Indianapolis Times, Volume 35, Number 239, Indianapolis, Marion County, 18 February 1924 — Page 1

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

VOLUME 35—NUMBER 239

EDWIN DENBY RESIGNS AS NAVAL SECRETARY

President Coolidge Accepts Decision of Cabinet Merjiber Named in Oil Scandal fly United Press WASHINGTON, Feb. 18.-—Secretary of the Navy Edwin Denby today resigned from the Cabinet. President Coolidge accepted the resignation. Assistant Secretary of the Navy Theodore Roosevelt Jr. is not resigning, he said upon leaving the White House after a conference with the President. “I have just been to see the President and I am not resigning,” Roosevelt said. Roosevelt, in reply to other questions, said he did not discuss with the President any question of a successor to Secretary Denby. Roosevelt appeared nervous as he came out of the White House and waited until all newspapermen were within earshot and then gave his statement answering questions he assumed would be made. Charles B. "W arren, Detroit, former ambassador to Japan, and Patrick H. Kelly, Lansing, Mich., former representative, are most prominently mentioned to succeed Denby. I ormal announcement of Denby’s resignation was scheduled tor 4p. m. He resigned on the ground his usefulness as a Cabinet nember had been impaired, but took the position he was guiltless >f any blame in connection with the leasing of the Teapot Dome ud other naval oil reserves. Denby s formal resignation was placed in the President's bands shortly before noon, after a telephone conversation earlier n the day, in which Denby communicated his decision. 1 he I resident, just after noon, sent his personal secretary, Theodore Clark, to Denby’s office and it was believed Clark earned Mr. Coolidge *s acceptance’’ of his resignation. Denby at that time was at his home, where he went after refusing to state whether he had resigned or notWas Own Decision Denby s resignation, his letter and that of the President make clear, it was indicated, that the result was his own decision and was not asked for by the President. Denby, who was born in Evansville, Ind., entered the Cabinet when President Harding took office, March 4, 1921. In April, 1922, Denby with then Secretary of the Interior Fall signed the lease of the Teapot Dome, Wyo., oil lease reserve to’

BOOZE PROTECTION CONTRACT CHARGED Prohibition Director Says Greenfield Deputy Sheriff Signed 'Waiver' for SSO a Week,

“I hereby agree to Protect J. X. Bridges from arrest for th e manufacture of whisky In Hancock County for -which I am to receive $50.60 a week. "LAURENCE KINDER.” This contract, said to be signed by Kinder, deputy sheriff of Hancock County and former State motor policeman, was made public today by GOVERNOR TALKS TO STATE EXAMINER Board of Accounts Employes Open Meeting, Governor McCray, in an address today to field examiners of the State board of accounts at the Statehouse, urged them to be “diligent and courteous. but impartial” in examinations of public offices. The Governor’s address opened an all-day program for sixty-five examiners called by Lawrence F. Orr, chief examiner, to-review auditing matters. Other speakers were State Auditor Robert W. Bracken, who cited how his officials were chosen from the personnel of the State board of Recounts, Dr. William F. King, secretary of State board of health; John J. Brown and W. C. Harrison, State toard of tax commissioners, E. D. Farmer, State budget clerk, and W. G. De Hority, first examiner of the accounts board. A banquet will be given at the Severin this evening. Theodore Roberts Improved By L nited Pre PITTSBURGH, Pa., Feb. 18,—Theodore Roberts, the actor, passed a better night than for some time and hope he may recover has revived, physicians said today. HOURLY TEMPERATURE 6 a. m 24 10 a. m 26 7a. m ... 24 11 a. m,......, 26 8 a. m 25 12 (noon) ...... 28 9 a. m ....25 1 p. m -... 27

