Indianapolis Times, Volume 36, Number 196, Indianapolis, Marion County, 25 December 1924 — Page 1

Home Edition! AG I ANT Cross - W ord Puzzle today on Page 3.

VOLUME 36—NUMBER 136

CHRISTMAS—THE GLADDEST DAY OF ALL

By DR. EDWIN CUNNINGHAM, Pastor Central Universalist Church. <ms WITH gladness men of old” sang the carolers of A **•l yesterday. iSo sing we still, for Christmas day, with its songs of .joy, its gift of love, its good will and good cheer, is the Glad Day of the year. It is the one day when a united and universal effort is made to give and to bring gladness to others. Both Easter and Christmas are glad days: Easter because it gives hope for the life that is to come; Christmas because it inspires hope for life 1 that now is. But Christmas is the greater gladness; it does not have that “song of those who answer not however we may call.” As nearly 2,000 years ago, the hope is inspired by Christmas day centered in the life of a little child—today, it is the child in our midst, in whose candy-stained hands lies tlie future of the race, that we take new hope.

COLDEST DEC. 25 SINCE YEAR 1878 Four Below Zero Marks Lowest Christmas Temperature in Almost Half Century—Cold Wave Strikes City Late Wednesday and Mercury Falls Steadily. Indianapolis woke up this morning from a mountain of covers to tind the coldest Christmas since 1373 and only one degree from setting the record for the coldest in tlie history of the local weather bureau, established here in IS7I. In I"|3 a record of 5 below was established. From 4 a. m. to 7, the Government thermometer registered 4 degrees below zero and street thermometers went as lo\y as 7 below.

Warmer weather was forecast by : the weather bureau for Friday. \ Snow flurries were predicted for northern portions, but fair weather was seen for Indianapolis. The bureau was swamped with telephone calls from citizens seeking the temperature and whether there was any relief in sight. The cold wave struck Indianapolis , late Wednesday afternoon. From 7 j p. m. to midnight the mercury fell from 7 above to zero. It was clear, ! sparkling cold, 'with but little wind, j The cold wave was general j throughout tbo State, the weather ; bureau stated. Sub-zero weather was reported from all sections. j The rapid fall of the thermometer ! interferred with Christmas eve j celebrations. Carolers sang, but kept their j autos running to prevent freezing, j The weather was anticipated by: hundreds of motorists. Killing sta-! tior.s reported they sold more aleo- j hoi than they did gasoline. Steam ! heated garages were crowded with j cars. Plumbers did hot get to spend; Christmas morning with their families. Frozen water pipes kept them on the jump. Cold interfered somewhat with early morning street car service. The cars were running on Sunday schedule, however, and the delays were not serious. The temperature was not a record j over last winter, the bureau said. On j Jan. 5, 1924. 13 below was recorded. A bright sun caused the tempera-! turn to start a steady rise. As 10 the mercury had climbed to 1 above. TWO DIE IN CHICAGO Zero Weather Prevails Over Middle t West—Ground Snow-Covered. Bit United Pi eex CHICAGO, Dec. 23.—Zero weather j prevailed in most of the Middle West j today after a night of sub-zero tem- j peratures. Two deaths here were attributed to the cold, while numerous fires broke out from overheated stoves. It was a white Christmas in this territory. No new snowfall was reported, but the blanket of snow laid down during the past few days was preserved by the low temperatures. DRIVERS IN ALTERCATION One Under Arrest—Passerby Gets Broken Thumb. J. G. McDonald, 1603 Central Ave., Apt. 213, was suffering from a broken thumb today, and Clarence Belt, 27, of 52S Udell St., was under arrest on charges of drunkenness, operating a car while intoxicated and assault and battery. Police said Klroy Boyd, 717 N. Emerson Ave., driving on Michigan St., stopped for Meridian St. Wednesday night, and Belt, who was following in another ear, skidded into him. When the two men got out to see the damages, police said, Belt knocked Boyd down. He then kicked McDonald, a passer-by, who came to Byyd's aid, breaking his thumb.

