Indianapolis Times, Volume 35, Number 225, Indianapolis, Marion County, 1 February 1924 — Page 1

Home Editions FL t LIj service of the United Press, the NEA Service, the Scripps-Howard Newspaper Alliance and the Scripps-Paine Service.

VOLUME 35—NUMBER 225

WILSON ‘READY TO GO’ AS DEATH APPROACHES

MRS. SHANK CLINGING TO LIFE THREAD Wife of Mayor Insists She Will Get Well, While Doctors Say Chance for Recovery Is Small —New Transfusion Impossible, Refusing to admit defeat in the battle she has fought with death for eleven days, Mrs. Sarah Shank, wife of Mayor Samuel Lewis Shank, today remained strong in spirit even while her body grew weaker. Drs. M. J. Spencer and T. B. Noble, Jr., said she had a “fighting chance” to recover from her illness, which began with influenza and complications and developed into pneumonia, but admitted recovery was “very, very improbable.”

However, when Joseph L. Hogue, city controller, visited Mrs. Shank in her room at her home, 3547 E. Washington St., this morning, she declared, “Joe, I’m going to get well.” Plans for a third blood transfusion, advised by Dr. John M. Cunningham, when Mrs. Shank showed slight improvement, after hope had been given up during the night of Thursday, were abandoned when Drs. Noble and Spencer agreed the patient was too weak to undergo the operation, it was said. Physicians said a test showed Mrs. Shank’s blood to be in a fairly satisfactory condition. Temperature Drops Mrs. Emma Johnston, clerk in the city purchasing department and long a friend of Mrs. Shank, was prepared to give the blood. Mrs. Ray .Wright, wife of the city purchasing agent, gave blood for two transfusions in the past three days. Mrs. Shank’s temperature had gone down to 103 this noon. It was 104 earlier in the morning. Doctors said the lower temperature resulted from her weakened condition. Declaring absolute quiet and rest were imperative, physicians ordered two plain clothesmen who have been on duty for several days to keep every one execpt nurses, doctors, and a few relatives and close friends out of the yard. The gate was barred. State Senator Will K. Penrod, the mayor’s manager in his campaign for the Republican nomination for Gov ernor, and Deo K. Fesler, former county auditor, were among those turned away. Mayor at Bedside Persons allowed in the house during the morning were the mayor, Mr. and Mrs. Hogue, Mr. and Mrs. Wright, Mrs. M. J. Spencer, Carlin Shank, brother of the mayor, and his wife; Robert Newby, the mayor's chauffeur, and Mr. and Mrs. Harry Peckman. Her husband and Hogue were the only person, besides doctors and nurses, in Mrs. Shank’s room this morning. The mayor spent ten minutes with her about 10:45. Although haggard after day’s of constant watching. Shank seemed to be standing up well under the anxiety. He realized his wife’s condition, but, like her, refused to abandon hope. At noon Mayor Shank left the house for a short automobile ride and lunch. No food was served at the house today. Mrs. Shank, who has retained consciousness throughout her illness, continued to show an interest in affairs at the city hall and at the Shank stor-

M’CRAY TO PLEAD IN COURT TUESDAY Judge Collins Overrules Motions to Quash on All but Three of Fifteen Indictments,

Motions to quash twelve of the fifteen indictments against Governor McCray were overruled by Judge James A. Collins in Criminal Court today. He took motions to quash the remaining three under advisement. The court set Feb. 5 at 9 a. m. as the time for arraignment of the Governor on all the remaining indictments. The twelve indictments cover all the charges against the Governor, lnclud ing embezzlement, larceny, forgery, issuing fraudulent checks false pretenses and making false financial statements. Long Indictments Held Up The indictments on which there was no ruling were one of ninety-seven counts, charging forgery, one of fortjrnine counts charging false pretenses and one of thirteen counts charging making of false financial statements. They were the largest of the fifteen indictments. Michael J. Ryan, one of the McCray

S'“Fortune’s Fool”

