Indianapolis Times, Volume 37, Number 201, Indianapolis, Marion County, 23 December 1925 — Page 1

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VOLUME 37—NUMBEB 201

17 PERISH IN FLAMES; LOSSJEAVY Nine Asphyxiated Miners Taken From Ohio Shaft — Five Firemen Sacrifice Lives Performing Their Duty. THREE CHILDREN ARE VICTIMS OF MATCHES J|lillion Dollar Pennsylvania Blaze Burns Out Fifty Business Firms Hotel Guests Flpe as Building Wall Collapses. Fire caused seventeen deaths and exacted colossal property damage throughout the Nation today. Nine asphyxiated miners were taken from a mine at Bellaire, Ohio, after a blaze.. Four firemen were killed fighting a Wayneburg (Pa.) hotel fire. Another was crushed battling a Baltimore grain warehouse catastrophe. Three Buffalo (N. Y.) children were victims of a fire started by their matches. NINE MINERS KILLED Sixty-Eight Escape Blaze in Ohio Mine. Bu United Press BELLAIRE, Ohio, Dec. 23.—With nine of their comrades asphyxiated, all of the miners endangered when itlre broke out in the Webb Coal Company’s Cambria mine near here shortly after midnight were accounted for today. Sixty-eight miners escaped unseatched. They owe their lives to the heroism of their foreman, Jacob Schramm. Schramm, controlling his panic stricken men with an iron hand, ted them to safety through an unused entrance, a mile from the main shaft, when the fire occurred. A short circuit, caused when a boulder fell on an electric conduit, started the blaze. Flames and dense clouds of smoke quickly penetrated the arteries of the mine, extinguishing the lights and trapping the panic-stricken miners. Fire apparatus could not be sent to the mine from Bellaire or surrounding villages due to the impassable roads. FOLK FIREMEN KILLED Million-Dollar Blaze Burns Out Fifty Business Firms. . Bu Vnittd Press WAYNESBURG, Pa., Dec. 23.—A wall collapsed during a fire at the Downey House today, killing four firemen and seriously injuring two others. The fire starred in a restaurant on the ground floor of the Downey House, spread to the Grossman department store and then jumped across the street to the first Presbyrrian church. Fifty business concerns in the Downey House and Grossman building were burned out. Damage was estimated at a million dollars. Fifty guests at the Downey were forced to flee in their night clothing. THREE CHILDREN DIE Tots Play With Matches, Start Fire and Suffocate. Bu Times Special I BUFFALO, N. Y„ Dec. 23.—A triple funeral for three children who were suffocated by smoke from a fire they started while playing with matches was planned today. The children, Gertrude Weis, 6, Joseph Weis, 5, and Rene Weis, 3, were left alone by their mother while she went Christmas shopping. Firemen found them sprawled on a| floor, dead, in a smoke filled roo^i. FIREMAN IS CRUSHED 100,000-Bushel Baltimore Grain Warehouse Destroyed. Bu Times Special BALTIMORE, Md., Dec. 23.—Fire Captain Harry Jones was killed today and five other firemen were Jiurt when fire destroyed the 100,000P>ushel E. Steen & Bros, grain warehouse. A fallin wall crushed Jones and injured his companions. TANGLES WITH TRAIN Faces Drunkenness Charge After Accident. / Newton Green, 1165 W. TwentySeventh St., was charged with drunkenness and operating an automobile while under the influence of liquor today. He drove his auto into a Belt train tat & Harding St., and the Big Four Railroad. He vas eat about the

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PARENTS SCARED AS JIMMY HUNTS SANTA

