Indianapolis Times, Volume 36, Number 195, Indianapolis, Marion County, 24 December 1924 — Page 1

Jfomnie Editiomi READ “Right Here in Indiana” on the Editorial Page today.

VOLUME 36—NUMBER 195

WHAT IS THE MATTER j WITH INDIANAPOLIS? Xnte —Recently The Times printed an editorial headed “What Is the Matter With Indianapolis?” In It The Times asked EVERYBODY to cooperate to help make Indianapolis an even better city than it is to day. It was hoped that the editorial would help in arousing public opin ion on the subject. Henry L. Dtthmer, president of the Chamber of Commerce, has written the following statement on the same subject: By HENRY L. DITHMER President, Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce. mAM ONE of those who refuses to adroit there is anything the matter with Indianapolis. The surest cure for such a condition of mind is to hear the enthusiastic indorsement ol approval of our city by strangers within and without our gates In my somewhat meager traveling experience I have yet to hear, while listening in on the gossip of the smoking ear, any other than enthusiastic approval and indorsement of Indian qpolis when comparisons of various cities was the topic of eon versation. I might make this reservation, that. I have never heard any discordant note unless it might come from one of our own citizens and that, if you ask me. is the only thing that is the matter with Indianapolis. We are entirely too backward in acknowledging the importance of our own city both to ourselves and others. Let us make up and examine a balance sheet of our assets and liabili ties, setting forth as assets those facts which indicate progress. Bnd as liabilities those facts which retard progress. —o— —i'— JO THAT we may not include any part of the war period let ; us start with the year 1919: Population 1919 302.000 Population 1924 357,000 New building 1919 $12,<94.550.00 New building 1923 $27,1-14,484.00 Industrial firms 1919 1.004 Industrial firms 1924 1,250 Industrial employes ..1919 52.000 Industrial employes ..1923 59,286 Value indust. prod. ..1919 $398,666,,>.>3.00 Value indust. prod. ..1924 $4->5,898,000.00 Postoffiee receipts 1919 $2,480,459.00 Postoffice receipts 1923 $3,741,;>06.00 Bank clearings 1919 $810,109,000.00 Bank clearings 1924 $1,053,026,000.00 Bank transactions ...1919 $2,921,533,000.00 Bank transactions ...1924 $3,112.,>76,000.00 Assessed valuation ...1919 $495,000,000.00 Assessed valuation ...1924 j o —o — SHE ABOVE statistical figures are bare statements of fact. but the comparisons are nevertheless interesting and indicate a distinct asset on the progress side of the ledger. To these may be added some general statements which have a tremendous influence on the progress and prosperity of Indianapolis, even ‘.hough they cannot be reduced to figures, namely: Indianapolis is directly connected by railroads, bus lines and internrban lines, with a population of nearly two million persons withia scarcely more than two honrs ride of our city. Indianapolis is almost exclusively an American oily, our foreign population being a negligible quantity. Our labor conditions are unsurpassed by any. Housing conditions equal to the best. Industries, of which there are more than 1.200, are so diversified as to make us less susceptible to general depression than most cities. Illiteracy in Indiayapolis is only a fraction over 2 per rent. There are too many of these advantages to try to enumerate even a half of them, but each and every one is a distinct advan:age or asset to the future growth and prosperity of Indianapolis. IND NOW LET us be fair to ourselves and admit our one ! A liability. Unfortunately this outstanding liability cannot be reduced to figures. There is no question about it, we have citizens in Indianapolis who have profited enormously by the growth of the city who yet have contributed nothing in sacrifice of time or money to the prosperity of which they are the direct beneficiaries. There is still another class that contribute some of their money, but make no sacrifice of their time for Indianapolis. The latter must, of course, be listed as an asset, although not equal in value to the citizen who gives some of the advantage he gains because of the progress and prosperity of Indianapolis, both in personal sacrifice of time and financial support. It is encouraging to note a steady increase in the number of self-sacrificing citizens. If your inquiry as to what is the matter with Indianapolis will tend to greatly enlarge, the num-i ber of our loyal self-saerificing citizens, we may soon hear in reply to your question: “What is the matter with Indianapolis,” the unanimous answer—“NOTHING AT ALL.”

