Indianapolis Times, Volume 38, Number 215, Indianapolis, Marion County, 14 December 1926 — Page 1

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VOLUME 37—NUMBER 215

COLD WAVE TO LINGER. PREDICTION Fifty Degree Drop in Less Than Twenty-Four Hours Sets Season’s Record. 7 ABOVE AT 8 O’CLOCK Expect Mercury to Reach Near Zero Tonight. HOURLY TEMPERATURE 12 (midnight) 16 1 a. m 14 2 a. m 13 3 a. 11 4 a. 10 5 a. 9 6 a. 10 7 a. 9 8 a. 7 9 a. 10 10 a. m U 11 a. m 13 12 (noon) 13 Mercury dropping 60 degrees in less than twenty-four hours late Monday and early today brought Indianapolis Its most severe cold wave of the season, with a low temperature of 7 above recorded at 8 a. m. Indications are that the frigid wave will continue over tonight and Wednesday, with even lower temperatures tonight, according to the United States weather bureau. A bright sun helped bring the mercury up this morning, and at 1 p. m. the temperature was 18. Christmas shopping crowds were not so extensive, as a result of the cold, merchants reported, but dealers in alcohol for auto radiators had a heavy trade. The low. mark for the night probably will be between zero and 6 degrees above, Meteorologist J. H. Armington stated. Rapid Drop From the northwest, the wave hurtled into Indianapolis and all of Indiana. Registering 65 at 7 a. m. Monday, the mercury rose to 57 at 9 and 10, and then started a steady descent, reaching 22 at 7 p. m. The drop continued throughout the night, being accentuated by a northwest wind, which had a velocity of 26 miles an hour at 7 p. m. and had died down to 11 miles an hour at 7 today. From 7 a. m. Monday to 7 this morning, the mercury fall was 46 degrees. The previous low mark for this season was 18 above, registered Nov. 22. . City Is Lowest Though all the State felt the effects of the wave, Indianapolis had the lowest temperature reported. Ft. Wayne and Terre Haute each had (Turn to Page 9) ONE STATE POOH FARMADV9CATED Consolidation in Indiana Is Considered. A proposal for a consolidated State poor farm, to take the place of ninety-two county infirmaries, was presented to a meeting of representatives of thirty fraternal, patriotic, civic and labor organizations at the Denison Hotel this afternoon by Harry B. Dynes, Indianapolis agent of the Department of Labor. Such consolidation in all States was recommended after a suryey had been made under direction of the Federal department. The meeting was asked for views upon a bill which would empower the Governor to name a commission to select a site for the consolidated poor farm. It was pointed out that the ninety-two county institutions now spend $246,728 a year in salaries, which could be vastly reduued by consolidation. The separate institutions spend $757,830 a year for maintenance. Under the consolidated plan the expense would be pro-rated among counties according to the number of inmates.

Shopping M m DAYS TILL CHRISTMAS S I ROM-TOYS All parents buy a lot of thing* For little baby’s sake.* But, wise are they who buy the things That baby cannot break.

riii if i • 1 • m* Ihe Indianapolis limes COMPLETE REPORT 0 E WORLD-WIDE HEWS OF THE UNITED PRESS

ARE WE MARRIED? ASK 63 COUPLES

Arrest of Two Deposed Justices Raises Question of Authority. Sixty-three couples married since Nov. 14 by deposed Justices of the Peace Isidor Wulfson, Conrad Keller, Alvin Mosley and Walter Glass wondered today whether they were legally married. The consensus of legal opinion was that they were, although two of the justices, Keller and Wulfson, were charged with usurption of office because it is said they had no legal right to perform marriages since the law went into effect abolishing all but one of the justice of peace offices in Center Township. But County Clerk Albert Losche (Turn to Page 9)

SPEED Y RESPONSE FOR NEED Y FOLKS The Times Santa Gets Phone Call Shortly After Hearing of Father’s Misfortune —Club Plans Gift.

