Indianapolis Times, Volume 35, Number 310, Indianapolis, Marion County, 10 May 1924 — Page 1

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VOLUME 35—NUMBER

FARMER It IMIS Then'Takes Own Life as Posse of Armed Citizens Close in on His Home Near Portland, Ind. —Jealousy, Said by Neighbors, Cause, TAXI DRIVER, SHOT BY SLAYER, FLEES'IN AUTO Housekeeper, Who Had Returned for Clothes, Ambushed by Former Employer and Riddled With Bullets, By l nitril Press PORTLAND, 1 11 cl., May 10.— In a fit of .jealous rage, Albert Cage, 54, a farmer living -fourteen miles southeast of Portland, shot and killed his housekeeper, Mrs. Beulah Balmer, 32; probably fatally wounded Basil Greer, a taxi driver, and then shot and killed himself.

Mrs. Balmer had worked for Cage for several years but quit a week ago. She went to his home Friday to get her belongings, accompanied by Greer and Robert Miller, 18. a nephew. Cage was jealous and neighbors said he had threatened her life if she left. Uses Shotgun Mrs. Balmer went to a shed to get a box. When she returned. Cage stepped from behind the kitchen door and fired a charge at her from a double-barreled shotgun. She ran screaming around the house ,and Cage followed. A second shot took effect and she fell. Cage then pressed the muzzle to her back and fired another charge into her body. Cage then fired at Greer. The shot tore away a portion of his chin and riddled hts left shoulder. Drives Away While Cage ran to get more ammunition Greer cranked his car and drove away. He collapsed at the home of a farmer a few miles from the scene of the shooting. Cage fired two shots at Miller, but they failed to take effect. Following the shooting Portland police were notified and a posse of citizens armed with shotguns surrounded Cage's home. As the cordon drew around the house, a shot ■was heard within. Cage’s body, riddled with a charge from his own gun, was found lying on the kitchen floor.

STABBED SELF 27 TIMES Undertakers Examine Body of Italian Hung in Louisiana. By United NEW ORLEANS, May 10.—Exam inatlon of the body of Andre Lemantla, who stabbed himself while two of his companions were dangling from the hangman’s ropes in Amite yesterday, revealed twenty-seven stab wounds, undertakers here stated today. An investigation will be made In an effort to learn how the condemned man obtained the knife. tamisTw SET FOR ELECTION County C( sntion Expected to Be Quiet Affair, BULLETIN Ryan was elected 171 to 2 for Weir. Democratic precinct committeemen of Marion County went into convention at the Courthouse this afternoon with expectation that Russell J. Ryan would be re-elected county chairman by a wide margin. Charles P. Tighe, a leader opposing Ryan, was expected to nominate Clarence E. Weir, but thi was understood to be merely a protest measure, since Ryan apparently had a big majority of committeemen pledged. Joseph Rolles was candidate for reelection as secretary. It was under stood he was to be opposed by John Logan, secretary in 1920. Evans Woollen Jr. was slated to be elected treasurer without opposition. Auto Stries Truck Joseph Holt. 2410 Roosevelt Ave., is the city today suffering from outs and bruises received when the milk truck he was driving was struck by an auto driven by Wilbur Bohanon. 1239 Nordyke Yve.. police say. Bohdnon was charged with assault and battery. The accident occured in the 1500 block Beimont St. HOURLY TEMPERATURE 6 9. m. 45 10 a. m 50 7 a. m. 4$ 11 a. m 53 8 a., m 48 13 (noon) ...... 53 9 A. in., 48 1 p. m 48

