Indianapolis Times, Volume 35, Number 299, Indianapolis, Marion County, 28 April 1924 — Page 1

Home Edition FULL servipe ot the United Press, the NEA Service, the Scripps-Howard Newspaper AJ liance and the Scripps-Paine Service.

VOLUME 35—NUMBER 299

114 MINERS TRAPPED BY GAS BLAST Explosion Closes Mouth of Shaft at Benwood, W, Va., Shortly After Men Descend j to Work —Only Seven Es-’ cape, EWO MEN, REPORTED DEAD, ARE TAKEN OUT Rescue Trains From Pittsburgh and Clarksburg Are Rushed to Scene of Disaster With Trained Workers Equipped With Masks,

Fu T'nited Press BENWOOD, W. Va.. April 2S.—The first of the 14 miners entombed by an explosion at the Wheeler Corporation mine here, were brought to the surface by rescue wor tiers early this afternoon. Two miners, both reported dead, Were pulled to the top and taken to a local hospital. The explosion occurred about a mile from the entrance of the mine, which is a "slope" mine. An opening of the mine at Brown's Run. two and a half miles from the main entrance, was choked up by the rock and dirt hurled by the blast. It is believed the rescue squad will attempt to reach the entombed miners by forcing an entrance through the Brown's Run opening. The men were trapped by a gas explosion, which closed the entrance “f the mine. The exact nature of he blast has not been determined. It occurred at 7:30 a. m., half an hour after the men had gone to work. .Workers from all surrounding mines "ere brought to the Benwood mine in autonp biles and made preparations to go into the mine. Officials of the Benwood mine had no dettntils. tine hundred and twentyfive men are known to have gone into the mine at 7 a. in. Eleven of thesg> were believed to have esca|>ed the explosion, but officials ■•aid they could tell but little. The miners who escaped donned gas masks and led the searching parties back into the mine mouth. Mine rescue cars arrived from Pittsburgh and Clarksburg shortly after the explosion and trained workers descended into the mine at once, aided by scores of miners recruited from surrounding pits. The explosion caused no fire, officials of the mine announced, which increased the chances of the entombed men being brought out alive. The usual scenes attended the rescue work. Hundreds gathered around the mine mouth, many of them women and children. The mine is owned by the Wheeling Steel Corporation and the entire output Is consumed by the operating company. PETITION FOR CUT IN STUDENT FARES WILLBEDRAFTED Civic Clubs to Present Times Proposal Before Public Service Commission, Officers of the Indianapolis Federation of Community Civic Clubs were to confer today on drafting a petition to the public service commission requesting they authorize the Indanapolis Street Railway Company to issue fares of twenty tickets for $1 to school children. Approval of The Indianapolis Times' proposal for lower fares for students was expressed by the federation in a resolution adopted at a recent meeting. Includes All Students The resolution originally asked for special fares for' high school students only. Because a large number of grade school children ride street cars to school, special rates were asked for all. "By filing this petition with the commission we don't expect to have a hearing, but want to bring the matter before them so they will have an opportunity to consider the situation,” Edward O. Snethen, Federation president said. Robert I. Todd, president of the Indianapolis Street Railway Company, declined to say whether the company would agree with the ticket plan. Copies of the resolution adopted by the Federation have been sent to the commission and street railway company. Times Proposal Indorsed A resolution indorsing The Times' proposal will be presented to the Haughville Civic League at 8 p. m. Friday in School No. 62. Walnut St. end King Ave. Track elevation and opening of public playgrounds at King Ave. and Michigan bi_. and Amolda iva and Tenth 6c. will be considered.