The Indianapolis Times Santa Claus editor had just received word that the father of a needy family, in which there are seven children, had been rushed to the city hospital for a serious appendicitis operation. This family has been battling with poverty and sickness all winter and the last news

DRY LEADER IS DUBIOUS OF MEASURE But Frank E. Wright Says He Might Vote for Prescriptions. Frank Wright, author of the Wright bone-dry act, might vote for modification of the measure to permit physicians to preseribo whisky for their patients, "if it could be properly regulated.” Wright is highly dubious concerning this matter, however, and he feels that present attempts to modify the law in favor of the physicians is just a move on the part of the wets. "It sounds all right for them to boost a bill.to modify my law in the aid of public health,” Wright said today. "But these facts are very dubious. I want to see the bill first and see that it really means to confine the use of whisky to medicinal purposes under proper direction of a doctor. I doubt whether such a thing can be done, with proper safeguards. The chances are that when the Legislature convenes, I’ll be right there on the floor of the House fighting any amendment whatever.” Wright has been a Representative from Randolph County since 1915, but this year he goes in the House as a Representative from Marion County, having moved to Indianapolis. At present he is an auditor in the office of Secretary of State Frederick E. Schortemeier. Ormiston Arrest Expected Today Bn United Press CHICAGO, Dec. 14.—Wanted In connection with the Aimee Semple McPherson case, Kenneth G. Ormiston, former radio operator at Angelus Temple in Los Angeles, where Mrs. McPherson is evangelist, was expected to be taken into custody here today. Arrested in Harrisburg, Pa., several days ago, Ormiston was brought here by Chicago and Harrisburg detectives, but local officers have not arrested him pending the arrival of a warrant from California. The warrant is speeding eastward by airplane and it is thought that it will arrive some time today. The document charges subornation of perjury.

FINAL OIL CASE PLEASPROCEED First Defense Argument Is Under Way at Plot Trial. Bu United Preaa WASHINGTON, Dec. 14.—Albert B. Fall and E. L. Doheny were pictured today to the jury, which will decide whether they conspired to defraud the Government, both as plotters who indulged in “dirty business’’ and tried to hide behind the United States flag, and as brilliant patriots. Owen J. Roberts, closing his argument for the Government, ridiculed what he termed the defense’s story that “some admiral tiptoeing arc and with a war scare in his pocket’’ went to Doheny and said, "Let’s save the country—here, take this lease.’’ Frank J. Hogan, opening summation for the defense, demanded emotionally if the Jury thought Doheny was “a liar, a briber, a de ceiver, a traitor,” and painted the oil millionaire as an aged man, "who must expect death at any moment,” and who "offered the life of bis only son to his country in war-time.”

Entered aa Second-Class Matter at Postoffice Indianapolis

Going to Bed With the Chicks Bu Times Special LOGANSPORT, Ind., Dec. 13.—Thieves* 1 robbed the chicken house of Mrs. Orilla Obenchaln. So she moved what was left of them to a shed nearer the house. Thieves then robbed the shed. So she took the chickens into the cellar. Thieves robbed the cellar. Mrs. Obenchain is determined now. She has taken what chickens site has left upstairs. and sleeps with a revolver under her pillow.

seemed too bad indeed, but just at this time the telephone rang. "This is Miss Charlotte Hambrock of 234 13. Pratt St.,” a sweet voice said. "I belong to a club of girls. This club wants to take care o' a nice, , big family at Christmas!” Fine! This groupe—the O-Rij-I Club —accepted the job of being Santa Claus to family No. 29 and the father in the hospital, on Christmas day will have the assurance that his little children have gifts and plenty of Christmas cheer. Another group that wants to give out Christmas cheer is the Sunday school class of Mrs. Russell 13. Welch, 1220 Park Ave. Mrs. Welch teaches a group of ten girls at the First English Lutheran Church, Pennsylvania and Walnut Sts. “The girls want a family where there are some little girls. They (Turn to Page 4) ilscalll COUNTYOFFICIALS Desire Information on Institutions, Belief. Charles O. Sutton, president of the Marion County commissioners, and George Montgomery, county council president, today were called before the Marion County grand jury, which is Investigating alleged political graft and corruption in Indiana. It was said that the jury was preparing its institutional visit report and wanted to confer with the men about various institutions. Norman Metcalf, court reporter, who has been compiling testimony In the graft probe, was called to take the statements of the two: Deputy Prosecutor William H. Sheaffer was not at the prosecutor’s office this morning. He left word Monday that he would not appear today. The jury Is expected to hear witnesses In the graft probe again, starting Wednesday.

