Indianapolis Times, Volume 36, Number 81, Indianapolis, Marion County, 12 August 1924 — Page 2

2

MR. INDIANAPOLIS TAKES 1 HIE IN BUYING COAL Dealers Report Householders Are Slow in Stocking Up for Winter, Mr. Indianapolis—The fellow who swings a coal shovel before hungry furnaces on cold December mornings is taking his time this summer about laving in his next winter’s supply of fuel, according to retail coal merchants. Various reasons are assigned by the dealers. About the only thing they agref on is “business is not up to standard.” Most of them, however, think the scarcity of money has something to do with the public's. refusal to buy. “People bought freely in June and July, but business has slacked up in August.” commented John C. Muesing of the Muesing-Merrick Coal Company, which operates a yard on both the north, and south sides. Remembered Last Year “Not up to average,” said Frank S. Pittman of the Pittman-Rice Coal Company, Inc. “People haven’t forgotten their experience of last year.” Many citizens filled their cellar with coal in the summer of 1923, and then coal prices took a high dive when winter came, Pittman explained. Hence the wariness to avoid similar accident to the family pocketbook. Shea Brothers, 1425 Van Buren St., agreed with Pittman. Officials of the Polar Ice and Fuel Company declared the slowness in buying coal to store is marked, despite the lower prices. Price Is Lower "Good West Virginia coal is selling for $3 a ton less than last summer this time, but not nearly so much is being bought,” said one. "Rumors of freight rate reductions and other possibilities that might reduce prices still more cause the public to hold off. Just let the price advance a little, though, and there will be a panic of buying to avoid having to meet further increases. Along about the first early frost, too, a lot of fellows will coal up for the winter.”

CONFERENCE TO CUT ARMAMENTS SEENJMUS Will Follow Acceptance of Dawes Reparations Scheme. By WILLIAM PHILIP SIMMS Times Foreign Editor WASHINGTON, Aug. 12.—An international conference on reduction of armaments will Inevitably follow close upon the heels of the acceptance and beginning of execution of the Dawes-Young European rep arations scheme. That the world situation ■will be ripe for such action is everywhere considereded certain, even President Coolidge 1 laving committed himself in favor of it “whenever the signs seem favorable.” The initiative will probably be taken by the League of Nations. The Fifth Assembly cf the League will meet at Geneva, Switzerland, Monday, Sept. 1, and foremost among the agenda is the proposal of a general plan for a world-wide arms reduction on land, sea and in the air, through Internationa agreement.

Question Discussed The Fourth Assembly, meeting last September, discussed the armaments question, but owing to the high tension in Europe, let the matter go over until this year. Nevertheless a resolution was passed urging member nations —and all the great powers except the United States are members—to keep within their military budgets for 1923 while the league council prepared an armament reductions plan for presentation in 1924. This will be taken up and acted upon by the Assembly next month. Recommendations for international action are expected in view of the progress Europe has made toward getting back on her feet as the result of American participation in reparations. The League of Nations is merely carrying out its obligations under its original charter—the League Covenant adopted In 1919—1n thus taking steps to lighten the burden of arms. British Want Conference "The maintenance of peace,” says Article 8, part of the very backbone of the league, “requires the reduction of national armaments to the loweet point consistent with national safety,” and the council, taking into account the general world situation, “shall formulate plans for such reduction for consideration and action of the several governments.” Premier Ramsey MacDonald of Great Britain wants an International arms conference. So do the Socialists of France, headed by Premier Herrlot. And'slnce President Coolidge has gone on record as favoring such a conference. It Is difficult to see how the United States, when Invited to name delegates, could very well refuse to do so. An attempt will .undoubtedly be made by the anti-league faction of the administration, howeve., to smother any league plans for disarmament and substitute similar, though disguised, plans of their'own, if past performances may be relied jjaon as an indication.

Harding Memorial in Wheat Field

iP_ A YEAR AGO,-WHILE ON HIS W AY TO SAN FRANCISCO, WHERE HE DIED, PRESIDENT WARREN G. HARDING TURNED “DIRT FARMER” AT HUTCHINSON, KAN., AND SHOCKED WHEAT. ON THE SPOT WHERE THE LATE PRESIDENT HANDLED HIS LAST BUNDLE OF WHEAT HAS BEEN ERECTED A MONUMENT (UPPER), PAID FOR BY CONTRIBUTIONS FROM SCHOOL CHILDREN. ELIZABETH HUMPHRIES (LOWER RIGHT) THEN 11, RECIPIENT OF A KISS FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE, UNVEILED THE MONUMENT. IN THE LOWER LEFT HARDING IS SHOWN -AS A “DIRT FARMER” ON THE SPOT.

