Indianapolis Times, Volume 37, Number 289, Indianapolis, Marion County, 5 April 1926 — Page 1

Home Edition BOOTS in New York with brother Bill paying the bills! Enjoy life with her; on The Times Comic Page.

VOLUME 37—NUMBER 280

CHAPMAN, IN NOOSE SHADOW, BEGS LIFE

Appears Dramatically Before Pardon Board in Commutation Plea. VOICE IS CALM, STEADY Decision to Hear Bandit Is Made Suddenly. BULLETIN Liu United Press WETHERSFIELD STATE PRISON, HARTFORD, Conn., April s.—Tlie State pardon board this afternoon denied Gerald Chapman’s plea of commutation of his sentence. It means Chapman must hang tonight. WETHERSFIELD PRISON, Hartford, Conn., April 5. —Gerald Chapman stood in the shadow of the gallows today and pleaded with the Connecticut pardon board for his own life. Less than eleven hours were left for the bandit to live, should his effort fail, yet as calm and steady as if he were merely a lawyer, pleading for some client —more calm, perhaps —the man fought his last fight for existence. After Chapman made his dramatic plea the board adjourned to consider his fate. A decision was expected soon. His personal appeal was the climax of a day remarkable in the annals of criminal cases. Voice Long Still “I don’t know if I can control my voice enough for you to understand me, because I haven’t used it for a year now, as you can appreciate.” he said in opening. “I didn't come here this morning with the intention of speaking, but in view of some of Mr. Alcorn's statements that could be hardly overlooked. I have decided to do so. “Os course, I have acquired a sense of futility of the whole procedure. Mr. Alcorn says that I did not protest my innocence. Well, don’t think 1 could have protested loud enough from my solitary confinement to have been heard at any distance.” Chapman kept clearing his throat, but his voice was steady and lie seemed to speak with a slight foreign accent. "You gentlemen are confronted,” he went on, “with a problem that is so monstrous that it is almost useless to protest. It is stupendous. I know nothing about the legal aspects of the matter, but I can understand it humanly. “I thought I would go over what has transpired since my arrest in Muncie. “I might also take up some of this business of sidestepping by the United States Courts.” Beams—A Joke At this point Chapman beamed much like a university professor, who had made a joke for his class, and said: “I don’t feci obliged to employ any hypocritical phrases toward this court. I feel that they are human and not only feci humanly, but think humanly.” Hd then went on to explain why he had not protested aaginst his transfer from Atlanta to Con(Turn to Page 2)

LEAVE MADRID FOR MANILA Bu United Press MADRID, April s.—Captains Gallarza, Estenez and Loriga, flying Spanish constructed airplanes, took off for the first leg of their Madrid-to-Manlla, p. 1., flight this morning at 8:10. The first halt was made in Algiers at 1:56 p. ni. Gallarza was the first in the air. The zoom of his plane still vibrated in the ears of the enthusiasts who watched the start when Loriga got away half a minute later. The flight will require thirty days. / HOURLY TEMPERATURE 6 a. m 43 10 a. m 50 7 a. m 45 11 a. m.... v . 47 8 a. m 50 12 (noon) .... 44 9 a. m 53 1 p. m 43

He Put on His Tin Hat —He Needed It He might well have donned a suit of armor, had Gen. Smedley D. Butler of the Marines, when he accepted the job of ridding Philadelphia of crime and vice. But he just put on his tin hat and dug himself in for the season. The season lengthened into two years and the General found it necessary to hasten out of the dug-out and charge far through the enemy lines. What Butler did toward ridding Philadelphia not only of the crooks but also of those of respectable reputation who, behind tho scenes were vice patroni/.rs, maks a thrilling story. Butler will tell Indianapolis Times readers his two-fisted story in installments beginning Wednesday. Besides telling the inside story—a story which applies to practically every large modern city governed by the political party system—Butler offers constructive suggestions. You can read this story only in The Times in this territory.

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

Bandit Pens Own Epitaph

/(a NEA Service HARTFORD. Conn., April 5. Gerald Chapman, who, unless some eleventh hour intervention succeeds, hangs tonight shortly after midnight, has written his own epitaph. These are the words, penned in his last hours of life, which might well be graven upon liis tomb: “Futility presses on one like a tightening in old. . . . “Last thoughts are a sort of interrupted thunder in my little world . . . disturbing no one, I as-

LAST ESCAPE MOVE BLOCKED BY TRUSTY Prevented Chapman From Getting Books, Hiding Saws, Local Officials Reveal —Recalls Plot Here.

