Indianapolis Times, Volume 35, Number 264, Indianapolis, Marion County, 18 March 1924 — Page 1

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VOLUME 35—NUMBER 264

FARE BOOST IS UP TO STATE

Civic Clubs’ Attitude

W/fTH city adrfiinistration committed to W some “financial” relief for the Indianapolis Street Railway, the question as to who would tight for the present 5-cent fare, schedule before the public service commission is being discussed by straphangers. Taylor Groninger, corporation counsel, announced his position would be based on the report of Benjamin Perk, city budget expert, which says increased fare is needed. Edward O. Snethcn, president of Federated Civic Clubs, says no action has been taken by that organization toward maintaining present 5-cent fare. Attitude of the federation, however, will be formulated March 28 when the twenty-

STOCK DEALS OF OFFICIALS MADE PUBLIC Transactions of Slemp, Curtis, Daugherty, Elkins and Former Congressmen in Sinclair and Doheny Oiis Bared Before Committee, By PAUL R. MALLON United .Vmct Staff Correspondent WASHINGTON. March 18.—C. Bascom Slemp, secretary to President Coolidge; Senator Charles Curtis, Republican whip in the Senate; Attorney General Daugherty, Senator Davis Elkins and several present and former Congressmen, speculated in cither Doheny or Sinclair oil stocks. Lewis D. Bond, accountant for the Federal trade commission, testified today before the Senate Oil Committee.

Among the Congressmen named as til speculators by Bond were: Former Representatives Goodykoontz, J. H. Hines and Ryan, and [Representative A. B. Rouse of Ken tucky. Daugherty dealt in Mexican Petroleum and Sinclair Consolidated. Bond testified. Daugherty’s account for a time was registered under the name of W. \V. Spaeth. Bond s id. Siemp speculated in Sinclair Con solidated and Mexican Petroleum: Curtis in Sinclair Consolidated: Elkins in Sinclair Consolidated and Mexican Petroleum. Tlie Congressmen bought, and sold Mexican Petroleum and Pan-American Petroleum. ContrfHed by Doheny The Pan-American and Mexican Petroleum stocks are controlled Tly E. E. Doheny. lesse of two California’s naval reserves; Sinclair Consolidated is controlled by Harry F. Sinclair, lesse of Teapot Dome. On Pan-Atneriean Petroleum Daugherty made a profit of six and a half points, amounting to about $543.50, Bond said. Other transactions were not dosed during the period covered by Bond's examination of brokers’ books on which Bond's story was based. This showed Daugherty still owned some'of the stocks. Curtis’ deals were not margain transactions, but outright purchase. Bond said. Bond told the committee he had examined the books of fifteen brokers besides the Association for Protection of American Rights in Mexico. Bond read from a written report he kad prepared. YVhat About Daugherty? “What do you make of Daugherty’s transactions?” Senator Walsh asked. “I imagine he didn’t want his name used in the stock deals. That is frequently the case. He never told me why he didn’t w r ant to be identified with the matter," Bond said. “The Indications from receipts found in the records of Hibbs & Cos., Washington, are that Jesse Smith (Continued on Page 11)

POLICE ARE COMPARED Indianapolis Foroe Shows Up Favorably With Cincinnati. Police forces of Indianapolis and Cincinnati compare favorably in rank and number according to a report received by Walter W. Wise, president of the city council, today. Wise is investigating conditions in twenty-five cities following request of Police Qxlef Herman Rikhoff for 100 additional men. Six cities have already reported. Cincinnati with a population of 415.000, has 767 policemen compared to 541 for Indianapolis. Cincinnati has 36 sergeants compared to 21 for Indianapolis, and a traffic squad of 79 compared to S3 here. Indianapolis has 53 detectlvee. Cincinnati has 37. benefiel rites today Taps Sounded fori Civil War Veteran Who Died Sunday. Funeral of F. M. Benefiel, 86, Civil War veteran, who died Sunday, was .held today at 10 a. m. at the home of ' hie eon, B. F. Benefiel. 427 S. Gray St. Service were conducted by the Rev. Charles Reed of the Woodside M. E. Church. Burial in Memorial Park Cemetery. Officer Ordered to Flying School Lieut. Joseph M. Bell, Kokomo, member of the 113th observation squadron. Indiana National Guard, ■was ordered today by the War Department to go to San Antonio, Texas, to attend the Brooks Field flying school, Adjt. Gen. Harry B. Smith announced.