Notice to Dealers and Carriers of The Indianapolis Times: On Thursday, Christmas day, the Indianapolis Times will publish one edition, in accordance with our holiday custom. v Out-of-town carriers who receive papers on interurban cars between 1:30 and 2:30 p. m. may expect their papers from one to two hours earlier than usual. Carriers in Indianapolis will receive papers from two to three hours earlier than usual, with the exception of those whose papers are delivered by traction cars. These carriers will get their papers on .raction cars leaving Indianapolis not later than 2 o’clock. There will be no late Final or Pink Sports edition. TIMES CIRCULATON DEPT.

COMPLETE WIRE SERVICE OF THE UNITED PRESS GREATEST EVENING PRESS ASSOCIATION

ANOTHER POISON CASE Ohio 'Woman Charged With Murder of Husband. By Time* Special COSCHCTON, Ohio, Dec. 24Seven months after death of her husband, Mrs. Clara S. McCurdy is under arrest, charged with his murder. She was indicted for first degree murder late Tuesday after chemists reported finding arsenic in the body of her husband, William A. McCurdy, a 65-year-old farmer, who lived twelve miles east of here. McCurdy died May 7, supposedly from nephritis. TAXPAYERS SAY ‘THANKS’ Balance of 8275,000 I>ft in C’ity Geueral Fund. A Christmas gift of $275,000 was presented Indianapolis taxpayers today by Joseph L. Hogue, city controller. That amount represents the balance left in the general city fund this year with all bills paid, and will be carried over to next year.

THIRTEEN MOUTHS TO SATISFY! ** •* t t • • * Fortune Smiles on Indianapolis Parents of Eleven Children Who Are All Living, at Home; Entire Family Hangs Up Its Stockings

LEFT TO RIGHT (SEATED) —JOSEPH, HERMAN. ROBERT. ALFRED. IRENE. JAMES AND EUNICE HORSLEY. LEFT TO RIGHT (STANDING) —HARRY R. HORSLEY, HOLDING OLIVE; MRS. HARRY B. HORSLEY HOLDING VIRGINIA; FRED AND WILFRED HORSLEY.

By RADER AVINGF.T I""’ " ICPPOSE, you father*- and 111 1 (taught* '■<* arc .scattered t<> the four corners of the land, could gather them all together again at home for Christmas day. You'd he happy beyond words. But suppose you had e leven living children, each one gathering at the family hoard for breakfast and dinner each day lit the ye at!

CAROLS TO ECHO FROM ALL PARIS OF GUY TONIGHT 1 Singers Will Visit Public Buildings and Resident Sections, While all Indianapolis Is observing Christmas eve, carolers, under direction of the city park department, will sing in the downtown and residential districts tonight a* the second program arranged by the city administration for the holiday season. The first program given by the city ended at a late hour Tuesday night as tired and sleepy Hr’men in every station of the city closed tilt* doors when the last grtiop of the thousands of happy children left, loaded with candy, fruit and presents as a remembrance of the evening. Chief O’Brien pronounced the parties the best ever given in the city. Nearly 15,000 children are estimated to have attended. Carolers will assemble on the steps of the monument tonight at 7 p. m.. where a program will be given before a concert of the Police and Firemen’s Band, which will start at 8:15. From the monument, carolers will he taken in city automobiles to hospitals, institutions and through the residential districts, where sick are confined. A lighted candle will be the signal for carolers to stop and sing at a residence. Other groups will separate in the downtown area singing in hotels, at (Turn to Page 2) IDEAL CHRISMS WEATHER SLATED Crisp Temperature, but Sunny Sky Forecast, A Christmas like you read about and the kind you see on Holiday greetings was predicted today by J. 11. Armington, Government meteorologist. It will be the first white Christmas since 1916, Armington stated. Last year, light snow fell, but warm weather turned the flakes into rain almost as soon as they fell. There have been patches of snow on other Christmas days, but tomorrow will bd the first genuine Enovvy Christmas in eight years. Temperatures will be brisk—ranging from 10 to 20. And there will be sunshine, it was predicted. And Armington forecast a beautiful Christmas Eve tonight, with clear heavens permitting the stars to shine through, crinkly snow under foot and a crisp atmosphere Ideal for Christmas carolling—yes and radio. And Satda Claus—- “ Hold tier Dasher and Dancer, they’re headed for the chimney.”

