Indianapolis Times, Volume 36, Number 268, Indianapolis, Marion County, 21 March 1925 — Page 1

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VOLUME 36—NUMBER 268

TORNADO AREA TURNS TO REBUILDING

NET TEAMS ADVANCE TO SEMI-FINALS Kokomo, Washington and Frankfort Win Morning Games in State High School Final Basketball " Meet at Fairground. WEST POINT, EVANSVILLE AND MUNCIE ELIMINATED Crowd Estimated at 12,000 Jam Exposition Building to Witness Exciting Battles —New Champs to Be Crowned Tonight. By DICK MILDER After the morning games today in the final net tourney at the Exposition building four teams wee left in the running for the high school basketball championship. I 'okomo was to meet Vincennes in the first encounter at 2 p. m. and Washington was to clash with Fsankfort ia the 3 p. m contest. Kokomo eliminated West Point this foorning after a hard battle, 33 to 29. Washington did not have so much trouble with Central of Evansville and won handily, 26 to 16. The dark horse club from the southern part of the State looks like a strong ■ Frankfort put Muncie out, 24 to i6. The winners pulled away toward the close of the game. The victory was not unexpected, although Muncie had put Martinsville out of the meet’ on. Friday night in the one big upset of the meet. Dope Spilled Once The play has run nearly tru* to form with the exception of the Martinsville defeat. The two afternoon winners will play tonight at 8 for the title. Enormous crowds were expected this (Turn to Page 9) SHERIFF ON WAY BACK WITH SHAW Prosecutor Ready to Begin New Trial. Sheriff Omer Hawkins, who left Friday for Michigan City, Ind.. to bring John Thomas Shaw, colored, back to the Marion County jail from the Indiana State Prison, was ex pected to return this afternoon with Shaw. Formal order for Shaw’s return was Issued Friday by jxOrimlnal Judge Pro Tern. Frank A Psymmes. Shaw's return was ordered by/the State Supreme Court when it granted Shaw, sentenced to death in Criminal Court on charge of murdering Mrs. Helen Hager Whelchel, Nov. 28, 1923, anew trial. Prosecutor Wiliam H. Remy, who prosecuted Shaw in the first trial, is ready to start the new trial at once. Credit for Training Camp Indiana High School boys who attend citizens’ military training camps will receive one-fourth high school credit, members of the State board of education announced today.

FLAPPER FANNY sqyg L m satvica. mt

The hardest job in the world is trying to please a girl who doesn’t know what she wants.

” yj:,,. .; l _ * ■ A ” ' • . / The Indianapolis Times . COMPLETE WIRE SERVICE OF THE UNITED PRESS I WORLD’S GREATEST EVENING PRESS ASSOCIATION

FOOD AND CLOTHING PROBLEMS Relief Workers Fight to Ward Off Threats of Pestilence Much Work to Be Done in Illinois Storm Centers. WORK IS ORGANIZED, SUFFERING REDUCED Heaviest Duty of Rescue Parties Is Providing Shelter for the 10,000 Made Homeless by Destruction of Towns. Tli© major problem in the Illinois and Indiana arras devastated by a cyclonic fury Wednesday Is now to properly feed and clothe the homeless and ward off any threats of pestilence. Relief work was progressing satisfactorily in all centers, accenting to United Press advices today. Tennessee has buned Its thirty-four dead. Kentucky's toll remains at nineteen, with order fully restored in its striken sections, but in southern Illinois and Indiana districts much work is still to he done. United Press tabulations of the known dead rose to 781 today—the total thus far iif ail six States affected by the storm. Bu United Press ST. LOUIS. Mo., March 21. Order is beginning to rise out of the chaos made In "Little Egypt” by the death-dealing winds Wednesday. This morning 618 are known to be dead throughout the district and approximately 400 are still missing. The injured list is about 1,600. From throughout the entire windswept district—from Annapolis. Mo. to Indiana— there is acute suffering, but rescue work is getting under way. One of the big problems now confronting the workers in the district it the homeless, estimated at from 10,000 to 16,000. Many of the homeless are children whose parents were either killed or among the Injured or missing. Most of the homeless have little clothing. At Duqoin, Benton, Carbondale, Herrin and several of the other southern Illinois cities which escaped the storm’s terror, children are being cared for In private homes. In southeastern Missouri, the homeless are living In boxcars In "leantos" made of standing walls and boards taken from the debris. In Murphysboro, where the storm (Turn to Page 11) GOOD NEWS FOR SPRING Possibility of Cut in Gasoline Price Seen Here. Gasoline prices in Indiana may be reduced 1 or 2 cents a gallon soon, officials of the Western Oil Refining Company said today following a reduction by the Standard Oil Company in Eastern States. High test gasoline at Indianapolis filling stations now sells dt 26 cents a gallon. Including State tax of 2 cents. Low test cells for 22.2 cents, including tax. | HOURLY TEMPERATURE 6 a. m 62 10 a. m...... 66 7 a. m 62 11 a. m 66 8 a. m 62 12 (noon) .... 63 9 a. m 64 1 p. m 61

