Indianapolis Times, Volume 35, Number 222, Indianapolis, Marion County, 25 January 1923 — Page 1

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VOLUME 35—NUMBER 222

BELGIANS ATTACK GERMANS

TWO DEATHS CHARGED TO Sims State of Louisiana Puts Re-' sponsibiiity for Mobs on Klan. |‘PROOF IS CONVINCING’ Flogging of Citizens 'Mere! Pastime’ —Open Hearing Halts. By United Press COURTHOUSE. BASTROP, La., Jan. 25. —The Ku-Klux Klan was charged today by the State of Louisiana with responsibility for the lawlessness and disorder in Morehouse parish which culminated in the murder by torture of Watt Daniel and Thomas F. Richards. Attorney General A. V. Coco made the charge in announcing to Judge Fred M. Odom in District Court that the State, “for the present at least.” and until such time as circumstances may justify their resumption, has decided to discontinue the proceedings" initiated here Jan. 5 in an open hearing. Proof Convincing “It is my very painful and humiliating duty to refer to the deplorable conditions in this parish, as revealed by the evidence,” said Coco. “The proof is convincing that since the advent of the Ku-Klux Klan in this parish there has gradually arisen a condition of disorder and lawlessness which has ripened into a suppression of a government of its own, from which a reign of terror and chaos have resulted, and the parish was on the brink of riot and bloodshed when the licvemor sent the militia here and r these proceedings were initiated. “While it may be conceded that many Klansmen did not actually participate in or encourage these many acts of lawlessness and crime j which finally culminated in the murders, they must be deemed responsi- . ble by rearon of their silence and In- j action. These offenses und crimes were committed in the name of thi order, under the protection of its regalia. and in the use of Its recognized methods and practices and under the (Turn to Page Two.)

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SENATORS FAVOR PRQPERTYOWNERS Pass Bill Hitting City on Street Cost, The city must pay 75 per cent of the cost of resurfacing streets in Indianapolis and the property owners the remaining 25 per cent, under the terms of a bill passed by the Senate today. The vote was 37 to 0. The bill was introduced by Senator Winfield Miller of Indianapolis. It was sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. Objection has been raised by property owners to the present practice oi charging them with all Phe expense of resurfacing streets. LATTA AND HUNT SUED FOR $15,000 ON NOTE Fletcher American National Bank Enters Claim. Suit on a promissory note of $15,000 was filed in Superior Court, Room 1, today, against W. 11. Latta, attorney, Claypool Hotel, and Edwin A. Hunt, 3039 Washington Blvd., real estate dealer. The Fletcher American National Bank, plaintiff, alleges that the two defendants indorsed a note given by the Franklin Stores, Oct, 30, 1921, and refused to pay it after the corporation went into the hands of the receiver. Hunt and Latta are under indictment in the Marion County Criminal Court for conspiracy to embezzle $lO,000 from county trust funds during the term of Richard V. Sipe, ex-coun-ty clerk. Epilepsy Bill Passed A bill providing that persons sufferfrom epilepsy voluntarily may enter the State village for epileptics, was passed in the Senate today, 34 to 2. It goes to the House for consideration.

THE WEATHER

Rains and snows have occurred in Northeastern districts while fair weather prevails in the West as far as the Rockies. It is warmer in the north Atlantic region and somewhat colder over the Great Lakes and adjoining sections. Temperatures are higher in turn west cf the Mississippi. 6 a. m. 27 10 a. m 30 7 a. m........ 28 11 a. m... 30 8 a. m 30 12 (noon) ...... 30 9 a. m—..... 80 1 p. m 81

The Indianapolis Times

Mine Seizure by Uncle Sam Authorized in Senate Bill

Bu United Press WASHINGTON, Jan. 25.—The President of the United States could seize and operate coal mines in case of a national emergency under provisions of a bill introduced in the Senate today. Senator Brookhart, business man and lowa farmer, is author of the measure. lie believes it may prevent future strikes in the perturbed coal industry and safeguard the public from a repetition of existing conditions. The bill is the first thrust of those in Congress who believe Government operation of mines is the only feasible solution of present difficulties. Three features dominate the Brookhart bill. 1— The national emergency could be declared by the President at any time he believes the supply of coal is not adequate to meet national needs. 2 The coal operators would be paid a just compensation for operation of the mines, which could not exceed the net earnings for the seizure period.

