Indianapolis Times, Volume 35, Number 223, Indianapolis, Marion County, 30 January 1924 — Page 1

Home- Edition FULL service of the United Press, the NEA Service, the ttcripps-Howard Newspaper Alliance and the Scripps-Paine Service.

VOLUME 35—NUMBER 223

M’CRAY HELD BANKRUPT

DISSENSION DELAYS OIL SCANDAL PROBE -

MINE COMMITTEE WILE RECOMMEND LONGERCONTRACT Report to Convention Will Suggest Continuance of Present Wages, The scale committee of the United Mine Workers of America will recommend that the miners ask the operators for a continuation of the present wage scale for a period of four years, when it reports to the international convention in Tomlinson Hall, it was learned definitely today. The report probably will be made Saturday. If this proposal succeeds in going through without amendments from the floor, it will be presented at the joint meeting of miners and operators in Jacksonville, Fla., next month. The “radical” element among the miners is expected to demand higher wages and probably a six-hour day and a five-day week. The wage contract will expire at midnight, March 31. Heretofore it has been customary to sign contracts covering a period of only one year. The operators are expected to insist on lower wages and the usual oneyear contract. Observers, however, have expressed the belief that the miners and operators eventually will agree without a strike. GRIFFIS RELEASED UNCONDITIONALLY State Department Gets Official Advice Today. By United Press WASHINGTON. Jan. 30—Lieutenant Griffis, who was jailed in Germany following his attempt to kidnap Grover Cleveland ' Bargdoll, Philadelphia draft dodger, has been unconditionally released, the State Department was officially advised today. Griffis was sentenced to twenty-one months in jail in Mossbach, Baden. He still has about six months to serve. Petitions for release of Griffis were signed by more than 4,000 Times readers and forwarded to the state department at Washington, along with similar petitions from other Scrippslloward newspapers.

DONCASTER ON TRIAL Alleged Rum Runner's Motion to Quash Indictment Is Denied. A motion to quash an indictment charging Ben Doncaster of Taylorsville, Ky., with transporting liquor through Marion County was overruled today by Criminal’ Judge James A. Collins. The trial was expected to end today. Doncaster and George Morgan, alias John Marcus, were arrested by Sheriff George Snider Dec. 15 as they were alleged to be passing through the city with 400 gallons of pre-war whisky. FAIR COMMITTEES NAMED President of Board of Agriculture Names Department Heads. Department heads of the Indiana board of agriculture were announced today by E. J. Barker, Thorntown, president. They are: S. W. Taylor, Boonville, coliseum; Guy Cantwell, Gosptfrt, agriculture and horticulture; R. C. Jenkins. Orleans. cattle; G. R. Kemper, Columbus, amusement; O. L. Reddish, Waveland, swine; H. M. Moberly, Shelbyville, mechanical; Samuel J. Miller, 3046 College Ave., concessions; W. W. Wilson, Muncie, grandstand; Thomas Grant. Lowell, woman’s building; Lin Wilson, Jonesboro, horse; U. C. Brouse, Kendallville, sheep; Levi Moore, Rochester, parking and police; John R. Nash, gates and admission; C. J. Murphy. Indianapolis, poultry, and J. E. Green, Muncie, speed. COMMITTEE AT BERLIN Dawes and Conferees Start Work on German Finances. By United Press BERLIN, Jan. 30.—Committee of experts headed by Gen. Charles G. Dawes, made what officials described as a “satisfactory start’’ in its investigation of Germany’s finances at a two-hour session today. Stabilization of currency, establishment of an independent gold bank and investigation of Germany’s budget including railways, taxes, etc., were discussed. HOURLY TEMPERATURE 6 a. m 37 10 a. m —.. 36 7 a. m 37 11 a. m 38 8 a. m 36 12 (noon) 41 3*- 36 lD ’ 44

The Indianapolis Times

President Coolidge and Con gress at Odds and Partisan Fight'Develops—sloo,ooo Appropriation Reported Favorably With Amendment, By PAUL R. MALLON United Press Staff Correspondent WASHINGTON, Jan. 30.—Dissension between Congress and President Coolidge today threatened seriously to delay the prom ised clean-up of the naval oil leasing scandal and to convert into a partisan political squabble what started out to be a non-partisan effort to bring out all facts and remedy any wrongs committed in connection with the leasing of Teapot Dome and the California reserve. Three definite points of dissension cropped up between the chief executive and the “scandal” investigators at the capital.

