Indianapolis Times, Volume 35, Number 282, Indianapolis, Marion County, 8 April 1924 — Page 1

Homs Edition FULL service of the Uniteo Press, the NEA Service, the Scripps-Howard Newspaper Alliance and the Scripps-Paine Service.

VOLUME 35—NUMBER 282

MW DEFENSE APPROACHES END DF WITNESS LIST Governor May Escape Stand if Testimony of Others Continues Along Same Line, BROWN STORY ATTACKED Chief Executive's Lawyers Attempt to Prove That $155,000 Was Loan, The defense in the ease of Governor Warren T. McCray, on trial in Criminal Court on charges of embezzlement and larceny of $155,000, appeared to be nearing an end today. When court adjourned at noon, George Montgomery. Indianapolis real estate dealer, closely connected with the affairs of the Indiana board of agriculture, was regarded as the only important witness, with the sole exception of the Governor, remaining tc tak* the stand. In \ ew of the fact that McCray’s attorne’s apparently are well satisned with the showing made thus far it was considered doubtful whether the Governor would take the stand in his own behalf. If he does not. the defense may rest today or Wednesday morning. \ Thomas Grant Witness Thomas Grajit. member of the. board, was the principal witness this morning. Step by step, he was taken over the same ground covered by William M. Jones and Harry M. Moberly, board members at the time $155.000 of the board's funds were turned over to the Governor by I. Newt Brown, former secretary-treasurer. Grant substantiated the evidenee'of Moberly and Jones, refuting at every vital point that of Brown, star witness for the State. According to Grant, Moberly and Jones, the money was turned over to the Governor as a personal loan by Brown. Brown had contended, in testifying for the prosecution, that the money was Intended for deposit In the Discount and Deposit State Bank at Kentland, of which McCray formerly was president Grant testified that Itrown admitted to him and other board members that ths money had been loaned to Governor McCray, but that the checks had been made payable to the bank, because Brown did not want It known that he was loaning money to the Governor personally.

Denies Seeing Statement Grant denied that Brown ever had shown him a flhancial statement of the Governor’s assets and liabilities. Brown had testified that Governor McCray gave him a financial statement, as of March 1. 1923, setting out liabilities of about 5537,000 and net worth of about $1,600,000, and that he had shown this statement to Grant. The financial statement played a large part in the State's case. Almost 100 bankers were placed on the Stand by the State last week to testify to liabilities almost triple the angbunt given in the statement. Judge Reprimands Lawyers. During cross-examination of Grant, Eph Inman, assistant special prosecutor. and Michael A. Ryan, one of McCray’s counsel, became involved in a dispute and indulged in personalities to such an extent that Special Judge Harry O. Chamberlin found It necessary to reprimand them for what he termed “unnecessary by-play.” Montgomery was scheduled to take the stand this afternoon. That Brown regarded at least one of the first two checks for $25,000 of tJie board's funds, turned over to McCray June 2 and June 8, 1923, as a personal loan, was indicated by testimony of Paul C. Carpenter. 5210 Pleasant Run Blvd., official court reporter at the McCray bankruptcy proceedings in Federal Court last November. Brown testified last week that these funds were turned over to the Governor not as a personal. loan, but for deposit in the Dscount and Deposit Bank at Kentland. Bankruptcy Testimony Heard Carpenter took the stand, bringing with him his stenographic notes of Browns’ testimony In the bankruptcy hearing. "Did Brown testify at the bankhearing: 'The Governor said he would like to have $25,000 for the bank?’ ” Carpenter was asked. Carpenter answered: “Yes.” Both Moberly and Jones testified that Brown admitted to them that he loaned $155,000 of the board’s funds to the Governor In June and July 1925. “Do your notes show this: ‘Did you receive anything from the Discount and Deposit State Bank evidencing that loan?' “We received a note.’ 'When was that received?’ ‘Several days later—ten or a dosen days.’ •When did that occur?’ ‘lt was on June S’7” Carpenter replied In the affirmative. Carpenter then testified that his notes showed that later. Brown said, the Governor had asked for an additional loan of $25,000 and that Brown ■had received a note for it. The witness said that when Brown was asked the question “What was (Continued on Page 11) HOURLY TEMPERATURE 6 a. m 39 10 a. m 51 T a. m 42 11 a. ..54 la. m 44 12 (noon) 6$ • *> m <1 ip. m.. Ui

