Indianapolis Times, Volume 33, Number 242, Indianapolis, Marion County, 17 February 1921 — Page 1

THE WEATHER Fair and colder tonight; lowest temperature 15 to 20 degrees. Friday fair.

VOL. XXXIII.

U. S. WEAKNESS LEAVES PACIFIC OPEN TO ENEMY Island Possessions Almost Certain to Be Seized in Case of War. IGNORED BY CONGRESS WASHINGTON, Feb. 17. The .United States is woefully unprepared for offensive or defensive naval operations on the Pacific, according to official reports on file at the Navy Department today. These reports. In which the highest naval officers concur, show that while Congress was granting money with a liberal hand to Increase the strength of the fleet and Improve naval bases on the Atlantic coast the Pacific was neglected, with the result that today, when the Interest of the world is centered there our facilities are Inadequate to care for the Pacific fleet in time of peace and arc hopelessly insufficient for the entire fleet in case it became necessary to carry on extended operations. The Pacific coast is lacking in naval, submarine ana destroyer bases, drydocks, berthing space, yards and storage facilities at Hawaii, Guam and the Philippine Islands. The two latter possessions almost certainly would be seized in case of war and Hawaii would be seriously endangered. Congress repeatedly has been apprised of the Navy’s needs on the Pacific coast and both the Helm commission and the board headed by Rear Admiral Parke made elaborate reports on the necessity for proper development of bases at Pearl Harbor. Guam and Manila. •‘lf our big ships got Into trouble In the far Pacific.” said one high naval official. “I don’t know what we would do with them. “The old floating drydock at Olongapo is only suo feet long and is practically worthless so far as our modern battleships are concerned.” Secretary Daniels declined to discuss possible develbpments in the tar East, but admitted that naval conditions are substantially as stated in the reports. The attention of Congress, the secretary said, nas been called to these conditions by the reports of various investigating boards and by his own reports.

I ASSERTS REDS f ARE RENEWING U. S. ACTIVITIES Palmer, Defending Raids, Warns Committee Critics Are Propagandists. WASHINGTON. Feb. J7—The Communist party la renewing Its activities throughout the United States and “Is threatening to become as active again as It was before the Department of Justice sought to stamp it out.” Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer declared today. Palmer resumed his defense of the Department of Justice and its bureau of Investigation In condncting "red raids" when he reappeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee, which is considering the question of amnesty for Eugene V. Debs and others convicted of violations of the espionage and other wartime acts. "The chief object of the Communist |L party now, as it was when the Depart - ■ ment of Justice proceeded against its leaders, is the destruction of the United wHe\*tes Government and the substitution ter \ its stead of the soviet rule,” Palmer Bea averted. theiiHe charged that criticism of methods |ployed by himself and the Department J* Juatiee In dealing with men and yWFomen rounded up In the “red raids" #were largely inspired by widespread propaganda circulated by those affiliated with the communist party. Palmer declared reds "will prove a source of trouble" to the next administration. He presented a heap of “documents to Justify the wholesale arrests. COLD STORAGE BILL ACCEPTED WASHINGTON, Feb. 17.—The Senate today adopted the conference report on the Gronna cold storage bill, which prohibits the sale of perishable products in interstate commerce which have been in storage more than twelve months. President Wilson has urged such a bill several times. The House is expected to accept the conference rpport shortly, thus sending the bill to Wilson. The first hearing on the impeachment proceedings started against Judge K. M. Landis by Representative Welty will be held by the Judiciary Committee next Tuesday, Chairman Volstead said. COAST-TO-COAST AIR MAIL APPROVED WASHINGTON. Feb. 17.—Operations and maintenance of an air mail system between New York and San Francisco at tbe <S>st of $1,300,000. provided for In an amendment to the postoffice appropriation bill, was agreed to today in the Senate. The route would pass through Chicago and Omaha. Jury Being Sought to Try C. Middaugh Efforts were resumed this afternoon in Criminal Court to obtain a Jury to try Charles Middaugh, who was convicted in city conet on a charge of operating a blind tiger. Middaugh appenled on Feb. 8 last from city court, where he was tned SIOO and sentenced to serve thirty days. Judge Harry Chamberlain of Circuit Court was selected as special Judge wheu a change of venue was taken from Judge Tames A. Collins. While' Judge Chamberlain Is hearing the Middaugh case Judge Collins is presiding In Cireu't Court hearing coiore-d divorce cases. Judge Collins heard eight divorce cases this morning and granted a divorce In every one of them.

