Indianapolis Times, Volume 35, Number 176, Indianapolis, Marion County, 6 December 1923 — Page 1

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VOLUME 35 —NUMBER 176

‘NO BONUS—LOWER TAXES’

NEJDL URGES LEGISLATURE TRY M’CRAY Republican State Chairman Walb Declares Determination to 'Carry Out Judgment Governor-Ought to Retire’— . Authority for Special Session Seen, “I am in favor of a session of the Legislature to impeach Governor McCray,” James J. Nejdl, president pro tern and Republican floor leader in the Senate, declared today. Nejdl was in Indianapolis to confer with Clyde A. Walb, Republican State chairman, on ways and means to oust McCray. “I think there is no question in the world that an impeachment session can be called without the consent of the Governor,” Nejdl said. “The constitution does not contemplate the Governor calling an impeachment session.”

Nejdi said the call for such a session should come from the House of Representatives, because the Senate would sit as a trial court. He said he believed the Speaker of the House would be the man to call the session. "I should think if McCray is innocent he would prefer to be tried by the Senate and exonerated before he goes on trial on the grand jury indictments,’’ Nedj! said. Walb expressed determination to go through with plans to oust McCray. Walb Is "Determined” "Vou can say I am determined to carry out my judgment that the Governor ought to retire,” Walb said. *1 make this statement after reviewing the testimony of the Governor concerning that way in which he carried away State agriculture board money, the manner in which he had State money in his account for seven months and the manner in which he used the name of the Canby Cattle Company, which never existed, and the way in which he signed the names of others to notes.” “I am going ahead with this fight.” Walb said he was making this statement as an individual and that a statement from the committee is not ready. Besides Senator Nejdl, members of the Legislature present at the Severln. where the conference was being held, ■were Raymond C. Morgan, speaker ©f the House of Representatives; Senator Rowland Hill, of Carthage, Senator Howard Cann of Frankfort, and Senator Will K. Penrod, of Loogootee. Wednesday Decision Altered It was reported that Wednesday evening the party leaders had decided not to press a plan for the removal ©f McCray providing the Governor would put nothing in the way of a speedy trial. Walb’s statement, however, was taken to Indicate this was hot a final dicision. Morgan expressed himself as oppored to an impeachment session at this time. He eald that McCray win be tried by the courts in the regular way and there would be no necessity for the State to be put to the expense of two trials, one In the courts and one In the Legislature. "I think McCray is entitled to a fair trial and a speedy trial,” Cann said. “If he is convicted then will be the time to impeach him. I don’t | believe in slow justice. I believe our first consideration should be the welfare of the State and our second that of the Republican party.” Constitution Is Cited Hill expressed the opinion that the Legislature can meet without the call of the Governor. He cited sections of the Constitution to support this opinion Members of the sub-committee of the State committee which is conducting the investigation of McCray’s affairs has been invited by McCray .o call on him. They were expected to see the Governor some time today. McCray’s latest move in defiance of the State committee was a call upon Walb and the sub-committee investigating the McCray affair by a "committee of friends of the Governor," who assured the committee McCray had no intention of resigning. The committee was composed of thtree McCray appointees, Eben H. Wolcott, State bank commissioner; Fred G. Robinson, State purchasing agent, and Eph Dailey, member of the industrial board.

15 more <X\ ' SHOPP| NG DAYvS BEFOCE Xmas

The Indianapolis Times

President Coolidge Says in His First Message to Congress

GROVER BERGDOLL’S ASSAILANT FACES GERMAN COURT Lieut. Griffis Moved by Patriotism in Attempting to Kidnap Slacker. By United Press MOSSBACH, Germany, Dec. 6. —"I only wanted to get that coward and traitor, Grover Bergdoll, back to America. I acted only from motives of patriotism,” Lieut. Cories Griffis of Chicago declared today his trial for assault and battery and attempted kidnaping of the notorious Philadelphia draft dodger opened. Griffis assumed entire responsibility of the affair. Others who were with him when the kidnaping attempt failed were also to be tried. Bergdoll himself was present at the trial, swaggering arrogantly and accompanied by his Inevitable bodyguard. The courthouse was heavily guarded. Griffis, who with several companions, one of whom was killed by the slacker, tried to take Bergdoll from an Eberbach Hotel last fall and hustle him into a waiting automobile, the plan being to rush him across the bolder into France. He described the atten.pt today, testifying he had no intention of killing Bergdoll. "That his country In time of need by refysing to enter the army,” Griffis exclaimed. “Consequently another was taken into the army and died in his place.”

BANKRUPTCY SUIT DECISIONOELAYED Month or More Required for New Arguments, Decision in the bankruptcy case against Governor McCray in Federal Court probably will not be reached by Harry C. Sheridan, referee in bankruptcy, for a month or more. When presentation of evidence ended Wednesday, both sides requested oral arguments. A date for these will be set later. Preparation of the record is expected to take about ten days. The record will be voluminous, as the hearing lasted nine days. Governor McCray was on the stand for almost six days. Fireman Falls; I .eg Broken Lon Harding, 45, of 214 Minker St., fireman at the W. Washington and Brush Sts. power plant of the Indianapolis Railway Company, suffered a broken leg and a dislocated shoulder today when he fell twenty feet from a boiler in the plant. Clouds of escaping steam obscured his view and he made a mis-step, police said.

‘Dead’ Man Arrested After Three Years

By United Press HTTIAPA, Cal., Dec. 6.—"1 only lIN I saw one wa y out and * too|c That was the explanation which Edward J. Sailstad of Eau Claire, Wis., gave today for his mysterious “disappearance” in 1920 when with his business affairs badly tangled, he dropped out of sight with his secretary. Sailstad was arrested at St. Helena, Wednesday, together with the girl who first said she was Mary Brown and later was declared to bj Dorothy Anderson of Eau Claire. Since 1920 Sailstad has been supposed to be dead. Charred benea, identified as his, were found

‘Hi, Pop!’ When County Prosecutor William P. Evans was called to the Methodist Hospital at 7:42 a. m. today, according to reports. he was greeted with a lusty "Hi,' Pop! Greetings!” as hi3 new son and heir tossed a chubby leg over the side of ills cradle to welcome his brand new father. Anyway, that’s the way the story* goes. And Evans spent the rest of the day entertaining the visitor. No, he hasn't been christened. Yes, he’ll probably be a lawyer. Oh, about eight pounds. Mrs. Evans is doing well, thank you.

‘AGITATED WAN’ ON CAR SEEN AS CLEW IN MURDER Danville Interurban Conductor Tells Story—Shaw Continues Denials. H. E. Templeton, a conductor on the Danville Interurban line, which passes Stop No. 4, a quarter of n mile north of the bridge from which the body of Mrs. Helen Whelchel, 22, of 1854 Applegate St., was thrown after her murder eight days ago, today said the car stopped for a white man at 12:40 a. m. the day of the murder. The body was found a mile north of Ben Davis on the Big Four Railroad tracks. According to Templeton, the man was nervous and glanced about him as if fearing something. A Ford car was parked at the stop, he said, but he could not tell whether there was another man in It. The conductor stated he could not describe the man, since he knew nothing about the murder at the time and paid little attention. The man got off somewhere in the city, but the conductor said he didn’t notice where. Hour After Abduction This incident occurred about an hour after Frank Oberting, 1729 S. East St., heard screams and saw a Ford touring car drive rapidly away from lowa and East Sts,, swerving as If the driver was experiencing difficulty In steering the car. Discovery of Mrs. Whelchel’s hat proved she was carried away In the automoblle.The body of Mrs. Whelchel was found beneath the bridge at 7:20 the morning the man boarded the Interurban. Track walkers said the body had not been lying at the point several hours before. The county grand Jury today resumed examination of witnesses who are supposed to know details connected with the murder. It was said at the courthouse that the probe might be finished today, with a possibility that an Indictment might he returned against John Thomas Shaw, 24, colored, 1418 E. Maryland St., who Is charged with the murder by police. If Shaw Is Indicted he will he returned from Michigan City immediately for arraignment and trial. Trial will he In Criminal Court. Shaw Is held at the'State prison at Michigan City, where he was taken late Monday for safe keeping. Shaw Holds to Story Meanwhile. Shaw continued to doggedly deny he knows anything about the murder and to contend that Mrs. Whelchel’s watch and ring were given to him by a white man a week ago Wednesday afternoon. Mullin said that Detectives Radamaeher and Allen, who have been questioning Shaw at Michigan City, probably will return tonight. Pojice Lieut. John Zener, who helped guard Shaw on the trip to Michigan City, returned late Wednesday. SCHLOSS IS UNDECIDED Clothier Has Had No Opportunity to Discuss Health Job. Sol Schlosß, clothier, appointed by Mayor Shank to succeed the late Dr. E. E. Hodgin as president of the board of health, was undecided today on whether he would accept the position. “I have just returned from New York and haven’t had an opportunity to tajk with Mayor Shank on the appointment,” said Schloss.

in a burned cabin in a summer resort in Wisconsin. Sailstad according to Thomas Anglin, district attorney, confessed last night the bones were those of a man whom he knew; that the man had died, and that he had gone to the cemetery, dug up the remains. placed them in the cabin and set fire to the place. 6ailstad declared he desired to ”gj#t away” from his wife. ,r * owed a lot of money,” he said. "I thought it over and the idea came to me there was no use waiting to die before collecting my life Insurance. “I didn’t want to kill any one, yet I seeded a corpse.

