Indianapolis Times, Volume 35, Number 230, Indianapolis, Marion County, 7 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 230

HOW INDIANA ‘INSPECTS’ INTERURBAN COACHES

While official investigations of the tragic wreck of wooden coaches on the Union Traction line near Fortville last Saturday ire under way, independent investigation has revealed: THAT the publkr service commission has only one inspector on the road and one in the office to inspect 1,100 miles of interurban railway. VTHAT. according to John W. McCardle, chairman of the commission, the commission knew block signals in the neighborhood of the wreck were not working. THAT interurbans are required to carry only one tire extinguisher and that it is customary to carry it in or near the motorman’s compartment. THAT inspections are not made at regular intervals, but are made “whenever the inspector rides over the line.” THAT there is no law prohibiting the carrying of motion picture tilms, highly inflammable, on passenger cars. Loder an act of the Legislature, approved in 1911, interur-

HON BOMBS SET-ORM r raction Head Contradicts Testimony of Witnesses in Wreck, Brakes on the east-bound car as well as those on the westbound car in the collision near Fort\ille Saturday were set so tight it was necessary to use acetylene torches to rut them off. Arthur \\ . Brady, president of the Union Traction Company, declared today. Witnesses, have testified in the oor-j oner's investigation that the speed of; the eastbpjjnd ear did not slacken be- i tore" the- •* ‘4 Effort* to obtain more information ‘ concernftig a woman and a baby killed the wreek continued. The skull of a baby is at the Aibright morgue at Anderson. Babe Dies With Mother i oroner James A. Heibert said he iiad information that a rescuer at’ernpted to persuade a woman pinned under the wreckage to hand a baby v/h:ch she had in her arpts to him. but ‘hat she refused, declaring the baby v ould aie with her. The public service commission opened !* investigation at Anderson. C. J. Keever, transportation superintendent I the company, was questioned for j More than an hour. It is understood th questioning had to do with safety regulations. Frank Kap. a motorman on a Ft. Benjamin Harrison car. who relayW orders to the east bound car in thl wreck, also was quesacned. All members so the public service commission participate,! in the hear ing, which was behind closed doom. Trainmen Are Called Other witnesses called: Jesse Anthony and Ed .Mitchell, crew of westbound car; H. E. Engle, conductor on j westbound trailer; Ralph Boyle, dis- ! patcher; A. R. Manifold, M uncle; C. J. \ Stanley. Anderson and M. F. Strahan, Indianapolis, division superintendents; J. O. Peniston, superintendent of power sidtribution; C. Campbell. line I nriman: M. V. List, signal maintalner; L. A. Nichol, superintendent of maintainance of way; H. A. Nichol, general manager; Harry Campbell, conductor on eastbound trailer. I'. S. Inspectors Attend Besides the five members of the public service commission the hearing was attended by David E. Matthews, chief of the railway inspection division of the commission, and three representatives of the interstate commission, Inspectors F. C. MacDonald and and Electrical Engineer Jones. Efforts to identify the dead In the Albright morgue at Anderson are continuing. Minute examination of the five charred bodies still in the morgue (Continued on Page 11) SLATE FALL KILLS TWO Clinton Miners Meet Death in Accident at Miami No. 1. By Timet Special CLINTON, Ind., Feb. 7.—Morgan James, 88. and Lester Puckett, 31, were killed at Miami mine No. 1 by a slate fall today. A slab of slate about twelve feet long and twelve inches wide fell upon them. BODIES NOT RECOVERED Forty Victims of Mine Disaster at Bottom of Muck-Filled Shaft. Up United Press CROSBY, Minn.. Feb. 7.—Bodies of the forty miners drowned in the Milford Iron mine late Tuesday probably will never be recovered. August Swanson, mine inspector, said today. The bodies are at the bottom of the 600-foot shaft. The shaft is nearly filled with muck, sand and water. Collapse of the bottom of a pond over one of the shafts caused the tragedy.

