Indianapolis Times, Volume 35, Number 254, Indianapolis, Marion County, 6 March 1924 — Page 1

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

VOLUME 35—NUMBER 254

OIL QUIZ TURNS TO COOLIDGE

Senator Watson Connected With McLean Telegrams in Dome Quiz, 'MARY’ TELEGRAM IS READ Messages From White House Concerning President's Secretary Heard, By PAUL R, M ALLOX United Press Stuff Correspondent WASHINGTON, March 6. —The name of James E. Watson, senior Senator from Indiana. was connected with the Senate probe of the oil scandal today. In a message from Edward Wiley, managing editor of the Cincinnati Enquirer, at Palm Beach, to Ira Bennett of the Washington Post, both McLean newspapers. “Senator Jim*' is mentioned as follows: “Please see Senator Jim from State adjoining mine and find out if there is any disposition to make friend of mine make long journey." This message was taken to mean that Wiley wanted Bennett to find out through "Senator Jim” whether McLean (friend of mine) would have to make “the long journey" from Palm Beach to Washington to testify. William J. Burns connection with the oil scandal was deciphered from tlie Senate this afternoon. Searching through new "mystery” telegrams exchanged between E. B! McLean, Washington and Cincinnati publisher, and his employes here, the committee hoped to establish definitely the identity of this person who. Senator liefiing. Alabama, said in the Senate he “thinks" is President Ooolidge. "The principal" was first mentioned in a telegram from Ira E. Bennett, editor of the Washington Post, Me- ] Lean's newspaper here, to McLean at] Palm Beach on Jan. 29. Among Si'O telegrams examined in secret by the committee Wednesday were others mentioning “the pal. ’ These established in the minds of at least two committee members belief the identity of “the principal” could now be established. The telegram from Mrs. Mary Duel#stein to E. B. M-'Lcan ad\:sed -him Burns could not get away and was being kept in Washington “on Dome hea ring." The telegram as by I*. TTiedman. signal corps expert as ’ollows: “Feb. 3. 1924. “W. O. Duekstein. "The Breakers, Palm Beach. Fla. Lawyer Is Friendly "Burns* states lawyer friendly to nepartment that an Inquiry was on foot to ascertain whether McLean waa regularly appointed dollar-ayear man and ask°d him find out. Department lawyer came to Burns and inquired. Burns said Attorney .General was only person who could give information regarding such appointments. Evidently preparing for more mudslinging. Burns s'tates impossible to say when he can get away. Being kept here on Dome hearing. Department liable to be called upon at any time for investigations and to'prepare injunctions. Wretchedly lonesome. Best love. Wire me. MARY. ' Another Code Message Another code telegram was deciphered by Friedman as follows: “Washington, D. C., Jan. 22. ,r E. B McLean. Palm Beach. Fla. "Subpoena for Fall todway. Returnable Friday. “Johns." Senator Walsh, chief prosecutor, then began reading of the seventyfive uncoded telegrams selected yesterday by the committee as pertinent. The first read 'was to Col. .T W. Zevely, Sinclair's Washington attorney, from C. C. Chase, former Secretary of the Interior Fall's son-in-law. dated Chicago. Dec. 7, 1922, a* follows: “Will be delayed In arriving on account of going by way of Cleveland from here." Fail Wires Zevely From Fall at Three Rivers, New Mexico, to Zevely at Washing 4 on, Dec. 3: “Have just wired. Smoot as follows: "Ha-'ing copies of court records made. Ch&si should have reached Cleveland Sunday night. Have you been in touch with him?” Other digest of the telegrams follow: Clarer ce to Fall at Three Rivers: Undated. "Will meet you in Chicago. -.lmportant. CLARENCE.” Walsh said he assumed Clarence was C. C. Chase. Fall to W. Zevely, Dec. 12: "Leaving for Atlantic City. Stopping at Rits-Carlton. Hope you and Jane can join us for day or two. "FALL." From White House From "the White House" to McLean a: Palm Beach, Dec. 23. “The secretary leaves here tonight. H E. MTCENNA." McKenna is doorkeeper for the (Continued on Page 11) HOURLY TEMPERATURE 6 a. 32 10 a. m •• 37 7 a. m. 84 11 a. m 37 8 a. m........ 35 12 (noon) 37 k 9 a m. 37 1 p. m. 33

