Indianapolis Times, Volume 35, Number 227, Indianapolis, Marion County, 4 February 1924 — Page 1

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

VOLUME 35—NUMBER 227

WILSON RITES WEDNESDAY TRACTION WRECK PROBE CENTERS ON TRAIN CREW ORDERS

Five Indianapolis Men Among Nine Identified Dead — Fifteen Believed to Flave Lost Lives * Near Fortville. Investigation of the head-on collision between two Union Traction interurban trains two miles east of Fortville Saturday afternoon today appeared to center upon whether the eastbound crew misunderstood or disobeyed reputed orders to wait for the westbound car at a siding about two miles west of the wreck scene. Corner Jesse E. Helbert, Madison county; the traction company, and the public service commission conducted separate inquiries, chiefly at Anderson. The coroner was holding an inquest there. At least fifteen persons are thought to have been killed in the wreck, in which the two'trains, each composed of a wooden motor car and trailer, caught fire immediately after the crash. Some bodies were burned up, it is thought. Approximately fifty-five were injured. Thirteen bodies were from the wrcek. the coroner said today. Tep of these were positively identified, and two others are thought to have been identified. Five of the known dead lived in Indianapolis. Many of the iujured came from here. One of those believed dead is from Indianapolis. Thousands of persons filed through the morgue at Anderson Sunday and today for a view of the charred bits that were once human bodies, some in curiosity, some in terror lest they should identify the clothing or jewelry of a loved one.

O’Brien Alive Relatives of B. T. O'Brien, apartment No. 21, 335 E. North St., reported dead, were happy today as O'Brien smilingly denied to a reporter that he is dead. An injured foot, not serious, was all. He went home from the wreck in a taxicab. Wounded in the Deaconess hospital and their own homes here were reported as improving. Roland Flynn, motorman; and Sidney Sawyer, conductor, of the eastbound train No. 23, which roared by two switches, one at the edge of Fortville and another a mile east, to telescope the westbound double-header. No. 21, are charged with involuntary manslaughter. They are held under bail of $2,600 each. Both live in Muncie. The trains were going to and from Ft. Wayne. The dispatcher’s records show the eafctbound train was ordered to stop at Mur, just at the edge of Fortville, and wait. The crew say they received an order to meet No. 21 nine miles further on, but the record was burned. Commission In Probe Chairman John W. McCardle. of the Public Service Commission, announced today the commission would hold a hearing on the wreck at the city hall at Anderson. Ind.. at 10 a. m. Thursday. The commission, meanwhile, pushed a thorough Investigation Into the catastrophe. Evidence was being sifted pointing to responsibility of the eastbound crew. The motorman was questioned concerning the orders he had received from the dispatcher at Anderson. In the investigation, these facts are now outstanding: 1. The automatic block signals were said to be out of operation between Mur and Ingalls, the “death distance” in which the tragedy occurred. 2. Flynn, eastbound motorman. had ’•■een transferred to the Anderson-In-Jianapolls division only one week, according to Frank Kap, fellow motorman. Orders Misunderstood? 3. Orders were given for Flynn's far. according to Kap, who said he had heard them, to proceed to a stop near Fortville, called Mur. where he was to wait on a siding for No. 21. 4. As No. 23, the interurban following Nb. 2 out of Anderson, was about eighteen minutes late, Flynn was ordered to stop next at a siding west of Anderson, at Goul, where the dispatcher believed both cars would easily pass each other. 5. Flynn did not wait at Mur. 6. The west-bound car. No. 2, was speeding toward Mur when the two cars crashed together on a curve. Members of the westbound crew were Jesse Anthony, motorman, and Edward Mitchell, conductor, both of Indianapolis. These men with Flynn and Sawyer were called before Coroner Helbert Sunday for questioning. Conference Is Held The public service commission investigation was ordered by McCardle. Officials of the inspection department were on the scene of the accident Sunday. A special conference of the five members of the commission was held this morning. A preliminary report will be filed by David E. Matthews, chief inspector. w'th the commission today. The contents of the report fill not be made public U’-'til the formal hearing, the date for which has not been yet set. The commission's investigation was

Union Traction Has SixtySeven Wooden Cars

Sixty-seven wooden Interurban motor cars, ten -steel cars, ordered eight years ago. and eighteen interurban trailers. This was the equipment of the Union Traction Company of Indiana prior to the ghastly tragedy near Fortville. where two wooden interurban motor cars and two trailers crashed head-on. The information was obtained today by The Times from H. A.

