Indianapolis Times, Volume 35, Number 173, Indianapolis, Marion County, 3 December 1923 — Page 1

Homme Edition FULL service of United Press, L'nited News, United Financial, NEA, Scripps Alliance and Pacific Coast Service.

VOLUME 35—NUMBER 173

MURDER SUSPECT RUSHED TO MICHIGAN CITY PRISON

Men Who Served Papers

A

SHERIFF GEORGE SNIDER (LEFT) AND CRIMINAL COURT INVESTIGATOR CLAUDE WORLEY WITH THE PAPERS FOR THE ARREST OF GOVERNOR M CRAY.

GOVERNOR ARRESTED BY SHERIFF SNIDER

Eight Close Friends Sign $25,000 Bond —Capias Is Served in Attorney's Office,

Governor "Warren T. McCray was arrested today. The capias, issued following indictment by the Marion County grand Jury, was served on the Governor by Sheriff George Snider and Claude M. Worley, special investigator for the Criminal Court. McCray was released immediately on a $25,000 bond. The arrest occurred in the office of James W. Noel, attorney for the Governor, 910 Lemcke building. Business Men Bondsmen The bond was signed by eight persons, who qualified as having a total ACCIDENT VICTIM DIESATHOSPITAL George Bailey, Struck by Auto, Succumbs. George Bailey, 58, 310 Spring St., died at the city hospital today from injuries suffered Nov. 28, when he was struck by an automobile driven by Lee Buchanan, 1305 Fletcher Ave.. at Forty-Second St. and Northwestern Ave. Buchanan was arrested on charges of Involuntary manslaughter today and was released on his own recognizance pending investigation by Coroner Paul F. Robinson. According to police, Bailey walked from behind a wagon in front of Buchanan’s machine. THIRTEEN CONVICTS IN CLEAN PRISON BREAK Bloodhounds Fail to Track Fugitives and Officials Admit Failure By United Press LANSING, Kans., Dec. 3. —A clean get-away has been made by thirteen prisoners who escaped from the State prison Sunday by tunneling their way out, officials admitted today. Bloodhounds have followed to the end every possible trail and trace of the fugitives from the prison without result. • 7 18 mote SWOPPING DAYS before

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of $50,000 worth af available property. The signors: George N. Montgomery, real estate dealer and Republican member of the Marion County council. Robert L. Moorhead of the BobbsMerrill Company, a Republican member of the State Senate. L. G. Rothschild of the Merchants Heat and Light Company, who was associated with the Governor’s campaign. A. M. Glossbrenner, president of the Levy Printing Company. James W. Noel, attorney for McCray. Arthur R. Robinson, attorney and former judge of the Marion County Superior Court. Eben H. Wolcott. State bank commlfeioner, a McCray appointee. A. P. Conklin, a lumber dealer. In addition, three others offered to sign the bond, but failed to qualify as having property in Maricn County, according to the sheriff. They are George M. Barnard, an attorney for the Governor: Fred B. Robinson. State purchasing agent, and Bernard E. Griffey, a printer. Governor Is Smiling Snider and Worley arrived at Noel’s office at about 9a. m. The Governor smilingly greeted them and Snider proceeded to read the capias. It was issued on one of the eight indictments charging embezzlement and grand larceny of $155,000 from the Indiana board of agriculture, and instructed the Governor to appear in Criminal Court before the end of the present term. Following the reading of the capias the bond was signed. McCray being the first signer. It calls for his appearance in court. The next step will be arraignment before the Criminal Court In which the Governor will enter a plea of guilty or not guilts'. The arraignment date has not been set. HUSBAND IS SOUGHT IN POISON-FIRE CASE Strychnine Found in Stomach of Dead Wife, Officials Aver. Charging arson, a bench warrant has been issued In the Harrison County Circuit Court for the arrest of Jack Coffman, 66, as the result of an investigation of the mysterious death last Monday of his wife, Mrs. Addle Coffina, 25, according to word received from Corydon, Ind., today. Coffman told authorities his wife died from fright during a fire in their home. State fire department officials said they found no trace of fire. Mrs. Coffman’s body was distinterred and her stomach sent to Indianapolis. Chemists said they found enough strychnine to cause death. Recently, after being Implicated in a statement by his wife, Coffman signed a confession that he started a fire on his farm last July to collect insurance, according U> officials. 200 auto~menTq~show Special Coaches to Carry Hoosiers to New ork Exposition. More than 200 persons are expected to make reservations for a special train on the Pennsylvania system leaving Indianapolis, Jan. 3. to attend the National Automobile Show in New York City, opening Jan. 5, Lon Smith, 27 Maple Ct., official of the Indiana Automotive Manufacturers’ Association .stated today.

