Indianapolis Times, Volume 36, Number 289, Indianapolis, Marion County, 16 April 1925 — Page 1

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VOLUME 36—NUMBER 289

STEPHENSON PLEADS ‘NOT GUILTY'

Friends Lay Madge Oberholtzer to Rest

ASK COUNTY AS ONE DISTRICT FOh HOSPITAL Head of Central Asylum for Insane Cites Crowded Condition. OLD FOLKS ARE PROBLEM Children Declare Parents of Unsound Mind. With 1,200 Insane In Marlon County—more than the number of Inmates In several State asylums, Dr. Max A. Bahr, superintendent of the Central Hospital for the Insane, advocates a plan of redistricting the State under which Marion County alone will be In his district, he said today. “There are 700 Marion county people In the Central hospital now," he said. "Then there are 300 more at Julietta, the county hospital for the insane, and 200 or 300 more In homes. Th? quota from this county is only 649, so the situation is evident.” More Beds Dr. Bahr is installing thirty-two more beds in the men's department, by narrowing spaces between beds. “We are leaving just enough room for the inmates to get between the beds,” he said. There are 731 men and 931 women in the hospital now. “One reason for the steady increase of patients is the increasing number of aged people whom loving children have declared insane to get rid of them,” Dr. Bahr said. Old People Problem "Old people are quitp a problem in this modern age, and When they get a little feeble and absent-minded, the children take them over to the Justice of peace and have them sent to the insane asylum,” he said. Another reason for the steady in crease is the increase in population, he said. One person for every - 250 population is a fit subject for' an insanity inquest, according to Dr. Bahr. The recent legislature refused to consider plans for modernizing the Central Hospital or grant any money for additional buildings, on advice of the Governor's budget committee SLIGHT FROST IS REPORTED Small Damage Done, However. Says Weather Man. Bight, frost in spots visited Indianapolis and northern Indiana, Wednesday night, according to J. H. Armington, meterologist of the Tinted States Weather Bureau. Very small, if any, damage was done, however, he said. In higher land cast of the city considerable frost was observed on buildings and grass. Lowest temperature recorded at ihe Bureau Wednesday night was 45 degrees. Temperature will not be much higher tonight, according to officials, but cloudiness with a possibility or rain make it unlikely there will be frost. Lowest temperature here Wednesday was 42 degrees at 9 a. m., while normal temperature for this time of year is about 52 degrees. HOURLY TEMPERATURE i> a. m 45 10 a. m 55 7 a. m 47 11 a. m 58 9 a. m 61 12 (nooni .... 61 9 a. ni 55 1 p. 61

FLAPPER FANNY say *

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The husband who doesn’t itay home often is found out!

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

Spring Flowers Fill Sad Home to Overflowing as Funeral Services Are Held for Girl, Victim of Tragedy Four Weeks Ago. GIRLS ARE CHOSEN AS HONORARY PALLBEARERS Comforting Words of Peace Brought to Sorrowing Family by Pastor in Sermon —Burial at Memorial Park Cemetery. By Ruby Weil “| t-v lEACE I leave with you, 11 Imy peace T give, unto you: Not as the world giveth, give I unto you.” As the comforting words of tfce Scriptures fell from the lips of the Ret . Walter L. Ewing this afternoon they seemed to bring peace into the Irvington home where Madge Oberholtzer, alleged victim of an attack by D. C Stephenson, had suffered for four long weeks, and where she had died Tuesday. Death had taken the sunshine of the only daughter from the prettyhome at 5802 University Ave , but it had given to the girl, peace. The lines of suffering, engraved since she took poison more than a month ago. were gone. In their place had come a calm. Bower of Flowers The room in which her funeral service was held was filled with spring flowers, tribute from innumerable friends. While Madge lay ill. time after time these friends had offered their services to her parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Oberholtzer But there was nothing to be done; the was beyond the help of either love or science. This afternoon they were there to bid her farewell. Rev. Ewing, pastor of the Irvington M. E. Church, and Dr. C. H. Winders, pastor of the Northwood Christian Church, had charge of the funeral services. As pallbearers Madge’s family chose six men who had played with her and her only brother, Marshall, now of Linton, Ind., when they were ehildren, and who had l>cen their friends ever sin* e. The six who were to carry her to her grave in Memorial Park cemetery were Jacob Dolecher. Cornell. Garrison Winders, Edward Whitaker. Clifford Wagoner and Morrison Davenpryt. Girls Chosen Ten girl friends were selected too. as honorary pallbearers: Mrs. Beulah Gibson Acre, of Evansville, Ind.; Mrs. Kennedy Sexton, of Rush ville: Mrs. Gertrude Paddock Dill, of Plainfield, and Mrs. Emma Hill Kosdick, Miss Ermina Moore. Mrs. (Turn to Page 15) $25,880 GIVEN TO HOSPITALS Arthur V. Brown Contributes to Methodist Fund. A cash gift of $26,000 by Arthur V. Brown, president of the Union Trust Company, was announced to l day by officials of the Indiana | Methodist Hospitals Advance. The donation k - the largest single ■ ash grant made to date In the | movement, whose purpose is to raise ?1.500,000 for the fqur Methodist hospitals in the State, which are located at? Indianapolis, Ft. Wayne, Gary and'- Princeton, according to Dr. M, G. Terry, State director. New buildings, nurses’ homes, ad- : ditional surgical and medical equip|.ment, chapels, liquidation of obliga tions and reserve funds for annual losses resuming from free service, are among the things the four institutions Lope to have on distribution of the huge eil-state chest, it was pointed out by Dr. Terry. FLEET STEAMS TO ‘WAR’ Flagship Has 24-Hour Start in “Attack” on Hawaii. Bu initrd Prem ABOARD U. S. S. SEATTLE (Via Radio From United Pjess Staff Correspondent, April 16.) —Dipping into the west, the United States Navy is steaming toward the scene of its greatest war problem. With the flagship Seattle 1 .almost twenty-four hours ahead of ttie remainder of the fleet, the coufcpe ts lcid toward the Hawaiian Islands, which the Navy will attemi® to "capture."