G. 0. P. QUARTERS BUZZKBUSILY Foremr 'Old Man’ of Klan 'Drops In.’ State Republican headquarters in the Severin are humming with an air of business these days. Colored men, politicians from the out-coun-ties wearing large sombreros shading one eye, and women workers are much in evidence. Among the visitors received by Dailey McCoy, secretary of the State central committee today was D. C. Stephenson, ex-grand-dragon of the Klan in Indiana, formerly known as the “Old Man.” The subject of the conference was not revealed. Stephenson said he had “just dropped in" to see how the boys were getting along. "I'm not putting out a thing these days except a few cigars and a line of talk —and very little of that,” said Stephenson.

MINERS ATTACKED; FIVE SHOT DOWN Trouble Feared in Oklahoma Coal Fields. By United Press WILBURTON, Okla., Aug. 12. Five non-union miners were shot from ambush in the coal fields near here early today. None of the workers was injured seriously. The shooting occurred shortly after the night shift of workmen left the Bull Hull mine. The five men were -walking home when a blaze of buckshot felled them. Feeling in the mining community is tense, and extra guards were stationed at the Latimer County courthouse, where thirty-six miners are to be tried for rioting in connection with a clash between union and nonunion forces near here a month ago. At that time 100 armed strikers drove 200 non-union workers out of the county.

FIRE CAPTAIN IS SENT TO RANKS Safety Board Also Promotes Several Men. A shake-up in the fire department was made by the safety board today on recommendation of Fire Chief John J. O’Brien. Changes were made “for the good of the service,” it was explained. Captain Halleck Pruitt of Pumper Company 24 was reduced to the ranks with Charles Gregory of No. 5 going to captain. John E. Doyle of Truck Company 30 was elevated to lieutenant. William Adam of Pumper Company 5 and Albert Barnes of Pumper Company 24 were promoted from the ranks to chauffeur. Hugh F. White was reappointed fireman. On recommendation of O’Brien, William Gooden, colored, of the fire prevention bureau was retired to the pension fund. Gooden was injured last winter. The board granted Virgil Furgason, chief of fire prevention, a fifteenday leave of absence. He will attend the fire chiefs’ convention at Buffalo next week. Purchase of 1,400 feet of hose was ordered. Patrolman Francis O. Reilly was promoted to sergeant.

Indianapolis Building Fipnrcs Slanrn in Chart Hi' ..... --- ... .£ A...--;— l ...jl.-i.1i..;.;-! -1. ;.

WIEDFELD SLATED TO BERECALLED German Ambassadorto U. S. Will Resign. By United Press WASHINGTON. Aug. 12.—Dr. Otto Wiedfeld within about a month will resign as German ambassador to Washington and return to Germany, it -was announced here today. Wilhelm Cuno, the chancellor of Germany during the occupation of the Ruhr by the French and Belgians, is regarded as the most likely successor to Wiedfeld. Wiedfeld, the first German ambassador to Washington since the war, came to an understanding he would remain only a short time to help in the re-establishment of friendly relations with the United States. He has now been in Washington more than two years. While the German embassy will make no comment whatever regarding Wiedfeldt’s recall, it is known the reason behind his coming departure is that his relations with certain leaders of the Berlin government have r.ot been the happiest.

SIX DRIVERS ARRESTED Speeding and Other Traffic Violations Charged. Six motorists were arrested today. These four were charged with speeding: George Nagle, 25, of 325 S. Emerson Ave.; Karl Beidenmeister, 29, of 372 S. Arlington Ave.; Robert Richardson, 18, of 1628 N. Tacoma Ave., and William M. Coffey, 22, of 860 Middle Dr., Woodruff Place. Paul Sabee, 30, of 3132 Parker Ave., was slated on a charge of Improper parking and Joseph Suracufa, 30, Os 903 Pershing Ave., was charged with driving on the left side of the street. Five Hurt at Anderson By Times Special ANDERSON. Ind., Aug. 12.—Five were recovering from injuries received in as many auto accidents. They are; Miss Leona Everheart, 23; William Merrill, 78; Mrs. Frank Meeker, Louise Malone and Brack Taylor.

THE INDIANAPOLIS- TIMES

The accompanying chart shows records of building work in Indianapolis this year, compared with 1921, 1922 and 1923 activity in valuation and number of permits. The slump in June to a valuation below SBOO,OOO is below any of th three previous years, although last month’s record came above 1921. The chart shows the peak building record was made in March last year, with construction valued at more than $1,600,000. In the number of permits, building ran below 1923 constantly until June, -when it dropped below all three previous years. Last month It was again above the 1921 mark.

