Indianapolis Times, Volume 37, Number 156, Indianapolis, Marion County, 30 October 1925 — Page 1

Home Edition I,OKI A, the Flapper VJT Wife,” an appealing story of modern life, appears on the back page of The Times daily.

VOLUME 37—NUMBER 156

OBERHOLTZER LAWYER DENIES BRIBE

BOTH PARTIES CONFIDENT OF WIN TUESDAY Republican and Democratic Leaders Make Predictions. HOPE WORM WILL TURN Speeches and Meetings Draw to Close. Iy Jepson Cadou If you stroll into Republican city headquarters in the Knights of Pythias Bldg, they tell you events of the past week in the political world ve strengthened the possibilies for lection of John L. Duvall as mayor f Indianapolis. A short wajk to Democratic headquarters in the National City Bank Bldg., and you have the other side of the story. Supporters of Walter Myers, there say he has gained more ground during the last seven days than in the entire campaign. But George V. Coffin, Republican city chairman, has his doubts on that score. In fact, he doubts himself into a prediction that a clear day next Tuesday will mean victory for Duvall by 20,000 votes. “I believe the people are so tired of present conditions they will vote Walter Myers and the entire Democratic ticket into office by a substantial majority,” William E. Clauer, Democratic chairman, declares. * , Tuesday to Tell Tale Whether the feeling of disgust with present management of city government will triumph over the fastest, most closely-knit unpaid political organization ever developed in Indianapolis will tell the tale next Tuesday, according to the politicians. The hope of Walter Myers lies unquestionably in the old story of the worm that turns. Undoubtedly many voters are weary of the present Republican administration and there is a well defined movement against Coffin and the element he deads, politicians believe. Linking the names of Coffin and William H. Armitage, Shank’s political director, has been a profitable move on the part of the Democrats. Their repudiation by Duvall has been demanded. Duvall replied by what Republican orators termed “reading Bill Armitage out of the party.” Bill Not Worried But Bill worries not. He still is toiling for the Republican ticket and his organization is working twenty-four hours a day on Indiana Ave., and in the wards he has controlled in past elections. But Big Bill’s organization is pikerish compared to the forces of (Turn to Page 14)

BIIVALL SAYS HE WILL Mil imam gief Declares Opponent Will Put Zener at Head of Police. A promise to name a competent, qualified and conscientious police chief, if elected mayor, was made by John D. Duvall. Republican candiale, at a meeting Thursday night at the Scott M. E. Church, TwentyFirst St. and Martindale Ave. Duvall spoke at three other meetings in which he outlined his platform of economy, law enforcement and strict business methods. “I intend to have law enforcement impartially among black and white alike, if I am elected,’’ said Duvall. “I intend to name a nmn police chief who is qualified and upright. As long as the citizens are honest and law-abiding they will have police protection, no matter what their position in life. I wish I could say as much for the rumors I have heard about my opponent,” said Duvall. Raps Zener Duvall declared he heard Walter Myers, Democratic nominee, would name John Zener police chief. ‘‘You know how John plays, and he always place, too,” asserted Duvall. “John plays 60 for John and 40 for you. You can leave it to my judgment to name an impartial man 'chief of police,” he said. Duvall scored “mudslinging, besmirching falsehoods,” which he declared his opponents were spreading to,connect his candidacy with either D. C. Stephenson, now on trial at Noblesville, Ind, on a murder charge, or William Armitage, Republican boss. Denies Armitage “Why, Stephenson was in jail before my campaigning was started,” said Duvall. “And I have rope .ted again and again that Bill Armitge has no connection with this ticket.” The largest of the four meetings were at the Shank storage house, 227 N. New Jersey St. where in re than 500 persons greeted Duvall His appearance at each meeting ple.ee was the irnme bat : ignhl for applause.