The Indianapolis Times

KLAN WIN IS DISCUSSED AT WHITE HOUSE Beveridge, Guest at Washington, Tells Coolidge About Jumbled Political Situation in Indiana as Result of Primary, PRESIDENT MAY OUST OLD LEADERS IN STATE Watson and New and Others May Step Down in Order That Political Fences May Be mgthened—Ralston Candidacy Feared, By LAWRENCE MARTIN < i'npyriyhi, I9t\, by L’nittd Press) WASHINGTON. May 10.—President Coolidge has been given a picture of the jumbled situation in Indiana by former Senator Albert Beveridge, guest at the White House. Beveridge's visit assumes unusual interest because Indiana is one of the hardest problems the Coolidge managers face and because Beveridge is talked of as a possible running mate for Mr. Coolidge. The President is keenly interested in the Ku-Klux Klan strength in Indiana. When Senator Ralston defeated Beveridge for the Senate, one of the reasons assigned was Klan opposition to Beveridge. Since then the Klan has demonstrated in more sweeping fashion its powerful hold. It nominated its candidate for Governor on the Republican ticket in the recent primary. This raises a very strong question, therefore, concerning Beveridge’s chances of carrying his own State, should be be selected to run with Mr. Coolidge. The President may scrap all the old leaders —New. Watson and others —according to gossip here, and through his representatives bring order out of chaos, which followed the McCray case and the old feuds between various factions.

Many observers believe Senator Ralston of Indiana is the man most likely to be picked by the Democrats when they seek a dark horse to push to the front in the New York convention. This would admittedly add to the difficulties of the Republican task and that is why the President is giving the situation attention now. FORTPOSiASTER COMMITS SUICIDE Coroner Says Shortage Had Been Found in Accounts, Thomas Swift, about 42, of 5710 Julian Ave., postmaster at Ft. Harrison. shot and killed himself today after postofflce inspectors found a small shortage in his accounts. * According to Coroner Robinson. Alonzo Goodwin, postal inspector, had Just completed an examination of the accounts. Goodwin told Swift that be would go over the accounts again. Swift walked from the room and shot himself in the left breast. He died soon after. Swift had been in the postal service for nearly twenty-five years and had been at the Ft. Harrison office for several years. MWO CLAIMS 412 DELEGATES Will Be Able to Force Nomination, Friends Say, By Unit''/ Prise CHICAGO. May 10.—William G. McAdoo is assured of sufficient “unwavering” delegates to force his nomination for the presidency by the Democratic National convention, McAdoo headquarters here stated today A total of 412% delegates is claimed in the States and territories that have held primaries and State conventions. McAdoo is expected to add 174 mote to his list in the thirteen States yet to vote. McAdoo headquarters claim the following: Washington. 14; Texas, 40; Soutn Carolina. 18: North Carolina. 24. Ca,i fornia. 26: Oklahoma. 20: Connecticut. 16; North Dakota, 10: South Dakota. 10: Georgia. 28: Maine. 6: New Hamp shire. 6: Kansas, 20; lowa, 26; Nebraska, 8; Missouri, 36; Illinois between 15 and 20: Wisconsin between 3 and 7, Massachusetts, 11; Arizona. 4% and 36 in the territories.

Warning Light Only Object to Prevent Automobiles From Plunging Into Fall Creek —Second Fatal Accident at Talbott Ave. in 14 Months

L.t.r i, i,UDhI.NU NORTH AT FALL CREEK BANK DOWN WHICH W 1 LLIAM MURRAY (INSET) PLUNGED TO DEATH IN AN AUTOMO PILE. RIGHT, LOOKING SOUTH IN TALBOTT AVE., OVER BANK DOWN WHICH AUTO WENT.

Two men have been drowned in Kail Creek because their automo biles plunged over the north bank at the end of Fall Crtek within four teen months. The second accident occurred early today when William Murray, 24. of 544 Sanders St., died. He was riding with Harry L. Hancock, 27,

SINK LIFTS BAN ON MASKED KEAN FACADES IN CUT ‘We'll Give ’Em Mounted Police to Lead March,’ Says Mayor, The city ban upon parades of masked Ku-Klux Klansmen has been lifted. Mayor Shank announced today. Shahk has been a bitter opponent of the Klan, which generally ,s credited with defeating him for the Republican nomination for Governor in Tuesday s primary. Shank said he conferred with the board of safety late Friday and it was decided that if the Klan wanted to parade "we'll give a permit, furnish police protection along the route and give ’em a detail of mounted police to head the parade. “It looks to me like a majority of the people want Klan government. That’s tTie way they appeared to have voted. If they want it we'll let ’em have it.” Shank said the conference was held when it was reported the Klan would parade, In Indianapolis tonight in celebration of the victory at the polls. FINAL DISPOSAL OF $155,000 WATCHED McCray Assets in Bankruptcy Case Are $2,111,888,62, Disposition of $155,000, which Warren T. McCray, former Governor, adjudged bankrupt Friday by Judge A. B. Anderson, said he repaid as a loan from the State board of agriculture will be watched w-ith Interest in adjudication of the property. Judge Anderson overruled exceptions taken by McCray’s attorneys and approved report of Harry C. Sheridan, Frankfort, referee in bankruptcy. McCray's assets were estimated at $2,111,888.42 and liabilities at $2,619,320.69. The property will he turned over to Sheridan for adjudication. The $155,000 item was repaid from the $360,000 Goodrich pool. FIRE DESTROYS"ELEVATOR Flames Do 825,000 Ihi mage at Kingman, Ind. By United Preen KINGMAN, Ind., May 10.—Fire of undetermined origin today destroyed elevator of the Farmers’ Milling Company and damaged the railroad station adjoining damage was estimated at $25,000 to $30,000. The fire started in the engine room. For a time the blaze threatened destruction to an entire section of the town.

