Indianapolis Times, Volume 35, Number 217, Indianapolis, Marion County, 23 January 1924 — Page 1

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VOLUME 35—NUMBER 217

SHALL OUR CAR FARE REMAIN FIVE CENTS? Company Official, City Attorney and Workingman Give Views on Indianapolis Problem

By TAYLOR E. GRONINGER, City Corporation Counsel. The attitude of the city administration toward the proposed fare increase of the Indianapolis Street Railway Company will depend on findings of the city council committee and Benjamin Perk, utility expert. While we realize the car company had no fare increases during the peak of high prices, it is our duty to look after interests of the general public as well. The street car system of any city is the backbone of progress and steps must be taken to safeguard its future. Whether or not that step is a fare increase, Perk and the councilmen must decide. The company is to be commended for presenting its case first to the city for investigation before carrying it to the public service commission. We appreciate its position, and will give every assistance possible. • • • By DR. HENRY JAMESON. President, Board of Directors, Indianapolis Street Railway Cos. The Indianapolis Street Railway Company, in order to

ran on m LEASE FACES U. S. SENATE Caraway Carries Attempt to Abrogate Contract to Floor of Body, By United Press WASHINGTON, Jan. 23.—The fight to invalidate lease of the Teapot Dome naval reserve granted by former Secretary of the Interior Fall, broke out bn the Senate floor today. Senator Caraway, Arkansas Democrat, who charges “corruption” in connection with the lease, moved the public lands committee/fce relieved of consideration of his resolution abrogating the lease and that the Senate take it up. Caraway based his plea for abrogation on three points:' President Harding “had no authority" to issue his order transferSng Jurisdiction over the leases from Navy to Interior Department. 2. Former Secretary Fall had no authority to negotiate “the sale of any Government oil reserve,” especially without public vale. 3. Proceeds derived from the lease were not placed in the treasury, as the law provides, but went for development of the Navy Department. Caraway also charged the lease was entered into “corruptly.” “Somewhere in connection with that lease, §IOO,OOO came into possession of Fall,” Caraway said. "I think it a fair assumption Edward B. McLean never gave Fail any checks for the §100,000.” Caraway commended Archie Roosevelt, son of the former President, for coming before the Public Lands Committee to express ‘‘his suspicion Fall was bribed.” Fall suddenly came Into possession at the time of the Teapot Dome lease of §180,500, Caraway charged. “We have testimony that he was 'practically broke’ up until the time he spent all this money,” he said. SINCLAIR BUSY IN EUROPE Will Not Reum to U. S. Until Ready —ls Willing to Testify Again. By United Press HAVRE, Jan. 23.—"1 have no intention of returning to the United States until i business here is finished.” Harry 'F. Sinclair, millionaire oil man and lessee of the now far-famed Teapot Dome oil reserve, said when Informed t r . ne Senate Investigating committee's desire to have him get back to Washington: “I have many interests in Germany,” he explained. “I intend while there to enter into partnership with Hugo Stinnes in oil exploitation. FALL GOES TO WASHINGTON Former Secretary of Interior Answers Summons of Senate Committee. By United Press NEW ORLEANS, La.. Jan. 23. Albert B. Fail, former Secretary of the Interior, left New Orleans for Washington today to tell his part in the Teapot Dome leasing. / On the same -train was Col. J. V. Zeverly, attorney for Harry F. Sinclair. who negotiated the lease for the Sinclair interests. Fall and Zeverly expect to reach Washington late Thursday. LIFT TAMPICO BLOCKADE Jf Confirmed, U. S. Cruiser Richmond Will Be Withdrawn. By United Press WASHINGTON, Jan. 23.—The rebel blockade against the port of Tampico has been lifted temporarily. Secretary of State Hughes now is taking steps to verify the report, and if confirmed, the American cruiser Richmond will be withdrawn from Tampico. HOURLY TEMPERATURES 8 a. m........ n 10 a, m. 33 7 a. m 28 11 a. m 85 8 a, m 28 12 (noon) 37 9a- m. 31 1 p. nx. 33

The Indianapolis Times

Cat’s Meow By United Sews CHICAGO, Jan. 23.—1f pussy suddenly disappears, blame it on Chicago fur buyers. The furry part of Tom or Maria probably is keeping some beautiful girl comfortable during the days of icy blasts. Perhaps Tom has become a “black janet” neckpiece. H. H. Bigbee, head buyer for a fur company, says cat fur is be-* ing shipped to his place daily. Farm boys are getting as much as $1.50 for a single skin.