Memories EOLIET, 111., Dec. 23.—1 t roast pork dinner and ’ haunting memories of more sumptuous Christmases foi* Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb today. With 2.000 other convicts the millionaire youths, serving life for the murder of Bobby Franks, celebrated the holiday in subdued fashion. Chicago choristers sang “The Messiah” for the prisoners. Leopold's father and brother visited him Wednesday.

The Indianapolis Times COMPLETE WIRE SERVICE OF THE UNITED PRESS M. WORLD S GREATEST EVENING PRESS ASSOCIATION

HOI KEY TEMPERATURE Wednesday—--7 p. ni 7 above ! 8 p. m 4 above i 9 p. m 3 above i 10 p. m 2 above ; 11 p. m 1 above : 12 (midnight) zero I Thursday—--1 a. m 1 below 2 a. ni 2 below 3 a. m 2 below 4 a. ni 4 below 5 a. m. 4 below 6 a. m 4 below 7 a. m 4 below 8 a. m...‘ 2 below 9 a. m zero 10 a. m 1 above DETENTION HIE HAS CELEBRATION Twenty-Three Boys and Girls Given Treat. Sixteen girls and seven boys at the Marion County Juvenile Detention Home were treated to a Christmas tree, chicken dinner and a program of entertainment today. Although most of the youthful prisoners are held for trial or waiting removal to correction homes, not all of them have broken the law, according to Miss Isabelle Summerville, chief probation officer of juvenile court. One little curly-headed girl, of Jewish descent, is held because her stepmother beats her while the father is at work. She will be kept at the home until the stepmother's trial, after which a home will be found for the child. Two colored girls, aged 10 and 2, were left two days in an empty house by the father and stepmother when the latter moved away, are also at the home. Another is a 17-year-old West Virginia girl who came here with a burlesque show and was stranded. premierTcabinet hide Albanian Officials Seek Safety Under Italian Protection. Bit I'nit fit Prctm ATHENS, Dec. 23.—Premier Fan Noii ard the Albanian cabinet, which fled from Tirana after that city fell to rebels under Aehmed Zogu, are reported to have taken refuge at Valona, under Italian protection. snethenTsanta CLAUS Gives Party'to Kiddies in Day Nutsery at I.ions Club. Edward O. Snethen, attorney and president Indianapolis Federation. of Civic Clubs, was Santa Claus to kiddies at the Day Nursery at a party given by Lions Club on Wednesday. J. K. McDowell was chairman of committte in charge. Gifts of every description were given the children. AUTO GONE AGAIN Inspector Glenn’s Machine Stolen While Parked at Church. Inspector of Traffic Michael Glenn is without an automobile again. While he was attending church at St. Phillip of Neri, Rural and Michigan Sts.. Christmas eve. some f.ne stole his car. No trace has been found of it. Two Speeders ll* Id Two Christmas eve motorists were arrested on speeding charges. They were Robert Jones, 21, 1132 N. Temple Ave., and Verri Harrington, 22, 1121 \V. Thirty-Second St.

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this the happiest Christmas in the lives of 109 youngsters saf* ly stowed on a beautiful island of mercy in the midst of the rushing city today. Just hope, glorious, heavenly hope. Hope that Indiana’s finest doctors will give them arms and legs, eyes and ears like those of the playmates vyhom they watched romp before they became patients at Riley Hospital. Because they have been denied bodies like other girls and boys

CHRISTMAS TREE FIRESAREFATAL 10 THIRTY-SEVEN Thirty-Two Perish When Flames Sweep Oklahoma Schoolhouse, Bn United Prrn HOBART, Okla., Dec. 23.—Horror stricken families huddled in groups about the charred remains of a country schoolhouse seven miles south of here today as rescue workers sought remains of additional victims of disastrous tiro at a Christmas party Wednesday night. The cremated remains of thirtytwo persons, recovered after an overturned Christmas tree started a tire which ravaged the schoolhouse, were in local morgues today. Packed to capacity, the one-story frame building suddenly became a death trap when flames, started from a lighted candle on a Christmas tree, swept the building. Hash for Exit Panic stricken, the crowd, estimated at 200 men, women and children, swamped the only exit, shrieking and fainting as flames seared the flesh of those nearest the blazing tree. “It was a roaring hell,’’ Andrew Jackson, who managed to escape, told the United Press today. “The windows w*-re heavily screened and only the three-foot door was available for exit. “I could hear them screaming and moaning with pain ass desperately tried to pull some of them through the door. The building was alive with flames and burned so quickly 1 can't realize that more were not killed.” The Christmas program had been completed and Santa Claus had just started taking resents from the large tree when a small candle -top-* pled over and set f.re to the dry pine needles.