1. Announcement by Bascom Slemp, secretary to the President, Mr. Coolidge’s special counsel, named last night, would go to work before being confirmed by the Senate. 2. The defy of Secretary .of the Navy Denby, who reaffirmed his sanction of the oil reserve leases and made light of the threat of Congress iO impeach him. 3. Efforts of Administration leaders under personal direction of President Coolidge to “tone down” the Walsh resolution calling upon the President to appoint prosecutors. Doheny Asks Hearing E. L. Doheny appeared unexpectedly at the Senate office building shortly before noon and asked permission to be heard by the investigating committee. Mr. Coolidge’s selection of special counsel to prosecute the cases both civilly and criminallj, if evidence warrants, occasioned much surprise. He chose Thomas Watt Gregory, Democrat, of Texas, attorney general in the Wilson administration, and Silas H. Strawn, Republican, of Chicago. The Senate resolution providing for employment of special counsel calls lor their confirmation by the Senate. Strawn, unknown here, is a law partner of John Barton Payne, a close friend of the late President Harding. He is described as "one of th s best known lawyers of the Middle West,” having been prominent in the Illinois Bar Association. He has never been in politics. Gregory was a special assistant attorney general in anti-trust cases before Mr. Wilson named him attorney general. _ Mr. Coolidge wants Strawn and Gregory to go to work at once on the leasing cases. They will meet here this week.

Committee Votes Favorably The Senate Appropriations Committee today voted to report favorably to the Senate the House bill appropriating SIOO,OOO to prosecute oil land cases, but attached an amendment making the fund available only if the President submits the names of coun sel he has chosen to the Senate for confirmation. Plans to bring about impeachment of Secretary Denby and Attorney General Daugherty were being discussed. Resolutions demanding the'r removal will be considered when the resolution authorizing the President to prosecute the leasing cases has been disposed of. Name Medical Experts The Senate Public Lands Committee decided to appoint three medical experts to determine actual condition of former Secretary of the Interior Fall. The House Naval Affairs Committee today had Denby, Admiral J. K. Robinson, head of the Bureau of Engineer and Admiral Lattimer, judge advocate before the committee to tel! what use of funcls obtained for naval oil without specific authority of Congress. Norris Opens Debate Senator Norris. Republican progressive. opened debate in the Senate on the Walsh resolution attacking the Harding executive order which transferred jurisdiction of the oil reserves lrom Secretary of the Navy Denby to Fall. Norris said, “The executive order issued by ex-President Harding preliminary to the leases, was made In absolute disrespect for the law. “What can you expect when there is utter disregard for law in high official life?” Norris asked. $50,000,000 IN ROYALTIES Naval Construction Program Funds • Come From Leases. By United Press WASHINGTON, Jan. 30.—Rear Admiral Gregory appeared before the House Naval Affairs Committee today and revealed the Navy Department is working on a construction program providing for errection of a series of oil storage stations at a cost of $50,000,000. These funds come from royalties on the Sinclair-Teapot Dome and DohenyCalifornia oil leases. CHARGES ARE DISMISSED William Jenkins Freed of Flame in Death of Truck Driver. Charges of involuntary manslaughter against William Jenkins, 23. of 1110 W. New York St., were dismissed in city court today. Jenkins waa charged with the death.of Hugh Mon roe, 32, of 1601 Van Buren St., Jan. 8, Monroe was crushed between his truck and one driven by Jenkins, while an effort was teeing made to r. ove Monroe’s truete. which was stalled;^