FATHER OF 4 HELD ON BIGAMY CHARGE Says Wife No. 1 Told Him She Was Applying for Divorce, So He Married No. 2.

"I took the word of a woman, and now Ibok at the jam I’m In,” Jeaae Sterrett, 42, of 1219 N. Illinois St., said oday through the bars at city prisoi where he Is held on a bigamy charge following his arrest late Friday by Detectives Garringer and Rowe. Sterrett was arrested on a warrant filed by wife No. 2, Mrs. Helen Barnhill Sterrett. 22, R. R. A., Box 298. Clad in a khaki army uniform. Sterrett wooed and won his first wife. Mrs. Prosper) na Sterrett. 29, a Spanish girl, while he was stationed in Gibraltar in 1919. Soon after the armistice was signed he brought his bride to Indianapolis, where they have lived ever since, according to Sterrett’s story. While working in a manufi , '*ii>-. Ing plan) here Sterrett met his wife Helen Barnhill. When wife No. 1 told hint she whs applying for u

National Red Cross Says Shelter Is Given to Every Storm Victim

... .. • * ' - •

Above—National guard camp s printing up in ruins of Griuln, Ind. Below (left)—Red Cross Belief train and terfts from Indianapolis at Griffin (right). Road near Owensvill e, Ind., cleaed by sawing large tree in two.

FIGHT IS STARTED TO GET SHEPHERD RELEASED ON BAIL State's Attorney Declares Defendant Can Not Be Freed, Bit United Prets CHICAGO, March 21.—Motion for boll wan made today for William D. Shepherd, charged with the murder of his ward, Billy McClnitock, “millionaire orphan.” William Scott Stewart, attorney for Shepherd, told Judge Jacob Hopkins of the criminal court, that the burden of proof was not sufficient to hold Shepherd withfaut bond. State’s Attorney Robert E. Crowe broko in with the declaration that “this was a capital crime” and protested gainst allowing Shepherd freedom. "A prisoner is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty, except in one case,” Crowe told she court. “And that is in the matter of bail. I submit that this is a capital case and therefore the prisoner is not admlssable to bail.” Dr.* C. C. Faiman, head of a bae teriological school, whose confession caused Shepherd’s arrest, was put on the stand and said he led Shepherd through the .school, showed him typhoid germ cultures through a microscope and also permitted him to see the germ incubators. “Did Shepherd mention Bill/ MeClintock at that time? Stewart asked. “No,” Dr. Faiman replied. Judge Hopkins then overruled the defense's attempt to show that Dr. Faiman's school was devoted to activities other than bacteriology. “If you are attemptbig to attack the cred'hillty of this witness testl-' mony, you are invading the province of a Jury,” Judge Hopkins told Stewart.

divorce he married Mias Barnhill in Louisville, Ky.. March 11. 1926. he said. A week later, Sterrett said, he took hia new wife to Connersvllle. Ind., where he had employment. Monday the mother of wife No. 2 Journeyed to ConnersVille and brought her daughter back. Filing of the warrant followed. "I’ll stand the gaff myself rather than get either of the women in trouble.” Sterrett said, Sterrett had four children, aged 6 years to 9 months, living with their mother, wife No. 1. at the N. Illinois St. address. Mrs. Jesse Sterrett, wife No. 1, denied that she had tdid sterrett ohe intended to get a divorce. Sterrett’s case was co minuet un* til Tuesday afternoon in city court T rio Ail" PlaC V l *" the

