Indianapolis Times, Volume 36, Number 230, Indianapolis, Marion County, 5 February 1925 — Page 1

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VOLUME 36—NUMBER 230

MASTER CRIMINAL SEEN BY PROBERS OF POM DEATHS Believe Twisted Mind, Desiring to Broadcast Death, Put Drug in Medicine at Ohio University, BOTTLE GIVES CLEW Quanity of Strychnine Found on Open Shelf in School Laboratory, Bv United Press COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. s.—lnvestigation of Ohio State University's “poison pill” mystery narrowed down this afternoon to a determined search for a master criminal. “A super intellectual” with a maniacal desire to broadcast death, regardless of the identity of his victims, is now believed responsible for the strychnine adulteration of dispensary drugs, which resulted in the death of two students and serious Illness of three others. Discovery of 300 grains of the poison in an open shelf in the school ot pharmacy today strengthened belief of John Chester, police prosecutor, that when the mystery eventually is solved a “keen but twisted intellect” will be revealed at its root. Finding of the bottle of strychnine was the first tangible clew given police to work On. “The bottle is entirely strange to us,” said Dean Clair A. Dye of the pharmacy department, in announcing the discovery. “I never saw it before. It was a different type than the ones used here. The bottle’s capacity was 437% grains, but all except 300 grains had been taken out.” Chester, now' in charge of the probe, declared all of his attention would be confined to the sixty students registered In the pharmacy department. “I have every reason to believe,” he said, "that we will find a good clew to what we are looking for right in this group.” 9ISBMU FORBES PREPARES TO APPEAL CASE Faces Two-Year Prison Term if fight Fails, Bv United Press CHICAGO, Feb. 6.—Attorneys for Col. Charles R. Forbes, former director of the veterans bureau, and John W. Thompson, St. Louis contractor, today prepared their appeal to the United States Circuit Court of Appeals. Forbes and Thompson have thirty days for an appeal before they are to start sentences of two years each in the Federal penitentiary at Laevenworth, Kan. The two men, convicted of charges they conspired to defraud the Government through illegal hospital contracts, issued formal statements denying guilt and expressing confidence the judgment of the trial court will be reversed. SCHOOL REGULATION AIM Measure Affects Private and Parochial Institutions. Measure requiring that all courses in private and parochial schools be in strict conformity with public school courses, said to be endorsed by the Ku-Klux Klan, was introduced in the Indiana House today by Representative Murden, Logansport. The bill provides that private and parochial school text books shall be the same as those of public schools, that examinations shall be the same, that teachers shall be regularly licensed and that the schools shall be inspected regularly by the State superintendent of public instruction.

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‘Friends ’ jITY JUDGE DELBERT O. WILMETH received I upon a telegram blank today this message: “Please give Professor Irving Allen days. Devoted students.” But the judge gave Professor Allen, Butler economics instructor, 657 E. Thirteenth St., only a $32 fine on a charge of speeding. The instructor was arrested Saturday morning and he hastened to the campus to avoid being late for in examination. Now the professpr would like to know who his “devoted” student “friends” are.

