Indianapolis Times, Volume 35, Number 181, Indianapolis, Marion County, 12 December 1923 — Page 1

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VOLUME 35—NUMBER 181

Sign Appeal for An American in German Prison! \ Petition Urges U. S, Government to Use Its Influence on Behalf of Would-be Kidnaper of Berg- • doll Draft Dodger,

Iry |HE TIMES herewith enlists its readers in a movement to I 1 ; bring about the release of Corliss Hooven Griffis of Hamilton, Ohio, sentenced by a German court to twenty-one months in a German prison for his attempt to kidnap and bring back to America Grover Cleveland Bergdoll, draft evader. There is no question that Griffis violated German law. There Is no question here of the justice of the verdict UNDER GERMAN LAW. But it seems to The Times that this is a case in which the |igood offices of the American Government might well be exerted with the German government to bring about Griffis’ release, now that he has been tried and convicted. This would be *lO interference with the processes of justice in the German courts. Properly enough, the American Government refused to intervene in Griffis’ case before he was tried. In keeping hands off, it did no more than it would expect other nations to do in cases of their nationals who were being tried in American But now that justice has been completed, there could be no fault found with the American Government if, through the State Department, it uses whatever influence its has with the German government to obtain the release of Griffis. There is good precedent for such intervention —in the case of the condemned British nurse, Edith Cavell, who was accused of being a spy, the American ambassador to Belgium, Brand Whitlock, made a plea for her life to the German army authorities. This was before America entered the war and after the German military court had functioned.. The Times believes a kindly appeal, like that which was made for Edith Cavell, could be made, with equal justice, for Corliss Griffis—and with better prospects of success. Therefore, The Times prints here a form letter to Charles E. Hughes, Secretary of State, which it asks its readers to sign, and induce at least one neighbor to sign. Clip and mail the appeal to the “Editor of The Times, Indianapolis, Ind.” Readers desiring to circulate petitions may paste the letter at the top of a sheet of writing paper and obtain signatures on ithe sheet.

PETITION 0 CHARLES E. HUGHES, Secretary of State: 1 "We most respectfully request that the American Government employ its good offices to bring about the release of Corliss Hooven Griffis from the German prison to which he has been sentenced. Since the processes, of justice have been completed in his case, we feel that our Government may now with propriety intervene for his release, or modification of his sentence. In this connection we recall the noble efforts made by our Government in behalf of Edith Cavell after her conviction. Signed • • ••••••••••■• .•••, t , a #

TRIAL OF INDIANA , WOMANRESUMED Mrs. Lillian Walters, Newcastle, Before Jury. By United Preit EDDTVILLE, Ky.. Dec. 12.—The Jury resumed deliberations today in the case of Mrs. Lillian Walters, 23, of Newcastle, Ind., charged with being an accessory before the fact in the slaying of three prison guards af Kentucky penitentiary. Monte Walters, late convict hushand of the accused woman, met death when with 'two other prisoners he made a break for liberty. Mrs. Walters is alleged to have aided in smuggling weapons in to the prisoners. HOURLY TEMPERATURE 6 a. m 33 10 a. m 41 7 a. m... 33 11 a. m. • 44 8 a. m 34 12 (noon) 46 9 a. m.. 37 1 p. m 48 lO more SHOPPING DAY 6 BEFOftE > Xmas^|, ..

The Indianapolis Times

VESTAL BEING GROOMED AS G. 0. P. JOUSE WHIP WASHINGTON, Dec. 12.—Representative Vestal of Indiana, Eighth District, will become Republican whip of the House, according to plans of Republican leaders. Vestal will succeed Knutson, Minnesota. CHARLES MOORES WILL PROBATED Family Property Left to Son, Daughter and Widow, Under the will of the late Charles W. Moores, United States commissioner. probated today, property at Merrill and Alabama Sts., site of his boyhood home, is left to his son, Charles W., Jr., and to his daughter, Miss Emily B. Moores! The will advised they keep it, as it has been “In the family since 1839.” His Lincoln library and collection of pictures is left to the daughter, as are a “Beecher” ring and his mother’s heirlooms. Mr. Moore's law library is left to his brother, Merrill W. Moores, Congressman. The residue of the $40,00 Oestate shall go to the widow, Mrs. Elizabeth Nichols Moore, the will directs. BROTHERS ARECONvFdED Convicted of keeping a gaming house, Con well and Eli Parham, colored, brothers, 846 Michael St., were each fined $lO and costs and sentenced to ten days on the State farm in city court today. Eli Parham also was fined $5 on a charge of gaming. Asa result of a raid on a poolroom at Michael and Wyoming Sts., these men were fined $5 and costs each on gaming charges: Will Stylet, 322 Ray St.; Percy Hopkins, 320 W. Wyoming St.; Joe Baughman, 318 W. Wyoming St., and Raymond Rallies, 845 Michael St. All are colored.