DRUG EVIL IS SPREADING HERE

Experts Urge Opening of Public Institution to Care for Unfortunates—Victims Increasing Since Prohibition.

Establishment of a public Institution for the treatment of drug addicts has become a necessity in Indianapolis, physicians said today. In the past the only treatment these unfortunates have received has been through private agencies at the city hospital or in Jail. A psycopathic ward at the city hospital would be the best solution of the problem, authorities agreed. Better results could be obtained than in a narcotic clinic they said. Narcotic clinics were established in various

U. S. COURT LIFTS HARTMAN BONDS TOTALING 53,000 Ex-Candidate for Judge and Wife Freed on Own Recognizance. Announcement that the $9,000 bonds of J. Herbert Hartman, attorney, had been lifted in Federal Court and his release on his own recognizance arranged, was made today by Homer Elliott, United States district attorney. It also was announced Hartman find his wife were released on their own recognizance in Criminal Court. Hartman who was forced out of the Republican candidacy for city judge by court action a few days before the municipal election in 1920 was charged in Federal and Criminal Courts with complicity in burglaries of Indianapolis homes and theft of automobiles alleged to have been admitted by Frank Francis, known as the "confessing burglar.” Wife Also Released Mrs. Hartman also was indicted in Criminal Court. Hartman was acquitted on a charge of receiving stolen goods in Criminal Court a year ago. Other cases in Criminal and Federal Courts have not been set for trial. Release on their own recognizance will permit the Hartmans to go where they please. It is said they intend to go to California. Bonds of others alleged to be involved in the confession of Francis, including Fred Hartman, brother of J. Herbert, and Francis’ wife, have not been changed. Difficulty in obtaining evidence against Hartman was given as reason for his release on his own recognizance by Elliott. ‘Not Fair to Hold Him’ "Under the circumstances we felt that it was not fair to Hartman to continue to hold him under bond in this jurisdiction," Elliott said. Many persons belieVe that Hartman never will face trial.

PROHI BUREAU PROTESTS LEGATION BOOZE ORDERS I Two Thousand Cases in One Lot Filled Before Christmas. i By United Press WASHINGTON, Jan. 25.—The pro--1 hibition bureau has protested to the Treasury Department against alleged excessive importations of liquor by one legation here, it was learned at the Treasury Department today. One order was said to have been for nearly 2,000 cases and was filed just before Christmas. BANDITS LOOT TRAIN By United Press LOS ANGELES, Cal., Jan. 25. Masked bandits last night stopped and looted a Southern Pacific freight train , near Dome, Ariz., according to dispatches from Yuma today. It was at first reported that the train held up was the Golden State Limited. Later reports showed the limited was not stopped.