The Indianapolis Times

expected to require a greater part of this week, according to Matthews. Oscar Ratts, vice chairman, urged an immediate inquiry into the catastrophe. “Under the law we are given authority to make an investigation, and I know the commission will make a thorough probe,” Ratts said today. Findings Secret Ninety Days Findings of the commission cannot be made public until ninety days after the hearing. The commission sent a telegram asking the Interstate Commerce Commission to join in the probe. The Federal inquiry in this case would be on the basis, it was said, that the Union Traction Company, although engaging in intrastate business, was a common carrier in trans portatloo, . jfarey Bogue, 23, electrical engineer, ■ELrion, Ind., is believed dead bemuse a watch with his initials and a Northwestern University pin identified as hiR, were among trinkets found in the wreckage. Cuff buttons found in the wreck were identified as belonging to Oliver L. Shaw, 1103 Reid PL, Indianapolis, placing his name among those be lieved dead. Harry C. Busehmann, 1244 Central Ave., believed to be one of the missing in the traction wreck near Fortville, walked into his home this morning very much surprised that he was thought dead. Busehmann is a traveling saelsman and had written to his neice. Miss Florence Busehmann, that he was coming to Indianapolis Saturday afternoon. Miss Busehmann said that her uncle usually came from Ft. Wayne on the traction and that when he did not arrive, she felt he was In the wreck. Busehmann changed his plans and came by railroad. Man With Ring Sought Relatives and friends have sought in vain for the man who was given a Masonic ring by James F. T. Sargent, 3340 Central Ave., who was burned to death. It is believed impossible for the man to have obtained Mr. Sargent’s address before he died. Mr. Sargent spent his last moments making sure that his family received word of his death. Calling to Charles Thompson, a mail carrier of Ingalls, Ind., Mr. Sargent calmly repeated his name several times. Then, calling for a Mason from the crowd, Mr. Sargent drew from his hand a Masonic ring, handed it to a man and asked that it be taken to his wife. The two shook hands Just before Mr. Sargent collapsed. Mr. Sargent was a member of Mystic Tie Lodge No. 398, F. and A. M., of Indianapolis. It is said the man who received the ring was among injured. Relatives Identify Khinear Positive identification of Willis H. Kinnear, 3306 Ruckle St., Indianapolis, was made this morning by two of his brothers. A bunch of keys and teeth made the identification possible, according to President Arthur W. Brady of the traction company. E. F. Kinnear and H. E. Kinnear, Marlon, were the brothers. The widow and two sons, Willis and Kenneth also survive. According to the brothers, Kinnear was with Sargent, returning from negotiating a real estate deal in Ft. Wayne. It is now thought probable that a mother and two children were completely cremated in the wreck. Sur(Uontinued on Page 10)

Nicholl, general manager of the company, at his headquarters In Anderson. “We purchased ten .steel cars eight years ago,” Nichpll .said. “The last equipment was two trailers which we acquired 14st year. "We have bought two Or three cars at a time, but with ho definite policy. Equipment is never bought that way, only when it is needed.”

