Indianapolis Times, Volume 35, Number 291, Indianapolis, Marion County, 18 April 1924 — Page 1

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VOLUME 35—NUMBER 291

HOOSERS GIVE NEW OIL ANGLE TANARUS, A. Harmon, Indianapolis, Tells Senate Committee of Alleged Overtures Made to Leonard Wood by Boise Penrose During Convention SENATOR TELEPHONED • GENERAL, IS HIS STORY Terre Haute Telegrapher Also Alleges Pennsylvania Politician Named Harding Over Long Distance From His Sick Bed, B’l United Press WASHINGTON. April IS.—Two Hoosiers—-one T. A. Harmon, a tax expert of Indianapolis, and the other, John B Alcorn, a telegraph operator of Terre Haute, Ind.—appeared before the Senate oil committee todav with round about stories concerning the alleged overtures made to Gen. Leonard Wood by the lare Senator Boise Penrose of Pennsylvania at the 1920 Republican convention, and th“ nomination of Mr. Harding in accordance with Penrose's dictation. According to the account Penrose called the Wood headquarters by telephone the night before the late President Harding was nominated and asked to know if Wood, if elected, would give “us" three Cabinet members. Though assured by one of his advisers that his consent would mean bi election, Wood refused to make any promises. Told by I /oral Man The story was told the committee by T. A. Harmon, a tax expert of Indianapolis, who said he obtained the account of the telephone conversation from James L. Himrod of Mooseheart, 111- who was a confidential worker in Wood headquarters and who claimed tp have taken the message from Pentose at Wood’s request. TANARUS, A Harmon, tax expert of Indianapolis. was then called to testify regarding an alleged conversation with Jamas L Himrod. who was connected with Wood headquarters. Harmon said he met Himrod at Sycamore 111., last February. Himrod is an ei<-<-trian connected with Moose Lodge -it Mooseheart. 11l Penrose ( al?Pd M ood "Himrod told me he was a confi dential worker to General Wood.” Harmon said. “H< said somewhere between 9 and 10 p. m. the night before JUr. Harding was nominated, Penrose called Wood headquarters on the phone. Wood refused to talk, but authorized Himrod to take the message. Penrose asked Wood, he said, if he was elected, if he would give us three Cabinet members. General Glenn was in the room. They wore the only three. Glenn told Wood. 'Now is your chance, General—one word will make you President. Himrod said Wood told him to tell Penrose chat he had made no promises and was making none now Himrod said he told Penrose that.”

Spencer Queries Don't you know Senator Penrose was so sick at the time he is supposed to have talked with Himrod that he could not talk over the phone?” said Spencer. Missouri. Republican. “I knew he was sick, but I don't know how sick he was. I am merely telling you something that Mr. Himrod said to me. I don't undertake to stand for the veracity of the statement.” FAMILY OF EIGHT DIE Explosion of Gas in Johnstown Home Is Fatal. Hu l nitfri Pr‘ ■#* JOHNSTOWN, Pa., April 18.—An entire family of eight is dead or dying following an explosion of gas in the home here today. Someone arose early in the house hold of Anthony Pracho and struck a match in the kitchen. A terrible blast followed and a searing flame swept the room where the family slept. Mrs. Anna Pracke. the mother was so badly burned that she died in Mercy Hospital. VOTE SOUGHT ON RATES State Chamber of Commerce Directors to Hold Referendum. Referendum statements were mailed today to thirty-six directors of the Indiana State Chamber of Commerce on the question of filing anew petition before the Intertsate Commerce Commission asking further decrease in coal freight rates from the eastern Kentucky and West Virginia fields The referendum is the outgrowth of a clash between northern Indiana manufacturers and southern Indiana coal operators. Safe Resists Yeggs’ Attempts Burglars entered the Philips Coal and Feed Company, 2807 Moore Ave., during the night, and with tools obtained from a shed in the rear, battered the safe combination off. Entrance to an Inner compartment was aot gained. Nothing was taken.