The Indianapolis Times

three affiliated clubs will adopt a policy. Questionnaires have been mailed to the clubs to learn sentiment. The first ones returned show wide di(Terence in opinion. Some have already opposed any car fare increase. Others would not oppose a fare boost if increased revenue would improve service. These clubs would favor a trial fare increase, Snethen said today the policy of the federation would be determined by a vote of the majority of the clubs, although the federation will have no objections to any one club or group joining to oppose an increase by employing legal counsel to appear before the public serxTfce commission.

THOUSANDS PAID AS‘PROTECTION! HUGE LIQUOR DEALS Mellon, Weeks and Haynes Summoned in Trial of Daugherty. Bn I nitrd Press WASHINGTON, March 18.—Delving into transactions regarding withdrawals of liquor, the Senate committee investigating Attorney General Daugherty today heard from William Orr of New York a story of large payments, totaling sometimes $25,000 at a timo, to Howard Mannington, described as a close friend of Daugherty. These payments. Orr said, were in connection with “liquor deals,” but he did not know what became of the money, except that it was “to keep the cases out of court. ’ Development of this angle of the inquiry followed announcement that large numbers of new subpoenas had been issued, including in the committee’s dragnet. Secretaries Mellon and Weeks, Prohibition Commissioner Haynes and several members of Daugherty’s staff at the Department of Justice. Among them was H. H Votaw. brother-in-law of ifcie late President Harding. Votaw has charge of parole cases at the department. Orr. the witness who told of the alleged liquor deals, said that “various people” gave him money in connection with lifflior withdrawals and that he always turned it over to Manning(Con tinned on Page 11)

I. R, 1.4 [LOSES COMMISSION LIGHT Indiana Electric Corporation Allowed to Cross Power Line. The Indiana Electric Corporation, controlled by the Joseph H. Brewer utility interests, won today in a fight before the public service commission against the Terre Haute, Indianapolis & Eastern Traction Company. Permission was granted the corporation to cross a T. H., I. & E. transmission line with their own power line in Marion and Vigo Counties. The Indiana Electric Corporation is constructing a $5,000,000 power plant on the Wabash River near, Terre Haute, and is spending $3,500,000 for cost of transmission lines and easements, the plaintiffs stated. It will supply power to the Merchants Ileat and Eight Company. Woman Driver Released Mrs. Gertie Bright, 850 N. E}ast St., today was released from a charge of involuntary manslaughter filed Feb. 28 when, according to oolfCe, the car she was backing from the curb at Massachusetts Ave. and Liberty St. struck and fatally injured Mrs. Johanna Spearing, 76, 624 E. Walnut St.

M’Cray Lawyers Pass Jury to State

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FIRE WHICH TOOK ■ SIX LIVESPROBED Overheated Stove Theory Believed Disproved. Further investigation of a fire at the home of Percy Stoval, colored, 882 W. Eleventh St., where Stoval’s wife and five ••hildren were burned to death early Monday, was carried on today by Battalion Chief Fisk and Fire Chief O’Brien. Fisk said it had been rumored that Stoval said a etove In the kitchen which Fisk at first believed became overheated, was not burning. Fisk said he would question StovaL The victims died when fire swept through the room as Mrs. Stoval prepared to hand the children out of a window to her husband, on the porch roof. BUREAU FUND $17,600 Chamber of Commerce Convention Campaign Nears End. A total of $17,600 has been subscribed to the Chamber of Commeroe convention bureau, Frank Wampler, chairman o# the fund committee announced. Final meeting of the campaign drive to raise $26,000 will be held next Monday. William A. Atkins, chairman of the hotel group committee, reported $8,650 at a meeting of the convention committee at the Chamber Monday. John B. Dubuc, chairman of themotor traffic group, reported S6OO. Merchants Association has pledged $5,000. /. Merger Contract Approved Thomas S. Me Murray, State insurance commissioner, has approved a contract for sale of the Century Life Insurance Company to the People’s Life Insurance Company with combined assets of more than $3,600,000 and total amounting to $36,000,000.