The last real chance that Gerald Chapman, super-crook, bandit and jail breaker, who is due to hang tonight at midnight, had to escape from prison fnd thus evade the noose, came in August, 1925, Federal postal officials here revealed for the first time today. Chapman lost his chance and the grim prison walls continued to encircle him, despite efforts made to save him. The warden of the Wethersfield State Prison, Hartford, Conn., during August, 1925, received two novels neatly packed and addressed to Chapman. A return address on the package showed that it was sent from Akron, Ohio. Because Chapman was not permitted to receive packages or parcels, the warden took the books home with him. He and his wife read them* They were placed in the priso| library. Saws Discovered A “trusty” in i-barge of the library examined the books carefully. lie found six saws, three in each book. It is reported that 'he discovered the rear of the front covers of both books had been severed. He recut them and found the saws neatly wrapped in place between the binding and the back of the pages. Immediately Federal officials began tracing the sender of the books.

sure you . . . but silenced when the bleak dawn of reason sighs ‘tut, tut’ ...” ( In such final poetic gestures to a world upon which he preyed Chapman seems to take as model the poet whose verses lie reaas avidly In his death cell here at Wethersfield Prison—Francois Villon, thief, vagabond and ballad maker. But even as the noose tightens about his neck it becomes evident that with Chapman dies much myth (Turn to Page 2)

He was not located. The Akron St. number did not exist. The trail led to several Virginia cities and was lost. It seemed common knowledge that a friend of Chapman’s had at one (Turn to Page 2)

KLAN CYCLOPS DEMANDS TRIAL Ousted Officials Appeal to State Tribunal. Demanding a trial before tlie tribunal of the realm, George S. Elliott, exalted cyclops, and other Klan officers, removed by order of Imperial Wizard Hiram W. Evans, today wrote to W. I.ee Smith, grand dragon, who issued ihe order dismissing them. The letter asserted the Klan constitution provides for a hearing before the organization’s State court and also said if the accused officers are found unworthy of holding office the Klan itself shall elect officers to succeed them. “We request that the membership of Marion County Klan No. 3 be assembled in a duly called Klonklave and that the successors to the removed officers he chosen according to the constitution,” the letter suggests, provided the order's court is against the dismissed officials. The letter raid the officers believe they have acted in accordance with tlie wishes of tlie membership. ORDER AGAIN AT CALCUTTA British Troops Enforce Temporary Peace. Bu United Press CALCUTTA, India, April s.—Order was restored in tlie city today after intermittent fighting between Hindus and Moslems since Friday. British troops and tlie police cooperated in enforcing what at least must be a temporary peace. It is estimated that 45 persons were killed and more than 500 injured, but because of the nature of the disturbance, it Is difficult to determine that the casualties, were no greater than that. About B 0 tb* wpundod aro in n serious condition.

INDIANAPOLIS, MONDAY, APRIL 5, 1926

MERCURY DROP TONIGHT Weather Bureau Forecasts Freezing Temperatures on Way. After enjoying a sunshiny, balmy Easter day on which to parade fashion’s latest spring creations, Indianapolis will have to don heavier clothing this evening, according to the United States Weather Bureau forecast. The mercury is expected to go down about to freezing, but should rise again Tuesday, J. H. Armington, meteorologist, said. Sunday’s highest temperature was 51. Armington was back on the Job today after an absence of about three weeks, due to an attack of the flu.