Police Notified When Lad Wanders From Home to v Find St. Nick. “Jimmy” Hampton, 6, of 123 N. Noble St., is waiting for Santa Claus at home today. Tuesday, Jimmy started out on a private search for the old fellow, which lasted for three hours, and resulted in a “lost” alarm being sent in to the police by the frantic parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Hampton. “I couldn’t find Santa,” Jimmy admitted, sadly, “but I almost did. I saw his snow.” If Jimmy's father hadn’t taken him window, shopping the other day, and if a woolly dog hadn’t “flippity flopped" e’ntrancingly Jimmy wouldn’t have thought of the Santa expedition. Grown folks only say, “wait, wait,” these days, so Jimmy took the matter in hand and started out “on his own” to find Santa and tell him about the nice clog with the round glass eyes. Jimmy was in such haste he didn’t even stop for his hat. The boy returned on foot, and alone. “Oh. I just went every place,” he explained, “only Santa wasn’t there/’ , ISLAND OF YAP DEVASTATED BY WAVES, DEPORT Dispatch Says No Houses Are Left StandingStorms Grip Japan. Bu United Press HONOLULU, Dec. 23.—A Tokio dispatch to the Hawaii Hochi Sha today reported that the island of Yap has been devastated 'by a series of tidal waves, believed to have been caused by earthquakes under the ocean. “The entire island has been laid /waste, with not one house remaining standing,” .the advice stated. Grave fear is felt for the Carolines, believed to have been in the path of the tidal wave. The same dispatch stated that Japan is in the grip of severe storms raging with cyclonic fury. Villages have ,been wrecked and railways and shipping are feeling the effects of the elements. The wind has taken a heavy toll of lives, it was reported.

PROHIBITION WAR TAKES LIVES OF 32 Agents Kill Twenty-Five Bootleggers and Bootleggers Kill Seven Agents.

Bu United Press WASHINGTON, Dec. 23.—The prohibition wa,r claimed thirty-two lives in the fiscal year ended June 30, official figures disclosed today. USEDISCRETION SAYS ANDREWS ‘Economical’ Purchase of Evidence Ordered. Bu United Press WASHINGTON, Dec. 23.—Assistant Secretary of the Treasury Andrews today warned prohibition officer that “ridiculous and extravagant use of funds in securing evidence” would mean immediate dismissal from the Federal dry enforcement service. Yesterday the House defeated an amendment that would have eliminated appropriation of money for buying evidence. Citing the Mayflower Hotel case here, which has occasioned storms of protest from the floors of Congress, Andrews laid down the law that henceforth money must be used “intelligently and economically.” Two aegnts spent $1,600 In a month.at the hotel In seeking evidence through expensive dinners purchases of liquors, but the two employes arrested were acquitted. GAS FUMES ArTfATAL Woman Overcome Month Ago Dies at Frankfort. Bu United Press FRANKFORT, Ind., Dec. 23.—Gas fumes inhaled more than four weeks ago today were blamed for the death of Mrs. Aletha Wilds, 84. The woman has been in serious condition since she was found overcome by fumes from a coart 3tove at her home.

Fails to Attend Church, Jailed Bu United Press SOUTH BEND, Ind., Dec. 23. —Failure to attend church services today cost Donald Blackburn, 24, convicted forger, his liberty. Judge C. E. Pattee of the St. Joseph Circuit Court revoked a suspended sentence and ordered Blackburn taken to prison to serve a two to fourteen year term when he learned the man was not attending church.

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Jimmy Hampton

Youth in Santa Role Burned I! a I nited Press ANDERSON, Ind., Dec. 23. Oris McLaughlin. 15, tods(y lies suffering from burns sustained while he was playing Santa Claus a.t a school celebration near here. The cotton trimmings of the lads’ costume became ignited from u candle on a Christmas treet and before the blaze could be extinguished his suit had been burned from hit; body.

