Indianapolis Times, Volume 36, Number 277, Indianapolis, Marion County, 3 April 1925 — Page 1

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VOLUME 36—NUMBER 277

STEPHENSON INDICTED ON CHARGE OF ASSAULT WITH INTENT TO KILL GIRL

Fall — Doheny—Sinclair Case Quashed

COMEK VOTE GIVEN TO CABINET French Chamber of Deputies Temporarily Stays Collapse of Ministry by Postponing Interpellation on Problem of Finances. CLEMENTEL SUCCEEDED BY SENATOR DE MONEZIE Crisis Arises Over Disagreement With Herriot on How to Pull France Out of Money Tangle—Socialists Want Tax on Capital. By United Press PARIS. April 3.—The French cabinet, fall of which is threatened as a result of the financial crisis, was saved temporarily today when the chamber of deputies voted unanimously to postpone indefinitely a challenge to the ministry on its financial policy. The vote was an indirect expression of confidence. M. Clementel, minister of finance, already lifts resigned and the resign nation of other members of the cab inot including llerrtot himself, is considered possible. if not probable. President Doumergue appointed Senator Anatole De Monezle to succeed Clemental. .Clementel's resignation came during an all-night Cabinet meeting precipitated by his proposal of yesterday to increase the circulation of hanjc notes by two billion francs. The sudden resignation of the minister of finance was the outcome of n, long conflict between the senate and chamber of deputies and also a disagreement with Premier Harriot. After Clementel's plan to issue hank notes without gold backing had met with Herriot's disapproval, the finance minister unexpectedly and without cabinet authorization, made his sensational proposal regarding inflation before the senate. Herriot, in a finely shaded statement, repudiated Clementel's proposition, though , admitting a drastic remedy was needed to alleviate the seriousness of the financial situation.

SHEPHERD MOVE * OPPOSED AGAIN Judge Refuses to Entertain Petition for Bail. By United Press CHICAGO, April 3.--Judge WilIian B. Brothers of the Criminal Court today refused to entertain the motion for bail for William D. Shepherd, former Indianapolis man, until he discusses the subject with Chief Justice Jacob Hopkins. Shepherd asks bail pending his trial on the charge of killing his wealthy ward, Billy McClintock. As Justice Hopkins already has ruled against motions for bail, judge Brothers said he does not wish to be discourteous to a brother judge, Justice Hopkins and Judge Brothers will confer shortly. Judge Brother said he would make a ruling at 2 p. m. HOURLY TEMPERATURE 6 a. m 45 10 a. m... 54 7 a. m 45 11 a. m... 56 8 a. m 50 12 (noon) .... 60 9 a. m 52 1 p. m... 60

Chickie “She wanted to run away.’ ’ Chickie goes to a party given by Jake Munson, wealthy broker. Then she becomes frightened and wants to go home. CHAPTERS 13 AND 14 ON THE BACK PAGE TODAY.

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Conspiracy to Defraud and Bribery Indictments Dismissed by District of Columbia Supreme Court Justice McCoy. OUTSIDERS ALLEGED IN GRAND JURY ROOM Counsel’s Motion Avers Department of Justice Expert and District Attorney Illegally Present When Case Was Being Heard. By United Press WASHINGTON, April 3. All indictments of Albert B. Fall. E. L. Doheny, Harry F. Sinclair and Edward L. Hoheny Jr., growing out of the oil reserve leases were quashed here today by Justice McCoy of the District of Columbia Supreme Court. McCoy sustained the motion of counsel for the defendants to dismiss the indictments on the ground that they were vitiated by the presence of unauthorized persons in the grand jury room when evidence was being taken. The four indictments dismissed were: Charging Fall with accepting a bribe from Doheny. Charging Doheny.and Doheny, Jr., wrih giving a bribe to Fall. Charging Fall and Doheny with conspiracy to defraud the Government in leasing the California oil reserves. Charging Fall and Sinclair with conspiracy to defraud the Government in leasing the Teapot Dome reserve. McCoy held that the presence of Oscar Pagan. Justice Department indictment expert, in the jury room during the taking of testimony invalidated the indictments. Counsel for the three defendants in moving last February to quash the indictments contended that both Pagan and Peyton Gordon, United States district attorney were illegally present during the taking of testi mony.