The Indianapolis Times

C. Morgan, Federal prohibition director for Indiana in connection with the investigation of a blackmail liquor plot which may involve high Hancock County officials, according to prohibition officials. The the result of the arrest Friday and Saturday of Kinder, Norman Zoilezi. 3328 E. Washington St.: Edward,-Griffith, 1314 N. Ke>stone Ave., and Clarence Kinsley, 919 Park Ave., on charges of conspiracy to impersonate a government officer. According to the story told by J. N. Bridges, a farmer living near Greenfield, Zoilezi represented himself as a Federal prohibition officer and proposed to drop Federal prosecution for violations of the liquor law by Bridges for SBOO. Bridges paid $195, according to his statement, an#- was to pay the balance Friday night. Zoilezi, Griffith and Kinsley, were arrested at the Bridges home. Federal officials sa£ the men confessed to their part in the scheme. Bridges according to Morgan, said the immunity contract -was a separate deal. Waldo Glng, prosecutor of Hancock County, was questioned by Federal prohibition agents at the Federal building Saturday. BALL UP FChTpROMOTION Police Sergeant Due for Lieutenant's •lob to Fill Vacancy. Police Sergt. Barrett Ball Is slated for promotion to a lieutenant to flli the vacancy caused by resignation of Lieut. John Corrigan, it was reported today. Ball is understood to be supported by Mayor Shank. The board of safety will act on the recommendation of Police Chief Rikhoff, Tuesday Ball’s successor has not been determined. Corrigan had been a member of the police force for thirty-eight years. $7,000 for Creditors O. F. Calvin, receiver for the Indianapolis Dressed Beef and Provision Company, today informed Superior Judge James M. Leathers he has approximately $7,000 to pay on an indebtedness of $31,000 as a first dividend. Other dividends to creditors seem certain, said Frank A. Symmes, receiver’s attorney.

Ralston Comments **! o | ECRETARY DENBY could have done nothing [ess, in I 1 ray judgment, without embarrassing the President, w Senator Samuel M. Ralston said today when told of the resignation of Secretary of the Navy Edwin Denby. “I was expecting the resignation of Denby,” he said. Senator Ralston was one of the Senators who voted for a resolution demanding Denby’s resignation.

the Mammoth Oil Company, Harry F. Sinclair 's company, and later signed a similar of the California oil leases to E. L. Doheny.

MRS. JAMES NOEL TAKEN BY DEATH Wife of McCray Attorney Succumbs at Long Hospital, Mrs. Janies Noel, wife of James Noel, caunsel for Governor McCray, died at Fobert Long Hospital today of pneumonia following two" weeks’ illness. Mrs. Noe! was born in Decatur, 111. She was graduated from Wesleyan College, Cincinnati, and came to Indianapolis in 1898., . Surviving beside the husband; Three sisters. Mrs. Charles Dryer, Indianapolis: Mrs. William Campbell, Kansas City, and Miss Aidella Sloan, Kansas City: two brothers, William and Clifton Sloan, Kansas City. REGRETS FOLLOW SUICIDE ATTEMPT Girl in Serious Condition After Taking Poison, “I’ve been a fool,” said Miss Delda Price, 16, of 636 N. Illinois St., as she walked unsteadily into the Franklin Jewelry Store, 15 S. Illinois St., today, according to Philip Brock, clerk. She called a taxi and went home. I-a ter she was sent to the city hospital In a serious condition from poisoning. by Dr. William G. Culloden, who said she had feared an operation for appendicitis. Now she’s sorry, hospital attaches rep’ort. COOLIDGE TAKES CHARGE President Mill Investigate Dry Enforcement at Washing-lon. By Vnitcd Prrsn WASHINGTON, Feb. 12.—President Coolldge has taken personal charge of an investigation of the prohibition enforcement situation in Washington as a result of shooting of Senator Greene, Vermont, by a stray bullet fired In a battlo between dry agents and bootlegpt'rs.

INDIANAPOLIS, MONDAY, FEB. 18, 1924

JBDWIN DENBT

Plucky By Time* Special BLOOMINGTON, Ind., Feb. > 18.—With both arms in a sling, John Stafford, local high school senior continues to attend classes. The youth suffered fracture of both arms In a fall. He has not missed school for over four years and says he intends to keep the record Unbroken. M'GRAY IS GIVEN TIMEJXTENSION Sheridan Files Supplemental Bankruptcy Report, Governor McCray had no other profession than that of Governor after Kept. 7. 1923, when he transferred all liis farm holdings to creditors. Harry C. Sheridan, referee in bankruptcy, said in a supplemental report tiled in Federal Court today. This was in accordance with his finding in the original report recently, which held that McCray was not a farmer and recommended that ho be declared a bankrupt. A payment of SIO,OOO to the Discount and Deposit Bank at Kentland was said to be a preference within the meaning of the bankruptcy law. Because of the illness of Mrs. James Noel, wife of Governor’s McCray's attorney, time for filing exceptions to the bankruptcy report was extended until March 5 by Judge Albert B. Anderson. KEEP OUT SKID CHAINS Weather Rian Says Slick Pavements May Continue Two Days. Keep out the skid chains and "sneakers.” There’s not much chance for the slippery pavements to he any less slick for about two days, J. IT. Armington, Government meteorologist said. Sunday’s weather will be reproduced today, Armington said. Partly cloudy and unsettled tonight and Tuesday, not much change in temperature, was the official forecast. Lowest temperature will be about 28 tonight. A cold rain falling on pavements, below freezing temperature, caused the slippery weather, Armington said. The ground had retained its temperature from the previous cold snap.