The Indianapolis Times

Oh, Skinny! The first circus of the season has been booked. Honor of opening the season here falls to the John Robinson Circus on Monday, April 28. Representatives were here today making arrangements

LEADERS EXPECT RECORD VOTE IN ILLINOIS PRIM Coolidge Boosters Predict Win Over Johnson as in Michigan, By United Press CHICAGO. April 8. —Bright sun- , shine today forecast a record vote ’n the Illinois primaries. Thousands of men and women were lined up at the polls in Chicago even before the booths opened at 6 a. m. Encouraged by the huge lead of President Coolidge over Senator Hiram Johnson in the Michigan primary, Coolidge managers were highly optimistic for a smashing victory in Illinois. Extraordinary precautions against violence was taken by police Thou sands of patrolmen and special police men guarded the booths to prevent , invasion by gangs of gunmen, who ] last week terrorized a suburb where local elections were being licid and killed one man. shot, slugged and kid j naped scores of others Bring's SIOO.OO Suit Attorney Bumdage has started suit I for SIOO,OOO against the Chicago Evening American and William Randolph | Hearst, charging the newspaper Mon day printed "an utterly untrue story" linking him with fxing in connection with beer running. Homer K. Galpin. chairman of the Republican county committee, said he had also instructed his attorneys to start a damage suit. Coolidge Wins Two to On* By United Press DETROIT, Mich., April 8 Michigan turned its hack on Hiram Johnson. its 1920 favorite, and gave President Coolidge a rousing 2 to 1 majority in the Republican presidential primary yesterday. The thirty-three delegates to the nati< nal convention -are bound by the result. Henry Ford, avowed supporter of* President Coolidge, had apparently j won away the Democratic delegation j from Senator Woodbridge N. Ferris > by a small majority. Returns from 1.804 precincts out of j 2.684 gave: Coolidge. 137,198; John- ! son. 63.112. In the Democratic primary 1,764 precincts gave: Ford, 22,976; Ferris, 20,222.

JOHNSON SEES VICTORY Predicts Will Carry Nebraska by at Least 10,000 Votes. By Inl'ed Press OMAHA, Neb., April B—With the sun shining brightly and country roads in splendid condition supporters of Hiram Johnson were predicting the California Senator would carry the Nebraska primary over President Coolidge by at least 10,000 votes. Coolidge managers, on the other hand, were jubilant over returns from Michigan, and predicted victory in Nebraska. There are no Democratic candidates on the presidential ballot this year TAXPAYERS OPPOSE POOLS t Remonstrance Against Swimming Places Is Filed. Alleging that taxes are already too high and that two swimming pools proposed for Rhodius and Brookside Parks will cost $385,000, and “increase taxes for the next thirty-nine years,” twenty-three north side taxpayers today filed a remonstrance against the proposed bond issue. / The remonstrance was received by County Auditor Harry Dunn for transmission to the State tax board. Taxes should be reduced Instead of increased, the petitioners aver. The bond issue, i fallowed, will raise $195,000 at 6 per cent interest, to build the pools. Bankruptcy Petition Filed Petition in bankruptcy was filed in Federal Court today by Mathew J. Golden of Logansport, Ind. Debts were listed at $22,378 and assets at *7,217. Red Cross to Meet, Spring meeting of the vqJuntter service repartment of the local Red Cross chapter will be held next Tuesday at the Indianapolis Athletic Club. William Fortune wdll preside and give the principal talk. m Arts Committee Meets Executive committee of the Chamber of Commerce fine arts committee was to meet at 4 p. m. today at the : Chafhber of Commerce to make plans i for Music Week. May 4 to 10. J. I. j Holcomb Is chairman. Ivy Day Committee Named June seniors of Manual Training High School selected the Ivy Daycommittee at a meeting today. They are Vernon Cfiiristee. Edyth Bullard, Mary Hill, Irene Bowers. John Moore. Edwin Harold, Margaret Streblen and Elsie Btoiber. Miss Eleanor Wheeler of the faculty la In charge of the eereI monies.