cities by the Government several years ago. A number recently were discontinued. Mendenhall for Ward Dr. W. E. Mendenhall, police surgeon for the county Jail, strongly favors establishment of a psycopathic ward at the city hospital, not only for treatment of insane persons but of drug addicts as well. “Since prohibition went into effect the dope habit has been increasing by leaps and bounds.” he said. "Twenty per cent of insanity now is due to the use of drugs. A few years ago the drug habit was responsible for only three per cent. These drug addicts are suffering from an Illness. They are not necessarily criminals as many persons believe. They should be treated as carefully as sufferers from any other disease.” Mayor Shank. Dr. Herman G. Morgan. city sanitarian, and Delbert <>. Wilmeth, judge of city court, also favor adding a psycopathic ward to the city hospital. Keep Them Out of Jail “The unfortunates need protection and treatment,” said Dr. C. D. Humes. “The use of jails for them should be avoided. A psycopathic ward would be the proper means of meeting the situation. It would afford a place where drug addicts could be treated. A drug addict should not be committed to an institution, and at the same time it is necessary in order to effect a cure, that the patient be kept in a hospital for treatment.” A similar opinion was expressed by Dr. John W. Slues. “It Is not right to confine drug addicts in Jail," he asserted. ”A cure may be effected by doing this, but it is an awful punishment not deserved, except in cases where crime has been committed." Dr. Sluss formerly was .a member of the city board of health and was in charge of the city hospital. At that time, he said, the drug habit was not a menace. FIGHT ON EIGHT-HOUR BILL DUE TOMORROW Effort to Limit Working Time for Women Scheduled. The women’s laboh bill limiting a working day to eight hours and a week to six days, introduced by Representative Louis C. Schwartz of Indianapolis and referred to the Committee on Labor, will become a matter of special business in the House tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock. The Education Committee, of which Representative Charles M. Trowbridge of Mays is chairman, returned a divided report on the bill, the minority favoring passage with certain amendments and the majority favoring indefinite postponement. Debate, which arose over disposal of the measure, 'ended when Representative Ahlgren’s motion fo>’ special business was passed. DRUGGISTS ARE BANKRUPT Kokomo Firm and Proprietors Hie Petitions. Voluntary petitions in bankruptcy were filed by the Simmons-Morris Drug Company of Kokomo and Uriah S. Morris and Ralph M. Simmons, proprietors, in Federal Court today. Liabilities of $4,706.90 were scheduled by all three. Assets of the company were given as $2,106.05, and of Simmons and Morris at $1,050.

CHAMPION GIRL RUNAWAY IS SPHINX

Transplanted from tho wide acres of her native Florida todhe crowded, throbbing heart of Indianapolis, Ruby White, 7, has rebelled. Seventeen times in the few months that she has lived at 645 Birch Ave., with her father and step-mother, Mr. and Mrs. L. C. White, Ruby has run away. The last two times she was found in boy’s clothes, ten days ago at Greenfield, and Wednesday night

INDIANAPOLIS, THURSDAY, JAN. 25, 1923

GRONINGER WARNS UTILITIES AGAINST UNFAIR VALUATION Urges Frankness With Public and Confidence in State Tribunals, “Patrons of a public utility are willing to pay reasonable rates, but they object to public utilities asking for a return on valuations based upon “chimerical estimates of experts.” Thia warning was served upon members of the Indiana Public Utility Association by Taylor E. Groninger, corporation counsel of Indianapolis, at luncheon in the Riley room of the ClaypooT Hotel today. Th association is holding its annual meeting. Groninger urged utilities to foster a closer relationship with the public by being frank with the people Rnd content with a fair return on a reasonable valuation of their properties. I rges Use of Stato Courts “Why do public utilities resort to Federal courts in rate cases before making their appeal to our State courts, as provided in the public service commission law?” Groninger asked. He pointed out that the law provided for action in Circuit and Superior Courts with appeals to the Supreme Court. He also praised the commission and said that largely due to it, rates prevailing throughout the State and in Indianapolis are in general lower than those in other States. Address by President At the morning session addresses were delivered by Charles L. Henry, president of the association, and Edward N. Hurley, formerly head of the United States shipping hoard and the Federal trade commission. City officials were invited to attend a banquet in the Riley Room this evening. FIVE COMPLETE FRESH AIR SCHOOL COURSES .Mid-Year Graduation Exercises on Technical H. S. Grounds. Five children will be graduated from the Theodore Potter fresh air school, on the Technical high school grounds, at the mid-winter graduation exercises Friday at 9 a. m. They are Frank Kreisher, Sherman Wilson, Jeantete Brinson, Lillian Mills and Helen Green. D. T. Weir, assistant superintendent of schools, will present the diplomas. Other children of the fresh air school will attend. Representatives of the College of Music and Fine Arts will assist. Luncheon will be served at the school Friday noon. The pupils of the 8A grade will be taken on a tour through the Indianapolis Water Company by Mrs. Jeannette Williams and Mrs. May Bowen, teachers at the school. Harding Back At Desk By United Press WASHINGTON, Jan. 25.—President Harding returned to his office this morning for the first time since ho was taken ill with the grippe more than a week ago.