Tree Falls Over The flames spread Instantly and the tree toppled over on the persons •■ltting in the front row. They leaped, screaming in terror. I’andemon i urn followed. Shouting at the top of his voice for the crowd to become calm, the man playing the role of Santa Claus stood on the small platform and is believed to have perished. The heroine was Miss Florence Hill, teacher of the little school. She attempted to calm the panic and died trying to shelter the small children from the mad rush about the doorway. FIVE DIE IN TEXAS Hotel Gutted—Property Loss Estimated at *60,000. Bit United Pre*g STAMFORD, Texas, Dec. 25.--Five persons were burned to death and three others injured in a Christmas tree fire which gutted the Stamford Inn at midnight. Property loss was estimated at *60,000. Few guests were in the hotel at the time and the tire had gained too much headway to heed five streams of water that were played on the burning building. MEANEST MAN LOOSE Thief Takes Child's Sled—Perfume and Cash Stolen. Sweet odors of spring blossoms will not gladden the Christmas of Elmer Thompson, colored, 901 Athon St. Hold-up men took a *6 bottle of perfume and $37.50 away from him Wednesday night, he reported to police. The meanest man is loose again. This tins* he stole a child’s sled from the home of J. F. Lutes, 2615 Ashland Ave.

INDIANAPOLIS, THURSDAY, DEC. 25, 1924

HOLIDAYS ESCAPE CHANGE OF YEARS Christmas Celebrated Same Old Way, Says Daughter of Pioneers,

Years may come and years may go. but Christmas fundamentally is celebrated the same way today as it was when Indiana was young, according to Miss Emily Fletcher, 709 E. Thirteenth St., a descendant of Iloosier pioneers. “There never was a time when the Christmas spirit was not glorified. Desire to help the less fortunate, to make others happy has always been present, though expressed in different ways," she said. Recalls Old Times “Christmas was a sacred time in our family and it was observed as a holy feast. Kiddies believed in JEWELRY STORE WINDOW LOOTED Thieves Hurl Brick and Get $942,50 in Valuables. Jewelry valued at 1942.59 was stolen from the show window of the Gray, Oribben A Gray Jewelry Company, 151 N. Illinois St., today. A brick was thrown through the glass to gain entrance. Police said the robbery was done between 4 and 6 a. m. Fifteen watches, eleven ladies’ dinner rings, some cuff links and five cameo sets were stolen. Tn the grab for valuables, the thief overlooked other jewelry valued at $1,300. SHERIFF SERVES RABBIT Treat for Prisoners at Noblesviile County Jail. Hu Time* Sperial NOBLESVILLE, Ind., Deo. 25. One hundred inmates at the poor farm had rabbit for their Christmas dinner today. Delicacies included oranges, candy, apples .and nuts. Sheriff Frank Sherrlck served turkey at the jail. The Elks distributed 300 bundles of clothing among the needy families of Noblesviile. PARK FUND STARTED Noblesviile Council Votes sl2,ftofl Toward $50,000 Goal. By Timm Special NOBLESBILLE. Ind., Dec. 25. The Noblesviile council Wednesday night passed an ordinance for the creation of a park fund and set aside $12,000 as a starter. It is the plan of the officials to keep this fund growing from the surplus until it reaches $50,000.

Times Santa Is Busy Many Families Are Made Happy Through Readers of Paper—Generosity Is Great,

Well, it’s over! The rounds have been made. Folks who thought Santa Claus never had heard of them discovered that he knew just what they wanted. The Times Santa Claus, with the aid of his many helpers, distributed not only toys and Christmas dinners, but also coal, clothing, house furnishings and milk. After every family on The Times list was assured a Christmas dinner and toys, The Times Santa sent many more givers to the Christmas Clearing House, to help out with its list.