When Indianapolis Ministers Take Time Off!

M r ~ IINISTERING to Indianapolis' spiritual needs doesn’t leave much time for such things as hobbies. But when they do find a few spare moments, and during vacations. In dianapolis pastors have a variety of ways in which to find recreation For instance, the Kev. F. S. C. Wicks of the All Souls Unitarian Church, lad claim 'to three hobbies. He explains them thus: "In win ter I walk around a green-covered table, trying to connect three balls —yes. billiards. In summer I chase the elusive golf ball. “I’m usually at the opening baseball game, and like to attend Sunday gamfa."

INDIANAPOLIS, SATURDAY, MAY 10, 1924

of Ft. Wayne, Ind., whose parents live at Southport. Ind. Hancock said his brakes failed to work and his sedan could not be turned into Fall Creek Blvd. in time to pie vent the plunge into the creek. Hancock was slated today on a charge of manslaughter. There i nothing to keep automo-

TAX BILL PASSED BT SENATE; SENT TO CONFERENCE Measure Has Virtually No | Resemblance to One Originally Introduced, Hu t nitei Perm WASHINGTON. May 10. The Senate today passed the tax bill and sent it to conference with the House. As passed, the measure lias virtually no resemblance to the bill as reported by the Senate Finance Committee three weeks ago. All the Important rate schedules in the Mellon plan were written out by the Democratic-Progressive coalition and the Democratic rates substituted for them. The bill carries out completely the Democratic theory of big tax reductions on small incomes with lesser reductions on large Incomes. The Democratic-Progressive coalition secured adoption of their normal, surtax, inheritance, corporation and big gift rates. On every point where the Republicans resisted the Democratic program they were defeated. The action of the Senate ends the long battle that began last November when Secretary of the Treasury Mellon sent a letter to Congress announcing there w r as a $325,000,000 surplus in the treasury and offered a plan for reducing taxes. The Mellon plan of rate reduction was easily defeated in both houses. The House adopted the Longworth compromise plan, which represented a medium between the Mellon rates and a Democratic proposal. But the Senate went farther and adopted outright the Simmons Democratic plan. CLAIMS HE WAS STOLEN BY WOMAN Love for Father Is Blamed in Old Kidnaping Case, By United Preen JOPLIN, Mo., May 10.—Robert T. Clark, who claims to be the Freddie Lieb kidnaped fifty-three years ago at Quincy, ills., said today he was on the trail of his abductors who are still alive in the East. Clark said the kidnaping was carried out at the direction of a wealthy woman who had loved his father and desired to steal the child because Professor Lieb had spurned her love. “I was stolen by a woman,’’ Clark said. “Hard Times” Party Young persons’ o"ganizations of the Reformed churches of the city will bold a “hard times” party at 8 p. m. Tuesday in the shelter house at Garfield Park.