INDIANAPOLIS, THURSDAY, DEC. 6, 1923

Belasco .Might Get Some Good Ideas From These Artist Girls of Tech H. S.

LEFT TO RIGHT—MISS DOLORES SNYDER. MISS DOROTHY WHIDDEN, MISS RI'TH ROBINS AND MISS MARIAN CLENDENING. BE LOW —SOME OF THEIR WORK.

TTENTION! Mr. Belasco. Need any help on costumlng and stage setting? Want some brand new Ideas, fresh from young minds unfettered by conventionalities born of long contact with theatrical business? Go out to Technical high school. See the class In "stagecraft” con-

SIX MEN ARE HELD IN SPENCER BANK RAIDS

PROBLEMS AIRED BY DRYWORKERS Rikhoff Says Technicalities Block Enforcement. "Judges are blocking prohibition enforcement by technicalities finding fault with search warrants, and dismissing law violators we know *o be guilty.” said Police Chief Herman F. Rikhoff today at a conference of public officials considering prohibition enforcement. R. C. Minton, assistant Federal prohibition enforcement officer, presided at the meeting in city council chamber. Bert Morgan, prohibition enforcement officer for Indiana: Sheriff George Snider, Capt. William Paulsell of the police booze division, and George Winkler, group chief of the local group of Federal agents, spoke. Morgan said this Is the "dryest” city in the country. W. C. T. U. representatives from Marion and nine nearby counties attended. METHODIST BISHOP DIES OF PARALYTIC STROKE By United Press . LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Dec. 6 Bishop James Atkins, stricken with paralysis presiding over the Little Rock conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, died last night. He had been a leader in church activities for many years. Fesler Ordered Into Court Sheriff George Snider today served notice upon County Auditor Leo K. Fesler for his appearance before Judge James A. Leathers Friday at 9 a. m., to show cause why he should not be held for contempt of court. Fesler has refused to pay a bill for decoration of eathers’ courtroom, it is said.

“So I kept a lookout for people that looked like me who were about to die and pretty soon I learned that Allen McFee, whom I knew, had died up at Lake Nebagammon, Wis. “I went there and rented a cottage, and one night I drove out to the Presbyterian cemetery, dug up McFee's body, put it in a piece of canvas, carried it to the cottage I had rented, and put my ring on the finger. “I set fire to the cottage and caught an automobile ride into Superior, Wis. That night I went on to Chicago.” Officers stated the woman with him admitted she was Dorothy Anderson, etenograher, and she met Sailstad in Chicago and fled with him. Long drawn-out legal controversy

ducted by Miss Ruth O. Stebblns. The class studies history of costume, designing of stage curtains, sets for plays and the stage in general. An interesting phase is the designing, carving and painting of wooden figures, os shown in the photograph.

Former Prosecutor Charged With Being Leader of 'Tough Gang' of Sixteen Bandits,

Six men were arrested at Rlcknell, Ind., today charged with the sensa tlon&l rubbery of the Exchange and Spencer National Banks at Spencer, Ind., Niv. 6. Chief of Police R. G. Terrell ot Bicknell. working with Harry G. Webster, Indlanap'lls, of the protective department of the Indiana Bankers’ Association, made the arrests. The men: Earl Loucks, former as slstant prosecuting attorney of Knox County; Basil McCarty. Garland SAFECRACKERS’ LOOTISNOTHING Strong Box, Opened by Drill, Is Empty, A hole drilled into the lock of a safe, which was then opened, availed robbers nothing, according to Ray W. Clark, 2234 N. Alabama St., district manager of the Refining Company, E. Twenty-First St. and the Belt Railroad, where the safe was opened. The safe contained no valuables. TH ESPLApT ‘FREE’ AG AIN Headliner at Keith’s "Tries Her Wings” After Divorce. Mrs. Nola Margaret Mercer, 38 S. Brookvlile Rd., is treading the boards at Keith’s this week as a headliner in "The World of Make-Believe,” with the knowledge that she is again “matrimonially free.” Mrs. Mercer, a legal resident of Indianapolis, was granted a divorce from Kilburn B. Mercer, Worthington, Ind., Wednesday afternoon by Circuit Judge H. O. Chamberlain on the grounds of desertion and non-support.