WOMEN TO URGE QUICK ACTION ON CAREOf INSANE Voters’ League Leaders Will Meet Commissioners Friday, The Indianapolis League of Women Voters’ proposal of immediate steps to house insane .patients awaiting transfer to asylums in quarters other than the county jail will be put before county commissioners at 10 a. m. Friday. Mrs. Allen T. Fleming, president: Mrs. Leßoy Kahler. chairman of the local affairs committee and Miss Alma tickler, will represent the league. Following adoption of a resolution by the /Woman’s Department Club Mrs. Felix McWhirter, president, announced she will appoint a visiting committee to investigate care of the insane. The resolution, which culls for ‘establishment of a psychopathic ward in connection with the city hospital, wnd arrangement for the temporary care of insane persons,” will be presented to city council, Mrs McWhirter said. It was presented to club’s directors by ths community welfare department. Similar declarations were by the Seventh District Federation of Women’s Clubs and the Woman’s City Club, following between County Clerk Albert H. Losche and City Judge Delbert O. Wilmeth. WICKS PERSONALLY INVITES DR. KING Unitarian Pastor Sends Letter to Critic, A personal invitation for Dr. Hurry A. King, superintendent of the Indiana district of the Methodist Church, to occupy the pulpit of All Souls' UnParian church, 1456 N. Alabama St., any Sunday night to express his views on the liberal reliefs of Dr Frank S. C. Wicks, pastor, was extended today. Kina- criticised Wicks in a Methodist ministor's meeting, Monday. L’r. King refused to consider his invitation unless it was personal, Dr. Wicks said. At a meeting of the Unitarian board at the Chamber of Commerce today Dr. Wicks said, “I have written Dr. King a courteous letter inviting him to express his views fearlessly on the matter. I assured him he would have a lespectfnl hearing. Os course I shall reserve the privilege to reply.” SEVEN BELIEVED DEAD ■ Fire Sweeps Vermont City Forcing Forty Families Into Sub-Zero Weather. By United Press LYNDONVILLE, Vt„ Jan. 23. Seven persons are believed dead and ten seriously injured in a fire which swept the tenement and business district early Wednesday. More than forty families have been made homeless. Fire destroyed the greater part of the town's .1 usiness section and swept through the tene ment district. Occupants of the houses were driven out with the temperature at 15 de grees below zero.

make any progress whatever in the way of betterments of the service, improving power conditions, keeping up proper maintenance of the plant, and adding to equipment in the way of new cars, possibly in the near future making some needed extensions, must have additional revenues to do so. It has, since its reorganization in 1919, endeavored in every way possible and practiced every economy, with the hope that a change might come in price levels, such as would decrease the cost of operation so that it might have some surplus to apply to betterments. This hope has not been realized, as practically everything entering into the cost of operation remains at substantially war levels, and with the prospect of continuing so for some time to come. The company officials see no way to meet the situation and keep the company financially sound and in condition to meet the ordinary demands upon it for service, without some increase in fare. It is to be hoped that such increase if granted may not need to continue for a great length of time and that it

LEWIS men 11 FIRST MINE TILT Skirmish in Convention on Vice President Murray’s Annual Report, Conservatives and the administration faction won the first skirmish today in the international convention of the United Mine Workers of America in Tomlinson Hal!. The first fight of any consequence started when a delegate from District No. T Pentiayl vania. charged that statements contained in the report of Philip Murray, international vice president, were untrue. Oakes referred to charges by Murray that Thomas Myerscough, one of the leaders*of the so-called “red’ 'faction and others in the Pittsburgh district had suggested that striking miners take a wage reduction. MuFray Replies Murray replied by giving the details of a meeting held in Monongahela City, Pa., which he said was called for the purpose of discussing acceptance of a wage reduction. “I am surprised that any member of the United Mine Workers would attempt to defend action advocating acceptftnaee of a wage reduction,” said Murray. There were demands from the floor that Myerseough. who was expelled from the union beeadse of his socalled “radical” activities, be allowed to speak. After numerous speeches and considerable disorder, the Murray report (Continued on Page 2) MISSION FIELD IS GOAL Indianapolis Ex-Teacher Enters Bible Institute at Chicago. Miss Corinne Stephenson, a member of the Irvington Methodist Episcopal Church, is one of 12! new students' at the Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, i She is training for missionary work. She formerly was a teacher in ‘ne public schools.