Freckles and His Friends Romp Merrily for Times Booth Visitors - at Home Complete Exposition as Blosser Draws His Daily Cartoons

A TALK ABOUT" ( WUtBE DVA \ C VOIW, IUIY GWFM. ) Fun!! WERE SOIM6 um \ GET IT, TAG? j AWAY AT TU’ J f ) T HAVJE IT THIS- J w-y \ EXPOSITION, OONT WEEkI i—•' r C V C O, TUEy, TAG ? r-F C GOTFOAi-J yj; */ J r:_r

A number of years ago a Hoosier htd drew a picture on the margin of his textbook. He was a student at a little Eastern college near Baltimore. But the fascination of pen and pencil and drawing flbanl proved too much. On the day that a Baltimore paper bought his two cartoons of his college team in an important game, he threw his Greek and Algebra out the window and started out. The lad is Merrill Blosser. famous

BOOZE RING GETS ‘PROTECTION’FROM JUSTICE OFFICIALS Dry Agent Declares Beer Cases Were Not Pressed j by U, S, Department, By United Press WASHINGTON, April B.—Further details of alleged “protection'' afforded a Chicago rum running ring by Federal and State officials were related by Brice Armstrong, Chicago dry agent, before the Senate Daugherty investigating committee today. Armstrong said C. O. Potter. United States district attorney at East St. Louis, noli pressed a case of prohibition violation against the Western 'Brewery Company at Belleville, Ijl. Later he said he learned $5,000 had been paid by the company to some Government department “in lieu" of prosecution. i Belie Load of Beer After seizing a truck load of beer from the brewery Armstrong said he recommended prosecution and Injunction proceedings. “I went to sea Mr. Potter to give some additional evidence,” he said. “Potter said ‘I don't need any more evidence, because I have orders from the Justice to nolle prosse this case? ” “Was it nolle prossed?’’ “Yes.” The witness said that he was told by the secretary of the Western Brewery Company of the payment of the $5,000 to the Government. He was asked by Chairman Brookhart to furnish the name of the secretary of the company later so a subpoena could be Issued for him. Injunction Modified Describing what he called “the Garden City Brewery case," Armstrong said seven carloads of beer were seized from the Garden City company. Later, he said an injunction against the brewery was modified to permit the brewery to continue ope ration , Armstrong said his divisional chief, Mr. Kemp, objected to him obtaining evidence at certain saloons. “This was done to prevent the saloonkeepers’ friends from getting in trouble.” Ihe witness said he had reported n 1,000 to 1,500 violations of the prohibition law In Chicago in three years, but hud been called to testify but eight times in criminal procec digs. Told io Get Samples you explain .how you thought ' lies • cases were fixed?” Wheeler asked. "The Illinois beverage case is a good illustration. On Dec. 28, 1922. I look a. truck load of beer from Frankie Lake, Butch Cook and some others. I asked for criminal prose rution ijj id on March 22, 1922, I was nstructed to go back and get some .-ample*.'