The Rev. Allan B Philputt of Central Christian Church likes to browse around book stores and libraries He doesn't rei.d many books, but reads titles and prefaces he said. The favorite recreation of the Rev .1 Ambrose Dunkel of Tabernacle Presbyterian Church is 'fish ing. of course." Ho enjoys golf, too He goes to northern Indiana or northern Michigan for his vaca tions, to fish When the Rev. Virgil E. Rorer of the Meridian Street M. E. Church was asked about hobbies, his first answer was “My wife.” Then he •aid he had another one—rogue, a

biles from going into the creek but a red warning light The same situ ation exists on other street ends along the creek between Meridt . St. and Central Ave. Hancock was held in city hospital pending Coroner Paul F. Robinson's investigation. Hancock was cut when he broke glass windows to

MAYOR INDORSES LOWER FARE FOR SCHOOLCHILDREN Shank Promises City Aid to Obtain Special Reduction, The Indianapolis Times proposal giving school children the privilege of buying twenty street car tickets for $1 for use in going to and from school received the official indorsement of tiie city administration today through Mayor Shank. “I will see that the city does everything in its power to get that reduction," said the mayor. "It will be a big saving to the family where several children must use street cars to reach school.” The mayor promised that he would start machinery at the city hall for a petition with the public service commission asking for a special order aifecting school children. A petition of the Federation of Community Civic Clubs asking that school children'be sold twenty tickets fop $1 is before the commission. Meanwhile, the Indianapolis Street Railway Company was preparing for a 7 cent fare and 1 cent transfer to be effective at midnight Tuesday, May 20. The original order was effective May 20, but car riders will get the benefit of the extra day through an interpretation of the order. Engineers of the street car company and the Union Traction Company are conferring on the extension of city service to Broad Ripple, which must be done by Sept, 1 or the higher fare order will be revoked. PRECINCT RETURN STILUSMISSING Official Totals May Be Delayed Until Tonight. The canvassing board today believed it would be impossible to obtain official totals of the votes cast in Tuesday's primary election in Marion County until tonight because one precinct, the Seventh of the Third ward, had not reported. The precinct election board has been counting ballots since 6 p. m. Tuesday, with rest periods intervening. At 10 a. m. today the returns had been out 112 hours. Examine Oil Bidders Leroy F. Wertz, State highway commission chief clerk, today is tabulating proposals of eight oil companies to determine low bidder on tl\e commission’s oil. grease and gasoline sup ply for the year. Estimated contract cost, $400,000.

scientific croquet played on a sand floor. As Indianapolis hardly knows the game, he plays it when he goes East on his vacations. The Rev Upwls Brown of Bt. Paul's Episcopal Church has two hobbies Masonry and walking. "1 w.-.'k en miles ever? day on my vacation in Canada,” he said His cottage a: Lake Maxinkuckee is the “vacation hobby” of the Rev. Walter U Ewing of the Irvington M. E. Church. He has two motor boats His winter hobby? "Work,” he said. "Seven days & week. I don't have time for anything aIM." 4

Entered aa Second-class Matter at Postoffice Indianapol.s. Published Daily Except Sunday

get out of the almost submerged car. On the night of March 13, 1923, an auto driven by William F. Denner. 43, of 1221 N. La S.ille St., plunged into Fall Creek at the same location and in practically the same circumstances. Denner was drowned in the rear compartment.

SHANK PREPARES 10 USE POLITICAL AX AT CITY HALL Mayor Makes 'Black List' of All Failing to Back Him in Campaign, Determined to find out just where city employes "stood” in Tuesday’s primary election. Mayor Shank spent most of this morning preparing a "black list" of city employes who either worked against his candidacy for Governor, or remained "neutral ” Claude Thompson, milk inspector m the offices of the board of health, was the first to engage the mayor’s wrath Thompson was characterized as the “lowest of political double crossers.” He was said to have worn a Jack so-, badge around his precinct Tuesday. “I ha . a good notion to pitch you out of the window, and 1 think I'm big enough to do it,” Shank told Thompson. Shank s voice tremble-1. He left in the height of his anger. Thompson immediately went to the courthouse, where he told the CoffinDodson faction that be was “fired.” “I’d fire hint if I could.” the mayor said. T told him he might just as well hunt anew job. for he was going to get it.” Thompson, appointed at the first of Shank’s administration, was saitj to have been a personal friends bf the late Mrs. Shank. The mayor conferred with Sol Schioss. president of the board of health, and it is understood immediate steps will be taken to remove Thompson. Two drivers of street cleaning trucks also were under the mayor’s eye today. John Walker, superintendent, of street cleaning, will be instructed to investigate charges that one of them voted and worked for Jackson, and the other refused to vote at all. A woman employed in the building department was seen working in Ed Toner’s headquarters when election returns came in, the mayor was informed today. Newly elected Shank precinct committeemen are scheduled to be rewarded by political jobs at city hall, it was learned. John L. Eliott, city engineer, said he had “vacancies” for six inspectors in his department, and will recommend that appointments be made by the board of works. William H. Freeman, now Republican county chairman at the head of the Shank-Armitage faction, also is a member of the board of works No appointments were on the board’s record today. INDIANA HARBOR MAILS ROBBED Bandits Get $35,000 in Daring Hold-up, By United Preee INDIANA HARBOR, Ind., May 10. —Four sacks of registered mail, believed to have contained many thousands of dollars, were seized from five postoffice employes and carried away by five bandits here today. Harry H, Spencer, postmaster, said that the mail was for five banks in Indiana Harbor. Hugh Pierce, mail truok driver, and four clerks picked up the mail sacks at the Pennsylvania Railroad station and took them to the rear of the postoffice. An automobile whizzed up. Three men sprang out. Armed with revolvers they forced the clerks to lineup, hands in the air. The mail sacks were thrown into the machine and it whirred away. Postal officials said approximately $36,000 in oaab wm la the atclen mail PMHhMt

