Indianapolis Times, Volume 35, Number 209, Indianapolis, Marion County, 14 January 1924 — Page 1

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VOLUME 35—NUMBER 209

MINERS TO START WAGE FIGHT HERE Demands Upon Operators to Be Formulated in Convention. CONFERENCE TO FOLLOW Effort for Reinstatement of Alexander Howatt Is Expected. Formulation of wage scale demands will be the principal business before the international convention of the United Mine Workers of America when it opens in Indianapolis Jan. 22. Resolutions concerning wages and numerous other problems before the miners are pouring into the international Headquarters from local unions all ovei America. All resolutions concerning wages will be turned over to the wage scale committee which will -make recommendations to the convention. The recommendations finally adopted by the. convention will be turned over to the joint scale committee of miners and operators which meets in Jacksonville, Fla., Feb. 11. While many local unions are insisting on a higher scale, it is said to be probable that the miners will not ask for more wages to be effective when the working contract expire? March 31. Widespread unemployment is expected to be a big factor in determining a wage scale. It is expected the operators will insist on a reduc tion of the scale. Another feature of the convention may be an effort of so-called “reds" to gain control. An effort on the part of friends of Alexander Howat, deposed head of the Kansas miners, to have him reinstated is anticipated. Between 1,500 and 1,800 delegates are expected to attend the convention, sessions of which will be held in Tom linsen Hall. The meeting is expected to last two weeks or more. The credentials committee is now at work going over the list of delegates. John L. Lewis, international president, will appoint a resolutions committee and a scale committee soon. James J. Davis, secretary of labo-, will speak during Ihe convention. Samuel Gompers, president of the American Federation of Labor, an-] other labor leaders also may be present. youthkTlledTn ' TRYFORFREEDOM Terre Haute Boy Dies in Fall From Wall, Bu United Press ST. LOUIS. Mo., Jan. 14.—William Menifee, 16, a runaway from his home at 517 S. Third St., Terre Haute, Ind., died in city hospital today from a fractured skull and internal injuries received when he dropped from a third-story window in the House of De tention. With three other inmates. Menifee, who had been held for his parents, at tempted to climb down the side of the building in the best movie manner. Theodore Becker, 13, escaped. The other two boys were captured by a policeman when they told him “a boy was hurt back there.” BANKERS WANT ACTION Delegation to Call on Securities Board to Speed Up Work. Appeals to the State “blue sky” commission to speed up its work and expedite approval on large syndicate bend and stock issues will be made Tuesday by a delegation of Indianapolis Investment bankers. The commission meets once a week. Local bankers state that judicial powers should be vested in administrator Maurice Mendenhall as is permitted by the securities act. HOURLY TEMPERATURE 6 a. m .... 19 10 a. m 24 7 a. m 19 11 a. m 26 8 a. m 20 12 (noon) 28 9a. m 22 1 p. m • - 30

DECLINE OF FRANC CAUSES NEAR PANIC French Finance Experts Seek in Vain to Halt Fall of Money Value on Paris Bourse.

Sv United Press PARIS, Jan. 14.—Panic conditions existed on the Paris Bourse this afternoon as the French franc fell farther and faster than ever before, touching 22.5 to the dollar before the close. French financial experts say the near panic is due to loss of confidence oa the part of French business men.

The Indianapolis Times

Tech Seniors Choose Musician and Poet

\ MISS RUTH OTTE

MISS DOROTHY ANN ALLEN The song of the January senior class of Technical High School will be written by Miss Ruth Otte, 1641 E. Michigan St. Miss Dorothy Ann Allen, 632 N. Jefferson Ave., will write the class poem. They were chosen by their classmates. ZONE CAS FARE RATEOISCUSSED Five, 6 and 7-Cent Scale May Be City Proposal. Zoning the city so street car fare will be on the basis of distance a passenger rides may be suggested by the city as a way out of the tangled financial condition of the Indianapolis Street Railway Company. Although Taylor E. Groninger. corporation counsel, said street car officials had not approached him, he indicated that the sliding fare scale might be proposed as a compromise. Mayor Shank viewed the plan favorably. Groninger proposed that the fare within a radius of fifteen blocks in each direction be retained at 5 cents From the 1500 to 3000 block he pro posed a 6-cent fare, and 7 cents from 3000 to the car line terminus. TRAIN KILLS GOSHEN MAN Aged Resident Struck When He Walks Onto Track and Stops. Bu United Press GOSHEN, Ind., Jan. 14.—David Ilcff, 83, of Goshen was instantly killed by a New York Central train he# today. Koff walked onto the tracks and stopped, the crossing watchman reported. The coroner ruled it a death by accident. TWO FACE U. S. COURT Dollings Officials on Trial Today on Mail Fraud Charges. * Bu United Press COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 14.—William G. Benham and Dwight Harrison, I resident and vice president of the defunt R. L. Dollings Company, $90,000,000 fiscal brokerage house, were to go on trial in the Federal District Court of John E. Sater today charged with misusing the mails to defraud stockholders. Harrison is under sentence of three years in Ohio penitentiary.

who rushed throughout the morning to buy foreign stocks and securities. Bankers hesitate to predict when the steady fall will be halted. The government is making desperate efforts to arrest the decline and is prosecuting foreign speculators. British pound also showed a decline on London etMk exchange.