DRY ORGANIZATIONS PROTEST AGAINST HICKEY COURT BILL Measure May Die in Senate as Opposition Develops— Elliott Visits Ralston, By JOHN CARSON, Times Staff Correspondent WASHINGTON, Jan. 3—The Hickey bill, to create another Federal judicial circuit in Indiana and confine Judge Anderson's activities to the southern portion of the State, is threatened with death In the Senate. The Senate committee on Judiciary has not even appointed a special subcommittee to consider the bill. With Senator Watson opposed to it and Senator Ralston not making a fight for the bill, the measure Is being slowly killed by lack of Interest. If the bill gets to the floor of the Senate. indications now are it must do so through the active interest of Senators from other States. Opposition to the bill developed today from the dry organizations. The Anti-Saloon League forwarded its protest and dry organizations in the northern part of the State sent in statements against the hill. They contended the measure was designed to put wet cities in northern Indiana in that circuit and thus the bill would lead to "intemperence and lawlessness.” Homer Elliott today called on Senator Ralston and presented a protest against the bill. It was Elliott's contention the additional court could not be proved necessary. Elliott is regarded as voicing the sentiment of Judge Anderson.

REWARD OFFERED IN MURDER CASE Allied Coal and Material Company Posts SSOO for Capture of Man Who Killed John Reinert.

A reward of SSOO for the arrest of the murderer of John Reinart, 0870 Byram Ave., who was killed by a bandit late Monday, was offered today by the Allied Coal and Material Company, by whloh he was employed as a yard manager. Reinert was shot by one of two bandits who entered the LINE TO RIGHT, PLEASE \ 1 Vehicle Owners Rush to Pay Fees to Avoid Patrol Ride. With a ride in the patrol wagon promised those who fail to pay city vehicle licenses by Friday, clerks in the city controller’s office were busy today with a long line of vehicle owners holding checks and money. Figures of Joseph L. Hogue, city controller, show that only a fourth to a third of the number >mho paid license fees last year have paid this year. Police have failed to notify vehicle owners this year, Hogue said. SHEET METAL MEN MEET Eight Aspire to Office of Presidency to Be Elected Today. The sheet metal contractors convention began a stormy session at the Severin today, with eight aspirants for the office of president to be elected late today. A. E. Lamneck, Columbus, Ohio, director of the National Sheet. Metal Association, spoke on the “Equipment for Business.” Paul R. Jordan, Indianapolis, president, presided. A. J. Becker, Evansville, is vice president and O. Voorhees, Indianapolis, is seorteltery of the State organization. Fowler Has Hon Volney B. Fowler, 2456 N. Talbot Ave., city editor of The Times, announced today the arrive of a son, Theodord Blaine. The father is dom‘ we “- u “ nt - ro “-

INDIANAPOLIS, WEDNESDAY, JAN, 30, 1924

BOTH COUNTY AND STATE CLAIMING COURTHOUSE SITE Records Show No Deed Transferred —‘None Necessary,’ Says Russell J, Ryan, Proposed sale of half the courthouse square by the county commissioners to obtain funds for anew courthouse was complicated today by claims that no title has ever been granted by the State to the county. George Cheney, clerk of the State land department maintained that the land was still property of the State despite the passage of a law in 1913 giving the county commissioners authority to sell the land with approval of 10 per cent of the taxpayers. "The State did give title of that square by a specific act of dedication jm 1822,” insisted Russell J. Ryan, county attorney. "A formal deed is net always necessary to transfer land. Land is often transferred by inheritance without deeds.” “The county now owns the land by the original act, and in 1913 the legislature passed another act providing the manner in which the county can sell it.” At the office of County Recorder John W. Castor, no title ever has been recorded. VOTE GIVES LEWIS ANOTHER VICTORY _____ r ~ Miners Defeat Amendment \ by 157 Majority, President John L. Lewis scored another victory In the convention of the United Mine Workers of America In Tomlinson Hall today when a constitutional amendment sought by ''radicals” failed In a roll call vote. The resolution provided that organizers, field and office workers of the organization be elected, instead of appointed by the president and the executive board. The vote was 2,263 against, the resolution and 2.106 in its favor, giving the administration a majority of IIST. Secretary of Labor James J. Davis will address the convention Thursday morning.