INDIANAPOLIS, TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 19.24

The City’s Stand

mHE citv will meet the petition of the Indianapolis Street Railway Company for increased fare with a demand on the public service commission that no more relief than is absolutely necessary be granted. This altitude of the city administration was expressed, by Taylor Groninger, corporation counsel, today, when told tliat a petition asking for a 7-eent fare with 1-ccnt transfer and four tickets for a quarter had been filed by the ear company. “My attitude will be based entirely on the report of Benjamin Perk, city budget expert, which shows that the company needs a depreciation reserve fund,” said Groninger. “Any relief granted should be temporarily, and I

SKETCHED IN CRIMINAL COURT AT M’CRAY TRIAL BY MANUEL ROSENBERG. TIMES SPECIAL ARTIST. ,

In Jury Box These twelve men were in the jury box when the Criminal Court trial of Governor Warren T. McCray was adjourned for the noon recess today: Harry L. Rapp, branch manager of the United States Radiator Corporation, 824 E. FortySecond St. Arthur J. Randall, secretarytreasurer of the Henkel-Randall Printing Company, 5660 E. St. Clair St. William J. Ryan, building material dealer. 4108 Carrollton Av*. Cp'-H Ramsey, employe of Kie-fer-Stewart Drug Company, 825 N. Gray St. John C. Hufford, Cumberland, salesman. William E. Ratcliff, commission merchant, at stockyards, 3850 Graceland Ave. Walter P. Henderson, steamfitter, 416 S. Noble St. Ixnder Williams, farmer, Camby. Richard D. Rutherford, vice president and general manager of the John Deere Plow Company, 3326 Central Ave. Charles Eck, farmer, Perry township. Henry Reinitz, restaurant proprietor, 240 E. Twelfth St. Richard H. Habbe, insurance agent, 4848 Central Ave. Alvey Jay, proprietor of general store, Wayne township.

EQUITY ORDERED SOLD Consolidated Theaters Receivers to Dispose of Lemcke Stock. An order for the sale of equity held by the Consolidated Realty and Theaters Corporation in the Consolidated Bldg, on N. Pennsylvania St., was issued today by Probate Judge Mahlon E. Bash. The corporation, which controls many theaters In Indiana, Is in receivership. Receivers Fred A. Sims and George M. Dickson will receive bids beginning April 7 at 10 a. m., in the offices of Weir & Richards, attorneys. A purchase of the equity, which consists of common stock of the R. A. Lemcke'- Realty Company, ownres of the building, was attempted for $46,000, March 4, but was rejected by the cour tas too low. STATE’S MONEY SHIFTED General Fund "Pays Back" Part of Benevolent Fnnd Loan. Shifting of State funds continued today. 4 .'>fflclals in the auditor’s office transferred $60,000 from the general fund to the benevolent to cover a deficit In the latter. The transfer represents return of part of $750,000 borrowed by the general fund which has suffered comparative exhaustion although revived time to time by bank loans totaling $4,640,303. HOURLY TEMPERATURE 6 a. m.- 38 10 a. m 36 7 a. m.. 37 IX a. m 36 8 a. m 37 12 (noon) 36 9 a. m. 87 I p. m 36

won’t be satisfied with a 7-eent fare long. It must revert to lower figure when relief is realized. “The city is not satisfied with the ticket proposition of four for 25’rents or sixteen for sl. We shall insist on seventeen tickets for sl, which makes theYare slightly less than 6 cents, anti less than 7 for the passenger who transfers. This is lower than the present transfer fare.” .. Following filing of the car company’s petition for an increase in fare, opinion was voiced by some citizens that it would be advisable to get. comparative figures on the street o%r business in other cities.

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GLOBE FLIERS OFF ON SECOND LAP Three' Cruisers Head North for Seattle. By ( nited Press MATHER FIELD, Sacramento, Cal., March 18.—The second -day's flight of the army “around the world” journey started at 9:48 a. m., today. The three Douglas cruisers, headed by Maj. Frederick Martin, making the flight, hopred off from Mather Field and headed north bound for Eugene, Ore., and Vancouver Barracks, Wash. The fliers expected to encounter no unfavorable weather, all reports being of clear skies and light wind. Lieut. Eric Nelson reached Clover Field, Los Angeles, after completing the first leg of his journey from San Diego. BEyERIDGE IS HONORED Ex-Senator Unable to Accept Place on Elliott Birthday Committee. Albert J. Beveridge has been advised of his appointment to the honorary committee for the celebration of the ninetieth birthday of Dr. Charles W. Elliott, president emeritus of Harvard University, at Cambridge, Mass., Thursday. He will be unable to accept, he said, because of his appearance before the Florida State Bar Association at Tampa, Fla.. Saturday. FEDERAL OFFICES CLOSED Respect Is Shown For I .ate Judge * Francis E. Baker. Federal offices were closed at noon today in respect for Judge Francis E. Baker, who was burled this afternoon at Goshen, Ind. Judge Baker was on -.the bench of the Circuit Court of Appeals in the district in which Indiana is located.

