Indianapolis Times, Volume 35, Number 183, Indianapolis, Marion County, 14 December 1923 — Page 1

Home EdStiom FUTL service of United Press, United News, United Financial, NEA, Scripps Alliance and Scripps-Paine Service.

VOLUME 35—NUMBER 183

YULE BOOZE FLOWING IN

Bootleggers and Rum Runners at Border Points Desperately Engage Federal Forces to Smuggle Liquor Into U. S. SEEK ADVANTAGE OF HIGHER HOLIDAY PRICES Prohibition Agents Taxed to Capacity and Thin Dry Line Is Met by Varying Successes in Combating Wet Invasion, Copyright, 1923, by United Press. NEW YORK. Dee. 14.—Along both coasts of the United |States and on the Mexican and Canadian borders, bootleggers en'gaged Federal forces today in a desperate effort to smuggle liquor into the country to take advantage of high prices prevailing for the holidays. Dispatches from harbors of the Atlantic coast, Pacific coast cities and from the Quebec and Texas frontiers, report the booze battle fluctuating with varying successes.

Not since the Eighteenth Amendment was adopted has the concerted effort of of rum runners presented such a tax upon the coast defenses of the prohlbitn forces. The thin, dry line is meeting the invasion at all points, repelling here, admitting defeat there. Starting at Quebec, in the upper . ight-hand corner of the map. United Press communiques today showed the following: MONTREAL—PoIice state a close check on bridges and ferries by both United States agents and Canadian COUNTY HOLDS UP MARE BRIDGE mm ACES Jflliott Tells Officials ‘Blackmailing’ Will Not Speed Procedure, Marion County will not assist in the construction of the Delaware St bridge over Fall Creek until the city takes definite steps to build the Kentucky Ave. bridge over White River, John L. Elliott, city engineer, was told at a conference in the office of the county commissioners today. The meeting was attended by the county commissioners, members of the county council. Leo K. Fesler, county auditor, and Emsley W. Johnson, county attorney. Bids fer the Delaware St. bridge will be opened Dec. 19 unless a decision is reached to postpone this work pending the action of the city. “The city intends to build the Kentucky Ave. bridge as soon as possible,” Elliott said. “I am not in politics and I don’t know whether politics is back of this move. The city es.n throw over the whole proposition and let the county build the Kentucky Ave. bridge and the Oliver Ave. bridge as it did in the case of the W. Washington St. bridge. Blackmailing tho city will not speed things up." Elliott said the city will have its assessment roll for the Kentucky Ave. bridge completed by Jan. 1. He said It will contain more than 5.000 names. Walter C. Marmon. president of the Wfordyke & Marmon Company, and Commission merchants from the stock yards were present uring the construction of the Kentucky Ave. bridge. The commission and council also were to take up bids for the construction of the colored orphans' home. HODGIN ESTATE $13,000 Wife and Two Children Are Named as Beneficiaries. Tender the will of Dr. E. E. Hodgin, late president of the city health board, who died last week, the $13,000 estate is left to the widow, Mrs. Myrtle Hodgin, a daughter. Miss Agnes N. Hodgin, and a son, John H. Hodgin. THb wife and children are executors Omoi'e SUOPPING DAYS .. BEFORE