The Indianapolis Times

age house, which she has managed since Shank became mayor. She discussed details of the storage house business when Hogue visited her. "Going to Climb Hill” Doctors had given up hope at midnight Thursday apd had permitted friends and relatives, who have kept vigil at the home, to visit Mrs. Shank. As they talked with her, Mayor Shank asked her: “Are you going to climb the hill, Sarah?” “You bet,” she said. Mrs. Shank’s temperature was 106 degrees at that time. She had a cheerful gree ng for all. Dr. Spencer reported that Mrs. Shank’s respiration a little better today. Difficulty in breathing Thursday night had strengthened the physicians’ belief that death would come soon. Prayer Service Held City officials and employes held a prayer service for Mis. Shank in the board of works office late Thursday. Word had reached city hall that her condition was very grave. With tears in their eyes several of those who have been associated with her in private and public life offered brief petitions to the Almighty for her {recovery. John P. Rainier, chief clerk of the assessment bureau, former pastor of the W T oodside M. E. Church, presided. Brief speeches were made by Charles E. Coffin, board of works president: Corporation Counsel Taylor E. GronInger, Fire Chief John J. O'Brien, Newton J. Maguire, park board attorney, and others. Dances Called Off The official family sang “Nearer. My God, to Tee,” and silently returned to work. Prayer for Mrs. Shank’s recovery also was offered at the midweek meeting of the Central Ave. M. E. Church, Thursday evening. Because Mrs Shank Is an honorary member, the Pleasant Run Golf and Pleasure Club recalled 250 Invitations to a dance at the clubhouse this evening. A dance planned by city hospital Internes in honor of nurses, at the hospital tonight, was postponed because of Mrs. Shank's condition, Dr. Cleon Nafe, superintendent, announced. Mattress Maker Indicted An indictment charging Frank Weisenberger, 247 N. Gray St., with making mattresses from old ones discarded by hospitals was returned today by the grand jury.

attorneys, asked the State to designate the indictment on which McCray will be tried. Clarence W. Nichols, special prosecutor, insisted that the Governor should be arraigned on all the remaining indictments. The court ruled this should be done. Abatement Plea Possible Attorneys for the Governor indicated their next step will be the filing of a plea in abatement attacking the jurisdiction of the court, and possibly attacking the' action of the grand jury. If this plea is overruled, date for trial probably will be announced on arraignment day or shortly thereafter. It is expected McCray’s attorneys will not ask for a change of venue and will consent to go to trial in Marion County. The court allowed an exception to his ruling refusing to quash the twelve indictments, to be used in case of appeal to Supreme Court.

EIGHT AGES OF NATION’S EX-PRESIDENT

TOP ROW. LEFT TO RIGHT: 1. WOODROW 'WILSON AS A YOUNG LAWYER. 2. AS A YOUNG PROFESSOR AT WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY. 3. AS GOVERNOR OF NEW JERSEY. 4. AT THE TIME OF HIS INAUGURATION AS PRESIDENT. BOTTOM ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: 5. DURING THE WAR PERIOD. 6. WHILE TOURING THE COUNTRY IN DE ENSF. OF THE ’ ' ' 7. N HIS 65TH BIRTHDAY. 8. AT PRESIDENT HARDING’S FUNERAL CEREMONY IN WASHINGTON.

FIRE DAMAGE AT J. D. ADAMS AND CO. PLANT ESTIMATED AT $75,000

DOOMED SLAYERS ESCAPE PRISON Three, Awaiting Electrocution, Kidnap Warden. By United Press LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Feb.—l. Three gunmen and murderers awaiting electrocution at the State penitentiary, escaped today. They overpowered and kidnaped Warden Hamp Martin, fleeing in his automobile. The warden entered the “death” cell to talk to the prisoners—Emory Connell, Joe Sullivan and Elos Sullivan, when the three attacked him. They were armed with revolvers which were believed to have been smuggled into the building. They bundled the warden into his auto and made their escape past prison guards The warden was found in his automobile, which the prisoners had abandoned five miles from the penitentiary. The fugitives left the warden’s auto for a powerful motor car which was awaiting them. D. AND D. FIRM MOVES Transfer and Storage Firm in New South St. Building. The D. and D. Transfer Company has leased a large part of a six-story modern storage building at 221 W. South St. for its new headquarters. The building, erected in 1920, is of re-enforced concrete, is equipped with a vacuum sprinkler system and is steam heated. First floor office and display space will be sublet. B. F. Danford, owner, established the first automobile delivery service in Indianapolis thirteen years ago. HOURLY TEMPERATURE 6 a. m. 35 10 a. m....--.. 42 7 a. m........ 35 11 a. m..••. 43 8 a., m 36 12 (noon) 44 |a. m • •.. 37 Ip. m 46

by Rafael Sabatini, Author of “Scaramouche,” begins in

INDIANAPOLIS, FRIDAY, FEB. 1, 1924

Flames, Thought to Have Been Started by Spark Dropping Into Paint Vat, Destroy Main Road Machinery Building,

