Indianapolis Times, Volume 35, Number 71, Indianapolis, Marion County, 3 August 1923 — Page 1

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VOLUME 35- -NUMBER 71

COOLIDGE PRESIDENT; HARDING MOURNED

Sudden Passing of Nation's Head Shocks 100 Million Persons —Funeral Will Be Held at Home in Marion, 0. —To Lie in State. / - SPECIAL TRAIN LEAVES FOR WASHINGTON TONIGHT Pride of Little Ohio City Will Find Resting Place Amid Old i Friends and Scenes Wife Stands Up Bravely Under Great Grief. By LAWRENCE MARTIN United Press Staff Correspondent SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 3.—The President is dead. Death, apparently balked by medical science, struck and with no warning at 7:20 last night. Mr. Harding was definitely on the road to recovery from ptomaine poisoning, acute indigestion and a pneumonic infection which followed them. But death found a way through the armour —it struck into the brain with apoplexy and without a struggle or word and only a shudder of his weakened frame, and the raising of one hand, the nation’s head passed beyond. Tonight they will take Warren G. Harding’s body home—back to the White House where he worked as chief magistrate of the people who today, shocked beyond expression by his death, mourn for him and his wife. After the simplest private funeral services in the presidential suite at the Palace Hotel, where he took to his bed on Sunday morning, the President’s remains will be placed aboard a special train which will leave San Francisco at 7 p. m. for Washington. He will be laid to rest in his old home town. Marion, Ohio—the country village from which he raised from rural obscurity into national prominence. Before the final obsequies there which will mark his burial, the President’s body will lie in state in Washington. Sun Pours Into Room. The President passed with the sunset. The last rays of California’s golden sunshine were pouring into his room, where Mrs. Harding, who has been by his side since he was stricken Saturday, sat reading to him from a magazine. The President was lying very still, listening to Mrs* Harding. To the watchful eyes of his two nurses, Miss Ruth Powderly and Miss Sue Dausser, he seemed comfortable and in better physical condition than_ at any time since his illness began.

THE END By United Xetc* PALACE HOTEL, SAN FRANCISCO, Cal., Aug. 3. —Here is how President Harding died : Mrs. Harding was seated beside his bed, reading from a magazine. At the end of a paragraph she paused and let the magazine drop into her lap. “That sounds good, go ahead,’’ said the President. They were his last words. A moment later he threw his right hand over his head —and sank down—dead

MRS. HARDING IS BRAVESTOF PARTY Faces Greatest Tragedy in Her Life With ‘Heroism, 1 By Unitea Press PALACE HOTEL, SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 3. —Mrs. Harding, no longer the first lady of the land, but just a bereaved woman, today was the bravest, strongest member of the grief-stricken party of those who accompanied President Harding on the trip that ended in his death. There has not been a moment since Mr. Hading became ill that Mrs. Harding has shown the slightest sign of weakness, either in body or spirit, Dr. Sawyer said this morning. "She is magnificent,” he said. “She always has been a wonderful woman to meet an emergency. You can always count on that.” Recovering quickly from the smashing shock of Mr. Harding’s death, Mrs. Harding took control o fherself and of the situation in the death chamber last night. She gently directed others when they were too stunned to move.

From Poor Boy to White House The detailed story of Presi-, dent Harding’s life is printed onj Page two of this issue. j