JACKSON SIGNS BILL First Measure Approved by Governor Affects Guardianships. Governor Jackson signed his first bill, Senate Bill' 57, today. The measure provides that termination of the guardianship of any female under 21, upon marriage, shall be at the discretion of the judge, instead of automatically, as heretofore. Senator Lindley, Kingman, is author of the bill. 45 PHYSICIANS CITED Involved in ‘Diploma Mill Scandal’ —May Lose Licenses. Bv United Press ST. LOUIS, Feb. s.—Forty-five doctors were cited today to appear before the State board of health to show why their licenses to practice should not be revoked. v This is the latest step toward elimination of the “diploma mill” scandal exposed by the St. Louis Star more than a year ago. S V HAW GETS THIRD STAY Death of Mrs. Welchel’s Slayer Delayed to June 19. John Thomas Shaw, colored, sentenced for the murder, Nov. 28, 1923, of Mrs. Helen Hager Welchel, after she was kidnapped as she stepped from a Garfield street car at East and lowa Sts., today received his third stay of execution from State Supreme Court. On petition of his attorney, Russell B. Harr,ison, the court stayed the execution to June 19. He was to die Feb. 20. The first stay was granted March 21, 1924 to Nov. 20. On Nov: 7, the execution was stayed until Feb. 20. Shaw’s appeal is still before Supreme Court. • BILL TO STOP ‘LEAKS’ Measure Proposes Restrictions on Attorney General. State Representative Carlisle, South Bend, introduced a bill today prohibiting the Attorney General from giving opinions of any law to persons other than the Governor and State officials on matters pertaining to State affairs. It is said the bill Is aimed at persons wbo have obtained advance opinions from the attorney general on questions of lntereaL COURT AID PROPOSED Bill Read, Increasing Salaries of Probation Officers. A bill to increase the salaries of probation officers of juvenile court was read in the Senate today by Senator Russel B. Harrison, Measure provides that in each county having a population of 100,000 or more the juvenile judge shall name one chief probation officer with an annual salary of not less than $2,500 a year: chief adult probation officer, $2,000, and each assistant not less than SI,BOO. Present salary for Marlon Countj’ Is $1,500 for chief probation officer and $l,lOO for his assistant. ■ i HOSPITAL GIVEN $4,000 Mrs. Juliet Rogers Makes Second Riley Donation. Subscription of $4,000 to the building fund of the Riley Hospital from Mrs. Juliet G. Rogers, 26 Meridian PI., was announced today by L. C. Huesmann, chairman of the finance committee of the James Whitcomb Riley Memorial Association. Mrs. Rogers’ donated SI,OOO in May, 1623. The $4,000 subscription was made through Dr. Lafayette Page, member of the hospital medical staff. The funds will be applied immediately on construction work on additional buildings. Although the hospital has been open less than three months there Is a waiting list of eighty-seven. PRE-WAR WAGE FIXED Mine Operator Orders Return of 1917 Scale for Pay. EVANSVILLE, Ind., Feb. 5.—A return to the 1917 scale of wages for miners in his two coal mines at Newburg, near here, was ordered today by Eugene Sargeant, wealthy coal mine operator. Because of the strategy with which Sargent made the move, miners will not draw union benefits, as technically no strike exists. The 150 miners affected have voted not to return to work. Sargent ordered the men out of the mines with their tools, then told them if they wanted to go back they could do so at the old rate. HOURLY TEMPERATURE 6 a. m 36 10 a. m 43 " a - m 31 *■ m *

DAUGHTER STATE WITNESS AGAINST MOTHERAT TIL Says She Saw 65-Year-Old Woman Charged With Husband’s Murder Mix Preparation, DEATH FOLLOWED DOSE Declares Powder Put in Medicine Tasted Like Poison, Bn United Press COSHOCTON, Ohio. Feb. 5. Placing her own daughter on the witness stand to testify against her, the State today played its trump card In an attempt to send “Grandmother” Clara McCurdy to the electric chair. Mrs. Myril Haxton, the daughter, told of seeing her mother "mix up stuff,” which the State is trying to prove caused death of William Allison McCurdy, the 65-year-old defendant’s late husband. McCurdy 1 died May 4. Two days before this Mrs. Haxton said she saw her mother working over a white powder. “Who prepared the evening meal on May 2?” asked County Prosecutor C. O. Turner. “I did,” Mrs. Haxton replied, looking sternly at her wrinkled old mother and the fofcr other grown children who have affirmed their faith that Mrs. McCurdy Is Innocent. Spilled Medicine “Who gave your father medicine that evening?” “I saw mother mix up some stuff, but I did not see her go to his bedside with It. Vlhe had the tablet in one apron and a white powder in the other. As she was ready to fix it, I said: 'Mother, what have you there?’ She spilled some of it on the table and then said, ‘this is papa's medicine.’ ” “What did you do after your mother left the room?” “I went into the pantry to see where she got the powder.” “What did you find?” “A pink paper.” “What was in it?” “A white powder. ' “Was there any mark on the paper?” “It was labelled arsenic.” Tasted Same Mrs. Haxton then told about tasting the powder and comparing it with the powder her mother had spilled on the table. She said both had a burning taste. Acording to Mrs. Haxton’s testimony, she and the other children then refused to let their mother administer the medicine to McCurdy, but gave it to him themselves. McCurdy's tongue and mouth began getting sore immediately after this occurrance, the witness said and two days later he .died. • Mrs. Haxton took the stand after Dr. L. C. McCurdy, cousin of the alleged victim and his physician, who said he felt certain McCurdy was poisoned, but refused to record It on the death certificate “to spare the family.”