BUTLER WILL START NEW VICEDRIVE 'Old Gimlet Eye,’ in Crime Crusade, Makes Clean City Out of Philadelphia. DEATH RUMORS DENIED Not a Saloon Open in Quakertown and No Major Banditry Reported, Bu United Press PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 14.—“01d Gimlet Eye” Butler, the Marine general, who, as director of public safety, has launched a bomb-like attack against law-breakers, is expected back at his desk today to plan a second forty-eight-hour drive against crime and vice After five days of warfare against denizens of the underworld, Butler took the week-end off and mysteriously disappeared. As soon as the director left the city reports spread like wild fire that he had been assassinated by an underworld gunman. The report was officially denied and it was explained the “fighting Quaker” was merely taking a brief rest. The first week of the Butler regime has made the city virtually "clean.” Today there is not a saloon open in Quakertown. By raids and moral per suasion, the police have closed up 1,428 liquor dispensing places. Police shattered all previous records last week by making 420 raids. They swooped down on cigar stores, gambling dens, v ee dives, poolrooms and all places suspected of being “crime breeding” estiblishments. No major banditry has been reported since the Philadelphia police be came Butlerized. GOTHAM CLEANS HOUSE Police Commissioner Prefers Charges Against Officers on Force. Bu United Press NEW YORK. Jan. 14.—The blow that fell upon New York City's police department with the :nm>uncement Commissioner Enright intend* to prefer charges against thirteen inspectors and numerous deputies and captains was followed by a report the clean-up is to be extended to lieutenants and sergeants. * Meanwhile police and city officials and politicians mulled over the drastic move. Many saw the hand of Mayor Hylan, to active duty since his re cent serious illness, behind the commissioner's move. CLEAN-UP IN KANSAS CITY Drive Started Against Major Criminals Under New Chief. Bu United Press KANSAS CITY Mo., Jan. I.—Under direction of anew chief of police. Paul V. Wooler, the Kansas City police department is in the midst of a drive upon major criminals. One gang of robbers preying upon bank messengers, stealing automobiles and shipments from railroads has been rounded up and their leader killed. Two of a band of negro bandits whiqh staged a $4,000 bank messenger holdup, have been captured. ELGIN WATCH HEAD DIES Charles H. fltilburd, 73, Dies Suddenly at His Home in Chicago. Bu United Press ELGIN, 111., Jan. 14.—Charles H. HurlburJ. 73. president of the Elgin National Watch Company since 1898, died suddenly at his home in Chicago this morning. STATE ROADS FLOODED Melting Snow Brings White River to Overflow Stage. White river again is on the rampage, flooding State Road No. 4, east of Medora, L. F. Wertz, assistant superintendent of highway maintenance, said today. Melting snow was blamed. State Road No. 1 also is impassable between Seymour and Scottsburg, at Muscatatuck river and Martin Creek points. TROOP RECALL EXPECTED Sheriff and Klan Will Cooperate in Liquor Raids. Bu United Press MARION. 111., Jan. 14.—Recall of State troops from Williamson Coun'y by Sheriff Galligan, who called them here six days ago to quiet “riot con ditions” resulting from Ku-Klux Klan iiquor raids, was expected hourly to day. The county board of supervisors dominated by the Klan, has secured a promise from the sheriff he would cooperate in liquor enforcement. THREE PEAS IN A POD’ Boys Advised lo Have Purpose, Power and Pluck. “Three Peas in a Pod.” the subject upon which Dr. W. L. Ewing spoke to boys at the Y. M. C. A. Sunday afternoon, turned out to be “purpose, power and pluck, without which sue awn is -.unobtainable.” On the program were M. J. Hopper, vocalist, accompanied by Miss Etta Hopper, the Boys’ Department orchestra, Jesse Hall, whistler, and devotional exercises.