Lloyd George Will Have a Special Article in The Times Tomorrow

The Indianapolis Times

liquor commission police has greatly reduced rum running and driven many larger bootleggers from this section. However, much ale still Is appearing in northern New York. Lake Navigation Closed OSWEGO, N. Y. —Although lake navigation is closed and smuggling by water temporarily discontinued, bootleggers apparently were winning at this point, rushing large quantities of liquor across the border. BUFFALO—Numerous river craft are leaving Fort Erie, Ontario, for “Cuba, Venezuelk and Argentine ports.” Their cargoes of liquor, however. are diverted to points afung a fifty-mile American * frontage from Woodlawn Beach. DETROIT E. C. Yellowley. former prohibition chief in New York, heads an army of agents patrolling the boarder. Lights of Canadian breweries across the river, running nights to turn out enough beer for Americans Christmas, are not beacons of hope for the thirsty Yellowley declared. He claims their success has been so great tg>otleggers are bottling synthetic whiskies on the American side and selling the stuff with spurious labels. Steady Flow Admitted SAN FRANCISCO—A steady but light flow of liquor from the Ca'iSFin border in the Far West is admitted. LOSANGELE 8 -Prohibition agents have concentrated to stem the llow from Northern Mexico during Chrlstirias week. No unusual quickening of the liquor invasion was noted. HOUSTON. Texas —The Mexican revolution has resulted in a decrease of liquor supply which normally comes over the border. Border guards have been Increased which makes the task of the rum runners harder. Liquor sellers say most of the Christmas booze Is coming in from New Orleans. NEW ORLEANS Holiday booze running is in full swing. All grades and varities of liquor are available and the prices are being held down despite increasing demand. Izzy Checks Smuggling MOBILE —Izzy Enstein recently visited this sector of the bcoze smuggling frontier and as a result bootleggers have been set back. JACKSONVILLE—The “Bootlegger King” of Jacksonville has gone bankrupt. due to interference with his operations. Heavy seizures of liquor have been made, some totalling $75,000 worth In our haul. NORFOLK, Va.—Bad roads have put a stop to rum landings along the southern coast in this vicinity, and, relieved of competition of the West Indies, local moonshiners are thriving. Any Kind, Low' Prices BALTIMORE Christmas liquor came to Baltimore by train, truck and boat, despite all efforts of the dry forces. Whiskies, beer and gin were to be had in quantities, at low prices. NEW YORK —A rum fleet of varying numbers was reported off the New Jersey coast, sixteen miles at sea. Small craft landed nightly cargoes, many of them falling into the hands of combined dry forces. Headquarters of New Jersey State constabulary reported they were, holding their cwn. BOSTON —Federal agents kept close watch on smuggling and little liquor was run in. EBENHARTER WILL IN PROBATE COURT Son Is Sole Heir and Father's Executor. Ralph E. Edenharter of Philadelphia was appointed executor of the estate of his father, Dr. George F. Edenharter, superintendent of the Central Indiana Hospital for the Insane, today, by Probate Judge Mahlon E. Bash. Dr. Edenharter died last week. Under Dr. Edenharter’s will, the son -will receive all the property. Personal property was estimated at $3,000. The executor said there w r as some real estate.

JUDGE ANDERSON A DEFENDANT IN HIS OWN COURT Federal Jurist Fights SIOO,000 Damage Suit Filed by Gary (Ind.) Attorney. Judge Albert B. Anderson, after presiding over the destinies of Federal Court here for twenty-one years, was a defendant In his own court today. With Judge Anderson seated at the defendant’s table fighting a damage suit for SIOO,OOO brought against him for alleged false imprisonment by Dimltre Economoff, Gary lawyer. Federal Judge George T. Page of Peoria, 111., presided over the trial in the chair occupied so long by Judge Anderson. The case grew' out of the imprisonment of Economoff by Anderson for contempt of court about a year ago. Economoff, according to evidence given in Federal Court at that time, had charged a Gary counterfeiter s9oo for defending him. Part of the money, it was testified. Economoff said was to be used to “flx the judge and district attorneys.” Anderson ordered him to repay S7OO of the money. When he failed to do so he was sent to jail for contempt of court. He was In jail several months. * The case originally was filed in the Marion Circuit Court. It was transferred to Federal Court on motion of Homer Elliott, United States cßstriet attorney Economoff did not appear in court and was unrepresented by oounsel. Judge Page heard arguments of Elliott againkt Econoirvoff’s motion to remand the case to State courts 'and In support of a demurrer to the complaint. He directed W. P. Kappes. clerk, to notify Economoff that briefs i’t the case must be submitted not later than Dec. 2t. NOT YET, BUT SOON, SEN. WATSON INTIMATES Indiana Solon Isn't Saying He Won’t Be Presidential Candidate. By I'nitcd Preaa PASSAIC, N. J., Dec. 14.—“1 am not a candidate for President, but I am not saying that I will not be,” Senator James Watson, Indiana, told newspapermen last night. Senator Watson urged study of the constitution and fundamental laws of the United States in an address. FORMER INDIANAPOLIS MAN FACING CHARGES Friend Here Defends H. F. Eller, Accused by Girl. Herbert F. Eller, wealthy young Cleveland (Ohio) business man, who was to be placed on trial In Cleveland today on a charge of Insanity brought by Mifcs Harrietts Trowbridge Wright of Cleveland Heights, formerly his fiancee, lived in Indianapolis as a boy. He left here seventeen years ago at the age of fourteen. W. W. Stoddard, 3002 Broadway, a close friend of Eller, defended him vigorously. “Eller always was a remarkable fellow,” he said. /"He made a success of all undertakings. T believe the case Is a frame-up.” Miss Wright w'as said to have broken her engagement to Eller in 1921. She charged he continued to press his attentions. Congress Today SENATE: Not In session. HOUSE: Meets to ratify committee assignments.