INDIANAPOLIS, TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 1924

FRECKLES’ CREATOR AT WORK

cartoonist and creator of "Freckles and His Friends” comic cartoon which appears dally in The Times. Blosser is In town thiß week to show visitois to Tho Times booth at the Home Complete Exposition just ."how he does it." Biosser told just how "Freckles" was bom. “I was drawing a single little picture of a small hoy In Illustration of a joke or funny saying. But. like all small boys, he did so many funny things he soon filled up two or three

ON TRIP TO AFRICA F>r. Myrta Wilson Odams Will I .and In Liberia, April 25. Dr. Myrta Wilson Adams, former maternity and Infancy director of the State division of child hygiene, will land at I-Iberia, West Africa, April 25, according to Dr. Ada A. Schweitzer, division director. Dr. Wlleon was married Christmas to John Adams, a Methodist missionary in Liberia. They will be stationed at Monrovia, liberia. IMMIGRATION BILL UP House Settles Down for Twelve-Hour Debate on Measure. By United Press WASHINGTON, April 8. T v e House settled down today for a twelvehour debate on the proposed 2 per cent quota immigration bill. From 11 a. m. until. 11 p. m. debate on the measure was scheduled to occupy attention of the lawmakers. The day’s work will complete general debate, and thereafter discussion will he confined to five minutes per member on amendments. THEFT CHARGES FILED Taking of Seven Autos Alleged In Complaint Against Two. Charges of taking seven automobiles were filed agairfst Andrew Allison, colored, 23, of 240 W. Vermont St., and Roy Davis, colored, 26, of 1010 N. Sheffield Ave., today. They were arrested Monday when, according to police, their cor struck five cars parked at Columbia Ave. and TwentyFifth St. Miss Mary Hoover, colored, of 1401 E. Thirteenth St., riding with them, was seriously Injured. Sales Director to Speak George T. Bryant, director of sales, Robert H. Hassler, Inc., wijl speak Thursday at the Advertising Club luncheon at the Chamber of Commerce on “Co-operative Dealer Work." More Pools to Be Urged A. Leßoy Portteus, president of the Brookside Civic League, announced today a delegation from his organization would appear before the park board Saturday and ask for more swimming pools. Permits Total $456,612 A total of 439 Permits representing building work valued at $456,612 was issued by the city for the week ending April 6, Francis F. Hamilton, building commissioner, said today. Fees amounted to $956.90.

For Governor? By United Press COLUMBUS, Ohio, April B. Mrs. Warren G. Harding for Goverrior of Ohio. This proposal was made today by R. A. Mack. Gvllpolls politician, who declared the widow of the late President could carry Ohio overwhelmingly In the fall election If she were nominated on the Republican tloket.

pictures, running up and down the page. Finally, the editor told me to make a ’strip’ across the page, and ‘Freckles’ and his friends have been romping across It ever since. “Ideas? The air is full of them. "The mind of a little boy turns twists things into all manner of humorous situations —anti he does It constantly. That’s why ‘Freckles’, and his friends are no end of amusement to me. Ive been playing with them for nine years.

NEW REVENUE BILL WITH MELLON RATES IS GIVEN APPROVAL Measure Faces Bitter Fight on Floor of Senate — Amusement Tariff Off, By PAUL R. MALLON United Press ~Binft Corresponded WASHINGTON, April B—The new tax bill—with the Mellon rates written in—Wijs ordered favorably reported by the Senate Finance Committee today after nearly a month of discusslon. The committee’s action puts the bill on the floor of the Senate where it faces a bitter fight and apparently inevitable and complete revision by the progressives and the Democrats. It will be taken up for discussion probably # next Monday. The bill is a complete revision of the measure passed by the House a month ago. Republican members of the Senate committee, by reason of the complacency of Democrats, were permitted to restore the rates first proposed by Mellon, which were rejected by the House. May Change on Floor Democrats are confident they can change It to meet their own view when it is taken up on the floor. Its Important features Included: A 3 per cent normal tax on incomes of less than $4,000. A 6 per cent normal tax on incomes of more than $4,000. A maximum surtax of 25 per cent on incomes over SIOO,OOO. A tax of 25 per cent on inheritances of more than $10,000,000. Tax on Jewelry A 10 per cent tax on all jewelry costing more than $26. Slightly more on the taxes upon automobiles. A flat corporation tax of 14 per cent instead of 126 per cent. A tax of 10 per cent on all admissions to amusements costing over 50 cents. A tax of 10 per cent on radio parts and sets and Mah Jong mia. Taxes upon telegraph and telephone messages and tobacco will remain the same instead of being reduced as in the bill passed by the House provided. The following taxes will be wiped out: Beverages, candy, corporation capital stock, capital loss provisions, straight levy on amusements, knives, liveries, hurjjing, shooting and riding garments, yachts arid motorboats, carpets, rugs, trunks and purses. Theodore Walker Candidate Theodore Walker, 350 S. Grace St., is a candidate for the Democratic nomination for sheriff. In a list of candidates hi# name was erroneously given aa Thurston Walker.