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Contracts were made to carry out these leases and called for payment by the Government of a portion of its share of the oil removed from the reserves for construction of tank storage. This phasetrf the matter, approved by Denßy, was Tfie"real basis for the attack on him, as it was claimed the exchange violated the authority granted in the Navy hill of 1920, which provided for exchange of naval oil for certain purposes. Denby, appearing before the Senate Teapot Dome Investigating Committee, defended the leases. He said he approved the transfer of the oil reserves from the Navy to the Interior Department because he believed that to be in the publi(*interest and if he had it to do over again, he would approve the leases once more.

CORONER BLAMES EASTBOUND CREW Anderson Official Recommends Jury Probe, Coroner Jes.se A. ITelbert of Anderson this afternoon filed his verdict in the Union Traction Company wreck at Fortviile. Feb. ?. in which eighteen persons lost their lives, holding Holland Flynn, niotorman and Sidney ;sawyer, conductor, both qf Muncie, responsible for the wreck and advising that they be Indicted by the Madison Coufnty grand Jury on a charge of nmnslaughter. The Madison County prosecutor will ask that the grand jury ho called at once. The crew- was on the eastbound Jr.terurbnn. With the Identification of another body of a wreck victim, the list of known dead has reached sixteen. The latest body to be claimed is that of William J. Davis of Ft. Wayne. The fact Davis was in the wreck was established through identification of a picture of Davis by other passengers on the east-bound car. He disappeared from Indianapolis on the day of the wreck. Identity of a- woman and baby reported to have been killed in the wreck remains a mystery. The skull of a baby still is in the Albright morgue at Anderson. No trace of the woman’s body has been found. CAR TRAFFIC DELAYED Union Traction Wooden Cars Jump Track. Traffic on Massachusetts Ave. car lines was tied up haif an hour today when the 7 a. m. Union Traction lnterurban train for Anderson left the track at Tenth St. Front trucks of the trailer Jumped the track and the rear trucks split a switch. The motor and trailer were wooden. No one was reported injured. THIEVES USE SCISSORS Straps of Purse on Woman’s Arm t ut—ss2 Lost. The latest modus operand! of purse snatchers Is the use of knives or scissors to cut the straps of bag or purse from the victim's arm, It was diaclosed today when Mrs. C. P. Griggs, 3454 E. Twenty-Fifth St., told police her purse, containing $52, was stolen downtown

THEODORE ROOSEVELT

Knowledge j ANDLORDS are liable tor L law violations committed ■■■■■ by lesees if by exercising reasonable care the violations could have been observed, Superior Judge J. T. Moll ruled today in ordering a saloon at 412 W. Maryland St. closed as a public nuisance. Albert Lieber, president of tlie Indianapolis Brewing Company, owner, pleaded ho did not know seven former lesees had been convicted of violating liquor laws. Evidence showed the rental agent evicted them as fast as convicted.

INDIANAPOLIS CAN HAVE GOOD HEALTH’ Detroit Sociologist Points to Fact of Money's Importance, “Indianapolis can have the best social conditions, good health, freedom from pauperism and character for its children if the price is paid in money,” said William J. Norton, executive secretary of the Detroit Community Union, on his arrival in the city today. Norton will address members of the Community Fund tonight at the Claypool. Every citizen pays an average of $2.40 for public health, Norton said. If one dollar was added to this the death rate from tuberculosis would be cut in half and the infant death rate reduced. George Eastman, president of the Rochester Community Chest, Roches ter, N. Y., and Norton were entertained at luncheon at the Indianapolis Athletic Club. t. i CITY MAY SINK WELLS Sohloss Says Hospital Bill Could Be Cut $1,500 to SI,BOO a Year. The city can save $1,500 to SI,BOO annually by sinking wells at the city hospital and supplying Its own water Instead of using city water, Sol Schloss. president of the city health board, estimated today. Schloss announced estimates on cost of sinking the wells would be asked. The city's water bill for January under new rates was $342.15, compared to former monthly rates of approximately $125.