NINE SENTENCED ON A UTO TAKING DA Y’ Judge Collins Metes Punish ment to Youths Cases of Others Is Continued—Part of Campaign.

Nine youths were sentenced today in Criminal Court by Judge James A. Collins for vehicle taking in observance of "vehicle taking day,” which was set aside in order to dispose of many pending cases. Sentences ranged from thirty days to one to fourteen years. Those sentenced were Angelo Raja, 19, one year; Orville MaGill, 17, one year; Kenneth Harris, 19, one to fourteen years and fine of SIOO and costs; John Liggera, 21, thirty days and $25 and costs; Jesse Merrick, 21, SIOO and costs and one to fourteen years; Willis White, 21, one year; Robert Stone, SIOO and costs and one to fourteen years, Bennie Raia, 22, one to fourteen years and fine of SIOO, and Dan Smith, 18, six months. The cases of David Hodge, Charles Haase, Virgil Gilbert, Bennie Jacobs, Frank Judd, Charles McElfresh, and Edward Tolbert, who authorities say, are implicated in the theft of approximately twenty automobiles, was continued until Friday. Raja, MaGill Raia, Liggera and

Dying Youth*s Fall Starts Auto Bu United Preaa GARDEN CITY, Kan., Dec. 14.—Arthur Hawkins. 19, was killed by the accidental discharge of a shotgun while getting In his automobile at the conclusion of a hunting trip. Hawkins’ body fell across the clutch pedal of the car, the motor of which was running, and the car ran nearly a mile across a field before crashing into a straw* stack.

INDIANAPOLIS, TUESDAY, DEC. 14, 1926

PAT SNEERS AT PAL WHO AIDS STATE Crony of Accused Testifies Against Mellett Murder Defendant. RELATES PLOT DETAILS Declares Object Was to ‘Kill the Editor.’ Bu United Press CANTON, Ohio, Dec. 14. —Pat McDermott, a debonair red-headed youth who is risking his life in a trial for the assassination of Don R. Mellett, rather than turn informer, today heard the pal of his childhood days hack in Manty Glo, Pa., violate the rode of the underworld and "squeal.” McDermott sneered as Steve Kaseliolk, the star witness for the State, resumed the witness .stand in the murder trial and told in detail how the defendant h id sought to induce him to heli out In a conspiracy of rum runners to "kill the editor.” ( ailed “Yellow” When he refused to join the murder plot after lie and McDermott had linspected the Mellett home where the bllr. Is were closely diuwn, Kascholk said Pat cullbd him "yellow" time, and time again. "I told him I wanted to call it off. I didn’t want to do nothing. 1 have a mother an i wife and children,” the witness said. “Did he have a gun with him?” Prosecutor McClintock asked. "Yes, I asked him •what he was going to do witli it. He said he was going to use It.” "What did you do when you left there?” "We went to a drugstore. I said I did not want to go through with a job like that. I wanted to work. He said ‘What more do you want?’ We went back. He called me ‘yellow.’ ” "Pat went to a restaurant and I went to get my clothes. Then I met Pat. Then I got a train to Cleveland.” E, L. Mills of the defense then took up the cross-examination. Story Unshaken Kaseliolk answered the crossquestions promptly and unhesitatingly. Mills developed that the witness had "been indicted three times, once for wife desertion, and had served a term in jail. He also drew from Kascholk an admission that since being hold as a material witness in the Canton workhouse ho had received SIBO from Prosecutor McClintock for support of his children. SALOONKEEPER SLAIN Bu United Press PHILADELPHIA, Pa., Dec. 14. Leo Brown, saloonkeeper, known to police as ‘‘King of the Greeks,” was murdered by gunmen in a small hotel In the Tenderloin 'here today. Brown was shot four times In the back as he stepped into a narrow hallway. His assailants escaped. Patrons of the bar and cabaret vanished at the sound of the shots. Brown had drawn his own gun, but was struck before he could use it.