* The Indianapolis Times

Suicide " AARON WOLFSON Aaron Wolfson. 3840 Washington Blvd.. treasurer of the Kahn Tailoring Company, and former State Senator, shot and killed himself today in a courtyard near the tai loring plant at 802 N. Capitol Ave.

THAW OPPOSITION TO PLAY EVELYN AS TRUMP CARO Believe ex-Wife Will Be Called to Stand When Trial Resumes Monday, Bv FRANK GETTY United Press Staff Correspondent PHILADELPHIA. April IS—The entire aspect of Harry K Thaw's sanity trial has been changed by collapse of the original plan to have the mil lionaire testify in his own behalf and tell his story to the jury. More is now going on behind the scenes than on yie surface and tiro ensuing thread ays until the hearing is resumed Monday morning wall be busy ones for the opposing counsel. No Compromise There is. of course, no possibility of compromise on the main issue involved The jury must decide the original three questions: 1. Is Harry Thaw of sound mind at the present time? 2. Is he safe to be at large among his fellow men? 3. Is he capable of managing hts estates?

Evelyn May Be Trump Now. however, the part that Evelyn Nesbit. Thaw’s former wife, can play becomes of increasing importance. She was to have been used to prompt Gray in cross-examination of Thaw. On behalf of her son. Russell, for whom she claims heritage of the Thaw millions, she is opposing Harry's release. Gray had been in doubt as to whether he would call Evelyn to the stand. Ho would not have done so had he cross-examined Thaw to his satisfaction. Now he may play Evelyn as his big card. Similarly the opposition's interest in Evelyn increases and they were considering the possihl# damage she might. Jo to their cause. Mrs. Mary Thaw, Harry’s mother, still is adamantly opposed to a settlement, however, at least as far as her public ut te ranees are concerned.

TWO HANGED FOR MURDER Chicago Men Pay Penalty for Slaying Patrolman. Bn i nittd Press CHICAGO, April 18. —Lucius Dol-on and Henry Wilson, colored, were hanged here today for the murder if Patrolmen Vincent Skiba several weeks ago. Dolton and Wilson shot Skiba wher. he tried to arrest them for committing a robbery. MRS. WATSON IMPROVED Senator Goes Rack to Washington as His Mother Recovers From Illness. By Times special WINCHESTER. Ind.. April 18.— Mrs. Mary- Watson. 93. mother of Senator James E. Watson, was reported improved today- by her physicians. ' She has been seriously- ill and for several days practically all hope for her recovery was abandoned. Senator Watson left for Washington Wednesday night after being at his mother's bedside most of the week. DEBATERS CLASH TONIGHT Shortridge and Louisville Male High Schools Are Opponents. With but one victory needed to gain permanent possession of the cup, Shortridgo is ail ready for the annual tri-State debate tonight at Caleb Mills hall with Louisville Male High School. The question of debate is: "Resolved, That the United States should enter the world court or the League of Nations.”

‘Gosh, Your Hair Is Bobbed!’

Bobbed hair is omnipresent Not only is it in evidence at every feminine gathering, but it even has crept into dry legal documents. Recently a promJnent, dignified luminary of the bat was dictating a contract to his .Rsnographer. In the midst of his dictation he happened to glance at the young woman and to his surprise discov-

COMMISSION AGAINST 17 TICKET PLEA Four Fares for Quarter Likely to Be Ruling Effective in May—Rerouting Not Included in Rate Order so Utility Body, MINORITY VIEW HOLDS WITH CITY REQUEST Lower Schedule for Broad Ripple Patrons Not Recommended Because Union Traction Company Is Not Party to Action, The public service commission will not grant the city s request for seventeen tickets for $1 as the new increased fare rate of Indianapolis Street Railway Company, it was learned today Fares of four tickets for 25 cents and multiples thereof will be ordered. The ruling will be made effective in May. The company’s petition to the State commission asked authority to increase rates from S to "at least 7 cents" and to sell sixteen tickets for fl. Taylor E. Groninger. city corporation counsel, urged the new rates should be on the basis of seventeen tickets for $1 instead of sixteen as asked.

