Indianapolis Times, Volume 35, Number 69, Indianapolis, Marion County, 1 August 1923 — Page 1

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VOLUME 85—NUMBER 69

DEMAND: MAKE CROSSING SAFE!

Van Auken Asks to Resign Job on Public Service Commission

CITY REUSES IN WATER CASE ASE CALLEDXROOKED’ Utility Attorney Withdraws Question of Benjamin Perk, HEARING GROWS HEATED Company Fails to Break Down Testimony of Public Witness, Charges that some of the testimony presented by the city in the water rate case was presented “for a page in the newspapers” and the insinuation that Benjamin Perk, expert witness for the city, had resorted to “just plain crooked accounting” were hurled in the case before the public service commission today. Perk was being cross-examined by "William A. Mclnemy, attorney for the company. Mclnemy had failed to break down Perk's statement that common stockholders had made an original Investment of only $500,000. "Isn't your persistence in referring to that figure for newspaper consumption and just plain crooked accounting?” Mclnerny shouted. "It Is not,” Perk replied. William A. Pickens, attorney for the Bhamber of Commerce, intervened. Apology Demanded "You are too big a man, Mr. MeInery, to put such a question to a witness,” he said. “I demand that the question be withdrawn and that you apologize.” “I’ll withdraw the question. It will cave time,” Mclnery replied. Earlier In the questioning Mclnerny had referred to figures on stockholders’ Investment given by the city as Intended for “a page in the newspapers." One question followed another and Perk persisted In standing by his figures. In no instance did the company succeed in breaking down a single oit of evidence. Mclnemy was becoming plainly excited and was conducting the questioning In a loud voice. Early in the day Pickens complained he could not* hear Mclnerney’s questions. As the questioning became heated Pickens broke in with: “I’m not having any trouble hearing you now.” Before the cross-examination started Perk presented a number of exhibits based on valuation decisions of the United States Supreme Court in two cases, the valuations supporting much of the city’s contention and the figures ranged from $i*.935,000 to sll,C 49.000, according to the bases used. Discuss Compromise Rumor At the opening of the hearing Pickens and Clarence E. Weir, attorney for fcivio organizations, referred to a story Printed in an evening newspaper concerning a possible compromise valuation to be arrived at by the commission. “The Chamber of Commerce and others have been quoted as talking about a compromise valuation,” Pickens said. “The Chamber of Commerce has not and will not talk about compromise of any element In this case.” Weir made a similar statement for the civic clubs. Commissioner Oscar Ratts, presiding, replied that "this commission Is not going to be Influenced by the newspapers.” Frequent references were made to newspapers and the attitude of the newspapers In the case. HOURLY TEMPERATURE 6 a. m 6910 a. m. 83 7 a. m 7311 a. m 85 8 a. m 7712 (noon) 87 9 a. m 81 1 p. m 88

Ice Cream Did Dolly Madison invent ice cream? A reader of this paper wanted to be properly grateful to her If she did, so he asked our Washington Bureau. The answer is printed In today’s Question and Answer column on Page 4. If there is some point of Interest on which you are not Informed, write to our Washington Bureau and see what they can do for you. Write out the question briefly and plainly, sign your name and address, and mail to the Washington Bureau of The Indianapolis Times, enclosing a 2-cent postage stamp for reply.

The Indianapolis Times

Member Understood to Have Told Desire to Governor McCray, SITUATION TALKED OVER Presentation of Request Not Expected Until Successor Is Chosen, Glenn Van Auken of Auburn, a member of the public service commission, has made it known to State officials that he intends to resign and the matter is under consideration by other members of the commission and the Governor, it was learned today. Pe -sistent criticism of the commission is known to have “grated” on Van Auken's nerves until some time ago he brought the matter to the attention of Ilohn W. McGardle, chairman of the commission. MeCardle is understood to have dis suaded Van Auken from resigning at that time.