TWO EVANSVILLE MENDIEIN FIRE Fellow Employe Burned in Attempted Rescue, Bv United Press EVANSVILLE, Ind., Feb. B.— Two men were burned to death early today and another seriously burned while trying to rescue them when the drying plant of the Evansville Veneer Company was razed by Are. The dead: Charles Wiler, 45, and John Peacock, 42. The flames, feeding on the tinderlike veneering and shavings, spread like a flash through the big room In which seventeen men of the night force were at work. George Vandever, hearing the cries of the two trapped men, turned back to their aid. He was Immediately enveloped by flames that seared his face and fired his clothing. He was rescued through a window by "fellow workmen. Loss was estimated at $75,000. threeTsafes molested Thieves Get Only $5.38 in Night of Activity. Three safes were molested by burglars Wednesday night. Thieves obtained $5.38 from an open safe at the \ E. Van Atta Lumber Company, 2050 Northwestern Ave. Combinations of safes In the otlces of the Northern Coal Company, Thirtieth St. and the Canal, and at the paint shop of the Stlckney Color Company, 2245 Valley Ave., were hammered ofT but nothing taken. Overtime Parker Fined Thomas Reilly, 35, of 1235 N. Talbott Ave., was in city court today on four charges of parking overitims. He was fined $1 and costs on

INDIANAPOLIS, THURSDAY, FEB. 5, 1925

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By ROSS H. GARRIGUS “KVTi HAT’S the shortest and the longest street in Indianapolis?” I asked the city engineering department. the postoftlce and the R. L. Polk & Cos., publishers of the city directory. Meridian St. was the longest, according to directory publishers. As for the shortest they just didn’t know, “Nix,” said Ed C. Doeppers, assistant city engineer. “We aren’t answering cross-word puzzles.” But he said he thought Meridian St. was the longest and Trenton Ave. the shortest. I agree with him. I found Trenton Ave., at 2932 N. New Jersey St., street sign and everything. It has just five houses —three, according to the city directory, for two face on New Jer-

'BURGLAR? WAS WOMAN Thought She Was Home, Tried to Crawl Through Window. J. T. Davis, colored, 429 W. Twelfth St., called police today saying a burglar was trying to enter his house. Police found Margaret Wagoner, 42, of 2530 Royal Ave., had tried to climb through a window. She said she thought she was home. She was slated on ae drunkenness charge. MAY WHEAT DECLINE Sliarp Drop Registered at Opening on Chicago Exchange. Bv United Press CHICAGO, Feb. 6.—A sharp drop was registered by May wheat at opening of the Board of Trade today. Opening prices ranged from $1.97 a bushel down to $1.95%, compared with a close of $1.99% oh Wednesday. MAYOR REVIVES COIU IDEA Shank to Call Conference on Proposal, A municipal coliseum with seating capacity of 20,000 persons within the mile square will become a reality this year, if plans announced by Mayor Shank today are carried out. “I am going to call the city council and board of works into conference, probably Friday, and take up the matter,” Shank said. “Then I am going to ask luncheon clubs, the Chamber of Commerce, community clubs and all business, civic and social organizations to get behind the movement." Expenditure of about $2,000,000 for ground and building Is in the mayor’s plan. He proposes a bond issue to finance the ‘project. TURKS READY TO FIGHT Greece Threatens War, Cabinet Minister Declares to Assembly. Bv United Press , CONSTANTINOPLE, Feb. 5. "Greece is threatening us. We are ready to arm and defend our sovereign rights We have no fears of Greece,” Fethi Bey, Turkish minister of war, declared in a speech in the Assembly at Angora today. The Turkish government anticipates a complete breach of relations with Greece over expulsion of the patriarch, the Rev. Constantinos, but Is not ready to offer any concessions. SCHOOL BILL LOSES Sturt* Will Not Recognize Private Religious Instruction. Acting on recommendations of the committee on education, thee House today indefinitely postponed the Dickerman Senate bill permitting students in State schools to be credited for private religious instruction. I Kern Is Named Receiver United States Commissioner John W. Kern was appointed receiver for the Indiana Silo and Tractor Company of Anderson, Ind., by Judge Robert C. Baltzell In Federal Court today. Petition asking appointment of a receiver, filed by Anna C. Langtry of New York, Jan. 12, alleged the company was insolvent. Walsh Case Near Jury Bv Times • Bvec , al LAFAYETTE, Ind., Feb. s.—Case of Raymond Walsh of Indianapolis, alleged -slayer of Earl Leathers in

