Indianapolis Times, Volume 36, Number 245, Indianapolis, Marion County, 23 February 1925 — Page 1

Home Edilioni THE only complete hour-by-hour radio program published in Indianapolis appears daily in The Times.

VOLUME 36—NUMBER 245

SULLIVAN GIVEN STATE AID

GRAND JURY ASKS COUNTY PROBE OF SULUVAN BLAST Recommends That Judge Order Prosecutor to Determine Exact Cause of Mine Disaster, LAWS MAY BE URGED Rain Adds to Dismality as Grief-Stricken City Buries Its Dead, BY DICK MILLER Times Staff Correspondent SULLIVAN, i'l „ Feb. 23. While grief stricken Sullivan was burying miner dead today, the county grand jury in regular session, returned a recommendation, asking Circuit Court Judge Arthur E. De Braun to order Norval K. Harris, prosecuting attorney, to investigate the exact cause of the disaster that claimed the lives of fifty-one men. at the City mine Friday. Thomas Medsker. foreman, in signing the report said the session would ordinarily adjourn until April 1, but that the members would stand by to investigate the disaster if called.

Text ol Report The rfeport: “We, members of the Sullivan County grand jury, taking notice of the terrible tragedy Friday, Feb. 20. at the City Coal Mine, feel that the cause of the disaster should be definitely ascertained if for no other reason than to advise the Indiana Slate Legislature, so tha. that body may amend Indiana mining laws to prevent another like catraaophe. If criminal negligence should be ,dUK closed, we stand ready to make a thorough investigation and for the present we rfecommend that the prosecuting attorney of this county tdvise with mine committee, mine officials—State mine inspector and If the prosecutor deem It necessary that he request the judge of the Circuit Court to reconvene this said grand Jury.—Thomas Medsker, foreman." Fred Bays, head of the Sullivan Gas Company and In charge of the citizens relief committee, today denounced reports sent out from the city that Sullivan was not asking outside help. “If any one could see the magnitude of suffering caused by this dinaster, they would know the report is ridiculous,” he said. "Aid Is wanted, Is needed and is appreciated.” Prosecutor Harris said many of the old miners dreaded to place blame on the present mining laws. Miner* Blame Surveying He stated miners told him they believed the disaster was due to poor surveying. State mining laws require that thirty feet be left between each room. Harris said miners thought that a coal cutting machine cut into the abandoned entry Two when they dug In on an angle. Men In charge of the machine, called Harry Anderson, mine foreman, miners believe and he failed to extinguish his open flame lamp, which ignited the gas from the abandoned entry. Miners told Harris that they believed If a drill had been used ahead of the coal cutting machine, the tragedy would not have occured. They stated a similar tragedy had been averted at Peerless mine, near litre, last week. A three foot drill usd there dug into an entry full of gas The hole was plugged up and an explosion averted. Harris said he did not feelt here was any criminal negligence, In as much as owners and officials of the mine (Turn to Page 11) HAPPED FANNY saysI ' '"^T| * Beware of the police-woman, boys, even though she hath an arresting look.

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

STRICKEN CITY GOES STOICALLY ABOUT TASK OF IDENTIFYING AND BURYING BLAST DEAD

CL '{tm* 5 J3*— ■! wSkT —** **mmtrJtr * ®

U. S. SHOULD BE PEACE EXAMPLE, PRESIDENT SAYS Moderate Armaments Hope of This Country, He Declares. Bv United Press WASHINGTON, Feb.-21.—: general understanding among \n .tlons that armaments shall be limited to "the reasonable requirements of safety” is the earnest hope of the United States Government, President Coolidge said in an address to the Women's Conference on National Defense as Peace Insurance today. To further,such an understanding the United States should endeavor to set an example for the world, "of moderation in armament and Invite others to pursue a similar program,” the President said. "It is not easy to formulate doc&lls Os a program which would avoxr before all the world such a Nat onal purpose as I am suggesting,” the President continued “Yet I believe much can be done to assure other nations that this is our aim nnd desire. And whenever a particular nation shall convince its neighbor of such a purpose of moderation without aggression, it will be easier for other' nations to adopt a similar attitude. "Tli,'re is, T believe," the President added, "so general agreement with these suggestions that further accomplishment In the direction of armament reduction should be possible.” The President said he did not believe we would set a good example by abolishing our Army and Navy and defended the maintenance of a force adequate to defend the tuMon. "We are compelled to recognize that national safety requires such a measure of preparedness as shall be the guaranty against aggression with out committing the ration to militarism,” he said. “Even the most lawabiding communities do not dismiss their police forces. No more can a great nation take the risk of leasing Itself to be menaced by disorder.” Coolidge said "about in proportion as the nations shall make progress in creating effective tribunals for the peaceful settlement of international differences, they will rind lherr“elves able to lessen their military establishments.”