POMERENE TO APPEAL Special Counsel to Be Called Together for Action. CLEVELAND. Ohio. April 3.--"We will carry the case to the court of appeals of the District of Columbia." Atlee Pomerene, Government counsel, told the United Press today when informed the indictments of Albert B. Fall, E. L. Doheny and Edward L. Doney Jr., and H. F. Sinclair had been quashed by Justice McCoy at Washington. Pomerene said he would get in touch with Owen J. Roberts, other special counsel for the Government in the oil leasing cases, and they would prepare an appeal from Justice McCoy's ruling. FIRE AT SHELBYVILLE Methodist Church Burns, With Loss of $25,000. By United Press SHELBYVILLE. Ind., April 3.--Damage from a fire in the West Side Methodist Church here Thursday was placed at $25,000 today. The blaze started from defective wiring. Two firemen were overcome by smoke while fighting the flames.

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Many a girl who has nothing to do never gets through doing it.

Swallows Solder in School By Times Special CRAWFORDSVILLE. Ind., April 3.—Raymond Douglas, 14, was recovering today from an operation for the removal of a bar of solder half an inch thick, which he swallowed at school. When questioned by the teacher, who though he was chewing gum, he was so startled he swallowed the solder.

REMY ACTS TO SPEED SLATING OF MOTORISTS Prosecutor Says New Plan in Auto Arrests ‘All Wrong.’ Persons arrested on speeding charges must be stated the same day and tried the next, as in any other arrest case. County Prosecutor Wil liam H. Remy said today, declaring the new system inaugurated by po lice is "all wrong." Remy told Paul Rhoadarmer, dep uty assigned to city court, to take full charge of the mater and to see Police Chief Herman F. Rikhoff. Remy said if changes were not made immediately he would see Rikhoff himself. “Police can release motorists on their own recognizance if they wish, but they must slate them either over the telephone or when they go into headquarters that day,'; Remy said. Rhoadarmer Thursday said speeders were not being slated for as long as a week after their arrest, the officer turning the names into his superior officer, who held them until the day allotted for the officer in city court. Rhoadarmer said it offered opportunity for dropping cases for political-or private favor, as no official record of the arrest was made. Motorists at least are assured one thing —they will not he ridden in patrol wagons. This is on orders from Mayor Shank. Chief Rikhoff said, as result of complaints of reputable citizens of being unjustly arrested and forced to give bond.

CITY MANAGER PLAN TO HAVE LABOR BACKING Bricklayers and Masons Union Indorses Move for v Government Change. Active support of the city manager plan by labor interests began today. The plan would abeflish the present city government, providing a council of seven, who will hire a business man to run the city business. It is working successfully in 300 cities. Bricklayers and Maoons Union No. 3 of Indiana at a meeting on Thursday night unanimously indorsed the move, after listening to an explanation of the plan by speakers fror. the Citizens Commmitte of 1,000, which is sponsoring the idea. Members of the union took petitions to assist In getting signatures asking the city council to call a special election on the question immediately Speakers from the citizens committee also adddressed the Indianapolis Trades Council on Thursday, meeting with favorable response. “We are going to help all we can in this campaign for city manager,” said John J. Watson, secretary of the Bricklayers Union. “Organized labor, to be consistent, mist stand for efficiency. The city mamger may not cure all our Ills, but 1 will be much better than the pretent plan of political faction control. ’ Petitions containing signatures of voters continue to pour in to headquarters of the city manager campaign, 407 Meyer Kiser Baik building. Committee leaders are more than satisfied at present progress. Civic clubs, noon luncheon clubs, churches, business organizations, labor unions, women’s clubs and a committee of colored leaders are united in the work. A woman's citizen committee will be perfected at a meeting this afternoon in the Chamber of Commerce building Two Speeders Fined Charged with driving forty miles an hour. Ralph Randal of Logansport, Tnd., was fined $lO and costs in city court today. Harold McClain, 19, of 721 Grove St., was fined sls and costs. Officers alleged he went thirty-three miles an hour. • A