.Session Is Closed The comrfiissioners met this afternoon in closed session to discuss the question of rerouting. Various views prevail regarding advisability of the commission including rerouting in the rate order. It is possible rerouting may be deferred. The rate order is expected to be issued within the next, ten days Minority view prevails in the commission. it is understood, that the seventeen-ticket basis be adopted and the 7-cent fare be extended to Broad Ripple. The commission wall not extend the 7 cent rate to Broad Ripple, however, it was added, for the reason the city has not asked the Union Traction Company, which owns and operates the Broad Ripple line, be made a party to the proceedings. Tracks Are Incased The Union Traction Company leases the tracks of the Indianapolis Street Railway Company, and could not be included in the street car company order. John W. McCardle, chairman, said today no information on re-routing of street cars hid been received this week by the commission. Eighteen tickets for $1 has been urged by John N. Feasey, chairman. Citizens’ Car Service Committee. Two civic clubs appeared at the commission and opposed the car fare increase.

MURDER CHARGE FILED IN MING Raymond Walsh, 26, Reslated in ‘Bootleg War' Killing. Raymond Walsh. 26, of 226 Sanders St., held on a vagrancy charge, was reslated today oft a charge of murder in connection with the slaying of Joseph Forrestal, 2306 Kentucky Ave., Sunday night. The charge was filed by Detectives Peats, Higgs, McDonald, Fields and policemen. Forrestal was killed in an alleged “bootlegger and hy-jacker’s” war at the home of Elizabeth Ping, 949 Maple St Helen Mack, 24, of 718 E. Market St., said to he the woman who ran from the house immediately after the shooting, is in custody under high vagrancy bond. Irvin Edwards, 21, of 2323 Union St., also is held on the same charge. Detectives say that Miss Mack admits she was in the Ping home Sunday night, but insists she was in another room when the shooting took place in the kitchen. Ollie Bertie, 517 W. McCarty St., who was also shot, remains In a critical condition at the city hospital.

ered she had fallen a victim to the bobbed hair epidemic. “Gosh, you have had your hair bobbed!” he ejaculated. An hour latei, to the amazement of hisclients, they read the following clause In the contract: "Party of the second part further gosh you have had your hair bobbed to maintain the premises in a state of good repair.”

INDIANAPOLIS, FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 1924

Dr. carleton b. m’cul LOCH, candidate for the De rn o c ratic . gubernatorial nomination. was born in 1871 in Sheboygan, Wis., and came to Indianapolis in 1888, where his father, Oscar McCulloch, was pastor of the Plymouth Congregational Church. He completed his sophomore year

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NOTE—THIS IS THE THIRD OK A SERIES OF STATEMENTS WRITTEN FOR THE TIMES BY CANDIDATES FOR GOVERNOR. By CARLETON B. McCULLOCH

I STAND for the fundamental principles of Democratic economy. The crushing burdens of taxation which have increased so enormously In the last eight years have amounted in many instances to confiscation. A definite plan Is old fashioned economy, spending less money, cutting the cost to fit the cloth. Our State is top heavy with boards and commissions, many of them with authority to levy taxes and create expenses. fhey should be abolished or consolidated. Os equal importance is the deplorable condition of our farmers. Cooperative marketing offers a solution. In my 1920 campaign 1 advocated a coopera tive marketing bill. If elected I will again advocate and will sign such a bill. No one knows better the needs of a community than the citizens themselves, and no one knows better their ability to pay for their improvements. I stand for decentralization of power and the return of control of their own affairs to the county and township units. If the public service commission is not abolished, I promise to appoint members whose paramount duty will be to represent the people at large, who tinotherwise unprotected. Public utility capital must