BOTH SIDES IN SCHOOL FIGHT PLANHEARING Conferences on Shortridge Site Question Are Held. Conferences of school board members and School Attorney Martin Hugg and of Indianapolis Public School Welfare Association attorneys were held today. Attorneys for each of tho organizations in the controversy over the new Shortridge iligii School location made their final plans for the hearing on a permanent Injunction sought by the association to prevent the board from selling the Thirty-Fourth and Meridian Sts. site and buying another on Forty-Sixth St. between Central Ave. and Washington Blvd. To Prepare Denial Hugg indicated that he will prepare and file before Wednesday, a general denial tc the two remaining sections of the association's complaint which were allowed to stand by Judge Sidney S. Miller, Superior Court Three, Saturday, when he sustained motions of Hugg, striking out twelve of fourteen sections of the complaint. The association now must prove that the resolution for the purchase of the Forty-Sixth St. site was illegally acted on and advertisements for sale of the ThirtyFourth St. site were illegal. Would Get Under Way Judge Miller indicated that he would like to get the trial under way this week. Association attorneys said this might be done if Hugg did not file special denial to the remaining sections ofthe complaint. The court action was considered a victory for the hdard although association attorneys declared they “were satisfied.” Plans are being made for mass meetings of protesters this week.

LIQUOR ORDER NOT HERE YET Mandate Ordering Destruction Doesn’t Arrive. Mandate from the United States Circuit Court of Appeals ordering destruction of $300,000 worth of W. P. Squibb Company liquor in the Federal Bldg, had not arrived here early this afternoon. News dispatches / from Chicago several days ago indicated the mandate would be here by today. Meanwhile, Representative La Guardia, New York, who recently made the charge in Congress that 350 cases of the booze hud mysteriously disappeared since its storage here in 1923, awaited reply to letters written by him to Treasury Department fficials in an effort to gain more knowledge of the situation before asking a congressional investigation. MACREADY PERSISTANT Will Try for Record Again if Weather Permits. Bu l ntied Press M’COOK FIELD, DAYTON, Ohio, April 5. —Weather conditions permitting, Lieut. John A. Macßeady this week may make another attempt to recapture the world’s altitude record, held by M. Callizo, the French ace. In his most recent attempt, Macßeady soared to within 2,000 feet of the goal of 40,000 feet necessary to retrieve the laurels. COLUMBIA CLUB BALL Annual Easter Dinner and Dance to Re Staged Tonight. The Easter dinner and ball for members ofthe Columbia -Club and their friends will be held at the club this evening. Dinner will be served from 7 p. in. to 9:30 p. rn. Dancing will follow. Several entertaining features are planned. Charlie Davis' orchestra will play/ This is the opening of the club’s spring social season. SCHOOL HEAD SERIOUS Plainfield Man in Hospital Here After Alleged Fight. Condition of Newton Bonham, 57, Coal City, Ind., school superintendent, suffering from concussion of the brain and a possible skull fracture, was said to be serious at city hospial today. Joe Gates, Plainfield restaurant proprietor, is alleged to have struck Bonham in the street. He was angry over something Bonham said while eating in the restaurant, it was charged. It is said the injury was received when he fell to the pavement. tjmitiam figg rammed to hi* hertir for Easter.

EXPECT QUIET SESSION Proximity of Primary, Checks City Council Activity. Proximity of the primary is expected to produce a quiet session of city council tonight, but surprises may come from the Democratic councilmen. Otis E. Bartholomew said the committee he heads had not considered the temporary loan Os $210,000 to pay bills of the Shank administration. He predicted there would be no action on the resolution Councilman Edward B. Raub presented to investigate the system whereby the Marion County treasurer pockets $50,000 annually in Barrett law interest.

FIGURES TELL HOOSIER FARM TALE OF WOE Number Decreases 10,000 in Five Years, U. S.-Purdue Reports Show. The Hoosier farmer’s tale of woe was told today in Federal farm census figures released by the United States Department of Agriculture and Purdue University Agriculture Experiment Station. The number of Indiana farms has decreased approximately 10,000 in the last five years, the census shows. Their average value has shrunk from $125.98 an acre in 1920 to $85.20 an acre. A 42.4 per cent shrinkage in value from $2,653,643,973 in 1920 to sl.696,904,863 In 1925 was shown. The census shows Hoosier farmers sunk further in the slough of agricultural despond than the average farmer of the nation by a considerable distance. Worse Than Nation as Whole The decrease in the number of farms for the whole country was only 1.2 per cent compared to the 4.6 per cent decrease in Indiana from 205,126 farms in 1920 to 195,787 In 1925. The average value of farm build ing.-s dropped 5.2 per "cent, from $12,937 in 1920 to $8,667 in 1925. Non-owners operate more than a fourth or 29.2 per cent of Indiana's farms, it was shown, compared to 32 per cent, five years ago. All land in Indiana farms dropped 5.4 per cent, from 21,063,332 acres to 19,917,750 acres. The smaller number of farms coupled with a decreased acreage changed the average acreage a farm from 102.7 in 1920 to 101.7 in 1925. Larger Corn Holdings / The crop estimate bulletin, however, showed the amount of corn on the farms of the State March 1 was the largest in ten years, exceeding the next largest by 7 percent, and being three times larger than last year’s holdings. The increased amount is estimated at 25,000,000 bushels. Despite the smaller crop and higher prices, wheat on farms exceeds last years holdings by 732,000 bushels. Oats supplies are lower, while barley and rye holdings are larger.