company's office, 2112 Northwestern Avenue. An automobile, answering in every detail the description of the car used by the bandits, was recovered by the police. A .38 caliber cartridge shell was found Imbedded In a rubber step on the running board of the car. The shell corresponds in size to the bullet with which Reinert was shot. The automobile was stolen from Francis R. Perkins, 1440 Belle Vleu PI., shortly before the murder. In Vacant Lot The car, a Bulek roadster, was noticed by Ray Luichinger, an employe of the postoffice garage, who lives at 416 E. Tenth St., as he left his home early today for work. It was in a vacant lot near Tenth and New Jersey Sts. Police learned the car had been there all day Tuesday. Wagonmen sent from headquarters to pull the car in found the shell. Read Description “I saw that car there Monday night about 6 p. m., but due to the fact that I have noticed cars left in that lot before by a garage near by, I paid no attention to It,” Luichinger said. “I noticed it again Tuesday and when I read of the description of the car in the paper I took a good look at it.” Russell Phillips, 2115 Alfree St., and Ray Cotton, 551 W. Thirty-First St., who gave tho police the description of the car used by the bandits, were to appear at headquarters to identify It. Charles Blackwell, colored, of 1135 N. Missouri St., who discovered the b- ,dy, will be asked to Identify the car. CHILD BURNS TO DEATH Mother and Father Suffer Injuries in Attempting Rescue. By Times Special STEVENSON. Ind., Jan. 30.—Clara. 4, the little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bone, was burned to death Tuesday. Both the mother and father received serious burns In attempting to rescue the child from the blazing home. The burned body of the child was found under a bed.

Gives Blood to Mayor’s Wife .■6 vafeliEMMMF aMT w YjEgH M MRS. RAYMOND WRIGIIT

When physicians agreed that blood transfusion was the most Important aid for Mrs. Sarah Shank, Mrs. Raymond Wright. 23 Brook ville Ave., was one of the first to volunteer. Her blood was found

BLOOD TRANSFER TO BE REPEATED Mrs, Sarah Shank to Undergo Second Transfusion in Effort to Improve Her Condition,

With no apparent change in her condition, blood transfusion was to be made again this afternoon in an effort to Improve the condition of Mrs. Sarah Shank, wife of Mayor Shank. At noon Mrs. Shank's fever had risen to 104 and her general condition was reported not quite so good as, earlier in the day. Mrs Ray Wright, wife of the city purchasing agent and a life-long friend of the Shank family, was to submit to transfusion. She supplied nearly a pint and a half of blood In a transfusion Monday night. If the operation should seriously weaken Mrs. Wright, Mrs. Emma Johnston, an employe in the city purchasing department, was to submit to transfusion. Tests show the blood of Mrs. Shank. Mrs. Wright and Mrs. Johnston to be nearly identical. Every one visiting the Shank home today, including many city Qfficials volunteered to submit to the trans fusion. Blood tests have been made of Mrs. Florence Peckman, niece of Mrs. Shank, Robert Newby, the mayor’s chauffeur, and Mrs. Shank's sister. Although her fever was 103 early ►day, physicians said Mrs. Shank was holding her own. Nurses have b< en unable to reduce her fever below 1 j 2. It was reported she spent a “fairly restful night.” Physicians are fighting to prevent

POLICE CHIEF ORDERS NEW CRIME CRUSADE ‘Keep Your Guns Ready for Quidk Action,' Is Order to Officers in Drive,

“Keep* your guns ready for quick action,” Chief of Police Herman F. Rikhoff told police today, in issuing an order for a general clean-up of law violators. Addressing policemen at roll call, Chief Rikhoff ordered that loafers who frequent poolrooms and dry beer saloons be arrested unless they are able to give a good account of themselves. He ordered that all such places found to be violating the law be raided. Rikhoff said the murder Monday of John Reinert, 3917 Byram Ave., by two bandits, prompted his action. The chief ordered policemen to make a special check of parked automobiles with a view to determining ownership. It was pointed out that robberies usually are committed by thieves who have stolen automobiles In which to make their escape. Rikhoff also told policemen to warn owners of business Ihouses to take proper precautions to protect their

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

nearly identical with that of Mrs. Shank. Today, Mrs. Wrigl>t. a life-long friend of the Shank family, was to submit to a second transfusion operation. Mrs. Wright is the wife of Raymond Wright, city purchasing agent.

an attack of pneumonia from becoming serious. Complications from the influenza have caused infections.