SHERIFF GEORGE SNIDER IS ORDERED FROM COUNTY CONVENTION BY CHHI He Then Returns to Room as “Peace Officer”—Coffin Man Is Ejected— Fight at Door Hinders Reading of Court Order. LIEUT. GLENN THROWS ONE OUT DOOR, ENDING ARGUMENT Shank-Armitage Leaders Obtain Supreme Court Order Nullifying Action of County Judge in Restraining Committeemen. Sheriff George V. Snider was ordered from the Republican county* convention in Criminal Courtroom this afternoon. Snider was guarding the door to enforce orders of Superior Judge Leathers, restraining twenty-one precinct committeemen pledged to vote for the Shank-Armitage candidate for county chairman from participating in the convention. The Shank-Armitage faction obtained a writ from Supreme •Justice Louis B. Ewbank nullifying Leathers’ orders. County Chairman William 11. Freeman rapped for order before the convention had assembled and called policemen and sergeants at arms to the chair. He ordered them to see that Snider left the room “under the Supreme Court ruling.” When Snider was approached he agreed to leave to find out from Superior Court what his authority was. Shank-Armitage and Coflin-Dodson factions to fever heat.

Snider Re-Enters Sheriff Snider re-entered the room a short time later, as a peace officer, not a convention officer. Billy Edwards, a deputy sheriff of the Coffin-Dodson faction, was put out forcibly by police, after he had refused to leave. The reading of the Supreme Court writ of prohibition, by Edwin F. Steers, special deputy from Supreme Court, was interrupted by a tight at the door between two men. Traffic Inspector Michael Glenn ended the fight, after five minutes of tumult, by throwing one of the men through the door, and Stears resumed reading. He was accompanied by George D. Abrams, sheriff of Supreme Court The Coffin-Do,ison crowd obtained an order it. Circuit Court prohibiting Police Chief Rikhoff and policemen from committeemen in the convention.” Rikhoff had assigned a. rjumber of officers to keep order at the convention. William H. Freeman, Republican county chan man, said previous to Ewbank's writ, that the twenty-one committeemen would go to the convention, scheduled to open at 1 p. m. at the courthouse, regardless of the court order. The committeemen waited for Supreme Court action during the morning a* Republican county headquarters. Rikhoff ordered thirteen policemen to go to the convention, regardless if the injunction. Ten special deputy sheriffs were sworn in at the courthouse.