Twenty-five dry law "violators were killed by agents and seven agents were slain by bootleggers. Kentucky led all other States in the fatality list with four killed in twelve months, while Virginia, Arkansas and West Virginia each had three casualties. Two moonshiners were killed in Florida and two in Oklahoma. Since General Lincoln C. Andrews became Assistant Secretary of the Treasury on April 1, in direct charge of enforcing prohibition laws, he has discharged 102 agents from the service. Thirty-seven of them were fired on charges of criminality, including drunkenness and disorderly conduct and sixty-five were discharged for derelictions of duty, WOMEN CAUSE MEITS ARREST Two Charged With Being Fugitives From Chicago. M. L. Rankin, 22, and John Kelly, 22, both of Chicago, are held at City prison toc’ay charged with being fugitives trom Chicago, where it is said they stole fur coats. Kelly was arrested in the courtroom where it is said he was Waiting for Miss Edna Wink, charged with petit larceny, who was being tried before Judge Pro Tern. Vinson Manifold. Her case was continued. Rankin, taken at a downtown hotel, is said to have frequented Apt. 40, at 1530 N. Illinois St., the same address given by Mrs. Catherine Moore, 20, who pleaded guilty In city court Tuesday to petit larceny. She said she stole so her 2-year-old baby could have Christmas presents. ‘OGDEN FOR CONGRESS’ Corporation Counsel “Nominated” at Legal Department Luncheon. James M. Ogden, corporation counsel, today was unofficially "nominated” for Congress at the Columbia Club, by William Bosson, cit yattornej\ Bosson expressed appreciation of his service with Ogden at a luncheon of the city legal department and said hundreds of good citizens would favor Ogden’s nomination. Ogden smiled, but declined to say whether he would enter the race. Republicans also have urged Ogden to run for Superior Court Three Judge.

INDIANAPOLIS, WEDNESDAY, DEC. 23,1925

JUDGE ASKS POOLROOMS BE BONDED I Forfeiture of Big Sum Would Be Penalty for Allowing Minors to Congre- ♦ gate in Plan Suggested to City by Collins: AROUSED BY STORIES . OF ACCUSED YOUTHS More Bandit Toll Taken as Two Kroger Stores Are Held Up in Daylight Crime and Robbed of sl30 — One Victim Struck. A high bond for all proprietors of Indianapolis poolrooms, to be forfeited when guilty of law violations, especially when minors congregate in their places, was one of the cures for the juvenile crime wave that Criminal Judge James A. Collins suggested today to the incoming city administration. Judge Collins condemned poolrooms when four youths appeared before him charged with auto ; banditry and robbery. He also had another suggestion: "I pass this out as a hint to the I new administration that the city ! council pass an ordinance fixing j license fee for 'operation of poolrooms so high that the men who operate them will feel some duty toward law enforcement.” Poolrooms now pay annually $1 fee and 15 for each table., Groceries Held Up Meanwhile two youthful daylight bandits early today held up two \ Kroger groceries, 1705 and 3748 E. (Michigan St., two and escaped with $130.60. W. E. Moloy, 37, of 815 N. Keystone Ave., manager at 1705 E. Michigan St., told Lieutenant Helm and emergency squad that he was car rylng out Christmas trees when the two men walked in. One stopped his exit by pressing a gun against his stomach and ordering him to drop the trees and turn around. He was marched into the rear room. One of the bandits, about 20, took $25 from the register and handed It to the (Turn to Page 11) NEW MARK SET AT POSTOFFICE 1,654,747 Pieces of Mail Handled Tuesday. The Indianapolis postofflee handled 1,654,747 pieces of outgoing mail on Tuesday, the largest number ever to pass through this office in one day. Postmaster Robert H. Bryson said today. No tabulation is kept of incoming mail, but It is estimated at about 655,000 pieces, making the total 2,000,000. The outgoing mall Included 1,065,576 letters and 589,000 packages. Parcel post stations will be open from 6 a. m. until 6 p. m. Thursday and the main office will close at 10 p. m.“* Only special delivery letters will be delivered from midnight Dec. 24 to midnight Dec. 26. ICE BLAMED FOR INJURY Window Washer Slips on Platform and Falla. Ice was blamed today for the serious injury of Albert Odon, 19, of 1250 E. Twenty-Third St., a window washer, hurt while at work on a house at 1127 E. TwentyFourth St. Odon was washing second floor windows outside, when he slipped on the icy platform, falling to the front porch roof, and then to the front stejMJ. He was taken to 'city hospital trith a broken rib and possibly a fractured vertebra.

