being called in to testify. The average person, able to read plain English, AA'ould conclude that the anonymous scribe included Parkinson and Bracken as the chief offenders, not witnesses. When the city administration was indicted by a federal grand jury on perjured evidence, none Avho were indicted were called before the federal grand jury. Fred Ellis, a member of the board of safety, was indicted principally because he was a safety board member of an administration unjustly, as it turned out, charged with conspiracy. The question is, how can a grand jury proceed, vengefully or otherwise, if it is required to listen to Avitnesses Avho Avould naturally, Avant to slow up the proceedings? Last week a handbill bearing the printed name of Court Asher was scattered around toAvn. The sheet made damaging charges against Prosecutor Higi and the city administration. It Avould be easy for Mr. Higi to summon Court Asher and ask if the name on the handbill was a forgery or not. If he deny authorship he could be released from further questioning. If he says it is his baby he could be asked to explain. That would be getting someAvhere and it Avould be giving the grand jury a fair break.