WEATHER

Forecast for Indianapolis and vicinity for the twenty-four hours ending 7 t>. m„ Feb. 18, 1921: Fair and colder tonight with lowest temperature 15 to 20 degrees. Friday, fair. HOURLY TEMPERATURE. 8 a. m 20 7 a. m 25 8 a. m 2i 9 a. m 24 10 a. m 24 11 a. m 24 12 (noon) 27 1 P- m 27 2 p. m 27

Published at Indianapolis, Entered as Second Class Matter, July 25, 1914, at Ind.. Daily Except Sunday. Postofflce. Indianapolis, Ind., under act March 9, 1879.

JEWELL SEEKS EARLY SESSION IN RAIL CASE Urges Joint Conference for Immediate Settlement of Controversy. ATTERBURY CLAIMS MET CHICAGO, Feb. 17. —Immediate settlement of all railway controvercles outstanding before the United States labor board by a joint conference of railroad representatives and labor representatives to be held at the earliest possible moment wa3 urged before the board today in a statement by B. M. Jewell, president of tbe railway employes department of tbe American Federation of Labor. Jewel’s statement, presented in rebuttal to the claims of W. W. Atterbury, vice president of the Pennsylvania lines, that the country faces a national crisis unless the national wage agreements are abrogated, also recommended that the railway labor board pass immediately on any differences of opinion, which might arise from the conference. ASKS ATTERBURY TO WITHHOLD COMPLAINTS. Jewell recommended also thlat the board request Atterbury to withhold his announced presentation of “a flood of individual complaints” until the conference could be arranged, “in order that existing general agreements may not be impaired and that the matter can be brought to the board In the form of a single complaint.” The labor representative put the delay in arriving at a final decision in the controversy squarely up to the railroads in stating that "if the carriers had obeyed the law and met the employes in national conference or Joined with them in establishing boards of adjustment ail delay could have been avoided.” PROPAGANDA CHARGED. The labor executive’s statement also charged that “railroads are conducting a strong propaganda to Influence the board's decision.” “We consider such efforts as gross and inconceivable improprieties,” Jewell said. “Your position is analogous to the status of the Supreme Court of the United States. Any such attempts to affect its decision In a case before it would have been treated as contempt of court and would Incur drastic penalties." SETS OCT OBJECTS OF PROPOSALS. Mr. Jewell declared that his proposals were made with the following objects In view: I. To insist on the fundamental principle of collective bargaining which is now the real issue before the board in pending rases. !. To expedite these rasee which otherwise will absorb a vast amount of time and effort. 36. To restrain the railroads from preventing proper functioning and destroying the effectiveness of the board by Hooding it with a large number of individual complaints which it cannot handle. Mr. Jewell made it clear thai the unions are not fighting for the maintenance of working rules that work financial injustice to the railroads. "We do not wish to perpetuate any unreasonable rules or working conditions,” he asserted. “We do not wish to cause the railroads unreasonable expense. We shall not now advocate and never have supported any rules that do this.” Scoring the railroads managements’ unwillingness to negotiate on a national scale, Mr. Jewell said. “By centralizing their own bargaining power and decentralizing functions thpy hope to weaken the unions by attacking and crushing the local organizations, especially those which recently have been formed.”

ROUGH PIANO PLAYER FINED Frank Martin Insists He Wished to Make Xickel Work. Frank Martin. 20, 736 Riley avenue, was fined $lO and costs on a charge of malicious destruction of property by Judge Walter Pritchard in city court late yesterday. A charge of petit larceny was dismissed. Martin was arrested by Sergeant Sheehan after the police were called to the Oakley Club roadhouse, at Ke.ntucky avenue and Rig Eagle Creek, Tuesday night on a complaint that a visitor knocked In the front of a player .piano and took the money box, containing about $2. Martin was accused. He had left, but surrendered himself. Martin testified a nickel stuck In the slot in the piano. “I used my hand to Jar the nlokle,” he said. “The money box fell on the floor and the money rolled over the floor, but I didn’t take any of the money." Mr. ard Mrs. Bert Jenkins, who say they are In charge of the place while Mr. and Mrs. Chris Zimmerman are out of the city, made the complaint. The place has been raided several times. Democrats Holding Powwow in Capital WASHINGTON, Feb. 17.—The first big Democrate powwow since election started here today. The meeting was that of the party exexecutive committee. Thomas B. Love, national committeman from Texas, announced he would present a petition signed by fifty members, demanding a meeting of the full national committee.