STATE WILL BRING SUIT TO RECOVER CITY SCHOOL CASH Bert S, Gadd Explains Items Listed by State Board of Accounts, Action for the recovery of $639.28 charged by E. U. Graff, superintendent of city schools for "traveling expenses” and for $1,576.06 paid by the Indianapolis board of school commissioners for professional services of H. L. Roney, an accountant, will be taken soon, it was announced today in the offices of Attorney General U. S. Leah. Gadd said a letter was received about a year ago from the board of accounts asking for settlement of the larger charge. He said the school board replied through Charles J. Orbisor,. its attorney, and that no answer was received from the board of accounts. Gadd said examiners questioned the right of the school board to employ an accountant, but said he thought the matter had been settled. Hoard Voted Expense Money Referring to the Graff expense acI count, he said it always had been the custom of the school board to authorize traveling expenses out of ils funds. Hs said he thought this matter also was settled. Graff could not be reached at his office today. The charges against Graff and Bert S. Gadd of the school board are contained in field examiners' reports which were certified to Lesh Sept. 29. In the assortment of more than 200 reports are found charges totaling $108,097.27 uairst public officials in nearly everjWsmnty of the State. The examinations cover generally the period between 1918 and 1921. limit Up on Some Two or three of the charges are barred by the statute of limitations, Dale Stansbury, special counsel In Lesh’s office, said. He said the examinations, for tho most part, were made during the ttfi-rn of Jesse E. Eschbach, former State examiner. Most of the charges, he said, are controversial or technical. Stansbury said the charge against Graff probably was based on an Appellate Court decision barring charges for "convention trips." The one against Gadd Includes the city controller, the school board and others. It is said the employment of Roney as an accountant was questioned. is said to have audited the books between 1920 and 1922, during a controversy of the board with a former business director.

ROBINSON CHOSEN MINORITYLEABER Gerry Named Whip and Pittman Urged as Senate Chief, By United Press WASHINGTON, Dec. 3.—Senator Joe Robinson, Arkansas, was chosen floor leader by the Democratic caucus today. Robinson succeeds Senator Underwood, Alabama, who declined to accept the leadership again because of his health and the arduous duties which the job entails. The Democrats unanimously decided to back Senator Key Pittman of Nevada for presidency of the Senate. Senator Gerry, Rhode Island, was re-elected whip and Senator King, Utah, secretary of the caucus. Senator Walsh, Montana, was chosen vice chairman. 37 PLEAD NOT GUILTY Charged With Murder to Petit Lareeny, Defendants Make Denials. Thirty-seven persons recently Indicted on charges ranging from murder to petit larceny today pleaded not guilty before Criminal Court Judge James A. Collins. Peter Mobley, colored, who worked with the Big Four Railroad construction gang near Ft. Benjamin Harrison, entered his denial of killing Robert Bryant, colored, a fellow workman, with a pick handle Aug. 23. Clarence Schott pleaded not guilty to assault and battery with intent to rob and murder Goon Key, Chinese laundryman at Sixteenth and Illinois Sts. WHJTE house is unsafe Army Engineer RecommenAs $400,000 for Repair of Executive Mansion. Bn United Press WASHINGTON, Dec. 3.—The White Hmjse is unsafe and immediate repairs must be made to “prevent a possible calamity," Maj. Gen. Lansing H. Beach, chief of Army engineers, declared today In his annual report. Beach recommended appropriation ot $400,000 to carry out this work.