Harris were involved in the theft of five autos. The boys were charged with stealing high-priced cars. "Quality taking" was what Judge Collins labeled the youths’ activities. "This court will mete out sentences that I think these youths ought to receive,” Collins stated. "I want the people of Indianapolis to know that the right of property should be and is held sacred. And, above all, I don’t want these boys to believe they can steal other people’s property and then come into this court and have Igmquets handed them.” Police, county officials and State authorities are cooperating in a dr've to curb auto stealing. The special court day was part of the campaign. Chaplin, Wife , Both May Ask Divorce Bu United Preaa HOLLYWOOD, Cal., Dec. 14. The climax in the domestic drama of Charlie Chaplin and his wife, Lita Grey, was expected .today with the filing of divorce suits by both. Persistent rumors here were that both the comedian and Mrs. Chaplin would file separate suits within a few minutes of each other. All principals in the case were unavailable early today. Attorneys on both sides have promised an announcement before > the filing of suits. George Beebe, attorney for Mrs. Chaplin, characterized as “guff” and “utterly ridiculous,” a report that she might apply to the Holy Rota in Rome for an annulment of her marriage. "Mrs. Chaplin positively has not appealed to the Rota and doesn’t in tend to," he said.

Lads Who Say Brothers Poisoned Well at School

Left to Right—George Riley, 10; Ed- ' - ward, 7, and Robert, 13, three broth- (■ ers, who confessed at Warsaw, Ind., that their two older brothers. Saingreen in the well at Mt, Tabor * school, poisoning thirteen school \ W&SKp will Li £ W

Left to Right—George Riley, 10; Edward, 7, and Robert, 13, three brothers, who confessed at Warsaw, Ind., that their two older brothers, Samuel, 20, am! Athol, 23, put Paris green In the well at Mt. Tabor school, poisoning thirteen school children. Samuel and Athol will be arraigned this week.

DEAF MUTE BANDIT USED ‘FACE TALK ’ Youth, 17, However, Failed to Make Intended Victim Understand. P.a United Press LAMBERTVILLE, N. J., Dec. 14. —A deaf-mute boy bandit, who, police said, puzzled and frightened his victims by \va\ mg a pistol at them and making faces to indicate that he wnted money, was held here today. He gave his name us Robert Schneider, 17, New Y'ork, When arrested on a train for Trenton, N. J., he was questioned by police who wrote out their queries and placed the pad in front of him for answers, lie gave a lurid account of his adventures and said he “fell” because he was unhappy at treatment received at home. In one of his attempted robberies, near Stockton, police said ho Invaded the home of an aged widow, brandishing two pistols and waving his arms. After a long parley in the sign language, the widow shook her head helplessly, not understanding, and he left.

FINAL SHORTKE PLANS SUBMITTED Ground to Be Broken After First of Year. Ground will be broken for the new Shortridge High School at ThirtyFourth and Meridian Sts. the first of the year, providing plans to he submitted to the school board tonight are approved, it was announced today by Ure M. Frazer, business manager. In thd event plans are accepted, bids will be advertised Wednesday. Program for the 1927 elementary school building program will be formulated. New schools have been planned for Irvington and the north side, and tentative plans for several other schools will be discussed.

79 UNDERGO TEST FOR POLICE JOBS Candidates Face Six Doctors at Examination. Seventy-nine young men today faced a battery of six physicians, who scanned them to determine whether they are physically fit to become city policemen. The aspirants reported at 9 a. m. at city council chamber, where they took the civil service physical examination. The test will continue Wednesday. The number was chosen from more than 150 persons. Many of the original list were eliminated after investigation by city detectives because of past records and because they were considered too old for service. However, the physical ordeal is considered as !ess arduous than the mental, which those who pass today and Wednesday will undergo. This examination will be held at 9 a. m. Saturday at Shortridge High School.. SUCCEEDS IN SUICIDE Bu United Per ** WASHINGTON, Dec. 14.—John W. Caldwell, 68, resident of Soldiers' Home here, died today from a bullet wound self-inflicted yesterday in the Capitol building. 11l health prompted the act, according to notes foui£l in bis clothes.