INDIANAPOLIS, WEDNESDAY, DEC. 24, 1924

Tret’s Mop supposing. There’s one Indianapolis family able to enjoy such happiness the year around. Mr. and Mis. Harry B. Horsley. Guilford All 1 ., are the happy parents. Happy, although Christmas means thirteen stockings t<> fill; thirteen healthy appetites around the festal table.

TWO TEXAS TOWNS LOOTED BY BANDITS Yeggs Ransack Banks, Postoffices, Railroad Stations and Stores While Residents Sleep, />y f n't> A Hr*'** DALLAS. Texas, Dec. 24.—Bandits ransacked the towns of Britten and Paradise, Texas, near here, early today, obtaining loot valued at thousands of dollars.

Two hanks, twelve stores, the postoffiee and the railroad station were looted it Paradise, a town of 1,5 1)0 population. At Britten, a town of 600 population, the bandits robbed tho post office, one hank and tip? railroad station. Paradise is fifty miles northeast of Dallas and Britten twenty-live miles south. Worked quietly The bandits worked with precision and extreme quiet, none of tho citizenry in either town being aroused. Details of sheriffs deputies and detectives are en route to Paradise and Britten from both Dallas and Ft. Worth. Safes in the postoffioes and railroad stations were knocked open with sledge hammers. The safe in the Britten station, which contained $25,000 was carted into the street where it was discovered this morning. Both the First National and People's State Bank at Paradise were entered. officials have not determined their loss. Most of the safes contained Tuesday's Christmas receipts. One Gang Apparently the bandits composed one gang, which split into two sections, one going to Britten, the other to Paradise. The wholesale looting started about midnight, police believe. The number of safes opened and buildings entered led to the belief that at least twenty men composed tlie gang. POLICEMAN KILLED Shot While Attempting to Stop Bandit Wlio Robbed Bank. flu f nited Pre** NEW ORLEANS, La.. Dee. 24. A lone bandit shot and killed Patrolman Jacob Uhle here today after robbing the Marine Bank and Trust Company of approximately $13,000. Uhle was attracted to the bank by shouts of employes, and challenged the bandit as he dashed from the building with the money. The man shot Uhle in the head, leaped on a passing truck and escaped. DRY CHIEF REARRESTED Additional Indictments Served on Anderson at Prison Gate. By United Pres* OSSINING NY Y., Dec. 24.—WilJiam 11. Anderson, former State superintendent of the Anti-Saloon League, was rearrested on two indictments charging grand larceny and extortion when he was paroled from Sing Sing prison today after serving nine months of a one-to-two-year sentence for forgery. He was to be taken to New York and arraigned and then probably will be released on bond so that he may Spend Christmas in his home. HOURLY TEMPERATURE 6 a. m 19 10 a. m 16 7 a. m 19 11 a. m 17 8 a. m 16 12 (noon) 18 9 a. m...... 16 1 p. m.— rr „ 13

Horsley is 41 and .Mrs Horsley is 34. The children Fred. 19: Wilfred. 15; Alfred, 14; Irene, 12; Herman 11. Robert, lu: James, 9; Joseph, 8. Eunice, L Olive, 16 montlLs, and Virginia. 3 weeks. Five children are dead. The younger children f the eleven in the Horsley family con fitted to a Times reports that Santa

Proof City Gives Whole-Hearted Response to Indianapolis Times Santa Claus Cheer Taken to Eighty Families,

