Indianapolis Times, Volume 35, Number 268, Indianapolis, Marion County, 22 March 1924 — Page 1

Homs Bditioira FULL service of the United Press, the NEA Service, the Scripps-Howard Newspaper Alliance and the Seripps-Paine Service.

VOLUME 35—NUMBER 268

tin HALL CORRUPTION IS CHARGED Councilmen Unanimously Sign Resolution Calling for Investigation departments —Otto Ray Issues Document Setting Out Alleged Bad Practices and Failure to Attend to Duties. BUILDING REGULATIONS MENTIONED BY MEMBER Part of Mayor in Proceedings to Be Probed, President Walter W. Wise Says— Two Democrats and Two Republicans to Be on Committee, With Fifth Man to Conduct Inquiry—‘None to Escape Attention,’ Slogan. Alleging open charges of dishonesty and corruption in city government have come to their attention, city councilmen unanimously authorized i sweeping investigation of city government. The council met in special session at 2 p. m. With the resolution, a statement of charges drafted by Councilman Otto Kay, Democrat, was filed as preliminary basis for the investigation. Other specific charges will come out later. Kay said. He charged: Oisregard for interests of the city as a whole and property rights of taxpayers. Contracts Questioned That the board of works has been in collusion with certain contractors who were in a conspiracy to extort and fraudulently obtain money by illegal letting and fraudulent execution of contracts. That the city building department joined with the board of zoning appeals in illegal regulation of certain buildings. That if the charges are true.,an investigation by the Marion countygrand Jury should be instigated to indict city officials guilty of violating criminal statutes. “The council will go into ail these charges thorouehly and no department will escape attention” said President "Wise. "The part of Mayor Shank in some of these proceedings ] will be investigated, and before we have finished, some officials of the city may not be in office.” Appropriation Next Step With the adoption of the resolution. ' an ordinance appropriating a sum of money to carry on the investigation will b" the next step. Wise said he would appoint Councilmen Heydon W Buchanan and Otto Ray, Democrats, and Theodore J. Bemd* and Lloyd D. Play com be. Republicans, on a special investigating committee. He will . name a fifth member later. The resolution points out that charges are not reflecting on any city official, but the purpose is “to ascertain facts and make an honest endeavor to clear up the cloud of sus j picicn in certain city departments " I Reports of the council meeting fur i nished the chief topic of conversation at the city- hall today', although none of the city executives would make any statement. “The people are losing confidence in some of the public officials, and if these charges can be proved, the guilty ones should be exposed, discharged and prosecuted," said Wise. The resolution authorizes the inves- i tigatlon committee to have full access to records of every department of the city, issue subpoenaes and exercise eny steps toward impeachment thought necessary. lawyers Consulted Councilman's Ray's charges represent a thirty-day investigation, and cover eight typewritten pages. He has pointed out that lawyers have been consulted, and proceedings are in accord with State laws regarding the powers of council. "We have our own little 'Teapot j Dome,’ ” Ray says In referring to a transaction whereby Mayor Shank ! sold a part of his front yard on E. Washington St. for $9,527 to the Standard Oil Company for a filling station. He charges consent for erection of a filling station was up to the city plan commission, but was granted; by the parft board. A city official was interested in the ‘ sale of this land, Ray charges. Suit Is Charge Basis The charges of collusion with contractors against the board of works ar ebased on a complaint filed by west aide citizens filed with the Marion Supreior Court, in which the name of William Armitage. political adviser of the Shank administration, is mentioned. Ray charges that contracts wero let on orders of “a certain person influential with the mayor.” "I know of no reason why, if these facta are ascertained to be correct, i that the Criminal Court of Marlon County .aided by a grand jury, should not do their part to vindicate the laws and afford taxpayers aid,” Ray said.