REALTORS SPEED MANAGER MOVE Solicit Other Organizations in Petition Plans. Indianapolis Real Estate Board civic affairs committee, headed by H. L. Richardt, today was busy getting in touch with heads of luncheon clubs and civic organizations asking (heir cooperation in the circulation of petitions for an election on the city manager form of municipal government for Indianapolis. Frank E. Gates, president, said, Qgtes said a public meeting would be held this week and an effort made to solicit the forces of all organizations interested in the welfare of the city. An organized canvass of the entire city is planned by the committee. Pink petitions will be passed out to the various organizations which will be responsible for a definite ward or precinct. Federation of Community Clubs executive committee, which indorsed the movement. Friday night authorized Edward O. Snsthen, president. to name a committee of five to cooperate in distribution of the petitions. l Ward Is Favorable • Ru United Prraa WASHINGTON. Fob. 23.—The Senate Judiciary Committee today reported favorably on the nomination of three United States attorneys, including Albert Ward, In (iiana.

—Photos by J. M. Moore. Times Staff Photographer. ABbVE, SILENT CROWDS IN FRONT OF THE TWO UNDERTAKING PARLORS AT SULLIVAN. IND„ WHERE BODIES OF FIFTY-ONE MINERS KILLED IN FRIDAY'S EXPLOSION WERE TAKEN FOR POSITIVE IDENTIFICATION. BELOW, SCENE AT FUNERA L SUNDAY OF ROBERT FREEMAN. LOADER.

HUNT SIXTH MAN INBANKHOLD-UP Five Caught in Gun Battle Are Arraigned. Bv United Press ST. JOSEPH, Mich.. Feb. 23. Five bandits captured in a gun duel at New Carlisle, Ind., Saturday, were bound over to the Circuit Court here on bonds of SIOO,OOO each when they waived examination in Justice court today. Sheriff Franz announced a sixth member of the bandit gang escaped with $2,600 in cash during Saturday's engagement, in which Stinb Ackley. New Carlisle marshal, was wounded. Nonnegotiable bonds valued at $50,000 and S3OO In cash were recovered. The sixth member slept in a barn near Carlisle all day Saturday, Ackley found on Investigation. At dusk, he caught a ride on a. farmer’s truck to South Bend, where he was last seen. A blood-spa‘.tered sawed-off shot gun found in the barn led to the belief the rrtan was wounded. The bandits gave their names as: Paul Schulz, 40, Chicago: John Marshall, 26, Hamilton, Ontario: Edward Summers, 25,,Chicago: Edward Murray, 33, Chicago, and Frank King, 81, Toledo. x

TWO KILLED IN WRECK L. & N. Florida-Bound Train Derailed—Score* Injured. By United Prett CINCINNATI, Ohio. Feb. 23. Two persons were killed and scores were Injured when a Louisville & Nashville Railroad train, Florl-ida-bound, left the rails today at Grant’s Bend, Ky., eight miles south of here. ‘SCALPING JS PROHIBITED Anti-Speculating Measure Is Passed by Senate. Senator Cann's anti-ticket scalping bill, aimed primarily at oaskeihall ticket speculators, today passed the Indiana Senate, 33-5, ard was sent to the House. "I Introduced this bill because a week ago Saturday night ticket scalpers bought up tickets to the Frankfort-Vlr.cennes High School game at Frankfort, and many fans bad to pay from 35 to 310 to get in,” sold Senator Cann. The bill is a copy of the New York law. and provides a fine of from 326 to 1500 for any person convicted of selling tickets to public amusements more or less than was paid fc’ them. ’