Leap Year Stuff Tried on Anti-Sheiks

SHE “Anti-Sheik Club,” recently organied by five high school boys, found itself facing leap year complications today. Following appearance .of the picture of five charter members in The Indianapolis Times Jan. 23, the boys have received a veritable deluge of letters from youthful “Shebas. ” Byron Stiegemeyer, 3253 Washington Blvd., received five letters, one which ended with the plaintive wail of, “Won’t you please write to a lonesome little girl in Richmond.” • George Loucks, 1363 Fremont St., received four letters,

property and money. He told policemen to arrest all suspicious characters found loafing around business houses. CROWELL IS RELEASED Court Holds Indictment of Former Government Cffleial Faulty. By United Press WASHINGTON, Jan. 30.—Benedict Crowell of Cleveland, assistant secretary of war in the Wilson Cabinet, charged with conspiracy to defraud In awarding of Army cantonment contracts, was released from prosecution today in the District of Columbia Criminal Court. Justice Hoehling held “the Indictment drawn is not such as defendant could advisely plead thereto In the sense of knowing Just what he Is called upon to answer.”

Referee Harry C. Sheridan Recom mends Governor Be Adjudged insolvent by Judge Anderson

Governor Warren T. McCray should be adjudged bankrupt, according to a finding made at Frankfort by Harry C. Sheridan, referee in bankruptcy, today. The report will be submitted to Judge Albert B. Anderson for approval. In making the findings, Sheridan says that the Governor at the time of the filing of the petition in bankruptcy by three Ft. Wayne banks was not a laborer or a person chiefly engaged in farming or the tillagethe soil.

This was the main point at issue at the nine-day hearing before Sheridan in November. A farmer is not subject to involuntary bankruptcy. Sheridan also found that the Governor was insolvent and that after he had conveyed all his property to creditors by trust deeds and other means, his only occupation was that of Governor. Never Was Farmer The report said that McCray's principal occupation before deeding away his property was that of raising purebred cattle and not that of farming. The report, which was fifteen pages in length, went into the entire history of McCray’s activities for many years past. “The respondent was very greatly indebted at the time the petition was filed in this cause,” the report said. "Some of these debts had been made from farming, but the evidence is conclusive that the major portion of them in faq&-. more than seventy-five per cent, }£rew out of dealings in pure bred cattle business, in buying of farms, and in enterprises other than farming.” Assignment Made After reviewing the evidence as to the Governor’s occupation, the report S£id: “The evidence discloses that a fvoluntary deed of assignment was made by the respondent and that from and after that time he had no occupation other than that of Governor of the State of Indiana ” Turning to the question of solvency, the report took up the transfer of McCray's property to the Aetna Trust Company and the, formation of the Goodrich “pool,” and at a later date the transfer of all property subject to the trust agreement to the State Savings and Trust Company as trustees for creditors. “Under the evidentiary facts above set out, your master finds that the respondent was from and after Aug. 23. 1923, an insolvent person,” Sheridan said Acts Are Set Out Specific, acts of bankruptcy were set out as follows: “That on or about Aug. 23, while insolvent, the respondent committed an act of bankruptcy in that he did transfer to the Discount and Deposit State Bank of Kentland, one of the general and unsecured creditors, of which bank he was then president, more than $150,000 with intent to

one of which contained the height, weight, color of eyes, hair, and other characteristics of the writer. The other members of the club have shared in activities of the unintentional “matrimonial agency.” When the boys were askod