TRENTON AVE

sey St. It ends abruptly forming an L with Princeton PI. And the turn, thank heavens a flivver has a 100-inch wheel base, or I never could have made it. Trenton Ave. is ninety-six feet long, half a block. It isn’t paved, but it has pretty homes and a genial air of prosperity. Next I tried the longest street. I found why Washington St. holds the popular reputation of being the longest. It has sixty-six blocks east and forty-nine west. Meridian has only thirty-eight south and fifty-nine a difference of eighteen blocks. But blocks east and west are shorter than those going north and south. Why? Ask the folks who put the jog at Sixteenth St. Actual measurement shows Meridian St. is eight and three-quar-ter miles long and Washington

EXPERT TO TELL KIWANIS OT CITY MANAGERTORM Cleveland Professor Wiii Speak at Club Luncheon Feb, 12, A. R. Hatton, professor of polltioal science at Western Reserve University, Cleveland, member of the Cleveland city council, and nationally known expert on city government, will address the Kiwanls Club on the city manager form of government Wednesday, Feb. 11. Dr. Hatton wrote the Cleveland city manager charter and the city manager charter under which Cincinnati soon will operate. He also was one of the authors of the law under which Indianapolis can adopt the city manager form. Kiwanis Club officers have invited representatives of other organizations to attend the meeting, which will be held in the Riley room of the Claypool. Officers of various luncheon clubs will meet at the Chamber of Commerce tonight to discuss the city manager movement. Winfield Miller, former State Senator, will discuss the city manager and commission forms at the luncheon of the Optimist Club Friday. The two plans will be discussed at a meeting of the Junior Chamber of Commerce the night of Feb. 16, MEMORIAL BILL PASSES Senate Approves $15,000 to Honor Civil War Veterans. By unanimous vote the Senate today passed a bill appropriating $15,000 for a memorial for Indiana Civil War veterans at Vicksbu-#, Miss. “This is about our last chance to honor the “boys in blue” while some of them are alive to enjoy it,” said Senator Moorhead, Indianapolis. i STORK HAS LAST LAUGH Motorist Freed in Speed Court on Doctor’s Affidavit. Thomas Dillingham, 25, S. Holt Rd., arrested Jan. 31, at Pine and Virginia Ave., after he had passed seven cars at an alleged speed of thirty-eight miles an hour, was discharged today in speed session of city court, when he produced a doctor’s statement that he was taking a nurse to a home where the stork was expected. EUGENICS BILL RETURNED Measure to Be Amended to Restrict Department Head’s Powers. The eugenic sterilization bill, designed to prevent procreation of degenerates, insane and socially inadequate, was sent back to a Senate committee today for amendment. “The amendment will limit activities of 'the State eugenicist to inmates of State insaqe asylums and other institutions,” said Senator Holmes, author of the bill. “There has been a lot of agitation against the clause allowing investigation of private families, and In deference to the objectors. I will strike that part out.” The bill was to have been called up for passage. Wabash President Better CRAWFORDS VILLE, Ind., Feb. s.—Condition of Dr, George L Mackintosh, Wab&sh College president, ill at Chicago since Christ.-

eight and a half miles, from city limit to city limit. Both Meridian and Washington Sts. boast wide variety. Washington St. dawns in classic Irvington, and wanders downtown, across White River through poor sections, past the ball park, the Central Indiana Asylum for the Insane and yon. Meridian St. emerges from the canal on the north, flits past palatial homes, sparkles with silent traffic cops and filling stations, around Indiana’s pride, the Monument, under pride No. 2, the elevated tracks, down a far-flung business section in the south and out where the cobble stones grow. My speedometer will prove Meridian St. is the longest. As for the shortest Maybe Toronto St. or Thiele Terrace, also half a block, is the shortest. Or maybe Easy St. I’ve done my best. Do you know of any shorter?