INDIANAPOLIS, MONDAY, DEC. 3, 1923

Tire Tread on Automobile of Suspect Corresponds With Print in Bridge Mud

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AUTOMOBILE OF JOHN T. SHAW. CHARGED WITH THE MURDER OB’ MRS. HELEN WHELCHEL. THE LEFT REAR TIRE TREAD CORRESPONDS WITH THE PRINT IN THE MUD ON THE HIGH SCHOOL ROAD BRIDGE ONE MILE NORTH OF BEN DAVIS FROM WHICH MRS. WHELCHEL’S BODY WAS THROWN EARLY WEDNESDAY, DETECTIVES SAY.

68th CONGRESS CONVENES

GOVERNOR’S GRAIN DEALS EXPECTED TO BEDESCRIBED Head of Sawers Company Called as Witness in Bankruptcy HearingRevelations concerning Governor McCray’s dealings with the Sawers Grain Company of Chicago, of which he was an officer, were expected to be made in the hearing before Harry C. Sheridan, referee in bankruptcy, on the petition of three Ft. Wayne banks asking that the Governor be declared bankrupt, at the Federal building, this afternoon. William Simons, president of the grain company, which is now in receivership, was expected to testify. He was expected to be asked concerning $.45,000 which McCray’s books show the Governor received from the company. Tho Governor declares he knows nothing of the transaction. During the morning witnesses testified concerning the ‘value of farm land in Newton County, where many of McCray’s holdings are situated. Anthony Schuh, Kentland, a farmer, fixed the value of the McCray property at $698,270, as compared with a value of $1,173,525 claimed by McCray in his statement to his creditors. This is a difference of $475,255. Other witnesses who testified to similar valuatons were Willard Sproul, a Newton County farmer, and Cox, Newton County assessor. OLD AUGUSTA ISOLATED? Fifty-One Residents Petition for Road Improvement. In a petition to county commissioners today fifty-one residents of Old Augusta requested the "making pasrable of the road that runs to the cemetery and Stop No. 7 roajl,’’ so thay can ro-estobllsh comnjunication with Indianapolis and the rest of the county. Fven the United States Postman can t reach tho heleagured folks in Old Augusta, according to the petition. Wants Divorce Nolled A complaint to set aside a divorce obtained by Arthur M. Robbins, Columbia Club, last June 80 was filed bf Mrs. May Robbins today with Superior Judge Sidney S. M. Miller. Mrs. Robbins allages Robbins persuaded witnesses to falsely swear he had been a resident of Indiana for two-years. New Courthouse Desired Demand that anew courthouse be built was made on county commissioners in a letter received today from Theodore Stein, abstractor. The present building is old and inconvenient, badly arranged and out-of-date, he said. An eight-story, modern building, fireproof, should be put up, “with no attempt at decorating or artistic embellishment," Stein said.

Bitter Factional War Imminent as Progressives Hold Balance of Power, By LAWRENCE MARTIN. United Press StatT Correspondent. WASHINGTON. Dec. B.—Under the most unfavorable conditions that have marked the occasion in years, the Sixty-Eighth Congress met at noon. All the time-honored traditions which invest the meeting of Congress with perennial interest were carried out. The session as the two houses gathered was unusual in two respects. 1. There were more new members in both House and Senate than in most recent sessions. 2. There was a tenseness In the air that communicated itself even to tne overflowing galleries for fraetio ml conflict was imminent even as the gavels fell calling, the’ legislators to order. The galleries were besieged by throngs who demanded entrance even after every available foot of space was gone. The House was the center of attraction, for it was there the bitter factional warfare threatened first. In the House, interest centered on the rival leaders in the factional fight which threatened to cause a deadlock, preventing the House from functioning. They are Representative Nicholas Longworth of Ohio and Representative Nelson, leader of the progressive bloc. As noon struck, William Tyler Page, clerk of the House, called the House to order under constitutional provisions and announced the calling of the roll to ascertain whether there was a quorum. Immediately afterward Representative Longworth moved to proceed to election of a speaker, thus precipitating the contest with the progressive bloc, who have declared they will not permit election of Representative Gillette, Administration candidate for speaker, unless the House rules are liberalized. The progressives claimed they had nearly a score of votes, which would be more than enough to. deadlock the House. Senator Cummins, president pro tem. of the Senate, called that body to order. Senator Lodge moved that fifty-five new and re-elected members be sworn in and the oath administered by Cummins. Adjournment was taken upon adop(Continucd on Page 11)