DAUGHERTY CHECKS REPUBLICAN PLUMS

llsn.l-.ETIN] ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla., Feb. 17.—ExGovernor Lowden of Illinois has deflnite!y declined to accept a Cabinet post, President-elect Harding said. ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla., Feb. 17.—Harry 51. Daugherty, who is elated to be the next Attorney General, succeeded National Chairman Will H. Hays here today in President-elect Hardlng'e Anal conferences. Daugherty was closeted with the President-elect for a long time and it i understood that they went over the who'e appointment list of the new administration. While the Cabinet is yet tentative and there remain at least three placee not

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SIX MAIL SACKS ARE STOLEN AT TOLEDO OFFICE Five Bandits, With Drawn Guns, Make Escape With Registered Loot. LOOT MAY HIT $300,000 TOLEDO, Ohio, Feb. 17.—Five bandits drove up to th epostoffioe at 2 o’clock this morning and help up the clerks at the point of revolvers, seized six sacks of registered mail and made their escape. One official estimated that the loot may amount to between $300,000 and $400,000. A postoffice truck had Just arried frcm tbe Union Station with a load of mail from the East and had oeen unloaded when the bandit car drove up to the Fourteenth street entrance and the robbers covered the clerks. Postmaster George W. Lathrop said any estimates of the value of the mail stolen were impossible at this time. “Any figures could only be somebody's “pipe dream,' ” he asserted. Immediately after the robbery, f a watchman at the postofflce Jumped into' one of the Government trucks and attempted to follow the bandit car. Owing to the fact that he could not make much speed, he lost their trail in less than two blocks. The car used by the bandits was recovered by Sheriff Peters this morning. It was a Studebaker, bearing an Ohio license number, which had been stolen from a local garage Wednesday. "We have a line on where the bandits are,” said the sheriff this morning, “but we nro not giving out any tips until we have the men under arrest.” Early tips pointing to Point Place ns the banditb’ hiding place proved worthless. A search of resorts there failed to result in any arrests. HOOSIER /LI YA BAXDIT TARGET Special to The Times. MUNCIE, Ind., Feb. 17.—The Moorelaud bank, fourteen miles south of here, which has been the target of hank robbers for the last three years, was the scene of another hold-up about 12.30 o'clock this morning. The robbers had "Jimmied" open the front door of the bank when they were found by cltizeus of the town. The citizens opened tire with shotguns as the robbers escaped in a large touring car. The robbers returned the fire with revolvers. None o fthe residents was Injured and it is not known whether the robbers were hit or not. KILL TWO IX CARD GAME HOLD-UP JACKSONVILLE, Fla.. Feb. 17.—Bandits holding up a card game at the Lennox Hotel here, killed George Alexander Goodrich, Atlanta engineer, and Walter M. Burden, wealthy retired business man of Tateho, N. Y., police were informed today. SHOOTIXG MA Y GIVE CLEW TO ROBBERY CHICAGO, Feb. 17.—Investigations that the police believe may solve the recent SOO,OOO Kenwood bank robbery, are under way today in connection with the shooting of Policeman T. F. Powers by Policeman Peter Henzie during a quarrel in a saloon. A money belt containing SI,BOO, said to be a part of the loot taken from the Kenwood bank, was found on Powers’ body. Powers and four companions were in a saloon when Henzie enterpd. Ilenzle was off duty and Powers was on sick furlough. Powers and his companions are said to have started taunting Henzie with being a “stool” and with having made reports to his superior officers that reflected on Powers. Henzie left the saloon by a side door as Powers and bis companions wept out the front door. Henzie declares that one of Powers’ associates followed him and struck him and that he saw Powers tugging to get a gun out of his pocket. Henzie "beat Powers to the draw” and shot him dead.

MERCHANT URGES OFFICE BUILDING Letter to Legislators Tells of County’s Need. A letter was sent today to each member of the State Senate and the House of Representatives by Sum Mueller, president of the East Washington Merchants’ Association, urging unanimous support for Renate bill No. 220, which would legalize the erection of anew county office building on the north half of the courthouse grounds. MI. Mueller says In Ins letter: “This can he done without a cent additional taxes through the selling of the valuable Washington street property.” He emphasized the fact that something must be done to tbe present courthouse. The records are In constant danger of being burned; sanitary conditions of the courthouse are intolerable and the county business is constantly being held up because of lack of room, according to Mr. Mueller. Mr. Mueller also pointed out that tbe county has paid in Interest already more than twice the original cost of the courthouse. yet the bond Issue is still uppald and the Interest Is going on. It has been figured out by the commit tee of the East Washington Street Merchants’ Association, of which Sol Meyer of the Meyer-Ivlser hank. Is chairman, that the bonds could be paid on the old courthouse and a n< w building ere- ted and yet a saving of approximately $2,C()0.000 could be made for the taxpayers in reduced tax rates during the next ten years.