BOOK CONTRACTS GO INTO EFFECT Governor Announces New School Texts, Governor Emmett F. Branch today, in a formal proclamation, declared in effect five-year contracts with publishing houses for new textbooks for common schools of the State. The books were chosen recently by the State board of education. Formal notice was given of these new books: Winston Primer, first, second and third readers, John C. Winstbn Company; Bobbs-Merrill, fourth, fifth and sixth grade readers; Baker and Thorndyke Every Day Classics, seventh and eighth grade readers, MacMillan Company; Thorndyke's Arithmetic, books one, two and three, Rand, McNally & Cos.; Graves" Muscular Writing System, W. S. Benson & Cos. FOUR ARRESTED IN RAID Police Squad Works Overtime With Results. Lieut. Hudson and squad remained on duty over-time and made a raid at 225 N-, East St. early today that resulted in four arrests. Claude Eaton, 38, and Mary Eaton, 35, are held on statutory charges. Persons giving names as Lee Cooper, 23, apd Miss Elsie Kuper, i.9. us La Salle Hotel, were held.

ACCIDENTS COST TWO MOTORISTS FINES FOR SPEED

Driver Is Freed as Suspect In Fatal Injury of Boy July 26. Two motorists were fined on speeding charges by City Judge thro Tem. John Robbins today, and a third driver was dismissed, in cases growing out of accidents. On recommendation of Coroner Paul F. Robinson, a vagrancy charge against Lewis Kindel, 839 N. Keystone Ave., was dismissed. Robinson said he did not believe Kindel was the driver of a car that struck and fatally injured Dale Hill, 4, of 44G N. Rural St., July 20, at Massachusetts Ave. and Walnut St. A license number taken by witnesses v.’oß traced to Kindel. Edgar Buel, 917 Ashland Ave., was fined $25 and costs on a speeding charge, end Ivor Barber, 72t N. Capitol Ave., was discharged on an assault and battery charge. Police testified Btiel was driving twenty-five miles an hour when Barber swerved his machine to avoid hirn, July 24, at Sixteenth St. and Park Ave. Barber’.! car struck 8. telephone pole. Fc ur men in the machine were slightly injured. Ruben Hardey, 21. colored, giving his address as 2050 N. Delaware St., was fined $25 and costs on a speeding charge, and $1 and costs on an assault and battery charge, and dismissed on a charge of violating a traffic ordinance. An automobile driven by him struck s, car driven by Mrs. W. H. Babb, 5440 Ashland Ave., July 22 at Sixteenth and Bellefontaine Sts. Lois Babb, 3, daughter of Mrs. Babb, was cut about the head-

SUIGIDETAKES CAREFUL STEPS Ties Gas Line Around Neck, Puts End in Mouth. Elaborate preparations for death were mode by Edward De Burger, 50, Dr. WVSv. Doeppers, deputy coroner, said. De Burger wa sfound dead in his kitchen early today by Glenadean I-Cnaetzer, custodian, who called Motor Police Chitwood and Maas. De Burger, according to officers, carefully plugged up all cracks in doors and windows. He fastened a hose to the gas stove, tied the hose around his neck and placed the end in his mouth. Then he turned on the gas. He had s>een dead several hours when the custodian found him. Police said they were told Mrs. DeBurger left early Monday evening. Mrs. Mae Hallam, Apt. 201, the Shlel, 220 N. Illinois St., said her father had spoken of taking his life several times, but she did not regard the threats seriously. Body was taken to city morgue. De Burger evidently had planned writing a note to his wife, Jennie. A sheet of paper bearing the salutation “Dear John” was found on a table. BURGLARS’ UNION BUSY Cash and Tires Included in Loot for One Night. Burglars were active during the night Monday, reports to police showed today, y George Kugleman, 24 S. Illinois St., reported $5 stolen from a hiding place in a pool table pocket. William Phillips, Flaekville, said fourteen tires and five tubes, valued at $l5O, were stolen from his garage. At the Dawson & Darchus tire and battery servici station, 9 N. State St., $6.60 was taken from the cash drawer, an unknown amount from a pay phone and four tires valued at $49.50. Week’s * Building Lower Building permits in Indianapolis for the week ending Aug. 9 totaled 296 representing construction valued at $250,233, Francis F. Hamilton reported today, compared to 371 permits for building valued at $1,343,410 for tbs week ending Aug. 2.