Woman in MuleLaden Auto deputy sheriffs \dU stopped a speeding auto_LU mobile east of Indiandianapolls on the National Rd. early today they thought they had a couple of men speeders. However, it soon was discovered that one of the occupants was a roman attired in brweeches, boots, coat and cap. Further investigation disclosed five gallons of white mule whisky In the machine. Asa result Sam Burnett and Mary White were charged with speeding, transporting liquor, blind tiger, conspiracy to commit a felony and improper licenses. Arrests were made by Deputies Ragan, Brown, Bell and KoffeL

OUTSIDE, LOOKING IN!

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Two Days Left in Which to Play Santa to Needy Folks. “Ooh! Looklt that little steam ingine!” "Gosh, felfers, ain’t that a darby train?” “C’mere Jim! See ’at red coaster wagin'/ See it?” Second hand thrills these! A whole wonderful Christmas —viewed from the outside looking in, and never from the inside looking out! That’s pretty tough on normal youngsters ; who have heard about Santa Claus from year to year as a kindly fellow, who hasn't always time enough to visit everybody, and who keep heping year after year that Santa Claus won’t be too busy to look them up. The stores are full of tads like these, examining the bright playthings in the toy department with delighted eyes, and standing, wishing, wishing, wishing. Today and Thursday, The Times will print the last of the long list of descriptions of needy families who wouldn't have any Christmas If Times readers had not come forward to bring it to them. There’s still a substantial list to choose from —and (Turn to Pajre 2) IN FLORIDA, IT’S 24 ABOVE ZERO Heavy Citrus Damage Tomorrow Predicted. Bu United Press TAMPA. Flu.. Dec. 23.—A killing frost which may cause thousands of dollars’ damage to gardens and citrus groves is predicted for this vicinity tomorrow morning. The thermometer registered 41 degrees in Tampa at 7:40 a.-m. today, but because of the wind and overhanging clouds there was very little frost. At Jacksonville the mercury registered 30 and at Pensacola 24 degrees al>ove zero. PHILADELPHIA ‘FIRES’ BDTLER Ex-Marine Not Wanted as a ‘Retired Officer/ Bu United Press PHILADELPHIA. Dec. 23.—Accepting Gen. Smedley D. Butler's ultimatum made yesterday that he would have to "fire” him as director of Public Safety, Mayor Kendrick today formally notified him of his dismissal. Butler, having been directed to turn over his office as director of public safety to Assistant Director George VV. Elliott by the mayor in a letter last night, appeared at his office to find the mayor s formal dismissal awaiting him. Yesterday, Butler, loaned to the city for the job by the Marines in 1924, resigned the Marines and reported to Kendrick he would continue at the post. Kendrick announced Philadelphia did not want him as a “retired officer.’’ Kendrick previously had carried his fight to President Coolidge to get Butler's leave extended so that he could continue as safety director. MUSKfAT SUNNYSIDE Late Music and Christmas Numbers Arc I’layed. The ten piece orchestra of the Colonial Theater, made the patients of Sunnyslde Sanatorium, forget that they ever had an ill, today. The orchestra visited the sanatorium, and beside a lively program of late music, rendered Christmas numbers for the patients. FREE CHRISTMAS DINNER — t Needy Persons lo Be Served at Place of God Mission. A free Christmas dinner will be served to all needy persons at the Place of God Army Rescue Mission, 609 E. Washington St., it was announced today. Ira Ramsey of the rescue missaion is maiHn g arrangements for the dinners

FRIGID WAVE LIFTS; WARMER SPELL DUE Indianapolis Christmas Weather Still Problematical — Low Mark During Night 11 Above.