Fire today destroyed the manufacturing building of the J. D. Adams & Cos., 217 S. Belmont Ave., manufacturers of road-building machinery. Fire Chief John J. O’Brien estimated the loss at from $75,000 to SIOO,OOO. The office and a finished products warehouse were saved. A spark from an electric crane is thought to have dropped into a vat of machine paint in the dipping room, where huge tanks of paint are located. A mass of flames arose from the spot and swept the paint, storage and manufacturing departments In the onestory frame and structural steel building about 200 by 800 feet In size. The original building, 80 by 260, of concrete with a wood roof, forming an GREGORY BARRED IN LEASE CASES Was Former Attorney for Doheny, Magnate Testifies, By United Press WASHINGTON, Feb. I.—Thomas W. Gregory will not be employed as special counsel to prosecute the naval oil lease cases, an official announcement from the White House said today after E. L. Doheny told the Senate Committee he had employed Gregory. The statement issued at the White House said: “In view of the statements of Mr. Doheny that Mr. Gregory had been his attorney, that employment might be an embarrassment to Mr. Gregory and perhaps otherwise would be improper.” Gregory, Attorney General in the Wilson Cabinet, was the Democratic member of the “special counsel” selected by Mr. Coolidge. Silas H. Strawn, Chicago, Is the Republican.

Tie Times Tomorrow —Feature:

“L” with the longer portion, was attacked by the flames which had licked up the other part. up the other pa .t. Firemen were conCompany Estimate Differs Roy Adams, a partner in the company, said he believed the company’s insurance of $175,000 would barely cover the total loss. Five fire companies answered the flirt alarm. The second alarm brought six more. Fire Chief O'Brien and all batalion chiefs were directing their work. Capt. William Gooden, colored, 1660 Martindaje Ave., of Company No. 1, suffered a broken leg when a ladder broke beneath him. He was taken to city hospital. A fireproof brick warehouse at the end of the building which was practically destroyed, wa saved by efforts of eighteen men under Joseph Longfltt, fireman from the Link-Belt Comapny, adross Belmont Ave. Gas Tank Removed A 240-gallon tank of gasoline was removed after firemen had been working near it for half an hour. The building will be replaced immediately, according to Roy Adams. Alfred L. Kauffmann, vice president of the Link Belt Company, offered space for the continued operation of the machinery, according to Adams who operates the company with his brother, Ray Adams. J. D. Adams, their father, founder of the company, died recently. A temporary plant ■will be Installed in the Link-Belt Company. OWSLEY WILL BE GUEST Alvin Owsley, Texas, former national commander of the American Legion, will speak at the banquet of the Indiana Democratic Editorial Association at the Claypool Feb. 14. Owsley will go from Indianapolis to Washington to take charge of the Legion lobby for the soldier bonus. Robert J, Aley, president of Butler University, also will speak at the banquet.

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

CARPENTER ENDS LIFE WHO GUN Son of William Pierson Finds Body in Basement, William Pierson, 62, carpenter, Ben Davis committed suicide early today by shooting himself in the head with a shot gun, in the basement of his home. His son Iceland heard the shot and rushed to the basement, to find his father dead. Mr. Pierson sustained an injury to his head last August. He is survived by the widow Mrs. Lyda Pierson; three sons, Harry, Leland, and Rolland, and two daughters, Mrs. Belle Trotter and Miss Carrie Pierson. Funeral arrangements have not been made. fivelom RIVERJOATSINKS Passengers Cling to Top Deck Out of Water, * By United Press CAIRO, 111., Feb. I.—Two white passengers and three negro deck hands were reported drowned early today when the steam packet, Tom C. Powell, struck a snag at the mouth of the Cumberland River near Smith Land, Ky., and sank. Several women and children were put into a row boat and landed safely on the Kentucky there of the river. A towboat Is en route to relieve 30 persons stranded on top of the deck of the boat, above water. A heavy fog is believed to have been responsible for the crash. It Is feared the heavy Ice may break up the steamer.