SYMPATHY APPEAL FAILS Persons Approached by Young Solicitor Notify Boy Scout Office. Residents of East Indianapolis notified Boy Scout headquarters today that a boy about 14 years old, representing himself as a scout and student of Technical High School was canvassing for funds for the poor. Miss Stella Doeppers, scout said that under no conditions are Boy Sco-uts permitted to solicit. STATE CASE WEAKENED Trial of Anti-Saloon League Chief Resumed in New York. By T nited Press NEW Y’ORK. Jan 23. —Further weakening of the State’s case against William N. Anderson, anti-saloon league head, was indicated as the trial was resumed today. Former Governor Whiteman, counsel for Anderson, continued crossexamination of O. B. Phillips, witness for the State. Whiteman Tuesday depicted Phillips as a man who has deserted a wife and six children, implicated in alleged shady stock transactions, attempted to make gain from sale of government secrets.

Devotion Bj4 United Sews CHICAGO, Jan. 23.—Despite illness, sub-zero weather And weight of 98 years, Frederick Lisberg is determined to support the woman he married years ago. The Lisbergs are temporarily domiciled at ilie county poor f*i an, where they were sent to k*CP them from freezing or starving to death. “I feel like a kid again,’’ said Lisberg. “Just wait until spring —l’ll be back at work. You can t keep a <jgood man dowa.” v /

INDIANAPOLIS, WEDNESDAY, JAN. 23, 1924

New Courthouse Is Urged

‘Anti-Sheik Club’ Formed by High School Boys Who Discard Bell Bottom Trousers

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LEFT TO RIGHT—GEORGE LOUC KB, BYRON STIEGEMEYER, JULE HOLLINGSWORTH, STANLEY AL LEN, EL RADER.

These young men are not captive rum runners, or bold, bad, mountaineers. They are Indianapolis high school students who have adopted the battle cry of, “Down with the sheiks' and ‘shelky’ clothes.” The boys have rfrganized the “Antl-

RADICAL GROUP ORGANIZES FOR SIX HOUR, FIVE DAY WEEK

About 250 Delegates Formulate Program of Opposition to Mine Union Administration. By FELIX F. BRUNER The so-called “red” element of the United Mine Workers of America was organized today for an effort to put over its program in the international convention in Tomlinson Hall in opposition to John L. Lewis, president, and the present administration of the Miners’ Union. n

About 250 of the 1,800 delegates to the convention attended a meeting at 143 E. Ohio St. Tuesday night, called by the progressive International committee. an “outlaw” organization within the union. The so-called “red" program: Nationalization of coal mines. Establishment of a national Labor party. Organization of non-union miners. Alliance between miners and railroad workers. Howatt Is Favored Reinstatement of Alexander Howatt, TTbposed head of the Kansas miners. Reinstatement of deposed heads of Nova Beotia miners. Establishment of national working agreements only. Direct election of organizers. Amalgamation of craft unions in America. A six-hour day and a five-day week. International affiliation of workers. In a hall the atmosphere of which was thick with tobacco smoke, the men termed “reds” by the interna tional officers met. In a corner sat two bobbed-hair girls selling the Liberator, books on the steel strike, copies of the marriage laws of soviet Russia, and similar liteyrture. " Expelled Member Speaks A chairman rapped for order. He that the delegates were meeting to formulate a plan of action (Continued on Page 3)

will be accepted by the public as a matter of absolute necessity in order to maintain anything like satisfactory transportation service and’ to keep the company on safe ground financially. The company has been at all times perfectly willing to give the public service commission and city authoritiesvbpportunity to know intimately everything in relation to its financial and operating conditions, that will enable such authorities to see ' that the company’s patrons are treated with absolute justice. The company is proceeding along the lines of not fixing upon any definite plan or schedule until it has openly and fully conferred with city authorities, so that they may constructively aid in solving the problems facing this company in such manner as is deemed best in the interest of the public welfare. • * • V By L. A. BARTH, A Delegate to Central Labor Council. I want to tell the whole world I favor bus lines. This city, to my mind, is the best arranged for a good street car company that I have ever seen. True, the street car com-