at Minnesota and East Sts., where she told George Stecher, fruit stand proprietor, her name was “George Henry.” Is Ruby seeking a way to return to her grandfather’s plantation in the South, or to find her aunt's home at Ben Davis, where for a time she remained before coming to Indianapolis? Police will not venture to answer. Authorities in juvenile court, by whom Ruby is held, are investigating along scientific lines.

3 —Earnings made by the Government above that compensation would go into a Federal control fund in the treasury department and owners would be restricted in making claims against the Government. In case any dispute should arise between the Government and the owners of the amount to be paid for Government operations, the matter would be left to the Federal trade commission. If the commission’s estimate should be disputed the operator would be paid 75 per cent of the amount fixed and would be advised to bring suit in the Federal courts for she remainder. The President is authorized to carry out all contracts made by the operators prior to Government seizure; he can instruct the interstate commerce commission to issue embargoes; he can fix the wages of laborers who work the mines under Government control; lie can turn back the mines at any time he deems appropriate and he can individually settle all financial and economical affairs connected with the seizure and operation.

Mysterious In truder Slugs Woman in Bathroom With Blunt Weapon

> v. '■ . ’ • J" ' U A > 5,000 cosT oT PASIG A BILL ■ gisiature’s Sole Measure r

135,000 COST OF PASSING A BILL Legislature’s Sole Measure One to Pay Expenses, With the Legislative session more than one third gone today only one bill htid been passed by both houses. This bill provides for the appropriation of SIOO,OOO to pay the expenses of the session. Twenty-two days of the session have passed. At the rate of SIOO,OOO for the entire session, the passage of the one bill has cost the taxpayeta approximately $35,000. Some of the members who are opposed to a great deal of legislation have expressed the opinion that the taxpayers will get their money’s worth If no more bills are passed. Previous sessions have enacted an average of more than 200 laws. Few previous sessions have progressed so far without passing more than one hill. BILL INTRODUCED TO OUST SANITARY BOARD Representative llaxrison Sponsors Attack in Legislature. Abolition of the sanitary board of Indianapolis is provided for in a bill Introduced in the House today by Representative Russell B. Harrison of Indianapolis. The measure, backed by Mayor Shank, is designed to reduce the city’s expenses by the elimination of one of five units levying taxes and of the obviation of duplication by conferring the powers of the sanitary board on the board of public works, Harrison said.

A question still more difficult to answer la: Where did Ruby get the boy’s clothes? Police asked her. Her father asked her. But Ruby was as impenetrable as the Sphinx. The child has a friend, a boy of about her own age, who has accompanied her to school and with whom she has played. The boy is not believed to know anything about the source of her clothing, however, according to police.

Entered as Second-class Matter at Postoffice, Indianapolis. Published Daily Except Sunday.

MRS. BESSIE TERRY Mrs. Bessie Terry, 29, wife of Clyde Terry, 11 Argyle apartments, Massachusets Ave. and East St., was the victim of a mysterious attack todav Mrs. Terry told the police she entered the bathroom and immediately afterwards was struck on the head and on the jaw by a man about 23 years of age, wearing a blue sujt and blue cap. She said he was about five feet seven inches tall. A blue muffler was found in the hallway. Nothing was missing from the apartment. The man fled Immediately after striking Mrs. Terry. She suffered a severe gash in the back of her head and a swollen ear. She said she knew of no motive for the attack. Police said Mrs. Terry’s wounds indicated her assailant used some kind of a blunt weapon. The bathroom serves all tenants on the floor. Several different ways by which the assailant could have gained entrance to it were found by members of the police emergency squad that investigated.