HARVEY W. BEDFORD WINS JOB DECISION

Court Orders Safety Board to Reinstate Policeman Suspended After Watson Case —McGee Loses.

The board of safety today was ordered to reinstate Patrolman Harvey W. Bodford by Circuit Judge H. O. Chamberlin. Bedford and Lieut. Arthur McGee were discharged from police force Sept. 25 on charges of insubordination and neglect of duty. Both sued to get their jobs back. Judge Chamberlin gave no order for McGee's reinstatement saying that "while in his actions there was much that was commendable, still there was evidence against him and this court must decide against him." Os Bedford, the Judge said: "While it appears thdre was some substance to the charge it was merely

INDIANAPOLIS, FRIDAY, DEC. 14, 1923

All-Roui u Girl Athlete Disapproves Dance Sheiks

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Good old-fashioned shlnney—a tin can, a club, and an alley for a stadium are the things that gave Miss Grace Thompson, 713 N. Delaware St., a start on an athletic career. Today she is one of the best allround girl athletes a t Shortrldge High School. She swims, plays tennis, and has been captain of the school’s hockey, volley ball, and basketball teams for the past two years.

FIVE CONVICTS LEAP OFF STALLED TRAIN Federal Prisoners Escape Guards When Burned Bridge Halts Locomotive at Caldwell, Kans.

Bu I'nifrd Preaa KANSAS CITY, Mo.. Dec. 14.-—Five out of eighteen Federal prisoners being transferred to Leavenworth penitentiary from northern Texas points escaped from a train at Caldwell, Kan., last night. Among the eighteen were several men convicted in tho oil conspiracy cases in Ft. Worth, Texas, but none WATER REUEARING DECISION MONDAY Groninger's Plea Is Before Utility Body. Actl. ti on petition of Taylor E. Gronlnger, city corporation counsel, for rehearing of the Indianapolis Water Company order probably will be taken Monday on the return of Oscar Ratts, member of the public service commission, it was said today. Ratts has been on a short vacation. It has been assumed by main' the petition will be denied, thus permitting Groninger to carry tho rate fight to the county courts. It is barely jiossible the commission will grant the petition and draw up anew order or ignore the petition and draft a set of modifications to the present order.

technical and not studied neglect of duty." Evidence showed Bedford and McGee were discharged after they went to Colfax, Ind., with a warrant for the arrest of a youth believed to have been implicated in the murder of Robert Watson last August. It was told by the board of safety that the act comprised "neglect of duty and .insubordination,” because headquarters wa3 not informed before they left. The Judge said that since Bedford reported all he had done and was under supervision of his superior officer, Lieutenant McGee, he should be reintsated.