The Indianapolis Times

Here Are the Only News Photographs Ever Taken of John D. Rockefeller in His Home; Art 'Beat'- Is Accomplished After Years of Efforts —Times Readers Get the First Look

JUDGE ANDERSON VISITS (MIDGE No Significance as to Promotion Seen in Call. Tim> < \Y‘ixhin:!ton Hurra u, / i? 2 Vfir i'orfc .4 i r. WASHINGTON, March 22—Judge A. B. Anderson called on President Coolidpe today, accompanied by Senator Watson an J former Indiana attorney general. W. L. Taylor. No announcement was made either at the White House or at Senator Watson's office as to what connection there might be between Anderson's visit and the possible promotion o 2 Anderson to the place made vacant by Judge Baker's death at Ch:c--Lgo. It was pointed out Federal judges, as a rule, call on the President when in Washington and consequently no sig niflcance is to be attached to Ander son's visit. Anderson will leave for Indianapolis Sunday. At the Hickey court bill hearings Friday Anderson riddled arguments of advocates of the hill and denied his court had ever bepn unable to handle all business. He made a strong impression on Senate committee. SUIT NAMES NEWSPAPER Ira Rramblett Asks Receiver for Indianapolis latdger. A receivership for the Indianapolis ledger, colored newspaper, is asked in a suit filed in Superior Court. Ira C. Bramblett. city councilman engaged n the typesetting business, is plaint.flf on an alleged unpaid account of $309.55. William H. Jackson, colored politician and editor, known as “Big Jack.” is defendant. He said that the suit was a “friendly one,” and that publication will continue. WIFE PREVENTS SUICIDE, Harry Brower Blames Despondency for Attempt In Take IJfe. Harry Prower. 40, of 729 N. Penn sylvanla St., confined in the detention ward at city hospital today, told po- j lice despondency caused him to take poison and attempt to cut his wrist with a razor blade Friday night, according to officers. The officers, called by Mrs. Brower, took away the razor. Brower was re ported greatly improved today. THEFT VICTIM FOUND Watch Stolen Four Vears Ago Is Recovered. The whereabouts of Webb Thompson whose watch, stolen when he lived here in 1904, was recovered in an Indiana Ave. pawn shop Friday, was learned today when his sister, Mrs. Gertrude E. Berry, 246 N. Pershing Ave., and his brother, W. W. Thompson, druggist, 2202 \V. Washington St., advised police he was living in St. Louis. Police Immediately communicated with the owner of the watch. BOY STRUCK BY AUTO Harold Stevenson Is Slightly 1 flirt- in Accident. Harold Stevenson, 10, of 803-N. Illinois St., suffered a broken nose and cuts over the left eye today when he was struck by a car driven by Charles Babcock, attorney, 5245 Broadway, at Illinois and St. Clair Sts., according to police. The boy, stepping from the curb with his father, jumped over a puddle of water and landed in front of the machine, police say. Babcock was arrested. HOURLY TEMPERATURE 6 a. m. • 33 10 a. m 36 7 a. m 33 11 g. m 36 S a, m. 33 IS (noon) 37 9 a. ra 84 1 p. m 88

BEVERIDGE FLAYS CROOKED OFFICERS ;'When Confidence Destroyed, Republic Ceases to Be,' Hv Timr* Sprcial TAMPA, Fla, March 22.—“ Wrong \ doing by pubHc officials is far worse j than wrong doing by private individuals," said Albert J. Beveridge, speaking on the “Development of the American Constitution Under John Marshall." before the annual meeting of the Ftorida State Bar Association today. "The American Government and American institutions rest upon public confidence in that Government and those institutions. When this foundation is destroyed our republic will cease to be "One dishonest man In public office can do more to discredit government than a host of advocates of wrong ideas Yet honesty Is not enough—aggressive courage, too. God sAve America from the easy going public servant, although personally he would not touch a tainted dollar ! "Now that investigations have j aroused general suspicion, if not dis I trust, thdae investigations must go to ; the uttertnost.” ‘SOFT TRACK’ NO BARRIER Police in Speed Squad Say Motorlsta Ignore Slush. Sergeant Halstead of the police "speed" squad, reported to Chief Herman Rikhoff today that the snow and slushy streets had no terrors for speeders. Seven persons were ar rested. They are: Jackson Carter. 38, of 1827 N. Talbott Ave, Burgess Brown, 22, of 2906 Central Ave., L. A. Hart, 30, of 30d6 Graceland Avq.| D. S. I Rood, 28. of Columbus, Ind.; John Bailey, 23. of 2161 Madison Ave.; Joe Weilhamer. 22, of 1543 Madison Ave., and Abe Abraham, 21, of 916 S. Meridian St. MORE CANDIDATES. FILE Seekers After Assembly Seats Are on Record. Candidates filing declarations of candidacy today with the secretary of State: Democrats State representative: George N. Burkhart, Route E, Indian j apolis; Theodore F. Bates, F*t. Wayne; Willis E. Gill. Cloverdale. Republicans State representative: George C. Wilcoxen, Richmond; William E. Peats, 701 S. New Jersey St.; Arthur A. Brown, Henry County. STATE TAKES OVER BANK Huntington Institution to Go Into Insolvency. The State banking department has taken over the Farmers Trust Company at Huntington, E. IL Wolcott, State bunk commissioner, said today. Stockholders of the bank met Friday and announced they would voluntarily go into insolvency. Morris Stultz, Redkey, is representing the State. Capital was $50,000. South Side Building Project Plans for the erection of thirty to forty new dwelling houses on the south side have been announced by Edward J. Sexton of the E. J. Sexton Realty Company. Houses will be built on property bounded on the south by Southern Ave.; the east by Gap Yield Park; the north by Hoefgen St., and by Ransdell St. on the west.