The Indianapolis Times

DUVALL STRONG AMONG WORKERS

Republican Candidate Gains in Times Straw Vote Canvass. Times Straw Vote Men. Women. Total. Duvall 433 47 4SO Myers 368 70 438 Undecided ... 221 66 277 Not voting .. 89 51 140 Persons interviewed —1,335 Two facts are outstanding in results of The Indianapolis Times straw vote on the mayoralty election, which to date reveals 480 votes for John L. Duvall and 438 for Walter Myers. They are that Duvall is in the lead among industrial workers, who form a large body of the vote aggregate and that there is a large body of undecided voters to whom party workers must direct their es forts, if they would win for their respective candidates next Tuesday. Gain for Duvall Results of the first day, which showed Myers leading by three votes were overturned today with the interviewing rtf scores of factory workers, placing Duvall ahead by fortytwo tallies. _ Progress of the straw vote, which is being taken impartially by Indianapolis Times reporters only, indicates Myers will run strongly among business men and will capture the so-called "white collar” vote. Another significant development is the power of Myers with women voters interviewed. Approximately 20 per cent of the 1,335 persons interviewed said they were undecided. If Myers gets at least one-half of this number, the race will be the closest in the history of local politics. However, it must be understood that only a few industrial establishments, said to strongholds of Duvall, have been polled so far. Negro voters, although reluctant to commit themselves, showed growing strength for Myers. Vote Figures Ford Motor Company. Men, Duvall, 45; Myers, 18; undecided, 40. G. & J. Tire Cos: Diivall, 23; Myers, 10; undecided, 16. Business men on Chamber of Commerce courtesy Trip to Newcastle: Duvall. 11. Myers, 26; undecided, 10. At W. A. Sheafer Pen Company truck exhibit in front of W. K. (Turn to Page 14) • i. Brief biographies of the candidates for city clerk and city coupcihnen are printed on page 17 of this issue.

MITCHELL ASKS CGGLIDGE ADD Oft VIS TESTIFY Colonel Makes Demand That President and War Secretary Be Witnesses, II u Vnitfd Prm WASHINGTON, Oct. 30.—Defeated at every turn in efforts to halt his court-martial on charges of insubordination and to obtain a bill of particulars, specifying whal statements which he has made constitute the basis of the charges. Col. William Mitchell, through his counsel, Representative Frank Reid of Illinois, Republican, today demanded that President Coolidge and Secretary of War Davis be summoned as witnesses in his military trial when it reconvenes Monday. The demand was made in a statement by Reid Immediately following today’s session of the court, at which Mitchell pleaded “not guilty” to all the charges against him and lost his battle to obtain a bill of particulars of the charges. Reid would not say whether the demand would be pressed before the court. "The whole question,” he said, “is somewhat up in the air and I have not decided upon the feasibility of calling them.” Doubt existed in some quarters whether either was liable to summons. Proceedings yesterday revealed "oolidge to be Mitchell’s accuser and Vis court of last resort, when it was i dosed that the trial is being had Imply because ordered by the Presi dent through Secretary Davis. O’HARA AT WORK AGAIN So impressed was everyone with he adaptation which Mary O’Hara made of the “The Home Maker," hat she has been entrusted with tho ,vork of adapting Gertrude Ather- ■ ms dramatic novel, “Perch of the I ■evil.” Tills \\V 1 be used by l'ni■rnal as a. slat ring vehicle far Dotiis- Dresser. Miss O'Hara a.;;> ina<te Hr adaptation of Mrs. A:h<r-tem’-.i Black 0.-a-n.”

State’s Theory in Stephenson Case The theory of law under which D. C. Stephenson, Earl Gentry and Earl Klir.ck were indicted on the charge of murdering Miss Madge Oberholtzer is; Any persons having charge of another are guilty of murder if the one in their charge needs medical aid, and it is refused and the victim dies. To be guilty of another’s death, at law, it is only necessary to prove the life is shortened to any extent. A shortening of life by four hours makes a person as guilty as shortening the life four years or forty-four years.