The Indianapolis Times

Mrs. Harding and the nurses had every reason to feel easier about his condition. They were looking forward without fear or anxiety to the night—another night, they believed—when the restoration of power of sleep would add a little more to the slowly growing strength of the President. Utters Ijast Words' Mrs. Harding came to the end of a paragraph and paused. "That sounds good; go ahead,” said Mr. Harding. Mrs. Harding turned again to the magazine and read. She had not finished a sentence when, as though someone had struck him a sudden, crushing blow, the patient threw up one hand over his head convulsively. It was as though he sought to ward off the blow which death, in that unguarded moment, had aimed with unerring directness at a vital spot. Then, like a man struck by a bo it of lightning, the President stiffened and as suddenly dropped back limply. In that brief second, the drawing of a breath, his spirit winged away from the wearied body. There was no time for a word of farewell to his dearly loved wife; no struggle or fight or futile effort to cling to life. Just in an instant, like the dropping of the sun behind the hills, his life went out. Millions Become Mourners He, who a moment before had been the President of the United States, the object of the solicitude and sympathetic concern of 110,000,000 people, became a bit of clay, and the millions who through the days of his illness had swung with his wife and his close (Continued on Page Ten) ALIMONY ASKED OF WIFE John E. Hurley Files Cross-Divorce Complaint. Shall a wife with property pay alimony if her husband wins his divorce suit? \ This question was injected into the divorce case of Mrs. Gertrude W. Hurley, 33, of 2240 Central Ave., in Superior Court, when her husband, John E. Hurley, 55, of 617% N. Illinois St., filed a cross-complaint for divorce and $15,000 alimony. Killed By Lightning By Times BpecUil BRAZIL, Ind' Aug. 3. —William Crabb, 65, was fatally injured when struck by lightning while picking blackberries on a farm at the edge of the city late Thursday. Junk Dealers Incorporate The Louis Sagalowsky Company, 627 W. Washington, Junk dealers, today incorporated with a capital stock of $20,000. Incorporators are Louis Sagalowsky, Samuel Cohen and Harry Sagalowsky. HOURLY TEMPERATURE 6 a. m 73 10 a. m. - 84 7 a. m 76 11 a. m 84 Ba. m 7T.. 77 12 (noon) ...... 84 9 a. m. 80 Ip. 77

New Executive Steps Into White House While Entire Nation Grieves With Widowed First Lady

... i—— "

PRESIDENT COOLIDGE AND WARREN G. HARDING, MRS. HARDING AND MRS. COOLIDGE

CITY EXPRESSES ITS'GRIEF

THEATER HOLDS SHORT SERVICE Managers Taking Steps to Honor Memory of Harding, Indianapolis theaters today took steps to honor the memory of President Harding. Ace Berry, manager of the Circle, ordered ajl activities of the theater to stop at 3 p. m. for a brief prayer by Dr. A. B. Philputt, pastor of the Central Christian Church. Dr. Philputt hurried from a funeral to give the prayer. Manager Herb Jennings stated that the performance at the Palace will be halted a few minutes. Charles M. Olson of the Lyric, Apojlo, Isis and Ohio Theaters, state that the Indianapolis Theatrical Managers’ Association probably will meet late today to take further steps. Theater owners are awaiting the exact time of the funeral.

INDIANAPOLIS, FRIDAY, AUG. 3, 1923

Messages Sent to Mrs, Harding—Memorial Services Arranged, Indianapolis became a city of mourhing today. As daylight dawned flags began to appear on public buildings and stores. Pulled to half-mast, they hung limp In the still air, and then as a light breeze arose, floated softly from the staffs. Hush Is Noticeable A hush was noticeable as citizens went quietly about their business, many feelln gas If they had lost a personal friend. Celebrations, social and political affairs were called off. Murat Shrlners, who were to picnio at Broad Ripple Park this afternoon, postponed the affair indefinitely. A reception to have been given in Martinsville today for Miss Dorothy Cunningham, associate member of the Republican national committee, was postponed until September. Headquarters In Mourning Republican State headquarters was in mourning. Many associated with the headquarters were personal friends of the President. Frederick E. Schortemeier, secretary of the State commit(Continued on Page Ten)

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COOLIDGE HURRIES TO WASHINGTON Presidential Party in Special Car on Regular Train, By United Press RUTLAND, Vt„ Aug. 3.—President Coolidge left Rutland aboard a special car tor Washington at 9:40 a. m., standard time, today. The President was accompanied by Mrs. Coolidge, Governor Redfleld Proctor of Vermont, former Governor Percival W. Clement, Republican national committeeman; Earl S. jKinsely, United States Marshal A. V. Harvey and secret service men. The presidential party traveled in a epecial car attached to a regular tmia. Cruelty to Animals Charged George Stone, 29, colored, of 2402 Paris St., was arrest.ed for cruelty to animals when he was found whipping a horse at Senate Ave. and Eleventh v ßt. Police said therj were ten cuts on the animal.