■• * v The Indianapolis limes

High Spots in Gov. M’Cray Trial

Governor McCray admitted he continued practice of issuing notes signed with partner’s name after partner asked him not to. • • * When a hank sent a note to the Governor for collection, he admitled he merely changed the date and sent a note signed by the same person for the same amount back to the same bank. • • • After Judge Anderson bad said it was no use to admonish the witness to stick to questions in bis testimony McCray started to make a remark and Anderson said : “I don’t care to talk with you. ’ ’ • • • McCray testified a Statehouse janitor, whose name was on about $15,000 worth of paper. repaid “about slo<>” last year. • • • Largest crowd of trial was in attendance. • * * Governor appeared pale and worn but answered questions clearly. After a rebuqe, Anderson said to McCray: “It takes time to get your answers, but you’ll have to answer.’’ *• e V Again. Anderson said : “If I were your counsel. I should advise you to do differently from what you are doing.” • • • Commenting upon a defense objection to cross-examina-tion. the judge said: “This man has availed himself of the privilege of taking the stand. He didn’t have to take it, but he did. Now lie must suffer the consequences.” • • * Asked by the district attorney why he wrote letters to banks referring to “customers’’ when he meant himself. McCray said : “It was just another Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde proposition.” • • • “I may have done some foolish things, but nothing with criminal intent.” .said the Governor to one of the Government's barbed questions.

WALSH EVADES POLICE

Man \\ anted Here rails to Appear in St. Louis Court—Bond Forfeit. Police today began anew search for Edgar Walsh, wanted in connection with the murder of Joe Forrestal, 1305 Kentucky Ave., slain in an alleged “liquor war.” Walsh was arrested in St. Louis on a liquor charge. When his case was called in court there Saturday ha. failed to appear. His bond of SSOO was forfeited. BUSH IS ECONOMICAL Gubernatorial Candidate Says He Has Spent $678 to April 16. A statement from headquarters of Edgar D. Bush, candidate for Republican nomination for Governor, shows that Bush, who has urged economical campaigns for gubernatorial nominations, spent $678.19 in his campaign to April 16. A detailed account included expenses for everything from headquarters rent to typewriter ribbons and writing ink. ARRESTS SHOW DECREASE Only 126 Men and 11 Women Slated at City Prison. Arrests for the week-end show a big decrease and only 126 men and eleven women were slated at city prison. Liquor caused a greater percentage of the arrests, thirty-five men and two women being charged with intoxication. Gamblers were not in evidence and not a game was raided. Twenty-one men and one woman were charged with vagrancy. Fifteen were slated on speeding charges. 1.100 Join M. E. Church A total* of 1,100 persons joined the Methodist Episcopal Churches of the city, Easter Sunday, according to announcement of the Rev. Harry Andrew King, superintendent Indianapolis area M. E. Church, at the min ieterial meeting today at Roberta Park Church.

COOLIDGE IS QUOTED AS EORD HELPER

t Alleged Interview' Says: 'I Hope He Will Not Do or Say Anything to Make It Difficult to Me to Deliver Muscle Shoals to Him,' STATEMENT IS MADE IN SUPPOSED TELEGRAM Washington Correspondent Is Said to Have ,Sent Wire to Manufacturer's Secretary —Weeks, on Stand, Denies and Predicts Statement, Bn I niteil Press A\ ASHINGTON, April 28.—A senation was sprung in the Senate Agriculi ture Committee today when Chairman Norris read into the record a telegram which President Coolidge was quoted I as saying he hoped Henry Ford would not or say anything that "will ; make it difficult for me to deliver I Muscle Shoals to him, as I am trying , to do." The telegram, which was one of a number turned over to the committee under a subpoena to a local telegraph j company, was sent to Willinnl J. j Camoperon or Ernest G. I.iebold, care ! Dearborn Independent. Detroit, Mich., by "James Martin Miller, National Press Club, Washington." I.iebold is Ford's private secretai v* Here's the Telegram • The message, dated Oct. if, 1923. was read into the record by Norris, ; and reads as follows: . "In private interview with President Cooli(, this morning incidentally ‘I am friendly to Mr. Ford, but wish someone would convey to him that it is my hope that Mr. Ford will not do or say anything that will make it diffi cult for me to* deliver Muscle Shoals to him which 1 am trying to do.’ "While the President did not say so. T am sure Weeks has been in conference with him this morning. in view of Mr. Weeks’ interj view in today's papers." Secretary of War Weeks, who was ion the witness stand when Norris sprung the teieghams on the com- ! nnttee. disclaimed any knowledge of the matter reported in it. or of President Coolidge's attitude concerning the Ford offer. Weeks said that he believed a state ment would be issued by the White House about the Miller telegram later in the day. Nrris said that he had established through White House that Miller, a former Washington newspaper correspondent. had called at the executive ’offices on Oct. 12. 1923, the date on which the tqlegram was sent. Weeks Denies Weeks declared that he did not believe the President had made any such statement. "Certainly the President did not express any such views to me,” he said. “The Ford interview referred % to in the message was a scathing attack on Weeks for his sale of the Gorgas power plant to the Alabama Power Company. Weeks said that after the Gorgas plant had been sold Ford had denounced him and later called on President Coolidge and then made "a social call" at, hi suffice. Weeks said his reply to Ford’s statement concerning the sale of the plant was not “gone over with Mr. Coolidge." “I consulted the President about the sale of the plant," Weeks said, "but I do not want the responsibility placed on the President.” ‘After Ford called on the President on December 3,” Norris said, “the President delivered his message to Congress and recommended disposition of Muscle Shoals by the Government. Then on December 12, Ford came out for Coolidge for President."