CITY WILL 6E POLISH CENTER Plants to Make Shoe Shine Preparations Coming. Shipment of machinery of the Brooklyn, N. Y. Shinola plant to Indianapolis was completed today, according to Charles C. Auck of Brooklyn, who will be superintendent here of Shinola shoe polish manufacture when the Brooklyn and Rochester, N. Y. plants are consolidated at the recently abandoned S. M. Bixby and company plant, 1437 W. Morris St. When the consolidation is completed Indianapolis will be the larg. est shoe polish manufacturing city in the world, according to Auck, who represents the Gold Dust Corporation, recent purchasers of both the Bixby and Shinola companies. J. A. Beaver of Rochester will be manager. Shipment of the Rochester machinery will start April 17. Two hundred men will be employed here utimately, the firm even making its own shoe polish tins. The consolidation may take a year, but some production will start this summer. $5,000,000 LIBEL SUIT Ex-Governor Davis Sues Kansas City Newspaper. Itii United Press TOPEKA, Kan., April 5. —Jonathan M. Davis, former Governor of Kansas, filed suit for damages totaling $5,000,000 against the Kansas City Journal-Post and others today, alleging he had suffered libel and malicious prosecution at the hands of the newspaper in connection with the recent trial of himself and son Russell, acquitted of charges of selling a pardon. BOOZE LAUNCH SINKS Three Americans Go Down With Beer Cargo, Fear. till United Press AMHURSTBURG. Out.. April 5. River men at Bar Point, five miles from here, today definitely identified Marine wreckage which washed ashore from Lake Erie as part of an American motor boat which left here Friday in charge of three unidentified Americans and laden with 250 cases of beer. Fate of the ciew of two man and one pusstsuger is unknown.