Slieik Club” and the first requirement for membership is the throwing away of bell-bottomed pants and braided coats. The official outfit of the organization consists of hightop leather boots, wool socks, cotduroy trousers and a sweater. The by-laws require that the boots

VIOLENCE MARKS STRIKE British Rail Men Stone Train and Wreck Freight. By United Press LONDON, Jan. 23.—Violence and sabotage entered the British rail j strike today. Near Northampton, strikers stoned j a fireman aboard a train, rendering him unconscious. At Glasgow a freight train crashed through a heavy obstruction of wood without being derailed. It is believed an attempt had been made to wreck a light passenger train following the freight. TERM ENDS THIS WEEK Tech Seniors Completing Work jprior to Graduation. Members of the January graduating class of Arsenal Technical High ] School will complete its work this, week. The new semester begins Monday. Class day was observed Tuesday in the school gymnasium. The main feature of the program was a burlesque entitled “King Ted's Tomb," presented by class officers. Dorothy Ann Allen read the class poem. Singing of the class song was directed by Ruth Otts.

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

lie shined and clothing kept neat, members comb their hair, too. Charter members: George Loucks, 1361 Fremont St.; Byron Stiegemeyer 3253 Washington Blvd.; Jule Hollingsworth, 401 Chester Ave.: Stanley Allen. 48 N. Brookville Rd.; El Rader, 1132 W. Thirty-Sixth St.

MAYOR’S WIFE IMPROVED Mrs. Sarah Sliank Confined at Home With Influenza. Mrs. Sarah Shank, wife of Mayor Shank, was reported slightly better today at the Shank home, 3547 E. Washington St., where she has been confined with influenza. High fever is being reduced, it was said. ROADS CLEARED OF SNOW Highways in Northern Part of State Being Reopened. Three State roads in northern Indiana, closed several days because of heavy snowfall, were being cleared today by workers employed by district superintendents of the State highway department, A. A. Hinkle, superintendent of maintenance, reported. Roads closed: No. 7, west from Kentl&nd to Illinois; No. 8, Remington through Rensselaer to Crown Point, and No. 10, Kentland to Dyer.

Dogs Freeze With Benefactress

By United Press rpqHICAGO, Jan. 23.—A I I shivering mongrel paced before a humble undertaking establishment on the South Side today, stopping occasionally to give vent to a mournful howl. Inside was the body of “Mother”

pany possibly is not carrying as many fares as it did some years ago. Why not? Automobiles? Yes, ( partly, but not altogether. Figure up the poor service, cars, dirty cars, lack of cars —which may be called poor service—in rush hours. They pack you in Like hogs stacked up in a car —115 to 135 in a ear. No wonder people don’t want to ride cars and take advantage of bus lines, jitneys, etc. \ If the street oar company is not making sufficient revenue on its investment, that is its own fault. I came down on an Illinois St. car the other morning. We*'* were packed in like sardines. There was nothing ahead and nothing behind us. But cars were backing into the barn at McLean. PI. during rush hours. A crew might have worked its allotted time of eleven hours and seventeen minutes, or something like that, but why cannot more cars be kept in service? I have a weekly pass card issued by the Ft. Wayne company good for a week’s use for sl. Something like that might help stimulate business here.

Commissioners Favor Sale of Old Building After Fire Chief John J, O’Brien Reports It Is 'Firetrap’— Expect $2,000,000 for Site, ‘‘l never saw a worse fire-trap,” said Fire Chief John J. O'Brien, after an inspection of the fourth floor of the courthouse today. “It’s a wonder it hasn’t burned down.” ‘‘We think so, too,” said John Kitlev and John McCloskey, Democratic majority on the board of county commissioners. “We have ordered Russell Ryan, the county attorney, to see what legal steps will be necessary to build anew building and sell the Washington St. side of the courthouse block. We have been informed the county can get $2,000,000 for it. We are in favor of the move.”