A Story Wthoui Words * *% '^3*iW*riL

MORE CACOLINE TRAN EVER, BUT PRICE STAYS OP

Bansls of Oil in Storage Greater Than Last Year. Times Washington Bureau. 1322 New York Ave. WASHINGTON, Atig. 12 —Despite an ever increasing demand for gasoline and crude oil, the reserve supply of crude petroleum in the United States shows substantial increases. On June 30 this year there were 61,000.000 more barrels of oil in storage than on the same day last year, according to a survey just made by the bureau of mines. At the end of the first sfx months 0CY924 the total domestic net pipe line and tank farm stocks wa* 351,218.000 barrels. A year ago this storage supply totaled but 290,252.000 barrels. This was in spite qf the fact that the summer season increased the demand approximately 5,000.000 barrels. Crude Oil Reduced A reaction of the increased supply was a slight tumbling in the price paid for crude oil at refineries. However, the price of gasoline- to the motorist has decreased buj. a cent on the average throughout the country. Another reaction was a restraint on production by operators who are holding back for higher prices. In June the daily average production of crude petroleum in the United States was 1,981,300 barrels, which was 7,506 barrels less than in May. For the same month imports—mostly from Mexico —averaged 220,000 barrels daily or 16.454 barrels less than during May. t California Leads Production For the first six months of 1924 American oil wells produced approximately 352,163,000 barrels of petroleum and bureau experts estimate the total production for the year will be around 700,000,000 barrels of forty-two gallons per barrel. CaliforniaNcotinues to lead the States In quantity of production The June production was 18,805,000 barrels and a total of 118,109,000 barrels for the first six months of 2924. Oklahoma is second with 14,179,000 barrels for June and 79,005,000 barrels for the six months’ period. Texas is third with 21,383,000 barrels in June and 66,865,000 barrels for the six months.

BOARD COMMUTES TV/0 SENTENCES Many Petitions for Pardcns Refused, Governor Emmett F. Branch today approved report of the State pardon board, with the exception of one case in which a parole was refused. Only two parole cases were included. Two sentences were commuted and three prisoners were given permission to pay unserved fines and costs in Installments, Among the latter was John Martin, sentenced in Marion Criminal Court Dec. 12, 1923, to six months on the Indiana State Farm and fined SSOO and costs for liquor law violation. Two Marion County murder pardons were refused. They were applications by Harry Riggin. sentenced to life Imprisonment April 22, 1900, and John DeMar, sentenced to life Oct. 18, 1911. Other Marion County clemency petitions refused were those of Charles Ketterman, April 12, 1922, ten to twenty-one years, robbery; Ray Wilson, March 29, 1923, one to fourteen years, assault and battery, and Cecil Johnson, March 17, 1923, two to fourteen years, conspiracy to commit felony. Fifty-four cases, most of them refused, were, disposed of. TwentypMfven case* were continue^

BRANCO DEMANDS ‘COURTESY FROM DOIO'S GOVERNOR

Wholesale Arrests of Indiana * Truck Drivers Brings* Protest. Governor Emmett F. Branch today wired the Governor of Ohio demanding a return of courtesy granted Ohio trucks passing througjß Indiana, as a result of wholesale arrests over the week-end of Indiana truck drivers in Ohio. Ohio has a public utility law which would require licenses for these trucks before entering the State, it is understood. Operators of long distance trucking companies presented the situation. C. E. Armstrong, general manager of the P. & A. Dispatch,' said eighteen drivers of his company’s trucks had been arrested and the conlpany had furnished $36,000 in bonds. A number of drivers is held in jail at Akron, Ohio, it is reported. Armstrong said West Virginia also demanded a return of courtesy from Ohio, but that it/was flatly refused. He said West Virginia then retaliated by arresting more than 500 Ohio truck drivers. Armstrong said his company had attempted to apply for the required licenses, but that its application was refused. Warehouses and intra-State truckers were aiding Ohio police in making arrests, Armstrong said. Whenever an out-of-State truck arrives at a warehouse, the warehouse attaches call police, he said. Competition which allows Interstate truckers to charge $75 to SIOO less per haul than the Ohio warehouses and truck companies is the basis of this opposition, Armstrong said. \ Red Ball Transit Company was represented at the Governor’s office by W. B. Hiner, who reported ths same conditions.