STORY OF M’CRAY TRIAL IS PRINTED ON PAGE 9

INDIANAPOLIS, SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 1924

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OIL ULIOME FEELS FINE AT 84 Lives Among His Flowers in Unpretentious House, The Times presents on this page exclusive photographs of John D. Rockefeller taken In his winter home —a newspaper achievement that has been ! the goal of camera men. Photographers have besieged John jD. for years. Occasionally they have i eecurcd snapshots of him on the golf - links, or at church. But a photogra- ! pher In his home was anathema to the inultP*i*fa***ir* The frtcn>*% printed Tkfrr suit from the enterpriji# of ChAjrWf ! Larger, staff photographer of FotoI grame, who has known JoHn D. insl- | mafely for years. T-anger was commissioned by N. E. A- Service, cif which The Times is exclusive client in Indianapolis, to photograph the Standard Oil King because he seemed the only photographer who had the slightest chance of success. When a close-up photograph was taken. Rockefeller remarked he wag feeling fine. He Is 84 His house at Ormond Beach, Fla., Ut rather unpretentious for a. man <j£ colossal wealth. John D. loves hI(R flowers os the photograph shdTFS. BIG LINER IS AGROUND Six Tugs Try to Refloat ( ami ants, in River Mersey, ‘S' v' By t'nttrd PrenK LIVERPOOL, March 22 —The Punard liner Carmania has gone aground on Askew Pit at the entrance to the River Mersey. , Six tugs are doing their utmost, to re float the big ship. The Cunard line says the vessel had no passengers, as she was returning from Glasgow, where she had been reconditioned. *

‘WHEN THE CAT’S AWAY—’ The Burglar Riffles the Ire Box but Avoids Detection. Mrs. Charles Duncan, 402 E. Raymond St., told police a thief visits her back porch frequently and steals eatables. The loss Is considerable, she said. When<4he family watches, the visits cease, but as soon as they stop the lookout, the thief reappears. Robert Kirk, 1201 Paul St., re ports clothing stplen from his truck, valued at $25. RAT TAILS ACCEPTABLE Greencastle Offers Prizes in Six Days’ War on Rodents. By Time* Special GREENCASTLE, Ind., March 22. A "rat killing campaign” wljl start In this city on Monday and will end on March 29. The Klwanls Club is boosting the movement. Prizes from $5 down will be awarded to those bringing In the largest number of rats, the blackest rat, the whitest rat, etc. Rat tails will be accepted as proof by the committee. MORE SNOW NOT LIKELY Bureau Chief Sees Better Weather for City Ahead. Possibilities of another "spring snow" are rather remote according to J. H Armlngton, meterologist of the local weather bureau. A slight disturbance In the far southwest that is moving eastward may reach this vicinity late Sunday or Monday; but It is not believed that tt will bring snow. Sunshine la predicted for today, with prohable cloudiness Sunday. White River stood at C. 5 feet this morning and while further raise Is expected, the weather bureau does not believe there is any danger of a flood. Snow fall this winter has been 2.4 Inches above average, there being a total fall of 24.8 Inehea.