The Indianapolis Times

Chief Executive, in Terse Statements, Answers Dome Investigators

Two telegrams from President Ooolidge at the White House to E. B. McLean, publisher of the Washington Post, at Palm Beach, were read into the record by the Senate Oil Investigating Committee todays * - A terse statement from the White House explained one of them related to a conference the President wished to have with Samuel J. Prescott, city commissioner, on District of Columbia appointments. A second explained the other telegram was purely personal, having to do with his Lincoln Day address. Reading of the telegrams followed the statement by Sen-

Rat Bite Five Months Ago Causes Woman’s Death

• £ , "wr) \ ,lw .jf;rn v - U- * mmm •* * jMEgiSSKtijjP j MRS. CARL ROBERTS

f -p. IT/OOD poisoning from a rat I D I bite five months ago caused L I the death of Mrs. Stella Roberts. 29, of 1222 S. Harding St. Mrs. Roberts, with her husband, Carl Roberts, was routing rats at their home when one hit her on the finger. Blood poisoning set hi a few clays iater. She died Tuesday. Funeral services will be held at

Far, Far From Home * < rr-rjOT even revolutions keep one \ from enjoying the wonderful I climate and pioturesqueness of Mexico City.” said Mrs. F’fauk A. Sanborne. who. with her husband, is making an annual business trip North. The Sanbornes, stopping at the < 'laypool, are the city’s guests farthest from home. Sanborne lias been a druggist in Mexico City for ten years, and "we like it fine—wouldn’t trade it for any place,” said Mrs. Sanborne. “The recent fighting did not affect us in the least. Os course, some of the luxuries were missing from our table, but other than that, the revolution did not bother us.” BOY ATTEMPTS SUICIDE Tan! Brown, 16, Tries to Take life When Wishes Are Denied. Paul Brown, 16, Kansas,, City, Mo., living at the home of his uncle, H. G. Brown. 2906 School St., took a small amount of poison today, police say. He is recovering. Police said he wanted to “bum" his way back to Kansas City and his uncle would not let him. SNOW IS POSSIBILITY Local Meteorologist Predicts Colder Weather for Friday. A possibility of snow this afternoon or tonight was the prediction today of J. bf. Armington, local meteorologist. Armington stated that rain was more likely, but the temperature might become low enough to cause snow. A change from the warm weather of the last few days was predicted, Armington saying it would be 10 or If degrees colder Frtfay. There Is bo possibility of a cold wave, he said.

the Blaine Ave. M. E. Church Friday at 2 p.m.. Surviving Mrs. Roberts besides the husliand are three children. Herschell, 10; Weeley, 8, and Forrest. 6; three sisters. Mrs. Mabel Morton. Mrs. Dona Stubbs, and Miss Vioia Doan; two brothers. Earl and Orrie Doan: mother and father. Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Doan, and grandmother. Mrs. Matilda Creig

CHANGES SOUGHT IN WRECK REPORT Union Traction President to Visit Commission, Arthur W. Brady, president of the Union Traction Company, today asked permission to appear before the public service commission to ask a modification of the demands contained in the commission’s report of the Fortville wreck, Feb. 2, In which nearly a soore of persons died, It Is understood. Brady will make formal request at 10 a. m. Friday for a modification of the demand believed to have been made that the 13-hour working day for train crews be abolished, it is believed. The company directors agreed to accept the report with minor modifications. The report may be made public soon, it is understood. The commission will meet at 2 p. m. Friday to decide whether or not it will be published. WALSMAN ANNOUNCES \ Fourth Ward Democratic Chairman Seek’s Sheriff's Job. , Albert F. Walsman, 2916 N. Illinois St., today announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for sheriff. Walsman is superintendent of the Capital Paper Company. He is chairman of the Fourth Ward, Ex-Service Voters Active The Ex Service Voters League opened headquarters today at N. Meridian St. Harry E. Taylor, president, is In charge. The league expects to organize the entire State In behalf of ex-service candidate*.