over atempts to collect Sailstad’s SBO,OOO insurance followed his disappearance. His widow married a second time, believing him dead. Miss Anderson was known around Chicago as “the Sunshine Girl,” because she was always smiling. She said: "I met Sailstad in Chicago in 1019 and liked him very much. “At that time I was engaged to marry another man. I liked the other man and he was good to me, but I did not want to marry him. I was really sick. “I argued with this other man about not marrying him and then Mr. Sailstad came along. I did not love him at first —Just liked him—but our friendship grew into love,”

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

Class men, hers, besides those shown above, are Russell Fletcher, Philip Colgrove, Edward Fisher, Miss Vera Fee, Joseph Henninger, Malcolm Kelly, John Lahman, Miss Myrtle Lepper. Miss Helen Power, Miss Pauline Weaver and Miss Dolores Snyder.

1 Beacher. Walter Stotts, Kenneth Allison and Walter Howard. Loucks Is charged with being the leader. According to Knox County officials he rounded up a "tough gang" of sixteen men, directed a series of hardware store robberies In which guns and ammunition were stolen, and then drilled his squads carefully for the Spencer raid. Two men previously arrested were released upon questioning. Eight more arrests are expected. Five men suspected of membership left the State after the robbery, but are "spotted,” officers said. Webster left for Bicknell today for further questioning of the prisoners. Loot variously estimated at from $13,000 to $17,000 was obtained from the two Spencer banks in the early morning hours when a gang of bandits isolated the town by cutting off telephone and telegraph communication and electric power lines. The bn.rik vaults were blown while armed sentries paced the streets. Two citizens were shot when they attempted to accost the sentries. The bandits escaped in automobiles THEY COULPrr STOP IT Boys Toll fiJudge Lahr About Wild Steam Roller Ride. Starting something they couldn’t stop got three boys from before Juvenile Judge Frank J. Lahr today to tell about it. The something was a steam roller left at Temple Ave. and E. Tenth St., Nov. 8, to repair streets. The boys started the machine, after workmen had gone home The ride ended fifty feet away, wheer a telephone pole saved a front porch from being crushed. The roller was damaged SBO. "Judge, the steam was 100 pounds and got up to $l6O, and we thought It ought to be used,” explained one lad. The boys are Harold Martz, 13, of 2516 E. Pratt St.: Bert Jones, 11, Temple Ave. and E. Tenth St., and Richard Kennedy, 9, of 907 Temple Ave. The case was continued until Dec.* 22.

1,000 FARMERS CONVENE Fifth Annual Meeting Is Opened at Claypool Hotel Approximately 1,000 farmers today attended the fifth convention of the Indiana Farm Bureau at the Claypool. President W. H. Settle in an address expressed optimism over the federation's future. Wives of the farmers met at the English and heard an address by Mrs. W. C. Martin, Nationnl Federation of Business and Professional Women. Officers will be elected tonight, and the annual b.anquet held at the Lincoln Friday evening. HOURLY TEMPERATURE 8 a. m. 8510 a. m........ 38 7 a. m 84 11 a. m. 83 8 a. m 84 &8 (noon) ...... 34 9 flu RL 88 1 p m........ 88

Reaction of Solons to Administration Leader's Address Disappointingly Feeble —Attention Is Respectful, but Applause is Light,

Crisp, Pithy Utterances

Bv United Press TyTJ aSHINGTON, Dec. 6. yU President Coolidge’a message to Congress today bristled with crisp, pithy sentences. Here are some of them: We attend to our own affairs • * • but we recognize thoroughly our obligation to help others. Partisanship has no place in our foreign relations. I do not propose to make merchandise of any American principles. We shall persevere in well doing, not by force, but by reason. To reduce war taxes is to give every home a better chance.

By LAWRENCE MARTIN Times Staff Correspondent THE CAPITOL, WASHINGTON, Dec. 6.—President Coolidge today gave Congress and the American people his program and his platform. In his first message to Congress—a message stamped as the first act of his campaign for the presidency in 1924—the President ended his silence on national problems. He dealt, more or less definitely, with the whole range of national and international affairs. The message was his first big test as President. The reaction of Congress was disappointingly feeble. It was clear, before Mr. Coolidge finished, that he and his supporters must wait for the broader reaction of the whole country before being able accurately to appraise the effect of the message. “Os all services which the Congress can render to the country, I have no hesitation in declaring tax reduction to be paramount,” he said. “The country wants this measure to have the right of way over all others.” He is opposed to a soldier bonus, the President said flatly and without qualification.