GIRL IS ONE OF TRIO IN INDICTMENT Two Youths and Miss Thelma Clark Face Charges of Banditry, Alleging auto banditry, robbery and grand larceny were practiced on Alfred Voight, 4821 College Ave., the night of Nov. 28, the grand jury today returned an indictment against Thelman Louise Clark, Rudolph Fleenor and James Harrington, all of Louisville. Miss Clark, according to police, decoyed Voight to an encounter with her two companions near Riverside Park, where he was relieved of his watch, ring and $24 cash. They were ordered held In jail under SIO,OOO bond by Criminal Judge James A. Collins. Charges of auto banditry, robbery and grand larceny were contained In an Indictment returned against Jack Holloway and Thomas Dranginis, who are alleged to have held up the Standard Oil filling station before Mayor Shank’s home Oct. 25, getting $35 cash. They are held In Jail In default of $5,000 bond. Seventeen Indictments were returned and thirteen persons ordered released from Jail on bond. Samuel Arnold, 453 W. Eighteenth St., was indicted on statutory charges and William Pruitt. 1023 S. New Jersey St., on burglary and grand larceny counts. Others indicted were Edward Audel, 220 W. Twentieth St., and Harry Gilbert, Jail, burglary and grand larceny; Daniel L. Ayres, embezzlement and grand larceny of S7O worth of dry goods from Henry L. Sanders, 218 Indiana Ave.: Alhert Odom, Jail, burglar vand petit larceny; James Hughes, liquor sale, and Albert Moore, grand larceny.

INDEPENDENTS BUN AT EESS EXPENSE THANBELLPHONE’ Evidence Introduced by Commission to Show Operating Costs, Evidence to show Independent telephone exchanges In Indiana are oper ated more cheaply than Bell exchanges of similar size was presented by the public service commission before Judge George T. Page in Federal Court today. The commission began the Introduction of testimony following the conclusion of the case of the telephone company, which Is asking for an Injunction to keep present rates iu effect. Boggs Compares Costs I Tarn - Boggs, chief accountant for the commission, was the first witness and presented the comparative cost figures. Cyrus G. Hill, Chicago, an engineer, was the principal witness for the company. He presented in detail figures attempting to show the telephone company is entitled to a rate of tlon of 6.01 per cent. The commission ordered a depreciation allowance of 6 per cent. Thomas R. Keyes, vice president and auditor of the telephone company, was recalled to the stand for a short time. He testified continued rate litigation had increased the expenses of the company somewhat. Legal Expense Higher. He said the principal increase was In legal expenses, which amounted to $38,000 last year, as compared with $6,000 to SIO,OOO during previous years. James G. Wray, Chicago, a telephone engineer, told the court a fair value of the property of the Indiana Company is $43,000,000. He valued the Indianapolis exchange at SIB,OOO - 000. sixty-nine other exchanges In Indiana at $16,000,000 and the toll system in the State at $9,000,000. Reproduction cost of property, he testified, would be ini',ooo,ooo. Wray testified that the rate of depreciatirn for the property as a w'hote should not be less than 6 per cent. On cross examination, the witness said that In the $4,000,000 valuation he had included $6,000,000 for going value. C. W. Romine, rate engineer futhe company, testified that the difference In return on the schedule ordered by the public service commission and that allowed by the temporary Injunction ordered by the Federal Court would be about $50,000 a month for the State as a whole. BRIDGE BONDS 7RE SOLD A $210,000 bond issue to finance a new bridge over Fall Creek on Dela ware St., was sold today by county OMCmissioners for $217,350.50 to Breed, Elliott & Harrison. Bids on the bridge will be opened Dec. 19. The bonds will pay 5 per cent interest and will fall due in equal Instalments from two to twenty years, The issue is non-Laxable.