MAIDEN LANE HOLD-UP SCENE Robbers Secure $210,000 at New York, Bu United Press NEW YORK, Aprit 28.—Defying the police deadline and working rapidly in daylight, three bandits beat a man and a woman and obtained $219,000 in diamonds and platinum from Charles Kresney X- Ow, downtown jewelers, today. Charles Kresney. proprietor of fihe uempany, was engaged in opening his place of bun ness when three swarthy men beat him insensible with revolver 1 butts and tied him to the leg of a table while, they set about rifling the shop. * A scrub woman was knocked on the head and locked in a washroom.

INDIANAPOLIS, MONDAY, APRIL 28, 1924

JAMES KIRBY RISK, of Lafayette, candidate for the Democratic nomination for Governor, was born in Ripley County, May 4, 1865. He attended grade schools there and moved to Lafayette in 1887, where he has lived since.

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NOTE—THIS IS THE TWELFTH OF A SERIES OF STATEMENTS WRITTEN FOR THE TLMBS BY CANDIDATES FOR NOMINATION FOR GOVERNOR By JAMES KIRBY RISK ,

LWV ami order and the ideals of American citi zenship are outstanding Issues. The public school must be the basis of our citizenship. I believe the ideals of American citizenship and the absolute belief in and regard for law and order should be a part of the early training of our youth. The ideals of American citizenship must be taught in the public schools, high schools, academies, universities and colleges in the State and Nation. The-English language should he taught to all our foreign-born citizens who do not know or understand the English language. Those who come to this country to live here and share its blessings should understand our language, not only for their good, but for our safety. The man who does not understand the English language should be willing to learn the English language or he should be sent out of our country. I believe that we should/ atop foreign immigration entirely for at least five years, and when we are ready to permit foreign immigration to enter our nation we should, if possible, scrutinize closely those that come before they leave their home ports and certainly some educational tests and some decided qualifications along the lines of accepted citizenship should be required. I am in favor of the Eighteenth Amendment, the Volstead act. and the present alcoholic content of onehalf of I per cent. I am in favor of a constitutional convention. Thomas R. Marshall, when Governor of Indiana, tried to give Indiana anew constitution. Governor Goodrich, in his innaugural address, recommended calling a constitutional convention. We can provide in our new constitution absolute home rule by placing the local government in the hands of the people. The constitution will provide for new charters for cities, charters to be made and ap-

YOUNG GIRLS ARE FOUND AT DANCE

Policewoman Inspects Hall — Makes Report to Chief, Policewoman Cozetta Osbon filed a report today with Police Chief Herman Rikhoff. covering her activities Saturday night, when she was especially assigned to cover dance halls, which, according to reports to the chief, are again reaching an alarming state. Mrs. Osbon said that at a dance at 903 N. Ketcham St., she found a 14 year-old girl who lived a mile and a half away and was without parential escort. She was sent home. Two girls, one 10 and the other 18, sisters, sent to the dance by their parents v. ho wanted to go downtown, were sent home. The doorV'.eeper knew of no matron, Mrs. Osbon said. Later a woman appeared who claimed to be the matron but knew nothing of the rules regulating public dances, the report said. She ordered out several men under the Influence of liquor. Mrs. Osbon said. |

James Kirby Risk

In 1898 he was elected city clerk of Lafayette, the only Democrat elected in the city that year. He has served at various times as pre-‘ cinct committeeman, city chairman, county chairman and member of the Democratic State committee. He has been an advocate of pro-