INDIANAPOLIS, SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 1925

First Emergency Is Met — Permanent Relief Now Under Way. Time Staff Corretpondent eVANSVIJyiJB. Ind.. Mvch 21. ••Every sufferer In every area is provided with food and shelter.” This was the statement today of Henry M. Baker, national director of disaster relief of the American Red Cross, when he made a flying visit to the Evansville headquarters after a tour of all the tbrnado-torn areas in Missouri, southern Illinois and Indiana. Baker went into conference with Marquis Sonntag, chairman of the local Red Cross chapter. Immediately on his arrival here from Princeton. Work already accomplished by the local chapter was discussed and plans made for additional relief measures now that the first emergency is past. Praises Work Warm praise was paid the local chapter by Baker for the splendid manner in which it has met the situation. Future relief measures will be principally devoted to rehabilitation, clothing and feeding those left destitute in the stricken zone, Baker said. A central office will be established by the Red Cross for this purpose. Baker said, with a branch ofllce in each of the storm centers. V “Every penny collected for relief purpose will go to the sufferers,” Baker declared in his statement. "All (Turn to Page 2) YOUTHS' BODIES FOUNDJN PIT Gas Believed Cause of Deaths at Anderson, Bu Timet Special ANDERSON, Ind., March 21. Ralph Maffley, 21, and Ralph Stratton, 16, were found dead in a pit under the home of Mrs. Gertrude Stratton today. Police found a still and a quantity of mash in the pit. Mrs. Stratton had sent her son, Ralph, to fix the furnace early today. When he did not return she sent an older son, Ellison, to investigate. He found the bodies and called police. A gas pipe in the pit dug under the front room of the house was off and gas fumes are believed to have caused the deaths.

Orphans of Storm Stir Princeton Bv Timt* Sorrinl PRINCTON. Ind., March 21. —Bravery of pretty little Harriet McClurkin. 5. and Ada McCurkin, 6, orphans 'of the storm, stirred the hearts of Prlnceeon today. Both children are in the hospital, swathed In bandages. More than a score of residents have offered to adopt the ch'ldren, but nurses at the hospital have refused to give them up. Mrs. Arch McClurkin, widowed mother of the children, and Mrs. George Miller, grandmother. who have struggled for three years to care for the fa.therless children were killed therless children", were killed

Clothing Asked for Storm Victims • Mayor Shank today ordered police and firemen to collect Clothing for victims of the tornado disaster in southern ■*"'** *T - ,A We will take care of all the good stuff Indianapolis can giye us. but there is no use sending any trash. ’’ the mayor said. City employes will call for clothing if persons will notify police, fire headquarters, or the nearest fire station. The clothing will he turned over to the Red Cross or will be sent direct. City Controller Joseph Hogue said. It is planned to collect as much as possible by Monday night.

TOURISTS WARNED TO REJAjN AWAY 'Troops Watch Roads to Keep Curious Out, An appeal and a warning to tourists and sightseers not to visit the devastated areas of southern Indiana Sunday, because of hindrance to relief work, was issued today by Adjt. Gen. William H. Kershner. “It would be impossible to penetrate the devastated district in any kind of vehicle because it is under martial law.” Kershner said.

LISTENERS-IN PRAISE TIMES BROADCASTING ‘Just Lf'ce Being at Games/ Say Some— Coaches Take Turns at Microphone.