BULLET-PROOF VEST SAVE’S TOWN MARSHAL’S LIFE

?•' United Pre* T”TI ARTIN'S JUNCTION. Ky~ Feb. 11. A curtain of today, obscuring completely the cause* behind the railroad station battle in which two men were killed and five others were wounded her* Sunday. Typical of this rugged country, the shooting wax followed by a

< INDIANAPOLIS, MONDAY, FEB. 23, 1925

LAND OF HOPE * - - - Indiana Girls’ School Strives to Lock Key On Past of Young Women Charges By RUBY WEIL. T # “““ HERE arc no high walls around the Indiana Girls’ School, near Clermont. There are only a few barred windows and locked doors. Walls and bars make a prison; and that is the first thing the Indiana Girls’ School is not —a prison.

There is Just one male guard to parole the lt„rge grounds. And his Job Is mainly to keep other people out, rather than to keep the 340 girls In. At the head of the stairs in cottage No. 9, ono of the ten residence cottages at the school. Is a large pennant. On it Is one word—" Honor.” The ;ioor of the cottage Is unlocked early In the morning and re-, mains open all day. The girls pass in and out freely, unguarded. Escape Is easy. But comparative ly few of them try for it. One cottage on the grounds has barred windows. The girls in it are not allowed outside without special permission They are the girls who are known to have the "escape habit.” It was •in this cottage the other night that eight of tjie girls picked a lock to a fire escape and stole away. (Turn to Page K) mrnm TO WASHINGTON Public Buildings and Banks Closed, Closing of banks and patriotic programs In Indianapolis today marked observance of Washington's b.rthday. _ Churches generally observed Sunday by sermons in.memory of Washington. The Indianapolis postofflee closed at noon and offices In the- Federal building City Hall and courthouse were closed. County counts held sessions, but Federal Court- was closed. The Central Library was open between 2 and 6 p. m., when books .night be returned, but none borrowed. Branch Libraries were closed all day. Richard Lieber, State director of conservation, spoke at a celebration of the founding of the Athenaeum and * observance of Washington’s birthday, Saturday night at the Athenaeum-

widster silence, harking every effort of authorities to break behind the mere physical facts of the shooting. Lewis White was boarding a train when John Hall, town marshal. accosted him. Both drew pistol and began shooting. White fell dead.. The neat moment guns were spitting lead on every rfde.

era NATIONS RUMORED AT WAR Bulgaria and Jugo-Slavia Fighting, Report Says, By United Prett ' ROME, Feb. 23.—Rumor that Bulgaria has declared war on Jugo-Sla-via as a result of Serbian raids is being Investigated by the Bulgarian legation here. By United Prett ] LONDON, Feb. 23.—1 tis reported the .Jugoslavia foreign office has sent a warning to Bulgaria -egnrdlng an alleged gathering oi jV I garlan irregular troops on the ?i . tier, 'says a message from Belgrad There was sharp fighting on the frontier Friday between the Irregulars and Jugo-Slav guards. A total of ten men were killed and more' than a hundred wounded. Bu United Prett BERLIN. Feb. 23.—80th the Bulgarian and Jugoslavia legations here vigorously deny a rumor that Bulgaria has declared war on Jugoslavia. “The situation on the Bul-gar-Slav frontier Is quiet,”, says a statement Issued by both ministers: FINAL PLANS ANNOUNCED Auto Show to Open at 7 P, M., March 2, at Fairground. 1 Final preparations were , started today by officials of the Indianapolis Auto Trade Association for the fourteenth annual Auto Show, which begins March 2 In the Exposition building at the State falrgroupd. Decorative materials were en rout*" by motor truck from Detroit, and it was expected the work of installing them would begin this afternoon. Carl H. Wallerich, association president, announced the show would open at 7 p. m. next Monday. The remainder of th week the Exposition building will be open to the public from 10 a. m. to 10:30 p. m.