Entered as Second-class Matter at Post-office, Indian: polls. Published Daily Except Sunday.

"My friends often give ine little stories about their own children and they work up into good cartoons. But the best way is just to imagine Freckles walking down #he street or something like that and ‘hingf comes an idea. There s something funny even in the way he walks. And t’hat’s the way with youngsters. "I’m just going to do my dally work at Ths Times booth at the exposition. 1 draw one cartoon a day and it takes up nearly all the time, too.”

FAMILIES FLEE FLAMES Two Houses {southwest of ( ity Are j Damaged $2,000 by hire. The families of Benoa Holmes and Thomas Hupp, living a short distance southwest of the city limits, were forced to flee in their night clothes late Monday when fire of unknown origin caused damage to both houses estimated at $2,000 by tire officials Some trouble was encountered in getting lines of hose on the flames, due to the distance of water plugs. WIVES WILL BE GUESTS Realtors lo Give Luncheon at State Fairground. “Ladies' Day” will be observed Wednesday noon at the luncheon of the Indianapolis Real Estate Board at the cafeteria in the Manufacturers Bldg, at the fairground. Realtors and their wives fro mother parts of the State will be guests. Aitjong the speakers will be I). C. Jqhnson, president of the Indiana Real Estate As sociation: John R Welch, president of the local board, and J. F. Cantwell, director of the Home Complete Exposition. • M’CALLISTER FUND GROWS Widow’s Benefit Increased to $1,081.16 —Clothing Is Donated. The relief fund for Mrs. Rid McCallister, 716 Chadwick St., who was left destitute by the accidental death of her husband late Thursday continued to grow today as individuals and organizations reported additional gifts. The total reached $1,081.16. In addition to financial relief, clothing has been donated to Mrs. McCallister’s children, a baby ten months old and a girl. 3. The Kiwanls Club will hold the money in trust for Mrs. McCallister. CHURCH OPPOSES PROJECT Mass Meeting to Be Held on Widening of New York St. Trustees of the East Park M. E. Church are expected to oppose strongly the plan of the city to widen E. New York St. at a mass meeting of affected property owners at Liederkranz Hall, Oriental and Washington Sts., tonight. Half the church would be taken by the widening, It is said. Charles oPtts, Mrs. Margaret McGee and William Joseph will speak. H. C. Reger will preside. CONTEST CLOSES APRIL 17 Time Extended In Fire Prevention Competition. Fire Prevention Chief Jacob Riedel today advanced closing date for the “fire prevention lyric writing con test," to April 17. Riedel is offering three $lO prizes for the best fire prevention words to fit musio to “Wonderful Girl of Today,” “Mindin’ My Business," and “It Ainta Gonna Rain No More.” The contest was to have closed April 10, Winners will be announced April 14-

MOIL PRO3ERS V Ilf GOWK OF ELLIOTT AND AMTAGE TAX LISTS Effort to Tamper With Assessment Returns Is Alleged in Plea of Com-mittee-Loan to City Givi] Engineer in Question. - - ..A'’POLITICAL LEADER DENIES HE IS AGENT FOR ASPHALT Commission on Trinidad for Year 1922, When He Represented Barber Company, Was $l9O, He Says—Curbing Sales Also Low. Tax assessment returns of William and James Armitage for 1924 and of City Civil Engineer John L. Elliott for 1923 and 1924 were impounded today by Judge James A. Collins in Circuit Court, The order was upon petition of the city council committee investigating alleged irregularities in city government. William Armitage is the political general for Mayor Shank in Marion County. Ilis bother James was on the board of safety for a time. The committee alleged the returns of Elliott show William Armitage loaned Elliott $4,600 in 1923 and that Elliott admitted this before the committee. The committee has been holding secret hearings.