mF ANY ONE ever doubted that Indianapolis is bighearted. let him doubt no more. The Indianapolis Times Santa Claus has absolute, proof to the contrary. With Christmas only a day off, Santa today was swamped with requests from people who wanted to play Santa to those less fortunate. Although there are scattered instances in *which clothing and toys still could be used, almost every family on his list of eighty has been assured a merry Christinas. The gifts have come from folk in ail walks of life, and in most instances have been given with a re quest that “my name he kept out.” One man walked into The Times office Tuesday, handed The Times Santa a $5 hill and started out. "Wait a minute!" Santa called. “I'd like your name for my record.” But tlie modest, giver only htir tried the faster, and Santa tucked up his whiskers and looked through iris list to decide whose rent should he paid with the donation. Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Case, 3815 Ruckle St., almost out-Santa Claused Santa. Claus. They took care of two families on The Times list and five others. They bought five tons of coal, three stoves, clothes for numerous children and clothes for numerous children and growr-ups. and today were getting ready to deliver Christinas baskets and toys. The spirit of giving has caught the city, and those who thought Santa Claus didn’t care are learning that he does care for every one. IVTCOY JURY IS EXCUSED Members Go to Homes for Christinas; “Kid” Showered With Gifts. flu United Press LOS ANGELES, Dec. 24.—With demand for the deatli penalty ringing in their ears, jurors in (he case of “Kid” McCoy, accused slayer of Mrs. Teresa Mors, today joined families and friends for Christmas. Friday they will reassemble and commerce deliberating fate of the former pugilist. Argument in the case closed late Tuesday. McCoy, alone in a county jail cell, was not forgotten. He was showered with gifts from friends and members of hie family.

Claus never has passed them up. There have been times when Horsley hu.l a real struggle on his hands to help Santa Claus, but tho Lord provides. Fortune smiled on Horsley's persistent efforts. This year he wfcnt Into the masonry contracting business and lie says he has made more money than ever before. The two older boys work and add to tho family treasury.

CHICAGO OFFICERS PROBE DEATH OF WEALTHY ORPHAN Judge Orders Body Exhumed for Chemical Analysis— Fiancee Assists, By I nited Pres* CHI*.’AGO. Dee. 24.—Isabelle Pope. 20, pretty, and one of the best known members of the exclusive •Yortli Shore social set, announc'd today she would as-ist the police in their investigation of the mysterious death of her sweetheart, "Billy" McClintoek, "millionaire orphan." Tlie girl will bo one of seven or eight . witnesses State's Attorney Roltert E. Crowe and Coroner Oscar Wolff plant to summon in their inquiry its to whether some other cause than typhoid killed the millionaire youth. "Foster" Parents Away * Air. and Mrs. William D. Khepperd. foster parents of the youth, will he questioned when they return from a visit to Albuquerque, New Mexico, Crowe said. Crowe's assistants will have the body of Billy exhumed some time * today. McClintoek died Dec. 4. while Isabelle waited at his bedroom door witli a marriage license, prepared to go througli with the ceremony as her sweetheart had requested. When the will, made out and signed by the youth when he came of age a few months ago, was opened, it was found ho had turned over nearly nil of tho $2,000,000 estate to the Shepperds. A bequest of SS,OOO a year was made to Isabelle. Investigation Asked Requests for an investigation into the youth’s death were made by Chief Justice Harry Olson of the municipal court, an intimate friend of the McClintocks. and Coroner WolffT shortly after the burial. Justice Olson also said he wanted the death of Billy’s mother, Mrs. Emma Nelson McClintoek. investigated, She died in 1909 shortly after the Shepperds joined, her household. The Shepperds are from Salina, Kan., and Mrs. McClintoek and Mrs. Shepperd once attended the same school, it was stated. After Mrs. McClintock’s death the Shepperds took over the home and acted as Billy's foster parents. SHRINERS PLAY~ SANTA Murat Nobles to Deliver flaskets on Christmas Morning. Murat Temple Shriners will distribute 600 Christmas dinner baskets to the poor from the Temple on Thursday morning. Shrine s In their own automobiles and trucks will start deliveries at 8 a. m. Noon Credit Dinner .lan. 8 In addition to the monthly night meetings the Indianapolis Association of Credit Men has decided to hold a noon dinner once a month. The first of the new* series will be held Jan. 8 at the Chamber of Commerce. Members will discuss problems *t the luncheons.

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

HlfaHT GIVEN LIFE AND MRS. SWEETIN 35 YEARS IN ILLINOIS POISON PLOT Former Methodist Minister Escapes , Gallows—Widow of Dead Man Gets Lighter Sentence—Both Take Verdict Calmly. CHARGE OF WIFE’S MURDER i HANGS OVER EX-MINISTER | States Attorney Disappointed at Pair's Escape From Noose “A Perfect Case,” He Declares Plea of Insanity Is Futile. flu United Press MO UN r \ ERXOX. 111., Dec. 24.—Lawrence M. Bight, former Methodist pastor, must serve a life sentence in the Illinois penitentiary and Mrs. Elsie Sweeiin 35 years for the murder of Wilford Sweetin. A jury brought in the verdict shortly before 9 a. m. today.