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

SENATOR WATSON LOOMS AGAIN AS G.O.PJANDIDATE Death Makes Indiana Solon Possible Presidential Contender, While Indiana today mourned the death of President Harding, politician* were taking stock to determine the effect it will have on the political lineup. , That his passing will mean a free-for-all contest for the Republican presidential nomination is taken for granted. It also is taken for granted that Indiana now will have a contender )n the person of Senator James E. Watson. Watson’s star, sln*;e the defeat of Harry S. New in his race for renomination as Senator in 1922, ha* been in the ascendency. He has been handicapped, however, by the strength of the New forces in the State and the fact that the New organization was the Harding organization. New Organization Suffers With the passing of President Harding, the New organization is expected to crumble. Unless President Coolidge immediately Jakes an active part in factional politics and follows President Harding in his friendship and support of New and his followers, the local New organization probably will suffer badly. With the recent reorganization of the Republican State committee, Watson’s power increased. It was he and not New who came to Indiana and worked to straighten out the kinks in the organization. Watson Boom Fluctuates Before it was determined definitely that President Harding expected to seek renomination, Watson was generally regarded as a potential candidate. With the virtual announcement that Harding would be a candidate, the Watson boom died; It now takes on new life. Watson is looked upon as the most conservative type of Rspublican. He is not expected to obtain any support from the La Follette-Brqokhart type, but his friends In Indiana hope he will be the center of a conservative rally against the radical faction. SOCIOLOGIST IS SPEAKER New York Professor Addresses Welfare Workers. Justin W. Nixon, professor of sociology in the Rochester Theological Seminary’. Rochester, N. Y., spoke today before the executive committee of the Family Welfare Society at he Lincoln. Nixon is studying philanthropic work in ten cities, including Indianapolis. He is to write a volume on “Human Nature aad the Director in Philanthropy.” , ,

Father of Country's Chief Executive Administers Oath to Son at Vermont Home —Will Carry Out Policies of . His Former Chief,’New Leader Says. LAMP FLICKERS AS SACRED WORDS ARE SPOKEN - r ~ ~ c Boy Who Has Climbed Nation’s Political Ladder Ascends to Country’s Greatest Office at 2:05 a. m., Deep in Hills of Native State. By PAUL R. MALLON United Press Staff Correspondent PLYMOUTH, Vt., Aug. 3.—By the dim light of ai flickering oil lamp, Calvin Coolidge took the oath of President of the United States at 2:05 a. m. today. He started for Washington at once., Just a few hours after the word of the death of Warren G* Harding had aroused him from his bed, Coolidge stood in thfl old parlor of th& family farmhouse in this isolated hamlet, deep in the Vermont mountains, and was sworn in by his aged father, John Coolidge, who is a notary public. Other Presidents have taken the oath on a high rostrum before the Capitol at Washington with the chief justice of the Supreme Court administering it, with troops drawn up in glittering array, with bands and flags and vast cheering crowds of witnesses. Calvin Coolidge was inaugurated in a small room just across the road from the house where lie was born, in the early hours of the morning, with his old father—unshaven and collarless—■ handing him the well thumbed family Bible, in the presence of his wife, Jim Mclnerney, a chauffeur; Congressman Porter 11. Dale, L. L. Lane, president of the Railway Mail Association of New England, and Secretary Geisser of his Washington office. Ceremony Is Simple. These were all that witnessed the solemn, simple ceremony —made all the more solemn by the knowledge that death had just taken his predecessor with shocking suddenness. The night was dark—slightly overcast —and the only sign that something unusual was going on was manifested by two or three automobiles drawn up by the roadside at the old house, and the feeble gleam of light beneath the window shade -of the parlor at an hour when lights are, seldom seen in Plymouth.