even temporarily filled, Mr. Harding also is managing to find time for consideration of some of the scores of other appointments which he will be called upon to make. A number of these will also be considered with Charles Evans Hughes, who Is to be the new Secretary of State, when he arrives In St. Augustine tomorrow. Mr. Harding desires to consult Justice Hughes principally regarding foreign and dip’omatlc appointments, it Is understood. In this connection it developed that 'friends of Gen. John J. Pershing have recommended strongly his appointment to be ambassador to France. There Is little Indication at Harding headquarters as to how the proposition is viewed tty the President-elect.

INDIANAPOLIS, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17,1921.

BILL TO AID IN CITY BUYING IS NOT PREPARED Purchasing Agent Reported Anxious to Save by New Methods. LACK OF LAW FORBIDS Establishment of the department of public purchase in the municipal government of Indianapolis seven years ago grew out of a very earnest demand from the public that the buying of city materials and equipment be placed upon a business basis so as to prevent a recurrence of slipshod methods that had been practiced while the individual departments bought their supplies independently of each other. Mayor Joseph E. Bell had promised the city a business administration and one of the first important matters he attended to was the securing of legislation making it possible to establish the purchasing department. A purchasing agent of long experience was appointed to fill the position of city purchasing agent by Mayor Bell. Mayor Charles W. Jewett, who also promised a business administration, followed the example of Mr. Bell and appointed as city purchasing agent Dwight S. Ritter, a professional buyer with a long record of service in one of the city's principal Industries. From the start of the present administration Mayor Jewett has admonished Mr. Ritter to run the city purchasing department as nearly like that of a big business corporation as possible and, to the best of his ability, it is generally conceded, Mr. Ritter has followed Instructions. HITTER ATTEMPTS TO CORRECT DEFECTS. Early in his administration Mr. Ritter began to discover serious faults with the present system of city buying ami In line with the mayor's instructions that he was to conduct the department in accordance with good business principles he set about to correct the defects. The fa't that the luck of a central storehouse and the legal authority to buy standard articles, such as lamp globes, brooms, mops, etc., in Job lots in anticipation of future needs so aB to obtain the advantage of quantity prices was costing the city thousands of dollars annually fairly struck Mr. Ritter between the eves at the very outset, he has told his friends. So, two years ago, he began a movement to get legislation to make possible the establishment of the storehouse and the quantity purchasing system. He met with little encouragement from either the business Interests or the other branches of the administration and got no legislation. Months before the present session of the State Legislature opened Mr. Ritter got busy on the storehouse movement again, with the result that be not nty obtained the Indorsement of prominent business organizations but also a promise from Mayor Jewett that the storehouse bill would be among the measures wild u tin administration would ask the General Assembly to pass. However, the Legislature Is entering the "home stretch" of its session and the storehouse blil has not even been written by Corp ,>r ti° n Counsel Samuel Ashby, (Continued on Page Two.)

Court Decree Turns Baby to Its Surviving Parent

Death has prevented Mrs. Elsie Brepount from rocking to sleep her buhy daughter, Evelyn, 2. But a court decree today of Judge Linn Hay of Superior Court, room 2, permits the child's father to act us both mother and father to Evelyn. The baby was not in court when Judge Hay decided the question of the custody of the child Evelyn will not understand why she will be bundled up next Saturday morning by her grandmother, Mrs. Margaret Bulmer, matron at the Union Station, and taken to a strange home. Sometime ago the late Mrs. Brecount was gtven the custody of her baby when a divorce decree was granted. Then the mother of the-child died, since which the grandmother, Mrs Bulmer. has given the little girl tender care at the home of another daughter, Mrs. Margaret Unlock. Kenwood avenuo. Last week, George Brecount, Evelyn’s father, filed a petition before Judge Hay asking that the divorce decree he modified so as to enable him to have the custody of his daughter. The grandmother Immediately filed an Intervening petition, asking that she be given the child’s custody. Both parties were heard and the case was taken under advisement until today. "The court cannot help but feel tbat tlie father of the child is only prompted by parental love In seeking the custody