Outside of Vnrion County 12 Ceuta I’er Week. SuiEle Cooies

FOSTER TELLS (IE AID NEED Red Cross Representative Back From Princeton. Need olj help at Princeton, Ind., where thirty-two men in Francisco mine No. 2 perished following an explosion last week, is greater than was thought at first, it was reported today by Eugene C. Foster, director of homo service for the Indianapolis Red Cross Chapter, who lias Just returned from tho scene of the disaster. To date $2,701.56 has been received by the local Red Cross for relief work, but much more is needed, William Fortune, chairman, stated. lie pointed out that all relief money must come from Indiana, as other States are not aiding. Os twenty-five men in the hospital as a result of the blast, five probably will die, Foster said. A total of 182 persons have been rendered dependent through the tragedy. Funds should be sent to Frank B. Stalnaker, treasurer of the Red Cross chapter, 777 N. Meridian St.

PRAISE WORK OF LATEEDUCATOR Dr. Blaker Lauded in Kindergarten Resolution. Praise of the work of the late Dr. Eliza A. Blaker, president of the Teachers’ College of Indianapolis, and superintendent of the Indianapolis Free Kindergarten, is contained in resolutions of regret adopted by trustees of the kindergarten, Mrs. Jane Cunningham, chairman, t*aid. "No words can express the debt of appreciation owed to Superintendent P.laker for her success in establishing by legislative enactment a Statewide system of kindergartens in Indiana cities.” the resolution states.

SANITARY LEVY RASSED4 NULLS Supreme Court Orders Addition to 1927 Rate. The State Supreme Court today ordered that a 4 mills increase in the 1326 city sanitary district levy be added to the 1927 levy which is payable in 1928. Asa result of the ruling, John J. Brown, State tax board chairman, said he w'ould go before the Legislature and ask amendment of the budget law, so as to make the levy figure advertised final. Sanitary commissioners sought increase of the 1926 levy from .055 to .065 and the Supreme Court ordered the tax board to hold a hearing. Since the tax is already collected for 1926 the increase was ordered added to the coming year’s levy. VICTIM 33 SUCCUMBS Three More Princeton Miners May Die. BU United Preaa PRINCETON, Ind., Dec. 14.—The list of dead in the Francisco mine disaster of last Thursday stood at thirty-three today with the death at noon of Ru tus Steinhall of Francisco at the Methodist hospital here. George Black, Harley Snow and Jess James may not live, hospital attendants reported. -

THREE CENTS

MERGER OPPONENTS SEE SrnVrincoSisS Not Time for Change, Says Head of Civic Club Federation—ls Suspicious of Move. REMOVAL AS HEARING NEARS Howell Ellis Replaces Artman on Public Service Body. Removal of Samuel Artinan from the public service commission and appointment of Howell Ellis in his place was interpreted by opponents of the proposed local electns utility merger as a blow to their strength today.

A. Le Roy Portteus, president of the Federation of Community Civic Clubs, expressed surprise that the personnel of tiie commission was changed after hearings have been held on the proposed merger of the Indianapolis Light and Heat Company and the Merchants Heat and Light Company with a proposed capitalization of $55,000,000. "This is absolutely no time to make such a change," he said. "Even if such was in view, it could have been deferred until the present problems had been disposed of.” “Looks Suspicious” "I can see nothing else than a desire to get rid of Artman. While I hesitate to ascribe an ulterior motive, yet it looks suspicious to me.” "It is a shame that the Governor should permit himself to be so used as to obviously be a party to the removal of a friend of the public on the public service commission.” Ellis, who has been secretary of the body since April 1, 1925, was appointed a member Monday afternoon by Governor Jackson. He is a Republican and will take the place of Artman, who was appointed to chairmanship of the industrial board upon the resignation of Dixson 11. Bynum, who resigned to enter law practice In this city. Ellis, who is 33 years old, was Statcliouse reporter for tho Indianapolis Star before his appointment as commission secretary. Both appointments are for unexpired terms. Artman will fill the unexpired term of Bynum, which expires May 17, 1927, and Ellis the Artman term, which expires May 1, 1927. Frank Wampler, commission member, who has charge of the merger case, conferred with Governor Jackson before the appointments were announced and Ellis informed of his promotion. "The Governor Just called me In to ask what I thought of the appointment, as he did other members of the commission,” Wampler said. "I told him I thought it was fine.” Glad of Change Artman declared that he was glad of the change, having been rull°d "the father of the industrial board,” because he had served on that board ’from 1915 to his appointment to the commission in 1923. There Is $2,000 difference in the salaries, however, the board paying $4,090 and the commission $6,000. "The salary cut is made up by the fact that I will be doing the work I (Turn to Page 15)

DRIVEN TO LIFE OF THIEF, SAYS YOUTH

Young- Man, Soon to Become Father, Tells His Story— Held With Three Others on Banditry Charges.