INDIANAPOLIS, MONDAY, JAN. 14, 1924

Whining Bullets and Bursting Shells Tell Tale of Rum Row

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, Copyright, 1924, by NEA Service, Inc., anti United Netj’spictures PICTURE STORY OF THE PURSUIT AT SEA. UPPER LEFT—LIEUT. L. W. PERKINS OF THE SENECA. COAST GUARD CUTTER, FIRING ON MEN IN FLEEING MOTOR BOAT ALONG RUM ROW. CENTER—THE K-13091 ALONGSIDE THE SENECA AT THE END OF THE-CHASE. NOTE THE ARMED CREW OF THE REVENUE CRAFT KEEPING GUARD OVER THE CAPTURED BOAT. UPPER RIGHT—THE FOURINCH CANNON OF THE SENECA WHICH SHOWERED TWO MEN IN THE K-13091 WIT II SHRAPNEL.

CREVISMAMED 10 HIGH POSE IN AMERICAN LEGION Hoosier Chosen to Succeed Lemuel Bolles as National Adjutant, Russell G. Creviston, assistant national adjutant of the American Legion, today was appointed national adjutant by Commander John R. Quinn. His appointment was confirmed by the executive committee, in session at Legion Headquarters. Creviston succeeds Lemuel Bollee, who resigned a few days ago to sc-, cept a position with the Park, Austin Lipscomb Cos., New York publish" ers. Creviston was born on a farm In Grant County. In May, 1917, he enlisted in Company E of the 4th Indiana Infantry, as a private. Three months later he was sent to the second officers' training camp at Ft. Benjamin Harrison. Following graduation, he was given complete charge (4 the administration co-ordination section of the general staff of the 84th Division. While working for Community Service, Inc., at New York, Creviston gave considerable time to Legion activities. His appointment as assistant adjutant was made by the late Commander F. W. Galbraith Jr. The executive committee was to consider a resolution introduced by Maj. Reed Landis, Chicago, past commander of the Advertising Men's Post, Chicago, requiring retention of the Cross as marker for ex-service men's graves. A small marker hasbeen adopted by the Legion, but none lias been placed. The resolution was result of wishes of Gold Star Mothers, Major Landis said. RALSTON BOOM GEES UNDER WAY Indiana Democrats at Washington Start Fireworks, Bu Times Special WASHINGTON, Jan. 14.—The presirlential boom of Senator Samuel M. Ralston of Indiana is wel lestablished here today. With true Hoosier political sagacity, leading Democrats from Indiana are filtering through the mob of party leaders from all States, quietly dropping Ralston propaganda. Ralston may frown with great severity, but he must recognize that his firends from Indiana, withor without his consent, are determined to put him in the most advantageous place in the convention fight—the most advantageous place if the MeArioo boom does not sweep everything before it. Meredith Nicholson, Charles A. Greathouse, Dan Simms, Walter Charles, Lew Effingham, Ed Hoffman, Fred Van Nuys, Miss Gertrude McHugh. Miss Bessie L. Riggs, national committeewoman, were the Hoosier Democrats busy. Tom Taggart is expected to add his influence. Headquarters for the Indiana crowd has been established in one of the best hotels and the world is “to come on up.” \ statFibankers protest Bu Times Special WASHINGTON, Jan. 14.—Protests of Indiana bankers against Secretary Mellon’s plan to issue treasury saving certificates “apparently yielding 5 per cent interest” will not cause withdrawal or change in the certificates. The bankers wanted a 4 per cent certificate substituted. Senator Ralston of Indiana has received a letter from under Secretary Winston in which the treasury insists the savings certificates do not compete in ordinary tanking business.