INDIANAPOLIS, THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 1924

ator Heflin in the Senate Wednesday he thought the “principal’’ referred to in other McLean telegraids was President Coolidge. / Committee members said the significance to them of the Coolidge telegrams lay merely in the evidence they gave that Mr. Coolidge and McLean w r ere apparently on fairly intimate terms. While the committee was resuming its search of clews in the new' telegrams, President Coolidge’s counsel began the first court action ayned to regain the leased oil lands and announced a criminal grand jury will be impaneled April 1 to-consider any prosecutions which may be found necessary as a result of the oil probe.

TRACTION RIDERS URGE PUBLIC BE GIVEN FINDINGS Citizens Say Commission Should Not Conceal Report on Wreck, ‘"Make the report public.” “We are supporting the public service commission with taxes. Why keep it secret?” With practically solid unanimity, passengers using lnterurban cars, interviewed by The Times at the Terminal station, expressed the opinion that the report of the public service commission should be given to the public on the Union Traction wreck near Fortville, Feb 2 Almost a score of persons perished. The commission questioned witnesses in secret and confidentially gave its recommendation to the utility. Many of those interviewed said they were surprised that the State body had withheld the report. ' |ia Reason DR. r. L. WAYMAN. living four .lilies west of the city. 1 can’ty-on reive of any reason why we shouldn't \nnw is soen as the company know.-. There may be a reason why it would hurt us to not know—ls so. why won't it hurt us as ha dwhen we do know? A C BALDWIN. Peru, count) .treasurer In such a serious cata. 1 trophe. the public should know the -causes and any means of preventing oi hers. H F. ARM At VIST. Newcastle, whole sale hutcher. Th public ought to know hv all means. The public pays that commission and we are certainly entitled to the report. Salesman Is Shocked J A LAUGHLIN. Chicago, salesman:'' I use Indiana lnterurhans constantly and was shocked by the Forfville wreck. Whoever Is responsible for the tragedy the public should know. If the company 4s blamed by the State commissioners the people should he Informed. MRS. GRACE VANSCYOC, Morris town, T can’t see any reason why they should keep it secret. MRS BERTHA TEMP LIN. Zionsville: Make the report public. That is my sentiment. “Why Keep lad On?” EARL REAVES. 721 N. New Jersey St.: The recommendations of the commisvrion probably will help the company anyway. By all means make the report, public. LESLIE E. REID. Headquarter* Company, Eleventh Infantry, Ft. Benjamin Harrison. The report should be made public. Why keep on the lid ■when the public is paying for the commission ? VISITOR IS MURDERED I/eslie Moore. Cokired, Arrested After Shooting Flemon Burse. Leslie Moore. 20. colored. 1811 Yandes St., wa charged with murder today after he shot Flemon Burse. 27, colored, 1421 Barrow Ave., according to police. Moore said he found Burse in his home with Julia Moore, his wife, police said. ■Mrs. Moore and Philip Bible, 730 S. Capitol Ave.. Moore's uncle, were the only witnesses, police said. Two Men Sentenced Criminal Court today passed these sentences: Robert Patterson. SIOO and thirty days in jail, operating a blind tiger; Clifford Black, six months on the Indiana State Farm, drawing deadly weapons: Noyes Price, 22 W. Sixteenth St., as “meter burglar,” pleaded not guilty.

ATTENTION! PUPILS! ~ Many of the special articles printed in The Times are intended to help school pupils in their studies, as well as to furnish educational reading for their elders. We have received many letters commenting David Dietz’s articles. Here is a sample: To The Editpr of The Times: I thank you very much for David Dietz’s article in the paper every night. It helps me very much ip my science work at school. Animal Facts also help me science ork. I go to schqol at Buchanan and Noble Sts. 1046 High St. HENRY SCHOE> BORN.