Reports Criticism About a week ago. when Van Auken was presiding at a local utility case outside the city, certain insinuations art said to have been made by persons interested. Van Auken immediately acquainted MeCardle with the details and is said to have declared he “could stand it no longer.” The matter is known to have come to the attention of Governor McCray, who also tried to dissuade Van Auken. Today the commission members, excepting Van Auken. met in conference, with Governor McCray and it was said that the situation was discussed again. It is not thought likely that Van Auken will tender his resignation to McCray until arrangements have been made for a successor. Appointed in 1919 Van Auken was appointed a Democratic member of the commission June 2, 1919, by Governor James P. Goodrich. His term expired May 1, 1923, at which time he was reappointejj, together with Edgar Blessing to a fouryear term. Since Van Auken became a member of the body he has sat in a number of important utility cases. Among these were the Indiana Bell Telephone Company's case, on which Van Auken is now working to complete an order, and the citizens Gas Company case. His salary is $6,000 a year. PRESIDENT’S FATHER MAY FLY TO SON’S BEDSIDE Army .Air Service Ready to Furnish Plane for Flight-. By United Press WASHINGTON, Aug. I.—ls Dr. George T. Harding, father of the President, wants to fly to San Francisco from Marion, Ohio, to be at his son’s bedside, the Army air service is ready to supply a machine and pilot. Officials here indicated Dr. Harding had only to express the desire.

A. C. BABSON NEW mm. head Successor to C. O'B. Murphy Assumes Duties,' A. C. until recently vlcepresident of the West Virginia Water and Electric Company of Charleston, W. Va_, became vice-president and general manager of the Central Indiana Powef Company today. The Merchants Heat & Light Company of this city is a part of the Indiana Power Company. The selection of Babson was announced by Joseph H. Brewer of Grand Rapids, Mich., president of the compan.y Babson took up his duties immediately- He succeeded Charles O’B. Murphy, who resigned last week. Babson was with the West Virginia concern for five years. Prior to that he was with the North American Company of Wisconsin. No immediate changes in policy or personnel of the company is contemplated, Babson said. DAUGHTER ASKS DAMAGES Mrs. Mabel Herman Demands SIO,OOO for Death of Mother. Charging that the motorman refused to slow down his street car, resulting in the death of Mrs. Nannie Brunton, 72, at Oliver Ave. near Birch St., Sept. 13, 1922, Mrs. Mabel Herman, daughter of the victim, filed suit in Superior Court for SIO,OOO damages from the ihdianapolis Street Railway Company. The company denied the charges. Democrats to Meet The Democratic State committee has been called to meet at the Claypool Aug. 9 to consider campaign plans, by Walter S. Chambers. State chairman.

This Picture Shows Tibbs Ave. Death Trap Where Seven Have Been Killed

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TREES ON LEFT OBSCURED VIEW OF MRS. MARY COY, MUSIC TEACHER. KILLED BY INTERUR BAN TUESDAY. BOX CARS ON RIGHT BLOCK VIEW FROM OTHER DIRECTION. BELOW, MRS COY’S WRECKED AUTOMOBILE. DRAGGED 275 FEET WEST OF THE CROSSING.

FOUR UTILITIES TAKE RATE CUT IN ILLINOIS

CADLE CHOIR NOW IN FRESH TURMOIL Tabernacle Factions in New Issue Over Name, They shall not picnic—at least under the name of "Gipsy Smith Choir, Inc.” That was the determination of the faction of the Cadle Tabernacle singers led by E. Howard Cadle, making strenuous efforts this afternoon in Circuit Court to procure a temporary injunction against the faction led by Choir Leader Joe Overmeyer. The Overmeyer faction, which seized the name "Gipsy Smith Choir,” by incorporating recently, should be restrained from holding a picnic next Saturday evening in Garfield park under the "auspices of the Gipsy Smith Choir, Inc.," Attorneys Orbison and Zeckiel said. Furthermore, the Cadle faction wants the Overmeyer faction to be restrained from any use of the name. Circuit Judge H. C. Chamberlain was being sought to grant a hearing. The judges are on vacation. , MRS.'BEDINGER BELIEVED FOUND IN HOSPITAL Identity of Missing Ohio Woman Thought Established. By Timea Special WABASH, Ind., Aug. 1. —A woman believed to be Mrs. Anna Marie Bedinger, who mysteriously disappeared from her home In Cincinnati, June 22, is in the hospital here where she gave birth a weelo ago to a son. Dr. James Wilson, who attended the woman, and hospital authorities say the description of Airs. Bedinger sent out by the Cincinnati police fits the patient. Fifteen days ago she registered at a local hotel as Edith Harris, Detroit. Later she was taken to the hospital, where the child was born. A nation-wide search has been made for the Cincinnati woman. Before she disappeared she told her mother that she had received a telephone call from her husband saying he had been Injured and was in a hospital. She was 111 at the time and it is safd her mind was affected. KLAN OFFICIALS ABSENT Valparaiso Representative Here to Confer on Purchase. Representatives of Valparaiso University were in Indianapolis today to confer with high officials of the KuKlux Klan in regard to establishing the university as a Klan institution. Milton Elrod, editor of the Fiery Cross, official Klan paper, said that as far as he knew no higfe Klan officials were in the city today. He said he expects'them late this week.