Telegrams, letters and long distance calls continued to pour into The Indianapolis Times office today from fans in all parts of Indiana expressing their appreciation of the service The Times is giving them in broadcasting the State championship basketball games. Broadcasting contiued today over Station WFBM. Merchants Heat and Light Company, directly from the Exposition building at the State fairground. The wave length Is 168 meters. Many of the fans Wald they could almost see the game while listening In Not only Is the game being described play by play the Infant each play is made, but the microphone is so situated that radio fans can hear the yell of the crowds. It is believed that tens of thounands of persons heard The Times broadcast the Martinsvllle-M uncle game and the Vlncenhes-Marlon game. The games were broadcast by Blythe Q. Hendlcka of The Times staff, and Coaches Ward Lambert, Pudue: Edward Dean, Indiana: Edward Barry. Iowa: Dr. W. IS. Meanwell, Wisconsin, and Pat Page. But ler. Carl FoHl, radio editor of The Times, made announcements beTheee messages are typllil of the munv nkpplvpd l.v Tko TMwio**

DEATH TOLL AT PRINCETON GOES TO TOTAL OF 22 Shop Worker, Struck by Flying Timbers, Dies in Hospital, By Edwin V. O’Neel Times Staff Correspondent PRINCETON, Ind., March 21. The tornado death toll stood at twenty-two here today witß death of William Mitchell, 46, late Friday. Mitchell was injured by flying splinters In the Southern Shops and taken to the Methodist hospital with concussion of the brain and a crushed leg. He never regained consciousness. Widow and two children survive. In the meantime, relief work and work of rehabilitation went on. Citizens were united in carrying out tle permanent program outlined by Henry M. Baker, national relief director of American Red Cross, at a mass meeting Friday. Local contributions totaling over $7,033 had been received by William Blair, local relief treasurer and president of the Farmers Trust and Savings Company. South Princeton took on the appearance of a shrapnel-torn battle(Turn to Page 2)

THE GANG at McConnel’a store. Sciplo—Basketball returns coming in extra good. J. J. SMITH TAXICAB CO., Shelbyville Congrat ulatlona. Games coming In splendidly. SANDMAN BROS. TIRE CO., Shelbyville Scores coming In fine, large crowd listening in. MRS D. A. MITLLENDORE. f^pckfield—Basketball reports coming In fine. "Very much appreciated. AIJBLE HARDWARE STORK. Kempton—Reports coming In fine Being enjoyed by a large crowd. ROT PURVIS. Tipton—Tournament news coming in fine at. our store. HAGERSTON HIGH SCHOOL— Hagerston High School physics hlass listening to gamer. Reports coming in fine. GROUP OF SENIORS AT BOGGS TOWN—Radio Just excellent. Fine service you are giving. From many places came reports of radio parties in which large groups of fans gathered and listened to The Times broadcasting. BRUCE PIERfcE. JONESBORO, IND., let the staff In The Times downtown office hear the game reports he was getting through bis radio receiving set by moving the loud speaker close to a .telephone transmitter on a long distance phone Un.

iflntered as Second-Class Matter at Postoffice, Indianapolis. Published Dally Rxcept Sunday.

IEGM GALL SILL CONSIDERED

Decision May Be Reached After Tour of Wrecked ‘Pocket’ by Governor Jackson and Adjutant General Kershner Sunday. FUND COLLECTED HERE PASSES SIO,OOO MARK Speaker Says Lawmakers May Agree to Serve Without Pay Appropriation .Would Only Increase Tax Levy 1 Cent. While the Red Cross fund for relief of tornado sufferers in southern Indiana grew rapidly today. State officials continued their investigation of advisability of calling a special session of the Legislature to make a relief appropriation. Governor Jackson and AdjutantGeneral William H. Kershner will go to the scene of the disaster early Sunday to determine the needs. Kershner announced after a conference with the Governor. They may be accompanied by Secretary of State Frederick E. Schortemeier and State Auditor Lew Bowman. $10,423 Collected Red Cross headquarters at. noon todya reported a total of $11,666 re. celved for the relief fund. William Fortune, chairman of the Indianapolis chapter of Red Cross, was in St. Louis for a conference on general relief work. He left late Friday in response to a telegram from James L. Feiser, general manager of the American Red Cross. Funds being raised in cities throughout Indiana and Kentucky will be sent to the Indianapolis office, officials said. Fortune said the response In Indianapolis had been generous, but that workers in the field told him that, no matter how large the fund may be, it cannot be adequate to meet the needs. State Representative Bruce iP. Cooper, whose home, Stewardsville, is at the edge of the storm area, and who was one of the organizers of relief work, called on Governor Jacksop again today to relate the needs of his neighbors. Cooper Friday proponed the special session of the Legislature.. Legislators Willing Following today’s conference. Cooper said possibly the State could handle the situation without si special session. Representative Harry G. Leslie of Lafayette, speaker of the House at the 1926 legislative session, who also attended the conference, said he favored a special session if deemed necessary. H| said the cost would be comparatively small, as many Legislators to whom he had talked were willing to serve without pay or traveling expenses. Leslie figured that a $600,000 appropriation would add 1 cent to the tax levy. Traffic Expert to Speak L. W. Bruck. traffic consultant of the city plan commission, will address the Service Club of Indianapolis on traffic problems at its luncheon Monday.

