Indianapolis Times, Volume 34, Number 253, Indianapolis, Marion County, 3 March 1922 — Page 1

THE WEATHER Fair and warmer tonight and Saturday.

VOL XXXIV.

SHANK BACKS ELLIOTT IN PAYING ROW

SIPE RELATES INSIDE STORY OF FUNDS USE Statement Will Be Used in Grand Jury Inquiry. MANY INVOLVED Coffin Says Borrowers Must Pay or Go to Jail. A statement which is said to reveal in complete detail how Richard V. Slpe, former county clerk, now in jail charged with embezzlement, dissipated more than $140,000 of trust funds deposited with him, was obtained today from the prisoner by Claude Worley, special investigator for the Criminal Court. The statement, which wa3 dictated to a stenographer in Mr. Worley’s j presence, is understood to expose Mr. Sipe’s connection with other Indianapolis citizens and will form the basis for the grand jury investigation which will begin next Monday. According to reports It may cause the j arrest of at least one well known man, but whether this will be done before the grand jury completes Its probe could not be learned. It will also result in a number of well known business men being summoned before the grand jury, it is said. STATEMENT TAKEN BY STENOGRAPHER. *|rt leaving the Jail. Mr. Worley admitted he had been with Sipe all morntaking a statement with the aid of a stenographer. He refused to state the u.-.ture of the revelations, however. While Mr. Worley is laying the foundation for a grand jury investigation. County Clerk George V. Coffin is tedding conferences with a number of people who are said to hold securities ajvsnced by Sipe to cover loans. Mr. C >ffin said plans are under way for the delivery of certain certificates of stock, la this way, the clerk hopes to make ■•cure a!! loses over SIOO,OOO which the oficial bond of Si#e covers. Mr. Coffin has announced people who have borrowed money from Sipe have to * fiake the amounts good or go to JaiL" Indications are the county is working o*'. the theory persons who received money from Sipe merely were trustees of county money which Sipe turned over to them. On that basis officials are demanding the return of all funds advanced by Mr. Sipe. •IFE SLAY APPEAR BEFORE GRAND JFKY. Although Mr. Sipe has cot stated be would appear before the grand Jury to tell his story of the juggling of county funds hy which his “friends” obtained vast suns of money as loans and in inivestments of stock, it is thought he will appear. On tu® basis of Sipe of admission he bas transferred to the bonding company, which was surety on his bond, ail of bis property, stocks, insurance which he possessed at the time he resigned as county clerk, inquiry has resulted in the deduction, during the three years he was county clerk he expended approximately $208,500. some legally and "me lilegailv, it is asserted by county officials. SIRE'S SALARY *31,000 YEARLY. Sipe’s salary was $31,000 a year, out of which he paid bis office help. On s liberal basis, his office help cost about $25,000 a year. That would leave $6,000 for himself, added to which was approximately $4,000 yearly from fees and (Continued on Page Twelve.)

CANDIDATES FILE NOTICE FOR PRIMARY Many More Announce Intention of Spelling Political OITiCcS. Many additional candidates today filed notice with the County Clerk of their intentions to be candidates at the coming primary. Among those who have filed since yesterday noon, are: Joel A. Adair, Democrat. Franklin township assessor, New Bethel; Albert M. Thdmas, Democrat. Franklin township trustee. Acton; George W. Baker, Republican, sheriff, 2038 Winter avenue: Louis J. Pahis, Republican, Washington township assessor, 3934 Graceland avenue; Charles F. Plummer, Republican, county assessor, 902 Wright st reet; Paul F. Robinson, Republican, present coroner, re- nomination; Michael L. Jefferson, Republican, present assessor of Center township, re-nomination; James W. Lamkin. Republican, recorder, 657 Holly avenue; Amos L. Compton, Republican, Decatur township assessor, Bridgeport. The following Republicans filed fox justice of peace of Center Township: William A. Conner. 2909 North Pennsylvania street; Ellas W. Dulberger. 2921 Park avenue; Rutherford B. Smith, 907 North California street; Edward L. Dietz, 127 Bakemeyer street and Fred G. Bruns, 431 South Alabama street. A total of twenty-one filed have notice of their intentions as precinct committeemen.