INDIANAPOLIS, WEDNESDAY, AUG. 1, 1923

Companies Cooperate to Reduce Prices From War Level, NOTE —This Is the first of a series of articles showing how Illinois keeps Us utility rates down and why it is jiossible to reduce them there while companies in Indiana are asking for Increases. By FELIX F. BRUNER Times Staff Correspondent CHICAGO, Aug. I.—While three Indianapolis rate Increase cases are pending before Indiana public service commission reduced rates were put into effect by two utilities here today and the Illinois Bell Telephone Company was before the Illinois commerce commission attempting to show why it should not decrease its rates. At the same time decreases were put into effect by two other Illinois utilities not operating in Chicago. The commerce commission is making a drive for decreased rates. It feels, an official of the commission said, that prices must come down to a reasonable basis from war prices. Little Opposition -Consequently Illinois utilities, unlike Indiana utilities, are not asking for increases. And there is little strenuous opposition on the part of utilities to decrease, indicating they probably are justified. An instance of the cooperation received by the Illinos commission is the case of the Commonwealth Edison Company, which supplies electricity (Continued on Page II) POSTAL RECEIPTS GROW July Cash 16 Per Cent Greater Than ' in 1922. Postal receipts for July showed an increase of $41,304.76, or 16.66 per cent, over those of July, 1922, Robert H. Bryson, postmaster, announced today. Total receipts for the month were $290,704.48. t Woman Arrested as Forger Miss Lena Gigmer, alias RoselandElliott, 23, of 616 Maxwell St., was arrested today by Detectives Stone and Daltop on an affidavit sworn to by B. E. Cody, 1060 W. Twenty-Eighth St., alleging Miss Gigmer forged a check for S2O which,-was cashed at the Cody Millinery Company.

Postoffice Man'Ends Long Service

IHARLES H. BYFIELD, assistant postmaster, in point of service one of the oldest employes In the Indianapolis postofflee, retired today after thirty-eight years of continuous service. He was retired at his own request on account of Illness. He has not been in good health for more than a

eor INJURED IN • RACEJNBICYCLE Pedals Lock, Throwing Rider to Pavement, A bicycle race around Monument Place at 3:30 a. m. may cost Harry Wescott, 16, of 1124 Wright St., Western Union messenger, his life, city hospital authorities said. Wescott’s pedal caught in that of Robert Kudell, 2762 N. Sherman Dr., with whom he was racing. Wescott was pitched over the handle bars. He suffered concussion of the brain. Rudell carried %he injured lad to the telegraph office, Monument PI. and Meridian St. He was unconscious thirty minutes before police were called, according to officers. The boy is the son of Harry Wescott Sr. THREE TRAINMEN KILLED IN WRECK • Five Others Injured When Engine Splits Switch, By United Preaa NASHVILLE, Tenn., Aug. I. (Three trainmen were killed and five other persons injured shortly before midnight when a switch engine on the Louisville & Nashville split a switch and side-swiped the west-bound Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis freight train, No. 42. The dead, all members of the train crew of No. 42, are: W. Y. Mason, conductor: F. H: Smith, engineer; H. Trasher, brakeman. All were buried beneath the engine. Smith’s right arm, severed from the body, was found with the hand clutching the throttle.

year and since May has spent very little time at his desk. He was regarded as one of the best informed and most valuable employes in the postal service. His connection with the Indianapolis postofflee began in October, 1886, when he was appointed clerk. He was promoted to superintendent of the mq&ey order department, April 10, ISBB. a position be

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

Councilman Walter W, Wise to Introduce Ordinance Requiring Watchman at Tibbs Ave, and T. H,, I, & E, Tracks. SEVENTH DEATH IN 13 YEARS CALLS FOR ACTION Trees and Freight Cars Obscure View From Both North and South —Todd Says - , ment Contemplated, Residents near Tibbs Ave. and the Big Four and Terre Haute, Indianapolis and Eastern Traction Company crossing, where Mrs. Mary Coy, 43, of 3518 \V. Michigan St., was killed Tuesday by an interurban, today demanded that the crossing be guarded by a watchman.