HUNDREDS SHOW GIF FOR MRS. SHANK AT RUES Services in Flome Are Simple —Minister Praises Her Life. Hundreds of citizens from ail walks of life paid final tribute to Mrs. Sarah Shank, wife of Mayor Samuel Lewis Shank in simple funeral services at the residence on E. Washington St., this afternoon. Scores were unable to gain admittance to the home. The entire home was banked with floral offerings. By wish of Mayor Shank, the services were brief and simple. Ceremonies started at 2 o'clock a id occupied less 'than an hour. The Naomi chapter of the Eastern Star, of which Mrs. Shank was a member, furnished two musical numbers. The Falrview Presbyterian Church quartet sang. Taking his text from the second verse of the fourteenth chapter of St. John, the Rev. John F Rainier, ex-pastor of the Hall Place M. E. Church, and now a city employe, praised the life of Mrs. Shank. “Her life speaks for Itself," said the Rev. Rainier, speaking to the silent throng in the Shank home. “Through quiet deeds she had come to be regarded as a godmother to thousands. Multitudes have arisen on every hand to call he* name blessed. "Thousands of children were made glad at Christmas time by her benefactions. One of her favorite pastimes was to take her car filled with baskets of food and deliver them to the poorest of the poor. She was the queenly .wife jj| the naeypr.stf Indiana poll**. “Words Are Inadequate” “Words are inadequate to pay tribute to the memory of Sarah Rob bins Shank. However comprehensive, something will be omitted.’’ The Rev. Orien W. Fifer, pastor of the Central Ave. M. E. Church gave a prayer, and the brief ceremonies were over. At the grave, the Eastern Star again took charge, with the Rev. Rainier giving the final benediction as the casket was lowered in the grave. Before the funeral procession left the home for Crown Hill cemetery chimes of the little church on the Circle played Mrs. Shank's favorite hymn, “Nearer. My God. to Thee.” Downtown traffic was stopped for one minute at 2 p. m.. out of respect to Mrs. Shank. “.Sisters” as Pallbearers Members of Naomi chapter of the Eastern Star, of which Mrs. Shank was a member, were active pallbearers. City officials were honorary pallbearers. Churches of the city observed prayer service Sunday. At the city hall Sunday afternoon scores of Mrs. Shank's closest personal friends gathered to mourn her death. Charles A. Bookwalter, president of the park board, presided. Music was furnished by the Fairview Presbyterian Church choir. City Hall Closed The city hall was closed all day today out of respect to Mrs. Shank. Headquarters of political candidates in local hotels were closed. Superior courts were closed from 2 to 3 p. m., Juvenile Court was closed all day; Circuit, Criminal and Probate Courts recessed at 2 p. m. Armory Inspection Ordered Federal armory inspection of all Indiana National Guard troops will be held Feb. 16 to April 4, according to plans announced today at the office of Adjt. Gen. Harry B. Smith In compliance with an order received Jan. 31, 1924 from 60th Corps Area headquarters. Safe Open: $245 Stolen About $246 was stolen from an open safe at the Weber Milk Compaiy, Croft and Shelby Sts., officials told police today.

Relatives Inspect Charred Trinkets in Quest of Missing

By RUBY WEIL Times Staff Correspondent ""7“| NDERSON, Ind.. Feb. 4.—A table filled with jewelry and ■ trinkets, many of them burned beyond recognition, and a few bits of clothing today held the secret of the identity of victims of the interurban wreck near Fortville Saturday evening. A steady stream of relatives and friends of persons believed to have died in the wreck and merely curious onlookers filed past the table in a r9MP in the office of the Union Traction Company of Indiana. Watches with their hands melted Into the faces, cases melted and twisted by the terrific heat, bracelets, pocket knives, eye glasses and cases, frames of women’s purse? S keys, rings, bits of trinkets

INDIANAPOLIS, MONDAY, FEB. 4, 1924

- Mourned by lfation -

£orn 1856

o'wenty-&ighth President of the United States

I,,,iibi, , ■mihi ■ Mt ?: n mammmmmmimmmiaimm

DEBS AGAIN ‘REAL ILL’ Socialist I-eader Confined to Bed at Home in Terre Haute. By United Preee TERRE HAUTE, Ind., Feb. 4. Eugene V. Deba, nationally known labor and Socialist leader, who has been slowly recovering from a nervous breakdown as a result of a speaking tour last December, was confined to his Led again today. According to Mrs. Debs, the labor leader is "real 111,” suffering from heart trouble. POLLY TERRIFIES BANDIT Hold-Up as Parrot Begins Screaming at Intruder. By United Preen TERRE HAUTE, Ind., Feb. 4 Polly had more crackers than she knew what to do with today. Screaming from her perch, the par rot made a bandit take to his heels before he had got more than sll from Josephine Frew, 20, who was In charge of the soft drink parlor while her mother attended a funeral. The girl fainted. HOURLY TEMPERATURE 6 a. m • • 48 10 a. m 47 7 a. m. • 47 11 a. m. . 47 8 a. m 46 12 (noon) 48 9 a. m 47 1 p. m 51