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

Defense Loses First Skirmish in Trial of Indiana's Chief Executive, The defense in the case of the State of Indiana against Governor WarrPn T. McCray, on trial in Criminal Court before Special Ilarry O. Chamberlin, passed the jury over to the prosecutiou at. 11:20 a. m. today. Eph Inman. special assistant prosecutor, immediately began to question the jurymen, starting with Harry L. Rypp, who occupied seat No. 1 in the box. The defense lost its first legal rkirmish of the trial after a hard fight and was forced to use the first of its ten peremptory challenges to get rid of Walter P. Henderson, steam fitter. 41*6 N. Noble St., who had occupied scat No. 1 since the trial opened Monday morning. Stookliolders In Bank Hpnderson had said, in answer to questions by Michael A. Ryan, one of McCray's attorneys, that he was a stockholder in the People’s State; Bank, that he had known Felix T. MeWhirter, president of the bank for twenty-five years and that he would give his testimony credit over that of someone he did not know. Ryan challenged Henderson for cause on the ground that MeWhirter would be a witness and that Henderson was disqualified because of this fact. After considerable argument by attorneys on both _ sides, Judge Chamberlin ruled that this was no*, grounds for challenge for cause. Shortly after recess, Ryan used his first peremptory challenge on Henderson. Worley Has Subpenas During the discussion, an argument developed as to who hold the subpenas issued by the Slate Clarence Clegg, bailiff, when asked for them Ly McCray’s attorneys. saii_ that Clarence Nichols special prosecutor, held them. Nichols denied this and finally It developed that they were In the possession of Wot ley, Criminal Court .nvr stigntor^L. Judge Chamberlin finally brought the discussion to an end by saying that the question properly before the court was* whether Henderson was qualified to sit <?n the jury, and not whether MeWhirter had been subpenaed as a witness. Three jurymen were removed for cause, on challenges by the defense. E. W. Eickhoff, Franklin Township, farmer, said that he had formed an opinion. His place In the jury box was taken by Cecil Ramsey, 825 N. (Continued on Page 11) STATE LEADS RECRUITING Columbus (Ohio) District Second in sth Amy Corps Area. Sergt. Harlie C. Sylvester, in charge of the Army recruiting-station, today received word from Adjt. Gen. Robert C. Davis of Washington, D. C., commending Sergt. Frank Raines of Evansville, Inn., for the number of enlistments made during the past year. Sergeant Raines, who has charge of recruiting stations at Evansville and Terre Haute, Inch, has made a record of 116 enlistments. Indiana district is leading in enlistments in the sth Corps area, Sylvester said. Columbus (Ohio) district rank* second. NAVAL OIL BOARD NAMED Roosevelt Announces Appointment of Body to Run Leases. B\j United Press WASHINGTON, March 18.—A national board of five officers today was detailed to formulate plans for administering the naval oil reserves if they are returned to the Government as a result of cancellation suits Just started. , “Strictest observation of the Navy’s oil,” is to he the basis of the new’ program, aotlng Secretary of the Navy Roosevelt announced. Heading the board is Capt. John Halligart Jr. Bank Is Made Treasurer The TTletcher Savings and Trust Company will act as treasurer for the Jefferson Memorial Foundation campaign, in which $16,000 will be asked frpm Indianapolis persons the week of April 6 to 13. The foundation Intends to buy Montlcello, Jefferson’s home, as a national shrine. The Rev. F. S. C. Wicks heads the local committee.

Traction Company Wants 7-Cent Rate —Declares Present Scale Is Inadequate Increase Would Provide for Four Tickets for 25 and One-Cent i Transfer Asserting that the 5-eent fare is inadequate, the Indianapolis Street Railway Company filed a petition with the public service commission today asking for “at least’’ a 7-eent cash fare, four tickets for 25 cents, and 1 cent for transfer. The petition was filed by Robert 1. Todd, president. The company gets 2 cents for transfer now. - - Chairman John W. McCardle said the commission would consider the petition Friday. It Mill be assigned to a commissioner who will fix a date for hearing. Ten days’ notice of the hearing must be given. The company sets out that it will place any net income in excess of present net income resulting from increased fares in a depreciation account for rehabilitating its property, improving tracks, constructing substations and improving service.