Not on Armitage List The Armitage returns do not show any such loan, the committee alleges. It is imperative that the returns be impounded, the petition alleges, because “since such lists have been in possession of this •ommittec, one James C. Douglas, who holds the position of assessor of Marion County, has approached said William Dawson, (assessor of Washington township, where William Armitage i lives) and tried to secure from him the assessment of said I Arrnitages for the purpose of making alterations thereon.” i The petition says that the returns are material evidence for the committee, because Elliott has “controlling interest in the materials which enter into public contracts for pavement of streets and other purposes.” and because “William Armitage has been interested in public contracts as agent for a certain brand of asphalt.” Armitage Disclaimed Loans Armitage “said on his oath that he at no time loaned any official of the city any sum of money.” declares the petition. Armitage, discussing the impounding order, admitted that his Washington Township return shows no loan to Elliott, but “I have an office at 416 Castle Hall Building. I make a Center Township return from therb. I have not made it out for this year. When I do it will show whether or not Elliott owes me money. Understand, though, I am not admitting that he does. j “I did not say that l did not loan any money to any city I official, as the committee alleges I did. I “All the committee asked me was : - “ ‘Are you in the habit of lending large sums of money to any- * .body?’ —*■ “Not In the Habit” “I replied : ‘No. I am not in the habit.’ ” “That was all that was said.” Discussing the allegation that he was agent for “a certain asphalt company,” Armitage said he representad the Barber Asphalt Company, selling Trinidad Asphalt in 1922, and that he also was agent for Berea sandstone curbing in 1922. “The only Trinidad asphalt that laid in Indianapolis that year was a little stretch on Broadway. That was because the late Ed Robinson (candidate for the Republican nomination for mayor in 1921) and some other citizens petitioned for the use of Trinidad. My total commission for the year was $l9O. There was very little Berea sandstone curbing used, too, as the records will show. I think I made a total of about S3OO that year. “Not an Agent Now” “They didn’t want me as agent after that and now I am not an agent for aby one selling any materials to the city. “I don’t quite see where the council gets the idea that 1 have such wonderful influence. I don’t seem to be making any money out of it.” Elliott is in California and will not return until April 18, it was said at his office.

Testimony of Assessor Dawson before the committee which involved use of Douglas name was as follows, according to exhibits filed in Circuit Court: Q —“ Did Douglas state what he desired the tax returns for Mr. Dawson?” A—“He said there Ijad been some personal property ommitted that they wanted to put on the list.” Procedure-Is Regular Douglas denied there has been anything wrong in his handling the county assessor’s office. “As to thd Armitage affairs, I have nothing to say. I have never seen their tax returns. If any one thinks I am going to alter any records Illegally they are crazy. I “That investigation at tne city hall is nothing but p*tt ypoiitloa. Soma

Forecast TJ4CREASED cloudiness toX day. Unsettled tonight and Wednesday, with showers probably in this vicinity Wednesday.

TWO CENT’S

of the investigators themselves had better be careful. “Tt Is nothing unusual to add taxable® to lists when this office discovers someone is holding out- In faet, it is done every day under statutory obligation. Any time we discover something left out, we put it ea the books.” 1 Small Boy Is Injured Albert Van 'Vorrist, , son of Mrs. Helen Van Vorrist, 1618 N. Rural St., suffered severe bruises about the body, concussion of the skull and crushed teeth when he was struck by an automobile driven by John E. Bauer, IT, of 650 Parker Ave., as the boy was crossing the street In front rit his home. Bauer was arrestsd.