Bv 808 DORMAN NEA Service Staff Writer (Copyright, 1924, by NEA Service, Inc.) rprjN BOARD U. S. S. SENECA, TEN MILES SOI'TH'OF [OJ LONG BEACH, N. Y., Jan. 14.—“ Begin Fire!” The calm, even voice of Capt. P. F. Roach rose above the crackle of rifle fire. It was the command that marked the opening of another thrilling chapter in the Battle of lium Row, a battle in which Captain Roach of the coast guard has been the nemesis of rum runners. “WHAM!” The loud roar of the four-inch cannon jarred the bridge upon which 1 stood beside the captain. , “Cease Fire!” The same calm, even voice rang out at my side. Even as he spoke, he watched the flight of the huge projectile. A wall of water hid the fleeing motor boat. Close upon the sight of that towering veil of -ter hurled into the air by the explosion of the ahell, came its dull reverberation. The boat went on. “Resume Firing!” Rifle Shots Crack The measured voice of Captain Roach again sounded. The crack of rifles still split the air with whip-like reports. “WHAM!” Again the big gun spoke. Fair in the path of the speeding motor boat rose a geyser of water. Again the dull reverberation. “Cease Fire!” The alert gun crew, rapidly loading for another shot, stood at ready. A strange quiet seemed to descend. Only the sound of the Seneca's engines turning over with forced draft, broke the stillness. The rifles had ceased their racket. The fleeing boat had got beyond their range. The sturdy figure of the short, stocky commander watched through his field glasses the course of events on the motor boat. She dodged and ducked. She sped from side to side. She was keeping such vessels of the rum fleet as she encountered between her and her She took the course that led into the path of the setting sun in order that the eyes of the gunners might be dazzled. But she did not halt. “Resume Fire.” Once more that calm, even voice rang out, as inexorable as fate. “WHAM!” The four-inch gun again roared its command to halt. High over the head of the fleeing boat, a puff of fleecy white appeared where an instant before had been but blue sky. To the front of the target spurts of water flew high in the air. To right—to left—to stern —the same miniature geysers sprang into being. Given Life Lease “Cease Firing!” Again the fugitives were given a lease of life. Slowly the motor boat came about. Silently, the only sound the put-put of her motor, she drew abfeam. “Come alongside aft* and come aboard.” Blue-clad sailors lined the rail of the Seneca. The sun glinted on the rifles in their hands. Around their waists, khaki ammunition belts contrasted strangely with the unfamiliar blue. Sly grins creased their lips. Two dirty, unshaven, unkempt figures climbed over the stern of the Seqeca. One of them had to be helped. His knees would hardly support his weight. The other, still defiant, and grinning, remarked: “Rotten shootin’. Youse guys couldn’t hit the side of a barn. Say, whose got a pill?” '. Work of Guardians I had been fortunate enough to witness at first hand the work of the guardians of sea coast adjacent to Nsw York. Drab, official reports convey little of the inside of rum chasing. After the capture and arrest of the motor boat, she and the two prisoners were sent into New York, the men to tell their story to the United States commissioner, and®the boat to await the outcome of her owners’ troubles. ! .. Bob Dorman, NEA staff writer, has written a series of stories depicting the inside of the rum-running game off the Atlantic coast. Dorman and Frank Merta, United News-pictures photographer, are first newspaper men to witness armed conflict on Rum Row.

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

HOPE FOR GAS CUT GROWING * Trustees See Opportunity of Paying Dividends and Reducing Rates for Both Domestic and Commercial Consumers, NEW DIRECTORS TO REPLACE FORREST AND STEEP James Dissette and Edgar H, Evans Are Elected to Board to Fill ‘Need for Business Men,’ Probability of lower gas rates in Indianapolis soon was strengthened today following a meeting of the trustees of the Citizens Gas Company. The statement was authorized that “The hope was expressed that dividends for stockholders, lower rates to customers generally and lower rates for manufacturers would be brought about as nearly as possible together.”

Recently it was announced the company expected to pay dividends to common stockholders this year. The trustees named James I#. Dissette, vice president of the State Life Insurance Company, and Edgar H. Evans, president of the Acme-Evans Company, as new members of the boar! of directors, succeeding J. D. j Forrest, formerly general manager, j and G. B. Steep, former assistant general manager. Directors re-elected are J. H. Hooker, H. Hr Hornbrook, Clarence L. Kirk, Alfred F. Potts, Franklin Vonnegut, John R. Welch and G. A. Efroymson. In regard to the resignations of Forrest and Steep, the directors said in a statement; Director’s Statement “Mr. Forrest's service was ended according to his request when he re signed as manager. Mr. Steep stood aside under the common rule that employes who are members of board of directors give way when their places are needed. In this case the neec was for representative business men on the board.” The trustees also named the directors of the Miiburn Bi-Products Coai Company, which operates a mine in West Virginia, supplying coal to tne .ocal company: Hornbrook, Kirk. Welch, Efroymson, and A. W. Knight of West Virginia. Appreciate Services The trustees adopted a resolution of appreciation of the services of the board of directors and the executive committee. New by-laws providing that the executive committee act as the board of directors when the board is not in session was adopted. The trustees are Thomas L. Sullivan, Robert Lieber, G. H. Schnull, Henry Kafii and Lucius B Swift. Lieber was not at the meeting. SOCIAL COUNCIL WORKERS NAMED k Committees for 1924 Chosen at Spink Arms Meeting, The Council of Social Agencies today selected these committees for 1924, at the Spink-Arms: Board of the Community Fund, Fred Hoke, the Rev. Francis H. Gav isk, Evans WWollen, John R. Welch, Thomas Carr Howe, Gus Efroymson, William H. Insley, the Rev. O. W. Fifer. t Budget; J. W. Fesler, Albert Goldstein, William H. Insley, Leo M. Rap import, John Smith, Earl R. Conder, Prof. Howard Jensen, Eugene C. Foster. For individual members of the council: Mrs. William W. Thornton, Mur ray Auerbach, Mrs. Della Thompson, William 11. Insley. Mrs. O. M. Pittenger. Dr. W. F. King, the RFev. Francis M. Gavisk. On transient m?n and women: Miss Gertrude- Klingman, Miss Jean McHugh. George Rabinoff, Mrs. J. Sandy Young, J. O. Elmquist, W. F. Bryan, Paul Kirby, H. E. Eberhardt, Mrs. Edith O'Neal, F. E. De France, Miss May Belcher and Miss Grace Ferguson. * DAPFERCUSTiER GEESSTONE Diamond Ring Stolen From Leo Krauss Store, 9- • * “May I look at the diamond rings, please?” asked a dapper gentleman of H. H. Mayer, clerk at the Leo Krauss jewelry store, 45 N. Illinois St. Mayer produced 'a tray of sparklers. The customer selected one, valued at $250. As Mayer turned his back to speak to another customer, customer No. 1 faded, quickly and efficiently, out the front door. Mayer told police the man was about 30, smooth-faced, olive-skinned, weighed about 148 pounds and wore a pearl gray hat and brown overcoat.