Two hundred haHeta ware fired. Taft Hall, deputy sheriff, was •fropped <Ssa*i try the first volley: one bullet over his heart and another through the right eye. Steven Flannery. John Flanaery, Dock Thompson and Norman Collins fed when thqjr hands could ao longer boil guns. Marshal John HaD. seri-

SWEEPING DENIAL MADE ON STAND BY EDWjN HINT Real Estate Dealer Gives Version of Embezzlement Charges, A sweeping denial he ever conspired with Richard V. Sipe, former county clerk, was made today by Edwin A. Hunt, 3939 Washington Blvd., real estate dealer, charged with conspiring with Sipe and Will H. Latta, Claypool Hotel, attorney, to embezzle SIO,OOO In county money, before Judge James A. Collins and a jury in Criminal Court. "I’ll ask you, Mr. Hunt, whether when Mr. Sipe made out the check for SIO,OOO you didn't tell him to make It payable to the Aetna Trust Company, so the Security Trust Company would not recognize it as "a transfer of funds?" asked Prosecutor William H. Remy upon crossexamination. “I did not," replied Hunt emphatically. Hunt’s Explanation When Sipe was called to testify by the State last Wednesday he said he made the check out to Aetna Trust and Savings Cos., so a fund transfer might not be discovered. Today Hunt said the check was made out to the Aetna company because he had previously told Sipe he was going to use it with that company. Hunt further denied Sipe’s testimoney that Hunt asked for a $50,000 loan to pay on an option of the Indiana Life Insurance Company. “When I asked Sipe for SIO,OOO he said he had it and would he glad to let me have it,” Hunt said. Hunt also said he did not visit Sipe five or six times trying to negotiate a loan. Further Denials “I saw Sipe only twice about a loan," said Hunt. He said he saw Sipe Sept. 17, 1921, when the loan was agreed upon and the day before. Hunt said he planned to take an option upon the insurance company, but had not gone to Sipe for a loan. Hunt also branded testimony of Ira Chase Koehne, attorney and engineer, a State witness, last Thursday that Hunt had advised him to see Sipe, if he cared to (Turn to Page 11)

RADIO BROADCAST STATIONPLANNED New Bus Terminal to Send 1 Out Programs, A standard 600-watt radio broadcasting station will be installed in the new Union Motor Bus Terminal. MarylanJ St. and Senate Ave., W. B. Hlner of the f Red Ball Transit Company announced today. Although plans have not been completed it Is understood Noble C. Wat. son. 233 lowa St., will engineer the plant. Call letters and wave length, to be allotted by the Government, have not yet been determined. The station may ask for WBH, Hiner’s initials. The station will broadcast a standard program, using ch.'efly Indianapolis talent. It Vfill have power sufficient to make it heard throughout the United States and possibly In Europe.

ously wounded of all, owes his life to a bullet-proof vest. It was duited in ten places, but Hall suffered only a scalp wound and two bullet boles in hia right arm. Police believe the ctarshal may have gone to the station to arrest Lewis as moonshiner and that friends of Lewis gathered to prevent the arrest.

Entered as Second-class Matter at Postoffiee, rpAUA UTTXTT'SI Indianapoils. Published Dally Except Sunday L Akj

Legislature Suspends Rules and Votes SIO,OOO to Be Spent on Relief of Stricken Families as Governor Sees Fit. RESOLUTIONS OF CONDOLENCE ARE ADOPTED IN BOTH HOUSES Dead Miners Are Declared to Have Been Heroes in That They Gave Their Lives in Task of Getting Fuel for Public. • ' Ten thousand dollars for the relief of families of miners killed in the Sullivan disaster was voted today by the State Legislature. Under suspended rules both House and Senate passed the emergency appropriation bill of Senator Sims, Terre Haute, which places the sum at the disposal of Governor Jackson to spend as he sees fit. The Governor signed the measure.

Both House and Senate adopted this resolution: “Whereas we have read the story of the terrible tragedy at the City Coal Mine at Sullivan, Ind., wherein flffy-nne citizens of our State gave their lives in their effort to provide the fuel so necessary to the lives of all those of our great commonwealth; “Be it hereby Resolved that the Indiana House of Representatives pledges itself to do all within its lawful power to give succor to those distressed and relief to those, .in want, and Declared Heroes “Be it further Resolved, That the Indiana House of Representatives hereby expresses Its deep sympathy for those who have been bereaved, and declares those who gave up their lives to be heroes for their land, just as those who give up their lives on the Held of battle, and Be It further Resolved, that we concur In the proposal to appropriate SIO,OOO to bring Immediate aid to those in need. “The bill contemplates an existing emergency," Governor Jackson said, "And while I have no plan of directing its expenditure at the present moment, it will be expended directly in relieving whatever emergency situation exists, probably to alleviate suffering among families of stricken miners.” City Joins Movement Relief measures for families of miners were well under way in Indianapolis today. A theatrical benefit performance at English's. Friday afternoon, with stars from every theater in the city taking part, will he the principal source of revanue. Seats for the berforrnance will be sold at auction at all theaters beginning tonight. General seat* sale will be at the English box office. At the same time Mayor Shank announced that he would lend the entire force of the city employes to raising funds. “If necessary I will detail every fireman and policeman in Indianapolis to solicit for the fund,” he declared. Indianapolis Chapter American (Turn to Page 11)