City Councilman Walter W. Wise announced he would introduce an ordinance Monday night to compel the traction company to maintain a watchman there. The yailroad company has a warning bell. Mrs. Coy's death was the seventh at the crossing in thirteen years. Her automobile was struck. Meanwhile. Robert I. Todd, president of the traction company, said he knew’ of no plans the company had to protect the public at the crossing. Councilman Gets Busy “I’ll see that an ordinance is drafted today and It will be introduced in the council Monday night,” said Wise. "That’s a dangerous crossing and should be protected.” W. T. Bailly, assistant city attorney. said he would draft an ordinance as soon as ordered by Wise. Neighbors said the accident could have been avoided had a watchman been on duty. Mrs. Coy’s view of the interurban crossing was obscured by trees. Freight cars on the Big Four tracks paralleling the electric lines obscure the * view from the other direction. Five ruilroada and two interurban tracks parallel at the crossing. Residents Aro Aroused "We are going to do something soon," said Mrs. Edith Batty, 917 Tibbs Ave., whose home adjoins the railroad property. “I have been living here six years and. during that time two fatal accidents have occurred, besides numerous smaller ones.” Joe Thompson, 65. of 935 Tibbs A >e„ said that he would like to have the job as watchman at the crossing "I’m not able to work in a factory,” he said, ‘But I am able to do a job like that. I’d guarantee that none would get hurt while I was on duty.” Five years ago there was a watchman at the crossing, but he was moved, acordlng to the residents. Pastor Joins Movement The Rev. C. P. Greenfieid. pastor of the Tabernacle Baptist Church, said something ought to be done to prevent acidents. All of those interviewed thought box cars should not be allowed so close to the crossing as to obstruct view of autoists. Expressions of others: Mrs Edith Batty, 917 N. Tibbs Ave. —We are going to do something and do it soon. We havenY'any civic organization to act through, but we are going to put a stop to these accidents. Three people have been killed here since I’ve been living in this neighborhood, and that’s six years. Watchman Moved M. W. Summers. 927 N. Tibbs Ave. —There used to be a watchman thero five years ago. We need one there now. I don’t know why they ever moved him. Mrs. K. Brunei], 943 N. Tibbs Ave. —I certainly believe they ought to have a watchman. Mrs. S. N. Brooks, 955 N. Tibbs Ave.—The railroad company ought not back their freight cars up to the crossing. It’s impossible to see whether a train is approaching or not. The Rev. C. P. Greenfield, 626 Somerset Ave., Pastor Tabernacle Church—By all means there should be a watchman, the box cars obstruct the view. TROLLEY STRIKE DISRUPTS SERVICE IN NEW JERSEY Six Thousand Men Out Demanding Wage Increase. By United Press NEWARK, N. J„ Aug. I.—Trolley service throughout New Jersey was disrupted today by a strike of more than 6,000 employes of the Public Service Railway Company. Walkout of conductors, motormen and shop workers In 140 municipalities began at midnight. The issue was a raise of approximately 15 cents an hour in wages, refused by the company.

held until Nov. 20, 1910 when he became money order cashier. He became assistant postmaster Sept. 1, 1913, and held this position under Postmasters Robert E. Springsteen and Robert H. Bryson until his retirement. Postmaster Bryson said that a successor to Byfield will not be named untU later.

BLESSING TERMS SHANK’S CHARGES AS‘SLANDEROUS’ Denies Representing Utilities Since He Took State Office, Charges by Mayor Shank that he has been attorney for several Indianapolis utilities since he became a State official, today were termed “slanderous and malicious,” by Edgar M. Blessing, member of the public service commission. Blessing and Commissioners John TV. MeCardle. Oscar Ratts and Maurice Douglass conferred with Governor McCray, but Blessing said it was not about Shank's statements. Blessing several weeks ago withdrew from the water rate hearing when Shank charged he had visited Clarence H. Geist, president ot the Indianapolis Water Company," in the East. Captain Pope Investigates Shank charged at the Brookside municipal theater Tuesday evening that Police Capt. Roy Pope found record of Blessing's appearance for utilities in Hendricks County on court records at Danville, Ind. The records, according to the mayor, show Blessing's law firm name of Blessing & Stevenson connected with ten cases since May 17. 1921, when Bless'ng became a commissioner. “I have not represented a single utility or railroad company In any capacity since I came on the commission in 1921 nor have I received a dollar emolument or any other compensation from any such source.” said Blessing. Profit to Stevenson. "Stevenson has tried some cases for the Big Four railroad and the Pennsylvania railroad and may have done some work for the T. H., I. & E. Traction Company, which was absolutely individual profit for Stevenson. The firm was formed about the time I came on the commission. "At this time I do not care further to discuss any of the slanderous or malicious statements made by Shank or any other person.”