INDIANAPOLIS, FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 3925

CHAPMAN’S FATE RESTS WITH JURY Hand-Picked Yankees Retire With to Return Either Acquittal Verdict or One of ‘Guilty of First Degree Murder.’ PAST RECORD TO BE IGNORED, SAYS JUDGE Prince of Bandits Faces 23Year Term at Atlanta if Men of His Selection Decide He Was Not Man Who Shot Police Officer. Re I nitrd Press HARTFORD. Conn.. April 3.—The rase of the State of Connecticut against Gerald Chapman, mail robber and bandit, charged with killing Policeman .James J. SkMly, went to the jury at 12:63 today following Judge*,fennlngs’ charge. Judge Jennings told the jury that in view of the fact that Janies Skelly was killed while a felony was being committed there Is only pos sihle a verdict of first degree murder or acquitta. He said there were no extenuating circumstances whereby a verdict of second degree murder could be re turned. Through his charge Jen ningfi told the jury that Chapman either shot Skelly or he didn't, and If he did. he is guilty of first degree murder. Jennings cautioned the jury to give Chapman “a fair, impartial trial according to the evidence in court, and not judge him on his past records.”

ASBESTOS STRIKE ENDS Workmen to Go Back Saturday— Ironworkers Still Out. Asbestos workers will return to work Saturday pending further agreement following a three-day strike, W. T. McLaughlin, president Master Insulators Association, announced, following conference with leaders today. The workers walked out April 1, after contractors refused to pay an increase of 15 cent san hour over the wage scale of $l. William H. Scott is business agent. Structural iron workers continued on strike today. The union asked a new wage scale of $1.50 an hour. Wage last year was $1.25, according to John J. McNamara, business agent. THREE SCOUTS SUFFER INJURY Falling Fire Escape at Theater Catches Them. Three Boy Scouts were hurt, one perhaps seriously, when a fire escape counterbalance broke at Keith's Theater near noon today and struck them. Scouts had been attending a meeting at the theater, and some were playing on the fire escape when it broke. Francis Pritchard, 12, of 577 Middle Dr., Woodruff Place, was most seriously hurt, being Injured about the head. William Williams 12. of 2911 Paris Ave., was injured about the back and Willard Knight, 13, of 2929 Boulevard PI., was injured on the leg, being struck by the counterbalance. Boys on the fire escape were not hurt. All -three were taken to the city hospital. GIRL, 9, BADLY HURT Run Over By Truck—Driver Arrested on Speeding Charge. Caroline Becker, 9, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Becker. 4121 Park Ave., is in St. Vincent Hospital with a broken arm and severely cut and bruised as a result of being struck by a truck driven by William Plye, 17, 309 E. TwentyFourth St., police say. The accident occured in an alley at rear of 4140 Broadway. The girl is said to be in a serious condition. Pyle was arrested on charges of assault and battery and speeding.

Faces Serious Charges

Text of Indictments

The indictments against D. C. Stephenson, Earl Gentry dnd Earl Klenck charge the attack was com milled on or about March IS. Persons close lo the family say the da te was March 16. The indictments also spell Klenck's name. ' Klink." Text of the Indictments:

Against David C. Stephenson, Harold Gentry and Earl Klink. on conspiracy to commit a felon. The grand jurors for the county of Marion and State of Indiana, upon their oath, present that David C. Stephenson, Earl Gentry nnd Karl Klink. on or about the eighteenth day of March, 1925, at and in the County of Marion and State afore said, did then and there unlawfully, knowingly and feloniously unite, combine, conspire, confederate and agree to and with each other for the object and purpose and with the unlawful and felonious intent then and there unlawfully, feloniously, fraudulently and forcibly arrest, imprison, decoy and carry off and kidnap one Madge Oberholtzer from her, said Madge Oberholtzer's, place of residence, in said County of Marion, in the State of Indiana, and said acts were not then and there done in pursuance of the laws of the State of Indiana or of the United States, contrary to the form of the statutes in such case,, made and provided, and against the peace and dignity of the State of Indiana. Signed by William H. Remy, prosecuting attorney. Second Count Count 2--The grand jurors, aforesaid, upon their oath aforesaid, further present that David C. Stephenson, Earl Gentry and Earl Klink, on or about the eighteenth day of March, 1925, at and in the county of Marion and State of Indiana, did and there unlawfully, knowingly and feloniously unite, conspire, confederate and agree to and with each other for the object and purpose and the unlawful and felonious inten to, Then and there unlawfully, feloniously, fraudulently and forcibly, decoy, imprison, carry off and kidnap, one Madge Oberholtzer from her, the said Oberholtzer's place of residence, in said county of Maiion, in the State of Indiana, And said acts were not then and there done in the pursuance of the laws of the State of Indiana, or of the United States, contrary to the form of the statutes in such cases made and provided for and against the peace and dignity of the State of Indiana. Signed by William H. Remy. prosecutor. Malicious Mahem The Slate of Indiana vs. David C. Stephenson Indictment for malicous mayhem. The grand jurors for the County of Marion, and State of Indiana upon their oath, present that David C. Stephenson on and or about the eighteenth day of March, 1925, at and in the County of Marion and State aforesaid, did then and there Unlawfully, feloniously, pur-, posely and maliciously, and with intent to main and disfigure one, Madge Oberholtzer. * * * contrary to the form of statutes in such case made and provided for and against the