ANN LOUISE BRICKER,

all Indiana seemed to be thinking of Riley Hospital’s population. The place looked as if a department store had moved its toy department there. Nurses awakened path-nts with enrols and spent spare moments playing with those who have no parents or whose parents could not come. Ann Louise Brieker. 7, who came to the hospital from the Elwood Orphans’ Home Dec. 11, was happy, although she said: “Daddy had to work and couldn't come to see me.”

Santa. Claus and danced and sang around the Christmas tree in early 60s as they do today. Childhood curiosity was expressed in their desire to discover gifts before the proper time, bv peeping into closets and ransacking drawers.” Miss Fletcher's father was one of a family of nine brothers and each would take turn entertaining the family on Christmas. She recalls an occasion when he* father. Calvin Fletcher, Jr., was host and her grandfather, an early banker and lawyer, passed out paper quarters to the grandchildren as they danced around the room. Thrilled by Same Store They were permitted to spend it as they chose at store of Charles Mayer A Cos., 29 E. Washington St., which meant as much to kiddie., then a* it does today. She has three glass balls, a toy iron and little basket, which she received when a child. “The tree was decorated with cranberries, popcorn and other ornaments,” said Miss Fletcher. A large pan of home-grown corn, p*\pped in skillets on top the stove, with plenty of home-made maple molasses candy on It, attracted the kiddies. "One of the early public services which I attended was in the Central Christian Church. Delaware and New York Sts., when there was a general tree for Sunday school children who gave a program. “Christmas spirit is about the name as it was in my childhood.” said Miss Fletcher, wljo has att ended Christmas celebrations in France, Germany, Italy and England. SHRINERS GIVE CHEER Distribute 500 Baskets to Needy Families at Murat Temple. More than 500 “bushels of cheer” were distributed over the city today by Murat Shriners. Bushel baskets containing articles ranging from candy to such necessities as flour, hair, and coffee were passed out by a committee headed by Amos Hack. Wearing “fezes” members delivered the baskets to needy homes. Workers from Volunteers of America, under direction of Major Earl Hites, prepared the baskets. Shriners committee: Ora Ovens, T. C. Rutledge, Robert Elder, Ed Bergen, Fred Brinkmeyer, George L. Mass, George Hilgemier,. C. H. Givan and Lloyd Claycomb. Raise Fund fur President By Time* Special WABASH, Ind., Dec. 25.—Students and alumni have raised a fund to send President Otho Winger of Manchester College on a trip to Europe or to any school which he might choose

Little children joined their mothers and fathers in giving. One told The Times Santa she wanted her soy to help, so that he would learn the real meaning of Christmas giving. So it was he who called Santa to get the names of boys and girls less fortunate than he. * “We’ve had a great time,” Santa said today. “Seems as if the people who gave had a better time than the people who received, in many cases. Guess it’s that A'ay pretty often. “Merry Christmas to all of you!”

EIGHT KILLED AS AUTOMOBILES AND TRAINS COLLIDE Four Die in Crash at Bedford —Two at Michigan City, Eight motorists were dead today as result of autos being struck by trains Wednesday. At least four more are expected to die. Without exception, the victims were on their way to Christmas dinners and gatherings. At Bedford: Mrs. Fred Demond, 25; Miss Maggie Chapman, 20; Miss Bertha Chapman, 20, all daughters of Mr. and Mrs. John Chapman of Huron, and Mrs. Clarence Richardson, 30, were instantly killed when their auto was struck by a B. & O. passenger train. Their car stalled on the tracks. Fred Chapman, driver, is not expected to live. At Michigan City: Mrs. Rhinchart Keller of Michigan City, and Dan Wolfe of Rensselaer, , were killed, and Mr. Keller was probably fatally inured when their auto was struck by a Michigan Central passenger train. An unidentified boy was also seriously injured. At Huntington: Harmond W. Helle, 18, was killed when an auto driven by Rudolph Pohler, 18, was struck by a Erie freight train. Pohler escaped serious injury. At Maxwell: Edward Dobbins, 60, farmer, of Fortville, was killed when a Big Four train struck his auto here. At Warsaw: George Allen, 54, and .his son Thomas, 24, were possibly fatally injured when they drove their auto into a fast Nickel Plate passenger train.