Thirtieth President x j The decision to take the oath at j once came after receipt of a telegram from Attorney General Daugherty in San Francisco urging such a course. There were no preliminaries. The witnesses gathered in the parlor, which during the years has been the scene of many events that bulk "big in the history of the Coolidge family, but which had never been though, of as the setting for such an event as the Inauguration of the thirtieth President of the United States. John Coolidge, the father, 78, but still spry, had been aroused from sleep and looked It. He came Into the room coatless and collarless, and then at the last minute pulled on his coat. He picked up the old Bible in which the family record is kept and looked at his son. They stood facing each other while the words of the oath were uttered, their faces gaunt in the yellow lamp light, the rest of the room In shadows. There were no reporters, but those who saw it described it afterward in Intimate detail as the scene had graven itself upon their memory. News at Midnight Coolidge received exactly at midnight Thursday the news of President Harding’s death, which elevated him to the presidency. The news came as a great shock, and his first thought and that of Mrs. Coolidge was to send a message of condolence to Mrs. Harding at San Francisco. When Mr. Coolidge came down stairs to welcome the newspaper men he had a telegram from George Christian, Harding’s secretary, notify(Continued on Page Ten) BREAD MYSTERY SOLVED? Southport Grocer. Apprehends Early Morning Visitor, Missing—bread, losves and loaves of It! L. H. Whitenack, proprietor cf a grocery at Southport, discovered bread disappearing daily from a tin box in front of his store. Whitenack and D. N. Henry', University Heights, employed at the store, turned sleuths. They hid in a cornfield across the road from the store early In the morning. The tin box rattled. They saw the culprit opening the box. Queer, but he used his nose to open the lid. A loaf of bread was taken. A large Airdaje dog, with the bread in his mouth, trotted down the road. * Thwarted Admirer Uses Ax Lucy Huggins, 1213 E. .TwentyThird St., told police today Frank "Shorty” Moore, 2232 Chishing St., chased her with an ax. Police say she said ’’He wanted to go with me.” Moore was not found. v Slander Suit Filed By Times Special LEBANON, Ind., Aug. 3.—Alta Montgomery has filed suit against Horace Wheat, both of this city, asking for SIO,OOO damages for slander. The plaintifT is the wife of Lawrence Montgomery. The actien is alleged deflamatory utterances.

Forecast PARTLY cloudy tonight and Saturday. Probably local thunder showers.

TWO CENTS

PUBLIC UTILITIES ASK RATE CUT AS RESULTOFPROBE Commission Receives Requests as Time Limit for Reports Nears, Substantial reduction in utility rates in three localities, together with reports of contemplated reduotions in other cities, have been asked as of results of the public service commission’s Statewide Investigation and requests that nearly 125 utility firms submit reports, John W. McCardle, chairman of the commisslca, said today. Largest of the utilities to seek reductions is the Northern Indiana Qas and Electric Company', serving Hammond. Ea3 Chicago, Whiting and several smaller Calumet district cities. The municipal electric plant and a privately owned electric plant at Ft. Wayne hace asked for reductions of 1 cent a kilov/att hour on domestic electric service. The Attica municipal electric plant is askina a 1-cent reduction for each kilowatt hour. Among other municipal utilities Intending to make reductions is that of Richmond. McCardle said It would be necessary for the commission to make thorough inquiry into the municipal utilities asking reductions. Time for filing of reports expires this week. Woman Dies From Lockjaw Miss Edna Banta, 26, 4026 Graceland Ave., died at the city hospital today from lockjaw. She was brought there Aug. 1. Coroner Paul Robin Son is investigating.

Country Has No Vice President The United States is now without a Vice President. There is no provision for succession to the Vice Presidency. When Congress convenes next December a president pro tem. will, be named to preside over the Senate. In case of the death of President Coolidge he will be succeeded by the Secretary of State, now Charles Evans Hughes.