WETS CALL ANDREWS, DRY CHIEF, TO STAND

Local Ministers Adopt Mild Resolution on Prohibition Question. DEBATE STRONGER STAND Also Condemn Writings of Arthur Brisbane. The Indianapolis Ministerial Association today, after a heated debate, adopted a resolution declaring the association stands for the eighteenth amendment and the Volstead act and all movements to strengthen prohibition. The resolution did not mention specifically the new malt tonic beer, containing 3:75 per cent alcohol, manufacture of which has been authorized by the Government, or proposed legislation to modify prohibition on which the Senate is now holding public hearings. Ask Stronger Stand The debate came when some ministers asked a stronger resolution. A resolution was also adopted condemning the “insidious propaganda to break down sentiment supporting the eighteenth amendment in the writings of Arthur Brisbane. The first resolution was offered by the executive committee. The Rev. F. R. Daries of Zion Evangelical Church asked if it was intended as a slap at Attorney General Gilliom's recent action against Superintendent Edward S. Shumaker of the Indiana AntiSaloon League. Gillioin asked the Supreme Court to cite Shumaker for contempt. Executive Committee Chairman Dr. Edward Haines Ivistler, Fairview Presbyterian Church, assured him it was not, but Daries still objected to it as “nonsensical.” The Rev. Harry A. King, superintendent Indianapolis District Methodist Episcopal Church, jumped into the debate, denounced Brisbane and brought up the new malt tonic beer Assistant Treasury Secretary* Lincoln C. Andrews has permitted two breweries to make. Opposes Meddling “If that was illegal.” Daries shot back, “authorities will take care of it and it's not our place to bo adopting nonsensical resolutions meddling in such affairs. The resolution is out of order.” The Rev. C. M. Croft of the West Michigan Street Methodist Church retaliated that Daries was out of order; that the association had a perfect right to express itself on any subject it saw fit. Then the Rev. C. 11. Winders, an Anti-Saloon League trustee came to Daries’ side, objecting to the resolution or the grot nd that "It has no real significance.” King volunteered that the committee “at least might have used a few more adjectives.” No Congressmen The trio—Daries, Winders and King—finally put over an amendment, providing a copy be sent both Indiana Senators and all Hoosier Congressmen, as an expression on the “beer hearings." But further than that, they lost. King then returned to Brisbane and was supported by the Rev. Edwin Dunlavy of the Roberts Park M. E. Church, who said the resolution should be “pointed.” The Rev. Walter C. Davis, association president, appointed Kistler and Winders to draw the resolution and it was adopted unanimously. No Word to Rikhoff Meantime former Police Chief Herman Rikhoff said he hadn’t “heard a thing” from Senate wets who Friday requested that he be .summoned as a witness. Their request was refused, though they might attempt to induce him to go to the capital to testify without a summons, in view of his statements emphasizing tlie futility of prohibition enforcement. “I'm not used to traveling around and paying my own expenses,” Rikhoff said, adding he wasn't going just because a subpoena had been sought for him. Shipment in Doubt J. A. Busch, local Anheuser-Busch manager, said lie still was without information on his factory's plans to ship the new tonic here, but said he expected word late today. Shumaker reiterated his announcement that lie will swear out a warrant for the arrest of the first druggi. t sellng the tonic, with a view, of a test, case before a jury whether it is “reasonably likely to be used as a beverage." If it is even its possession is illegal under the State bone-dry law, he said. “I’m satisfied it is legally saleable in the State,’’ Busch said. INCREASE IN MEASLES Cases Jump from 1785 to 1828 In Week Says Report. In spite of (he general fight against measles the number of cases reported during the last week had risen from 1785 to 1828. according to the State Ijioard of health Influenza dropped from 517 cases to 324, smallpox from 166 cases to ninety-one, and diphtheria from iwenty-four to sixteen. Last week 222 cases of scarlet fever were reported and this week, 246 cases. Other diseases reported: Whooping cough, 150; chicken pox, ■txty-wven; pneumonia, thirtyflvs. and trachoma, eight.

Kntered as Becoud-clas3 Matter at Postofftee —— Indianapolis. Published Pally Except lOdtf.

Prohibition Indorsed By Ford Use Army and Navy if Necessary to Enforce It, Says Henry.

CoDiriaht. bn United Press DETROIT, April s.—Speaking as an employer of labor, Henry Ford today unqualifiedly indorsed the Eighteenth amendment and the Volstead act in an Interview with the United Press and advocated the use of the Army and Navy to enforce their provisions if other agencies fail. Ford was asked liis opinion because of a report that ho might he called as a witness for the "drys” In the Senate beer hearing at Washington. He had not received tho request to testify, he said, but declared he*”was thoroughly in sympathy with “strictest enforcement." A Good Thing "Why should any one go to Washington?” he asked. “Any thinking person knows that prohibition Is a good thing. “The only question is one of enforcement. “And the present law," he continued, “is the kind of a law which accepts the purposes for which it was enacted—if It is properly enforced. I mean the Volstead act. When you enforce that you have done something definite. “But what,” he asked, “can be accomplished by enforcing a law that is ‘mushy’? “When I say I am for prohibition, I, of course, mean I am for the Volstead act too. That is the crux of the matter. Enforce It, “Enforce that law and there Is no doubt what you will have—you will have prohibition. “If they really want to enforce this law and cannot In any other way, why not utilize the Army and Navy? Prohibition Is a part of tho constitution, and as such ought to liav© the benefit of every avallablo enforcement agency. "The American home is’dry,* and the Nation gets its tono from the home. “Liquor may be sensed In the theater, the Legislature, the news paper,” he concluded, "but it is no; sensed at all in the millions of homes which comprise our country.”

NEW FORESEES AIR SERVICE FOR CITY Postmaster General Says Company Which Bid on Mail Service Would Carry Passengers.