Accompanied by his secretary and county officials. Chief O'Brien broke open doors nailed up for years, peered at tons of valuable county records piled on floors and criticised electric wiring through walls without insulation. “Where Were Inspectors” “I don't see why my inspectors have overlooked this place.” he said. “They are supposed to inspect public buildings the same as private. When I get back .somebody is going to hear from me. “If this was a private business. J would order it all cleaned out. The only practical thing you commission ers can do is to get rid of the whole thing—build a modern fire-proof building over on the nbrth side of the lot and tear this fire-trap down.” O'Brien delved into piles of oil stained rags, papers. trash and rubbish. One nail *d door, pried open, revealed the floor strewn with empty bottles. The Official Cellar? "Guess some official kept his cellar here.” said O'Brien. “What’s behind that door?” he asked the custodian. “Oh. that's just a closet with some old rubbish and some junk in it.” "Just what I want to see,” he said. Another door hid a huge pile of broken chairs and lumber, with four large wooden wheels. “Must be the wheels off Ben Hur’s chariot," commented the, chief. “All this must bg cleaned out.” A carpenter shop revealed quantities of oils, paint and rviptha. scattered close to a pile of paper and wood. The chief said he would recommend the room be cleaned, and such work done at the county yards. Commissioners said they have been considering the possibility of cleaning the east end of the fourth floor as a place for Juvenile Court, to relieve space congestion in the basement. “No Use to Repair” “No use trying to repair this place, just like throwing a good dollar after a bad one,” O’Brien said. “All these valuable old records must be kept In fireprooof vaults and these walls won’t stand the weight.” Albert H. Losche. county clerk, said his records, stored on the fourth floor, date back to 1822, and if they were burned it would be a “billion-dollar fire.” RIFLES 'WAY BELOW PAR Uliief Orders Round-Up of Boys’ Guns in Investigation of Shots. Small rifles, usually considered an asset, a matter for bragging by boys, were below par in the neighborhood of the McConnell Trucking Company, 344 N. Delaware St., today. Police Chief Herman F. Rikhoff ordered a round-up of such rifles, following report by C. M. McConnell, president of the trucking company, that a shot had been fired through a plate glass window of his office Monday and Tuesday nights, causing SSO damage.

Francis Bailey, 72, “friend of homeless dogs.” Tuesday the woman’s frozen body was found in a little shack, and around the body were the frozen bodies of six dogs. In a corner a terrier was nursing six puppies. 4 4 Mother ’ ’ Bailey for yeajjs

Forecast FAIR tonight. Lowest temperature about 25. Thursday unsettled with probably rain or snow.

TWO CENTS

BUSH FORMALLY ENTERS RACE FOR G. 0. P. NOMINATION 1 Governorship Candidate Says He Would Oust Utility Boara Majority, Centering his attack on the public service commission, Edgar D. Bush of Salem, former Lieutenant Governor, today formally announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for Governor. “I shall make a one-man fight, spending only such sum aa is necessary to defray my actual personal expenses." he said. “I am opposed to spending large sums to procure office. I shall recommend amendments to the primary law that will make it difficult to violate.” Bush declared himself opposed to centralization of power in State boards. He attacked the majority members of the public service commission for “arbitrary, unfair and uncalled for decisions.” He suggests that the law be amended to make the commission a regulatory body with the power to hear appeals from local bodies. “As Governor I shall demand, a square deal for the public,” he in discussing the commission. He said he would immediately demand the resignations of John McCardle, Oscar Ratts and Maurice Douglas. members of the commission, and would appoint in their places such men as Frank Wampler and Samuel Artman, the other two members. He said he objected to making the commission a “training school” for men who wish to practice law. Bush declared for economy and tax reduction. He also declared for a farmers' cooperative marketing law. DEMOCRATS ,‘IN HtYLE’ Special Train to Take Indiana Party Members to Convention. Hoosier Democrats will travel in style to the national Democratic convention in New York City June 24. A solid train of Pullmans will leave Indianapolis on the Pennslyvania at 4 p. m. June 21 and will arrive to New Y'ork next day at 2 p. m., according to plans announced today fcp Miss Gertrude McHugh, secretary of the Democratic State committee. The tickets, whijjfi wall be sold through the committee, also wifi include hotel accommodations. The hotel will be selected later. "

gave shelter to homeless dogs, feeding them on meagre earnings. The woman ran out of food, fuel and money and police believe the six dogs chose to die with her rather than desert their benefactress. Neighbors were led to the discovery of the body by the barking of the lone mongrel.