D. C, Stephenson

peace and dignity of the State of Indiana Signed by William H. Remy, prosecuting attorney. Attack State of Indiana vs. David C. Stephenson. Indictment for assault and battery with intent to rape. The grand jurors for the county of Marion and State of Indiana, upon their oath, present that David C. Stephenson on or about the eighteenth day of March 1925, at and in the county of Marion and State aforesaid. Did then and there unlawfully, and feloniously and in a rude, insolent and angry manner. touch, beat, strike, bite and wound one, Madge Obeidioltzer, then and there being with the felonious intent then and there and thereby to unlawfully and feloniously ravish and carnally know her, the said Madge Oberholtzer, forcibly and against her will. Contrary to the form of the statutes in such case made and provided. and agalnsf the peace and dignity of the State of Indiana. Signed by Williaiti H. Remy, prosecuting attorney. Intent to Kill State of Indiana vs David C. Stephenson. Indictment for assault and battery with intent to kill. The grand jurors for the county of Marion and State of Indiana, upon their oath, present that David C. Stephenson on or about the eighteenth day of March, 1925, at and in the county of Marion in the aforesaid State of Indiana. Did then and there unlawfully and feloniously and in a rude, insolent and angry manner, touch, beat, strike, bile and wound one, Madge Oberholtzer, with felonious intent then and there and thereby, her, the said Madge Oberholtzer, unlawfully, feloniously, purposely and premeditated malice, to kill and murder. oCntrary to the form of the statutes in such case made and provided. and against the peace of and dignity of the State of Indiana. Signed. William H. Remy, prosecutor. Kidnaping State of Indiana vs. David C. Stephenson., .Indictment for kidnaping. And the salJ acts were not then and The grand jurors for the county of Marion and the State of Indiana, upon their oath, present that David C. Stephenson, on or about the eighteenth day of March, 1925, at and in the county of Marion and in the State of Indian, aforesaid, did then and there Unlawfully, feloniously, fraudulently and forclbly arrest, imprison, and decoy, carry off and kidnap one, Madge Oberholtzer from her, the said Madge Oberholtzer’s place of resilience in said (Turn to Pagc 17)

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

Former Indiana Grand Dragon of Klan Arrested on Five True Bills Growing Out of Alleged Victim’s Story She Was Kidnaped. | DEFENDANT RELEASED AFTER HE ARRANGES $25,000 BOND Young Woman Takes Poison After Reported Acts of Accused Here and on Train—Doctor Says Death Is Near—Two Others Involved. David C. Stephenson, 33, cf 5432 University Ave., former grand dragon of the Ku-Klux Klan, was arrested today on five indictments in connection with an alleged attack March 16, on Miss Madge Oberholtzer, 28, of 5802 University Ave. The indictments, returned by the grand jury today, charge assault and battery with intent to kill, assault and battery with intent to commit a criminal attack, malicious mayhem, kidnaping and conspiracy to kidnap. Earl Klenck, a deputy sheriff, and Earl Gentry, are charged with conspiracy in the case. Miss Oberholtzer is in a critical condition at her home, said to be suffering from effects of poison self-administered after the alleged attack. Dr. John Kingsbury, 5642 E. Washington St., who attended Miss Oberholtzer, said today a blood transfusion would be made but said there is practically no hope for her recovery. She is unconscious, he said. An affidavit by Dr. Kingsbury, sworn before Prosecutor William H. Remy, states that Miss Oberholtzer is suffering from body bruises and bichloride of mercury poisoning and that it is his opinion it is impossible for her “to live long.” : Four Affidavits Also Stephenson was arrested on the indictments while he was waiting to be arraigned in city court on charges made in affi davits sworn out by George E. Oberholtzer, father of Madge Oberholtzer, who alleges Stephenson attacked his daughter on March 16 on a train en route to Hammond, Ind. He was taken to county jail, where bond of $25,000 was arranged. He was released about an hour and a half after his arrest today. Bondsmen were Harry Campbell, Albert Reeder, Louis Brown, Sam Farb and Thomas N. Whitlock. Immediately after being released Stephenson left the jail and drove away in his automobile.