The Indianapolis Times

Coroner Who Probes Interurban Collision

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JESSE A. lIELBERT

Coroner Jesse A. Heibert. Madison County, expects to complete his inquest in the Union Traction interurban collision near Fortville and render a verdict Friday. FALL RELEASED FROM SUBPOENA By OIL PROBERS Counsel Advises Forcing Testimony Might Give Claim to immunity, By PAUL R. MALLON United Press Staff Correspondent WASHINGTON, Feb. 7.—Albert B. Fall, former Secretary of the Interior, wag released today from his subpoena by the Senate committee Investigating ; the naval oil reserve scandal. The committee decided not to questloi7*Fall further because if toe was compelled to testify he might claim immunity from prosecution in court. The action of the committee was taken on advice of Atlee Pomerene and Silas Strawn, special counsel selected by President Coolidge, but not yet confirmed by the Senate. One ground on which Fall last week refused to answer the committee's question was he might incriminate himself. Acting upon advice of Pomerene and Strawn. Senator Walsh. Montana, chief investigator, proposed a motion to the committee in executive session, stating as there was a chance of Fall escaping legal prosecution, the subpoena requiring his presence before the committee Friday be vacated. This motion was adopted without objection. Doheny Changes Testimony Edward L. Doheny, lessee of two naval reserves, today corrected his testimony regarding the amount of money he has paid William G. McAdoo, as a legal retainer. Doheny, in a letter to Senator Lenroot, chairman of the Senate committee, stated he had paid McAdoo 0150,000, instead of $250,000, as he previously testified. McAdoo’s yearly retainer is $25,000. instead of $50,000. Doheny WTote. Debate Over Editorial Debate started In the Senate today when Walsh had an editorial read into the record. The editorial accused the Republicans of “playing politics In Teapot Dome.’’ Senator Willis, Ohio, Republican, answered this by reading a speech at the last Democratic convention, nominating Doheny as a vice presidential candidate. The speech lauded Doheny. ! “I am glad to say that the Demo-! cratic convention almost unanimously | rejected that nomination.” Senator Ashurst. Arizona, Democrat, declared. ”1 state it as a fact. Mr. Doheny turned against the Democratic party in the last campaign and voted for Mr. Harding." Senator Harrison. Mississippi Democrat, said. “I would like to inquire if there was any reference in that nominating speech to the skill of the proposed candidate In bribing Republican Cabinet officers?’’. Senator Class. Virginia Democrat asked

ban railways are required to operate with block signals except that where traffic is light the public service commission may re-

Safety Suggestions Jo the L'ditor of The Timet Following are measures for the protection of life suggested by -the recent trolley wreck near Fortville: Until none but steel cars are used for passenger traffic, it seems that two steps could be taken to further safety. ft- Prevent any very inflammable material being carried on a pas senger train. 2. Require good fire extinguishers to be carried on passenger cars —one to each seat —with plain for use. (Ferry boats are made to carry a life preserver for each passenger.) If extinguishers had been close at hand, we believe some horrible agony would have been prevented and lives saved at Fortville. /The council coaid require all cars leaving the interurban stations to be so equipped, pending the enactment of State legislation. I have no interest in any fire extinguisher. If the interests of our common humanity will not arouse us from our lethargy, fears for our own safety should. We, or one of our own, might be the next to be' burned alive. p. B. P.

lieve companies from the necessity of installing such a system. The act provides a tine of SI,OOO for each week during which a