MEDIUM PREDICTS FATAL ACCIDENT

And Rumor ‘Kills Off' Family in Horrible Crash, By means of the party line telephone and a spiritualist medium at Martinsville, the countryside surrounding the Artesian City was electrified Sunday by report of a horrible accident in which four persons were killed. The facts were: A message received by the medium “from beyond” said the father and two children of a certain family would be killed. The "message” was repeated over the telephone and word went out that the accident had occurred. Inquiry, however, disclosed thas members of the family in question who were in attendance at the spiritualist seance, are alive and well. “We're mighty thankful too. It was all a mistake,” one member or the family said. HOURLY TEMPERATURE 6 a. m.. 64 10 a. 5 1 7 a. m 54 lt*a. rr_ 56 8 a. m- 12 (noon) 57 • _ m.. 57 1 p. m~ 68

hibition, woman suffrage and a convention to revise the State constitution. His present business is the man ufacture of cream separators at Lebanon. He is a member of the boat*d of trustees of the State School for the Deaf.

proved by the people in the cities, charters that will provide for the people transacting theic business with all utilities and without interference by any board elected at the State Capitol. Townships or counties will have the right, under the initiative and referendum, to propose any improvements and to issue bonds for the cost of same without going to the State tax board. The new constitution will provide for the proper classification of property, which will permit a State legislature to write 41 just and equitable tax law. Anew constitution will give the people of Indiana absolute home rule and will destroy entirely the centralization of government. The question of taxation is iargefo a local one. Eighty-two per cent tof the taxes that are collected by county treasurers remains with the county treasurer and is expended for county purposes. One hundred per cent that is collected for city purposes is expended for city purposes. Reducing the expenditure of money by public servants in the local communities will reduce the burdens of taxation. We have in Indiana 600.000 motor vehicles and. no doubt, will have an additional increase of 25 per cent by the end of the present year. The gasoline tax is both a popular and a fair tax, and had it been enacted four to six years ago much of our road problem would have been solved. I am in favor of the direct primary law and believe it should be strengthened by adding a second and third choice and by providing for holding the first registration on primary day, using the primary election officials to take care of, the registration. This will eliminate the cost of one registration and bring at least 70 per cent of the voters to the polls to participate in the primary. Next —George R. Durgan, candidate for the Democratic nomination.

MAL DAUGHERTY RESISTS‘ARREST’

Proceedings Started to Prevent Capital Trip, Bii United Pr es\ f WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE. Ohio, April 28. —Attorneys for Mai Daugherty, president of the Midland National Bank and brother of the former attorney general, indicated today they will institute proceedings to prevent Daugherty being taken to ■Washington. Tha formality of Daugherty's arrest, ordered by the United States Senate because he refused to testify before the committee investigating the department of justice was fixed for noon, but in the meantime John MeGrain, deputy sergeant-at-arms, sent here to arrest him, wired Washington 'for further instructions. Richter Nurses Sore Finger Police Lieut. Cliff Richter nursed a dislocated little finger today. He said his hand was injured When he returned a blow struck by James Crane, 29, of 936 N. Oxford St. According to Richter. Crane attempted to escape after being arrested in a liquor raid on his horn*.