CARUSO HOLDS OWN IN FIGHT No Change Reported in Illness of Singer. NEW YORK, Feb 17.—N0 change was reported this morning In the condition of Enrico Caruso, notea Italian tenor, who is seriously ill at his apartment in the Vanderbilt Hotel here. The five doctors attending the singer believe he will reach the crisis In his relapse today. If he survives the day It Is believed he will recover. Mrs. Caruso is almost constantly at his bedside. Caruso's son. Enrico, Jr., arrived today from the military academy at Culver, Ind. GIACOMO PUCCINI IS NEAR DEATH ROME, Feb. 17.—Giacomo Puccini, famous Italian musical composer, is dangerously ill and today the doctors held out no hope for his recovery. Signor Puccini was born in 1858. Some of his best-known operas qre “Madame Butterfly,’’ “La Bohemo” and "La Tosca.” Missing Army Flier RidesJßack on Mule SAN ANTON id, Texas, Feb. 17.—After wandering six days In uninhabited country, Lieut. Alexander Pearson, lost flier, is en route back to his station at Douglas. Ariz. He arrived In Sanderson, Texas, astride a mule. Pearson became lost shortly after leaving El Paso last Thursday for San Antonio.

Woman Convicted in Tiger Case After Delay of Year

Mrs. Seeman Cook was found guilty by a jury in the Criminal Court yesterday of operating a blind tiger. She was fined SIOO and sentenced to thirty days in the Woman’s Prison. The affidavit gave her name as Seeman Cook, but she was identified as Mrs. Anna Seeman. Mrs. Cook has one of the records for endurance in having her appeal caae re-

VAN BRIGGLE IS INDICTED FOR USE OF MAILS Motor Company's Head Faces Charge of Intent to Defraud. UNUSUAL CAREER CITED Lilburn H. Van Briggle, president of the Van Briggle Motor Device Company and the Van Briggle Manufacturing Company, and formerly president of the Van Briggle Chemical Company, indicted by the Federal grand Jury on a charge of using the mails to defraud, appeared at the office of United States Marshal Mark Storen late yesterday and gave bond for SIO,OOO. He will be arraigned before Judge Albert B. Anderson, together with more than two hundred other defendants March 7. The bond was signed by Arthur Jordan, Frank C. Stevenson, Merritt Potter and Jesse Moore. Henry S. Rominger, treasurer of the Van Briggle Motor Device Company, was arrested this morning by Deputy United States Marshal Frank S. Ream on a charge similar to the one against Mr. Van Briggle. He was released on bond of SIO,OOO, signed by John C. Smith. The indictment is the result of an investigation conducted by the poatofftee inspectors and is a lengthy one. All charges are la connection with the conduct of the affairs of the Van Briggle Motor Device Company and representations made through the mails concerning Its financial condition. The exact amount of money involved in the stock transactions complained of Is not statpd, but Federal officials say that it amounted to a large majority of tlu capital stock of the. company. CHARGED WITH FALSE STATEMENTS. Van Briggle also is charged with having made false statements showing that the company was financially sound, und that the assets of the company were $1,000,000, when such was not the case.' Other allegations are that he falsely represented in writing that the company was able to pay 100 per cent dividends, for tin purpose of inducing persons to Invest in the stock of tbe company : that he made false statements as to the condition of the company to pay dividend* and to build a new factory building at 1502 North Capitol avenue, audas to the right of the company to manufacture Van Briggle shock absorbers. it is charged that he himself purchased large blocks of the capital stock and then went Into the open market and sold it under the representation that It wa* treasury stock. It is also alleged that tie nad not paid for stock sold by him In this way. The indictment further charges that (Continued on Page Two.)

and responsibility of the future welfare of his child," said Judge Hay. “He seems to be well stationed in life and in deciding the fate of the child the court is concerned only about its welf a re. “I appreciate the motives which prompt the grandmother to ask for the custody of her granddaughter and I appreciate her willingness to make the necessary sacrifices to take care of the child. "The grandmother should be able to see the child and enjoy her company. 1 do not wish this child to come in contact with any nagging or discord between parties interested in this cause," said Judge Hay In instructing the clerk to enter an order modifying the original divorce decree to permit the father to have the custody of the child until "further order of this court.” Mrs. Bulmer cried as the clerk made the entry. “I’lease, Judge, can't I have the baby for Just a few days?” she said. "I can see no reason why you should not,” answered Judge Hay. “Suppose you deliver the child to the father next Saturday." Mrs. Bulmer agreed to take Evelyn to the Dome of the father nt 10 East St. Joseph street, where Mr. Brecount is living with his mother. Mr. B-eeount Is .trainmaster of the Michigan division of the Big Four.