FUG SLUR OF ENVOI IS ‘BONER’ Ambassador Weidfeidt Made 'Goat' in Failure to Honor Wilson, By United Pres* BERLIN. Feb. 7.—The German government did its best today to convince everyone concerned no ill will toward the United States was intended by the flag incident at the embassy in Washington, where the German emblem was not at first displayed at half mast in honor of Woodrow Wilson. “It was n plain ‘boner,’ ” one heard on every side today. Government officials make Ambassador Wiedfeldt the “goat.” but foreign oflVe spokesmen merely shrug their shoulders when asked if the minister to Washington will resign or be reeaTTeff.- -• -F ‘ v - Declare*! "Duininheit” Theodore Wolff, influential editor of the Berliner Tagblatt, declared the affair “dummhejt” tin current Airier! can. dumbbellism) accusing Wiedfeldt of lark of initiative or courage while he held the foreign office had also erred by failing to tell the ambassa dor to use his own judgment, to follow the course set by other plenipo tentiaries. “I hope America will fully realize neither the German government nor the great majority of Germans had any desire to show any lack of respect for America’s spirit of mourning." Wolff concluded. People Are Furious The Vorwaerts is extremely bitter toward both Wiedfeldt and the govern ment, accusing the latter of crass cowardice and declares the people are furious at the government as a result. Foreign Minister Stresemann ex plained the "misunderstanding” to American Ambassador lloughton. It was learned Wiedfeldt s original telegram suggested official condolences with regard to Wilson's passing and a wreath from Germany for the grave. The government instructed the ambassador to take no official steps but to do personally what he desired AMBASSADOR MAY RESIGN Although Officials Refuse I^Kcussion. Issue Is Open Question. Bp t nited Pres* WASHINGTON, Feb. 7. —Representations to the State Department at Berljn, the re-call or resignation of Ambassador Wiedfeldt or “scrapping” of all relief measures for Germany are likely sequels to the German blunder in ordering its embassy not to half-mast its flag in honor of Woodrow Wilson. Both the State Department and the embassy today refused to discuss the matter, but it was learned the incident Is not closed. It was learned, also, the Berlin government sent forceful Instructions to Weidfeidt not to participate under any circumstances “officially” In the Wilson mourning. In Congress and among American Legion men, indignation still ran high. Congress is being appealed to by various organizations and spokesmen lo appropriate money for relief of Germans in the Ruhr and to authorize a big loan to Germany. Even Mr. Wilson was appealed to, former Ambassador Gerard announced, a few days before the former President’s death to help German professors and intellectuals. MELLON BILL REPORTED Democrats Vote Against, hut Make No Attempt to Block Measure. By L tried Press WASHINGTON, Feb. 7.—The Mellon tax reduction bill was ordered favorably reported to the House today dv the Ways ar.d .Means Committee on a party vote. The bill contains Chairman Green’s pit)vision for a 25 per cent, reduction on 1923 personal income taxes. While the Democrats voted against the bill. they. made .no attempt to block iL

INDIANAPOLIS, THURSDAY, FEB. 7, 1924

Hearing Last Words Said Over Body of Woodrow Wilson as He Is Laid at Rest

.~T v, *t \ 3 N . T . n t r*\ >

MISS HAZEL GLIDDEN (LEFT) AND MISS HARRIETTS CROSS

... 1 UStNESS was misnended at K the Capital Radi# Supply ■ i J Company's radio receiving station, 54 W. New York St.,

COLD WAVE MAY STAY TWO BAYS Temperature Remains at. 14 Above Zero Most of Night, HOURLY TEMPERATURE 6 a. in 14 10 a. m 16 7 a. ni 14 11 a. m 18 8 a. m 14 12 (noon) ....•• 20 9 a. ni........ 15 lp.m.. 20 Little rellrf frorq the cold wave holding Indiana and the Middle West in its grip can be expected before Saturday. according to reports at the weather bureau today. The mercury had c 11mlied only one degree by 9 a. m. today from a minimum temperature of 14 degrees registered through most of the night. Temperatures from 15 to' 20 degrees above zero were expected today. Warmer weather west of the Mississippi may bring the mercury up slightly Friday, although the skies will be overcast and snow flurries are predicted. SARGENT WILL PROBATED Traction Wreck Victim leaves Estate of $20,000 to Faniilq. Mrs. Katherine E. Sargent, widow of James F. Sargent, 3340 Central Ave., today was appointed executrix of his will by Probate Judge Mahlon E. Bash. Mr. Sargent was killed in the interurban crash last Saturday two miles east of Fortville. Ind. Tho $20,000 estate is left family. PARTY LINES ARE TABOO State Accountant Desires “Nonpartisan Examinations of. Offices.” To obtaining better cooperation for “strict nonpartisan examinations" of county offices, Lawrence F. Orr, State examiner of the State board of accounts, today issued a call for all field examiners to meet at the Statehouse Feb. 18. Addresses will be given by board members, officials of the attorney general’s office, the State tax board and States public instruction offices.