WEATHER

Forecast for Indianapolis and vicinity for the twenty-four hours ending at 7 p. m , March 4. 1922: Fair and warmer tonight and Saturday; lowest temperature tonight about 30 degrees. HOURLY TEMPERATURE. 6 a. m 24 7 a. m 24 8 a. m 26 9 a. 30 10 a. m 36 11 a. m .. 34 12 (noon) 36 1 p. m 36

Published at Indianapolis, Entered as Second Class Matter, July 25, 1914, at IndL. Daily Except Sunday. Postofflce. Indianapolis. Ind.. under act March 3. 1879.

3 More Holder s of Timea Policies Receive Checks Subscribers, Injured in Motor Accidents, Collect Claims Promptly. Three claims for Indiana Daily Times accident insurance were paid today. Here are the cases: Fred Dyer, Jr., 1133 Villa avenue, who was fortunate enough to bold Indiana Daily Times Accident Insurance policy No. 24654-G, received a check for $22.86 In payment for Injuries received when his motorcycle collided with an automobile in North Capitol avenue. Mr. Dyer is a neighbor of Finley Brown, a Times subscriber, who received 1300 as compensation for injuries in a motorcycle accident. Clarence M. Craig, 227 East New York street, a special delivery clerk at the postoffice, received a check for S3O as a result of injuries received while riding his motorcycle. He was run down by an automobile in North Pennsylvania street. Mr. Craig took advantage cf the Indiana Daily Times accident insu ance plan and received policy No. 26209-G, Jan. 13, 1922. Op Feb. 11. Orville Rogers, 329 Mlnker street, suffered minor injuries while driving an automobile from Crawfordsville to Indianapolis. Mr. Rogers was injured when his, machine turned over as a result of hitting a dog. He was the holder of Policy No. 10533-Q, and received a check for $12.56 in settlement of his claim.

OPERATORSTO MAKE FIGHT FOR MINEWAGECUT Workers to War for Maintenance of Prevailing Pay . Level. WASHINGTON, March 3.—Leading coal operators of the country are ready to fight out a Nation-wide coal strike, if it resplts from the miners refusing to accept wage reductions. This is clearly the outstanding sentl ment of the board of directors of the National Coal Association, comprising some of the principal operators of the country, meeting here today. The operators here insist that wage reductions are necessary. The miners, according to present indications, will fight, through the strike if necessary, to have the prevailing level virtually maintained. DEPARTMENT HOPES TO AVERT STRIKE. Meanwhile, Department of Labor official* continue hopeful that aa strike can be averted. The attitude of the coal operators Is, typified by J. D. Bradley, president of the National Coal Association. “Wages in the coal industry must be reduced,” he said. “I do not want to see a strike. I think most of the operators, union and nonunion, feel the same way about the matter. ‘‘But I feel, and others have expressed the same view, that readjustment must come, and if the strike is the only way to bring a showdown then there must be a coal strike.” PFTS RESPONSIBILITY ON COAL BARONS. In its weekly news letter, the Ameri can Federation of Labor bitterly attacks the cial barons for their stand and charges that they must assume full responsibility for t strike. “When employes of these coal barons demand living conditions and work, it is not a strike; it is a lockout,” the letter states. “The coal barons are responsible if the mining of coal ceases. “The owners will not permit the Government to ascertain their production costs; their profits have been referred to as 2,000 per cent by a former secretary of the treasury; their incompetencj is recorded by a Government bureau and their gouging of the public has gone beyond all records.”

KILL SON-IN-LAW OF REDMOND Report Death of Max Green While Battling With Armed Robbers. DUBLIN, March 3 Max Green, son-in-law of the late John Redmond, famous Irish Nationalist leader, was killed today in an encounter between armed robbers and a detachment of special police. He was shot down by the robbers. There was a spectacular spurt of gunfire, every side firing on the other. The victim, Mr. Green, was a high official under the old British Administration in Ireland in the days when the Irish issne was a source of much trouble. At the time of his death Mr. Green was chairman of the prisons board. Ho was accompanying the special police, who were attempting to capture a dangerous group of highwaymen. A companion of Mr. Green was wounded. INDIANAPOLIS NAVY MAN DIES Raymond E. Clifford’s Body to Be Brought Here. Raymond E. Clifford, 21, son of Mr. and Mrs. A. I. Clifford. 1124 College avenue, died at Tulsa, Okla., yesterday. The body is being brought to Indianapolis for burial, but funeral arrangements have not been made. Mr. Clifford enlisted in the Navy in 1917 in Indianapolis and after one week at the Great Lakes naval training station was transferred to the l\ S. S. Pennsylvania and later to the U. S. S. Wyoming. After serving for some time on these ships, he was transferred to the armed guard service with the rate of thirdclass signal quartermaster. lie remained in this service until the end of the war, having made thirteen trips to the various ports of Europe. He had been in a hospital at Tulsa for lea days. ,

3 trtiWtua Daily Wrnta

COX LEADS DEMOCRATS TOCAPITAL Former Presidential Nominee Heads Clansmen. WILL TAKE STUMP Whirlwind Campaign Planned to Regain Control. Special to Indiana Dally Times and Philadelphia Public Ledger By FREDERICK WILLIAM WILE, WASHINGTON, March 3.—Washington this week has been the scene of the most formidable gathering of Democratic clansmen since the clan took to the cyclone celler in November, 1920. They emerged from cover headed by James M. Cox, of Ohio, chief victim of the tornado, and pow-wowed bravely and hopefully in connection with the 1922 congressional campaign. It was Mr. Cox’s expectation to confer with Woodrow Wilson. Tho former President's physician, Dr. Cary T. Grayson, called upon th* Ohio politician to arrange a meeting which, to suit Mr. Wilson's convenience, was fixed for a date later in the month, when Mr. and Mrs. Cox will pass through Washington on their way home from a holiday at Aiken, S. C. Several concrete and important decisions were reached by the Democratic conferes. Chief among them were: L The waging of a whirlwind campaign throughout the country to regain control of the Senate and House. 2. Concentration of special effort to defeat Senator Lodge In Masan- | chusetts and re-elect Senator Pomerene in Ohio. 3. Assignment of the maximum ! time of James NL Cox to the Massa- | chusetts campaign, during which he I will stamp the State on behalf of ! Senator Lodge’s Democratic oppo- ! nenL TFMFLTY DRUMS IP A CROWD. Jowph P. Tumulty, former private secretary of Woodrow Wilson and popularly regarded as the latter's present hour political representative, drummed the D. mc--ratic brethren together IS honor of Mr. Cox, Wednesday night at dinner, with Mr. Tumulty In tbo role of host, there foregathered a company consisting of Senator Hitchcock of Nebraska. Senator Fat Harrison of Mississippi, Senator Robinson of Arkansas, Cordell Hull. (Continued on Page Yen.) 6 Die of Pneumonia One From Influenza Pneumonia and influenra deaths took j a spurt upward today. There were six deaths from pneumonia and one from influenza reported to the board of public health, as compared with four from j pneumonia yesterday. Ship Thought Lost With All on Board HALIFAX, March 3.—The Norwegian Grontoft is feared to have foundered with all hands, aeccordlng to a wireless message to the Cape Race station at 11:30 o'clock today from the steamer Esthonia, which arrived at the position Indicated by the sinking vessel yesterday. No signs of the Grontoft or her crew were found by the Esthonia. Proposes Sift of Redyes Conduct WASHINGTON, March lavestigagatlon of the conduct of Governor E. Mont Reiiy of Porto Pico by the House Insular Affairs Committee, was proposed in a resolution introduced in the House today by Representative Humphreys, Democrat of Mississippi The investigation would be based on charges against Governor Reiiy by resident Commissioner Davala of Porto Rico.

Church Breaks Five Weeks’ Silence; Calls for His Parents —After Visit Says He’s Sorry for What He’s Done

CHICAGO, March 3.—Harvey W. Church, convicted murderer, who was to go to the gallows at 4 o’clock this afternoon, today broke the self-imposed state of hypnotic catalepsy in which he has lain for more than five weeks, and spoke the first words he has uttered in that time. While the hammers were poundiDg at the scaffold on which he was to hang, he called for his father and mother. Later he confessed his crime, according to Dr. Francis W. McNamara, Jail physician, and begged forgiveness. Mr. and Mrs. Church, accompanied by their daughter arrived at the jail within a few minutes. Before being taken to the cell they were informed there was no further hope for saving Church's life. “We nave played our last legal card,” Attorney Bartel told them. “We haven't another chance.” The aged parents, resigned to the fate which their son must meet, bore up bravely as they were escorted to the cell. The prisoner seemed to brighten up when his parents entered. He tried to talk, but could not. He rose to a sitting posture and his lips seemed to form the word “Goodbye,” but no sound came forth. He then fell back, relapsing into the comase condition. Physicians, who examined him again, believed he realized his doom was sealed. Although he had called for them, Church did not speak while they were

INDIANAPOLIS, FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 1922.

HE INDICATES PRICE PAID FOR ‘CONFESSION’ Witness for Hartman Tells of ‘Package on Desk.’ FRANCIS ‘SAW ssoo’ Detective’s Version of Blodgett Visit Given at Trial.* That the alleged confession obtained by William H. Blodgett of the Indianapolis News from Frank Francis, the confessing burglar, at Louisville before the Indianapolis city election last November, was “bought and paid for,” was indicated in testimony at the trial of J. Herbert Hartman, deposed Republican candidate for city judge at the last election, charged with receiving stolen goods, In Criminal Court today. The testimony, which was given by Ira M. Holmes, attorney for Hartman, was in the form of conversation with Francis and Detective Elvin, formerly of the Louisville police department, and proved to be the biggest sensation of the trial to date. SAID BLODGETT LAID PACKAGE ON DESK. According to the testimony, Detective Eivln said Blodgett had “laid a package on De Forester's desk,” (De Forester Is chief of the Louisville detective*), and Francis had told Holmes that part of his confession involving Hartman was untrue, but “When a fellow is In jail and broke he will do about anything to get money.” When asked point blank if he had received money for making the statement to Blodgett, Mr. Holmes said that Francis replied: “I am not saying anything, but I saw $300.” This “confession" obtained by Blodgett generally was understood to have been a part of a drive against the candidacy of Mayor Samuel Lewis Shank, prior to the election last November, and was to be used to discredit him with the voters of Indianapolis. PROSECUTOR MAKES STRENUOUS OBJECTION. The testimony of Mr. Holmes was introduced, over the strenuous objection of Prosecutor William E. Evans, who made a bitter, though unsuccessful effort to have it excluded. lie seemed particularly anxious to Bhow that the News had had nothing to do with paying any money for tho Frauds confession, but he was tinable to shako the testimony of tho witness at any point on cross-examination. According to Mr. Holmes, Francis told him that Captain De Forester had said to him: “There is a lot of money in this for us.” DE FORESTER LISTENS TO STATEMENT. Captain Do Forester, who came up from Louisville to attend the trial today, was seated immediately behind Prosecutor Evans, while Mr. Holmes gave his testimony and listened intently to every word, lie made no comment on it after court adjourned. The sensation of the revelations made by Mr. Holmes was so groat that It even exceeded the Interest displayed by spectators when Hartman took tho stand in his own defense at the conclusion of Holmes’ testimony. Mr. Holmes, on taking the stand, said that he had gone to Louisville the day before election in response to a letter received ty Hartman from Francis. The defense tried hard to get this letter in evidence, but Judge Bain sustained objections of Prosecutor Evans and it was not read. The witness said this was the first time he had ever seen Francis. He said that when he saw Francis he asked him if he knew the Indianapolis News had furnished money for the statement Implicating Hartman, end Francis had replied: "I am not saying I got any money, but 1 saw $500." “You wouldn't tell a lot of lies on an innocent inan,” Holmes said he asked Francis and the latter answered. “When a fellow is in jail and broke he (Continued on Page Twelve.)

present. They kissed him goodbye, after pleading for a linal word, and left. In the jailer’s office afterward the mother collapsed, sobbing and the father, jaws set and fingers working convulsively, faced the floor and proclaimed Harvey’s innocence. He declared he would find the real slayer and convince the world that his son was not the murderer. HE SPEAKS AFTER HIS PARENTS LEAVE. According to Dr. McNamara, Church spoke again afteT his parents had left. “I’m sorry for what I have done,’’ Dr. McNamara quoted him as saying. “1 want to be forgiven. I want to see my mother and sister again and I want them to pray for me—O, I’m sorry for what I have done.” ATTORNEYS USE EVERY LEGAL WEAPON. While attorneys kept up their last-ditch fight, preparations were going forward In the county Jail. Pounding of hammers echoed in the courtyard as tho gallows Were erected. The length of rope that will snuff out the life of the slayer was tested with heavy, Inert bags of saod, more lifeless even than the condemned man who has lain passive an-d unheeding, to all appearances apparently mentally dead, for more than a month. Late lost night Church’s sister, Isabel, entered his cell. She knelt by the cot and held the shell of her brother’s once powerful body in her arms, crooning words of love and pleading as she might , have pleaded with a child that he apeak -

How Service Man Would Profit Under New Plan WASHINGTON, March B.—Here’s how the new •’bonus” plan would work: All ex-service men would be entitled to say $1 a day for domestic service and $1.25 a day for foreign service under tho combined cash and certificate plan provided the total compensation exceeds the S6O previously allowed by Congress. This amount is to be deducted from all grants under the plan. Then if the amount the veteran is entitled to does not exceed SSO. he may take it in cash. If it does exceed SSO. ho must take a certificate on which he can borrow half the face value until 1925. For Instance, it is estimated tho average payment will be about $330. On tills the veteran could borrow $165 or get the entire amount in 1925. If the veteran chooses to take the optional plans of insurance, home or farm aid. vocational training and land settlement aid tills would be arranged promptly. Present plans cull for giving the veteran about 40 per cent more compensation if tie accepts any plan other than the cash and loan certificate proposal.

GARAGE BUILT MINUS PERMIT TO BE WRECKED Building Commissioner Peeved Because Law Is Violated. Orders to wreck a small garage in Nineteenth street between Illinois street and Capitol avenue because it had been erected without a city building permit were given to the Spink Realty Company today by Francis L. Hamilton, city building commissioner. Mr. Hamilton said the company agreed to comply. "I'm gettllg tired of people nutting up buildings without permits. We have enough trouble makistg those who do take out permits comply with regulations," said Mr. Hamilton. In addition to having been constructed without a permit, Mr. Hamilton said the garage would have to be removed, because it Is within 500 feet of a boulevard, it is not lined and studding is not spaced in accordance with building code provisions. The commissioner also Is considering issuance of an order to the same company to wreck a 20x30 foot, one-story frame building housing a sawmill on a vacant lot at the southwest corner of Nineteenth and Illinois streets. He said the company got permission under fbo former administration to erect this building temporarily and agreed to wreck it as aoon as an apartment building at Twenty-First and Illinois streets was finished. Now, Mr. Hamlltou says, the company wants to continue to operate the mill until an apartment hotel in the 1400 block of Pennsylvania street is finished. The board of park commissioners lias recommended that the sawmill tie ordered wrecked, the building commissioner said. PROIII AGENTS MAKE BIG HAUL IN VERMILION Locate 150 Gallons of Wine, 700 Quarts Home Brew in One Home. gpeelal to The Times. TERRE HAUTE. Tud., March 3.—Federal prohibition agents, cooperating with the police today began a clean-up of Vermilion County in what promised to be one of the biggest raids ever made in Indiana. Three arrests netted the following: Andrew Sosta, one 260 gallon still, one 75-gallon still, 100 gallons white mule whisky, 42 barrels of mash and 100 gallons of wine. Carl Ciirlocaatitnla’s place yielded only ten sacks of sugar and 5 gallons of mule, but here is what was found at the home of Mrs. Stefania Vosariana: Seven hundred quarts of home brew, two 20 gallon Jngs of brew (fermenting), three 50-gallon barrels of wine, 100 quarts of bottled wine and some malt and yeast.

or give some sign of recognition. She went away without a sign from her brother that he had heard her agonized cry. A little later two nuns called at the jail. For a while they knelt and prayed for the soul of Harvey Church—prayed for the forgiveness that the law has found 't Impossible to extend. Church again gave no sign that he was conscious of their presence. BODY MAKES ONLY ONE MOVE. The single movement of Church’s last long night on earth came when he turned, convulsively in bed from his back to his right side. When the hour for his execution comes Church will bo carried by two guards, strapped to a chair, from the death cell to the gallows. Ho will be exocuted while seated in the chair. The condemned man received bis last tubed meal of liquids f.t noon. For forty days or more he has eaten no food voluntarily, but has been kept alive by nourishment forcibly administered. Church was to pay the penalty for the slaying of Bernard J. Daugherty and Carl Ausmus. He confessed to luring them to his home on the pretense of desiring to buy an automobile. lie beat them to death with a baseball bat, buried the body of one and threw the body cf the other into a river. His only motive was to obtain possession of the automobile which he had not sufficient money to buy.

Snh.rrindnn Rates IBZl B Z Carrier, Week. Indianapolis. 10c. Elsewhere, 12a. Subscription Kate j ßy MaU 600 Per Month; tb 00 PeT y eßr

THINK ‘BONUS’ WITHOUT CASH WILL BE EASY House Leaders Predict Passage of Measure. HARDING AGREES Committee Again in Meeting Over Detail Work. WASHINGTON, March 3.—“ Bonus” ! leaders in the House predicted today the non-cash adjusted compensation i plan will go through Congress with comparatively little trouble. The sub-committee engaged in redrafting legislation to eliminate all cash "bonuses'' except for men whose compensation is SSO or less estimated that within two weeks, the bill wiil be ready. Members declared they could see no reason for undue delay thereafter, though experience has shown that there is many a slip between prediction and enactment. Since the insurance certificate proposals involve* no wrenching of the Treasury within the next three years there will be no particular objection to it among the majority of Representatives and Senators. President Harding is agreeable to the proposal. The plan will involve taxation of some kind or another, but that taxation will l>e spread in homeopathic doses over a period of twenty years. Thus far, it Is impossible to estimate the total cost of this new measure, though it is assumed it will run under $0,000,000,000 In the complete period. Especial care will be taken to shield soldiers from loan sharps, and only reputable banking establishments will be permitted to engage in loaning on the cer. tificates—then only under well defined conditions. Under the present plan, a cash “bonus" may be paid to men serving 110 days would be SOO, because the S6O grant given all men upon discharge is to be deducted.

GOVERNOR OF OKLAHOMA IN FISTIC BATTLE Slate Head Proves Manhood by Punching Head of Assailant. OKMULGEE, Okla., March 3—A fist fight between Governor J. B. Robertson, Oklahoma, and James G. Lyons, Okmulgee oil operator, today climaxed the stormy grand jury probe of Okmulgee State Bank failure scandal. Governor Robertson, who previously had declared he understood ‘‘an attempt is being made to indict me." had personally demanded of County Attorney Hepburn, prosecutor in the probe, that he be allowed to testify. A conference between Hepburn and the grand Jury and then one between Hepburn and Robertson were held. It was immediately after this conference that Robertson and Lyons came to blows. Spectators separated the two after a dozen blows were exchanged. The encounter occurred when friends of the Governor sought to introduce him. to Lyons. The Governor extended hia hand. Lyons shot his fist forward striking the Governor in the face, according to witnesses. "I am a man,” the Governor was heard to remark, as he retaliated, sending a blow to Lyon's head. Then members of the crowd seized them and separatee them. Neither bore anl marks of the battle. No charges have been filed. Following the fight, Lyons went Into a conference with Hepburn. Lyons was a renositor in the defunct Guaranty State Bank which is being investigated by the grand jury. LLOYD GEORGE FIRM IN STAND Premier to Resign Unless Given Assurance of Undivided Support. LONDON, March 3.—Premier Lloyd George will present his resignation unless he Is assured of the undivided support of the members of the House of Commons, according to the Standard today. Certain members, notably Anton Ctanm- | berlain and A. J. Balfour, are making i efforts to pacify the Premier. Despite the fact Premier Lloyd George has placed a time limit on ills ultimatum, some of the newspapers expressed the opinion that the -political situation was easier than when the Unionist leaders decided to put a complete Tory platform in the field at the next general election. It is rported that King George has arranged to ask Austen Chamberlain to form a cabinet if Mr. Lloyd George retires. There is a strong current of opinion in cabinet circles that the Premier will remain in office. It is believed Mr. Chamberlain would not be able to form a cabinet if called upon, owing to the complexity of the political situation and the position of the labor party. Bids Opened for New Athletic Club Bids submitted by seven general contractors for the construction of the new nine-story clubhouse of the Indianapolis Athletic Club to be erected at Vermont and Meridian streets were opened by the club’s building and finance committees today. Action on the bids was deferred until next Thursday. The William Jungclaus Company, the Bedford Stone and Construction Company and Schuinaeker & Co', all of Indianapolis were among the bidders. The other bidders were from Detroit, Mich.; St. Louis, Mo., and Danville and Rock Island, 111.

MAYOR DECLARES HE HAS UNDERSTANDING WITH CITY ENGINEER Fails to State, However, if He Will Force Freeman and Sp encer to Rescind Ban on Concrete. ‘NO JAM AND WON’T HAVE ONE’ Declaring that “there will not be any contracts let during this administration if the contractors don't bid within reason,” Mayor Samuel Lewis Shank today expressed the opinion that City Civil Engineer John L. Elliott is right in his fight for lower asphalt prees and to prevent the narrowing of choice of materials until only asphalt would be chosen for practically all street improvements. “Mr. Elliott and I have a thorough understanding,” said the mayor. Mr. Shank, however, did not say he would force William H. Freemaja and Dr. M. J. Spencer, members of the board of public works, to rescind their resolution instructing the engineer to eliminate concrete from specifications in street improvement resolutions he sends to the board. It was ths resolution which brought to a head the trouble between Mr. Elliott and the board members.

OFFICERS NOW ‘BACKTRACKING’ IN TAYLOR CASE Follow Old Clew to Find Solution of Month-Old Mystery. LO3 ANGELES, Cal., March 3.—Detectives endeavoring to solve the month-old mystery of the slaying of William Desmond Taylor, film director, today were “back! racking.” A “tip - ' furnished by a Tustln rancher early in the investigation and at the time discarded, furnished the basis for their latest activities. This rancher, whose name has been withheld, told Capt. David Adams that on the night of Jan. 21 —one day prior to the murder—while driving north from his ranch at Tustin he gave two men a “lift.” One of the men, he said, called “Spike” by his companion, remarked they were going to Los Angeles to “get” one of their former officers under whom they had served 1n the Canadian army. When the men left the rancher at Santa Ana, one of them dropped a revolver which the rancher said appeared to be of .38 caliber. “Theory involving two such men is far more feasible than she one attaching Edward F. Sands to the crime,” said Detective King today. It is understood that detectives are seeking trace of the two mystery men in San Diego.

TIP OF YOUTH LEADS POLICE TO BOOZE NEST Boy Identifies Car and Owner Is Held on ‘Tiger’ Charge. Ralph Myers, 14, 441 West South street, tol dthe police today he had seen a man get out of an automobile and hide something In what is called the west end dumps, between Morris street and Kentucky avenue on the west bank of White River, and after investigating, they found five half-pints of “white, mule” whisky and one-half pint of applejacK. Motorpolieemen were sent to investigate. Afte- taking charge of this liquor, they and the boy searched the neighborhood, with hopes cf finding the automobile and its owner. In front of 1201 Nordyke avenue, the home of Cruel Scurtu, the machine was found. Scurtu was identified positively by young Myers as the man who had hidden the liquor. Scurtu was arrested on a charge of operating a “blind tiger.” Ilie Oltean, proprietor of a soft drink ! saloon at 1001 West Morris st reet, and his barkeeper, Fred Thornton, living at the same address, were arrested od ‘■blind tiger” charge. Sergeant Winkler and squad said they found a half-pint of “white mule" whisky and two glasses in Thornton's pocket and a sack of empty bottles that smelled of liquor and a sack of corks in Oltean’s automobile. Nick Maur, 1221) Bridge street, was arrested on a similar charge when a halfgallon of “white mule” and several empty bottles were found in his home. Walter Gross, 1252 Standard avenue, who was arrested on a charge of operating a blind tiger, was fined S2OO and costs and sentenced to serve sixty days on the Indiana State Farm by Judge Delbert O. Wilmeth in city court. Police who arrested Gross said he has been convicted on a similar charge this year. Gross was arrested when a quart of whisky was found in his possession. Pasquale Überto, 563 Lord street, arrested several days ago when police found thirty-five gallons of wine, a tengallon still and a quantity of mash in his home, was fined SIOO and costs and sentenced to thirty days on the Indiana Stato Farm. Roy Hoemann, proprietor of a tailor shop at 4 East Michigan street, and William McCain, 947 West Pearl street, j were fined SICO and costs on “tiger" | charges. PRESIDENT TO TAKE VACATION Florida Learns Executive to Spend 2 Weeks in South. MIAMI, Fla., March 3.—President Harding is planning to spend two weeks’ vacation in this section in the near future, it was learned here today. Arrangements are being made at the Flamingo Hotel at Miami Beach for the President, who is to occupy the presidential cottage to which he was assigned on a visit here last year. “Announcement of the Chief Executive’s plans is expected from the White HoilWLaturdav It was said here.

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Tho mayor said he is in favor of the use of concrete, emulsified asphalt and Kentucky rock asphalt on certain light traffic streets and added that he believed everybody in the administration will be when he gets the situation in hand. THINKS ELLIOTT’S BIDS ABOUT BIGHT. "Mr. Elliott's figures represent what in my estimate the bids ought to be. He ought to know.” The figures referred to, the mayor said, are in Mr. Eliott's letter to the board of works a week ago asesrting that Instead of $4.10, which several asphalt bids averaged, the price in Indianapolis ought to be between S2.SO and $3 a square yard. "If the bids don't come in right,” continued the mayor, “I’ll take a little trip around to some of these other cities and see for myself what they ought to be.” Mr. Elliott has pointed out that asphalt paving costs in some other cities where specifications co-incide with those of Indianapolis are more than a dollar * square yard cheaper. The mayor expressed the hope that he could iron the difficulty out without either Mr. Elliott or any member of the board of public works resigning. It is said Mr. Elliott has told the mayor he would resign rather than become a party to the things he is opposing. FIRST TO COME TO AID OF ENGINEER. “There's going to be no jam. I can’t have friction between the board of works, Mr. Elliott and myself,” said the mayor. Until the mayor spoke no official had publicly come to the support of the city engineer. With the board of work* members, however, is arrayed William H. Armitage, leader of the Shank political forces, who also is the agent for the Barber Asphalt Company. AWARDED CONTRACT ENGINEER DISAPPROVED. Meanwhile it was learned that In addition to changing specifications upon several street resolutions, which Mr. Elliott bad preperad to include concrete, so as to eliminate concrete, the board on Wednesday also awarded a contract for the permanent improvement of St. Clair street from Highland avenue to Oriental street to an asphalt bidder over the engineer’* recommendation tbjt all bids be rejected, and awarded a contract for grading and curbing in Fiftieth street from Park ave nue to Broadway to a contractor said not to have been the lowest bidder The engineer had recommended that rail of the bids on the latter improvement be rejected. Mayor Shank, however, took all the blame for the board awarding the St. C'lair street contract. He said the board had decided to reject the bids upon the engineer's recommendation that they were too high when he noticed that the Union Asphalt Construction Company's proposal was for $3.60 a lineal foot. He said he thought this was low and told the board to go ahead and award the contract. After the award was made, the mayor said he discovered the bid amounted to $4.04 a square yard, and wished he had not told the board to go ahead.

PROPOSES TRIAL OF NEW MATERIALS. Public interest In the situation was heightened Thursday afternoon when Mr. Elliott In the meeting of the board of park commissioners made what was considered a move to give two kinds of street paving material not generally nsed In Indianapolis a foothold which would help out In the effort to prevent the Barber Asphalt Company from obtaining a stranglehold. ' Mr. Elliott proposed that the park commissioners ask for bids upon either Kentucky rock asphalt or emulsified asphalt for the resurfacing of Capitol avenue from Sixteenth street to Fall Creek boulevard. He declared either material, in his opinion, would give excellent service and that he believed a bid of from $1 to $1.25 a square yard could be obtained upon Kentucky rock asphalt. The board of publia works has been awarding contracts upon either Trinidad or oil asphalt bids for many years. Last year the average price a square yard of asphalt resurfacing paid by the board of public works was s2.B<y Mr. Elliott said. The Barber Asphalt Company sells Trinidad asphalt Mr. Armitage and hi* allies are expected to start a vigorous fight upon the appearance of possibility that Kentucky rock and emulsified asphalt might be given a chance In Indianapolis. The board awarded the contract tot grading and curbing In Fiftieth street from Park avenue to Broadway to George T. Garriott, anew entrant Id city bid(Contlnned on Page Twelve.)

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NO. 253.