Mr. Coolidge received the most respectful attention from House and Senate all through the reading of hla 7,000-word address. He received considerable applause, but It w;is for the most part brief and scattered. Most ! of his recommendations were received ; in dead silence by the Congress. His urgent advocacy of tax reducS tion stirred applause, but it was over |in a moment. His demand for pro- | hibltlon enforcement was received I silently. The message was transmitted from j the Capitol by radio. Mrs. Coolidge arrived in the House I gallery two minute? before the House | met at noon. The House and the i galleries rose and applauded her. She sat beside Mrs. Charles Evans Hughes, w!f of the Secretary of State, in the front row of the presidential gallery. Harvey in Gallery George Harvey, former ambassador to Great Britain, accompanied by R. B. Creager, Republican national committeeman from The diplomatic later escorted him COOLIDGE to a place on the House floor. The Republican side arose and gave Secretary Hughes a round of applause when he arrived at 12:10. Solons Greet Coolidge Amid thunders of applause, Mr. Coolidge strode Into the House chamber at 12:28 and ascended the speak er's rostrum, where Speaker Gillett grasped him by the hand, as did Senator Cummins. The President stood quietly waiting for the applause to die out. He put on hla glasses and arranged the manuscript of his message neatly on the desk in front of him. He began speaking at 12:31. The President spoke slowly and easily. He was Interrupted by warm applause when he said the United States would stay out of the League of Nations. The President finished his message at 1:35, having spoken for an hour and four minutes. The House Immediately adjourned until Monday out of respect for the late President Harding. In sentences which, like his exact

Coolidge Tribute to Harding

Bu United Press f7TV ,| ASHINGTON, Dec. 6. jyyl Here is President Coo--1 f I lidge’s tribute to the late President Harding, voiced at the beginning of his message to Congress today: “Since the close of the l.ist Congress, the nation has , lost President Harding. The world knew his kindness and his humanity, his greatness, and his char- , acter. He has left his mark upon history. He has made Justice more certain and peace more secure. The surpassing tribute paid to his memory as he was borne across the continent to rest at last at home revealed the place

Forecast FAIR tonight with lowest temperature near freezing. Friday fair with rising temperature in this vicinity.

TWO CENTS

Free government has no greater menace than disrespect for authority. A people who neglect their national defense are putting in Jeopardy their national honor. The humanitarian side of government should not be repressed, but cultivated. American institutions rest solely on good citizenship. Those who do not want to be partakers of the American spirit should not settle In America., It is necessary not only to have faith, but to make sacrifices for our faith.

statements on tax deduction and the bonus, defied distortion or misinterpretation of his altitude, Mr. Coolidge said that: The Senate should approve the Harding world court. The League of Nations is a "closed incident” so far as the United States is concerned. The tariff law has produced bounding prosperity’ and should not be tinkered with. Congress should Immediately provide for~Te vision of freight rates. Railroad Consolidation Permissive consolidation of railroads should be authorized, to be followed, If necessary, by compulsory consolidation. The farmers must help themselves out of their troubles, aided to a degree by the Government. Selective Immigration with registration of aliens should be adopted. Muscle Shoals should be sold to somebody who will produce cheap fertilizer. Every citizen should help uphold the prohibition law. The Army and Navy should be strengthened. The negro problem should be dealt with at once by Congress. Coal prices should be reduced, and the Government be given emergency | powers to prevent fuel famines and profiteering. Russia cannot be recognized until she repents. The Monroe Doctrine should be upheld. Death of Harding Mr. Coolidge opened his message with an announcement to Congress of the death of President Harding, and paid hi- oredecessor this tribute: "He has ieft his mark upon history. He has made justice more certain and peace more secure.” Congress and his Administration face the duty, the President said, of developing and supporting the Harding policies. Foreign Affairs America is at peace with he said, and her desire is to perpetuate that peace by granting and requiring full justice. An American policy—minding our own business, recognizing our obligation to help others, but reserving "to the decision of our own Judgment the time, the place and thie method”—must guide, he said. Neither he nor the Senate purposed any change toward the League of tions. "America has taken her place in the world —free. Independent, power(Continued on Page 2)

he held in the hearts of the American people. But this is not the place for extended reference to the man or his work. In this presence, among those who knew and loved him, that is unnecessary. But w r e who were associated with him could not resume together the functions of our office without pausing for a moment, and in his memory reconsecrating ourselves to the sen-ice of our country. He is gone. We remain. It is our duty under the inspiration of his example, to take up the burdens which he was permitted to lay down, and to develop and support the wise principles of government which he represented.”