—Photo by Mecca Studio. MISS GRACE THOMPSON

She will be graduated from Shortrldge In June- Then she expects to attend the North American Gymnastic School in preparation for her career as a physical training instructor. Miss Thompson likes to do things most other girls like to do. "But,” she says, “the only trouble with dances is this: There are entirely too many ‘sheiks’ and I just can’t go that kind of a male.”

of the men involved in the oil deals obtained their freedom. The train was stopped at Caldwell by a burned bridge. Federal marshals believed the bridge had been burned by accomplices of the men who escaped, and the dash for liberty had been planned. W r hen the train stopped, three of the four marshals guarding the men in the convict car went out for lunch, leaving one man to guard the convicts. When the three guards left the car the five prisoners dived out a window of the train. SMOKING AMONG CHILDREN SERIOUS Kiwanis Club Desires to Aid Family Welfare Society. The Kiwanis Club is anxious to coopeii.e with the Family Welfare Society in care of children through its Big Brothers and Sisters project, Paul L. Benjamin, secretary, told the society directors today. High lights in Benjamin’s monthly report: “Investigation of smoking among minors reveals a serious amount of law violation by children, parents, dealers and*older boys and men. selling and giving youngsters tobacco.” "Last month fifty new cases were reported to the legal aid department. “The unmarried mother work reached its peak of the year with forty-six mothers and babies seeking aid." "Unemployment Is cauAe of sixtythree new cases for the service and relief department.” XMAS DREAM SHATTERED Police Say Boy Forged Check to Buy Girl Gifts. Wallace, A. Elmore, 18, of near Stilesville, wanted to give his “girl” a Christmas present to dazzle her eyes. His opportunity came in Indianapolis today on his first trip to the city lone. Later he sat In Jail, l)is dreams shattered. He admitted, according to Detectives Klaiber and J. J. Sullivan, that he forged a check for SBS, issued to the Windsor Jewelry Company, Roosevelt building. The money was to pay for a wrist watch for the girl and a watch for himself. Part of the $25 with which Eonore arrived in Indianapolis Fridaj had gone toward a fur neckpiece for the girl

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

SHAW ALIBI IS DOUBTED

TRIBE BASEBALL OWNERS MAY SELL AND BUT TOLEDO Smith Sounds Out Bresnahan —Hendricks Probably Would Transfer, Directors of the Indianapolis baseball club have sounded out the Toledo ciub with a view of purchasing the interests of Roger Bresnahan. Bresnahan is president of the Toledo team and it is understood his interest, amounting to 65 par cent, is on the market for the sum of $150,000. If President W. C. Smith Sr., owner of the majority of stock in the Indianapolis American Association franchise, is able to buy out Bresnahan, he will place the Indianapolis team on the market and transfer his baseball activities to Toledo. If Smith sells the local club and buys Toledo, Jack Hendricks, present team manager here, probably will transfer to the Ohio club as field boss. $150,000 Considered High The sum of $150,000, asked by Bresnahan for his 66 per cent Interest at Toledo, Is considered high, but Smith doubtless could reach an agreement enabling him to buy through the New York Giants, who have money invested in the Toledo franchise. President Smith of the Indians has been approached several times by various persons seeking to purchase the Indianapolis Club, but before leaving for the winter baseball meeting In Chicago, he said no one had made him a definite offer for the local franchise. It is known he has been willing to sell If he could get his terms. Smith likes Toledo as a baseball town and It would not surprise his friends If he has succeeded in arranging the purchase of that team. Hendricks Probably Would Go Jack Hendricks’ Indianapolis contract as manager, calls for one more season here. If Smith sells the Indianapolis club and buys Tbledo, the Hendricks situation would be this: lie either would transfer to Toledo to fill out his contract with Smith or his contrct would be transferred to the new Indianapolis owners. W. C. Smith bought tho Indianapolis club from James C. McGill of Los Angeles in 1920. Smith is an uncle of McGill and held a part interest In the Indians during the presidency of McGill. With the exception of 1918, when he managed the St, Louis Nationals, Hendricks has piloted the Indianapolis team since 1913. His club won the American Association pennant in 1917 and defeated Toronto, International League winners, in a post-sea-son series. Under the W. C. Smith regime here Hendricks baa been business manager and field manager: W. C. Smith, vice president: William C. Clauer, club secretary, and Hayward Smith, road secretary’- Tho Smiths reside in New York City.