Jugt what sort of a Christmas Indianapolis will have is problematical, the United States Weather Bureau said today after (he mercury had dropped during the night to 11 degrees above, for the lowest temperature of the season. The temperature rose after that hour to 15 at 7 a. m., 14 degrees below normal. Warmer weather is predicted for tonight with the lowest temperature somewhat below freezing. There probably will be some snow during the night, it was said. Today’s low temperature was lower than that of last year, when 22 was recorded. The low mark for Dec. 23. was in 1872, when the mercury skidded down to 6 below. Christmas day last year also was frigid, with a temperature of 4 below. Indications point to a white Christmas, but the snow may be melted by a warm sun today or Thursday, even though the temperature is below freezing, J. H. Armington, meteorologist, said. Tuesday night found the city's streets slippery, after traffic had packed the snow that had blanketed the city the night before. Snow during the day added .5 inch to the total of 1.1 Inches on the ground Tuesday morning. Conditions have been changing rapidly, Armington said. The northwest, which had zero temperatures Tuesday, today reported marks as high as 28 above. The south and eas ern portions of the country, on the other hand, had much lower temperatures than the preceding day. Few accidents were reported Tuesday, despite the ice-coated streets. Drivers downtown were ordered to observe the ten miles an hour speed limit In the mile square district. Though the mercury dropped during the day, merchants reported large Christmas crowds. They prepared for the last-minute rush today and Thursday. BUS PERMIT GRANTED Through Route to French Lick Allowed by Commission. The public service commission today authorized the Blue Goose bus line to offer through transporta between Indianapolis and French Leick. The line formerly held certificates for routes from Indianapolis to Bedford and Mitchell to French Lick. The new order authorizes traffic between Bedford and Mitchell, but prohibits local stops between those two cities. FIREMEN WILL SPREADCHEER Fund Collected —Chief Asks for Coal. Firemen collected $1,497.67 to use In spreading Christmas cheer, Chief John J. O'Brien said today. He estimated 600 baskets of food will be distributed to needy families. O'Brien asked coal be contributed. “We have distributed a lot of coal, but considerable more Is needed,” he said. About 56,000 packages of candy, oranges and apples will be given children at the municipal party at Cadle Tabernacle Christmas eve. BOUND "ora TO URY Automobile Driver Is Charged With Failure to Stop. On a charge of failure to stop after an accident, Frank S*hriff, 21, of 822 Weghorst St., was bound over to the Marion County grand Jury under SI,OOO bond today In city court. An assault and battery charge was continued. An automobile driven by Shirff Is said to have struck and Injured Sebastian Hilgert, 70, of 120 E. Minnesota St., Oct. 16. It la alleged that Shrlff did not atop, and left town for three weeks, after the accident.

Entered ns Second-el*He Mutter at l’oatofllee, Indianapolis Published Dully Except Sunday.

HOURLY TEMPERATURE 12 (midnight) H 1 a. m 13 2 a. 13 3 a. 13 4 a. m 15 5 a. m 15 6 a. 15 7 a. m 15 8 a. m '. 15 9 a. 16 10 a. m 17 11 a. 18 12 (noon) 19 1 p. m 20 RAILWAY ASKS BUS ROUTE IN ENEMY’S FIELD Street Car Company Petitions for New Line. Entering the enemy a camp, the Indianapolis Street Railway Company today petitioned the public service commission for permission to operate anew city bus line between Monument Circle and Keystone Ave. and Thirty-Eighth St., passing throught districts now served by the People's Motor Coach Company. The proposed route follows: From the Circle north on Meridian St. to Sixteenth St., east to Pennsylvania St., north to Nineteenth St., east to Alabama. north to Twenty-Fifth, east to Cornell Ave., north to Thirtieth St., east to McPherson, north to Thirty-Third St., cast to Sutherland Ave., north to Thirty-Fourth St., east to Orchard Ave., nortli to Thirty-Eighth St., east to Keystone Ave., south to Thirty-Fourth St., west to Sutherland Ave. and return. One-way traffic rules would be observed on Meridian St. during prescribed hours. During rush hours busse would run at ten-minute intervals, and at other times on fifteen and twenty-minute schedules. The round trip would be 10.88 miles. Six of the company's twenty-nine passenger busses would be used. Although the railway company hds defeated the coach company In all but four of its petitions to circulate in neighborhoods already served by transportation agencies, it is the first time the railway company has attempted to cut in on any of the bus company’s established lines. Nearly a month ago the coach company, through A. Smith Bowman, president, applied for three new lines. The cases will be heard in January. Date for the traction company’s new petition has not been set. BORAH FAVORS PLAN Congressional leaders Back Coolidge Decision. Bu I nit-d Press WASHINGTON, Dec. 23.—Congressional leaders are in agreement with President Coolidge's decision to accept the League of Nations invitation *for Arrierican participation in the preliminary negotiations for a Geneva arms conference, it was made plain today by Senator Borah, chairman of the Senate Foreign Re lations Committee. He discussed the matter after a conference with President Coolidge and Secretary of State Kellogg. REAL HOLIDAY ORDERED The Courthouse will remain closed Saturday, the Marlon County commissioners ruled today. Commissioners said that since Saturday is a half-holiday for county employer It would be useless for the offices to open. TIME EXTENSION GIVEN Bu T nitrd Prr** WASHINGTON, Dec. 23.—The In terstate Commerce Commission today granted the Cambla and Indiana railroad an extension of time of one year beginning June 30, 1926, within which the road may commence proposed construction.