DDILOOK BRIGHT, GREEN DECLARES New A, F, of L, President Makes Statement, Bu United Perm COSHOCTON, Ohio. Dec. 23. “The outlook for labor during the year 1925 is ’reasonably satisfactory' ” William Green, new president of the American Federation of Labor, declared today in an interview at his home here. In making the statement, Green pointed out two factors which he said contributed to that belief: . 1. The stabilizing effect of the operation nA the Dawes, plan in Europe will *e of great benefit to the working class. 2. The absence of disturbing factors in the field of labor and industry in this country at the present time. Green plans to go to his new headquarters in Washington after spending Christmas with his family here, and from Washington, will go to Indianapolis, where he will resign, as secretary-treasurer of the United Mine Workers of America. His resignation will take effect Jan. 10. He expects his successor to be appointed by President Lewis at a meeting of the executive council to be held Jan. 5. Veterans Bureau to Move The United States Veterans Bureau, Indianapolis division, will be moved to the new Test. Bldg., southwest corner of the Circle and W. Market St., March 1. They are now iu the Meridian Idle Bldg.

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

Slumbering in his heart is the future peace and good will of humanity! “Every child is a glad harbinger of good will. Christmas day and ill will do not mix. One excludes the other. Good will is more than a catchword. To will to be good, to will to have, to will to pass the good along to others is to create an active force, charged with power to lift the heart above enmity and meaness to love and righteousness. Be glad on Christmas day. Your muscles have been overtaxed, your nerves overstrained; your brain seething; you have grown discouraged and impatient with people, you are down on yourself, you see only sickness and wickedness and lonesomeness; let go for just one day at leasts Be glad for the good that slumbers in the heart of the child in our midst. Be free in spirit. Throw off all ill will toward any man or yourself. Disarm your mind of unfounded fears and suspicions. Look for the good in everybody and in every heart. Put gladness and hope into Christmas day and you will reap gladness and hope in return.

YULETIDE SPIRIT HOVERS OVER CITY Business Suspended as Indianapolis Celebrates Holiday —Christmas Carolers and Gay Parties Entertain in Homes and Clubs —Youngsters Enjoy Snow, Indianapolis enjoyed an old-fashioned Christmas today. With clear skies, zero temperature, ice-covered ponds and streams and several inches of snow, the only thing lacking for a Yuletide of a generation ago was the jingle of long-gone sleigh bells. To thousands of youngsters the snow, ice and cold wave meant the ultimate of happiness and a chance to try out skates, coasters and other winter equipment the minute they were detached from family Christmas trees.