OPENING OF BUS SERVICE DELAYED Park Board Exercises Authority Over Boulevard, Operation of busses on Meridian St. will be prohibited by the park board until bus line officials appear before the board and make proper arrangements, It was said at city hall today. A company headed by Smith Bowman of Cartinhour & Bowman, 619 N. Capitol Avo., had planned to start the bus line late today from Monument Circle to Fall Creek Blvd. In conference with city officials, he promised to meet with park board officials Saturday to discuss the bus line. The city administration is inclined to favor bus linos. City officials are agreed that the park board has Jurisdiction over boulevards, and that operation of the busses under the jitney ordinance on boulevards could be prohibited by the park board. Members of the park board have continually opposed heavy traffic on boulevards. Three busses having a seating capacity of twenty-four passengers each have arrived. Five more are expected within a few days, and a tenminute service on Meridian St, is planned with a 10-oant fare. Each bus weighs 4,000 pound*. First Snow In New York Bu United Frees NEW YORK, Dec. 14.—A light snow, the first of the season, fell today, melting as soon as it struck the streets.

Detectives Stick'to Assertion They Have Circumstantial Evidence That Colored Man Murdered Mrs, Helen Whelchel, PRISONER STATES JAMES JOHN HAD HIS AUTOMOBILE Witness Replies He Was Home Night of Abduction —Police Are Understood to Be Holding Facts in Reserve, Detectives today declared they placed little credence in the story of John Thomas Shaw, 24, colored, 1418 E. Maryland St., indicted for the murder of Mrs. Helen Whelchel, 22, of 1854 Applegate St., that Janies “Ilunky” John, Albanian, 43 W. Maryland St., had his automobile the night of the murder, . Mrs. Whelchel was abducted by someone in an automobile at lowa and East Sts., the night of Nov. 27 and her body found the next morning on the Big Four railroad tracks beneath the High School Rd. bridge, one mile north of Ben Davis, from which it had been thrown.

Detectivc-s hold Shaw’s car. Stains upon It have been analyzed as dried human blood. John Held Under Bond John has been held as a material witness for several days. He admits, according to detectives, that he was with Shaw in Shaw’s automobile until 10:30 the night of the abduction, but insists Shaw took him home at that hour. Shaw has told several different stories of what he did the rest of the night and how he came into possession of Mrs. Whelchel’s diamond ring and wrist watch. Detectives say they traced the jewelry to Shaw through several colored persoins, also held as witnesses. Shaw, according to detectives, says the watch and ring were given to h m the afternoon of Nov. 28 by a white man who took him for an automobile ride. Shaw talks-i more late Thursday than at any time since his arrest, twelve days ago, detectives say. Brand Statement a Lie Detectives asserted they believed Shaw is making an*effort to shift the blame to his friend John. They said they did not believe Shaw's statement that John had his ear the night of the murder because Shaw has changed his story so many times. They say Shaw has insisted l.eretofore that he was at home repairing his automobile the night of the murder. Relatives of Shaw say he did not get home until a late hour. Inspector John Mullin and Capt. Jerry Kinney, in charge of the investigation, say they have built a strong circumstantial case against Shaw. It was indicated they believe they have evidence to controvert every alibi of sered by Shaw. Much of the data in their possession has not been made public, it is said.