Pritchard Issues Rum Case Ruling Judge Walter Pritchard stated in city court today that he was “becoming very unpopular among persons charged with operating blind tigers” and gave that as the reason for issuing the following ruling: “Any motion for change of venue from the Judge must be filed at the beginning of each session of court. “W A LTE It PR ITCH Altl >, ‘'City Judge.”

Plans Completed for Mr. Thomas C. Howe The Irvington Republican Club has completed plans for its demonstration In favor of Mr. Thomas C. Howe, former president of Butler College, as a Republican candidate for the nomination for mayor tonight. Claris Adams, former prosecuting attorney, Mrs. Arthur R. Robinson and Ed Jackson, secretary of State, will speak. J. L. Kingsbury, president of the club, will act as chairman of the meeting, which is to be held in the Irvington picture theater, Ritter and East Washington streets, at 8 o’clock. A number of impromptu talks are expected. WILLIAM VOLLMER IS FINED. William Vollmer, 7TO North Pershing avenue, arrested Tuesday night by X’atrolman Klmberlin, was fined sllO and costs for violating the motor speed laws by Judge Walter Pritchard In city court late Wednesday. f

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main untried on the Criminal Court docket. She appealed from the city court April 7, 1020, where she was fiued SIOO and sentenced to thirty days. The appeal had remained on the docket for nearly a year without being tried by Judge James A. Collins. The court announced that sentence will not be formally passed until Saturday.

Real Democrats Fight Feeney as Lemcke Dummy Get Behind Meeker for Chairman to Defeat Bipartisan Gang. Republican political workers who report to Ralph A. Lemcke, county treasurer, have received orders to do all in their power to assist the William Feeney crowd of Democrats In their efforts to obtain control of the Democratic city organization. Employes of the e'ty administration In the various wards have been instructed to help elect Feeney chairman of the Democratic committee, and it has been intimated to them that all the assistance they need, financially axid otherwise, will be forthcoming before the date of the reorganization of the Democratic committee. On the outcome of this fight for control of the Democratic organization will depend in a large measure the question of whether the Democrats of Indianapolis make a fight for the election of a mayor. Feeney, who is backed by such NewsJewett Democrats ns Thomas C. Riley of the hoard of works, desires to be chairman and his desires are echoe-d by the type of Democrats who are in politics for revenue only and wish to place themselves in a position to show favors to the candidates of the local Republican machin". OPPOSITION CENTERS BEHIND MEEKER. Opposed to Feeney Is n group of Democrats who have refused to stand by and see the city organization sold out to the Republicans for the campaign. This group has been actively engaged in fighting the Rllcy-Feeney combination ever since it was formed and their efforts are now centered on Thomas Meeker as a candidate for chairman. Opposition to Meeker is strong in the Republican ranks and a story is now being circulated by city hall Republicans that Meeker is belyig pushed by frieuds of Samuel Lewis Shank, Republican can dldate for mayor. Shank's friends nro undoubtedly lending all the assistance they can to the Democrats who ure Intent on saving theli organization from tha control of the city hall crowd. They say that the control of the Democratic organization by the cltv hall faction of the Republican party means another "counting out party” for Shank in the primary and they are naturally Interested In the upbuilding of an organization that will stand for a clean primary. A great many Democrats of Indianapolis who have no Interest in the minority Jobs of a Republican administration are standing aloof, watching the organization fight. If the Republicans succeed in obtaining a Democratic chairman who is to their liking these Democrats will not support the organization of their own party in any attempt to conduct a campaign. Asa result of this attitude on the part of those voters who are really Democrats the Democratic party in the city is now undergoing a crucial few days. It will become either a mere adjunct of the Republican organization, dominated by the Jewett-News bosses thyough Thomas C. Riley and a fe wother bi-partt-s.iti politicians, or it will become a militant organization ready to take advantage of the fight In the Republican camp. The selection for chairman will tell the tale. MEEKER MAKES ANNOUNCEMENT. Thomas S. Meeker today made the following announcement: “I have decided to become a . candidate for chairman of the Democratic city committee. “When my friends presented to me the necessity- of someone becoming a candidate who would uulte all elements in the party and who would wage an Incessant campaign from the moment of his election I agreed at their solicitation to become a candidate.” “I know the importance of this office. The chairman appoints the election boards in the comin ; primaries. 1 wlil make an effort to see that only such boards are appointed us will insure every vote being counted as cast. “I want the will of the Democratic party to be registered at the polls. If that be done I am sure that the Democratic voters will present to the people eandidates who will merit the approval of the decent people of the city. “Indianapolis is a great commercial and industrial center. It is entitled to a clean business administration that will attract substantial business enterprises to our city. V “The majority of our people are moral men and women and are entitled to a decent moral government The apparent partnership between the city administration and the underworld must be dissolved. “The nomination and election of candidates who stand for better things Is necessary, not alone to the welfare of the party, but to the community. “To secure this, I pledge my every es fort.”