The jury had deliberated cn the case for approximately eleven hours The main question among the Jurors, according to rumors about the courtroom, was whether or not the minister should hang. Both Might and Mrs. Sweetin took the verdict calmly. The pastor seemed resigned to his sentence. Mrs, Sweetin expressed gratification at the fact site had not been given a life sentence. Perfect Love This was the final episode of the perfect love which the minister and the miner’s w*ife had built up. For months he wooed her clandestinely and in the end, according to the

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MRS. SWEETIN State's evidence, it resulted in the doing away with Mrs. Sweetin'** bus band by arsenic poisoning. The minister's wife, Mrs. Anna Hight, also died from arsenic poisoning and a charge of murder In con nection with her death still hangs over the two convicted persons today. State's attorneys announced they would not take up the second murder case immediately. The State’s attorney today said he was very much displeased with the leniency of the Jurors. “We built up a perfect case against tin* two. T am displeased with such a verdict," Frank Thomp

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LAWRENCE M. lIIGHT son, one of the prosecutors, said. In the closing arguments both Thompson and Ills attorney made a plea that both Hight and Mrs. Sweetin be sent to the gallows for the murder. Insanity Plea Hight’s defense was based around insanity, and Mrs. Sweetin had contended she had no part in tlie affair. Immediately after the pair was arrested in connection with the murder they confessed to the crime. Hight’s confession was read into the Hum to Paso flj

Forecast Generally fair tonisht and Thursday. Somewhat colder tonight with lowest temperature about 10.

TWO CENTS

EIGHT KILLED AS ;PASSENGER PLANE FALLS 10 EARIH London-to-Paris Air Express Bursts Into Flames and Crashes. flu United Pre** CROYDON, England. Dec. 24. Eight persons were killed at the Croydon aerodrome here today when a London-Paris passenger airplane burst into flanjes and crashed to the ground. The machine caught fire and fell shortly after starting for Paris. Among those’ killed in the crash was Dr. Barbosa Lima of Brazil, who was starting for Switzerland. The airplane, which was seen to burst into flames as it soared above the aerodrome here, came down at Hailing Downs, a short distance from the starting field. Rescuers rushed to the scene in automobiles and afoot. The plane’s passengers were burned to death, however, before the first of the rescuers reached the wreckage. i Eye-witnesses of the tragedy said the pilot had just begun his ascent when the machine fell sideways. A high wind made futile the pilot's efforts to right the plane. A trail of (Turn to Page 9) LOCAL MOTORIST HURT Paralyzed When \utn Is Wrecked Near Straughn. An ambulance from Lewisville, Ind., brought Richard Esky, 40. of 738 Carlisle St., to the Methodist Hospital, following his serious injury near Straughn, Ind.. forty-five miles east of Indianapolis, this morning when his auto skidded from an icy road arid plunged into a ditch. Esky was reporter} paralyzed from the arms down and his condition critical. He and his wife were driving to Covington. Ohio, to spend Christmas with relatives. Mrs. Esky was not hurt. * DRIVER HURT IN CRASH Robert Nuling Injured When Interurban Strikes Track. Robert Nuling, 20. of 806 Cdel! St., was seriously hurt today when , a Charles Mayer & Cos. truck was struck by an inbound Union Traction internrban on College Ave. near Thirtieth St. William Hatcher, 37. of Peru, motorman, was slated. Nuling was delivering a load of toys. Victor Fish. 16, colored. 513 W Pratt St., helper on the truck, also was hurt. Nuling was taken to .the city hospital.

Santa Anderson C*—~ CHRISTMAS Will he happy for Fred Bunner, 23. 4___j of Muneie, Ind., and his wife and baby. Bunner was released on his own recognizance by Judge A. B. Anderson today in Federal Court, after he had pleaded guilty to forging a pension check for $6. Bunner had been in jail since Aug. 15. “Go home and take care of your wife and baby, and tho one you are expecting, and try to make good,” said Judge Anderson. Bunner is to report tn the district attorney at frequent intervals. “I wish you a merry Christmas,” said Bunner as he smilingly left thp. courtroom.