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

GOVERNOR IS WORN AND HAGGARD AS HE FACES FIRE OF DISTRICT ATTORNEY

Merciless Grilling Goes .on as McCray Insists He Thought Np Wrong in Signing Names of Other Men to Notes and Letters. EXECUTIVE EXPECTED TO BE ■ ONLY WITNESS FOR DEFENSE End of Trial' Delayed Until Tuesday, When Elliott Uses More Time for Cross-Examination Than He Had Planned—Judge Takes a Hand. Morn and haggard, plainly showing the effeets of the tremendous strain which he has undergone, but with the same conj fidenee which has characterized him throughout, Governor Warren T. McCray faced a merciless cross-examination by Homer | Elliott, United States district attorney, in Federal Court today. This final battle of the Governor for liberty marked the elijmax of lii.s trial on charges of using the mails in a scheme to dej fraud. McCray Only Defense Witness James W. Noel, attorney for the Governor, said during the noon adjournment, that no other witnesses would be placed on the stand by the defense unless something unexpected should develop before the Governor left the stand. McCray, who started testimony Saturday afternoon, has been the only defense witness. The case will go to the jury Tuesday. Elliott said, when court adjourned at noon, that he would not be through with crossexamination until 3 p. m. or later. This meant that arguments anti instructions of Judge Albert B. Anderson could not be completed until Tuesday. ' Elliott To Open It was understood that Elliott will make the opening arguments for the Government. Originally, it was planned for Dickson 11. Bynum, assistant district attorney, to open for the Government. and for Elliott to close. Fear that the defense would waive arguments and head off Elliott's closing speech caused the change in plans, it was understood. 1 lie Governor continued his trank admission of forgery, and ■ misrepresentation of his financial condition and of the character j of liis transactions, in obtaining money from banks, but he insisted at all times that there was no intent to defraud and that he always believed he was withi nil is rights in everything he did. Judge Rebukes Him His constant attempts to explain answers to questions and to go outside the scope of questions asked him by Elliott brought j down a number of rebukes from Judge Anderson. Ihe judge insisted that the witness answer the questions directly, without explanations. Finally, he said to McCray: “It takes time to get your answers, but you’ll have to answer.” At another time. Judge Anderson said: “If [ were your counsel, 1 should advise you to do differently from what you are doing. ” “Must Suffer” At one point, when Michael A. Ryan, one of the defense attorneys. objected to a line of questioning by Elliott, Judge Anderson said; “This man has availed himself of the privilege of taking the stand. He didn't have to take it, but he did. Now he must Suffer the consequences.”

At 1 p. m., there was a line extending from the courtroom door through the corridors to the head o fthe stairs, awaiting a possible turn in the courtroom. The courtroom was emptied when court adjourned at 12.30 p. m. for noon recess. Spectators left reluctantly. The spectators included many socially prominent people. The courtroom was packed and many persons outside. Witness Rebuked As on Saturday. Judge Anderson frequently told the witness to restrict himself to simple answers to the questions. Every time Elliott asked the Governor about forging names of other persons to notes payable to himself, McCray would attempt to qualify his answers with explanation that he had personally indorsed the paper. Finally Judge Anderson said: “Mr. Witness, you must understand you will have to answer these questions and answer them properly.” Later, the judge said again: "It is strange that I can forge the name of a man /to a note and make it valid by indorsement." When McCray attempted to answer him, Judge Anderson said: “There is no occasion for any remarks on your part.’ For the first time since the trial opened, a large number of chairs was placed in the space behind the court reporter and adjoining the jury. Every one of them was taken. McCray looked worn and haggard. However, he had himself well in hand and answered all questions clearly and promptly. Elliott picked up the cross-examina-tion where he left off Saturday afternoon. g "Did you, as president and director of the Discount and Deposit State Bank of Kentland, ever knowingly

Forecast GENERALLY fair tonight and Tuesday. A change in temperature bring somewhat cooler weather tonight in this vicinity*

TWO CENTS

take a note on which the name was fictitious?” Elliott asked. "Not knowingly,” McCray replied. "We took lots of paper where we did not know* the makers, but relied on the indorsers.” On objection of Elliott, the last sentence was stricken from the records. The Governor insisted this did not leave his answer in complete form. “You owned the Murray County and Camby farm in Minnesota," Elliott continued. “Did yQu ever send cattle there?" “No,” was the reply. “But I was getting ready to.” Judge Anderson ordered the lasd sentence taken from the records, jfl McCray said that he acquired farm in 1920 and 1922. , * “Have you any idea how \ notes of the Camby Cattle you put out?” Elliott asked. "Not accurately,” McCray arswe^H “Any approximation?" “No. I relied on my indorsements." The last sentence was ordered stricken out, on objection of Elliott. "Do you realize, now, that the Camby Cattle Company’s name appeared on ten notes, aggregating $39,877.16?” Elliott resumed his questioning. Argument With Court After an argument with the court, in which Judge Anderson told McCray to answer questions properly, the Governor said he did not understand. “Were any of them ever paid?" Judge Anderson asked.* "Yes.” McCray replied. "With real money?” "Certainly.” „-' - “What one of these notes was ever paid?" "Well, not these spedfio notes, but others of the same company." and “Is it not true these note* were paid (Turn te Pae 5)