Pledged to Miller Committeemen pledged to vote for Robert Miller, Shank-Armitage candidate for county chairman, were enjoined from sitting in the convention bv Superior Judge Leathers late FriI day night upon petitions of twenty-one j members of the Coffin-Dodson faction. The Coffin-Dodson crowd sought to ; elect George V. Coffin, their leader, to succeed William H Freeman as county chairman The plaintiffs were all Coffin-Dodson candidates for committeemen, defeated in the primary Tuesday by the Shank-Armitage men. The coup, put across in the dead of night, caught the Shank-Armitage leaders off their guard. They had a clear majority of pledged committeemen before this, they said. / After a conference of attorneys and Shank-Armitage leaders at Republican headquarters the lawyers went to Supreme Court. Return Date, June 2 Judge Leathers made the return date on the temporary restraining orders June 2. Law provides the county convention shall be held t*.day. The Shank leaders at first though: of seeking an order postponing the convention until after June 2, when right of the questioned committeemen to serve will be settled, but abandoned this plan. Each of the twenty-one complaints charges that the Shank committeemen were fraudulently counted winners by precinct election boards. Coffin-Dodson leaders said recounts would be demanded in each of the precincts Coffin refused to make any- statement, other than that there had been much “crooked work” in counting votes for precinct committeemen. Lawyer Serves Writ. Judge Ewffiank’s writ of prohibition was directed against Superior Judge Leather* Edwin Steers, one of|the ■Us—ajW pirn pr—cited the petition.

Forecast UNSETTLED tonight and Sunday, with probably occasional showers. Not much change of temperature anticipated in this vicinity.

TWO CENTS

was named to serve the writ upon Leathers. The petition was in the name of Horace F. Wilson, committeeman of the Eighth precinct. Seventh ward, who is among the twenty-one affected by the restraining orders. City Attorney James M. Ogden. Samuel Ashby, Rnisley W. Johnson and Ralph K. Kane were among the attorneys before Ewbank. Long before the convention opened the courthouse corridors were packed with committeemen, deputy sheriffs, policemen and spectators. Sheriff George Snider and his son Roland, a deputy sheriff, acted as doorkeepers at the convention, while John F. Walker, superintendent of street cleaning, Shank-Armitage man. examined credentials of committeemen. Before the convention convened Sheriff Snider ordered about 300 spectators out of the gallery. The spectators did not Dave at once. Deputies attempted to drive them out. The crowd hooted. One deputy had a fist fight with a spectator. Defendants Enjoined Committeemen enjoined from voting: Homer O. Queris, 530 Birch Ave., First precinct, Fourteenth ward; Barney Conroy, 526 W. Court St., Tenth, First ward: Andy Ramde, 622 N. New Jersey St„ Second. Seventh ward: Vergil T. Ferguson, 1217 Congress St., Thirteenth, Fourth ward; .'darry; James, Ninth, Ninth ward; Cyrus J. Clarke, Seventh, Sixth ward; Carl Hayes, 306 S. New Jersey St., Second, Eleventh ward; Wilfred Norrlngton, 125 Buchanan Ave., Second, Fourteenth ward; Paul E. T. Guiliano, 430% S. East St.. Fifth, Eleventh ward. James Willson, 1542 S. New Jersey, Third of Thirteenth; Charles Norris, 2828 N. Capitol, Ninth, Fourth Ward; George W. Cowen, 2047 Hovey St., Seventh. Eleventh Ward; William Hargan, Tenth, Ninth ward; John R, Theaman, First, Seventh ward; Edward English, 543 Pine St„ Seventh, Ninth ward; Howard Wilson, 227% E. Ohio St., Eighth, Seventh ward; Sam Hane, 225 Downey St., Fourth of Warren Township; Charles Boswell, 647 Arch St., Sixth, Eighth ward; Otto J. Smelser, 1126 Southeastern Ave., First, Tenth ward; Robert W. Copeland, 3819 Graceland Ave., Eighth Washington Township: Robert Haghawey, 3320 E. Robson St„ Eleventh, Ninth ward. Recount Petitioned Recount of ballots cast in the Ninth precinct of the Thirteenth ward for Republican precinct committeeman is asked in a suit filed in Circuit Court by Emmanuel Wetter, defeated candidate Wetter is employed in the office of County Auditor Harry Dunn, and belongs to the Coffin-Dodson faction. Wetter says the board gave his only opponent. Fred S. Beck, member of the Shank-Armitage machine, 197 votes to his 184. He charges the returns were fraudulently and erroneously made. If his suspicions are cor rect the county pays the cost of the recount, but If not, the plaintiff pays “It's like a poker game, w-e are will ing to pay to have a look,” said Wet ter’s attorneys. Explosion Fires Home By 'I ini re S per in I NOBLESVILLE, Ind.. May 10.— The farm home of Linzte Wbiuker, northwest of this city, was destroyed by fire Friday night. Explosion of a lamp in n brooder boose near the residence started the blaze. Loss was 88,000. \ ♦