wholly Indistinguishable from their original state made up the voiceless testimony of the tragedy. Bit by bit they were removed as Identification waa established. A piece of blue serge told the story of the death of Samuel Arthur Greenwait, 48, Muncie, Ind. “I’m going to sleep all the way to Indianapolis," Greenwalt said as he left the home of his son in Muncie Saturday. "I’ll tell the conductor just to wake me up as we get there.” Frederick Greenwalt, the son, said his father always rode in the smoking compartment. The father was on his way to visit his mother, Mrs. Margaret Greenwalt, at the home of Mrs. Harry Bishop, 230 Koehne St., Indianapolis. Mrs. Greenwalt was taken to the hotne of her son, James L. Greenwalt in Selma after woid of the tragedy was received. Greenwalt also left

WOODROW WILSON

Toll of Interurban Crash

IDENTIFIED DEAD DR. E. BLAINE HASKINS, 39, of 1220 N. Illinois St.. Indianapolis. Inspector directing department of agriculture bureau of anlmaJ husbanry in Indiana. JOHN La. HUTCHINS. I,afayet<e, Ind.; guard at Indiana State Reformatory, Pend let yn. •I. 11. CLARK, Jeffersonville, Ind.j guard at State ReformatoryL'ILARLES E. WKISMAN, New Albany, Ind.; instructor at State Reformatory. LAWRENCE H. FLOOD, 33. of 1130 Union St., Indianapolis; salenoian Capitol Supply Company. JOHN MOKIAIUTY, 20, Marion, Ind. JAMES F. T. SARGENT, 3340 Centrai Ave., Indianapolis, president Savings liealty Company. J. A. BRYAN, 2831 Kenwood Ave., Indianapolis; traveling salesman. WILLIS H. KINNEAR, 3306 Ruckle St.. Indianapolis: president The Kinnear Company, real estate. SAMUEL A.’ GREENWALT, 48, Muncie, Ind.

two other brothers, H. C. and William T. of Muncie. Identification was not established until after the relatives had made two visits to the undertaking establishment of Elmer S. Albright and C. S. Nuckols. A laundry mark, 2913, on a piece of white corded shirt was mute evidence of the unknown story of another victim. Through the many tragic stories of the accident filtered tales of escapes of persons at first thought to have been in the accident. Charles Person, Anderson, left Indianapolis on the eastbound car. At Fortville he got off to collect a bill. A few minutes later the o&r in which he had been riding was a mass of flames. A visit to a girl friend may have

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

BELIEVED DEAD OLIVER L. SHAW. 1103 Reid PI.. Indianapolis; employe of Pearson Piano Company at Anderson. CAREY BOGIE, 23, Marion, Ind.; electrical engineer. REPORTED MISSING: ERNEST HUDSON, 30, Paris Cross ing, Ind. CAKOIJNE HUTCHINS, 18, Muncie, Ind. N. F. JONES, 2170 N. Talbott Ave., Apt. No. 2, Indiana pouts; traveling salesman for a firm at Elmira, N. Y. HERBERT TYLER. 18, son of Tilden Tyler,i 2315 Park Ave., Indianapolis. H. PERLMAN. Cleveland, 0., representative of the Gross Company, Cleveland. *, LEE CARTWRIGHT, Anderson, Ind., meter reader. BURNS RAFFERTY, Robinson. HL, Indiana University student. NELSON WASMOUTH, Huntington, Ind., Indiana University student. “TUBBY” BASHMOKE, Marion, Ind., Indiana University student. RALPH SMITH. 24 years, old, 1866 Orleans St., Indianapolis. (Continued on Page 10)

saved the life of Curtis Tranfold, Anderson. He was on his way to Indianapolis, where he attends a morticians’ school. At Pendleton he left the car, intending to stay there several hours visiting the girl. His relatives did not reccelve word until this morning that he jpas not on the car in the wreck. John Nelley, Anderson, is safe in Louisville, it was learned today. Friends In Anderson received word that he had not taken the ill-fated car as he had originally planned. After viewing five bodies of the wreck victims F. W. Dunn, Muncie, turned away, shaking his head this mprning. His sister, Miss Carrie Dunn of Muncie has not been heard of since she started for Indianapolis supposedly on the ill-fated car Saturday afternoon. He could not identify any of the bodies as hers.