HYERS RENEWS HIS ATTACK ON C. 0. P.’S SLATE Democratic Nominee Replies ~ to Ridicule of Alvah J. Rucker. The Republican councilmanic ticket was assailed -because it is alleged to include one convicted boot legger and a rent dodger by Walter Myers, Democratic nominee for maj - or, at Kingan’s at noon today. He said Duvall had ignored his challenges for a debate and refused to appear on the same platform. Replying to ridicule by Alvah J. Rucker, Republican speakers' bureau head, of the fact that Myers was graduated from Yale University, the Democratic nominee said: “Is it better to be a Yale graduate than head master of an alleged school of perjury organized to administer chastisement to Bud Gibson and others now supporting Duvall?” Biggest Rally At the biggest Democratic rally of, the campaign at Tomlinson - Hall Thursday ’night, speakers made, special appeals to Republicans to "clean house” and vote for Myers. George V. Coffin, Republican city chairman, and William 11. Armitage, Mayor Shank’s political general were attacked. W. T. Young, chairman of the Ninth Ward Myers for Mayor Club, will preside at a meeting at the I. O. O. F. hall tonight at 8 p. m., at Washington St. afid Hamilton Ave. Myers will speak. Myers said John L. Duvall,- Republican nominee, “slapped Bill Armitage on the political wrist,” a procedure that failed to dampen Arrnitage'B zeal for Duvall. “Donations” Discussed “In the face of a pledge not to assess police and firemen, members of both forces have been called in, some for a second time, and asked to make ‘donations,’ ” Myers said. Myers scored Alvah J. Ricker, head of Duvall speakers, and said If the truth were known he “wouldn’t be teaching a Sunday school class.” ‘‘lf Duvall would name the convicted bootlegger running on his ticket for city council I’d feel more like supporting him,” W. D. Headrick said. John IV. HoHzman, former mayor, drew attention to the fact that the prime mover of the Coffin faction Is in jail at Noblesville. He referred to D. C. Stephenson. Other Speakers Others who spoke included Dr. Carleton B. McCulloch, FTed Van Nuye and Fred Hoke. Dr. Frank S. C. Wicks, pastor of All Souls’ Unitarian Church, said he would be false to his consecration if he did not stand for a clean candidate for mayor. He paid tribute to Myers as a citizen and churchman. Because Walter Myers Is a college graduate is no reason to disqualify him for mayor, Mrs. John W. Kern asserted. Letters were read from Meredith Nicholson, novelist, and Frank C. Dailey. Humphrey Harrington was temporary chairman and Evans Woollen permanent chairman.

"m^imored /')> 7 'pit'-d Prr-ns NEW YORK, Oct. 30.—Lacking confirmation from either of the principals. a report was circulated today that Mrs. Anne U. Stillman had begun action to obtain a divorce from her banker husband. James A. Stillman, on statutory grounds. Lawyers representing both Mr. and Mrs. Stillman would not deny that the latte** h?id caused a summons and complaint to he served on her husband. Since Stillman first began action to free himself from his wife, the former “Fifi” Potter, more than five years ago, Mrs. Stillman has keen contesting litigation which has cost Stillman a small fortune. Her evidence concerning the bank,‘s all* cod relations with “Flo” ili -*.c* - fully -defeated the m iginnl act ion. N-\ • Is i ;atte 1 *o !>•• *:>l.inning to use th-‘ testimony regarding Mrs. Heeds U> obtain her freedom,