Progress of Tourney Play Details of State Basketball Finals on Sport Page, FRIDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SATURDAY Vincennes (45) ~| 9 a. m. j Vincennes (29) ~| Milford (23) | | 8:30 p. m. j Vincennes { Rushville (31|. ...I j ) 10 a. m. | Marion (22) j Marion (38) | SATURDAY V p. m. Connersvllle (28). | | ' i 11 a. m. (Kokomo (33) ...,| ] -A Kokomo (34) ....( | | M 9 a. m. Kokomo West Point (26) , | W 1 p. m. |West Point (29) .j ™ La Porte (21)...1 Bp.m. Washington (28) | 2 p. tn. (Washington (28) j Carmel (17) I 10 a. m. (Washington | Elkhart (14) | | 3 p. m. j Evansville (15) ..| Evansville (20) ..( 3 p. m. Gary (23) | 4 p. m (Frankfort (24) ..| Frankfort (25) ...( 11 a. in. iFrankfort ....... Muncie (56).,.. ,| | 4 l 7:30 p.m. I Muncie (18) 1 L F Martinsville (22) |

Forecast Generally fair tonight and Sunday. Colder tonight with lowest temperatures 30 to 35. Rising temperature Sunday night.

TWO CENTS

PARALYZED STORM ZONE AWAITS AID

Broken and Crushed, Southern Indiana Turns to Staggering Problem of How to Recuperate From Financial Loss of Storm. DEATHS AT HOSPITALS INCREASE TOLL TO 115 First Reports of New Menace From Floods and Pestilence Minimized by Red Cross Workers Safe at Other Cities. By JOHN L. NTBLACK Time* BlafT Correwondtut EVANSVILLE, Ind., March 21. Crushed and broken, stricken southern Indiana, with its first emergencies met, turned to the staggering problem today of recuperating from financial and property loss entailed by Wednesday’s tornado. There was Julius Yeager, living three miles northeast of Owensville. He and his wife escaped with their lives, but— Wednesday he was owner of one of the finest poultry farms in the State, with a score of up-to-date chicken houses, a fine farm residence and barns. Today, out of 1,000 chickens. he has but 200 left. Every building on the farm is wrecked. Some disappeared. Broke Him "It broke me,” Yeager said. “There was a mortgage, too. I’m too old to start again. What can I do?” And so was the story everywhere. Farmers are among the heaviest losers. The disaster has just come when one of the 1 first prosperous (Turn to Page 2) OPTIMISTS CLUB FAVORS MANAGER Numbers Indorse City Gov- . ernment Change, Emphatic indorsement of the city manager form of Government was voted by the Optimists Club at their regular weekly luncheon at the Claypool Friday. Eighty members voted for the plan and only three were opposed. A number of members refrained from voting, until they have an opportunity to study the plan in detail, "The vote taken clearly defines the attitude of our members toward this important question,” Lew W. Cooper, president, said. G. F. Olwln explained the activities of the Better Business Bureau to the club. Arrests Follow Crash Finua Wagner, 520 Roanoke St., and Walter Lyons, 964 S. Alabama St., were arrested today on charges of driving on the left side of the street, after their cars collided at North and Meridian Bts. Jess Tam sy, 1667 Cornell Ave., who was rid ing In Wagner’s car, was cut about the head.