‘PARKED’ GUM ON WALL Argument Follows—Husband Goes to Hospital, Wife to Jail. An argument over the proper place to “park” a wad of chewing gum resulted in a cutting scrape which landed James Wiseman, 23, colored, 1422 E. Thirteenth St„ in city hospital with deep gashes In his right wrist and back, and his wife, Alberta, 24, in the city prison, charged with assault and battery with Intent to kill. Police were told that Alberta cut her husband after he slapped ar.d choked her when she attempted to stick a wad of chewing gum on a vase. Wiseman objected and the r lit Tin ■ ■ ... REALTORS OPPOSEBILL Favor postponement of ManagerLaw Repeal. t Real Estate Board today was on record favoring postponement of action on the bill to repeal the right of Indiana cities to select their own form of city government. The city manager plan was advocated by Dr. Frank Garland, Dayton, speaking before the board at Wednesday luncheor at the Clay* pool Hotel. ANTI-APPEAL BILL PASSESJENATE Measure Prevents Utilities From Going to Federal Court Senator Barker’s bill, designed to prohibit appeals of public utilities to Federal District Court from rate decisions by the public service commission, today passed the Senate by a vote of 29 to 10. It was sent to the House. The bill failed of passage Jan. 30, when only twenty-five votes, one short of a constitutional majority, were cast. The opposition argued the law will be unconstitutional. Senator Daily, Indianapolis, argued the bill does not deny right of appeal to State courts. Under t{ie bill, which was drawn by the public service commission, the Utilities agree to not carry cases to Federal Court in return for an indeterminate permit to operate. KLAN BILL WINS FAVORIN HOUSE Minority Report on School / Garb Accepted, By a vote of 64 to 27 the Indiana House today accepted a minority report of the education committee favoring passage of the Cooper (Vigo) bill, a Ku-Klux Klan measure, prohibiting wearing of any distinctive religious garb by public school teach ers. The bill was introduced ns a substitute for one withdrawn previously by Cooper which went so far as to prohibit the wearing of any relig icais In ignia. The withdraw n meaag ure wan the counterpart of the Sims Senate bill which was defeated by that body. i. , Representatives Knepper, Warsaw, and Carney, Morristown, were the only ones signing the minority report. Other members of the educacommittee signj majorityj

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

KENTUCKY DEMINED TO SEE COLLINS TAKEN OUT OF CAVE DEAD 00 ALIVE - - S New Shaft Is Planned as Only Chance to Save Trapped Explorer Held •Underground Since Last Friday Morning. / GOVERNOR ORDERS RESCUE WORK GO AHEAD FULL STEAM Expert Miner Who Entered ‘Prison’ Declares It Is His Last Trip ‘l’d Never Come Out Alive,’ He Says.

PRAY! Bv United Press v AVE CITY, Ky., Feb. s.—“ Ask the country to pray ____ for my boy,” Lee Collins, father of Floyd Collins, entombed explorer, begged today. “I know the Lord is able to give my boy strength to last until the new shaft reaches him.”

Bv United Press CAVE CITY, Ky., Feb. s.—Dead or alive, Floyd Collins will be taken from Sand Cave.-dCentucky has pledged itself officially to bring him out. But even with resources of his State and the Federal Government marshalled in his behalf, Collins probably will perish. The tunnel through which men burrowed toward the victim has swollen shut and the bulging mu 4 is freezing. Roy Hyde, expert miner returning from the last plunge into the depths, reeled into the open air to report: “That’s my last trip. I’d never came out alive if I tried it again. I couldn’t even get my hand through the opening that is left.” s - The only means of reaching Collins now would be through anew shaft. This must be cut directly to the spot where Collins lies. Engineers have abandoned a plan to dig through to the walio of a giant vault beyond Collins. From the point they would have emerged, it would have been necessary to scale a fortyfoot precipice, pitch the jailer boulder into the void and then carry Collins out. This plan is believed impractical.