INDIANAPOLIS, WEDNESDAY, DEC. 12,1923

Smiles Passed Out With License Plates

'nA’sjgßßgasfiGfc'ji '

MRS. INEZ FLECK AND ONE OF THE 1924 INDIANA AUTOMOBILE LICENSE PLATES.

MOTORISTS BUY ’ AUTO LICENSES AT HIGHER PRICE Mattie Wilson Gets First Plates Issued by State Bureau, Mrs. Inez Fleck, 1435 E. Vermont St., had the honor of receiving payment for the first set of 1924 Indiana automobile license plates, which went on sale at the State House at 8 a. m. today. Mrs. Fleck Is cashier of the automobile license department. Mattie Wilson, 1334 Commerce Ave., bought the first license. The number was 8020. It will adorn a Chevrolet. The new number plates are black and orange and cost considerably more than last year, due to an act of the last legislature. If you are a Ford owner, for instance, you will pay SB. Last year they cost you $5. The new license fee schedule follows: Passenger Automobiles Less than 25 h. p., less than pounds, $3. Less than 25 h. p., 2.000 to 2,590 pounds. sl2. Less than 25 h. p., 2,600 to 3,000 pounds, sl4. Less than 25 h. p.. 3,000 pounds or more. sl7. Twenty-five h. p. to 40 h- p., less than 2,500 pounds, sl4. Twenty-five h. p. to 40 h. p., 2,600 to S,OOO pounds, sl7. Tw’enty-Five h. p. to 40 h. p., 3.000 to 3.500 pounds, S2O. Twenty-Five h. p. to 40 h. p., 3,500 to 4.000 pounds, $22. h. p. to 40 h. p., pounds or more, $24. Forty h. p. or more, less than 3,500 pounds, $24. Forty h. p. or more, 3,600 to 4,000 pounds, $27. Forty h. p. or more, 4,000 pounds or more, S3O. Electric pleasure vehicles, SB. Trurks Truck or delivery car of Mi ton or less, $lO. , Truck, M to 1 ton sls. Truck, r to 2 tons, S2O. Truck, of 2 to 3V4 tons, SSO. Truck, of 8H to 6 tons, $125. Truck of 6 to 7% tons. $176. Truck of tons or more, $250. Trailers Less than 1 ton capacity, $3. One to 2 tons, $lO Two to 5 tons, S2O. Five tons or mo.-e, S4O. Miscellaneous Manufacturers and dealers llcenxe, $26. Duplicate numbers, per set, $2. Motorcycle manufacturers and dealers licenses, sls. Duplicate plates for motorcycles, sl. Chauffeurs licenses, $2. Motorcycles, $3. Transfers, sl, Owners’ duplicate plates, sl.

VETS TO CONSIDER OFFICER’S PLIGHT Resolution Asking for Release of Griffis Proposed, Requests that the United State Government take action to obtain the release of Corliss Hooven Griffis, exAmerican army officer who was sentenced to serve twenty-one months In a German prison last week, will Ve made In a resolution to coma before the Rainbow Division Veterans Association tonight in Superior Court Room 3, Byron C. Young, president., stated. Injured In Auto Ci-■ ih; May Die By Times Special COLUMBUS, Ind.. Dec. 12.—-Harvey Spurlin, 65, may die as the result of injuries received when his car was hit and turned over by a car driven by Ralph McNealy of Hope. His son Alonzo was seriously hurt. Both were pinned under the machine. Insurance Policies Are Found Mrs. Fred Joss, 1836 N. Pennsyi vania St., reported theft of $l2B in clothing and jewelry from her home. Fire insurance policies were found in the front yard.

TEMPLETON NAMED FOR OKE JOB Safety Beard Appoints Man With Third Ranking Upon Mayor’s Advice. Hubert F. Templeton, 422 W. Fortieth St., was appointed assistant chief smoke inspector b3 r the board of safety today. Ten; pleton filed his bond immediately and after conferring with Francis Hamilton, city building commissioner, assumed his duties at noon. Ternpleon’s appointment came unexpectedly in,a special session of the board called to consider holding another examination for applicants for the position. Mayor Shank favored Templeton's appointment immediately and advised the board members to name Templeton today. The appointment ends a controversy started when the technical committee recommended either Daniel Grleb or John Shrefller to the position. Grleb’s examination grade was 82.4 Shreffler’s 86 and Templeton’s 84.2. In the oral examination, the committee held that Templeton did not rank high, and consequently did not recommend him. The mayor and the board of safety, however, interviewed the three highest men and were more favorably impressed with Templeton. Politics Denied Charges of politics In the selectiop of Templeton were denied by members of the safety board and Mayor Shank who said they had never met Templeton before the examination. Templeton is 39 years old and Is a graduate of the School of Engineering of Purdue University In the class of 1919. He is employed at present In the bridge department of the State highway commission, but formerly was connected wdth Nordyke & Marmon Company and Dodge Brothers of Detroit. “A great part of the smoke evil can be abated by proper educational measures.’’ said Templeton today, “and It will be my policy to show propor means of combustion to the engineers of the city. The process is gradual, and we can’t expect sweeping changes in a short time. "BID Is Effective” Templeton said he had carefully studied the provisions of the smoke abatement ordinance and thought It had effective enforcement provisions. He said he had no estimate on the number of assistants ho would em ploye to help him, until after he conferred with Hamilton. Chicago has sixty men enforcing the smoke abatement ordinance, but Templeton said he would use Inspectors in the building department to help him enforce the measure here. The position pays $3,000 annually. An ordinance appropriating the salary for 1924 is pending. Hamilton said he had funds on hand to pav Templeton until Jan. 1.

HARDING SHRINE FUND TOM KM Large Number of Small Subscriptions Received. With interest in the Harding memorial campaign spreading throughout the city, William Fortune, chairman of the local Harding committee, day reported a total of $4,111.45 contributions. A large number of small subscriptions were received at the campaign headquarters In the Union Trust Company building today. Many were mailed to The Times. Managers of several Indianapolis office buildings assisted Tuesday night in directing the public's attention to the campaign when crosses were formed by illuminating certain windows in their buildings. The Fletcher Savings and Trust, Flume-Mansur, J. F. Wild, Guaranty and Occidental buildings took part. An appeal for subscriptions from members of the Rotary Club was made by James A. Stuart. President Harding was a Rotarian. TAX STAND COMMENDED Metal Trades Body Ratifies Committee Resolution. Members of the Indianapolis Branch National Metal Trades Association, f>day ratified a resolution commending President Coolldge and Secretary of the Treasury Mellon for their stand on the tax reduction. The resolution was adopted several days ago by the executive committee. "Tax reduction by Federal and State Governments will be an important stimulus to industry," said the resolution. A copy of the resolution was sent to President Coolldge, Indiana Senators and Representatives. Drug Firm Incorporates C. G. Mueller, Inc., pharmacists at 2462 Central Ave., filed articles of incorporation today Incorporators: Charles G. Mueller, Victor E. Richart and Alfred C, Mueller. Captial stock, SIO,OOO. *

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

PREMIER YANK HERO HOPEFUL FOR PEACE

SERGT. GEORGE T. SEWELL OF FT. BENJAMIN HARRISON (LEFT), WHO GAVE UP THE RANK OF SERGEANT MAJOR IN ORDER THAT SERGT. MAJ. SAMUEL WOODFILL (RIGHT) MIGHT BE RETIRED WITH THIS RANK. THE HIGHEST NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICE IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY.

Sergt. Woodfill Ready for Army Retirement Aftfer 22 Years’ Duty, it I’ JAMI’EL WOODFILL, serI geant major, retied, ’* he Ltr.l will be in the Army of the United States, but only “Samuel Woodfill, ! private,” In the army of life. For, after twenty-two years In the service of his country. Sergeant Woodfill, designated by Gen. Jonn J. Pershing as "the outstanding American soldier of the World War." Is to lay aside his khaki uniform and don civilian clothes once more. What will he do. this man who Joined the Army at Ft. Thomas, Ky , back In 1901, when he was only 13 years old? “I don’t know,” he told a Times reporter. "I have had no training except that I received In the Arm/. My life before I enlisted was spent on a farm, near Madison, Ind. 11l just have to find out what I can do. "We’ll probably live at Ft. Thomas, wheie my wife has been living. Our women folks, you 3ce, have almost as hard a battle as the inen, but in a different way.” Sergt. Woodfill and Ids wife will celebrate their seventh wedding anniversary Dec. 20, at Ft. Thomas, where the soldier is on recruiting

G.O.P. SHOWDOWN ON WAY DEC. 27 Ciyde Walb Expects Support of State Committee, A showdown on the attitude of the Republican party toward Governor McCray is expected to occur when the Republican State committee meets here Dec. 27 in pursuance to a call by Clyde A. Walb, State chairman. Besides members of the commutes, members of Congress and other party leaders are expected to attend the meeting. It was said the date was set for Christmas week partially because Congressmen will then be home. Chairman Walb has declared he will resign If he does not receive the support of the committee. He has been in Ft. Wayne gathering data concerning the Governor. At F’t. Wayne he was quoted as saying ho does not expect to resign. This was taken as an indication he expects to receive the support of a majority of the State committee. A telegram commending the Governor’s stand and declaring Walb's own county against his efforts was received by McCray today. The telegram read: Congratulations to you for the stand you have taken relative to resignation. Lagrange county as a whole Is not in sympathy with the chairman’s (Walbb's) attitude. We hope you will hold office until convicted or proven innocent. Lagrange County Trust Company. M’GONAGLE FOR SHIDELER POSE? Plainfield School Director Is Mentioned, Charles A. McGonagle, superintend ent of the Indiana Boys’ School at Plainfield, was mentioned today as possible sucessor to George A. H. Shldeler, superintendent of the State reformatory until his death Tuesday. Mr. McGonagla’e experience in handling young men Is said to be a point greaiily in his favor. Capt. A. F. Mills, assistant head of the reformatory, has been in active charge since Mr. Shideler’s death. Nothing has been done officially for selecting a successor. Truck Kills Small Child By United Press FT. WAYNE, Ind., Dec. 12.—Harold Flaugh, 4, was killed when a motor truck driven by Elmer E. Scott ran over him. IDs skull was fractured.

this that Sergeant Woodfill will bring his wife to Ft. Benjamin Hairison for the discharge ceremony. In order that the war hero may be retired with the rank of sergeant major, George T. Sewell volunteered to become just "sergeant.” After Sergeant Woodflll’s retirement, which probably will be the occasion for a post review at Ft. Harrison, Sergeant Sewell will regain his rank, as a vacancy will be created. Retirement Pay $133 Month Sergeant Woodfill. who is a member of Company B, 11th United States Infantry, was at Ft. Harrison Tuesday to file his discharge papers. He returned to Ft. Thomas Tuesday night. His retirement pay will be $133.76 a month. Had he been retired as just a sergeant It would have been only S6B. A sacrifice of rank similar to that offered by Sergeant Sewell was mads by Sergeant Woodfill In 1902 In the Philippine Islands. Woodfill voluntarily resigned as corporal. "Well, you see,” the eergear t explained with the dignified calri that marks him a true soldier, "there was a surplus of non-commis-sioned officers. This was Just after the Philippine trouble ended. I was only a Junior officer. So I Just gave way so a senior officer could hold his rank.” Killed 19 of Enemy America has been told time after time how. during the World War, Woodfill, then a lieutenant, killed nineteen Germans, captured three others and silenced three machine guns, single-handed, on the morning of Oct. 12, 1918. For this day’s service Lieutenant Woodfill receolved the Congressional Medal of Honor from General Pershing at Chaumont, France, Feb. 9, 1918. On Feb. 25, 1919. he was appointed a captain. This war rank was taken away after his return to the United States. In addition to the medal of honor. Sergeant Woodfill holds the medal of the chevalier of the French Legion of Honor, the Italian crolx de guerre with palm and the crolx de Danllo, fifth class, of Montenegro. With medals of service and of victory, he now wears nine decorations. Now Thinks of Peace And now that his soldier days are almost over, Sergeant Woodfill Is thinking of peace—a soldier’s peace. “Preparedness is the best way to foster peace,” he declared. "Europe looks upon America as the policeman of the world. It Is safe for America to be armed, because she Is not a wealth-seeking Nation. She never has entered a war for conquest. "She must have an adequate standing army, and reserves upon whom she can call in an emergency, to preserve peace for herself and for other nations.” That Is Sergeant Woodfill—first of all a soldier, hoping for peace, but. ready to serve again, “as long as I am able-bodied.”