Ceremony Will Be Private and Simple According to Wishes of Bereaved Widow By LAWRENCE MARTIN United Press Staff Correspondent WASHINGTON, Feb. 4.—Mrs. Woodrow Wilson decided that the body Os her husband, who died Sunday, shall be laid to rest with private and simple ceremony. Read Admiral Cary T. Grayson, physician and friend of Mr. W ilson, announced the funeral arrangements from the front step of the Wilson home on S St.: “A brief private service will be held at the Wilson house at 3 o'clock p. m. Wednesday, Feb. 6, ‘’This service will be followed by a service at 3:30 o’clock at Bethlehem of the Washington Cathedral. “The services will be conducted, both at the house and the chapel, by the Rev. James Taylor, pastor of the Central Presbyterian Church of Washington, where Mr. Wilson attended when President; the Rev. Sylvester Beach, who was Mr. Wilson’s pastor when he was president of Princeton University, and the bishop of Washington, the Rev. James E. Freeman.’’

Died 1924-

No Provision Made Admiral Grayson said no provisions had been made for the body of the late President to lie in state at the rotunda of the Capitol, as Senator Robinson, minority leader of the Senate, stated earlier In the day, after a call at the Wilson home, probably would be the arrangement. N Mrs. Wilson desires the funeral of her husband be private and simple, Grayson said, and there will accordingly be nothing in the nature of a state funeral. The fact the body is to be placed in the crypt at Washington Cathedral io-dic-ales. Grayson stated, no final decision has yet been reached by Mrs. Wilson as to where the former war i resident will be permanently interred. Temporary Resting Place Grayson believes the crypt will be only a temporary resting place for nis former distinguished patient. But, he stated, he did not know where tlfe final burial will be The storm doors of the Wilson residence had hardly been thrown open early this morning, when the first of a steady stream of callers-—high Government officials,- former associates of of the late President, family friends, and others began to arrive and leave messages of condolence and sympathy for Mrs. Wilson and Miss Margaret Wilson. Floral Piece Changed To prevent destruction and withering of the floral piece on the door of the Wilson home, it is changed almost hourly." It is not a crepe but a bunch of bright flowers, jonquils and mignonette tied with silk ribbons. Yellow is the prevailing color. Mr. Wilson loved flowers, especially the vivid blooms of spring. Shortly after making his announcement regarding the funeral. Admiral Grayson left the Wilson home for a conference with the President and Secretary of War Weeks at the White House. Following his conference. Grayson said the President and Weeks had offered every service at their command. No Military Display It was decided, however, that there will be no military display at the funeral except'for details of eight private soldiers, eight sailors and eight marines to act as an escort and pall-bearers. Grayson said. Twenty-four close friends of the late President will act as honorary pallbearers, Grayson said. They will include Senators Swanson and Glass. "Virginia, Representatives Garrett and Hull, Tennessee, and lowa. Several classmates of Mr. Wilson from the Princeton class of ’79, including Cleveland H. Dodge and Cyrus McCormick: some of the prominent men who served in Washington during the war, including Norman Davis. Bernard Baruch and Vance McCormick, and Dr. F. X. Dercum, Philadelphia physician, who attended Mr. Wilson during his illness at the White House. President and Mrs. Coolidge and Chief Justice Taft will be at the service at the Wilson home and will ride in the procession to the cathedral. Invitations Prepared Otherwise, there will be no official representatives. Invitations to the ceremony will be sent regardless of rank or position to Mr. Wilson’s friends. The invitations are being prepared now by John Randolph Bolling and the State Department. As soon as the announcement was made of Mr. Wilson’s death Secret Service men who served with him during his term as President asked to ho permitted to have one of their number act as guard over the body. The request was granted. Six Secret Service men will take turns standing guard beside Mr. Wilson's coffin. Mrs. Wilson this morning had recovered somewhat from the fatigue of a bedside vigil which lasted practically unbroken from Thursday night on. She was tired last night almost to the point of illness and Dr. Cary T. Grayson ordered her to bed and would not let her be disturbed by any questions regarding the funeral arrangements. John Randolph Bolling and Wilmer Bolling, brothers of Mrs. Wilson, and Joseph Wilson, brother of the late President, will make the funeral arTangements, subject to Mrs. Wilson’s desires. McAdoos Speeding East William G. McAdoo and Jirs. McAdoo, the latter a daughter i>f Mr.