FIND MOTHER IN COMA; MAY BE SELF-POISONED Gary Woman’s Arraignment on Murder Charge Is Postponed. COLLAPSES IN CELL Authorities to Examine for Presence of Arsenic. Bu Tailed Prr* GARY, Ind., April 16 —Mrs. Anna Cunningham, 60, charged with murder in connection with the death of her husband and four children, today collapsed again in her cell In the Crown Point, Ind., jail. Phvsiicans were ordered to examine her to determine whether she had swallowed arsenic. Arraignment on the murder charge was postponed pending medical examination of the woman. When Attorney Fmnk Gavi‘ and May, t'ne woman's 18-year old daughter, entered the cell they found Mrs. Cunningham stretched out, unconscious. The woman ha s cohapsed repeatedly since her arrest and friends tdld police she suffered from epilepsy. When Mrs. Cunningham was searched in the Crown Point jail a small box of arsenic was found in her purse. Police want to determine whether her condition Is due to poison. Last night the woman confessed to giving poison to four of her children. three of whom died. The fourth is in a Chicago hospital fighting for life. SHEPHERDPLEA IS‘NOT GUILTY' IN ARRAIGNMENT Mrs. Amos Pedigo, Indianapolis, Sister, Visits Brother in Cell. Bu Vnilrd Prets .CHICAGO, April 16.—Wiliam D. Shepherd, former Indianapolis man. today pleaded not guilty to the charge that he murdered his wealthy ward, Billy MoClintock, to obtain the latter's fortune. Defense Attorney Wiliam Scott Stewart first asked Judge Jacob Hopkins to quash the indictment. The prosecution entered objections and the court rejected the defense motion. The clerk of the court then read the lengthy indictment charging Shepherd with causing Billy's death by feeding him typhoid fever germs. “How do you plead, guilty or not guilty?” Shepherd was asked. “Not guilty,” was the reply in a firm voice. The defense and prosecution will meet later to agree on what judge is to hear the case. It is hoped to have the trial started shortly. Mrs. Amos Pedigo. a sister of who lives in Indianapolis, visited him before and after the hearing in the bullpen back of the courtroom. Sie refused to comment on Iter conversations with her brother. Shepherd's wife, who has not seen her husband since his incarceration, was again absent at today's arraignment. GIRL IS STRUCK BY STREET CAR Knocked Sixty Feet Condition Is Critical. Ivetta Parnell, 14, of 345 N. East St., was at the Long Hospital today in a critical condition from injuries received when she was struck by a West Michigan street car late Wednesday. Police were told she was knocked sixty feet into a parked auto. According to Herbert Gorman, of the same address, who was with the giri, she crossed the street in front of the car, thinking it was going to stop to take on passengers who were standing there. The street caj* did not stop, as another street car was following, and struck the girl. Gorman charged the car was speeding and did not stop for ninety feet. Joseph Hickman, 142 N. Blackford St., motorman, and Carl Mueller, 27, of 51 W. Walnut St., conductor, were both slated. The accident happened in front of 1073 W. Michigan Insurance Head Talks James L. .Madden, head of the insurance department of the United States Chamber of Commerce, addressed the Insurance committee of the Indianapolis Chamber today at lunhoson.i