A young wife with a baby com- i lng soon, no money, no work, no ] baby clothes, and all the world around Joyously preparing for the coming of Christmas w-hile poverty and want filled his home with gloom, drove Vincent Perdiew into oa life of outlawry. ™ This was the story he told in his cell this morning, where he is held with three others, Wesley Bailey, 19, of 514 S. Dover St.; Marian Boling, 19, of 54S S. Dover St., and Oscar Barnhill, 19, of 556 S. Dover St. The four youth3 were arrested by Detectives Houlihan and EngiebVlght and have confessed to the robbing of six filling stations and one grocery, with a total haul of S2OO. The boys waived preliminary examination and arrangements have been made with Prosecutor Remy for the cases to come before the grand jury Wednesday. They will be tried before Criminal Judge James A. Collins Fridaly. "Yes, we are gilty,” declared Perdiew, "and we know we’ll get the limit,” but the other youths interrupted with the idea that a lighter sentence would Le imposed op account of their ages. Inspector Claude Worley, however, agrees with Perdiew and will ask the limit of the court. "We were hard up,” the boys declared, "out of work and unable to get a job. We only robbed those able to stand it. We robbed no poor people and attacked no women. But we had decided that it didn’t pay and decided to quit the game even before our arrest, Barnhill had thrown away his gun.” The youths denied they planned to hold up the pay roll

Forecast Genei’ally fair tonight and Wednesday ; slightly colder tonight with lowest temperature 0 to 5.

TWO CENTS

MARION COUNTY

CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION MAY BE FARMERS’ AIM Or Federation Might Seek Income Tax Amendment Through Election. A constitutional convention for Indiana, or a special election for a State income tax amendment are to be among the proposals made to the coming session of the legislature by the Indiana Farm Bureau Federation, according to Secretary L. L. Needier. Tho federation feels that the lncofne tax proposal is most equitable, but that it never can be passed at a regular election. It was on the ballot at the election this fall, but failed to muster many votes. If it is decided to call a constitutional convention the Legislature must submit the proposal to popular vote. Tho farm federation feels that anew constitution then could be provided, empowering the Legislature to levy income taxes. This also might be brought about by amending the present constitution, and federation members may ask the Legislature to submit such an amendment at a special election. The bureau also may support plans for a reappraisal of real estate in 1927, he declared. This matter is to be discussed at the annual State tax meeting in Jhnuary. Whether or not the bureau will lake a stand on any attempt at curbing the direct primary will be decided by directors soon. It Is likely that the farmers will oppose any such move, Needier declared. Farmer, 86, Denies Baby Poison Plot LAFAYETTE, Ind., Dec. 14.—Cornelius Serie, 86, retired farmer, under arrest, today denied charges of Mrs. Cecil Long that he triad to kill her baby by putting poison in its milk. Mrs. Long is a step-daughter of Serie.

messenger of the Burdsal Paint Company ns he left the Merchants National Bank last Friday. Twelve detectives watched for tho youths, but they failed to appear. The boys declared the robbery was suggested by a "stool pigeon,” but that they discarded it. MEMORIAL BILL FRAMED George Rogers Clark Measure Ready for Congress. Bu T mra Snrcial WASHINGTON, Dec. 14.—A bill for the appropriation of $1,750,009 by Congress for the erection of a memorial to George Rogers Clark, explorer, at Vincinnes, Ind., will be introduced today or tomorrow by Representative Will Wood, Indiana. The bill was drafted today by C. H. Richards of Terre Haute and D. E. Culbertson of Vincennes, members of the memorial commission, who consulted with Wood and other Indiana members. ‘Bottles’ in Picture Stirs Dry Crusader Echoes of Queen Marie’s visit in were heard in the prohibition department this morning when an unsigned letter charging "bottles” on the table at the Columbia Club banquet showed plainly in printed pictures, w r as received. A clipping from a newspaper was attched, with one of the Apolllnaris distilled water bottles marked for attention of A. R. Harris, deputy prohibition administrator. 4, Guess they don’t knoWi water from liquor,’ Harris remarj&gd.