Delivery SER VICE The Times wants to give as nearly perfect delivery as it is possible to achieve. Twenty-seven sub-sta ms and more than 600 boys and girls are bu* a part of the links in the service chain If for any reason you are not •jetting your paper regularly call Main 3500 and ask for the circulation manager. He ill give his personal attention to all surg°stions and any complaints. MOLLA DEFAULTS MATCH Illness Forces Mrs. Mallory Out of Indoor Tournament. By United A’etcs NEW YORK, Jan. 30.—Mrs. Molla Mallory, the one woman In tennis who seemed Impervious to common ills, at last was forced to default a tennis match Tuesday when she showed up at the Heights Club indoor women’s tournament suffering from Influenza. Molla was to have played Mrs. Bernard Stenz, but felt too ill and decided to go home. Mrs. Stenz thus advanced to the third round without having raised her racket, as she won in the first round also by default. The withdrawal of Mrs. Mallory can celled much of the enthusiasm of the other Competitors. Suspect Returned to Cincinnati By United Press EVANSVILLE, Ind., Jan. 30. James Hammeriy, arrested hare and wanted in Cincinnati on charges of burglary, was returned to Cincinnati

Forecast FAIR weather predicted for tonight and Thursday. Not much change in temperature. Lowest tonight 30 to 35 degrees above zero.

TWO CENTS

No Comment “Until the referee’s report Is filed in the clerk's office here I shall have nothing to say,” James W. Noel, attorney for Governor McCray, said today when told that Harry C. Sheridan, referee in bankruptcy, had recommended that McCray be held bankrupt. The report was expected to be filed with William P. Kappes, clerk of the Federal Court, late this afternoon. At the Governor’s office it was said McCray was ill at his home and was talking to no one.

i refer said bank over his other credj iters.” That on the same day “he did transfer and set off to the State of Indiana. one of the general and unsecured creditors, more than $150,000.” “That on or about Aug. 21 he did then and there execute a note for $30,000 and executed a mortgage attempting to secure such note ,on 640 acres of land in Lincoln Township to one William Wilson, a Statehouse policeman, without consideration. Mortgage Recalled “That on or about Sept. 15, he caused a note and mortgage to be assigned to the Washington Bank and Trust Company of Indianapolis, a general and unsecured creditor. “That In September and October he paid to the Newton County Cemetery Association $400.” “That in September, 1923. he executed a general deed of assignment of all his property of every kind and character to the State Savings and Trust Company for the benefit of his creditors.” “Upon the foregoing facts your master concludes that the respondent should be adjudged a bankrupt,” Sheridan said. The report will be submitted to Judge Anderson for approval. In th event either party to the case is dissatisfied with the finding, further argument before Sheridan can be asked. It is the usual <;ustom to grant "requests of this character. The right of appekl for an argument before Judge* Anderson also is reserved in bankruptcy cases and in the event the finding is objectional to either party an* appeal can be taken to a higher court.

what they intended to o, Loucks said; “Well, it’s a serious prop >dtion." Here we are anti-sheikte and we get more girls in two days than most sheiks do in a week. One can’t blame tho girls, though.”

PLAN COMMISSION ELECTION TUESDAY Influence Wielded by Administration to Be Tested, Influence wielded by the administration in affairs of the city plan commission -will be teset-J Tuesday at the annual election of officers. Mayor Shank has set the wheels In motion for election of Gustav Schmidt, former city councilman, and appointed to the plan commission the first of the year, as president. Thomas C. Howe, acting as president, will bepushed by another faction. Sentiment expressed unofficially indicates that Howe would be elected by a vote of 5 to 4. Other members of the commmission are John Atherton, Thomas Dillon, Lloyd D. Ciaycombe, H. Foster Clippenger, Charles E. Coffin, Charles Bookwalter, John L. Elliott. DEMURRER IS SUSTAINED Action Take in Suit for Mandate to Admit Colored to School 36. Superior Judge Sidney S. Miller today announced he has sustained a demurrer to a suit asking him to mandate the city school commissioners to allow colored children to attend publio school No. 36. at Capitol Ave. and Twenty-Eighth St. The suit was filed by Archie Greathouse, colored, 2631 N. Capitol Ave., who alleged discrimination in an order of the board leaking the school exclusively for white children. The city demurred to the complaint on the ground that the board was within its rights, as it maintained equal facilities were given catered chlbtron ennther m*hmn,L