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—Copyright Fotograms and NEA Service. XJVPryt LEFT—CLOSE-UP OF JOHN I). UPPER RIGHT—THE ONLY NEWS PHOTO EVER MADE OF ROCKEFELLER IN HIS HOME. LOWER—ROCKEFELLER IN FRONT OF HIS HOUSE OF WOODEN SHINGLES AT ORMOND BEACH. FLA.

Three children BURN IN HOME House Locked, With Mother at Neighbors. By United E.JvHART, Ind., March 22.—Louis Sherman, 5 weeks old; EfTle Opal, 14 months old, and Lloyd, 3 years old, children of Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Staub, were burned to death here when fire destroy ad the home late Friday. Mrs! Staub, who had gone to the home of a neighbor, had secured the door of the homo from the outside to keep the,children In. When she discovered the fire, the house was enveloped in flames. Bodies of the children were almost unrecognizable. The home was destroyed. PARK BONDS QUESTIONED Tax Board to Bo Asked to Review Action on Issue. A petition asking that the State board of tax commissioners review the action of the city park board In ordering a bond issue of $125,000 for swimming pools at Rhodlus and Brookside Parks is expected to be filed with the county auditor next week by the Indiana Taxpayers' Association. It is said the principal and interest of the bonds, which would run thirty one years, would total $385,000. SOMEBODY NEEDED PARTS Only Sections of "Flivvers” Taken by Thief. Haro - Link, 1401 Spann Ave., salesman for the Grocery Supply Company, 216 W. McCarty St., who rents a garage at 1408 Fletcher Ave. for his “flivver,” continues to scratch his head today. Someone had broken the lock on the garage door, and, Instead of stealing the whole car, had very discriminatingly selected two rear wheels and rear running gear, drive shaft, part of the transmission aAd the motor head to take awav Pvalued at *IBO,

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

TRACTION SAFETY ORDER IS REVISED Commission Acts After Protest From Companies, The public service commission's contemplate.] order to traction companies of Indiana, requiring safety rules and definite rest periods for ’rain crews, is being revised by Samuel R. Art man, commissioner. It was learned today. Following publication of recommendations written by Artman, officials of traction companies protested to the commission against the proposed action. Artman then asked the commission whether ha could revise the recommendations. Modifications are understood to bo favored. MANY FISH ARE KILLED Severe Winter ( tits Down Oxygen in Shallow Italics. The severe winter has killed many thousands of fish in shallow lakes of Indiana, George N. Mannfeld, State fish and game superintendent, said today. >- Deaths were due to Insufficient oxygen arising from the tightly frozen surfaces. When vegetation and the fish have consumed all the oxygen In the lake waters, the condition then becomes critical, Mannfeld pointed out. CULVER SHOOT PUT OFF Federal Inspection of I. N. G. Holds I'p Rifle- Match. Because of Federal inspection of Indiana National Guard units, to be completed April 5, the date for the annual State indoor rifle shoot at Culver has been indefinitely postponed, according to Adjt. Gen. Harry B. Smith. Henry J. Mueller, Terre Haute, assistant postmaster, made the world’s record in 1923 for shoulder to shoulder competition. He is expected to enter the sh<v>t this year.

WILL HAYS ADMITS SINCLAIR MADE GIFT OF $75,000 TO CUT 001 G. 0. ?. DEFICIT Former Postmaster General of Sullivan, Ind., However, Denies Story That Oil Magnate Made Donation of 75,000 Shares of His Stock to Cover 1920 Campaign Fund Shortage. TEAPOT DOME LESSEE DEFIES SENATE NAVAL LEASE PROBERS Tom Taggart Says He Did Not Attack Investigators or Democratic Senators Nor Did He Refer to the Opponents of Daugherty as “Yelpers”—Hopes Attorney General Sticks to Job and ‘Tells Them Where to Go.’ SI MM ARY: Torn Taggart, Indiana Democratic boss, declared today, “I hope Attorney General Daugherty sticks so he can look those Republicans who are demanding his resignation in the face and tell them where to go.” M ill Hays admits getting $75,000 from Harry Sinclair for G. O. P. fund, but denies Sinclair gave him 75,000 shares of Sinclair stock. Sinclair defies Senate and refuses to answer questions, on advise of counsel. Senator A\ heeler demands Daugherty he suspended during his investigation. Wheeler launches sharp attack on Daugherty and criticises President Coolidge. Koxie Stinson defends self from attack by Daugherty. Further expose ot alleged graft in liquor deals and withdrawal permits expected. Senate committee members decide to certify Sinclair to the Senate for contempt. Mrs. Stinson tells of deal at G. 0. P. convention in 1920 whereby Jake Hamon was to get cabinet position.