INDIANAPOLIS, THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1925—16 PAGES

Runaway Dirigible With 20 on Board Is Sighted Off Coast of Netherlands

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50-Mile Gale Tears Ship From Moorings in England. Bu United Pram LOWESTOFT. Eng., April 16. Tom from her moorings at Pulham and carried out over the North Sea by a 50-inlle gale, the giant drigible R-33 crippled amjr with 20 men aboard, fought the elements today in a desperate struggle for safety. After nine and one-half hours during which the crew patched up the nose of the R-33 and were able better to manipulate the craft in the storm, the dirigible was reported 50 miles off the coast of Holland, north west of Amsterdam. At 10:30 a. m. crowds on the beach were watching the R-33 helr.g blown to sea. At 11 a. m. the airship jeappeared, steering slowly and reporting by wireless that all was well as could be expected. Later the dirigible appeared off Yarmouth, steering well and not losing altitude. Passing again over Lowestoft the R-3S was bufTeted by a rain squall at 2.000 Test and suddenly dipped its nose. But It recovered and shot ahead on a momentarily erratic courae. The R-33 was reported sighted near the island of\Tersche!ling. one of the Netherlands group in the North Sea at 3:30 p. m. Among those aboard the crippled airship Is Corporal Potter, cne of the survivors of the disaster to the R-38, which broke in two and fell in flames over Hull, England, three years ago. Also believed to be aboard are several relatives of members of the crew who were aloft visiting when the airship was wrenched frpnv its moorings. RETURN TODAY ABANDONED Ship 75 Miles Northwest of Amsterdam, Holland. By United Pram LONDON, April 16.—Prisoners of the sky—held aloft in the giant dirigible R-33. storm-driven over the North Sea—twenty officers and men of the British air servilce are being carried along by high "winds and have no hope of bringing their craft back to England tonight, the air ministry announced this afeti-noon. The airship and crew are safe and have been ordered to proceed" on their present course, holding their ow'i as best they can in the gales. A- 4:30 p. m. the R 33 was approximately seventy-five miles northwest of Amsterdam.

‘SHAKING DOWN’ OF ‘JOINTS’ IS DENIED John Zener Says He Is Not Getting Campaign Funds From Poolrooms.

John Zener, erstwhile captain in the police force and now collecting funds from police and city firemen for the campaign fund of Ralph A. Lemcke, according to Mayor Shank, today denied he is ‘‘shaking down" poolrooms, soft drink parlors and white mule ‘‘Joints" in the interest of his candidate. “Sure, I deny I am shaking down any mule joints to raise money for or Rill Armitage or any body," said John, who Was dashing NOBLESVILLE GAINS Kiwanis Club Census Shows 6,300 Population. Mtt Timet Special NOBLESVILLE. Ind./ April 16.—A census just completed by the Kiwanis Club gives Noblesville a population of 6.300. increase of approximately 1,000 since the Government census was taken four years fgo. Boy Is Missing Police are searching for Thomas Finn, 16, 3434 Graceland Ave., who has been missing for a week. He was last seen on his way to school. Boy Is described as having brown and red hair and wearing dark gray suit and cap.

French Socialists Support Caillaux for Cabinet Post

Former Premier Makes Formal Acceptance— Confidence Voted. Bu I nilrd Pram PARIS, April 16.—The radical-so-cialist group in the chamber of deputies, of which Edouard Herriot is leader, today endorsed Joseph Caillaux as prospective minister of finance In the cabinet which Paul Palnleve Is forming. Caillaux asked the radical-socialists for an expression of confidence and when this was granted, announced formally his acceptance of the finance post. Palnleve expects to his cabinet completed late tonight. First mention of Caillaux, former premier, caused a furore. During the war he barely escaped a firing squad for alleged treason and was exiled for trafficking with the enemy. As an indication of the passion aroused by Calllaux's return to official life was given by the arrest of a young man who was observed acting suspiciously around the Quai D’Orsay this morning. The youth proved to he insane, but had a revolver In his possession and when questioned said: “I came to kill Caillaux.” The young man was lodged in an infirmary. WOMAN DIES IN FLAMING HOME Charred Remains Taken From Ashes. Bu Timeg Special SEYMOUR. Ind., April 16.—The charred remains of Mrs. Olive Warman, 65, were taken from the ashes of her burned home late Wednesday afternoon and buried today. She lived alone and was trapped in her burning home. Neighbors saw the fire, hut could not reach It in time to save her or the house. She lived ten miles southwest of her*