SHAW TRUE BILE CORRECTION MADE Coroner Says Mrs, Whelchel’s Body Was Unmolested.* A second indictment charging John Thomas Shaw, 24, colored, 1418 E. Maryland St., with first degree murder In connection with the death of Mrs. Helen Whelchel, 22, of 1834 Applegate St., Nov. 28. was returned today by the county grand jury. The new indictment was made necessary by a flaw discovered fn the original paper, in which Mrs. Whelchel’s name was spelled "Whetchel.” It was said that if the trial had gotten under way before the mistake was discovered considerable delay might have been encountered. In view of stories circulated widely that the body of Mrs. Whelchel had been molested by her murderer, Coroner Paul F. Robinson today made this statement: “Mrs. Whelchel’s body bore absolutely no marks of violence other than marks on the head where blows from blunt instrument fractured her skull; scratches on the throat, broken left leg above the knee, bone protruding and a slight discoloration around + ho left eye.” Shaw continues to maintain his Innocence. He Is held in the State Prison at Michigan City tor safe keepIng. i

• Forecast UNSETTLED weather tonight and Thur .day with probably rain. Warmer tonight. Colder Thursday.

TWO CENTS

FOUR SONS OF FARMER DIE J FIRE Flames Sweep Isolated Home During Night Three Children Are Saved, HIGH WIND FANS BLAZE Charred Bodies Recovered From Debris Defective Flue Is Blamed, By United Press WASHINGTON, Ind., Dee. 12. —Four sons of William Furhraan, a farmer living at Looqootee on the Davies-Martin County line, were burned to death in a Are which destroyed their home Tuesday night. The dead: Wilbert, 18; Herman, 16; Peter, 11; Harold, 10. The four boys were sleeping together in one upper room. When the father discovered the fire It had gained such headway it was impossible for him to get to the boys and attempt rescue. Crackling Awakes Father The father, mother and three other children were asleep on the ground floor of the frame dwelling. When the father was awakened by the crackling of the flames, he barely had time to get himself and his wife and the three children with him out before the roof caved In. It was thought the four boys were overcome by smoke and burned In their beds. The four charred bodies were found huddled close together In the ashes of the home this morning. The other members of the family were forced to stand helplessly by while the house burned to the ground. A strong wind fanned the flames. No Close Neighbor* There were no close neighbors and no fire protection within miles. "When the nearest neighbors, attracted by the glare, reached the spot the fire had practically burned Itself out. It Is thought the fire started from a defective flue. The family just moved Into the house Tuesday and had not gotten all their furniture in place. The farm Is known as the old Furhman homestead. William Furhman was born in the house where his four children met their death. A few years ago he moved 'to another farm, and only Tuesday returned to the homestead after it had been vacated by a tenant. Furhman owns numerous farms In Martin County and is widely known.

SENTENCE OF DEATH had been pronounced by the murder cult of FIRE-TONGUE on the super-detective, Paul Harley, and crouching under a window of the room where Ormuz Khan, the group’s leader, had spoken the word condemning him, was Harley himself, pistol in hand, listening. His was the mission to checkmate Ormuz, and it was for this that the oriental had given the order for bis removal FIRE-TONGUE by SAX ROHMER —a novel of mystery, of iove, of desperate adventure, of gripping Interest and of sustained suspense unsurpassed In Action. BEGINS IN THE TIMES TOMORROW