INDIANAPOLIS, FRIDAY, OCT. 30, 1925—32 PAPES

GIRL ESCAPES mm BURNING SECOND STORY Climbs Down Trellis When Flames Threaten North Side Home. SCHOOLHOUSE DAMAGED Believe Halloween Prank Might Be Cause. Climbing down a frail trellis to the ground twenty feet below Miss Jessie Green, 18, made her escape from the home of C. Frederick Schmidt, 2007 Broadway, when it caught fire at 12:20 a. m. today. Miss Greene lives at the Schmidt home. The family was away. Miss Greene, sleeping on the second tloor, was awakened by the fire, which is thought to have started from an overheated furnace, and found her way blocked by smoke and flames. She escaped by way of the roof and the trells and notified the fire department. Damage to the house was slight, according to the fire department, but Mrs. Schmidt said her piano, an Italian rug and fine laces were damaged to the extent of $5,000.i Schmidt, returning to find his home burned, was notified that fire also had visited the Century Bldg., of which he is manager at 7:40 p. m. Thursday. Spontaneous combustion is said to have started the blaze on the sixth floor in the office of the Levy-Berkowitz Cap Company. An automatic sprinkler system prevented spread of the glames and loss was estimated at S2OO. Water seeped through to floors below. Fire about midnight Thursday did $7,000 damage to School 42, TwentyFifth and Rader Sts. School children will attend classes only half days next week as a result. Abner Jackson, colored, 832 W. Twenty-Seventh St., said he arrived when the alarm was sounded and saw flames issuing from the basement. A small hole In the foundation, he believed, might ' ave allowed someone to drop a match to the point where the fire started. Police are investigating the possibility a Halloween prank was to blame. The fire was confined to the main building, a frame structure, and 'did not damage ten other sheds used as schoolhouses. The loss Is only partly covered by insurance.

Butterfield Is Offered Job \ ■ , O Kenyon L. Butterfield Kenyon L. Butterfield, president of Michigan State College, is reported to have been offered the presidency of Pennsylvania State College. He recently visited Penn State and is believed to have talked with trustees of the institution. Aren’t there one or two things you would do if someone should suddenly leave you a million dollars? Write about them and send your essay to the story editor of The Times before Nov. 10. You won’t make a mil Von, but you have a chance of winning some of the SIOO prize money offered for the best essays. Tell what you would do w : th the million in 300 words or less. SSO, first prize; S2O, second prize; $lO, third prize; $5, fourth prize; $3, fifth prize, and twelve prizes of $1 each. Joanna was left a ntillion by an unknown benefactor. Her only instructions were to do ns she leased with the money. Read her stcry, starting in The Times Nov. 3.

Gee! This ’ll Scare Folks! A&Sfct £ ‘ m

Junior Hart and his Jack-O-Laiilem

“Aha me proud beauty!” When the villain says this he draws his mouth way over to one side. That’s why Junior Hart, 8, of

TOICIO IS PLACE FOR NEXT ARMS PARLEY Meeting There Would Tend to Remove International Suspicions, Howard Believes.

By Boy W. Howard Os the Kcrippvlioward Newspapers TOKJO, Oct. 20—Two weeks conversation here with the leading politicians, business men and journalists of Japan, leads me to believe that the cause of arms limitation would be given a tremendous boost were the next conference to be held here. The Far East is pretty generally regarded by the western world as another Balkans. Comparatively few understand the problems of this part of the globe. Thus It should certainly be productive of benign results to have the diplomats, state imen

NEWORGADIST TO IE HEARD BY RADIO MS Theater Guild Dxector to Be on Times Air Program Tonight Also. Two new personalities will bo introduced to radio fans tonight on the Indianapolis Times' radio party over WFBM, Merchants Hear and Light Company, from the Severic Hotel. •A. F. Taylor, noted pianist and organist, who will preside over the big organ at the new Zaring theater, has arranged several piano numbers. Bert F. Merling, director of the Theatre Guild productions, will tell how dramatic talent may be developed in this city through the guild. Merling has had much experience on the stage. The Claypool Trio has arranged a musical program for tonight. It was announced that "Indian Love Call” from “Rose Marie" would be a part of tho program, but this number has been changed. Mary E. Case, noted lyric soprano, With Boyd Johnson at the Baldwin Grand, will sing at least hree great numbers. Here is a program that promises to please all those who love good Mnuslc. mm side to STAGE PARADE Fall Festival to Come to Close Tonight. Annual fall festival sponsored by Better Business League of North Indianapolis will close tonight with a parade and dance at Thirty-Fourth and Clifton Sts. Headed by Police and Firemen’s ,band the parade will march through neighborhood streets. Prizes totaling SIOO will be awarded following the parade at th t * grandstand at Eugene and Rader Sts. A street dance will follow. Stores observed open house Thursday night.

144 N. Belmont Ave., carved his jack-o-lantern with the mouth wayway over. ’Betcha I scare someone with this Halloween night,” said Junior.

and journalists of all the important countries meet here In friendly intercourse. The foreign viewpoint, I am con vinced, is often in error in matter, concerning the Orient. Frequently It overemphasizes many supposedly dangerous potentialities of the Pacific and, I believe, it just as frequently underestimates others. The supreme advantage of such a conference lies in the simultaneous acquisition of relatively the same information and viewpoint by the leading thought-mcLders of the world. The fact that Tokio is not especially equipped to house a big conference Is not Insurmountable, and I have reason to believe that the Japanese government would go a long way to offset the dis id vantage offered by communications. Unquestionably the meeting of a second arms conference here would tend to remove international suspicions and stimulate democratic ideals. Futhermore the proximity of China would give those who attended n parley bt>re the chance to study the vital Chinese —and co-Ineidental-ly. the Russian—problems out here at close range.

LARGE REWARD POSTED Bti T tilt'd Pres* BUFFAIA), N. Y„ Oct. 30.—Officer's on the lookout for six bandits who held up the Bank of Buffalo’s money car and escaped with $117,000 today were arou.sed ’to action when a hospital reported a young mar with a bullet wound in his head received first aid there and disappeared in an automobile. The death of Guard Yarrington during the night increased the death toll of the robbery to two. The driver was slain by the hold-up men. Buffalo clearing house officials posted SIO,OOO reward for the capture of the bandits, dead or alive.

Entered as Second-class Matter at Postoffice, Indlanapolla. Published Dally Except Sunday.

Asa Smith Says “No” When Inman Asks if He Tried to “Sell’ Girl’s Dying Statement to Stephenson for SIOO,OOO. INTIMATION ALSO MADE THAT SIGNATURE WAS FORGED Judge Rebukes Defense Attorneys in Overruling Motion to Stop Trial and Discharge Jury for “Prejudicial Remarks.” By John L. Niblack and William L. Toms Times Staff CnrreaDcwidanta CIRCUIT COURTROOM, NOBLESVJLLE, Ind., Oct. 30.—Intimation' that A.sa J. Smith, attorney for the Oberholtzer family, forged Madge Oberholtzer’* signature t.o her dying declaration. and that he attempted to collect SIOO,OOO on it from D. C. Stephenson, marked the morning’s proceeding* of the trial of Stephenson, Earl Klinck and Earl Gentry on charges of murdering the Irvington girl. Smith was the first witness who occupied t # ho stand in the forenoon. An hour’s time was occupied in hearing a motion by the defense to stop submission of evidence and discharge the jury on the grounds that Judge Will M. Sparks Thursday afternoon made prejudicial remarks to the jury. The judge overruled the motion and ordered the trial to go on. Bribe Hinted. - Following a grilling cross-examination, in which he was unable to shake Smith’s story of how he obtained the dying statement, EpLi Inman, defense chief, asked: “I'll ask you, Mr. Smith, if you didn’t go to Mr. Stephenson’s office to extract money from him, and he replied, ‘Experts have attempted to blackmail me and amateurs can’t get away with it.' " Prosecutor William H. Reuiy and Ralph Kane, attorney assisting him, objected strenuously to the question, but were overruled. “No,” said Smith. Remy then offered the dying statement of Miss Oberholtzer in evidence. Floyd Christian, defense attorney, phrased a lengthy objection, &nd as it was noon, the judge took the matter under advisement until 1:15, when court reconvened.

The statement, which Smith said he had prepared from notes taken during different conversations with the girl, as she lay on her deathbed, and from notes, similarly taken by Miss Ermina Moore, one of Madge’s friends, contained the history of the whole transaction last March, which led to the arrest of the three defendants. Like Doctor’s Story It Is a duplication of the testimony Thursday afternoon by Dr. John K- Kingsbury, and details how she is alleged to have gone to the Stephenson home; was forced to drink something, was taken in a Pullman stateroom to Hammond; bitten and attacked by Stephenson en route; how she took poison at a Hammond hotel, and how the defendants refused to get her medical aid, smuggling her back to Indianapolis, and putting her in her bed at home in a dying condition. ••We re you familiar with Madge Obcrholtzer’s signature before you wrote this statement?” "No, sir.” “Have you familiarized yourself with her signature since then?” "I have not.” Signature Photograph ITandi ng the witness a photographic reproduction of Madge s signature, Inman said: “I hand you defendants’ exhibit No. 1. and ask you to look at her signature.” “I object,” said Prosecutor Remy, “they assume it is her signature. There has been no proof on that point.” "Sustained.” said Judge Sparks. "I just wanted to ask if it looks like her signature,” said Inman. “That would not be cross-ex-amin-’tion.” said Judge Shirks. “He’s not a handwriting expert.” Inman then got out a large volume of testimony taken at the bail hearing In June, and took Smith through some rapid cross fire examination, in a attempt to confuse the witness by pointing at slight discrepancies and asking him what he meant by such. The witness, who blew up during the bail hearing on cross exam nation, stood the test well, although at two or th**ee times, he became slightly nervous. Look for Look “Now, Mr. Smith,” said Inman, darting back to his original line of attack, suddenly, "Are you sure, sir, that Madge Oberholtzer wrote that name?” glaring sternly at the witness. "Yes, sir, she did,” replied Smith, glaring sternly back. "Were you employed' as an attorney by the Oberholtzer family to sue Mr. Stephenson?’’ The State objected, but Judge Sparks overruled it. “It will tend to show his interest,” he said. "Mr. Oberholtzer enniloyed me to sue, or do anything I thought proper,” Smith said. “Did you go to the oflice of D.

Forecast Generally fair tonight and Saturday; warmer Saturday predicted. _

TWO CENTS

C. Stephenson and demand SI 00,- j ooo?" A “No, sir; I did not.” ,U “Then you went bark and asked f $50,000, then $25,000 and finally got down to SIO,OOO, did you not?” “I did not,” replied Smith, resting his elbow on the judge's dealt and crossing his legs. “You didn’t collect anything, though, did you?” “No, sir.” Smith Testimony Smith, 3050 Winthrop Ave., the Oberholtzer family attorney, was tho first witness summoned tills morning. After preliminary questions, (Turn to Page 18) GOLD wave TO GO CM ITS WAY Weather Bureau Predicts Relief Saturday. Relief from the cold wave which has gripped Indianapolis eince Tuesday should come by Saturday evening, the United States weather bureau predicted today. Generally fair weather also Is predicted for today and Saturday. Snowfall Friday night In the city totalled .3 Inch, bringing the total for October to 1.4 inches. This is an inch over the amount recorded in any previous October. Temperatures also wore low Thursday night nnd this morning, the low mark being 22.6 at 2 a. rn. The mercury stood at 23 at 7, or 22 degrees below normal. The thermometer may be somewhat higher tonight If sufficient snow is melted during the day, J. H. Armington, meteorologist, said. Much higher margs should come Saturday. This has been t|je worst cold wave that Indinnnpolls has ever experienced in October, Annington said. HOURLY TEMPERATURE 6 a. m 24 10 a. m 29 7 a. m 23 11 a. m 30 8 a. m 24 12 (noon) .... 31 0 a. m 26 p,OOC 51 j