Iteliind Locked Doors Shaw was questioned in Mullin’s office behind locke ddoors and drawn shades In utmost secrecy, and was In the presence of his attorneys, H. B. Pike and T. H. Thurston. "I will tell the truth about the abduction and where I got the ring and watch.” now that I have my attorneys here." Shaw Is reported to have said. "I v.as at the home of John on Maryland St., and he gave me some whisky. I became very drunk and later John took my car and drove away. He returned several hours later, and the next day he gave me the ring and watch.” Shaw said. John was brought from the jail and told what Shaw said. John insisted he was at home on the night of the crime. Shaw laughed and said, "Boy you're funny," according to detectives. "How can you laugh at that man, accusing him of such a grave crime?” Mullin asked. "He's so funny he just makes me laugh,” Shaw is said to have replied. Mullin said he remarked to Shaw that he would not laugh and think It is so funny when ho was in front of the Judge. "Well, you can just bet a dime if that judge says anything funny, I laugh just the same,” was Shaw's reported reply. Shaw’s trial begins In Criminal Court next Wednesday. Detectives planne dto question him again today. TEN PLANTS CUT SMOKE 1 Preliminary inspection of ten factories showed satisfactory measures were taken to prevent smoke, Hubert F. Templeton, assistant chief smoke inspector said today. Automatic stokers at the Traction terminal building have checked the smoke nuisance. Templeton has conferred with other "engineers who say new equipment has already reduced fuel bills, and eliminated smoke. CONTRACTS FOR PRINTING Contracts for Marion County printing were awarded by the county commissioners today. Contracts for books and bound volumes and stationery were awarded to the Levey Printing Company. W. B. Burford received the contraot for pencils and the Sentinel Printing Company for extras and miscellaneous. The total of the contracts Is less than SI,OOO.

Forecast FAIR tonight and Saturday. Rising temperature, with the lowest tonight from 25 to 30 degrees.

TWO CENTS

FAIRANDWARMER IS FORECAST FOR INDIANAPOLIS AREA Two Below in New Mexico and 34 Degrees Above in North Canada. HOURLY TEMPERATURE 6 a. m.. *•.... 22 10 a. m 29 7 a. in. • 22 11 a. m 30 8 a. m 23 12 (noon) 30 9 a. m 25 1 p. m 33 While the weather played tricks in other parts of the continent, Indianapolis today was slated for “fair and warmer” weather. From 22 degrees at 7 a. m., the coldest temperature of the season, the mercury stood at 25 by 9 a. m. J. H. Armington, meteorologist, predicted a further rise during the day, a drop to 30 or 25 tonight, and a rise to 40 by Saturday afternoon. Shifts in the wind and movement of a low pressure area caused the thermometer to show 2 degrees below zero at Roswell, N. M„ and 34 degrees above at Medicine Hat, Canada. White River continued to rise, overflowing its banks at several points. On the west fork It stood at 21 feet, two feet above flood stage, at Elliston. The east fork was above flood stage at Seymour. Although the brief cold wave was expected to act as a check, Armington said further rises probably would be recorded in lowlands. At Indianapolis, the river rose to 11.3 feet at 7 a. m., a rise of 2.7 feet in twenty-four hours. However, Armington said there was no danger of flood stage, 18 feet. TOLL OF BLIZZARD REACHESJ2 DEAD Transportation Being Restored in New Mexico. By United Praia ALBUQUERQUE, N. M. f Dec. 14. —Automobile transportation, paralyzed by Wednesday’s blizzard if fast being restored throughout the State. Tourist parties, snow bound in Nogal Canyon, were reported safely housed and expected to be able to resume their delayed journey tomorrow The 300 occupants of cars held back by drifts, said they had suffered nothing more than inconvenience of delay and were in no danger. So far as Is known, the storm toll stands at 12 dead, one in a critical condition and another driven mad by the experience.

THINK IT OVER Every day that spare room of yours is vacant you are losing money. Every day your apartment, house or business place is vacant you are losing money. An ad in The Times reaches over 57,000 people every evening and it goes at a very small cost. Think it over. Phone your ad to The Times today. CALL MAIN 3500.