around the city hall and police station, it being the day after police and firemen w r ere paid. Duvall leaders are spreading the report, according to Zener. "If Bill Armitara pledged SIO,OOO to Lemcke’s fund, and I’m to raise it, it’s news to me,’* he said. "I don’t go around Lemcke’s headquarters much. A fellow can’t do good political work and stay around headquarters in an easy chair, can he?" Zener said he is "merely a citizen and taxpayer” since he resigned , from the police force. "As far as shaking down mule joints goes, where are there any mule joints in this town?” he asked. "Show me one.” “Want to go down to police station with me? Walking? Sure, I am not walking. What do you think? Us taxpayers don’t walk.” And getting in his large sedan Zener disappeared down Alabama St. FIRE AT MOORESVILLE Warehouse Burns With l>oss of 52.51 M. Hu Titnr* Special MOORESVILLE, Ind., April 16. — Fire of unknow’n origin Wednesday night destroyed a warehouse, owned by Arthur Rushton, local coal dealer. Loss was estimated at $2,500. I

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Joseph Caillaux

UNTON STAGES SECOND ESCAPE Alleged Bank Bandit and Partner Quit Jail. Bv Timex Bvecial SPENCER. Ind., April 16.—Ralston (Blackiei Linton, under sentence to fifteen years at the Indiana State Reformatory for alleged participation in robbery of the Spencer National and Exchange Banks Nov. 5. 1923, was at large again today Linton and Arthur Bauer, alias Pickles, also held In connection with the bank robbery, escaped from the county jail Wednesday night while their two guards slept. Harry Palmer, a third prisoner, who refused to join the pair, said they had a key that unlocked their cells. Linton escaped jail last November, but returned voluntarily to stand trial last January. THREE DRIVERS ARE INDICTED Face Manslaughter Trial in Accidents. Three motorists were Indicted by the Marion County grand Jury today on charges of involuntary manslaughter. They were: George Boyd, whose machine is alleged to have struck and caused the death of Craig Miller, 25, colored, 508 S. Capitol Ave. John R. Ferguson, 28. of 2640 Allen Ave., and McKinley Alford. 25, of Logootee, Ind., in connection with an auto crash at Bluff Rd. and Troy Ave., which lead to death of Chester A. Votau, 47, of 2912 Shelby St.; John Scokan. 36. of 1511 E. Kelly St., and Howard Kendall, 17, of 1010 Albany Rd. NO MAIL ROUTE NOW Postmaster General Says Cost of Line Would he Too Much. No air mall service for Indianapolis on a New Orleans-Chicago air route is being contemplated by the Government it was Indicated in a letter received from Postmaster GeneraJ Harry S. New, by William H. Howard, secretary of the Indianapolis Board of Trade. New's letter said the expense of such a service rendered It prohibitive at this time. •leweit Speaks at Mill ('hales W. Jewett, ex-mayor, spoke tc more than 300 employes of the Real Silk Hosiery Mills at noon today in behalf of Ralph A. Lemcke. candidate for Republican nomination for mayor. Lemcke himself spoke to another meeting at the Real Silk Millie. He attacked the political boas system.

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

Former Indiana Ku-Klux Klan Leader, Klenck and Gentry Deny Charges in Connection With Alleged Attack on Miss Oberholtzer. JUDGE COLLINS OVERRULES MOTIONS ATTACKING BILLS Defendants in Court as Attorney Makes Pleas—Grand Jury in Ses-sion-New Indictments Rumored as Possibility. D, C. Stephenson, formerly head of the Ku-Klux Klan in Indiana, will face trial in Criminal Court on charges of kidnaping and attacking Miss Madge Oberholtzer, 28, who died Tuesday at her home of mercuric poison, self-administered at Hammond, Ind., March 16. This was made certain today when pleas of not guilty in his behalf were entered by Eph Inman, Stephenson’s attorney, after Judge James A. Collins had overruled motions to quash the indictments against him and against Earl Klenck and Earl Gentry, indicted with Stephenson on a charge of conspiracy to commit a felony. Not guilty pleas also were entered by Klenek and Gentry.