Do You Know Indianapolis?

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This picture was tajcen in your home city. Are you familiar enough with it to locate the scene? Yesterday’s picture was Highland Square.

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RATTS’ DEPUTY SHERIFF BILL PASSES SENATE Measure Held Counter to Plans for State Constabulary Law. VOTE FOLLOWS DEBATE Senator Ratts’ deputy sheriff bill, generally regarded as a counter measure to squeeze out the State constabulary bill now pending In tbe Senate, was passed in the Senate today by a vote of 29 to 14. The State constabulary measure is backed by the Indianapolis News. Senator Ratts sponsored the deputy sheriff measure, which gave credence to the report that it is favored by the administration in order to exclude the constabulary plan which calls for a $300,000 appropriation. The greatest opposition grew from the fact that opponents charged the deputies could be used as a political machine at election times. The debate Indicated that rough sailing Is in store for the constabulary bill. also. The bill gives the sheriffs power to name deputy sheriffs “to promote the public welfare and safety.” with the approval of the commissioners. The latter board Is also empowered to fix the salaries of the deputies. To meet the objections raised against Imported strike breakers the bill requires that no one who baa not been a resident of the county for a year can be appointed. It also relieves the sheriff of a financial burden by making provision to pay the deputies out of the public till. RATTS REFUSES TO DENY OR AFFIRM. Senator Ratts refused to deny or affirm that the bill was designed to counteract the constabulary bill. He declared, however, it would take the place of such an organization and voiced opposition to the constabulary. Senator Lindley cited what he termed was a danger In the bill because It places no limit on the number of deputies that can be appointed. He called for its defeat. Senator Kline supported the measure because, he said, it afforded a way around the constabulary plan, which, he said, would entail an enormous exp.ense. He declared the citizens themselves would constitute a proper guard under the bill. Senator McCullough asked Senator Van Orman, who was defending the bill, if there was any provision to obtain bonds for the deputies. Senator Cravens asked if it would not be possible for a county administration to load up with deputies for the purpose of influencing an election. Van Orman said the law made the officials responaible for their acts. RAISES OBJECTION TO UNTRAINED MEN. Tbe bill would be a danger to the public by introducing untrained men in crises, snid Senator Moorhead. Senator Maier opposed it because he believed it would open up the doors to political machines in certain localities. Senator Ilogston told how Sheriff Fowler of Grant County amicably settled (Continued on Pag* Two.)

TARIFF IS SENT TO CONFERENCE Wilson to Receive Bill by End of Week and Veto Is Expected. WASHINGTON, Feb. 17.—The temporary tariff bill, passed by the Senate last night, is expected to go to conference today and to reach the President this week. The President has indicated to members of Congress that he intends to veto the bill. The President Is expected to make the veto message the vehicle for an attack on the Republican tariff policy and for a statement of his own views, not only on the question of tariff, but on the remedies which should be adopted by Congress to meet the present situation caused by the drop in prices in farm products. COLD WEATHER BRINGS BLAZES Unexpected Return Blamed for 26 Fires in Day. The unexpected return of “Jack Frost” Is given as tho reeso', for the fire department having to answer twenty-six fires from 6:35 <• clock this morning. Most of the fires are said to have started from overheated furnaces and were in roofs. The greatest loss was said to be at the residence of H. Laackmun, who occupies the second story of a building at 811 Buchanan street. The fire burned the tup of the building and the loss is estimated at SI,OOO. Damage by water is estimated at SSOO. J. B. Koster. proprietor of the grocery below, suffered a water loss, included In the SSOO. The residence of J. Mnnnon, at 202 Richland avenue was damaged $250. Late in the afternoon an alarm was received from the vicinity of Twenty-Sec-ond street and Central avenue, where a large residence was reported burning.

NO. 242.