Rescue work Is being organized by Governor W. J. Feilds, who on suggestion from the Cincinnati Post, sent soldiers commanded by Brig Gen. H. H. Denhardt, Lieutenant Governor Major Hubert Cherry, and Capt. Alex Chaney. Denhardt commanded trobps at Newport, Ky., during mill strikes recently. Men working In the shaft erected several tents In the pit at the mouth of the cave. Troops have pitched pup-tents on the overhanging ledge. Guard posts have been established around the entrance, giving the scefle a war-like atmosphere. “Go the Limit” Governor Fields has authorized General Denhardt to go the limit In requisitioning supplies and materrials. More than forty newspaper men from New York, Chicago and other cities are working here. Airplanes swoop into the sky bearing messages to news wires at advantageous points. A corncrib in nearby meadows has been converted Into a press room. Special wires are being strung to Sand Cave for the use of press associations.. Several rqmors and freak schemes for rescues have been received. Hundreds of persons are flocking to Cave City to help or watch. Dixie Hotel is jammed. Several exhausted rescuers wer# unable to obtain beds last night. They sat In the hotel lobby. Fund Raised Albert H. Young of Cave City, with other citizens has raised a fund with which to buy food for the rescue crew. General Denhardt received the money. The bureau of mines train from Vincennes was due here this morning. The one from Pittsburg is expected later In 'the day. A representative from a Dayton, Ohio, manufacturer, arrived today with electric wares and heating pads. He had, planned to place the pads on Collins to keep him warm. Governor William Fields was no titled of Collins’ possible death at 2:10 a. m. This call was made by M. E, S. Cozy. Kentucky highway engineer sent here by the Governor to take charge. I Fred E. Wittles. 25, president of Ogden College, reported his aide heard Collins speak after the death report had been circulated. It was reported a crew ol’ twelve men entered the cave just after Geralds came out and heard Collins speak faintly to the leader. HJs voice was so hoarse it could scarcely be heard. Wittles said today. The last crew that got near Collins was led by Ben L. Wells, mathematics professor at the same col-

Forecast FAIR tonight and probably Friday. Mild temperature. Lowest tonight above freezing.

TWO CENTS

Wittles’ version of Wells’ story. Both Wittles and Wells had gone into the cave several times Tuesday. In the crew with Wells was Dr. R. R. Richardson, Litchfield, Ky. Dr. Richardson phoned the Litchfield Ky.. exchange about 2:10 a. m. He also reported entombed man said: “I am going home.” Death Near Wittles reylved the idea that Collins is alive. He said that the man is suffering of pneumonia, but will live through another twenty-four hours. Throughout the night National Guardsmen kept everybody away from the entrance of the cave. This was to prevent jarring loose of more stone in the cave beneath the mouth. Despite this the ceiling gave way in several places shortly after TVells was in the hole. LOCAL MEN MET COLLINS Cave Prisoner Told Him of Mysterious Passageways. Maurice Pleak, 1309 Hoyt Ave.. and Jack Miller, 3131 Indianapolis Ave., today recalled having met Floyd Collins, the man entombed *in Sand Cave, Ky., in Aug. 1921. Pleak said he and Miller were escorted through Crystal Cave. Kentucky, and anothet cave by Collins, his father apd J. Norman Parker. During the trip Collins told abottj the mysterious passageways he believed lead from Crystal Cave into Mammoth Cave. SIX TRAPPED BY FLAMES Believe World War Veterans Are Caught in Burning Building. Bv United Press MILWAUKEE, WJs.. Feb. £ —rir. men are believed trapped in ib Modern Grinder Company. four story building here, which was behi;, sw'ept by flames this afternoon, .y i fire fighting aparatus in the city ha been hurried to the scene Cause of the fire is unknown. Tinmen believed trapped are “handicap men,” war veterans working on the third floor of the plant, officials said. Thief Gets S2O A thief who entered the. st)re or Tkatdore Rebenack. 1537 Rotsevel: Ave., through a coal cbute. obtained S2O, Robenack told police today.™ _ . Bakers Advance Price* Bv United Press MILWAUKEE. Wis., Feb. s.—De-' daring the inreasing cost of flou: