Indianapolis Times, Volume 36, Number 295, Indianapolis, Marion County, 23 April 1925 — Page 1

Home Edition WILL Chickie and Barry Dunne be married? See the back page today.

VOLUME 36—NUMBER 295

CITY SWELTERS AS HEAT WAVE SWEEPS STATE AND NATION Showers Forecast for Friday Expected to End Hot Weather, Says Bureau —Temperature Today Sets New Mark of 87 for Year. Sweltering weather which struck the middle and eastern part of the country, including Indianapolis, Wednesday, will probably continue here until Friday, when showers will bring relief, according to J. H. Armington, meteorologist of the United States weather bureau.

The high temperature for 1925 moved up another notch today when the weather bureau thermometer stood at 87 degrees at 1 p. m. This is the highest temperature for April 23 since 1871. It may go higher, according to the bureau. Temperature Wednesday was 83 degrees. Average temperature for April 23 is 55 degrees, and the lowest mark recorded for this date is 30 degrees in 1875. The highest temperature for April is 90 degrees, which was reached in 1921. Thermometer registered 76 degrees at 8 a. m., compared to 71 at 9 a. m., Wednesday. Highest temperature in the tSate Wednesday was 89 degrees at Vincennes. Temperature this morning was 16 degrees above the normal. A wide-spread area of low pressure in the western part of the country, centering over Montana today, is producing southerly winds in this region. This is responsible for the heat, says the bureau. St. Louis, with temperature of 91 degrees, led the country in heat batting average, though Omaha, Neb., with 90 degrees, was close behind. Friday afternoon or night cloudiness and probably rain will bring relief to Indianapolis, is the hopeful word of the weather prophets. Tonight should be generally fair. Several cities have reported heat prostrations, but none have succumbed as yet in Indianapolis, according to records. HOURLY TEMPERATURE 6 a. m 67 10 a. m 80 7 a. ro 68 11 a. m 82 8 a. m 71 12 (noon) .... 84 9 a. m 76 1 p. m 87 HEAT WAVE GENERAL Storms in West Relieve Re<-ord Temperature Slightly. Bu United Press CHICAGO, April 23.—Summer and mld-summtu weather gripped much of the country todav. Snow In Nevada and storms In some portions of the Middle West gave some relief from 24 hours of record April temperatures. The warm wave Is sweeping eastward, the weather bureau reported. One man was overcome in St. Paul, where the thermometer climbed to 85 degrees. St. Louis recorded 91 degrees, the highest April temperature in twenty-five years. When the thermometer reached above 90 some school teacher gave half holidays for fear of prostrations among their charges. The warmest spot in the country yesterday was Tulsa, Okla., where a maximum of 98 degrees was registered. In Springfield, 111., It was 89 above. Nebraska reported from 82 to 89 degrees. It was 88 above In lowa, 70 in Wisconsin and 78 In Chicago. Humidity here was 88, anew high record for April. It was 85 In Indiana. Kansas City reported a temperature of 85 and Ft. Worth, Texas, 72. The east coast experienced a sudden shift from freezing weather to warmth, Erie, Pa., registering 70 degrees. Much higher temperatures are due in the East later today. AUTO BREAKS MAN’S LEG Driver Charged With Speeding and Assault and Battery. Carl Matlock, 18, of 4027 W. Washington St., was charged with, speeding an aassault and battery, by police who investigated an accident at 60 Kentucky Ave., Wednesday night. Toney James, 35, of South Bend, Ind., was crossing the street, police say, when struck by the Matlock auto and his right leg broken. James VU taken to thee city Hospital.

FLAPPER FANNY sdys 0 cwairnnwwe.

The honeymoon is over when the husband has to have a billiard table to keep him home nights.

The Indianapolis Times COMPLETE WERE SERVICE OF THE UNITED PRESS ■ WORLD'S GREATEST EVENING PRESS ASSOCIATION

WHEELER STORY IS TARGET FOR COUNSEL’S GUNS Prosecution Sets Out to Make Senator Controvert Own Testimony. Bu United Press GREAT FALLS, Mont., April 23. —The prosecution set out today to make Senator Burton K. Wheeler, on trial here for misuse of office, controvert his own story in his own words. At the opening of the seventh day of the case, District Attorney John L. Slattery recalled the former leader of the Washington scandal Investigations and subjected him to sharp crossquestioning. Wheeler was asked about names, dates and places in his relationship with Gordon Campbell, Montana oil magnate, and Edwin S. Booth, former solicitor of the Interior Department, with whom he is facing charges of conspiracy to obtain fraudulent oil permits from the Government. Aided in Financing "I couldn t have told a permit if I saw one,” Wheeler said. "I tried to Interest people In financing Campbell, but it had nothing to do with permits.” Testimony of each side is at such variance that there is talk of at least one perjury arrest growing out of the case. F. J. O'Leary, counsel for the defense, contends that he found his office in such shape Monday that he believes his files were ransacked. Telegram Is Held The defense has a telegram signed by “Mr. Luckett” of the Washington telephone company saying there is no record of a call from Booth in Washington to George 8., Hayes in New York in March, 1923. Walsh wishes to Introduce this evidence to refute Hayes' testimony which was to the effect that Booth had arranged a telephone call for him to confer with Wheeler in the lobby of the Wai< ors hotel about a sha/ly oil deal. Walsh says if the prosecution will accept this evidence it will close the case immediately. Slattery says he won’t accept the Luckett telegram until the full Wellington telephone report arrives. The report is expected this afternoon. HEAVY LOSS IN ELEVATOR FIRE Chicago Blaze Damage Will Reach $2,250,000 Bu United Press CHICAGO, April 23.—Chicago's worst elevator fire in twenty years early today gutted two huge structures and destroyed approximately 2,000,000 bushels of com and oats, doing damage estimated- at $2,250,000. Nearly half of the fire apparatus of the city was summoned in the frantic fight to stop the threatened destruction of surrounding lumber yards, packing plants, other grain elevators, coal yards and homes of hundreds of poor families. Fire-boats aided. Police are investigating a report that two persons are missing. The two structures destroyed were under lease by the Grain Marketing Company, a farmers’ cooperative association. Spontaneous combustion caused the fire, it wag believed. ONE KILLED; 6 ESCAPE Auto Plunges Over Embankment at High Speed. Bu United Press SOUTH BEND. Ind., April 23. Six companions of Albert Smiglelski, 22, who was killed In an auto accident near here, today marveled at their own miraculous escape from InJury or death. Their auto plunged over a twenty-foot embankment while traveling forty-five miles an hour. All but SmigileskJ escaped without a scratch. TRUCK STRIKES WOMAN Mrs. James Dlvin Was Hurt About Head and Body. Mrs. James Dlvin, 49, of 2007 Park Ave., was injured about the head and body when struck by a truck Wednesday, in front of 2330 N. Delaware St. She had started to cross the street. Charges of assault and battery were brought aaignu C. F. Earle, 6563 Ferguson St., dfiver of the truck.

INQUISITION BY MILITARY IN BULGARIA Government Perpetrates Terrible Atrocities in Wiping Out Last Suspicion of Disloyalty, British Statesmen Report. PRISONERS MUTILATED DURING THIRD DEGREE’ Jugo-Slavia to Demand Explanation of Charges That Serbs Initiated Recent Revolt Against Zankoff Rule. Bu United Pre.ss VIENNA, April 23.—The spectre of a bloody inquisition stalks through Bulgaria. Atrocities being perpetrated by the military were disclosed here today by two British investigators just returned from Sofia. They confirmed the fact that even the worst stories of torture and brutal treatment of prisoners which have leaked through the censorship are true in every detail. Fingernails are torn off hands of condemned men during the "third degree” in the military’s relentless search for enemies of the government. One man was found dead with his ears and nose cut off and his fingernails pulled out. The military is la complete control. Police are seeking not only perpetrators of the recent cathedral outrage In Sofia hut all persons unsympathetic to the government. The prisons and dungeons of Bulgaria are full tor overflowing. American Protests Charles S. Wilson, American ambassador, Is reported to have joined other foreign diplomats at Sofia in a protest to the Zankoff government against such extreme measures. It is pointed out that the government obviously has more prisoners already than it can care for, but Sofia dispatches report arrests of suspects continuing. Several new bombing attacks by peasants in the Varna districts are reported today. The British investigators, William MacKlnder and Colonel Malone arrived at Vienna at 6 a. m., today, and were met by the United Press correspondent. Basing their statement upon their own observations, which were made as the result of a special visit to Sofia, accompanied by Col. Josiah Wedgewood, M. P., the Britishers said conditions in Bulgaria approximate medieval Inquisitions. They Interviewed practically everyone of prominence in Sofia, but were (Turn to Pdge 11) THUNDERSTORM FATAL Fright Blamed for Woman’s Death at Seymour. Bu United Press SEYMOUR. Ind., April 23.—Fright caused by a ♦hunderstorm was given today as the cause of the death of Mis. Laura Well, 66. The fright bi ought on a fatal attack of heart trouble. JACK DEMPSEY 7 ILL Heavyweight Champion Stricken After Arrival From West. Bu United Press NEW Y'ORK, April 23—. Jack Dempsey, world's heavyweight champion, was taken suddenly ill at his hotel here this afternoon shortly after he and his wife, Estelle Taylor, arrived from Los Angeles on the Twentieth Century. AUTO STRIKES WOMAN Witnesses Say* She Was Running to Catch Bus. While running to catch a bus today in front of 137 N. Delaware St., Mrs. Marie Ward. 32, of 2710 Station St., ran from between two parked automobiles into the side of a car driven by N. J. McClure. 35, of 3178 Graceiand Ave., police were told. Mrs. Ward was taken home, with ciuts and bruises on her head, shoulders and body. McClure was charged with assault and battery. BURGLARS WERE HUNGRY Whole Neighborhood Reports Ice Boxes Were Raided. Hungry burglars were abroad in the city Wednesday night. Five persons in one neighborhood reported raids on the family Ice box and larder. Losses were: M. Goldstein. Apt. 16, Twent-Flrst St. and College Ave., 60 cents; Alfred Bryan, Apt. 11, same address, $1.60; Roy Pyle, SOI E. Twenty-First St., Apt. 10, 54 cents; Mrs. rspn Schelble, Apt. 11, same address, 30 cents, and N. j\ Sims, 2555 College Ave., 50 cents. V

INDIANAPOLIS, THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 1925—18 PAGES

VICTIM OF WAR GOES ON TRIAL FOR LIFE

Did War's Influence Cause Killing?

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IWt to right: Sheriff Omer Hawkins, limits Owens, Deputy Sheriff William Anderson.

DEATH VERDICT IN OBERHOLTZER CASE IS GIVEN Coroner’s Report Shows Girl Died of Mercurial Poisoning. An official verdict, declaring that Madge Oberholtzer, 28. of 6802 University Ave., died of mercurial poisoning, self administered, was returned by Coroner Paul F. Robinson today. The verdict read: "In accordance with pathological and chemical reports and also testimony of witnesses, hereto attached, I find Madge Oberholtzer’s death was due to mercurial poisoning, self-ad-ministered.” Meantime both sides prepared for the legal battle in Criminal Court before Judge James A. Collins Monday, when argument on the motion t oadmtt D. C. Stephenson, formerly grand, dragon of the Ku-Klux Klan In Indiana; Earl Kllnck and Earl Gentry, all charged with murder of Miss Oberholtzer, to bail will be heard. Mother Improves Condition of Mrs. George Oberholtzer, mother of the young woman, who Is expected to be an Important witness at the hearing, is slightly improved today, her husband said. Mrs. Oberholtzer suffered a -nervous breakdown following her daughter’s illness and death and has been out of the city since Saturday. If she is sufficiently recovered by Monday she will be in court, Oberholtzer said. No significance should be attached to the fact that subpoenas for witnesses have not been given the sheriff for service, Eph Inman, attorney for the defendants said. "It Is not yet time for that to be done,” he said. Hearing Important The hearing promises to be an important phase of the case. Not only will it determine .whether Stephen son and his aids must remain in jail until after the trial, but it may develop some important testimony. Among lawyers, the opinion has been expressed that Inman hopes to force the State to show its hand through these proceedings. William H. Remy, prosecutor, and Charles E. Cox, employed by the Oberholtzer family to assist in the prosecution, have said they are prepared to meet any move of any character on the part of the defense. FOUND ICEBOX ~BARE Chickens, Butter, Bacon and Beef Roast Stolen. The thief who ransacked the refrigerator on the hack porch of the home of Mrs. Nancy Stoops. 2047 College Ave., today should feast well. Mrs. Stoops reports a large aluminum kettle, containing two dressed chickens, two pounds of butter, one and a half pounds of bacon and a beef roast, taken. She gave total value of the loss as $7.75. SAFETY GATE STRUCK Breaks Windshield of Auto—Woman Is Injured. A safety gate at the Pennsylvania Railroad crossing at Madison Ave. struck the hood of an auto driven by Albert Stocker, 602'Sanders St., Wednesday night. Stocker told police hfe did not hear the signal bell 0/ the train and did not know the gate was lowering until It struck the auto. The windshield was broken and the glass and gate struck his wife, Elsie, Injuring her about the face and body.

SCHOOL WHIPPING IS AIRED IN COURT Principal Shows Judge Lahr Rawhide With Which He Admits Punishing Boy.

Trial of three teachers, two men and a woman, for the alleged whip ping of Wardean Wallace. 11, of 310 Highland Ave., student at the Union ‘Seventh Day Adventist School, 1605 Sturm Avo., waa continued to May 4 by Juvenile Judge Frank J. Lahr Wednesday. William Bradford, principal. Miss Evelyn TWO REPUBLICAN CHAIRMANSHIPS ARE UP TODAY Rumor Says Stephenson Case Will Be Considered. Filling of vacancies in chairmanships of the Sixth and Eleventh districts occupied attention of the Republican State committee today. Before the luncheon which preceded that C. M. Brown of Richmond would be named to succeed George Elliott, deceased, as chairman of the Sixth district, and that the Eleventh district plum would fall to Jess Murden of Peru. The vacancy in this district came about through appointment of Hurd Hurst, former chairman, to Judge of the Miami Circuit Court. There was a world of whispered gossip about the case of D. C. Stephenson, former Grand Dragon of the Ku-Klux Klan in Indiana, and erstwhile power in Republican politics, now In jail on charges of murdering Miss Madge Oberholtber. According to rumor the case was to be considered in formally by the State committee. Underneath the surface a thinly concealed but apparent break between the forces favorable to Governor Jackson and Senator James E. Watson, was visible. Both sides seerryed to be jockeying for control f the State committee before tKe senatorial election next year. According to reports Watson may find determined opposition in his battle for the nomination. SUMMER’S HERE 7 PROOF Swimmers a 1t Adam Reported In Eagle Creek. ‘‘Summer” Is here. Proof— Police were called today to the Eagle Creek Bridge on National Rd., west of the city. Boyo there were swimming without any clothes, horrified women said. STUDENT IS MISSING Manual Training High School Boy is Sought. Search for Fred Donaldson, 15, of 1653 E. Raymond St., was started by police today, following report he had not been seen since he left home for Manual Training High School at 7:30 a. m. Wednesday. The youth, who has blue "!yes and light hair. wore light flannel trousers, a blue sweater and a light gray cap when he left home. Driver in Crash Flees Cortland Whitesides, 53, of 1212)4 E. Tenth Bt., was Injured about the back at Twenty-Fifth SJt. and Sherman Dr.. Wednesday. Driver of the automobile did not stop.

Lien and William Gilbrat, teachers, and Mrs Clara Wallace, the boy’s mother, testified Wednesday. Clarence Wallace, a brother, said Wardean was black and blue and swollen from the hips to the knees. Others who claimed they saw the child after he was whipped bore out his testimony. Mrs. Wallace said she gave the school authorities permission to whip her child, if he be came unruly. Bradford admitted he administered [the whipping. He showed to Judge j Lahr a rawhide whip which he said | was used to punish the hoy. It was about eighteen inches long and com posed of several strips of rawhide bound loosely together at one end. He said he carried it to and from school daily In the bottom of his brief case to be used whenever necessary. Clarence Wallace said that while Bradford whipped his brother. Gilbret held him and Miss Lien put her hand over his mouth to keep him from crying out. Bradford admitted Miss Lien put her hand over the boy’s mouth, but said he told her to remove it "because the boy. must breathe.” The principal said that since the punishment the boy has showed a marked Improvement in conduct. FIRE LOSS $25,000 Nurseries Burn at Middlebury, Near Elkhart. Bu Times Bvecial ELKHART. Ind.. April 23.—Loss estimated at $25,000 was done when fire destroyed the Kreider Nurseries Company Bldg., at the Middlebury, near here. SHIP STARTS HOME IT. S. Dirigible leaves Bermuda Headed for States. HAMILTON Bermuda, April 23. The United States naval dirigible Los Angeles was loosed from her mooring mast on the tender Patoka at 9:45 a. m., and after cruising over the islands, headed for the United States at 10:15 a. m. FRED WELLS IS KILLED Auto Racer Fatally Injured in Freak Machine. Bu United Press BRENTWOOD, L. 1., April 23. Fred Wells,, mechanical engineer and automobile racer, was fatally injured late today while tuning up a freak machine with which he planned to compete in the approaching Indianapolis races. Wells died within an hour from injuries received when the machine crashed through a fence and overturned. ‘FARMER FACES RUIN’ Lowdfln Warns Nation Must Aid Agriculturist. Bu United Prtss NEW YORK. April 23.—The American farmer faces ruin and bank ruptcy unless the nation gives him aid, Frank O Lowden said at a banquet of the Bureau of Advertis ing last night. “Our agriculture is decaying.” Lowden told his audience. “Farm bankruptcies In recent years have increased more than 600 per cent.” To avoid continuance of this situation farmers must organize on terms of equality with the great Industries of the country, he said.

Entered a* Second-class Matter at PostofCloe, Indlanapolla. Published Dally Except Sunday.

Self-Defense Expected to Be Plea of Louis Owens, Barber, Charged With Fatal Stabbing of Fellow Worker in Downtown Store. JURY TO HEAR CASE MAY BE CHOSEN THIS AFTERNOON Shellshock and Gas, Received in Battle, Will Be Defense of Accused Man Also, Belief Killing Occurred Last December. Shell shocked and gassed, Louis Owens, 30, of 277 W. Ray St., a victim of the World War, today went on trial in Criminal Court on a charge of first degree murder. Owens is charged with the fatal stabbing of George Robinson, 43, of 2134 Park Ave., on Dec. 6, 1924. The stabbing took place in the men’s dressing room of L. S. Ayres & Co.’s store, where both were employed as barbers.

The jury in the case is expected to be faced with this question: Is the fact that a man went through five major battles In the World War, suffering from shell shock and gas, a valid explanation for an alleged murderous act. Pick Jury Both Prosecutor William H. Remy and Charles J. Orbison, chief defense counsel, were expected to agree upon a jury this afternoon. Orbison dismissed six men this morning. One was discharged because he said he had read of the case and had concluded Owens was guilty of murder. Self-preservation will also be a defense, it was indicated.

The law of seif-defense was put to all jurors by Orbison and Remy. Each were asked their opinion separately. Shortly after trial opened Remy objected to Orbison® Interpretation* of the law. Several times Judge James A. Collins interrupted Orbison in his presentation of the law. In summing up the law Orbison said: “The law of self-defense applies to a person who is In a place where he has a right to be and is assaulted by another person and returns the attack to protect himself, if he Justly believes his life or property or someone near and dear to him is in danger.” “Do you believe that to be a reasonable rule?” Orbison asked each juror. “Would you apply It in this case?” he further asked. “If the evidence disclosed the fact that Louis Owens, the defendant, did kill George Robinson while acting within that rule, you would not hesitate In voting for his acquittal?” Orbison questioned. They all answered they would not. Wife IVesent Owens, a small, frail, black-haired man, sat In rear of Orbison beside Mrs. Owens, his wife. He took active Interest in the jury examination and many times conferred with Orbison, and Tiiford Orbison, who Is assisting his father. On the State side and near Prosecutor Remy sat Mrs. George Robinson, wife of the slain man. She was attired In a black dress and veil draped bat. Owens has been in the county jail since the murder. Part of his time there was occupied by shaving and cutting the hair of the other prisoners. Owens is charged by the State with having followed Robinson from the Ayres barber shop to the rest room on the floor below and there to have stabbed Robinson in the neck with scissors. Owens, the State alleges, came out of the washroom and told an Ayres employe what he had done. Robinson was found In the washroom dead. Owens, it is said, waited, half in a daze, until police came and took him to jail. He has been there since. Attorney Orbison indicated Owens' mental condition will be backbone of the defense. It was expected a picture of a man going through the Btrain of dangerous assignments in conflict as a member of the engineer ing corps, would be the background. Next, It was indicated, there will be painted a picture of the effect of a three months' quarrel between the two barbers upon a mind and body wracked by the memory of war horrors.

Quarrel Over Tools The defense contends that the trouble started when Robinson used Owens' tools and dulled them. Petty arguments, jibes and taunts followed at various Intervals, it is said, the whole growing in the mind of the shellshock victim to the proportions of a gigantic grievance, until finally he committed the alleged fatal act. Seventy-five men were subpoenaed for the jury, selection of which was to begin today.

Forecast Generally fair tonight; Friday increasing cloudiness with probably thunderstorms and cooler by afternoon or night.

TWO CENTS

FLOYD COLLINS’ BODY REMOVED; LIESJN STATE Mine Squad and Natives Witness Recovery From Underground Tomb. Bu United Press SAND CAVE, Ky., April 23.—The body of Floyd Colins, who died In Sand Cave while an entire nation followed every move of the dramatic attempts to save him was recovered today frofn its natural tomb. Only a few natives of the cav* country and merfibers of a min® squad were at the mouth of the cav* when Collins’ body was brought u]> In a canvas sling. W. H. Hunt, mine expert In. charge of reclaiming the body saldj It was In fair condition. It waai taken immediately to the Baptist Church to lie in state until funeraj plans are complete. Burial probably will be made Ini Crystal Cave, a cavern of wonders discovered by the cave explorer In an expedition similar to the one whiclv resulted in his death. Workers who brought the body to. the surface said they had found lit on the very brink of a mammotl* cavern more ttyan a hundred feet, deep, probably the cave treasure, which Collins was seeking when hi* legs were pinned beneath a falling; rock last January.

FEDERATION WILL MEET Churches to Hold Annual Gathering Monday Night. Program for the year will be outlined at annual meeting of Church*! Federation of Indianapolis Monday') night at the Y. M. C. A. following) dinner at 6:30 p. m. E. R. Conder. president, announced. The dinner will be complimentary) to delegates from all Protestant) churches in the city. Officers will/ be elected and reports heard. BILL ORDERED PAID< Judge Ends Controversy Over In--flmiary Generator. After the county council refused twice to pay S3OO for an electrio generator which county commissioners installed at the county infirmary in 1923, Judge James A. Leathers of Superior Court One today ordered that the hill be paid, following suit brought against the county commissioners by the Meier Electric Company. John McCloskey, commissioner, said each time the council was asked for an appropriation it was refused. The bill will again he presented to the council Monday morning. SPITTER WAR WIDENS School, Church and Other Organization Aid Campaign. The anti-spitting campaign being conducted by the Marion County Tuberculosis Association has been taken up by schools, church groups and other organizations, according to announcement today. The campaign is being put on as part of the general clean-up and palnt-up campaign in the city. Among gioups which have adopted resolutions against spitting in pubUo places are branch No. 39 of the National Association of Letter Carrier*. 7B and 7A classes of Nathaniel Hawthorne school. Belle Vleu PL and, Ohio St., and pupils of school No. Washington and California St*.