How to Figure Up Your Bonus Ascertain number of days in service between April 5, 1917, and July 1, 1919. After subtracting the first sixty days, compute adjusted service credit by figuring $1 for each day of borne service and #1.25 for foreign. The amount reached is limited, however, to a maximum of SSOO for those having no foreign service and to $625 for other. If the credit is less than SSO, an immediate cash payment may be applied for. Otherwise, add to the credit 25 per cent of it and multiply the result by 2.25. The answer will be. roughly, the amount of the endowment Insurance which will be paid at the end of tw’enty years or to beneficiaries in event of death.

NOOSE -PASSES BONOS BIEL WITH INSURANCECLAUSE Twenty-Year Endowment Policy Provided for Compensation Over SSO. By I'nited Press WASHINGTON. March 18.—The House today passed the soliders’ bonus bill. The measure is radically different from the bill President Harding vetoed. Its principal provision is a twenty-year endowment insurance, which will be issued to all ex-service men except those whose compensation is SSO or less. These will be entitled to cash. The vote was 355 to 54, an overwhelming victory for the bonus ad-, vocates. Milligan, Missouri, called the bill a “gold brielf** and a “direct insult to ex-service men,” Stengle, New Tork, told the House “they've only asked you for a square deal and you are giving them insurance.” GIRLS ACCUSERS ! OF THEIR FAIRER \ Unusual Case Comes Before Juvenile Court, What was considex-ed by Juvenile Court officials as one of the most unusual cases in the history of Juvenile Court, went on trial today. Contributing to delinquency and possible murder of anew born babe by a man—lts father and grandfather were involved. That the father forced his 16 and 15-year-old daughters to submit to his attentions since the death of their motoher five years ago; that one of the older girls became a mother, and that the father put it in a milk bucket and hid it under the house for a week before burning it was charged on the witness stand by the younger girl. Both girls testified the grandfather —parent of their father —also contributed to their delinquneey in the absence of their grandmother. The defense attempted to show the baby was dead when born, but the girls said it cried lustily. Coroner Paul F. Robinson said he had no record of the case.

Forecast CLOUDY and slightly colder is predicted for tonight. Lowest temperature about 30 degrewa, above zero. Wednesday will be fair.

TWO CENTS

The report of Benjamin Perk, city budget expert, accompanied the petition. Officer's of the company indicated that the company’s case would hinge largely on Perk’s report showing that approximately $500,000 ia needed annually in a depreciation fund. “Previous Relief Inadequate” The petition shows that while a special committee on transportation made recommendations May 10, 1922, calculated to give $249,095 annual revenue to the company, the sum really amounted to only $45,000, including the owl car fare advance to 10 cents. This committee comprised representatives of the civic and labor organizations, business men and city officials appointed by Mayor Shank. With the present five-cent fare with two-cent transfer for all passengers more than five years of age “the company has been seriously retarded from furnishing service and equipment which the growing requirements of Indianapolis demand, as the company is unable to obtain new capital for additional cars and improvements on its present financial showing,’’ the petition sets out. m Emergency Exists An emergency exists for immediate relief, the petition states, and the company- agrees to furnish quarterly statements of its financial condition and other information to the public service commission and the city council. * “The company further avers that in order to .acquaint city officials, and the city council, and the public generally with the situation,” the petition states, “formal conferences were held with members of the board of works and the council in which the urgent necessity for increasing revenue was pointed out.” At the council hearing sentiment was evenly divided for and against any financial relief for the car company’. A majority of city councilman have expressed the opinion that some relief is necessary, although the council refused to act officially on such a resolution. Instead, it referred the matter to Mayor Shank and the city legal department. The mayor has refused to take any sides in the car fare boost problem, although Taylor Groninger, corporation counsel, expressed sympathy for the company in the case. J. R. Austen Funeral Wednesday Funeral of J. R. Austen, 82, of 35 Whittier St., will be held at the home at 10 a. m. Wednesday. Burial at Cambridge City, Ind. Mr. Austen died Monday of apoplexy. Surviving are the widow and a son, Jesse G. Austen.

WAS IT A DREAM? WHERE was Sallie? Who were the strange people and how did she happen to awake in these strange surroundings? It is all explained in MISS.ALIAS By DOUGLAS GRANT Anew serial which begins Thursday on the Story Page In The Times*