“I hope Attorney General Ilarrv M. Daugherty sticks so lie can look those Republicans who are demanding his resignation in the face and tell them,where to go,” Thomas Taggart, Indiana Democratic boss, declared todaj'. Taggart arrived from New York, where he stayed a short time after a tour of the West Indies. Taggart said this is the same statement he made in an interview in New York, which stirred a number of Indiana Democrats to protest. He denied that ho had attacked the Senate investigating committee or any Democratic Senators or that he had referred to opponents of Daugherty as “yelpers.” What About Ralston? “As soon as 1 landed in New York a group of reporters crowded around me,” Taggart said in telling of the interview which has caused so much comment. “The first thing they said was, ‘What about Ralston?’ "I told them that I was satisfied. Ralston would bo the logical candidate and that he will be the nominee and make, a great President. They asked me about Ooevrnor A1 Smith of New' York and I told them he didn't have a chance because there could be only one candidate and that would be Ralston. "I told them Smith w r as a great friend of mine and that I was very fond of him and that he was making a great Governor but the reason he doesn’t have a chance is because Ralston will be the nominee Ask About Bryan "Then they asked me about Bryan, and I told them if Bryan had any gratitude about him he w'ould wouk (Continued on Page 9)

Roxie Stinson, Through Sobs, Flashes Defiance at Daugherty and Hurls Denial of Charges

By United Free* WASHINGTON, March 22.—Choked at times by sobs and at other moments flashing defiance. Roxie Stinson today hurled back denials at Attorney General Daugherty before the Ssnate Committee Investigating Daugherty. She denied every one of the charges he made against her in a recent statement discussing her previous testimony. She charged an attempt to ' frame her” In Cleveland In February and said cajolery, threats and offers of monty were used lo induce her to tell Daugherty's friends what she had learned from Jesse Smith. Mrs. Stinson's dramatic testimony followtd a demand by. Senator Wheel-

Forecast MOSTLY' cloudy tonight and Sunday, becoming unsettled by Sunday night. Not much change in temperature. Lowest tonight near freezing.

TWO CENTS

By PAUL R. MALLON 1 nitrit Pree • Staff Correepondent WASHINGTON, March 22. 1 hat Harry F. Sinclair, oil magnate and lessee of Teapot Dome naval reserve, contributed $75,000 toward the Republican committee campaign deficit after the 1020 elections was the admission wrung from Will Hays, former chairman of the committee, by the Senate oil investigators today. After denying vigorously Sinclair stock had been turned over to the national committee to ! liquidate the deficit, Havs revealed money, instead of stock, j was the contribution of the oil | man. '*** I He also revealed the law firm l of Hays & Hays, with which his name was associated served Sinclair as a client during the time Hays was in the Cabinet, although Hays himself had severed active connection with his firm at the time. Hays further testified the liberty bond transaction between G. D. Wahlberg. Secretary to Sinclair, and a man named "Hayes”—tejgtlled to by Wahlberg when the latter u;as before the committee some time ago—might have been a personal transaction between his brother, Hinkle Hays and Harry Sinclair. While Hays’ testimony created the outstand ng sensation of the oil hearings today, Sinclair himselr furnished some excitement. He deled the committee. refusing to answer any question “on advice of counsel” and later the committee announced he would be cited for contempt. Sinclair made it plain his refusal to answer was not based on the ground (Continued on Pago 9)

er of the committee, that President Coolidge suspend Daugherty until the investigation is finished. Wheeler criticised the President for permitting , Daugherty to retain the tremendous J rower he wields in the shape of tho j Justice Department's secret service, J headed by William J. Burns. M Demand Is CL'nmx M Wheeler’s demand for Daugherty'S suspension was the climax of gt&tifl ments made by him and other coni mittee members in the last few day TH that committee members were being® shadowed by Burns or Daugherty'sß men. "If ever a man stooped to a I cowardly, dirty, low-down trick. It H was the Attorney Genera! when hC (Continued on