SHERIFF PROMISES TO PROTECT PARTY Catholics Appeal to Prosecutor as Rumors Come In, Protection of an annual lawn social Thursday, Friday and Saturday, to be given by the congregation of the St. Anne's Catholic Church, Mars Hill, was promised the pastor, Father J, F. Patterson, today by Prosecutor William P. Evans. Father Patterson notified the prosecutor that threats had been made that the social would not be allowed In the open air. "Any one in pursuit of lawful business or pleasure will certainly be protected in this county," said the prosecutor, who notified Sheriff George Snider to attend to it. No raffles will be allowed, however, Evan s said. “Why, sure, I’ll see they’re protected, and every one else needing It,” said Sheriff Snider. "That’s what I’m elected for.” "We have received no direct threats, only rumors," said Father Patterson. "The other night when we were holding a committee meeting on the social, someone lit a fiery cross across the street and ran." Watch Out for Chickens Enough chickens to serve a hotel full of guests were on their way to Indianapolis today, according to word to police. John Miller and Robert Lee, farmers near New Augusta, Ind.. telephoned that chickens were stolen. They said marks on the ground showed the thieves started toward Jndianapolis In a spring wagon with one horse. |

Forecast SHOWERS thunder storms tonight, and Thursday ; cooler Thursday.

TWO CENTS

PRESIDENT SNOWS IMPROVEMENT AS ' CRISISISPASSED Executive Abie to Sit Up in Bed and Read Newspapers This Morning, SPENDS RESTFUL NIGHT Telegrams of Sympathy and Hope for Quick Recovery^Received, By LAWRENCE MARTIN United Press Staff Correspondent WITH PRESIDENT HARDING, PALACE HOTEL, SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. I.—President Harding was sitting up in bed reading the newspapers this morning when physicians entered the sick chamber for their forenoon consultation. The President greeted them cheerfully. He was able to eat the best meal since his Illness at breakfast this morning. He took little else than a cup of warm milk, a soft boiled egg and a piece of toast. Physicians attending the President are optimistic over the great improvement shown by the patient and declare rest and sleep are slowly but steadily restoring the rugged health of the executive. Dr. Sawyer stated, however, the President is not yet out of danger and because of the nature of his illness close watch will be kept, as any number of complications may arise. Countless telegrams expressing sympathy and hope for quick recovery have been received from every State In the Nation.

Morning Bulletin. The morning bulletin read: "The President is fairly comforts ble this morning, after a few hours sleep. His breathing is less labored and there Is but little cough. The lung condition is about the same as yesterday. He is still much exhausted, but maintains his normal buoyancy of spirit. Small amounts of food are now being taken regularly and there is regular satisfactory elimination. The temperature is 99 degrees; pulse, 114; respiration, 30. While progress Is being made, every care is necessary to secure freedom from further complications. “C. E. SAWYER, M. D.” This bulletin confirmed In every particular the unofficial statements of the President’s doctors made last night and early this morning to the effect that progress from now would probably be very slow but steady, and that the main task of the doctors would be to prevent any complications arising. Every hour of sleep the President gets now is Just that much medicine (Continued on Page 11) UNMASKED BANDITS GET $16,000 IN CASH Paying Teller of Baltimore Bank Robbed in City’s Business Section. By United Press BALTIMORE, Md., Aug. L—Three unmasked men robbed the paying teller of the State branch of the Baltimore Trust Company, In the heart of the city’s busiest section today of $16,000, lees than forty minutes before the bank was scheduled to open. The bandits were frightened away, leaving more than $50,000 behind. BOY LOCKED UP IN BATH Firemen Called to Release Youngster When Lock Fails. Kendrick Dadswell, 7, of Buffalo, N. Y.. visiting at the home of Carlton Wagner, 1107 N. Keystone Ave., went into the bathroom today and locked the door. He could not unlock It. After members of the family tried in vain to get the door open with a screw-driver firemen were called. They rescued him with a ladder.

Wilson Sends His Sympathy By United Preta WASHINGTON, Aug. I.—Former President Woodrow Wilson today sent a message to President Harding at San Francisco, sympathizing with the executive in his illness. Mr. Wilson expressed the hope the President speedily will recover. the sx-President himself was stricken ill while on a speaking tour of the oountry in behalf of the League of Nations and ha a not yet recovered. A