Now Statehouse Janitors Worry About Campaign

Colored janitors at the Statehouse were politically up in the ttif • today: • They discussed a meeting said to have been held in Statehouse basement Thursday afternoon Henry "W. Roberts, Statehouse custodian, it is said, told them in effect they must boost Ed Jackson, secretary of State, in his race for Republican nomination for Governor, or be

ILLINOIS PARTIES MEET Harmony Prevails at State Conventions in Springfield. By United Press SPRINGFIELD, 111., April 18.— Both the Democratic and Republican State conventions got under shortly efore noon today on har mony programs that promised to wind up the business in time to let the delegates catch late , afternoon trains home. Almost perfect harmony prevailed in the Democratic ranks. The G. O. P leaders experienced some difficulty on the pluatfoqm. It was agreed to incorporate much of the Kankakee platform and probably a Coolidge plank. ‘DIAMOND JOE’ DIES GAME Last of Southwest’s Notorious Outlaws Electrocuted. By United Press LITTLE ROCK, Ark.. April 18.— “Diamond Joe” Sullivan, last of the Southwest’s notorious outlaws, went to his death in the electric chair here today with no outward sign of the “yellow streak” attributed to him by Underworld associates. The prisoner walked to the chair with an air of gay carelessness and ease that astounded spectators. He maintained his calm and unconcerned attitude as the adjustments were made and until the switch was turned on.

Carleton B. McCulloch

at the Rose Polytechnic Institute, Terre Haute, and was graduated ; n Medicine in 1895. He was commissioned captain a month after war was declared. He was promoted to major November, 1917, and went Overseas in Decemb<.*\ He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in 1918 and appointed commanding

dismissed after May 6. The janitors appeared dubious about what to do because Jackson generally is understood to have backing of the Ku-Klux Klan. Mayor Shank, one of Jackson’s principal oppohents. told city employes this week that they must work for Shank or lose their jobs. Roberts denied issping the ultimatum. He said he called the

SEEDLINGS EXHAUSTED Stale Forestry Department Says Tree Demand Exceeds Supply. The demand for tree seedlings for use on Arbor day and reforestation has exhausted the entire supply at the State forest ifi Clark County near Henryville, George Phillips, deputy State forester, said today. More than 41.000 seedlings were set out last week. STREET LIGHT BIDS FILED Contract Involves Approximate Expenditure of $300,000 Yearly. Bids on the ten-year street lighting contract were received by board of works today and referred to John I*. Elliott, city engineer. The Indianapolis Light and Heat Company and the Merchants Heat and Light Company were bidders. The Merchants hold the present contract. The contract involves an expenditure of approximately $300,000 annually. Laundry Fire Ijoss Is SSOO Fire early today damaged the boiler room of the Wash Rite Laundry, 1414 Cornell A \ , SSOO. G. G. Fry, operas tor of the laundry, said after an investigation ,he believed the fire was of incendiary prigin. Fry said that he fopnd traces jpf oil sprinkled around the room.

officer of Mobile Hospital No. 11. He was promoted to colonel of the Medical Reserve Corp in 1920. He was decorated with the French Croix de Guerre for service under fire in the Mondier-Argonne defensive in May and June, 1918. He was defeated for Governor on the Democratic ticket in 1920.

have a reasonable return, but the people must not be forced to pay dividends for inflated values. I believe that the various special funds of the State are Trust funds in the most sacred sense—and the borrowing and juggling back and forth of this money is a moral crime and should be forbidden. Labor deserves more than a liv-ing wage. There must be a margin for the family comfort and the wider opportunities of life. There must be better and safer working conditions. Tire weekly compensation for accident should be revised upward. In all these things the women should share. The status of the State board of agriculture should be definitely determined. At present it seems to be a State institution when money is desired, and a private institution when a question of investigation or expenditure arises. Finally. I shall, if elected, strive to follow the example of economy and honesty set by the Marshall and Ralston administrations, and try to pay the $4.000,0U0 debt created by eight years of Republican rule. Next—Samuel Lewis Shank, candidate for the Republican nomination.

meet ,ng to tell the janitors he had heard some of them refused to wash windows and carry out ashes. For fear the impression might be held by some that the same tactics employed at the city hall were being used at the Statehouse. he said he told the janitors they were to tell any- one who asked that no pressure had been placed upon them.