To the unfortunate and poor of the city the old-fashioned Christmas brought no such thrills of joy, but their fear of suffering was greatly lessened by gifts of charitably inclined citizens and organizations putting their Christmas spirit into practical use. Carolers Entertain Undaunted by Arctic weather, bands of carolers and trumpeters, went through all parts of Indianapolis during the night and early morning singing the old-time Christmas songs to the pleasure and delight of thousands of families snugly tucked away in bed. Earlier part of the evening the carolers went through the downtown district singing on the Monument steps, in hotel lobbies, the Union Station and downtown clubs. All day Wednesday charitable and civic organizations distributed baskets of food and presents. The Salvation Army. Volunteers of America, Wheeler Mission, Christmas clearing house and innumerable clubs and churches were among the agencies of distribution. Optimists Entertain Orphans About 200 white and colored orphans were entertained by the Optimist Club at tbe Lincoln Friday. The Rot Ary Club contributed heavily to Christmas funds for various institutions. Following the Christmas party of the Indianapolis Real Estate Board at the Chamber of Commerce Wednesday, toys and gifts were donated to children of the Indianapolis Orphans Home. Orphans and poor children were guests of the Elks Club at a special show at the Circle this morning. Every child received a present and candy was distributed freely. Never in the history of the city were the poor and unfortunate so well cared for. For the day at least Christmas spirit ruled supreme, and Indianapolis gave itself over to thousands of family parties, celebrations and various forms of observing the day. 20,000 childreTn HAPPY | Entertainments at Fire Stations Prove Successful. About 20,000 children were made | happy by entertainments at city stations. City-wide parties were successful beyond expectations. Work of spreading cheer was continued by distribution of baskets, according to Chief John J. O'Brien. There will be music and dancing at stations on New Year's eve. QUARTET - ENTERTAINS Woodruff Place Residents Hear Christmas Music. • Residents of Woodruff Place were awakened today by a brass quartette, according to Jack Lyider, member town board. A. Z. Wilson, chairman, had charge of a Christmas party Wednesday night at Middle and Cross Drs. Clyde E. Titus impersonated Santa Claus. Children caroled under direction of Mrs. Titus. The Rev. Henry T. Graham, pastor Westminster Pres'byteriana Church, spoke. HOLIDAY BOOZE SEIZED Five Vessels. $500,000 in Liquor, Captured Off New York. Bn United Pres* NEW YORK, Dec. 25.—While nature was failing in efforts to produce a “white Christmas” for the Atlantic seaboard in the vicinity of New York, coast guard forces did their best to make it a “dry Christmas” by capturing five vessels, twenty-five prisoners and *500,000 worth of holiday liquor off Sandy Hook. Exchange Tarty Friday v Exchange Club will exchange Christmas gifts Friday luncheon at the Lincoln, Douglas H. White, secretary, announced. Special program lias been arranged

Forecast FATE tonight and Friday. Rising temperature Friday anticipated.

TWO CENTS

SANTA Town Named for Christmas Saint Makes Merry—Entire Population Takes Part in Gelebration,

OWN in the hills of Spencer Ijl County nestles a little village i inhabited by 150 persons. It is called Santa Claus. A mile west of the town is a camp ground. It has been a camp ground for many years. It was called Santa Claus. About forty years ago Uncle Sain installed a postoffice at this point. It was known as Santa Claus. The town continued the name. Last night, Christmas Eve, Santa Claus visited Santa Claus. - He was honor guest of the townspeople who had rehearsed for weeks on the pageant that was given in his honor. Each had a part. Later on he officiated in the annual gift giving. There was a gift for every single one of the hundred and fifty. Three Miles From Rails The town has gravel road advantages to three railroad points, La- i mar, three and a half miles away;i Dale, six miles, and Lincoln City, 1 six miles. Years ago, before the gravel roads came, many were the hardships encountered in getting in. supplies. The little town boasts first of Us postoffice, which, by the way, is annually swamped with letters to Santa Claus from all parts of the United States. Next comes the general store, then the blacksmith shop—there is no garage—a' barber shop that recently has turned into a bobber shop—they have ’em there, too—cream station—Clay Township justice of peace office, and last, but not least, a public school. The form of government is D. E. Lewis, 86. a Civil War veteran. He is marshal and justice of peace. One Physician For forty years past Dr. J. J. Sehwerzer has taken care of the aches and pains. He is now 75 years young. He says the old wrinkles still work. On Sunday' the 150 divide their worship between the Evangelical, .Methodist and Christian churches. Each day' the mail comes in by carrier at 10:20 from Lincoln City, where Nancy Hanks Lincoln, mother of Abe Lincoln, is buried. Christmas there is an institution built on a foundation of hardships and deprivations. The old community center—the camp ground—Camp Ground Santa Claus—is the hub. Santa Claus, Spencer County, Indiana, is one spot in Indiana that Kris Kingle never misses. WINDOW SMASHERS HELD Detectives Get Confession From -Jewelry Store Thieves. George Reymolds, 17, colored, "40i Highland PL; William Rice, 17, colored, 526 N. Senate Ave., and Johitf Gasby, 17. colored. Hudson housi are held today on charge of tUfjr?, f*"' and grand larceny followii arrest Wednesday by Df. , &■} Samuels, Reynolds, I’rabuT t Sneed. Detectives 'say Rice confessed he. Gasby and Reynolds broke a show window in Wolf Sussman’s jewelry store, 239 W. Washington St„ early, Tuesday &a4 took |2so la