Mother Plunges Into Pool and Pulls Out Small Son . jr fw.Au '' ' \ MRS. WILLIAM H. SMITH. ROBERT SMITH (LEFT). AND ROBERT THRALL

EYING on a table in the dining room, wrapped in blankets and receiving the best medical aid possible, 2-year-old Robert Smith. 1807 N. Kealing Ave., was rapidly recovering today after being rescued late Wednesday afternoon his mother. Mrs. William H. Smith, from drowning in a pool of water In rear of the home. First to asslht Mrs. Smith In reviving the child was Robert Thrall, 1322 N. Kealing St., a Boy Scout. Three physicians worked several hours before the child was out of danger.

J. E. DEERY CANDIDATE Former City Judge Enters Democratic Race for County Prosecutor. James E. Deery, 1442 N. New Jersey St., with offices at 1250 Consolidated building, announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for prosecutor of Marion County today. He was city judge from 1914 to 1918, the last Democrat to hold this office. For three years before this he served as dc.nity prosecutor in charge of the Marion County grand jury. Deery is graduate of Notre Dame University and formerly was national president of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

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

The boy was playing in the baejt yard when he was missed by his mother. Across the alley she sawiris cap floating in a. four foot pool of water on property used by the Kline StAe Block Company. Plunging intowne pool Mrs. Smith qpilled out the child, unconscious and numb. According to neighbors the pool is the result of a broken service pipe which connects the stone company with w-ater “main. The pool has been there since last December. J. S. O'Donnell, special agent for the Indianapolis Water Company, sent an inspector to investigate the pool.

C. OF C. PICKS IN FOR RAISING FUND Chamber Seeks $25,000 to Run Convention Bureau, These committees will participate in the Chamber of Commerce to raise $25,000 for its convention bureau: Hotel group: William A. Atkins, chairman; Clarence A. Chase, R. L. Meyer, Walter Smith and E. R. Spooner. Motor traffic group: John B. Dubuc, chairman; Don Herir, J. H. Marshall, A. C. Metcalf Jr., John B. Orman, Harry Siefert and W. {I. Trimble. Restaurant group. J. F. O’Mahoney, chairman; R. R. Bair, C. C. Claman, Can W. Jenkins, syid H. H. Kellar. CITY~GR[PPEdHbY MUMPS March Total Is 181 Cases—Number Increases Steadily. With 181 cases reported in March, including eighteen before noon today, Dr. Herman G. Morgan said the city Is gripped by its worst epidemic of mumps. There were 465 cases in January and 686 in February. Children under 12 are effected most. Dr. Morgan believes the epidemic will continue about two months.

President Explains Two Messages Sent M’Lean at Palm Beach as ‘Other Matters’

FIRST MESSAGE “E. B. McLean, Palm Beach, Fla. • “Prescott is away. Advise Slcmp with whom T shall confer. CALVIN COOLIDGE.” COOLIDGE SAYS “The telegram related to the district eommissionership. Samuel J. Prescott is the Republican city chairman and the President desired to confer with him regarding district matters.” SECOND TELEdRAM “The White House, Feb. 12. “Thank you for your message. You have always been most considerate. Mrs. Coolidge joins ine in kindest regards to you and Mrs. McLean. CALVIN COOLIDGE.” THE PRESIDENT EXPLAINS “The telegram sent to Mr. McLean on E’eb. 12,” the statement said, “was in regard to a message from Mr. McLean congratulating the President on his Lincoln birthday address in New York. The exchanged were similar to others received and sent out in that same connection. It amounts simply to an exchange of amenities.” Later the President said his message of Feb. 12 was in answer to a telegram received from McLean congratulating him on his statement with respect to Senate resolution calling for resignation of Senator Denbv.