CYCLONE HITS SOUTH Fifty Hurt, 25 Homes Destroyed by Storm at New Orleans. Hu United yews NEW ORLEANS, April 18.—-A cyclone, hail and rain storm swept over a section of New Orleans near Lake Pontchartrain last night, destroying twenty-five small homes, injuring fifty persons and doing damage estimated at $600,000. None of the injured was seriously hurt. CLEAN-UP DRIVE APRIL 21 Children Asked to Enter Essay Contest for Prizes. School children from the Seventh grade through high school will be asked to enter an essay contest during the clean-up, paint-up and city beautification campaign, April 21 to June 30. Subject will be: "Benefits ■Derived From Clean Premises.” A window display contest will be staged April 28 to May 6, with SSO in prizes. Merchants have contribtued prizes to be awarded persons showing most improvement in their premises. HOURLY TEMPERATURE 6 a. m........ 44 10 a. ra.66 7 a. m.- 46 11 a. in....--.. 66 8 a. m 50 12 (noon) 68 9 a. m. ....... 63 1 p. q.. 69

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

KAHN TAILORING COMPAMV TREASURER SHOOTS SELF IN NUN NEAR FACTORY Nervous Illness Given bv Friends as 4/ Only Reason They Can Advance i for Act of Aaron Wolfson Had Served as State Senator. i NIGHTWATCHMAN’S GUN USED * BY OFFICIAL IN FATAL ACT Employes Say Victim Had Inquired About Whereabouts of Weapon for Several Days—Death Occurs Soon After Police Arrive. Aaron Wolfson, 52, of 3840 Washington Blvd., treasurer of the Kahn Tailoring Company and former State Senator, shot and killed himself today, in a courtyard between two apartment buildings, 105 and 100 W. St. Clair St., near the company's plant at 802 N. Capitol Ave. • Wolfson had been suffering from a nervous illness for some time. Associates said that, although he had seemed improved in health recently, that was the only reason they could assign for the suicide. Sergt. Allison and a police squad found Mr. Wolfson dying. They were called by Mrs. Alice Badorf, Apt. 1, 109 W. St. Clair St„ who said that while she was in her kitchen she heard the shot and saw smoke issuing from the revolver Mr. Wolfson used. Mr. Wolfson died before the police ambulance arrived.