Indiaunpolis citizens soon may travel regularly by air to Atlanta and Chicago, acording to Postmaster General Harry S. New. who, with Mrs. New is in this city until Wednesday. New said the commercial air corporation which proposed to take over the air mail service and would operate a regular schedule for passengers from Atlanta, via Birmingham, Louisville and Indianapolis tc Chicago. Great Progress “Commercial air service has recorded greater progress in the last four months than at any time since the first intrepid aviation pioneers took to tlie air.” New said. "In a few years all tlie leading cities of America will be connected by fast air lines with regular service. “Gradually the Government air mail service will be discontinued as arrangements are perfected with pri-vately-owned companies.” New said all is ready for a passenger line to carry Government •BOOTS’^ NEW YORE AND A UYI HAS HAD JJ HER HAIR i \y BOBBED . > o LATEST wMhjfc AVENGE *9&\o sndhef All, ON THE COMIC PAGE

Forecast PARTLY cloudy tonight and Tuesday; colder tonight; lowest temperature near freezing; rising temperature by Tuesday night.

TWO CENTS

Is First Witness in Senate Investigation of Prohibition Success. 7' HE OUTLINES HARDSHIPS Relates Details of Strenuous Reorganizations. Ell United I'rexs WASHINGTON, April s.—Gen. Lincoln C. Andrews, dry law chief, took the stand today as the first witness in the Senate investigation of prohibition. Called by the wets, he outlined the hardships he encountered in attempting to enforce tho Volstead act. Ho related details of his strenuous reorganizations, for use by the wets In proof of their argument thut prohibition cannot bo enforced. Launching of tho Inquiry this morning ended tho Congress’ sixyear policy of hands off. In addition to Investigating enforcement conditions, proposals for modification of the dry law will ho considered. It is the first real Inventory of Volsteadism since tho law was passed. Since that time, wets have been in continuous rebellion, declaring the law a failure and always would be. Drys have defended It passionately, proclaiming it ns the greatest single step In social ad vancement ever undertaken and one that would become increasingly effective with time. Wide Debate This debate has gone all over the country. In the press, In the pulpit, in Congress, on street corners, In homes, it has been befuddled with propaganda, exaggeration and mis statement. Now an offieful attempt Is to be made to sift tho facts, tune out the static and discover just what the situation is with resj>ect to the great American experiment. The Jury Five eminent Jurists composing a special Senate Judiciary sub-com-mittee this morning threw open the doors of tho old war draft room in tho Senate office building to hear the wets present their case for modification and the dr\n offer their arguments for tightening enforcement. More than twenty wet witnesses appeared—bishops, rabbis, government officials, women social workers, labor leaders and police—to V ...art presentation of wet testimony for (Turn to Pago 2)

m;iil between Los Angelos mid Salt. Lake City. The passenger line wi J save one day's travel. Mew also hn I contracted for private rnnll sorvhvj between P.isco, Wash., and Mev., connecting with one of the transcontinental lines. Cooperating Well Government authorities and commercial air corporations are cooperating as they have never done in the past, according to New. New refused to discuss the Republican senatorial situation, saying ho had come to Indianapolis to attend a wedding. A recently appointed Chamber of Commerce airport committee is endeavoring to obtain a site for an airplane landing held in or near In and tana pulls and has written to majority owners of the Indianapolis Motor i Speedway asking pel-mission to tiscJ part of tlie Speedway grounds such a field. v

CHINESE MGBS / STORM MISSION Americans Escape With Great Difficulty. Bil I nilrd I'iik* HONG KONG, April s.—Mobs sur rounded and stormed with stones tlie American Baptist mission at VVu Chow today, according to dispatches received lisro and the buildings have been closed. The United States seal was placed on all tho doors before the mission wan evacuated. Members of the mission staff escaped from the rlotious Chinese only with great difficulty, carrying such few belongings as hurried movement permitted. Dr. Lea vail, head of the mission found refuge aboard the gunboat Panpaglna which Is standing by. HELD IN LARCENY CASE Two Men Wrested Here for Orleans Town Marshal. Albert Bright., 19, of Washington, Ind., and Barney Jones, 24, of Paoil, were arrested today by Lieut. Walter Claffey and eqoad in connection with a $3,500 larceny at Orleans, Ind. Wtliuun Outhrls, Orleans marshal, aaked the men be arrested,