Says it Is Frame-Up Stephenson. while waiting for bond to be' signed, refused to discuss the charges against him, except to sav, '‘ It s a frame-up, a smear supreme." Stephenson's arrest, today followed his arrest at 6 p. in. Thursday on the affidavits sworn out by George Oberhollzer, which charged assault and battery with intent to kill, kidnaping and conspiracy to commit a felony. Following his arrest on the grand jury indictments the city court charges of assault and battery with intent to kill and kidnaping were dismissed. Arraignment on the charge of conspiracy was continued until May 28 by City Judge Pro Tem. Vincent H. Manifold. Search was being made by deputy sheriffs for Klenck and Gentry. At the sheriff's office it was said officers had been unable to locate them. Gentry, who is said to be an Evansville man, was in the temporary employ of the State attorney general’s offce a short time prior to the alleged attack on the Oberholtzer girl. He was employed on special investigation work at Hammond, State records show, from Feb. 7 to the 20th. and again from Feb. 25 to the 27th. He has never been in the regular employ of the State, however. According to William H. Remy, Marion County prosecutor, the alleged attack took place on a train to Hammond, Ind., on March 16. Following the alleged attack on the train. Miss Oberholtzer took the poison at Hammond. Upon arrival in Hammond Stephenson took the young woman to a hotel in Hamtnond and returned to Indianapolis, March 17. the following day. Remy said, he was informed that Stephenson took Miss Oherholtzer to his home and imprisoned her in his garage. Stephenson had Miss Oberholtzer taken to her home about noon the 17th, it is said. She was driven to the home in a machine and carried to the house in a helpless condition. Attended Butler For some time Miss Oberholtzer has been secretary-treasurer of the Teachers’ and Young People's Reading Circle ,of Indiana. She is favorably known in Indiana educational circles, it is said, having attended Butter University, taught in the high school at Hagerstown, ind.. and also served as secretary to the State higli school inspector. She graduated from Manual " Training High School in June, 1914. Members of the immediate family

Forecast PARTLY cloudy tonight and Saturday. Not much chauge in temperature anticipated.

TWO CENTS

Penalties Penalties on charges against Stephenson are: For malicious mayhem: Two to fourteen years at the Indiana State Prison. Fine not to exceed $2,000. For assault and battery to kill of criminal attack: Two to fourteen years. Fine not to exceed $2,000. For kidnaping: Two to fourteen years. Fine not less than $100 nor more than $5,000. Conspiracy to commit a felony: Two to fourteen years, fine not less than $25 nor more than $5,000.

say, it Is declared, that Miss Oberholtzer had been forcibly taken on the trip to Hammond, which furnishes the basis for the indictments, and that alleged attacks had been made on the train en route to and later in a hotel in Hammond. Witnesses say that her body is badly lacerated. The return trip from Hammond was by automobile. According to members of the family, Miss Oberholtzer left her home about 9:30 p. rn., March 15, after receiving a telephone call. She expected to return soon, and wore no hat. The family did not see her again until Tuesday noon. Miss 'Oberholtzer is said to have told relatives that after receiving the telephone call she went to the home of Stephenson, 3432 University Ave,. and was forced to drink something. Then she was forcibly placed on a train for Hammond, according to her story, and made to occupy a stateroom with two men. Purchased Poison She says she was attacked on the train and later after she and the man had gone to a hotel in Hantmend, according to the family. As she was hatless, one of the men gave her money to buy a hat in Hammond, and with this money she purchased biclnride of mercury, which she took in large doses, it is said. Then, according to tlie family, she told the men she had taken the poison, and they immediately placed her in a closed automobile, and speeded back to Indiannpolls', arriving here late Monday night. Monday night she was kept somewhere in Indianapolis, according to the story, though she was suffer ing intense pains. In. the mean(Turn to Page l7)