Forecast RAIN turning to snow and colder tonight with temperature 25 or lower by Tuesday morning. Tuesday snow flurries and much colder.

TWO CENTS

‘I Am Ready’ By United Preet WASHINGTON, Feb. 4.—“1 am a broken piece of machinery. When the machinery breaks—"l am ready.” These were virtually the last words Woodrow Wilson spoke. He said them to Dr. Grayson, his friend and physician on Friday, when Grayson told him there was no hope of saving his life. After that he whispered now and then to Mrs. Wilson, but was too weak to speak audibly.

Wilson, are speeding east from California. A telegram from them said they could not reach Washington before Id a. m. Wednesday. Meanwhile the capitol today expressed its grief by half-masted flags on Government buildings and cessation of activities in Congress, out of respect to passing of the man who for eight years dominated the Government. When the Senate and House met at noon, official notice of Mr. Wilson's death was given and adjournment taken until Tuesday. __ After Republican Leader Longworth made official announcement in the House. Democratic Leader Garrett delivered a brief eulogy on the ■wartime President. Senator Robinson, Arkansas. Democratic leader in the Senate, delivered the eulogy in the upper house. News of the death reached President Coolidge while he was at church. He and Mrs. Coolidge drove directly to the Wilson home and left their cards. Coolidge Issues Proclamation The President issued this proclamation: To the people of the United States: “The death of Woodrow Wilson, President of the United States from s March 4. 1913 to March 4, 1921, which occurred at 11:15 . o’clock today at his home at Washington, District of Columbia, deprives the country of a most distinguished citizen and is an event which causes universal and genuine sorrow. To many of us it brings the sense of a profound personal bereavement. “His early profession as a lawyer was abandoned to enter academic life. In this chosen field he attained the highest rank as an educator and he has left his impress upon the intellectual* thoughts of the countryFrom the presidency of Princeton University, he was called by his fellow citizens to be the chief executive of the State of New Jersey. The duties of this high office he so conducted was to win the confidence of the people of the United States who twice elected him to the chief magistracy of the republic. As President of the United States he was moved by an earnest desire to promote the test Interests of the country as he conceived them. His acts were prompted by high motives and his sincerity of purpose cannot be questioned. He led the Nation through the terrific struggle of the World War with a lofty idealism which never failed him. He gave utterance to the aspirations of humanity with an eloquence which held the attention of all the earth and made America anew and enlarged Influence In the destiny of mankind. “In testimony of the respect in which the memory is held by the Government and people of the United States. I do hereby direct that the flags of the White House and of the several departmental buildings be displayed at half staff for a period of thirty days and that suitable military and naval honors under orders of the Secretary of' War and of the Secretary of the Navy may be rendered on the day of the funeral.” Death Momentarily Expected Mr. Wilson's death had been momentarily expected ever since he beeame unconscious Saturday. 0n Sunday when he did not arouse. Dr. Grayson issued a bulletin at 10:40 a. in., saying the end was very near. At 11:27 he appeared at the door of the Wilson home with a yellow slip of paper In his hand. “Mr. Wilson is dead.” he said. “He died at 11:16.” The officisd bulletin then added: “His heart s action became feebler and feebler and the heart muscle wiji (Continued on Page fi * '