Lloyd George

‘The Machinery Is Broken/ Ex-President Tells Grayson in Weak Voice “He Is the Gamest Man I Ever Knew,” Physician Declares Amid Sobs By LAWRENCE MARTIN United Press Staff Correspondent WASHINGTON, Feb. I.—Woodrow Wilson’s death within a few honrs is inevitable. His doctor, Admiral Cary T. Grayson, so informed Mr. Wilson today. “I am ready,” Mr. Wilson replied. Admiral Grayson made this statement to Mr. Wilson after a consultation with two other physicians, in which all three doctors agreed nothing could stay the hand of death very long. “I am a piece of broken machinery,” Mr. Wilson said in a feeble voice when Grayson told him. “The machinery is broken” —his voice trailed off. “I am ready,” he repeated. With the tears streaming down his face, Admiral Grayson himself told the story of this scene today. “You’ve Pone Everything You Could” Mr. Wilson put his hand on Grayson’s arm and said: “You’ve been good to me. You’ve done everything you could.” Grayson wept like a child. He couldn’t tell his story of the tragic scene at the bedside of his friend for his tears. “I’m sorry to choke up this way, hoys, but I’ve been with him so long,” said Grayson. “He has been such a fine friend.” Grayson said the former President may die at any hour or he may linger a day or two. “lie knows the situation, however,” Grayson went on. “He is the gamest man I ever kftew. ” No one has seen Mr. Wilson today except Mrs. Wilson, his Traffic has been barred from the block in which the Wilson house stands. People Gather About House When the news of Mr. Wilson’s imminent death spread through the city, little knots and groups of people gathered near I by. Endlessly men and women went softly past the house, looking up at the windows behind which the last act of the tragedy is being enacted. Joseph P. Tumulty, who was Mr. Wilson’s secretary while he was President, went in. There were tears on Tumulty’s ruddy, chubby cheeks. When he came out he could not speak. Mr. Wilson is 68 years old.

Dr. Grayson left the house shortly after 1 p. m. Han No Temperature "Mr. Wilson Is sleeping now,” said Grayson. "He has no temperature. If he can get a few hours’ sleep he may gain some strength. I feel just a trifle more hopeful.” Grayson said he was going to get a little air and that when Mr. Wilson awoke there would be another consultation of physicians. Mrs. Wilson, he said, was displaying wonderful fortitude. “She Is very brave,” said Grayson, “and very self-sacrificing.” Brought on Stroke It will be recalled that it was a “digestive upset” coupled with extreme fatigue which brought on the ex-Pres ident’s stroke of paralysis in the fall of 1919. Since that time Mr. Wilson has suffered-occasionally from similar upsets and they have caused the greatest concern to his family and friends. Dr. Grayson, his troubled face anxious and haggard from loss of sleep, appeared for a moment at a window this morning. He notified Mrs. Grayson he would not be home for the present. Shock to Close Friends Grayson’s brief but apprehensive bulletin this morning was a shock to Mr. Wilson’s close friends here. Senators Glass and Swanson of Virginia, frequent callers at the "Wilson home, received the news sorrowfully, for their close observation of Mr. Wilson ever since his grave illness led them to believe the present trouble may gravely endanger his life. Both Senators called today to offer Mrs. Wilson any assistance they can. Mrs. Wilson remained up practically all night. President and Mrs. Coolidge, on learning of Mr. "Wilson's serious condition, sent word to Mrs. Wilson expressing their sympathy and offering any aid at their command. Grayson today called in Dr. H. A. Fowler, kidney specialist, in addition to Dr. Sterling Ruffin. Both these physicians were called In Wilson’s previous illness. Mrs. Wilson, on the advice of Dr.

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

TWO CENTS

Grayson, sent word to all members of the Wilson family of the seriousness of the ex-President’s condition. Mrs. Sayre, one of Mr. Wilson’s daughters, Is in Siam with her husband. who is financial adviser to the president of Slam. Mrs. William G. McAdoo, wife of the former Secretary of the Treasury, is in California with her husband. Miss Margaret Wilson, the other daughter, is also absent from Washington. Grayson came out of the Wilson home this morning to talk briefly with newspapermen. He did not attempt to conceal his deep anxiety. “We have got to be prepared for some sudden happening in view of the turn for the worse Mr. Wilson took last night,” Grayson said. Navy Nurse Called Miss Ruth Pow T derly, Navy nurse who attended Mr. Wilson before and who was with President Harding when he died, may be called in. Grayson Indicated Mr. Wilson’s illness is developing along the sfcme lines as his other attack. M’ADOOS RECEIVE WORD Daughter of Ex-Preeldent Grief Stricken at News of Illness. By United Press LOS ANGELES, Feb. I.—Mr, and Mrs. McAdoo have had serious word concerning Mr. Wilson’s condition. They will go East at once. Mrs. McAdoo is Mr. Wilson’s daughter. McAdoo remained with his wife this morning. She was grief stricken over messages announcing her father’s critical condition. BAKER CANCELS SPEECH Former Secretary of War in Wilson Cabinet Hurries to Washington. By United Press CLEVELAND, Ohio, Feb. I.—Newton D. Baker, Secretary of War In the Wilson Cabinet, today cancelled a spaking engagement before the Women’s Civic Club tonight to be in readiness to make a hurried trip to the bedside of former President Woodrow Wilson.

discusses Great Britain’s turnover in government.