EFFORT TO LIFT RULES AND PASS TAX BILL FAILS Phillips Raises Question of Special Session to Correct Faults. HOUSE ACTION BLOCKED Efforts to pass under suspension of the rules, the administration tax bill, carrying with it the conferring of power on the State board of tax commissioners to fix State levies, failed in the House today when objections were raised by Representative William Phillips, Fayette and Franklin Counties. Phillips objected to rushing the bill through the House before members had a chance to study it carefully, with the amendments. The measure was up on a special order of business. “We have no guarantee, without first considering this bill carefully, that there is nothing in it that will cause us to be called back here in special session to correct some defects In the measure,** said Phillips, who recalled the corrective tax legislation last summer. “There was Justification for the special session, but there can be no Justification for another," he added. Representative Barker, Boone County, who piloted the tax bill through the House, said his only idea in moving the suspension of the rules was to pass the bill on to the Senate, since the time for adjournment sine die is approaching. When put to the House, the Barker motion lost by a vote of 36 to S3. TAX BILL READY FOR THIRD READING. With only a small amount of opposition from the minority members of tha House, and with all opposition from majority members smoothed out by the ad-_ ministration leaders, the tax bill, as changed by the Barker amendments. Is now ready for third reading and passage. All of the opposition from the Democratic side of the House was made by Representative R. U. Barker, Posey County. The Democratic member’s first move was to attempt to strike out that section of the amended bill which provide* that the State board shall keep a record of its proceedings, and that this record shall be considered sufficient evidence in all courts where it Is necessary to prove or show any action, rule or order of the board. Representative Barker declared there was no provision whereby the public could be made aware of the proceedings of the board, and that many persons may suffer through want of Information iu proceedings of the board. The Amendment was lost. BARKER OF BOONE QUIZ TARGET. Many of the House members quizzed Representative Barker of Boone as to the power of the State board to make horizontal Increases within counties. Barker replied that the State board would be given no power to make horivontal Increases within counties, but would hare the power, as it has haa, since 181)1, under the original tax law, (Continued on Page Two.)

NEGRO CLEARED IN TIGER CASE William Banner Freed, but Lige Carpenter Is Not So Lucky. Special Judge Earl J. Askron. today in city court discharged William Banner, negro, 1552 South Keystone avenue, on charges of operating a blind tiger, declaring : “This man has a clear record and there Is insufficient evidence to convict him of blind tiger. He is discharged on all counts.” Elijah Carpenter, negro, living eight miles southeast of Indianapolis on a farm, pleaded guilty to the fifth count of an affidavit charging him with operating a blind tiger. Special Judge As* kren took the case under advisement until Feb. 23. Nothing was said about Carpenter*! record being “clear” but the books in the city clerk's office would indicate that his record was “wonderful.” Ilis name appears often, but Prosecutor J. Burdette Little made no mention in the affidavit of previous violations of the prohibition law. However, Carpenter, whose given name is Elijah, but who is known to his friends In the “good government political machine" as Lige, claimed, through his attorney. Ralph Spaan. former deputy prosecutor under Claris Adams, that he had received the liquor that was In his automobile when he was arrested from a common carrier. Carpenter and Banner were arrested Feb. 7 when they failed to keep their automobile license plate clear of mud and were stopped by traffic officers, who found tweaty-one quarts of whisky in the automobile. The negroes made a desperate effort to escape and Traffic Officer Duffv was dragged fifty feet when he caught hold of the side of the car. Lieutenants Jones and Woollen .searched Carpenter’s residence and found twenty quarts of bonded whisky. The case was twice continued In city court. Nothing of Carpenter's “wonderful** record was brought out in court, but records of the city cle k's office show the following: July 29, 1918, fined §SO and costs, operating a blind tiger, fine and costs paid. Nov. 18. 1918. fined §lO and costs tor keeping gambling house; paid. Six other men caught in the raid paid §3 and coats for gaming. Jan. 13, 1919, tried on charges of operating a blind tiger and discharged. April 7, 1919, in court on charges of operating a blind tiger and the case is marked “U. S.” 'meaning Carpenter was taken to Federal Court. The State pro. hlbltion law violation charged was continued fifteen times. There was no more room in the book to mark eontinuJncns and, therefore, no one knows just what became of that ease. April 17, 1919, Carpenter was bound over to the grand jury on charges of, grand larceny and receiving stolen goods. It is said these charges are pending against him in Supremo Court, having been appealed from Criminal Court. May 5, 1919. Carpenter appeared in city court to answei tw r o charges and the casa was twice continued, but he was found guilty of carrying concealed weapons, fined $l5O and costs and took an appeal. Charges of operating a blind tiger were dismissed. Aug. 27, 1919, fined ?5 and costs on charge of gambling. Charge of visiting a gambling house dismissed. During the year of 1920 no record of. Carpenter being arrested was found. >