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

Roosevelt Declares He Will Not Quit Position as Assistant to Former Indiana Man Denby’s letters to President Harding urging the transfer of the reserves to Fall’s jurisdiction v T ere presented to the committee along with his testimony. As he left the Navy Department shortly before 11 a. m., Denby said: “This is my birthday. I am 54 years old today. I am going home. I have nothing to say. I hope you Avill let me alone on my birthday. If you see me at 4 o’clock I may have some statement to^make.” When the President ordered plans for the polar flight of the Shenandoah stopped he struck at Denby’s pet project and thus clearly indicated to the Navy Secretary his usefulness as a Cabinet member had been impaired by his connection with the leasing of the naval oil reserves and the consequent demand by the Senate he resign. Asks Picture Caption Photographers snapped Denby as he was leaving the Navy Department. “What will the caption be over that picture?” Nobody replied. “ Y ell,” said “don't use it right away if you are going to make it ‘RESIGNED.’ ” Denby’s decision to quit came just as his friends were beginning a campaign to “clear his name” from the criticism attaching to him on the oil leases. Two Detroit lawyers, Ralph Smith and George L. Canfield, sought means of getting to the public what they called “the truth about Denby.” Michigan Sends Attorneys Ihe two attorneys were sent here by Michigan friends of Denbv. They said in a statement that Denby doesn’t want his friends to interfere, but declared it was necessary that steps be taken to “give Edwin Denby, somehow, somewhere, a fair hearing.” They alleged he has 'been the victim of the “most extraordinary political chicanary.” “An innocent man, doing his full duty, without suspicion of corruption, is being sacrificed as a concession to public clamor and this clamor is aroused and driven into action for the most sordid partisan and malicious purposes,” they said.

PROBE OF TRACTION WRECK COMPLETED Public Service Commission Will Begin Writing Order in Fortviile Investigation Thursday,

Investigation of the public service commission into fatal collision of two cars on the Union Traction Con pany line, near Fortviile, Feb. 2, to ascertain needs for better regulation of safety devices and general safety recommendations, lias been completed, it was stated at the commission’s office today. Writing of an order, beginning on Thursday, will be rushed Samuel R. Artman, commissioner in charge of the inquiry, said. Commissioners are unanimous in opposition to thirteen-houf day required for crews on the Anderson division, on which the wreck occurred. It. is forecast reliably that recom. mendations for abolishment of the long day, which alternates with an eightHOSPITAL HEADS NAMED Committee to Redistrict Institutions for Insane. To redistrict State hospitals for insane and relieve crowded conditions. Governor McCray has appointed this committee: John A. 3rown, secretary of the board of State charities; Dr. S. E. Smith, medical provost of Indiana University; Max A. Bahr, superintendent of the Central Hospital for Insane; U. F. Ross, superintendent of the Eastern Hospital; Samuel Dodds, superintendent of the Northern Hospital; C. E. Laughlin, superintendent of the Southern Hospital, and James W. Milligan, superintendent of the Southeastern Hospital. GRAIN GROWERS TO MEET Effect of Wheat Pool on Certified Seeds to Be Discussed. The executive committee of the Indiana Wheat Growers Association will meet a committee from the Corn Growers Association at SO6 National City Bank building, Friday at 7:30 p. m„ to discuss the effect \of a wheat pool on certified seed grains. Walton Peteet, secretary of tHe National Farmers Association, touring the State in behalf of the farmers cooperative wheat marketing plan, will attend. Formulation of a 1924 taxation program for farmers will be taken up Feb. 29.

Forecast PARTLY cloudy and somewhat unsettled tonight and Tuesday. Not much change in temperature. Lowest tonight close to 28.

TWO CENTS

hour day, will be included in the order. Recommendations will carry considerable weight with the company, it is pointed out, because of their possible use in future damage suits. I. TAGGART WEI NOT TALK POLITICS Democratic Leader in City En Route to West Indies, Thomas Taggart, Indiana Demo* cratic leader, refused to comment to* cay on his statement supporting the candidacy of Dr. Carleton B. Me* Culloch for the Democratic nomina* tion for Governor. The statement lias caused a profound stir in the Democratic ranks. “The statement speaks for itself,’’ ho said. “I will not talk politics until my health is better.” Taggart was In the city for a short time preparatory to leaving for a cruise of the West Indies. He has been, in the Presbyterian Hospital at Chicago for observation of digestive dig* order about a month. “I shall return In four or fly® weeks,” he said. “I expect to be completely well then. I am going to continue treatments while on the trip.’’ MAYOR HAS A BUSY DAY Shank at Office First Time in Three Weeks. Mayor Shank, at his desk today for the first time in three weeks, was busy all day. A stack of city bonds were signed and a steady stream of callers received. The mayor announced he was feeling “better” and lost no time in Inquiring about activities during his absence. Joseph . Ilegue, city controller, and Mrs. Hogue, arrived home today from French Lick, Ind., where they went last week for a few days’ rest with the mayor, following Mrs. Shank's death. .