By United Press WASHINGTON, March 6.—A telegram signed “Calvin Coolidge” and addressed to Edward B. McLean, publisher of the Washington Past, was read into the oil scandal records as the foremost sensation in the committee developments today. The telegram was sent from Washington to Palm Beach while McLean was there with former Secretary of the Interior Fall as his guest. It read: “January 12. “E. B. McLean, Palm Beach, Florida. “Prescott is away. Advise Slemp with whom I shall confer. * “CALVIN COOLIDGE.” C. Rascom Slemp. secretary to the Presjdent, was in Florida at that time. He has already testified that he attended several dinner parties with McLean. * Climax to Sensations The telegram from the President to McLean climaxed a series of smashing sensations which had just preceded reading of the < 'oolidge message. These included reading of telegrams which disclosed: That H. E. McKenna, doorkeeper at the White House office to C. Rascom Slemp. the President’s secretary, notified McLean in Palm Beach of Slemp's departure for Florida on the day Slemp left That Bernard M. Baruch. New York financier, and prominent figure in the war-time Administration, was in communication with McLean at Palnf Beach and sent him “affectionate regards.” Smoot in Communication That Senator Smoot, a member of the Senate committee, was in direct commyiioation with Albert B. Fall, chief figure in the scandal. That William J. Burns, head of the secret service of the Department of Justice, notified McLean of an investigation of his connection with the department as a “dollar a year man.” That Fall and Senator Lenroot, chairman of the Senate investigating committee, exchanged messages regarding the summoning of witnesses in the inquiry. The significance of the Coolidge telegram to McLean and the identity of the “Prescott” named in it were not made apparent ar the time the message was read.

AUTO LICENSE^ WARNING Stale Police to Start Round-up of Delinquentts Next Week. Twenty-five members of the State automobile police force will start next week to arrest motorists not having 1924 licenses. Chief R. T. Humes announced today. Records of H. L. McClelland, manager of the State automobile department, showed 5,256 licenses have been issued since last Friday. FUND~HAS~S2BJ2S~LEFT Financial Report Shows $229,596 Received and $214,357 Disbursed. Officers of the community fund have reported that for the three months ending Jan. 31, 1924) a total of $229,596.06 in cash had been received, and a total disbursement of $214,357.04. Balance on hand was $28,725.35. CAR RARE BEFORECLUB Southeastern Civic League to Meet Friday Evening. The street car fare problem will be discussed at a public meeting of the Southeastern Civic Improvement Club at the McKinley school Friday evening. LICENSE DRIVE OPENS Forty-Five Arrested on Charges of Having No City Tags. The new year drive on persons without city license tages kept officers busy. Forty-five persons were slated for failure to have truck, gasoline, pump, bicycle and dog tags. One man was arrested tor violating the spitting orfjlance. I

Forecast RAIN or snow this afternoon and possibly tonight, with lowest temperature about 28 above zero. Friday partly cloudy and colder.

TWO CENTS

TRUCK IN ACCIDENT - LAST HD CARS Fire Wagon l In Fatal Crash Obsolete Equipment. Squad wagon No. 2 of engine house 30 Is the only obsolete pieoe of fire equipment In the city. Fire Chief John J. O’Brien said today. The wagon was in a collision at Noble and Washington Sts. early Monday, resulting In the death of Wayne Hunter, fireman, and injury to two others. Chief O’Brien charged that the accident could be attributed to the old automobile, which had been In continuous use since 1911. The board ordered the chief to price new equipment and draft an ordinance for anew squad wagon. The council recently' killed an ordlnanace ratifying a contract for a car to replace wagon No. 2. COL. FORBES GIVES BOND Pleads Not Guilty of Bribery and Conspiracy Charges. B i/ United Press WASHINGTON. March 6.—Charles R. Forbes, former Veterans’ Bureau head, gave SIO,OOO bond for his appearance before the Federal Court in Chicago on March 17. Forbes appeared before United States Commissioner McDonald and pleaded not guilty to two charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States Government and one charge of accepting a bribe.