To Finish By Vnited Press WASHINGTON, Feb 7. Hiram Johnson today announced definitely that he will not withdraw from the presidential race. “I consider it a contemptible trick that statements are issued every few days from Coolidge headquarters intimating I will withdraw from the race,” said Johnson. “I want to say once and for all I am going to put up a brave fight and apn going to, stay in until the end”’

block system is uot in operation. The records do not indicate such a fine ever has been assessed in Indiana. The fact that block signals on the line on which the wreck occurred had not been working since Dec. 28 has been established. “The commission knew the signals were not working and it knew the company was putting them in order,” McCardle said. “The rules provide that when the signals are not working orders shall be given by telephone. T believe that is a more satisfactory system block system, anyway.” The railway inspection department of the commission consists of David E. Matthews, chief of the department, and Roy Gibbons of Anderson, inspector. It is the duty of the department to inspect rolling stock, right of way and equipment. Matthews declared he did not care to discuss the operation of his department. When asked if inspections were made at regular intervals he said ;hey were not. lie said inspections were made by Gibbons, who frequently rode the interurban ears. Matthews was asked for a copy of the safety regulations of tlie commission. He declined to furnish it, saying information must come from a member of the commission. McCardle was appealed to for a copy of the regulations. He said it could be obtained from Matthews, but Matthews had left

■*’" - • * ‘ Wednesday nfternoOh. and person* were invited to listen to the Woodrow Wilson funeral services being broadcast from Wa.sldngfon.

Court Affair ’S True, but This Wedding Will Not Be in Royal Palace By JOHN NIBLACK

“TTI SENTKNCE YOU to be | I I married.” !■■■ J George Aibright. 22. Kenton. Ohio, a former student of Ohio State University, and Miss Frances Dorsey. Biuffton. Ohio, will lie married in Criminal Court Feb. 8 at 9 a. m., according to a decree made today by Criminal Judge James A. Collins. Albright was charged with Issuing fraudulent checks on Tndianaapolis, Seymour and Ft. Wayne, Ind., firms, totaling approximately S2OO. In response to pleas by Miss Dorsey and Albright's father, G. T. Albright, a farmer at Kenton, Ohio, the judge agreed to let the young man take a wif© as probation officer. It was his first time in trouble. they said. “Judge, will you perform the ceremony?” asked Albright, Sr. “N(o, I'm an Episcopalian, and he's a Fifst Presbyterian, so a minister can tie the knot and Prosecutor William Remy be best man.” said Collins. The prospective bridegroom was hand-cuffed and led back to j Jl for another month "just'to teach him a lesson." Miss Dorsey was not present. having gone back to Ohio, where she teaches school. “Just the old case of a youth Issuing checks which he knows his poor old father will cover,” said Collins. "What isf your occupation, young fellow?” V “I have sold washing machines for a year, but haven’t had much luck in Indiana,” was the reply. "Well, the best- place for you is back on the farm washing the cows and doing hard work.” “That’s right. Judge.” interposed the father. “My plan for him is plenty of hard work, pretty poor grub and a hard bed. Not too much money, either. That, ruins young ones nowadays.” At first Judge Collins thought he would give Albright six months “on the farm.” The father thought he referred to the old home farm. “That’s fine. Judge,” smiled the father. “When I get him back to my farm I’ll make him behave.” “Oh, I meant ’our’ farm—the Indiana State Farn-f” said Collins ” But in view of this girl I’ll save him the disgrace of a term. The case won’t be dismissed, though, and one false step will lock him behind the cold gray walls at Pordleton ” “I’ll walk the chalk, Your Honor,” said Albright as he held out his wrists for the hand-cuffs. Albright senior invited all present tc return for the Wedding

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

Miss Hazel Glidden. 670 E. Seventeenth St., And Miss Harriet to Cross, 310 Ardmore apartments, were among those who "listened in.”