'EAST IS WET’ —OFFICER Bribe for Failure to Report Violations Quoted at SSO to $75 From the “dry" standpoint, the East is in a far more moist condition than Indiana, said W. O. Holman. Federal prohibition enforcement officer, back in Indianapolis today, after a month’s work in New York and Philadelphia. Holman, with Roy Wright, also an enforcement officer here, were assisting in raids on breweries and other violators in those places. “We were frequently asked to ’fix things’ by violators,” said Holman. “One fellow told me the usual price for falling to make a report was sio or $75. They told me it was the usual thing for an officer to forget to turn In reports of finding violators.’ ’

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

IMPEACHMENT OF MW IS SOUGHT BY STATE SOLONS Number of Assembly Members Ask Conference With G, 0, P, Chairman, An effort is being made by some members of the Indiana Legislature to find a way to remove Governor McCray from office, following his indictment by the Marlon County grand jury. A number of members of the Assembly have asked for a conference with Clyde A. Walb of La Grange, Republican State chairman, on- the subject Walb is expected to arrive In Indianapolis Tuesday night and to begin immediately a series of conferences with members of the Legislature and party leaders as to the attitude the party will take toward McCray. No formal meeting of the State committee has. been planned, although members are expected to meet with Walb. Among the matters to be taken up at the conferences with Walb will be a definite settlement of the question of whether a session of the Assembly is possible. It is not considered likely that the -Indiana Legislature will follow the example of the Oklahoma Assembly and meet, if it is found a session can not be called without McCray’s consent. State finances are becoming more deeply Involved every day, and State officials freely admit they can not see how the State Government can continue to function for another year unless legislative relief is obtained. HOURLY TEMPERATURE 6 a. 37 10 a. m 40 7 a. m 38 11 a. m 40 8 a. m 33 12 (noon) 41 9 a. m 40

Eight-Year Hunt for Baby Ends

By United Press mERSEY CITY, N. J., Dec. 3. —A baby’s skull and a few found by a farmer in a tangled black thorn thicket near Greeley, Pa., will ba buried in the belief they are those of little Jimmy Glass. The child disappeared more than eight years ago from a summer cottage tgken by Mr. and Mjrs. Charles Glass at

Detectives Build Circumstantial Web Around John Thomas Shaw as Light Sleuths Grill Him. BULLETIN Rumors were persistent Monday afternoon that police had obtained a confession, but these were denied at police headquarters. It was explained the reports probably were given credence becaus of the unusual decision to rush Shaw to Michigan City prison. Eight detectives, working in relays as questioners, grilled John Thomas Shaw, 24, colored, 1418 E. Maryland St., today and accused him of being the robber who murdered Mrs. Helen 'Whelchel, 22, of 1854 Applegate St. He was arrested Sunday night on Indiana Ave. by Inspector John Mullin and Detectives Sneed and Trabue. Mrs. 'Whelehel’s body was found last "Wednesday morning under the High School Rd. bridge over the Big Four railroad, one mile north of Ben Davis. It had been thrown from the bridge. The prisoner was taken to the State prison at Michigan City this afternoon for safe keeping. This followed a report that several men had gathered around police headquarters earlier in the day. hile the detectives were unable to wring any direct admission from the suspect, they have slated him on charge of murder and Jobbery. They believe they have built a strong case of circumstantial evidence.