RECEIVER ASKED FOR COMMERCIAL Printing Company Files Suit Against Newspaper. Petition for a receiver for the Indianapolis, Commercial, Incorporated. was filed in Superior Court, room Two, today by the Enquirer Frlnting and Publishing Company, 311 E. Ohio St. Defendant was named as publisher of the Indianapolis Commercial and Daily Amer ican. Judgment of $15,000 and a receiver to continue publication are asked. Suit alleges the paper is being published at a monthly loss of more than SI,OOO. Suit further charges that notes totaling $30,067.39 in debts due/and unpaid are held against the paper. Os this amount $9,355.70 is for current printing work and $7,000, which is due and unpaid. More than SII,OOO is owed to other parties, the complaint charges. Klan Calls Meeting By Times Special NOBLESVILLE, Ind., Aug. 12. Members of the Ku-Klux Klan of the Nintih and Tenth Congressional Districts will meet here Sept. 14, it was announced today. Twenty thousand are expected. Dog Owners Warned Letters are being prepared by the county prosecutor to be sent to dog owners who are delinquent in paying their city dog license and tax, warning that if they do not meet their obligations prosecution will follow. A total of 2,000 cases of appeals of violators have been taken from justice of the peace court of T. R. Rainey and will be settled In Criminal Court.

TUESDAY, AUG. 12, 1924

WITHOUT SEEING BENJAMIN BURRIS

Scheduled ConfS'ence on Resignation as School Head Prevented, Governor Emmett F. Branch left for Washington, D. C., today without conferring with Benjamin J. Burris, State superintendent of public instruction, who was scheduled to settle the matter of his resignation with the Governor today. Burris is to become head of the State Normal School at Muncie Sept. 1. College presidents and school superintendents generally have protested against the naming of H. Noble Sherwood, Fraklin. Republican nominee for State superintendent to succeed Burris in case the latter resigns before election. Burris wants to resign immediately, it is understood, but may be prevailed upon to remain at least until November to avoid embarrassment to Governor Branch and the Republican central committee. Opposition to Sherwood is based on alleged irregularities by him in certifying Franklin College students to the State board in the matter of teacher training. No Explanation No explanation was given for the fact that the scheduled conference did not occur. Branch will be present Thursday when President Coolidge is notified of his nomination for President by the Republican party. Frederick E. Schortemeier, Governor 'Branch's secretary, said he supposed Burris would confer with the Governor when he returns. Burris expectecUto meet trustees of the Muncie school here late today. Sherwood was at Republican State headquarters all morning. The headquarters kept in close touch with the Statehouse in connection with the possible appointment. That pressure is being brought on Governor Branch to make the appointment was indicated by a pile of forty telegrams received by Dailey McCoy, State secretary, advocating Sherwood's appointment. Friends Have Explanation Sherwood’s case is the result of a feud between him and Oscar Williams, head of the department of teacher’s training, it was said by those advocating his appointment. The difference dates from the time when Williams and Sherwood publisffed an educational journal, and disagreed on a matter of policy, ! Sherwood’s friends say. Sherwood refused to discuss the situation, beyond stating “everything will turn out all right,” and that | Frederick Schortemeier, Governor | Branch’s secretary, would have | something to give out to the- public in the near future. When asked what Sherwood might have meant, Schortemeier said cer- | tain letters and telegrams favorable to Sherwood's side of the case might have been meant.

‘DOUBLE PLATOON’ INTERESTSMAYOR Orders City Attorney to Make Survey in Other Cities. Mayor Shank today announced he had directed William Bosson, city attorney, to make surveys of the “dou-ble-platoon” school system of teaching in other cities. Under this plan, half the children attend school in the mornings and the other half in the afternoons, relieving crowded building conditions and at the same time giving ths present amount of w T ork. “There are too many teachers who, work only four of five hours a day,” said Shank. “They can work at least eight hours, like every one else, and teach two separate .groups.” Detroit is said to be using this system. Bosson is still probing the school book situation, the mayor asserting that it was an “outrage” constantly to demand pupils buy new texts.

DAVIS’ SPEECH PLEASESRALSTON Will Insure Militant Support, Says Senator. Declaring John W. Davis, Democratic nominee for President a finely visioned statesman, Senator Samuel M. Ralston, In commenting on Davis’ speech of acceptance, said: “The speech of acceptance of John W. Davis covers with admirable effect so many subjects that it can not be properly characterized in a brief comment. It is a speech of a broadminded and finely visioned statesman. It is a plea unexcelled in clearness and power, and made for the highest and best things in government- “ Fob ten years I have 'tried to, phrase, but nevtr could, what he accurately and eloquently says In his definition of ‘progressive’ and ‘reactionary,* Jefferson practiced progressivlsm and condemned reactionism, as conceived by Davis, and he could not have better defined these two opposing elements In our politics. “The speech will insure for him the militant support of Democrats and win to the cause he represents thousands of voters who have not heretofore affiliated with his party. The New York convention could not have nominated a finer exponent of Democratic, principles."