WILSON SHRINE UNDER DISCUSSION School Children Start Fund for Memorial. By United Pi ess WASHINGTON, Feb. 7.—-The grave had hardly closed over Woodrow Wilson before movements to erect to him some permanent memorial were under way. While school children in Peoria, 111., were preparing to start a fund for a Wilson memorial, close friends of the former President discussed plans for a "Wilson shrine” in Virginia. Another suggestion was a memorial be erected in tho national cathedral where he is buried. A third plan is for a memorial at Princeton University. COMMUNITY FUND DINNER Rochester Philanthropist to Be Guest of Honor. George Eastman, manufacturer and philanthropist of Rochester, N. Y., will be guest of honor at the annual dinner and meeting of the Indianapolis 'Community Fund, Feb. 18, at the Clay pool. Eastman is president of the Rochester Community Chest, which raised $1,400,000 this year. The dinner will be public if reservations are made in advance with Homer W. Borst. executive secretary of the Community Fund. MALADY CAUSES DEATH Strange Illness Proves Fatal in Almost Every Case—Five Are 111. By United Press STEUBENVILLE, 0., Feb. 7.—A strange malady, diagnosed by physicians as "trichinosis,” has caused the death of one man and five others are in a dangerous condition. The malady, physicians said, proves fatal in almost every instance. The victims, all Italians, contracted the malady through eating uncooked pork at a supper at home of the depxl man. Catholic Aten to Meet The District at Indianapolis, National Council of Catholic Men, will hold Its monthly meeting Friday at 8 p. m. at the Catholic Community Center, 1004 N. Pennsylvania St. Resolutions on Dr. Haskins Expressing sorrow at the tragic death of Dr. E. Blaine Haskins, inspector for the Federal Bureau of Animal Industry, who was killed In the Fortville tmotion wreck last Saturday, a resolution was sent today by the State live stock sanitary board to relatives of Dr. Haskins.

the State House as soon as the reporter appealed to McCardle. McCardle insisted the regulations were public property, but refused to make any effort to obtain a copy for The Times representative. Matthews declined to say whether the commission required interurban companies to carry fire extinguishers. \ McCardle said he was certain the commission required one extnguisher on each car. INVESTIGATION HAS REVEALED THAT ON MANY INTERURBANS THE EXTINGUISHERS ARE CARRIED IN OR -NEAR THE MOTORMEN’S COMPARTMENTS, WHERE THEY WOULD BE INACCESSIBLE IN CASE OF A HEAD-ON COLLISION, such as the one near Fortville, The inspection department of the commission has been informed a number oL reels of motion picture filing were carried on the east-bound car. It is believed metal containers in which these films were carried burst from the impact of the collision and that they ivere partly responsible for the rapid spread of the flames. McCardle said he knew of no law prohibiting the carrying of tilms on passenger cars. An examination of the Indiana statutes indicated no law.

GOVERNOR' DEFENDED; STATE PAYS Fourteen Page Pamphlet, Published at Public Expense, Answering McCray Critics, Circulated Among Republican Editors. A fourteen-page pamphlet published at the expense of the State and containing a defense of the administration of Governor Me Gray was distributed among persons attending the meeting 6f the Republican State Editorial Association today. The pamphlet was labelled “Indiana’s Record of State Government for Three Years.” “Three years—l92l, 1922 and 1923— ——