SLICK TO TAKE OATH Federal Judge to Be Sworn in at South Bend. Judge Thomas W. Slick of South Bend, Ind., will be sworn in as second Federal judge for the District of Indiana at South Bend Tuesday morning, it was learned today. His commission arrived at the office of William P. Kappes, clerk of Federal Court, today. Judge Slick was notified at once and Kapper was to forward the commission to South Bend. Judge Robert C. Baltzell will probably go to South Bend for the ceremony. SAFETY BILL IN HOUSE Sullivan Disaster Results in Meas- , ure Regulating Lamps. Appalled by the loss of life in the Sullivan mine disaster, the House mine? and mining committee today was working on a bill making use of safety lamps compulsory in all mines. Under the present iaw the State mine inspsctor is given the power to determine what sort of lamps is to be used. colcT speuTpredicted Will End State’s Brief Taste of Spring, Says Anitiiiglon. Colder weather tonight will end Indiana's brief taste of spring, J. H. Armington. Government meteorolo gist, stated today . Temperatures tonight will be considerably lower, he stated. State roads are in bad shape from drizzles of the past two days. More than half an inch of rain fell Sunday. *

Forecast MOSTLY cloudy and colder tonight. Tuesday generally fair.

MOVE TO FREE M’CRAY BEGUN IN WASHINGTON Friends Solicit Aid of Indiana Delegation—President Is Stumbling Block, By C. A. RANDAU. Timet Staff Corutpondcnt WASHINGTON. Feb. 23.—Friends of former Governor Warren McCray who are desirous of having the Governor's ten year sentence to Atlanta, reduced or set aside by presidential decree have apparently been unable to make further headway In Washington than Informal discussions with some of the Indiana congressional delegation and officials of the Department of Justice. The biggest stumbling block in the way of those who would release McCray is President Coolldge’s adherence to the rule that he will consider no pleas for commutation of sentence until at least one-third of the convict's term has been served. Tlje rules also provide that ths Judge who convicts a man and the prosecuting attorney must approve the proposed commutation. It is doubted here whether Judge A. B. Andersonor former District Attorney Homer Elliott would approve lessening McCray's term. McCray’s friends realize their only hope of action for several years to come consists In having these rules jet aside and as a result certain officials have been sounded but without apparent success. Senator Watson and other members of the Hoosler delegation have received letters and requests from McCray’s friends, urging assistance, but none will admit that they hav* taken up the fight for the convicted Governor.

PHYSICIAN’S BODY TO BE EXHUMED McClintock Death Probers Decide on Step, Bv United Preat CHICAGO. Feb. 23.—1 t has been definitely decided to exhume body of Dr. Oacar IJ. Olson as result of testimony so far introduced in the inquest into death of William McClintock. “millionaire orphan.” Dr. Olson, a close friend of the McClintock family and a brother of Chief Justice Harry Oiaon of the Chicago Municipal Court, died more than a year ago after eating fruit given to him by William IK Shepherd. chief beneficiary in yStmng'M?* Clintock's will. / Judge Olson, who instate the McClintock fortune was connected with the death of his brother as well as that of the “n\JlUonalrt orphan." * was chief instigator t the pre*Qt probe. Shepherd, h# declared, was jealous of Dr. Olson's interest in young McClinto" 1 affairs. The inquesi • to be continued Wednesday. / only" FOURTEEN slated Slippery JFtreets Keep Speeding AMpt* to .Minimum. SlipperVfhtions of the streets and extrem , - il ' ,nrp of the motorcycle squad AM speeding arrests to a minimum week end. Only fourteen per*? were arrekted Seven were tA in custody sjL,’ <%v and seveMeie anfsied SuV A \