HONORED AT ANN ARBOR Indiana |K>lis Students Elected to Mimes Club at U. of M. Lauren Stokesberry and Richard Travis of Indianapolis were elected to membership In the Mimes Club, an honorary dramatic society of the University of Michigan, according to a dispatch from Ann Arbor today. Stokesberry, who is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John B. Stokesberry, 3621 Birchwood Ave., is a graduate of Manual Training High School and a junior at the university. ‘HELLO GIRL’ IS HELD UP Thief Gets sl3 From Operator on Way Home From Work. “Hello, girlie,” said the hold-up man to the telephone operator, “give me your money.” Miss Esther Clemmons, 520 E. Tw'enty-Second St., was the operator, who was on her way home from work at 11 p. m. Wednesday. She surrendered her pudse, containing sl3, she told police today. The robbery occurred on Twenty-Second St., near Central Ave. Tho robber was a white man about 85 years old and was roughly dressed, she said.

Oberhausen Citizens Beaten Back in Clash With Invaders —‘Shoot to Kill' Is French Order Following Violence Against Officers in Case, BULLETIN By United Press COBLENZ. Jan. 25.—Less than twenty-four hours after the Yanks departed Coblenz was in an uproar, the population overwhelming the local police and holding two violent demonstrations against rumored separation from Germany and formation of a Rhineland republic. A mob wrecked offices of the newspaper “ Rhinelander, n which has supported the republic idea, a French pian. FRANCO-GERMAN SITUATION Surrounded by French steel, cut off even from the western. Rhineland, inhabitants of the Ruhr turned sullenly to further passive sabotage. A general rail strike that was all hut complete throughout the newly occupied area began at midnight. French railroad workers by the thousand were pouring in to replace German trainmen who quit. General Weygand arrived to assume supreme command in the Ruhr and announced the French were there to stay until Germany displayed good will and aided France to secure reparations. Belgian troops engaged in a street battle at Oberhausen. At Mayence French troops took control of the city from local police. By CARL D. GROAT United Press Staff Correspondent ESSEN, Jan. 25.—Belgian troops today shot and wounded a German citizen at Ende as the result of a quarrel, and beat civilians in a clash at Oberhausen. The trouble arose over the rail strike, which was general throughout the newly occupied zone this afternoon, although some trains were kept moving eastward from Essen. The French occupied the railroad management's office, hut German workers did not strike because coal was permitted to he shipped to Berlin.

Tightening of censorship by the French military authorities shields developments, even from correspondents I within the ring of bayonet, which the invaders have now drawn taunt around the occupied area, but rail traffic has been practically at a standstill since 10 o’clock last night. The newly occupied area is cut off, not only from the rest of Germany that lies to the east, north and south, but from the occupied Rhineland on the west as well. Important French troop movements, apimrently aimed at absolute isolation of the Ruhr, were under way throughout the night and this morning. Heavy gun caissons rumbled through the streets of towns that mark the limits of the newly occupied zone. Makes New Border Many of the troops that were withdrawn yesterday from cities have been flung in an impenetrable cordon of steel about the industrial zone, along a line which France intends to make anew border for the next two years, according to reports from both German and French sources. No one now may pass in or out of the Ruhr, by rail, water or highway without undergoing the scrutiny of French soldiers and coming under the yawning muzzles of heavy field guns.

French Take Command of Mayence Following Violence by Angry Crowds

By United Press MAYENCE, Jan. 25. —French troops, with orders to “shoot to kill” in event of further disorders, took over command of Mayence from local German police today, following attacks upon French officers during the early morning German crowds, infuriated by prison sentences passed upon Herr Schlutlus, Dusseldorf finance director, and Herr Raiffeisen, mine director, man-handled French officers and solders, invaded a hotel where the latter were billeted, dragged an orchestra to the street and forced the musicians to play “Deutschland Über Allis.”