Forecast MOSTLY elondy tonight and Thursday; probably some snow; warmer tonight; lowest temperature somewhat below freezing.

TWO CENTS

HAT GOES SKVMDIN WILD SPURT Spirited Buying Follows Government Report Showing Substantial Crop Decrease Many Suffer Heavy Losses. RIOTOUS SCENES ARE ENACTED AT SESSION

New Crop, December, Jumps 9 1-2 Cents Overnight— Oats and Provisions Follow Cereal Trend to Higher Levels. Bu United Press CHICAGO, Dec. 23.—Amid the wildest demonstration that* have taken place in the grain pits since war days, wheat prices advanced sharply today and the new May delivery sold at a level 8 cents above yesterday’s market close. Prices jumped us much as nine cents higher at the outside and then, alter a slump due to profit-taking, went up again nearly as high. New December wheat closed at $1.73*4 a bushel, a.n advance of six cents. New May sold at $1.11%, up 8 cents, and July delivery dosed at $1.47%, up 6 cents. Trade Record Broken Corn and oats made substantial advances under the same bearish influence which was the government crop survey, indicating poor condl tlons. Riotous scenes were enacted as shouting, screaming, gesticulating brokers fought to execute orders. The volume of trading In the first fifteen minutes of the session was the largest in the history of the board. Many traders, caught “short” of the market, were forced to take enormous losses in their efforts to cover their commitments. Wheat Bides Van Wheat rode the vun. December wheat, new crop, made an overnight gain of 9% cents, opening at $1.76 a bushel. Corn gathered strength from the leading cereal and was more than 4 cents higher. Strength in wheat centered mostly on December varieties. In the wild opening, eastern wheat shorts competed with the west In a frantic effort to cover committments. Prices sagged at the end of the first hour, drops up to 4% cents being registered. RICH GIFTS BY RICHMAN FIRM $690,000 to Be Distributed Among 1,400 Employes. Bu T'nited Press CLEVELAND, Ohio, Dec. 28.—As the 1,400 employes of the Rlchman Bros. Clothing Company factory today ,prei>ared to start on a two weeks’ Christmas vacation with pay. announcement was made of the third annual distribution of the company's stock to employes, representing a gift of $600,000. The pay roll for th>fortnight vacation amounts to an additional $90,000. The stock valued on the market at SIBO a share will be sold for SSO a share to all employes, excepting only those who own more than 100 shares. The new stock offer affects 1,700 employes in the Cleveland and Loralne factories and In thirteen retail stores in Ohio and in Buffnlo, Jamestown, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Erie, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Lansing. FLAPPER FANNY &fr/s ftfSE 1 HMV t ' eim sv nca wmci me. Vt The wife promisee to obey, bat the husband generalJy does,