Following the entering of pleas Inman and William H. Remy, prosecutor, informally discussed a trial date with Judge Collins. Meantime the grand jury continued its session and acrording to reports about the Courthouse a murder charge will be placed against Stephenson. Remy refused to make a statement or to give any intimation of actions to be taken by the State. Following the overruling of the motion to quash the counts, Judge Collins asked Inman: “Are you ready to enter pleats?” Inman replied: “Let the records show a plea of not guilty for each and all the defendants.” Hate Not Set Date for the trial was not set. F’-oseoutor William H. Rmy and rnman went up to the judge who showed them that the earliest date for trial would be May 25. due to his crowded court calendar. Remy and Inman did not agree on this date and Remy asked for time to think the case over. Neither Stephenson or his two aids said a word during the proceedings. Stephenson was calm and smiling as usual, and showed no nervousness. He refused to make any statement and left the courtroom immediately after the proceedings. Indictments upheld as result of Judge Collins’ ruling. charged Stephenson with assault and battery with intent to kill and commit an attack. kidnaping, malicious mayhem, and conspiracy to commit a felony. Klenck and Gentry were also named in the conspiracy indictment. Inquest Continued Coroner Paul F. Robinson continued his inquest into Miss Oberholtzer’s death today. Dr. John H. Warvel. 3944 Broadway, pathologist at the Methodist Hospital, was the only witness today. His testimony largely had to do with blood tests made by him during Miss Oberholtzer's illness between March 21 and April 13. On his first visit, he said he was convinced she could not recover, Two Watserman tests showed negative, he said. Miss Oberholtzer’s parents will not be called upon to testify today. Dr. Paul F. Robinson, coroner, said. He indicated that they will not be asked In detail as to any statements made by their daughter as to events leading up to her death, other than those having a bearing on the taking of poison Dr. Henry O. Mertz, 5365 Central Ave. was the only witness to testify Wednescday afternoon. He verified statements of Dr. John K. Kingsbury as to the bruised condition of the young tvoma.n’s body. He saw her o nfour occasions and gave a history of the development of the effects of the poison. He said she made no statements to him as to any events which led to her action In taking poison. RULES TO BEAT ‘SMOG’ DRAFTED Smoke Inspector Will Submit Code to Council. New rules and regulations to defeat “smog” in Indianapolis have been drafted by Hubert F. Ttempleton, city smoke inspector, and will be submitted to the city council, he announced today. If plans are carried out, Indianapolis will be far ahead of other cities In smoke prevention. according to Templeton. Templeton proposes to prevent future Installations of equipment producing smog. New regulations will cover everything from Installation of furnaces in private dwellings to boilers and stacks charge factories.

Forecast PARTLY cloudy tonight and Friday with possibly local showers. Not much change in temperature.

TWO CENTS

FISHBACK ASKS $75,000 FOND TO‘SELL CITY’ C. of C. Directors Hear Proposal to Increase Annual Budget. Annual budget of $75,000 to be used in “selling Indianaixdis to the outside world.” was proposed by Frank S. Fishback, president Chamber of Commerce, at a director's meeting at noon today. "What we need in a campaign selling the advantages of Indianapolis to other cities. It should cover r period of at least three years," Fishback said. Directors met to consider the program of the industries committee for boosting Indianapolis. The plan called for raising of a fund, a part of which is to be spent for advertising the advantages of Indianapolis. The budget covered four-year period. Recommendations Made G. M. Williams, chairman of the Industries committee, submitted recommendations for developing Indlanapols as an industrial center. Hiring of an industrial expert: a nation wide publicity campaign: and naming of an advisory committee to handle industrial problems were Included in the plan. It is hoped ot make Indianapolis a super-attractive city to prospective industries and to stimulate the pres--ent market under the proposed plan. Made Good Start Fishback advocated raising such a fund a year ago, and proposed to give $2,000 toward it. He said he had in mind a much larger sum than $26,000, as was originally proposed. Recently Flsiback accepted the presidency of the Chamber with the understanding that it would back a program for a greater Indianapolis, he said. SARCENT STIRS OP DEPARTMENT Division of Justice Revamped ‘for Efficiency/ Bu United Prent WASHINGTON, April 1. A general reorganization Rnd consolidation of sectional division offices of the Department of Justice" In the interests of efficiency and economy,” was announced today by Attorney General Sargent. Sargent announced that three agents in the San Francisco offices of the department, including Director M. V. Fahey, had been released "In a short period.” Sargent said, "the heads of other offices in important cities will be shifted. The transfer enables them to secure a diversified experience which otherwise they would not enjoy.” f ——___________ RAIDS AT SHERIDAN Fifteen In Noblesrllle Jail on Llqnor Chargee. Bu Timet Special NOBLESVILLE, Ind.. April I*. Local and Federal officers made fifteen arrests in Hamilton county Wednesday night. All of the defendante are In the local jail and will be charged with various forma of bootlegging. The officials say they found a still and flvs gallons of llyor In the William Robbins Drug Stpre at Sheridan.