TWO BILLS SPECIAL BUSINESS IN SENATE Unusual Interest Shown in Davis and Barker Bills. Two important measures are up for special order of business in the Senate at 2 p. m. today. They are: Senator Davis’ bill to prohibit the State board of health from condemning school houses, and providing for election of local voters to determine condemnation. Senator Barker’s bill providing that public utilities shall be assessed for taxatlor on the same basis they are assessed for rate-making by the public service commission. Unusual interest has been manifested in the bills because of their effect In various State departments.

MESSENGER IS HELD UP Thieves Get $45 Watch and Pass From Kail Emploj^tx EveretC Lehnert, 17,/ of 5130 E. Michigan ft., was robb/ed of a railroad pass, 50 cents an/H a $45 watch at Delaware and Soofth Sts. at 8 p. m. Wednesday Holdup men walked from the darkness under a railroad track elevation. /One stepped benind Hehnert and th e other covered him with,, a Lehnert is a messenger for tht.? Indianapolis Union Railroad Company. *lws Accounted For By United l/ress MANIUA, P. I„ Jan. 25.—The se\ < ” massing ships of Admiral Stark’s Russityf refugee from Vladivostok were y&ccounted f6r today In oditf oes reac&ing hero. /

Forecast UNSETTLED tonight and Friday. Probably rain. Somewhat warmer tonight. Lowest temperature about 35.

TWO CENTS

■ After the court martial at Mayence at which Herr Schulituis, director of fiances at Dusseldorf, and Herr Raiffieisen, a mine director, were sentenced to a year’s imprisonment with suspended sentences for their opposition to the invaders, German resent- ' ment flared up. There was rioting at Mayence, and French troops took charge of policing the town. At Essen, when word of these sentences came, following the reports of the trial of Fritz Thvssen and others at which the industrial leaders were heavily fined, the re action was in favor of immediate general strike. Labor leaders, who have laid plans for ; at least a one-day demonstration, met and considered demands of rail workers that a general walkout be called at once. Railways at Standstill Whether this was ordered for midnight was not made clear, but it is a fact that Ruhr railways are at a standstill save where French crews run trains and French bayonets control the situation. At Coerhausen, French troops in charge of a local piece of road constructed barbed wire entanglements today as the German workers demanded a general strike.

Local police did not interfere and the French general commanding the area issued a proclamation, taking over command of the city and directing his troops to shoot when necessary. Colonials patrolled the streets and kept crowds from gathering. Jubilation among Germans In the Ruhr followed announcement of the outcome of the trial of Fritz Thyssen and other industrial leaders yesterday. The Germans feel that the French, in imposing fines instead of prison sentences, showed weakness. Thyssen and the others have refused to pay the fines, however.

INJUNCTION SUIT NAMES TERRE HAUTE RESIDENTS U. S. Attorney Charges Violation of Liquor I jaws. Seven residents of Terre Haute were named as defendants in an injunction suit under the Volstead act filed in Federal Court today by Homer Elliott, United States district attorney. The complaint asks that a place operated as a saloon at 224 Wabash Ave., Terre Haute, be closed. Defendants named were Charles Murphy, Dennis Shea, Elmer Niece, William Powell, Ed Wyeth, John Ryan and Wash Shoenfelt. Last year Shea and Niece were found guilty in Federal Court of violating the prohibition law' at this location. Found Streets "Faulty” Four streets In Spencer, Ind., have non been constructed according to specifications, according to a report filed today with the State board of accounts. The pavements contain Insufficient bitumen, the report says.

GIVE ’EM THE HIGH SIGN The high sign of the Lost and Founders is the motion you make when you lift the telephone receiver. The magic words are “MAin 3500 —give me an ad taker.” That’s what Mrs. C. Tuttle, 3855 N. Delaware St, did when a member of her family lost a M isonlc pin. She quickly recovered it. Try It out if you lose something. INDIANAPOLIS TIMES Thirty-Third Degree Ad3.