A 32-calibre revolver, owned by the tailoring company and used by the night watchmarf. was used by Mr. Wolfson. It was found near his right hand. The bullet had passed through the right temple. According to John Smith, 330 N. Bolton Ave., superintendent of the Kahn factory. Mr. Wolfson had asked the revolver frequently within the past three or four days. It was kept In the timekeeper's office. I /est Plant Early Mr. Wolfson left his office shortly' after 11 a. m.. about half an hour earlier than his usual lunch time, according to Miss Rosemary Allen. 1723 N. Meridian St., a stenographer at the plant. He ate a light lunch at a restaurant at Illinois and St. Clair Sts., the proprietor said. Evidently Mr. Wolfson went directly from the restaurant to the spot where he killed himself. It was believed this spot was chosen because it was well-hidden from view. Henry Kahn, president of the tailoring company, said that there was no trouble with Mr. Wolfson’s accounts, and that he was positive Mr. Wolfson had not worried over the company’s affairs. Surviving are the widow and one daughter, Emily. Mr. Wolfson had lived in Indianapo lis since 1903. when he came here from Boston, his birthplace. He was with the Kahn Tailoring Company during the entire time of his residence here. He attended grade and high schools in Boston. He abandoned the idea of a college career to enter business. He became associated with his father in the manufacture of athletic garments. In Politics in Boston He wa.s an assessor for the city of Boston at one time, and was an officer in the Ancient and Honorable Artillery- Company, the oldest military organization in America. Mr. Wolfson had been active in Republican politics. In 1916, he was elected to the State Senate, where he served one term. He was a colonel on the staff of James P. Goodrich when Goodrich was Governor. Mr. Wolfson was a former vice president of the Chamber of Commerce, former president of the Indianapolis Association of Credit Men. former president of the Indianapolis Club, former vice president of the Optimist club, Scottish Rite Mason, a Shriner and a member of the Indianapolis Athletic Club, Columbia Club. Marion Club, Highland Golf Club and Broadmoor Country Club. FREEZE KILLS PEACHES Stale Entomologist Declares Crop in State Will Be Short. Few peaches in Indiana this summer, folks! The severe freeze Jan. 13 sounded a death knell to Hoosier-grown peaches this year. Frank C. State entomologist, said today. Other fruit trees, however, escaped. STOCKYARDS ON FIRE Blaze Menacing Morris & Cos. at Chicago. Bn United Sews CHICAGO. April 18.—Fire swept the five-story hog building of Morris & Cos. in the stock yards district today. Scores of fire engines were summoned, and desperate efforts anp being made to keep the Are from spreading to the acres of Adjoining

Forecast FAIR tonight and Saturday. Not much change in temperature. Probably light frost tonight in lowlands.

TWO CENTS

WELFARE REPORT ASKS SiOJID COT IN EXPENDITURES Work Has Been Satisfactory, Committee Says—s3o,ooo Deficit Is Shown. Indorsement of the administration of the Family Welfare Society and recommendations for cuts in adminis-. tration and office expenditures amounting to SIO,OOO were made in the report of a special committee to the directors of the society at the Lincoln today. The report was accepted. The committee, consisting of Francis H Gavisk. chairman; Leo K. Rappaport. Mrs. Joseph B. Kealing, John F. White and Alexander R. Holiday, spent the two months investigating administration of the sqciety. Work "in the main has been satisfactorially done,” the report says. There is a deficit of $30,000. Estimates for the year's expenditures were made prior to the fiscal year, explaining the deficit. “Eleven members of the staff will be dropped, in spite of the fact this year's load is 100 per cent greater than last year.” Paul L. Benjamin, secretary- said. The children’s board allowance is to be cut. 51.500. Beniamin said. The legal aid. juvenile protection department. educational and Big Brother and Sister work have been eliminated. A meeting of ,the directors of the Indianapolis Community Fund Monday will consider borrowing $30,000, Homer W. Borst, executive secretary, said. It the loan is made, the Community Fund will ask for $700,000 next fall. Borst said. water hearing Tuesday Rate Schedule Will Be Argued Before Judge Geiger, Milwaukee. Hearing on the injunction suit brought by the Indianapolis Water Company against the public service commission will start before Judge Ferdinand A. Geiger of the United States District Court at Milwaukee, Wis., in Federal Court Tuesday. Judge Geiger will sit for Judge Albert B. Anderson, who asked to be relieved because of relationship to Albert Baker, attorney for the company. The suit asks the commission be restrained from enforcing rate schedules ordered by it last year and from establishing a valuation on, the company’s property of less than $18,600,000 for rate-making purposes. DENY RECALL STORY Bv United Press TOKIO, April 18. —There is no present intention on the, part of the Japanese government to recall M. Hanihara, Japanese ambassador to Wash ington, Premier Koyoura formally announced today-. Possibility of his recall has discussed by- the a result of his letter to r y>!3-& , U'&A^ State Hugi-LAr