Here are links in the chain against the prisoner, according to police: 1. TREAD on tire of the left rear wheel of Shaw's automobile corresponds with a tire print on the bridge from which Mrs. Whelchel was hurled. 2. BLOOD stains were found in Shaw’s automobile. 3. THE automobile corresponds with a description of that in which she was abducted from lowa and East Sts., Tuesday night. 4. MRS. WHELCHEL'S diamond ring was found in possession of a colored woman, who said Shaw gave it to her. 5. THE SLAIN woman’s wrist watch was pawned by a man who said he had obtained it from a man who said Shaw had given it to him. 6. SHAW'S BROTHER-IN-LAW said Shaw was out Tuesday' night and did not Return until early Wednesday. Shank’s Suggestion Shaw's removal to Michigan was on suggestion of Mayor Shank. While the detectives wege grilling Shaw. Shank and his personal detective, Capt. Roy Pope, appeared. After looking at Shaw and other prisoners held on vagrancy charges as witnesses, the mayor congratulated all of the officers who took part in the investigation. Inspector Mujlin obtained an order for Shaw's removal to Michigan City from Judge James A. Collins of Criminal Court and then got the necessary papers from the Governor’s office. Detectives and Allen were assigned to take the prisoner away because they were the first to be put to work in the case Wednesday and because of Radamacher's ability as a que^onlßr. "Therehs no doubt that we could protect this man and keep him right here,” said Shank. ‘But In doing it we might to have to take the life of some man and this fellow isn't worth it. I believe It’s a good idea to get him away from here.” To Be Held Until Tidal The prisoner probably will be kept at the State prison until his trial, detectives said. A 1918 Ford touring car, was locked in the police garage, bearing perhaps soma of the strongest parts of the chain of evidence against Shaw. Jerry Sykes, 23, colored, 818 N. West St.; James Kelley, colored, known as "Ape Face,” 20, of 401 W. Pratt St„ and Moses Box, colored, 856% Massachusetts Ave., along with Miss Clare Leo Smith, colored, 437 N. Bright St., all charged with vagrancy under high bond are held in cells as material witnesses. Coroner Paul F. Robinson cut out and took possession of parts of ceat covers of Shaw’s automobile with blood stains on them. He also took possession of a pair of blood-stained pliers found in the car and examined a spot on the right, running board which appeared to have been sandpapered and rubbed with grease. Police say that spots appearing to be blood stains were not entirely eradicated by this means. Robinson said he

Greeley. Jimmy was 4 years old at the time. Since then the father has traveled 25,000 miles looking for his boy. The trail has led to South America, to Porto Rico and wherever gypsy bands, long credited with kidnaping the child, wander. Clews had come from many quarters. The latest of these was from Greeley, where Otto Winkler, a farmer, found a

Forecast RAIN tonight, probably clear- * ing Tuesday morning in this vicinity. Not much change in temperature.

TWO CENTS

would turn his evidence over to the city chemist for analysis. Finger Prints Sought Defectives obtained Bertillon measurements and description of Shaw. They are searching for finger prints upon something connected with the murder with which to compare Shaw’s prints. Detectives Sneed and Trabue and Inspector John Mullin, who made the arrest when Shaw accompanied by Box, started to get into the car, parked* in front of the Golden West Case, 522 Indiana Ave., say. they gained the first bit of evidence in the case two days ago when they found the wrist watch identified as belonging to Mrs. Whelchel at the Medias pawn shop, 510 Indiana Ave. Shaw immediately told the officers several conflicting stories about how lie came In possession of the watch and ring. The ring was found in possession of Clara Smith, who said that Shaw told her when he gave her the ring Friday: "Don’t lose that, because I

I J

JOHN THOMAS SHAW

will want if back.” He said he bought it from a white man for $l5O, according to Miss Smith. Got Home Late Shaw was net at home Tuesday night until after his brother-in-law, Roy L. Gill, 1418 E. Maryland St., with whom he lives, had retired at 1:30 a. m. Tho abduction was at around midnight and the body was found at 7:20 a. nr. Wednesday. Sykes told the officers he obtained $4 for the pawn of the watch, after he was offered 35 cents for his trouble by James Kelley. Kelley told the officers Shaw gave him the watch, but fearing it was stolen, he gave it to Sykes. $ Later detectives said that according to Kelley and Sykes, Shaw gave the watch to Kelley with directions he have a crystal put on it. Kelley got "hard up” and gave it to Sykes to (Continued on Page II)

skull that might have been Jimmy’s, a few bonts, a scrap of buckle and a baby, shoe. By the maker’s mark on the sole of the shoe, Charles Glass identified the tiny remains as those of his long lost baby. lie took them back to Jersey City to the mother who had never ceased to watch for her boy’s return and they will be buried, and the eight-year mystery conr sidered at an end.