Forecast Generally fair tonight, with lowest temperature 20 to 25 above. Tuesday fair and warmer.

TWO CENTS

WITNESS TELLS OE QUARREL IN SPARKS MURDER \ Chadwick Goes on Trial in Franklin Court Charged With Crime, By RUSSELL CAMPBELL, Times Staff Correspondent FRANKLIN, Ind., Jan. 14.—Fred H. Wagner, 1902 College Ave., Indianapolis, and his wife, Goldie Wagner, were the first witnesses to be called to the stand today by the State in the trial of Chester Chadwell, 20, of Indianapolis, charged with the murder of William O. Sparks, 24, of 3032 Jackson St., Indianapolis, Nov. 15, 1922. An indictment returned by the Marion County grand jury charged Chadwell -stabbed Sparks ——\,g a * o l.t fr':!c'.ved an argument over the Fiery Cross, Ku-Klux Klan paper. The cEfemse indicated that it would plead self-defense. “Kidding” Each Other Wagner testified that Chadwell and Sparks were “kidding” each other at the dinner table at Wagner’s home, then at 3032 Jackson St., on the evening Sparks was killed. The witness said Chadwell and Sparks botlv had been rooming with him about ix weeks. Sparks was teasing Chadwell about being a newsboy, Wagner said. Chadwell boasted that he was mak* Ing 4 cents on eVery Fiery Cross lM sold, Wagner testified. SparkA asked Chadwell what he did with his money. “Chester said, ‘l’m getting by,’ Wagner testified. “Sparks replied, ‘I could, too, if I paid no board. Why don’t you pay Fred?’ “ ‘None of your damned business,’ Chadw ’l replied. Then Sparks said, ‘You are too damned smart.’ ” Sparks went into the backyard, saying he would wait for Chadwell, according to the testimony. Chadwell put on his overcoat and followed, although Wagner told him not to, Wagner testified. Pair Return to House The door was reopened a few minutes later, Sparks shoved Chadwell away, saying, “I don’t want anything \o do with you, 1 ought to knock yoiir head off,” Wagner testified. Wagner said that he tried to hold Chadwell, but he broke away and ran his head into Sparks’ side. Wagner said he saw no knife. Chadwell then ran away, Wagner testified. “Sparks said, ‘He cut me, but he didn't hurt me,’ ” Wagner said. “Sparks then went into the house, and I called the police and the hospital.” Sparks died four days later. Mrs. Wagner corroborated her husband adding this testimony. Klan Is Topic. “Sparks said he didn’t believe there was an organization like that (KuKlux Klan) in town. Chester said, ‘Thc-re may not be now, but there are in other towns and you never know when you are talking to one.’ “Sparks said, ‘You are not one, are you, Chester?’ Chadwell did not reply.” Mrs. Wagner said this conversation took place just before the argument her husband described. Mrs. Fred Samon, Chadwell’s mother, sat with the accused man. WHAT OF THIS, WATSON? Mystery in Bullet Whizzing Through Office Window. Mystifying as the beginning of a Sherlock Holmes story, a bullet whizzed through a closed window on the third floor of the Van Camp Har% ware and Iron Company, Maryland and Missouri Sts., and past J. L. Turner, 863 Cottage Ave., employed there, today Poilce failed to find where the bullet came from, or where it went. A hole in the window was the only visible evidence that It was not a hallucination.