mark a period of economy and progress for Indiana,” the opening statement says. The next sentence is; “It is true the gross expenditures were larger than in former years, but the increase I: more than offset in new properties, particularly institutional buildings a.d improved roads, acquired by the State.” Tates Compared The pamphlet then sets our a comparison of property taxes as Willows: List year of Marshall administration, $2,280,199: hist year of Ralston 'ad- | ministration. $3,284,799; last year of j Goodrich administration. $2,644,874: third vear of McCray administration, $2,289,554. . These figures do not* include gasoline tax. automobile license fees and other similar forms of taxation. “On account of much misleading 1 and untrue criticism of State expenj diturcs and State finances, it is well I to direct attention to other facts," the j statement says. “At the end of the ; last fiscal year the total cash in all State funds was $4,804,802; the State debt was $3,390,000, of which $1,640,-. 000 was transferred from one State fund to another, leaving a balance of over $3,000,000 were all State money in a single fund.” Road Work Cited The book includes a detailed account of road building, declaring the police system of the State is "pay-as-you-go” and that the State road system now comprises 4.128 miles. A detailed education report also is included. It covers enrollment, the State aid law, funds for poor schools, higher education, teachers’ retirement, school surveys, teachers’ license law and school attendance law. An argument in saver of the reformatory program under which the new reformatory is being constructed at Pendleton is included. In referring to the reformatory the statement says: “It has sotnetimes been referred tej by those who have never seen it, or who want to cast unjust aspersions upoc the men who have intelligently and unselfishly given their best talent and energy to the task. a*s a ‘prison de luxe.’ It is nothing of the kind.” The book li3ts eighty-five buildings constructed during the McCray administration. It lists a total of $6,315,549 in property investments made during the present administration, including lands and improvements. The remainder of the volume Is composed of brief descriptions of the work of nearly every other department in the State House except the State board of agriculture. DEBATERS OPEN SEASON Cathedral Orators Appear Against Cleveland Friday. Cathedral High School debating team will open its season at Knights of Columbus Hall at 8 p. m. Friday against Cleveland Latin High School In an argument upon government ownership of the coal industry. Cathedral will debate affirmatively. Fourteen debates are on the schedule, seven to be held In Indianapolis. BOK PLAN IS FAVORED Wabash College Students Accept Peace Scheme by % Vote of 235-79. By Timet Special CRAWFORDSVILLE. Ind., Feb. 7. —Students at. Wabash College favored the Bok peace plan by a vote of 235-79. The results will be sept to toe Bok peace plan headquarter*.

Forecast PARTLY overcast tonight and Friday. Not much change in temperature predicted, with lowest tonight 15 to 20 degrees above zero.

TWO CENTS

SENATE BECOMING PANICKY OVER OIL, WATSONDECEARES Congress ‘Has Done Nothing but Investigate,' Says Editors' Guest. The United States Senate is becom- - Ing “panicky” as a result of the Tea- ; pot Dome investigation, Senator | James E. Watson said today. Senator Watson arrived In Indianapolis to attend the winter meeting of the Republican Editorial Association. “The investigation started out all right," he said, “then it generated into a political affair. Now It is a fishing expedition. Everybody is fishing for j evidence against somebody.” Watson said he did not believe the affair will have any effect on the coming enmpaign. “Just because one man may have | sold himself is no reason why a whole party should be held responsible,” he said. “In addition, the Democrats are just as much involved as the Republicans. “Democrats Involved” “Three of Wilson’s Cabinet have been involved and they are mighty close to a fourth. But they are not Involved in anything criminal. William G. McAdoo had a perfect right to take employment from Doheny if he wanted to. “Neither have they anything criminal against Secretary' of Navy Denby. The most he could be charged with is incompetency, and that only in this particular instance. H®. has a good record otherwise.” Senator Watson commented on the slowness of Congress In getting under way. “We have been In session two months and haven't passed an appro priation bill or any other kind of a bum,” he said. ‘We have done nothing but Investigate.” Editors were gathering from aii parts of the State for the editorial meeting at which Senator Watson is a guest. Shop Talks on Program Business sessions and “shop talks” were on the program for the day. Informally, the editors and visitors ware discussing plans for the campaign. Among the subjects under discussion wa scloser cooperation between editors and the Republican State committee. A luncheon was held at the Severin at noon. Tonight editors and candidates will be entertained at a dinner by the State committee. Business sessions will continue Friday and the meeting will close Friday night with the annual love feast at the Claypo9l. expected to be attended by 500 persons. Nichols Murray Butler, president of Columbia University, will be the principal speaker. Negro Health Week Plans for observance in Indianapolis! of National Negro Health weekl March 30 to April 5, are being mafl by the StatA board Os health, ating with city officials and the rion County Tuberculosis Socl*t'*F y*